Area News
New 4-H leader hired in Appling
Julie Bacon has been hired as the new 4-H leader in Appling County and is imminently steeped in 4-H through her own experiences. Growing up in Reidsville, she started her years of personal participation in fifth grade and did everything available to her until she graduated. She also did a lot on the state and…
Read MoreACHS honors Dr. Gene Starr
Prior to the start of Friday night’s football game, Appling County High School Principal Dr. Ben Horner honored Dr. Gene Starr as this year’s Homecoming Grand Marshal. Dr. Starr served as the longtime principal for ACHS from 2008 to 2022. Dr. Starr is shown with his wife, Schvonia, during the presentation.
Read MoreBOE selects Dr. Janet Goodman as finalist
By Mary Ann Ellis On June 7, the Appling County Board of Education (BOE) announced the name of Dr. Janet Goodman as the only finalist for the Superintendent position. The board continues its process to name a new superintendent for Appling County Schools. Sixteen applications were submitted, and the board first narrowed this number to…
Read MoreSuperintendent Copeland steps down
The News-Banner has confirmed that Dr. Scarlett Copeland stepped down from her post as superintendent on Friday, June 9. It was originally reported in an agreement between the Appling County Board of Education and Dr. Copeland that she would work until June 30. It is assumed that Assistant Superintendent Dr. Sandy Dominy will take on…
Read MoreSuperintendent Scarlett Copeland retires from BOE
The Appling County Board of Education held two meetings last week, and there were several surprise departures from the school system. At the Monday, April 24 meeting, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Sandy Dominy and Human Resources Director Denise Rentz announced their retirements/resignations, effective June 30, and both were approved by BOE members. Then on Thursday, April…
Read MoreJaylen Johnson signs with USF
ACHS’s outstanding Pirate football running back Jaylen Johnson has made his decision. Johnson received 21 college offers to play football, but in the end, he selected the University of South Florida as his college. In his senior year Johnson finished with 1,335 yards rushing for the Pirates. Johnson is shown above with Pirate Offensive Coordinator…
Read MoreColeman and Baker families unite behind Ga.’s Homicide Victims’ Families Rights Act
By Mary Ann Ellis The families of two high-profile unsolved homicides in the State of Georgia have joined together with the hopes of having Georgia’s legislature lead the Nation by passing the Georgia Homicide Victims’ Families Rights Acts. The legislative push is modeled after a federal piece of legislation introduced by Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-…
Read MoreDistracted driving is a deadly habit
By Mary Ann Ellis This article is written to honor the memory of Jacob Colby Hutcheson, a young victim of distracted driving. April is the month designated as Distracted Driving Awareness month and as a time for people to think about the importance of safe driving. One bad accident can and does change the driver’s…
Read MoreKeeping the Bees
By Mary Ann Ellis At 510 Patterson Road, Baxley, Georgia, sprawls Gardner Apiaries. Fifteen-year-old Michael (Mike) Gardner actually became enamored with bees because he had an older friend who kept some. Michael would finish his chores and then visit his friend and the bees. The friends would hang out, watch the buzzing creatures, and study…
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