A sweet and tiny yorkie-chihauhau mix, also known as a “Chorkie,” is waiting for a new home this week at the Effingham County Animal Shelter.

Ava is about nine weeks old and loves attention, shelter staff reported.

Ava was turned in by her owner.

Also up for adoption are kittens, two boys and two girls.

The kittens are about 8-10 weeks old.

The shelter will be closed Thursday and Friday this week for Thanksgiving and will reopen on Monday.

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.

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....

From incident reports at the Springfield Police Department:

Oct. 17: A man gave his mother’s drunken boyfriend a black eye. W. First Street.            

Oct. 27: An officer stopped a vehicle on Ga. 21 for failure to maintain lane. The driver was arrested for possession of marijuana, improper lane usage, driving under the influence of drugs less safe and driving under the influence of drugs refusal. A passenger was arrested for giving a false identity.

Family feud

Nov. 5: An 84-year-old woman said her 33-year-old granddaughter snatched her credit card as she was trying to pay for insurance. An officer advised her to cancel the credit card immediately. A warrant was issued for the granddaughter for robbery and sudden snatching.

Nov. 6: A woman was accused of trying to steal a bracelet from Quick Rx on Laurel Street. She was given a criminal trespass warning.

Nov. 7: A woman said a man asked her for $10 and she told him she didn’t have it. She said he hit her, took her baby and ran away. 

Officers found him nearby and found the baby safe. Charges included cruelty to children, battery and kidnapping.

From incident reports at the Rincon Police Department:

Oct. 31: A resident of Keller Road said his wedding ring went missing during a Halloween party. He said he left it on the kitchen counter while he was cooking.

Phone tip

Nov. 1: A caller reported seeing a vehicle weaving on Ga. 21. Officers found the vehicle and stopped it. The driver was arrested for drunken driving, driving with a suspended license, open container and failure to maintain lane.

Nov. 1: Someone removed the lock from the trunk of a vehicle on Lisa Street. Nothing was taken.

Nov. 1: A woman said she believes someone was in her home, on Willowdell Court, while she was away on a cruise. She said nothing was missing or damaged. Her son, who lives with her, said some of his friends had been at the house.

Nov. 2: An officer saw a man he thought he recognized as being wanted on a warrant. The man was riding a bicycle on Ga. 21 near Weisenbaker Road. Turns out it was the man’s twin brother.

The twin was arrested and accused of trying to hide some marijuana and a grinder so that the officer wouldn’t find it, in a rotten tree stump. The man was arrested for possession of marijuana, possession of a drug-related object and loitering and prowling.

Float failure

Nov. 2: A 25-year-old man deposited six worthless checks totaling nearly $24,000 at Renasant Bank in an effort to “float money,” knowing the checks were no good. The bank declined to prosecute him.

Nov. 3: An officer looking for a stolen vehicle pulled over an SUV on Ga. 21. The driver was arrested for driving with a suspended license and no insurance.

Nov. 4: An officer stopped a vehicle on Ga. 21 because the automatic tag reader said it had suspended registration. The driver was arrested for driving with a suspended license, suspended registration and an Effingham warrant. Warrants were issued for a passenger for possession of drugs.

Bad checks

Nov. 4: Workers at the BP station on Ga. 21 cashed three payroll checks from a trucking company in Walterboro, S.C., for a total of about $1,500. The checks were no good because the account had been closed.

Nov. 4: A man took a $64 fishing reel off a shelf at Walmart and returned it for cash at the service desk. He was captured on video.

Nov. 4: An officer traveling north on Ga. 21 at 10:40 p.m. clocked a southbound vehicle at 47 mph in the 35 mph zone. The driver was cited for speeding and no insurance and the vehicle was towed.

Nov. 5: A man helping build the new Kroger was cited for interference with property of public utilities. He used 1,750 gallons of water from a fire hydrant rather than using a water line with a reader that he was supposed to use.

Nov. 6: Police got a call about a burglary in progress at a residence behind Church of the Harvest on Weisenbaker Road.

They found a man inside the residence. He said he had permission from the pastor to be there, but later admitted that wasn’t true. The key holder didn’t want to prosecute.

Nov. 8: A man took a video game controller off a shelf at Walmart and returned it for cash at the service desk. The man, who had an ID from Tennessee, was caught on video.

Go away

Nov. 8: A manager at Fred’s wanted to prosecute a man for stealing glue sticks valued at $3.95. The offender also was given a criminal trespass warning.

Nov. 8: The automatic tag reader sounded on a vehicle on Ga. 21 with no insurance. The driver was cited for no insurance and suspended registration. The vehicle was towed and an officer gave the driver a ride home.

Nov. 9: A resident of Dresler Road said she found two bags of suspected marijuana beneath the gas door on her vehicle.

