Drug takeback

Get rid of leftover prescriptions at the Columbia County Drug Takeback Day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Walgreens at 4310 Washington Road, in Evans.

Trick or Treat

Trick or Treat so others can eat will be held from 6-9 p.m. Thursday at Evans Towne Center Park. The event is free, with admission being one canned good item or more to enter. All canned good items benefit the Columbia County Community Cares Food Pantry.

Trunk or Treat

Liberty Park Community Center in Grovetown will hold a free Trunk or Treat event from 6-8 p.m. Friday. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes, enjoy games, inflatables, food vendors and more. Businesses or organizations interested in providing a trunk can contact the Grovetown Department of Leisure and Recreation Services at (706) 860-7691 or email jwheatley@cityofgrovetown.com.

Golf Championship

The 2017 Gordon Lakes Golf Club Championship will be held 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Gordon Lakes Golf Club located at 537 Range Road on Fort Gordon. Enjoy two days on the links. The tournament is 36 holes and players will be put in flights after first round scores. Entry fees are: $35 members, $50 active duty, and $60 for retired military and civilians. Entry fee includes golf and cart both days, as well as prizes and meal Sunday. For full details, please call (706) 791-2433.

Car show

The CSRA's finest car show is celebrating its 14th year at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Up to $2,000 in cash awards. Enjoy the cars, rock-n-roll music, food under the Lost in the '50s dining tent, family fun and games. Registration 9-11:30 a.m., awards at 2 p.m. Registration fee $20 advance, $25 day of show. To register, contact Don DeClue at (706) 394-7444 or declues@comcast.net.

Art after dark

The Artist's Guild of Columbia County presents Art After Dark at the Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center in the Columbia County Library from 7-10 p.m. Nov. 4. The free event is open to the public, and will include, live jazz with Fred Williams, complimentary snacks and drinks with a cash bar. A silent auction will be held with proceeds benefitting the council's scholarship fund. Guild members will have artwork on display and for sale throughout the night.

Pottery classes

The Harlem Arts Council presents Pottery with Angelika Bondar from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursdays, on Nov. 2, 9, 16, and 30. Learn how to make pottery using only your hands with various building techniques. No experience needed. A series of three classes includes materials, firing and glazing. Contact Angelika on (706) 394-4682. Cost for all four classes: $80 (includes material fee).

Alzheimer's Walk

The Alzheimer's Association welcomes Augusta residents, and those Burke, Columbia, Washington, Screven Emanuel, Glascock, Greene, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Taliaferro, Warren and Wilkes counties, to join the fight to end Alzheimer's by participating in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's on Nov. 4, at Columbia County Amphitheater in Evans.

Craft Bazaar

Lynndale Advocates presents its 4th Annual Vendor and Craft Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 4, rain or shine, indoors, at 1490 Eisenhower Drive in Augusta. Fall & winter décor and holiday gifts. Past offerings include personalized children's books, scrap booking supplies, a wide-selection of creative crafts, custom ornaments and more. Refreshments available for purchase. To book a table or for more information, please contact rose-mary@knology.net. All proceeds support Lynndale Advocates' mission to continue to serve our individuals with special needs.

Oil painting classes

The Harlem Arts Council presents Oil Painting with Minette Hatcher at the new Harlem Civic Center, 10 a.m. to noon, Mondays, Nov. 6 and 13. Beginner and experienced are both welcome. Class maximum is six students, HAC members have priority. Contact Ann Blalock at (706) 556-6656; Cost $20.00 per class.

Alcohol painting on tile

The Harlem Arts Council presents Alcohol Painting on Tile with Jeanne Stanford from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a lunch break, Nov. 10, at the new Harlem Civic Center. Minimum of three students required for class. Cost is $30; Contact Jeanne Standord at (330) 592-2256.

Military Day

Grovetown will hold Military Day at Goodale Park, Nov. 11.

Tribute concert

Tickets are on sale for the inaugural CSRA Veterans Day Tribute Concert which will be held Nov. 11 at the Lady A Amphitheater at Evans Towne Center Park. Live performances by Shooter Jennings, Beth Spangler, Johnny Rodriguez, Rachel Lynn and Jordan Brower, with special guest host Jay Jefferies. Tickets available at freshtix.com.

