By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Rebecca Neidlinger wins Quick-Think-A-Thon
0521 Think-A-Thon winners
Pictured are, left to right, front row: Quick-Think-A-Thon first runner-up Jessica Hogg, second runner-up Nick Owens, third runner-up Robert Clark and winner Rebecca Neidlinger; back row: The Foozer (Patrice Crawley) and emcee Sonny Dixon. - photo by Photo provided
Staff Report
Updated: May 20, 2013, 11:27 PM
Published: May 20, 2013, 11:29 PM

Springfield Elementary second-grader Rebecca Neidlinger won this year’s Quick-Think-A-Thon tournament on May 2 at Ebenezer Middle School.


Second-graders from Effingham County elementary schools compete in the annual Quick-Think-a-Thon, sponsored by the Exchange Club of Effingham. Students are asked questions about safety and are scored on their answers to how they would respond in potentially dangerous situations.


The tournament is one of the Exchange Club’s child abuse prevention programs. Neidlinger will receive a new bicycle and helmet and all the second-graders at her school will enjoy a pizza party, compliments of the Exchange Club of Effingham.


Other winners in the Quick-Think-A-Thon were first runner-up Jessica Hogg, Ebenezer Elementary (teacher Tania Kessler); second runner-up Nick Owens, South Effingham Elementary (teachers Patricia Horne and Laurie Jameson); and third runner-up Robert Clark, Marlow Elementary (teacher Amanda DiSalvo).


Neidlinger, a second-grader in Amber Zipperer’s class at Springfield Elementary, will be unable to attend the district Quick-Think-A-Thon competition in Albany on June 8. In her place, Hogg will represent Effingham County at the Georgia District Exchange Club Convention.


For more information on the Exchange Club and its programs, call club president Yvette Carr at 657-5423.
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)
Updated: Jun 20, 2025, 1:18 PM
Published: Jun 20, 2025, 12:51 PM
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.