Author: Submitted

Monroe Ronald “Ronnie” Land, Jr., age 73, of Willacoochee, Georgia passed away on Sunday, August 12, 2018, at his residence. Mr. Land was born on June 21, 1945, in Cross City, Florida the son of Pauline Welch Whiddon and the late Monroe Land, Sr. Ronnie was a wonderful man that was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished. “Sugarfoot” as he was called by so many, was an amazing friend, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle to a host of people around the country. He always offered encouragement and advice and carried an aura of love with him everywhere…

Margaret Tanner Day, age 68, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Sunday, August 12, 2018, at her residence following an extended illness. Mrs. Day was born on May 13, 1950, in Douglas, Georgia the daughter of the late Harvey Tanner and Maggie Brower Tanner. She was a homemaker and worked as a secretary for the First Baptist Church for thirteen years. Mrs. Day was also a member of the First Baptist Church. Mrs. Day was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Hayden “Joe” Day. Survivors include: daughter, Laura Day Busby and husband Steve of Carrier Mills, IL; sons: Andrew…

J.H. Smith, age 81, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Saturday, August 11, 2018, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Mr. Smith was born on June 27, 1937, in Coffee County, Georgia the son of the late Mack Hinnon Smith and Daisy Mae Rowell Smith. He was a self-employed roofer and a member of Living Waters Family Worship. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by: a son, Dexter Hinnon Smith; a brother, Fred Smith; great-grandson, Daniel James Kennedy; and sisters: Vader Foskey, Ruby Thompson, Vera Smith and Eva Heard. Survivors include: his wife, Lurlyne Merritt Smith of Douglas,…

Deborah H. Given, age 64, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Friday, August 10, 2018, at her residence. Mrs. Given was born on March 13, 1954, in Toledo, Ohio the daughter to the late Carlton Samuel Hazlett and June Wilma Fulton Hazlett. She worked at PCC as an assembly operator. Mrs. Given was preceded in death by a brother, Dave Hazlett. Survivors include: sons: Jamie Given of Douglas, GA and John Given and wife Angela of Douglas, GA; daughter, Jessica Martin and husband Paul of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren: Reanna Given, Reagan Given and Jagger Given; brothers: Doug Hazlett of Michigan…

Lois Inez Byrd, age 97, of Oveido, Florida passed away on Thursday, August 9, 2018. Mrs. Byrd was born on February 27, 1921, the daughter to the late Frank Bryan and Sal Elizabeth Bryan. She was a homemaker and a member of Pridgen Baptist Church. Mrs. Byrd was preceded in death by: sisters: Udell Trowell and Alice Ellis; brothers: J.C. Bryan, Robert Bryan and Gene Bryan. Survivors include: sons: Kenneth Byrd and wife Mable of Juliette, GA and Bobby Byrd and wife Kathlee of Oviedo, FL; daughter, Shirley Graham and husband Howard of Summerville, SC; sisters: Edell Merritt of Brunswick,…

On July 12, students from Coffee High School, George Washington Carver-Freshman Campus, and Coffee Middle School traveled together to attend FBLA’s annual Summer Leadership Training in Cordele, Georgia. The event was attended by officers and members from various middle and high schools from around the area. While in attendance, students engaged in leadership and teambuilding activities throughout the day. Students shared ideas with other chapters and members regarding fundraising and community service endeavors. Officers were able to learn more about the duties of their position and how to fulfill them. Then, they were also able to get together to begin…

The Coffee County Adult Education program of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has grants available for students working towards a GED. Students enrolling in GED classes may be eligible for funds to assist with transportation and the cost of the GED tests as well as incentives when completing the GED and entering employment or college. The WIOA Out of School Youth grant is available to students who are at 16-24 years of age and meet other eligibility requirements. Funding is available through a partnership with WorkSource Georgia of the Southern Georgia Regional Commission. The Coffee County Adult Education program is located…

On Tuesday, August 7, 2018, from 4–8 p.m., Douglas residents & children enjoyed spending a fun time with public safety officers at the annual National Night Out Event. This year, organizers held the event at Davis Wade park swimming pool and grounds. Approximately, over 300 residents attended the second Douglas’ National Night Out with public safety officials and enjoyed free hot dogs, free coke products, free school supplies, “Dunk an Officer” dunking booth, pool time, and dance party. Attendees also had a chance to win Bluetooth headsets, a laptop, tablets, and Wild Adventure Tickets. National Night Out is held the…

Sgt. Christopher Cody Phillips was named Interim Chief of the Alma Police Department on Friday, August 10, 2018. Sgt. Phillips was the supervisor of the Crime Suppression Unit created by Chief Michael Leslie. Sgt. Phillips and the former Chief Michael Leslie previously worked together in the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit, a division of the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office. Sgt. Phillips has 10 years of law enforcement experience.

—–August 7th Arrests—– APD arrested Darryl Joyner, 39 of Alma, on an outstanding failure to appear warrants. APD arrested Glen Merrill, 54 of Alma, in the 200 block of Perkins St. for possession of marijuana and theft by receiving stolen property. Merrill was wanted in connection with multiple commercial grade lawnmower engine thefts in Hazlehurst, Ga. —–August 8th Arrests—– APD arrested Aeriton Moore, 18 of Alma, for criminal damage to property, battery, criminal trespass, and interference with a 911 call. Moore’s arrest stemmed from a call for service in the 400 block of S. Pierce St. —–August 10th Arrests—– APD…