Harlem Hustle

The 5th Annual Harlem Hustle 5k and 10k and chili cookoff will begin at 8 a.m. Nov. 11. The Harlem Hustle is a 5K and 10K run through historic Harlem. Proceeds benefit the Harlem High School soccer program to provide uniforms, field and training equipment, and other team needs. Contact hhsgasoccer@gmail.com for information.

Basket weaving

The Harlem Arts Council presents basket weaving with Tammy Przylepa from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a short lunch break, Nov. 18 at the new Harlem Civic Center. Learn to make a baby bushel basket, perfect for fall apple picking. This class will also make a woven reed basket. Minimum of three students; cost is $30 with all materials included. Contact Tammy Przylepa at (706) 414-1716.

Block printing

The Harlem Arts Council presents Block Printing your own Christmas cards with Angelika Bondar, from 1-3 p.m. Nov. 30 at the new Harlem Civic Center. Make your Christmas greeting truly yours. Learn to print your own unique and beautiful Christmas cards. Cost is $20 with all materials included. Contact Angelika Bondar at (706) 394-4682.

Charles Dickens Christmas

Internationally known storyteller Tim Lowry from Summerville, S.C., will act as Charles Dickens at 3 p.m. Dec. 23 at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church at 3551 Wheeler Road in Augusta. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the church office during business hours (Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) or online at www.standrewpc.com. Program is recommended for ages 10 and above.

Pumpkin patch

The Marvin Corner Pumpkin Patch will be open until Oct. 31. Pumpkins, gourds, mums and bales of straw for sale to support missions and community outreach. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 2-7 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sundays noon to 7 p.m.; www.marvinchurch.com.

Class reunion

Harlem High School class of 1978 is planning a 40th year reunion. If you or anyone you know is a 1978 graduate, please send your name and address to gmclerk1960@yahoo.com. The reunion is planned for June 23, 2018.

Fort Gordon retiree council

The Fort Gordon Retiree Council meets quarterly to keep the Fort Gordon command structure aware of issues, concerns and needs of the military retiree population of all branches of service in the Fort Gordon area of responsibility. Contact the Retiree Council through the retirement services officer in Darling Hall at (706) 791-2654, by email at ftgordonretcouncil@gmail.com or the Facebook page at Fort Gordon Retiree Council.

Volunteers needed

Tax-aide volunteers are needed to join our team of local volunteers for the upcoming tax season. You'll receive training and materials in a welcoming environment. Lack of experience shouldn't stop anyone from volunteering. For more information, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide and sign up or call John Fredo at (706) 831-5400.

Kiwanis Club

The Columbia County Kiwanis club holds its monthly networking events the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at TBonz in Evans. Club members, friends and relatives are welcome to attend the informal get-together each month.
Pet food drive

Pawprints Foundation and 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.

Book Club

The Columbia County Harlem Library Branch holds a book club meeting monthly the third Thursday of the month at 4 p.m.

Female veterans

The Women's Veterans Organization meets at 11 a.m. on second Saturdays at Troy University, 2743 Perimeter Pkwy., Augusta. The cost is $50 per year. Call Watha Alston-Hooper at (706) 564- 6745.

Foster parents

Necco Augusta offers free foster-parent orientations 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays 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. For more information, go to necco.org.

Fire officials said two dogs successfully escaped from a burning home in Martinez last week.

Fire crews were called to the home in the 300 block of Paces Ferry Road around 12:40 p.m. and extinguished the flames in about 20 minutes.

Surrounding trees and a neighbors home also sustained minor damages from the flames that sent a smoke plume reportedly seen by people in North Augusta.

Officials said the homeowner left the home for about 20 minutes to go to the bank.

Fire officials said a cause of the fire has not been determined and considered it accidental. They said they believe it might have been caused by a computer inside the home.

The homeowner said he lived in the home for 30 years.

