From incident reports at the Rincon Police Department:

Oct. 14: A Play Station bundle that a resident of Four Oaks Court bought for his son for Christmas was missing from a closet. The only person other than family who was in the house worked for an air conditioner repair company.

Oct. 24: A 20-year-old man who said his parents threw him out of their house in Rincon was arrested for loitering and prowling. He reportedly asked a woman at an ATM machine for money.

Oct. 25: A resident of Lauren Way said his vehicle tag was missing and he believes it was stolen.

Oct. 25: An officer taking a report about a lost or stolen cell phone on Lakeside Drive discovered that a man who lived at the house was wanted on a probation warrant from Port Wentworth. He was arrested.

Oct. 25: An officer checked the tag on a car and discovered it belonged to a different type of vehicle. The vehicle was towed and the driver was cited for no insurance and improper tag.

Oct. 27: Officers made sure that two people who were taking tires from behind Paul’s Tire shop had permission to do so. The two were arrested for possession of marijuana.

Alarm suggested

Oct. 28: A window was broken on a house on E. Fourth Street. An officer suggested that the homeowner get an alarm system because the house has been burglarized before.

Oct. 28: A resident of Woodbury Lane said he believes his mother’s boyfriend put sugar in the gas tank of his vehicle. The boyfriend denied it.

Oct. 28: Walmart employees had photos of a woman stealing three sets of bedding, valued at $200.

Dumb choice

Oct. 28: An officer pulled over a vehicle that came back as having suspended registration. The driver was arrested for driving with a suspended license.

A passenger, whose father owned the car, had a valid license and said she was “dumb” for letting someone without a license drive. She said she let him drive so she could eat. She was cited for letting an unlicensed person drive.

Some welcome

Oct. 29: Someone broke into a house on E. Eighth Street and stole a 50-inch TV. The house is owned by a couple who are planning to retire in Rincon.

Oct. 30: A man who works at Walmart said two men came to the store and threatened him. He said the men did $1,000 worth of damage to his motorcycle.

One of the offenders was charged with second degree damage to private property and was given a criminal trespass warning.

Oct. 30: An officer stopped a car for going 51 mph in the 35 mph zone on Ga. 21. The driver was arrested for speeding, open container and possession of marijuana.

Blame the road

Oct. 31: An officer responded to a vehicle in a ditch on Carolina Avenue. A man was curled in a ball, asleep in the driver’s seat. The driver said he was making a U-turn and the road wasn’t wide enough.

When the officer asked the 20-year-old Rincon man how much he had to drink, the man replied, “Not enough.” He was charged with drunken driving-refusal and possession of marijuana.

Oct. 31: A woman who works at Walmart said someone stole $730 from her purse when it was in her unlocked vehicle. She lives on Town Park Drive.

Halloween fun

Oct. 31: A 37-year-old Rincon woman was stopped because she was walking and weaving on the sidewalk in front of City Hall after 1 a.m. She said she had “too much” to drink and was walking home from Alibi’s to Governor’s Ridge subdivision. 

She was arrested for public drunkenness, possession of a drug-related object and possession of marijuana.

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

Oct. 20: A woman said when she got home from vacation, she noticed that several pieces of jewelry were missing. A deputy said the most likely point of entry was the dog door. Hagin Street in the Guyton area.

Oct. 26: Deputies were checking on registered sex offenders. A man who was supposed to be living on Courthouse Road in the Springfield area had moved to a camper off U.S. 17 in Chatham County without reporting the move. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

Oct. 26: A deputy stopped a vehicle on Ga. 17 in the Guyton area because it didn’t have a license plate. The driver was cited for driving without a license and a passenger was cited for open container.

Missing electronics

Oct. 26: A woman said her boyfriend stole her laptop computer and sold it so he could buy drugs. Her TV also was missing, but he hadn’t confessed to that theft. Mill Creek Drive in the Rincon area.

Oct. 26: Someone tried to steal a radio from a vehicle on Willow Drive in the Rincon area.

