News

David Vineyard (pictured) has been named plant manager at the Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Plant near Baxley. [Full Story »] 

Sheriff Benny DeLoach would like to report the following activity of the Appling County Sheriff’s Office.

Apr. 14, answered a call to Highway 121 in reference to a theft. A complainant stated unknown person(s) had stolen twelve of his fishing poles, rods and reels from his boat that was parked at his residence. [Full Story »] 

The 2012 Appling County Relay for Life will be held Friday, May 4 at the track at Appling County High School from 6:00 p.m. until Midnight. [Full Story »] 

Navy Seaman Recruit Kyle S. Wilson, son of Nancy N. Wilson of Cartersville, and James S. Wilson, of Baxley, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Wilson completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis is also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations”. [Full Story »] 

There is a Hunter family reunion planned for descendants of Caneegie, Henry, Parker and Edsel Hunter and Carrie Sellers, Nina Hunter and Billie Moore. [Full Story »] 

Due to the recent fire at the Graham City Hall the City of Graham Council will be having thier regularly scheduled council meeting at the fire station in Graham on Thursday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. All local citizens are invited to attend.

Tri-County Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc. Board of Directors, Volunteers and Executive Director will be hosting the CASA’s annual “Light of Hope” Ceremony Monday, April 30, at Baxley City Hall at 7:00 p.m. The keynote speaker for the evening will be Danielle Denison from Wayne County. Mrs. Denison is the wife of Jacob and they have one son, Judah. She and her husband serve as Youth Pastors at Victory Tabernacle Church of God in Jesup. [Full Story »] 

The News-Banner received a number of inquiries early today from the public about the Appling County High School being locked down. The following is a statement from Principal Gene Starr: [Full Story »] 

By Matt Gardner

The Appling County Board of Commissioners held a called meeting on Monday, April 9 to discuss the Appling County Health Department Building that has many issues, including the need for a new roof over the older half of the building that was built around 1950. Two rooms in the old half of the building has had to be shut off due to the condition of the roof and possibility of collapse. There have also been concerns with mold and the lack of insulation in the outside walls. The cost of the repairs needed for the building is estimated to be $150.000.00 or more. After a lengthy discussion the commissioners decided to get estimates of the cost to replace the building to evaluate if it would be more economical to replace rather than make the costly repairs that may not solve the problems due to trouble with the foundation. [Full Story »] 

Officials of Satilla Rural Electric Membership Corporation, (EMC), Alma, recently presented a representation of a check for $4,234,280.08 to Appling County Tax Commissioner Debra Carter. The check represents 2011 ad valorem taxes paid by Oglethorpe Power Corporation for its share of the Edwin I. Hatch nuclear plant near Baxley. Oglethorpe Power owns 30 percent of the plant on behalf of its member electric cooperatives. [Full Story »] 

According to Baxley Police Chief James Godfrey Baxley Police officers answered a call on April 1, at approx. 11:50 p.m., for a possible suicide attempt at a 2nd Street address. On arrival the complainant told officers he had come home and could not get in and had to force his way into the house, where he discovered the victim dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The EMS and coroner were called to the scene, along with the G.B.I. to assist in the investigation. The body of April Lee Keller, 26, of Baxley, was transported to the Appling Healthcare System and later transferred to the state crime lab for further forensic investigation. After an investigation it was determined that Keller had died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. [Full Story »] 

On Tuesday, March 27, Governor Nathan Deal signed legislation that outlaws all forms of synthetic marijuana in the state of Georgia. The law went into effect upon the Governor’s signature this week. Although Georgia banned synthetic marijuana in 2010, manufacturers tweaked the formula to get around the law. Upon Governor Deal signing SB370, that loophole is now closed. [Full Story »]