Author: Submitted

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…

The Community Foundation of Coffee County was founded in 2002 by a group of citizens interested in encouraging philanthropy and strengthening communities. Its donors make possible the Foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life for the people of Coffee County. CFCC helps its donors establish long-term charitable funds, using the most tax advantaged methods, to benefit their causes and the community. The Community Foundation of Coffee County aims to further the ability of community-based charitable organizations to meet the needs of the residents of Coffee County. Through its Community Grant Program, CFCC will consider applications from organizations in the Coffee…

The City of Douglas and Douglas Rotary Club regret that they are postponing the Summer Beach Bash due to rain and thunderstorm activity this afternoon. The plan for this year is to merge the Summer Beach Bash with the National Night Out event that will take place on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at Central Square Complex. More details will be forthcoming about this event as plans are released.

Editor: It is time to put an end to the practice of allowing condemned prisoners to choose a “last meal” before executions. Georgia recently provided convicted murderer J.W. Ledford Jr. his requested meal, which consisted of a filet mignon steak wrapped in bacon with pepper jack cheese, a largeserving of fries, 10 chicken tenders, a fried pork chop, a Bloomin’ Onion, a pecan pie with vanilla ice cream, a portion of sherbet and an ice cold Sprite to wash it all down. Ledford was convicted of murdering his neighbor, Dr. Harry Buchanan Johnston Jr., in Murray County in 1992. Johnston…

On June 02, 2017, the Alma Police Department received a call concerning a missing person: Willie Frank Wooden – 68 years old, B/M, 5’10”, 263 lbs., grey hair, and brown eyes. Wooden has not been seen since May 30, 2017 at his S. Thomas St. home. APD learned Wooden’s vehicle, a 2004 Toyota Avalon (silver), had been located across town at the Bacon County Health Department on May 31st. Witnesses have informed law enforcement an unknown white female removed a duffle bag from Wooden’s vehicle around 9 a.m. on the 31st. This morning, June 2nd, witnesses saw the same unknown…

On the evening of May 30th, APD arrested Naymond Solomon, 36 of Alma, for driving with a suspended license, open container violation, and possession of cocaine. Officers also arrested Amanda Williams, 37 of Alma, for open container and possession of cocaine.

Tuesday, May 30th, the Alma Police Department received a complaint of several suspicious packages left in a restroom at the Bacon County Health Department. Officers soon learned someone had left packages of marijuana and a cellular telephone for an inmate work detail in a restroom at the health department. On Thursday, June 1st, APD’s Crime Suppression Unit arrested Sharee Taylor, 22 of Alma, for obtaining and procuring drugs and telecommunication devices for an inmate.

Joel Latham, age 62, of Ocilla, Ga., passed away on Thursday, June 1, 2017, at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Latham was born on October 1, 1954, in Douglas, Ga., to the late Louis James Latham and Venita Harper Latham. Survivors include: his wife, Jo Beth Latham of Ocilla, Ga.; two sons, Louis James Latham II of Ocilla, Ga. and John Houston Latham of Ocilla, Ga.; daughter, Melissa Latham Senters of Fitzgerald, Ga.; granddaughter, Hannah Senters of Fitzgerald, Ga.; two brothers, Randall Latham of Ambrose, Ga. and Marcus Latham of Ambrose, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral…

Mr. Stanley Harris Pritchard, age 64, of Douglas, GA, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. Mr. Pritchard was born on October 31, 1952 in Douglas, GA to the late Willie Frank Pritchard and the late Loyce Bailey Pritchard. Survivors include: his wife, Carmen Pritchard of Douglas, GA; five daughters, Jeanne Pritchard of Valdosta, GA, Sarah Porter of Douglas, GA, April Porter of Douglas, GA, Sue Carter of Nicholls, GA, and Bonnie Ashton of Nicholls, GA; four sons, Donald Pritchard of Nicholls, GA, Clint Porter of Douglas, GA, Dewayne Davis of…