Rincon Police have arrested a convicted sex offender for loitering or prowling in the Walmart and Fort Howard Square parking lots.

Edward Dean Martin, 60, of Bloomingdale, was arrested Thursday and accused of driving through the parking lots, slowly following people who were walking from their cars into stores.

Police Chief Phillip Scholl said Martin was circling the lots.

Uniformed officers in the city's marked utility-type vehicle noticed what Martin was doing and questioned him.

Scholl said Martin didn't have a good reason for his behavior, saying he was just "killing time."

He also was arrested on a parole violation.

Although Martin is in jail and no longer considered a threat, the arrest has police reminding people to be aware of their surroundings.

"He's not considered a threat, but that doesn't mean there aren't others out there, because there are," Scholl said.

Scholl urged shoppers to remain alert to activities that seem unusual, or to people that appear to be watching them.

"If they feel they are being followed quickly get to a public place and call for police," Scholl said. "Also try and travel in groups, especially at night."

Scholl said no armed robberies or purse snatches have occurred recently in Rincon store parking lots, but some things have been stolen from vehicles and shoppers have reported their vehicles being hit and the offenders leaving without making a report.

He urged people to take common-sense precautions, such as locking their vehicles when they go into stores.

The founder of Effingham Theatre has been sentenced to five years in prison and 10 years of probation for child molestation.

Tamara Suzanne Tyre, 31, of Guyton, pleaded guilty Aug. 26 and was sentenced by Chief Judge William E. Woodrum Jr. in Effingham County Superior Court.

Tyre entered an Alford plea. Under an Alford plea, a defendant who believes there’s enough evidence for conviction can plead guilty while still maintaining her innocence.

A charge of cruelty to children was not prosecuted.

Court records indicate that Tyre also was sentenced to a $1,000 fine and will be subject to sex offender guidelines. She agreed to have no contact with the victim or his family.

The indictment said the charges stemmed from her behavior on July 10, 2014, with a boy under the age of 16.

She faced a sentence of as much as life plus 20 years.

Saying he was "sickened" by comments from the state president of the NAACP, Effingham County Commissioner Forrest Floyd grudgingly led a 3-2 vote to recognize an upcoming event sponsored by the local branch of the group.

Floyd said he doesn't agree with the comments Francys Johnson made on a recent radio show, but he does believe the four people to be honored at the Sept. 12 Freedom Fund and Honors Day are worthy of recognition.

Listen to the radio show here.

Johnson, a Statesboro lawyer, will be the speaker at the banquet in Guyton.

Floyd voted for the proclamation at the Sept. 1 commission meeting, with the caveat that he doesn't agree with Johnson's statements.

Commissioners Jamie DeLoach and Reggie Loper also voted for the measure.

Commissioners Vera Jones and Phil Kieffer voted against it.

Jones said she doesn't want to appear to support an organization whose leader made the comments he did on a recent Atlanta radio show about the NAACP's efforts to remove Confederate symbols at Effingham County High School.

She said Johnson insulted white and black residents of Effingham with the remarks on the Rashad Richey Real Talk radio talk show, on WAOK.

Jones quoted Richey as saying to Johnson, "All of these white people seem to be idiots. They come across as real dummies in this (Aug. 18 Board of Education) meeting."

She noted that Johnson didn't refute what Richey said.

Jones also quoted Johnson as saying blacks in Effingham are in a "caste system."

"These folks have lost their mind down here," he said. "This is one of the last plantations in Georgia this county."

She said Johnson attacked the Board of Education, where she used to serve and her sister, Vickie Decker, currently serves.

"The school board is completely all white and not just all white they're all wrong in terms of their mentality," he said on the radio show.

And she noted that Johnson called the shooter in the nine church deaths in Charleston in June a "deranged lunatic ... who had a mind that could have only been made in America."

She took that as an insult to America.

Jones also was concerned that Johnson said he's preparing for litigation against the Effingham school system.

"The school system is segregated," he said on the show. "In ways it's more segregated today than it was in 1965. The school system is ripe for a challenge and we're preparing litigation right now."

Jones said she might have voted differently about the proclamation if she had been assured that the local NAACP was not going to sue.

Jones said Johnson's rhetoric was only serving to divide the community.

Kieffer said he was torn, but that Johnson's words were "hateful."

DeLoach said the people in his district do not share Johnson's sentiment.

Loper said he supported honoring the four people but doesn't think the people of Effingham agree with Johnson's statements.

The people being honored at the banquet are Joann Jackson, director of reading room Roche-Jackson Foundation; Phillip Scholl, police chief of Rincon; Roger Scott, of Scott & Sons Trucking; and Jasmine Nethels, youth honoree.

The cities of Rincon and Guyton already approved the proclamation and Springfield was scheduled to consider it at their meeting Tuesday night.

A BIT OF ROCK AND ROLL FUN

South Effingham High School Pre-K and special needs students were treated to an artistic week in the media center during musician tribute week.

The event was created to allow Pre-K students to learn the media center is a fun place to be, Catherine Olivier, SEHS Media Specialist said.

Starting on Tuesday students colored an item related to that day’s singer and also danced to the artist’s music.

Musicians studied were Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston and Johnny Cash.

For Michael Jackson students colored a glove, for Elvis Presley they colored crowns. Whitney Houston day featured a star and on Johnny Cash day the students colored a cowboy boot.

Media center staff joined in, dressing up each day to represent a singer or one of their songs.

Tall, stately and beautiful — three adjectives that describe this week’s mystery plant.

It’s a native grass species. Of course, the grass family (Poaceae) is generally regarded as the most economically important plant group on earth, at least from the consideration of human economy.

Various grass species have been the basis for food sources in a variety of civilizations. Wheat, barley, rice, millet and corn are the big ones. There’s also sugar cane and sorghum, which are pretty important.

What about grasses used in building, bamboo and species used for thatch? Lots of the ethanol used for fuel — and drinking — comes from grasses. And then there is the importance of grasses as forage (livestock), lawns (although I’ve given up on my front yard) and golf courses.

Finally, and on the negative side, there are plenty of serious weedy grass species (Johnson grass, crabgrass, cogon grass… it’s a long list, actually) all around the world, many of which are at their worst once introduced into a new setting.

You may have heard of lots of fires in California this summer. Many of these fires are fueled, at least in part, by heavy loads of weedy, introduced grasses.

But our mystery plant is not a weed. It is widespread in wet places, especially along pond shores and river margins, from the Great Plains well into New England, and south to central Florida and over to Louisiana.

It’s an annual species, capable of great height. Some reports have it 15 feet tall. The leaf bases ensheathe the stem, as with all grasses, and the blades are broad, and sometimes up to 3 feet long.

The leaf margins are commonly very scratchy (a good botanical word would be “scabrid”) and you can really get cut up if you fool around with these plants for very long.

