Author: Submitted

It’s been a good week for South Georgia State College’s Zaquavian Smith. He has been named the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association’s (GCAA) Player of the Week and signed a letter of intent to continue his basketball career at Nicholls State. “I’m excited about heading to Nicholls State, because I think it’s a great fit for me,” said Smith. “My family and the SGSC coaching staff played a big part in getting me to where I am now. A special thanks goes to them for pushing me and believing in me. Without God, none of this would have been possible.” A…

Mrs. Clara Laverne Kent Butler, age 97, of Douglas, GA passed away Tuesday evening, November 15, 2016 at Shady Acres Health and Rehabilitation following an extended illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Nerrill Butler. Survivors include: 1 Son, Jacel W. Butler of Douglas, GA; 2 Daughters, Shelba Jean Hardeman and Linda Wylene Shellnutt both of Franklin, GA; 8 Grandchildren and numerous Great-Grandchildren; Several Nieces, Nephews, Friends and Other Relatives. Visitation will be Thursday afternoon, November 17, 2016 from 2:00 to 2:30 P.M. at Ricketson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held immediately following Visitation on Thursday,…

Emilio Ortiz, age 59, of Douglass, Ga. passed away on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Ortiz was born on March 28, 1957, in Douglas, Ga. to Raymon Ortiz and the late Juanell Jewell Ortiz. Survivors include: his wife, Janice Ortiz of Douglas, Ga.; daughter, Kimberly Ortiz of Douglas, Ga.; son, Ramon Ortiz of Douglas, Ga.; two stepdaughters, Terra (Gerald) McDaniel of Douglas, Ga. and Elizabeth Mobley of Waynesville, Ga.; stepson, Jesse Mobley of Waynesville, Ga.; father, Raymon Ortiz of Douglas, Ga.; two sisters: Joy (Ricky) Smith, of Ambrose, Ga. and Camellia (Stanley) Spivey,…

James Freddie Burkett, age 59, of Alma, Ga. passed away on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, at his sister’s residence following an extended illness. Mr. Burkett was born on November 30, 1956, in Douglas, Ga. to the late James Edward Burkett and Edna Livine Meeks Burkett. Survivors include: his wife, Denise Burkett of Alma, Ga.; two sons, James Daniel Burkett of Douglas, Ga. and Jason (Jennifer) Burkett of Douglas, Ga.; two grandsons, Nicholas Burkett and Robert Burkett both of Douglas, Ga.; two sisters, Ann (Donald) Hall of Douglas, Ga. and Rhonda (Arley) Waters of Nicholls, Ga.; two brothers, Eddie (Connie) Burkett…

Tommy Ray Wood, Sr., age 62, of Willacoochee, Ga. passed away on Monday, November 14, 2016, at Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla. following an extended illness. Mr. Wood was born on January 11, 1954, in Douglas, Ga. to the late Troy Edward Wood and Quinnie Buchans Wood. Survivors include: his wife, Debra Olivia Miller Wood of Willacoochee, Ga.; two sons, Tommy (Teri) Wood, Jr. of Willacoochee, Ga. and Shanon Wood of Douglas, Ga.; daughter, Tracie (Wallace) Newham of Willacoochee, Ga.; brother, Eddie (Sharon) Wood of LaGrange, Ga.; sister-in-law, Robin Wood of Louvale, Ga.; nine grandchildren, Donald Hall, Donnie Hall, Jay…

We had a great day at Coffee Middle School! Thanks to Lewis Construction for giving our students a tour of the new ag facility construction site and talking with them about the ins and outs of construction. What a great community we live in! – Submitted

Alix Troupe will be competing to become the next Miss Ga. USA, Nov. 17-19, in McDonough. Supporters say Alix always does her best at making sure her pageant girls look their best and cheer them on as they walk across pageant stages. Now it’s her turn to walk the stage and compete for Miss Ga USA. If she wins, Alix will go on to compete in Miss USA. The following well-wishes for Alix were provided to DouglasNow.com from some of her supporters: “We would like to wish one of the most loving, caring, compassionate, funny, and beautiful people, inside and…

Father John Commins was the speaker at the Douglas Kiwanis Club meeting Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Flyin’ Cowboy restaurant. Father Commins spoke about how the teachings of Jesus and the lessons of the Bible can help bring peace and unity to our country after the recent contentious elections. The Kiwanis Club members enjoyed and appreciated his talk. – Submitted

Coffee Middle School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is taking donations to build a mission home in Haiti. Each grade level has a “house” in the commons area. FCA students are taking donations of $1 per brick to help fund the Baptist Mission home in Haiti. We would like to give a special thanks to Mr. Jimmy Ricketson for building our houses! If you would like to donate, please see any FCA leadership team member. – Submitted

Mayor Tony L. Paulk looks on in the photo above as the Douglas Utilities Department erects the new Christmas Tree that will be lit at the conclusion of the Community Thanksgiving Spectacular that will take place this Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Martin Centre. The Community Thanksgiving Spectacular is a Christmas musical and dance kick-off event for the Community Toy Drive that will conclude with a Tree Lighting Ceremony at approximately 6:30 p.m. Admission to the Spectacular will be a $10 donation or a $10 new, unwrapped toy. The Community Christmas Tree will be placed in Atkinson…