Author: Submitted

West Green Elementary School hosted three Parent Volunteer Days this school year. The staff of West Green Elementary School would like to thank all of the parents who volunteered their time and talents to help our students. Pictured is Mrs. Brittany Jewell, the mother of a third grade student. -Submitted by West Green Elementary School

West Green Elementary is proud to announce Mrs. Theresa Dedmond as its 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Dedmond was selected by her peers to receive this honor in recognition of her dedication to her third grade students and West Green Elementary School. Mrs. Dedmond has gone above and beyond her job description during the last 17 years as she has dedicated her life to teaching and instilling a love of learning in students. Congratulations, Mrs. Dedmond! -Submitted by West Green Elementary School

The Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Coffee Class of 2015 traveled to Atlanta recently to learn more about economic development at the state level. Participants in the class visited the capitol and met with local legislators, Senator Tyler Harper, Rep. Dominic LaRiccia and Rep. Jay Roberts for an update on the 2015 Georgia legislative session. Leadership Coffee is comprised of business and government leaders. The program is designed to educate these leaders in the workings of economic development. After visiting with economic development project managers with Georgia Power and Georgia EMC, Leadership Coffee participants have a better understanding of how the…

Editor’s note: The following letter was sent to “Douglas Now” on Monday, April 13, from Coffee County Sheriff Doyle Wooten in response to a recent article published in local print media outlet, “The Douglas Enterprise.” It is published here, unedited, in its original format, as sent by the sheriff. Douglas Now has not conducted any investigation into the matter of unserved warrants at the sheriff’s office and maintains a neutral opinion on the subject at this time. Press Release Date: April 13, 2015 Source: Sheriff Doyle Wooten Coffee County Sheriff’s Office Douglas, Georgia: On April 1st 2015 the Douglas Enterprise…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is pleased to announce the spring 2015 commencement is scheduled for April 30, 2015. The ceremony will be held at Central Square Complex in Douglas. All programs, including GED graduation, are set for 3 p.m. This semester, Wiregrass has 201 students graduating with 142 technical certificates, 95 diplomas, and 65 degree programs. Wiregrass will be sharing the story of a high school student who will earn her college degree before she graduates from high school, as well as a story of retired veteran who has overcome the odds to complete his degree. -Submitted by Wiregrass Georgia…

Westside Elementary is proud to announce Mrs. Katherine Woodard as its 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Woodard was selected by her peers to receive this honor in recognition of her dedication to her third grade students and Westside School. Mrs. Woodard has gone above and beyond her job description in an effort to make Westside the best side. Congratulations, Mrs. Woodard! -Submitted by Westside Elementary School

Georgia Tech alumnus Francis Lott has made a significant gift to the Georgia Tech Foundation, funding the Francis and Diane Lott Scholarship Endowment as part of the Wayne Clough Georgia Tech Promise program. The Tech Promise program was established to help provide a debt-free Georgia Tech education for dependents whose primary obstacle to success is the lack of financial resources. To qualify, total family income must be less than $33,300 per year. First preference will be given to undergraduate applicants who are residents of Coffee County and, secondly, to students from the 62 other counties which comprise “South Georgia.” An…

Mr. Dexter “Boy” Kirkland, age 73, of Douglas passed away early Thursday morning, April 9, 2015, at his residence following a short illness. He was born July 9, 1941 to the late Buddy Kirkland and the late Myrtice Harper Kirkland. Survivors include: His Wife: Susie O’Steen Kirkland of Douglas, Ga.; 4 Children: Dexter D. (Sherry) Kirkland, Tyler D. Joiner, Christopher Sage Joiner, and Ashton Carlos Vite, all of Douglas, Ga.; 2 Brothers: Leon “Mann” (Janie Ruth) Kirkland, and David (Marlene) Kirkland , all of Douglas, Ga.; 3 Sisters: Betty “Sweeton” Wilkins , and Patsy (Larry) Spivey, all of Nicholls, Ga.,…

Ms. Mary Helen Thurston Brigmond, age 65, of Douglas passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at the Coffee Regional Medical Center, following an extended illness. She was born December 28, 1949 to the late Harry Thurston and the late Marie Smith Thurston. Survivors include: 1 Son: Charles Eric Brigmond of Jacksonville, Florida; 2 Grandchildren: Harry Brigmond, and Georgia Brigmond, both of Jacksonville, Florida; 3 Brothers: Richard Thurston, Robert Thurston, and Harry Thurston, all of Douglas, Ga. Several Nieces, Nephews, Friends, and Other Relatives. Memorial Services will be held Friday, April 10, 2015, at 10:30 A. M., at the Chapel of…

Gulema Lake, age 91, of Broxton, GA passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2015, at McRae Manner Nursing Home following an extended illness. Mrs. Lake was born on December 23, 1923, in Lumber City, GA to the late William Henry Lake and Thelma Hatten Lake. Survivors include: her son Stephen Thomas Lake; grandson, Stephen Thomas Rugg (Tabitha); three great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Pridgen Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Jake Lessard officiating. Sims Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.