In the holiday spirit

The members and guests of the Rotary Club of Effingham County were entertained by the Barbershop Quartet Fully Invested at their last meeting of 2008. The club meets at St. John's Lutheran Church in Rincon, on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. and will resume their meetings on Jan. 8.

McGahee commissioned

Gregory P. McGahee graduated from the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Knoxville, Tenn., and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air National Guard.

Woodcock graduates from CBA compliance school

Lisa Woodcock of Citizens Bank of Effingham recently completed graduation requirements for Compliance School, sponsored by the Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA). She has been with the bank since its founding in 1998 and currently serves as a compliance officer overseeing deposit controls and various aspects of the Bank Secrecy Act set forth by Congress.

The Chamber’s Holiday Classic

Riecke earns promotion

Army Spec. David M. Riecke has returned to the 164th Military Police Company at Fort Richardson, Alaska, after being deployed to an overseas forward operating base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Explorers visit Rotary

The Effingham Sunrise Rotary Club President Bonnie Dixon congratulated Sgt. Ramsey Mannon of the Effingham County Sheriff's Office for his work with the Law Enforcement Explorers program.

Rotary hosts Treutlen House

Effingham Sunrise Rotary President Bonnie Dixon thanked members of the Treutlen House board, Mose Mock, Joyce Anne Tuten and Rebecca Boston.

Collins graduates from basic training

Air Force Airman Bradley M. Collins has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Rogers and Westmoreland complete Georgia Academy

The board of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development announces the local graduates from the 2008 Region 12 Multi-Day Training Program. Effingham County graduates at the Nov. 20 ceremony included Amy Rogers of Effingham Hospital and Kia Westmoreland of the city of Rincon.

Rotary helps fill Empty Stocking Fund

Effingham Sunrise Rotary donated $1,000 for the Effingham Empty Stocking Fund. Reggie Loper and Donnie Rahn accepted the check that was presented by President Bonnie Dixon.

Former Guardsmen gather once more

On Dec. 6, retired former members of the old Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 214th Field Artillery, a Georgia Army National Guard Unit from Springfield, had a reunion at Rahn's Pond. The old unit became Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 214th Field Artillery in the reorganization in the summer of 1968. This unit remained as the same artillery unit until its deactivation in August 1993 (a total of 25 years of continued service).

McPherson named 165th senior NCO of the quarter

Senior Master Sgt. Reginald McPherson has been named as the senior non-commissioned officer of the quarter, fourth quarter 2008, for the 165th Airlift Wing.

Red Hatters mark ‘Reduation Day’

The Red Hatters of Rincon recently had a two-fold celebration. It was "National Cookie Day" and "Reduation Day" for one of their members.

Shearouse: system is 'on track'

Effingham County School System Superintendent Randy Shearouse spoke to the Effingham Sunrise Rotary Club and gave a positive update on the current state of the school system. Shearouse told the group that they are "on track" with all initiatives such as new schools and better test scores while remaining within budget.

Historic Effingham Society’s fall festival

Another run for Relay

Effingham School Superintendent Randy Shearouse was honored at the Relay For Life team rally Tuesday night at Pine Street Baptist Church in Guyton.

Young Farmers Award Banquet

The Effingham County Young Farmers celebrated the holidays together with their annual Young Farmer Awards banquet Dec. 8 at New Ebenezer Retreat Center. The group enjoyed dinner and entertainment from David Harbuck and gave out door prizes. FFA officers and advisors from each school attended, along with local state Reps. Ann Purcell and Jon Burns.

Isabelle completes basic training

Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Sarah L. Isabelle graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Victim Witness visits Exchange Club

Effingham County Victim Witness Assistance Program presented a program to the Exchange Club of Effingham County. The members learned how this program empowers victims of domestic abuse to survive. They also heard about a puppet show that can be presented that addresses bullying in schools.

Rotary hears Bethesda’s story

Dr. David Tribble, president of Bethesda Academy, spoke to the Rotary Club of Effingham County. Bethesda is a home and school for boys founded in 1740 in Savannah. Dr. Tribble spoke on "Why Bethesda Matters Now" by sharing how their values-based program continues to substantially impact the futures of young men. More than 75 percent of their graduates go on to college and more than 95 percent not only graduate, but graduate on time.

DDS to serve as Toys for Tots drop-off

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is pleased to partner with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation this holiday season as a toy collection site. DDS customers may drop off new, unwrapped toys during customer service center operating hours through Dec. 16.

McGinnis graduates from basic training

Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Jacob M. McGinnis graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Sheffield set to lead Christmas parade

The city of Guyton will honor its oldest citizen Saturday morning at its ninth annual Christmas Parade.

Burns discusses new lines at Rotary

State Rep. Jon Burns recently spoke to the Rotary Club of Effingham County and provided an update on the status of the redistricting process for Georgia. His update included the proposed maps approved by the Georgia legislature.

Class reunion

The 1953 graduates of the Effingham Academy celebrated their 58th year at Carey Hilliard's in Pooler.

‘One nation under God’

The Exchange Club of Effingham County presented its annual "One Nation Under God" program. Retired Sgt. Maj. Tony Sutphin spoke about America's religious heritage. "To be born free is a privilege; to die free is a responsibility that we should be willing to defend," he said. Sgt. Maj. Sutphin retired after 30 years of active duty in the Marines. The Exchange Club of Effingham County meets on the first and third Wednesdays each month at the Effingham ...

Jenkins completes basic training

Air Force Airman Matthew A. Jenkins graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Christmas at Ebenezer

The first Historic Christmas at Ebenezer was held Sunday, Nov. 27 at New Ebenezer Retreat Center.

Saddlin’ up for a cause

Staffordshire Equestrian Center hosted a fall festival horseshow and mini horse expo recently to benefit Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center. Bonnie Gentry of FETC hopes to maintain and develop the partnership with Staffordshire and to make this event their big annual fundraiser.

Relief for sore feet at the next Girls Night Out

As one of the main modes of transportation, taking care of your feet is important for your everyday and long-term health. Learn easy steps you can take to give your feet some relief at Effingham Hospital's December's Girls Night Out. December's event will be held Dec. 6 from 7-9 p.m. at the Effingham Imaging Center, 110 Goshen Rd.