Historical society hosts special   dedication
On June 20, the Ellaville-Schley County Historical Society held a special dedication in memory and in honor of all Schley County elected officials. This was held from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Schley County Courthouse in the newly renovated courtroom upstairs.
Nancy McMath Young, president of the historical society, welcomed everyone after which Clyde Grimsley offered a prayer and led the pledge of allegiance.
Nancy read and told of the beginnings of Schley County, which was formed on Dec. 22, 1857, and named for William Schley who was the governor in 1835-1839. In March 1858 the first sheriff, A.J. Womack, was appointed and Deputy H.D. Holt after which the clerk of court, ordinary and first tax commissioner were appointed. In 1859, the grand jury appointed the Schley County Commissioners, directing them to build the first Schley County Courthouse, a two-story, wood-frame building.
Robert Burton sold 150 acres of land downtown to the county for $1,500. The commissioners named it Ellaville for Burton eldest daughter Ella.
In 1898, the grand jury approached the commissioners again to build another courthouse. The Commissioners sold $10,000 in bonds to raise money to pay for the courthouse in 1900, which stands today.
The old wooden courthouse was razed in 1937, when it was purchased by brothers Heys McMath Sr. and Robert Lee McMath and moved to Americus and bricked to become the first colored hospital.
After the history was given, Nancy dedicated to all of the elected officials the American and Georgia flags in memory and in honor of all Schley County elected officials. She also presented a plaque to the County and asked that it be hung in the courthouse. Brian Belcher accepted the plaque for the County.
Each person that was or had been an elected official was presented with a Certificate of Dedication for serving the county.
Everyone was invited downstairs for refreshments served by the historical society. Everyone viewed the beautiful three-tiered cake decorated like the City Park and the courthouse.
There were about 70 in attendance.

Braxtons, Justices take grandchildren on vacation
On June 10, Clifford and Sharon Braxton and Wilbur and Vicki Justice took their grandchildren on vacation. The grandchildren are Liberty and Dixie Justice, daughters of Jason and Dawn Justice; Emma and Mary DeLoach, daughters of Jeffery and Amber DeLoach; and Claire Braxton, daughter of John and Darla Braxton.
They rented a van and their first stop was on Saturday at Ruby Falls in Tennessee, and finished the day when the children went swimming. On Sunday, they left for Kentucky to see the Ark Encounter. Next, they went to the Creation Museum. They visited the petting zoo where the girls got to ride a camel and a donkey and petted unusual animals, followed by a Fossil Dig. Whoever would have thought that you would pay $10 for a bag of dirt to dig. At the end of the day when the girls were asked what was the most exciting thing did today, they all chose digging for dirt.
On Thursday, they Celebrated Flag Day as well as Wilbur and Vicki’s wedding anniversary. They went back to Sautee Nacoochee through the mountains sightseeing and ended up at the Justices’cabin. The girls were able to stretch their legs. They roasted marshmallows and went rafting in the Chattahoochee River and took a trail ride along the river.
They traveled into Helen sightseeing, ending up at Paul’s Steak House where Clifford and Sharon treated everyone to a great meal to celebrate Vicki’s birthday on June 15. The girls sang Happy Birthday to Vicki.
They all returned home on Friday and they all had a really good time.

Schley County Health Board meets
The Schley County Board of Health held its quarterly meeting at 11 a.m. June 21 in the Schley County Health Board conference room.
David Theiss, chairman, called the meeting to order. District director, Dr. Beverly Townsend, spoke on a several interesting subjects, passing out folders of information to board members.
Kristy Smith. Schley County Health nurse, gave her report. She announced that the “Back to School Bash” will be held from 10 a.m.-noon  July 22 to provide schools supplies for low-income students.
Lincoln Mitchell gave his environmental health activity report for food services, water, rabies, and sewage management.
Berta Cox presented the financial report on the budget for the coming year.
Old and new business were discussed. Board member presents were Karen Montgomery, David Theiss, Nancy McMath Young, and Larry Wall. Those not present were Adam Hathaway, Kay Royal and Dennis Jones. District staff present were Karen Bush and JoAnne Strickland.
The next meet will be Sept. 20.

Schley Family Connection updates
• Schley County Family Connection will not meet in June or July. The next meeting is Aug. 24.
• The Family Connection is working with the Schley County Health Department in planning the special Back to School Bash on Saturday, July 22. The goal is to furnish school supplies to 250 low-income children in Schley County.
It also will be a mini Health Clinic and Resource Fair for both parents and students.
They are in need of vendors and supplies for this event. To donate, contact Kristy Smith at 938-2208 or John Greene at 229-591-2323.
• The Schley County Department of Family and Children Services submitted the contract agreement for the Family Connection Partnership to remain the fiscal agent for FY 2018. There are no anticipated changes in the current operation or procedures.
• The Schley County Family Connection budget for 2018 is $48,500, which includes salary and benefits for the coordinator.
• Family Connection is seeking possible grants for the Deep South Canine Rescue to purchase needed supplies and to pay for veterinary care. Deep South, a non-profit, is located in Schley County rescues and relocates animals.
For more information call John Greene at 229-937-5334 or 229-591-2323.

Hopewell Methodist welcomes new pastor
Hopewell United Methodist Church and the community welcomes their new pastor, Ricky Rushing, and his wife Vickie. They have two children. Peter loves to play soccer and run track, and Victoria loves music. Both will attend Schley County Middle/High School this year.
Ricky has been a pastor for 23 years, said Vickie. She also said that he was known as the “Faster Pastor Race Cars” because he raced cars before becoming a pastor.
His wife Vickie is a certified licensed online cosmetology instructor and a certified nail technician and teaches online for Savannah Technical College. Ricky and his family moved here from Swainsboro.
If you need to contact the Rev. Ricky Rushing, call 229-937-2610.