Ellaville/Schley County wants to congratulate Roger Bivins
All of us here in Ellaville and Schley County want to congratulate Roger Bivins for being hired as the Americus City Fire Chief. Most everyone knows that Roger lives here in Ellaville.
Let me also Congratulate the Americus City Council for hiring Roger. He will make Americus an excellent Fire Chief.
Roger Graduated from Americus High School in 1986.  He then went into the army from 1987 until 1991.
He got out of the Service and was employed with the City of Americus in November 1992 as a Fireman.
He was soon promoted through the Ranks as an Engineer [apparatus operator], then Captain, and served as a Battalion Chief for the last 10 years.
Roger has been trained and has received national professional certificates as follows:
He has been certified in Fire Fighter 1, Fire Fighter 2, certified under Hazardous Material Technician – Fire Officer, Fire Officer 2, Fire Instructor 1, Live Fire Instructor, Public Life Safety Educator, as well as an Elevator.
Roger is a Georgia-certified as an EMT Intermediate.  He is State certified as a Georgia Chief Fire Officer.
He has received a Fire Science degree from Columbia Southern University. He is an adjunct Instructor with South Georgia Technical College in the school’s Fire Science Program and has completed many other classes and certification programs.
Roger lives in Ellaville with his wife, Sheila Bivins, and their two children, Madison and Trent Bivins.
He has lived here 25 years.
Roger, also owns the Watson Christmas Tree Farm here in Ellaville.
We are all so proud of Roger.

Schley County Schools out for summer break
The Schley County Schools System released students for their summer break on may 19,2017.
There will be some activities for some different events while schools out this summer.
All students will return to school on July 28,2017 for another year.

Ellaville Masonic ceremony honoring longtime Masons
On May 5, 2017, the Washington Masonic Lodge #359 Free and Accepted Masons of Ellaville held a special Ceremony to honor three 50-Year members at the Thomas Edwin Wall Post 191 American Legion at 7:00 P.M.
The three Masons receiving their 50-year special recognition for their service and membership were Allen Barwick, Phil Merrill, and Charlie Sorrells.
Luther Wilson was recognized for his 25 years of service and membership in the Masonic Lodge as well.
Each Mason was Honored with a ceremonial apron, pins with years they have served, and certificates given by the State Grand Master, Gary Leazer, who held the ceremonial service.
In addition to the Grand Master, there were several other Masons that are serving in the District and Local positions with this special organization that were present.
After the special ceremony, a delicious covered-dish dinner was served to all that attended.
Congratulations to all four Masons for doing such a good job.

Schley County Library Summer Reading Program begins
The Schley County Library Summer Reading Program is getting ready for their special activities this summer.
The theme for the reading program is “ Build A Better World “.
All programs will be held on Tuesdays at 1:30 P.M. in the cafeteria of the Schley County Board of Education building on 204 Perry Drive.
The programming schedule is as follows:
May 30th ————– Linda Adams, Craft Project
June 6th ————- Todd Key, Juggler
June 13th ———— Wild Life Wonders [Animals]
June 20th ———– Bright Star Children’s Theater
June 27th ———– Scott Douglas, Music
July 11th ———– Certificates, awards and ice cream on this very special day.
Registration began on April 1,2017. All reading logs need to be turned in on or before July 3,2017at the library.
For more information about the program, call or visit Mrs. Charlotte Cotton at the Schley County Library.

Doug Goodin receives special award From Woodman of the World
A special recognition was awarded to Doug Goodin from the Woodman of the World.
Doug is a Schley County High School graduate. He was presented this special award by Silas Bush.
This award was presented to Goodin for being the “Most Outstanding Student in History.” The Woodman of the World are 125 years old and this special organization is owned by their members.
These members are one of the largest contributors of our American flag to non-profit organizations.
The Woodman of the World are known for recognizing top-performing students in school like Doug.
Silas Bush has been a field representative of the Woodman of the World organization for more than 30 years.
Goodin graduated last Saturday, May 30,2017 at 10:00 A.M. on the new football field at Schley County High School.
Mr. Bush presented an American flag to the Schley County Middle/High School Principal, Todd West.
Doug had several members of his family and friends attend this special occasion, including: Mr. And Mrs. Earl Dunmon, Mr. and Mrs. Silas Bush, and Mr. and Mrs. Doug Goodin, his parents.

Local and area Tax Commissioners attended training
Tax Commissioners from all over the state held their annual training session in Athens during the week of May 8th.
Many Topics were discussed, having to do with motor vehicles, property taxes, and legislation.
All Tax Commissioners are required to attend continuing education through the Carl Vinson Institute and the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Our area Tax Commissioners who attended the training were Shirley Graham of Taylor County, Phyllis Blocker of Marion County, Pam Register of Schley County, and Marjorie Hines of Webster County.