Author: Submitted

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has received several reports in recent days of counterfeit currency in varying denominations circulating in the area. If you suspect you have received or are in possession of counterfeit money, report it to the sheriff’s office by calling (912) 384-4227 or the non-emergency 911 line at (912) 384-7675. The best way to determine whether a note is genuine is to rely on the security features, such as the watermark and security thread. Counterfeit detection pens are not always accurate and may give false results. To learn about these and other security features in genuine Federal…

Congratulations to Colby Denning in Mrs. Shelly Lott’s homeroom at Indian Creek Elementary! In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, her drawing was selected among the elementary art entries and will be featured on the t-shirt for the Child Advocacy Center of Coffee County. Colby also received a $25 Dairy Queen gift card. We are so proud of you, Colby!

Coffee County deputies arrested a 41-year-old Douglas man Sunday on child abuse, battery, and other charges after he caused substantial harm to his father and injured another nine-year-old victim. Deputies were dispatched to a residence off Hillcrest Road around 1 p.m. Sunday in reference to a fight in progress between a father and son. When deputies arrived, they observed the 64-year-old victim sitting in a chair on the front porch bleeding extensively from between his eyes around the top of his nose. The victim stated his son, identified as John Christopher Harrell, had punched him with a closed fist after…

A Coffee County man already out on bond for assaulting his wife and Coffee County deputies in a June 2016 incident was re-arrested early Monday morning after authorities responded to a domestic dispute at his residence. Deputies responded to a home off Southern Way around 5 a.m. Monday. The complainant stated her brother, identified as 59-year-old Wendell Corbitt, Sr., had been up throughout the night “talking out of his head’ and “wandering around the neighborhood aggravating the neighbors.” Mr. Corbitt informed deputies that the complainant was not his sister, but was in fact an alien who had abducted and killed…

First Academy has earned Full Accreditation with Quality from the Georgia Accrediting Commission for kindergarten through sixth grade. W.T. Henry from the Georgia Accrediting Commission was very complementary of First Academy. He noted that First Academy was a well-organized operation with a very qualified and capable staff in a great learning climate. He stated, “I was very impressed with the school’s operation as well as their staff and administrative leadership. The Board of Directors as well as the headmaster are most visionary concerning the future for their school. Plans are to add a grade each year until they accommodate all…

Mr. Jesse Dexter Spurling, age 34, of Pembroke, GA, formerly of Coffee County, passed away suddenly Sunday morning, April 2, 2017, as the result of an auto accident in Pembroke. He was born September 26, 1982 to Brian Spurling and Lynn Soles Spurling Keen. Mr. Spurling was employed as a welder with Interstate Paper of Riceboro. Survivors include: Wife Antoinette Sanchez Spurling of Pembroke, GA; daughters Rheanna Spurling and Katie Spurling, both of Bonaire, GA; step-children Briana Sanchez, Mary Peregrina, Atori Peregrina and Santana Peregrina all of Richmond Hill, GA ;mother and step-father Lynn (Karl) Keen of Pembroke, GA; father…

Mrs. Barbara Ann Hoglund Gillespie, age 81, of Pontiac, Illinois, formerly of Coffee County, passed away Saturday, April 1, 2017, in Pontiac, Illinois following a short illness. She was born November 11, 1935 to the late Clarence Hoglund and Hildegarde Holmstedt Hoglund. Survivors include: children Linda Peebles of Gardendale, Alabama, Joan Travis of Galveston, Texas, Cynthia Mock of Gridley, Illinois, and Dan Gillespie of Denver, Colorado; 12 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. Ricketson Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Willie William Lewis, age 61, of Pearson, GA passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2017, at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Lewis was born on February 26, 1956, in Port Saint Joe, FL to the late Hilliard Junior Lewis and Martha Jane Anderson Lewis. Survivors include: his wife, Frances Marie Lewis of Pearson, GA; five daughters, Cynthia King of Pearson, GA, Lesley (Michael) Doolie of Ohio, Elizabeth (James) Taft of Dothan, AL, Stacey (D.J.) Bass of Pearson, GA, and Samantha Lewis of Pearson, GA; three sisters, Elaine (Ray) Taft of Pearson, GA, Martha Ann Jackson of Pearson, GA,…

Ruby Mullinax, age 94, of Broxton, GA passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at her residence following an extended illness. Mrs. Mullinax was born on December 31, 1922, in Broxton, GA to the late Pat Smith and Addie Wise Smith. Survivors include: her daughter, Sue Mobley of Broxton, GA; son, Cliff (Lynda) Mobley, Sr. of Broxton, GA; brother, Guy (Karen) Smith of Broxton, GA; four grandchildren, Cliff (April) Mobley, Jr.; Brad Mobley, Laura (Henry) Brown, and Dudley Mobley; four great-grandchildren, Chase Mobley, Courtney Mobley, Braden Mobley, and Quinn Brown; several nieces and nephews; three special caregivers, Christy Bower, Emma…

Looking for a second shot to have the best night of your life? The Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first Adult Prom on Saturday, May 13 at the Atrium Event Center. “It’s prom the way you always wanted to experience it,” states Andrea Taylor, Chamber President. “No curfew, a live band and lots of fun!” Participants are encouraged to dress according to one of the decades of the 20th century or in current prom attire. In addition to a live band, there will be heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and photo booth. Tickets are $50 and are…