Thanks to support from Whitehead Industrial Hardware of Valdosta, Wiregrass students who are preparing to graduate now have the tools needed to go to work. Recipients of the Whitehead Distinguished Tradesman Award received a plaque and a $250 credit to purchase tools for their new careers. “At Whitehead, we salute the modern tradesman and strongly believe in acknowledging their hard work and achievements. Skilled labor is essential for attracting new industries to our region. As a community, we must champion and support the careers of these outstanding graduates.”, shared Jonathan Miller, Whitehead Industrial Hardware Principal. Wiregrass graduates recognized were:…
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Harry Dunmire, an Automotive Technology student on the Valdosta Campus, has been named the 2026 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner for Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. GOAL honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students and is a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia. Local GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 22 technical colleges and one Board of Regents college with a technical education division. Toby Heard, Automotive Program Coordinator, nominated Harry for this honor. “Harry has been an excellent student and always takes the initiative to sweep the…
Ken Erickson, a native of Douglas, proudly embarked on his journey through education after graduating from Coffee High School. Serving his country in the United States Air Force, Mr. Erickson distinguished himself with valor and heroism, earning the prestigious Airman’s Medal. Following his honorable military service, he returned to his community driven by a passionate desire to make a difference. Mr. Erickson devoted his career to shaping young minds across Coffee County and Atkinson County, initially at Eastside Elementary School, where he taught fourth-grade science and social studies. His passion for these subjects ignited a love for learning in countless…
Robert James Leander, age 46, of Douglas, Georgia, died Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia after a brief sickness. Robert was born on August 3, 1979 in Warwick, Rhode Island, to Claire Judith Lawrence Leander and James Leander, Jr. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lena Lepore Leander and James Leander, Sr. Robert worked in the maintenance department of CCA in Nicholls, Georgia, where he was loved by all of his work family and friends. He enjoyed being around his family and his friends where he was loved by all who knew him…
Mrs. Adriana Contreras Silva, age 46, of Douglas, Georgia passed away Monday afternoon, November 17, 2025, at her residence following a lengthy illness. Adriana was born July 8, 1979, in Ojo Caliente, Zacatecas, Mexico, to Mario Contreras and the late Maria DeJesus Silva Cisneros. She was a housekeeper for many years. She was a loving mother and grandmother, and a hard worker who prided herself on providing for her family. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed knitting and shopping. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. Along with her mother, she was preceded in death by her…
The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) appreciates the recent announcement by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) of the second phase of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), building on the first phase of the program that began earlier in the year. The second phase of the SDRP will continue to aid Georgia producers that were affected by Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby. Phase 2 of the SDRP will provide further assistance to producers with shallow losses, which are defined as losses of crops that were not indemnified through crop insurance. SDRP Phase 2 signups will begin at FSA…
The JC Adams Municipal Park Soccer Fields, located on Herbert Batten Road, are scheduled for a major renovation as part of a collaborative effort between the City of Douglas and Coffee County. This project marks the next phase in a series of athletic facility upgrades aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities for the entire community. Originally constructed in the mid-1990s, the soccer fields have not undergone significant renovations in nearly thirty years. The upcoming improvements will enhance both the functionality and accessibility of the soccer complex, meeting the needs of players and spectators of all ages and abilities. Planned upgrades include: Funding…
More than 1,900 Georgia TSA members, advisors, and guests from 146 schools across the state gathered on Jekyll Island for an unforgettable weekend at the annual Fall Leadership Conference. This year’s theme, “Leadership Rewired,” electrified the event with a creative nod to Stranger Things, using Hawkins-inspired storytelling to highlight how leadership means flipping the switch, facing the “Upside Down,” and sparking bold new ideas together. Throughout the three-day conference, students participated in a series of leadership and technical workshops led by TSA members, corporate partners, and post-secondary institutions. These hands-on sessions offered valuable opportunities to build communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and STEM-focused technical skills.…
The Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce Steve Carver, Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director, is the 2025 Grand Marshal for the 61st Annual Festival of Lights Christmas Parade. Come wave and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays as participants ride down Peterson Avenue on Friday, December 12 beginning at 7pm. “Holiday Movie Magic,” this year’s theme, comes from Bryler Murray, son of Bobby and Brandy Murray of Broxton. The theme and grand marshal are chosen by the Chamber Board of Directors. Steve Carver began his career in public safety in January 1990 as a…
Coffee Regional Medical Center and the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA) are proud to join communities across the country in celebrating National Rural Health Day (NRHD) on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. This annual observance, coordinated by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) since 2011, is held on the third Thursday of November to spotlight the remarkable resilience and unique healthcare challenges of rural hospitals and healthcare professionals across the country as they work to provide high-quality healthcare to 61 million rural Americans. Georgia’s rural hospitals and health systems provide not only critical care but also serve as…