By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
4-Hers hit the target with shooting sports
0710 more shooting sports
Trent Dickerson placed fifth overall in the junior individual division at the state 4-H shooting sports competition. - photo by Photo provided

Project SAFE (Shooting Awareness, Fun and Education) is an active program, attractive to youth and adult audiences. The program is curriculum-based and designed to assist young people in personal development, establish a personal environmental ethic and explore life-long vocational activities.


The program uses experiential learning and positive interactions with youth and adult role models to help young people develop self-concept, self-assurance and a positive self-image.


In the regional competition  Joshua Carroll, Trent Dickerson, Dylan Gale, Brian Hall, Mason Pevey, John Carl Sommer, Walker Sommer, Grame Young and Trent Zeigler made up the junior competitors in the regional competition.


Evan Ambrose,  Brantley Burns, Layton Capwell, Logan Conaway, James Edwards, Alexis Floyd, Joey Funderberk, Bradley Hall, Ben Hedgpeth, Sawyer Hunt, John Kerly, Cody Neidlinger, Josh Proctor, Lucas Roddenbery, Dalton Shelton, Orry Smith, Layton Stone, Randy Thrasher, Mitchell Tillman, Mason Tippins, Harrold Wheeler III, John Whitten, Tyler Wilds, Brent Williams, and Brandon Woods made up the senior competitors and placed third in Regional completion.


Competitors at the state level were: Evan Ambrose, Brantley Burns, Joshua Carroll, Logan Conaway, Trent Dickerson, who placed fifth overall in junior individual division, Alexis Floyd, Dylan Gale, William Bradley Hall, Benjamin Hedgpeth, Sawyer Hunt, Mason Pevey, Lucas Roddenberry, Dalton Shelton, Orry Smith, John Carl Sommer, Layton Stone, Randy Thrasher, Mason Tippins, Harrold Wheeler III,  Michael Tyler Wilds, Brent Williams, Brandon Woods and Graeme Young.


Coaching staff for shooting sports team included  Henry and Leslie Dickerson, Wade Floyd, Gary Neidlinger and Roy Callaway.


The program promotes responsibility, decision-making and identifying realistic, personal goals. Participants may elect to compete at a level appropriate for their abilities or pursue other objectives. Participants have shown high achievement in the field, shop or classroom and on target range, but personal development for young people and leaders is the real objective. The program strives to make “every kid a winner,” and to “make the best better,” which is the 4-H motto.

Effingham School Board Approves $203M budget with Potential Property Tax Increase
2026 budget
This chart illustrates how the Effingham County School District’s $203 million general fund is allocated for fiscal year 2026, including spending on salaries, benefits, transportation, health services, and safety and security. (Courtesy of Effingham School District)
The Effingham County Board of Education approved a $203 million fiscal year 2026 budget Thursday night, reflecting an 11% increase over last year. The rise is largely due to an $8 million spike in health and retirement benefit costs for employees. To help cover the shortfall, the district may raise the property tax millage rate, potentially increasing homeowners’ taxes by up to 12 percent.
Would you like to keep reading?
You have 1 free view remaining. Use your last view to read more.