The Baxley News-Banner

February, 11, 2016 marked legislative day 20, and the halfway point of the 2016 legislation session. The pace has accelerated as important measures are working through the committee process and onto the House floor. [Full Story »] 

The Appling County Recreation Department is in need of baseball and softball coaches for the upcoming season. [Full Story »] 

Dear Editor,

I just wanted to tell you how good the love of the Lord is. I had gone back on the Lord by drinking, partying and running away from the Lord. Thinking everything was all right, but I still had a missing void in my heart, I knew it would never be right again without the Lord. But something happened to me that I knew was God giving me one last chance to come back to him. It was so bad that it scared me right back to the Lord. [Full Story »] 

Dear Editor,

My name is Halsey Baxter and I am a student at Anselmo-Merna Public School in Nebraska. Our third grade class is researching states for our States Fair project. Each of my classmates has picked a state and I have chosen Georgia.  I want to know everything I can about your great state!  I would appreciate any help you can give me!   [Full Story »] 

Traditionally the great achievement of African Americans in history are celebrated in February, but we often forget to pay homage to the African Americans that have contributed significantly to civilization the remaining 11 months of the year. [Full Story »] 

Welton Dwane Carter, 64, of Baxley passed away peacefully at Hospice of Golden Isles, Monday, February 8, 2016 following an extended battle with cancer. [Full Story »] 

Robert Lee “R.L.” Orvin, age 76, of Baxley died Tuesday, February 2, 2016 in the Pierce County Nursing Home. [Full Story »] 

Myrtle Nettles, age 72, of Baxley died Friday, February 5, 2016 in Vidalia. Mrs. Nettles was born October 28, 1943 in Atlanta to the late Barney Martin and the late Grace Martin. [Full Story »] 

Miles Funeral Home in Hazlehurst announces the funeral service for Timothy Inon Summerlin, age 41, of Hazlehurst, who passed away January 25, 2016. Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday in the Hillcrest Baptist Church. [Full Story »] 

Miles-Nobles Funeral Home and Crematory announces the funeral services of Sallie Wilkes Shuman, age 92, who passed away Sunday, February 7, 2016 at Navicent Health in Macon. She was a native of Telfair County living the past sixty-two years in Baxley; worked alongside her husband, Dr. Jack D. Shuman in his chiropractic practice and was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a member of Baxley First United Methodist Church. [Full Story »] 

By Bryan Shipes

The Appling County High School Choral Department presented its 31st Annual Dinner Theater on Friday, February 12 and Saturday, February 13. Both evenings began with a steak dinner along with live entertainment featuring the Appling County Middle School and Appling County High School Choral Department. The high school cafeteria and auditorium was packed with performers, supporters and volunteers. [Full Story »] 

Sheriff Benny Deloach reports the following incidents handled by deputies with the Appling County Sheriff’s Office.

On February 5, answered a call to Hutcheson Road in reference to an assault, which led to the arrest of John David Kersey, 24, of Baxley. Kersey was charged with aggravated assault. [Full Story »] 

The following are highlights of incidents that were recently handled by the Baxley Police Department.

On January 21, at approximately 3:23 p.m. officers answered a call to Walmart in reference to a theft. On arrival officers met with the LPC officer who had a person detained for taking some items without paying for them. Charged in connection with this incident was Tania M. Hannon, 46 of Baxley with one count theft by shoplifting. [Full Story »] 

By Ann Herndon

The annual staff of Appling County High School would like to invite everyone to come out on February 20 for the 48th Annual Miss Pirate Pageant. 2015 Miss Pirate Brittney Perez,will be crowning our new 2016 Miss Pirate. Brittney is the 18 year old daughter of Juan and Ann Perez. She is a freshman at South Georgia State College. Her plans are to transfer to Lee University in the fall and major in secondary education and music ministry. Contestants include: Hadley Avera, Logan Baker, Blakelyn Carter, Logan Carter, Taylor Carter, Bryn Coleman, Calyn Fowler, Jaycee Green, Gracie Griffis, Briana Hayes, Kenley Lamb, Halee Leggett, Victoria Maldonado, Ali Marie Meadows, Hannah Miles, Alexis Moore, Caroline Rentz, Lynsey Sellers, Sydney Shadron, Karson Spell, Amanda Stalvey, Casey Jo Taylor, Sabrina Teston, Courtney Thornton, and Anna Logan Yeargan. [Full Story »]