Entries by Staff Writer

Angelica Evans Johnson and Daniel Derek Johnson of Baxley proudly announce the birth of their son, Daniel Evan Johnson.  [Full Story »] 

As I worked Thursday and Friday designing this week’s graduation issue for the seniors of 2012, I realized just how old I am. I no longer identify with graduates individually. I now identify with graduates by their last names and assume that he or she is the child of this person or that person. [Full Story »] 

Spring is at last beginning to take hold. Thank God, because I am tired of carrying firewood. The wood I thought would last three years is about gone. Each time one of my children starts whining if they can turn on the electric heat, I throw a lighter’d knot on the fire and in a few minutes they have to get far away from the hearth or burn up. [Full Story »] 

Next Friday, May 18, 2012, Appling County High School will acquire yet another set of alumni—the notorious and glorious Class of 2012. Caps and gowns have been delivered and worn proudly about the school and at Junior-Senior Coffee House. At Honors Night, many collected medals to enhance their stoles. These graduates are a proud group, as well they should be. So are parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends. And teachers—let us not forget them. Teachers invest so much time into students, both the eager and the reluctant ones. Pride buds as graduation approaches and bursts into full bloom as those red and black lines march to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” into Jimmy Swain Stadium. The teachers’ jobs are done at this point. This group is ready to face the world, to endure and overcome whatever life holds for its members. [Full Story »] 

B. J. and I along with our long-time dear friends and close neighbors on St. Simons Island, Cardy and Dottie Edmundson, were booked for an Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard the awesome Holland America luxury liner Zaandam. We had spent a fun evening with the Edmundsons in Cocoa Florida, had a restful and refreshing night’s sleep, and we were ready to board the Zaandam where they had breakfast ready for us. [Full Story »] 

Clarice C. Crosby, 97, died Sunday, May 6, 2012 in the Pavilion. Ms. Crosby was born March 1, 1915 in Appling County to the late Henry Collins and the late Clara Floyd Collins. She was the wife of the late R.E.L. (Rob) Crosby and they were engaged in farming for most of their working life. She was preceded in death by a son, Edward Crosby. [Full Story »] 

Earl Vance Milton, Sr., 76, died Sunday, May 6, 2012 at his residence. [Full Story »] 

Schools set for special ceremonies honoring seniors

On Friday evening, May 18, at 8:00, Appling County High School diplomas will be delivered to 198 seniors at Jimmy Swain Stadium. According to the school thirty-six percent of the graduates plan to attend a four-year university and twenty-six percent plan to attend a two-year college. Additionally, twelve percent of the graduates plan to attend technical college. Ten percent will enter military service and six percent will enter the workforce. The remaining ten percent of the graduates are currently undecided.

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Andrea Taylor Dominy, Valedictorian of the Class of 2012, is the daughter of Andy and Sandy Dominy. Taylor has been active in various organizations throughout her high school career including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Business Leaders of America, Math Team and Beta Club. She has enjoyed being a member of the Youth Advisory Council for the Family Connection organization which gave her opportunities to participate in the Ghost Out school project and the Secret Angel community project. She has been a Goal Card recipient all four years of high school. During her senior year, Taylor was the Beta Club and FBLA club President. She has worked diligently in school, maintaining the highest average in her class each year. [Full Story »] 

Brooke Sikes is the 2012 Salutatorian of Appling County High School. She is the daughter of Jimmy and Sharon Sikes. Brooke was honored to be chosen by her class as Most Valuable to School and Most Intellectual Senior Class Superlatives. [Full Story »] 

Kayla Bohannon is the 2012 Appling Christian Academy valedictorian. Kayla is the daughter of Jimmy and Jami Bohannon. She is a member of Dunn Memorial Baptist Church and the Dunn Memorial Youth Group. She attended ACA since the ninth grade. Prior to coming to Appling Christian Academy, she was a home school student. [Full Story »] 

By David Miller and Matt Gardner

The Appling County Pirates (29-2 overall), top seed in Region 2AA, defeated the second seed from Region 7AA the Coosa Eagles (18-8) two games to one and will now advance to the third round of the State AA Playoffs.
The Pirates will start Elite Eight play on Tuesday, May 15 hosting Region 6AA top seed and number two ranked Blessed Trinity Titans (26-4) in a doubleheader starting at 4:00 p.m. The second game will start thirty minutes after the first is completed. The third game will be played Wednesday, May 16 beginning at 4:00 p.m. if needed.

[Full Story »] 

Miss Lindsey Johnson is Appling Christian Academy’s 2012 salutatorian. She is the daughter of Zachary and Deborah Johnson. Lindsey is a member of the Southside Baptist Church and the Southside youth group. She has attended ACA since seventh grade. Lindsey was home-schooled by her parents before coming to ACA. [Full Story »] 

Dear Editor,

Everyone should want a beautiful garden. If you don’t, don’t plant one. A garden takes time to grow and be made beautiful. [Full Story »]