Author: Submitted

Citizens in Douglas and Coffee County are asked to join in a season of giving by participating in the Coffee County Community Toy Drive. The City of Douglas, along with many local community agencies, are hosting a Toy Drive for boys and girls ages 12 & under. “We have approximately 500 youth in our community who are on toy lists with local agencies,” says Mayor Tony Paulk. “I urge local citizens and businesses to donate a toy or make monetary donation so that we can make Christmas special for community kids.” Local businesses and community agencies will have large boxes at their entrances for people…

After two rounds of interviews Sierra Ely was named Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s 2018 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner. Sierra started her college career in the Dual Enrollment program at Wiregrass while a high school student at Fitzgerald High School. During her senior year she set her career goals on becoming an EMT. This was after touring the Coffee Campus and seeing the new Allied Health classroom and lab which includes an ambulance simulator. “I decided on a technical college, specifically the Coffee Campus at Wiregrass because of the reputation that preceded the program and its instructor was…

The Douglas Downtown Development Authority (DDA) held their annual retreat on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017 at the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of DDA’s annual retreat is to fulfill the mission, purpose and vision within the bylaws and to strategize on ways to vitalize and create new development that will be beneficial to the community. Focus is also given on ways to market and increase commerce in the historic business district. During this retreat, DDA primarily focused on projects that were outlined in the Downtown Master Plan, with hopes of bringing about new development over the next three…

South Georgia State College’s swim teams headed north this weekend to participate in their first big Invitational meet. The team traveled to Rome, Georgia to the Berry College two-day meet. The men improved their record to 5-1 on the season by beating host Berry but falling to NAIA powerhouse Savannah College Art and Design. SGSC’s women finished third to SCAD and Berry. “This meet was much faster than most of our meets, and I am very pleased with our team for holding their own with two very competitive four year swim programs,” commented Head Coach CM Jenkins. “Our swimmers won…

Coffee County investigators have charged 78-year-old John Huie Douglas with one count of aggravated assault following a shooting that occurred on Ga. Hwy. 32 E. Friday afternoon. Just after 1 p.m. on Nov. 17, Coffee County emergency dispatchers advised Nicholls city police that a complainant was possibly being followed on Ga. Hwy. 32 E. by an individual attempting to kill them. Nicholls police were able to meet with the 42-year-old female victim, who had suffered a gunshot wound to her face. She provided the name of the offender, along with a description of the vehicle he was driving. The victim…

Middle and High School students from Wiregrass Regional College and Career Academy, Coffee County High School, Georgia Washington Freshman Campus, Coffee Middle School, Valdosta Early College Academy and Wiregrass’ Adult Education classes participated in the Annual Get Wired event on the Coffee Campus of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. Over 1,000 students enjoyed fun interactive activities that engaged the students to engage in to learn about the programs as well as possible careers in related fields. The activities were designed to share about the programs and hopefully spark an interest for a future career. The activities ranged from healthcare bingo where…

By Ethan Mitchell and Sarah E. Braswell On Tuesday, Oct. 24, the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) Center on the Waycross campus of South Georgia State College (SGSC) hosted a chemistry show and potluck to celebrate Mole Day. Over 50 students and faculty members arrived at the STEM Center to enjoy a student-led potluck which included everything from ham, to cake, and fantastic tortellini! Afterwards, the crowd gathered outside to watch a chemistry demonstration hosted by SGSC Chemistry Professor Bernard Majdi. In chemistry, a mole is a unit of measure that counts a specific number, like a dozen does.…

Keyshaun Street had only eight points Saturday afternoon against Indian River State, but his last three will be remembered forever in South Georgia State College basketball history. Street’s three-pointer as time expired capped an improbable 20-point comeback by the Hawks in the final nine minutes to defeat the Pioneers 70-67 in the last game of the Applebee’s Okefenokee College Classic. “That play was actually designed for Nate (Louis),” said Street after the game. “Nate saw the play break down, so he kept it going, which is a drill we practice every day.” The Hawks’s (5-0) path to victory didn’t look…

The Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at Divine Enterprises located at 519 North Peterson Avenue in Douglas. They are located just down from Badcock Furniture. Owner, J.D. Robbins & staff offer car wash and detailing- both mobile and onsite, window tinting as well as audio repair and installation. They take great pride in their work and focus on the details! Stop by to see them soon and be sure to take advantage of your Trojan Card for a great discount! .

By Kevin Tatum CLOVERLEAF PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT Coffee County was well represented at the Cloverleaf District Project Achievement contest on November 11th in Lyons. Students from 10 of the 12 schools in Coffee County had either fifth or sixth graders compete in the contest. There were 49 fifth graders and 26 sixth graders for a total of 75 students who competed this year. Participants (including their project and placing) were: Ambrose: Kaitlyn Britt, Crafts, 3rd; and Leila Chauncey, Performing Arts – Vocal. Broxton: Glenn O’Steen, Target Sports, 1st. CCA: Karsyn Scholten, Performing Arts – Instrumental, 2nd. CMS: Jaderia Ates, Crafts, 2nd;…