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March 1997 was an exciting time for B. J. and me. We spent twelve exhilarating days visiting historic, romantic and adorable Italy from north to south and east to west. Our guide, Young, blond, vivacious Jeanette Berends sporting a graduate degree in English Literature looked as if she would be more at home in Hollywood than on a tour bus. Jeanette, a former college instructor who discovered that she could make more money as a tour guide than teaching, was flown from London to live with and guide us throughout Italy. Jeanette was well versed in the history, geography and other intricate details of Italy. She was loads of fun and kept us on our toes and in high spirits. [Full Story »] 

As my Spring Break ends, my nails are ragged and unkempt, but my stress level is pleasantly low. I’ve spent the days of my vacation communing with Nature via my yard-digging in the dirt. At night I read far too late, knowing I could sleep in the next morning if I chose. Usually though I rose around 7 a.m. for coffee and the news. As the coffee perked, I fed the cats. One morning I discovered that we’re also feeding a blue jay with that same cat food. I’ve seen it several times this week. The bird stands on the railing as its beady eyes carefully survey the surroundings. If no cat is in view, it settles down to eat its fill of dry cat food. Tasty stuff, apparently! [Full Story »] 

Millard Jon Lott, 73, died Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at his residence. Mr. Lott was born Aug. 26, 1937 in Irwin County and had lived in Jacksonville, FL until moving to Alma. He was self-employed as a farm equipment salesman with Lott Tractor Company and a member of Beulah Baptist Church. Millard was the son of the late George W. and Margie Bell Gurley Lott. He was preceded in death by his sister, Clyde Craven and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Olen and Novana Lamb. [Full Story »] 

Harry Emmett McMillan, 85, lovingly known as “Mac” by all who knew him, died Wednesday, April 27, 2011 in Tattnall Nursing Center in Reidsville after an extended illness. Mac was an avid fisherman and loved living at Eason’s Bluff on the Altamaha River after retiring from Southern Bell Telephone Company with 37 years of dedicated service, retiring as local manager. He was in the U.S. Marine Corps, a veteran of World War II having served at Iwo-Jima, the occupation of Japan and the Volcano Islands. [Full Story »] 

Bertie Jean Butler Poole, 77, entered into rest Monday, April 25, 2011 at Select Specialty Hospital. A memorial service was held on Saturday, April 30 at 2:00 p.m. at Fleming Baptist Church with the Reverend Billy Atkins officiating. Interment will be private at a later date. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Oliver and Eugene Butler and her sister, Betty Faye Carter. [Full Story »] 

Mary Nell Veal Stewart, 88, died April 24, 2011 at Southeast Georgia Regional Medical Center in Brunswick. Mary Nell was born in Baxley, Appling County on Dec. 14, 1922, the third of five daughters of the late W. L. Veal and the late Georgia B. Veal of Baxley. [Full Story »] 

Mary Jane Turner, 77, of Hahira, died Friday, April 29 at her residence. Mrs. Turner was born Nov. 25, 1933 in Appling County to the late George Washington Ahl and the late Katie Mae Newsome Ahl. She was a member of Spring Branch Baptist Church. Mary Jane was a retired school bus driver and an Appling County Hospital volunteer. She was the best mom in the world and the greatest granny. Mrs. Turner was preceded in death by her husband, Fred “Bud” Turner, sister, Elizabeth Carter and two brothers, Frank and Tom Ahl.
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By Matt Gardner

The Appling County Board of Commissioners held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 19 beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Courthouse Annex. During the meeting the commissioners opened sealed bids for electrical improvements to the Appling County Tractor Pull Track. The lowest two bids of the five submitted where from Rebco, in the amount of $28,000.00, and Trinity Electric for $29,727.00. A motion was made by Commissioner Theodore Wilkerson to accept the low bid pending the low bidder meets county policy for contractor work. Commissioner Ronnie Rentz made a second to the motion. The motion passed by a four to one vote with Commissioner Jasper Tomberlin voting against. [Full Story »] 

Hannah Elizabeth Renee Gardner and Andrew Ryan Driskill were united in marriage on February 19. The small family ceremony took place lakeside at the home of the bride at Thundering Springs in East Dublin, GA. [Full Story »] 

Michael and Rina Beecher are proud to announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Carly Shae Beecher, to Cody Lee Leggett. [Full Story »] 

Madison Paige is proud to announce the birth of her brother, Brynlee Mason Chavis. Brynlee was born March 18, 2011 at Wayne Memorial Hospital. [Full Story »] 

Jody and Michelle Carter are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Jenna Leigh. [Full Story »] 

Jimmy and Mackensie Hallman are proud to announce the birth of their son, Levi James Hallman. [Full Story »] 

Lateshia Danielle Stegall and Steven Christopher Hamilton of Hazlehurst proudly announce the birth of their son, Peyton Christopher Hamilton. [Full Story »]