Nov. 9: A rifle was missing from a residence on Barfield Way.

Nov. 9: An officer stopped a vehicle on Fort Howard Road at 3:20 p.m. for not having its headlights on in the rain. The driver was arrested for the headlight violation and for possessing marijuana.

Nov. 10: An officer questioned three men sitting in a vehicle at Willowpeg Way Apartments. One was arrested on an Effingham warrant.

Nov. 11: A vehicle was damaged on Lisa Street. It had a pink/purple paint mark and what looked like a key mark.

Hot bike

Nov. 12: Two men stole a mini bike valued at $499 from Walmart. One of the men had just made a return at the service desk, where he showed his ID. Warrants were to be issued for their arrests.

Nov. 12: A woman said her son’s father has been harassing her by phone and in person. She wanted a report so she could get a temporary protection order.

Nov. 12: An officer chased a man who stole a digital thermometer and some drug-related items, valued at $35, from Walmart. He was arrested for shoplifting and given a criminal trespass warning.

Nov. 12: A resident of Smithfield Drive said she wanted her sister-in-law and her sister-in-law’s boyfriend to move out. The sister-in-law was arrested on a Pooler shoplifting warrant.

Nov. 12: A pistol was missing from a residence on Town Park Drive.

Nov. 13: Someone stole a refrigerator from a bank-owned house on Smith Avenue.

Nov. 13: An officer found two friendly pit bull dogs, without collars on Fort Howard Road near the El Cheapo gas station. They ran away before Animal Control officers arrived.

Citizen’s arrest

Nov. 13: A Rincon man said he followed a vehicle that failed to stop for a school bus on Ga. 21. He said he had the incident on video. An officer tried to reach the driver of the offending vehicle, but no one answered the door.

Nov. 13: An officer stopped a vehicle for having a burned-out headlight on Lisa Street at Fort Howard Avenue. The driver was arrested on a Bloomingdale warrant for fleeing and a Savannah drug warrant. The passenger was arrested for giving a false name and possession of a drug-related object.

Nov. 14: A driver from Myrtle Beach, S.C., was stopped for going 55 mph in the 35 mph zone on Ga. 21. The driver was cited for speeding and not having insurance and the vehicle was towed.

Nov. 14: A woman said she believes her two front tires were flattened while her vehicle was parked at Alibi’s Sports bar.

Nov. 14: An officer found a pit bull dog running free on Talmadge Drive. He called the Sheriff’s Office humane enforcement, but a deputy said if the dog was in someone’s yard and not aggressive, he would not respond.

Disruptive shopper 

Nov. 15: A 28-year-old Rincon man who said he wanted to return to jail walked into Walmart, knocked over displays, broke a mirror and cut his arm with a razor. An officer used a stun gun on the man, but it had no effect on him. The officer eventually was able to grab the man and get him in handcuffs.

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

Nov. 6: A woman who was asleep in a car at 4 a.m. on Mill Pond Road in the Rincon area was arrested for loitering or prowling.

Nov. 7: A Sylvania man was found passed out in a vehicle on Ga. 119 N. at Marion Avenue in the Springfield area. He was arrested for drunken driving, improper stopping on roadway and open container.

Nov. 9: A deputy clocked a vehicle driving 79 mph on Ga. 17 N. in the Guyton area. When he tried to stop the vehicle, the driver pulled over and fled on foot. Deputies identified the driver, who was to be charged with speeding and obstruction of law enforcement officers.

You pay

Nov. 9: A resident of Godley Road in the Bloomingdale area said her boyfriend of 13 years and the father of her three children turned off the power in the house that he owns and she inhabits.

The boyfriend said he moved out a year ago and she needs to get the electricity in her name because she wastes power.

Nov. 10: A real estate agent asked a deputy to see who owned several vehicles that are parked without permission on property she is selling on Go Kart Road in the Guyton area. The deputy found the owners, who agreed to move the vehicles.

Nov. 10: A couple argued about whether she was disrespecting his mother. She was arrested for possession of marijuana.

Nov. 10: The owner of a towing business said he was keeping a former employee’s tools until the man returned the rest of his uniforms.

Nov. 10: An engineering and construction company that was repairing a Verizon fiber optic cable was accused of damaging private property on Longbridge Road in the Springfield area.

Blind spot

Nov. 11: A resident of Fox Bow Drive in the Eden area suspects a neighbor’s two dogs, which often run loose, killed his rabbit that was in a cage in his back yard. He said he has 13 outside cameras in use, but not one that covered where the rabbit cage was.

Nov. 11: A deputy intervened when a woman said she feared that her soon-to-be ex-husband was letting their children play outside without proper supervision.

