By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
New wheels for quick thinking
0605 Think-A-Thon winner
Pictured with county-wide Quick Think-A-Thon winner Aubrey Roberts and her new bike are Yvette Carr, president of the Exchange Club of Effingham County, and Aubreys teacher, Kelley Martin.

The Exchange Club of Effingham County presented a new bicycle and helmet to Guyton Elementary School’s Aubrey Roberts, the winner of the county-wide Quick Think-A-Thon.

Thanks to her win, all second-grade students and their teachers at Guyton Elementary were treated to a pizza party.

The Quick-Think-A-Thon is a competition that teaches students to respond appropriately to potentially unsafe situations. Aubrey will represent Effingham County at the district competition in Macon.

Shown at left with Aubrey and her new bike are Yvette Carr, president of the Exchange Club of Effingham County, and Aubrey’s teacher, Kelley Martin. Martin is also the teacher of the tournament’s third runner-up, Sam Reiser.

For more information on the Exchange Club of Effingham County and its support of the local community, call Carr at 657-5423 or vice president Lucille Tate at 978-0769.

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.
Keep reading for free
Enter your email address to continue reading.