Author: Submitted

The GBI has arrested and charged Pearson Mayor Robert “Buster” Johnson, age 49, of Pearson, Atkinson County, GA, with the following charges: The investigation began when the Alapaha Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office received complaints of Mayor Johnson participating in fraudulent activities. The District Attorney subsequently requested the GBI to look into these allegations. During the investigation, agents uncovered a scheme to have an incarcerated person released from jail through fraudulent documentation, obtaining kickbacks from city contracts, theft of municipal land, and bribery of city employees. Johnson was booked into the Atkinson County Jail and is currently being housed in…

On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the sun was shining as the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce gathered with community members to celebrate the ribbon cutting of P&F Products. This momentous occasion honored the locally owned and operated business founded by Pat Patry and Jason Floyd. Specializing in distributing enclosed cargo trailer manufacturing products and fabrication services, P&F Products has quickly established itself as a vital contributor to the region’s manufacturing industry. Chelsea Preston Graham, Member Relations Director for the Chamber, opened the ceremony by sharing a brief background on the business and its rapid growth. She then invited Paulette Brown,…

By: Stan Popovich Do you find yourself worrying about everything that is going on around you? It can be very tiring and depressing to constantly worry about your family, your job, your health, and everything else that is happening. Having things out of your control is very scary. As a result, here are seven tips on how to overcome the cycle of worry and fear in your life. 1. Focus on the facts of your situation; not your thoughts: When people are stressed out, they rely on their fearful and depressing thoughts. Your fearful thoughts are exaggerated and are not based…

The City of Douglas has been notified by CSX contractors of upcoming rail closures expected in March. CSX Transportation will have a rail team, a surfacing team, and two tie teams working between Ware Co. and Ben Hill Co., starting March 3rd to March 28th to provide necessary maintenance and/or emergency repairs. This will require a total closure of the railroad crossings which means no traffic will be allowed across the track until the work is complete. The following crossings in the City of Douglas and Coffee County will be affected in some way on various dates and times during the estimated repair…

The Georgia WWII Heritage Trail, a network of museums and historic sites across Georgia dedicated to preserving the stories of the Greatest Generation, will reach a new milestone by marking its fourth anniversary on February 21, 2025. This statewide initiative offers a mix of aviation history, military training sites, and home front contributions and emphasizes collective remembrance. Each site offers unique exhibits, programs, and experiences that delve into various aspects of Georgia’s involvement in World War II. “The Trail serves as an educational and tourism initiative,” said Ed Coleman, Georgia WWII Heritage Trail Chair. “Our mission is to encourage visitors…

An extensive investigation lasting over a month has wrapped up involving a chaotic New Year’s Eve party that saw more than 30 juveniles in attendance alongside a limited number of adults. The evening spiraled out of control when a physical altercation broke out between two juveniles, leading one of them to call her mother for assistance. However, the situation escalated further when the mother arrived, resulting in her being physically attacked by several juveniles present at the party. This alarming turn of events led to the arrest of Jazmin Cruz, an 18-year-old from Douglas, who was taken into custody for…

A newly unsealed federal indictment alleges dozens of defendants, many of them in prison, participated in an extensive drug trafficking operation spanning several South Georgia communities. The indictment in USA v. Brinson, et al., names 37 individuals in the Coffee, Atkinson, and Bacon County area as conspirators, charging them with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Oxycodone, and Marijuana, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Conviction on the charge carries a maximum penalty of up to life in prison for most defendants, along with substantial financial penalties and a…

December sees increase in unemployment across in South Georgia The Georgia Department of Labor has today that unemployment claims declined across most of Georgia’s regional commissions in December. However, unemployment was up in the Southern Georgia Regional Commission coverage area. “Georgia means business,” said GDOL Interim Successor Louis DeBroux. “With historic job growth nearing 5 million and unemployment rates outperforming the national average, Georgia is well on the way to making history. By expanding opportunities for all Georgians and attracting top-tier companies to every corner of the state, our story continues to be one of resilience and sustained economic success for the…

By: Stan Popovich It can be frustrating to struggle with your mental health and to get your family and friends to understand where you are coming from. Although most people may be understanding, there is usually one or two people who will make things more challenging for you. As a result, here are six suggestions on how to deal with the people you know regarding your mental health situation. 1. Listen to the professionals: Your friends may mean well, but when it comes down to it, the professionals are aware of your circumstances more than anyone. It is important that you…

The City of Douglas Fire Department recently held its annual banquet to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its firefighters. During the event, they recognized the Firefighter of the Year, Officer of the Year, and those with significant years of service. This annual dinner provides an opportunity for firefighters to connect with each other and with retirees. Additionally, new members are welcomed as they embark on their promising careers. “We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and performance of our firefighters,” says Mayor Tony Paulk. “They work tirelessly, undergo rigorous training, and respond exceptionally well when called upon. The City of…