News

According to Baxley Police Chief James Godfrey, on September 1 at approximately 6:04 p.m., Baxley Police officers stopped a vehicle that was involved in an earlier incident. As a result of the stop and a consent search, a small quantity of marijuana was seized from a passenger in the vehicle. While officers were securing the subject, he got free and ran only to be taken into custody after a short foot chase. Arrested was Rochester Jones, Jr., 32, of Baxley, on charges of one count each of obstruction of a police officer, possession of marijuana and escape. [Full Story »] 

By Jamie Gardner

For a period of time there have been questions regarding the amount of Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) collections the school system has received for ESPLOST III as compared to the collections of the countywide Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). Those questions were answered during the Appling County Board of Education’s meeting held on September 17. [Full Story »] 

Pam Williams, an Appling County educator, has been chosen for excellence as part of a group of 100 outstanding educators nationwide to participate in the highly selective America Achieves Fellowship for Teachers and Principals. America Achieves is a non-profit organization with several initiatives including this Fellowship Program to help communities and states leverage policy, practice, and leadership to build high quality educational systems. [Full Story »] 

On Friday, the Appling County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) received two brand new ambulances. The new ambulances were built by Peach State Ambulance Company, of Tyrone, and built on a Chevrolet 4500 chassis. EMS Director Jimmy Twiggs, shown above center with paramedics Andrew Kersey and LaShaun NeSmith, stated that the new ambulances were badly needed and will serve the people of Appling County for many years to come. [Full Story »] 

More than 84 paddlers lined up at Carter’s Bight Landing on the Altamaha River for the Fall Canoe Paddle and “Linda Coleman Carson” Memorial Paddle on Saturday, September 22, hosted by the Baxley-Appling County Board of Tourism. It was a cool foggy fall morning excitement was in the air as participants from ages 7 to 80 years old geared up to canoe down the Altamaha. Paddlers came from all over South East Georgia (Baxley, Blackshear, Bristol, Claxton, Eatonton, Glennville, Hazlehurst, Jesup, Richmond Hill, Savannah, St. Simons Island, Surrency, Vidalia, Waycross) launching 53 canoes, kayaks, and boats around 9:20 a.m. From starting point of Carter’s Bight Landing to make the 12 mile excursion to conclude at Upper Wayne Landing. Owner, Larry Brantley-Jesup of Altamaha Expeditions, provided most of the canoes for the paddle while some carried their own canoes. [Full Story »] 

It’s that time of year yet again!  The 2012 Appling County High School Homecoming Parade will take place Thursday, October 11 at 6:00 p.m. with line-up at 5:15 p.m.  The parade processional will be led by our 2012 Grand Marshal Charles Vann.  [Full Story »] 

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

Sept. 13, a complainant came to the Appling County Sheriff’s Office to report a child custody dispute. The great aunt of child stated she was to have visitation of child, but had no paperwork to confirm this. The officer advised her to get proper work from the courts. [Full Story »] 

Those of you who remember Hot Chocolate at the Baxley Lions Club Rodeo last year will be glad to find out that he retired undefeated. He is now making a lot of cows happy and learning to be a good father. He is making more money in retirement than he did on the rodeo circuit. [Full Story »] 

The Appling County Food Bank will soon be recognizing ten (10) years of ministry in Appling County. The Food Bank is able to provide food at no cost to low income families through the support of United Way, a Federal Emergency Grant, area churches and private donations. The food bank participates in the “Feeding America” program through America’s Second Harvest. Local businesses also participate in this “Feeding America,” namely: Harvey’s, Pizza Hut and Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart in Baxley donated over 71,000 pounds of perishable food this past year. [Full Story »] 

The South Georgia Republican monthly luncheon will be held Wednesday, October 3, at Sarah’s In The City at noon. [Full Story »] 

By Matt Gardner

The Appling County Board of Commissioners held a called meeting on Tuesday, September 11, to approve the FY2013 Budget and 2013 Millage Rate. Commissioners Ronnie Rentz, Theodore Wilkerson and Sarah Boatright voted in favor to approve the budget. Commissioner Daryl Edwards abstained and Commissioner Charlie Leggett was not in attendance. There was no discussion prior to the vote. The millage rate for the County, Education, Fire and State totals 28.62 mills and it was also approved unanimously. The county is projected to spend $14,827,502.00 in the upcoming fiscal year. The 2012 Fiscal Year expenditures were $13,416,528.39. [Full Story »] 

Daryl Edwards, pictured right, was sworn in as Appling County Commissioner representing District Three by Probate Judge Diane Hallman, pictured left, on Monday, September 10 at the Appling County Courthouse in front of family, friends and other local leaders. [Full Story »]