Entries by Staff Writer

Dear Editor,

Thank you, Mary Ann for your recent article in support of Paula Deen. Your article has given me the courage to speak out and express my views and concerns in what seems to be an ever-growing and never-ending problem. [Full Story »] 

Considering the response I received from the last column that simply asked the question, “Why?”, here are a few more questions and statements I found for your enjoyment:

Can you cry under water? [Full Story »] 

Stapler in one hand and a hot glue gun in the other, she’s attaching the glossy pirate to the exact center of her bulletin board. The sparkling red and black 6 inch letters spell out “Go, Pirates!” and are spread across the desks, ready to be hung up. Every comma and every exclamation mark will be in the right place when she finishes. As an English teacher, she can produce no less than perfect grammar on her bulletin board. What would her students think if she made a punctuation error for the class to stare at every day? What would their parents think? Heaven forbid. [Full Story »] 

Jennifer “Jennie” Googe, 40, died Sunday, July 21, 2013. Jennie was born May 23, 1973 in Appling County. She was a member of Midway Baptist Church. Jennie was employed by the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier. She was preceded in death by her father, James Edward Googe and a sister, Pamela Janet Googe. [Full Story »] 

Carlton Donald Jackson, 78, died July 20, 2013 in the Genesis Health Care System. Jackson was born Nov. 11, 1934 to the late Lewis and Nancy Jackson. He was a lifelong resident of Appling County and a member of Zoar Baptist Church. Jackson was a security guard at the Georgia State Prison in Odum. He also proudly served the United States of America in the National Guard. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Connie Stark, a sister, Betty Lightsey and three brothers, L.W., Andrew and Bruce Jackson. [Full Story »] 

Frances Tillman Presley, 94, died Thursday, July 25, 2013. Mrs. Presley was born Sept. 29, 1918 in Appling County to the late James Herman Tillman and the late Effie O’Connor Tillman. She was a member of Harmony Baptist Church where she served as church treasurer for many years. Frances retired from B. C. Moore’s. [Full Story »] 

On Wednesday, July 24, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Appling County Deputies along with the Appling County Dive Team responded to Lake Mayers to a reported drowning. [Full Story »] 

By Matt Gardner

During the Appling County Board of Education regularly scheduled meeting on July 22 the following personnel decisions were approved, Brooke Lashley paraprofessional at Appling County Primary School (ACPS), Lindsey Parker paraprofessional at ACPS, Sherry Newell paraprofessional at ACPS, Rena Lastinger teacher at ACPS and Sonya Snow teacher at Appling County Elementary School (ACES). [Full Story »] 

By Superintendent Scarlett Copeland

It is with great pride that we welcome everyone to the new 2013-14 school year in Appling County. I am honored again this year to open this school year as your School Superintendent and I am looking forward to working with the students, staff, parents, and community in all capacities. Our theme this year will continue to be “Soaring to New Heights” and the focal point of this important work should rest on the Vision which states “Appling County Schools will be a System of Excellence for All Learners”. Partnering together will allow us to build strong educational ties that will continue to achieve the vision of our school system. [Full Story »] 

By Renee O’Quinn

During Tuesday’s meeting (July 23), the Baxley City Council voted unanimously to proceed with the purchase of 14 AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) based on grant approval. City Manager Jeff Baxley announced that Robin Crosby with Appling HealthCare System is submitting a grant proposal for the AEDs. An AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnosis the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient, and is able to treat a person through defibrillation. The manager requested that if the grant is approved that the city purchase 14 AEDs, one for each police vehicle and one for City Hall. The city would pay for half if the grant is funded. The cost is $2,000.00 for each device and with the grant the cost would be cut in half. Baxley stated there would be training involved with the use of the device. The manager further stated it would be very useful and maybe an opportunity to save a life. [Full Story »] 

Sheriff Benny Deloach would like to report the following activity of the Appling County Sheriff’s Office.

July 16, answered a call to VP Lynch Road in reference to a possible overdose. An eighteen-year-old subject was transported by Appling EMS to Appling ER for evaluation. [Full Story »] 

On Saturday, July 27, the parking lots were full with the many volunteers and children that came out to the Appling County High School to the annual Back-to-School Giveaway.  [Full Story »] 

The 1963 Class of Appling County High School along with the 1963 Class of Surrency High School will celebrate their 50-year class reunion Sept. 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Sarah’s In the City in Baxley. [Full Story »] 

The ACHS Class of 1945 will be having their 68th Class reunion at Sarah’s Steak and Seafood on U.S. 1 North in Baxley on Sept. 7 at 5:00 p.m. [Full Story »]