Author: Submitted

Students at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College are reaping the benefits of technology upgrades and new computer equipment, with plans on the horizon for more upgrades in the near future. Last year, the college was able to invest $400,000 in new computers for programs like, Computer Information System, Business Technology, Criminal Justice and Early Childhood Education and Care. Over the past months, almost all of the teaching facilities for the Adult Education program purchased and replaced computers, smartboards and printers. The Adult Education program helps students improve their reading, writing, math skills, learning to speak English and preparing them to pass…

The City of Douglas Main Street Division would like to invite community partners to participate in the 14th Annual Hometown Harvest which will take place Thursday, October 26, 2017 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on the vacant lot adjacent to City Hall located on Madison Avenue. “At the present time, we have some local community agencies and vendors participating, but, we would like to see more businesses come out to support this fun event,” says Pattie Merritt, Main Street Coordinator. “There is no fee for community partners, and what a great way to promote your business. Downtown merchants are also participating by handing out candy at…

Advanced Registration for the Spring 2018 Semester at South Georgia State College (SGSC) begins October 31, 2017. Spring classes begin Monday, January 8, 2018. The deadline for advanced registration payment is November 30, 2017. If registration occurs after the November 30th deadline, payment is due at time of registration. Current SGSC students should receive information from their advisors by email to SGSC student accounts. Advisors will have available times for students to schedule appointments and discuss academic plans. Once students have met with advisors, online registration may take place. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Students should complete…

The South Georgia State College (SGSC) School of Nursing and Dr. Scott Thigpen, dean of the school of nursing, will host an information session to learn about the LPN-RN Bridge Program, Associate of Science in Nursing and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees on Monday, October 23rd at 5 p.m. in the auditorium in the education building on the Waycross Campus and on Tuesday, October 24th at 5 p.m. in room 230 in Engram Hall on the Douglas Campus. The priority application deadlines are January 15, 2018 for the LPN-RN program, February 15, 2018 for the ASN RN program…

The Georgia Peanut Commission and Georgia Bankers Association will join forces Oct. 16-20, 2017, to promote the 41st annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week. Financial institutions and local banks across the state will offer a tribute to Georgia’s 3,400 peanut farm families and the sustainability they provide to Georgia’s state and local economies. The 2017 theme, “Peanuts: Sustaining Georgia’s Rural Economy,” will showcase the sustainability peanuts provide on and off the farm, as well as highlight the fact Georgia peanuts contribute more than $1.3 billion annually to the state’s economy; a contribution that helps maintain Georgia’s largest industry: agriculture. “We’re excited…

The City of Douglas has kicked-off the Fall/Winter Photo Contest. The social media contest will feature Douglas and Coffee County photographs taken by local photographers. “We wanted to offer our locals, who take fantastic social media photos, a chance to showcase their talent,” says Georgia Henderson, Public Information Director. “Social media is a great place to share photos that feature our town.” All photo contest entries are subject to rules listed below and posted at www.cityofdouglas.com. All photos will be judged based on a combined total of visitor votes at the Douglas Visitor Information Center and photo likes from the Visit Douglas social media sites.…

Guest Editorial by Dominic LaRiccia Monday night, the Douglas City Commission discussed a procurement process that is not in the best interests of Douglas and Coffee County. Between now and 2019, the city plans to complete seven different construction projects that total more than $13.6 million. Those projects include a new utilities building, public works building, purchasing building, city hall additions and remodeling, a recreation complex, pool improvements, and Miracle Field. Included in the project list is paving for the public works, purchasing, and public utilities construction. These projects are needed and will improve the quality of life for the…

Dr. Travis James Ouzts Jr., age 87, of Douglas, Ga., passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at his residence. Dr. Ouzts was born on July 6, 1930, in Douglas, Georgia to the late Travis James Ouzts, Sr. and Maudelle Elizabeth Ouzts. Dr. Ouzts was a retired educator, having worked in many positions, from teacher to superintendent during his career. He was a loving Christian husband and father, who enjoyed fishing, spending time with family, and traveling to Florida. Survivors include: his wife of 67 years, Bettye Jo Ouzts of Douglas, Ga; daughters: Kathryn Corley and her husband Wayne of…

Mr. Jesse Joe Kitchens, age 64, of Valdosta, Ga., passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, in Valdosta, Ga. Mr. Kitchens was born on December 8, 1952, in Douglas, Georgia to the late Wilma Jackson Kitchens and Fannie Ruth Underwood Kitchens. Survivors include: wife, Linda Sue Kitchens of Valdosta, Ga.; sons: Timothy Kitchens, Michael and his wife Kellie Kitchens of Valdosta, Ga.; brothers: Roger and his wife Ruth Kitchens of Douglas, Ga., George and his wife Patricia Kitchens of Bryson City, NC.; several nieces and nephews. Preceded by: his father, Wilma Kitchens; his mother; Fannie Underwood Kitchens. The funeral service was…

Coffee Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is proud to announce that Dr. Eric Anderson is opening a full-time Oncology practice in Douglas, Georgia. In practice for more than 15 years, Dr. Anderson previously practiced part-time in Douglas for several years and has returned to help CRMC focus on growing cancer services for Douglas and the surrounding area. Dr. Anderson’s new practice gives patients access to local cancer care and treatments. The Douglas community through support of the Coffee Regional Foundation has been instrumental in securing this cancer service line, offering both financial and recruitment support to Coffee Regional. “I’m excited to…