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By Alyssa Goodman & Sierra Warren George Washington Carver Freshman Campus students recently harvested fresh produce grown in their community garden. The garden is maintained and tended by the students with support from community partners. The garden was first proposed by several GWCFC staff members as a Problem-Based Learning activity (PBL). As the school-wide PBL, students from Freshman Seminar, Honors Algebra I, ESOL, Basic Ag., and Journalism worked together to implement and follow through with this endeavor. The students have planted and harvested fall/winter produce such as collard greens, mustards, spinach, cabbage, lettuce, sugar snap peas,…

Memorial Satilla Health is proud to partner with South Georgia State College for the construction of a new simulation lab on the Waycross Campus for the School of Nursing. The hospital’s recent donation of $100,000 from the community benefit fund will assist with build out costs for the new lab. “Investing in the education and training of future nurses is not just a commitment to healthcare, but a testament to our dedication to fostering excellence in patient care. By supporting the development of skilled and compassionate nursing professionals, we are shaping the future of healthcare and making a lasting impact…

On January 16, 2024, the Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council (DMYC) met at City Hall for its regular meeting. Jr. Commissioner Dickson Petitfere, Jr. was recognized as the Outstanding Jr. Commissioner. Wyatt Montgomery was recognized as the Outstanding Community Leader for January. Allison Woodward, a volunteer for the Coffee County Food Bank, was the special speaker for the January meeting. The Monthly Youth Council Spotlight member for January is Dickson Petitfere, Jr. He is the son of Renate Williams and Dickson Petitfere. Dickson is a Sophomore at Coffee High School with a 95A+ average in all his classes. He is…

Sandra Setzekorn Ashcraft Thrower, born April 21, 1949, passed away January 27, 2024, in Vidalia, Georgia, after a long illness. She is survived by her husband of 13 years, Richard Thrower of Douglas, Georgia; his sister, Paula Mobley; and brother, James Corbett Thrower; her sons, Russell Ashcraft and wife Rachel of Oklahoma, Johnson Ashcraft and wife Kelsey; and nine grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Jere Sinone, and husband Barry; brothers, Russell Setzekorn Jr and wife Catherine, Robert Setzekorn and wife Linda, all of Texas. Her mother, Genevieve Setzekorn (1958), preceded her in death, and father, Russell Setzekorn…

The Ben Hill-Irwin Campus of Wiregrass Georgia Technical has hired Michael Powell as the new Automotive Technology instructor. Powell started his career in the automotive career in 1983, attended Wyoming Technical Institute, and has worked for Toyota and Pacific Bell. Over the years he has owned many automotive shops and has taught automotive for 11 years. The Automotive Technology program is making a return to the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus and is excited to start enrolling students in the program for the Spring Express term, classes start February 13. “I hope to pass on the knowledge I have learned…

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that most of Georgia’s Regional Commissions saw a decline in December unemployment rates. The Georgia Mountains, Northeast Georgia, and Southern Georgia Regional Commissions remained unchanged from the previous month. “Georgia’s success story is nothing short of phenomenal, boasting a blockbuster year with over 5.1 million hardworking Georgians driving our state forward,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “As existing businesses scale new heights and a steady influx of new enterprises proudly choose Georgia as their home, the Peach State appears headed toward continued economic success.” Please see a synopsis of the Southern…

South Georgia State College has been awarded a grant from the University System of Georgia to enhance education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The grant application was created through the efforts of Rauf Tailony, Ph.D., MIME, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Brandi Elliott, Associate Vice President of Student Success, and Charles Johnson, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, who submitted the application to the University System of Georgia, in order to better support students enrolled in SGSC’s STEM and Mechanical Engineering Technology courses. This $45,000 grant will be used to continue STEM Initiative…

The Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce played host to an enchanting ribbon cutting ceremony, celebrating the grand opening of Sweet Magnolias, a delightful children’s boutique owned and operated by Wendy and Jeremy Russ. Nestled at 222 S. Peterson Ave in Downtown Douglas, Sweet Magnolias brings a touch of magic to the community with its unique range of children’s clothing for ages newborn to 12 years old, specializing in adorable toddler apparel. Located in the same building where Jeremy’s mother, Judy Russ, once housed her renowned store “Dresses & Dreams,” Sweet Magnolias holds a special place in the heart…

Who is poisoning dogs near Highway 221 North in Douglas? Rebekah and Troy Ladouceur and Sabrina Carver have all lost dogs from what they believe to be poison around their neighborhood. Both of these families live near or on Weeks Road and Tyson Road in Douglas, not far off Highway 221 North. According to these families, animals in the area have been dying rapidly due to poisoned food for close to a year now. Sabrina states that dogs have been dying in their fenced-in backyards, and like hers, even walking on a leash. “She was a part…

Mr. Alex Eugene Shelton, 42 of Douglas, Ga passed away Tuesday morning January 22, 2024 at his home. He was born on February 25, 1981 in Waycross, Ga to Mr. James Shelton and Mrs. Anna Marie Shelton. Mr. Shelton was loved by all and enjoyed helping anyone he could. He was also a member of Willacoochee Church of God. Other than his Parents he is survived by 2 Nephews; Michael Shelton of Douglas, GA and Hunter Shelton of Douglas, GA. 5 Nieces; Sarah Williford of Waycross, GA., Skylar Gonzalez of Jacksonville, FL., Patty Williford of Jacksonville, FL., Hazel Gonzalez of…