One northbound lane of Ga. 21 near Ralph Rahn Road is closed tonight following an crash involving a car and a farm tractor.
The adult male driver of the tractor has been charged with driving under the influence, Effingham County Sheriff's Office spokesman David Ehsanipoor said.
Deputies and the Georgia State Patrol are on the scene.
A Springfield man was charged with driving under the influence Saturday night when the tractor he was driving crashed into a car on Ga. 21.
Michael Coules, 65, was attempting to cross Ga. 21 near Ralph Rahn Road when the tractor was struck by an oncoming car, Effingham County Sheriff’s Office spokesman David Ehsanipoor said.
Coules was drinking a beer while driving the tractor, deputies reported.
Minor injuries were reported.
“Coules was able to remain in the tractor seat even after it was ripped into three pieces,” Ehsanipoor said.
There was extensive damage to both the car and tractor.
Coules was taken to the Effingham County Jail.
The accident caused the partial closing of Ga. 21 for about two hours.
Fire gutted a house at 208 Tara St. in Rincon at about 10 a.m. today.
Rincon Fire Chief Corey Rahn said the cause of the fire was undetermined, but it “appeared to be of an electrical nature.”
One firefighter suffered a minor injury, he said. No one from the house was injured, Rahn said.
The department used a 5-inch hose that was laid about 2,000 feet to a neighbor’s pond to fight the blaze, Rahn said. The department is qualified to lay hose as far as a mile from a water source.
“It went real well,” he said of the long hose lay.
The Red Cross Disaster Action Team provided funds for food and clothing for the house’s owners. The 51-year-old owner of the house said he does have insurance and that he, his 50-year-old wife and their 18-year-old son will stay with family until their insurance makes other provisions.
The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in finding a Clyo man who invaded the home of an elderly couple.
Chrishaun Garvin, 23, may be armed and dangerous, according to Effingham County Sheriff’s Spokesman David Ehsanipoor.
Gavin and another, unidentified male forced their way into a Clyo home and assaulted an elderly couple Feb. 9.
The suspects got away with cash and other items. Investigators have identified Garvin as one of the suspects.
Garvin, who has been arrested almost a dozen times, may be in Effingham or Chatham County.
Anyone with information on Garvin’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office at 912-754-3449.
--G.G. Rigsby.
Harrison R. Brown, 23, pleaded guilty to child molestation Tuesday and was sentenced to 10 years in jail and 10 years of probation.
Brown lived in Guyton in 2009 and was 19 years old when he was accused of molesting a 4-year-old boy.
Brown was accused of molesting the child of his brother’s girlfriend. Brown lived in the same house as the child.
Effingham Superior Court Chief Judge William E. Woodrum Jr. ordered Brown to report at noon Friday to begin serving his sentence.
The Georgia Supreme Court ruled that Brown’s confession could be used against him at trial, affirming a ruling by the state Court of Appeals that reversed Woodrum’s order excluding the man’s confession at trial.
Brown was indicted on charges of aggravated sodomy, aggravated child molestation, child molestation and felony sexual battery.
According to court documents, Brown confessed while being interviewed by two Effingham County Sheriff’s Office investigators -- Sgt. Don White and Detective John Bradley.
The confession was excluded in 2010 by Woodrum, who ruled that the investigators’ promise to Brown that he could go home after speaking with them created an improper “hope of benefit,” amounting to a promise he would not face criminal charges if he admitted the allegations.
The Supreme Court disagreed, writing that the promise by the officers was not improper as long as the statements did not amount to a promise that he would never be charged, or face reduced charges or a reduced sentence.
“Here the officers never said or implied to appellant that if he confessed what he had done to the child no criminal charges would ever be filed against him, nor did they promise reduced punishment,” the opinion said.
According to court documents detailing the video-taped interview of Brown, Brown was told he could leave the interview anytime he wanted. Brown asked Bradley and White what would be done if he had molested the child.
White replied that he couldn’t tell him what a judge would do. “We can’t promise you anything or tell you anything,” he said. “What I can tell you is you’ll go home. When you leave here no matter what you tell me or what you say.”
Bradley told Brown that he would be going home “unless you killed somebody. You killed somebody, you ain’t going home.”
Brown admitted molesting the boy. The investigators then read Brown his Miranda rights. Brown repeated his admission and was arrested immediately.
“A promise not relating to charges or sentences, including a promise regarding release after questioning, has been held to constitute only a ‘collateral benefit’ … and even if it induces a confession, it does not require the automatic exclusion of that evidence,” Justice David E. Nahmias wrote.
Spring has arrived and plants are beginning to break dormancy. This time of year always brings on a surge of urgency for homeowners to get out and do work in their yards. Do not be impatient with your centipede lawn and rush it to green up. Centipede grass does not green up as quickly as some of our other warm season turf grasses. Temperature and day length are the two factors That influence when centipede comes out of dormancy and the rate at which the grass greens up.
