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John McLemore, County Extension Agent Coffee County Extension is committed to fostering a healthy and prosperous Georgia by providing science-based information to families, farmers, and communities. In 2019, Coffee County Extension honored this commitment through a variety of programing. We want to share with you our 2019 Annual Report. For more information, please contact the Coffee County Extension office at 912-384-1402. Agriculture Coffee County continues to be one of Georgia’s ten largest agricultural counties. The 2018 agricultural statistics reports Coffee County’s annual farm gate value at over $296.2 million. The UGA Extension Agriculture agent began work in Coffee County in…

On Thursday, January 17, 2020, the Douglas-Coffee County community celebrated the grand re-opening and ribbon cutting for Anytime Fitness with new owner Buddy Watkins and his wife, Jordan. Jay Graham, brother-in-law, provided a prayer for the Watkins family and their new business venture. On behalf of the Douglas-Coffee Co Chamber of Commerce Board, Dr. Tracy McClelland thanked Anytime Fitness for partnering with the chamber and offered support from the board and staff. City of Douglas Mayor Tony Paulk shared his appreciation for the Watkins’ investment in Downtown Douglas and wished them great success. Mr. Watkins extended his sincere appreciation to…

Kevin Tatum, County Extension Coordinator Cloverleaf 4-H Camp is a week of fun and learning as 4-H members meet 4-H members from other counties, experience adventure in the workshops at Rock Eagle, swim in one of the two swimming pools, slide down the two story water slide at pool 2, are entertained by the counselors at the variety show, and much more. 4-H members from Coffee County will leave on Monday, June 1, for five days and four nights of fun. The camp is located just north of Eatonton, Georgia, in the heart of the Georgia Piedmont region. We…

Ms. Georgia Gail Raper Johns, age 70 of Douglas, passed away Tuesday evening, January 21, 2020 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. Ms. Johns was born June 6, 1949 to the late Robert Lee Raper and the late Ethel Stevens Raper. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandchild, Charlie Nicole Bryan. Ms. Johns was a manager with Walmart Distribution Center in Douglas. She loved to travel, fish, cook and play Bingo. She was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include: Daughters: Brenda Bryan and husband Frankie of Millwood, Denise Crosby and…

Ryan Z. White, age 44, of Douglas, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2020 at his residence. Mr. White was born on February 12, 1975 in Coffee County, the son of the late Cleveland Barry White and the late Georgia Alice Seabolt White. Ryan was self-employed and was of the Baptist faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Darren White and a sister, Sherry Tanner. Survivors include brother, Robin White (Carin) of Douglas; sister, Julie Anderson of Douglas; children, Cheyenne Porter of Douglas and Cleveland White of Douglas; several nieces, nephews and other…

William Carroll Spivey, age 72, of Nicholls, passed away on Monday January, 20, 2020 at Coffee Regional Medical Center. Mr. Spivey was born on May 2, 1947 in Douglas, the son of the late William Spivey and the late Gladys Harper Spivey. Mr. Spivey was a local farmer and a member of Pineview Church of God in West Green. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Sophia Spivey; two brothers, Lee Spivey and Thurman Spivey; and three sisters, Earnestine Dupree, Frances Harper and Ineva Harper. Survivors include his wife, JoAnn Harper Spivey of Nicholls;…

Optima Chemical Group LLC is pleased to announce it has been recognized for its outstanding efforts in improving environmental, health, safety and security (EHS&S) by the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA), the leading trade association representing specialty and fine chemical manufacturers. Optima Chemical participates in SOCMA’s ChemStewards® program that has for 13 years encouraged and recognized companies for operating their facilities in an environment that promotes safety and environmental compliance to all stakeholders. Optima Chemical President Gene Williams accepted the Silver Performance Improvement Award in Product Stewardship during a ceremony at SOCMA Week in New Orleans…

In one of the most evenly matched games so far this season, the Georgia Highlands Chargers pulled away late in the second half to defeat South Georgia State, 73-66. Final team statistics are identical in two of three categories. The Hawks (16-3, 3-2) and Chargers both shot 45 percent from the field and 83 percent from the free throw line. The difference was from behind the arc, where Georgia Highlands shot 35 percent. The Hawks made only two three-pointers. The game was also a back-and-forth affair, featuring a total of 11 ties and 15 lead changes. Will…

By Mayor Tony Paulk Happy New Year citizens of Douglas! The great year of 2020 has begun and I am ready to get started with improvements for Douglas. I hope to see growth and prosperity for our great city in 2020. Looking back at 2019, I hope citizens can see that the City of Douglas is growing. I promise, once it is done, everyone will appreciate the enhancements and new construction that will improve our quality of life. Our biggest accomplishment in 2019 was the passage of the T.A.D. referendum. Our educational campaign paid off and as soon…

Jim Anthony Nipper, age 44, of Nicholls, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at Coffee Regional Medical Center. Mr. Nipper was born on June 22, 1975, in Coffee County to the late James Franklin Nipper and Josephine Burch Nipper. Mr. Nipper worked for O’Reilly Auto Parts and was a member of Saving Grace Ministries. Survivors include his wife, Peggy Nipper of Nicholls; Daughter, Rebecca (T.J.) Reliford of Nicholls; two sons, Joshua Terrell of Pearson and Matthew Terrell of Pearson; three sisters, Donna (Scott) Smith of Axson, Joann (Jeffery) Nipper of Douglas and Christina (Bradley) Anderson of Douglas; two brothers,…