Author: Submitted

The Douglas Rotary Club donated $1,000 to Called to Care during its July 24th meeting. In announcing the donation Rotary Secretary Mark Miller, a volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Coffee County, noted that Ms. Michelle Tucker and Called to Care are providing beds, clothing, school supplies and sporting equipment for three foster families he serves as they support DFACS case managers working with many other children in foster care. Douglas Rotary is a service organization seeking to advance the service ideals of Rotary International by investing time and resources in programs for children and youth, community development, disease…

A special election to fill the District 1 county commission vacancy will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, according to the Coffee County elections office. That is the same day the general election for two Public Service Commission seats will also be held. On Sunday, June 22, 2025, Commissioner Oscar Paulk, who had held the District 1 seat since January 1, 2015, passed away after a brief illness. Qualifying for the District 1 election will take place from 8:30 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The qualifying fee is $127.17. Qualifying…

On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, deputies from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Hank DeWayne Harper, 58, following notification of an outstanding warrant issued by the State of Florida. The warrant, which was officially issued on July 22, 2025, stemmed from violations of Florida state law and was entered into the national database as active and extraditable. Upon receiving confirmation of the warrant, Coffee County deputies acted promptly to locate Harper, who is a registered sex offender, and apprehended him. Harper was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held at the Coffee County Jail. He remains in custody awaiting…

On Friday, July 18, 2025, the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit executed a search warrant at a residence near Alderman Drive as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. During the search, officers discovered a quantity of crack cocaine and marijuana, along with other evidence consistent with illegal drug activity. In addition to the narcotics, investigators recovered a large amount of cash in small denominations, which is commonly associated with street-level drug sales. Officers also located a black Glock 22 Gen 4 pistol inside the residence. As a result of the search and evidence recovered, Marquavious Deundre Walker, 25, of Douglas, was taken…

The South Georgia Energy Authority held its historic inaugural meeting yesterday at Ocilla City Hall, marking a significant milestone in regional energy development and economic growth for South Georgia. The newly formed authority, created through the passage of Senate Bill 206 signed by Governor Brian Kemp, represents a groundbreaking collaboration to advance energy infrastructure and economic opportunities across the region. During the meeting, the authority made key organizational decisions that will shape its future direction. Matt Seale was appointed as Chairman of the South Georgia Energy Authority, bringing extensive experience in energy and economic development to lead the organization. Ocilla…

The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that unemployment increased slightly in all 12 of Georgia’s regional commissions in June. “June’s unemployment trends tell a familiar story — Georgia’s students are stepping into our workforce as schools let out for summer, creating the temporary unemployment and hiring fluctuations typical for this time of year,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “With Georgia’s recent historic announcement of 5 million jobs, these students are stepping into a local workforce that belongs to them, in a state that’s proven over and over that when Georgians show up, opportunity follows.” Please see a…

With the grand opening of Unity Park, the City would like to remind everyone that some parks remain open in the city limits. When visiting parks, everyone must respect themselves, others, and the park property. City parks have rules and regulations that need to be followed, and officials would also like to highlight some specific rules regarding park behavior. To reserve a park shelter, there is a $100 deposit and a $50 rental fee. Reservations must be made by an adult (age 18 or older) with proper picture I.D and reservations may be made no earlier than one year in…

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the arrest of Anthony Cleveland Goodwin, age 48, a registered sex offender who was wanted for failure to comply with state registration laws. Goodwin was taken into custody on July 23, 2025, and is currently being held at the Coffee County Jail. He is charged with a felony violation for failing to register as a sex offender and for providing false or incomplete information as required by Georgia state law. An investigation was initiated immediately upon Goodwin’s failure to report a change of address after vacating his last known residence. According to state…

Debra Ann Lopez, age 63 of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20th, 2025. She was born on February 4th, 1962, the daughter of Henry Virgil Hersey and Flora Ann Key. Her survivors include: her beloved husband, Tony Lopez of Douglas, GA; two daughters, Angel Maria Gonzales of Douglas, GA and Amanda Duque of Douglas, GA; mother, Ann Hersey Millard of Douglas, GA; three sons, Timmothy Hall of Valdosta, GA, Zackery Hall of Eastman, GA and Matthew Hall of Madison, Fl; twelve grandchildren, Jonathan Hall, Maira Hall, Midajah Rodriguez, Camden Hall, Nathan Little, Liam Moreno, Colby Hall, Haley…

Mrs. Jean Carol Smith Rawlins, age 74, of Broxton, Georgia, passed away Saturday morning, July 19, 2025 at Hospice Satilla in Waycross, Georgia following an extended illness. Mrs. Rawlins was born February 17, 1951 in Coffee County, Georgia to the late Josh Daniel “J.D.” Smith and the late Vera Smith. She was a retired Emergency Room Charge Nurse at Coffee Regional Medical Center. She loved the outdoors and as long as her health permitted she could be found hunting and fishing as well as tending her flowers in her yard. She also enjoyed shopping and most of all, spending time…