Oct. 26: Some items were stolen from a residence on Kitty Court in the Guyton area – including a game system, tablet and jewelry. There was no sign of forced entry.

Oct. 27: A man who was arrested for drunken driving was found to have some marijuana on his person as he was booked into the county jail.

Oct. 27: Brothers got into a physical fight over a jacket. They were separated and a deputy took one to meet his girlfriend to spend the night. Jennifer Circle in the Rincon area.

Oct. 27: Three vehicles and a storage shed were entered on Indica Place in the Guyton area. A GPS, $7 and some cigarettes were stolen.

Oct. 27: A deer damaged a fence at a business on Progress Drive in Rincon.

Oct. 27: A deputy checked on a man who was walking in the roadway on Courthouse Road in the Guyton area. He was arrested on an active warrant.

Oct. 29: Deputies responded to Reiser Road in the Springfield area because a resident said she came home to see five or six flashlights in the wood line behind her home and heard footsteps. Deputies did not find anyone but did extra patrols.

Oct. 29: A vehicle did $1,000 worth of damage to a wooden swing set and other outdoor property at a house on Irving Mercer Road in the Clyo area.

Oct. 29: A 2-year-old boy was bitten on the face by a neighbor’s dog. A deputy described the injuries as “slight lacerations.” Dewitt Road in the Springfield area.

Oct. 30: A couple argued about moving a television. The woman admitted pushing the TV out of her husband’s hands, causing it to fall down the stairs and damage the wall.

A deputy told her she could be charged with criminal trespass, but he felt their problems could be mediated once tempers subsided. Joyce Cove in the Guyton area.

Neighbors argue

Oct. 30: A resident of Cypress Ridge Run in the Springfield area said he contacted a neighbor about his dog being aggressive. He said the neighbor then came to his house, blaming him for stray kittens in his garage.

He said several people in the neighbor’s yard fired guns into the air. The neighbor apparently lied to a deputy about his identity, but he wasn’t arrested immediately because the deputies were busy.

Oct. 30: Deputies responded to a call from a woman who said she didn’t know where she was or how she got there. The woman apparently had been taking drugs. E. Deerfield Road in the Bloomingdale area.  

Oct. 31: A father wanted a report made because his ex-wife refused to let him see their son, as ordered in custody papers. Dogwood Way in the Eden area.

Oct. 31: A deputy did a welfare check on a boy on Southern Charm Way in the Guyton area. The father was concerned that the boy’s mother wouldn’t let him see the boy. He was OK.

Oct. 31: Someone took a drill set from a vehicle on Squirrel Drive in the Eden area.

Oct. 31: A resident of Nease Road in the Guyton area said he believes his son stole some items from his house so he could finance a move to Colorado. He found some of the missing items at a pawn shop in Pooler.

Nov. 1: A woman said her husband hit her, turned on the lights to annoy her and poured a glass of water on her while she was sleeping. The husband was drunk and denied doing anything wrong. 

Nov. 1: A mother and daughter argued about the daughter wanting the mother to pay for a cell phone.

One man is dead and a sheriff's deputy injured after a shooting in the Eden community of Effingham County.

Effingham County sheriff's deputy James Wilkenson was shot in the shoulder in pursuit of a robbery suspect, said Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie. Wilkenson was taken to a local hospital, but is expected to be fine, McDuffie said.

The shooting happened shortly before noon Friday in a wooded area off of Foxbow Drive, which is off of U.S. 80 near the Eden Post Office.

At least four deputies responded to the area to look for Matthew Coleman, who lives in the area. Coleman is a suspect in several Thursday night burglaries and an armed robbery of a nearby Dollar General on Highway 80, McDuffie said.

Deputies were forced to chase Coleman into the woods and gunfire was exchanged. Wilkenson was hit in the shoulder and Coleman was shot and killed.

Coleman, who is in his mid-20s, has had run-ins with law enforcement in the past, McDuffie said.

Investigators with the Effingham County Sheriff's Office and Georgia Bureau of Investigation did not release how many times Coleman was shot or where on his body he was shot at. 