Marissa Leann Kirby and Ierenimo Anthony Uini applied for a marriage license July 12 and married Oct. 9 in Grovetown

Adam Deane Wilks and Sarah Sae-Hwa Nolen applied for a marriage license Aug. 11 and married Oct. 14 in Greensboro

Andrew Morgan Whited and Erin Emma Maughan applied for a marriage license Aug. 15 and married Oct. 7 in Martinez

William Lawson Tankersley III and Ann Marie Martin applied for a marriage license Aug. 25 and married Oct. 14 in Evans

Jesse Christopher Brooks and Catherine Acker Simpson applied for a marriage license Aug. 25 and married Sept. 30 in Appling

Bryan Tracy Rayner and Leslie Karen Cook Posey applied for a marriage license Aug. 30 and married Oct. 14 in Lincolnton

Matthew Wayne Basham and Ashley Nicole Raiford applied for a marriage license Sept. 1 and married Oct. 7 in Grovetown

Richard Earl Gibbs and Kashema Latoya Brooker applied for a marriage license Sept. 5 and married Oct. 7 in Evans

Joshua Craig Probst and Jacqueline Elizabeth Becker applied for a marriage license Sept. 8 and married Oct. 9 in Martinez

Richard Anthony Gonnella Jr. and Caleigh Seairra Smith applied for a marriage license Sept. 20 and married Oct. 14 in Grovetown

William Marcum Lowe and Meghan Leigh James applied for a marriage license Sept. 21 and married Sept. 23 in Martinez

Kevin Anthony Lambert and Danielle Mae Sartain applied for a marriage license Sept. 21 and married Sept. 21 in Evans

Jesse Dean Ragain and Megan Lynn Auge applied for a marriage license Sept. 22 and married Oct. 7 in Martinez

Jonathan David Lechner and Bethany Emelyn Tanner applied for a marriage license Sept. 25 and married Sept. 30 in Evans

Keith William Middleton and Wiebke Youngquist applied for a marriage license Sept. 25 and married Oct. 15 in Hephzibah

Scott Henry Johnson and Svenja Kiehl applied for a marriage license Sept. 26 and married Oct. 19 in Grovetown

Jareth Alton Childs and Jessica Erin Bobo applied for a marriage license Sept. 26 and married Oct. 7 in Appling

Robert Clifford Frashuer and Carol Ann Kosky applied for a marriage license Sept. 28 and married Oct. 7 in Martinez

Toren Michael Thomas and Agnieszka Zoe Reeves applied for a marriage license Sept. 28 and married Oct. 11 in Evans

Jessie Daniel Hood and Heather Rose Sims applied for a marriage license Oct. 2 and married Oct. 7 in Harlem

Christopher Douglas Phelps and Betty Jean Gordon applied for a marriage license Oct. 3 and married Oct. 7 in Savannah

Harry Jackson Kingsland and Janice Denise Brown applied for a marriage license Oct. 3 and married Oct. 11 in Evans

Darryl Vincent Blakely and Regina Holmes Jamerson applied for a marriage license Oct. 3 and married Oct. 7 in Augusta

Zachary Thomas Kridner and Ragan Lacee Craghead applied for a marriage license Oct. 3 and married Oct. 7 in Appling

Esteban Carriazo Hernandez and Haley Greer Inglett applied for a marriage license Oct. 5 and married Oct. 12 in Evans

Gregory Robert Baumann and Abbie Elizabeth Garrett applied for a marriage license Oct. 5 and married Oct. 14 in Evans

Kurt Mathew Meadows and Jill Brooke Tankersley applied for a marriage license Oct. 5 and married Oct. 7 in Appling

Jonathan Paul Otis and Samantha Louise Graham applied for a marriage license Oct. 5 and married Oct. 14 in Evans

Jeffrey Robert Bunjevac and Sarah Elizabeth Boyett applied for a marriage license Oct. 6 and married Oct. 8 in Evans

Nicholas Ross Bodie and Samantha Nicole Clark applied for a marriage license Oct. 6 and married Oct. 14 in Appling

Matthew Ryan Lash and Elizabeth Ashleigh Watson applied for a marriage license Oct. 6 and married Oct. 14 in Evans

David Pierce Mysona and Elaina Chapman Bates applied for a marriage license Oct. 9 and married Oct. 14 in Augusta

Chance Avery Dukes and Lindsay Raine Kircher applied for a marriage license Oct. 9 and married Oct. 13 in Augusta

Harold James Hodgens and Dianna Taylor Brentnell applied for a marriage license Oct. 10 and married Oct. 12 in Evans

Brijesh Verma and Shally Behal applied for a marriage license Oct. 13 and married Oct. 14 in Augusta

Cory Alan Taylor and Emily Anne Perdue applied for a marriage license Oct. 13 and married Oct. 15 in Evans

Matthew Kent Strickland and Denise Barrios Crews applied for a marriage license Oct. 13 and married Oct. 14 in Evans

