Noah Hammons  recognized as national scholar
Noah Hammons of Americus, a student at Schley County High School, has been notified that he has been selected to the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).
The Society recognizes top scholars who have shown outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment.
The announcement was made by NSHSS Foundation and Chairman Claes Noble, senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes.
Nobel said, “On behalf of NSHSS I am honored to recognize the hard work, sacrifice and commitment that Noah has demonstrated to achieve this excellent level of academic excellence. Noah is now a new member of a unique community of scholars, a community that represents our very best hope for the future.”
“We are proud to provide a lifetime membership to young scholars to support their growth and development,” said NSHSS President James W. Lewis. “We aim to help students like Noah build on their academic success by connecting them with a unique learning experiences and resources to help prepare them for college and meaningful careers.”
NSHSS members automatically become a lifetime member at the time of their initial membership. At each stop along the way from high school to college to a career, NSHSS connects outstanding young scholars with resources that they need to develop their strengths and pursue their passion.
This National Society was formed in 2002, by Howard W. Lewis and Claes Nobles. It recognizes academic excellence at the high school level
and helps to advance the goals and aspirations of high achieving millennials through unique learning experience, scholarships, internship, international study and peer network.
Currently there are more than one million Society members in 160 countries.

Schley County Health board meets
The Schley County Health board met for its quarterly meeting on Sept. 21.
Chairman David Theiss called the meeting to order.
Dr. Beverly Townsend of Columbus gave her District director’s report. She also told about a DVD and book that she suggests all board members see and read. All board members received a book.
Kristy Smith, Schley County’s Health nurse, reported that she had attended a nurse management meeting. She announced upcoming events such as a Scoliosis Screening for sixth- and eighth-grade; immunizations for Pre- K, kindergarten and seventh-grade students, as well as adults, including flu, pneumonia, shingles vaccines; Flu Clinics; STD and HIV training; and There an alcohol and teen presentation with Katrisha Williams.
The Georgia Environmental Health report was given by Nakia McCallum, who replaces ¬Jane Arnold, who just retired after 12 years in environmental health. This program inspects food services, schools, new establishments, onsite sewage management systems, rabies testing, water supplies and others.
Berta Cox gave an overview of the budget.
Board members present were David Theiss, Nancy McMath Young, Larry Wall, Kay Royal, and Adam Hathaway with Dr. Beverly Townsend, JoAnne Strickland, both of Columbus, and Kristy Smith and Berta Cox.

Schley County Family Connection meets
Schley County Family Connection held its monthly meeting at noon Sept. 22 at the Thomas Edwin Wall Post 191 American Legion in Ellaville.
John Greene, coordinator, opened the meeting and offered thanks for the meal served. He reminded everyone of the 25th Anniversary Celebration for the Georgia Family Connection Oct. 12-14 at Jekyll Island.
Adam Hathaway, Schley County School Superintendent, reported that the new construction at the elementary school is coming along. At the time of his report, they were waiting of the delivery of a new press box for the football field. He said the football team is doing much better each week.
Melanie Thomas of Tri-County Head Start, reported that 90 students are enrolled in programs in Marion County.
Sherona Towns, veterans representative for the Georgia Department of Labor, discussed the EMPLOY Georgia System, and encouraged veterans to contact her for assistance for benefits and services.
Fran Kinservik, director of Macon and Schley County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), reported that there are several job openings available with DFCS. Two new positions are being filled at the office in Ellaville.
Pascal Hollis, adjutant of Thomas Edwin Wall Post 191 American Legion in Ellaville, reminded everyone that they will have a special dinner honoring veterans on Nov. 6. He said the local Legion Post has had 100 percent membership for four consecutive years. He also said Post 191will sponsor two students for Boys State again this year. They have done this for more than 60 years.
Nancy Collins of Middle Flint Behavioral Healthcare discussed World AIDS Day on Dec. 3 in Americus. She reminded everyone that testing is  and available through her agency.
Elaine Gillipie, representative for Congressman Sanford Bishop, reminded everyone to contact Bishop’s Office if they need assistance with veterans’ services or Social Security benefits.
Linda Adams of Schley County Community Foundation reported that the Foundation has applied for a $5,000 grant to purchase new playground equipment for the new playground that is to be built at the Ellaville-Schley County Recreational Department. The Foundation has received approximately $16,000 in donations to be put toward the $27,500 total equipment cost.
Nancy McMath Young of the Ellaville-Schley County Historical Society reported on the Auction and Barbecue fundraiser, and thanked all the supporters.
State Rep. Mike Cheokas reported on current telephone scams with people claiming to be calling from the IRS, Georgia Power, the Georgia Lottery and many others that are going around in this area. He encouraged everyone not to use these area codes: 809, 284 and 876. These area codes can cost you more than $2,500 a minute. Be aware of who calls you and don’t fall for these scams.
Eric Ivey, candidate for Marion County sheriff, and his wife were guests. He’s has a working relationship between law enforcement and the Family Connection promoting the Child Passenger Safety Program.
Liz Wise of Insure Georgia reminded everyone that open enrollment for the Affordable Health Care Act begins Nov.1.
Sharon Wall of Schley County Family Connection discussed “The Ride Home’ event that was held Sept. 14-18 in Sumter County. This event recognizes former POWs and the families of MIAs.
There were 26 Collaborative members present at the meeting.

Flu shots available at Schley County Health Department
The  Schley County Health Department has flu shots available now. Most insurance policies cover these shots. The shots are $35 each.
Make plans to get your shot and protect yourself and others.