On October 12, 2026, an officer with the Broxton Police Department was conducting routine patrol duties when they observed a motorist traveling on a public roadway without wearing a seatbelt. The officer initiated a traffic stop for the observed violation. Upon making contact with the driver, the officer detected the distinct odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A probable cause search of the vehicle was subsequently conducted. During the search, officers discovered approximately 13 pounds of suspected methamphetamine concealed within the vehicle. The driver was taken into custody and faces criminal charges in connection with the discovery. This seizure…
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SGSC Theatre Productions is proud to present Tiara’s Hat Parade, a delightful show for young audiences and families running December 3 through December 6, 2026, at the South Georgia State College Waycross Campus Educational Building Auditorium. Adapted for the stage by Paige Hernandez and based on the acclaimed children’s book by Kelly Starling Lyons, this heartwarming production is directed by Katherine LeRoy-Lawson, with technical direction by Joseph Rollins, and stars Amaya Acheoche. Tiara’s Hat Parade tells an uplifting story celebrating family heritage, creativity, community tradition, and beautiful handcrafted hats. Every public performance features an interactive pre-show hat-making activity for children.…
Miriam Vickers Holland, a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. She was born on January 6, 1949, to Milton Vickers and Margaret Lott Vickers. She grew up in Ambrose, Georgia, and proudly called it home throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wallace Martin Holland, who passed away in 1990. She leaves behind her loving daughter, Sallie Holland Graves, and her husband, John, along with her two grandsons, Ian and Cooper, all residing in Atlanta, Georgia. A proud graduate of Coffee High School’s…
Douglas Rotary Club was pleased to have a presentation on the Coffee High School drone program and upcoming drone soccer competitions at their October 8, 2026 meeting. CHS Drone Instructor John Brown previously served in the U.S. military as a helicopter maintenance technician and now teaches some of the most popular classes at the school on drone use and maintenance. He was introduced by CHS Principal and Rotarian Van Allen. After Mr. Brown’s discussion of drones and the new, competitive sport of drone soccer, Rotarian Robert Preston, Jr., presented him with a check to support the drone team’s travel expenses.…
The City of Douglas Wastewater Treatment Plant is reporting a failure to maintain compliance with total suspended solids limits due to recent heavy rains. The spill occurred on October 8, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. until October 9, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. at the City of Douglas Wastewater Treatment Plant. The spill flowed into an unnamed tributary of the Seventeen Mile River. The effluent reading was more than 1.5 times the effluent limit which qualifies as a spill and approximately 11.7 million gallons were reported. As a precaution, it is recommended that citizens have no contact with the affected stream water…
Debra Faye Smith, age 67, of Broxton, GA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born on July 17, 1959, the daughter of the late Johnny Hulett and the late Clifford Hulett. Her survivors include: her beloved husband; Darrell Smith of Broxton, GA, two sons; Cliffy Smith of Broxton, GA, and D.J. (Paige) Smith of Wray, GA, six grandchildren; Giuliana Smith, Tarz Smith, Brewer Smith, Abby Lane Smith, Anna Leigh Smith, and Ace Smith, one sister; Margaret Pridgen of Douglas, GA, two sisters-in-law; Kathy Hulett and Marlene Hulett, along with…
Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) recently recognized 12 new Nathan Deal Scholars for the 2026-27 academic year. The prestigious scholarship honors medical students committed to improving access to healthcare in Georgia’s rural underserved communities. This year’s class of Nathan Deal Scholars is: Paige Bland of Valdosta, Shelby Christian of Brunswick, Hannah Clement of Hamilton, Zachary Culpepper of Midland, Andrea Fernando of Baxley, Luke Hendrix of Jesup, Madison Mills of Climax, Morgan Minick of Americus, Carli Patterson of Metter, Aizhia Poblete of Baxley, Hannah Walker of Ocilla, and Jenna Williams of Douglas. The 12 students join 123 other Nathan Deal Scholars…
Recent Mercer University School of Law graduate Alexis Davis Merritt was sworn in as an attorney on September 30, 2026, at the Coffee County Courthouse. Chief Judge Jeff Kight administered the oath during the ceremony, which was attended by several judges, members of the District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff Fred Cole, family, and friends. Merritt graduated from Mercer Law in May 2026, where she served as President of the Mercer Student Bar Association. She currently serves as a staff attorney with the Waycross Judicial Circuit. Among those present to celebrate the occasion were Merritt’s proud parents, Charlie and Debbie Davis. The…
Sex offenders who are required to register in Georgia are given clear requirements, and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender Unit is committed to making sure those requirements are followed. James Edward Claxton, a registered sex offender, was recently identified by a Coffee County Sheriff’s Office detective while eating lunch at a local business. Claxton had arrived at the location driving a Chrysler Town and Country minivan. A subsequent investigation determined that Claxton had failed to register the vehicle as required. During the investigation, Claxton acknowledged that he had been driving the vehicle for more than five weeks without…
The City of Douglas Electric Department is celebrating Public Power Week, October 4-10, 2026 along with approximately 2,000 other community-powered, not-for-profit electric utilities that collectively provide electricity to 55 million Americans across 49 states and five U.S. territories. “The Douglas Electric Department, like the other 2,000 municipally owned utilities across the nation, is working with one purpose: powering a strong community.,” said Charles Davis, Douglas City Manager. “They go to work each day with a sharp focus on our customers. Since we operate right here in Douglas and serve our friends and neighbors, we care a great deal about things…