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Students name mascot
Marlow students with Reps
State Sen. Jack Hill, LaTrell Fennell, Buster the Brown Trasher, Shamia Wallace, Rep. Buddy Carter and Rep. Jon Burns. - photo by Photo submitted
Staff Report
Updated: May 24, 2007, 9:02 AM
Published: May 2, 2007, 5:50 PM
Shamia Wallace and LaTrell Fennell, both students at Marlow Elementary, submitted the winning name for Georgia’s new litter prevention and abatement mascot, “The Brown Trasher.”  Of the 7,000 entries the state received, 24 students submitted the winning name, “Buster.”  All 24 were invited to the mascot naming ceremony on March 23 at the capitol.
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.
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