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The Douglas Fire Department celebrated National Fire Prevention Month in October by hosting a variety of awareness programs throughout the month. This year’s Fire Prevention Month theme was “Don’t Wait, Check the Date – Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.” The purpose of the theme was to focus on the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home and business. A poster contest for third grade students was held at local elementary schools. At the regularly scheduled city commission meeting on Monday, November 14, the poster contest winners were recognized by the mayor and city commission. Congratulations to all…

Mrs. Barbara Jean Ennis Anderson, age 74, of Douglas passed away Thursday, November 17, 2016, at Coffee Regional Hospital following an extended illness. She was born April 17, 1942 to the late Willie P. Ennis and the late Sallie Mitchell Ennis. Other than her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Kenny Anderson; One Sister, Loretta Adair; one brother, Archie Ennis and his wife Katherine Ennis and one grandson, William Anderson. Survivors include: 2 Sons, Kerry (Teresa) Anderson and James (Brenda) Anderson, all of Douglas, GA; 1 Sister, Dorothy (Bill) Stevens of Tybee Island, GA; 2 Grandchildren,…

Mrs. Amanda Dianne Burch Lawson Steverson, age 37, of Douglas passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at St. Vincent’s Riverside in Jacksonville, Florida, following an extended illness. She was born June 14, 1979 to Carlie Evans Burch and the late Pamela Dianne Kirkland Burch. Survivors include: Her Husband, James Steverson of Douglas, GA; 1 Son, McKenzie Skyler Burch of Douglas, GA; 1 Daughter, Zoie Summer Lawson of Douglas, GA; Father, Carlie Evans Burch of Douglas, GA; Her Paternal Grandmother, Mary Alice Burch of Douglas, GA; 2 Brothers, Ashley Wayne Sanders of Homerville, GA and Jason Darious Sanders of Greenville, South…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Math Instructor Donna Norman received the 2017 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction, also known as Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year award. The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction is awarded annually. This award is designed to recognize and honor technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. Instructors are nominated for the Rick Perkins Award by their peers. Competition among instructors occurs at the college, regional, and state levels. Five finalists participated in the interviews, they were: Angela Grant (Business Education…

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…