Investigators also did not release who fired their weapon first or how many shots were fired.

The GBI is investigating the shooting. An autopsy has been scheduled for next week. 

Multiple agencies in addition to the sheriff's office and GBI responded to the scene. The investigation continues.

Come back to savannahnow.com for more details on this developing story.

Baseball players Dusty Baker and Will Hodges from Effingham County High School signed letters of intent for college ball Friday at the high school. 

Baker will attend East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. where he will play in the outfield.

Hodges will go from the pitcher’s mound to the outfield at Armstrong State University.

This year Hodges had a .355 batting average with two home runs and eight doubles. He also scored 20 runs and had 20 RBIs.

Also for the 2015 season, Baker batted .328, had three triples,four doubles and scored 22 runs.

2015

Coach Brett Griffin said both players are strong on the field.

“Dusty has a lot of speed and leadership,” Griffin said. “Will brings a lot of power,” Griffin said.

Baker said he’s undecided on what he will study at college.

“Probably business,” he said.

Baker said he’s looking forward to playing ball and getting educated.

Hodges said he will pursue a business/economics degree at Armstrong.

Hodges said he loved the atmosphere at Armstrong.

“It feels like home,” he said.

Shae Leverett of South Effingham High School has signed to play basketball with the University of South Florida.

“We are so proud of her hard work over the past few years,” said Missy Roddenberry, head girls’ basketball coach.

Leverett reached her 1,000-point milestone in January of last season with 1,000 rebounds a few weeks later.

“She is a very smart player on and off the court,” Roddenberry said. “Her basketball knowledge is a huge asset to the team and her leadership is evident in practice and in game situations. Shae is an excellent student in the classroom as well. She has been a pleasure to coach,” Roddenberry said.

Autumn Conaway is taking her softball talents up the road to Brenau University.

She officially signed the papers on Friday.

Conaway was a first team All Coastal Empire, All Region and second team all-state player last year. She had a great season hitting 404 with 38 RBI's and four HR's this year.

“I'm sure many more awards are coming her way,” said Chuck Smith, head softball coach. She also made the Georgia Dugout Club All Star team this year.

“She played second for South Effingham the last three years and will be difficult to replace,” Smith said. “She is a hard worker and great leader on and off the field. She always makes honor roll and carries the same work ethic into the classroom.”

Sage is a 14-week-old Labrador and hound mix that’s available for adoption from the Effingham County animal shelter.

She needs to be spayed, but she’s up-to-date on shots.

“She needs someone who has energy to keep up with her,” said Lorna Shelton, shelter director. “She’s a sweetheart.”

Shelton guesses Sage will grow to about 50 pounds.

Also up for adoption this week is another kitten that has been trained to walk on a leash.

Luna is a black kitten that is about 6 months old.

She also is up-to-date on her shots but needs to be spayed.

“She’s been here a while,” Shelton said. “She’s learning to walk on a leash.”

The shelter is preparing for its Christmas open house, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be awarded.

The shelter is trying to raise $3,500 to buy panels that will separate the dogs from nose-to-nose contact in their outdoor runs.

Shelton said Helping out Pets in Effingham (HOPE) is helping with that project.

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 address for the shelter’s adoption page is: http://www.effinghamcounty.org/DepartmentsAF/AnimalShelter/AdoptionPage.aspx

Effingham County commissioners agreed tonight to try to try to sell 1.25 acres on Ga. 21 where the new central recreation complex will be built for a restaurant.

Commissioners declared the property surplus and agreed to three conditions for the sale: the buyer must do his best to preserve a large oak tree, the property must sell for at least $220,000 and a restaurant must be built there.

Commission Chairman Wendall Kessler said the price is reasonable. “We don’t need to surplus this to get nothing out of it,” he said. “We know there are parties out there willing to pay that for it.”

Commissioner Vera Jones said in her motion approving the surplus of the land that it must be used for a sit-down restaurant such as Longhorn, Olive Garden or Red Lobster or a fast-food restaurant such as McDonald’s, Burger King or Chick-fil-A.

