A 656,000-pound shipment was prepped for transport off Interstate 20 at the Columbia County Scales awaiting a tactical route to Alabama on Tuesday night.

The 261-foot long, 19-foot wide and 14-foot tall rig configuration, carrying a machine press, should complete its journey during the early morning hours, according to transportation officials.

East Central and West Central Georgia traffic will be slow or even stopped at some points due to the excessive size of the shipment. Georgia State Patrol officers and other escorts with blue lights and marked cars will accompany the load to pace traffic, when so warranted by the traffic control.

Nearly 3,700 families and individuals received assistance from the Empty Stocking Fund last year.

The seasonal charity begun by The Augusta Chronicle 86 years ago collected $101,660.46 in donations in 2016 to provide toys for children and certificates for food and clothing. About 990 families and 2,705 individuals were helped.

The community's generosity has remained consistent since The Chronicle began the effort in the early days of the Great Depression. Over the past decade Augustans have donated more than a million dollars to the effort.

The newspaper covers the costs of administering the fund, so all donations from individuals, organizations and businesses go directly to those who need them. Many parents and caregivers unable to provide for their children depend on the charity.

Three Augusta Christian Schools Medical Health Science students took a qualifying test recently to compete in the State Home Health Aide Competition and have advanced to the State Level.

The tests were given online throughout the week of January 11-18. To advance to the State Leadership Conference, members/teams have to score within the top 50 in the State. These top 50 HOSA members will automatically advance and be registered for the 2017 State Leadership Conference at the Marriott Marquis Atlanta.

HOSA is an international student organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Education (HSE) Division of ACTE.

HOSA's two-fold mission is to promote career opportunities in the health care industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people.

HOSA's goal is to encourage all health science instructors and students to join and be actively involved in the HSE-HOSA Partnership.

Columbia County Water Utility will be performing maintenance on the wastewater conveyance system in the highlighted area above using smoke blowers Feb 2-10.

Residents might notice smoke in their neighborhoods, and smoke might appear from the vent pipes on the roofs of houses.

If you have drains in your house that you do not use on a regular basis, residents might need to run some water in them for a minute to fill the trap and prevent the smoke from escaping the drain into the home.

The utility has notified the fire department of the activity. Anyone with questions should contact the Water Utility office at (706) 210-3104.

In a collaborative effort of the Augusta Metro, Columbia County and Burke County chambers of commerce, business and community leaders will visit the Georgia State Capitol for "Greater Augusta Day" today.

Greater Augusta Day, an annual trip during the Georgia General Assembly, is a collective vision of the three Chambers to advocate for legislative issues that are important to the region. The issues on the agenda include transportation, taxation, economic development, education and water resources.

The itinerary will include briefings with Jerald Mitchell of the Atlanta Beltline; Sharon Gay and Brian McGowan of Dentons; Jeff McCord of the Georgia Technology Authority; Chancellor Steve Wrigley of the University System of Georgia; and Josh Waller and Meg Pirkle of the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Highlights from the day's program will include guest speakers Gov. Nathan Deal, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, and Speaker of the House Rep. David Ralston.

The group's time inside the Capitol will conclude with a meeting with the Augusta Regional Delegation: Rep. Wayne Howard, Sen. Jesse Stone, Sen. Harold Jones, Sen. Lee Anderson, Rep. Jodi Lott, Rep. Gloria Frazier, Rep. Barry Fleming, Rep. Brian Prince, Rep. Mark Newton and Rep. Sheila Nelson.

Attendees include Columbia County Commissioner Doug Duncan, Columbia County Board of Education Chairman David Dekle, Grovetown Mayor Gary Jones, Grovetown City Planner John Waller and Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Chairman Shawn Vincent.

Goodwill will celebrate its mission of renewing lives through career services while showcasing the talents of Helms College culinary students at the fourth annual reNew&Brew on Friday.

Guests are invited to wear blue jeans and bow ties at the event, which will be held from 7-11 p.m. Friday at the Snelling Center, 3165 Washington Road at Furys Ferry Road, and in the adjacent culinary labs and classrooms of the Helms College School of Hospitality.

Proceeds support Helms College, the first nationally accredited, Title IV eligible, post-secondary institution in the world created by a Goodwill.

The "renewal" aspect of the event, celebrating Goodwill's mission of providing career services, will be illustrated with a silent auction of art created by local artists and designers, many of them using items purchased in a Goodwill retail training store as the basis for their works. The auction this year includes an original painting created for reNew & Brew by celebrated Augusta artist Judy Averett, and a spectacular Harry Jarman painting donated by Lisa and Tony Wagner.

In addition, guests will be treated to culinary works created by Helms College students and paired with a choice of samplings from 16 different beers. Guests will also receive a commemorative tasting glass.

Augusta's own River Watch Brewery will make its reNew & Brew tasting debut at the event, along with craft breweries from Athens, Atlanta, Woodstock and Marietta, Ga.; Asheville, N.C.; and Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.

In addition, reNew & Brew this year will for the first time feature a cidery: Bold Rock Cider Co., of Mills River, N.C.

Participating breweries are provided with the assistance of event sponsor A.B. Beverage Co.

Sponsorships and individual tickets are available at goodwillworks.org/renewandbrew, or by calling Kelly Tabor at (706) 650-5760.

For more information about reNew & Brew, or to arrange coverage of the event, contact Barry Paschal, senior director of Marketing and Communications, at (706) 726-1986 or bpaschal @goodwillworks.org.

A Columbia County middle school teacher is facing charges after a parent discovered Snapchat messages between him and a student.

Jon Mark Thornhill Jr., 34, was booked into the Columbia County detention center Sunday on a charge of failure to report suspected child abuse.

According to an incident report, a Grovetown mother contacted the sheriff's office Jan. 24 after finding messages between her 14-year-old daughter and Thornhill, her physical education teacher at Columbia Middle School. The mother told police her daughter was acting suspiciously so she took the phone and saw several Snapchat messages, one of which stated she had been sexually assaulted by her father in the past.

The report states that another message said the teen missed her teacher and his hugs.

