News

Gov. Nathan Deal today named state Rep. Chad Nimmer (R-Blackshear) to his House floor leader team, replacing Rep. Amy Carter (R-Valdosta) who will now serve as chairman of the Governmental Affairs Committee. [Full Story »] 

Appling County Branch of the NAACP is proud to announce the festivities for MLK. [Full Story »] 

According to Appling County Sheriff Benny Deloach and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation an arrest warrant for murder was secured on January 8 for the arrest of Jonathan Courson, 26, of Baxley, for the murder of his wife Mandy Courson, age 28, of Baxley. [Full Story »] 

By Jamie Gardner

Reaching speeds over 100 mph, a chase that started on U.S. Highway 1 in Appling County ended in Pierce County, on Georgia Highway 32, with officers using what is known as a pit maneuver to get two suspects to stop. On Tuesday, January 8 at approximately 4:00 p.m., Baxley Police received a call from the loss prevention employee at Baxley Walmart in reference to shoplifting. On the way to answer the call the police officer was notified that the shoplifters had left the scene and were reported traveling in a brown Ford Windstar van, with a drive out tag, headed toward U.S. Highway 1 South. It was also reported that the driver of the van was driving erratically. [Full Story »] 

Sheriff Benny Deloach reports on January 8 a father came to the Appling County Sheriff’s Office to report his children had not returned from a visit with their mother, after the judge had instructed the mother to return the children by 8:00 p.m. that day. A lookout was given to South Carolina authorities providing a full description of the children, mother and vehicle they were traveling in. Also obtained were two kidnapping warrants for Patricia Michelle Moon. On January 9 Moon, 34, of South Carolina, was arrested in South Carolina and charged with kidnapping. The children have been safely returned to their father. [Full Story »] 

United States Representative John Barrow made a stop in Baxley last week as part of his 16-county Rural Listening Tour. [Full Story »] 

By Jamie Gardner

Ask Victoria Cox, 17, an 11th grader at Appling Christian Academy, if she thinks wearing a seat belt is important. She will tell you it is very important and show you evidence of why she believes so strongly about wearing a seat belt. Had it not been for encouragement from a teacher at Appling Christian and actually wearing a seat belt, Victoria may have not been able to do this interview. [Full Story »] 

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

Jan. 1 at approximately 5:23 a.m., met with a complainant at Fastrac in reference to a theft. On arrival the complainant told officers that while he was inside the store person(s) unknown stole his 1992 Ford F-150, described as white in color with red lightening bolts down the sides. The truck was bearing a current Georgia plate PCL8070. The truck has been entered in the GCIC computer network as stolen. [Full Story »] 

By Matt Gardner

The Appling County Board of Commissioners approved the low bid of $51,000.00 from DNR Lawn for the installation of a new irrigation system at the Appling County Recreation Complex located on County Farm Road. The bid is for the current five fields and includes a booster pump. Due to not being a budgeted item the funds will come from contingency and was approved by all commissioners. [Full Story »] 

By Renee O’Quinn

The mayor, manager and Baxley City Council recognized Carol Carter for her service to the City at the regularly scheduled meeting held on Jan. 8. Mayor Steve Rigdon announced that Carter is retiring as an Accounting Clerk with the City after 40+ years. Mayor Rigdon commended Carter for her dedication and service. Manager Jeff Baxley expressed his appreciation of Carter’s performance as an employee and also commended Carter for her loyalty and service. Manager Baxley read a resolution and presented Carter with a plaque and her parking place decal. Carter accepted the plaque with the resolution with humble gratitude as she thanked the manager, the council and co-workers for their support. Family and many city employees were present to congratulate Carol on her retirement. [Full Story »] 

At the request of CSX Transportation, the Georgia DOT announces S.R. 21 will be closed at the railroad crossing near the intersection with U.S. 341/S.R. 27 in Surrency. This road closure is scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Thursday, January 17, weather permitting. Motorists will be able to access businesses, schools, and residents in the area. Motorists are urged to drive carefully and stay alert as they travel near this work zone. [Full Story »] 

The Appling County Heritage Center invites everyone to attend its Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 24, at Mi Sombrero Restaurant in Baxley at 7:00 p.m. The Guest Speaker will be Norma Nunez-Cortes. The emphasis will be on the relatively new Hispanic Heritage here in Baxley. [Full Story »] 

Would you like to know how the teachers use benchmark information to help your student? Do you want some time to check your student’s progress with teachers? [Full Story »]