Author: Submitted

The City of Douglas holds an annual Soup Cook-off with employees of the city and chamber of commerce to raise funds for the Mayors Christmas Motorcade each year. Congratulations to this year’s winner, the Douglas Public Works Department, and thanks to all those who participated. Pictured above are Mayor Tony Paulk, Administrative Assistant Lorinda Gray, Interim Public Works Director Anthony Kirkland, and Commissioner Johnnie Lee Roper. – Submitted

Cynergy Cargo, LLC owners and management recently donated a cargo trailer to the Douglas Fire Department. The trailer will first be used for transporting donated toys for the Community Toy Drive. After Christmas, the trailer will be used by the Fire Department for various storage and transportation purposes. Pictured above (l to r) at the city’s commission meeting last Monday are Mayor Tony Paulk, Asst. Fire Chief Casey Wright, Mayor Pro Tem Olivia Pearson, Jessica Vega, Elizabeth Vega- Assistant General Manager, Ron Vega-General Manager, Vigler Mazariegos-Owner, Edelmira Mazariegos-Owner, Fire Chief Larry Wilson, Police Chief Gary Casteloes, Deputy Chief Brannen Pruette,…

Mr. Ricky Elton Taylor, age 59, of Douglas passed away early Tuesday morning, December 15, 2016, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. He was born April 4, 1957 to the late Junior Taylor and the late Vernell Batten Taylor. Survivors include: His Wife: Debbie Minix Taylor of Douglas, GA; 2 Daughters: Missy (Jesse) Croft and Kelly (Kirk) Lowe, all of Douglas, GA; 7 Grandchildren: Keegan Howell, Dallas Howell, Caleb Howell, Shelby Croft, Katie Croft, Merci Lowe and Jada Lowe, all of Douglas, GA; 1 Great Grandchild: Kason Howell of Douglas, GA; 3 Brothers: James (Joyce) Taylor of…

Rev. Fred Smith, age 87, of Douglas, Ga. passed away on Wednesday, December 14, 2016, at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Smith was born on April 26, 1929, in Broxton, Ga. to the late Ma Smith and Daisy May Rowell Smith. Survivors include: his wife, Rev. Ruby Smith of Douglas, Ga.; son, Jackie Fred Smith, Sr. of Douglas, Ga.; three daughters, Brenda Jean Copeland of Douglas, Ga., Janice McLaughlin of Macon, Ga., Sherry Giardina of Alachua, Fla.; adopted son, Rev. Darrell Smith of Waycross, Ga.; sister, Dorothy Saegert of Mississippi; three brothers, Maxell Smith of Douglas, Ga., J.H.…

Clara Buchan Barrs, age 85, of Douglas, Ga passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, at Manor House following an extended illness. Mrs. Barrs was born on June 24, 1931, in Voulsia County, Fla. to the late Selma Monroe Shrouder, Sr. and Wilma Wayne Young Shrouder. Survivors include: her three daughters, Tammie (Jimmy) McCallum of Ambrose, Ga., Joyce (Gary) Gilstrap of Jasper, Ga., and Gwen (Roger) Peddycord of Sandersville, Ga.; son, Keith (Susan) Buchan of Wray, Ga.; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Virginia Bass of Hazlehurst, Ga.; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husbands,…

The South Georgia State College Hawks jumped out to a 23-4 lead in the first seven minutes and never looked back, defeating the USC-Salkehatchie Indians 90-64 Thursday night. The win avenges a 98-95 loss to the Indians in Allendale, S.C. Nov. 15. When asked for the difference between the two games, head coach Cory Baldwin said SGSC’s defense was the biggest factor. “I think that’s the best we’ve played all year,” he said. “Defensively, we were able to hold them to under 30 points in the first half, and that was key.” The Hawks (9-2) never trailed in the game…

Douglas Public Information Director Georgia Henderson and Media Relations/Event Coordinator Blondale Thomas attended the Magnolia Midlands Travel Association (MMTA) monthly meeting Thursday in Claxton at Claxton City Hall. MMTA members help to represent our region throughout the state at various events. All members in attendance were treated to complimentary Claxton Fruit Cakes. Claxton Mayor Terry Branch welcomed everyone to their city, and MMTA members were delighted to have staff members from District 12 Congressman Rick Allen’s office. During their visit, staffers commented on how much Congressman Allen supports tourism throughout the entire state of Georgia. Pictured above are Lori Hennesy…

Douglas Mayor Tony Paulk and City Commissioner Cindy McNeill recognized the 2016 Christmas parade winners at the commission’s regular meeting last Monday. “We appreciate all the hard work and efforts each of you placed in your float entries,” said Mayor Tony Paulk. “Each of you helped to make our 53rd Christmas Parade a success!” The parade’s overall winner, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is pictured above. Pictured below are: Photo 1 – Mayor Tony Paulk and City Commissioner Cindy McNeill with 3rd Place Winners Walmart Transportation and Heaven’s Saints Motorcycle Ministries (not pictured – GWC Freshman…

Members of Coffee Middle School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Team recently presented Baptists for Haiti with a check for $1500 towards the Bricks for Haiti Fund. These funds will be used for the construction of homes, schools, and businesses in poverty-stricken Haiti. – Submitted

South Georgia State College will close Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, at noon for the holiday season. SGSC will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, and spring semester classes will begin on Monday, Jan. 9 at the Douglas and Waycross Campuses as well as the SGSC-Valdosta State University and SGSC-Georgia Southwestern State University Entry Programs. For new students registering for spring semester, there will be a Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR) Day Thursday, Jan. 5 beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Engram Hall on the Douglas Campus and the Educational Building on the Waycross Campus. The GSW Entry Program Orientation is scheduled for…