Author: Submitted

Following an investigation that spanned one month, drug agents with the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit executed a search warrant on June 24, 2025. Detectives located a quantity of suspected methamphetamine and digital scales, consistent with drug distribution. 60-year-old Glen Merrill, the resident of the home, was later observed traveling as a passenger in a vehicle. Officers conducted a traffic stop and Merrill was detained without incident. Merrill was found to have two active arrest warrants and now faces additional charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He was transported to the Coffee County Jail where he remains in custody.

Douglas City Commissioners Steve Bailey, Mike Gowen, and Edwin Taylor received Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute Certificates during the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Annual Convention in Savannah on Monday, June 23, 2025. This institute, a partnership between GMA and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, offers a nationally recognized series of training opportunities for city officials. “This is a remarkable achievement,” said GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson. “The investment that Commissioners Bailey, Commissioner Gowen, and Commissioner Taylor have made through their commitment to professional development sets the standard for innovation and service in local…

Douglas and Coffee County residents are warmly invited to the groundbreaking ceremony and dedication of a new housing development for survivors of Hurricane Helene. The event, hosted by The Hope Initiative, Hope for Coffee, and the City of Douglas, will take place on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 10:00 in the park located at 315 Alunza Street. The entire community is encouraged to come together for this significant occasion as officials, recovery agencies, and the Douglas and Coffee County community unite to break ground on a project that will bring healing to several families. “By joining together, we have fostered healing and…

The Waycross Police Department is offering a reward for information leading to the location of two suspects who allegedly fired at officers during a chase, according to a press release. On June 28, 2025, at approximately 2:15 a.m., Waycross police attempted to stop a vehicle connected to several felonies in Waycross. The vehicle fled, leading to a pursuit. During the chase, the pursuing officer came under gunfire from suspects inside the fleeing vehicle, causing the patrol car to be struck several times. The suspects eventually abandoned the vehicle in a neighborhood on the south side, prompting a foot pursuit that…

The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that unemployment increased slightly in all 12 of Georgia’s regional commissions in May. “Georgia’s strength isn’t measured in single months — it’s proven over time,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “Even with slight unemployment increases throughout Georgia’s regions in May, most of our metropolitan areas are showing lower unemployment than a year ago. That resilience reflects our modern, adaptive workforce, which is what keeps Georgia the No. 1 state for business in today’s competitive, global marketplace.” Please see a synopsis of each regional commission below (Coffee and Atkinson counties are in…

Mr. Morris Clark Griffin, age 90, of Ocilla, Georgia passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025, at his residence. Mr. Griffin was born on November 12, 1934 in Irwin, GA to the late, George Clark Griffin and Lou Annie Purvis. Survivors include: his loving wife, Frances Mary Griffin of Lax, GA; one sister, Mary Sue Sheffield of Lax, GA; several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, W.C. ” Bill” Griffin and four sisters, Lucille Jones, Louise Kubiak, Bobby Jean Harper, and Bonnie Smith. Graveside services will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 11:00…

Mrs. Mollie Petty Burkett, age 83, of West Green, Georgia passed away Tuesday Morning, June 24, 2025, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Burkett was born September 20, 1941 in Tampa, Florida, to the late Thomas Petty and the late Robbie Chaney Pridgen. She was blessed to have a second father that raised her, the late Stanley Pridgen. She was a homemaker and a member of Burkett Baptist Church. Mrs. Burkett is survived by her loving husband of more than 66 years, Printis Wayne Burkett, Sr. of West Green, Georgia; 2 sons: Printis Burkett, Jr. of…

Ms. Rebecca “Becky” Louise Tanner Reyes, age 59, of Douglas, Georgia passed away Sunday, June 22, 2025 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a period of declining health. Becky was born June 6, 1966 in Moultrie, Georgia to the late Ernest Tanner and the late Louise Stone Tanner. She was a homemaker, a loving mother and Nana, who enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking for them and fishing. She was a member of Cornerstone Church of God of Prophecy, was very community oriented and loved to sing. Becky leaves behind 2 children she loved dearly, her daughter Santana Whitley…

Mr. Billy Ray Vickers, age 92, of Ambrose, Georgia, passed away Wednesday night, June 25, 2025, at Vista Park Health and Rehabilitation following a lengthy illness. Mr. Vickers was born September 9, 1932, in Ambrose, Georgia to the late Roscoe Vickers and the late Julia Paulk Vickers (Durden). He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy where he served for 4 years. Following his military service he returned home to become a farmer and to serve as Mayor of the City of Ambrose for more than 20 years. He was a member of Douglas Church of Christ. Mr.…

Ms. Jamie Lee Paul Mullis, age 40, of Broxton, Georgia passed away suddenly Tuesday night, June 24, 2025 at Coffee Regional Medical Center Emergency Room. Jamie was born December 16, 1984 in Douglas, Georgia to the late Gregory Allen Paul, and Sandra Joyce Peacock Smith. She was a homemaker and loved her family deeply. She was a loving mother and enjoyed being outdoors. She was a “Big Rescuer” with a passion to rescue and help any animal, no matter what kind. Following hurricane Helene last year she made it her mission to find and help as many displaced animals as…