Pawprints Foundation

pet food drive

Long Dog Rescue are accepting donations of dog, cat, puppy and kitten food year-round at Animal House, Wild Birds Unlimited, Grovetown Farm & Garden, Vineyard Wine Market and Martinez/National Hills Animal Hospitals.

To have donations picked up, call (706) 863-2067 or email doxydog@att.net. All donations benefit local rescues; pawprintsfoundation.org.

^

Children's painting class

Artists' Guild of Columbia County presents drawing and painting for students, ages 7-12. They will learn to draw from life using different drawing, coloring and painting media, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. today; Cost is $80 per four-week session at Church of Our Savior, 4227 Columbia Road. Scholarships available. artistsguildcc.org.

^

"Lifting the Veil on Islam"

A monthly program to engage the public in dialog on Islam, 7 p.m. Thursday, at the Islamic Society of Augusta, 465 Old Evans Road in Martinez. This session will address racial equality in Islam. This series, held the first Thursday of each month, is open to the public and refreshments will be served. facebook.com/ICCAOpenHouse.

^

Family Discovery Day
Strengthen family ties, past, present and future 9-11 a.m., Saturday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at 835 N. Belair Road.

Classes will include: Resources for African American Research; Where to Start? For those with few ancestors on their Family Tree; What's Next? For those with many ancestors on their Family Tree; Getting Started with Indexing; Youth Family History Activities (ages 12 and older) and Children's Family History Activities (ages 5-11).

There will also be assistants to help you with your Family History - please bring a laptop and any information you might have! www.lds.org/familydiscoveryday.

^

Annual Chamber Banquet

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to attend the 12th annual Banquet on Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Columbia County Exhibition Center, Grovetown.

There will be a 4:30 p.m. cocktail reception and premier business showcase, a 6:30 p.m. dinner meeting and awards presentations. Chamber Members: $75; corporate tables are available.

Presenting Sponsor is Georgia Bank & Trust. Contact Rachel Ellefson at (706) 651-0018 for further information and reservations. columbiacountychamber.com.

^

Elijah Clark Day

Elijah Clark State Park will hold a celebration commemorating Feb. 10, 2017, as Elijah Clark Day in Lincoln County.

From 10:30 a.m. to noon, visitors will see displays and presentations on life during the Revolutionary War to celebrate and remember the contributions of patriot ancestors. A chili lunch will be served at noon, and a grave marking and wreath-laying ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. in honor of Clarke, his family and other patriots from the area now known as Lincoln County.

For questions or information about the event or Elijah Clark State Park, call the park's front desk at (706) 359-3458.

^

Pam Tillis in concert

Come dressed in your favorite country music attire and walk the red carpet; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center in Evans. Tickets cost $44; (706) 726-0366 or augustaamusements.com.

^

Republican Party Precinct Mass Meetings

At 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, the Columbia County Republican Party will convene Precinct Mass Meetings to elect delegates and alternates to the Columbia County Republican Party Convention and to officers for 2017-19.

Regis­tra­tion will open at 9 a.m. Feb. 11 at Greenbrier High School, 5114 Riverwood Pkwy., Evans. Partici­pants must be Columbia County registered voters and believe in the principles of the Republican Party. For more information, send email to info@ccgagop.org; ccgagop.org.

^

Doctors Without Borders Benefit Concert
Concert is for the extension part of Greenbrier High School senior project, 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, at Oakey Grove Baptist Church, 911 N. Belair Road in Evans. Performances by local talent.

All money donated will go to Doctors Without Borders. Donations can be made in cash, check or online at events.doctorswithoutborders.org/campaign/perryconcert

^

Chorale concert

The Columbia County Choral Society invites you to be its guest. Refreshments at 6:30 p.m. with rehearsal 7-9 p.m., Tuesday, Feb 14, at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 515 N. Belair Road, Evans.

Join the group and sing in its 20th Anniversary Concert on May 19 to premier a newly commissioned choral work by Georgia composer Daniel Elder.

For more information, contact Don Cleary, artistic director, at clearydon@gmail.com

Civil War Roundtable

The monthly meeting of the Civil War Roundtable of Augusta will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 20. Len Reidel, the executive director of the Blue and Gray Education Society, presents on Civil War Battlefield Tours. A retired Air Force officer, he is the architect of the society's programming and of considerable preservation accomplishments. Cost is $15 and includes dinner. Meeting will be held at Goodwill's Snelling Center, 3165 Washington Road in Augusta. civilwarroundtableaugustaga.com.

^

Columbia County

Charity Gala

Columbia County is giving its annual charity gala to benefit Columbia County Cares Food Pantry, Columbia County Forward Foundation and Columbia County Arts Development at 7 p.m. Satur­day, Feb. 25, at the Exhibition Cen­ter in Grovetown, with a Roar­ing '20s themed gala; columbiacountygala.com.

^

John Conlee to

perform in Evans

Country legend John Conlee , a regular performer at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn., will perform at 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 26, at Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center in Evans. Conlee recently celebrated the 38th anniversary of his breakthrough hit Rose-Colored Glasses and can be found on tour throughout 2017 and on the stage of the Opry, where he has been a member since 1981. Tickets can be purchased at The Vineyard at Evans, itickets.com or (800) 965-9324.

^

Sinatra Tribute

Ol' Blue Eyes Sinatra Tribute featuring Mark Randisi and The Motor City Horns; 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 4, at Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center, at 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd. Dress in your favorite '40s attire and walk the red carpet; Tickets $44; (706) 726-0366 or augustaamusements.com.

^

Citizen's Law Enforcement Academy

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office will be holding a Citizen's Law Enforcement Academy beginning Thursday, March 9. This free course is offered Thursdays from 6:30-9 p.m. for 10 weeks and is open to county residents 18 and older. Call the sheriff's office Community Services Division at (706) 541-2856 or download an application from the Community Services link at columbiacountyso.org.

^

Celtic Tenors

Celtic Tenors will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, at Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center in Evans. Tickets are $47.50. For more, visit augustaamusements.com or call (706) 726-0366.

^

The Marvin Gaye Experience

What's Going ON: The Marvin Gaye Experience featuring Brian Owens at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center in Evans. Tickets are $42; (706) 726-0366; augustaamusements.com.

