Iris Mendez comes home to visit family

On Feb. 14, Iris Mendez flew into Atlanta from her home in Greeley, Colorado, to be her family Vicki Justice and others following the death of her uncle John Calvin “J.C.” McCall.
His funeral was Feb.17 in Americus.
Iris extended her visit because of the sickness and death of her first cousin, the Rev. Terry Braswell Sr., who died Feb. 22 and whose funeral was Feb. 25.
Iris returned home to Colorado on Feb. 26.

Schley County Family Connection meets

Schley County Family Connection met at noon Feb. 23 at the Thomas Edwin Wall Post 191 American Legion.
John Greene called the meeting to order, welcomed everyone and introduced some new people. He asked the blessing prior to a delicious chicken dinner.
After lunch John gave his report for 2018 plans for Schley County Family Connection.
Adam Hathaway, superintendent of Schley County Schools. reported that Star Rating was really doing well in the schools.
Stephen Woodson, truancy officer, gave his report for Schley County and said that Schley County Schools was doing well.
Deborah Hawver, assistant superintendent of Schley County Schools, reported on receiving the surveys back that had been sent to some residents and businesses. She also reported on asking if businesses would be interested in talking about employment with high school students.
Todd West, principal of Schley County Middle and High School, reported on how well the students are doing in everything. He announced that they hope to have the opportunity to see much on TV in the near future, such as graduation, ball games, etc.
Sheila Hambrick, with “Babies Can’t Wait,” reported that they have 16 different services to help families with their babies.
LaWanda Jackson spoke on the Department of Juvenile Justice.
John Shaw with the Department of Labo, told about unemployment insurance, helping further college education and of course unemployment.
Gary Moore spoke on Social Security.
Nancy Collins with Middle Flint Behavioral Healthcare works with educating HIV patients and free HIV testing.
Karen Albrittonm director of Southwest Georgia CASA, also spoke. She works to prevent child abuse.
Nancy McMath Young recapped activities of the recent Ellaville-Schley County Historical Society annual dinner party that was held last weekend.
Pascal Hollis, adjutant of the local American Legion Post 191, told of the Legion’a of putting up a Memorial Wall with all local members’ names who have died since they served in wars engraved in marble. There are about 100 names that will be placed on the wall. They would gladly accept donations to help with this special project.

Bridge dedicated in memory of Thomas William Poole

At 1 p.m. Feb. 23, a special dedication was held at the old Buck Creek Bridge. The bridge’s name was changed to Thomas William Poole Memorial Bridge. It is located on U.S. Highway 19 north of Ellaville. The Georgia Department of Transportation
had a representative to speak. The Rev. Joel Smith, pastor of Ellaville Baptist Church, gave the invocation.
Donnie Poole, father of the late Thomas William Poole, spoke, and the sign was unveiled by Thomas’ parents, Donnie and Debra Poole.
A large crowd attended the dedication service.

Schley County gets third ambulance

Schley County EMS has added a third ambulance to its fleet. This ambulance was purchased with local sales tax funds from SPLOST (Special Purchase Local Option Sales Tax) that the voters approved in 2013.
The new ambulance is a 2016 model that was used for sales demonstrations and has less than 5,000 miles on it. It’s fully equipped and is in excellent shape.
Our EMS does an excellent job; thank you all.

Historical society to host membership meeting

At 7 p.m. March 11, the Ellaville-Schley County Historical Society hosts its annual membership meeting at the Thomas Edwin Wall Post 191 American Legion.
They are looking for a big history night with so many special items to be shown. Members and non-members are invited to come and share history. There will be a question and answer period, and tables will be set up to display the items to be shown.
The meeting is open to the public. Please bring items for the Show and Tell as well as some history to be included in the history book that is underway. Please make copies and do not bring the originals. For more information call Nancy McMath Young at 937-2116.