Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has signed an articulation agreement with Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) that creates a seamless transfer pathway for students pursuing careers in elementary education. The agreement allows students who earn an Education degree from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College to transfer into ABAC’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program, providing a clear and affordable pathway to completing a four-year degree and entering the teaching profession. Leaders from both institutions gathered July 8 to commemorate the partnership. “It’s about the students!” DeAnnia Clements, President of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, said. “It’s about putting them first and making…
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Mr. Roy Metts, age 76, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, with his loving wife of 45 years, Chris Metts by his side. Roy was born January 31, 1950, in Pearson, Georgia, to the late Dan Metts and the late Ollie Guess Metts. He made his career in the funeral service industry where he devoted many years to serving families in the South Georgia area prior to his retirement. He had a heart for people and loved to work helping families in their most heartbroken times. Outside of work, he enjoyed fishing,…
In the early morning hours of June 12, 2026, agents with the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit, assisted by the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office D.I.C.E. Unit, executed a search warrant as part of a narcotics investigation targeting the distribution of crack cocaine within Coffee County. The search warrant was executed at a residence on Terrell Road in Douglas. During the search, agents arrested Quanta Taylor, 28, following an investigation into the distribution of crack cocaine. Agents seized approximately 54.6 grams of crack cocaine, a stolen 9mm handgun, and $3,978 in cash believed to be connected to illegal drug activity. Taylor was charged…
Telfair County Sheriff’s Office K9 Maverick has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Maverick’s vest was sponsored by Sean Omsted, Combat Disabled Veterans Surplus of Clayton, Wash., and embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by C.D.V.S. Inc.”. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9…
Joshua Whittington, Executive Director of Economic Development at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, has been selected as one of only 25 employees from across the state to participate in the 2026 Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Senior Leadership Academy. Whittington, who is based on Wiregrass Tech’s Valdosta Campus and resides in Omega, Georgia, was nominated for the highly competitive program by Wiregrass President DeAnnia Clements. The academy is designed to prepare emerging leaders for executive leadership roles within Georgia’s technical college system and offers an intensive yearlong professional development experience. “Joshua has demonstrated a strong commitment to workforce development, industry…
Arthur Carroll Smith, age 63, of Douglas, GA passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Mr. Smith was born on January 24, 1963 in Coffee County, GA to the late Leland and Pauline D. Smith. His survivors include one daughter, Jody Smith of Douglas, GA; one son, Austin Tyler Smith of Ambrose, GA; and four grandchildren: Aries Tyler Smith, Bryson Rollins, Blakley Rollins, and Oktober Harrington. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Leland and Pauline D. Smith; one sister, Carla Faulk; and one brother, Michael Smith. The family…
The Georgia Department of Transportation will open a high-volume freight corridor in Savannah July 16, 2026, streamlining the flow of goods at one of the fastest growing ports in the U.S. The $126 million Brampton Road Connector is a new four-lane highway linking Garden City Terminal’s Gate 3 directly to the interstate system, removing at-grade rail crossings and truck traffic from local neighborhoods. The project gives truck drivers faster access to the Port of Savannah and a more streamlined route to inland markets. “We want to thank our partners at the Georgia DOT for their important work creating freight corridors…
The Salvation Army of Douglas is inviting the community to come together to help local children start the new school year prepared and confident through its annual Stuff the Bus School Supplies Drive, taking place now through Friday, July 17, 2026. Community members are encouraged to donate new school supplies by dropping them off at The Salvation Army Thrift Store, 110 Gaskin Ave. S., Douglas, GA 31535, during regular business hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. In addition to accepting donations at the store, The Salvation Army will also be collecting school supplies…
At the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Annual Convention in June, City Manager Charles Davis was recognized for completing the Robert E. Knox Jr. Municipal Leadership Institute. This achievement fulfills a key requirement for government officials and allows him to continue participating in advanced leadership training opportunities offered by GMA. “This is an outstanding achievement,” said GMA Executive Director Larry Hanson. “We commend City Manager Charlie Davis for this accomplishment and for the dedication he’s shown in using this valuable resource to become a more effective city official.” The Robert E. Knox, Jr. Municipal Leadership Institute is an intensive, multi-day seminar…
Marie Shirley Binder passed away peacefully on July 4th, 2026. She was known for her deviled eggs, welcoming smile, and embracing warmth. She lived a full 87 years with a tenacious devotion to God, her family, and friends. Left behind to treasure her memories are her husband of 63 years, Frederick (Fred) Henry Binder and two sons, Frederick (Fred) Henry Binder, Jr. and George O’Neal (Neal) Binder. Marie always thought of Neal’s wife, Amy, as one of her own children. Born on March 8th, 1939, and raised in Douglas, Georgia, Marie was the only child of George Washington Shirley and…