Author: Submitted

The ABAC Ambassadors at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College recently named their prestigious Ambassador of the Year award in honor of ABAC Director of Public Relations Emeritus Michael D. Chason. “Mike was the founder of the ABAC Ambassadors program, which began in 1987,” said Sunny Sparrow, ABAC’s Assistant Director of Enrollment Management. “Since then, 339 students have carried on the tradition he started nearly four decades ago.”Sparrow serves as the Ambassadors’ advisor along with Marketing Media Coordinator Abby Clark.The Ambassadors dedicate countless hours and energy representing and promoting ABAC, and Sparrow said it’s quite an honor to be a part of…

On May 17, 2025, officers from the City of Douglas Police Department and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic welfare check near Franklin Street that resulted in the arrest of Dontavius Montrell Daniel, 29, of Douglas. Law enforcement was dispatched at approximately 1:27 p.m. after receiving a report that Daniel was attempting to forcibly remove a woman from a residence. The caller informed authorities that Daniel had a known history of abusive behavior and was believed to be wanted on an outstanding warrant. Upon arrival, officers confirmed through the Georgia Crime Information Center that Daniel had an…

Anabeth Waters, a South Georgia State College senior from Waycross was honored with the 2025 Academic Recognition Day Award by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. Anabeth graduated with a degree in SGSC’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary/Special Education at the end of the 2025 Spring Semester. She has been awarded the SGSC Sophomore Academic Achievement Award and the Senior Academic Achievement Award (4.0 GPA). She has also been on the President’s List during her time at SGSC and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. “My plans are to co-teach in a 4th grade…

Billie Elton Roberts, age 72, of Douglas, GA passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Mr. Roberts was born on May 20, 1952, in Jeff Davis County, GA to the late Buddy Eli Roberts and Verma L. Johnson Roberts. Survivors include: one daughter; Pricilla (William) McKee of Calhoun, GA, one son; Michael (Janee) Roberts of Douglas, GA, six grandchildren; Danielle Wehunt, William McKee III, Jeanette Hollingsworth, Christian Roberts, Emily Johnson, Ismael Roberts, and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Roberts was preceded in death by: his parents; Buddy Eli Roberts and Verma…

Sheriff Fred Cole, in coordination with a special agent from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, traveled to Missouri on Monday, May 19, 2025, as part of an ongoing homicide investigation. On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, around 11:15AM EST, Jon Worrell was taken into custody without incident in connection to the murder of his wife, Doris Worrell who was murdered on September 20, 2006. The arrest marks a significant development in the case, and authorities will provide further details during a scheduled press conference. This was a collaborative effort by The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Missouri Highway…

The City of Douglas has adopted a cottage food ordinance to help support and regulate small-scale food entrepreneurs operating from home/residential kitchens. This ordinance aims to assist these entrepreneurs while ensuring public health and safety. Cottage food operators may produce products such as loaf breads, rolls, and biscuits, cakes, pastries and cookies, candies and confections, fruit pies, jams, jellies, preserves, dried fruits, dry herbs, seasonings and mixtures, cereals, trail mixes, granola, coated or uncoated nuts, vinegar and flavored vinegar, popcorn, popcorn balls, and cotton candy. Licensed cottage food operators are permitted to make only food that is not potentially hazardous.…

Danny Clifford Porter Sr., age 73, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, May 14th, 2025. He was born on April 21st, 1952, the son of Clinton Porter and Louise Spivey Porter. His survivors include: one son; Bo (Leeanne) Porter of Nicholls, GA, two daughters; Felicia (Tony) Clements of Fitzgerald, GA, and Melissa (Dru) Hannon of Fitzgerald, GA, twelve grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, one sister; Shirlene Porter, one brother; Joe Porter, along with several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Monday, May 19th, 2025, from 12:00 PM until 1:30 PM, at Sims Funeral Home…

The nursing program at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College recently honored its top graduates at the 2025 Spring Semester pinning ceremony. “We are immensely proud of our nursing student award recipients,” said Dr. Yvonne Smith, interim Director of Nursing for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. “Their hard work and commitment to excellence reflect the highest standards of the nursing profession. These students represent the future of healthcare, and their accomplishments today demonstrate the positive impact they will continue to make in the communities they serve.” Kaitlyn Lewis from Moultrie, Sharhonda Williams from Thomasville, Blakely Bloodworth from Pineview and Brittany…

The Coffee Trojans sent six athletes to the GHSA 5A state track meet in Rome. One finished in the top 10 while several others were in the top 15. Senior Tyrese Woodgett finished tenth in the 100 meter dash with a time of 11.04 seconds. Senior Travis Adams finished twelfth in the 200 meter dash with a time of 22.37 seconds. The Trojan 4×100 meter relay team of KJ DeBruce, Tyrese Woodgett, Travis Adams, and Kenyon Livingston posted a 42.72 second time, finishing eleventh overall. Lady Trojans Kaloni Styles finished eleventh in the 100 meter hurdles with a time of…

Officers from the Douglas-Coffee County Drug Unit made four arrests recently, two of which were the products of a detailed investigation involving controlled drug buys and surveillance, according to a press release from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office. The first two arrests involved Clarlenta Taylor and Taikousky Smith. A search warrant led to the seizure of methamphetamine, fentanyl, ecstasy, crack cocaine, prescription opioids, firearms, digital scales, and over $5,000 in cash. Both suspects face felony charges, including possession with intent to distribute and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. In a separate case on May 13, 2025, officers served…