^

Food pantry

Columbia County Cares Food Pantry is open from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday at 1959 Appling-Harlem Highway, Appling; (706) 541-2834.

^

Foster parents

Necco Augusta offers free foster parent orientations Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon at 424 Columbia Road, Suite B, Martinez. The group is looking for loving parents to work with children up to age 21. Register at (706) 210-3435. Walk-ins are welcome. Learn more at necco.org.

^

Eyeglasses help

Financial aid for eyeglasses is available for qualifying Grovetown residents; contact Grove­town Lions Club Eyeglass Program, P.O. Box 248, Grovetown, GA 30813.

^

Celebrate Recovery

Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. at West Acres Baptist Church, 555 Gibbs Road in Evans. For more information, call Tom at (706) 814-1355; free.

^

Prospectors

Gold Prospectors Asso­ciation of America meets from 7-9 p.m. on second Thursdays, Day­spring Baptist Church, 4220 Belair Frontage Road. Call (706) 496- 4611 for more information.

^

Female veterans

The Women's Veterans Organization meets at 11 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month at Troy University, 2743 Perimeter Pkwy., Augusta. The cost is $50 per year. For more, call Watha Alston-Hooper at (706) 564- 6745.

The following accounts were taken from Columbia County Sheriff's Office incident reports:

Crews to repair amphitheater gazebo damage

Crews were working to clean up damage done to a gazebo this week at the Columbia County amphitheater.

Two deputies on bike patrol Monday, stated that it appeared that unknown subject(s) used a picnic table to knock out the fenced railing around the gazebo situated on the retention pond behind the amphitheater, according to incident reports.

The damaged section of the railing and the picnic table were found in the retention pond.

Maintenance crews blocked off the area to repair the damage.

Man reports online threat

A man called police after being threatened in a Facebook post.

The victim told police that he made a Facebook post about Donald Trump, stating his own political views, according to the incident report. The victim stated in the report that thousands of people liked or commented on the post except for one person who stated "I said ima kill you, it's an action not a threat."

The commenter also made other obscene comments about the victim's wife.

The victim is willing to prosecute if a subject is identified.

Jan. 27
Robert E. Silman to Robert E. Silman and Joseph T. Francis IV, as joint tenants with rights of survivorship; Map & parcel number: 077B171; $0; Deed of gift

David Squires to Camp Helaman, Inc.; Map & parcel number: 077097; $0; individual to company transfer

Patriot's Ridge Investments, LLC to IR Homes, LLC & Doughty, LLC; 932 Niagara Falls; $154,500

L. Lee Akers to Sabrina Hodge; Map & Parcel number: 061 555; $156,000

Heather P. Johnson to Nationstar Mortgage, LLC; 723 Hickory Oak Hollow; $111,650; First transferee foreclosure

Bradley P. Aldridge to Ralph Castle Jr.; 1157 Sumter Landing Circle; $335,000

Aaron Bobby Clark to Margaret Ellen Movinsky; 5875 Jaime Drive; $24,000

Columbia County Development Authority to Columbia County, Ga; Map & Parcel number: 068 538 & 068 539; $0; Government/nonprofit public corp

Rodney D. Jackson to Columbia County, Ga; Map & Parcel number: 074 130C 074 130E; $1,191,030; Government/nonprofit public corporation

Bakers Group, LLC to JJ&E Builders, LLC; Map & Parcel number: 051-216; $47,500

Bakers Group, LLC to JJ&Z Builders, LLC; Map & Parcel number: 051-241; $47,500

Bakers Group, LLC to JJ&Z Builders, LLC; Map & Parcel number: 051-240; $47,500

Bakers Group, LLC to JJ&Z Builders, LLC; Map & Parcel number: 051-281; $47,500

Bakers Group, LLC to JJ&Z Builders, LLC; Map & Parcel number: 051-215; $47,500

Karen Moats to Amanda Brown; 1092 Newman Road; $0; Deed of gift

James G. Nicholson to Sara E. Nicholson; 4823 Rocky Shoals Circle; $1; Divorce based transfer

Metro Homesites, LLC to Keystone Homes, Inc.; Map & Parcel number: 61-2072; $37,000

Crowell & Co., Inc. to Metro Homesites, LLC; Map & Parcel number: 077 078; $40,000

Robert Lee Ramsey and Ronnie Jerome Sadler, as Trustees of The Gospel Water Branch Baptist Church; Map & Parcel number: 077 078; $120,000

Joshua L. Elliott to Equity Trust Company, et al; Map & parcel number: 077G821; $187,000

Angela F. Bosch to Mary Majroh; 456 Jade Drive; $425,000

Lamar W. Smith to Lamar W. Smith and Dorothy Faye Smith, JTWROS; Map & Parcel number: 074A019C; $10

Oconee Capital Investments, LLC to Detra F. Oliver-McCarthy; Map & parcel number: 061 2025; $284,900

Federal National Mortgage Association to Judith M. Burroughs; 910 Manatee Circle; $60,001/ Government/nonprofit public corporation

Jan. 26
Relo Direct Government Services, LLC to Jeffrey L. Custer; 216 Wickham Trail; $450,000

Crystal A. Galovin nka Crystal Arleen Richardson to Charles Felber; 4032 Lakewood Drive; $204,900

Winchester Homes of Ga Inc. to Gabriel Rivera; 2108 Kinsale Avenue; $205,975

RT Bailey Construction, Inc. to Glenda K. Pate; 5528 Connor Drive; $145,000

George B. Lamb to Todd W. Henchel; 1545 Baldwin Lakes Dr.; $314,500

Bobby D. Hughes to Andrew J. Herring; 4817 Woodbridge Place; $290,000

Larry Diacetis to Kay A. Diacetis; 7253 Moontown Road; $0; Deed of gift

Jon B. Gassman to Romy Weinstein Diaz; 4075 Quinn Drive; $219,000

Romy Weinstein Diaz to Romy Weinstein Diaz; 4075 Quinn Drive; $0; Deed of gift

Lorraine S. Banks to Robert D. Banks; 4411 Ferry Landing; $0; Deed of gift

Robert D. Banks to Robert D. Banks; 4411 Ferry Landing Road; $0; Deed of gift

Robert D. Banks to Lorraine S. Banks; 4411 Ferry Landing Road; $0; Deed of gift

Canterbury Farms, LLC to Winchester Homes of Ga Inc.; 936 Linsmore Ave.; $41,500

Patriots Landing, LLC to RT Bailey Construction, Inc.; 3521 Patrons Drive; $49,000

Winchester Homes of Ga. Inc. to Andrew G. Bench; 145 Clarinbridge Lane; $265,600

Buford L. Duggan, Executor Estate of Sandra S. Duggan to Buford L. Duggan; Map & Parcel number: 001A111; $0; Deed of gift

Robert Gerald Bigham to Malika Popal; 832 Willow Lake; $370,000

Ben Glover to U.S. Bank National Association; 4462 Grove Landing Dr.; $159,695; First transferee foreclosure

U.S. Bank National Association to Secretary of Veterans Affairs; 4462 Grove Landing Dr.; $159,695; Government/nonprofit public corp.

