Author: Submitted

As the holiday season is upon us, the City of Douglas Police Department would like to remind everyone that holiday shopping can present some danger. During the holiday season, people become less attentive as their lives become more hectic, which could make them susceptible to crime and danger. Taking a few prevention measures can help ensure a jovial holiday season. “The holiday shopping season can cause some people to be more at risk to theft and other holiday crime,” says Chief Casteloes. “We hope that by sharing these safety tips, it will remind people to be more prepared by being…

Edford “Ed” Courson, age 77, of Millwood, Ga. passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2016, at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Courson was born on December 13, 1938, in Millwood, Ga. to the late Willie Levi Courson and Daisey Brown Courson. Survivors include: his wife, Jenalda Courson of Millwood, Ga.; three daughters, Calisse (Jim) Owens of Knoxville, Tn., Karen Johnson of Nicholls, Ga., and Sherry (Sid) Adams of Douglas, Ga.; two sons, Franklin Courson of Nicholls, Ga. and David Anthony (Kaneah) Courson of Millwood, Ga.; twenty-three grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; sister, Miram Krain of Sebring, Fla.; and several nieces…

Wal-Mart truck drivers raise thousands of dollars for schools around the United States for the education foundation with their program “Miles for Education.” The Wal-Mart Foundation makes a financial contribution to local schools for every accident-free mile driven by each of the company’s 7,200 tractor trailer drivers. For every mile, one penny was given to the program. This program has two aims, safe driving and funding for local schools, and they achieved both goals. In November, Wal-Mart distribution representatives, Mr. Kenneth Morgan and Mr. John James, presented a $2,555.62 check to George Washington Carver Freshman Campus (GWCFC). GWCFC was one…

South Georgia State College (SGSC) is pleased to announce an art exhibit and reception showcasing the works of Jerry Luke. The artwork is on display in the Peterson Hall Art Gallery on the Douglas Campus until Thursday, Dec. 8 between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. A meet-and-greet reception will be held in the art gallery on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. Community members, as well as SGSC faculty, staff, and students, are invited to attend this free event. A native of Blackshear, Ga., Luke is one of our region’s most talented artists. He earned a master’s degree in painting…

Jean Kirkland, age 84, of Douglas, GA passed away on Friday, November 25, 2016, at Shady Acres Nursing Home. Kirkland was born on March 25, 1932, in Pearson, Georgia to the late Willie Douglas and Annie Douglas. Survivors include: Daughter: Gwyn Kirkland of Douglas, GA. Son: Dexter Kirkland of Douglas, GA. Sisters: Naomi (Seaborn) Story of Brunswick, GA, Mavis McKinnon of Pearson, GA. Granddaughter: Lianna Booth of St Augustine, FL Great-Granddaughter: Hollyn Booth of St. Augustine, FL.. Preceded by: Father: Willie Douglas, Mother: Annie Douglas. The family will receive friends Sunday, November 27, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM…

Santa is coming and he’s bringing some friends! This year’s Santa’s North Pole Plaza is bigger and better than before. Santa and friends will be taking wishes and pictures, Mrs. Claus and her kitchen elves will serve up hot chocolate and cookies, there will be elves helping children create keepsake ornaments, and even a special gift for mom or grandma. Our elves will be painting sweet faces with Christmas designs, and there will be visits from The Grinch and his sidekick, Max. Cindy Lou Who, Elsa and Anna, and both the boy and girl Elf on the Shelf will be…

Myrtle Merritt, age 77, of Nicholls, Ga. passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2016, at Bacon County Hospital following an extended illness. Mrs. Merritt was born on November 10, 1939, in Broxton, Ga. to the late Easton Merritt and Louise Batten Merritt. Survivors include: her husband, R.T. Merritt of Nicholls, Ga.; son, Autrey (Rhonda) Merritt of Nicholls, Ga.; daughter, Phyllis (Foye) McGray of Nicholls, Ga.; two sisters, Carolyn Rollins of Douglas, Ga. and Marie Carver of Douglas, Ga.; brother, Ronnie Merritt of Broxton, Ga.; four grandchildren, Joei Tanner, Coye McGray, Lee Merritt, and Alyssa Carver; three great-grandchildren, Macy Tanner, Kreed…

Aubrey Batten, age 75, of Ambrose, Ga. passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2016, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Mr. Batten was born on June 2, 1941, in Pearson, Ga to the late Elisha Batten and Myrle Baker Batten. Survivors include: his wife, Sandra Faye Batten of Ambrose, Ga.; daughter, Kimberlee Batten Smith of Ambrose, Ga.; three brothers, Ralph Batten of St. Marys, Ga., Clinton Batten of Pearson, Ga., and Herman Batten of Tifton, Ga.; sister, Mildred Deen of St. Marys, Ga.; seven grandchildren, Aubrie Anna Smith, Alix Troupe Batten, Kylie Jo Batten, Philip Daniel Smith,…

Citizens in Douglas and Coffee County are encouraged to join in a season of giving by participating in the Coffee County Community Toy Drive. The City of Douglas, along with many local community agencies, are hosting a toy drive for boys and girls ages 12 & under. “We have approximately 1,000 youth in our community who are on toy lists with local agencies,” says Mayor Tony Paulk. “So far, we have raised approximately $2,300, which does not include toys that have been donated. If you do the math, based on money collected, that only provides 230 children with $10 gifts. …