Author: Submitted

Coffee Regional Medical Center was honored to serve as the host site for the Georgia Board of Healthcare Workforce’s 2025 July meeting. As one of the state’s most respected healthcare organizations, the Board plays a vital role in ensuring access to quality healthcare across Georgia by supporting physician training, recruitment, and retention—especially in underserved areas. The Board selects one site annually for a meeting held away from its Atlanta offices. Coffee Regional was selected and proudly welcomed the group to Douglas for their meeting. The event proved to be a productive and meaningful exchange among some of Georgia’s top healthcare…

Vista Park Health & Rehabilitation has been recognized as a 2025 recipient of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) for its commitment to improving the lives of residents through quality care. This distinction is the first of three progressive award levels through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. The Program honors providers across the nation that have demonstrated their dedication to enhancing the quality of care for our nation’s elders and individuals with disabilities. The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is a rigorous three-level process reviewed…

In addition to the two Public Service Commission elections this November, several local offices will be on the ballot. Voters will cast their ballots for one county commission seat, three city commission seats, and the offices of mayor and city council in Ambrose and Nicholls. The election will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Qualifying begins on August 18, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. and runs through August 20, 2025 at 5 p.m. Qualifying will be held at the county elections office at 224 West Ashley Street, Suite A. You can reach election officials by phone at (912) 384-7018. Here…

Coffee Regional Medical Center recently celebrated an important achievement in oncology nursing excellence. DeLeice Wood, BSN, RN, OCN, Infusion Services & the Hanna Family Cancer Center’s Nurse Manager at Coffee Regional Medical Center, recently achieved a significant milestone by passing the prestigious Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®) Examination administered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). Her accomplishment adds to the esteemed group of over 30,000 Oncology Certified Nurses (OCN®), a testament to her dedication and expertise. These registered nurses, including staff nurses, clinicians, educators, and managers, are a source of inspiration for the entire healthcare community. DeLeice’s professional journey is a…

Mr. Van Tanner Carter, age 68, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Saturday morning, July 26, 2025 at Vista Park Health and Rehabilitation following a lengthy illness. Van was born July 25, 1957, in Coffee County, Georgia to the late James “Jim” Carter and the late Lou Ellen Joyner Carter. He spent 20 years in the laundry business where he owned and operated Speed Queen Dry Cleaners, followed by another 20 years in NASCAR Sales. He was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan, but his was never happier than when he was behind the wheel of his 1987 Buick Regal on a…

On the evening of July 27, 2025 at around 7 p.m., deputies from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a convenience store located on Highway 32 following reports of what was initially reported to be an armed robbery. According to eyewitness accounts, a male suspect entered the store and began arguing with staff about the price of cigarettes. Witnesses stated that the man exited the store twice before returning a third time wielding a weapon. During this final entry, the suspect reportedly threatened store employees, stating: “I’m gonna shoot both of y’all.” Deputies quickly secured the scene and began…

Mercer University School of Medicine Dean Jean R. Sumner, M.D., FACP, announced that Dr. Candi Nobles-James has been appointed as senior associate dean for the Macon campus, effective July 1. A respected physician, educator and leader in internal medicine, Dr. Nobles-James brings a deep commitment to medical education and patient care to her new role. “I am delighted that Dr. Nobles-James has accepted this position,” said Dr. Sumner. “She is an outstanding person, physician and leader. In her previous role as associate dean of student affairs, she did an exceptional job. She’s a true Mercerian, and I look forward to all…

Coffee Regional Medical Center is proud to announce a major advancement in local cardiovascular care with the successful implantation of its first Micra pacemaker—the world’s smallest pacemaker—performed in one of the hospital’s two state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs located within the CRMC Heart & Vascular Center. The procedure was performed by Dr. Kendall Griffith, Interventional Cardiologist at CRMC, and marks a significant milestone in expanding access to innovative cardiac care for patients in Coffee County and surrounding communities. The Micra Transcatheter Pacing System is a revolutionary, leadless pacemaker that is implanted directly into the heart via a minimally invasive catheter-based technique.…

The Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) is proud to announce the members of its 2025 Youth Advisory Council. The GSBA Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a student leadership program that brings together high school students from across Georgia to elevate student voice in public education governance and decision-making. Designed to reflect the diversity and perspectives of students statewide, the Council provides a platform for young leaders to share insights directly with education stakeholders. This year, GSBA received 163 applications from outstanding students across the state. After a competitive selection process, nine students were chosen to serve on the 2025 Council.…

Mr. Donald “Don” Perry McCardle, Sr., age 79, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Thursday, July 24, 2025 at this residence following an extended illness. Don was born September 14, 1945, in Brooks County, Georgia, to the late Jesse McCardle, Sr. and the late Jewel Roberts McCardle. He was a manager for Fleetwood Industries and of the non-denominational faith. Along with his parents, Don was preceded in death by his wife, Sherry Denise Seay McCardle; two brothers: Bobby McCardle and Jesse McCardle, Jr.; and one sister, Faith M. Lockliear. Don is survived by 3 children: Donald Perry McCardle, Jr. and wife…