Author: Submitted

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College will be hosting a community listening session on Tuesday, January 21 at 9:00 am and 5:00 pm in the Planning Room on the Coffee Campus. The purpose of the listening sessions is to receive feedback and input from the communities the college serves. This is part of the strategic planning process and aims to engage local stakeholders, businesses, and community members in shaping the future of the college and its role in the community. The college is looking for feedback on programs offered and making sure the skills and qualifications meet the needs of the business. The…

On January 6, 2025, officers from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office executed a warrant targeting the residence of Ramon Ortiz on Sand Hill Church Road. Upon arrival, the officers did not find Ortiz at his home. However, as they were departing, they observed a pickup truck approaching the residence, occupied by Ortiz and a passenger. The officers quickly approached the vehicle and detained Ortiz due to an outstanding probation warrant. During a brief inspection of the vehicle, officers discovered a quantity of methamphetamine, which was determined to belong to Ortiz. The passenger in the vehicle was identified and subsequently released…

Georgia forest landowners impacted by Hurricane Helene are getting welcome news about recovery assistance. Two special state relief programs were made available to applicants in disaster-designated counties and approvals are now being issued by the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). Both programs address wildfire risk and public safety in the wake of the storm that left $1.28 billion in damages to Georgia’s timber resource. “Hurricane Helene produced a tremendous amount of loss to private landowners, and this newly released aid of $25 million will make a real difference from the threat of wildfires,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo. “We’re…

Coffee County educator and artist Lee Mobley has added a new title to his resume: children’s book author. Mobley, who has served the Coffee County School System as a teacher, elementary principal, and currently as assistant superintendent, recently checked off a major bucket list item by publishing “This or That? Making Choices Every Day Helps Us Learn and Find Our Way.” The book introduces young readers to the joy of decision-making through whimsical and imaginative scenarios. From choosing between “brushing the hair of a bear or sitting on an alligator chair” to “riding a mule to school or taking a shark…

Coffee Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Lora C. Denton, MD, MACP, as the Director of its new Internal Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Denton, a Professor of Medicine at Mercer University School of Medicine – Savannah Campus, brings over 16 years of experience in medical education and leadership, making her the ideal choice to lead CRMC’s developing residency program. Dr. Denton began teaching residents in her private practice in 1998 and has been an integral part of Mercer University School of Medicine as a full-time faculty member since 2007. She began as an Assistant Professor, advanced…

The South Georgia State College Police Department is pleased to announce the addition of its newest certified police officer, Christopher “Ryan” Troupe. Officer Troupe brings valuable experience from his years of service with the Georgia Department of Corrections. Now, as a member of SGSC PD, he is eager to continue advancing his career in law enforcement and contributing to the safety and security of the college community. In December 2024, Officer Troupe successfully completed his training at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center Police Academy, earning his certification as a police officer. SGSC is excited to have Officer Troupe join…

Hurst & Hurst CPAs, a leader in tax and accounting for small businesses, has announced that Stacia Creamer has joined their tax team. Creamer joins Hurst & Hurst as a tax accountant and will be playing a crucial role with tax returns in the firm’s growing client base. Creamer’s enthusiasm, attention to detail, and commitment to providing the best service to clients makes her a perfect fit for our team. Stacia has a background with 12 years in payroll and accounting, helping her to understand the scope of Hurst & Hurts’s business clients. Stacia is married to Kalin and a…

Facing grief over the loss of loved one? You are not alone. Douglas First Methodist Church is hosting GriefShare, a 13-week support group to navigate through the process of losing a family member or friend. The video-supported groups facilitated by spouses Denise and Mark Miller help participants understand the difficult emotions of grief. Beginning on Thursday, January 16 at 6 p.m., the 90-minute group will focus on loneliness and sadness, the grief journey and what to expect in the grieving process. GriefShare will be held at Douglas First Methodist, 311 Madison, Douglas, GA, in the Pennell Room. Coffee, tea and…

Mr. Henry Lee “Hank” McDaniel and Mrs. Mona Diane Doolittle (Gerald Doolittle) of Fitzgerald, GA, are ecstatic to announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their daughter, Hannah Nicole McDaniel, to Bryce Gavin Carver, son of the late Mr. James Harry Carver and Mrs. Sabrina Jean Carver of Douglas, GA. Hannah McDaniel is the maternal granddaughter of the late Mr. Rosby Lee Mulkey and Mrs. Julia F. Jones and the late Mr. George Jones of Fitzgerald, GA. She is the paternal granddaughter of the late Mr. Henry Leon McDaniel and the late Mrs. Ernestine McDaniel of Irwinville, GA. Bryce Carver…

The City of Douglas and GFL Environmental will continue to offer free residential Junk Drop-Off Days to help citizens rid properties of excess trash and large items. Normally, the dates are on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays (excluding holiday weekends) each month at Shirley Avenue (corner of Shirley Ave. and College Park Dr.) from 8:30am-11:45am. Citizens must be in the drop-off line prior to 11:30am. The drop-off dates for 2025 are as follows: January 4 & 18, February 1 & 15, March 1 & 15, April 5 & 19, May 3 & 17, June 7 & 21, July 19, August…