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Whale sharks, the Okefenokee, and Wiregrass Tech Gold medalists from across the state will be competing at Nationals SKillsUSA in Kentucky this June, wearing the likes of whale sharks, the Okefenokee and Wiregrass Tech. Andrea Jacobsen, Accounting student, and Hope Vaughn, Radiology student, both from Wiregrass, won gold medals at the state SKillsUSA competition in the areas of t-shirt and pin design. Both students’ winning designs are now being made into the t-shirts and pins that all competitors from Georgia will be wearing at nationals. “It’s exciting knowing that technical colleges around the state are having my shirt printed for…

Second Annual Student Film Fest held on the Waycross Campus of South Georgia State College By Mrs. Elaine Stephens, Assistant Professor of English Sixteen original films highlighted the Second Annual Film Fest held on the Waycross campus of South Georgia State College (SGSC) Thursday, May 2, before an audience that filled the auditorium and watched as the formally dressed filmmakers entered on a red carpet, according to Mrs. Elaine Stephens, assistant professor of English and teacher for the two classes involved: World Literature 1 and 2. “For the assignment, students selected works of literature covered in their respective courses and…

School system receives accreditation from AdvancED The Coffee County Board of Education received notification recently that the District has earned the distinction of system accreditation from AdvancED (SACS). AdvancED formerly known as SACS, is the global leader in advancing excellence in education through continuous improvement, organizational effectiveness and accreditation. The District welcomed an Engagement Review Team from AdvancED in February as part of the five-year review process for accreditation. During the Engagement Review Team’s visit, February 24-27, members interviewed 421 stakeholders and visited 7 of the 12 schools. Based on the Engagement Review Team’s assessment, the District received an overall…

4-H wraps school year with honors night Kevin Tatum, County Extension Coordinator Over 200 people gathered at the First Baptist Church in Douglas on Monday, May 6, to recognize active Coffee County 4-H members and volunteers during the Annual 4-H Honors Night Program. 4-H members were presented awards for their participation in District Project Achievement (DPA), Poultry Judging, livestock shows, target sports, and community service projects. Recipients of the Outstanding 4-H Member of the Year awards were also announced. Recipients of this coveted award included: Cloverleaf – Aaron Chaney, Kayden Davis, May Belle Davis, and Aryiah Scott; Junior – Kilee…

Mr. Fred Leamon Smith, age 60, of Wray, passed away on Wednesday, May 15 2019 at Memorial Health in Savannah. Mr. Smith was born on May 26, 1958 in Broxton, the son of W.L. Smith and Frankie Gunn Smith. His church membership was at New Corinth Calvary Holiness Church, where he served as a deacon for 18 years. Mr. Smith also served on the Calvary Holiness Campground Committee for 14 years and served as a board member at Citizens Christian Academy for 14 years. Fred was a lifelong prominent farmer in this area. Mr. Smith was a loving husband,…

Leaf spot a common but easily treated disease By John McLemore, Coffee County ANR Extension Agent As we transition from the winter to spring season leading into the summer months, the Coffee County extension office has received several calls about brown spots on the leaves of their scrubs. The description, “brown spots,” has several meanings. The brown spots commonly seen is leaf spot (pictured here). Leaf spot cause more damage on young trees than older trees. This is a foliar disease that can be seen in the upper and lower leaves of the shrub. This disease is caused by over…

GaTapp leaders at Wiregrass attend national conference Have you heard friends say they wished they had chosen a different career field? Many times people work years in a chosen career field only to feel they’ve missed their purpose or calling, wishing they could change careers. Teaching is a career many people wish they had gone into for various reasons; and many have made that career change thanks to the Georgia Teacher Academy of Preparation and Pedagogy (GaTAPP). The GaTAPP program is an alternative certification program offered for those who wish to become educators and already have an existing Bachelor’s degree…

Graduation set for May 25 Commencement for Coffee High School and Wiregrass Regional College & Career Academy will be held Saturday May 25, 9:00 AM at Dan A. Jardine Stadium. The stadium will be open for seating as of 7:30 AM. The graduates’ procession will begin at approximately 8:45 AM and the south end home gate will be locked at that time. Tickets are not required for stadium entrance. However, graduates will be given 4 special rain day tickets for gym entrance in case of inclement weather. Seating for invited guests is available on both the home side and visitor…

University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Dr. Steve Wrigley was the guest speaker at the Douglas Rotary Club on Thursday, May 2, 2019, sharing news and updates from the System Office. South Georgia State College (SGSC) is one of the 26 public institutions of the USG under his leadership. SGSC President Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers, along with several faculty and staff representatives, members from the Rotary, Lions and Exchange Clubs, Chambers of Commerce and other community members were in attendance at the luncheon. Dr. Wrigley shared with the attendees that the System is in the knowledge business. They are focused on…

Ag Spotlight: Lindsay Grace Kirkland The Coffee County Farm Bureau YF&R Junior Board is proud to announce its Ag Spotlight student, Lindsay Grace Kirkland. The purpose of the “Ag Spotlight” is to feature a member of the FFA or 4-H who has exemplified attributes such as leadership, determination, diligence and charity. Lindsay Grace is the daughter of Marshall and Debra Kirkland. She is a freshman at the George Washington Carver Freshman Campus and is currently serving as the 2018-2019 vice president of the Freshman FFA chapter. Lindsay Grace has been an active FFA member since sixth grade, serving as…