Author: Submitted

Satilla Regional Library System welcomed Mr. Bill Packard of Magic Man Entertainment to the Douglas-Coffee County and Willacoochee Public Libraries Wednesday, June 29. Mr. Packard held a show called The Reading Games which included story telling using multimedia, magic tricks, and audience participation activities tied in with sports. There was an opportunity to pet a tortoise and hare after the show that tied in with the famous story by Aesop. Everyone in attendance had a great time! The next Summer Reading Program performance will be Mr. Al Poindexter doing a folk singing show on Wednesday, July 13, at the Douglas/Coffee…

Wiregrass Georgia Tech students recently attended the 52nd Annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference held in Louisville, KY June 20-24. More than 6,000 students competed in 100 different trade, technical and leadership fields. Students worked against the clock and each other, proving their expertise in occupations such as electronics, computer-aided drafting, precision machining, medical assisting and culinary arts. All competitions are designed, run and judged with the help of industry, trade associations, and labor organizations, and test competencies are set using industry standards. Top student winners received gold, silver and bronze medallions. Many also received prizes such as tools…

Henry Loyd McKinnon, age 91, of Douglas, GA passed away on Tuesday, June 28, 2016, at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. McKinnon was born in Douglas, GA on March 2, 1925 to the late Dennis McKinnon and Annie Gillespie McKinnon. Mr. McKinnon was a WWII veteran of the US Army. Survivors include his wife, Sarah Louise Pridgen McKinnon of Douglas, GA; sister, Mozelle Fish of Douglas, GA; several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Thursday, June 30, 2016 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m at Sims Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 1,…

The Board of Regents surprised Dr. Virginia Carson at its May 2016 meeting by designating her as President Emerita of South Georgia State College (SGSC). University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby recommended to the Board to grant this honor to Carson, and the motion passed unanimously. “I am very touched by the award you are giving me today. It means a lot to me and my College,” Carson told the Regents during the meeting. Carson successfully led the consolidation of South Georgia College and Waycross College into South Georgia State College and has seen it through a long-term strategy…

First responders are very aware of the vital need for blood donations in our community. In honor of these local public safety officials, Douglas is hosting the 3rd Annual Badges for Life blood drive Monday, July 11, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Central Square Complex. All donors will receive a ‘Badges for Life’ t-shirt, along with a wellness check-up of blood pressure, pulse, temperature and iron count, plus a cholesterol screening. Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. Photo ID is required. To learn more about the importance…

The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourism division announced today that Georgia welcomed an estimated 102.4 million visitors in 2015, an increase of 3.7 percent. “Congratulations to Georgia’s entire tourism industry on this incredible achievement,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. “Tourism is one of our most important industries, impacting communities from the North Georgia mountains to our Golden Isles and from the Chattahoochee to the Savannah River. Not only is Georgia a top vacation destination, but our tourism industry assets provide a robust quality of life for Georgians.” Since 2012 travel has been on the rise in Georgia, adding nearly…

Just in time for the 4th of July celebrations, the City of Douglas Fire and Police Departments would like to encourage citizens to practice safety with fireworks and would like to make the public aware of a few facts about fireworks laws. The State of Georgia allows for consumer fireworks to be sold statewide. A state license to sell fireworks can be issued to applicants after the applicant meets specific insurance and criminal background requirements and pays the state license fee. Authorized fireworks include firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, sparklers, and other combustibles and explosives of like construction. Persons must…

Stella Mae Hursey, age 84, of Douglas, GA passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2016, at her residence. Mrs. Hursey was born on May 28, 1932 in Douglas, GA to the late Arthur Gieger and Ida Mae Johnson Gieger. Survivors include: her son, Kenneth Hursey of Yorktown, VA; daughter, Ida Ann (Charles) Byrd of Douglas, GA; four grandchildren, Jeremy (Jennifer) Hursey, Brett Hursey, Kyle (Shay) Byrd, and Leighan Byrd and (Keith Waters); ten great grandchildren, Carter Byrd, Charles Byrd, Matthew Hursey, Seth Hursey, Zachary Hursey, Ava Hursey, Asher Hursey, Jack Hursey, Peyton Hursey, and Alaina Waters; and several nieces and…

Ameris Bank Douglas Market President David Batchelor and Branch Manager Darline Minchew proudly announce the recent donation of $322.27 to Indian Creek Elementary School. This donation was made possible through the Ameris Bank School Spirit Program, which offers schools a unique opportunity to earn additional funds without having to utilize a traditional fundraising method. As a customer of Ameris Bank, Indian Creek Elementary qualified for the School Spirit Program. When school supporters, parents, faculty and boosters, open an Ameris Bank non-interest bearing checking account, they are asked to “tag” their account to the preferred school. Quarterly, Ameris Bank will…

Mr. Larry Luther Troupe, age 62 of Nashville, GA, passed away Saturday night, June 25, 2016 at the Langdale Hospice House in Valdosta, GA following an extended illness. Mr. Troupe was born July 4, 1953 to the late Edward Troupe and the late Elzie Mancil Troupe. He was preceded in death by four brothers, David Troupe, Raymond Troupe, Terry Troupe and Buddy Troupe. Survivors include: His wife, Cassandra Jewell Troupe of Nashville, GA: 1 Son, Chad Troupe of Nashville, GA: 2 Daughters, Kimberly Lott of Douglas, GA and Selena West of Ray City, GA; 2 Brothers, Wendell Troupe of Douglas,…