Entries by Staff Writer

Kendell Stone, 81, of Hazlehurst, died Monday, August 15, 2011 at Community Hospice in Vidalia. Mr. Stone was born Feb. 16, 1930 in Appling County to the late Jesse Thomas Stone and the late Lillie Mae Reeves Stone. He was a retired supervisor of Hazlehurst Mills with 39 years of service. Mr. Stone was a member of First Baptist Church, a veteran of the United States Army and a recipient of the Citizen of the Year award. He was preceded in death by a son, Barry Stone. [Full Story »] 

As an attorney who practices extensively in the area of domestic relations I am often approached by grandparents of children whose parents are involved in a divorce, legitimation or custody dispute concerning their rights to visitation. The stated public policy in Georgia is to maintain continuing contact between children and their grandparents when the grandparents have shown the ability to act in the best interests of the children. To enforce that policy the legislature gives all grandparents in the state the right to file an action for visitation with the minor children. The only exception to that right is when the child’s parents are not separated and the child is living with both parents. [Full Story »] 

The following are highlights of incidents that were handled by officers of the Baxley Police Department over the past several days.

Aug. 3 at approximately 2:57 a.m., answered a call to a Clay Homes Apartment address in reference to a domestic disturbance. On arrival officers discovered that an argument had turned physical with one of the parties being struck in the face area by another party at the apartment. Arrested in connection with this incident was Dwayne Washington, 45, of Baxley, on charges of one count simple battery under the family violence act. [Full Story »] 

U.S. Congressman Jack Kingston visited Baxley last week to speak with local business owners and hear concerns about the way Washington is operating. A number of business owners and operators expressed thoughts and concerns to Kingston. Students from Pam Williams’ Appling County High School class also had some tough questions for the congressman. [Full Story »] 

Qualifying for a number of offices wrapped up Friday for the City of Baxley and the City of Graham. In Baxley only one of three positions will have opposition. Incumbent Dr. Esco Hall, Jr., District 2 council member, will face off against Carlos Rooks, Sr. Council member Betty Livingston will run unopposed for the District 5 council seat. Newcomer Kenneth J. Waithe will run unopposed for the District 1 council seat, which was held by Councilman Eugene Walker. The City of Baxley election will be held on Tuesday, November 8. [Full Story »] 

For the past several weeks Georgia Forestry plows and city and county fire departments have responded to a number of fires throughout the City of Baxley and Appling County. Chief Ranger Jeff Fariss told The News-Banner that fires that occurred on Thursday, September 1 burned approximately 150 acres. The fires occurred on Highway 144 and on Cleland Lane. [Full Story »] 

The Appling County Pirates traveled to neighboring Wayne County (0-1-1) to face the Yellow Jackets on Friday, September 2. The Pirates were able to overcome a 9-18 halftime deficit to defeat the Yellow Jackets 35-25. With the win the Pirates improve to 2-0 on the 2011 season and will travel to face the Trojans of Coffee County (2-1) on Friday, September 9 in the Pirates final non-region contest of the season. The Pirates will start Region 2AA play the following week as they host the Brantley County Herons (0-2). Both the games are scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. [Full Story »] 

By Wade Edwards

This week the Appling Christian Academy Eagles played the Augusta Eagles at Eagle Field at Crossties. This was the first time ACA played this team and did not know anything about them. But ACA came out with a 58 to eight victory. [Full Story »] 

Georgia Southern University will welcome nationally renowned novelist Katharine Weber to campus Thursday, Sept. 8 as she presents this years Brittany “Ally” Harbuck Scholarship to Axel Wright of Baxley. Wright was selected by Weber for the award. [Full Story »] 

By Jess Miles

The Appling County Friends of the Library will be holding an open meeting on Monday September 19. The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the conference room of the Appling County Public Library. Anyone who is interested in joining the Friends of the Library or learning about upcoming library events is welcome to come. [Full Story »] 

By Jess Miles

On Monday, September 26 the Friends of the Library will be hosting a reading by Janisse Ray. [Full Story »]