Author: Submitted

On a picturesque Friday morning, the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce gathered to celebrate a significant milestone at Still Waters Outreach, a longstanding community partner. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the introduction of new leadership, bringing fresh energy and commitment to the organization. JoAnne Lewis, the founder of Still Waters who answered the Lord’s call to service a decade ago, stood proudly alongside the newly appointed leadership team. The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from Chelsea Preston, Member Relations Director at the Chamber, who expressed gratitude on behalf of the community. JoAnne Lewis, the heart and soul of…

The Keep Douglas Beautiful Committee, Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce, and City of Douglas held ribbon cuttings for the Little Libraries located at Eastside Park, Wheeler Park, Madison Avenue Park, and Emma Ward Park on December 5 and December 12, 2023. The Little Libraries initiative hopes to promote literacy and foster a sense of community throughout Douglas. “Little Libraries have become cherished fixtures in communities, providing free access to books and encouraging a lifelong love of reading,” says Dinitra Williams, KDB President. “We hope the Little Libraries initiative will continue to grow.” Retired educators and neighborhood…

Coffee Regional Medical Center is pleased to welcome Mark Brulte, M.D., as the new Medical Director of Emergency Services. Dr. Brulte will serve as the physician leader to ensure quality care for the Emergency Department patients. Dr. Brulte completed his medical education at Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana. Prior to completing medical school, Dr. Brulte also attended and completed LSU School of Dentistry. Dr. Brulte completed the Internal Medicine Residency program at Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama. He is double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine and has over 25 years…

Kyric Davis had 19 points and seven rebounds while four other players scored in double figures as South Georgia State College defeated the Santa Fe College Saints Tuesday night, 79-63. Yannis Woods and Lay Davis each finished with 14 points. Woods grabbed 10 rebounds, and Davis had seven rebounds and five assists. Jo Jo Bell and Amren Hoard rounded out the top scorers with 10 points each. The Hawks (7-4) did not attempt a free throw in the first half but made up for it by shooting 93 percent (14-of-15) in the final 20 minutes. SGSC’s…

The Satilla Rural Electric Membership Corporation (REMC) through its Round Up program has made another wonderful gift to Wiregrass Georgia Technical College (WGTC) Foundation North. The $5,000 donation makes funds available for scholarships to worthy students. The Satilla REMC has been a very supportive partner with Wiregrass for many years with donations totaling over $135,000. These funds will continue to provide opportunities for students who need financial assistance. Wiregrass President, DeAnnia Clements shared, “Satilla Rural Electric is always supportive of our students and we very much appreciate this gift which will provide additional opportunities for the students to…

The Douglas-Coffee County Animal Shelter will alter its hours during the holiday season. The Douglas-Coffee County Animal Shelter will be closing to the public December 22, 2023 through January 1, 2024. The purpose of the closure is to provide maintenance to the facility. The City of Douglas Animal Control Division will remain active and function as normal. For more information, please call the Animal Shelter at (912) 384-8031.

A Florida attorney has been convicted at trial for participating in a scheme to illegally obtain funding from a federal COVID-19 small business relief program. Shaquandra Woods, 40, of Jacksonville, Fla., was convicted after a four-day trial in U.S. District Court on a charge of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The conviction subjects Woods to a statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties and restitution, followed by a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.…

Mrs. Suzette L. Oliver, age 58 years old, of Pearson, Ga. passed away Friday, December 1, 2023, at her home in Pearson, Ga. following an extended illness. She was born in Brooksville, Florida on June 27, 1965, the daughter of Jim and Sue Watson Walker. Mrs. Oliver made her home, for most of her life, in Pearson where she took great pride in caring for and providing for her family. She worked for many years in the quality control department at Mauser Corporation in Homerville, Ga. Mrs. Oliver enjoyed shopping, traveling, going to the beach, and camping. …

Mrs. Rita Diane Hilton, age 60 years old, of Willacoochee, Ga. passed away Monday, November 20, 2023, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga. following a brief illness. She was born in Jacksonville, Florida on December 20, 1962, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank and Everlene Oxlye Rowland. Mrs. Hilton made her home in Willacoochee for the past 20 years, where she worked with the Atkinson Co. Board of Education as a lunchroom lady at Willacoochee Elementary School. She enjoyed many things in her life like, going to the mountains, shopping, watching her favorite TV shows, working…

Ms. Janet Latrelle O’Brien, age 62 years old of Statesboro, Ga., (formerly of Pearson) passed away Thursday, December 7, 2023, at her home, following an extended illness. She was born December 18, 1960, in Douglas, Ga., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Willie (J.W.) and Janie Gaskins O’Brien. After graduation, Janet moved to Statesboro to attend Georgia Southern University. She graduated from GSU in 1982 then worked at Marvin Pittman lab school on the GSU campus. She then started teaching in the math department in 1984. Later in 1996, Janet became Director of the Academic Success Center. After…