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From February 9-15, the Coffee High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) celebrated FBLA Week 2025 with a series of events highlighting leadership, community service, and appreciation for those who make a difference in Coffee County. The week began on Monday with a spirited FBLA Spirit Day, encouraging members to showcase their FBLA pride. On Tuesday evening, members gathered at Hog N Bones for a special officer installation ceremony. The event was originally scheduled earlier in the year but had to be postponed due to Hurricane Helene. During the evening, FBLA members also presented at the Kiwanis…

Mary “Carmeľ” Walker, age 81, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 28th, 2025, at Coffee Regional Medical Center. She was born to John A. Hoppman and Lucile H Hoppman, both of whom have preceded her in death. Carmel is preceded in death by her husband, George Walker Jr. Carmel lived a life filled with love, devotion, and kindness. For many years, Carmel worked as a childcare provider, touching the lives of numerous families in her community. She found joy in nurturing and guiding children, always offering a compassionate ear and helping hand. Carmel had two daughters, Alicia…

After a meeting with the debris collection company on March 3, 2025, the deadline for residents of Coffee County, as well as the cities of Douglas, Broxton, Ambrose, and Nicholls, to place all debris from Hurricane Helene at the roadside will be March 17, 2025. Anything placed by the roadside after March 17 may not be picked up as debris collection trucks will be making final passes between March 18 and March 23, 2025. “Due to the overall volume of debris, it is likely that some items will remain to be picked up after March 23. We are committed to…

On Friday, February 28, 2025, the 911 Center received a call in regards to a missing EZ-Go golf cart. The owners of the golf cart informed deputies that their daughter had informed them that an unfamiliar red Ford F-150 was parked in their yard. When the owners returned home they found the Ford F-150 there but their golf cart missing Deputies arrived and found that the F-150 had an out of state tag still registered to the previous owner and towed it to the CCSO. With the rise of property thefts in the county, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has…

On February 27, 2025, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office’s Sex Offender Unit was notified by Atkinson County about a potential sex offender residing in Coffee County. William Fender, 40, from Pearson, was believed to be staying at the Econolodge in Douglas. According to Georgia State Law, a sex offender must register any change of address with their current registered county as well as the county they intend to move to at least 72 hours before relocating. Fender failed to register his change of address with either Atkinson County or Coffee County. In addition to not registering, Fender chose to reside…

The Coffee High Track teams participated in The Larry Clark Track & Field Invitational at Bainbridge High School. The meet consisted of sixteen high school teams from Florida and Georgia. The Lady Trojans scored 58 points to place sixth overall out of eleven teams. The Trojans were in eighth place out of fourteen teams scoring 56 points. The Lowndes County Track programs won both the boys and girls team trophies. Junior Ensley Crawford won the 1600 meter run setting a new personal record with a time of 5 minutes and 39.09 seconds. Junior Keyon Livingston set a new personal record…

Richard Cameron, age 88, of Douglas, GA, passed away on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, GA. He was born on June 24th, 1936, the son of the late Paul and Aldona Cameron. His survivors include: His beloved wife; Nadene Cameron of Douglas, GA, Eight Children; Mark Reich, Sherry Stenberg, Kim Daubon, Julie Nimmer, Edward Atchison, Anita Cooly, Sandra Jones, and Ronald Atchison, along with many grandchildren, Great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by: Father; Paul Cameron, Mother; Aldona Nord, and One brother; Keith Cameron, One son; Michael Reich. The family will…

Mrs. Cyndi Jean Schadewald Holton, age 65, of Valdosta, Georgia passed away Thursday, February 20, 2025 at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, Georgia with her family by her side. Cyndi was born February 11, 1960, in Duluth, Minnesota, to the late George G. Schadewald, and Judith Lillo Shadewald. She was a homemaker and for a time, worked for the United States Postal Service. She loved the Lord and was of the Church of God faith. Cyndi was a survived by her husband, John Holton; children: Tiffany Staskus, Jason Staskus, Jennifer Staskus, Stephanie Corrente, Trevor Holton, Travis Holton; stepdaughter, Alicia…

The City of Douglas has assembled its Annual Report for 2024, highlighting achievements and outlining the vision for the future. Citizens will find statistical data and reports from various city departments included in the document. Additionally, the report outlines the plans for future growth and improvements and features behind-the-scenes photos of current projects. “I am pleased to present the 2024 Annual Report, which highlights the City of Douglas’s achievements over the past year,” says City Manager Charles Davis. “We remain committed to providing cost-effective services while being responsive to community needs. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life…

Villos Benefield, age 65, of Broxton, GA, passed away peacefully at Vista Park Nursing Home and Rehabilitation, on Saturday, March 1st, 2025. He was born on August 30th, 1959 to the late Villos and Eva Mae Burkett Benefield. His survivors include: His Loving and Devoted Wife; Penny E. Benefield of Broxton, GA, One Son; Lee Moore of Douglas, GA, One Daughter; Kathrine (Shane) Davis of Douglas, GA, Eight Grandchildren; Caden Smith, Carra Davis, Jaelyn Davis, Brent Hobbs, Tyler Moore, Landon Gains, Rylea Childers, and Carly Hutchison, Two Great-Grandchildren, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death…