Taran Justin Purkey and Krista Nichole Paige applied for a marriage license Oct. 13 and married Oct. 14 in Augusta

Joshua Max Blackwood and Vergilia Maria Velez applied for a marriage license Oct. 16 and married Oct. 16 in Evans

Bruce Douglas White and Christina Coats Springfield applied for a marriage license Oct. 18 and married Oct. 18 in Evans

Alexander James Morgan and Christine Van Eastman applied for a marriage license Oct. 18 and married Oct. 19 in Evans

Gregory Alexander Esquivel and Lyndsey Mari Newson applied for a marriage license Oct. 19 and married Oct. 19 in Evans

Shawn Ryan Mulvaney and Jordan Asheley Davidson applied for a marriage license Oct. 19 and married Oct. 19 in Evans

A Honor Roll

6th Grade

Helen Alan, Breanna Aleshire, Dania Alshammari, Maverick Anderson, Mackenzie Ballard, Brianna Baughman, Joseph Bertrand, Jessica Branch, Jonathan Bright, Keara Buckley, Mia Camesi, Hannah Campbell, Gregory Catron, Miranda Chamberlain, Willow Christeson, Mekhi Churchill, Makena Clardy, Emma Clement, Jeylis Cuevas Perez, Samantha Daum, Alexandria Dotson, Avry Geraghty, Aden Grant, Yaria Hamilton, Dylan Hansen, Ella Hardeman, Romero Harris, Jaycie Hayward, Jocelyn Hernandez, Stephanie Hernandez, Ashlyn Mahood, Mia McElroy, Emma McKaskle, Konnor Nagel, Jensen Niemeier, Megan Orth, Kassandra Ortiz-Rosario, Sanai Park, Zachary Parsons, Aspen Pearson, Alejandro Perez, Nadia Perez, Harmony Pollins, Willy Powell, Madison Proctor, Veronica Quinones, Aiden Rocha, Ariani Santana, Atysha Smith, Emily Soares, Zion Spruill, Jacob Stalcup, Carmen Talbott, Destiny Thomas, Rachel Tully, Riley Wade, Taliyah Wrights,

^

7th Grade

Cristian Alonso-mendoza, Kadence Barry, Michael Blache, Lloyd Christian Brunson, Faye Buckner, Breanna Burress, Cheyenne Bush, Rachel Carter, Leilani Cooper, Sonia Cortez, Arianna Crismon, Kahlil Davis, Jessalyn Hall, Jaron Hanhardt, Keira Inks, Kirstyn Johnson, Adrea Jolly, Madison Mateyko, Rachel Maxwell, Blair McCarthy, Makayla Mccord, Alanecka Phipps, Kaydence Reliford, Ella Schlickman, Matthew Shaw, Noah Stroud, Madison Tucker, Christion Walker, Amya Webb, Grayson Wood, Tatiana Yow

^

8th Grade

Bryan Acevedo Sierra Kaytlynn Alanis, Victor Avila- Perez, Devaun Baker, Twyla Bonesteel, Amir Boston, Caleb Camesi, Benny Chen, Biana Crain, Destini Dandridge, Aubrey David, Caleb Egbuka, Kyla Freeman, D'Mya Griffin, Christianna Gutierrez, Madison Hart, Piper Ingalls-Fischer, Kellyn Lord, Amelia Machado, Addyson McCullough, Ki'ara Moss, Larissa Nagel, Mikolai Parfan, Chandon Pierce, Nathan Rodgers, Emani Rollins, Sydney Toussaint, Vitt Trujillo, Logan Truong, Adam Tucker, Jaida Washington, Lawrence White