The county has purchased about 120 acres on the west side of Ga. 21, just south of Springfield, and is moving forward with plans to build a $19.2 million central recreation facility there.

The 1.25-acre parcel they are trying to sell faces Ga. 21.

Commissioners said they would prefer to have a hotel, but the parcel is too small for that.

Kessler said he’s spoken to representatives of three different hotel franchises but none were interested in building a hotel there at this time.

“We get some eating places, a hotel will come” later, said Commissioner Reggie Loper.

There was a time in this country when drive-in movie theatres dotted the landscape. They were a great way to escape, in a world without DVRs and IMAX and the internet and instant videos. Once darkness fell, you could be entertained for hours.

When we were little, and not really fit to sit in a regular movie theatre, my parents would pile us in a station wagon and we would go to the drive in theatre. We would arrive before it got dark, because we knew this about the movie start time - it would be when it got dark. Whatever time that was, that was when it would start. So you would arrive early and wait.

But waiting was not done by just sitting in your car. The Auto Theatre had a playground up front, and you would go up and swing and play, all the way up to the time of the movie start.

They would have raffles and giveaways. My parents won one once. I remember it well because my parents were so excited because they had not ever won anything before. Their prize? Two lawn chairs. Don’t laugh! They were great lawn chairs, and I remember us using them for years afterward.

The movies were always a mixed bag. The first feature was usually directed more at the family, and the second would be more directed at the adults. This may be a mashup, but I swear I remember one combination being Snow White and the Three Stooges, followed by The Young Doctors.

There would be a significant intermission between the two features. They might show a cartoon, or previews, but mostly they would promote the snack bar, with jolly music and pictures of delicious treats. The snack bar was like a mini-restaurant, serving hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, sodas, popcorn, cotton candy, all kinds of sweets. Nobody starved at the drive-in.

Sometimes the second feature might be a little risque for the children. Nothing that would hardly bump into PG or PG-13 territory nowadays, but back then it was quite exciting. I remember a Matt Helms Dean Martin spy movie, that was having a scene involving a partial strip tease, and that my mom told me to put my head down and close my eyes. Now, often in those second features, my sister and I were just playing in the back, not focused at all on the movie, so I was very grateful when my mother let me know when not to watch, so that I knew WHEN I should watch. Thanks, mom!

The drive-ins would occasionally have marathons, involving three to five movies, which would run almost until daylight. Often they were themed, like all horror movies, or all beach movies. I can’t recall ever going to one, but it sure sounded fun.

Later, as a teenager who could drive, and on into my early college years, drive-ins became something that I would go to with a date rather than the family. You would park in the back, and bring blankets and....well, sometimes I didn’t catch all of the movies. There was a double header featuring Race With the Devil (starring Peter Fonda) and Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia. What I saw seemed pretty good, so someday I may have to rent or stream them, and see what I’ve missed.

There still exists a drive-in at the outskirts of our area, called the Jesup Drive-In. At least I think they still exist — we don’t ever hear what they have or when they’re open. I miss newspapers and their big movie ads. For me, the internet information is just not the same.

Other than never hearing about it, I’m not sure why we don’t go. Yes, it’s a little bit far for us. Yes, lifestyles seem a bit busier now, and hard to think of a whole evening in your car. There are no more playgrounds, and most regular movie theaters now have a snack bar— just as not as grand. We get IMAX and 3D and multiple screens and on and on, not to mention all the home choices we have now.

But sometimes I miss it. I miss the way things used to be.

Maybe I should struggle with the Google and see what they have playing.

Or not. Life does move on, doesn’t it?

Oh, well.

At least I have my memories.

T. M. Strait (Tom) is a CPA, actor, blogger and an enthusiastic storyteller.

“Why do so many drivers think they have to back into a parking spot and drive out going the wrong way than doing it correctly?”

“The knock on the non-politician GOP candidates is that they don’t know anything about foreign policy. Yet, who says that already being in politics will make you any better, because Obama and Hillary are prime examples of foreign policy disasters.”

