Jesse Carver Ricketson
Jesse Carver Ricketson, 84, of Bowie, MD, passed away at his home on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Jesse, or Carver to many, was born on December 3, 1939, on the family farm in Baxley, to the late Jesse and Pauline Ricketson. Outside of school or working the farm, he liked having fun by going into…
Read MoreDrug bust by ACSO
On Thursday, July 24, 2025, Willie James Norton Jr, 38, of Baxley was sentenced in Federal Court, Southern District of Georgia by the Honorable Lisa G. Wood to serve 132 months in federal custody followed by 3 years of supervised release for charges resulting from an investigation by the Appling County Sheriff’s Office. Norton pled…
Read MoreComas Street Cornerstone
As Baxley prepares to mark a momentous 70 years, the story of the Summerall family – Jack and Mariah, and their descendants – is not merely one of personal milestones, but of deep and abiding community involvement. Their journey through seven decades has been inextricably linked with the growth, challenges, and triumphs of Baxley itself.…
Read MoreHow hot is it?
My youngest son, Jacob, and I got to work out in this heat several days last week. It was brutal to say the least. I do enjoy summertime, but the older and fatter I get, the more I realize I’m not necessarily built for these hot conditions. When I was younger, there was a comedian…
Read MoreThe Outlaw’s Prayer
The Outlaw’s Prayer is a song by Johnny Paycheck released in 1976. It is one of my personal favorites as it resonates with the “outlaw” persona reflecting on the struggles and finding grace in a life of hardship. The Outlaw (Johnny Paycheck) goes into the big fancy church having a rough appearance of long shaggy…
Read MoreJimmy Lee Reynolds
Jimmy Lee Reynolds was born on December 30, 1953, in Wayne County to Daisy Bell Reynolds, and the late James Henry Reynolds. In the early morning on Monday, July 21, at Hospice Satilla in Waycross, the Lord called Jimmy Home. Jimmy was the eldest of six children. Four sisters, Dianne Parker (Jerry) of Hinesville; Melba…
Read MoreWeekly Cartoon
George Smith Jr.
Mr. George Smith, Jr., was born in Baxley on May 13, 1947. He was the eldest son of the late George Smith, Sr., and Mary Alena Smith. George transitioned to his heavenly home on Saturday, July 19, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and strength that will forever be cherished by his family and…
Read MoreHerbert Bryant
Mr. Herbert Bryant, 78, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Hospice of South Georgia. Mr. Bryant was a lifelong resident of Appling County, a former employee of Dixie Oil, and had operated the Martin Theater and Drive-In for over thirty-five years. He…
Read MoreAppling County Leaders Leave VSU RDI Ready to Establish Community Brand
A five-member team from Appling County recently attended the Valdosta State University Center for South Georgia Regional Impact Rural Development Institute, a three-day summit designed to help communities across Georgia develop an action plan for rural prosperity. The Appling County leaders left with a prioritized list of projects and initiatives designed to build a better…
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