The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Johnny Wendell Tarrant, 32, of West Green, following an investigation into the alleged theft and fraudulent use of a debit card belonging to an elderly family member. According to the investigation, Tarrant allegedly stole the debit card and linked it to his personal financial accounts. Investigators determined that Tarrant then conducted 36 separate transactions, transferring funds from the elderly family member’s account into his own. The transactions resulted in an estimated financial loss of $3,095. The original incident report documents unauthorized withdrawals from the account and identifies Tarrant as the individual suspected of…
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South Georgia State College (SGSC) made a $67.8 million impact on the regional economy and was responsible for more than 603 jobs locally during fiscal year 2025. “South Georgia State College’s impact reaches far beyond our campuses,” said SGSC President Dr. Greg Tanner. “Every student we educate, every partnership we build and every graduate who enters the workforce contributes to the strength of South Georgia. This $67.8 million economic impact demonstrates that investing in higher education is also an investment in our communities, our businesses and the long-term prosperity of our region.” Dr. Tanner highlighted SGSC’s dedication to supporting local…
The City of Douglas is inviting all apartment complex managers within the city limits to a collaboration meeting on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 10 a.m. at City Hall (302 S. Madison Avenue). The meeting will continue discussions on a proposed local ordinance aimed at helping deter criminal activity in Douglas apartment communities. The goal is to create a practical, cooperative approach between apartment managers/owners, the city, and law enforcement to improve safety community-wide. Managers are asked to come prepared with a safety improvement plan, including details on installing or expanding security cameras, providing appropriate camera access to the Douglas Police Department,…
At the City Commission meeting on Monday, August 10, 2026, Mayor Tony Paulk had the honor of swearing in the members of the 2026-2027 Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council. This year, the mayor welcomed 10 enthusiastic students from Douglas and Coffee County. During the ceremony, Mayor Paulk encouraged parents and citizens to support the youth, highlighting the crucial role that adults play in shaping young individuals into outstanding citizens who truly represent the community. Established in 2017, the mission of the Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council is to broaden the scope of youth leadership in Douglas through volunteerism, service, and initiatives that…
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College President DeAnnia Clements is pleased to announce the Summer Semester President’s List and Dean’s List. The President’s List includes outstanding students who were enrolled full-time for 12 credit hours or more and achieved a grade point average of 3.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale during the Summer Semester 2026. Here are the following students on the President’s List for Summer Semester 2026 from Coffee and Atkinson counties: Atkinson: Miyelez Alfaro, Joshua Bennett, and Brenton Steele Coffee: Kalee Hendricks, Cristian Martinez, Esmen Mendoza, and Idashia Tucker Wiregrass would like to also recognize students who made the…
Coffee Regional Medical Center is pleased to welcome Douglas native Ian Furtado, M.D., to the medical staff and CRH Family Medicine Group. Dr. Furtado will begin seeing patients Thursday, October 1, 2026, and is now accepting new patients. A board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Furtado brings a strong connection to the Coffee County community and a broad range of experience in providing comprehensive primary care. After growing up in Douglas, Dr. Furtado attended the University of Georgia before earning his medical degree from the Medical University of the Americas in Nevis, with clinical training in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Most recently,…
South GeorgiaLEADS (SGL) has selected its 2026–2027 Regional Leadership Initiative class, bringing together professionals from across South Georgia for an eight-month experience focused on regional understanding, collaboration, and leadership. Class members represent a broad range of industries and community organizations, including business, education, economic development, government, and the nonprofit sector. Through monthly sessions held in communities across the region, participants will gain firsthand knowledge of South Georgia’s assets, examine shared challenges, and build relationships that extend beyond county and organizational boundaries. The Regional Leadership Initiative is supported by Sustaining Sponsor Georgia Power Company and Presenting Sponsor Colony Bank, along with…
A total of 385 South Georgia State College students have earned a spot on the Summer 2026 Academic Recognition Lists, according to an announcement today by Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs, Sara Selby. 20 students earned a spot on the President’s List, 20 on the Dean’s List, and 345 on the Academic Honors List. Students enrolled in 12 or more semester hours of study with a grade point average of 4.0 are placed on the President’s List for the semester. Students with a semester average of 3.5 to 3.9 on 12 or more semester hours of study are…
Detectives with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Division have concluded multiple investigations involving identity theft, financial transaction card theft, and fraud, resulting in felony charges against three individuals. The cases highlight an ongoing increase in financial and identity related crimes being investigated by CCSO detectives. In one investigation, Eduardo Santiago, 55, of Douglas, was identified after a purse was stolen from a shopping cart at Walmart on July 21, 2026. Financial transaction cards inside the purse were subsequently used without authorization at multiple businesses in Douglas. Santiago faces one count of Financial Transaction Card Theft and four counts…
Joseph Victor Jimenez, age 60, of Douglas, GA, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026. He was born on October 21, 1965, the son of the late Paul Jimenez and the late Melba Jimenez. His survivors include two sisters, Paula (Mike) Burns of Elko, GA, and Sheri (Danny) Dees of Willacoochee, GA; one niece, Sonya Grantham of Cordele, GA; five nephews, Tim (Treasure) Swift of Warner Robins, GA, Tom (Suzie) Swift of Warner Robins, GA, Christopher (Felicia) Grantham of Axson, GA, Dane Caskin of Atlanta, GA, and Jacob (Hannah) Dees of Douglas, GA; nine great-nieces and great-nephews; and one great-great-niece.…