Ellaville-Schley County Family Connection meets
The Ellaville-Schley County Family Connection met on April 26 at the Thomas Edwin Wall Post 191 American Legion.
John Greene, coordinator, called the meeting to order with Stephen Woodson asking the blessing.
After lunch was served, the business session started with John naming some special events that will take place in the future, such as a Kids Care Cafe this summer.
He then introduced the guest speaker, Bill Sawyer, Schley County manager. Bill gave some highlights on the county and recent activities.
He said that the county has a contract with the state to cut all state roads and the state pays $11,000 a month for the rights-of-way to be mown. He also announced that the county paid $600,000 to have the courthouse renovated. He said the county has purchased a new ambulance and fire truck; has refinished floors and lighting in the government offices, health department, DFCS Office and Post Office; has extended for five more years to keep the Post Office where it is downtown. He announced there will be a special SPLOST (special purpose Local Option Sales Tax) on the ballot on election day. This will help renovate the old gym downtown into a special place for the community to meet for most activities.
Adam Hathaway, Schley County Schools superintendent, said the county was helping making roads around the elementary school, and that the Class of 2018 is the largest class the school has ever had.
Cindy Hagerson, counselor at Schley County High School, announced said that Graduation is at 9 a.m. May 19 on the football field unless it rains; then it will be inside the gym.
Brenda Welch with the Schley County Extension Office and 4-H announced that the 4-H’ers had sold 724 10-lb. bags of Vidalia onions for the 4-H Project for summer camp.
Kristy Smith, Schley County Health nurse, announced that WIC participants can take advantage of the Georgia Farmers Market Nutrition Program on July 25. It will be held at the Schley County Health Department. Starting at 8:30 a.m., it’s on a first come, first served basis. To be eligible, they would be a WIC participant, pregnant, breast feeding, non-breast feeding woman, infants at least six months old or children ages 1-5. You must bring WIC ID folder and ID that day.
Eric Jackson spoke on the Georgia DFCS Kinship Navigator program, which helps relatives to help other relatives.
John Shaw, local Department of Labor manager, discussed education and the workforce.
Jim Outlaw, representing the Veterans Administration through the Department of Labor, spoke on how they can help veterans.
Nancy McMath Young announced the upcoming Ellaville-Schley County Historical Society’s annual Dinner Party with Social Hour at 6 p.m. and Dinner at 7 p.m.
Stephen Woodson, truancy officer, gave a report and said that he was helping out at the District Attorney’s Office now.
Mike Cheokas, a guest, also made comments.
About 15 attended.

Schley County Health Department announces Immunization Week
Kristy Smith, Schley County Health nurse, announces that this is National Infant Immunization Week.
Every expectant mother hopes that her baby will be born healthy, and when the baby is born, the journey to good health begins.
During National Infant Immunization Week, the health department is open every day and can provide vaccinations for babies as infants and through all the stages in their lives.
No appointment is needed to come in for these immunizations. Drop by the Schley County Health Department and speak to Kristy Smith or call 229-937-2208.

Rabies clinic set for today
The Schley County 4-H and Dr. LeAnna Wilder host the annual Schley County Rabies Clinic today, Saturday, May 5. The new location is in front of the Old Planters Hardware building. For convenience this is a “Drive Thru Clinic.” The Schley County 4-H’ers will assist you with paperwork and Dr. Wilder will come to your vehicle to administer the vaccine.
The cost for the rabies shot is $10 per animal. Dr. Wilder will have flea and tick products available for sale also.
Shots will be given from 8 a.m.-noon.