Steve Anthony Harris to U.S. Bank National Association; 1139 Brighton Drive; $198,358; First transferee foreclosure

U.S. Bank National Association to Secretary of Veterans Affairs; 1139 Brighton Drive; $198,358; Government/nonprofit public corporation

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Octavio Navedo-Cortes; Map & Parcel number: 077E195; $85,000; Government/nonprofit public corp.

Derek James Aubel and Nancy Ann Aubel to Gregory Jeffers; Map & Parcel number: 061 1165; $151,000

Gregory Jeffers to Gregory Jeffers and Anne Jeffers, JTWROS; Map & Parcel number: 061 1165; $10

Jan. 27

Keystone Homes, Inc. to Aubrey Montgomery; Map & Parcel number: H06-203; $175,100

Terry G. Gell to Brian Swanson; Map & Parcel number: 065A524; $390,000

Samuel Barrett Long and Carlina May Marshall applied for a marriage license Jan. 3 and were married Jan. 28 in Augusta

Wendell Franklin Johnson and Rhonda Lisa Lariscey applied for a marriage license Jan. 12 and were married Jan. 30 in Evans

Joshua David Ling and Kay Cee Angelica Thomas applied for a marriage license Jan. 17 and were married Jan. 22 in Martinez

Jerry Lewis Jews and Beverly Ann Smith applied for a marriage license Jan. 17 and were married Jan. 22 in Augusta

Taquan Leigh Bradburn and Stephanie Brook Miller applied for a marriage license Jan. 18 and were married Jan. 21 in Augusta

Peter Alan Yehl and Teresa De Lisieux Batista Romero applied for a marriage license Jan. 19 and were married Jan. 21 in Grovetown

Michael Robert Kane Jr. and Luz Maria Santiago applied for a marriage license Jan. 19 and were married Jan. 27 in Evans

Joshua Lance Cunningham and Ashley Ann Johnston applied for a marriage license Jan. 27 and were married Jan. 27 Evans

Cherrelle Octavia Matthews and Duana Denice Scott applied for a marriage license Jan. 27 and were married Jan. 27 Augusta

Steven Eugene Kennedy and Darlene Marie Mays applied for a marriage license Jan. 30 and were married Feb. 2 in Martinez

Christopher Gregorio Lavarias and Brandie Marie Gates applied for a marriage license Jan. 31 and were married Jan. 31 in Evans

Ty Brett Matthews and Robin Sharleen Hixon applied for a marriage license Jan. 31 and were married Jan. 31 in Evans

Jamison Thomas Jeter and Mary Elizabeth Henderson applied for a marriage license Feb. 1 and were married Feb. 2 in Martinez

Zachary Austin Minter and Kelsey Richanne Moore applied for a marriage license Feb. 3 and were married Feb. 3 in Evans

Pawprints Foundation pet food drive

Long Dog Rescue are accepting donations of dog, cat, puppy and kitten food year-round at Animal House, Wild Birds Unlimited, Grovetown Farm & Garden, Vineyard Wine Market and Martinez/National Hills Animal Hospitals.

To have donations picked up, call (706) 863-2067 or email doxydog@att.net.

All donations benefit local rescues; pawprintsfoundation.org.

^

"Lifting the Veil on Islam"

A monthly program to engage the public in dialogue on Islam, 7 p.m. Thursday, at the Islamic Society of Augusta, 465 Old Evans Road in Martinez. This session will address racial equality in Islam. This series, held the first Thursday of each month, is open to the public and refreshments will be served. facebook.com/ICCAOpenHouse.

^

Annual Chamber Banquet

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to attend the 12th annual Banquet on Thursday at the Columbia County Exhibition Center, Grovetown.

There will be a 4:30 p.m. cocktail reception and premier business showcase, a 6:30 p.m. dinner meeting and awards presentations. Chamber Members: $75; corporate tables are available.

Presenting sponsor is Georgia Bank & Trust. Contact Rachel Ellefson at (706) 651-0018 for further information and reservations. columbiacountychamber.com.

^

Elijah Clark Day

Elijah Clark State Park will hold a celebration commemorating Feb. 10 as Elijah Clark Day in Lincoln County.

From 10:30 a.m. to noon, visitors will see displays and presentations on life during the Revolutionary War to celebrate and remember the contributions of patriot ancestors.

A chili lunch will be served at noon, and a grave marking and wreath-laying ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. in honor of Clarke, his family and other patriots from the area now known as Lincoln County.

For questions or information about the event or Elijah Clark State Park, call the park's front desk at (706) 359-3458.

^

Pam Tillis

in concert

Come dressed in your favorite country music attire and walk the red carpet; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center in Evans. Tickets cost $44; (706) 726-0366 or augustaamusements.com.

^

Republican

Party Precinct

Mass Meetings

At 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, the Columbia County Republican Party will convene Precinct Mass Meetings to elect delegates and alternates to the Columbia County Republican Party Convention and to officers for 2017-19.

Regis­tra­tion will open at 9 a.m. Feb. 11 at Greenbrier High School, 5114 Riverwood Pkwy., Evans.

Partici­pants must be Columbia County registered voters and believe in the principles of the Republican Party.

For more information, send email to info@ccgagop.org; ccgagop.org.

