Society
Determination Rewarded: A Georgia Southern University IPSE graduate soars, thanks to assistance from GVRA
Tristan Skipper has always loved sports, especially football. After finishing high school, he knew he wanted to seek employment in a sports-related field. Tristan’s parents learned about GVRA through his school counselors. The counselors explained how GVRA could support Tristan’s transition from high school into college and eventual employment. Armed with that knowledge, Tristan applied,…
Read MoreDEBORAH ANN HANSON
Deborah Ann Hanson, 78, of Baxley passed away on December 27, 2025 at her residence under the care of Community Hospice. Mrs. Hanson was born on August 10, 1947 in Jacksonville, Florida to the late William T. Pendarvis and the late Shirley Natarus Pendarvis. She was a founding member of Christ Community Church, was involved…
Read MoreJAMES LAMAR “COACH” ALLEN
James Lamar “Coach” Allen, 84, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at his residence under the care of Comfort Care Hospice. Mr. Allen was born on May 30, 1941 in Walthourville, to the late Eulie Lee Allen and the late Blanche Boyd Allen Stewart. He came to Appling County in 1968 as a football…
Read MoreDONALD RAY “DONNIE” SMITH
Donald Ray “Donnie” Smith, 75, of Baxley passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025 under the care of Hospice of South Georgia. Mr. Smith was born October 22, 1950 in Alma to the late Clifford Lamar “C. L.” Smith and the late Alma Laverne Yawn Smith. He was a member of Baxley Church of God. He…
Read MorePFGC donate “Cuddle Buddies” to Sheriff’s Department
Every year at Christmas, members of the Pine Forest Garden Club collect stuffed toys to be given to the Appling County Sheriff’s Department as part of their “Cuddle Buddies” project. The stuffed animals are for deputies and police officers to share with children who need comfort that they encounter in their lines of duty.…
Read MoreBaxley Harveys set to close in late January
The Baxley News-Banner has confirmed that Harveys Supermarket will be closing in late January 2026. Southeastern Grocers told The News-Banner, “We can confirm that we have made the difficult decision to close the Baxley Harveys Supermarket, located at 106 East Parker St., in Baxley, in late January, as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure…
Read MoreReeses win subscription contest
Kerry and Cecelia Reese, shown above, are the 2025 winners of The Baxley News-Banner’s annual Beat Inflation/Christmas Subscription Drive. The lucky winners won a brand new RTIC cooler and a $500.00 meat package from Circle F Meats. “Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s subscription drive. Your continued support means the world…
Read MoreA legacy in lights
Christmas is the season of limitless magic, when the world feels a little more luminous in spite of the biting winter air. It is a time for tradition and togetherness, where the simple act of hanging a wreath or stringing a line of lights becomes a bridge between the past and the present. For those…
Read MoreShop with a First Responder
The 3rd annual Shop with a First Responder was a huge success! Several firetrucks and law enforcement cruisers hurriedly arrived at Walmart on Saturday, December 20. There was no emergency taking place, only a large group of excited children. Families met at the church for a breakfast of Hardees biscuits before traveling to Walmart…
Read MorePFGC chooses the business Garden of the Month
During the month of December, the Pine Forest Garden Club goes out at night to look for homes and businesses that are beautifully decorated for the Christmas holidays. All throughout the city and county are many wonderfully decorated homes and businesses. This year, the Garden of the Month committee had a difficult time making…
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