I have looked at several lawns and spoken with many concerned homeowners over the past few weeks about the appearance and health of their centipede grass. Does your lawn have dead spots or brown patches in it? One of the following factors or a combination of them can be the reason for these bad areas in your centipede lawn: excessive nitrogen applications, excessive thatch, winter injury, insects or disease.
Problems with centipede lawns often develop three to five years after establishment. These problems can generally be related to mowing heights more than 2 inches high, annual nitrogen applications of more than 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet, or early spring or late fall fertilizations.
Excessive nitrogen applications during last year’s growing season and/or fertilizer applications made too early in the spring makes the grass more susceptible to winter injury. Lawns with excessive thatch are also more likely to have received winter injury because of the extra distance between the stolons and the soil surface.
Insects could be causing the problems you are noticing in your yard. Mole crickets and grubs can cause excessive root damage to your lawn. If you have mole crickets in your yard, you probably have considerable root damage. The adult stage of the mole cricket is the only one active at this time. The adult is hard to kill — you almost need two bricks — and now is not the ideal or appropriate time to treat for mole crickets. You may have to treat or contact a landscape professional to make an application if they are causing excessive damage to the turf and cannot wait until June to treat for the young mole crickets.
Disease is another factor that could be causing problems in your lawn. Take-all patch and large patch are common problems noticed in centipede. Some of the damage you may be noticing probably occurred last year. Proper identification of the disease needs to be attained, so control measures for it can be followed.
Centipede is susceptible to yellowing or iron chlorosis. The chlorosis may be caused by one or more of the following factors: excessive nitrogen or nitrogen applied during spring green-up, high soil pH, phosphorus or potassium levels or an excessive thatch caused by over-fertilization, irrigation or pesticide use, or by poor mowing.
Iron chlorosis can be temporarily overcome by spraying 2 ounces of ferrous sulfate per 1,000 square feet or a chelated iron material according to label rates. An excessive application of iron will appear within a few hours as blackening of the leaves. The grass may take a few weeks to fully recover from such high rates of iron. However, the real solution is to determine and correct the cause of chlorosis.
Your lawn may be showing signs of a combination of the factors I have mentioned. Try not to get over anxious with your fertilizer application this spring. Be patient — wait until your lawn is at 100 percent green-up and the soil temperatures have risen (usually late April/early May). If your turf has some disease issues, excess nitrogen and water may benefit the progression of the disease.
Listed below are a few management practices that will enhance the growth of your centipede lawn:
1. A fertilization program should be based on a soil test analysis. Fertilize lawn after spring green-up and again in mid-summer with a complete fertilizer. Do not exceed 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year.
2. Mow your centipede lawn at a height of 1 to 1½ inches. Try to avoid thatch buildup.
3. Irrigate your lawn during periods of drought stress. Apply enough water to wet the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
4. Identify insects and diagnose diseases in your lawn and treat accordingly.
Bill Tyson is the coordinator for Effingham County Cooperative Extension of the University of Georgia. Email him at wtyson@uga.edu or call the Extension office at 754-8040.
The Rebels won over the Bradwell Tigers 7-1 in play on March 30.
They were also winners over Glynn Academy 3-2 in a game played on March 29 in Brunswick.
Against the Bradwell Tigers, Rebel Cal Baker had 1 hit and 1 run. Eric Knox, Josh Edge. Justin Sipes and Kyle Ward scored 1 run.
In the Glynn Academy game, Jacob Teston had 1 run and 1 hit. Other runs were scored by Jesse Whaley and Eric Knox.
BRADWELL 1, REBELS 7
BRADWELL AB R H BI REBELS AB R H BI
Ryan Desbians 3 0 2 0 Cal Baker 4 1 1 1
Stephen Felton 2 0 0 0 Eric Knox 3 1 1 0
Kyle Lannom 4 0 1 0 Josh Gilliam 3 0 1 0
Sage Sammons 3 0 0 0 Jack Burns 3 0 0 0
Chris Bell 3 0 0 0 Alec Arnsdorff 3 0 2 3
Darius Tilghan 3 1 1 0 Josh Edge 3 1 1 0
Jermain Davilia 2 0 1 1 Justin Sipes 1 1 0 0
Dabrent Nobles 3 0 1 0 Jacob Teston 3 0 1 2
James Moon 3 0 0 0 Ryan Ratchford 1 0 0 0
Dusty Baker 3 0 1 1
Kyle Ward 1 1 1 0
*Mi. Farmer 0 1 0 0
*Brandon Davis 0 1 0 0
TOTALS 26 1 6 1 TOTALS 28 7 9 7
BRADWELL 000 100 0—1
REBELS 021 013 x—7
LOB—BRADWELL 8, REBELS 9. ERR—Darius Tilghan,
Sage Sammons, Caleb Wells, Ryan Desbians, Ryan Ratchford,
Cal Baker. 2B—Darius Tilghan, Alec Arnsdorff, Kyle Ward.
SACB—Stephen Felton. SB—Kyle Ward, Justin Sipes.
