Author: Submitted

The Coffee 4-H state champion horse judging team, comprised of Madeleine Tuten, Stan Carelock, and JT Vaughn, spent a week in Denver at the Western National Roundup and came back with a top 10 national finish. Coach Kailee Bennett and 4-H agent Madison Britt accompanied the group on the trip. Colorado State University hosted the event. The Coffee team finished ninth overall and seventh in the Halter class. They also were able to experience an extra day in Denver due to weather – but it wasn’t the Colorado weather. Conditions in Atlanta delayed their return home for an extra day…

On January 7, 2025, Coffee County Sheriff’s Officers responded to a domestic dispute at the residence of Stephanie Castillo, 34, of Douglas. Upon arrival, officers noted that the situation had already de-escalated. Interviews were conducted with both Castillo and Dante Gifford, 43, also of Douglas. The investigation revealed that both Castillo and Gifford had engaged in physical altercations as a result of an intense verbal dispute. This mutual aggression prompted law enforcement to gather statements and assess the circumstances surrounding the incident. Moments before officers were on scene, Gifford allegedly had been struck in the head with a perfume bottle,…

On January 6, 2025, officers responded to a call at the BP station located at 2595 US Highway 221 North in Douglas after an individual stated he had been physically assaulted by 39-year-old Roderick Glover. According to a statement given to deputies, the altercation began during a ride from Adel, when a verbal dispute erupted between the complainant and Glover. After some physical contact between the two, the complainant stated that Glover then choked the complainant until the driver of the vehicle intervened by stopping the vehicle to de-escalate the situation. Out of fear the complainant pulled out a pocketknife,…

U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg has announced her resignation from her presidentially appointed position in the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office, effective Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. U.S. Attorney Steinberg served as the Chief Federal Law Enforcement Officer for the 43-county Southern District of Georgia since being sworn into office Feb. 22, 2023. Her departure coincides with the pending transition to a new presidential administration and the traditional appointment of new leaders for federal agencies. “Serving as U.S. Attorney has been a distinct honor and privilege, and I am grateful for the hard work, camaraderie, and friendship of the…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College will be hosting a community listening session on Tuesday, January 21 at 9:00 am and 5:00 pm in the Planning Room on the Coffee Campus. The purpose of the listening sessions is to receive feedback and input from the communities the college serves. This is part of the strategic planning process and aims to engage local stakeholders, businesses, and community members in shaping the future of the college and its role in the community. The college is looking for feedback on programs offered and making sure the skills and qualifications meet the needs of the business. The…

On January 6, 2025, officers from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office executed a warrant targeting the residence of Ramon Ortiz on Sand Hill Church Road. Upon arrival, the officers did not find Ortiz at his home. However, as they were departing, they observed a pickup truck approaching the residence, occupied by Ortiz and a passenger. The officers quickly approached the vehicle and detained Ortiz due to an outstanding probation warrant. During a brief inspection of the vehicle, officers discovered a quantity of methamphetamine, which was determined to belong to Ortiz. The passenger in the vehicle was identified and subsequently released…

Georgia forest landowners impacted by Hurricane Helene are getting welcome news about recovery assistance. Two special state relief programs were made available to applicants in disaster-designated counties and approvals are now being issued by the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). Both programs address wildfire risk and public safety in the wake of the storm that left $1.28 billion in damages to Georgia’s timber resource. “Hurricane Helene produced a tremendous amount of loss to private landowners, and this newly released aid of $25 million will make a real difference from the threat of wildfires,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo. “We’re…

Coffee County educator and artist Lee Mobley has added a new title to his resume: children’s book author. Mobley, who has served the Coffee County School System as a teacher, elementary principal, and currently as assistant superintendent, recently checked off a major bucket list item by publishing “This or That? Making Choices Every Day Helps Us Learn and Find Our Way.” The book introduces young readers to the joy of decision-making through whimsical and imaginative scenarios. From choosing between “brushing the hair of a bear or sitting on an alligator chair” to “riding a mule to school or taking a shark…

Coffee Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Lora C. Denton, MD, MACP, as the Director of its new Internal Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Denton, a Professor of Medicine at Mercer University School of Medicine – Savannah Campus, brings over 16 years of experience in medical education and leadership, making her the ideal choice to lead CRMC’s developing residency program. Dr. Denton began teaching residents in her private practice in 1998 and has been an integral part of Mercer University School of Medicine as a full-time faculty member since 2007. She began as an Assistant Professor, advanced…

The South Georgia State College Police Department is pleased to announce the addition of its newest certified police officer, Christopher “Ryan” Troupe. Officer Troupe brings valuable experience from his years of service with the Georgia Department of Corrections. Now, as a member of SGSC PD, he is eager to continue advancing his career in law enforcement and contributing to the safety and security of the college community. In December 2024, Officer Troupe successfully completed his training at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center Police Academy, earning his certification as a police officer. SGSC is excited to have Officer Troupe join…