He told the woman she could not enter her estranged husband’s house to check on their baby without first getting his permission.

Nov. 11: A resident of Ga. 17 S. in the Guyton area said he chased two men, who were behaving suspiciously, off his property. Deputies did not find the men.

Nov. 11: A man said he struck an object in the road on Ga. 21 at Chester Thomas Road. His front tire and rim were damaged.

Parking dispute

Nov. 11: Two women argued in the parking lot of Parker’s on U.S. 80 in the Bloomingdale area. One said she accidentally bumped the door of the vehicle beside her, leaving a slight scuff mark.

She said the other driver assaulted her by “chest bumping her.” The other driver, who was parked in a handicapped space, said the other woman struck her vehicle on purpose and asked why she had to park so close. Both vehicles were parked within their lines.

Nov. 12: An 18-year-old man said he came to pick up his check at StaffCo, on Commercial Court in the Rincon area, and was told someone had already signed for and taken his check. He was instructed how to file a complaint with the company and to talk with a lawyer.

Nov. 12: A resident of Saddleclub Way in the Guyton area said his vehicle was stolen from his driveway. He said he thought the vehicle was locked, but he wasn’t sure and there was a spare key inside. On-Star said the vehicle was in Savannah. Savannah police were notified.

Trash problem

Nov. 13: A resident of Longbridge Road in the Rincon area said Republic Services repeatedly has knocked over trash cans when picking up recycling, leaving garbage in the ditch by his driveway.

He said four seniors live at the address and can’t clean up the mess without risking injury. He said he hasn’t been able to get Republic to remedy the situation and he wanted a report in case he has to pursue civil action.

Nov. 13: Two mailboxes were damaged on Arnsdorff Road in the Clyo area.

Nov. 13: A caller said a pickup truck was running vehicles off the road, on U.S. 80 in the Bloomingdale area. A deputy found the vehicle and arrested the driver for driving under the influence of drugs.

Nov. 13: Someone stole a weed trimmer and a welding machine from a shed on Saddlehorn Lane in the Springfield area. A window was broken on the house, but no entry was made.

Nov. 13: A grandmother argued with her granddaughter, who has a drug problem. Deputies advised them of ways to get help.

Nov. 13: A resident of Ellis Road in the Rincon area said someone deposited $500 in her checking account without authorization. The depositor said the money would be removed, but they wanted a police report.

Nov. 13: A resident of McNamee Lane in the Guyton area said her daughter’s boyfriend was belligerent, violent and destroyed property before leaving on foot when she called for help.

Pedestrian struck

Nov. 13: A drunken man struck a pedestrian and then crashed his car at Old Dixie Highway S. at Clyo-Shawnee Road in the Springfield area. He was arrested for drunken driving, leaving the scene of an accident and failure to stop at a stop sign.

Nov. 14: A woman at Rudra Food Mart on Old River Road in the Meldrim area said a customer took her keys, which were lying on the counter.

Nov. 14: An off-duty Effingham sheriff’s deputy helped a woman whose husband grabbed her and forced her into a car in Savannah. The couple was arguing because he said he caught her cheating on him.

Nov. 14: A car was abandoned shortly before 9 a.m. in the turn lane at the intersection of Ga. 21 and Commerce Drive, with the rear passenger door open. It was towed.

Nov. 14: A pistol, a purse and wallet were stolen from two unlocked vehicles on Wheelstone Way in the Guyton area.

Nov. 14: A deputy brokered peace among a drug addict and his parents, who wanted him out of their house. The parents said he screams profanities over and over and they are afraid of him. He agreed to leave so everyone could calm down.

Hungry dog

Nov. 14: A resident of Pitts Road in the Newington area said a neighbor’s dog killed his cat. A deputy found the dog, which appeared to be starved. The dog jumped into the patrol car’s back seat and the deputy took it to the animal shelter.

Nov. 15: A resident of Corinth Church Road in the Clyo area said members of a hunting club were trespassing on his property. He said when he approached them, one of them threatened him and pushed him into a ditch. He didn’t want to press charges, but he wanted a report.

Nov. 15: A deputy pulled over a driver who made an illegal U-turn on Ga. 21, was weaving and driving 30 mph in a 45 mph zone. The driver was arrested for drunken driving-refusal and failure to maintain lane.

Nov. 15: A vehicle crashed on Old Augusta Road S. in the Rincon area. The driver was arrested for drunken driving, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to notify owner upon striking a fixed object and failure to maintain lane.

Nov. 15: A trailer with a small shed that had a wheel problem was abandoned in a turning lane at Ga. 26 and Pineview Drive in the Bloomingdale area. It was towed.

