Over the years, I have encountered several misconceptions about psychology majors. One such assumption is that we, by virtue of our studies, should somehow have it all together. That after years of studying mental processes and behavior, our own minds and behaviors should be relatively normal.

I don’t want to speak for my colleagues, but I can honestly say I am no more normal now than the day I began my studies.

In fact, at times, I am utterly clueless.

This past weekend, I was reminded of that unnerving reality.

I was in the library with my favorite 10-year-old, browsing while he looked for something for a book report.

I have always had a fascination with etiquette books, because I have always wondered how in the world people know how to act.

So I drifted over to the shelves that contain those guides for activities in which I have no current interest, such as how to have a flawlessly beautiful wedding, as well as other, more general guides on how to seem normal under all sorts of social circumstances.

And there, tucked in between all those roadmaps to typicality, hid a little red book. Its author was none other than George Washington.

The George Washington.

The father of our country had written a little book on how to behave. 110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation, he called it.

Historians believe Washington based his book on a set of rules that people of his era commonly were taught in childhood. So the ideas themselves went even farther back than Washington’s day.

I took the book down from the shelf and leafed through it, skimming each rule.

And then I hit Rule #13.

“Kill no vermin as fleas, lice, ticks, etc. in the sight of others,” it read.

I could not believe what I had just read. There was a rule, predating George Washington, which explained a lot about an evening I had puzzled over for the past 40 years.

And if George Washington knew what not to do in such a situation, I suspect a lot of people in the room that evening did, too.

It had been a pleasant enough evening, in the company of people whose approval would have been helpful. And then it appeared.

A large cricket, leaping its way across the Persian rug.

I honestly did not know, at that innocent age, that some people consider crickets to be vermin. Right up there with some of those other guys with long, waving antennae.

And to be true to George’s rule, I didn’t exactly set out to kill it. Actually, I was trying to catch it before anyone else decided to stomp it.

But since either scenario would involve drawing attention to the vermin, that distinction is not enough to be comforting.

(It was the first time, though not the last, that I have garnered unwelcome attention by trying to save some insect from an untimely demise.)

To my surprise and confusion, my date rushed to stop me. He had a mortified look on his face, as if I had committed some offense which I would have understood, such as picking my teeth with a tine of the hostess’s heirloom silver forks.

I left the unfortunate creature to its fate, but with no idea which rule I’d transgressed.

Now and then, I would recall the episode to people who seemed to understand normal. To my unease, a respectable minority of respondents indicated they understood my date’s horrified reaction.

Embarrassed to admit to any cluelessness that was not already evident, I tabled the entire issue.

Until George Washington’s book showed up this past weekend.

It’s a little too late to do damage control in that refined living room, but at least I understand a little more about what might have been going on that evening.

And we do learn from our little breaches of etiquette.

So next time I see a creature which others might interpret as vermin, I’ll be sure not to make the same mistake.

I’ll just order everybody out of the room first. And then dive after the critter.

Julia Cochran is a licensed professional counselor in Rincon and a psychology instructor at Armstrong State University. She can be reached at 912-772-3072 or by email at JCochranPhD@GileadCounseling.com. Any opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Armstrong State University.

“I grieve at what I speak,

“And am right sorry to repeat what follows…”

—“Henry VIII,” 5, i.

Pardon me for repeating a recent mystery plant. Every now and then I do this, not to grieve my dear readers, but rather to bring some new aspect of an old friend to bear.

Therefore, behold this lovely flower! Indeed, this is the flower of a mystery plant that we had back in February, when the winter winds and sullen snow were all around us (well, no snow where I am), and spring was a long way off.

Now it’s spring, glorious spring, and you can hardly go anywhere without seeing flowers. Lots of flowers.

This flower is commonly seen on the ground, after it has been blown out of the tree from which it comes. It is an odd flower, sure enough.

There will be three greenish sepals at its “stem” end. When the bud opens, these three sepals will stick straight down.

Then you will see six petals that are very showy, usually bright yellow, and each with a prominent orange blotch down at the base of the petal, on its upper surface.

The flowers don’t seem to have much of a scent, at least not to me, although others say the flowers are lightly fragrant. They must be, because a variety of insects will visit them: Flies, bees and beetles.

Then there will be a row, or a ring, of stamens, maybe 40-50. The stamens don’t look too much like the ones you’d see in a tulip or rose flower.

In our mystery plant, the whole length of the individual stamen is devoted to producing pollen, whereas in a tulip or rose, the pollen is formed in a little container at the tip of the stamen. Of course, this little “container” is the called the anther.

Above the stamens will be a tight little sort of pointed cone-like affair, which consists of a number of pistils (the “female” parts of the flower), each destined to form a dry slender fruit that contains one seed.

When fully open, the flower is generally facing straight upward, which is another reason it’s not too easy to see them in bloom while on the tree. Flowering is going on right now, and will last probably until the middle of May.

By then, all the sepals, petals, and stamens will have fallen away, spent and useless, but the little cone of pistils will be chugging right along, the embryo of the new plant developing in each humble little seed.

When ripe, in the autumn, the cluster of dried pistils will all disintegrate, each pistil fluttering away with new life inside.

Just as a reminder (from last time): This species grows naturally from New England to Lake Michigan, south to northern Florida and Louisiana. It makes a terrific street tree and grows rapidly, providing excellent summer shade, and seems to have few insect enemies.

If you want to grow one, give it lots of room! In its native range, it grows well at many elevations, and well into the lush slopes and higher terrain of the Appalachians.

There is only one other species in the same genus, a very close relative that , interestingly, is native to eastern Asia.

