Jason Bohannon has been named the Georgia Forestry Commission’s new Chief Ranger for Coffee and Atkinson counties. Bohannon has been with the Forestry Commission since 2001 and has expertise in the operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment, as well as training and mentoring new personnel. Bohannon has been involved in numerous fire prevention programs and helped build strong relationships with partner agencies to promote forest health and fire readiness. Bohannon’s leadership and professionalism will encourage fire prevention and readiness throughout the area. Coffee and Atkinson counties will be in good hands with Bohannon leading the Forestry Commission’s efforts in these…
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Wiregrass Georgia Technical College President, DeAnnia Clements, announced Practical Nursing Instructor Jill Kenbeek as the college’s 2026 Rick Perkins Award winner. The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction is the Technical College System of Georgia’s Instructor of the Year program. The Rick Perkins Award program is designed to recognize and honor instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership. Each year, instructors are nominated by their peers across the college. College finalists then participate in a selection process and interview with a panel of their colleagues. This year’s finalists were Jason Brewer, Welding Instructor…
A Georgia man has been sentenced to 46 months in prison and ordered to pay over $7.2 million in restitution for his role in a scheme to pay and receive illegal kickbacks in exchange for inducing Medicare beneficiaries to accept medically unnecessary genetic tests. According to court documents, Patrick C. Moore Jr., 48, of Peachtree City, engaged in a kickback scheme in which he instructed a network of recruiters to target and induce Medicare beneficiaries to accept genetic tests that were not medically necessary, not provided as represented or not eligible for reimbursement. Moore received approximately $4.3 million in kickbacks and…
Pearson just got a whole lot tastier with a new DQ restaurant coming to town. American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ), an iconic leader in treats and food, has announced a new DQ restaurant with its grand opening on December 8. Conveniently located in the heart of town near the corner of Albany Avenue and Main Street at 65 Main St N, the new restaurant will be owned by Hemi Dhar, alongside his partners Shohel Momin, and Rita and Ash Patrawala. “For our team, Dairy Queen has always meant great food, joyful moments, and a deep connection to the communities we serve,” said Dhar. “This…
The City of Douglas is seeking youth volunteers for the 2026–2027 school year to participate in the Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council (DMYC) and the Douglas-Coffee County Teen Court. Both programs are designed to foster leadership, civic responsibility, and community involvement among local youth. The Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council serves as an advisory body to the Mayor and City Commission. Students selected for the council will take part in a variety of activities including orientation sessions, discussions on city issues, brainstorming ideas to engage youth in the community, leadership retreats, and travel experiences. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in…
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College held an award ceremony recognizing outstanding students in the Radiologic Technology program. Wiregrass President DeAnnia Clements opened the event with a warm welcome. Radiologic Technology Program Director Terri Trowell introduced the graduates and shared, “In less than a month, you will be sitting for your national registry exam. Remember that you are prepared, capable, and ready! Welcome to the profession of Radiologic Technology, and remember that you will forever be proud alumni of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.” The Radiologic Technology Class of 2025 includes Laci Copenhaver, Emily Edmonson, Anna Feagle, Tacara Fleming, Treasure Freeman, Heather Gandy,…
Miss Tonya Lynn Spivey, age 47, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Sunday night, November 30, 2025 at her residence following a courageous 3 year battle with cancer. Tonya was born July 30, 1978, to Charlene Amerson Adams and the late Tillman Spivey, Jr. She was preceded in death by the father that raised her, Randy E. Adams. She was a “Mama’s Girl” and the apple of her mama’s eye. Tonya spent many years serving patients of Coffee Regional Medical Center in the Patient Financial Services division. She was a devoted 20-year member of Southview Church of God and her greatest…
Mr. Donald Adrian Dowdy, age 70, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Monday morning, December 1, 2025, at his residence following a lengthy illness. Mr. Dowdy was born January 16, 1946, in Orlando, Florida, to the late Howard Dowdy and the late Marjorie NeSmith Dowdy. He married the love of his life Clara Taylor Dowdy in 1969 and they enjoyed 56 years of marriage. He was a proud United States Army veteran. Following his military service he made a career with Premium Peanut in the loading and unloading department. He enjoyed remodeling and had a great love for the outdoors, spending…
The City of Douglas has specific codes and ordinances that apply to homes and businesses built or renovated within the city limits, in accordance with state, federal, and international building codes. Before starting any construction or renovation project, homeowners or business owners should contact the Building Inspections/Permits office to determine if a permit is required for the project. “We encourage our citizens to maintain their homes and make any necessary repairs or renovations that promote healthy and safe living conditions,” says Georgia Henderson, Community Development Director. “Education on behalf of the property owner is key. Calling our office before a…
Students from Coffee Middle School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter recently attended the FBLA Middle School Fall Leadership Conference held at the Classic Center in Athens. The event brought together middle school chapters from across the state for a full day of leadership development, collaboration, and competition. Throughout the conference, Coffee Middle School members participated in a series of leadership seminars designed to strengthen communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The students also had the opportunity to engage with peers from other schools, gaining exposure to new ideas and approaches to leadership. One of the highlights of the event…