^

A/B Honor Roll

6th Grade

Brianna Sophia Agao, Tamea Allen, Devin Anthony, Jose Ashley, Bryce Banks, George Barkov Talley, Xitlalith Barrera Perez, Jadan Bashay, Caleb Bauman, Jailin Beard, Drake Becker, Keyarie Benning, Alexiz Binzha Cruz, Lauren Birchfield, Sincere Bonner, Emily Bouton, Navoya Bradford, Julius Brenes, Aidan Bright, James Bright, Hannah Brown, Emily Bunce, Xavier Burrows, Laila Cabret, Kevin Castillo Moreno, C'shauncey Cheatham, Kenneth Collins, Robert Collins, Mariano Correa, Kaitlyn Cox, Emily Darnell, Daelynn Dempsey, Jamarion Dove, Josiah Drake, Garrett Duffy, Elijah Evans, Navae'Flores, Alexis Flowers, Dylan Fraticelli Maldonado, Hailey Gaul, Alex Givens, Andrea Glaspar, Benjamin Gramer, Amelia Green, Isaiah Grice, Ke'Shawn Grier, Matai Griggs, Charles Harrison, Savannah Holmes, Jordan Howard, Kosygin Huff, Jewel Iacovone, Tristian Irvin, Alexander Jackson, Julio Jaramillo Mendoza, Ariel Jeffery, Victoria Jenkins, Ian Jimenez, Chavis Johnson, Robert Johnson, Gabreil Jones, Makhi Jordan, Jahiem Lane, Benjamin Lewis, Patrick LIggins, Kailyn Long, Katelyn Luttrell, Naima Lynch, Angelo Maiocco, Olivia Maiocco, Natalie Marshall, Trinity Marshall, Angel Martinez, Emerson Martinez Tobar, Evan Matthews, Alex McCrary Damion Mccladdie, Jesabelle, Melendez Feliciano, Alana Mendes, Jason Miller, Mia Miller, Zya Miller, Inara Mondesir, Dakota Neal, Kailey Palmer, Maryon Parker, Carter Pope, Monique Prosper, Cecil Ramirez, Jonathan Ramirez, Bruce Reese, Alonzo Reisinger, Aaron Rickerson, Carter Robinson, Katarra Rogers, Niya Rogers, Jaira Ruffin, Joseph Salesky, Jeremiah Seda,Stuart Schiller, Hunter Smalley, Leanna Stewart, Christianna Stokes, Brian Strickland, Hunter Tanksley, Mason Toothman, Owen Treichler, Sara Trejo, Kaylin Upole, Jeremy Wall, Theo Washington, Trinity Whalen, Jalen Whitmore, Madyson Widener, William Wilhoit, Jiselle Williams, Samiah Williams, Dominic Wilson, Lilleigh Youngblood, Suzana Zacher

^

7th Grade

Haley Angeles, Jackson Armstrong, Anthony Baker, Shanya Baker, Ashmed Bassirou, Logan Beale, Hope Belanger, Tykheia Bell, Gregory Biascoechea, Chandler Birchfield, James Blitchington, JeKorei Boyd, Andre Brown, Riley Buckles, Christyonna Bunch, Wyatt Bunch, Lauren Carpenter, Ryan Collins, Amari Colvin, Zachary Crawford, Katelyn Culver, Kumba Dauda, Chance Davis, Jaden Davis, Amani Deberry, Beverly Disciplina, Cianna Dixon, Steven Dotson, Vanyla Fraley, Isabella Garcia, Connor Gibbs, Emilee Gibbs, Emili Goeddel, Zuri Goldsberry, Megan Gordon, Kaniya Graham, Avery Grayson, Tayla Greenwood, Kinteaus Gross, Adrianna Grullon, T'Niya Gunning, Hailey Guzman, Elijah Hardimon, Logan Harrison, Arianna Higgs, Tonea Houser, Dominic Hurst, Anaya Hutchinson, Arianna Incorvaia, Jordan Jackson, Chrisitan Jarvis, Hunter Johnson, Jessica Johnson, Ambreesia King, Aniah King, Shaylee Kluber, Johnathan Laird, Samuel Landaverde, Garrett Landers, Iralis Laumbach, Trinity Lawrence, Isabella Ledford, Julianna Ledford, Daniel Lente, Makenzee Lewis, Memorian Likiaksa, Elizabeth Lohmeyer, Angel Lynn, Leia Machado, Micheal Maiocco, Angel Mathis, Jayden May, Caitlyn McKenna, Joshua McKenzie, Makayla McMath, Kayla Meek Smith, Iram Mendez, Maria Mendez Grimaldo, Brittney Milk, Sean Moore, Kailey Moreland, Jazymne Murray, Dyasia Musgrove, Asiyah Mustafa, Malina Neal, Kennedy Nolin, Elijah Norris, Jonathan Norris, Mariana Olalde, Sophia Ortiz, Jocelyn Owens, Kyla Pennington, Kyla Pennock, Oscar Perez, Tania Pierce, Caden Pope, Tierra Pressley, Aden Price, Devin Primm, Dakota Putman, Jahn Ramy, Kaydence Reliford, Estefania Resendiz, Liliana Reynoso, Za"Camron Robinson, Ja'varie Roundtree, Cardelle Rudolph, Samar Samiee, Jourdyn Sampay, Jacob Sergent, Sumaya Simmons, Makai Simpson, Devon Smith, Makayla Smoot, Kameron Stalcup, Elijah Stewart, Tarique Stuckey, Briana Suero, Kristhy Suren Mera, Kaydence Taylor, Ella Tevid, Leah Tevid, Matthew Thornton, Belicia Tiku, Michael Todd, Audrey Trejo, Kyra Truong, Jacquese Tucker, Jermel Turner, Jerry Ulysse, Aeyen Vander Stouwe, Mercedes Vazquez, Angelina Victor, Nicholas Walburn, Cheyanne Walker, Nathan Whipple, Jason Whitaker, Lazarius Williams, Alanna Wilson, Alexander Wilson, Mackenzie Wood, Christian Wooddell, Anna Wylds