John Nelson is the curator of the A. C. Moore Herbarium at the University of South Carolina, in the Department of Biological Sciences. As a public service, the herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more information, go to www.herbarium.org, call 803-777-8196 or email nelson@sc.edu.

Answer: “Yellow poplar,” Liriodendron tulipifera

After the storm this past weekend many landscapes were filled with broken limbs, leaves and endless pine cones. In areas that were hit worse with high speed winds, established trees were uprooted. This caused many residents to lose power and some had structural damage to buildings. So, my thought was how can we prevent these established trees from falling? The unfortunate answer is, we cannot. But, we can plant these trees at an optimal time to establish a healthy root system to withstand harsh winds and drought like conditions in the summer.

Although many people get excited about planting during the spring months, the optimal time to plant a shade tree is late fall. If we think about the time of year and nutrient requirements of the tree it makes perfect sense. At this time of year the tree is dormant and does not have to worry about supplying nutrients to leaves. Planting at this time of year allows the tree to focus on establishing an extensive root system to withstand the drier conditions in the summer. Kim Coder, UGA professor of Tree Biology gives a great description on soil preparation for planting a tree. This part of preparation is equally important for long term tree health.

“Thorough soil preparation speeds establishment and enhances plant growth. A large planting hole, two to three times the size of the root ball and with well-tilled backfill soil, will produce satisfactory results. Organic soil amendments placed in the planting hole will NOT produce a superior tree (although their use in annual and perennial beds is recommended). Research indicates that the best use of organic materials when planting trees is as mulch. Over time, mulch will decompose into the soil, adding much needed organic matter.”

Adequate soil preparation and planting during the dormant season are two easy steps to ensure you have a healthy tree for the long term. But, if wind speeds similar to those past weekend hit a young tree established correctly; it still has a great chance of being uprooted.

For additional questions please contact Effingham County Extension Agent, Sam Ingram at 912-754-8040 or singram@uga.edu

ADOPT US – EFFINGHAM ANIMAL SHELTER

Max is bulldog and shepherd mix that’s available for adoption at the Effingham County animal shelter.

He is estimated to be 2 years to 3 years old. He was brought in as a stray.

Shelter Director Lorna Shelton said he’s a nice size – about 50 pounds. “He’s calm and he’s not too crazy,” she said. “He’s very sweet.”

Also up for adoption this week is a beautiful, fluffy cat that has been declawed. Maybell was a stray and is estimated to be about 2 years old.

Kennel Coordinator Amy Hamilton said she believes Maybell was someone’s pampered, indoor pet. “She’s a beautiful cat,” Hamilton said. “She definitely was someone’s pet.”

There’s some urgency to her being adopted because she has been refusing to eat.

People who adopt animals from the shelter must agree to have them spayed or neutered within 30 days.

Shelton said state law requires that the animals be spayed or neutered and that it’s punishable by a $200 fine. She said the shelter is going to try to follow up to make sure that people abide by the law.

The fee to adopt animals from the shelter is $50 for dogs and $40 for cats, which includes shots.

Animals must receive a rabies and a “DAPP” shot — for distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza and parvovirus.

Someone who adopts can take the animal home but must agree to bring the animal back on a Monday or Thursday to get its shots.

The shelter’s phone number is 912-754-2109. It is open for adoptions Mondays and Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The shelter’s Web page is:http://www.effinghamcounty.org/DepartmentsAF/AnimalShelter.aspx.

Go to the drop-down list under “Departments A-F” and go to “Animal Shelter” and then “Adoption Page” to see information about some of the dogs and cats that are available.

ECHS

Rebel Basketball Camp

June 1-5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $75 per camper includes boys and girls ages 7-15. T-Shirt Basketball Instruction from ECHS coaches and players Lunch is not included (concession available) Camp Bank available to store money for the week.

Lady Rebels Softball Camp

May 27-29, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.. $65 per camper

Campers must bring: Bat and batting gloves, tennis shoes for inside activities, softball clothes for outside activities, catching equipment (if a catcher) cleats, softball glove.

Football Camp

Football camp will be Aug. 1 at the Effingham County Recreation Department from 9–11 a.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m.

Little Rebel Cheer Camp

The ECHS Little Rebel Cheer Camp will be  July 20-24. Registration forms are available in the ECHS front office and will also be distributed in the elementary schools. Please check with your school or contact Katie Ward for more information.

SEHS

Mustang Junior Basketball Camp

Please note the time change: May 27-29, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. $50 per child; $90 for 2 siblings and includes girls and boys ages 5-14.

Teach fundamentals of basketball play in South Effingham High School Gym. Individual instruction and drills used by the Mustang High School Teams, instructional groups according to age, free camp t-shirt, camp store with snacks and drinks. There will be a store bank if parents want to bring money for kids. Individual contests.

Lady Stangs Summer Camp

May 27-29 9 a.m.-12 p.m. $70 pre-registration; Ages 6 - rising 8th graders. Campers must bring: Tennis shoes, cleats, glove, bat, batting helmet and a water bottle.

Mustang Junior Volleyball Camp

June 8-10, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $65 per child; $110 for 2 siblings. Includes grades 1-6. Teach fundamentals of volleyball play in South Effingham High School Gym. Individual instruction and drills used by the Mustang Girls High School Team Instructional groups according to age. Free Camp T-Shirt Camp store with snacks and drinks. There will be a store bank if parents want to bring money for kids. Light lunch provided. Individual and team contests.

NOTES FROM THE SENATE

Georgia Agriculture continues to be a critical part of the state's economy. The Legislature provided a number of funding additions to benefit Agriculture and Forestry in the FY2016 Budget. In addition, a number of bills were passed which affect agriculture positively. Georgia's future is bright considering the permanent water shortage in California and other states and the ups and downs of farming in the Midwest. Somebody who should know, (Dean Angle of UGA), says Georgia could become the major food and fiber provider of the country in the near future.

FY16 FUNDING ADDITIONS AFFECTING AGRICULTURE

• $360,000 for six new Cooperative Extension agents

• Dept. of Agriculture--$211,000 for 2 Manufactured Food Inspectors and 1 Seed Scientist

• $300,000 for 3 new positions in UGA Forestry Extension

• UGA Ag Experiment Station-$300,000 for 3 positions-Agronomist, Ornamental Horticulturalist and Cotton Physiologist

•  $300,000 for 4 new Young Farmer Positions for high schools in Turner, Union, Johnson and Burke Counties

• Additional funding for extended day pay for high school agriculture teachers

• $100,000 in continued funding for non-commodity commission Georgia agricultural products

• $396,000 for parity pay increases for Forestry Management personnel, and $1.4 million for pay increases for rangers and chief rangers in forest protection

BONDED AG RELATED PROJECTS

• UGA Tifton Campus - $5 million for animal and dairy science building

• $1.5 million for replacement of equipment for Ga. veterinary diagnostic labs

• Dept. of Agriculture - $500,000 for Vehicles and 2 mobile test labs

• Dept. of Agriculture State Farmers' Market - $9 million for new wholesale cooler warehouse

• Forestry Commission - $4 million for replacement of firefighting equipment

LEGISLATION AFFECTING AGRICULTURE

• HB 123   - Adds registered, tagged trailers to the list of haulers requiring adequate tie-downs as in chains on trailers for security of load.

• HB 199   - Creates uniform state-wide notifications by loggers to local governments as to entrance and exit dates for harvesting operations

• HB 255   - Requires the State to consider Green Building certifications that include the use of Georgia Forest products in state construction

• HB 292   - Links state tax law back up with federal law (Federal Tax Section 179) and raises deduction from $250,000 to $500,000.

• HB 461   - Continues to tighten the metal recycling laws to prevent theft. Adds vehicle batteries to list of protected metals after a rash of school bus battery thefts and limits the sale of metal from gravesites and cemeteries to funeral home operators or cemetery owners

• HB 475   - Loosens hunting restrictions on feral hogs allowing night and vehicle hunting. Limits transportation of live hogs to permitted hauling to market

• HR 744   - Creates Study Committee to look at the application of drones for Agriculture and make recommendations.

Georgia's legislature and agriculture continue to make a great partnership and with education, research and assistance, Georgia agriculture can continue to increase markets in the state, in the U.S. and world-wide.  

Legislation and final action may be accessed online at:  www.legis.ga.gov and the state budget can be accessed online at the Senate Budget and Evaluation website:    www.senate.ga.gov/sbeo/en-US/Home.aspx

I may be reached at

234 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334

(404) 656-5038 (phone)

(404) 657-7094 (fax)

Email at   Jack.Hill@senate.ga.gov

Or call toll-free at

1-800-367-3334 day or night

Reidsville office: (912) 557-3811

ALAN E. ENGEBRETSON to POLLY A. ENGEBRETSON424 ROBERTS WAYRINCON313260.00Richard A Stille to U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for TBW Mortgage-Backed Trust Series 2007-2, TBW Mortgage1440 Low Ground RoadGUYTON313120.00KAREN D YAUN to YAUN CONSULTING, LLC103 LONG POINT DRRINCON313267000.00CARLOS VARGAS-MOREL to CARLOS VARGAS-MOREL and JESSICA RENEE VARGAS 101 BROOKFIELD PLGUYTON313120.00Stafford Rentals, LLC to Christopher M. Hinely225 Foxbow DRCLYO25000.00Julie Ann Morrison to hector M. Torres322 Windsor RDGUYTON313121.00BRIAN J. SIMS and PAMELA M. SIMS to Quicken Loans Inc.121 Benicia LNGUYTON31312150100.00The Savannah Bank, a Division of SCBT, n/k/a South State Bank to RISOP, LLC5629 Highway 21 SRINCON313260.00Landmark 24 Homes of Georgia, LLC to Patrick Hudson82 MOSSY OAK DRSPRINGFIELD31329115000.00SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS to SUMMER B BRAGG and RONALD D BEASLEY 109 SPRINGCREEK LNGUYTON31312150000.00Scott Kenneth Steenwyk to Scott Kenneth Steenwyk and Anja Steenwyk 102 Amber DRRINCON313260.00DIANNA M BILLINGTON NKA JENKINS to JOSEPH T BILLINGTON115 PRINCIPAL WAYGUYTON313120.00ROBERT K. BELL, JR. to ROBERT K. BELL, JR., INC.272 SAM SMART ROADCLYO313030.00ROBERT K. BELL, JR., INC. to JESSICA WHITE272 SAM SMART ROADCLYO3130325000.00William A. Moore and Jeanne J. Moore to Victor Patrick Hayes and Daphne Rose Hayes 337 Boaen RDGUYTON3131230000.00KEVIN GRAHAM, BY VIRTUE OF DEATH OF LUCIAN T. GRAHAM PURSUANT TO EXHIBIT’ B’ ATTACHED HERETO to LOS IMBERCIONISTAS, LLC826 W SEVENTH STRINCON3132670000.00Richard W Krohn to Richard W Krohn and Bonnie DeLoach -Krohn 24 Del A Rae CIR NGUYTON313121.00BEACON BUILDERS, INC. to KATHERINE SHIRLEY HESS108 OLD MILL RDGUYTON31312190347.00Laurie Richard Snow to Newton Phillip Kieffer and Brandy Heidt B. Kieffer 229 St. Andrews RDRINCON3132640000.00Bank of Newington to Deborah Watkins Enoch160 Silverwood CTRINCON31326360000.00Ernest Bud Baks, Jr. and Mary Anne Banks to BGN Investments LLC0 Goshen RDRINCON19900.00Country Meadows Estates, LLC to Joseph A Jenkins103 Gentry DRGUYTON31312190048.00SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS to FRANK THOELSDEDT451 KELLER RDRINCON31326218000.00Mark A. McAleer to Mallory J. Ansel and Shelby B. Peacock 235 Old Louisville RDGUYTON31312137500.00First Chatham Bank to FROB Construction, LLC106 Brookstone WAYRINCON3132611000.00Anne Marie Eppinger Martell to John K Murphy and Judith W Murphy 106 Red Bluff RUNRINCON313260.00Southland Builders, LLC to Jimmy M. Reid164 Whirlwind WAYGUYTON31312135000.00WR ENTERPRISES, LLC to THOMAS L CARNES and PAULETTE A CARNES 163 MUSTANG DRGUYTON31312143300.00JOHN WEATHERFORD to WILLIAM J THORNTON and RANADA THORNTON 8 BROOKFIELD CTRINCON31326186500.00CLINT M KINSTLE and CHRISTIN L KINSTLE to SEAN C COLSON and ANITA K COLSON 106 TEAL DRSPRINGFIELD31329134900.00ALLISON M BACOT nka ALLISON HAYES to WILLIAM R RUMPTZ, JR and CHRISTIAN M RUMPTZ 1849 SANDHILL RDGUYTON3131277500.00Ronald H Panter to Nicholas Cole1 Oak Ridge CIRRINCON31326165000.00Branch Banking and Trust Company to Keith Woods187 Stagefield RDGUYTON3131227000.00BEACON BUILDERS, INC. to LEROY M GARZA, JR202 CYPRESS COVE LNRINCON31326171975.00Clara Nell Roberts Johnson, et al to Scott Brian Allen142 LaDessie Zeigler RoadGUYTON3131246000.00HORIZON HOME BUILDERS OF SAVANNAH, LLC to BRANDON E GOINS11 BLAIR LOOPGUYTON31312129000.00Keith Woods to BKB Properties, LLC187 Stagefield RDGUYTON313120.00Bakclar Timber Resources, LLC to Ryan M Bazemore and Tiffany J Bazemore Clyo KIildare RDCLYO167000.00Betty Jo Brown to Polly Ann B. Engebretson412 Columbia AVERINCON313260.00Brown Family Trust to Polly Ann B. Engebretson105 Jefferson STSPRINGFIELD313290.00Brown Family Trust to Polly Ann B. Engebretson109 N Wendell STRINCON313260.00NICKY CLYDE POWELL, JR. to BRITTANY H PATNAUDE120 FOREST HAVEN DRRINCON3132650000.00Harley McGahee to Alan M Duttenhoffer236 Southern Charm WAYGUYTON3131226000.00

An Effingham County Middle School teacher has lost her job following a day-long hearing Tuesday at the Board of Education.

Kayla Emily Zittrouer, 22, was a first year special education teacher when she was put on administrative leave March 19 amid allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with a 14-year-old middle school student.

She resigned on March 23 and was arrested by the Effingham County Sheriff's Office on March 24.

She later rescinded her resignation and a hearing was necessary due to her having a contract with the school system to teach.

Zittrouer was charged with three counts of computer pornography, cruelty to children in the first degree, sexual assault by a teacher or other administrator engaged in sexual contact, enticing a child for indecent purposes and child molestation.

She was released from Effingham County Jail on bond.

The bond conditions she agreed to for release from jail include the requirement that Zittrouer stay away from the victim, witnesses in the case and to stay away from juveniles without an adult present.

“When she agreed to those bond conditions did she abandon her job?” James Kreyenbuhl, attorney for the board said.

Kreyenbuhl presented several witnesses throughout the day, including several members of the middle school staff and administration.

They all agreed during their testimony that teaching would be impossible for Zittrouer considering the bond conditions.

Kreyenbuhl presented evidence at the hearing that Zittrouer had sent nude photos via Kik, a smartphone messaging service, to a student, referred to as T.H. for the hearing.

Cpl. John Bradley with the Effingham Sheriff’s Office testified to T.H.’s phone contents that were downloaded in a forensic exam by Deputy Joe Heath.

Bradley read a text conversation to the board between Zittrouer and T.H.

In that conversation T. H. asked Zittrouer to send him photos of female body parts.

After some back and forth texts, Zittrouer sent nude photos of female body parts to T.H., Bradley testified.

Bradley also testified that Zittrouer voluntarily came to the sheriff’s office and agreed to be interviewed without an attorney.

An audio recording of the interview was played for the board.

When asked why she would send nude photos to a student, Zittrouer said T.H. asked, so she sent them.

Zittrouer and her attorney, Keith Barber, both said Zittrouer was afraid of T.H.

“She was harassed and intimated every day she went to that school,” Barber said.

Several witnesses testified Zittrouer had never reported problems with T.H. bothering her. They also testified they had never seen that behavior.

When questioned by Kreyenbuhl, Zittrouer claimed her fifth amendment rights to not incriminate herself.

Zittrouer took the Fifth at least 25 times.

Barber objected to Kreyenbuhl’s questioning of Zittrouer.

“He has asked her questions knowing full well (she would take the Fifth),” Barber said. “He has in effect required her to testify.”

The objection was overruled by the hearing officer, Van Pool.

Lisa Woods, assistant principal at the middle school, testified she talked with Zittrouer the day the allegations were reported.

Woods said Zittrouer admitted to having conversations of a sexual nature with T.H. and another student, referred to as A.R. for the hearing.

She also said she sent the photos to T.H. to get him to leave her alone.

Following a short closed session the board voted unanimously to follow school superintendant Randy Shearouse’s recommendation for termination.

Rushing to get to an accident scene has landed Rincon Fire Chief Corey Rahn in a bit of hot water.

Rahn was picking up an air conditioner in Pooler on April 10 when a call came that a garbage truck had rear-ended a gas truck at the Ga. 21 railroad tracks near Patriot Drive.

About the same time, a Port Wentworth police officer was in the parking lot at Wendy’s near the Ga. 21 and Interstate 95 interchange when he heard a “wailing type of horn.”

Looking toward the sound, the officer reported he was “amazed” to see the vehicle was a red pickup with an amber and white mini light bar.

Emergency fire vehicle lights are red.

The truck was Rahn’s personal vehicle. That he was heading to an emergency was a fact the Port Wentworth police didn’t know at first.

Port Wentworth officers said they checked with Effingham dispatch and were told they had no one responding to an incident.

They also reported Central Dispatch was too busy to check. Central dispatches for fire and EMS and police for Springfield, Rincon and Guyton.

The officer reported Rahn was weaving in and out of traffic, forcing other vehicles to the left and right shoulders of the road.

“The driver gave no consideration for the safety of himself, or the safety of the motoring public,” the officer reported.

Rahn failed to stop for the officer and the pursuit continued into Effingham County.

On Ga. 21 at Goshen Road the officer used his PA system to get Rahn to stop.

“The driver never heeded my verbal directions and continued northbound continually forcing vehicles out of his path of travel,” the officer reported.

The officer then followed Rahn without his blue lights to the Effingham traffic accident.

A second Port Wentworth officer, who had also been involved in the pursuit, was ready to arrest Rahn when they all arrived at the wreck, according to police video.

The officer can be heard yelling, “He’s going to jail,” on the video.

Videos of the pursuit, at the accident scene and of Rahn picking up his citations, were released to Effingham Now following an open records request. A copy of the incident report was also provided.

The Port Wentworth police let Rahn finish working the wreck and he was allowed to pick up his citations at the Port Wentworth police department.

Rahn was given three citations, including reckless driving, failure to exercise due care and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.

Rahn can be heard on an interview video telling Port Wentworth police he was trying to get to an accident involving a gasoline spill and an entrapment.

“I thought you were a Rincon officer behind me and we were going to the same place until I got between McCall and Chimney Road,” Rahn said.

Rincon City Manager Wesley Corbitt said the city knows about the citations — and that Rahn’s presence at the scene was vital.

“What we do know is that a major accident involving a tanker carrying approximately 9,000 gallons of gas was rear-ended by a trash truck at approximately 45 mph,” Corbitt said. “The trucks were fused together and an individual was trapped in the trash truck in critical condition. There was tremendous potential for escalation of damage to person and property. I have no doubt of the importance of his presence at the scene and that his leadership was vital to safely diffuse a potentially explosive and life threatening accident.”

Corbitt also noted the city has confidence in Rahn.

“I don’t understand the need for three citations when y’all understand the magnitude of the accident,” Rahn said to officers.

Effingham Sheriff’s Office hosting motorcycle ride for deputy

The Effingham County Sheriff’s office is hosting a benefit ride on Saturday, May 2 for Deputy Ivey Williamson who is currently in need of a kidney transplant.

The ride begins at 10 a.m.

The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) is asking for help in raising funds to assist Deputy Ivey Williamson, who is fighting End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Williamson has been in law enforcement for 20 years and is a current deputy with the ECSO. His fellow deputies are asking for people to come out and ride for one of their own. They are asking for $20 donation to take part in a group ride through Effingham County, escorted by the ECSO.

For those that don’t ride there will be activities in the Lowe’s parking lot.

All proceeds raised will be given to Deputy Ivey Williamson and his family to help pay for his medical bills and other expenses. Lunch will be provided, there will be games and prizes.

For information you can contact the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office or Deputy Robert Plank at (912) 547-3169 or rplank@effinghamcounty.org

Local legislators all expressed opposition to the proposed Palmetto Pipeline at the annual Eggs and Issues breakfast on Wednesday.

Georgia House Representatives Jon Burns and Bill Hitchens and State Senator Jack Hill participated in the panel.

“I oppose it,” Hitchens said of the pipeline. “It doesn’t look to me that we have a petroleum shortage.”

Hitchens also said he was concerned about the environmental dangers.

“What happens if it leaks and gets into our water table? What in the world will we do then?”

All three said the possible use of eminent domain by a private company is bothersome.

“I have a real problem using eminent domain for a private company,” Burns said. “And they do intend to use it.”

Hill has also been distressed by a dearth of information.

“I’ve been amazed by the lack of transparency in the process,” Hill said. “It’s been a disappointment. There may be a good case for it, but I haven’t seen it yet.”

Texas-based Kinder Morgan plans to build the pipeline across 210 miles of Georgia to bring gasoline and diesel from the Gulf and ethanol from South Carolina to North Augusta, S.C., Savannah and Jacksonville. The current route runs through the property of 396 Georgia landowners across 12 counties as the pipeline parallels first the Savannah River then the coast to Florida. Kinder Morgan applied on Feb. 13 to the Georgia DOT for a needs certificate that will give it the right to condemn property.

Questions prepared for the legislators by the chamber and submitted by the public, also touched on education, economic development and healthcare.

The trio were asked what is the most important legislation passed in those areas this session.

Hill said the biggest thing in education is an increase in education funding.

Hill also noted an anti-bullying law had been updated to include cyber bullying.

