Entries by Staff Writer

Kelvin and Angie Wilcox of Hazlehurst are proud to announce the engagement and forthcoming June marriage of their daughter, Lauren Ashley Wilcox of Hazlehurst, to Jordan Taylor Ball, son of Anthony and Dianne Ball of Baxley. [Full Story »] 

Madison and Brynlee are proud to announce the marriage of their mama and daddy, Shelley Herrington and Lee Chavis. [Full Story »] 

By Phil Phillips

The Appling Christian baseball team’s record improved to 8-0 after a three game weekend series with Robert Toombs Christian and Faith Christian Academy of Griffin. The Eagles won a single game against Robert Toombs on Friday afternoon with four of the first five batters going three for four. Senior Rex Cox was the winning pitcher giving up only one base hit. [Full Story »] 

Last week was known as Sunshine Week across our great land. What exactly is Sunshine Week? Sunshine Week is a national initiative to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information. Participants include news media, civic groups, libraries, nonprofits, schools and others interested in the public’s right to know. Sunshine Week seeks to enlighten and empower people to play an active role in their government at all levels, and to give them access to information that makes their lives better and their communities stronger. [Full Story »] 

Over the last few months, talks of budget cuts in general and Sequestration in particular have filled the news. I agree with many of the cuts. I’m opposed to waste in government since it involves our tax dollars. Even some of the proposed military cuts are logical. For example, the grounding of the Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds is a reasonable cut and won’t do much harm. I enjoy watching their shows, but will not be harmed in any way if I never see another one. Other cuts, however, could very well threaten military readiness. The Defense Department predicts that the slashing of ship and aircraft maintenance and the curtailing of training will occur with the currently proposed budget cuts. [Full Story »] 

Vacation time is just around the corner. Are you planning a great vacation this year? Vacations are the icings on our cakes; they are what dreams are made of. Travel and vacation time have been in our plans and budget since the day B. J. and I said, “I do.” Travel and the bonding it has brought has enhanced our lives more than words can express. [Full Story »] 

Dear Editor,

What’s wrong with America? Can we see the need to pray? I Thessalonians, 5th Chapter, the 17 verse states, Pray without ceasing, and verse 18, In everything give thanks. As I have stated before we have forgotten God. Have everything else on our minds, but God. (Money). [Full Story »] 

Dear Editor and citizens,

The Friends of the Library would like to thank everyone who made it possible to have a great sale of books this Friday and Saturday. [Full Story »] 

Mrs. Peggy White Chancey, 71, died Friday, March 15, 2013. Peggy was born Nov. 20, 1941 in Appling County to the late Vance Gaston White and the late Orien Carson White. She was a member of Ten Mile Baptist Church. Mrs. Chancey was a past director of Appling County Football Boosters Club and the National Wild Turkey Federation where she worked diligently with her husband, Don, in all aspects with the federation. She was a very charitable and giving person having touched many lives along the way. Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Ladonn Chancey and a brother, J. W. White. [Full Story »] 

Johnny W. Hampton, 64, died Thursday, March 7, 2013. Johnny was born Oct. 29, 1948 in Appling County. He was a member of Baxley Church of God. Hampton was a supervisor at Rayonier for 36 plus years, a master musician and a #1 Dawg fan. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who knew how to put a smile on your face. [Full Story »] 

Ann Capshaw Hester, 85, of Hazlehurst, died Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the Lumber City Nursing Home. Mrs. Hester was born October 23, 1927 in Brewton, Alabama to the late James Monroe Capshaw and the late Alley Elizabeth Halstead Capshaw. She was the widow of William Riley Hester, Jr., a homemaker, and former co-owner of Hester’s Grocery and Market. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church and a wonderful mother and grandmother. She was also preceded in death by a son and daughter-in-law, Comer and Diane Hester; grandchildren, Matthew Hester and Terri Lynn Hester; brother, Jack Capshaw; and sister, Johnnie Mae Capshaw Veal. [Full Story »] 

Deacon John Edward Ryals, Sr., loving patriarch of the Ryals family, a kind and generous friend to all, answered the Master’s call on Feb. 27, 2013. He was born on Aug. 11, 1930 in Wheeler County to the parentage of the late Essix Ryals and Mattie Lee Mincey Ryals. John was the fourth child born to this union. [Full Story »] 

Eugene Stephens, 78, passed away Friday, March 15, 2013 at Appling Healthcare System under the care of Comfort Care Hospice. He was a native and lifelong resident of Appling County, a member and Past-Master of Holmesville Lodge #195 of F and A.M. and former owner and operator of Gene’s Diesel and Machine Shop. [Full Story »]