Author: Submitted

As schools throughout the state have been faced with the impossible decision of when to resume face-to-face instruction, First Academy, a ministry of First Baptist in Douglas, has announced that its reopening date will be Wednesday, August 12. Because of its size, First Academy is unique in its ability to pivot quickly to an ever-evolving pandemic situation. The administration credits the support of the parents and the resiliency of their students to allowing them the margin to make difficult decisions as well as create effective plans that will bring students back to the classroom. To ensure student safety,…

With the 2020-2021 school year starting August 17 the Coffee County School System will be conducting Open House on the following dates: Elementary Schools: 3:00 – 6:00 PM August 4 Household Last Names A-G August 5: Household Last Names H-Q August 6: Household Last Names R-Z Coffee Middle School: 4:00 – 7:00 PM August 11: 6th Grade August 12: 7th Grade August 13: 8th Grade George Washington Carver Freshman Campus August 4, 5 and 6: Drive thru schedule pickup from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM August 4 and 5: Question and answer…

Recently, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), representing over 100,000 Physicians, Fellows and Academicians of Indian Origin announced its 37th President, Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda. Known as Dr. S Jonna locally, he practices Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology in Douglas, GA and is an active member of the Coffee Regional Medical Center staff. Dr. Jonna stated, “I am humbled to serve AAPI and to contribute to the shaping of healthcare in the United States.” Due to the current pandemic, the national group was unable to meet in person, however they had a successful meeting and were able to…

The Satilla Regional Library System will host a new popup exhibition from the National Archives, Rightfully Hers, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Rightfully Hers contains simple messages exploring the history of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, women’s voting rights before and after the 19th, and its impact today. Despite decades of marches, petitions, and public debate to enshrine a woman’s right to vote in the Constitution, the 19th Amendment – while an enormous milestone – did not grant voting rights for all. The challenges of its passage reverberates to the ongoing fight for…

Bobby J. Peterson, age 79, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at Lumber City Nursing Home, Lumber City, Georgia. Mr. Peterson was born on May 26, 1941 in Coffee County, Georgia, the son of the late Carlie Peterson and Carrie Cannon Peterson. Mr. Peterson worked as a plant supervisor for Esco Industries and was a veteran in the United States Army serving during the Vietnam War. He was a Purple Heart recipient. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Earl and Omar Peterson. Survivors include his wife, Anne…

Harry Edward Cohen Jr., age 92, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at Coffee Regional Medical Center. Mr. Cohen was born on July 26, 1928 in Douglas, Georgia, the son of the late Harry Edward Cohen Sr and Lois Warnock Cohen. Mr. Cohen worked for the State of Georgia Drug & Alcohol Division as a counselor, a member of AA and a member of First United Methodist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mattie Crews Cohen; son, Bill Cohen; granddaughter, Kimberly Noel Cohen; and a sister,…

Mr. Stanley Larue Gandy, age 54 of Douglas, passed away Thursday afternoon, July 23, 2020 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a short illness. Mr. Gandy was born December 14, 1965 to the late Burton L. Gandy and the late Virginia Ann Young Gandy. Mr. Gandy, a native of Polk County, FL, was employed as an auto mechanic with Phillips Tire in Douglas. Survivors include: Daughters Janie Harper of Snipesville, GA, Angela Gandy of Douglas, GA, and Amber Swanson of Douglas, GA; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Jessica Moran of Broxton, GA Memorialization is…

Maxine Wiggins Stokes, age 86, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2020 at Dorminey Medical Center, Fitzgerald, Georgia. Mrs. Stokes was born on June 1, 1934 in Atkinson County, Georgia the daughter of the late Stanford Yeomans and Ruby Jewell Yeomans. Mrs. Stokes worked in the food industry business with her family and was a member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Douglas, Georgia. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and father of her children, John Willie Wiggins; three sons, Gary D. Wiggins, Steven Edward…

James C. Carver, age 96, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2020 at St. Vincent’s Hospital. Mr. Carver was born on August 16, 1923 in Coffee County, Georgia the son of the late Cesiro Carver and Mary Davis Carver. Mr. Carver was retired from Anchor-Hopkins Glass Manufacturing Company, Jacksonville, FL and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Jacksonville, FL. Survivors include two sons, Danny Carver and Ronnie Carver both from Jacksonville, FL; eight grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Graveside services will be held on Monday, July 27, 2020…

Evelyn Merritt Harper, age 82, of Broxton, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at her residence. Mrs. Harper was born on November 9, 1937 in Irwin County, Georgia, the daughter of the late Artis Merritt and Mildred Paulk Merritt. Mrs. Harper was a homemaker and a member of West Green Church of God. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Farrell Charles Harper; and a brother, Donald Merritt. Survivors include two sons, Marc Harper (Ben) of Douglas, GA and Rev. Michael Harper (Debbie) of Broxton, GA; three grandchildren, Chase Harper…