8th Grade

Agnelly Abreu, Tamyra Arkansas, Damian Benson, Tyler Benson, Uriel Binzha Disciplina, Dalton Birchfield, Thomas Bruce, Shayla Bundy, Amaris Burks Nelms, Ty'Yazmin Calhoun, Micah Callands, Damian Cazarez, Nathaniel Christeson, Wesley Clark, Ayana Coburn, Jamie Colvin, Isabella Conrad, Brandon Cox, Cameron Cunningham, Katherine Densmore, Cameron Edwards Cairns, Caleb Egbuka, Shane Evans, Kijuan Figgs, Isaac Flores, Brandon Ghant, Brianna Gopaul, Kameron Greenway, Deshawn Hamilton, KayAnn Hanhardt, Lucas Hansen, Deshaun Hardcastle, Jarrett Harper, Jayla Holmes, Tiana Jackson, Justin Jaillite, Faith Jenkins, Sierra Journell, Jolene Kandian, Ayden Kennedy, Alexis King, Ethan Kurilko, Emma Lord, Jhene Marshall, Jamahni Martin, Skyler Mateyko, Gavin Matthews, Kiara Matthews, Jordan Maxam, Drew McNinney, Jordan Meardith, Tamia Menchaca, Manuel Mendes, Kristina Morris, Elizabeth Munn, Nevaeh Newsome, Jerrett Niemeier, Emily Osorio, Amare Overton, Charles Philbrick, Aniya Pough, Mason Rayburn, Allie Robinson, Suniyah Rollins, Angelina Ruiz, Zeal Saballa, Renae Scott, Danielle Silvas, Sage Spahr, Anecia Stewart, Michael Stokes, Noah Stubblefield, David Sweeney, Derrick Thomas, Kailah Thomas, Hezekiah Tudor, Elisa Vicente, Alycia Victoria, Isiah Watson, Reina Way, Taylor Whittington, Seraphina Wilson, Ashley Yaden, Chloe Yant, Taylor Yarbrough

Capping off the celebration of the educational Drug Free Week in Columbia County this week, locals will be encouraged to turn in non-used pharmaceuticals for proper disposal.

The public can dispose of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs at Walgreens, 4310 Washington Road in Evans, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday as part of the Drug Take Back Event, provided by the Columbia County Drug Free Community Coalition, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and Walgreens. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. However the DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.

Last April, Americans turned in 450 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 13 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have accepted over 8.1 million pounds of drugs. Last year in Columbia County, 69 pounds of drugs were collected.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug misuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of misused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends' home medicine cabinet. Youth often report they get drugs from their parents' or grandparents' homes.

In addition, Americans' usual methods for disposing of unused medicines -flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash - pose potential safety and health hazards.

There will be lockboxes available for purchase at the event for those who want a safe place to store their medicines at home.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Oct. 28 Take Back event, go to www.cccc4kids.org. If you want to help reduce youth access to drugs and alcohol, please join the Columbia County Drug Free Community Coalition. Contact Shannon Stoddard at sstoddard@connectcolumbia.org or call (706) 650-5010 to learn more.

