Entries by Staff Writer

Ardella McMillan McCall, daughter of the late James and Viola Sharpe McMillan and a native of Baxley, was born May 8, 1921. A long time resident of (Appling County) Baxley, she made her entrance into the celestial city of Heaven. Devout Christian and dedicated mother, Mrs. McCall, ninety-two years of age, made her departure from this life, July 22, 2013 in Jesup at Wayne Memorial Hospital. [Full Story »] 

James A. Olliff, 92, of Bristol, died Tuesday, July 30, 2013 in the Appling Healthcare System after a short illness. The Appling County native was a graduate of the University of Georgia. He was a highly decorated U.S. Marine Veteran of WWII, where he received the Purple Heart Award, the Silver Star, Meritorious Promotion, two good conduct medals and unit citations. Olliff was a retired soil conservationist with the U.S.D.A. having worked in Appling, Wayne, Long, Liberty and Bryan Counties. This knowledge also carried over into his farming career. He was a deacon and clerk of Ritch Baptist Church for 15 years and was a member of Lake Chapel Primitive Baptist Church at the time of his death. His wife, Vela Mae Anderson Olliff preceded him in death. [Full Story »] 

By Jamie Gardner

Discussion between the state of Georgia and Appling County has been ongoing for a number of years concerning the Lake Tara Dam (also known as Dunns Lake). The state has inspected the dam of the privately owned lake on several occasions and recommended that the county make changes/repairs to the dam structure. County officials have been hesitant to make the recommended changes to the dam and county roadway known as Dunns Lake Road, which travels across the dam structure, citing that repairs on the dam could cost local taxpayers as much as $1,000,000.00. [Full Story »] 

Last Thursday morning the employees of Bob’s Do It Best, on North Main Street, got a big surprise. [Full Story »] 

On Thursday, August 8, students headed back to school in Appling County. There were a few tears, mainly from parents, as some students entered the classroom for the very first time while others entered school with the knowledge that this would be their last first day of school in Appling County. [Full Story »] 

Sheriff Benny Deloach would like to report the following incidents handled by deputies with the Appling County Sheriff’s Department.

Correction

The case previously reported on Lawanna Drive as involving a family member was incorrectly reported and continues to be an active investigation. [Full Story »] 

Army Pvt. Kaleah T. Heller has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, SC. [Full Story »] 

Do you ever get a song in your head that you just can’t shake? Are you like me and do you walk around singing the song for days even if you don’t know all the lyrics praying to God for an end to the torment? [Full Story »] 

The brain is an amazing organ. It might not let me remember your name when I meet you downtown, but it frequently presents a parade of memories for no logical reason. Some are entertaining; others, not so much. I never know what will spur any given memory. [Full Story »] 

Our mailbox was filling up with cards from well-wishers. E-mail wishes were coming fast. My Facebook family and friends were at their creative best, and the phone calls were so meaningful; it was B. J.’s birthday! [Full Story »] 

Robert and Lucinda James are pleased to announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Natassa Nioca Evans, to Clyde Jones, Jr., the son of the late Clyde and Eloise Jones. [Full Story »] 

Jane Warren Tomberlin is pleased to announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of her daughter, Jenny Lou Tomberlin, to Leonard Wood Childs III, the son of Leonard “Jack” Childs II of Savannah and Kathleen Childs of Haysville, North Carolina. [Full Story »] 

E J Davis, 71, died Monday, July 29, 2013 in the Appling Healthcare System. Davis was born March 26, 1942 in Appling County. He was a member of Riverside Baptist Church. Davis was employed by Erickson Associates as an assistant mechanical superintendent and was a retired game warden. He was preceded in death by his father, Elvin Davis and a brother, Donald Davis. [Full Story »]