The biology of its reproduction is very interesting. Flowers are produced in a panicle at the top of the stem. The lower branches of the panicle bear only staminate (“male”) flowers, while the upper, more erect branches bear only pistillate (“female”) flowers, and of course it’s these pistillate flowers from which the grains will develop. This is basically the same situation we have with corn.

The grains are of great importance for wildlife, especially waterfowl. These grains really haven’t been too unimportant for humans, though. It is a different species of the same genus that has been so important as a food source for native Americans and Canadians over the years, and is still cultivated these days, mostly as a specialty food.

These plants were spotted the other day here in South Carolina during a field trip we had along the beautiful north branch of our Edisto River. My botany buddy Keith Bradley managed to get this nice image, as well as some great close-ups, and several nice specimens for the herbarium, but his little grasping fingers suffered for it. Sometimes botanists have to lay it all out to get the job done.

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: “Wild rice,” Zizania aquatica

I have met with several farmers in the county and have scouted peanut and soybean fields to check for caterpillars. These pests reduce the foliage on the plant with their chewing mouthparts.

If there is a large enough number of caterpillars in these crops, the crop yield can be reduced.

Because of this, our farmers spend many hours scouting their fields to make sure this pest does not cause too much damage.

Caterpillars do not only have a taste for row crops either; we are seeing them currently in the homeowner’s ornamental plants.

And just like in row crops, if the number or infestation is high enough, it can cause damage to the plant.

You need to understand the type, size and the growth phase of the plant and the type of caterpillar you have before deciding whether to control them.

Deciduous trees will soon be losing their leaves. Foliage feeding by caterpillars is likely to cause little injury. The leaves are going to fall off anyway.

For evergreen trees, foliage loss will be more likely to affect the tree and control is more likely to be needed. For evergreen trees, especially avoid defoliation of entire limbs since these often do not recover.

Bagworms are a long lasting problem. I have received several calls about this pest; it seems to prefer the Leyland Cypress Tree. This pest forms a cone around its body and it looks like small cocoons are hanging from the limb. Since the bags contain hundreds of eggs, which will hatch next year, you will need to pick off the bags and destroy them. Also, since the bags are sealed now and pesticide cannot easily get inside removal is your best form of control. Remove the bags you can see right now and plan to check these plants for small bagworms next May.

Young trees, or trees weakened by other factors, may be more likely to be damaged by loss of foliage to caterpillars than younger, healthy trees.

Evergreen shrubs retain their leaves throughout the fall and winter and into next year. Injured leaves on evergreen shrubs will be visible until they fall naturally – which could be a year or more from now. Control decisions on shrubs should be based on the level of aesthetic injury the home owner will accept.

Deciduous shrubs, like deciduous trees, will be losing their leaves soon and foliage loss to caterpillars in the fall is less likely to cause a lasting problem.

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

LOOKING BACK

Sept. 6, 1996

South Effingham High played its first football game on this date, a 29-15 defeat to Effingham County. The Mustangs would go on to finish the season with a 4-6 record under coach Mike Harper. One of those wins came in the final game of the season on Nov. 15, 1996, when South Effingham defeated Effingham County 14-0.

Sept. 10, 1901

Confederate Veterans of Effingham County gathered for a photograph on the steps of the Effingham County Courthouse.

Source: Georgia Division of Archives and History

“The only reason Nero fiddled was because golf had yet to be invented. If these were Roman times, Obama would also be fiddling.”

“It is past time that we go back to the basics and have businessmen or military specialists leading our country, not career politicians. And let’s put term limits on those politicians while we are at it.”

Contribute to Vox Populi by calling 912-525-0VOX (0869) or emailing us at vox@savannahnow.com. Be sure to mention Effingham County in your call or write Effingham Vox Populi in the email subject field. Not all responses are used.

Effingham County NAACP announces Freedom Fund Gala

Leroy Lloyd, the president of the Effingham County branch of the NAACP, has announced that the branch will host the Annual Freedom Fund And Honors Banquet on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 6 p.m. at the Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Association Social Hall, 801 Central Boulevard, Guyton.

The ticket price is $25 for adults and $15 for those 17 and under. Accordingly, full tables of ten are available for $250. An ad journal commemorating this event is in the process of being compiled.

An ad journal contract form is available.

All ticket requests and ad journal contract forms are available through Sabrina Scott. She can be reached by phone at 912-412-0819 or 912-407-0280. Checks should be made payable to Effingham NAACP and directed to Sabrina Scott at the PMBA Social Hall, 801 Central Boulevard, Guyton, GA 31312. To purchase tickets or secure ad journal contract forms in person, Sabrina Scott is at the PMBA office in Guyton from Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lloyd noted that local public officials have been invited. He announced the four honorees, citing their strong contributions to the local extended Effingham County community.

They are Joann Jackson, director, Reading Room,Roche- Jackson Foundation, Guyton; Phillip Scholl, chief of police, Rincon; Roger Scott, Scott & Sons Trucking, Rincon; and the youth honoree, Jasmine Nethels.

Francys Johnson, president, NAACP Georgia State Conference, will be the guest speaker.

-

CROSS COUNTRY

The South Effingham High School Cross Country team competed against 19 teams at the W.W. Mann Center. Both teams placed third.

The girls team was lead by Pricilla Cartwright , who won the race beating 130 runners.

Rachel Larson placed 10th, followed by Kaileigh Dowdy, Ginger Roop, and Jamie Yarbrough.

The boys team was lead by Hans Ames placing 6th, Michael McRee 7th, Bryce Griggs 13th.

SOFTBALL

6 innings

Statesboro 1, SEHS 9

Stateboro 0 1 0 0 0 0 H5 E1

SEHS 1 2 5 0 0 1 H9, E2

Pitching: (W) Kastin Belogorska 3K, 1BB

(L) McKenny Corbett 0K, 3BB

Hitting: Statesboro: Mackenzie Wilkerson 1H, 1RBI

SEHS: Katelynn Hodges 1H, 2RBIs

Region Record:3-0

Overall SEHS: 7-3

EFFINGHAM COUNTY 9, COLQUITT COUNTY 4

SPRINGFIELD — Bailee Wilson scattered six hits and struck out three with one walk, allowing two earned runs in a seven-inning victory for host Effingham County.

CC 000 110 2 — 4 6 6

EC 022 004 x — 9 10 2

W—Bailee Wilson. L—Kelli Johnson. Leading hitters—CC, Christin Hunnicutt 2-3, R, RBI; 2B. EC, Shelby Wilson 1-4, 3B, 2 R; Bailee Wilson 1-3, 2B, RBI; Hayley Dickerson 3-4, RBI; Taylor Morgan 1-2, R, 2B.

SEHS 9-8, TATTNALL CO. 1-1

GUYTON — South Effingham swept Tattnall County in a doubleheader, winning Game 1, 9-1 and taking Game 2, 8-1.

