Author: Submitted

Talmadge Benefield, age 73, of Douglas, passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2019, at his residence. Mr. Benefield was born on December 27, 1945, in Douglas, to the late Vilos Benefield and Sara Cato Benefield. Survivors include: Wife, Betty Sue Benefield of Douglas; daughter Sanette Williamson of Douglas; son Scott (Kari) Williamson of Spokane, Wash.; sister Vernell Hutto of Hazlehurst; brother J. R. Benefield of Douglas; grandchildren Abbie Lovell, Jesse (Scott) Russell, Torie (J. J.) Cothern, Joseph Williamson; great-grandchildren Josey (Frizzle Britches) Cothern and Wyatt Russell; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sara Cato…

SGSC’s bachelor’s in Long-Term Healthcare Management begins next year South Georgia State College (SGSC) is proud to announce the launching of the Bachelor of Science in Long-Term Healthcare Management to begin Spring 2020 on the Waycross campus. The Long-Term Healthcare Management degree will develop skills and knowledge for managers of long-term healthcare services in order to meet the needs of patients and families in homes, community agencies and long-term care facilities. It will focus on serving the aging, as well as individuals of any age who live with acute and chronic physical and mental disorders. The program curriculum will provide…

First full week of October is National 4-H Week Each year, 4-H members, volunteer leaders, and Extension staff members celebrate National 4-H Week during the first full week of October. This year, 4-H Week is October 6-12. Currently, there are approximately 1,365 4-H members in Coffee County. These 4-H members can participate in events such as Project Achievement, livestock shows, judging events, target sports, community service activities, and much more. 4-H is open to students in grades 4 through 12. In Coffee County, we offer 4-H to public school, private school, and home schooled students through 55 in-school and…

Virginia Lee Griffin, age 92, of Douglas, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2019 at Vista Park. Mrs. Griffin was born on April 20, 1927 in Coffee County, the daughter of the late William F. Bray and the late Elevener Lee Bray. She worked as a paraprofessional with the Coffee County School System at Westside Elementary School and was a member of College Avenue Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Griffin and a sister, Louise Ward. Survivors include her son, Kevin Griffin of Douglas; two grandchildren, Kelsey Griffin of…

Mr. Donald Eugene Wagaman, 69, of Douglas, passed away September 19, 2019 under the care of Community Hospice in Jacksonville, Fla. Mr. Wagaman was born February 23, 1950 to the late Bruce and Ruth Wagaman in Waynesboro, Penn. Mr. Wagaman is survived by his wife, Monta-Sue Wagaman; daughters Dawn Beal (Tod) of Billings, Mont. and Charity Bird of Cumberland, Md.; step-daughter Michelle Hardagree of Waverly; sister Debbie Thompson (Johnny); and four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by a brother, Rodney Wagaman; a step-son, Michael Hurst; and step-grandchild, Zachary Minter. Visitation will take place September…

Linda Powell Chandler Taylor, 93 of Eau Gallie, Fla., went home to be with the Lord Monday, September 16 surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by husband Sam Taylor, son Van Chandler Futch, and grandson Frank J. Walsh III. Linda is survived by her sister Martha Ann Keck; her daughters Rhoda Walsh (Jody), JoAnne Scruggs (Gene); son Paul Chandler (Terry); grandchildren Jason Walsh (Katy) and Rebecca Brown (Jason); 10 great grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews. Services will be held in Pearson with viewing Friday, September 20 6pm – 8pm at Relihan Funeral Home. Funeral services will…

Mr. Keith T. Crowder was born January 27, 1968 to the John Frank Crowder, Sr. and Annie Ruth Crowder in Okeechobee, Fla. Keith passed away on Friday, September 13, 2019. He attended Broxton High School and South Georgia College in Douglas. He became a member of Mt. Olive A.M.E Church at an early age and a very active member on various positions in the church. He was also a member of the Broxton Male Chorus. Keith was employed in different positions during his lifetime. He was preceded in death by his father, John Frank Crowder, Sr.; and grandfathers, Richard Jones…

State goat show set for Oct. 3-5 Kevin Tatum, County Extension Coordinator The State 4-H/FFA Goat Show will be held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds on October 3-5. Showmanship classes will be held on Friday, October 4, with the wether show immediately following. Does will be shown on Saturday, October 5. If you are in Perry for the fair, please stop by the livestock arena and support the members participating. 4-H participants include: Hayden Gay, Hollyn Gay, Kyleigh Gay, McKenzie Gay, Leo McIver, Jonathan Sayer, Olivia Thomas, Natalie Tuten, Nora White, and Reid White. Georgia National Fair Entries Each…

Challenges in peanut production John McLemore, County Extension AgentThis week I would like to share the challenges peanut growers are facing this season. The information in this week’s article is a collection of conversations with local farmers, farm service suppliers, and my weekly observations throughout our county. This growing season has been a challenge for local growers because of extreme heat which leads to dry environmental conditions. A few growers have access to irrigation but, even that was not enough to overcome the challenges in peanuts. This season growers have dealt with minimal white mold, minimal early leaf spot (Cercospora…

Coffee County Schools System’s graduation rate at all-time high Data released by the Georgia Department of Education on Wednesday, September 18 shows a significant increase in the graduation rate for the Coffee County School System for the 2018-2019 school year. The overall graduation rate for the school system is 84.16 percent, up from 82.81 percent the previous year. Coffee High School’s graduation rate rose from 87.90 percent to 88.11 percent over the past year, and Wiregrass Regional College and Career Academy saw its graduation rate soar from 56.86 percent to 82 percent. Georgia calculates a four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate…