Ellaville United Methodist Church revival a big success
Ellaville United Methodist Church held its revival on Sept. 20-23.
The church was blessed to have  had these special guest preachers who spoke at the revival:
Sunday night, the revival began with the Rev. Buddy Cooper, District superintendent of Northwest District of Southwest Conference;
Monday night, Youth Day featured the Youth Group of St. Luke  United Methodist Church of Columbus;
Tuesday night, the Rev. Jonathan Beckum and Brad Vann played and sang with their guitars. The Rev. Robert Beckum of St. Luke United Methodist Church, Columbus brought the message. He is the father of the Rev. Jonathan Beckum of Ellaville United Methodist Church;
Wednesday night, Ladies Night featured the Methodist Men hosting a covered dish supper. The revival service followed with the Rev. Jerry Akin, pastor, Buena Vista United Methodist Church.

Schley County   Family Connection meets
Schley County Family Connection met for its monthly meeting at noon Sept. 24 at the Thomas Edwin Wall Post 191 American Legion.
John Greene called the meeting to order, welcoming everyone. Pascal Hollis asked the blessing. A delicious meal was served.
After lunch, John, director of Schley County Family Connection, gave updates.
Cindy Hagerson is the new Schley County High School counselor. She said on the first week of October there will be a special event about Homecoming  and getting ready for this special week. A  week of Breast Cancer Awareness  information along with the last week in October will be a Drug Awareness  Week at the middle and high school. In November there will be club ideas for the school with special suggestions from the students.
Melissa Price was introduced as the new middle school counselor.
Pascal Hollis gave report on the local American Legion. Veterans Day Nov. 11 will be recognized at 1 p.m. Nov. 8. He also spoke about Boys State and about Halloween protection and safety.
Nancy Young  spoke about the Ellaville-Schley County Historical Society auction that was held last Saturday night.
Karen Albritton of the Light House Children’s Advocacy Center  in Americus also spoke. These people like Karen work with child abuse. They are planning a SHANE Program with Dr. Wallace  Mays  being the clinical director. The Light House Children’s Advocacy Center is open 24 hours a day and on week-ends and holidays.
Kristy Smith, Schley County Health nurse,  reported that the flu shots were to be available Oct. 1. She is planning breast examinations soon at the Schley County Health Department. Come in any time.
Gary Moore, who represents Medicare, said they are in the process of planning a Resource Fair  in October where there will be open enrollment.
Nancy Collins, with Middle Flint Behavioral Healthcare, spoke on World AIDS Day. A Health Fair will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Dec.  5 at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Americus. There will be HIV testing and other health screening. For more information call Nancy Collins at 229-931-7343 or 229-942- 5797.
Stephen Woodson, Schley County Truancy officer, reported on his case here.
Elaine Gillespie, representative for Congressman Sanford Bishop, gave updates.
The next meeting will be held on Oct. 22.

Assistant DA visits Schley High School for mock trial
Coach William Rooks gives his students every year the opportunity to learn more about the American judicial system and how it works by allowing them to conduct  and participate in a mock murder trial. This was held in the high school Library.
Students get to act as lawyers, witnesses, suspects, media and jury. This year the trial was the questions of whether or not a woman named Dominique Stephens  could be charged for premeditated murder for killing her abusive husband when she feared for her life and her children.
In the past, Coach Rooks  has always played the role of judge for the mock trials  but this year he asked Lewis Lamb, chief assistant district attorney, to serve as the judge . The students were surprised  when they walked into the “courtroom” and saw the “judge” waiting for them.
Lamb has worked with the District Attorney’s Office for seven years.
It’s very important to do things like this because it exposes the students to the court system. It’s important to help them understand how the judicial system works so they’ll know what to expect if they have to be on the jury or if they become a lawyer or judge themselves.
Senior Alex Bailey, one  of the “lawyers” for the case  explained, “This was very unexpected, but it gave us a more real opportunity  and helped us know what it’s really like to being in court.”
All the students agreed that having Lamb as their “judge” made the case seem more realistic and it helped them have a greater understanding of how court really works.

Schley coroner, deputy coroner attend training in Albany
The first week of August our local coroner, Johnny Wall and deputy coroner, Bobby Tondee attended the required annual classes to be re-certified  and to receive their updated license at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Albany.
The main studies for this course were protect shooting evidence post-mortem internally, wound examination, DNA, for coroners’ inquests. They worked a crime scene investigation as well as other things.
They both received their certificates on Aug. 5 for another year.
Classes were held at the Wingate Hotel in Albany for three days.
Congratulations to the both of you.

Ellaville Lions Club to sponsor annual golf tourney
The Ellaville Lions Club is sponsoring its 16th annual Golf Tournament in memory of the late Ellaville Police Chief Mitchell Ellis.
The event is Oct. 14 at the Griffin Bell Golf Links in Americus.
The shotgun start is at noon. Register your team with the Griffin Bell Golf Links. Fees are to be paid to the Ellaville Lions Club,  P.O. Box 1116, Ellaville GA 31806, or you may contact Shane Tondee, Jim Sellars, Robby Lightner or Shawn Folks.
Format is three-person team, $180. Mulligan $5, limit two per tea. Prizes will be  awarded.
Per flight first-place team receives $225;  second-place team receives $150 and closest to the pin $.5
Lunch will be served at 11 a.m.