A Honor Roll

3rd Grade

Lilli Beemer, Archer Brinkman, Avery Chance, Isabel Chappell, Jacob Clemison, Brodie Combs, Kenzleigh Dakuras, Parker Fifer, Ella Floyd, Caroline Foust, Noel Gee, Camden Hadley, Jaxon Hinton, Braeden Hoggard, Anna Blair Hopkins, Madyson Irick, Yasmeen Khatib, Dylan Lopez, Michael Martin, Samantha Mastny, Ella Mescher, Misae Mingo, Henry Ngo, William Page, Bailee Pease, Caleb Pierce, Presley Phillips, Macie Savage, Mallory Stockson, Caden Summers, Casen Tolliver-Summers, Karis Tran, Zoe Young, Vincent Zhang

4th Grade

Maile Abell, Julia Aguilar, Caden Belich, Whitney Bowman, Brayden Carlisle, Emma Cato, Garrett Coker, George Collie, Jason Contant, Logan Demott, Logan Dobkins, Abigail Driggers, Maxim Dunlap, Evan Fisher, Kody Gee, Devynn Grissett, Kamryn Jackson, Aunalisa Hedrick, Reagan Hubert, Gabriel Lein, Jake Maldonado, Sophia Meyer,Millianna Miller-Loftin, Sariah Miraj, Parker Mixon, Joseph Navarro, Micah Paylor, Charlie Shie, Caiden Walker, Nicholas Williams, Emma Grace Winge, Madison Wintrode

5th Grade

Rossiya Andrews, Amiya Barnshaw, Kylie Bauer, Abbigail Boggs, Eliza Bowman, Caroline Brigham, Fletcher Brinkman, Brandt Buchanan, Bryant Carlisle, Ella Cassedy, Allison Collins, Nishitha Daniel, Arturo Dominguez, Autumn Douglas, Lillian Erwin, Amelia Floyd, Aubree Godfrey, Jessica Greene, Cal Halverson, Sophia Harden, Sicily Hudgens, James Jacobs, Munashe Johnson, Jackson Kania, Carsyn Keith, Kyle Landrum, Megan Lee, Rhett McBride, Dylan McLaughlin, Cali Miguel, Mathew Moore, Sahil Mughal, Shannon Nesbitt, Lilly Newsome, Luke Phillips, Carlos Rosado, Savannah Ruff, Gracie Settles, Emiel Sherrill, Harmony Skinner, Jacob Spears, Katy Steele, Alex Stickney, Zoie Ussery, Noah Vaught, Reese Wachman, Lindsey Wallen, Amelie Wang, Bailey Williams, Gerry Williams, Karis Williams, Colton Wilson, Zion Young, Karin Zhang, Eliana Zumbrunn

A/B Honor Roll

3rd Grade

Anthony Allen, Regin Anderson, Allyson Barber, Luke Belich, Avery Boyd, Denise Breedlove, Ricky Chavez, Chloe Rae Crawley, Logan Cullars, Roy Dilworth, Barrett Dubose, Grace Ethridge, Hannah Finkenbinder, Laiana Gaskin, Atiana Guinto, Trevor Hamilton, Mac Herrington, Anastasia Hewitt, Braden Holmes, Darian Johnson, Marcus Johnson, Jordynn Knight, Eden Kyser, Brandt-Lee Mobley, Randy Marshall III, Rylee McCarthy, Carter Messick, Rylie Mitchell, Sadie Morningstar, Lorenz Morton, Isabella Reynolds, Isabella Rhea, Grant Rudy, Chassidy Russell, Jayson Sampay, Jack Scerbo, Tiernan Stallsworth, Olivia Stock, Owen Strength, Logan Tanner, Marlee Warner, Michael Warren, Tre Way, Brooklyn Wideman, Jordin Williams, Kennedy Williams, Logan Wiswell