“What is our commander-in chief thinking possibly allowing thousands of Syrian refugees into the United States? They have already identified one of the terrorists as being one of the recent refugees coming through Greece.”

“If you’re wondering just how far the Republican Party has sunk in prestige, look at who their two top hopefuls are.”

“America no longer has freedom of speech. You can only say what others want you to say.”

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.

Dear Consumer Ed:

Q: I bought a car at a used car dealership. The sticker on the window read “89,000 Miles” and the odometer reflected the same number. The paperwork the dealer gave me had the same mileage but also had “TMU,” which means “true miles unknown.” I now want to return the car because I discovered through an AutoCheck vehicle report that the car actually has 300,000 miles on it. The dealer is saying I can’t return it. Help!

A: Under these circumstances, you may have limited options in returning or refunding your vehicle if, as appears to be the case, the dealer correctly disclosed information regarding the vehicle mileage. Federal law requires sellers to disclose the miles on the odometer, and, if the seller knows that the odometer reading is different from the number of miles the car has actually traveled, include a disclosure indicating the true miles are unknown. It appears that the dealer who sold you this car made the appropriate disclosure to ensure that you knew the 89,000 miles odometer reading was inaccurate.

You may still have some recourse if you can show that the dealer knew the actual vehicle mileage at the time of sale. If the dealer knows the real mileage, then he or she must disclose that number and is not lawfully able to hide a higher odometer reading by using the “TMU” designation.

Clearly, at some point, the vehicle odometer was altered. Although not necessarily suggested by these facts, it is possible the dealer may have unlawfully manipulated the odometer reading. AutoCheck may be helpful in determining the approximate time the odometer discrepancy occurred. If the appearance of this discrepancy coincides with the dealer’s purchase or acquisition of the vehicle, this could suggest the dealer unlawfully altered and/or replaced the odometer and then disclosed the mileage as “TMU” in an effort to cover its actions. The law prohibits sellers from changing the odometers in this fashion and misusing the “TMU” disclosure. Both of the instances above would be an unfair and deceptive practice under the Georgia Fair Business Practices Act as well as under applicable federal law. You may have a claim under these laws if you can prove the dealer engaged in these practices.

With very few exceptions, however, purchasing a used car is an activity that is almost always at the buyer’s risk. Unless you can show that the dealer knew the real vehicle mileage or altered the odometer to begin with, you may be stuck with your higher-mileage vehicle. You can visit the website of the Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Unit at www.consumer.georgia.gov to learn more about your rights in these situations or to file a complaint against the company.

Got a question for Consumer Ed? Go to ConsumerEd.com to submit your question and read additional consumer tips. Always consult a lawyer about legal issues.

One morning, years ago, while rushing from one class to another at the University of Georgia, I stumbled across an unfamiliar garden tucked between some classroom buildings.

Surrounded by tall bamboo stalks on all sides, the garden consisted of square grey flagstones with a square pool in the middle. Nothing more.

There was, I discovered later, a fountain in the middle of the pool. But that day, it was not operating. All I saw was a square of still reflective water, surrounded by peaceful colorless tiles and grey-green bamboo.

My world ground to a halt.

Part of me could have stayed in that simple emptiness forever. But another part of me remembered that class was starting in 15 minutes, so eventually I moved on.

But I returned to the spot many times after that first surprise. And each time, the scene was like a breath of cool air.

That first discovery marked the first time I realized the joy of emptiness. I never got over it.

For years afterward, whenever my house would get too cluttered for my liking, full of objects I did not feel free to throw away, I would fantasize about a tornado blowing through, leaving the house intact but taking all the loose objects with it.

Except for the humans and pets, of course, even though tornadoes are not known for taking requests.

One afternoon this past weekend, I recalled that garden while cleaning house in anticipation of holiday decorating.

I had discovered a way to rid a closet and cabinet of some excess contents, and to move the furniture in a way that would make the living room look roomier.

In the process, one wall that had been lined with furniture was now empty and bare.

The following morning, I walked out of my bedroom and was struck with a sense of joyful calm.

