Author: Submitted

The South Georgia State College swim teams traveled to Point University in West Point, Ga., to compete against Thomas University from Thomasville, Ga., Life College from Atlanta, Ga., and the home team of Point University. The SGSC Hawks held their own against these four-year colleges with bigger programs in fine fashion. The women’s team continued their winning ways by defeating all three teams in the competition. The men finished second in the competition to Thomas University. Winning individual events for SGSC were Brittany Herndon from Carrollton, Ga., and Michael Diorio from Lemont, Ill. in the 1000 yard freestyle. Nikki Daley…

The Georgia General Assembly began the first half of the 154th biennial term on Monday, January 9, 2017. Even though it’s our first week back in session, it’s been a busy one. The capitol has been filled with visitors attending the many events happening on the capitol grounds and with those watching the proceedings of the General Assembly. This week, Senators received their committee assignments. I am proud to say that I will again Chair the Senate Public Safety Committee. Additionally, I will also be serving on the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Appropriations, and the Natural Resources and the Environment…

Governor Nathan Deal announced at the December OneGeorgia Authority Board Meeting that the Douglas-Coffee County Economic Development Authority (EDA) is the recipient of $500,000 in OneGeorgia Equity Grant funding. The funding will assist in capacity building activities in the new Perimeter West Industrial Park II, located on Thompson Drive near the Coffee County Law Enforcement Center. “We are excited to receive this funding from the OneGeorgia Authority,” states Luke Morgan, EDA Chairman. “The funding will help prepare the industrial park so that we can attract more investment and grow jobs in Douglas-Coffee County.” The OneGeorgia Equity Grant Fund is designed…

Mrs. Teresa Ann Jackson White, age 61, of Douglas passed away Saturday, January 14, 2017, at her residence following an extended illness. Teresa, a native of Ocala, FL, was born January 4, 1956 to the late Emory Monroe Jackson and the late Hazel McClendon Jackson. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Phyllis Jackson.Survivors include: Her Husband, Coy White, Sr. of Douglas, GA; 3 Sons, Travis Davis, Timmy Davis and Coy White, Jr., all of Douglas, GA; 1 Brother, Benji Jackson of Douglas, GA; 5 Grandchildren, Triston Davis , Brayden Davis , Todd Davis ,…

The South Georgia State College Hawks brought their conference record back to .500 Saturday afternoon with a 70-60 win over the Gordon State Highlanders. The Hawks (13-3, 1-1) led the entire 40 minutes in a game that head coach Cory Baldwin described as physical. “That was one of the most physical games we’ve played this season,” he said. “It was tough, but it was a true team win.” O’Showen Williams led all scorers with 21 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Zaquavian Smith had 13 points, and McKinley Chambless finished with 10 points. The Hawks lost their conference…

Editor’s note: The following article was originally published Jan. 11, 2017, by the University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Residents of south Georgia counties are discovering what it means to live in poverty through simulations administered by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. In these simulations, between 50 and 80 attendees are split into groups of varying structures mimicking different family dynamics. On the walls of the room, there are different resources one would find in a city, ranging from a hospital or school to a pawn shop. Families are provided a scenario and their family dynamic, and…

JUNIOR/SENIOR DPA Junior/Senior District Project Achievement (DPA) is coming up next week (Jan. 27-29) at Rock Eagle for our 7th-12th grade 4-H members. 4-H members who will be attending had to select a DPA project last year, work in that project all year (for 2016), prepare and submit a portfolio showcasing their project work, leadership, community service, and other activities performed during the year, as well as show their involvement through a picture page. This portfolio will account for 40-50% of their DPA score. They will present a presentation on their topic at the contest next weekend which will account…

John Robert Mattox, age 68, of Douglas, GA passed away on Friday, January 13, 2017, at his residence following a brief illness. Mr. Mattox was born on January 27, 1948, in Savannah, GA to the late Reuben Mattox and Doris Shauck Mattox. Survivors include: his wife, Jerris Mills Mattox of Douglas, GA; two sons, Michael Mattox of Savannah, GA and Vince Cothern of Nicholls, GA; three grandchildren, Devin Mattox of Savannah, GA, Aaron (Allie) Cothern, Sr. of Douglas, GA, and Lindsey (T.L.) Minis of Claxton, GA; four great-grandchildren, Aaron Cothern, Jr., Hayden Morris, Easton Minis, and Allie Minis; two sisters,…

Bobby Wade Spires, age 76, of Wray, GA passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2017, at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Spires was born on May 14, 1940, in Milan, GA to the late James Robert Spires and Ruby Lee Smith Spires. Survivors include: his wife, Martha Spires of Wray, GA; daughter, Connie (Jimmy) Wilson of Wray, GA; son, Bobby Wayne Spires of Wray, GA; sister, Doris Kinnett of Fitzgerald, GA; six grandchildren, Courtney Wilson Straub, Emily Wilson, Stephen Wilson, Andrew Spires, Clay Spires, and Kara Spires; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death…

Coffee High School’s students of the month are selected to recognize the academic excellence and citizenship of students. – Submitted