Author: Submitted

Mr. Harris Norman Amerson, age 66 of Douglas, GA, passed away late Monday evening, March 23, 2020 at Hazlehurst Court Care and Rehabilitation following an extended illness. Mr. Amerson was born October 8, 1953 to Mildred Marie Butler Amerson and the late Neron Harris Amerson. Other than his father, he was preceded in death by his wife, Debra Ann Nipper Amerson. Mr. Amerson, a native of Clermont, FL, was a truck driver for Pope Trucking. Survivors include: Mother Mildred Marie Butler Amerson of Clermont, FL; step-son Michael David Nipper of Baxley; brothers Ronald Amerson of Douglas, GA and Randy Amerson…

A South Georgia pharmacy and its pharmacist have agreed to settle a federal civil suit alleging they unlawfully dispensed thousands of illegitimate prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances. Under the settlement, announced only weeks after the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office filed the suit on behalf of the United States, Chip’s Discount Drugs and its pharmacist-in-charge, Rogers “Chip” Wood, Jr., of Hazlehurst, Ga., will pay up to $2,153,383 in civil penalties, said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine. According to the lawsuit, the defendants routinely ignored numerous red flags associated with prescriptions written by Dr. Frank…

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office reports that neither employees nor inmates in the jail have tested positive for COVID-19. Two jail officers have been tested and are at home in self-quarantine. Tuesday, the sheriff’s office released the following statement: “As of today (Tuesday), there are no known cases of COVID-19 in the Coffee County Jail. Two inmates are being quarantined for precautionary measures. Neither are showing signs or symptoms. We have sent two jail officers that ‘possibly’ could have been around someone infected or others, to go home and self-quarantine. These jail officers did not show any signs or symptoms,…

At the regular Douglas City Commission meeting on Monday, March 23, 2020, Mayor Tony Paulk issued a Declaration of Local Emergency to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Beginning March 24, 2020, 8 am, the Declaration has put in place the following: A local emergency plan has been placed in effect and Sections of City of Douglas Code will be implemented: Chapter 30, Article II, Sec. 30-26 through Sec. 30-31. The following measures also be implemented all retail stores based upon square footage will have limited customers. Retail stores – grocery, pharmaceutical, and building supplies – Up…

By Amanda Hayes Mother Teresa once said, “We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.” (www.brainyquote.com/authors/mother-teresa-quotes) There is an organization and non-profit in many areas across the State of Georgia striving to do exactly that, remedy the poverty of being unloved and uncared for, suitably named Called to Care. The purpose of these chapters of Called to Care is to meet the needs of children in foster care,…

Last Sunday, our community awakened to the news of a confirmed coronavirus case in Coffee County. On the same day, our community awakened to the news that God is still in control. “Faith without works is dead.” Our community’s strong faith was on full display as our community illuminated the Coffee Regional Medical Center parking lot in prayer for the safety of our healthcare providers. We must keep the faith and get to work. Our work is very simple. Avoid social gatherings, stay six feet apart, no hand shaking, no fist bumps, no elbow bumps, no hugging, wash your hands,…

As our community, and especially the United States are in a unique time in our history confronting and combating the Covid-19 virus. The City of Douglas remains committed to providing citizens and customers continued safe and reliable services. Due to the fear of the virus, the City of Douglas has changed its normal operation procedures to react quickly. City Hall Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, the lobby at City Hall will be open with limited customers. Only three customers will be allowed in the lobby at one given time. The City Commission asks that citizens limit public gatherings to a…

Per guidance from the University System of Georgia, Georgia Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, South Georgia State College will move instruction completely online for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester. The college has also canceled its Spring 2020 Commencement Ceremonies. “We understand the disappointment of our SGSC students and families at the cancellation of our May 2020 commencement exercises. This is indeed a special time for families, friends and SGSC faculty, staff and administration to celebrate the accomplishment of the graduates,” said SGSC President Ingrid Thompson-Sellers. “We are committed to seeking…

By: John McLemore, County Extension Agent From an article by Dr. Lenny Wells, UGA Extension Pecan Specialist I hope you all are staying safe amid the coronavirus concerns out there right now. Unfortunately as many of you know we have had to cancel our last four county meetings of the year (Wilcox, Jenkins, Brooks, and Dougherty) as well as the Georgia Pecan Growers Association Conference. We will be getting the county meeting presentations up on our website soon. I will send out a quick blog post to provide the link for those if you need them. Usually this time of…

Southeastern Grocers, Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, announces immediate actions to better assist the community during this unprecedented time. The regional grocer will offer modified store and pharmacy hours to provide clean, safe shopping environments as well as employment opportunities for those in need throughout the Southeast. The Harveys stores in Douglas will close nightly at 8 p.m. Anthony Hucker, President and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said, “As a grocer and people-first company, we are doing everything in our power during this time of uncertainty to lessen the…