Author: Submitted

At just 14 years old, Cowen Wayne Rice is showing that dedication and generosity have no age limit. He is a passionate supporter of Coffee Regional Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Scholarship. Over the past four years, he has raised an impressive $8,292 for the annual Heart 2 Heart Event, giving back to a cause that holds special meaning for him. Born with an atrial septal defect (ASD), Cowen underwent a life-changing procedure nine years ago. Since then, he has been determined to give back, using his experience to fuel his passion for helping others. A student at Coffee Middle School,…

A 27-year-old from Waycross was arrested on fraud charges after she allegedly stole several items from Walmart valued at nearly $900. The suspect, Mandy Toler, 27, of Waycross, was charged with two counts of refund fraud and transported to the Coffee County Jail then released on bond. According to the report from the Douglas Police Department, around 3 p.m. on March 2, 2025, two Walmart asset protection employees reported that Toler had walked out of the store with a Shark STK vacuum cleaner ($299) and an FG ice maker ($84) without paying. The employees also stated that on February 21,…

Coffee Regional Medical Center recently hosted a workplace safety panel discussion, bringing together local law enforcement and hospital security experts to discuss the importance of maintaining a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff. The panel featured Sheriff Fred Cole of the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Captain Leon Whitley of the Douglas Police Department, and Lex Tucker, representing Coffee Regional Medical Center Security. Caregivers had the opportunity to engage in an open discussion with the panelists, addressing key safety concerns and reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to a secure and supportive workplace. “We are grateful to Sheriff Cole and Captain Whitley…

The Coffee High Trojans traveled to Tift County High School to participate in the Anthony Bateman Invitational on March 8. Junior Ensley Crawford finished the day with two first place finishes and personal records in the 1600 meter run (5:30.88) and the 3200 meter run (12:21.57). The Trojan 4X100 meter relay team of Tyrese Woodgett, KJ DeBruce, Sedric McRae and Travis Adams finished in first place with a time of 43.17 seconds. Senior Travis Adams ran 22.34 seconds in the 200 meter dash for a second place finish and a new personal record. His time was recognized a Bronze…

Retha Pearl Parker, age 92, of Orange Park, Florida, went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, March 8, 2025. She was born to Marvin and Oliff Kirkland Jowers on February 19, 1933, in Douglas, Georgia. Ms. Parker loved to garden, cook, and spend time with her family. Retha was a longtime member of Trinity Baptist Church in Jacksonville, and Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Green Cove Springs. She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, T.J. Singletary and Kenneth Parker; and seven siblings, Thelma Vickers, J.D. Jowers, Nettie Vickers, Marvin Jowers, Jr., Doris Jowers, Robert Jowers, and…

Donald Wayne Thomas, age 61, of Douglas, GA, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Candler Hospital in Savannah, GA following an extended illness. Mr. Thomas was born on February 1, 1964 to the late Wayne Thomas and Carol Crews Thomas. Survivors include: One Daughter; Dakoda Thomas of Nicholls GA, Cousins; Shelton Crews and Kevin Crews. The family will have a private family visitation on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 from 12:00PM until 1:00PM at Sims Funeral Home. A public visitation will be held from 1:00PM until 1:30PM at Sims Funeral Home on the same day. Graveside Services…

The Southeast Health District is joining public health officials across Georgia in recognizing Georgia Preteen Vaccination Week from March 10-14. This observance is an annual initiative by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) aimed at raising awareness about the importance of vaccines for adolescents. Vaccination is a critical step in protecting preteens and teenagers from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Georgia DPH recommend several vaccines for adolescents, including those that protect against meningitis, HPV, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap), and COVID-19. In accordance with Georgia DPH Rule 511-2-2, students attending school in…

Ida Rene McNab, age 62, of Hazlehurst, GA, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025 in Reidsville, GA following an extended illness. Ms. McNab was born on July 4, 1962 to the late James D. Zanders and Imogene Nipper Zanders. Survivors include: One Daughter; Misty Hicks of Douglas, GA, One Son; Corey McNab of Douglas, GA, Six Grandchildren; Elizabeth Hicks, Emma Hicks, Julie McReavis, Jackson McNab, Brook McNab, Lauren Barbaree, One Great Grandchild; Baylor Hulett, Three Sisters; Lisa (Van) Hughes of Live Oak, FL, Diane Thomas of Hazlehurst, GA, Jeannie Faulkner of Nicholls, GA, One Brother; Dennis Zanders of Douglas,…

A 16-year-old juvenile who was reported missing on Thursday has been found safely in a neighboring county and is now back at home. On March 6, 2025, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office received a concerning report from a local resident regarding her missing 16-year-old son. The mother reported that the teen was last seen the previous night around 10:30 p.m. The sheriff’s office promptly launched an investigation that swiftly led to the missing juvenile being found safely in a neighboring county. Today, authorities have confirmed that the boy is back home safely. This incident underscores the quick response and efforts…

A traffic stop on Rocky Pond Road and RS Brigmond Road led the apprehension of a fugitive wanted out of Chambers County, Texas. According to the incident report from the sheriff’s office, a deputy stopped a black Jeep Grand Cherokee on February 25, 2025, just before 1 a.m. The officer stopped the vehicle because it had a faulty headlight. During the stop, the officer discovered that a passenger in the vehicle, identified as Jerome Daniels, 30, of a Hahira address, had multiple warrants out of the Chambers County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office. Authorities in Chambers County stated that they wanted a…