On April 28, 2026, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip through the sheriff’s office’s mobile app that led to the arrest of James Michael Shelton, 32, of Waycross. Shelton was previously charged and convicted of aggravated stalking in 2019 and sentenced under First Offender status to five years of probation. That same year, Shelton violated the conditions of his probation, resulting in the revocation of his First Offender status and adjudication as a convicted felon. He was subsequently re-sentenced to a total of 10 years of probation. As a condition of his probation, Shelton was prohibited from…
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John William Moore, age 62 of Nicholls, Georgia passed away at his residence, Monday, April 27, 2026. John was born February 07, 1964, in Bradenton, Florida to the late Mary Grace Horton Moore and the late Thurman William Moore. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by, a sister, Sherry Moore Thomas, two nieces Brittany Johnson and Crystal Johnson. John believed in hard work, and he enjoyed the fruits of his efforts by tending and watching his crops grow, mature and harvesting them. He tilled the soil and was a steward of what God had entrusted him…
The City of Douglas and Coffee County are now experiencing Exceptional Drought (D4) conditions, the most severe drought category. With drought intensifying across Georgia, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division has issued a Level 1 Drought Response. Immediately, Douglas residents and businesses are encouraged to begin practicing water conservation. Recommended steps include: EPD also provides up-to-date drought indicators, current variances, and official drought actions at: https://epd.georgia.gov/about-us/watershed-protection-branch/drought-management. For further information on the Level 1 Drought Declaration and exceptions please see: https://epd.georgia.gov/watershed-protection-branch/water-conservation.
Errol Oran Sears, age 86, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away on April 25, 2026. He was born on January 29, 1940, to the late Frank Sears and the late Alstine Sears. He is survived by two children, Rhonda (Hank) Youngblood of Douglas, Georgia, and Ryan Hendrix of Valdosta, Georgia; three grandchildren, Darian (Ryan) Ireland of Ashburn, Georgia, McKenzie Crosby of Cordele, Georgia, and Wil Youngblood of Douglas, Georgia; and two great-grandchildren, Wynnston and Ellarie. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Vaughn Sears; his…
Do you want to help make a difference in the city of Douglas? The City of Douglas is searching for motivated individuals who want to make a difference in the community to fill vacancies on two volunteer boards: the Library Board and the Farmer’s Market Board. The City of Douglas is looking for two volunteers for the Library Board. The volunteer should live in the city limits of Douglas. The 2025 Coffee County Board of Trustees meet at 5:00 pm on the second Tuesday of January, April, July, and October at the Douglas-Coffee County Library. The City of Douglas is…
The Trojan Aviation Drone Soccer Team has officially qualified for the U.S. Drone Soccer National Championship, the Battle at the Beach in Daytona Beach. This prestigious national event, hosted at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, brings together the top teams from across the country to compete at the highest level in drone soccer competition.Through countless hours of training, building, repairing, and competing, the CHS Trojan team has earned its place on the national stage. Their hard work and dedication truly set them apart.The Coffee County School System is incredibly proud of these students as they represent Coffee High School, Douglas, and the…
Mrs. Dora Ann Stone Dean, age 73, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away peacefully Friday night, April 24, 2026, at Coffee Regional Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Dora was born June 15, 1952, in Lumber City, Georgia to the late Icie Daniels Stone and Joseph Allen Stone. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Billy Randall Dean, and two brothers, Charles Stone, and Wayne Stone. Dora retired from Wal-Mart after fifteen years of dedicated service. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She enjoyed working in her flowers, loved to go…
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that all of Georgia’s Regional Commissions reported labor force and employment growth in February. “Georgia’s latest labor market data shows continued growth in both the labor force and employment as more Georgians are working and stepping into opportunity across the state,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “That matters because when more people are working, businesses gain access to talent, families gain stability, and Georgia is better positioned to compete, win and adapt in today’s global economy.” Here is a synopsis of each regional commission. Coffee and Atkinson counties are in the…
The Coffee County School System is pleased to announce the selection of Grady Hart as the new Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Facilities.Mr. Hart brings educational leadership experience with a proven track record of leadership in school operations, safety, student services, and facilities coordination. He currently serves as Assistant Principal at Coffee High School and district-wide Assistant Athletic Director, where he has played a critical role in managing complex operational systems across multiple schools.In his current role, Mr. Hart has led and supported district efforts in transportation logistics, facility management, school safety systems, and event operations, while also serving as…
The Georgia Department of Public Health’s Southeast Health District is advising residents across Southeast Georgia to take precautions as smoke from multiple wildfires continues to impact air quality well beyond the immediate fire area. Wildfire smoke can travel miles beyond the immediate fire area and may affect communities that are not in direct proximity to the flames. Exposure to smoke can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. It may also worsen conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take steps to protect their health while…