Much like the way I felt when I first discovered that bare and peaceful garden.

When we are surrounded with so much stuff that it interferes with our ability to get things done or to be safe in our own homes, we might be diagnosed with a Hoarding Disorder.

But it is not necessary to meet the criteria for a Hoarding Disorder in order to suffer from clutter. Because stuff sometimes just accumulates when we are too busy to keep it at bay.

Or if we think we might need it in the future. Or if someone gives it to us and we don’t quite know where to put it.

But when we pull some of the excess stuff out of our environment, it can feel as refreshing as walking into that nearly empty garden. Or a newly created space and an uncluttered wall.

It doesn’t require a tornado to make the difference.

Just a breath of cool air.

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.

The South Effingham Middle School Competition Cheerleaders ended their competition season by winning the 2015 Georgia Middle School State Championship.

This is the first year a state competition has been held at the middle school level in Georgia.

The competition was held at the Jefferson High School Arena on Saturday, Nov. 7.

The SEMS cheerleaders have remained undefeated all season also winning the Coastal Empire Region Championship for the fifth year in a row.

Georgia houses weren’t drastically damaged by the recent weeks of rainfall like those in South Carolina, but an overabundance of moisture can cause a sneaky and dangerous aftereffect: mold.

“Heavy rains can produce an explosion of mold. Molds produce spores that spread through the air and form new mold growths or colonies when the conditions are right,” said University of Georgia Cooperative Extension expert Pamela Turner. “Mold is all around us. It can grow on any organic material, as long as there is moisture and oxygen. Molds are types of fungi and all fungi need moisture to live.”

The key to controlling mold and mold spores is to control the moisture and do it quickly, according to Turner. New mold colonies can form in as little as two to three days.

Mold can cause fungal allergy and respiratory infections or worsen certain illnesses like asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Clean any damp or wet materials and furnishings within 24 to 48 hours of the water damage,” Turner said. “Porous materials like carpet, wood and ceiling tiles may need to be discarded. Non-porous materials made from metal, solid wood or plastic can be cleaned with detergent and water and then dried completely.”

To prevent mold from growing in your house in the future, UGA Extension experts suggest following these steps to reduce moisture levels in your house.

1. Turn on the exhaust fan in the bathroom when you take a shower and leave it on for about 5 minutes after you shower.

2. Turn on the kitchen exhaust fan when you are cooking.

3. Check and repair any leaky kitchen and bathroom faucets as well as other plumbing.

4. Remove at least one-third of the contents of your closets to provide increased airflow and reduce the risk of mold. Install a louvered door on closets or keep closet doors open.

5. Purchase a humidistat to monitor the relative humidity inside your house. (In areas with high humidity, like Georgia, keep the indoor level below 60 percent.)

6. Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.

7. Make sure water does not pool around the foundation of your house.

If it does, clean, repair or replace gutters and make sure downspouts direct the water away from the foundation. Also, check the grading of the soil around the foundation of your house. It should have a gradual slope away from the foundation.

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

Drive-thru flu vaccination clinic is Nov. 17

The Effingham County Health Department will hold a drive-thru flu vaccination clinic from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the health department, located at 802 Ga. 119 South in Springfield. Flu shots will be available for $29. High-dose flu vaccine, offered for people 65 and older, will be $50.

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 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.

Camp Davis 2073

Camp Davis No. 2073 meets the second Tuesday 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 10 a.m. and Sunday School at 9 a.m.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Harmon Phillip Grovenstein

Rincon – Harmon Phillip Grovenstein, 90, passed away Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

The Effingham County native was a member of Jerusalem Lutheran Church, retired from Union Camp, and was known as the “woodman.” He served in the U.S. Army and the National Guard. He was preceded in death by his parents, Barnard Hillard Grovenstein and Maude Ophelia Rahn Grovenstein.

