By Representative James Burchett (176th District) I love living and raising my family in our South Georgia community, surrounded by neighbors who want what’s best for South Georgia, our state, and our country. Last week I had the privilege of visiting Waresboro Elementary School to see the amazing elementary school agricultural program they have in place. These kids have the opportunity to learn where their food comes from and to share in the pride our friends and neighbors have in raising crops and livestock to feed Georgia and the world. I also had the chance to visit General Coffee State…
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Thirty-one Coffee High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members, along with advisers Kelly Gilliard and Kristi Joyner, traveled to Perry to attend the 2025 Georgia FBLA Fall Motivational Rally at the Georgia National Fairgrounds on Thursday, October 9, 2025. The event, held in conjunction with the Georgia National Fair, featured thrilling rides, vendors, and exciting new competitions designed to kick off the FBLA year with energy and enthusiasm. Students had the opportunity to showcase their talents in various events, including the State Project video contest, membership recruitment flyer design, business knowledge tests, and the chapter spirit t-shirt contest.…
Mrs. Barbara Ann Harper Carver, age 80, of Willacoochee, Georgia, went home to be with Jesus on Monday, October 13, 2025 following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Carver was born April 15, 1945 in Douglas, Georgia to the late Eston Harper and Mary Lee Harper. She was a woman of God and a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She married the love of her life, Elzie Wayne Carver, in 1964 and spent more than 47 years making a home and raising a family with him prior to his passing in 2012. She was a founding member of New Beginnings Church in…
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College announces that application fees will be waived during November. Those interested in applying for Spring, Summer, or Fall Semester 2026 can apply online at Wiregrass.edu and save money. Spring Semester classes begin January 12. Applicants can enroll in one of the college’s popular computer technology programs. Those looking for online programs related to computer information can choose from high-demand options such as Cybersecurity and Networking. With Wiregrass Tech, students can enroll in programs that allow them to graduate in two years or less. Many programs in the Health Sciences, Technical and Industrial, and Professional Services fields are also…
On October 10, 2025, detectives with the Douglas-Coffee County Drug Unit executed a search warrant within the city limits of Douglas. During the search, investigators located a quantity of suspected crack cocaine. As a result of the investigation, Michael Craig Barnes, 54, of Douglas, was taken into custody and transported to the Coffee County Jail where he was charged with Trafficking in Cocaine in violation of O.C.G.A. 16-13-31. Under Georgia law, trafficking in cocaine occurs when an individual is found to be in possession of 28 grams or more of cocaine or any mixture containing cocaine. This offense carries significant…
The Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation North will host a fundraiser on Thursday, November 6, 2025, featuring Reggie and Ladye Love Smith. The event will be held in the Charles Harris Learning Center Auditoriumat Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, located at 667 Perry House Road in Fitzgerald, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Reggie and Ladye Love Smith are two of the world’s most sought-after vocalists, best known for their Grammy Award–winning performances on the Gaither Homecoming television specials and videos. Individual tickets are $30. While enjoying an evening of inspiring music and fellowship, attendees will also support Wiregrass Tech students by helping to provide funds for books, supplies, and other educational needs. The…
Douglas Rotary Club’s members and guests heard an interesting ministry presentation by Christi Paulk at the club’s October 9meeting at South Georgia State College. Mrs. Paulk, Southeast Leadership Team member for GoServ and a realtor with Keller Williams, presented how GoServ Global has been a “world changer by empowering and transforming communities through Jesus Christ.” The organization focuses on creating villages of Sukup Safe T Homes built of grain bins that offer inexpensive, storm- and natural disaster-resistant structures for housing, churches, healthcare facilities, and schools. GoServ Global volunteers have served communities in Guatemala, Haiti, India, Peru and the United States…
The Coffee High Lady Trojans will travel to Canton on Monday for Round 1 of the GHSA Class AAAAA state softball playoffs. Coffee enters the state tournament as the #3 seed from Region 2 and will take on the Creekview High School Grizzlies, the #2 seed from Region 6. The best-of-three series will begin with a doubleheader Monday with the first pitch of game one at 4:00 PM. Game two will follow. Game three, if necessary, will be played on Tuesday at 5:00. All games will be played at Creekview High School, 1550 Owens Store Road in Canton. GHSA has…
Thanks to a recent articulation agreement between the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and the University System of Georgia (USG), Wiregrass Tech graduates from the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program can now transfer directly into participating USG institutions to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This articulation agreement is the first established since the passing of HB 192, the Top State for Talent Act. Wiregrass’s ASN program has been ranked third among colleges in Georgia that offer Associate of Science in Nursing degrees. According to NursingProcess.org, the ASN program prepares students to become holistic nurses, equipping them…
Lillie Mae McCook, age 84, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8th, 2025, at Summers Landing. She was born on March 10th, 2025, the daughter of the late Daniel Wesley Tanner and Belluah Smith Tanner. Her survivors include one daughter, Alana (Steve) Lott of Douglas, GA; three grandchildren, John (Shelley) Dykes of Douglas, GA, Steve (Karan) Lott of Nicholls, GA and Ladawn (John) Shealy of Douglas, GA; seven great-grandchildren, Dylan Dykes, Daniel Dykes, Dustin Dykes, Trinity Adams, Brantley Adams, Oliver Lott, and Owen Lott; two sisters, Hazel (J.T.) Deason and Opal (Ron) Erickson; along with several nieces…