MiKayla Spencer, park manager at General Coffee State Park, was one of several Georgia State Park and Historic Site employees were honored recently during the annual Managers Conference earlier this month. Many were recognized for their dedication following Hurricane Helene. Accomplishments include storm debris removal, protecting historic structures, leading outstanding ranger programs, customer service excellence and more. The awards ceremony celebrated those who make more than 60 State Parks and Historic Sites outstanding destinations across Georgia. Managers also attended training sessions and shared ideas on park operations within the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Below are this year’s award…
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Albert Lumpkin McLean of Broxton, Ga, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 26th, 2025 after an extended illness. He was born on December, 8th 1956 the son of the late Charles Henry McLean Jr. and Christine Brannon McLean. He Graduated from Broxton High School in 1974, and he graduated Nursing school in 1977. He was an avid gardener and he loved his cats. His survivors include two aunts, Faye Brannon of Tifton, GA and Nell Brewington of Adel, GA; special friends Amanda Grantham and Lynette Pridgen, along with a host of cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by…
In the early morning hours of Sunday, September 28, 2025, an officer-involved shooting occurred in the Bear Creek Mobile Home Park area involving deputies from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the City of Douglas Police Department. The suspect survived the shooting and was transported to a trauma center for further treatment. The investigation has been turned over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). At this time, no further details are available for release. The GBI will provide more info at a later time. The investigation is active and ongoing.
Coffee County Farm Bureau (CCFB) members Walt Pridgen and Ashley Smith were recognized with Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) district awards during the organization’s 10th District Annual Meeting, held Sept. 8 in Waycross. Pridgen received the 10th District Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award, given to young farmers who earn the majority of their income from production agriculture. Pridgen, won the statewide award, which was presented in July during the GFB YF&R Summer Leadership Conference. Pridgen raises cattle and poultry broilers (chicken raised for meat) and lives with his wife Mary Elizabeth in Broxton. Smith received the 10th District YF&R…
By Amy Hancock One year ago, the winds howled, the skies darkened, and Hurricane Helene changed the landscape of South Georgia overnight. But in the days that followed, something more powerful emerged – the strength and resilience of those who call South Georgia State College (SGSC) and the region home. September 27, 2024, is forever etched in our collective memory. Trees fell, power lines snapped, and lives were upended in a matter of hours. On the Douglas campus alone, thousands of trees were scattered across campus, making it almost impossible to navigate from one entrance to another. The Waycross campus…
Robert E. Lee Highsmith, age 89, of Cleveland, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025.Mr. Highsmith was born on April 18, 1936, in Ocilla, Georgia, to the late Luther and Betty Griffin Highsmith. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his daughters, Charity Mayo, Kim Arrington, Teresa Harper, Marjorie Highsmith, and Hattie Mae Highsmith; brothers, Daniel Highsmith and Raymond Highsmith.Survivors include his wife, Shirley Highsmith; children, Sherry and Sammy Reed, Marsha and Phil Laster, Marie Dick, Marvin Highsmith, and Jan Merrifield; siblings, Grace Kirkland, Shirley Deems, Jack Highsmith, Billy and Nita Highsmith, Glenda Soles, and Evelyn…
Mr. Christopher Scott Grimes, age 60, of Nicholls, Georgia passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 18, 2025 in Broxton, Georgia. Christopher was born November 7, 1964, in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Johnny Grimes and the late Wanda Ann Raulerson. He made his career in the heating and cooling industry and attended Harvest Time Church of God. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family, and cooking, especially grilling. It was said that he could cook up something delicious out of anything. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by 2 sisters: Donna Black and Brenda Grimes. Christopher…
Mrs. Judith Pitts Andrews, age 89, formerly of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Tuesday afternoon, September 23, 2025 at her residence in Valdosta, Georgia, following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Andrews was born January 5, 1936 in Sharon, Pennsylvania, to the late Kenneth Pitts and the late Lucille Harshman Pitts. She was a homemaker, and married to her late husband, Robert Andrews for 42 years, prior to his passing. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who found great joy in caring for her family. She was a member of 1st Presbyterian Church. Along with her husband and parents,…
Pearl Drew Shattler, age 83 of Douglas, Georgia and formerly of Kite, Georgia passed away Saturday, September 20, 2025 at The Landings of Douglas, Georgia. Pearl was born January 5, 1942, in Kite, Georgia to the late Gladys Sherrod Drew and Georgia Washington Drew. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John Wesley Shattler, II and two brothers, Tony Drew and Billy Drew. Mrs. Shattler retired from the banking Industry where she held many positions starting as a teller and completing her career as a bank officer. She was a lifetime member of Rehoboth…
Mr. Rex Edward Adams, Sr., age 63, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at his residence following a sudden illness. Rex was born January 9, 1962 to the late James Edward Adams and the late Sarah Janice Sauls Adams. He loved God, his family and his friends. He was a sheet metal machinist by trade and a gifted handy man. He will long be remembered for his willingness to help others. Rex was a dedicated employee of Lyon Management Company for the past 10 years where he was more than an employee, he was family. He…