Doctors Without Borders Benefit Concert
Concert is for the extension part of Greenbrier High School senior project, 6 p.m. Saturday at Oakey Grove Baptist Church, 911 N. Belair Road in Evans. Local talent will perform.

All money donated will go to Doctors Without Borders. Donations can be made in cash, check or online at events.doctorswithoutborders.org/campaign/perryconcert.

^

Chorale concert

The Columbia County Choral Society invites you to be its guest. Refreshments at 6:30 p.m. with rehearsal 7-9 p.m., Tuesday, Feb 14, at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 515 N. Belair Road, Evans.

Join the group and sing in its 20th Anniversary Concert on May 19 to premiere a newly commissioned choral work by Georgia composer Daniel Elder.

For more information, contact Don Cleary, artistic director, at clearydon@gmail.com

Bible and Missions Conference

Annual Bible and Mission Conference Friday 6:30 pm, Feb. 17, with featured speaker Dr. Joel McCall of Christ Covenant Church PCA in Knoxville, Tenn. at Christ Church Presbyterian of Evans located at 4201 Southern Pines Dr in Evans. (706) 210-9090 or visit www.christchurchpres.org.

^

Civil War Roundtable

The monthly meeting of the Civil War Roundtable of Augusta will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 20. Len Reidel, the executive director of the Blue and Gray Education Society, presents on Civil War Battlefield Tours. A retired Air Force officer, he is the architect of the society's programming and of considerable preservation accomplishments. Cost is $15 and includes dinner. Meeting will be held at Goodwill's Snelling Center, 3165 Washington Road in Augusta. civilwarroundtableaugustaga.com.

^

Columbia County

Charity Gala

Columbia County is giving its annual charity gala to benefit Columbia County Cares Food Pantry, Columbia County Forward Foundation and Columbia County Arts Development at 7 p.m. Satur­day, Feb. 25, at the Exhibition Cen­ter in Grovetown, with a Roar­ing '20s themed gala; columbiacountygala.com.

^

John Conlee to

perform in Evans

Country legend John Conlee, a regular performer at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn., will perform at 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 26, at Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center in Evans. Conlee recently celebrated the 38th anniversary of his breakthrough hit Rose-Colored Glasses and can be found on tour throughout 2017 and on the stage of the Opry, where he has been a member since 1981. Tickets can be purchased at The Vineyard at Evans, itickets.com or (800) 965-9324.

CSRA Republican Women's Club Monthly Meeting

Monday 6 p.m., Feb. 27, social and dinner; 7 p.m. business meeting at Jones Creek Country Club in Evans; guest speaker will be Mrs. Robin Allen, the newly elected president of the Republican Spouses Club for Republican congressmen; dinner will be served; cost is $12; RSVP required for dinner only by calling Wanda at (706) 830-5730

^

Sinatra Tribute

Ol' Blue Eyes Sinatra Tribute featuring Mark Randisi and The Motor City Horns; 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 4, at Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center, at 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd. Dress in your favorite '40s attire and walk the red carpet; Tickets $44; (706) 726-0366 or augustaamusements.com.

^

Citizens' Law Enforcement Academy

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office will be holding a Citizens' Law Enforcement Academy beginning Thursday, March 9. This free course is offered Thursdays from 6:30-9 p.m. for 10 weeks and is open to county residents 18 and older. Call the sheriff's office Community Services Division at (706) 541-2856 or download an application from the Community Services link at columbiacountyso.org.

Goodwill Spring Job Fair

Thursday 1-4 p.m., Mar. 9, Snelling Center, 3165 Washington Road, Augusta. For details on Job Fair Boot Camp call The Job Connection Staff at 706-447-5195. www.goodwillworks.org/jobfair

^

Celtic Tenors

Celtic Tenors will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, at Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center in Evans. Tickets are $47.50. For more, visit augustaamusements.com or call (706) 726-0366.

^

The Marvin Gaye Experience

What's Going ON: The Marvin Gaye Experience featuring Brian Owens at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center in Evans. Tickets are $42; (706) 726-0366; augustaamusements.com.

^

Food pantry

Columbia County Cares Food Pantry is open from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday at 1959 Appling-Harlem Highway, Appling; (706) 541-2834.

^

Foster parents

Necco Augusta offers free foster parent orientations Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon at 424 Columbia Road, Suite B, Martinez.

The group is looking for loving parents to work with children up to age 21. Register at (706) 210-3435. Walk-ins are welcome. Learn more at necco.org.

^

Eyeglasses help

Financial aid for eyeglasses is available for qualifying Grovetown residents; contact Grove­town Lions Club Eyeglass Program, P.O. Box 248, Grovetown, GA 30813.

^

Celebrate Recovery

Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. at West Acres Baptist Church, 555 Gibbs Road in Evans. For more information, call Tom at (706) 814-1355; free.

^

Prospectors

Gold Prospectors Asso­ciation of America meets from 7-9 p.m. on second Thursdays, Day­spring Baptist Church, 4220 Belair Frontage Road. Call (706) 496- 4611 for more information.

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Female veterans

The Women's Veterans Organization meets at 11 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month at Troy University, 2743 Perimeter Pkwy., Augusta.

The cost is $50 per year. For more, call Watha Alston-Hooper at (706) 564- 6745.

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The regular-season finale between Greenbrier and Evans meant little in the region standings. But try telling the two rivals the game didn't mean much.

In a sluggish offensive contest, Austin Canaday and Nick Murry combined for 25 points as the Wolfpack defeated the Knights, 45-34.

"Evans is always going to be Evans," Greenbrier coach Casey Heckathorn said. "That was an extremely important game for our seniors."

The Wolfpack (8-16) won their third game in a row and will enter next week's region tournament as a No. 4 seed. They will face Grovetown at 8 p.m. Tuesday, with the winner qualifying for the state tournament and advancing to play No. 1 seed Lakeside on Thursday.

"I think we're peaking at the right time," Heckathorn said. "I like the momentum going in. We know a lot about Grovetown. We've played two extremely close games with them."

Against Evans, Canaday led Greenbrier with 13 points, while Murry added 12. Richard Crawford scored eight, making just one field goal in the second half. But it was a big one.

