On July 7, 2026, a 60-year-old female was arrested on narcotics charges following a vehicle stop on Spring Oak Street in Douglas. While patrolling the area, law enforcement personnel observed a white Honda Accord perform an unusual maneuver after passing their vehicle. The driver abruptly signaled, pulled over, exited the vehicle, and opened the trunk. Deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office activated emergency lights and pulled behind the vehicle to conduct a welfare check and investigate the suspicious behavior. Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Lisa Faye Smith Oliver, 60, of Douglas, law enforcement obtained consent to…
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Another spill has taken place at the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, releasing approximately 8.3 million gallons into an unnamed tributary of the Seventeen Mile River. According to a release from the City of Douglas, the Wastewater Treatment Plant has reported a failure to comply with total suspended solids limits. Due to a faulty check valve, the effluent level exceeded 1.5 times the permitted limit, which qualifies as a spill. The spill took place from July 21, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. until July 22, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. Approximately 8.3 million gallons were released. Repairs were made immediately and no raw…
Mr. Dennis Legran Hursey, age 76, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a lengthy illness. Dennis was born December 7, 1949, in Douglas, Georgia, to the late Dennis “Bud” Sears Hursey and the late Louise Rushing Hursey. He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he honorably served a two-year tour, including eight months of service overseas. He continued his military service in the Marine Corps Reserve where he served another four years. Following his military service, Dennis became an insurance agent with American General Insurance…
By Van Yandell Ephesians 6:4 (KJV): “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” As we grow older we realize the days get longer but the years seem shorter. Time becomes precious and seems to be limited by our thoughts, habits and attitudes. We understand time has placed us in bondage. We are slaves to time. Our lives are governed by watches, clocks and calendars. It seems as though everything in our lives happens on a schedule. We go to work, eat, sleep, and schedule our free-time…
When Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College graduate Jenna Williams crossed the commencement stage in May, she did so as one of the institution’s most accomplished students. Williams received ABAC’s prestigious David and Kim Bridges Award, presented annually to the graduating senior who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership and service. She graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in business. This fall, she will begin medical school at Mercer University. Williams also addressed graduates at both spring commencement ceremonies. “Don’t be afraid of the wilderness,” Williams said during her commencement address. “Don’t be afraid of…
This morning, a Georgia state trooper from Post 16-Hazlehurst responded to assist deputies from the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office, who were in pursuit of a subject wanted for an active kidnapping. The pursuit left Jeff Davis County and entered Appling County. As the trooper reached the scene, the fleeing driver pulled over, ending the vehicle pursuit. The driver got out of the vehicle and immediately began to flee on foot. The trooper gave chase and shouted lawful commands for the subject to stop, which were ignored. During the foot chase, the fleeing subject fell onto the ground and refused…
Mrs. Rose Ann Letchworth Martin, age 79, of Nicholls, Georgia, passed away Monday, July 20, 2026, at St. Vincent – Riverside Hospital following a recent decline in health. Rose was born January 15, 1947, in Tampa, Florida, to the late Rufus Raymond Letchworth and the late Rosa Lee Hutchinson Letchworth. She was a homemaker and married to the late Richard Casual Martin for 50 years prior to his passing in 2017. Together they raised four wonderful children. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who loved spending time with her family but especially her great grandchildren. She enjoyed…
Mr. Darrell Lynn Harrell, age 71, of Dothan, Alabama, previously of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Sunday afternoon, July 19, 2026, at Southeast Medical Center in Dothan, Alabama, from injuries sustained in an accident. Darrell was born on Christmas day, December 25, 1954, in Coffee County Georgia, to the late LaVera Harrell Smith. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force where he served as an airplane mechanic. Following his military service, he continued his love of airplanes with Ultralite aircraft. He also enjoyed motorcycles and camping. Along with his parents, Darrell was preceded in death by a…
Mr. Melvin “Jam Up” Wilson, age 89, of Douglas, Georgia passed away Monday morning, July 20, 2026, at Vista Park Health and Rehabilitation in Douglas, Georgia, following a lengthy decline in health. Mr. Wilson was born February 7, 1937, in Pearson, Georgia, to the late Richard Sampson Wilson and the late Leeona Little Wilson. He was married to the late Evelyn Genelle Crosby Wilson for 57 years prior to her passing in 2017. Together they raised three beautiful children who gave them a legacy full of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Following his retirement from Douglas Propane where he worked for…
On July 7, 2026, an agent with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Interdiction and Criminal Enforcement (D.I.C.E.) Unit conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet pickup truck after observing multiple traffic violations on Barrington Road. The driver was identified as Christopher Dale Burkett, 47, of Douglas. During the investigation, deputies confirmed Burkett’s driver’s license was suspended. A K-9 deputy and a drug unit detective responded to assist. The K-9 conducted a free air sniff of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of suspected illegal narcotics, providing probable cause to search the vehicle. During the search, deputies located a…