BRADWELL IP H R ER BB SO HR
Sage Sammons (L) 5 7 5 4 5 3 0
Stephen Felton 1 2 2 1 1 1 0
GLYNN ACADEMY 2, REBELS 3
GLYNN AB R H BI REBELS AB R H BI
Josh Robinson 3 0 1 0 Cal Baker 1 0 1 0
Conner Buchanan 3 0 1 0 Eric Knox 4 1 0 0
Zach Lamper 3 0 0 0 Josh Gilliam 4 0 1 0
Ryan Lawless 3 2 2 2 Jack Burns 2 0 0 1
Caleb Robinson 3 0 1 0 Alec Arnsdorff 2 0 2 0
Noah Norton 3 0 2 0 Brandon Davis 2 0 0 0
Garrett Lee 3 0 0 0 Josh Edge 1 0 0 0 Sam Stalvey 3 0 0 0 Jacob Teston 3 1 1 0
Austin Green 3 0 0 0 Dusty Baker 3 0 1 1
Ryan Ratchford 0 0 0 0
Kyle Ward 3 0 1 0
*Jesse Whaley 0 1 0 0
TOTALS 27 2 7 2 TOTALS 25 3 7 2
GLYNN ACADEMY 010 100 0—2
REBELS 200 100 x—3
LOB—GLYNN ACADEMY 9, REBELS 9. ERR—Austin
Green (2), Garrett Lee, Chance Buerstatte, Alec Arnsdorff.
2B—Caleb Robinson, Kyle Ward. HR—Ryan Lawless (2).
SACF—Jack Burns. SB—Cal Baker.
GLYNN ACADEMY IP H R ER BB SO HR
Ryan Lawless 5 7 3 1 3 9 0
Kody Trowbridge 1 0 0 0 1 0 0
REBELS
Josh Gilliam 4 7 2 2 2 4 2
Spencer Gillis 3 0 0 0 3 1 0
WP—Ryan Lawless (2), Kody Trowbridge. SO—Garrett Lee, Zach
Lamper, Sam Stalvey, Noah Norton, Caleb Robinson, Jacob
Teston, Kyle Ward, Brandon Davis (2), Josh Gilliam, Josh
Edge, Jack Burns, Eric Knox (2). BB—Ryan Lawless, Zach
Lamper, Caleb Robinson, Conner Buchanan, Josh Robinson, Alec
Arnsdorff, Cal Baker (3).
The Mustangs won, 8-2, over Savannah Christian on March 28.
The Mustangs had six hits and two errors.
SC 0 1 1 0 0 0 0—2 5 3
SE 1 2 5 0 0 0 x—8 6 2
Wayne County 11, South Effingham 1
On March 26, the Mustangs faced Wayne County. The Mustangs lost by a score of 11-1.
The Mustangs were kept to 2 hits against the Yellow Jackets.
SE 1 0 0 0 0 x—1 2 0
WC 2 5 2 1 1 x—11 15 2
ECHS Class of 1968
Members of the Effingham County High School Class of 1968 will gather for a dutch treat lunch at noon, Saturday, April 13, at Carey Hilliard’s Restaurant at 198 Pooler Parkway, in Pooler. Purpose of the lunch is fellowship and catching up. To be sure there is sufficient room, please reply to: echsclassof1968@hotmail.com.
Bike ride to benefit Mars Theater
The third annual bike ride to benefit the renovation of Mars Theater in Springfield will be on Saturday, April 20. For more information, call Gussie Nease at 912-658-5053.
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.
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 5:30-7 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.
Auxiliary volunteers needed
The Effingham Hospital Auxiliary is in need of volunteers in the beauty shop from 8 a.m.-noon Wednesdays in the Extended Care Center. You do not need to be a hairdresser to apply, just have a compassionate heart. Perfect for retired hairdressers. Call Brenda Rabun at 346-9536 or email rabonbk@gmail.com.
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. The group is open to family caregivers. It provides education and support. These meetings usually run one hour in length. For more information, call 1-800-272-3900.
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.
Start Smart Child and Adult Care Food Program
The Start Smart Learning Center at 250 Chimney Road in Rincon is a sponsor of the U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded Child and Adult Care Food Program. The same meals will be available at no separate charge to enrolled participants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Contact Jeanne Hamiliton at 912-826-0062 for more information.
American Red Cross
The Southeast Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross is seeking volunteers for their Disaster Action Teams. Volunteers are needed to provide emergency assistance to victims of disasters and preparedness education to the community. Orientation is required. For information, call 912-651-5351 or email mckinneyj@savannahredcross.org.
Civil Air Patrol
The Civil Air Patrol squadron meets Mondays from 6:30 p.m.–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 have several staff positions available. For more information go to www.ga453.org or call Richard Bush at 912-429-8050.
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.
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.
School board
The Effingham County Board of Education meets at 2 p.m. the first Wednesday and at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of the month in the conference room at the Central Office Complex, 405 N. Ash St., Springfield. Agendas and minutes of past meetings can be found at effinghamschools.com. For information, call 754-6491.
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.
Tax board
The Effingham County Board of Tax Assessors meets 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.
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.
IDA board
The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority board of directors meets at 8 a.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.
