Jerome Spires, age 80, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 16, 2026. He was born on July 20, 1946, the son of the late James Riley Spires and the late Addie Ruth Sayer Spires. His survivors include one son, Anthony Spires of Melbourne, Australia; one daughter, Angie Stone of Douglas, GA; four grandchildren, Nathan Alan (Shanay) Stone, Annabelle Grace Stone, Elijah Rain Stone, and Riley Yu Spires; four great-grandchildren, Akeria Stone, Jasper Stone, Bella Stone, and Gavin Stone; two stepdaughters, Leila Mae Singletary and Dr. Mary Sue Singletary; along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded…
Author: Submitted
Wilbert L. Smith, age 86, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 15, 2026. He was born on September 28, 1939, to the late Mack Smith and the late Daisy Smith. His survivors include his beloved wife, Melba Smith of Douglas, GA; two daughters, Donna (Donnie) Huff and Teresa (Bruce) Vining; three sons, Joey (Kelly) Smith, Terry (Belinda) Smith, and Donnie Smith; sixteen grandchildren, Tonya Beaureguard, Christopher Koivisto, Stephanie Williams, Taylor Smith, Jade Smith, Kolson Smith, Asher Woodard, Shannon Smith, Jason Carver, Darren Smith, Kasey Smith, Grady Leavens, Eddie Courson, Darian Patton, Amanda Roberts, and…
Linda Sue Barrs, age 78, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 8, 1947, the daughter of the late Mr. John Marion Ott and the late Mrs. Mildred Elrod Ott. Her survivors include: three sons, Craig Anthony (Sherri) Barrs of Douglas, GA, Jeffery DeWayne (Kelly) Barrs of Nicholls, GA, and Ray (Cheryl) Odum; eight grandchildren, Netania Barrs, Tyler Barrs, Shianna Barrs, Kelsi Barrs, Jason Odum, Michael Odum, Ryan Lewis, and Chrystal McGowan; along with several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in…
It was written for you By Van Yandell Has anything ever been done especially for you? Did it make you feel special, important, or that you really meant something, or to someone? The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson, assisted by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston and declared the separation of the United States (13 colonies) from Britain. The declaration was adopted July 4, 1776. It was signed August 2, 1776 by fifty of the fifty-six signers. The other six signed later that year. Those men signing knew they may be signing their own death…
Vista Park Health and Rehabilitation has been recognized as a 2026 recipient of the Silver Achievement in Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) for demonstrating systematic growth in quality care. This distinction is the second of three progressive award levels through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. The program honors long term and post-acute care providers across the nation that have demonstrated their dedication to enhancing quality care for the residents they serve. “As Administrator of Vista Park, I couldn’t be prouder of our team for earning the AHCA Silver Quality…
Connie Teresa Carter, age 71, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at her home. She was born on June 12, 1955, the daughter of the late Mr. Howard Carter Sr. and the late Mrs. Lurlyne Sapp McDuffie. Her survivors include: one sister, Annelle Stanfield of Douglas, GA; one brother, Howard Carter Jr.; one niece, Megan Carter; three nephews, James Stanfield, Blake Stanfield, and Cody Carter; along with several great-nieces and great-nephews and extended family members. She was preceded in death by: father, Howard Carter Sr.; mother, Lurlyne Sapp McDuffie; one sister, Beverly Carter Harper; and…
Elizabeth Carol Jowers, age 66, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Vista Park Nursing Home and Rehabilitation in Douglas, GA. She was born on April 11, 1960, the daughter of the late Mr. Ottis McMillian and the late Mrs. Evelyn Spivey McMillian. Her survivors include: two sons, Matthew (Stephanie) Jowers of Douglas, GA, and Michael Jowers of Douglas, GA; four grandchildren, Kaeven Jowers, Niahlani Jowers, Emrynn Jowers, and new baby Bexleigh Jowers; along with several cousins, friends, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmy Jowers; father, Ottis…
What does healthcare look like in rural Georgia? A new documentary is taking a closer look at that question — highlighting both the challenges facing rural communities and the people working to ensure excellent healthcare is available close to home. “Georgia Rising: A Rural Health Story” explores the significant healthcare disparities facing rural Georgia, including provider shortages, hospital closures, chronic disease and barriers such as transportation and insurance gaps. The film also highlights innovative approaches and partnerships working to strengthen rural healthcare and improve access to needed care across the state. Coffee Regional Medical Center’s own Justin Peterson, MD, OB-GYN, is featured…
Montgomery Dykes’ educational journey demonstrates how students can move seamlessly from high school dual enrollment to technical education, employment and a four-year university. Dykes, a former dual enrollment student at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, continued at the college after high school to pursue a degree in Mechatronics Technology on the college’s Ben Hill-Irwin Campus. He graduated from Wiregrass Summer Semester 2026 and has already been accepted and registered for the Electrical Engineering program at Georgia Southern University, where he will begin classes this fall. While completing his education at Wiregrass, Dykes has also gained valuable industry experience as an active…
The Atkinson County Fire Department has been awarded a grant to replace nearly three-quarters of a mile of fire hose. The department received a $15,292 Fireworks Tax Grant. The funds were used to purchase 48 sections of 2.5-inch fire hose (2,400 feet) and 24 sections of 1.5-inch fire hose (1,200 feet). According to a post on the department’s Facebook page, “reliable fire hose is one of the most essential pieces of equipment we use during fire suppression operations. This grant allows us to continue upgrading our equipment while reducing the financial burden on our local taxpayers.” The grant helps fund…