Author: Submitted

The Douglas Police Department recently released its crime stats for the year of 2017. In comparison to the 2016 crime stats, 2017 crime stats indicate that crime in Douglas has decreased by 21.68 percent. I applaud each and every person, from the Police Department to neighborhood residents, who have worked to make this decrease in crime. Our community is safer because of pro-active employees and citizens. Douglas is broken down into four zones, which has proven to be the most effective way for the Police Department to set up zone patrol and response areas. Over the last year, the Police…

FFA Week at Coffee Middle School was a lot of fun for the members and CMS. The competitions were interesting, and we congratulate all of the winners. Thanks to everyone who participated in the activities. Mrs. Hester and Mr. Stodghill have a great group of students to work with. FFA TRIVIA WINNERS: Monday: Rhett Robinson; Tuesday: Mauri Fletcher; Wednesday: Sarah Davis; Thursday: Haley Redden The winner of the $25 iTunes card for dressing up every day was Dylan Adams! Mrs. Whitley’s homeroom in Cluster 7E won the Sock Drive contest. They collected the most socks this week for the nursing…

By Hannah Spivey, GWCFC journalism student The following numbers revolve around one common theme: 653,359. 41,000+. 8,568. 3. 1. Can you guess the theme? Here’s a hint: National Blue and Corn Gold. If you still can’t figure it out, the answer is the National FFA Organization. There are 653,359 members in the organization. There are 8,568 chapters between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. 41,000+ members are involved in one of the 475 FFA chapters in Georgia. This statistic ranks GA number three in membership with one common theme: THE BLUE CORDUROY JACKET! That’s right, one simple blue…

The South Georgia State College Hawks outscored the Atlanta Metro Trailblazers 18-9 in the final eight minutes to pull away for their 20th win of the season, 75-62. The Hawks (20-7, 9-4) led by as many as 15 points in the first half only to see their lead shrink to three (36-33) at halftime. Head coach Cory Baldwin pointed to a cold shooting streak by the Hawks and the Trailblazers’s ability to score in the lane that made the game close. “They (Atlanta Metro) were able to penetrate the lane and make some shots,” he said. “We did a good…

JUNIOR/SENIOR PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT Coffee County Junior and Senior 4-H members traveled to Rock Eagle 4-H Center the weekend of February 9-11 and competed in District Project Achievement. Thirty-five students completed portfolios. This portfolio accounts for 40-50 percent of their total DPA score. They also had to present a 10-12 minute presentation on their project which accounted for the balance of their score. We had sixteen Junior participants to compete and their projects and placings were J.J. Aldridge, Target Sports; Ashton Ates, Better Breakfast, 1st; Amelia Crockett, Public Speaking, 1st; Ashlynn Fletcher, Festive Foods for Health, 3rd; Terryanna Harris, Photography, 3rd;…

A suspected local drug dealer is in custody after an irate customer called police to report being ripped off. Douglas police officers responded to a home on Irma Ave. around 2 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, after a complainant reported an individual at the residence had stolen $100 from her while she was attempting to purchase crack cocaine. Officers made contact with 58-year-old Ray Louder, Jr. and the home, where they detected the strong aroma of marijuana and were able to view suspected drug residue. Officers detained Louder at that time while agents from the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit secured a search…

Two area nurses were arrested by Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit (DCDU) agents this week on methamphetamine and other drug-related charges during separate incidents. Coffee County K-9 officers and DCDU agents conducted a traffic stop Wednesday on Ga. Hwy. 158 after the driver failed to maintain her lane of travel. The driver was identified as 47-year-old Shonda Latain Royals of Douglas. A subsequent search of Royals’ vehicle yielded the discovery of the prescription anti-anxiety medication Xanax and a quantity of methamphetamine. Royals was jailed and charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a drug-related object. On…

Bradley Jeurell Foskey, age 64, of Douglas, GA passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, in Douglas, Ga. Mr. Foskey was born on July 24, 1953, in Douglas, Georgia to the late Jewell Foskey and Lavada Smith Foskey. He is survived by: his wife, Faye Foskey of Douglas, GA; son, Shane and wife Patricia Foskey of McRae, GA; sisters: Barbara Strickland, B’Nai Strickland; brother, Brian Strickland; grandchildren: Kaliegh Cooner, Destini Cooner, Shane Foskey, Lila Foskey, Alydian Foskey, Amina Foskey; step-daughter, Marsha Hersey; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial date at a later date

Corporal Robert Joughin Riles, age 96, of Jacksonville, FL passed away on Monday, February 12, 2018, at McGraw Center for Caring, in Jacksonville. Corporal Riles was born on March 17, 1921, in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Robert Jefferson Riles and Evelyn Pearl Joughin Riles. He served in the WWII, 5th medical battalion in the United States Marine Corps in battle of Iwojima. Corporal Riles was a pilot and flight instructor in Jacksonville, Florida, a past president of the Lion’s club in Waycross, GA, also active with the Lion’s camp for the blind. He had a love for Doberman pincher…

Laverne Faulkner Martin passed away on February 12, 2018. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, cunning wit, and special times shared with family and friends. Mrs. Martin was known for her clever candor, caring attitude towards those in need of second chances, and great love of gardening. Those who knew her best held a deep appreciation for the whimsical way Laverne would quip with glancing thought, and then carry on as if nothing was any different. Raised in South Georgia, Laverne was the daughter of a share-crop farmer and a seamstress who both taught her how to work for…