Survivors include his wife, Alice W. Grovenstein; children, Phillip Grovenstein Jr. (Diane) of Claxton; Michael Grovenstein (Sarah whom preceded him) of Rincon; Deborah Gavin (Ronald) of Virginia; Donnie Grovenstein (Vickie); Kay Kusic (Larry); and Gary Grovenstein (Lynn) all of Rincon; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; siblings, Johnnie Grovenstein of Alabama; Helen Gnann of Rincon; B. H. Grovenstein of Alabama; and Irvin Grovenstein of Florida; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Visitation was to be at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Wednesday, Nov. 18 at Jerusalem Lutheran Church.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Remembrances may be given to Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 2966 Ebenezer Road, Rincon, GA 31326.

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

Verne C. Pabst

Rincon - Verne C. Pabst passed away Nov. 12, 2015.

He was born February 11, 1924, in Ocean Springs, Miss. to Mary Elizabeth and George Carl Pabst. He attended public schools there, graduating from Ocean Springs High School in May of 1942. He then attended Mississippi State University where he planned on a degree in engineering. His college career was interrupted when in May of 1943 he enlisted in the United States Merchant Marines. He served in the southwest Pacific, Australia, Central and South America. He was a 1st Assistant Engineer on 15 different ships during the course of his service completing his service as a commissioned Lieutenant. He also served in the Army Transportation Corps until he was honorably discharged in August of 1946.

On August 2, 1946, he married Bonnie Moore, in New Orleans, where they made their home until 1961. He was employed by Fairbanks Morse/Colt Industries from November of 1946 until his retirement in February of 1989. They moved to Overland Park, KS in May of 1961. After a brief move to Stuttgart, Ark., the family now including two boys, returned to Overland Park and continued to live there until 2009.

He was a former member of the Old Mission Masonic Lodge and a 52 year member of Nall Avenue Baptist Church in Prairie Village, KS. While at Nall Avenue was very active in Boy Scouts with his sons and the music ministry singing in the choir each Sunday and behind the scenes building sets. In 2009 Verne and Bonnie moved to Rincon. He became a member of First Baptist Church of Rincon. He enjoyed singing with the Senior Adult Choir.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 69 years, Bonnie. Two sons, George and daughter-in-law, Barbara Pabst of Guyton, Ga. Karl Pabst of Altoona Pa. Three grandchildren, lights of his life, Elizabeth Pabst Burleson and husband Weston of Nashville, Tenn. Carolyn Pabst and Geoffrey Pabst of Guyton. The family would like to express a special thanks to three wonderful ladies who have given such loving care over the past months-Patricia Scott, Beverly Brinson and Rachel Teel.

Visitation was to be at 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held on Nov. 16. in the funeral home chapel.

Interment followed in Effingham Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to Crossroads Church Building Fund, 1435 Hwy. 119 N., Springfield, GA 31329 or First Baptist Church of Rincon, 201 E. 6th St., Rincon, GA 31326.

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

The 40th anniversary of the Effingham County Recreation Department was celebrated on Nov. 10 with a reception at the gym on Ga. 119 in Springfield.

Recreation Director Clarence Morgan, who has been involved with recreation in Effingham County for over 40 years, led the festivities.

Morgan said Effingham recreation has been blessed over the years.

“We have great people and great partners,” Morgan said. “You are the reason for 40 years of success.”

Morgan recognized many of those partners and loyal volunteers who have contributed their time and services to recreation.

Morgan also thanked county commissioners for moving forward with a new recreation complex on Ga. 21.

“It’s the miracle on 21,” Morgan said. “I’m still amazed it’s happening. The commissioners deserve the credit.”

Commissioner Vera Jones spoke for the board.

“We believe recreation is one of the most important things you can do with your family,” Jones said.

Jones said it was exciting that everyone at the table discussing the future of recreation all agreed on the new complex project.

The new complex on the west side of Ga. 21, just south of Springfield, eventually will have 11 baseball fields, four multi-purpose fields and a two-court gymnasium.

In addition to restrooms and parking, the plan calls for a 12-space RV campground, five picnic shelters, walking trails, covered bleachers, batting cages, three playgrounds, park space, a pond, splash pad, skate park and dog park.

Some empty space is left on Ga. 21 for the county to sell to commercial developers.

