Author: Submitted

Johnny’s New York Style Pizza celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting with a multitude of family and friends on Friday, March 15. Owners John and Brook Deems shared with the group their gratitude and appreciation for the overwhelming support for their family’s business. John’s shared that his dream for the restaurant for years had been the beautiful historic creamery building in downtown Douglas. His dream became a reality when David Varnedore began renovations of what is now one of the major highlights of our downtown area. Also thanking everyone for their unwavering support and encouragement, Brook shared how grateful…

A Coffee County inmate, 51-year-old Jesse Walter Burkhalter, faces additional charges after jail officials discovered a quantity of methamphetamine on his person after being processed into the jail. Jail officials discovered the drug while conducting a routine search of the offender’s cell on March 16. Following an investigation by the Coffee County Drug Unit, Burkhalter was charged with possession of methamphetamine, crossing jail guard lines with drugs, and obstruction of law enforcement. Burkhalter was initially incarcerated on March 13 on a charge of terroristic threats and acts. Two Coffee County inmates were treated at Coffee Regional Medical…

SGSC Theatre Productions to showcase original drama on April 30 SGSC Theatre Productions is thrilled to announce its upcoming show entitled Journey. Journey is an original piece that is a collective creation which follows the compelling story of a little boy named Travis from a young age to adulthood. Journey takes a look at the realities of American history as Travis witnesses a heinous and untimely death of a stranger. This occurrence challenges young Travis to seek a different path in life. Please take this journey on a realistic portrayal of American history, which will remind its audience that humans can choose their…

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month By Dr. Sudkhara Jonnalagadda Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the U.S. and the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be. It affects both men and women in all racial and ethnic groups and is most common in people age 50 and older. Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common. According to cancer.org, there are over 100,000 new cases of colon cancer each…

Sarah Louise McKinnon, age 91, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Thursday March 14, 2019 at Coffee Regional Medical Center. Mrs. McKinnon was born on May 3, 1927 in Coffee County, Georgia the daughter of the late John Pridgen and Bessie Kight Pridgen. Mrs. McKinnon was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church, Douglas, GA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Lloyd McKinnon and two sisters, Waunelle McCallum and Lorene Brigmond. Survivors include two sisters, Mildred Pridgen Dockery of Broxton, GA and Martha Jean Meeks of West Green, GA; brother, J. M. Pridgen of…

Andrew Blake Hayward, age 24, of Denton, Georgia passed away on Saturday March 16, 2019 at Jeff Davis Hospital, Hazlehurst, Georgia. Mr. Hayward was born on September 26, 1994 in Coffee County, Georgia the son of Lisa Deanne Hayward. Survivors include mother, Lisa Hayward of Denton, GA; grandparents, JoAnn Sheffield of Douglas, GA and Roy Hayward of Hazlehurst, GA; grandmother, Pauline Smith of Douglas, GA; step-brother, Austin Smith of Douglas, GA; step-sister, Jody Smith of Douglas, GA; several aunts, uncles and cousins; two nephews and one niece. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorialization is by cremation.…

Coffee County sheriff’s detectives have arrested three men believed to be responsible for an armed robbery at a local business earlier this year. Sheriff’s deputies responded to Evan’s Grocery on Highway 32 West on Jan. 24, 2019, in reference to an armed robbery. Detectives responded to the scene, initiated an investigation, and, subsequently distributed video of the incident through Facebook and other media outlets. As a result of the investigation, sheriff’s detectives have arrested 18-year-old Willie Bivens of Douglas, 28-year-old Stephon Best of Douglas, and 19-year-old Ikhawn Presley of Waycross for armed robbery for the incident at Evans…

Mrs. Jeffery Paulk McGowan, age 77 of Pearson, passed away, Friday morning, March 8, 2019 at her home, surrounded by her loved ones, following an extended illness. Survivors include: Sons Carl McGowan and wife, Nora of Pearson and Chad McGowan and wife, Crystal of Pearson; daughter Angie Odum and husband, Chad of Pearson; brother Major General John R. Paulk (retired) and wife, Gail of Ruskin, Fla.; sisters Bonnie Manning of Jacksonville, Fla., Jeanie Paulk of Douglas, Ga., Mary Flanagan and husband, Ed of Perry, Ga., and Kay Relihan and husband, George of Pearson, Ga.; grandchildren Ashley McGowan and wife Savannah, Alyson McGowan…

Mr. Lonnie Delk Griffis, age 62, of Pearson, passed away Friday, March 08, 2019 at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga. following a short illness. Survivors include: Son, Glenn Griffis of Pearson; daughters Michelle Tanner of Statenville and Mandy Griffis of Indiana; brothers Johnny Delk of Pearson, Ralph Delk of Pearson, James Delk and wife Mary Ann of Sparks, Wiley Delk and wife Bobbie of Nashville, Carl Delk and wife Deborah of Nashville, Mark Griffis and wife Laura of Douglas, and Byron Griffis and wife Rachael of Douglas; sisters: Janice Nisen of husband Johnny of Nashville; Patricia Roberson and husband Joe of Nashville;…

Mrs. Rosa Bass, age 68, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a short illness. Survivors include: Son, Lloyd Bass, Jr. and wife, Stacey of Pearson; brothers William Henry Corbitt and wife, Darlene of Valdosta, Bobby Corbitt and wife, Margie of Pearson, Calvin Corbitt and wife, Suzette of Live Oak, Fla., Larry Corbitt of Lakeland, Fla., and Tony Corbitt and wife, Sarah of Pearson, Ga.; sisters Lou Corbitt of Jesup, Libby and John Hopkins of White Springs, Fla., Betty May and husband, Frank of Pearson, Marion Henderson and husband, Danny of Homerville, Colleen Griffis and husband, Jess of…