Author: Submitted

In response to growing community complaints, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office launched an enforcement effort targeting local convenience stores accused of selling illegal hemp products—including sales to minors under 21. At the request of Sheriff Fred Cole, the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Law Enforcement Division conducted an underage compliance operation across multiple locations. The investigation revealed several violations of state hemp laws: Georgia law allows the sale of certain hemp-derived products but only to those 21 and older, with strict labeling and marketing rules to protect youth. “Protecting our youth and holding businesses accountable to the law is our top…

A jaywalking investigation resulted in a short jail stay for 44-year-old Lee Demita Barfield of Douglas. According to a report from the Douglas Police Department, around 7 p.m. on June 18, 2025, a DPD officer saw Barfield jaywalking on North Peterson Avenue in the area of the Comfortel motel. The report states that the officer had stopped Barfield before and knew he had a drug problem. When the officer asked him if he had any drugs on his person, the report says that Barfield began pulling out his pockets as he walked to the front of the patrol car. He…

The City of Douglas encourages citizens to attend or join various city committees and boards. The following is a list of July 2025 City of Douglas boards and committees meetings.

At the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Annual Convention on June 23, 2025, the City of Douglas was recognized as a City of Civility. City leaders read and adopted the civility pledge and resolution at the City Commission meeting on April 28, 2025. In 2023, the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and its nonprofit organization, Georgia City Solutions, launched the Embrace Civility program. This initiative aims to provide Georgia’s cities with resources to promote civility in public meetings and among residents and attendees. For public service to be effective, there must be an atmosphere of respect and tolerance, along with a commitment…

South Georgia State College has recently updated its standard operating hours to better meet the needs of students, families, and the community. Effective immediately, SGSC offices will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the Douglas and Waycross campuses. This change is designed to enhance accessibility and improve the overall experience for anyone needing to connect with college departments or access campus services. Whether it’s academic advising, admissions, financial aid, or student support, SGSC’s updated hours offer more availability for both in-person and phone inquiries. “We are committed to being responsive and accessible,” said Dr.…

J.W. Hurst, age 86, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 27th, 2025, following an extended illness. He was born on March 27th, 2025, the son of the late Alex Hurst and the late Stella Mae Gartman Hurst. His survivors include one daughter, Angela Hurst of Douglas, GA; three grandchildren, Sara Kaytlyn (Michael) Bennett, Cordelia Hale, and Paisley Bennett; and two great-grandchildren, Dylan Cole Royal and Bentley Gage Wilkerson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sarah Ruth Sisk Hurst; father, Alex Hurst; mother, Stella Mae Gartman Hurst and one son, Alex Hurst. A memorial service…

The City of Douglas, Pilgrim’s Pride, GFL Environmental, and other great partners will host the 2025 Freedom Fest celebration on Friday, July 4, 2025, at JC Adams Municipal Park – Jardine Stadium. The gates will open at 5 p.m., and stadium seating will be provided. Admission and parking are free. There will be free rides at the Rucker Family Kids Carnival, food and general vendors, and fireworks at dark. Food vendors include Backyard BBQ & Catering, Bennett’s Cool Treats, Keanum’s Kreamery, LA Twister, Paradise Island Cuisine, QT Treats, Salty Lime, Super Dawg, Taqueria Tamalipas, and The Sweet Shop. Other vendors…

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested and charged Shane Lawson Tanner Jr. in connection with the theft of firearms and coins from a local residence. On June 30, 2025, the sheriff’s office launched an investigation after a report of stolen firearms and approximately $60 in rolled quarters from a home where Tanner Jr. had recently performed air conditioning work and had access. As a result of the investigation Tanner Jr. was arrested and charged with theft by taking. The stolen firearms were recovered from a third party in Atkinson County. Tanner Jr. has been charged with two counts of…

According to a press release from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, drug agents made multiple arrests in a successful two-week operation targeting illegal drug activity across Coffee County. This effort, made possible through the collaboration of the City of Douglas Police Department, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Unit, continues to demonstrate effective results in combating the presence and distribution of illegal narcotics in the community. From June 18 to July 1, 2025, the joint operation led to the apprehension of the following individuals: Benjie Nelm Swain was arrested on June 18, 2025, following a traffic stop on…

Cynthia Diane Jewell, age 60, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on June 29th, 2025, at her residence. She was born on September 20th, 1964, the daughter of the late Harley Gillespie and the late Lois Jeanette Morgan Gillespie. Her survivors include: two sons, Justin (Shasta) Taft of Douglas, GA and Wesley Taft of Douglas, GA; one daughter, Dianna Michelle Zuniga of Douglas, GA; seven grandchildren, Alex Hill, Rafael Zuniga, Brandon Zuniga, Jeremy Zuniga, Nevaeh Taft, Aubri Taft, and Jaxon Taft; one great grandson, Greyson Hill; three sisters, Glenda Velarde, Wanda Hollinger, and Eva (Timothy) Weldon; one sister-in-law, Carrie Smith;…