WARNER ROBINS — There was Houston County, cruising along into the red zone on its first possession.

And fumbling inside the 5.

And there was Houston County, cruising along into the red zone on its second possession.

And fumbling.

The Bears more than got over the early control problems, however, scoring on their next five possessions en route to a 53-6 thumping of South Effingham in the first round of the GHSA Class AAAAA playoffs at McConnell-Talbert Stadium.

The third-ranked Bears improved to 10-1, and they’ll host Mays in six days in the second round. Mays, who broke Jones County’s hearts with a 44-41 win in the quarterfinals a year ago, beat Creekview 31-0.

South Effingham’s season ended at 7-4.

Early possession struggles aside, Jake Fromm had a relaxing evening, completing 31-of-44 passes for 467 yards and seven touchdowns. Six teammates caught at least four passes, and all hauled in at least one pass of 24 yards or more.

Eli Watson caught four passes.

It wasn’t completely relaxing for Fromm, who spent a fair amount of the night being chased by an impressive Mustangs’ defense that forced Fromm into an odd 12-yard loss on one pass.

Houston County’s second 50-point game of the season didn’t start out well on offense, even after a safety recorded by its defense on South Effingham’s first play.

The Mustangs did nothing with the two fumbles against a Bears’ defense that had another bruising night.

A good sign came six plays before Chris Brinson went in from 2 yards out for a score when Fromm scrambled, threw a stutter-step move out to a South Effingham defender, and gained 14 on third and 7.

Alex Sanders’ interception set up another Brinson touchdown, a 16-yard pass reception after which Brinson powered his way into the end zone.

Five plays later, Rontravious Byron forced a fumble and Bennie Steadman recovered. Brinson’s touchdown catch less than a minute into the second quarter was from 25 yards, and Jordan Strevig’s kick made it 23-0.

But Patrick Brown found room up the middle on South Effingham’s first play after that for a 71-yard touchdown. The Bears countered with a 5-play, 68-yard scoring drive capped by Watson’s 26-yard touchdown catch.

Soon after, Mack McCullough got the 14-yard sack and forced fumble, covered by Stefan Hill.

Watson was on the receiving end of a 2-yard touchdown pass.

United Way of the Coastal Empire Area Director Bonnie Dixon has made a career of helping others.

Dixon is retiring at the end of this year and her service is being honored when she serves as grand marshal of this year’s Rincon Lions Club Christmas parade.

Grand marshal honors were not expected, Dixon said.

“I was totally surprised,” Dixon said. “I would never have guessed they’d choose me.”

When the parade steps off Saturday morning at 10 a.m., Dixon and her three grandchildren will ride in the parade they’ve enjoyed watching together for years.

Dixon said when she asked if her grandchildren would ride with her in the parade they had one question

“‘Will we still get candy?’” Dixon said.

When she explained that this year, they would instead throw candy, they were quick to agree, Dixon said.

The parade also gives the United Way and Rincon Lions Club an opportunity to highlight new vision services they hope to soon offer at the recently opened Two Rivers Health/Medical Clinic, temporarily located at the Effingham United Way Service Center.

The vision services would be through the Lions Lighthouse, a mobile clinic that would bring vision services to Two Rivers.

“We are hopeful to include the Lighthouse Vision Services program to the Two Rivers Health Clinic early in 2016,” Dixon said.

Dixon has great memories of her time at the United Way.

“It’s been a great job,” Dixon said. “I just wanted to help people.”

Dixon said the people of Effingham helped her do just that.

When she started with United Way in 1990, Dixon thought the job was going to be a difficult challenge.

She was in for a pleasant surprise.

“It was a big surprise at how compassionate the community was,” she said. “It wasn’t near the challenge I thought it would be. People from all walks of life and professions came to the table to help find solutions.”

Dixon said she’s loved the last 25 years, but she’s ready to spend more time with her husband and family.

“My husband needs some supervision at home,” Dixon joked. “We enjoy being together. We’re not big travelers, we will be happy in our little Guyton home.”