By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
SEMS FFA team places in state event
5.19 SEMS FFA Livestock
SEMS FFA livestock team of Dylan Hodges, Miranda Bucy, Megan Riner and Kayla Kerns earned second place in the state. - photo by Photo provided

The South Effingham Middle School FFA Livestock Team recently placed second in the State FFA Livestock Judging Career Development Event held March 28 at Livestock Arena in Athens.  Team members include Dylan Hodges, Miranda Bucy, Megan Riner and Kayla Kerns.  

The Livestock Judging Career Development Event allows agricultural education students the opportunity to make accurate observations of livestock, determine the desirable traits in animals, make logical decisions based on their observations, and discuss and defend those decisions. Participants place classes of breeding and market beef, sheep and swine, and then give oral reasons to the judges as to why they placed each class as they did. 

FFA is a national organization of over 449,000 members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. FFA is an integral part of the agricultural education program in public schools. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

LeeAnne Auldridge is South Effingham Middle School’s  FFA advisor. The Livestock Judging Career Development Event is sponsored by the Georgia FFA Foundation.

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.