Author: Submitted

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,…

Ms. Cecilia Johnson Hutchinson, age 62, of Douglas passed away Friday, June 24, 2016, at the Coffee Regional Medical Center, following a short illness. She was born November 23, 1953 to Clarence Johnson, Jr. and Mildred McKinnon J. Collier. Survivors include: Her Father: Clarence Johnson, Jr. of Douglas, Ga.; Her Mother: Mildred M. (Phillip) Collier of Douglas, Ga.; 1 Sister: Kathy (Gary) Melton of Douglas, Ga.; Memorial Services will follow Saturday, July 9, 2016, at 2:00 P. M., at the Saving Grace Ministry, with Rev. Cliff Kirkland officiating. Ricketson Funeral Home is in charge of the Arrangements.

Little Miss Annalee Nichole Harper, age 0, of Douglas, GA passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2016, at Coffee Regional Medical Center. Little Miss Harper was born on June 25, 2016, in Douglas, GA to Dasha Nicole Merritt and Jared Harper. Survivors include: her mother, Dasha Merritt of Douglas, GA; father, Jared Harper of Douglas, GA; maternal grandmother, Misty Merritt of Hawkinsville, GA; paternal grandparents, Diane and James Harper of Douglas, GA; paternal great grandparents, Lamar Harper and Brenda Harper of Ambrose, GA; aunts and uncles, Jessica Harper, Cody Harper, Jaimee Harper, Evan Harper, Candy Harper, Leihi Stevens, Austin Phillips,…

Mary Ellen Lancaster Lauber, age 75, of Rome, GA passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2016, at her residence following an extended illness. Mrs. Lauber was born on March 10, 1941, in Jacksonville, FL to the late N.R. Lancaster and Ouida Sumner Lancaster. Survivors include: her son, Kevin Scopp of Mayville, WI; two sisters, Raleigh (Rex) Hussmann of Rome, GA and Markey (Lawton) Cady of Douglas, GA; several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2016 from 10:00 am until funeral hour. Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 11:00…

There’s nothing much better than a freshly picked, homegrown tomato. When it comes to tomato varieties, the sky is the limit. There are many different shapes, colors and sizes available. Here are some tips from Joe Slusher, Ware County Extension Agent, on how to grow high-quality tomatoes in the home garden. Tomatoes are either determinate or indeterminate. Determinate varieties grow a more compact bush and produce most of their crop at one time, in two to five pickings. Indeterminate varieties set fruit clusters along a vine stem that continue to grow all season. Tomatoes are susceptible to many diseases, viruses…

The Douglas Exchange Club, Douglas-Coffee County Parks & Recreation, and the City of Douglas are proud to announce the 2016 Freedom Fest celebration is scheduled to take place on Monday, July 4 at JC Adams Municipal Park. The gates will open at 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. There will be live entertainment, food vendors, and fireworks after dark. The Exchange Club is currently accepting vendors of all kinds. “Freedom Fest has become a traditional celebration in Douglas and we could not provide this celebration without support from our local businesses and private supporters,” says celebration chairman Will Thompson.…