Evans (8-16) pulled within five midway through the fourth quarter when Crawford was left all alone on the wing. He swished his second 3-pointer of the contest. Then, the Wolfpack added a layup to push the lead to 10.

Kyle Driscoll scored 12 points to lead Evans, while Cameron Cabbarus added 11. The Knights, a No. 3 seed, will face Alcovy at 5 p.m. Tuesday, with the winner qualifying for the state tournament and advancing to play Heritage in the region semifinals.

"We'll work on it Monday and get ready for it Monday," Evans coach Kevin Kenny said about his team's shooting. "We just have to have better shot selection."

In the girls game, Greenbrier used a big fourth quarter to upend Evans, 48-43.

Sydney Grayden scored seven of her team-high 18 points in the final quarter, while Natalie Wilson added five of her 11 points down the stretch. The Lady Wolfpack outscored the Lady Knights, 20-12, in the final eight minutes.

Renee Smith swished three 3-pointers in the first quarter as Evans jumped out to a 17-9 advantage. But Greenbrier pulled within five at halftime and was down just three entering the fourth.

Lexius Jeffcoat led the Lady Knights with 10 points, while Smith and Kiyana Nelson each scored 9.

Peyton Peacock is taking a different route to get to the next level.

On Monday, the Grovetown softball standout signed with South Georgia State College, a two-year school. Peacock said that school is the first step in her collegiate career.

"After two years, the coach is going to try to get me to an even better college," Peacock said. "So that seemed like the best way to go."

A pitcher and third baseman, Peacock reaped the rewards of a successful season for the Lady Warriors. Grovetown went 15-14 and advanced to the state tournament for the first time in school history. With her team and individual success, Peacock received an opportunity to sign a scholarship offer.

"This is something I've always wanted to do," she said. "I've always wanted to have a signing like everybody else. I'm just proud. I feel like I accomplished something."

Peacock began playing softball in second grade because of her friend, Sara Katherine Mitchell. The two played softball growing up in Burke County until Peacock eventually moved to Columbia County.

As a youth, Peacock also played basketball and tennis. In middle school, she started focusing on softball and began playing travel ball.

"It's something new all the time," Peacock said about the sport. "You're not just running up and down the court trying to get a ball in the hoop. Every play is different every time."

After helping lead Grovetown to the second round of the state tournament, Peacock began seeking colleges. In November, she attended a prospect camp at South Georgia State College and immediately received an offer.

"I didn't do very good at the camp," said Peacock, who emailed her stats beforehand to coach Nicki Levering. "She was still interested in me and she hasn't even seen my best yet."

South Georgia State College is a junior college in Douglas, Ga.

Peacock said she's planning to major in early childhood education, but she said she might change her mind. She in the future said she wants to either become a coach or a crime scene investigator.

"I think I'd have more fun being a gym teacher," she said. "It'd just fit me more."

A 16-year-old authorities say fatally shot his sister eight times in their family's Martinez home was deemed a threat to the community and denied bond Friday, while family members expressed immediate concern for his mental health.

Sonny Kim appeared before Judge John Flythe in Columbia County Superior Court for a bond hearing, with his mother and stepfather in attendance. Kim is charged with murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and aggravated assault in the Dec. 19 incident.

Flythe denied bond at the state's request on the grounds that Kim had admitted to police that he planned to kill his entire family before turning the gun on himself. Flythe said that that there was a potential for Kim to intimidate witnesses, since all the victims were family members who lived together. Investigators said Kim told them that the plan to kill his family at their Martinez home was impulsive, but could not state why he did it.

Prosecutors said Kim had two magazine clips prepared to use to shoot his family. According to police, Kim had a .45-caliber handgun that belonged to his stepfather. Kim emptied one magazine when he shot his sister, Ashley Kim, in the chest before he turned the gun on his stepfather and pulled the trigger twice, not realizing the magazine was empty, said prosecutors. Kim's stepfather was able to restrain him until police arrived.

The defense argued Friday that Kim's family was concerned that he was mentally deteriorating while he is being confined at the Regional Youth Detention Center in Augusta.

Through tears, Nicole Brazell told the court that she has noticed a "deterioration" in her son's verbal and cognitive abilities during the two jail visits she has made to him. Brazell said they are still awaiting Kim's test results from MRI and CAT scans. Brazell said she believes her son might be suffering from some sort of aneurysm or even brain cancer and asked that bond be granted to ensure he gets the help he needs.

2 arrested after gun, drugs found
Two men were arrested after police discovered a handgun and heroin inside their vehicle during a traffic stop.

Anthony Lyrone Searson, a convicted felon, according to the incident report, was charged with possession handgun and possession of a handgun during the commission of a crime.

Joshua Benjamin Nelms was discovered with approximately 1.5 grams of heroin in his possession and also charged.

Man found hiding under girl's bed
A man was warned not to return to a property after he was found hiding under a juvenile girl's bed.

Police responded to the 300 block of Barnsley Drive in Evans Wednesday to reports of an unruly child, according to the incident report.

A man told police Patrick Bennett Jr. was let into the residence by his juvenile granddaughter. After the two went up to the juvenile's bedroom, the man contacted the police.

Upon arrival, the juvenile told police that Bennett had left the residence. When asked about Bennett's vehicle parked outside, the juvenile claimed she didn't know what Bennett drove.

Police soon found Bennett hiding under the girl's bed.

Bennett told police the juvenile had contacted him on social media and told him she was 17 years old and that they had mutual friends, but did not have any type of relationship.

Bennett was given a warning for criminal trespass to document the incident on behalf of the juvenile's grandfather.

