By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Rafter earns PhD in astrophysics
0608 stephen rafter
Dr. Stephen E. Rafter, center exits the stage just after being hooded by his advisor and chair, Dr. Daniel Michael Crenshaw, right, of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Georgia State University. - photo by Photo provided
Dr. Stephen E. Rafter, 32, graduated May 15 from Georgia State University in Atlanta with a doctor of philosophy degree in astrophysics.  
 
Dr. Rafter’s dissertation was “The Optical and Radio Properties of a Low Redshift Sample of Broad-Lined Active Galactic Nuclei.” He was hooded by his advisor and chair, Dr. Daniel Michael Crenshaw. Dr. Rafter graduated in 2004 from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a B.S. in physics. 
 
Dr. Rafter is the son of local attorney Richard and Deborah Rafter of Clyo. Stephen has accepted a research fellowship position at The University of Haifa in Haifa, Israel. He left to begin his new position on May 30 and plans on being in Israel for one year. 


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.