The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has charged Linda Fay Steedley-Crews, age 44, of Coffee County, with violating the state’s sex offender registry requirements. Steedley-Crews, who had previously registered in Coffee County as homeless, was found residing in an outbuilding at a church property without notifying authorities of her change in residence. Under OCGA 42-1-12(n), registered sex offenders are required to report in person at least 72 hours prior to any change of address. Investigators determined that Steedley failed to comply with this requirement and provided false information regarding her residence. She was arrested and transported to the Coffee County Jail. On Friday,…
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Coffee County Farm Bureau (CHHCFB) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Chairman Walt Pridgen won the 2025 Georgia Farm Bureau YF&R Achievement Award. The award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who earn most of their income from production agriculture. Applicants are judged on their farming operations, Farm Bureau involvement and other leadership activities. The award was presented during the GFB YF&R Summer Leadership Conference, held July 16-19 on Jekyll Island. Pridgen is a fifth-generation farmer who owns and operates Seven Creeks Farm and partners with his father, Jeffrey, to operate Claw Hill Farms. He raises broilers (chicken grown for meat) and…
Patrick Harry Casey, age 72, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 19th, 2025. He was born on September 21st, 1952, the son of Mr. Halden Casey and Mrs. Margarett Casey. His survivors include: one step brother, David (Kim) Knight of West Green, GA; one step sister, Lisa (Sal) Giavatto of Springfield, GA; Stepmother, Helen Casey; one aunt, Patricia Casey; eight cousins, Carol Sedlock, Susan Torricelli, Barbara Conrath, Brenda Kennett, Debbie Noreuil, Linda Hodson, Ronnie Krouse, and Angel Kemmel. He was preceded in death by: father, Halden Casey; mother, Margarett Casey; and brother, Michael Casey. The family will…
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that unemployment fell in most of Georgia’s 12 regional commissions in July. “Our greatest strength is our people and the businesses that call Georgia home,” said Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “July’s unemployment numbers show progress across most metro areas, and even where there are slight upticks, year-over-year trends reflect our resilience. By investing in our workforce and supporting a strong environment for business, Georgia will continue to win and drive economic growth for all Georgians.” Coffee and Atkinson counties are in the Southern Georgia Regional Commission. Please see a synopsis of each…
Qualifying has ended for the municipal elections in Ambrose, Broxton, Douglas, and Nicholls, as well as for the special election for County Commission District 1. Former District 1 county commissioner George McIver was the lone candidate to qualify for that seat, meaning he will return to the commission after the election. The early voting period is October 14-31 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are two Saturdays in early voting – October 18 and October 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Absentee by mail applications will be accepted from August 18 to October 25. Below…
On Friday, August 15, 2025, deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a hit and run accident near Old Axson Highway and McKinnon Road. The collision involved a pickup truck pulling a trailer and a school bus transporting more than 20 school-aged children. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported. The Georgia State Patrol was called to investigate the crash. Shortly after the incident on Old Axson Highway, City of Douglas police were dispatched to a second report of a hit and run near Estes Park Apartments. The vehicle description closely matched that of the earlier crash involving the…
By Bryce Carver It is no surprise that Hurricane Helene left Douglas–Coffee County in an absolute wreck. A town that I grew up in most of my life was forever changed in one night. Me and my fiance, as well as our three dogs, were crammed under the staircase in the hallway of our old 1930s house when Helene showed her ugly face and slammed four trees down on top of the house. Fortunately, we still have a house standing. Almost an entire year later, I can still hear every crash, scrape, and crunching of the newly installed metal roof…
South Georgia State College (SGSC) made a $64.6 million impact on the regional economy and was responsible for more than 645 jobs locally during fiscal year 2024. SGSC Interim President Dr. Greg Tanner shared, “The University System of Georgia Board of Regents’ economic impact study shows the vital role South Georgia State College plays in strengthening our local economy. These findings highlight how our work directly supports workforce development and prepares the next generation of community leaders. This study reaffirms what we’ve long known—SGSC is not only a key contributor to economic growth and tax revenue but also a catalyst…
After 27 years in practice, Dr. Karuna Reddy is announcing retirement, marking the end of a deeply meaningful career in psychiatry. Throughout this time, Dr. Reddy has had the privilege of serving hundreds of patients, offering support, guidance, and compassionate care to individuals and families in our community. “It’s a bittersweet moment to step away from a profession that has shaped so much of my life,” said Dr. Reddy. “But I’m also looking forward to this next chapter — spending more time with my family and especially my grandchildren.” A very special and heartfelt thank you goes to Danette Hilliard,…
The one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene and its devastating impact on Douglas and Coffee County is approaching, and the city is intensifying its focus on the progress of long-term recovery efforts for community restoration. The effects of the storm were profoundly felt throughout the community, and many continue to face challenges with cleanup, repairs, and insurance delays. However, it is imperative that movement begins on properties that remain severely damaged, abandoned, or untouched since the storm. These sites not only present safety hazards but also contribute to the ongoing blight that affects the overall well-being, property values, and future development of…