Weight loss
Coastal Champions Weight Loss Surgery Support Group meets from 6-7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at Rincon Recovery Resources, 613 Towne Park Drive West, Suite 103, Rincon. Free and open to the public. For information, call Anisa Grantham at 507-8734.
Seniors
Rincon Senior Support Group meets 5-8 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.
Clyo school 1961-1966
Contact information is being sought for those who attended Clyo School from 1961-1966 for a possible 50-year reunion. Students of the former school are asked to contact Louise Bazemore after 9 p.m. at 912-659-9513.
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.
Hospice
Seeking volunteers to play music to patients, visit patients in their homes and nursing homes (Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, Liberty and Long counties), assist staff and families in Hospice House in Savannah or help in the offices on Chatham Parkway. Training is offered the second Monday and Tuesday of every month. Call 355-2289.
LifeLink
LifeLink of Georgia, the local agency that coordinates organ and tissue donations for the state, seeks volunteers to assist with programs pertaining to organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Volunteer activities include public speaking, staffing information tables and more. Potential volunteers include transplant recipients and their families, patients waiting for transplants, donor families or anyone interested in organ, tissue donation. Volunteers trained by LifeLink staff. Call Tracy Gay at 800-365-2066 or 341-0000.
AARP instructors needed
Additional volunteers are needed to teach the AARP Senior Drivers Safety Program (55 ALIVE) classes. The area to cover is Chatham, Bryan and Effingham counties. Call 598-1011.
Mentors needed
Effingham Family Connection and Communities in Schools, in partnership with the Effingham County school system, has students who are in need of mentors; to talk, help with homework or listen to music. Mentors are needed to commit one hour per week. Background check required. For information, call Cathy Zipperer at Effingham County High at 754-6404, ext. 1237; or Erin Woodcock at South Effingham High at 728-7511, ext. 1372.
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.
Rincon MOPS
Rincon Mops (Mothers of Preschoolers) invites moms to come for brunch, crafts, encouragement and friendships with other moms. All mothers of children from birth to kindergarten are invited to attend. Childcare is provided with crafts, games and snacks while moms meet. The next meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Rincon (Memorial Chapel in back). Rincon MOPS is part of MOPS International.
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.
Special-needs support
The Effingham County Navigator Team, a support group for families of children with special needs, meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at The Learning Treehouse, 250 Goshen Road, Rincon. For information, contact Pauline Shaw at effingham@p2pga.org or call 912-295-5460.
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.-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.
Weight loss
Coastal Champions Weight Loss Surgery Support Group meets from 6-7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at Rincon Recovery Resources, 613 Towne Park Drive West, Suite 103, Rincon. Free and open to the public. For information, call Anisa Grantham at 507-8734.
Seniors
Rincon Senior Support Group meets 5-8 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.
Jerusalem Lutheran Church
Jerusalem Lutheran Church will have its first monthly movie night on Friday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m. The movies will be major features and the church will provide refreshments including hot dogs, popcorn, and soft drinks. The church is located at the end of Ebenezer Road at the Savannah River, 2966 Ebenezer Road, Rincon.
Bible Lutheran Church Open House April 7
Bible Lutheran Church is planning a drop in reception and open house from 3-5 p.m. April 7. There will be a short service of thanksgiving at 3 p.m. to kick off the afternoon. The public is invited. The church is located at 812 Blue Jay Road in Rincon. Sunday School for all ages starts each Sunday at 8:45 a.m. followed by worship service with Holy Communion at 10 a.m. Info: 826-2710.
Rincon MOPS
Rincon MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) will meet on Tuesday, April 9 from 9 a.m. 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, games, and refreshments. Childcare is provided.
Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church
Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2966 Ebenezer Road, located on the Savannah River at the end of Ebenezer Road, has Sunday school for adults and children each Sunday at 9:45 a.m. Worship service with Holy Communion follows at 11 a.m. A nursery is provided for children of all ages. Contact the church at 754-3915 if you have questions or need assistance.
Zion Lutheran Church
Zion Lutheran Church - ELCA, is located at the intersection of Ga. Hwy 17 and 30, at 121 Noel C. Conaway Rd. south of Guyton. Worship begins at 11 a.m. on Sundays. Sunday School for all ages is at 9:45 a.m. For more information call 728-3430.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 303 North Laurel Street 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.
Bible Lutheran Church
Bible Lutheran Church is located at 812 Blue Jay Road in Rincon. Sunday School for all ages starts each Sunday at 8:45 a.m. followed by worship service with Holy Communion at 10 a.m. For more information contact Pastor Andy Krey at 826-0206.
Bethel Lutheran Church
This historic Lutheran congregation invites you to worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday mornings. Sunday School for all ages begins at 9:45 a.m. Bethel is at 1984 Ga. 21 N., two miles north of Ga. 119 in Springfield. The Rev. Bob LeFavi is available for pastoral care or any questions at 912-667-1480.
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.
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.
Liberty Christian Fellowship
Liberty Christian Fellowship, 302 Church St., Guyton, meets at 10:30 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays. The Rev. Scott Stringer is the pastor. For information, call 912-772-5522.
