Author: Submitted

Third, 4th, and 5th grade students at West Green Elementary School enjoyed Career Day on May 5. Guest speakers came from the community to share information about their careers. Special thanks to Dr. Fidelia Johnson, Professional School Counselor, for organizing this event for our students! Also, special thanks to all of the guest speakers, who did an outstanding job of telling the students about their chosen professions. The guest speakers included: Dr. Mark Brulte, Internal Medicine; Mrs. Amanda Brulte, Nurse Practitioner; Mr. Kevin Bounds, pastor of West Green Baptist Church; Mr. Stuart Drury, Sales Manager of Fender Chevrolet; Mr. Bryson…

Congratulations to Denise McKinnon, who recently received distinction as Coffee Middle School’s April Employee of the Month. Thanks for all you do! – Submitted

Dominic LaRiccia, District 169 State Representative, was the speaker at the Douglas Kiwanis Club meeting Tuesday, May 3, at the Flyin’ Cowboy restaurant. Rep. LaRiccia spoke about the current state budget, his experiences at the capital, and how privileged he is to represent District 169. He also talked about how individuals need to get involved and not wait for the government to solve all their problems. The Kiwanis Club members enjoyed and appreciated his talk. – Submitted

Help build our community’s blood supply before hurricane season begins by giving blood at Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Douglas on Sunday, May 15 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Donors will receive a free $10 Lowe’s gift card! All lifesaving donors will also receive a wellness check-up of blood pressure, pulse, temperature and iron count, including 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 of blood donation and how donors can target the power of…

Leland Smith, age 84, of Douglas, GA passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at Pruitt Health-Ocilla following an extended illness. Mr. Smith was born on August 9, 1931, in Douglas, GA to the late Oscar Smith and Mary Ann Wright Smith. Survivors include: his wife, Pauline Smith of Douglas, GA; son Arthur C. (Deanne) Smith of Hazlehurst, GA; six grandchildren, Corey Smith, Leighann Thomas, Autumn Whittle, Jody Smith, Austin Smith and Andrea Hayward; seven great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Michael Smith; daughter, Carla Sue Faulk; sister, Rudine Danielson; and two…

The Eastside Elementary Physical Education Department has been collecting soda tabs for the Ronald McDonald House Foundation. This foundation provides housing for parents so they are able to be with their hospitalized child. The tabs are cashed in to help with expenses. Eastside collected over 142 pounds! Way to go, Eastside! – Submitted

Dr. Morris Leis, Coffee County School Superintendent, recently participated in a congressional briefing at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. Personally invited by AASA: the School Superintendents Association, Dr. Leis traveled to Washington, D.C. on April 19 and met with members of Congress. Dr. Leis first met with the executive director of the Food Research Action Center at their headquarters in Washington to discuss the importance of the Community Eligibility Program (School Breakfast and Lunch Program). Following the briefing, Dr. Leis went to the Capitol and met with policy analysts and other staff from AASA to prepare for the afternoon…

After twenty-two years in the Waycross regional office in the Wildlife Resource Division, Fisheries Management Section of Georgia DNR, Bert Deener knows a thing or two about catching trophy fish in the Satilla. All aspiring anglers in the AJ Strickland “King of the Satilla” Fishing Tournament this Saturday, May 7 would be wise to heed his advice. There’s still time to pick up registration forms at local fishing and hardware supply stores or go online at satillariverkeeper.org. Forms and $25 registration fees must be received by the Satilla Riverkeeper office online or via mail (P.O.Box 697, Woodbine GA 31569) by…

Virgil Hulon Barksdale, 90 of Broussard, LA passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2016 in Lafayette, LA. Mr. Barksdale was born on August 9, 1925 in Fort Valley, GA to the late Virgil and Elizabeth Smith Barksdale. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having proudly served our country during World War II, and worked for the Signal Thread Company for over 40 years. Mr. Barksdale enjoyed traveling, but most of all spending time with his family, and friends. Survivors include his daughters, Lane Barksdale Walker and husband Dr. James Walker of Broussard, LA and Beth Barksdale Norris of…