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The Appling County Pirates travelled to Pierce County on January 15 with the Pirates winning 75-67. Leading scorers for the Pirates were Ronald Handsome 22 points, C.J. Alexander 16 points, Anthony Rayner 15 points, Heisman Johnson nine points, Kevin Johnson six points and Jordan Vann five points. [Full Story »] 

Sam and Jenny Mock of Surrency are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Samantha Jo Mock. Sammy was born on Dec. 31, 2012 at 1:48 p.m. She weighed 7 pounds and 6 ounces and was 20 1/4 inches long. Dr. Sandra Mager was the attending physician. [Full Story »] 

Family and friends are excited to announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of Rose Marie Hughes and David T. Jennings! [Full Story »] 

A few weeks back I shared information on the Hurricane Sandy Relief bill that was recently approved by the House of Representatives that is now headed back to the U.S. Senate. Within this bill was some pure “pork”. It has been estimated that of the House approved $51 billion version of the relief package, approximately one-third of the funding was actually needed for Sandy Relief. So what about the remaining funding? Why don’t we ask our congressmen and women. [Full Story »] 

When I moved into Church Hall, my dorm at the University of Georgia, Orientation Day tours introduced me and my peers to the many wonders that the lovely 4-floor building held for us. Immense bathrooms would accommodate at least 20 girls at one time. Several powerful hair dryers were conveniently mounted on the wall beside the sinks. No one would have to wait for long with wet hair. Gigantic mirrors would aid in the application of make-up, and there was plenty of room to set up ironing boards for those of us who ironed our hair. Yes, we did. It was a sign of the times. Those of us with curly hair ironed out the curls and waves, while our peers with straight hair wore curlers--normal situation circa 1966. [Full Story »] 

The talking heads were all from Wall Street and were talking about the market ‘Correction’. I do not understand this ‘Correction’ business. [Full Story »] 

Dear Editor,

We at Asbury United Methodist Church want to give Appling County and the surrounding area a Great Big “Thank You” for your response to the Toys for the Children of Wounded Warrior Drive and to ask that you please join us in the 2013 Hearts for Heroes Drive.  Please help us wish Happy Valentine’s Day to all of our soldiers at Fort Stewart, in Hinesville, by making homemade valentines and donating pre-packaged candy. There are approximately 10,000 soldiers so we need LOTS AND LOTS OF HOMEMADE VALENTINES AND BAGGED CANDY. [Full Story »] 

One of our long-time friends is the lovely, talented, popular and vivacious singer, dancer and playwright Laurie Jo Upchurch. We’ve been working together with Laurie and her handsome hubby Kenneth for over twenty years in revivals, homecomings, anniversaries, birthdays, concerts and other special events and she just keeps on going. She never slows down. [Full Story »] 

By Lee H. Hamilton

A few weeks ago, the survey firm Public Policy Polling made headlines when it released a poll comparing Congress’s standing to a variety of unloved things. Respondents did prefer our national legislature to the ebola virus, but otherwise the news was grim: Americans, the survey suggested, have a lower opinion of Congress than of head lice, Genghis Khan, used-car salesmen, and root canals. [Full Story »] 

Maretha Sharpe Howard (aka Chank, Retha, G.G., Jelly Bean), died January 16, 2013. Ms. Howard was born in Appling County on Oct. 2, 1942 to the late Nathaniel Sharpe and the late Rosa B. Sharpe. She attended Appling County Consolidated High School. Early in life she joined First Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully in many ways. The auxiliaries she served were as follows: Amos Henry Gospel Chorus, Sunday school and Bible study (regularly), Mission Dept. (Sick Committee), Kitchen Committee, supported the custodial services, Captain of the Church Family Pyramid Committee, and Treasurer of Singles Committee. She assisted with the Youth Department and faithfully with the Usher Ministry. [Full Story »] 

James Jarrell, 64, died Monday, January 21, 2013. James was born Oct. 28, 1948 in Jacksonville, FL to the late James Nollie Jarrell and the late Jacqueline Agnes Ross Jarrell. He was a member of Sand Hill Freewill Baptist Church. [Full Story »] 

Willie Lee Kersey Sr., 59, passed away Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah after a brief illness. Kersey is a native and lifelong resident of Appling County and worked at Rayonier for 30 years. He loved bull riding and spending time with puppies and grandchildren. He had a big giving heart, loved making people laugh and was the best father anyone could have. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carless and Louise Kersey; brother, Roy J. Kersey and sister-in-law, Kem Kersey. [Full Story »] 

Mary Madulka, 72, passed away Tuesday, January 22, 2013 in Surrency under the care of Hospice of South Georgia. She grew up in Tampa, FL and has been a resident of Tucker since 1968. She was a stewardess with Eastern Airlines, worked as a homemaker and was the owner and President of Landscape Management Services. She loved playing golf, gardening and music. [Full Story »]