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Last Tuesday, Larry and I drove to Brunswick for a doctor’s appointment. Despite the fact that the calendar says Spring is here, the temperatures were nippy and the wind blustery. We were nearly to the car when a blast of icy wind stopped us cold. We decided we’d better run back in for coats—just in case. Arriving a tad early for the appointment, we parked on a side street downtown and settled in to wait. Larry pulled out his ubiquitous novel and started to read. [Full Story »] 

I got to thinking about what makes or breaks a President and have decided it’s nothing more than dumb luck because it’s the last year of a man’s term is all that counts. It doesn’t really matter what you are or do as President. You can be a drunk, a philanderer, get us into a war, (right here it is always best if you win it), it really doesn’t matter what you are or what you do, if the economy is good. People look in their pocket and if there is anything there they keep the man they’ve got, or if their pockets are empty, will vote for whoever promises to fill it the fullest. That’s the long and short of it. [Full Story »] 

Spring is upon us. The balmy weather just around the corner opens up the exciting great outdoors to all kinds of fun things. Strolling the beaches in the spring and summer is always pleasurable. This year B. J. and I hope to roam some new beaches both in the U. S. and abroad. [Full Story »] 

Ivylon Kathleen Griffin, 78, passed away Monday, March 25, 2013 at Oxley Park Health and Rehabilitation in Lyons after an extended illness. She was a lifelong resident of Appling County; a homemaker and a member of Friendship Congregational Christian Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; Jimmy Lee and Mattie Johnson and two brothers, Earl Johnson and Howard Johnson. [Full Story »] 

May 2, 1964 to March 18, 2013

Eddie F. Solomon, Jr., was born May 2, 1964 in Baxley to the late Eddie and Mary Lee Solomon. God called Eddie home to rest on March 18, 2013. Eddie was a member of St. John Church of God In Christ in Baxley, under the leadership of Elder W. H. Solomon. He was employed with Rayonier of Baxley for 23 years, was a devoted employee. [Full Story »] 

Chief of Police James Godfrey reports that on March 26 several arrests were made in connection with several burglaries that officers of the Baxley Police Department have worked in the past several weeks. [Full Story »] 

District Attorney Jackie Johnson announces the conviction and sentence of 52 year-old Richard Griffin of Baxley (a former Appling County Sheriff Deputy) for Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree. The charge stems from the July 2011 sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl. [Full Story »] 

By Renee O’Quinn

City Manager Jeff Baxley announced at the regular council meeting held Tuesday, March 26 that Zaxby’s Restaurant is coming to Baxley and is going to be located out Highway 341 in the Wal-Mart area. He also reported that Tractor Supply should be open around May 1. Stanley Farms now owns Pet Dairy Farm out on Highway 203 and has committed to Appling County for a new industry. He also reported that High Tech, a sawmill equipment business, would be expanding to make pellet equipment and hopefully create seven new positions. [Full Story »] 

The City of Baxley invites the community to an open house and ribbon cutting, to be held on Thursday, April 4 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. (ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m.), for the City of Baxley’s new airport terminal. The new terminal has many unique features including a conference room, kitchen area and the loft area features guest rooms for pilots staying overnight. [Full Story »] 

On Saturday old and young alike turned out for the City of Baxley’s annual Easter Egg Hunt at Water Works Park. [Full Story »] 

Appling County High School student athletes Jordan Vann and Connor Wilkerson were awarded the NAPA Auto Parts/Larry Csonka “Blue Collar Player of the Year” award on March 19, at the Bearfoot Tavern in Macon.
Vann and Wilkerson received the honor along with eight other high school football players from the state of Georgia. This award was created to honor hard working, blue collar players that, according to NFL Hall of Famer Larry Csonka, “show up for work every day and never complain, unsung heroes who spend little time in the spotlight but play pivotal roles in their team’s success.” NAPA Auto Parts knows the pivotal role these young men play and this award is their way of congratulating a job well done. [Full Story »] 

By Jamie Gardner

At a called work session meeting, held Tuesday, March 26, County Manager Lee Lewis updated the Appling County Commissioners on the widening and resurfacing of Ten Mile and Ben Carter roads. The Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) has identified these roads as high hazard roadways, due to the width of the roads, and the state approved to widen the roads by adding shoulders to each road. Lewis stated that DOT has agreed to pay $911,088.76 toward the widening project. [Full Story »] 

By Phil Phillips

The Appling Christian baseball team enjoyed the opportunity to play three games at home on Eagle Field this past week. Tuesday, March 26 featured a double header with King’s Way Christian from Douglasville. Andrew Phillips would start game one on the mound going seven innings. Phillips would yield four runs, two of which were earned, with five hits, walking five and striking out five. With the game tied at four apiece in the eighth inning Daniel Beasley would take over the pitching duties and pick up the win with one inning of work. Beasley would only give up one hit in the final inning of play. The King’s Way Crusaders would intentionally walk both Rex Cox and Andrew Phillips to load the bases and pitch to Senior Zack Carter. Carter fell behind with a one and two count, but would continue to foul off pitches extending the at bat until drawing a walk and plating the winning RBI. [Full Story »] 

Over the last week the Appling County Pirates (12-4 overall, 8-3 region 1A-AAA) traveled to Brantley County (7-9-1, 6-4) on March 26 and were defeated 5-6. [Full Story »]