Hi high

Nov. 15: A resident of River Branch Road in the Bloomingdale area said she looked outside at 3:45 a.m. to see a man she knew trying to get into her vehicle. The gas tank door was open. She asked what he was doing in her yard and he yelled, “I’m high,” as he ran away.  

Nov. 16: A deputy answered a call about a loud party on Goshen Road in the Rincon area. A woman who was standing outside with friends was arrested on a warrant from Bryan County for traffic offenses.

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

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

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

Businessman builds new house in Clyo

Scott Morgan resigned from the Rincon City Council tonight, saying he has moved outside the city limits.

Morgan still owns property and a business in Rincon, but he has built a new home in Clyo, according to City Manager Wesley Corbitt.

Morgan was half-way through a third four-year term on the council.

“We will miss him,” Corbitt said. “He’s been a great asset to us.”

His resignation is effective immediately, Corbitt said. A special election will be held to replace him.

The dates of qualifying and the special election will be announced later, Corbitt said.

Morgan is an owner of Savannah River Mortgage in Rincon.

Every now and then, the mystery plant column features something that isn’t exactly a plant. Like this time.

I think it’s pretty easy to recognize that this thing is some sort of a fungus. Fungi are enormously important organisms on our little planet and everyone has had experiences with them, both good and bad. Probably.

Fungi are not plants. These two groups of organisms have wildly different features, including differences in biochemistry, cell wall characteristics, reproduction and metabolism.

Plants — that is, the familiar “green” plants — are able to live off organic matter (carbohydrates) they have made themselves. This process occurs as a result of photosynthesis. OK, it’s true that some very specialized plants lack chlorophyll and they can’t make their own food. But those are exceptional. And not green.

Fungi, on the other hand, do not employ photosynthesis and they must absorb their nutrients (you see I’m trying to avoid using the word “food” here). There are a lot of nutrients available in the world for fungi to use. Some of these nutrients are found in tissues of dead plants or animals.

Fungi that absorb food this way are called saprophytes. Other fungi absorb their nutrients from living plants or animals, and of course they are called parasites. Indeed, there are some very serious human diseases caused by various fungi. On the other hand, certain fungi provide food for animals, including humans. Probably the most important ecological value afforded by fungi is their role as decomposers. Without fungi, our world would be a lot messier.

Fungi are found all around the world and they come in a fantastic assortment of shapes, colors and sizes. “Fleshy” fungi are the ones we are most visually familiar with: mushrooms, toadstools, stinkhorns and bracket fungi. These fleshy fungi live out most of their lives in a mostly microscopic way, producing very tiny filaments called hyphae and quietly absorbing nutrients.

When they decide to go into a reproductive mode, that’s when the excitement starts: time to make spores. Spore production in the fleshy fungi generally involves an almost magical spurt of growth, and the development of a rather complicated and obvious fruiting structure from which spores will be produced and released.

Our mystery plant is the fruiting structure of a fungus that is widespread in North America and Europe, although it’s always sort of a surprise when you spot one in the woods. It is a parasite, found usually on hardwoods (especially oaks and beech) that have been wounded.

This beautiful and massive white structure will grow out of a crack or knothole. These things can be up to a foot wide and fairly heavy. Spores are produced on the surface of thousands of tiny icicle-like teeth that hang downward.

My friends who like to harvest wild mushrooms say these things are delicious. I’m a scaredy-cat when it comes to eating wild mushrooms, so I’ll stick with the ones from the supermarket.

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: “Bear’s head fungus,” Hericium erinaceus

Last week was all about turkey and now we move into setting up decorations for Christmas. The focal point of most Christmas décor is the Christmas tree, so keeping this fresh is a very important task. If you put up an artificial tree, then this article probably is not for you. I am a “real tree guy,” so hopefully this will help those who are in the same corner.

Choices:

The main Christmas tree options we have in our state are Leyland Cypress and Fraser Fir. The Christmas tree farms in Georgia will most likely only grow Leyland Cypress because of our climate. For more information about Christmas Tree farms in our area, visit gacta.com. The Fraser fir trees are coming from outside of the state and will be found in wholesale tree lots and the big box stores. If you are looking for a Christmas tree and also wanting to help out the community, several local groups sell Christmas trees as fundraisers.

Picking a fresh tree:

It’s hard to tell exactly how long pre-cut trees have been cut and how long they’ll last after purchase. To do a “freshness test,” hold a branch about 6 inches from the top of the tree. Allow the branch to slip through your fingers. If the tree is fresh, very few green needles should come off. Another test involves lifting the standing tree a couple of inches off the ground, then abruptly setting it down on its stump. The outside green needles should not fall off. Remember, inside needles turn brown and shed naturally.

Care:

There is no need to add special products to the tree’s water. Just give it a gallon of water the first 24 hours and another 2 pints to a gallon the next day.

