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Lexie Lee and Gracie Lee are excited to announce the upcoming wedding of their mother, Heidi Lee of Brunswick, to Andy Arnold of Baxley. [Full Story »] 

Does this number sound familiar? It should. Or have we already forgot what we promised to never forget?

It seems like it was just yesterday that most of the world stood glued to television or computer screens trying to catch the latest news of what was taking place on U.S. soil. Nineteen cowards/terrorists hijacked commercial airliners and began killing innocent men, women and children. [Full Story »] 

“I’ll wait for you right here,” Larry told me as he sat down in a lawn chair in front of Bed, Bath, and Beyond. He opened his Harry Turtledove novel and got ready to read. “There’s a nice breeze so take your time. I really don’t mind.” [Full Story »] 

When we were dating, my wife used to scratch my head a lot. I liked this better than back scratchin’, not that back scratchin’ is bad, but head scratchin’ is better. There isn’t anything I would rather have for Father’s Day or a birthday than a good head scratchin’. One of those where I go off into a deep sleep while being scratched and come to about four hours later. Now that is what I call a good head scratchin’. [Full Story »] 

We had, as is customary in our commemorations, begun celebrating our fifty-first wedding anniversary on Sunday of the previous week. We had eaten out a couple of times, rambled around the neighborhood where we spent our honeymoon in 1960 on St. Simons Island and sauntered along “our” beach. [Full Story »] 

Kenneth Lawrence Clifton, 62, died Thursday, August 25, 2011 at his home in Jacksonville, Florida. Ken was born Oct. 13, 1948 in Jeff Davis County to the late William and Ella Pearl Clifton. [Full Story »] 

Rachel Smith Dougherty, 90, of Forest Park, Ga. passed away at the Appling Healthcare System Pavilion on August 29. Mrs. Dougherty was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Nick Dougherty. [Full Story »] 

James H. Gerald, 70, died Monday, August 29, 2011 at his home in Jacksonville, Florida. James was born April 20, 1941 in Mullins, S.C. to the late Clyde Gerald and the late Martha Lewis Gerald-Buie. James was married to the late Evelyn Simpson Gerald. They had a love affair that lasted for forty-six years. He always called her “Love.” He enjoyed spending time with family, fishing, visiting Baxley and friends. Mr. Gerald spent a significant portion of his life in uniform having served in the United States Army. SFC “Retired” James H. Gerald fought in the Vietnam War from which he was granted an honorable discharge in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. He later reenlisted and retired on May 1, 1981. During Mr. Gerald’s service to his country he received the National Defense Service medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, Vietnam Service medal, Good Conduct medal and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm. [Full Story »] 

Annie Faye Kennamer, 84, died Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011 at her residence. Mrs. Kennamer was born Feb. 1, 1927 in Bacon County to the late Raymond and Nancy Turner Dyal. Her husband, Robert Kennamer and three brothers and seven sisters preceded her in death. [Full Story »] 

Kendell Stone, 81, of Hazlehurst, died Monday, August 15, 2011 at Community Hospice in Vidalia. Mr. Stone was born Feb. 16, 1930 in Appling County to the late Jesse Thomas Stone and the late Lillie Mae Reeves Stone. He was a retired supervisor of Hazlehurst Mills with 39 years of service. Mr. Stone was a member of First Baptist Church, a veteran of the United States Army and a recipient of the Citizen of the Year award. He was preceded in death by a son, Barry Stone. [Full Story »] 

As an attorney who practices extensively in the area of domestic relations I am often approached by grandparents of children whose parents are involved in a divorce, legitimation or custody dispute concerning their rights to visitation. The stated public policy in Georgia is to maintain continuing contact between children and their grandparents when the grandparents have shown the ability to act in the best interests of the children. To enforce that policy the legislature gives all grandparents in the state the right to file an action for visitation with the minor children. The only exception to that right is when the child’s parents are not separated and the child is living with both parents. [Full Story »] 

The following are highlights of incidents that were handled by officers of the Baxley Police Department over the past several days.

Aug. 3 at approximately 2:57 a.m., answered a call to a Clay Homes Apartment address in reference to a domestic disturbance. On arrival officers discovered that an argument had turned physical with one of the parties being struck in the face area by another party at the apartment. Arrested in connection with this incident was Dwayne Washington, 45, of Baxley, on charges of one count simple battery under the family violence act. [Full Story »] 

U.S. Congressman Jack Kingston visited Baxley last week to speak with local business owners and hear concerns about the way Washington is operating. A number of business owners and operators expressed thoughts and concerns to Kingston. Students from Pam Williams’ Appling County High School class also had some tough questions for the congressman. [Full Story »] 

Qualifying for a number of offices wrapped up Friday for the City of Baxley and the City of Graham. In Baxley only one of three positions will have opposition. Incumbent Dr. Esco Hall, Jr., District 2 council member, will face off against Carlos Rooks, Sr. Council member Betty Livingston will run unopposed for the District 5 council seat. Newcomer Kenneth J. Waithe will run unopposed for the District 1 council seat, which was held by Councilman Eugene Walker. The City of Baxley election will be held on Tuesday, November 8. [Full Story »]