Exciting improvements are on the way at Eastside Park, located at 605 E. Franklin Street. While the rehabilitation is taking place, the park will be closed. The park will soon undergo a series of much‑needed upgrades designed to better serve visitors of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, while also meeting modern accessibility standards. Planned enhancements include:• Rehabilitation of the existing shelter• Installation of new grills• ADA‑compliant basketball courts and an updated playground system• Ballfield rehabilitation• Pickleball courts• New sidewalks and a walking trail• ADA‑accessible restrooms at the shelter The City of Douglas remains committed to improving the quality of life…
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South Georgia State College (SGSC) is pleased to announce its annual commencement ceremonies honoring graduates from summer 2025, fall 2025 and spring 2026. The Douglas Campus ceremony will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 8:30 am on the Peterson Hall front lawn. The Waycross Campus ceremonies will be held Friday, May 15, 2026. The first ceremony will be at 8:30 am, and the second at 12:00 noon, both in the Waycross Campus Gymnasium. A livestream of each event will be available for those unable to attend to share in the celebration. A link to the livestream will be found…
Debra Morgan Carpenter, age 66, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at her home. She was born on October 16, 1959 in Douglas, GA to the late J.C. Morgan and the late Merlene Taylor. Her survivors include: her beloved husband, Robert Carpenter of Jacksonville, FL: one daughter, Amanda M. Laster of Brunswick, GA; a great nephew and niece, Devin Lee Deen of Jacksonville, FL and Ashlyn Jordan Deen of Douglas, GA; one sister, Brenda Dale (Rodney) Deen; one brother, Johnny C. Morgan of Nicholls, GA; and one grandchild, Nicholas Laster. She was preceded in death by…
Mrs. Leila Ellen Banks Morgan, age 91, of Douglas, Georgia, formally of Barnesville, Georgia, passed away peacefully at her home on May 1, 2026. She was born on April 10, 1935, the daughter of the late Mr. James Louis Banks and the late Katherine Gordy Banks.. She was a homemaker for several years and a dedicated teacher for most of her career. She adored her children and their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren and her extended family and friends. She found no greater joy than conversing, laughing, and spending time with them. She was loved and adored by many. Instead of…
What began as a casual conversation among colleagues has evolved into a landmark achievement for emergency medical services education in Georgia. The creation of a new Emergency Services concentration at South Georgia State College stands as a testament to the power of networking, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership. In 2021, Jason Hurst joined 26 other professionals from across the state in the Georgia EMS Association Leadership Course. Spanning four weeks over the course of a year, the program highlighted EMS agencies statewide, showcasing innovative practices and organizational excellence. Yet amid these insights, one critical gap became clear. Georgia lacked a dedicated higher education…
Jenna Williams, ABAC’s 2026 J.G. Woodroof Scholar, earned the college’s highest academic honor with a perfect 4.0 GPA while graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. A dedicated leader across campus, she served as Student Government Association President, ABAC Ambassador President for two years, a Stallion Society Orientation Leader, and founding captain of the Golden Girls Cheer and Dance Team. Jenna will continue her journey at Mercer University School of Medicine as a recipient of the prestigious Nathan Deal Scholarship. Jenna, a native of Douglas, is a 2022 graduate of Citizens Christian Academy.
Frank Byrd, age 76, of Douglas, GA, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, GA following an extended illness. Mr. Byrd was born on September 24, 1949 to the late Frank Byrd Sr. and Kally Byrd. Survivors include: two sons, Damon Byrd and David Brandon Byrd of Douglas, GA; one stepson, Tommy Royals of Douglas, GA; two sisters, Demitra Cunningham of Mississippi and Kitty Courson of Douglas, GA; one grandchild, Kaylei Chaney; one great grandchild, Grayson Arnold; former spouse, Debbie Byrd Bray of Douglas, GA; and three special family friends, Roy Swann, Pennie Francis,…
Don Ray Paulk was born on February 5, 1950, to Aubrey and Bessie Paulk in Ambrose, Georgia. After an extended hospital stay, he died peacefully at his daughters’ home in Savannah, Georgia on April 29, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen Quinkert Paulk; his children Angela, Jenny, Kari Beth, and his (grand)son, Aubrey; his grandchildren, Conner, Caleb, Hannah, Ellie, and Eliana; his brothers, Jerry Paulk (Betty) and Doyle Paulk (Brenda); and many beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Paulk (Victoria), and his parents. Don Ray…
The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 32-year-old Cameron Blake Spires of Coffee County in connection with the unauthorized sale of a motor vehicle. The case began after detectives received information about the unlawful sale of a tan 2005 Lexus RX. Investigators determined the vehicle’s registered owner was incarcerated at the time and had not authorized the sale or transfer of ownership. Through witness statements, transaction records, and recorded jail communications, detectives confirmed the vehicle had been sold for approximately $700. The Douglas Police Department later recovered the vehicle during a traffic stop. It is currently being held pending return…
By Van Yandell Psalm 90:4 reads “For a thousand years in thy sight are but yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” Anyone that considers themselves a southern gourmet cook knows what a smidgen is. It’s like a “bit” or a “pinch” or a “tad.” At any rate, a smidgen is a legitimate unit of measure south of the Mason-Dixon Line. As of yet however, I haven’t seen a spoon in a measuring set with such an amount. We simply have to guess or use our best judgement. Measurements in time and materials control us.…