Check the stand regularly and make sure it never runs out of water. If the stand were to run out of water, the tree’s cut may seal up with sap and possibly need cutting again to open it back up. Place the tree away from heat sources to help keep it from drying out too quickly.

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

Counseling is a profession that thrives on teamwork.

Many of my clients benefit from the cooperative effort of several different types of healthcare professionals. Some of them are referred to my office by a primary care provider such as their family doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant.

And, with the client’s permission, our offices consult as needed, to provide the best care.

One thing counselors don’t do is prescribe medicine. In most states, that responsibility is left to a physician’s office. But in some cases, we might confer with the client’s primary health care provider to discuss the possibility of a certain type of medication.

Sometimes, we consult a psychiatrist, a physician who specializes in the types of medicine that are prescribed for mental health symptoms. Again, the client’s permission is necessary for any such consultation to take place.

In other words, in counseling, you are the boss of you.

A lot of my clients don’t even need to take medicine to help them feel better. And for those who might benefit from a certain medication, it is important that they have all the information necessary in order to make a good decision about it.

Otherwise, some clients might deprive themselves of something that would really be helpful to their recovery.

For example, many people do not realize that antidepressant medication is not addictive.

Sometimes when I mention the possibility of an antidepressant for a client who is severely depressed, or whose symptoms do not seem to be improving, the client may say they are afraid of becoming dependent on the medication.

I tell them they are more likely to get dependent on an aspirin, because at least it’s immediately rewarding.

But there is nothing in the chemistry of an antidepressant that could possibly become addictive to a human brain.

In fact, many of the antidepressants can also be used to treat symptoms of anxiety. Since some of the antianxiety drugs do have the potential for addiction, the antidepressant option can be welcome news for a client who is concerned about becoming dependent on a particular medication.

It is sometimes helpful, too, to look at the difference between depending on a medication and needing it. For example, a person with diabetes might need to take insulin, and a person with severe or chronic depression might need to take an antidepressant.

But this kind of need is a physical one, and one that will make the person’s life better.

As opposed to a craving for a drug that will make your life worse.

And nobody ever craves an antidepressant. In fact, it takes a few weeks for them even to start taking effect in any noticeable way.

And even then, they don’t directly affect your moods. They just stimulate your brain to do what it needs to do naturally, and which it hasn’t been doing enough of.

Tuck this information away in case you ever need to remember it.

Because nobody should ever have to feel bad unnecessarily.

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 Effingham County Recreation and Parks age 8 and under Jags won the GRPA 1st District Championship on Nov. 19 by defeating Dublin 13-6. The team advances to Cordele to play Crisp County in the first round of the GRPA South Regional on Dec. 5.

The Effingham County Recreation and Parks 10U Football Jaguars are GRPA 1st District runner-ups. The

10 and under Jags placed second in the GRPA 1st District Football Tournament. They defeated Toombs County, 34-0, and then defeated Swainsboro-Emanuel County 24-0 to advance to the finals where they were defeated by Thomson McDuffie County 14-8.

The Effingham County Recreation and Parks 12 and under Jags won the GRPA 1st District Championship on Nov. 19 in Thomson. They defeated Dublin- Laurens 46-7 in the 1st round and won by forfeit from Toombs County in the semi-finals. In the vhampionship game they defeated Thomson-McDuffie 43-0 to clinch the championship. They advance to Cordele on Dec. 5 to play Crisp County in the GRPA South Regionals.

The Junior Beta Club at Blandford Elementary School coordinated their annual Thanksgiving food drive for Manna House in Rincon.

A total of 3,140 pounds of food was donated by Blandford students.Students brought in items throughout the week of October 26-30. Each day during that week, Beta Club members announced clues for specific items needed by Manna House.

Manna House is a non-profit organization in Rincon serving all of Effingham County. Manna House aims to help those in need by providing clothing, food and household items. n an average month, they can serve over 500 families. Manna House will also provide free school uniforms to students in need.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

SEHS 55,

CLAXTON 37

SEHS Lady Stangs defeated Claxton tonight 55-37.

Shae Leverett 20

Faith Harris 10

Diera Newberry 6

Jordan Bisard 5

Cheyenne Boswell 5

Mallori Jenkins 5

Jillian Pelote 2

Lei-Lani Beasley 2

SEHS 49,

GROVES 22

Maleece Newbill 4

Jordan Bisard 8

Jayde Goldwire 1

Diera Newberry 5

Cheyenne Boswell 9

Faith Harris 15

Shae Leverett 4

Mallori Jenkins 2

Jillian Pelote 1

ECHS 67,

SWAINSBORO 59

The Lady Rebels defeated Swainsboro in this home non-conference game on Nov. 28. Effingham stats weren’t available.