Recovery ministry
First Baptist Church of Springfield offers a free Scripture-based recovery ministry based on the 12 steps. The program meets at 7 p.m. Mondays in the chapel, 1435 Ga. 119 N., Springfield. All are welcome. For information, go to fbc-springfield.org or call the church office at 912-754-3443.
St. John’s Lutheran Church
St. John’s, 301 N. Columbia Ave., Rincon, welcomes the community to share in God’s grace during Sunday school at 10 a.m. and church services at 11 a.m.
Med Bank
Med Bank, a volunteer organization, inviting 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
Highway 30 Church of Christ, 1952 Noel C. Conaway Road, meets at 9:30 a.m. Sundays for Bible study, 10:30 a.m. for morning worship and 6 p.m. for evening worship. Bible study also at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. For information, call 912-728-3819 or go to highway30cofc.truepath.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.
St. Boniface Church Mass
St. Boniface Church, 1952 Ga. 21 South, Springfield, conducts Mass at 5 p.m. Saturdays and 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays. Call 912-754-7473 or go to sbcatholic.com.
Recovery ministry
First Baptist Church of Springfield offers a free Scripture-based recovery ministry based on the 12 steps. The program meets at 7 p.m. Mondays in the chapel, 1435 Ga. 119 N., Springfield. All are welcome. For information, go to fbc-springfield.org or call the church office at 912-754-3443.
St. Mary Magdalene Church
St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church, 1625 Fort Howard Road, Rincon, meets at 6 p.m. Saturdays (except the first) for Great Vespers. Sunday service schedule: Matins at 8:15 a.m., Hours at 9 a.m., Divine Liturgy at 9:30 and fellowship meal at 11 a.m. For information, go to stmarymagdalenerincon.org or call 912-826-5176.
St. Luke’s services
The Rev. Liam Collins, 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. Liam can be reached at 912-398-6859 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.
Peggy Lynn Preveaux
GUYTON — Mrs. Peggy Lynn Preveaux, 49, passed away, Friday, March 29, 2013, from injuries received in an auto accident.
Mrs. Preveaux was a native of Walterboro, S.C., manager of Red Lion Apartments in Savannah, homemaker, and member of Open Door Ministries in Port Wentworth.
Survivors include: her husband, David Preveaux of Guyton; two sons, Allen (Leslie) Preveaux of Atlanta and Steven (Courtney) Preveaux of Ft. Polk; two sisters, Kathy Nettles and Carrolette Jackson both of Ruffin, S.C.; mother, Doris Nettles of Ruffin, S.C; father and mother-in-law, Ronald and Eva Preveaux of Cottageville, S.C.; and two grandchildren, Emma and Natalie.
Funeral services were held on April 2 from Pine Grove Baptist Church in Walterboro.
Interment follwed in Smoaks Cemetery.
Riggs Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Charles W. Williams
GUYTON — Mr. Charles W. Williams born November 18, 1925 died at St. Joseph’s Hospital after a short illness on March 30, 2013. He retired after 36 years from Georgia Pacific. He was an avid outdoors man who dearly loved working in the garden and attending to his flowers. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Mary Lillian Williams, two sons Milton Williams (Tutti), Kenny Williams (Mary Ann), one grandson Whitney Williams and special nephew Robbie Coleman along with several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on April 2.
Interment followed at Guyton Cemetery.
Riggs Funeral Home Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Kenneth G. Ryan
SPRINGFIELD — Kenneth G. Ryan, 53, passed away Saturday, March 30, 2013 at Effingham Hospital.
The Chatham County native retired from Gulfstream after 30 years and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Joseph Ryan and Rita Cribbs; and brother, Dana Ryan.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Killen Ryan; children, Jennifer Ryan (Aaron) , Melissa Spell (Watson) Donald Walker, William Walker, and Renee Horne; step-mother, Elouine Ryan; 10 grandchildren; sister, Kathy Clay (Melvin); brothers, Billy Ryan (Tara) and Gary Ryan (Lori); and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on April 2 in the funeral home chapel.
Interment followed in Springfield Cemetery Annex.
Remembrances may be given to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org.
Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Fuller Chevrolet is joining forces with the national Chevrolet Youth Baseball program to provide new equipment, a monetary contribution, invitations to instructional clinics, and an opportunity for community members to enter the Free Chevrolet vehicle sweepstakes.
“Youth baseball provides positive and productive life lessons for young people across America, and the Chevrolet Youth Baseball program is an extension of Chevrolet’s commitment to baseball, community and families. Fuller Chevrolet is bringing that same commitment to youth baseball,” said Tommy Arden, the General Manager of Fuller Chevrolet.
“There is nothing more American than Chevrolet and baseball and Fuller Chevrolet wants to combine America’s favorite pastime together for our families in Effingham County to enjoy,” Arden said.
2013 marks Chevrolet’s Youth Baseball program’s eighth year, and since it’s introduction has helped aid local teams, affecting more than 3 million young people in communities where Chevrolet customers live, work and play.
