Author: Submitted

Margaret Ann Merritt, age 57, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Mrs. Merritt was born in Douglas, Georgia the daughter of the late William “Billy” Riggins and Lovie Ann Thomas Riggins. She was a quality inspector for Pilgrim’s Pride and was a member of Saving Grace Ministries. Mrs. Merritt was preceded in death by a sister, Becky Teresa Anderson. Survivors include: her daughter, Jessica Spivey and husband Roy of Douglas, GA; son, Joseph Merritt and wife Jana of Douglas, GA; sister, Sandra Chaney and husband Danny of Douglas,…

Mr. C. A. “Buddy” Carver, age 77, of Broxton passed away early Monday morning, August 6, 2018, at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, following a short illness. Mr. Carver was born October 21, 1940, to the late Alfred “Alf” Carver and the late Velma Young Carver. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by 4 Brothers: J. T. Carver, Milton Carver, Vernon Carver and Donnie Carver and 2 sisters: Wilma Spivey and Oda Morgan. Survivors include: his wife of 57 Years, Brenda Lashley Carver of Broxton, GA.; daughters: Twanda Ricketson and her husband Jimmy of Douglas, GA, and…

Mr. Colie H. Pitts, age 74, of Douglas, passed away Friday afternoon, July 27, 2018, at his residence following an extended illness. He was born December 28, 1943, to the late Madison Thompson Pitts and the late Juanita Nettles Pitts. Mr. Pitts was a self-employed carpenter, doing home improvements. He was a veteran of the US Navy, where he had served eight years in the Navy Submarine Service. He was also an avid deer and turkey hunter. Colie loved to fly his Aeronca Plane “Susie Q” whenever he got the chance. Survivors include: his wife, Patricia Justine Pitts of Douglas,…

With back to school around the corner, the City of Douglas would like to remind everyone to be mindful of pedestrians while driving. Drivers must stop and stay stopped for pedestrians under the Georgia Crosswalk Law that has been in effect since 1995. “More children and adults will be using sidewalks and crosswalks during the year,” says City Manager Charles Davis. “We want everyone to avoid a ticket and save lives while being more observant while driving.” Georgia codes say drivers must stay stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the roadway. It is illegal for drivers to “squeeze by”,…

APD charged Cindy Lee, 51 of Alma, and Steve William, 56 of Alma, for theft by receiving stolen property. These charges were the result of the discovery of a lawn mower engine valued at $1,550.00 which had been stolen from a location in Hazlehurst and discovered in Lee’s vehicle. APD has also secured arrest warrants for Jessie Amon Ivey, 31 of Alma, for theft by receiving stolen property. APD and investigators with the Hazlehurst Police Department recovered two more lawnmower engines which had been stolen from a Hazlehurst location. These engines were recovered from a home in Bacon County. If…

In April 2018, a Public Protection Classification (PPC) survey of the Douglas Fire Department was conducted. The PPC survey analyzed the structural fire suppression delivery system within the city of Douglas. As a result of this survey, the City of Douglas moved from a class three to a class two. In the United States, there are only 1,324 class two fire departments. This class two grade plays an important role in the underwriting process at insurance companies. A class two rating ensures fire insurance coverage will remain the same and save Douglas homeowners and businesses in insurance costs. The lower…

The City of Douglas Human Resource Department hosted its first Job Fair and Resource Expo on Thursday, August 2, 2018, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the JD Murray Gymnasium located on the George Washington Carver Freshman Campus. Employers and resource agencies from local and out of town businesses were available for citizens to apply for jobs, seek guidance, and receive helpful resource materials for their career path. “I would like to thank everyone that came out and played a role in making our first job fair a success. Thanks to the vendors and employers that took the time…

The Pearson Learning Center of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is now accepting new students to enroll in free GED Classes. New student orientation for day classes are held every Monday morning, 8 a.m.-Noon and every Tuesday at 5-8 p.m. for evening classes. The Pearson Learning Center is located at 59 North Pearson Street in Pearson and classes are offered Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-Noon and Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5-8:00 p.m. Call 912-422-7004 for more information or visit www.wiregrass.edu/adulted.

The Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the ribbon cutting and grand opening for Ellianos’ second location at 1351 Southeast Bowen Mill Road. Ellianos is owned and operated by Dr. Larry and Sue Hutchinson along with their son and daughter-in-law Spencer and Kacie Hutchison. The Hutchison Family provided guests with irresistible muffins, cookies and coffee! Chamber Board Chairman Donny Bradshaw, Chamber Executive Board Member Tracy McClelland, College Ave Baptist Church Pastor Mark Mercer, and Mayor Pro Tem Durham were in attendance to show their support of Ellianos’ business expansion. In Douglas-Coffee County, business is brewing and so is a…

Dr. Morris Leis, Superintendent of Coffee County School System, was the speaker at the Douglas Kiwanis Club meeting on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, at the Flyin’ Cowboy restaurant. He spoke about the accomplishments for the school year 2017-18, the new five-year strategic plan, actions taken to increase security at all schools and ESPLOST V. The Kiwanis Club members enjoyed and appreciated his presentation.