Streaking Stokes, Rebels tame Tigers

Mark Lastinger

Updated: Apr 12, 2018, 12:53 AM

Published: Apr 12, 2018, 12:55 AM

SPRINGFIELD — It was a surprising turn of events.
Jerid Stokes didn’t contribute a hit or RBI as the Effingham County Rebels erupted for 11 runs in the second inning of their 16-1 pounding of Bradwell Institute at Rebel Field on Wednesday. He hit the ball right on the nose for a fly out to left field.
“That’s the way it goes sometimes,” Effingham County coach Brett Griffin said. “The good thing is he is putting the bat on the ball solid. That makes it tough (for the defense) to make all the plays.”
Stokes has been difficult to keep off the bases since the season started, especially during their current 14-4 stretch without back-to-back losses.
“Jerid has been really hot lately,” Griffin said. “I don’t know that he’s had a hit in every game but he’s had a hit in most of the games. He’s been big for us.”
In Wednesday’s game, Stokes, a first baseman, had three hits in four at-bats, including a double, with two RBI and a run scored. He had only one hit Monday against the Tigers but it sparked a 10th-inning rally in the Rebels 5-1 victory.
“When he struggles a little bit, somebody behind him steps up and comes up with something big,” Griffin said. “It’s a total team thing but he’s kind of leading the charge. You have to have other people in front and behind him, and on base.”
Effingham County piled up 10 base knocks Wednesday. Christian Campbell had two and Zach Wilson, Cullen Wake, Chandler Hinely, Chase Howze and Holden Fields each added one.
Wilson scored twice and had three RBI. Campbell, Jordan Rahn, Wake, Hinely and Howze also tallied two runs apiece.
Avery Elenbaas was the winning pitcher, allowing three hits and one run with four strikeouts. Brandon Hellgren scored the run after hitting an infield and advancing on three passed balls.
Colton Long pitched the last of the four frames. He surrendered one hit and struck out two.

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Volunteers hold 'Demo Party' to help Rincon Woman Rebuild Storm-Damaged Home

Miss Peggy — Matt Evans, owner of Centaur Home Renovations, consults with volunteer Janel Kearney while directing the demolition process. (Mya Taylor / Effingham Herald)

Mya Taylor

Updated: Aug 28, 2025, 3:11 PM

Published: Aug 28, 2025, 2:43 PM

RINCON, Ga. — Volunteers attended a “demo party” over the weekend to help demolish the interior of 82-year-old Miss Peggy’s home, which was left severely damaged by a storm years ago.

A gloomy forecast and threat of rain did not deter the group from working. When the seven volunteers arrived, they were greeted by Centaur Home Renovations owner Matt Evans, who is leading the renovations. Masks, trash bags and tools were handed out as music played from a large speaker and fans helped keep volunteers cool in the summer heat. Orange arrows painted on the walls directed workers to the areas slated for demolition.

Leigh Carter, the first to arrive, was one of several who stripped walls and tore out drywall. Carter’s efforts go beyond renovations — she has also driven Miss Peggy to doctor’s appointments and helped her get rehoused last week at Family Promise of Effingham after a brief displacement.

“We want to get Miss Peggy back home in a safe place to live,” Carter said.

Volunteers spread out through the home, removing damaged drywall and hauling debris to a dumpster in the driveway.

“I decided to join because I thought helping somebody would be a good thing to do,” volunteer Sydney Kearney said. “I just thought it would be nice to volunteer.”

Repairs underway

Michael’s Roofing of Meldrim completed the first major repair by rebuilding and installing a new roof. The previous roof had been damaged by a fallen tree, which led to water leaks, mildew and mold spreading through the home.

Now Evans and Centaur Home Renovations are leading the next phase of work. Evans joined volunteers in the demolition and said community support has been growing since news of Miss Peggy’s situation was first reported in the Effingham Herald.

“Since the article was first published, we’ve gotten quite a few reach-outs from people willing to donate their time,” Evans said. “We’ve also had four different dumpster companies donate dumpsters for the cause as well.”

Community organizations are also pitching in. Family Promise and the Manna House Food Pantry and Thrift Store have pledged to provide furniture and other materials once renovations are complete.

The most recent setback came when the septic tank lids collapsed, causing the system to stop working. Evans said crews are now cleaning the tank and clearing the lines.

What’s still needed

“After the demo is completed, we can start looking for more materials we’ll need like lumber, drywall, paint, flooring and more to get the house back together,” Evans said.

Additional materials still needed include:

25 2x4x8 studs
Four sheets of OSB sheathing
Twenty 12-foot deck boards (5/4)
Twelve 12-foot sheets of sheetrock
36-inch vanity
Two toilets
Four ceiling fans
Two bathroom fans
60-inch vanity
60-inch fiberglass tub and surround
60-inch fiberglass shower and surround
1,600 square feet of LVP flooring
36-inch exterior door
Rolls of drywall tape
Buckets of drywall mud
Bags of 20-minute drywall joint compound
100 linear feet of baseboard and quarter round
10 gallons of Kilz or Cover Stain
10–12 gallons of white paint

There is no estimated timeline for completion, as more funds and supplies are needed. The GoFundMe campaign for Miss Peggy’s home renovations has raised more than $1,400.

Donations can be made at gofundme.com/f/help-ms-peggy-return-to-a-safe-home.

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Repairs underway

What’s still needed

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