Lataine Vickers Smith, age 86, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. Lataine was born to the late Harvey and Vivian Vickers on October 2, 1939. Lataine is survived by her three daughters, Jennifer Vivian Moore (Scott) of Douglas, Georgia, Jill Robinett Smith of Summerville, South Carolina, and Amanda Courtney Smith of Douglas, Georgia; three grandchildren, Jordan Scott Moore of Winter Park, Florida, Mollie Adrianne Hatch (Ben) of Nashville, Tennessee, and Louise Vivian Yaughn (Dalton Paulk) of Douglas, Georgia; and five great-grandchildren, Margaret Scott Hatch, Molly Frances Hatch, Jordan Hal Moore, Lylah…
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On September 21, 2026, detectives with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding an alleged sexual offense that occurred approximately six years ago. Following the report, CCSO detectives immediately began investigating the allegations. Through multiple interviews and investigative efforts, detectives were able to gather sufficient information to establish probable cause for an arrest. David Kirkland, 75, was arrested and charged with one count of child molestation. Kirkland remains in the Coffee County Jail awaiting adjudication. The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that it is never too late to report a sexual crime. Victims may carry the effects…
Friday, Ian Sansot was sworn in as Acting District Attorney of the Waycross Judicial Circuit by Judge J. Kelly Brooks. This follows the appointment of Marilyn Bennett to the position of Superior Court Judge. Ian has been a prosecutor in the Waycross Judicial Circuit for over 14 years and was appointed Chief Assistant in 2025. During his career, Ian has prosecuted thousands of felony cases, from the beginning of cases through appeals, including arguing before the Supreme Court of Georgia. He has also prosecuted cases in Juvenile Court and was previously the assigned prosecutor for both Drug Court and Mental…
By Van Yandell One of my running and bicycling friends and I used our shoes in stages. Stage one, while the soles were factory stable, was for running. Stage two was for bicycling or wearing in public. If we went to Walmart or Winn Dixie or the bike shop, we wore stage two shoes. Stage three shoes were for garden and yard work and stage four were weed-eater shoes. By what would have been stage five, the shoes were falling apart and that stage would have been trash can shoes. Yesterday, wife Margie told me, “You’re either going to have…
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that all 12 of Georgia’s Regional Commissions saw growth in their labor forces in August. Coastal Georgia, Northeast Georgia and Northwest Georgia reached all-time highs in their labor forces, while Coastal Georgia and Northwest Georgia also reached all-time highs in employment. “Georgia’s economy continues to deliver,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes. “Across the state, we’re seeing a strong labor force and regional growth that reflects an economy rewarding hard work, encouraging job creation and removing unnecessary barriers. As we build Georgia into a Top State for Talent, we’re creating a place…
The GBI has arrested and charged seven people following a 9-month-long joint drug investigation in Macon, Bibb County, GA, led by the GBI Middle Georgia Gang Task Force (MGGTF), GBI Oconee Drug Task Force, GBI Ocmulgee Drug Task Force, Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS), Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC), Houston County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), Peach County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). The following people were arrested: Joseph Eugene Robinson, age 21, of Macon, GA, arrested on outstanding arrest warrants for Trafficking Methamphetamine and charged with Possession of a Firearm During the…
Martha Ann Morgan, age 72, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Monday, September 21, 2026. She was born on December 30, 1953, to the late James and Annie J. Penn. Her survivors includes: son, Jason Pridgen (Emily) of Rincon, Georgia; daughter, Stephanie Penn of Austin, Texas; two grandchildren, Jasmin Pridgen and Madison Pridgen; two brothers, Alfred Penn (Jill) of Douglas, Georgia and Edward Penn (Elaine) of Douglas, Georgia; lots of nieces, nephews, and extended family members. A memorial service will be on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at The Sanctuary Church of Douglas, Georgia. The service will begin at 3:00 PM with…
Camerino Hernandes-Bautista, age 54, of Douglas, GA, passed away suddenly at St. Joseph Candler Hospital on Sunday, September 20, 2026. He was born on January 28, 1972. Many friends and family will mourn his loss. The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Sims Funeral Home in Douglas, GA, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the chapel of Sims Funeral Home in Douglas, GA, at 11:00 AM with Father Anthony Madanu and Rev. Victor Mendosa officiating. Interment will follow at the City of Douglas Cemetery. Sims…
Selena Rae Smith, age 58, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Monday, September 21, 2026. She was born on February 28, 1968, to William Ray Butler and the late Diane “Shorty” Miller. Her survivors include: daughter, Kayla Smith; son, Caleb Smith (Tiffany); two brothers, George Butler and Carlos Butler (Tracy); father, William Ray Butler; four grandchildren, Jason Sr., Keilan, Kinley, and Aliza; three great-grandchildren, Zylus, Zaiden, and Jason Jr. Selena is preceded in death by her mother, Diane “Shorty” Miller. The family would like to extend a heartfelt and special thank you to Ced Williams for his kindness, compassion, and unwavering…
October is just around the corner, and that means the City of Douglas is gearing up for its annual service promotions. Throughout the month, residents are invited to learn more about city services and take part in a variety of community activities. The Douglas Fire Department will observe Fire Prevention Month and join the National Fire Protection Association in promoting Fire Prevention Week, held October 4–10, 2026. This year’s campaign, “Charge Into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” highlights everyday charging habits that help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires. The department will use the Fire Prevention Education…