Fuller Chevrolet will present the Effingham County Recreation Department with equipment kits with items including equipment bags, baseball buckets, practice hitting nets, umpire ball bags, batting tees, and Chevrolet Youth Baseball T-shirts. The sponsorship also includes youth clinics featuring current and former MLB players, coaches and instructors from Ripkin Baseball.
In addition, Fuller Chevrolet will present a check representing a one-time monetary contribution to the Effingham County Recreation Department, and 2,000 free sweepstakes entry forms to distribute within the community. At the end of the entry period, 5 winners,one from each region, will win their choice of a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu or Traverse. Each participating market will award a secondary prize.
March 25: Two rabbit carcasses were left in a mailbox on Race Path Road in the Rincon area. The homeowner said he suspects juvenile neighbors. He said he will install video cameras on his property.
March 25: A drunken woman was who was accused of hitting her husband was arrested for simple battery and criminal trespass. She said she was angry that he would not co-sign for her to purchase a new vehicle. Diana Drive in the Guyton area.
March 29: A woman said she has learned that her husband of two years, from whom she is separated, may still be married to another woman in Illinois. A deputy advised her to obtain an attorney regarding divorce and possible bigamy. Golden Oak Drive in the Guyton area.
March 29: A man who went inside a fenced area to repossess a car was threatened by the homeowner’s son. The son put his hand inside a book bag and said, “I’ll blow your f-----g head off.” The homeowner tackled her son and got him back in the house. The repo man was told not to come back without a court order. Live Oak Circle in the Rincon area.
March 30: A man said he caught his former girlfriend keying his car and destroying the center caps on his chrome wheels. He was advised how to take her to court. Fort Howard Road in the Rincon area.
March 30: A man who fled on foot when a deputy asked why his car didn’t have a tag was found in a house nearby. He was charged with obstruction by fleeing. Goshen Road in the Rincon area.
March 30: A man said his stepdaughter has been harassing him and his wife, trying to get them to let her see her three children. The man said he and his wife were given full custody of the children when the stepdaughter was in jail. He says the stepdaughter “had turned gay” and he doesn’t want the children around her. Savannah Town Road in the Springfield area.
— G.G. Rigsby
“Sine Die” were the much anticipated words heard under the Gold Dome on Thursday at midnight, signaling the end of the 2013 legislative session. The final day of session, day number 40, is the longest day of the legislative session and was an early welcome to Good Friday.
Many conference committees met and debated this week, hammering out the final details that are the culmination of many months of hard work that go into shaping an idea into a bill, and finally a law. These committees include members of both the House and Senate.
Ethics reform (HB 142) passed unanimously in both chambers on Thursday, after an agreement was reached during conference committee. With two different mindsets of how to address lobbyist expenditures, the Senate preferred a $100 cap, while the House was in favor of a complete ban. The agreement reached and passed by both chambers includes: a $75 maximum cap on expenditures by an individual lobbyist on any public officer for transportation, travel, lodging, registration, food and beverages (exceptions include full committees, caucuses, etc); a ban on expenditures for recreational or leisure activities; a ban on gifts such as tickets to concerts or sporting events (elected official can personally purchase from lobbyist for face value); and requires any individual to register as a lobbyist if they are attempting to influence lawmakers and paid or reimbursed over $250. Currently, expenditures are not capped or limited, but simply must be disclosed. This is the first step toward limiting expenditures here in Georgia, while still giving the public and citizens full disclosure of any expenditures made.
An agreement was not reached between members of the House and Senate on expanding our gun rights here in Georgia. The impasse was a result of differences on whether to allow individuals 21 years of age or older (and legally permitted) to “carry” on college campuses in Georgia. The House approved “campus carry,” but the Senate was opposed and the conference committee could not reach an agreement. This legislation is effectively dead for this session; however, expanding our Second Amendment right guaranteed to all citizens by the United States Constitution will be studied in the interim and the topic broached again during the next legislative session. As Congress seeks to restrict gun rights, the legislature in Georgia will continue pushing forward in an effort to expand and protect those rights.
Some of the legislation I sponsored or co-sponsored is headed to our governor for consideration before becoming new state law. With the unanimous passage of HB 366 by the Senate on Thursday, this legislation will set new testing, training, and disciplinary standards for peace officers, including giving the executive director of POST Council the authority to suspend the certification of any POST certified officer indicted for a felony or who does not meet the annual POST mandated in-service training requirements. HB 407, which I co-sponsored, has passed both chambers (one dissenting vote in each chamber) and would extend the length of time required by multiple DUI offenders to use ignition interlock devices on their vehicles. Local legislation I sponsored establishing a new charter for the City of Rincon (HB 625) passed the House unanimously and then passed the Senate on Tuesday (45-3) and now goes to Gov. Nathan Deal. House Bill 156, which I also co-sponsored passed the Senate unanimously on Thursday. This legislation is in response to a loophole in current Georgia law in regard to online trafficking of minors for sexual exploitation. This legislation would allow the prosecution of any individual, including those that have custody or control of a child, that contributed to the exploitation of a child. Let me thank you for your confidence, support, and prayers during my first session as your State Representative. Now that session has ended, and as all legislators return to our districts and to our family, friends, and constituents, know that I am available and will continue to keep you apprised of important legislation that affects your families, your freedoms, and your pocketbooks. Please feel welcome to write to me at: 501 Coverdale Legislative Office Bldg., Atlanta, GA 30334, email me at bill.hitchens@house.ga.gov, or call my office at 404-656-0178.