BOYS BASKETBALL

SOUTH EFFINGHAM 50,

GROVES 41

Ben Brennen 10

Travis Simmons 9

Shamar Orr 8

Kenny Durden 7

Turner Davis 6

Joey Connelly 4

Derrick Newberry 4

Amari Gaines 2

Quarter Scores:

SEHS 12, 29, 36, 50

Groves 8, 19, 33, 41

ECHS 65,

SWAINSBORO 66

The Rebels lost the home non-conference game with Swainsboro on Nov. 28.

Cody Hilbert was named player of the game after scoring 20 points. Also scoring in the double-digits were DeShaun Wilkenson with 15 and Jaden Rodriquez with 13 points.

If you have a child attending one of Georgia’s public universities, you may have the perception that the cost of college is going up faster here than just about anywhere else.

There’s a reason you would have this perception: it’s accurate.

A new study released by the Urban Institute shows that from 2010 to 2015, the tuition for four-year public colleges increased by 48 percent in Georgia. That was higher than the increases in every other state except Louisiana, where tuition costs went up by 56 percent.

In 2001-02, Georgia provided an average of $10,598 in public funds for every fulltime college student. Thanks to budget-cutting and an economic downturn, that amount was reduced to $9,756 by 2007-08. It declined even more to $8,553 in 2011-12, which was Gov. Nathan Deal’s first year in office.

Thankfully, the money Georgia allocates for colleges increased to $8,882 per student by 2013-14, but that’s still a substantial drop from what it once was.

As the state provided less money for public colleges, the Board of Regents made up the difference by raising tuition rates. As a result, the average tuition at Georgia’s public colleges has tripled since the 2002-03 academic year.

There was a time when tuition only had to cover about 25 percent of the costs of attending college. Today, because of continuing cutbacks in funding, tuition has to cover about half the cost – placing more of a financial burden on college students and their parents.

Let’s look at another important number: the amount of money allocated to instructional expenditures in public colleges. This is the money that pays for professors’ salaries and for the classrooms and lab facilities used by students.

During the 2012–13 academic year, the national average expenditure per student for instructional purposes was $9,480. Georgia’s per-student expenditure for that year was $6,669, ranking it 46th in the country. Only Florida, Utah, Montana and South Dakota spent less per student.

These numbers are important because Deal has said that increasing the number of people who attend college or technical college would be one of his top priorities.

“By 2020, more than 60 percent of job openings in Georgia will require some form of postsecondary education,” Deal said during his first term. “To meet this demand, we must increase the number of students graduating with post-secondary degrees in a timely, cost-effective manner.”

When you keep boosting tuition rates, however, you ensure that fewer people will be able to afford college. We can see this in the enrollment numbers.

Since 2011, the total enrollment in Georgia’s public college has declined slightly or stayed flat each academic year. University System enrollment is now about 318,000 students, which is where it was in the fall of 2011, even though the state’s overall population has continued to grow.

Here’s more evidence of what rising tuition is doing to the price of an education. There are now more than 136,000 students in Georgia who have to take out a loan to help pay college costs: this represents more than half of the University System’s total undergraduates.

Many students who do manage to stay in college and earn a degree must sign for loans that can take them years to pay off after graduation – if indeed they can ever liquidate them.

Last year, according to the University System, there were 9,500 students who were on the verge of being dropped from the college rolls because of money shortages. About 3,000 of them were able to obtain “gap funding” to help pay those final costs, but the rest were presumably kept out of school.

We are putting students in a crushing financial vise. As public funding of the University System is reduced, tuition and fees keep getting raised, which makes college education unaffordable for more students and their families.

Deal is correct when he says Georgia needs to increase its number of college graduates. That’s the sort of thing all governors should strive for and it would be good for the future of this state.

It’s now time for the governor to step up to the plate and push the legislature to restore public college funding to somewhere near the level it used to be. Otherwise, we’re writing off another generation of students.

Tom Crawford is editor of The Georgia Report, an internet news service at gareport.com that reports on state government and politics. He can be reached at tcrawford@gareport.com.

The butterfly effect.

It’s a concept that permeates through most time travel stories. The idea that changes, even minor ones, can have rippling effects throughout history. It was articulated most clearly in a Ray Bradbury story, “A Sound of Thunder,” where time travelers journey to the Jurassic Era, and upon their return find things subtly different, the English language with different words and spellings, and someone else as President of the United States. One of the travelers discovers that he crushed a butterfly, found on his boot, and that somehow led to a cascading chain of events that altered history.