A Honor Roll

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Sixth Grade

Babak Abbasi, Mark Abell, Emily Beckman, Trinatee Belk, Blake Bias, Adam Blair, James Bradford, Lexi Bush, Christopher Cardullo, Madison Cartwright, John Chambers, Hannah Cole, Daniella Curkovic, Jennah Dabrowski , Luke Frain, Taylor Hall, Phoebe Hughes, Daniel Jackson, Rachel Johann, Anna Kalv, Robert Kirkland, Graceson Lack, Leah Longmene, Noah Lovekamp, Grant Martin, Kaylee McGrew, Cameron McKinney, Elijah Miller, Leah Mundy, Patrick Pace, James Porterfield, Ali Punshon, Kellan Rea , Ashley Rudman, Alan Sairany, Morgann Savage, Cecilia Scheyer, Sara Schock, Kian Sheridan, Layla Shue, Jack Simonds, Aidan Smith, Leila Smith, Kaitlyn Sommers, Landon Spires , Nathan Stewart, Kelly Sullivan, Kathryn Swift, Cody Tomac, Laynie VanMeter, Brinkley Vaughn, Keenan Vedros, Lamoliya Walden, Olivia Washington, Anthony Watson, Jamilah White, Wyatt Wilson, and Tianyi Zhu

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Seventh Grade

Meredith Abell, Emily Augenstein, Jaidyn Bennett, Savannah Besson, Caitlyn Briolat, Caleb Corder, Macgregor Daly, Kenny Dao, Sierra Davis, Calvin DiPrete, Robert Dorn, Andrew Elkin, Ava Fedak, Madelyn Garland, Zachary Hanson, Lawson Harper, Emorie Holland, Hayden Holley, Jeremiah Hubbard, Todd Hudson, Emma Iseman, Rebecca Jackson, Nicholas Kearns, Hunter Martin, Abbie McKelvain, Carson Meddings, Chayce Moreno, Pratham Patel, James Pounds, Averie Pugh, Margaret Quesenberry, Riley Rabun, Eloisa Racho, Haley Rhodes, Dylan Rogers, Aidan Ruby, Anna Seiter, Connor Spies, Sydney Swanson, Arden Vickers, Kerrington Walsh, Lauren Watt, Lilly Williamson, Alexandra Wimberly, Amanda Wolbert, Sophie Young, and Zohal Zia

Eighth Grade

Tamaya Abero, Rana Ahmed, Cameron Allen, Ridley Avila, Logan Beatty, Allison Behrend, Carson Berry, Lance Brawner, Anna Britton, Brianna Brown, Jeremiah Brown, Nadiah Brown, Vanessa Browning, Matthew Cardullo, Chase Carter, Addison Damm, Abigail Davis, Eve Dennard, Benjamin Diprete, Alexander Dockins, Alexa Dudley, Esidore Eneinyang, Syann Ford, Ansley Gibbs, Andrew Hsu, Mary Jackson, Hannah Johnston, Julia Jones, Holly Jordan, Erkin Khoroshi, Sarah Kim, Mikayla Kline, Allie Lange, Tri Le, Christine Lee, Jennifer Lee, Braden Lewis, Shelby Lloyd, Jack Lombardo, Nicholas Lowe, Avery Lowhorn, Ean MacIntyre, Lauren May, Alden McDonald, Kathryn Metheny, Olivia Moore, Christine Nguyen, Emma Pavri, Jillian Pemberton, Dorian Peric, Sky Poole, Ian Rausch, Kelly Shay, Anna Shelton, Thomas Shillingsburg, Emma Shirley, Sloan Smith, Daniel Speed, Aniyah Stampley, Ethan Sumner, Jacob Taylor, Jenna Taylor, Etta Thomas, Evan Thomas, Mia Thompson, Amy Tornow, Parker Young and Paiman Zia

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A/B Honor Roll

Sixth Grade

Adam Atamna, Jacob Bailey, Liberty Ballweg, Ayanna Bell, Jeremiah Bonner, Isabelle Brahm, Gabe Burciaga, Anna Beth Burke, Ashley Butler, Vince Butler, Hannah Caldwell, Kierra Carlile, Keegan Carter, Walker Cason, Ella Cely, Dominic Colavito, Connor Crosson, Lena Cruce, Kadence Curry, Chloe Davis, Lydia Davis, Joe DiRocco, Maya Duncan, Elyse Eneinyang, Connor English, Kionna Ficklin, Payton Flanders, Andrew Gantt, Brayden Goff, Madison Griffin, Tyler Hansen, Blake Hayes, Jalen Henderson, Caden Hooper, Sydney Hudson, Hannah Huff, Donald Jetter, Mackenzie Johnston, Leanna Joiner, Fisher Jones, Parker Jones, Maggie Kelleher, Dalton Key, Emily Kruckow, Nathen Kuntz, Michael Lanham, Parker Leiter, Garrett Livengood, Errin Lortie, Jayde Martin, William McCoy, Emily McFeely, Max Mckay, Joshua McMahon, Katie Mihalik, Lucas Morgan, Alexandrea Moritz, David Noto, Devon Nur, Maya Nwankwo, Noriana Onate, Elizabeth Parrish, Adam Pennington, Damon Pettit, Heidi Pettit, Sarah Pitts, LeeAnna Prince, Abigail Rainier, Amira Ramos, Jaydon Raymond, Charles Reville, Kathryn Richards, Aidan Richardson, Osayuki Richardson, Brighton Rinker, Ayanna Robinson, Emma Grace Robison, Jacob Rodriguez, Maylani Rodriguez, Kadima Rogers, Luke Rosier, Ian Ruddy, Scott Rudman, Julia Sadlowska, William Shelton, Trevor Sloan, Hayden Smith, Matthew Speed, Eliza Stull, Songting Tang, Grayson Taylor, Shelby Thompson, Leah Tollerson, Carson Tomac, Nathan Treacle, Sarah Tropea, Emerson Voelp, Kayleigh Wallace, Sarah White, Caroline Wiggins, Marcus Williams, Cooper Willis, Riley Wilson and Peyton Wombles

