Author: Submitted

Joyce B. Smith, age 82, of Douglas, GA passed away on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at her residence following an extended illness. Mrs. Smith was born on May 8, 1933, in Hazlehurst, GA to the late James Freddie Burkett and Dora Alexander Burkett. Survivors include: her two daughters, Dorothy (Curtis) Porter of Douglas, GA and Mary (Wade) King of Abbeville, GA; three sons, Randall (Sue) Smith of Douglas, GA, Johnny (Connie) Smith of Douglas, GA and James (Elaine H) Smith of Douglas, GA; brother, James Burkett of Douglas, GA; fourteen grandchildren; two nephews, Ricky Burkett of Douglas, GA and Wayne…

Betty Ruth Whitley, age 82, of Douglas, GA passed away on Monday, April 18, 2016, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Mr. Whitley was born on January 26, 1934, to the late Johnny Whitley and Beulah Whitley. Survivors include: her nieces and nephews. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Douglas City Cemetery with Rev. Mark Mercer officiating. Sims Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

The City of Douglas honored linemen in the utilities department with a luncheon on Tuesday, April 19, for National Lineman Appreciation Day. “The City of Douglas is truly blessed to have a great crew of men keeping the lights on for our customers. These guys are faithful, rain or shine, and take their calling very seriously. Whether they are working in the City of Douglas or helping restore power in another community, these guys do it with pride. Thanks for all you do,” (Quote from the City Manager,Terrell Jacobs and Utilities Director, Mike Hudson) – Submitted

Indian Creek students have beauty, style, grace, personality, and lots of talent. The Mr. and Mrs. Indian Creek Pageant and Talent Show was a fun evening for all who attended. Proceeds from this event will be used in the Pre-K program. – Submitted

The City of Douglas invites residents in Douglas and Coffee County to join the race on www.cMEcompete.com and get active in our community. Active Georgia is an innovative program, in partnership with the Georgia Municipal Association, highlighting community health, community programs and personal stories of accomplishments. Participant accomplishments earn points which roll up to our City – County total. “This is a unique way to socially connect with residents and businesses in our community,” says City Manager Terrell Jacobs. “We have an active community, and we want our Georgia partners to know that we support healthy initiatives for our residents.”…

For the second year in a row, a South Georgia State College (SGSC) basketball player has been named to the NJCAA All-American Team. Tyrone Sam, a 6’6” sophomore from Roswell, Ga., was a second team selection. He follows former teammate Jovante’ Spivey who was a first team selection last season. “I am excited for Tyrone,” said head coach Cory Baldwin. “This is awesome exposure for him and SGSC. Having back-to-back All-Americans is more than I could have imagined as a head coach.” Sam credited his teammates and coaches for his success. “My coaches and teammates pushed me all year to…

The Southern Home Vintage Market (SHVM) was held on Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9 at Central Square Complex in Douglas. The event was a collaborative effort between Joanne Lott, owner and event organizer of the SHVM, and the City of Douglas. The SHVM is an event that appeals to collectors of items such as vintage and antique dishes, linens, jewelry, glass, furnishings, tools, accessories, décor, and more. “We are very pleased with the outcome of the show,” says Georgia Henderson, Public Information Director. “From a tourism prospective, we are always looking for events that will put Douglas on…

The South Georgia State College (SGSC) Lady Hawks (27-6, 9-1) took two wins over Georgia Military College (GMC) in Milledgeville this past Saturday with scores of 4-1 and 4-2. SGSC not only remains in first place in the GCAA but is also setting team and individual records. Chelsea Lyons of Jesup, Ga., is currently fourth in the NJCAA with 51 stolen bases, bringing the team record to a total of 102. Whitney Oliver of Dublin, Ga., is currently ninth in the NJCAA with an ERA of 1.29. The Lady Hawks lead the conference with a team ERA of 1.51. In…

In honor of South Georgia State College’s (SGSC) men’s and women’s swim teams’ runner-up finish at the NJCAA Swimming and Diving Championships, a reception will be held on Tuesday, April 26 at 4 p.m. in Room 220 of Engram Hall on the Douglas Campus. SGSC’s men’s and women’s swim teams earned the runner-up honors at the national championship meet in Fort Pierce, Fla., in early March. The host school, Indian River State College, won both sides of the meet for the 43rd consecutive year. On the women’s side, SGSC took second place, and Monroe Community College was third. For the…

Corrections Corporations of America’s (CCA) Coffee Correctional Facility in Nicholls will break ground this week for its new Inmate Vocational Training Center. The building will house new vocational training programs in welding and diesel maintenance offered in partnership with the Georgia Department of Corrections and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. The groundbreaking event complements National Reentry Week (April 24-30), a week designated by the U.S. Department of Justice to highlight the importance of preparing inmates for release and reducing recidivism. Reentry is a core commitment for both CCA and the GDC, and research shows that inmates who receive education while incarcerated…