“Jesus said ‘I am the way, no one sees the Father except through me’.”
“Bryan County got it right. Pit Bulls who harm children should be put down immediately.”
“Thanks to the gentleman who rescued my little white dog on Highway 21 in the rain. You are a true gentleman. Thank you.”
“Just when does majority not rule? Clinton declared marriage to be between a man and a woman and now we’re tying up the courts with it. Majority is supposed to rule in this country.”
“These Democrats are bringing down the morals of our country. Abortions on demand and gays getting married. They are taking us away from being a Christian country. Be the country that God and our forefathers intended us to be.”
“Talking about tying reproduction to marriage. Does no one remember God telling Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply?”
Contribute to Vox Populi by calling 652-0370 or emailing us at vox@savannahnow.com. Be sure to mention Effingham County in your call or write Effingham Vox Populi in the e-mail subject field. Not all responses are used.
DART
Just how many children have to be seriously injured or killed before people understand one simple fact?
Pit bulls and children do not mix.
It’s not rocket science, folks. Pit bulls should not be around children. Children actually don’t ever need to be left alone with any kind of dog, much less dogs who by nature have the ability to inflict massive injury and death. Dogs are animals.
No matter how much you think you know your animals, or how sweet you think your Fido is, the fact remains, animal behavior can’t be predicted with certainty.
Unfortunately in neighboring Bryan County last week the scene was set for a senseless death when one family left a 21-month old toddler alone to wander outside and right into a pack of the family’s seven pit bulls and pit-bull mixes.
First of all, how anyone with any sense could have a total of nine dogs at one home is beyond our comprehension. Two of the nine were apparently not pit bulls and did not attack the child.
The Bryan County Animal Control officers took action right away and put the dogs involved in the attack down at the scene.
Maybe they learned a lesson from Effingham County.
Here we have a pit bull named Kno, who mauled a 5-year old last summer, still sitting in “jail” at the county animal shelter.
Kno was appointed his very own attorney and a hearing to decide his fate has yet to be heard.
As of last week, the hearing was postponed indefinitely.
Bryan County officials have said charges are likely to be filed in this case.
While we realize the family members are grieving and must surely feel a heavy guilt over what happened, it is their choices that put that child in the grave.
Let’s pray some arrests will make this the last time innocents pay for the poor judgment of their families.
LAUREL
Thank goodness, legislation approved in the Georgia House to allow guns on college campuses is dead — for this year at least.
While SB 101 would not have allowed you to tote your .22 into Sanford Stadium at UGA, armed students (21 and older) could have been allowed nearby, giving a whole new meaning to tailgating.
Easy access to weapons, hot tempers and alcohol do not bode well for the safety of the public.
In this race we seem to be in to stop some perceived threat to Second Amendment rights, common sense is being thrown out the door.
The bill may have made it to Gov. Nathan Deal’s desk if the Senate’s insistence to first require safety classes for any permit holder on campuses hadn’t bogged things down.
The bill would also have allowed school boards to arm administrators and allowed guns in churches.
The Georgia Legislature will probably try to pass this again next year.
We’re hoping someone will wake up and think about need versus consequences before making something similar into law.
The Georgia General Assembly officially wrapped up the 2013 legislative session at midnight on Thursday, March 28, when we adjourned “Sine Die!” The last week of session and the final day were both long and productive, and full of lively debate. There was a significant amount of deliberation and agreement, with many bills passing both chambers this week. For those bills which did not pass, the process begins again during next year’s legislative session. For the legislation that passed both the House and Senate this session, the final fate remains in the hands of Gov. Nathan Deal who can either sign the passed legislation into law, let the legislation become law without his signature, or he can veto the legislation and prevent it from becoming law.
The most significant piece of legislation passed was the budget for our state. As discussed last week, the Fiscal Year 2014 budget, House Bill 106, was in Conference Committee this week and an agreement was reached on the $19.9 billion state budget Thursday. The House passed the budget Conference Committee report around 8 p.m. on Thursday with only one dissenting vote and the Senate passed it unanimously on the same day.
I co-sponsored House Bill 226 and it has now passed both chambers and goes to Gov. Deal for his consideration to sign this legislation into law. This legislation seeks to address the illegal dumping of scrap tires and relates to tire transportation, storage, and disposal. Under this legislation, the number of scrap tires a person can store in Georgia is reduced to 25 (currently the limit is 100). While this legislation was in the Senate, slight changes were made which include: changing the quantity limit for storage of scrap tires at retailers from 3,000 to 1,500, adding exemptions for licensed used motor vehicle parts dealers, registered secondary metals recycler, or a privately owned vehicle maintenance facility with commercial fleet vehicles (limited to 500 scrap tires in storage), and adding an exclusion for farms with not more than 100 scrap tires in storage (for more than 100 scrap tires for agriculture purposes, a waiver can be applied for).
