Author: Submitted

Ms. Clara Faye Fender Vickers, age 85 of Douglas, passed away June 17, 2020 at her residence following a short illness. Mrs. Vickers was born, August 17, 1934 to the late Aubrey Foster Fender and the late Clara Fussell Fender. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Vickers, Jr.; daughter, Lisa Faye Vickers Taylor; sisters, Florence Fender Morgan and Marjorie Joan Crosby. Ms. Vickers, a native of Atkinson County, was a homemaker. She was a board member of Bridges of Hope. She had completed an associate degree at South Georgia State College.…

The City of Douglas became a Golf Cart Community in 2018. Motorized carts are allowed on Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) approved areas throughout Douglas. Anyone driving a motorized cart should know the general guidelines to operate a motorized cart in those areas. The City of Douglas Police Department will begin issuing warnings and/or citations for persons operating motorized carts on city streets and property illegally. “During summer months, we often see children driving motorized carts on roadways,” says Police Chief Shane Edmisten. “Our biggest concern is safety. We want to try to prevent any unfortunate accidents involving carts…

Ferst Readers Board of Directors has announced that nonprofit veteran Davida Morgan Washington has been named President of the organization effective June 1, 2020. She succeeds Interim President Elyse Klova (Chief Operating Officer for Blaze Leadership) who also led Ferst Readers’ executive search. Ferst Readers serves over 100 children in Coffee County. Delia Garrett leads and organizes Coffee County’s group of Ferst Readers volunteers. As the Ferst Readers’ new president, Washington will lead the organization through a particularly challenging time for children across the country who have not been in childcare centers or classrooms for months and…

AgSouth Farm Credit announced they will contribute $15,000 in total to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) divisions in South Carolina and Georgia in light of the effects of COVID-19 on the agriculture and farming communities. Of that total, $7,500 will go towards the partnership between Certified SC Grown and SC Advocates for Ag organizations and their ongoing efforts to support their Farmer to Food Banks initiative. “Farmers to Food Banks solves two problems with one charitable effort: helping the needy while supporting the South Carolina farmers who work hard to feed us all,” said South Carolina Commissioner…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College provides opportunities for students in several program areas to further their education once they graduate. Wiregrass has signed four articulation agreements with Thomas University (TU) in Thomasville that will provide a pathway for students to be able to seek higher degrees in their chosen fields. The Wiregrass Early Childhood Care and Education program has a long history of serving as the educational foundation for daycare workers and administrators, paraprofessionals, and those seeking to continue their education degree at a four-year college or university. Wiregrass and TU have signed an articulation agreement that will allow graduates from Wiregrass’ Associate…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College provides opportunities for students in several program areas to further their education once they graduate. Wiregrass has signed four articulation agreements with Thomas University (TU) in Thomasville that will provide a pathway for students to be able to seek higher degrees in their chosen fields. The Wiregrass Early Childhood Care and Education program has a long history of serving as the educational foundation for daycare workers and administrators, paraprofessionals, and those seeking to continue their education degree at a four-year college or university. Wiregrass and TU have signed an articulation agreement that will allow graduates from Wiregrass’ Associate…

Dear Parents: As the parent or guardian of a student currently enrolled in our school district, we are writing to notify you that under state law you may request to transfer your child to another public school in the Coffee County School System for the upcoming school year. Please keep in mind that if you choose to transfer your child to another school in the district, the law requires you to assume all costs and responsibilities related to the transportation of your child to and from the school as long as your child remains at that school. …

Yvonne J. LaRoche, age 58, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at her residence. Mrs. LaRoche was born on July 6, 1961 in College Park, Georgia, the daughter of the late Roger Raymond LaRoche and Shirley Williams LaRoche. Mrs. LaRoche was a homemaker and devoted grandmother to her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Starla Dawn Steptoe. Survivors include her husband, James Hilton Steptoe of Douglas, GA; son, Dustin William Steptoe (Renee) of Douglas, GA; daughter, Sara Rogers (James) of Ambrose, GA; three grandchildren, Brier…

Mike Brawner, age 71, of Douglas, GA, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at Coffee Regional Medical Center. Mr. Brawner was born on March 14, 1949 in Coffee County, Georgia, the son of the late William Heyward Brawner and Martha Milhollin Brawner. Mr. Brawner worked as the Chief Appraiser for Ag South, was a University of Georgia graduate and was a member of First Baptist Church of Douglas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, David Brawner. Survivors include his lifetime companion, Faye Hennesy of Douglas, GA; two daughters, Liz Grantham (Chris) of…

Mrs. Iris “Sug” Mills, age 94, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2020 at Vista Park. Mrs. Mills was born on May 8, 1926 in Alma, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rhozier Mills; infant son Jim Mills; her parents, Ira and Marie Yawn Cannon; five brothers, seven sisters and a son-in-law, John Mattox. Mrs. Mills was the oldest living member of Forest Grove Baptist Church. She had been a member for over 65 years. Survivors include her daughter, Jerris Mattox of Douglas, GA; one grandson, Vince Cothren of Nicholls, GA; one great granddaughter,…