• Newspaper
  • Community

  • History

    The Cordele Dispatch began publication in 1908 in Cordele, Georgia.

    During the 107 years of printing, the Cordele Dispatch was opereated by several individuals. Sassafrass Mathews acquired the Dispatch in the 1940’s. The Cordele Dispatch was later sold to Dix Newspapers in the 1970’s where Sassafrass Mathew’s son remained as publisher.

    In 2000 the Cordele Dispatch was sold to Thompson Newspapers and then later sold to CNHI in 2007.

    The Cordele Dispatch has been known in the community for many years and for many years to come.

    On August 1, 2015, the Dispatch was purchased by Boone Newspapers. Inc.

    Circulation

    3,700

    Internet Presence

    www.cordeledispatch.com

  • Market

    Located in South central Georgia, Crisp County know as the Watermelon Capital of the World. In November 1864 Cordele served as the temporary capital of Georgia.

    The Flint River separates Crisp and Sumter Counties. Cordele is also the home of the Veterans Memorial State Park which includes the Retreat to Lake Blackshear and a 18 hole golf course.

    Geographic Location

    Crisp County is about 140 miles South of Atlanta.

    Population (2013)

    Total immediate market, Crisp, Dooly and Wilcox Counties, 46,600.

    City of Cordele 11,147.

    Climate

    The South is known for its warm, humid summers and Sumter County enjoys moderate temperatures year-round. The average high for January is 38 degrees F. while the average high for July is 91 degrees F. Sumter County receives an average of 48 inches of rainfall each year.

    Major employers

    Health care, industry and agriculture.

    Education

    Cordele, the county seat, is home to several schools public, private and post-secondary. The Crisp County School System has five schools. Crisp Academy is the local private school. The county also is home to South Georgia Technical College and Darton College.

    Culture

    Crisp County offers the opportunity for involvement in social and civic activities throughout the year. The annual Watermelon festival is held every June. Adjoining Wilcox county hosts the Wild Hog festival every May and Dooly County hosts the Big Pig Jig every November.

    Recreation

    Golf, boating, fishing, hunting, bicycling.