Anna Justice graduates with honors

On Dec. 15, Anna Elizabeth Justice graduated from Columbus State University in Columbus at the college’s 109th Commencement Service. Anna received her bachelor of arts degree in communication. She was one of the 600-plus students receiving their degrees.

Anna was one of the five students singled out for outstanding leadership and community service. The Arts Department contributed 1,000 hours of community servantship of which 500 of those hours were performed by Anna. She graduated cum laude.

Anna is the daughter of Brian Justice of Ellaville and Nicole Gill of Michigan. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Justice of Ellaville.

Special choir party

On the evening of Dec. 19, at the home of Sammy and Mary Nan Pilcher, they hosted the annual Christmas Choir Party. As guests arrived they were invited to have dips, chips, cheese ball, candies, nuts and apple cider, taco soup with baked ham and cheese sandwiches and chocolate delight for dessert.

After dinner everyone went outside to have pictures made by the reindeer and sleigh.

Those attended were Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Morrow Sr., Jacqueline Dillard, Olivia Mallichek, Fred and Barbara Usry, Sharon Wall, Judy McClellon, the Rev. Lowell, Siltra, Grace and Faith Layman, Jimmy and Marianne Phillips and the hosts.

The Pilchers have hosted this party for many years and enjoy it more and more every time.

Schley County Board of Education members honored

The Schley County Board of Education honored two outgoing board members at the last board meeting in December.

Superintendent Adam Hathaway presented a plaque to Joan Perkins, chairman of the board. She had served 17 dedicated years on the school board. The superintendent also presented a plaque to Kevin Bentley, recognizing his service on the school board for eight dedicated years.

These two former school board members have always been there when needed. Enjoy your retirement and thank you for your loyal service to our school system.

Courthouse renovation uncovers lost history

The renovation of the Schley County Courthouse has unearthed several lost history and other discoveries. The work that’s being done in the courthouse has found several document, posters, cards and other papers that had fallen between the plaster wall and fireplace in the office of the Probate Judge.

The poster that was found was a traveling show that came to Ellaville sometime between 1910 and 1919. The name of the show was “Edwin R. Weeks Company” which offered a night of music. This was a very high-class show.

They also found evidence that the courthouse has had six fires: Three caused by electricity and three of unknown causes.

There was a silver 1918 half-dollar piece as well. They found books as well.

We all want to thank the Schley County Board of Commissioners for all they are doing to renovate our courthouse.

Dillards, Ellises have Christmas family dinner

On Dec. 22, Vernon and Jacqueline Dillard hosted the Dillard and Ellis Christmas family dinner at their home.

A delicious meal of ham and turkey and all the trimmings was served along. There were lovely decorations throughout the house.

Those that attended were A.J. and Jolynn Dillard Morris, Zack and Chelsey Smith, David and Halley Hancock, Jay Morris, all of Columbus; Catlin Ballard of Birmingham, Ala.; Jody and Donna Dillard, Payton and Jacob Dillard, of Ellaville; David Lee of Weston; Marc and Angie Ellis, Cody Dillard, Casey Powell, Amity James and children Abbie and Andrews, Jessica Ellis and sons Athon and Parker, Mitzi Way, Andrew and Callie Smith, all of Ellaville; Al Moorman and Abby Moorman of Columbus and the hosts.

Happy New Year

To each and every one who reads this section of the newspaper each week, I wish you a Happy New Year.

Thank you. — Nancy McMath Young