A bill that removes the graduation test requirement for high school students was also noted.

In the area of economic development, the transportation funding act was cited by the law makers.

“It was a difficult vote,” Hitchens said.

The act changes sales taxes to excise taxes on gas and also puts a $5 per night fee on hotel night stays.

Savannah visitors already pay 13 percent in taxes on rooms. The fee was strongly opposed by hospitality industry officials.

Hill also noted $1 million had been designated for an advanced manufacturing degree at Georgia Southern. It will be the only one in the state.

In healthcare Burns said Effingham is blessed with the hospital that we have.

Effingham’s Health System should be protected, Hill said.

Hill said no changes should be made in the certificate of need for protection of the hospital.

There has been an effort by a group of physicians to have the certificate of need law altered

The proposed change would allow physicians to open surgery centers most anywhere - even next to a hospital.

Those centers would likely only serve the insured and those that can pay, leaving the local hospital out of the picture for those patients.

The Chamber of Commerce event was held at the Effingham College and Career Academy. Breakfast was prepared by the school’s culinary students.

Open house showings are now posted. There are scheduled viewings for homes in Savannah, Tybee Island, Pooler, Richmond Hill and Guyton this weekend. 

View our slideshow for house photos and details. 

The 32nd annual May Day celebration was held at Rincon Elementary School on Friday.

The event featured the presentation of the May princesses and princes, along with the crowning of the May Day Queen.

Students in each grade performed a dance for the queen, ending with the May Pole dance by fifth graders.

Karah Malick was crowned as the 2015 May Queen. Joya Ross was crowned as Maid of Honor and Katie Hagan was crowned Lady in Waiting.

Dances performed were: Splish Splash, pre-k; The Charleston, kindergarten; Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride, first grade; Mexican Hat Dance, second grade; Peppermint Twist, third grade; Cotton Eye Joe, fourth grade and May Pole dance by fifth graders.

To see gallery 1 of photos: click here.

To see gallery 2 of photos: click here.

Nearly 300 new property transfers have been added to our database.

Search here by buyer, seller, address, city, zip or date for all property transfers reported in Chatham, Bryan and Effingham counties so far in 2015. 

Health inspection scores for Effingham County food establishments have been updated through today.

Search our database here by name, city, grade or date of inspection for the more recent grades and scores. 

Health inspection scores are from the Effingham County Environmental Health Department. Scores are updated monthly.

Joan Johnson

Guyton – Mrs. Joan Johnson, 69, passed away Monday, May 4, 2015, at Effingham County Extended Care.

Mrs. Joan was born in Savannah and lived in Guyton for a number of years. She was a childcare provider at Kathys Day Kare and of the Baptist faith.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Edward Johnson.

Survivors include her two sons, James “Doodle” Johnson of Guyton and Jackie Johnson of Pooler; daughter, Melody Ann Johnson of Guyton; sister, June Lambert of Midway; 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2015, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Riggs Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2015, at 3 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home with interment to follow in the Springfield Annex.

Condolences may be made at riggsfh.com

Riggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Wylene M. Odom “Granny”

Guyton - Mrs. Wylene M. Odom “Granny,” 83, passed away Thursday morning, April 30, 2015, at Effingham County Extended Care.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, James E. Odom Sr., and a son, Davey C. Odom.

Granny loved life and everything it had to offer. She was always willing to help if needed. She adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid homemaker and gardener. Animals had a place in her life, especially a bird and three donkeys.

She attended Countryside Baptist Church.

She is survived by three brothers, Junior McIntosh, Marion McIntosh (Louise) and Owen McIntosh (Bea); three children, James E. Odom, Jr. (Debbie), Randy Odom (Kim) and Karen Arnold; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Womack (Wesley), Allan Taylor (Cathy), Robert Taylor (Kristine), Kimberly Odom, Ashley McGlohon, Tracy Cobb (Jason), James E. Odom III, Aaron Odom; seven great grandchildren, Baylon Cobb, Brody Cobb, Allison Womack, Jarret Taylor, Lauren Taylor, Clay Smith and Will Bracken; and a number of nieces and nephews.

She will sorely be missed by all who know her.

Pallbearers included: Allen Taylor, Robert Taylor, James E. Odom III, Aaron Odom, Ashley McGlohon and Jason Cobb.

Funeral services were held at Riggs Funeral Home on Sunday, May 3.

Interment: Springfield Annex.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences may be made at riggsfh.com.

Riggs Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Cheryl Williamson Johnson

Springfield – Cheryl Williamson Johnson, 67, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at Memorial Health.

The North Carolina native was a member of Springfield United Methodist Church, the Willing Workers Circle, Christian Family Living Sunday School Class, and served on the George Brogden Scholarship Committee.

She had a kind heart and was a disciple of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

She was a very creative artist who taught and retired from Effingham County School System after 30 years. She loved coastal living and watching the sunsets over the Port Royal Sound. She also loved people and life. Her hobbies were traveling, shopping and spending time with her friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Perdee Williamson and Helen Marjorie Andrews; and her husband, Gary Michael Johnson.

Survivors include her children, William Burton Durham of Pooler, Dr. Tracy Durham Floyd (Will) of Rincon, and Gary Michael Johnson, Jr. (Mallorie) of Augusta; six grandchildren, Christian and Tyler Durham, Luke and Grant Floyd, Tripp and Jake Johnson; a special cousin who was like her sister, Brenda Potter of Hampstead, N.C.; and numerous other relatives.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 2, at Springfield United Methodist Church.

Interment followed in Union Cemetery.

Remembrances may be given to the Springfield United Methodist Church George Brogden Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 237, Springfield, GA 31329.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

A Guyton man remains in the Effingham County jail today, accused of shooting to death his dog while he was drunk.

Neighbors on Heidt Landing Road in the Guyton area called the Sheriff’s Office on April 23 and said that Keith Daniel Hamilton, 23, frequently became drunk and fired a gun on his property. They said the previous evening, Hamilton shot and killed his dog.

A deputy went to Hamilton’s house at 7:30 a.m. and found fresh blood on the dog house and spent shotgun shells on the ground. An incident report said the deputy found multiple items that had been destroyed, including a bag of trash, a glass jar, a child’s booster seat and a container of washing detergent.

Hamilton said he had been drinking the night before but had not been shooting. He claimed the animal ran away.

The deputy asked Hamilton’s girlfriend, who said she heard gunshots the night before. She said Hamilton told her he shot the dog.

She led the deputy to a trash can, where he found the dog, a white male “bully breed,” wrapped in trash bags, with a 1-inch to 2-inch hole in its chest.

When confronted with the evidence, Hamilton said the dog tried to bite him.

He was arrested on charges of aggravated cruelty to animals, obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers, discharging a firearm while under the influence of alcohol, discharging a firearm near a public highway or street and improper disposal of a dead animal.

A Screven County Sheriff’s deputy ordered three Palmetto Pipeline surveyors off a private farm on Saturday and obtained criminal trespass warrants Monday for Emmett Horn, Darrell Alexander and Barry Kilgore, of SGC Engineering LLC, the survey company hired by pipeline giant Kinder Morgan.

The surveyors had traveled deep into the property before a Millhaven Company LLC employee spotted their truck, said Millhaven General Manager Brigham Sanders.

Kinder Morgan was aware it does not have permission to do survey work, Sanders said.

Screven County Sheriff Mike Kile said he made the decision to issue the warrant.

“They entered without permission,” he said. “You can’t do that on other people’s property if they tell you to stay out.”

Kinder Morgan has sent notices to landowners requesting permission to survey property through which the planned pipeline is currently routed. At an April 21 DOT hearing in Richmond Hill, Kinder Morgan Vice President Allen Fore said “over 90 percent of those we’ve contacted over survey permission have allowed us survey permission.”

Executives at Millhaven, a 20,000-plus acre property planted in row crops and timber, directed the company not to enter the property, but its surveyors did so anyway, Sanders said.

The farm is owned by the family of Billy Morris, chairman and CEO of Morris Communications, owner of the Savannah Morning News. At the recent DOT hearing, Morris was the first of dozens to give public comment against the pipeline.

Surveying plates with the company logo were found on the property, indicating SGC Engineering expected to return, Deputy Sheriff Marcus Helms wrote in his report. He also made note that the company had been there previously and he planned to investigate that trespassing incident as well.

The surveyors, all out-of-state residents, told Helms they were following their company’s directives and surveying based on GPS coordinates they were provided. Warned they could be charged with criminal trespass, the supervisor, Horn, said they had finished but needed to retrieve equipment.

“Mr. Horn then made the comment ‘you can’t stop the pipeline, they have enough money to push the pipeline through the county,’” the incident report reads.

Maine-based SGC Engineering referred inquiries about the trespassing charge to Kinder Morgan. Despite being sent a copy of the sheriff’s report from the Savannah Morning News, the company said it was unaware of citations or warrants being issued.

“We understand that the contractors inadvertently backed up their vehicles from a public road (Gin House Road) onto a private farm road and that constituted the alleged trespassing,” Kinder Morgan spokeswoman Melissa Ruiz said Tuesday afternoon. “Kinder Morgan’s policy is to not access private property for which survey permission has been denied, and we apologize for the error.”

Millhaven’s general manager pointed to the sheriff’s report for corroboration that the trespassing involved more than an inadvertent back-up.

“I measured the distance from the public road and they trespassed 1.7 miles onto Millhaven Co. LLC property,” the report states.

Kile expects a court date for the trespassing charge to be set for June or July.

Kinder Morgan plans to spend more than $1 billion on the 16-inch diameter steel pipeline that would bring gasoline, ethanol and diesel from the Gulf Coast and from South Carolina to North Augusta, S.C., Savannah and Jacksonville.

The pipeline requires a 50-foot permanent easement along a proposed route that parallels the Savannah River then heads south to Jacksonville.

The company applied on Feb. 13 to the Georgia Department of Transportation for a certificate of public convenience and necessity, the first of two steps before it’s granted the right to exercise eminent domain along the 210 miles of the route in Georgia.

DOT Commissioner Russell McMurry expects to decide on the certificate May 19.

A second and final DOT hearing on the proposed Palmetto Pipeline will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the Waynesboro Campus of Augusta Technical College, 216 Highway 24 South, Waynesboro.