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Seventh Grade

Lorianna Ames, Matthew Ashley, Assma Ashna, Jonathan Avant, Carson Beaty, Alex Becker, Brooklyn Begley, Jacob Beler, David Bell, Lauren Bennett, Megan Bennett, Skyler Bradley, Grayson Brooker, Maya Brown, Akshaya Byrapaka, JennaClare Calhoun, Sam Carson, Tanner Catley, Thomas Cely, Adam Chadli, Adrien Clark, Hannah Connell, Faith Cook, Jessica Costain, Madi Cutchins, Brandon Dailey, Bryce Davis, Reilly Deloach, Derrick Douglas, Jacob Evans, Aaron Flink, Jenna Frizzi, Ian Garwold, Mary Guinocor, Jacob Gurzi, Trey Haley, Michael Hall, Virginia Hall, Garrett Hamm, Brooke Hankins, Mary Hargrove, Daniel Hentges, Hayes Herndon, David Holland, Emma Izzo, Thomas Karman, Julian Kinzel, Abigail Kite, Matthew Knapp, Orion Kotas, Kyla Krueger, Spencer Long, Nicholas Lopez, Dennis Martinez, Alexis Mays, Charles McCoy, Hunter Merritt, Cameron Moore, Tori Olson, Ricky Patrick, Sydney Peak, Wyatt Perron, Jordan Perry, Cadence Pilson, Caroline Plowman, Jadeyn Powers, Austin Rangel, Ezequiel Rodriguez, Andrew Ruffin, Samantha Schweitzer, Alexandria Smith, Tripp Sterling, Parker Taylor, Brady Thomas, Abbie Townley, Ian Trachl, Jack Troiano, Delaney Vanover, Patrick Whitaker, Alex White, Michael White, Isaiah Williams, Telly Williams, Drew Wilson, Sydney Wilson, Maria Wongo and Erica Zheng

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Eighth Grade

Troy Adams, Jacob Allen, Shawn Anderson, Selin Baker, Caroline Barksdale, Matthew Barrickman, Brandon Buderacki, Madeline Cadden, Chandler Cawley, Lauren Chapman, Nicholas Charania, Aria Chatman, Sarah Chester, Brayden Collett, Andrew Crosson, Bailey Curry, Breland Davis, Brandon Duncan, Mai Erb, Aubrey Faison, Cora Fisher, Cade Fort, Kylie Frieze, Ava Glisson, Kevin Gonzalez, William Gorham, John Griggs, Caroline Grzybowski, Abbie Halliday, Summer Hayes, Brelyn Head, Keith Hilliker, Michael Hinson, Jaelyn Holt, Bryce Hoover, La'Daisia Hudson, Lawrence Johnson, Madeleine Laircey, Sydney Land, Illiyana Lapeine, Edmundo Leets, Cameron Lortie, Karlee Ludwick, Savannah McLeroy, Carson Murray, Anisa Nur, Nicole Obando, Malayja Owens, Zachary Park, Landon Parker, Sophia Parkhurst, Madison Pennington, Isabella Powell, Brooke Puffer, Eric Sanderson, Christian Smith, Tyler Starkey, Megan Steinmeyer, Adam Stewart, Margaret Sullivan, Jared Swift, Jack Tansley, Jada Taylor, Jordan Taylor, Bethany Trask, Caroline Troedsson, Wesley Wallace, Aidan Watt, Nakia West, Steven White, Zoie Whiteside, Eric Wilkinson, Rachel Wohlford, Presley Wood, Roman Wood, Aaron Woodward and Alex Woodward

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, J. Strom Thurmond Project is calling for participants for two turkey hunts at the Bussey Point Management Area this spring.

According to a news release from the Corps of Engineers, the site will be opened to all hunters Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8. On Saturday, April 15 the Corps will host a youth hunt. Hunts will be limited to 10 individuals daily. Selected hunters may bring a guide or guest. All participants must be licensed in accordance with Georgia hunting regulations.

To participate in the drawings hunters must submit a letter requesting consideration for the hunt and should include the desired hunt date, the hunter's name, mailing address and daytime telephone number, and should be mailed to: Ken Boyd, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, J. Strom Thurmond Project Office, 510 Clarks Hill Highway, Clarks Hill, SC 29821-9703. Request for consideration may also be sent by email to kenneth.h.boyd@usace.army.mil. Submissions must be received by March 18.

Shotguns may be used for all turkey hunts. For the youth hunt on April 15, hunters must be 15 or younger and accompanied by an adult. The adult must be licensed in accordance with the Georgia hunting regulations.

The hunts will begin each day one hour before sunrise and conclude at noon.

For additional information, call Ken Boyd at the J. Strom Thurmond Project Office at (800) 533-3478 extension 1159 or (864) 333-1159.

For Ryan Jolly, this time of year is all about being organized.

The Augusta Prep junior basketball standout has a planner at school that helps him balance academics and athletics. He tries to get his homework finished before basketball practice. Then, he heads home where he'll study for another two, three hours.

"I try to stay organized as much as possible," he said.

Academics is a big thing for Jolly, who also grew up in a sports-minded family. He grew up playing baseball, basketball, football and lacrosse. In seventh grade, he began focusing solely on basketball.

"The teamwork I really liked," Jolly said about the sport. "The competitive atmosphere I like for sure."

Jolly attended Stallings Island Middle School. He transferred to Augusta Prep for high school, citing academics as the No. 1 reason.

"This school is known for its academics," he said. "Basketball is just kind of a side option."

For the 6-foot-3, 150-pound Jolly, basketball is more than just an option. He's making a name for himself on the court, averaging 21 points, five assists and four steals per game this season. Also, he reached the 1,000-point milestone in his prep career earlier this season.

His stellar play is a carryover from his AAU play - he is a member of the Georgia Bulls. He's been with them since middle school.

"All summer long, I'm training with my AAU team, going places and playing top players in the nation," he said. "It's a good competitive atmosphere. Coming back here, it transfers well."

Jolly is currently the 15th-ranked guard in Georgia among all public and private school basketball players. Augusta Prep coach Mike Guthrie said Jolly is the consummate basketball player.

"He does it all," Guthrie said. "He plays defense. He blocks shots. He scores. He steals the ball. He gets rebounds. He does everything you need a point guard to do."

Several colleges are showing Jolly interest. He said William & Mary is his favorite right now, adding he's undecided on a major - he likes math and science.

"Academics is the top thing I want," said Jolly, who carries a 3.5 GPA. "Basketball is going to be a factor, too. I like small class sizes like at Prep. It all factors in.

"I don't know exactly where I want to go yet. I still have a lot of time to talk to my parents and see what else happens.".

Jolly still has plenty left to do on the basketball court this season and next. He said he's hopeful Augusta Prep will win the region this year and at least advance to the second round of the state tournament.

"Hopefully, we can win a state championship," he said. "That's the ultimate goal."