Author: Submitted

On the evening of June 9, 2025, deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a disorderly subject. The investigation led to the arrest of 44-year-old Christopher Jordan for allegedly violating a family violence order Jordan was located walking near a business on Highway 158 West. Initially, he denied involvement in the incident but later admitted to a verbal altercation stemming from a personal dispute. Deputies confirmed through video and verbal evidence that Jordan had unlawfully approached an individual he was legally prohibited from contacting. A video recording provided to deputies captured Jordan’s voice during the…

South Georgia State College is pleased to announce Chelsea Preston Graham as its new Assistant Director of Advancement and Annual Fund. She will oversee the daily operations of the South Georgia State College Foundation and work with the Foundation’s Board of Trustees to secure funding for student scholarships and other college programs and initiatives. This role involves fundraising, managing the Foundation’s scholarship program, donor relations, and community engagement. “I am excited to welcome Chelsea to our Advancement team,” said Taylor Hereford, Director of Advancement and Waycross Campus. “Chelsea has deep roots in Douglas-Coffee County, which will serve her very well…

Wade Tanner, age 61, of Axson, Georgia passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his family. Mr. Tanner was born on December 14, 1963, in Ware Co., GA to the late Jess Franklin Tanner and the late Julia Lucille Tanner. He was an avid member and deacon of Stokesville Baptist Church. His survivors include: His beloved wife; Susan Ray Tanner of Axson, GA, two daughters; Madelyn Tanner of Axson, GA, and Jessa Tanner, one sister; Laurie (Carlos) Ely of Douglas, GA, one step-sister; Becky Temple, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in…

Alice McDuffie, age 94, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at her residence. Mrs. McDuffie was born on October 27, 1930 in Jeff Davis County, GA to the late James C. Taylor and the late Mary Taylor. Her survivors include: daughter in law; Sue McDuffie of Douglas, GA, four grandchildren; Angie McDuffie of Douglas, GA, Chris (Elizabeth) McDuffie of Douglas, GA, Renee McDuffie of Douglas, GA, and Felicia (Mark ) Rivers, seven great-grandchildren; Brittany, Kasey, Ashley, Brandon, Jarrett, Emily, Elizabeth, two step grandchildren; Matt Rivers, Brooke Rivers, twelve great-great grandchildren; Valor, Brayden, Autumn, Corbin, Kylynn, Amelia,…

A Coffee County grand jury has indicted Jon Worrell, 57, on murder charges after meeting on June 10, 2025. Worrell was arrested in Maryville, Missouri, on May 20, 2025, and charged with murder in connection with the death of his wife, Doris Worrell, in September of 2006. He has been in the Coffee County Jail since May 22, 2025.   The grand jury returned true bills on three charges: Malice murder, felony murder, and conspiracy to commit murder.   On September 20, 2006, Doris Worrell was fatally shot inside the Worrell family’s business, Jon’s Sports Park. The focus of the…

Fred C. Barrs Jr., age 77 of Douglas, GA, passed away on Friday June 13, 2025 following an extended illness. Mr. Barrs was born on March 19, 1948 in Coffee County, GA to the late Fred C. Barrs Sr. and Beatie Pearl Lott Barrs. Survivors include: his beloved wife; Linda Sue Barrs of Douglas, three sons; Craig Anthony (Sherri) Barrs of Douglas, GA, Jeffery DeWayne (Kelly) Barrs of Nicholls, GA, Ray (Cheryl) Odum Jr. of Douglas, GA, eight grandchildren; Netania Barrs, Tyler Barrs, Shianna Barrs, Kelsi Barrs, Jason Odum, Michael Odum, Ryan Odum, Chrystal McGowen, several great grandchildren, one sister;…

Mercer University recently announced the President’s List and Dean’s List for the spring 2025 semester. Inclusion on these lists requires students to meet rigorous GPA standards specific to the college or school within the University. Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a dynamic and comprehensive center of undergraduate, graduate and professional education. The University enrolls more than 9,200 students in 12 schools and colleges – liberal arts and sciences, law, pharmacy, medicine, business, engineering, education, theology, music, nursing, health professions, and professional advancement – on major campuses in Macon and Atlanta, medical school sites in Macon, Savannah and Columbus, and…

A dangerous incident that involved a stolen vehicle, armed suspects allegedly firing at law enforcement during a chase, and a crash at the intersection of Highway 441 and Highway 280 in near McCrae ended Thursday afternoon with both suspects in custody and no serious injuries, according to Laurens County Sheriff Larry Dean. The chase began when Laurens County deputies attempted to stop a stolen vehicle. The suspects refused to stop, allegedly fired at the deputies, and led officers on a chase south on Highway 441. The vehicle crashed and the suspects jumped out of the vehicle fled, eventually crossing the…

Coffee Regional Medical Center is proud to share that members of its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team recently participated in advanced simulation training provided by the University of South Florida’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) through their “CAMLS Without Walls” program. This incredible opportunity was made possible through the generosity and support of the American Hospital Association (AHA). This high-level training focused on pre-hospital airway management and was delivered onsite in Coffee County by expert clinical simulation faculty from CAMLS. The session provided EMS professionals with enhanced skills in critical airway techniques, including: “Thanks to the support…

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, has arrested two individuals following the death of a 7-month-old infant who had sustained signs of prolonged abuse. The child passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025, after multiple medical interventions were unsuccessful. The investigation began on Friday, June 6, 2025, at approximately 9:50 a.m., when Coffee County 911 received a call regarding a medical emergency involving an unresponsive infant at a residence on Kamera Road. EMS arrived to find the infant without a pulse. First responders began life-saving measures and transported the child to Coffee Regional…