Author: Submitted

Mr. Jimmy Matthew Merritt, 46 of Broxton, GA passed away on January 20, 2024 at Coffee Regional Medical Center. He was born in Douglas, GA. on September 16, 1977 to Mr. Jimmy Caroyl Merritt and Mrs. Carolyn Stone. Mr. Merritt was known for his mechanical skills and loved serving his community with all their automobile needs. Other than his parents, he is survived by his Wife of 27 years Shannon Merritt of Broxton, GA. 2 Sons; Gabriel Merritt (Santana) and Scott Merritt of Broxton, GA. 1 Daughters; Tara Merritt of Broxton, GA. 2 Granddaughters; Juniper Merritt and Allison Merritt of…

The South Georgia State College Hawks remain unbeaten in GCAA conference play following a 64-52 win over East Georgia State Saturday afternoon. The win stretches SGSC’s current winning streak to six games. Jo Jo Bell (13 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and four steals) and Kyric Davis (13 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, six steals, and six blocked shots) led SGSC’s scoring. Jordan Moore finished with 11 points. It was a sluggish afternoon offensively for the Hawks, as they shot 44 percent from the field and made only two three-pointers (20 percent). SGSC also struggled from the free throw line,…

Myron Dramel McTear, 40, was asleep at a home on Taylor Circle when officers from the Coffee County Drug Unit served a search warrant for the residence. It may have seemed like a bad dream but when he woke up, the officers were there and he was in trouble. According to the incident report, McTear grabbed a jar containing suspected narcotics and refused to comply with officers’ requests. The result was worse than a nightmare – an officer deployed his Taser on McTear which led to his arrest. During the investigation, officers found over 28 grams…

Eveline Lane, age 82, of Live Oak, FL passed away peacefully on Monday, January 29, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. She was born on September 5, 1941, in Douglas, GA, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jim and Eulaia Yancey. Eveline dedicated many years of her life as an office manager at Family Focus Eye Care, where she played a crucial role in providing quality eye care to thousands of individuals. Her commitment to her work touched the lives of many and her compassionate nature brought comfort to her patients. Beyond her professional life, Eveline was a member…

By Alyssa Goodman & Sierra Warren George Washington Carver Freshman Campus students recently harvested fresh produce grown in their community garden. The garden is maintained and tended by the students with support from community partners. The garden was first proposed by several GWCFC staff members as a Problem-Based Learning activity (PBL). As the school-wide PBL, students from Freshman Seminar, Honors Algebra I, ESOL, Basic Ag., and Journalism worked together to implement and follow through with this endeavor. The students have planted and harvested fall/winter produce such as collard greens, mustards, spinach, cabbage, lettuce, sugar snap peas,…

Memorial Satilla Health is proud to partner with South Georgia State College for the construction of a new simulation lab on the Waycross Campus for the School of Nursing. The hospital’s recent donation of $100,000 from the community benefit fund will assist with build out costs for the new lab. “Investing in the education and training of future nurses is not just a commitment to healthcare, but a testament to our dedication to fostering excellence in patient care. By supporting the development of skilled and compassionate nursing professionals, we are shaping the future of healthcare and making a lasting impact…

On January 16, 2024, the Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council (DMYC) met at City Hall for its regular meeting. Jr. Commissioner Dickson Petitfere, Jr. was recognized as the Outstanding Jr. Commissioner. Wyatt Montgomery was recognized as the Outstanding Community Leader for January. Allison Woodward, a volunteer for the Coffee County Food Bank, was the special speaker for the January meeting. The Monthly Youth Council Spotlight member for January is Dickson Petitfere, Jr. He is the son of Renate Williams and Dickson Petitfere. Dickson is a Sophomore at Coffee High School with a 95A+ average in all his classes. He is…

Sandra Setzekorn Ashcraft Thrower, born April 21, 1949, passed away January 27, 2024, in Vidalia, Georgia, after a long illness. She is survived by her husband of 13 years, Richard Thrower of Douglas, Georgia; his sister, Paula Mobley; and brother, James Corbett Thrower; her sons, Russell Ashcraft and wife Rachel of Oklahoma, Johnson Ashcraft and wife Kelsey; and nine grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Jere Sinone, and husband Barry; brothers, Russell Setzekorn Jr and wife Catherine, Robert Setzekorn and wife Linda, all of Texas. Her mother, Genevieve Setzekorn (1958), preceded her in death, and father, Russell Setzekorn…

The Ben Hill-Irwin Campus of Wiregrass Georgia Technical has hired Michael Powell as the new Automotive Technology instructor. Powell started his career in the automotive career in 1983, attended Wyoming Technical Institute, and has worked for Toyota and Pacific Bell. Over the years he has owned many automotive shops and has taught automotive for 11 years. The Automotive Technology program is making a return to the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus and is excited to start enrolling students in the program for the Spring Express term, classes start February 13. “I hope to pass on the knowledge I have learned…

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that most of Georgia’s Regional Commissions saw a decline in December unemployment rates. The Georgia Mountains, Northeast Georgia, and Southern Georgia Regional Commissions remained unchanged from the previous month. “Georgia’s success story is nothing short of phenomenal, boasting a blockbuster year with over 5.1 million hardworking Georgians driving our state forward,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “As existing businesses scale new heights and a steady influx of new enterprises proudly choose Georgia as their home, the Peach State appears headed toward continued economic success.” Please see a synopsis of the Southern…