Logan Edenfield had two hits and drove in three runs in the first game, and Autumn Conaway homered and drove in four in the second game for the Mustangs (9-3).

Game 1

SOUTH EFFINGHAM 9, TATTNALL CO. 1

TC 001 000 0 - 1 5 3

SE 104 001 x - 9 8 2

W—Bri Lawson. L—Lily Deloach. Leading hitters—SE, Autumn Conaway hit, 2 RBIs; Logan Edenfield 2 hits, 3 RBIs

Game 2

SOUTH EFFINGHAM 8, TATTNALL CO. 1

SEHS 100 006 1 - 8 11 1

TC 010 000 x - 1 4 3

W—Kastin Belogorska. L—Lily Deloach. Leading hitters—SE, Cason Smith 2 hits; Autumn Conaway HR, 4 RBIs; Chloe Horne hit, RBI; Georgia Dowling hits, RBI. Record—SE, 9-3, 3-0 in region 3-AAAAA.

Former South Effingham High softball standout Alexis Mercer’s jersey was retired in a ceremony at the school on Sept. 3.

Mercer graduated from SEHS in 2011.

She started playing softball at age eight. She played on Coach Jeff Rain water’s travel team, Georgia Thunder. There, Coach Jeff helped her hone her athletic skills all the way to graduation.

Mercer played for Coach Downs in middle school, Coach Ussrey for two years in high school, followed by Coach Smith.

In the ninth grade, she was pulled from the JV team to play shortstop for the varsity and was named to the 3-AAA/All Region Softball team.

While a sophomore, Mercer was named Player of the Weekend and earned All-State honorable mention and first All-Region team.

As a junior she was named the Region 2-AAAA Softball Player of the Year; First team All-State, batting .432, scoring 30 runs, one HR, 20RBI and 14 stolen bases in 16 attempts. She was also an Athlete of the Week and named to the Greater Savannah Softball team and competed in the North vs South All Star game.

Her senior year at SEHS she was named to All Region Team 2-AAA First team by batting .434, with 32RBIs, 43 hits, 3 HR and stole 4 out of 5 attempts. She was named to GACA All Star team and to the Greater Savannah Softball team. After completing her senior year of softball, Alexis signed a letter of intent with Armstrong State University.

She started 40 games for the Pirates as their shortstop, batting .291 with 7HRs and 36RBIs. She was a Peach Belt Conference Freshman of the Week, went 4 for 4 with 3 RBIs in a 9-8 win over Saint Leo, went 3for3 with a double, a triple and 4RBIs in an 8-0 win over Lindenwold, had a double, a HR and 3RBIs vs No. 1 North Georgia, and drove in three or more runs in seven games. She had nine multi-hit games and stole 9 of 10 bases.

As a sophomore, Mercer started all 55 games. She was named the 2013 Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year and earned second-team NFCA and Daktronics/CoSIDA All-Region honors, two-time Peach Belt Player of the Week, batted .339 with eight doubles, 13 home runs and 44 RBIs. Ranked second in the PBC in home runs, fourth in total bases (109) sixth in slugging percentage (.637) and seventh in on base percentage (.438)

As a junior, Alexis started 47 games and was Named 2014 Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year, NFCA Division II and Daktronics/CoSIDa First Team All American Shortstop and also earned first team All-Peach Belt Conference and NFCA and Dakbtonic/CoSIDA All South East Region honors. She was 2014 Daktronic/CoSIDA Southeast Region Player of the Year.

She received numerous other honors and was the senior softball standout and was awarded the B.J. Ford Degree Completion Scholarship for the upcoming 2015-2016 academic year.

A four-year standout of the Armstrong softball squad and a two-time NFCA All-American shortstop, Mercer completed her career with the Pirates as the all-time home run leader in Peach Belt Conference history with 60 HRs, which also ranked among the Top 10 in NCAA Division II history. She earned All-Peach Belt Conference honors three times in the career and is a two-time meber of the PBC Presidential Honor Roll as well.

Mercer is now finishing her Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science. She plans to get her Masters in occupational therapy.

Effingham Fair Association entertainment

The Effingham County Fair Association is scheduling entertainment for the fair that will be held Oct. 19 through Oct. 24 at the fairgrounds in Springfield. The group is looking for vocalists, bands, dancers, gymnasts and other entertainment. Contact Dana Lee Smith at 912-665-1377 for more information. The Fair Association does not provide a stipend for entertaining. All groups and individuals must provide their own sound equipment. The fair beauty pageant will be held on Oct. 24. For applications and the complete fair book, visit www.effinghamfair.org.

ECHS Class of 1957 reunion

The 1957 Effingham County High School class will hold its 58th reunion on Sept. 19 at the New Ebenezer Retreat Center at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be served at noon. For information, call Lynette Rahn Jones at 754-6976.

Manna House

Manna House Food Pantry and Thrift Store hours are Monday, noon - 3 p.m., and Thursday, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. It is closed all other days. The food pantry serves Effingham County residents. The thrift store is open to the public. Donations are always appreciated and can be dropped off at any time. Manna House is located at 1210 Patriot Park Drive, across from the Effingham YMCA. For more information, call 826-2037 or 665-1985.

Rahn Reunion

The descendants of Edwin Bachman and Sarah Jane Berry Rahn will hold their 53rd annual reunion on Sunday, Aug. 23, at the Clyo Homemaker’s Club, Ga. 119 in Clyo. A basket dinner will be spread at 1 p.m. All family members are encouraged to attend.

Exley Reunion

The descendants of James Jonathan and Susannah Amelia Exley will hold their annual reunion on Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Laurel Hill Lutheran Church Social Hall, Clyo. A basket lunch will be spread at 1 p.m. For additional information, call 912-547-3676.

Bingo

The Rincon Recreation Department sponsors bingo for senior citizens at 8:30 a.m. every Monday at the Vernon C. Hinely Community Center at Ninth Street and Ga. 21. For information, call 826-0238.

Camp Davis 2073

Camp Davis No. 2073 meets the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in the former Boy Scout hut down the hill from the Effingham Historical Society, formerly the old county jail in Springfield. Call Gill Zeigler for more information at 655-8112.

County Commission

The Effingham County Board of Commissioners meets at 5 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month in Commission Chambers at the Administrative Office Complex, 601 N. Laurel St., Springfield. For a complete agenda, go to effinghamcounty.org.

Foster home volunteers

Foster home volunteers are needed for abandoned or neglected dachshunds. The housing is needed for two weeks to two months. Foster volunteers are to provide food and a safe and loving environment. Dachshund Rescue of North America will approve and pay for needed vetting. Call Ellen Hatcher at 912-398-1892 or email ellenwh@bellsouth.net to learn more about this experience. Dachshund Rescue of North America is a 501(c)(3) organization that has been rehabilitating and rehoming abandoned or neglected dachshunds for more than 13 years. Learn more at www.drna.org.

Weight loss

Coastal Champions Weight Loss Surgery Support Group meets from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at Rincon Recovery Resources, 613 Towne Park Drive West, Suite 103, Rincon. For information, call Anisa Grantham at 507-8734.

American Legion

American Legion post #209 meets the second Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. for dinner with a meeting following. The meetings are held at 941 S. Laurel St. in Springfield. For more information, call Tommy Pierce at 912-663-3562.

Alzheimer’s Association Support Group

The Effingham County Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group meets at 10:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, located at 155 Goshen Road, Rincon. For more information, call 800-272-3900.

Auxiliary volunteers

The Effingham Hospital Auxiliary is in need of volunteers in the beauty shop from 8 a.m.-noon Wednesdays in the Extended Care Center. Call Jackie Dyches at 754-4251.

Medicare

The Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center is seeking volunteers to help counsel Medicare beneficiaries about their health coverage and options. Volunteers are also needed to assist with the GeorgiaCares SMP project to promote consumer awareness and prevent fraud. For more information, call 264-7363 ext. 239, or 800-669-8387.

Seniors

Rincon Senior Support Group meets 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Vernon C. Hinely Community Center, Ga. 21 and Ninth Street in Rincon. For senior citizens 55 or older. Call 826-4000.

Civil Air Patrol

The Civil Air Patrol squadron meets Mondays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in building 200 at Ephesus Church/Effingham Christian School, 226 Goshen Road, Rincon. The organization is for youth, ages 12 to 18 and for adults. It has three programs: emergency services, aerospace education and the cadet leadership program. The Effingham Cadet Squadron is actively recruiting both cadets ages 12 to adult and has several staff positions available. For more information, go to www.ga453.org or call Richard Bush at 912-429-8050.

County planning board

The Effingham County Planning Board meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month in Commission Chambers at the County Administrative Complex, 601 N. Laurel St., Springfield. Agendas and minutes can be found at effinghamcounty.org. For information, call 754-2105.

Elections board

The Effingham County Board of Elections and Registration meets at 8:30 a.m. the second Monday of the month in the conference room at the elections office, 284 Ga. 119 S., Springfield. Agendas and minutes of past meetings are not currently available online. For information, go to effinghamcounty.org or call 754-8030.

Hospital board

The Effingham Hospital Authority meets at 7:15 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month in the Community Room at Effingham Hospital, 459 Ga. 119 S., Springfield. Agendas and minutes of past meetings are not available online. For information, go to effinghamhealth.org or call administration at 754-0160.

Tax board

The Effingham County Board of Tax Assessors meets at 4:30 p.m. on the first Monday of the month in Commission Chambers at the County Administrative Complex, 601 N. Laurel St., Springfield. Agendas can be found at effinghamcounty.org.

IDA board

The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority board of directors meets at 6 p.m. the third Thursday of the month in the conference room at the Welcome Center, 520 W. Third St., Springfield. Agendas and minutes of past meetings are not currently available online. For information, go to effinghamindustry.com or call 754-3301.

Guyton council

The Guyton City Council meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month and at 8 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at City Hall, 310 Central Blvd., Guyton. Agendas and minutes of past meetings are not currently available online. For information, go to cityofguyton.com or call City Hall at 722-3353.

Springfield council

The Springfield City Council meets at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month in Council Chambers at City Hall, 130 S. Laurel St., Springfield. Agendas and minutes of past meetings can be found at cityofspringfield.com. For information, call City Hall at 754-6666.

Rincon council

The Rincon City Council meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of the month in Council Chambers at the police department, 107 W. 17th St., Rincon. Agendas and minutes of past meetings are not currently available online. For information, go to cityofrincon.com or call City Hall at 826-5745.

Effingham Tennis League

People of all ages and abilities are invited to join the Effingham Tennis League. Adults and teens may join the singles and/or doubles ladder at www.globaltennisnetwork.com and it’s free. SATA kids clinic for grades kindergarten to eighth-grade is $50 per six-week session, playing Tuesdays 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Patriots Park behind the Rincon YMCA. Info: 912-656-4430.

United Way Yoga

Dr. Jack Heneisen and the United Way are holding free yoga classes each Monday at 6:30 p.m. The classes are held at the United Way Effingham Service Center located at 711 Zitterour Road, Rincon. Participants should wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes and bring a mat or towel for floor exercises.

Senior movie day

A movie is shown for senior citizens at 9:30 a.m. each Thursday in the Anderson Recreation Building (formerly the Rincon Lions Club) on Lexington Avenue.

Seniors
Rincon

Senior Support Group meets 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Vernon C. Hinely Community Center, Ga. 21 and Ninth Street in Rincon. For senior citizens 55 or older. Fellowship and activities. Call 826-4000.

Asperger’s syndrome

A support group for people with Asperger’s syndrome, their friends, family and caregivers, meets monthly at Effingham Baptist Church, 1007 N. Columbia Ave., Rincon. For information, call Patrick Bowers at 346-4912 or email pb4asp@yahoo.com.

The Rosebuds

An Effingham County daytime breast cancer support group meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at 11 a.m. at Effingham Hospital’s Community Room, 459 Ga. 119 South, Springfield. For information, call 754-9100.

High blood pressure

The Community Cardiovascular Council’s Blood Pressure Clinic offers help to people trying to control high blood pressure. If you need help controlling it and purchasing medications, make a free appointment to see if you qualify for services. Call the Rincon clinic, 826-2608, or the Savannah clinic, 232-6624.Effingham Hospital

Auxiliary

The Effingham Hospital Auxiliary offers an opportunity to serve the hospital and the community through volunteer service. The auxiliary provides support to patients, families and visitors. It also raises funds to support special projects that benefit the hospital and the community. Call Effingham Hospital Auxiliary President Brenda Rabon at 912-346-9536.

Hands On Savannah

A service of the United Way of the Coastal Empire, recruits and refers volunteers to area nonprofits. Hands On Savannah/Volunteer Center can match volunteer interests with community needs. To browse volunteer options, go to handsonsavannah.org, call 2-1-1 or 651-7726 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, or email volunteer@uwce.org.

CASA

Court Appointed Special Advocates is looking for volunteers to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children in Bulloch, Effingham, Screven and Jenkins counties. For information, call Carolyn Fields at 912-764-4849.

Volunteers needed

The Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center in Guyton provides equine-assisted riding and educational activity programs for children and adults with special challenges. The center has many volunteer opportunities for anyone committed to offering their time and talents to help others. Call 728-3728 or go to faithetc.org for information.

Meals on Wheels

The Effingham County Senior Citizens Center, 128 Stillwell Road, Springfield, needs volunteers to deliver meals to the homebound elderly in the county. Mileage is paid. Call Margaret Moore at 754-2138.

Medicare

The Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center is seeking volunteers to help counsel Medicare beneficiaries about their health coverage and options. Volunteers are also needed to assist with the GeorgiaCares SMP project to promote consumer awareness and prevent fraud. Volunteers will receive free in-depth training. Requires at least four hours per month. For more information, call 264-7363 ext. 239, or 800-669-8387.

Hunting-fishing club

The Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation, Effingham Chapter, meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of every month in the Effingham County Recreation Department on Ga. 119 in Springfield. If you need information about the meeting or becoming a member, call 912-661-1111. Membership is $25 per year.

GED classes

Savannah Technical College offers day and evening GED classes in Rincon at Savannah Technical College Effingham Campus, 2890 Ga. 21 S. Call John Seaman or Alethia Bradshaw-Scott at 754-2876.

Effingham Rotary

The Rotary Club of Effingham meets at 12:30 p.m. every Thursday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ga. 21 and Seventh Street in Rincon. For information, call Talbert Edenfield at 772-5022 or go to myrotaryclub.com.

Sons of Confederate Veterans

Camp Davis No. 2073 meets the second Tuesday of every month in the former Boy Scouts hut down the hill from the Effingham Historical Society, formerly the old county jail in Springfield. Meeting and program at 7 p.m. Call Mitchell Ambrose at 429-3446.

UDC

United Daughters of the Confederacy Effingham County Hussars Chapter 2285 meets the last Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at Effingham Hospital. Call 772-3340.

Experimental Aircraft

Effingham County Chapter 330 of the Experimental Aircraft Association meets at 11 a.m. the third Saturday of every month at The Briar Patch Airfield in Springfield. Meetings open with a short business session, followed by lunch. Cost is $5. Members and visitors may drive or fly. Go to eaa.org for more information.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Special-needs support

Effingham County Navigator Team is a support group and recreational program for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Meetings are held every 2nd Tuesday of the month at The Learning Treehouse in Rincon at 250 Goshen Road at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. For more information please call Pauline Shaw at 912-659-9855, email us at effinghamcountynavigators@comcast.net and visit at effinghamcountynavigatorteam.com.

Special-needs children

A support group for parents and guardians of children with challenging behaviors meets at the United Way Effingham Service Center, 711 Zitterour Drive, Rincon. For information, call Katie McGrory at 441-1435 or email kateemac1@msn.com. Child care may be available.

Alzheimer’s support

The Alzheimer’s Association conducts a support group in Effingham County at 10:30 a.m. the second Tuesday of the month at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 155 Goshen Road, Rincon. For information, call Jenny House at 912-920-2231 or email jenny.house@alz.org.

Special-needs support

The Effingham County Navigator Team, a support group for parents and caregivers of special needs children, ages newborn to 26 years, meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month in the Blandford Elementary School media center. For information, call Pauline Shaw at 912-295-5460 or email effingham@p2pga.org.

Bereavement counseling

Hospice Savannah’s Full Circle has opened an office in the United Way Effingham Service Center, 711 Zitterour Drive, Rincon. Bereavement counselor Barbara Moss holds office hours 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays to counsel children or adults, individually or in group sessions, and plans to offer workshops and presentations on coping with grief during the holidays. The counseling is offered free of charge as a community service. To schedule an appointment, call 629-1089.

NA of Effingham
Narcotics Anonymous groups meet at 7:30 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Beulah House, 407 Church St., Guyton. Meetings are also at 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Freedom Christian Center, 409 S. Laurel St., Springfield.

Seniors

Rincon Senior Support Group meets 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Vernon C. Hinely Community Center, Ga. 21 and Ninth Street in Rincon. For senior citizens 55 or older. Fellowship and activities. Call 826-4000.

Asperger’s syndrome

A support group for people with Asperger’s syndrome, their friends, family and caregivers, meets monthly at Effingham Baptist Church, 1007 N. Columbia Ave., Rincon. For information, call Patrick Bowers at 346-4912 or email pb4asp@yahoo.com.

First Baptist Church of Rincon revival

The senior adult ministry of the First Baptist Church of Rincon is sponsoring revival services Sept. 13-16. Schedule: Sept. 13 a worship concert is at 6 p.m. with Darrell and Dawn Ritchie, musical artists from Lawrenceville; Sept. 14 at 11 a.m., musical artist Huxsie Scott and the Rev. Kenny Grant, pastor of Calvary Baptist Temple, Savannah; Sept. 15 at 11 a.m. The Rev. Ted Kandler, area missionary GBC, Fitzgerald; Sept. 16 at 11 a.m. the Rev. Bobby Braswell, Associational Missionary Middle Baptist Association, Guyton. All ages are invited. Childcare for children up to age 3 will be provided.

Church of the Harvest Ministry

The Church of the Harvest Ministry will hold its annual fall revival Power-Up Sept. 23 through Sept. 25 at 7:30 each night. The church is located at 434 Weisenbaker Road in Rincon. Special speakers each night. Overseer and founder Gregory Brunson and Pastor Laquin Pickney.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 303 N. Laurel St. in Springfield, celebrates with worship services every Sunday at 11 a.m. Sunday School is held at 9:45 a.m. Holy Trinity is a member of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ.

Tabernacle of Faith

A breakfast fellowship will be held every Wednesday at 8 a.m. at Tabernacle of Faith, located at 540 W. Seventh St. in Rincon. For more information, call 713-3783.

Hwy. 30 Church of Christ

The Highway 30 Church of Christ meeting times are Sundays at 9:30 a.m. for Bible classes, 10:30 a.m. for worship, and 6 p.m. for evening worship. Bible classes are also held Wednesdays at 7 p.m. The Highway 30 church is located at 1952 Noel C. Conaway Road (Ga. 30), Guyton, GA 31312. Contact the church at 912-728-3819 or go to www.highway30cofc.truepath.com.

Pierogi sale

St. Mary Magdalene Church, 1625 Fort Howard Road, Rincon, has a pierogi and bake sale from 10 a.m.-noon the first Saturday of the month. Info: 912-826-5176.

Recovery ministry

First Baptist Church of Springfield offers a free Scripture-based recovery ministry based on the 12 steps. The program meets at 7 p.m. Mondays in the chapel, 1435 Ga. 119 N., Springfield. All are welcome. For information, go to fbc-springfield.org or call the church office at 912-754-3443.

St. John’s Lutheran Church

St. John’s, 301 N. Columbia Ave., Rincon, welcomes the community to share in God’s grace in church services at 9:30 a.m. with Sunday School following.

Jesus Christ Ministries International

Jesus Christ Ministries International currently meets every Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at the Country Inn & Suites on Ga. 21 in Port Wentworth, and on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in Rincon at the Pastor’s home for midweek Bible study. A anointed end time teaching ministry filled with revelation and the healing love of God.  Headquartered  in Rincon. Pastor Anthony Murray is also dean and chancellor of Christian Life School of Ministry. For more information visit www.itsakingdomthing.net or call 912-826-0737.

St. Boniface Church Mass

St. Boniface Church, 1952 Ga. 21 South, Springfield, conducts Mass at 5 p.m. Saturdays and 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays. Call 912-754-7473 or go to sbcatholic.com.

Med Bank

Med Bank, a volunteer organization, invites anyone in Effingham County who lacks insurance for needed prescription medications to come in and begin the process to obtain free medicine through pharmaceutical companies’ programs. The clinic is held in the reception area of St. Luke Episcopal Church in Rincon, 155 Goshen Road, from 3-5 p.m. Wednesdays. Patients are asked to come with proof of income such as their latest tax return or last three paycheck stubs; medications lists; and physician information, if possible. For more information, contact executive director Liz Longshore at 912-373-6369.

New ministry

Shepherds of Grace Church meets at 10:45 a.m. Sundays and at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 3605 Ga. 21 N., Rincon. For information, go to shepherdsofgrace.org or call Charles and Shirley Malphus at 912-663-6814.

St. Boniface Church Mass

St. Boniface Church, 1952 Ga. 21 South, Springfield, conducts Mass at 5 p.m. Saturdays and 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays. Call 912-754-7473 or go to sbcatholic.com.

Recovery ministry

First Baptist Church of Springfield offers a free Scripture-based recovery ministry based on the 12 steps. The program meets at 7 p.m. Mondays in the chapel, 1435 Ga. 119 N., Springfield. All are welcome. For information, go to fbc-springfield.org or call the church office at 912-754-3443.

St. Mary Magdalene Church

St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church, 1625 Fort Howard Road, Rincon, meets at 6 p.m. Saturdays (except the first) for Great Vespers. Sunday service schedule: Matins at 8:15 a.m., Hours at 9 a.m., Divine Liturgy at 9:30 and fellowship meal at 11 a.m. For information, go to stmarymagdalenerincon.org or call 912-826-5176.

St. Luke’s services

The Rev. David Rose, vicar of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 155 Goshen Road, Rincon, invites everyone to share in services at 9:30 a.m. Sundays and adult Bible study at 11 a.m. Prayers for Healing services are 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. For pastoral care, the Rev. Rose can be reached at or 826-3332. Go to stlukesrincon.com.

Grace Community Awana

The Awana children’s program meets every Wednesday at Grace Community Church, 1094 Goshen Road in Rincon. Children ages 3 years through fifth grade are invited. For information, call 912-826-4204.

The Body

First Baptist Church of Rincon hosts a weekly interactive worship experience for young adults (college age and 20-somethings) at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. “The Body” meets in the white building across the street from the Youth Center on Richland Avenue. Call 912-826-5536 for information.

Crossroads Church

Crossroads Church meets Sundays at the Savannah Baptist Assembly, 930 Honey Ridge Road in Guyton. Coffee and goodies start at 9:30 a.m. with music and message beginning at 10 a.m. Go to crossroadschurcheff.org.

Lighthouse Church

The Lighthouse Church meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Effingham YMCA, 1224 Patriot Drive, Rincon. “The Lighthouse” is a church where the Bible is preached, God is exalted and the love of Jesus Christ is the theme. For information, call the Rev. Rick West at 656-6242.

Awana at Pineora Baptist

The Awana children’s program is every Wednesday at Pineora Baptist Church, 131 Elkins St., Guyton. A meal will be served at 6:15 p.m. Call 772-3044.

Youth fellowship

A youth fellowship gathering is held 1-3 p.m. every Saturday at the House of Prayer of Rincon on Fort Howard Road. Call 826-2570.

Crossroads 2 Recovery

Crossroads Church in Guyton offers a free Scripture-based recovery ministry based on 12 steps at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Savannah Baptist Assembly, 930 Honey Ridge Road, Guyton. For information, go to crossroadschurcheff.org or call the Rev. George Pabst at 441-0004.

Overcoming by Faith

Overcoming by Faith meets for worship at 1:30 p.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Thursdays at the Banquet Room, 135 Goshen Road Ext. For information, call 927-8601.

Vera Mae (Granny) Hall Bohannon

Vera Mae (Granny) Hall Bohannon, 88, of Rincon went to be with her Saviour on Sept. 4, 2015. She was born in Allendale, S.C., Aug. 23, 1927, to Mr. and Mrs. Med (Pappy) and Vera Wasden Hall.

She was the oldest of six children. She was married to the late James G. (Jimmy) Bohannon. Mrs. Bohannon was a homemaker, quilter and artist and she was known as the “Flower Lady” of Rincon. She was a member of Nondenominational Church.

She is survived by her children, Patricia B. Hall, Olivia Bohannon, Vicky B. (Mario) Martinez, Wanda Miller, Selma (Bob) Bernard, 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren and siblings Walton Hall, William (Myrtle) Hall, Howard (Linda) Hall, brother-in-law, Ronald Salmon, sisters-in-law, Patricia Hall, and Lyda Bohannon.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Miriam Salmon, her brother, Chaudoin Hall and her sister-in-law, Betty Jean Hall.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Sept. 7, at Riggs Funeral Home with interment following at Springfield Cemetery.

Riggs Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Evelyn K. Heslop

Springfield – Evelyn K. Heslop, 90, passed away Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, at her residence.

The West Virginia native was a member of First Baptist Church of Rincon, the Harvesters Sunday School Class, and was very active with the Senior Citizens Center in Springfield. She was an avid Atlanta Braves fan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James William Heslop Sr.; son, James William Heslop Jr., “Jimmy”; daughter, Jane Langford Moffitt; and sister, Elizabeth Routten.

Survivors include her children, Jacque H. Gracen (Harold C., Jr.) of Springfield and Jeffrey H. Heslop (Sandra D.M.) of N. Augusta, S.C.; 7 grandchildren, Leigh Langford Bauer, Mark and Matt Langford, Scott and Brooks Robider, Jessica Giordano, and Courtney McDonough; 16 great-grandchildren; 6 nieces; and 1 nephew.

Funeral services were held on Sept. 5 in the funeral home chapel.

Interment followed in Springfield Cemetery.

Remembrances may be given to Senior Citizens Center in Springfield, 601 N. Laurel Street, Springfield, GA 31329.

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

Rebekah Diane Manson

1/26/79-8/29/15

Beky went home to be with the Lord after a long battle with brain cancer.

Beky will be missed by her son, Carson R. Bigelow, mother Patricia I. Manson, father Floyd E. Manson Jr. (Fran), brothers, John C. Manson, Daniel J. Manson, Sam Coppola, sister, Christine Coppola, along with her many loving and dedicated friends.

A memorial service will be held to honor Beky’s life at a later date.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home Effingham Chapel.

New property transfers in Chatham, Effingham and Bryan counties have been added to our database. 

Search here by buyer, seller, address, city, zip or month of transfer for all property transfers in 2015. 

All data are public records and are obtained from each county or municipality, unless otherwise sourced. Information fields may vary. 

Leaf Watch website tracks best fall color in Georgia

Travel tips for leaf peepers

“When will the leaves change?” is the question park rangers hear most often once cooler temperatures arrive. Only Mother Nature knows for sure, but peak color in Georgia is usually toward the end of October or early November. To help leaf peepers find the best scenery, Georgia’s State Parks offer an online “Leaf Watch” travel planner, found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/leafwatch.

Beginning in October, regular updates will keep travelers posted on how fall color is progressing across Georgia’s Blue Ridge. The website is filled with top trails and overlooks, mountain cabins and campsites, fall events, and safe hiking tips. Shutterbugs are encouraged to post their favorite shots to the Georgia State Parks Facebook page and Instagram.

Georgia’s top state parks for leaf watching include Amicalola Falls, Black Rock Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, F.D. Roosevelt, Fort Mountain, Moccasin Creek, Red Top Mountain, Smithgall Woods, Sweetwater Creek, Tallulah Gorge, Unicoi, Victoria Bryant and Vogel. For quieter getaways, visitors may want to explore parks further south, which can offer pretty autumn color as well. They key for most vibrant color is warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights.

Georgia’s State Parks offer a variety of accommodations where leaf peepers can stay in the heart of autumn scenery. Park guests can choose from fully equipped cabins, modern campsites and even yurts – a “glamping” trend that is like a tent-cabin. Georgia State Parks’ most sought-after accommodations are often reserved 13 months in advance, and most fill up on weekends. Guests are encouraged to make plans as early as possible or visit during weekdays. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-864-7275 or at GeorgiaStateParks.org/reservations.

Top Georgia State Parks for Fall Color

AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK – Dawsonville

Just an hour north of Atlanta you’ll find the Southeast’s tallest cascading waterfall. The falls can be enjoyed from both easy and difficult trails. A short, flat path leads to a boardwalk offering the most spectacular views. There’s also an easy-to-reach overlook at the top. For a tougher challenge, start from the bottom of the falls and hike up the steep staircase. Amicalola Falls gets very busy on pretty October weekends. Pumpkin farms and apple orchards are nearby.

http://gastateparks.org/AmicalolaFalls/Trails

BLACK ROCK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK – Clayton

At an altitude of 3,640 feet, Black Rock Mountain is Georgia’s highest state park. (Brasstown Bald is the state’s highest peak.) Roadside overlooks and the summit Visitor Center offer sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 2.2-mile Tennessee Rock Trail is a good choice for a short, moderate hike. For an all-day challenge, take the 7.2-mile James E. Edmonds Backcountry Trail. If driving Hwy. 441 north to the park, stop by Tallulah Gorge State Park and quirky Goats on the Roof.

http://gastateparks.org/BlackRockMountain-Hiking

http://www.gastateparks.org/TallulahGorge

CLOUDLAND CANYON STATE PARK – Near Chattanooga

One of Georgia’s most beautiful parks offers easy-to-reach rim overlooks and challenging hiking trails. A favorite hike takes you down a long, steep staircase to the bottom of the canyon, where you’ll find two waterfalls. (Remember, you have to hike back up, but it’s worth it.) The 5-mile West Rim Loop is moderately difficult and offers great views of the canyon. “Glamping” yurts are located off this trail.

http://gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon

F. D. ROOSEVELT STATE PARK – Pine Mountain

Many people are surprised to find hardwood forests and rolling mountains south of Atlanta. The 6.7-mile Wolf Den Loop is a favorite section of the longer Pine Mountain Trail. For a touch of history, drive to Dowdell’s Knob to see a life-size bronze sculpture of President F.D. Roosevelt and great views of the forested valley. Ga. Hwy. 190 is a pretty driving route.

http://www.gastateparks.org/item/148124

FORT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK – Chatsworth

This park is best known for a mysterious rock wall along the mountain top, plus a variety of trails. For the easiest walk, take the 1.2-mile loop around the park’s pretty, green lake. For a challenging, all-day hike, choose the 8-mile Gahuti Trail. Mountain bikers have more than 14 miles to explore. Hwy. 52 has beautiful mountain scenery and overlooks worth stopping for.

http://www.gastateparks.org/FortMountain

MOCCASIN CREEK STATE PARK – Lake Burton

Georgia’s smallest state park sits on the shore of a gorgeous deep-green lake. Guests can choose from the 2-mile Hemlock Falls Trail or 1-mile Non-Game Trail with a wildlife observation tower. Hwy. 197 is a particularly pretty road, passing Mark of the Potter and other popular attractions.

http://www.gastateparks.org/MoccasinCreek

RED TOP MOUNTAIN STATE PARK – Lake Allatoona

Just 40 minutes north of Atlanta you’ll find a variety of trails with nice fall color. The easy, flat 4-mile Iron Hill Loop is open to bikes and foot traffic, offering great views of the lake and forest. Another good choice for lake views is the 5.5-mile Homestead Trail. Families with young children will like the paved walking path behind the park office. Be sure to explore the log cabin and blacksmith shed.

http://gastateparks.org/RedTopMountain

SMITHGALL WOODS STATE PARK – Helen

Protecting more than 6,000 acres around Dukes Creek, this is the perfect spot for fly fishing while enjoying fall color. Day visitors can picnic near the creek, and overnight guests can hike a private trail to Dukes Creek Falls. A 1.6-mile loop climbs to Laurel Ridge and provides a view of Mt. Yonah once most leaves are off the trees. This park is near many wineries and Helen’s Oktoberfest.

http://www.gastateparks.org/SmithgallWoods

SWEETWATER CREEK STATE PARK – Lithia Springs

Just west of Atlanta you’ll find 9 miles of hiking trails, a beautiful creek and small lake. For an easy walk, take the popular 1-mile Red Trail which follows the creek to the ruins of an old mill. For more of a workout, continue past the mill to the Blue Trail, where you’ll climb steep bluffs for outstanding creek views. Sign up for a guided hike to learn more about this park’s Civil War history. A new yurt village opened this September.

http://www.gastateparks.org/SweetwaterCreek

TALLULAH GORGE STATE PARK – Near Clayton

Tallulah is one of the most spectacular canyons in the Southeast, and you can choose from easy or difficult trails. Hike along the rim to several overlooks with waterfall views, or get a permit from the park office to trek all the way to the bottom. During November, you can watch expert kayakers as they enjoy the bi-annual “whitewater releases.” Be sure to see the park’s film because it includes heart-racing footage of kayakers and news clips from Karl Wallenda’s famous tightrope walk across the gorge.

http://www.gastateparks.org/TallulahGorge

UNICOI STATE PARK – Helen

Avoid Oktoberfest crowds in Helen by hiking a pretty 3-mile trail which leads from the park into town. You can enjoy lunch and window shopping before hiking back to the trailhead. Mountain bikers can zip past fall color on the park’s challenging 7.5-mile bike loop. If you’re up for a steep hike, take the 4.8-mile Smith Creek Trail up to Anna Ruby Falls. (To avoid having to hike back, leave a second car at the falls.)

http://gastateparks.org/Unicoi

VICTORIA BRYANT STATE PARK – Royston

Nestled in the rolling hills of Georgia’s upper Piedmont, this is one of northern Georgia’s best kept secrets. A beautiful stream flows through the park, providing the perfect setting for an after-picnic stroll. Hikers can follow either the short nature trail or the longer perimeter trail that travels through hardwoods and crosses creeks.

http://www.gastateparks.org/VictoriaBryant

VOGEL STATE PARK – Blairsville

The 4-mile Bear Hair Gap Trail makes a nice day trip for experienced hikers, offering great mountain color and a birds-eye view of the park’s lake. For an easier walk, follow the Lake Loop to a small waterfall. The twisting roads around Vogel, particularly Wolf Pen Gap Road, offer some of north Georgia’s prettiest fall scenery.

http://www.gastateparks.org/Vogel

From incident reports at the Springfield Police Department:

Aug. 17: The manager of the Commons Apartments said someone kicked in the door of an apartment. It had been ransacked. The tenants never contacted police about what may have been missing.

Reckless conduct

Aug. 27: An officer arrested a Springfield man who was wanted on a warrant for reckless conduct. The man was accused of shooting a child in the head with a BB gun.

Aug. 27: A couple at the hospital argued about her cheating on him. Their stories differed and there were no witnesses.

Aug. 31: A woman said she was driving on Ga. 21 when a dump truck kicked up a rock that cracked her windshield.

The City of Rincon celebrated the official opening of the latest phase in its Macomber Park recreational complex expansion with a ribbon cutting on Sept. 8. The complete park expansion features four new 220-foot baseball fields, batting cages, a new concession stand and additional parking areas. Plans are also underway for upgrades to the park’s existing ball fields and facilities.

The new concession stand project was at a cost of more than $163,000 and was made possible in part through a sponsorship by Georgia-Pacific’s Savannah River Mill. The sponsorship included $40,000 in funding and an in-kind donation of one year’s supply of paper towel and tissue along with the towel, tissue and soap dispensers needed for the park’s restroom and kitchen facilities.

The concession stand was built by Joe Marchese Construction.

“The City of Rincon greatly appreciates Georgia-Pacific Savannah River Mill’s sponsorship of our much-needed concession stand,” said Wesley Corbitt, city manager. “This sponsorship allows the city to address in 2015 the additional improvements needed for our existing fields.”

Kim Sweet, operations manager at GP’s Savannah River Mill, said, “The City of Rincon’s Macomber Park serves as a valuable recreational resource for local residents in Rincon and the Effingham County area. We appreciate the opportunity to help Macomber Park continue to provide our families and athletes with a great place to gather and compete, and to be part of something that makes such a positive impact on the quality of life in our community.”

About Georgia-Pacific

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of building products, tissue, packaging, paper, cellulose and related chemicals. The company employs nearly 35,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit www.gp.com. In the Effingham area, GP employs approximately 1,000 employees.

From incident reports at the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office:

Aug. 20: A woman said she lost her cellphone or it was stolen while she was at the Ebenezer Retreat Center.

Never mind

Aug. 22: A resident of U.S. 80 in the Bloomingdale area said some things were stolen from her house when the roof and ceiling were being repaired. The next day, all the missing property turned up in a bag on her porch.

Angry homeowner

Aug. 24: A resident of Peachtree Drive in the Rincon area was irate because some construction workers dug up his yard to install fiber optic cable for Planters Telephone. He said he didn’t want it and when they were gone, he was going to dig up the line.

Cheap pot

Aug. 24: Two students at Springfield Elementary School who had some marijuana were released to their parents and were to be contacted later by the Department of Juvenile Justice. The student who got the pot from his house sold it to the other student for $1.

Old debt

Aug. 25: A man said his brother, whom he hadn’t spoken with in 10 years, was texting him and threatening to come to his house to collect a $9,000 debt. The man kept the money — drug money — for his brother while he was in jail. The man said he spent the money paying bills.

Heated argument

Aug. 25: A woman and her roommate argued and the roommate took a part off of the air conditioner, which caused it to quit working, and left. The woman got a replacement part, put it on, and padlocked the air conditioner. Godley Road in the Bloomingdale area.

Loaded scooter

Aug. 27: A deputy answered a call about a man riding a scooter in Countryside Estates in the Springfield area. The deputy found the scooter, which was stolen from Savannah, and a handgun, which was stolen from Effingham County.

There also were two digital scales and suspected marijuana. Everything was confiscated.

Boyfriend caught

Aug. 28: A woman called for help because her boyfriend, who doesn’t have a driver’s license, took her vehicle without permission. The boyfriend was arrested for driving without a license. Harvey Road at Old River Road in the Meldrim area.

Aug. 28: A woman said she went through another woman’s belongings and found a stolen MP3 player and cellphone. Lord Effingham Drive in the Rincon area.

Laundry list

Aug. 29: A woman came to the Sheriff’s Office with several complaints: She has some information about possibly stolen guns; her neighbor keeps coaxing her dogs to her yard, feeding them biscuits when she’s trying to train them; and she’s getting phone calls from people claiming to be a private investigator and trying to collect money for a police benefit in another state.

Loud neighbor

Aug. 29: A drunken man was yelling so loudly that the dispatcher could hear him over a neighbor’s phone. He was angry that the neighbor had called police earlier because of his loud radio.

He was arrested for disorderly conduct. Shuman Drive in the Meldrim area.

Lillian is a 5-month-old sheltie-retriever mix that’s available for adoption from the Effingham County animal shelter.

She was brought in a stray, so the workers at the shelter don’t know a lot about her.

“She’s a very sweet little dog,” said Lorna Shelton, director of the shelter. “She’s the perfect size. She’d be perfect for a small house or apartment.”

Also up for adoption this week are four kittens that are part of the same litter.

Three of the kittens that are about 6 weeks old are males and one is female. Two of the boys are black-and-white, one male is a brown tiger and the female is a black tortoiseshell.

“They’re curious,” Shelton said. “They’ll climb up your curtains.”

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

People who adopt animals from the shelter must agree to have them spayed or neutered within 30 days, or be subject to a $200 fine. The shelter is following up to make sure that people abide by the law.

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 1 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, when the shelter accepts drop-offs, 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.