Coastal Courier, coastalcourier.com – news and sports for Fort Stewart, Hinesville and Ludowici

Best things: Save your money

As the recession lingers and the economy continues to struggle, it's time to get smart about saving. Marty Durrence, city executive for The Coastal Bank in Hinesville, recently shared his top five tips for improving financial situations and saving for the future:

August 11, 2010 | By Hollie Moore Barnidge Staff writer | About People

Two complete military basics

Air Force Airman Sherree K. Grant recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

August 09, 2010 | Staff Report | About People

Gospel singer making name for self

Recording artist and Midway resident Naomi Ruth McFadden is gaining popularity in gospel music circles. She will soon release her debut album, "Come too Far," and has been performing at various church events around the region. The album's namesake single is available on iTunes.

August 09, 2010 | Special to the Courier | About People

Best things: NFL quarterbacks

Last year, Julian Stokes led the Liberty County Panthers to the second round of the football playoffs as quarterback. This year, Stokes is headed to Georgia State University where he will try out Aug. 24 for the school's inaugural football team.

August 04, 2010 | By Patty Leon Staff writer | About People

Best things: Enjoying Bible school

Hinesville resident Tommy McKnight, 11, has been attending vacation Bible school at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Hinesville for "practically" his whole life.

July 21, 2010 | By Denise Etheridge Staff writer | About People

Mary Baggs to turn 100

Mary LeCounte Baggs will join the century club July 23, when she will officially celebrate 100 years of a full and active life. Having lived in Riceboro all her life, Baggs has seen the dirt roads of early 20th century Liberty County paved over with change. And she has left her mark on the community.

July 19, 2010 | By Amy Johstono Courier intern | About People

Three graduate from military basics

Demetrius D. Stinson has entered basic cadet training at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., in preparation to enter his first academic year at the academy. The six-week, two-phase orientation program must be successfully completed by the cadets before their freshman year.

July 19, 2010 | Special to the Courier | About People

Hinesville soldier meets vice president

Maj. Malcolm L. Wise of Hinesville recently met U.S. Vice President Joe Biden during Biden's July 4 trip to Iraq. Wise and his wife, LaSandra Wise, have three children, Deon, Cory and Myah. The soldier is the son of Sgt. Maj. (ret.) James Wise and Emma Wise of Hinesville.

July 19, 2010 | Staff Report | About People

Law enforcement in family

John Thomas Durden Jr., son of Atlanta Judicial Circuit District Attorney Tom Durden, recently completed his degree in criminal justice with an emphasis in computer technology at Middle Tennessee State University. The younger Durden is now a police officer with the city of Glennville.

July 19, 2010 | Staff Report | About People

Best things: How to help a child

July is "National Make a Difference to Children Month." With the start of school less than four weeks away, a local school nurse recently shared with the Courier the ways in which she tries to make a difference to children every day.

July 14, 2010 | By Frenchi Jones Correspondent | About People

Councilman completes certification

SAVANNAH - Hinesville City Councilman Keith Jenkins received a certificate of excellence June 28 from the Georgia Municipal Training Institute at the Georgia Municipal Association's 77th annual convention in Savannah.

July 12, 2010 | Special to the Courier | About People

Locals advance military careers

Pvt. 1st Class Michael Wilkinson graduated basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., on June 25. For AIT, he will be at Fort Watchuka, Ariz., for military intelligence.

July 12, 2010 | Staff report | About People

Best things: The dream cars

Shawn Haines, an automobile enthusiast, spent 22 years as a mechanic. After he and his wife moved from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Fort Stewart last July, Haines made the change from working on cars to selling cars with Liberty Chrysler in Hinesville. Haines recently shared a list of his dream cars with the Courier.

July 07, 2010 | By Amy Johstono Staff writer | About People

Three complete military basics

Air National Guard Airman Roxane C. Pearson graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

July 05, 2010 | Special to the Courier | About People

Master sergeant retires

Chief Master Sgt. Cassandra Crawford-Bice retired June 17 from her position as the superintendent of the 436th Mission Support Group, Dover Air Force Base, Del. She served as principle advisor to the Mission Support Group commander on matters related to the professional development, education, retention, manning, health, welfare and morale of more than 1,800 military personnel in seven squadrons: Aerial Port, Civil Engineer, Security Forces, Logistics Readiness, Communications, Force Support and Contracting. Crawford-Bice was born ...