Foreign policy is like that. Often we are faced with a whole series of choices, and all of them lead to altering future history, often in ways that are unintended. The hard thing to realize is that often inaction leads to unintended consequences as well. America’s late interventions in World War I and World War II probably extended and made worse those wars. Likewise, not intervening at all might have led to horrible consequences. For example, we might all be speaking German now, at least those of us still alive after the purges.

It is clear now, that our unwarranted and unjustified intervention into Iraq has led to negative consequences that will reverberate for generations to come. Our destabilization of that country has led to the creation of ISIS, the rise in power of our adversary Iran, emboldened rebel movements in other Mideast countries, created a massive debt that was off-budget and unfunded (at least until the Obama administration), and a loss of civil liberties here at home.

In Syria, we face a horrible situation that has no good answers. Even though there are many decent Syrian citizens, their political factions are all a mess, and virtually none of them hold the promise of a better Syria in the future. Right now they are in the hands of a bloody dictator, Bashar al-Assad, an Alawite Muslim, which is an offshoot of Shiar Muslims. The vast majority of Syrians are Sunni Muslims. The conflict between various Muslim groups creates terrible tensions within the country. This is exacerbated when outside countries try to sponsor one group or another within the country. Players inside Syria include us, the Chinese, the Russians, Turks, Saudis, and the European Union.

If we come into the situation wrong, we risk destabilizing things even greater than they are, and empowering people that may not be friendly to the interests of the United States. As dangerous as it is, we have to be a player. Withdrawing completely may be as dangerous as over-intervention. I don’t have any magic answers. In such a volatile situation, I see no advantage to boots on the ground. I do think that diplomacy and international coordination is vital.

ISIS is a monstrous organization, and needs to be defeated. It, as are many of the terrorist and/or rebel groups we hear of, more political and social than religious. Yes, many of them use Islam as a cover and excuse for their atrocities. But that only makes them more evil for their misuse of religion. They are no more Muslim than our KKK or Christian militias are even remotely Christian. We have to attack them in a way that really defeats them, and does not inspire others and increase their numbers. It’s like the many headed mythological beast Hydra - cut off one head (say, Saddam Hussein, or Al Qaeda), and ten more emerge to take their place.

All of this upheaval has created one of the largest refugee movements of modern times. If this is going to be a truly international effort, than everyone needs to do their part in taking them in. I have been disgusted and ashamed of many in this country who have been fear mongering and reflecting a rabid, paranoid xenophobia over accepting a disproportionately small number of refugees - only 10,000, a pitiful number compared to the size of our country, and smaller ratio wise compared to many other countries. It’s just horrifying to think how little it takes for so many in this country to turn so brutal and uncaring.

I don’t know all the solutions. No matter what we do this may not turn out well. But there are some common sense things we can do, that to me, puts us on the right side of the spirit of a better world. As boring as it is to some Americans, we need to continue to be at the forefront of diplomatic efforts. We need to coordinate any military efforts with the rest of the world. And we need to be at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, including assisting with the refugees.

Yes, whatever we do steps on butterflies, and will result in changes, some good and some bad. The world has become increasingly inter-related, and it is hard to do anything that doesn’t effect us all.

Even if we can’t be perfect, let us at least err on the side of doing good. Diplomacy, coordinated international force, and humanitarian outreach.

And prayer. Let’s not forget prayer.

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

“It’s true, we should be worried about allowing immigrants into the U.S. Look what happened to the population of natives of this land when peoples of Great Britain and Spain began escaping religious persecution.”

“You’re right. Americans should vote on whether Syrians should be allowed into the country. But not all Americans. Just the Native Americans. Let’s see what they think!”

“They keep telling us that gas prices are going down, but they forget to mention that gas prices have gone up over the last few weeks.”

“The cartoon in the Effingham Now opinion page of Trump with Hitler is disgusting and appalling. Has everyone forgotten 9/11 already?”

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.

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.

Rincon MOPS

Rincon MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the Memorial Chapel of First Baptist Church of Rincon. MOPS offers fellowship and encouragement to mothers of children ages birth through kindergarten. The meeting will feature a speaker, a craft activity, discussion time, and refreshments. Childcare is provided. For more information please call the church office at 826-5536.

10th Annual Breakfast with Santa

Santa’s helpers will be cooking up breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 5. Kids, their parents and grandparents are invited to join Santa at 9 a.m. for food, fun, prizes and time on Santa’s knee at Rincon United Methodist Church, 107 Savannah Avenue. Adults (10 and up) $6, Kids 3 – 9 $4, under 3 free. Tickets available in the church office, or call 826-5796 to make your reservations. And don’t forget to bring your camera.

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.

Marion Copeland Simpson

Dublin - Mr. Marion Copeland Simpson, 94, passed away Wed., Nov. 25, 2015 at Charlie Norwood VAMC in Augusta, Ga.