The gun debate, either expanding or restricting the rights of gun owners, is in full force in states across our country. With school shootings last year, the dispute has been whether to make gun regulations more or less stringent for legal gun owners. Legislation addressing and defending our Second Amendment Right to keep and bear arms in Georgia did not pass through Conference Committee this session. Two bills, House Bill 512 and Senate Bill 101, passed each respective chamber; however, the Conference Committee was not able to forge an agreement prior to midnight on Thursday. The main disagreement was the provision on campus-carry and whether or not to allow licensed gun owners to carry their concealed firearms while on campus at our State Universities and Technical Colleges throughout Georgia. I support the Second Amendment of our Constitution and expect to see gun legislation debated again in the next legislative session.
Ethics legislation also passed both chambers and now goes to Gov. Deal for his signature.
I will discuss legislation passed this session in future articles.
I look forward to getting back to our district and encourage you to contact me with your ideas and opinions or if I can be of service to you in any way. If you would like to reach me, please call me at 404-656-5099 or write to me at: State Rep. Jon Burns, 18 Capitol Square, 228 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334 or email me at jon.burns@house.ga.gov.
Blandford Elementary School fifth-grade student Anna Freeman has won the Scholastic Book Club’s Infinity Ring Rewrite History Contest.
Freeman’s essay was selected from nearly 3,000 entries from across the country. As her reward, National Bestselling author James Dashner, visited Blandford Elementary School. Dashner spoke at an assembly for third, fourth, and fifth grade students. Following the assembly, Freeman’s class was treated to a reception in her honor where Dashner presented each student with an autographed copy of his bestselling new book entitled “Infinity Ring.”
Freeman is the daughter of Drs. Kerry and Sally Freeman of Effingham Eyecare in Rincon. She has one sister, Kate Freeman, who attends Ebenezer Middle School. Freeman will be attending the 2013 Duke Young Writer’s Summer Camp. This camp is designed for students in grades six through eight.
Hannah Boyd earns Horatio Alger Scholarship
Effingham County High School senior Hannah Boyd recently received the Georgia Horatio Alger Association Scholarship.
Boyd was the only senior from Effingham county to be awarded with the scholarship worth $5,000.
She is the daughter of Marsha Boyd and the late Richard Boyd and granddaughter of Jewell Dyches, late Cardell Dyches and the late John and Betty Boyd. Boyd hopes to attend Duke University in the fall.
The scholarship is named for author Horatio Alger Jr.
—Effingham Now
The creative work of one of Effingham County’s own is headed to the big screen at film festivals in New York and Cannes, France.
Lawrence Michael “Micky” Parker is making his directorial debut — he also wrote the script — with his short film “Tiramisu” at the Soho International Film Festival in New York on April 7.
His film is also being shown at the 66th Cannes Film Festival in the short film corner in May.
Parker, an Effingham County High School graduate, said he knew as a child that he wanted to be a rock star or make movies.
“I quickly realized that I couldn’t sing, so I never pursued the rock-star dream,” Parker said. “I was always amazed by movies, but I thought it was too hard to do.”
Still, Parker studied music at Full Sail University in Orlando before finding his way to becoming an actor. Parker has also studied film at New York University.
Parker said becoming an actor caused him to realize being a director is about having an appreciation for all art forms.
“And I really think that shows in this film, through the artistic style, the music and the actors I chose,” Parker said.
Parker’s artful eye is evident on the screen in “Tiramisu.” The lighting, costumes and camera style set just the right tone for the film. The well-crafted script shows Parker’s talent with words.
“Tiramisu is a very character-driven story set in the heart of New York City’s lower East Side,” Parker said. “It’s about two guys who take a job to retrieve some money for notorious crime boss Gino Dusanti. To make sure everything goes accordingly, he sends his mysterious mistress along for the ride. Everything goes as planned until suddenly everyone’s life is at stake ...”
Parker said his film is a true “indie” and that makes him proud.
“I wrote this story around the actors that I had,” Parker said. “I see a lot of independent shorts with big named actors that go to festivals. They do well because of who these people are, and what they have done.
“But that is not my intention with this film. I wanted to make a true indie film because I’m a no-name director and my actors are no-name actors.”
Parker may be a no-name director for now, but there is a good chance that won’t last.
Parker said he is receiving positive feedback on the film.
“When people watch the movie, they always tell me, ‘Wow, this is actually like a mini-movie.’ So independently, the no-names made a short movie. That’s what I am most proud of with this.”
Parker said he’s sending the film around the world but hopes to bring it to the film festival in Savannah.
“I would love to bring it back home so everyone I grew up with can come out and see it,” he said.
Parker said he also hopes to make a feature-length film soon.
“For the time being, I am already in talks with some people about doing my first feature-length film, and I am really considering doing it in Savannah,” Parker said.
