Author: Submitted

West Green Elementary School would like to congratulate Mrs. Ashley Day’s and Mrs. Dominique Carver’s homerooms for collecting the most box tops for the month of August. Way to go, West Green Warriors! -Submitted by West Green Elementary School

Last Thursday, during the regular monthly meeting of the Coffee County Board of Education, students from all levels were recognized during the annual presentation of the system’s artwork calendar. Entering its twenty-second year of production, the school board recognized those students whose art was selected for display on the 2014-2015 school calendar. Kim Clayton, Director of Personnel and Public Relations, presented each student with a certificate, as all students earned the monthly Superintendent’s Award. Mrs. Clayton publically thanked Mr. Sonny Lyon from Lyon Management, owner of Kentucky Fried Chicken and Krystal’s, for his sponsorship of the calendar for…

On Thursday, August 28, The Douglas Area Employer Committee, represented by Gary Evans from Southwire, donated $1500 to the new REACH Georgia program. REACH Georgia is a needs-based mentoring and scholarship program designated to ensure that Georgia’s academically promising students have the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate from high school and complete college. Five community partners are needed to donate $1500 and the Georgia Finance Commission Scholarship Program will then invest $10,000 for a student’s college career. Coffee County is eligible for five REACH Georgia scholarships. -Submitted by the Coffee County Board of Education

Mrs. Sheila Joan Girtman Whitley, age 66 of Douglas, passed away August 29, 2014, at Candler Hospital in Savannah after an extended illness. She was born in Douglas on Septeber 1, 1947, to the late I. L. Girtman and Thara Ganell Carelock Girtman Smith. She is survived by her husband, Mitchell Whitley of Douglas and two brothers, Marlon Lebron Smith and Jimmy Smith, both of Broxto Funeral services were held Monday, September 1, 2014, at the First Assembly of God, with Rev. Marshall Adcock officiating. Interment followed at Broxton Church of God Cemetery. Sims Funeral Home was in charge of…

Mr. Eschol David Sheffield, Jr., age 72 of Douglas, passed away Saturday, August 30, 2014, at his home following an extended illness. He was born June 25, 1942 , in Milan to the late Eschol David Sheffield, Sr. and Susie Farmer Sheffield. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Lee Black Sheffield of Douglas; son, Dave (Marilyn) Sheffield of Glenville; three daughters, Vicki (Carl) Halligan of Vidalia, Tabitha (John) Griffin of Nicholls, and Amy (Josh) Meeks of Douglas; one brother, Jimmy Sheffield of Monroe; two sisters, Mildred Merritt of Monroe and Inez Floyd of McRae; ten grandchildren and four great…

Mr. Homer Cecil Hutcheson, age 76 of Douglas, passed away Wednesday evening, August 27, 2014, at Summer’s Landing following an extended illness. Survivors include his wife, Betsy Burch Hutcheson of Douglas; three daughters, Cecile Hutcheson (Jeffery) Dockery of Nicholls, Tori H. (Wayne) Gober of Douglas, and Vickie H. (Van) Lucas of Des Moines, Iowa; one son, Chris (Tana) Hutcheson of Douglas; two brothers, Wendell Hutcheson of Douglas and Billy Hutcheson of Covington; two sisters, Nadine Radcliff of Blairsville and Jo Ann Smith of Brunswick; twelve grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, friends, and other…

Mrs. Paulette Kaye Cotton Whitley, age 68 of Ambrose, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2014, at her residence following an extended illness. She was born August 6, 1946, to the late J. D. Cotton and the Late Nadine Hutcherson Cotton. Survivors include her children, Traci Bauman of Douglas, Jeffrey (Gina) Romines of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Tammy (Gary) Leggett of Ambrose; two brothers, Ken Cotton of Arkansas and Gary Hodges of Portal; two sisters, Pat White and Darlene Harris, both of Arkansas; seven grandchildren; a life long friend, Phyllis Grice of Fitzgerald; several nieces, nephews, friends, and other relatives. Memorial services…

South Georgia State College President Dr. Virginia Carson announced today the appointment of Lawton “Bud” Drew to the position of Assistant Dean of Students. Drew began his work at SGSC July 1. A well-known and successful athletic coach within the southeast Georgia area, Drew comes to SGSC from Coffee Middle School where he served as assistant principal. Prior to Coffee Middle, Drew was athletic director, assistant principal, and wrestling coach at Coffee High School for 11 years. He was named Region 1-AAAAA Athletic Director of the Year four times during his years at Coffee High. Other teaching and coaching assignments…

The Douglas Rotary Club was visited Thursday by Rotary District Governor (District 6920) Ted Thompson and his wife, Charolette. District Governor Thompson is a member of the Sandersville (Ga) Rotary Club, joining that club in 2007. He received the Rotarian of the Year award for the Sandersville club in 2008 and has since received numerous awards and recognition for his participation in Rotary, including serving as assistant Governor for two years prior to his current role. Mr. Thompson spoke briefly, providing an interesting program to his fellow Rotarians at Thursdays meeting. The subject of District Governor Thompson’s speech was the…

Rhoda Mae “Jo” Whitley Lane, age 69 of Nicholls, passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at her residence following an extended illness. Mrs. Lane was born September 27, 1944, in Douglas to the late Horace Whitley and Mary Elizabeth Clements Whitley. Survivors include her two daughters, Sheila (James) Purvis of Douglas and Deitra (JD) Anderson of Nicholls; two sons, Derone Hutchison of Nicholls and Demone (Peggy) Hutchison of Nicholls; twelve grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; care taker, Michelle Burch; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husbands, Quincey Hutchison and Johnny Williams Lane, Sr.; son, Quincey…