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Chief Magistrate Julie Phillips has released the following statement regarding the Magistrate’s operations during the COVID-19 crisis: “For the safety of all citizens, the Magistrate Court of Coffee County, by Order of Chief Justice Harold D. Melton, has suspended all non-essential functions — these functions are any court hearings that require an individual to appear in person – until April 14, 2020, unless otherwise extended. We will remain open and are accepting filings; although I do encourage you to use online filing at www.coffeemagcourt.com. Any cases filed will not be processed until Judge Melton’s order is lifted. During the period…

Due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus, the Georgia Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is providing various automatic extensions for Georgia motorists. What extensions are being granted? Temporary Operating Permits (TOPs) with an expiration date of March 16, 2020 or later should not be treated as expired until Saturday, May 16, 2020. Vehicles with a registration expiring on or after March 16, 2020 without a current 2020 decal should not be treated as out of compliance with the registration and decal requirements until Saturday, May 16, 2020. Drivers who purchased the vehicle in a private sale (sale…

Investigators with the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office recently assisted with the arrest of Cameron Alls, 22, of Douglas, Georgia, for one count of Criminal Trespass; Kane Lynch, 17, of Ray City, Georgia, for one count of Criminal Trespass; and Ezra Forrest-Davies, 17, of Douglas, Georgia, for one count of First Degree Arson and one count of Burglary. The charges stem from the individuals’ alleged involvement in setting fire to the kitchen of a mobile home off of Raven Lane in Douglas on March 18. All three were taken to the Coffee County Jail on March 19. “Thankfully,…

Due to the continued health issues and concerns resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19), Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is extending its decision to provide all classes in a distance education format until April 13. All academic and adult education classes will continue using a variety of electronic delivery methods during this time. The college campuses will remain closed to the public during this time. Wiregrass will continue to monitor ongoing developments and respond accordingly. The health and safety of students, faculty, and staff is always a primary concern. Updates can be found at the college’s website www.wiregrass.edu. What Students Need to…

By Kevin Tatum, County Extension Coordinator As moms and dads deal with schooling their children at home, how about having some fun in the kitchen with the kids. Find and prepare a fruit smoothie recipe which will reinforce math skills with measuring ingredients, as well as provide a nutritional snack for the kids. Here’s an easy recipe by UGA Extension’s SNAP-Ed program. The list of ingredients includes three cups of fresh or frozen strawberries, one cup of fresh baby spinach, two frozen ripe bananas, one cup of nonfat plain yogurt, one and one half cups skim milk, and one…

Mr. Dwight Delano Yanguas, age 63 of Broxton, GA, passed away early Monday morning, March 23, 2020 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Mr. Yanguas was born August 29, 1956 to the late Marquette Yanguas and the late Gladys Woodruff Yanguas. Mr. Yanguas, a native of Hialeah, FL, was a salesman with Dollar General. Survivors include: His wife Shirley Yvonne Morrison Yanguas of Broxton, GA; sons David Joseph Yanguas of Hazlehurst, GA and Sonny Eugene Yanguas of Fitzgerald, GA; brother Frankie Cinelli of Broxton, GA; five grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. The memorial…

Jean Clara Bryant Smoak, 83, of Sylvester, died Sunday, March 22, 2020 at Tift Regional Medical Center. Beloved wife of Johnny Smoak for 44 years, she is survived by Johnny, her daughters Deborah Schirm (Gordon), Melissa Blackman, Stephanie Davis (Jeff), Felicia Taborn (John), grandchildren K.C. Simonton and Aidan Davis, step-son Terry Smoak (Tammy) and step-daughter Sherry Ward (Larry). She was loved by her numerous step-grandchildren and great grandchildren as well. Mrs.Smoak was preceded in death by her parents Clydie Lou Bryant (nee Potter) and Henry David Bryant; her brother, Charles Henry Bryan; her beloved granddaughter, Tara Lynette McMillan; and…

Barbara Ann Moore, age 83, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at her home surrounded by family. She leaves behind her husband of 64 years, Robert “Bob” Moore; their sons Terry (Jeannie) Moore and Scott (Jennifer) Moore and their daughter Jody (Ray) Altman, all of Douglas, Ga. Mrs. Moore was born on July 13, 1936 in Lagrange, Georgia to the late Homer Lamar Mann and Lizzie Jewell Mann. Mrs. Moore was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and lover of Christ. She was a dedicated Pink Lady volunteer for over 10 years. She…

Mr. Ermon Luther Joyce, Sr. of Broxton, GA, passed away Saturday afternoon, March 21, 2020 at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Joyce was born November 13, 1948 to the late Junior Edgar Joyce and the Donnie Lee Langford Joyce. He was also preceded in death by his wife Jeannette Dusenbury Joyce and a son Kevin Joyce. Mr. Joyce, a native of Plant City, FL, was a master millwright. He was a veteran of the United States Army having served with the Airborne Rangers. Survivors include: Children Ermon L. Joyce, Jr. and wife Michelle of Tampa, FL, Michael Joyce…

Ethel Willene Bush, age 90, of Broxton, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Mrs. Bush was born on January 19, 1930 in Ben Hill County, Georgia, the daughter of the late Arthur Alvie Young and the late Lucy Smith Young. Mrs. Bush was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Buddy Young and J.W. Young. Survivors include her husband of seventy-two years, Clarence Jackson Bush of Broxton, GA; two daughters, Betty B. Moon (Scoot) of Broxton, GA and Linda Moseley of Broxton, GA; son, Rayburn…