Author: Submitted

The Coffee County Drug Unit announces the following recent drug-related arrests: Jan 30 – A Coffee County K9 deputy attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle around 6:30 p.m. for an improper turn in the Baker Highway area. The vehicle failed to yield to the deputy and turned onto Kennedy Circle. At this point, the vehicle suddenly stopped and the rear passenger, later identified as Deqwavious Deshawn Hawkins, exited and led officers on a foot chase. Officers pursued Hawkins and were able to corner him inside an area residence. A search of the home was conducted, and Hawkins was…

A 25-year-old Douglas man was charged with child cruelty Monday as the result of an investigation that began in January. Coffee County sheriff’s deputies responded to Coffee Regional Medical Center on Jan. 21, 2019, in reference to a report of child abuse. A female at the scene stated her six-month-old had suffered severe bruising to the abdominal area, face, and buttocks, and Coffee County detectives responded to the scene. On Feb. 4, 2019, authorities arrested Senie Bennefield, Jr. on charges unrelated to this incident (simple battery and parole violation). Upon further investigation by the criminal investigations division, Bennefield…

On Wednesday morning, January 30, during the second block of school, Mrs. Cathy Latham, AP Economics Teacher from Coffee High, was pleasantly surprised when Dr. Chris Cannon, Associate Director and Chief Program Officer from the Georgia Council on Economic Education (GCEE) in Atlanta, personally came to Mrs. Latham’s classroom to recognize her as the 2019 Georgia Economics Teacher of the Year. Amid tears and cheers from her students, Mrs. Latham was overwhelmed. Joining Dr. Cannon in the announcement and celebration was Dr. Rowland Cummings, Principal of Coffee High and Dr. Morris Leis, Superintendent. “Every year, we recognize one or…

South Georgia State College recently released a new strategic plan covering 2019-2024. Entitled Moving Forward, the plan is built on the college’s legacy and articulates key goals for the next five years. Commitment to strengthen the economic health of the region remains one of its core goals. The commitment comes in many forms — from providing strong academic programs delivered by talented faculty and staff to establishing and maintaining relationships through collaborations with our community and region. According to a recent study released by the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, SGSC’s…

The Indian Creek Elementary Science Team competed in the South Georgia State College Science Fair on February 1. Out of 19 elementary schools with approximately 300 students, the ICE Science Team placed as follows: In the 4th grade division: Rodrigo Ornelas, Milee Beasley, and Raegan Snipes won a 2nd place trophy for the 2nd most points overall, and a 1st place ribbon. Madison Smith, Kason Horner, and Mayra Onofre won a 2nd place ribbon. In the 5th grade division: Reggie Bell, Gigi Lewis, and Sebastian Hickerson won a 2nd place ribbon. Adison Fender, Allie Shook, and Aron Guerrero…

The South Georgia State College Hawks missed an opportunity in the closing seconds to force overtime Saturday afternoon, giving the East Georgia State College Bobcats a 78-74 win. Leading 76-74 with 14.3 seconds left in regulation, East Georgia missed the front end of a 1-and-1 free throw opportunity, giving the Hawks a chance to tie the game. Skyler Baggs drove to the basket to score but turned the ball over with 4.7 seconds remaining. SGSC was forced to foul on the ensuing East Georgia possession and the Bobcats made both free throws to seal the win. Charles Botchway…

The grand opening of The Heart and Vascular Center at Coffee Regional Medical Center is set for Thursday, Feb. 14 at 11 am. The ceremony will begin promptly at 11 am followed by a ribbon cutting with the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce. Tours of the new cardiac catheterization and heart stent center will be available to all attendees. Light refreshments will be served. Please make plans to join as CRMC celebrates this life-saving program Coffee Regional has worked so hard to see to fruition. The Heart and Vascular Center is located inside Coffee Regional. The public is…

Students at ICE were mesmerized by the Ned Show recently and learned that kindness is always cool. The Ned Show performed amazing magic tricks and explained how we can be kind at school and everywhere including places like Kenya! Students learned that even though the culture is different in Kenya, children in the USA and Kenya have much in common. However, there is a great need for clean water in Kenya, and the Ned Show is on a mission to raise money to help provide fresh water wells there. Students at ICE were given the opportunity to purchase jewelry and…

Coffee High hosted the Region 2 FBLA Leadership Conference recently. CHS students competed with students throughout the region. Here are the students who placed in their events: Ryan Guardado (advances to State) 1st place–Economics 1st place–Political Science Ashni Patel (advances to State) 1st place–Electronic Career Portfolio 1st place–Emerging Business Issues (team event) Paulina Escobar (advances to State) 1st place–Graphic Design (team event) 2nd place–Sales Presentation Samina Patel (advances to State) 1st place–Graphic Design (team event) 1st place–Emerging Business Issues (team event) Jaliyah Jordan (advances to State) 1st place–Client Service Stephen Prado 5th place–Job Interview Timothy Tucker, Caitlyn Cato, Priya Patel,…

This year for the Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards dinner, the Chamber created a new award category in honor of one who consistently and tirelessly worked to make a positive difference in the lives of those not only in this community but also throughout the region and state — one who went about his work without any desire to be recognized nor expectation of accolades. Rather, his motivation ran much deeper and without a doubt, was acknowledged with “well done thy good and faithful servant” at the time it mattered most. This award is named the Garland Thompson Lifetime Achievement…