Author: Submitted

Sen. Tyler Harper (R – Ocilla) announced this week the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) contract awards for Senate District 7. These projects were advertised in January, bids were received on February 17, and contracts were awarded on March 3 to the lowest qualified bidder. The awards focus on construction and operational improvements that enhance safety, address congestion and bring much needed upgrades to roadways throughout Georgia. “As our roads and infrastructure continue to deteriorate, it’s important that we continue to invest in keeping our roads well-maintained,” said Sen. Harper. “These projects and more are proof that Georgia is prioritizing…

Indian Creek Elementary has their own “KINDERGARDEN” thanks to Mrs. Carla Palmer with Coffee County Farm Bureau. Mr. Cray Grantham, a member of the Coffee County Farm Bureau committee and a parent at I.C.E., built the vegetable gardens and helped us plant cucumbers, squash and bell pepper plants for our kindergarten students to tend. Mrs. Carla read the book “Who Grew My Soup?” and donated two of the books to our school. She also visited with our 5th grade teachers and left some resources about agriculture with them. The students are really enjoying taking care of the garden and are…

Ronnie Manning Jr. has been arrested and charged in connection with a shooting that took place on March 23 on South Daughtry Avenue. Friday morning, Douglas police reported that Manning had been arrested on March 27. Police allege that Manning shot Ahmad Rashad Cross, 31, then fled the scene. Cross was taken to Coffee Regional Medical Center where he was treated for a gunshot wound. Manning, 37, has been charged with aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

All aboard! Westside students in Mrs. Sweat’s class had a great time on their field trip to the Agrirama in Tifton on March 10, 2017. The highlight of the trip for the students was to ride the train through the Agrirama grounds. Without the contributions of Danny’s Pizza and Coffee Chrysler, this memorable trip and train ride would not have been possible for the students. So we offer a big thank you to Danny’s Pizza and Coffee Chrysler for contributing to Westside’s trip.

The Coffee County Board of Education has announced that application packets for those interested in being appointed to fill the vacancy of the District 1 board seat resulting from the passing of Mr. Ronnie Johnson will be available Wednesday, April 5, at the Board of Education office located at 1311 South Peterson Avenue in Douglas. Applications will be due at the Board of Education office by 12:00 noon on Monday, April 24. Sometime thereafter, the board will publicly announce how it will proceed. According to Georgia law, the remaining board members are required to select a replacement for the unexpired…

Wednesday night, Douglas police arrested Tyrone Laderrick Ellerton, 34, in connection with an accidental shooting that took place on South Madison Avenue. Charges included possession of schedule prescription drugs, theft by receiving stolen property, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. A police officer on patrol heard gunshots around 8 p.m. Thursday. He saw several individuals running away from a white vehicle. One of the individuals, Tyrone Ellerton, had a handgun. The officer disarmed and detained him. At the scene, the officer saw that Joshua Santez Ellerton,…

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office was made aware early Thursday afternoon, March 30, of false media reports and public concern regarding the alleged escape of a Coffee County inmate from Coffee Regional Medical Center. The sheriff’s office was not contacted prior to the media publishing such reports. In the event of an escaped inmate, or any incident regarding an immediate public safety issue, it is the policy of the sheriff’s office to provide information to the media as quickly as possible. Just after 6:30 a.m. today, Coffee County deputies were dispatched to a residence off Rebecca S. Waldron Rd. in…

Agents with the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit (DCDU) have arrested a county jail officer on two felony charges in a sting operation after learning he approached a former inmate in an attempt to illegally purchase controlled substances. The former inmate stated to agents that 26-year-old Coffee County Jail officer Cory Brent Harrelson had inquired about making a purchase of the prescription drug methadone. DCDU agents collaborated with the former inmate to perform a delivery of controlled substances to Harrelson, and a meeting for a drug transaction between him and Harrelson was arranged. Agents observed and surveilled the transaction and arrested Harrelson…

South Georgia State College (SGSC) and Dr. Charles Smith, Chair of Business and Assistant Professor of Management, will host an information session to learn more on the BSM on Tuesday, April 4th from 5:00 – 6:00 pm in the President’s Dining Room in the James M. Dye Building on the Waycross Campus and on Thursday, April 6th from 6:00 – 7:00 pm in the Alumni House on the Douglas Campus. The degree is approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Thus, financial aid and SGSC Foundation scholarships are available. “Today’s employers are looking for…

There is an old quote by Francis of Assisi that says, “He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.” It’s hard trying to figure out what you want to do as a career for the rest of your life. So many choices and options are available, along with expectations and peer pressure, that it can make the process overwhelming. Many choose their education and career path strictly based on what is expected…