Mr. Simpson was a Veteran of the U.S. Army serving in World War II, he was a barber, a farmer and of the Baptist faith.

Mr. Simpson is preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Reba Lois Crumley Simpson; son-in-law, James Harvey Blaylock and grandson, Christopher Edward Stevens.

Survivors included his daughters, Gloria Blaylock of Springfield, Ga., Mary Campbell (Mick) of Winter Springs, Fla., and Brenda Stevens (Charles) of Guyton; grandchildren, Adam Campbell, Diane Horton, Jennifer Register, Brad Stevens, Tom Campbell and Ian Campbell; 16 great-grandchildern and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Nov. 29 in the chapel of Riggs Funeral Home. Interment was held at Red Bluff Baptist Church Cemetery in Soperton, Ga.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Charlie Norwood Fisher House – Augusta Warrior Project, 4115 Columbia Road Suite 5-333, Martinez, Georgia 30907-0410.

Riggs Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

L. Ruth Ambrose

Rincon – L. Ruth Ambrose, 80, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015 at Hospice Savannah.

Ruth was born on May 14, 1935 and was affectionately known as Granny Ruth.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, George; her three children, Wanda (Mark) Hinely of Newington, Cindy (Keith) Zipperer of Rincon, and Darnell Ambrose of Atlanta. Ruth also loved her 4 grandchildren, Jennifer Hinely of Charleston, S.C., Jason (Jincy) Hinely of Springfield, Mandy (Chris) Coleman of Bishop, and Clinton Hinely and Lauren Thompson of Pooler. She was also proud of her three great-grandchildren, Jace and Jett Hinely of Springfield, and Claire Coleman of Bishop. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Nov. 28 in the funeral home chapel.

Interment followed in Effingham Memorial Gardens.

Remembrances may be given to Hospice Savannah, 1352 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.

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

A Springfield man has pleaded guilty in the death of a Rincon man.

Harold Antwan Donva Cope Jr. entered a guilty plea to homicide by vehicle in front of Effingham County Superior Court Judge F. Gates Peed in October.

Cope was sentenced to 15 years.

Killed in the single-car wreck was a passenger in Cope’s car, Mikeal Bernard Young-Garvin Jr.

The Georgia State Patrol reported Cope was driving a black 2012 Ford Fusion that was traveling north on Stillwell Clyo Road, just north of Laurel Tree Road, at 3:18 a.m. It was dark, clear and dry.

As the car was negotiating a left curve, it ran off the road to the right, overturned and struck a tree. Young-Garvin was thrown from the car and died at the scene, the report said.

Cope left the scene before authorities arrived.

The accident report by Trooper J.A. Lewis said an investigation was completed by the State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team on Dec. 4 that determined Cope was the driver.

Cope was arrested on Dec. 28, 2014.

This year’s United Way of the Coastal Empire - Effingham County Campaign ended with a bang, officials said. Donors exceeded the $325,000 goal, which was set honoring the 25 years United Way has had a presence in Effingham County.

Campaign Chair, Pastor Andy Lamon of Gateway Community Church, led the charge. Beginning back in July, pace-setters Georgia Power and the Effingham County Board of Education set the bar high for local donors. The Effingham offices of Georgia Power raised a combined $18,622, which is 12 percent higher than 2014 pledges. Sonya Garner and Lonnie Shaw served as onsite campaign coordinators at these locations.

In September, Georgia-Pacific’s Loaned Associates (LA’s) joined the team. Stephen Roddenberry, Senior LA, and Sheila Patterson, Junior LA traveled approximately 2,500 miles from Rincon to Clyo and everything in between. They personally called on close to 60 individuals and made more than 40 employee presentations.

The following local businesses and agencies deserve thanks for their pledges to this year’s campaign, Julie Dickey, co-director, Effingham Area United Way of the Coastal Empire said. They include: Effingham Health System ($15,134) Effingham County Government ($6,052), Rincon Walmart ($3,656), Rincon Kroger ($7,000+), and the cities of Guyton, Rincon and Springfield ($4,261).

Dickey gave special thanks to Georgia-Pacific’s Savannah River Mill for their employee campaign leaders Derrick Kessler and Cameron Galloway. She also thanked mill leadership, including Plant Manager Rob Shaw, Dan Pennings and Carrie Thompson. In addition to employee pledges and a corporate donation, special events were held including Chic-fil-a sandwich and Bojangle’s biscuit sales, grilled hamburger sales (including raffling the grills), college football competition, two product sales and a roving holiday sale. All of these efforts brought in a total of more than $190,000 from Georgia-Pacific’s Savannah River Mill, which is the highest amount ever pledged from this location.

“All of this calculates to a wonderful $340,750, or 105 percent of goal from Effingham County,” Dickey said.