Author: Submitted

Mary Elaine Lee, age 75. of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at her residence, where she was surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born on April 22, 1950, to the late William Carlos Johnson and the late Odenia Harvey Johnson. Her survivors include: one daughter, Ruby “Kay” (Marcos) Mejia of Douglas, GA; one stepdaughter, Melissa (Jamie) Edge of Douglas, GA; three sisters, Willene Rigdon of Alma, GA, Vicki Sheree Kelly of Alabama, and Karen Diane (Berry) McCarty of Alma, GA; two grandchildren, Hannah Danielle (Eutiquio) Guzman and Tony (Emily Roberson) Bustos; and four…

By Michael Dockery For too long, South Georgia has been treated as an afterthought in Atlanta. When problems pile up — whether it’s the rising cost of living, struggling schools, or even basic infrastructure like water and sewer systems — our communities are often left to wait until a crisis forces action. That’s not the way leadership should work. Our families, our farmers, our small businesses, and our seniors deserve steady, consistent advocacy — not just attention when things are falling apart. Leadership means listening, planning ahead, and putting our communities first every single day. As a teacher, husband, father,…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is proud to announce a new apprenticeship partnership with Wildflower Café in Valdosta. This partnership is particularly special; the café’s owner, Chef Heidi Shelley, is a Wiregrass Culinary Arts graduate who has come full circle—from student to successful entrepreneur and now mentor. Wiregrass Culinary Arts student Jenna McCollum has joined the Wildflower Café team as an apprentice, gaining valuable hands-on experience while continuing her education at Wiregrass. The college’s apprenticeship program blends classroom instruction with on-the-job learning, allowing local businesses like Wildflower Café to build a stronger, more sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals. For apprentices, it…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College President DeAnnia Clements is proud to announce that the college achieved record-breaking graduation numbers for Academic Year 2025. Two significant records were set: the highest number of graduates, with 2,141, and the highest number of awards conferred, totaling 3,404. The total number of awards includes degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates earned. Many students received multiple awards. “This past year, the college had to move from two commencement ceremonies a year to three due to space concerns with the venue to accommodate the growing number of graduates and their guests,” shared President Clements. The college also reports…

Friday afternoon, the South Georgia State College baseball team recognized players who participate in the local Miracle League. The Douglas-Coffee County Board of Realtors sponsored the event, which brought Miracle League players to the ballpark to spend a few minutes with the SGSC Hawks. On Friday, the Hawks played a fall game against the Florida State College – Jacksonville Manta Rays. The SGSC players went into the stands and spoke with the players, signed autographs, and posed for pictures. Just before the game began, three Miracle Leage players – Anthony Bigbee, Brittany Saylor, and Montgomery Preston – threw out first…

On Friday, October 17, 2025, deputies responded to a report of a violent home invasion involving an 85-year-old victim. Upon arrival, deputies found the victim suffering from visible injuries to his wrist, leg, and neck, with blood observed on the floor and surrounding items within the home. The victim reported that he was attacked by a man later identified as Jonathan Tucker, who had previously performed yard work for him approximately one year ago. Earlier in the week, the victim stated he encountered Tucker at a local gas station, where Tucker allegedly demanded $600, claiming unpaid wages from prior work.…

The Army West Point women’s cross country team defeated Navy in dominant fashion on Saturday morning, putting together a perfect score to capture the first star of the day in the Army-Navy Star Series presented by USAA. CHS graduate and former Trojan Kate Merritt, a junior at West Point, toed the line against Navy in the 6K race.Army’s Charlotte Richman was the individual winner with a blistering time of 19.49.6, which is a new personal best for the senior out of Portland, Ore. She finished 25 seconds ahead of second place. Richman’s previous best 6k time was 20:16.5 at the Patriot League…

It’s free! So why not apply? There are no fees in November for potential students to apply to South Georgia State College. Currently, SGSC offers five bachelor’s degrees – the Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences (BSBS), Management (BSM), Nursing (BSN), Early Childhood/Special Educations(P-5) (ELE/SPED), and Mechanical Engineering Technology (BSMET). Associate degrees are also offered in over 20 transfer pathways of study. Known as a state college within the University System of Georgia, the potential exists for SGSC to offer additional baccalaureate degrees in the future. Graduates can quite literally go anywhere in the University System of Georgia and…

Members of the Coffee Middle School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) along with advisors Ashley Harden and Candace Minshew, recently attended the annual Fall Motivational Rally held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry. This highly anticipated event brought together FBLA members from across the state to celebrate leadership, teamwork, and the spirit of business education. During the rally, students heard from inspiring keynote speakers, participated in engaging leadership sessions, and learned about upcoming competitive events and opportunities within FBLA. The experience encouraged members to set personal and chapter goals for the year while fostering enthusiasm for…

Ms. Bridgett Lynn Merritt Wampler, age 63, of Ambrose, Georgia passed away peacefully at her residence on Thursday evening, October 16, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones following a recent decline in health. Bridgette was born August 6, 1962, in Douglas, Georgia, to the late Dan Merritt and the late Betty Lou Bostic Merritt. Bridgette was a retired postal carrier, serving for 18 years with the Broxton Post Office. She loved her children and grandchildren, and she enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. Her greatest enjoyment and relaxation was found in time spent at the beach. Bridgette is survived…