Author: Submitted

Clara Buchan Barrs, age 85, of Douglas, Ga passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, at Manor House following an extended illness. Mrs. Barrs was born on June 24, 1931, in Voulsia County, Fla. to the late Selma Monroe Shrouder, Sr. and Wilma Wayne Young Shrouder. Survivors include: her three daughters, Tammie (Jimmy) McCallum of Ambrose, Ga., Joyce (Gary) Gilstrap of Jasper, Ga., and Gwen (Roger) Peddycord of Sandersville, Ga.; son, Keith (Susan) Buchan of Wray, Ga.; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Virginia Bass of Hazlehurst, Ga.; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husbands,…

The South Georgia State College Hawks jumped out to a 23-4 lead in the first seven minutes and never looked back, defeating the USC-Salkehatchie Indians 90-64 Thursday night. The win avenges a 98-95 loss to the Indians in Allendale, S.C. Nov. 15. When asked for the difference between the two games, head coach Cory Baldwin said SGSC’s defense was the biggest factor. “I think that’s the best we’ve played all year,” he said. “Defensively, we were able to hold them to under 30 points in the first half, and that was key.” The Hawks (9-2) never trailed in the game…

Douglas Public Information Director Georgia Henderson and Media Relations/Event Coordinator Blondale Thomas attended the Magnolia Midlands Travel Association (MMTA) monthly meeting Thursday in Claxton at Claxton City Hall. MMTA members help to represent our region throughout the state at various events. All members in attendance were treated to complimentary Claxton Fruit Cakes. Claxton Mayor Terry Branch welcomed everyone to their city, and MMTA members were delighted to have staff members from District 12 Congressman Rick Allen’s office. During their visit, staffers commented on how much Congressman Allen supports tourism throughout the entire state of Georgia. Pictured above are Lori Hennesy…

Douglas Mayor Tony Paulk and City Commissioner Cindy McNeill recognized the 2016 Christmas parade winners at the commission’s regular meeting last Monday. “We appreciate all the hard work and efforts each of you placed in your float entries,” said Mayor Tony Paulk. “Each of you helped to make our 53rd Christmas Parade a success!” The parade’s overall winner, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is pictured above. Pictured below are: Photo 1 – Mayor Tony Paulk and City Commissioner Cindy McNeill with 3rd Place Winners Walmart Transportation and Heaven’s Saints Motorcycle Ministries (not pictured – GWC Freshman…

Members of Coffee Middle School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Team recently presented Baptists for Haiti with a check for $1500 towards the Bricks for Haiti Fund. These funds will be used for the construction of homes, schools, and businesses in poverty-stricken Haiti. – Submitted

South Georgia State College will close Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, at noon for the holiday season. SGSC will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, and spring semester classes will begin on Monday, Jan. 9 at the Douglas and Waycross Campuses as well as the SGSC-Valdosta State University and SGSC-Georgia Southwestern State University Entry Programs. For new students registering for spring semester, there will be a Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR) Day Thursday, Jan. 5 beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Engram Hall on the Douglas Campus and the Educational Building on the Waycross Campus. The GSW Entry Program Orientation is scheduled for…

As the Christmas holidays quickly approach, excitement is in the air at Eastside Elementary School Pre-K classrooms. The students have been learning about the many traditions of “Christmas Around the World” and how it is celebrated. As the culminating activity, all 67 Pre-K students, along with help from many volunteers, created their own special gingerbread boy or girl. No two creations looked the same. Gingerbread boys and girls were seen with all types of candies, icing, fruits, nuts and the works as they were decorated to perfection by each student. The gingerbread boys and girls were left in good care…

Congratulations to Mrs. Debra Spell’s class at West Green Elementary School for collecting the most food for the Ameris Bank Canned Food Drive. The students were rewarded with a pizza party by Ameris Bank for their generosity. Pictured above with the students are Darline Minchew and Donna Alvarado, employees of Ameris Bank. Thanks to everyone that donated food items, as they will be greatly appreciated during this holiday season. – Submitted

Thanks to the generosity of Coffee Middle School students and staff, members of CMS’s National Junior Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes collected toys and money for the local charity Seven Baskets to distribute to local children in need of Christmas. – Submitted

Coffee High’s Isaiah Smith was recently recognized for winning the CHS Christmas card design contest. Congratulations, Isaiah! – Submitted