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

A front row seat

Ordinarily, Danny Fries' vantage point of the Rincon Lions Club Christmas Parade is that of the long procession of units as he sits in the fire truck, accompanying Santa Claus.

Colon completes basic training

Army Pvt. Angel D. Rivera Colon has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

Local author signs

Effingham resident Angie Usher signed and sold copies of her new and first book "Firefly Tails, Bright Trails, and Fishy Tales," a book of 10 short stories and poems, at Teach Right Saturday.

GSP out in force as part of ‘Click It or Ticket’ effort

Georgia State Troopers are joining law enforcement officers across the country for Operation Click It or Ticket to promote seat belt and child passenger safety for the holidays.

State Patrol begins Toys for Tots drive

Col. Mark McDonough, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, has announced that the Georgia State Patrol, the Motor Carrier Compliance Division and the Capitol Police Unit will be participating for the third year in the Toys for Tots program.

Garden Club in bloom

The Rincon Garden Club celebrated its 70th anniversary Sunday with a reception at the Vernon C. Hinely Center. Annie Oglesby was honored as the longest-serving member, having been a member since 1947.

Look what’s cooking

The Rotary Club of Effingham hosted guests for a pancake and sausage supper at the Effingham College and Career Academy Tuesday night.

Rincon City Council election results

Candidates by votes

A good show for Theatre

Yvette Carr of Burns World Travel is shown presenting a check for $400 to Tamara Tyre , president, Jonathan Thompson, artistic director, and Amy Thomas, fundraising chair of the Effingham Theatre.

Habitat visits Exchange

Jimmy Rutland, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County, spoke to the Exchange Club of Effingham County about the houses they are building, homes that have been completed and future plans for Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County.

Serving good meals and good works

The Effingham County Exchange Club served up hundreds of pancake and sausage dinners at the annual Effingham County Fair.

Getting closer to the goal

Loaned associates Paul Mongin and Brandee Gordon, campaign vice-chair Julie Hales and campaign chair Dinah King show off the progress made toward the United Way of Effingham County's 2011 campaign.

Talking United Way

Paul Mongin, who works with Georgia-Pacific and is serving as a loaned associate with United Way of Effingham County, provided an update on the United Way campaign results year-to-date and an overview of several United Way funded programs in Effingham County.

DNR visits Exchange Club

Conservation Ranger First Class Brandon Pierce spoke to the Effingham Exchange Club about the DNR's responsibilities in Effingham County. He is pictured with Exchange Club President Yvette Carr.

Manna House teams with First Baptist Church of Rincon for Thanksgiving meals

Thanksgiving is a time for families to get together with food to share in their blessings. As the holidays approach, many are making do with far fewer resources due to economy, job loss, or other financial hardships.