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South Georgia State College (SGSC) Interim President Dr. Greg Tanner and groups of faculty and staff members from SGSC spent the past two years engaging with the regional area through a community visit initiative. At these intentional visits, the SGSC team listened and learned from people in the communities they call home. “Through these community visits, we have engaged with local leaders, educators and potential students,” says Dr. Tanner. “These visits are part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen relationships, listen to community needs, and share important updates about SGSC’s academic programs, student success initiatives, and campus developments.” By connecting…

The Downtown Development Authority of Douglas is proud to announce Dawson and Kara Adams, owners of Delorice’s Florist, as the recipients of the 2025 Façade Improvement Grant. The Adamses will receive $10,000 to support the exterior renovation of their newly purchased building located at 108 N. Peterson Avenue in Downtown Douglas. Dawson and Kara were selected by the Downtown Development Authority Board following a thorough and competitive application process with multiple strong submissions. Their project stood out for its commitment to preserving the rich historic character of this beautiful building and contributing to the aesthetic appeal of our downtown. The…

Wiregrass Tech proudly hosted the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Coffee Campus Commercial Truck Driving and Diesel Technology Center on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. President DeAnnia Clements welcomed TCSG Deputy Commissioner Dr. Ray Perren, who reflected on the building’s history and the many supporters who helped bring this project to life. Hal Wiley, Wiregrass Tech graduate and Foundation North Chairman, also spoke, and CDL student Willie Smith offered a heartfelt benediction to close the ceremony. A crowd of legislators, donors, and community supporters gathered outside for the official ribbon cutting, followed by tours of the new 8,753…

The GBI has arrested and charged Randall Peacock, Jr., age 25, of Baxley, GA, with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Theft By Taking in connection to the death of Jessica Peacock, age 36, of Baxley, GA. On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at about 8:15 a.m., the Appling County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call that indicated a woman had been found dead by her husband at their home located in the 1000 block of Altamaha School Road in Baxley. The Appling County Sheriff’s Office requested the GBI to conduct the death investigation. Preliminary information indicates that Randall shot and killed Jessica (Randall’s stepmother) and then stole her vehicle and fled the scene. Randall was taken into custody without incident the same day, after…

Bartholomew Keeton Harralson, 47, of Atlanta, Ga., was charged earlier today by a federal grand jury seated in the Northern District of Georgia with Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Heroin, and Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Harralson allegedly possessed 28 firearms, including a machine gun, and hundreds of thousands of pills containing fentanyl and other illicit drugs. “Thanks to the hard work of the FBI, DEA, and our U.S. Attorney, Georgians are safer following this drug bust. This defendant was…

South Georgia State College (SGSC) announces the addition of the Emergency Services Management (ESM) concentration within its Bachelor of Science in Management (BSM) program. Designed to meet the growing demand for skilled leaders in emergency medical services, the ESM option offers specialized, 100% online coursework tailored to both traditional students and working professionals seeking leadership or entrepreneurial roles in the emergency services sector. The BSM program features a solid management core, paired with four specialized options: Emergency Services Management, Marketing, Organizational Behavior, and Financial Technologies. Students selecting the ESM track will complete an additional 15 credit hours focused on the…

Robert “Fender the Sender” Fender, age 7, is headed to France with Team USA to represent the United States at the 2025 MxMaster Kids Championship. Though just seven years old, Robert is already making a name for himself across the country, racing with heart, skill, and courage far beyond his years. For the last two years, he’s been chasing his motocross dream all over America—and now he’ll ride on an international stage, competing with the best young riders from around the world. Robert’s resume includes 220 races, 105 podium finishes, and 22 wins. Zak Mashburn and Kevin Windham reportedly gave Robert…

South Georgia State College (SGSC) recently held its Spring Commencement ceremony which included the graduation of its first class of students from the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology (BSMET) program. This milestone marks a significant achievement for both the graduates and the college, as well as a promising step forward for the workforce development needs of the region. The BSMET program is designed to prepare students for diverse, high-demand careers in mechanical engineering and related industries. With a curriculum built on 124 semester hours — including courses from associate-level studies — graduates leave SGSC equipped with the technical…

Abbie Hill and Landon Stewart proudly represented Coffee High School at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference (HOBY) held in Middle Georgia State University this summer. During the conference, they connected with students from across the state, building lasting friendships and expanding their leadership networks. Abbie and Landon participated in a variety of activities focused on team building, communication, public speaking, and leadership development. They also gained valuable insight into the importance of community service and learned how to implement meaningful service projects. According to the HOBY web site, the organization believes all students have the potential to lead. Seminars…

Mrs. Shirley Jean Kirkland Hamilton, age 83, of Broxton, Georgia, passed away Friday morning, June 6, 2025, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a period of declining health. Mrs. Hamilton, a Coffee County native, was born October 29, 1941 in Douglas, Georgia to the late Warren Preston Kirkland and the late Ida Adams Kirkland. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked at Douglas Memorial Hospital and then for Dr. Wills for many years. She was a member of Douglas Christian Fellowship. Mrs. Hamilton leaves behind 2 daughters: Cloice Renee Crews and husband, William, of Alma, Georgia, Allison Carter and…