Author: Submitted

Michael Kenneth Sears, age 57, of Douglas, passed away Friday morning, May 26, 2017, at his residence following a short illness. He was born August 13, 1959 to the late Roger Hugh Sears and the late Oda Carver Sears. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Amy Sears and a grandson, Gabriel Christian Garcia. Mr. Sears, a native of Coffee County, was a heavy equipment operator with Spires Construction. He was an avid fisherman and he enjoyed his family and friends. Survivors include: Wife Susan Annette Odum Sears of Douglas; children Michael Adam (Jewel) Sears,…

Ms. Dorothy Caves Shrouder, age 82, of Denton, GA, passed away Wednesday evening, May 24, 2017, at her residence following an extended illness. Ms. Shrouder was born February 25, 1935 to the late Alfred T. Caves and the late Beatrice Stone Caves. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donnie Edward “Ed” Shrouder; a son, Eddie Lamar Shrouder; a daughter, Ann Tradewell; a sister, Jeanette Horne; and a brother, J. T. Caves. Mrs. Shrouder, a native of Jeff Davis County, was a homemaker. She also assisted her late husband in the operation of their farm.…

Mr. James Owen Cumbass, Sr., age 85, of Douglas passed away Monday evening, May 22, 2017, at his residence following an extended illness. He was born February 23, 1932 to the late Pearlie Cumbass and the late Missouri Ricketson Cumbass. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sara Nell Minix Cumbass; a son, Ronald Cumbass; and two brothers, Clyde Cumbass and Joseph Cumbass. Mr. Cumbass was a native of Coffee County. He was a retired logger. He had also delivered pulpwood for many years. Mr. Cumbass attended Salem Holiness Baptist Church. Survivors include: Sons James Owen…

The search in Alma for Willie Frank Wooden, who was reported missing in Alma recently, has taken a grim turn. Authorities have said they suspect foul play in his disappearance. This week, they showed just how certain they are that something bad likely happened to Mr. Wooden. On June 8, local public safety personnel, city and county workers, and Department of Corrections employees/inmates drained a local pond to determine if Willie Frank Wooden was located within the pond. Efforts began Wednesday to drain the pond, but rain which began during the day and lingered into the night hindered the draining…

On Wednesday evening, June 7th, at 9:25 p.m., the Alma Police Department responded to an armed robbery on E. 16th St (GA HWY 32 E) at the Quik Pik convenience store. The clerk stated a black male of average height and slender build entered the store, dressed in all black with his face concealed by a ski mask, and pointed a semi-automatic handgun in his face demanding the money in the cash register. The unknown robber stole $200-$300 and fled towards a nearby neighborhood. If anyone has information leading to the identity of the armed robber, please call the Alma…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College will accept new student applications for Fall Semester on Free Application Day, June 22. Any new student who applies in person on this day will have the application fee waived. Free Application Day will be held on the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus, Coffee Campus, Cook County WDC Campus, Moody AFB Extended Campus, and the Valdosta Campus from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Fall Semester classes begin August 17. Students applying for Fall Semester have several new programs to consider. New programs include an Associates of Science Degree in General Business (Valdosta Campus), Air Conditioning Diploma (Ben Hill-Irwin…

Cory Baldwin, head men’s basketball coach at South Georgia State College (SGSC), will host his eighth annual “Baldwin’s Ballers” basketball camp this summer. Assistant Coach D.J. Hardy will serve as camp coordinator. The camp is open to boys and girls ages 6-15. Four-day sessions are scheduled for the weeks of June 19, 26, July 10, and 17 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on SGSC’s Waycross Campus. Each session is $80 per camper, which includes a t-shirt. A discount is available to campers who attend multiple sessions as well as family members of SGSC employees. Campers should register at least…

A reward is being offered for information leading to the location of Willie Frank Wooden, 68, of Alma. Currently, the reward stands at $500 but could increase moving forward. Authorities suspect foul play in Wooden’s disappearance. Wooden, 5’10” and 263 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes, has not been seen since May 30 at his South Thomas Street home. His vehicle, a silver 2004 Toyota Avalon, was found at the Bacon County Health Department on May 31. Witnesses have informed law enforcement an unknown white female removed a duffle bag from Wooden’s vehicle around 9 a.m. on the May…

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has become aware of a dangerous, potentially lethal substance contained in street drugs surfacing in central and South Georgia. Dozens of patients have been hospitalized and there are reports of deaths that may be associated with the drugs, but confirmation is pending. The overdoses have been reported over a 48-hour period in Centerville, Perry, Macon, Warner Robins and Albany, but the drugs may also be sold on the street in other areas of the state. Patients reportedly purchased yellow pills alleged to be Percocet, an opioid pain medication. The substance has not yet…

Ryan Daniel, country music artist and supporter of many worthy causes, is teaming up with Bethany Hospice and Palliative Care in a special performance on Tuesday, June 27. This concert will be at 7 p.m. at The South Georgia Youth Park Wiregrass Arena in Nicholls. Ryan’s new #1 single ‘Feel Good Feelin’ won the 2017 ‘Country Music Video of the Year’ at the Indie Music Channel Awards in Los Angeles. This special concert is dedicated to children who have encountered grief through the loss of a loved one. Prior to the concert, Bethany Hospice’s team of grief counselors will be…