U. S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF8 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST to MELISSA MARRIOTT and WILLIAM MARRIOTT 207 Coppertree CTRINCON31326125000.00Teresa Ann Larisey to CitiMortgage, Inc.216 Douglas RDSPRINGFIELD313290.00Franklin Construction, LLC to Nicholas A. Chastine and Ana A. Chastine 8 Glenmore DRGUYTON31312134900.00DANIEL BUTLER to MATTHEW ALAN CAMPBELL and SUZANNE MARIE CAMPBELL 195 Clover Point CIRGUYTON31312275000.00Dion J. Feddes to Ronald C. Hinely, Jr. and Maude Hinely 106 Breckenridge DRSPRINGFIELD31329275000.00George W. Spencer to Jonathan H. Kiser206 Lakeshore DRGUYTON31312200000.00Alden Hanvey Jr. to U.S. Bank Trust, N.A., as Trustee for LSF8 Master Participation Trust136 Hawthorne DRGUYTON313120.00Eric B. Vanderhoek & Heather R. Vanderhoek to Michael Arthur Russell, Sr. and Jacqueline McMullen Russell 401 Morgan Cemetery RDCLYO31303236100.00D.R. HORTON, INC. to MARK K. DINKINS506 Amsonia CIRGUYTON31312209900.00Melissa D. Wheeler nka Melissa Emmett to Mary L. Turzillo1113 Cobb RDCLYO149900.00D.R. HORTON, INC. to JOHNNIE R. HENDERSON502 Amsonia CIRGUYTON31312195000.00Emily Faerber and Stefan Faerber to Colette Jordan412 Banberry CTGUYTON31312156800.00Jeffrey D. Baxter and Sara Baxter to Chad Edward Erving155 Huger STRINCON31326162000.00Richard J. Hentchel to Justin Ray Whittington140 Jamestown DRRINCON31326275000.00Justin Ray Whittington to Justin Ray Whittington and Jenny Louise Stancil 140 Jamestown DRRINCON313260.00The Secretary of Veteran Affairs to Richard Brian Ogle126 Rose DRSPRINGFIELD3132960000.00Horizon Home Builders of Savannah, LLC to Waqar Ahmad113 Old Mill RDGUYTON31312198529.00Echo Homes, LLC to Nicholas J. Daley408 Chourre LNGUYTON31312187525.00David W. Farmer to Wells Fargo Bank, NA247 Antigua PlaceGUYTON313120.00Thomas Lee Coleman and Victoria Davis Phillips fkaVictoria Eileen Davis to Harold M. Arrington, II148 Burnt Tree DRGUYTON3131240000.00Guo Hua Jiang to Southern Pines Development Company, LLC407 Roberts WAYRINCON31326141760.00Faircloth Homes of Savannah, Inc. to Cherise Ann Harris162 Green Paddock CIRGUYTON31312189900.00Lee A Gracen to Kevin Gracen130 Kensington CircleGUYTON313120.00Brad S Stevens to W. Darrel Hutcheson102 Becca DRSPRINGFIELD3132958000.00FRANKLIN SMITH to LAND OF GOSHEN, INC.109 CAMERON OAKS DRGUYTON313120.00LAND OF GOSHEN, INC. to LAURA GRIFFIN109 CAMERON OAKS DRGUYTON31312194900.00Savannah River Land Company, LLC to Linda Lamb109 Wakefield DRGUYTON3131224500.00Savannah River Land Company, LLC to Bart Howe and Penny Howe 111 Wakefield DRGUYTON3131224500.00John B. Long and Brandon Long to Joel Paul Darulla and Christine Stuver Darulla 306 Yorshire DRGUYTON31312173000.00Matt Allen Holcombe, as Executor of the Last Will and Testament of Bruce A. Holcombe to Eldora Thomas796 Zeigler RDCLYO45000.00Kevin A. Holcombe, Sr., as Executor of the Last Will and Testament of Glenda K. Holcombe to Eldora Thomas796 Zeigler RDCLYO45000.00DANIEL H SCHMIDT to LISA A CLARKOld Tusculum RoadSPRINGFIELD0.00DANNY M WILSON to DANNY M. WILSON and ROSA LYNN WILSON 103 S BOYD STRINCON313260.00DANNY M WILSON to DANNY M WILSON and DANNY M WILSON, JR. and ROSA LYNN WILSON 103 S BOYD STRINCON313260.00KIA Y. YOUNG to Jamen Mainor816 Magnolia STGUYTON313120.00

Q: Are banks obliged to reject attempts to use a debit card when there are insufficient funds in the account?

A: When you use your debit card to make a purchase or other electronic payment for an amount greater than the balance in your checking account (thus creating an overdraft), the bank can choose to make the payment, or not. In 2010, the Federal Reserve issued new rules regarding fees banks charge for overdrafting debit card and ATM transactions. Under the old rules, banks were permitted to automatically enroll their customers in their standard overdraft practices. These overdraft practices typically involved charging customers a fee to provide the additional funds. However, under the new rules, the bank must obtain the customer’s permission to apply its overdraft practices to the account before charging a fee, which the customer typically provides by agreeing to a notice sent by the bank.

If you don’t opt in to overdraft procedures and you attempt to make a purchase or withdrawal, which would overdraft your account, the transaction will typically be declined, but you won’t be charged an overdraft fee. However, if you’ve opted in to overdraft protection, your account can be overdrafted, and the bank can then charge you the fees set under the terms in your opt-in agreement. Be aware that these fees can mount up quickly, so make sure you know what you’re agreeing to.

In sum, to avoid overdraft charges, remember:

(1) Do not sign an agreement with the bank authorizing overdraft charges.

(2) Keep track of the money in your account by keeping your check register up to date.

(3) Make sure to record your electronic transactions as well.

(4) Make sure to take into account automatic bill payments.

(5) Review your account statements each month.

(6) If you do overdraft your account, deposit money into the account to cover the overdraft and any fees in order to avoid any additional charges.

(7) You can link your account to a savings account. You may be charged a transfer fee when overdrafting your checking.

(8) You can link your account to a credit card you have with the bank. You may be charged a cash advance fee when overdrafting your checking.

If you have a complaint about the fees charged by your bank, you can try to resolve the problem directly with your bank. If your complaint involves a Georgia state-chartered bank or credit union, you can file a complaint with the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (http://dbf.georgia.gov/complaints-and-inquiries); otherwise, you can contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to file your complaint (http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint).

Do you have a consumer question? Go to ConsumerEd.com to submit your question and read additional consumer tips. Always consult a lawyer about legal issues.