Author: Submitted

The Georgia WWII Heritage Trail, a network of museums and historic sites across Georgia dedicated to preserving the stories of the Greatest Generation, will reach a new milestone by marking its fourth anniversary on February 21, 2025. This statewide initiative offers a mix of aviation history, military training sites, and home front contributions and emphasizes collective remembrance. Each site offers unique exhibits, programs, and experiences that delve into various aspects of Georgia’s involvement in World War II. “The Trail serves as an educational and tourism initiative,” said Ed Coleman, Georgia WWII Heritage Trail Chair. “Our mission is to encourage visitors…

An extensive investigation lasting over a month has wrapped up involving a chaotic New Year’s Eve party that saw more than 30 juveniles in attendance alongside a limited number of adults. The evening spiraled out of control when a physical altercation broke out between two juveniles, leading one of them to call her mother for assistance. However, the situation escalated further when the mother arrived, resulting in her being physically attacked by several juveniles present at the party. This alarming turn of events led to the arrest of Jazmin Cruz, an 18-year-old from Douglas, who was taken into custody for…

A newly unsealed federal indictment alleges dozens of defendants, many of them in prison, participated in an extensive drug trafficking operation spanning several South Georgia communities. The indictment in USA v. Brinson, et al., names 37 individuals in the Coffee, Atkinson, and Bacon County area as conspirators, charging them with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Oxycodone, and Marijuana, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Conviction on the charge carries a maximum penalty of up to life in prison for most defendants, along with substantial financial penalties and a…

December sees increase in unemployment across in South Georgia The Georgia Department of Labor has today that unemployment claims declined across most of Georgia’s regional commissions in December. However, unemployment was up in the Southern Georgia Regional Commission coverage area. “Georgia means business,” said GDOL Interim Successor Louis DeBroux. “With historic job growth nearing 5 million and unemployment rates outperforming the national average, Georgia is well on the way to making history. By expanding opportunities for all Georgians and attracting top-tier companies to every corner of the state, our story continues to be one of resilience and sustained economic success for the…

By: Stan Popovich It can be frustrating to struggle with your mental health and to get your family and friends to understand where you are coming from. Although most people may be understanding, there is usually one or two people who will make things more challenging for you. As a result, here are six suggestions on how to deal with the people you know regarding your mental health situation. 1. Listen to the professionals: Your friends may mean well, but when it comes down to it, the professionals are aware of your circumstances more than anyone. It is important that you…

The City of Douglas Fire Department recently held its annual banquet to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its firefighters. During the event, they recognized the Firefighter of the Year, Officer of the Year, and those with significant years of service. This annual dinner provides an opportunity for firefighters to connect with each other and with retirees. Additionally, new members are welcomed as they embark on their promising careers. “We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and performance of our firefighters,” says Mayor Tony Paulk. “They work tirelessly, undergo rigorous training, and respond exceptionally well when called upon. The City of…

Family, friends, and co-workers will remember the life and legacy of Neil Sims on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Mr. Sims passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Zebulon Park Health and rehabilitation in Macon following an extended illness. Mr. Sims was born on January 29, 1934, in Douglas to the late Charles Morea Sims and Willie Mae Cornelius Sims. A life-long public servant, Mr. Sims served the Douglas-Coffee County community in a number of capacities, primarily through his family’s funeral home and his 35 years as coroner but in many other ways as well. Neil was born and raised…

Mayor Tony Paulk was awarded the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute’s Certificate of Dedication during the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) Cities United Summit on January 26, 2025. The Cities United Summit serves as a platform where city leaders gather to gain insights on legislative agendas, engage in essential training, and connect with Georgia’s Senators and Representatives at the State Capitol. Recipients of the Certificate of Dedication have completed at least 276 hours of training, including at least 108 hours from the required list, 18 hours of which must be from the Advanced Leadership track, and the Robert E. Knox,…

The much-anticipated Viking Clash VEX Robotics Tournament held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Lowndes High School in Valdosta proved to be an exhilarating display of innovation, teamwork, and engineering excellence. Teams from across the region and state competed in this high-stakes event, showcasing the future of STEM and robotics. This was an end-of-the-season tournament, so some high-quality teams were competing for a last-chance invite to the VEX Robotics world qualifier.Twenty-five teams competed in the all-day tournament with Coffee High Robotics entering three robots. Two of the three CHS teams finished strong in a very competitive tournament with the team…

It’s been a busy basketball season thus far for the Citizens Christian Academy Patriots and Lady Patriots. Both GIAA Class A teams face a difficult strength of schedule, matching up with several GIAA AAAA, AAA, and AA schools and a GHSA A school. Junior Blake Bryant is averaging a double-double this season with 16 points and 12 rebounds per game. A couple of weeks ago, Bryant scored his 1000th career point. He reached the milestone at home against Terrell. Currently, the Patriots are ranked #1 in GIAA Class A, with an overall record of 11-7, including their biggest win of…