Author: Submitted

Family, friends, and co-workers will remember the life and legacy of Neil Sims on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Mr. Sims passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Zebulon Park Health and rehabilitation in Macon following an extended illness. Mr. Sims was born on January 29, 1934, in Douglas to the late Charles Morea Sims and Willie Mae Cornelius Sims. A life-long public servant, Mr. Sims served the Douglas-Coffee County community in a number of capacities, primarily through his family’s funeral home and his 35 years as coroner but in many other ways as well. Neil was born and raised…

Mayor Tony Paulk was awarded the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute’s Certificate of Dedication during the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) Cities United Summit on January 26, 2025. The Cities United Summit serves as a platform where city leaders gather to gain insights on legislative agendas, engage in essential training, and connect with Georgia’s Senators and Representatives at the State Capitol. Recipients of the Certificate of Dedication have completed at least 276 hours of training, including at least 108 hours from the required list, 18 hours of which must be from the Advanced Leadership track, and the Robert E. Knox,…

The much-anticipated Viking Clash VEX Robotics Tournament held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Lowndes High School in Valdosta proved to be an exhilarating display of innovation, teamwork, and engineering excellence. Teams from across the region and state competed in this high-stakes event, showcasing the future of STEM and robotics. This was an end-of-the-season tournament, so some high-quality teams were competing for a last-chance invite to the VEX Robotics world qualifier.Twenty-five teams competed in the all-day tournament with Coffee High Robotics entering three robots. Two of the three CHS teams finished strong in a very competitive tournament with the team…

It’s been a busy basketball season thus far for the Citizens Christian Academy Patriots and Lady Patriots. Both GIAA Class A teams face a difficult strength of schedule, matching up with several GIAA AAAA, AAA, and AA schools and a GHSA A school. Junior Blake Bryant is averaging a double-double this season with 16 points and 12 rebounds per game. A couple of weeks ago, Bryant scored his 1000th career point. He reached the milestone at home against Terrell. Currently, the Patriots are ranked #1 in GIAA Class A, with an overall record of 11-7, including their biggest win of…

The Douglas Rotary Club will host health educator Mark Miller as speaker on Thursday, January 23, 12 noon, at the Covered Wagon Country Buffet, 2639 US-441 in Douglas. Mr. Miller will address “Laughter is the Best Medicine,” a program sure to “leave Rotarians and guests in stitches.” He is the newest Douglas Rotary Club member, a recent retiree after 38 years in healthcare leadership positions, a university faculty member, and the author of five books. He and his wife, Denise Franzak-Miller, are Coffee County residents. Community members interested in considering membership in Douglas Rotary are encouraged to attend. For more…

As of January 18, 2025, and by virtue of the Vacancies Reform Act, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons is officially Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. She is the first Black woman to serve in the role as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Southern District of Georgia. A resident of Evans, Georgia, Acting USA Lyons has served as a law clerk for the Honorable Henry F. Floyd; as a Public Defender in Richland County, South Carolina; as an attorney advisor for the Executive Office for United States Attorneys; as an Assistant U.S.…

The City of Douglas Fire Department was selected as a recipient of the 2024 AgSouth Growing Our Communities Grant. They were one of 43 organizations chosen across Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to receive the grant from a total of 187 applications. “We sincerely appreciate AgSouth for their generous support in awarding funds to our fire department through the Growing Our Communities Grant,” says Douglas Mayor Tony Paulk. “The Douglas Fire Department and the City of Douglas are deeply committed to equipping our firefighters with the training they need to effectively handle life-saving emergencies, all while ensuring the safety…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College President DeAnnia Clements is pleased to announce the Fall Semester President’s List and Dean’s List. The President’s List includes outstanding students who were enrolled full-time for 12 credit hours or more and achieved a grade point average of 3.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale during the Fall Semester 2024. The following Atkinson and Coffee students are on the President’s List for Fall Semester 2024: Atkinson: Faith Banuelos, Amber Chaney, Leah Clemons, Kathy Gutierrez, Sanvia McCormick, and Alyson Palma Coffee: Kristen Boggan, Nicholas Burke, William Clements, Carsyn Crews, Arikah Favors, Ricardo Garcia, Reanna Given, Adia Hines, Serena Jackson, Madison…

The Satilla Rural Electric Membership Corporation (REMC), through its Round Up program, has made another wonderful gift to Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation North. The $5,000 donation will provide scholarships to worthy students. The Satilla REMC has been a very supportive partner with Wiregrass for many years with donations totaling over $140,000. These funds will continue to provide opportunities for students who need financial assistance. Wiregrass President, DeAnnia Clements shared, “Satilla Rural Electric is always supportive of our students and we very much appreciate this gift which will provide additional opportunities for the students to complete their educational and career.” To learn more…

For over three months, debris trucks and workers have tirelessly navigated the communities of Douglas, Broxton, Nicholls, Ambrose, and Coffee County to help collect Hurricane Helene debris from neighborhoods. With an impressive estimate of approximately 1.8 million cubic yards collected, significant progress has been made to reduce the debris for pickup. City and county officials have consulted with SDR, the debris collection contractor, and have established a tentative deadline for residents to have all tree and construction debris from Hurricane Helene at the roadside for collection. All debris should be placed by the roadside by Friday, January 31, 2025. Beginning February 1, 2025, SDR will…