Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has named Kelly Peacock of Douglas the recipient of the 2026-2027 Lewis I. Brinson, Sr. Leadership Award, recognizing her outstanding leadership, dedication to her team, and commitment to serving others. Peacock is a leader within the college’s Adult Education department and is known for creating an environment built on collaboration, communication, and mutual support. Her colleagues describe her as approachable, respectful, and committed to making sure every member of her team feels informed, valued, and equipped to succeed. Those who nominated Peacock praised her ability to recognize the strengths of those around her while encouraging teamwork…
Author: Submitted
Mrs. Rachel Whitley Taylor, age 90, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Vista Park Health and Rehabilitation, with her loving family by her side. Rachel was born December 29, 1935, to the late Clifford Whitley and the late Sallie Mae Clements Whitley. She was married for 55 wonderful years to her loving soul mate, the late Archie Dillard Taylor. Rachel was known as “the bracelet lady”. She found great enjoyment in making bracelets and would give them away everywhere she went, never letting anyone pay her for them. She was always full of love,…
Dr. Romulo Navarro, age 89, of Douglas, GA, passed away on Monday, September 14, 2026, following a short illness. He was born on October 22, 1936, the son of the late Mr. Agustin Navarro and Mrs. Delfina Perez. Dr. Romulo Navarro devoted more than four decades to medicine and to the people of Coffee County. He joined Coffee Regional Medical Center in 1982 and served as a general surgeon until his retirement in 2018. His commitment to helping others continued through volunteer work with the Coffee County Open Arms Clinic. Beyond medicine, he embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. He…
Jessica Spivey, BSN, RN; Juanita Duque, BSN, RN; and Lexi Girtman, BSN, RN have all three strengthened their commitment to patient care through recent educational and professional accomplishments. Jessica began her nursing career at CRMC in 2012 as an LPN on the surgical unit and earned her RN degree in 2014. After gaining experience in several areas, including the ICU and Emergency Department, she joined the Cath Lab in January 2025. This September, Jessica graduated from South University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Juanita joined the CRMC Cath Lab in October 2025 as an associate-degree RN. She…
Coffee County Farm Bureau (CCFB) Women’s Leadership Committee Chairwoman Ashley Smith Wright was honored for her efforts to promote agriculture during during the recent GFB 10th District Annual Meeting in Waycross. Wright received the 10th District Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Excellence in Agriculture Award, which recognizes agriculturalists between the ages of 18 and 35 who earn most of their income from something other than production agriculture. Wright works as the Coffee County Extension Agricultural & Natural Resources agent. She has been instrumental in helping local farmers access federal resources in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and her work routinely…
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College marked another milestone in its commitment to workforce development on Thursday with a groundbreaking ceremony for a future commercial driver’s license (CDL) training facility on the Valdosta Campus. Members of the TCSG State Board, the Wiregrass Board of Directors, and the Wiregrass Foundation Board of Trustees joined college leaders, state and local officials, community partners, technical college presidents, business leaders, and supporters to celebrate the project and recognize the generosity and enduring legacy helping make the new facility possible. The ceremony began with an energetic performance by the Dynamic Valdosta High School Drumline, setting the tone…
Amerigroup Community Care of Georgia recently visited CRH Physician Practices and Orthopedics in Douglas as part of its statewide Rural Health Tour – an initiative developed in partnership with GoMo Health. The visit brought together Amerigroup representatives, local healthcare providers, and community stakeholders to discuss the unique healthcare challenges facing residents of Coffee County, including access to preventive care, chronic disease management, access to health services, transportation barriers, and continuity of care. The statewide Rural Health Tour is focused on improving healthcare access and outcomes for Medicaid members living in underserved rural communities across Georgia. During the visit, Amerigroup highlighted…
The Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) – Douglas Team recently held its first meeting with four new members, marking a fresh start and renewed momentum for efforts to address housing needs and opportunities throughout Douglas. The committee is pleased to welcome Christi Yaughn, Amy Jowers, Angela Carr, and Charnita Williams and looks forward to their contributions as GICH begins this fresh chapter in Douglas. During the meeting, members discussed several goals and priority areas for the committee. These include hosting a Housing Fair to connect residents with housing information and resources; conducting a Rental Housing Study to better understand…
The Georgia Ports Authority hosted events onsite for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, thanking drivers for their reliable, efficient service that is essential to the port’s success. Georgia Ports employees handed out Chick-Fil-A chicken biscuits, cooling towels and aluminum water bottles at terminal truck gates across its facilities, including the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick, and at its inland terminals in Bainbridge, Chatsworth and Gainesville. “Truck drivers are a key link in the global supply chain, especially in Savannah. Nearly 80 percent of our container trade moves by truck,” said Georgia Ports President Kevin Price. The Port of Savannah handles…
Following a meeting to consider clemency for condemned inmate Stacey Humphreys, and after thoroughly considering all the facts and circumstances of the case, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles has denied clemency in the case. Humphreys is scheduled to be executed tomorrow, September 16, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson. The Superior Court of Cobb County issued the execution order. Humphreys was convicted of the 2003 murders of Cyndi Williams and Lori Brown in Cobb County. At the 2007 trial, Humphreys was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, armed…