4th Grade

Isabella Asmann-McNair, Vivienne Bagwell, Aaliyah Beam, Joanne Bueler, Madeline Campbell, Skylar Cardenaz, Balin Clark, Addison Cliatt, Kylie Clutter, Jonathan Cobb, Charles Cochran, Jeremiah Cole, Emma Davis, Derek DeMott, Erik Dominguez-Rios, Adeline Dowdy, Noah Driggers, Charlie Dykes, Jada Fulbright, Giana Gabriel, Mason Guillory, Marcus Halvorson, Andrew Hasbrouck, Rodrick Haynes, Isaac Heaton, Sebastian Hernandez, Laurel Horne, Jeremy Howard, Carter Kincade, Aiden Lefever, Adyson Lukich, Jimena Macias Aguilar, Chadwick Medlin, Miranda Meyers, Jasmine Morton, Marah Murphy, Junior Ngouolali, Liam O'Brien, Mark Pfanstiel, Rachel Nguyen, Jasmine Price, Dawson Reed, Wyatt Reid, Courtney Richards, Carter Rosenthal, John Paul Ross, Ky-Mani Session, Forrest Settles, Kendall Smith, Aaralyn Strasser, Kierstyn Surerus, Sariyah Thomas, Aaron Wang, Rudy Wiechert, Peyton Wiley, Isabella Windom, Darya Wnorowski

5th Grade

Tyran Atchison, Josh Bell, Kloe Bennefield, Adam Darlak, Joseph Dodgens, Madeline Evans, Jazmin Garcia-Chavez, Aaron Gibson, Colby Goldston, Donovan Hart, Clayton Hicks, Hakeem Hijaz, Alexis Hoang, Connor Johnson, Mikayla Jones McCladdie, Abe Keegan, Bryan Kemp, Traycee Leach, Caleb Linen, Maitlyn Louk, Kameron Lovelady, Michael May, Emmalee McNall, Sydney Metts, Mallory Miller, Amariyah Milsap, Harrison Mills, Ava Morton, Treyshon Nettles, Kenneth Scerbo, Amaya Sealy, Jaliyah Semler, Emori Sherrill, Kyrah Smith, Jalin Souza, Boden Stock, Veronica Stoner, Ethan Strength, Javier Thorne, Jayden Umstead, Jovany Vega, McKenna Wood, Caleb Young

Many Columbia County homeowners acknowledged the good news Wednesday that their homes are no longer at high risk for flooding, but likely won't see savings on their insurance bills until 2019.

Firefighter Bryant Wolf said he and his wife almost backed away from buying their parents' home in the Bridlewood subdivision when they learned flood insurance his parents never had to buy would cost him at least $3,000 a year.

Sometime after 1992, the address was added to a map of areas at high risk of flooding by a nearby, but typically dry, drainage ditch that feeds into Jones Creek. Wolf said Wednesday it had been removed.

"It's a big relief," he said. "I'm going to keep flood insurance, but a reasonable premium."

The maps being updated for the first time since 2007 use much better mapping that's accurate to within 2 feet, and greatly improved water collection and movement data that has eliminated some 6,000 acres of land from high-risk flood zones, said Haydn Blaize, floodplain unit manager for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

A handful of the 77 homeowners whose properties turned up at higher risk on the new maps also attended a Wednesday workshop in Grovetown.

It's important to remember the maps don't guarantee a home won't flood, Blaize said.

"One thing we want to emphasize, whether a home is in or out of a high-risk zone, nature is not going to read this map," he said.

The maps look at areas within a square mile of major creeks, streams and other waterways in terms of their risk of seeing a 100-year flood, he said. Dam breach analysis is a separate consideration under DNR's safe dams unit.

Joe Holley, city engineer for Grovetown, said 28 dwellings were removed from high risk areas. Harlem Public Works Director Robert Fields said 13 undeveloped parcels in the Hardy Station subdivision near Euchee Creek are no longer considered high risk.

Harlem homeowner Jorge Rodriguez said his rural home near a pond was moved out of the pond's flood risk area and he hopes to save on flood insurance.
Richard Baldwin, a land surveyor, said his Sumter Landing home was moved a few feet away from the flood zone. With fewer Columbia County areas at risk, fewer homeowners will need the elevation certificates he prepares to help them lower an insurance bill, Baldwin said.

While the maps have been created, they now go for a 90-day comment period and an appeals process. Blaize said successful appeals are rare but must show scientific data that's better or more current than what DNR used. According to a projection at the open house, the appeals period runs through the summer of 2018, with insurance changes and new permitting available in the spring of 2019.

Shoplifters sought

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office is seeking to identify two men in connection to shoplifting at a local store on Columbia Road last weekend.

The sheriff's office states two subjects entered the Kroger on Columbia Road at 8 p.m. on Oct. 15, selected crab legs, shrimp, steaks, brisket, beer and other merchandise, valued at more than $500, and exited the store without paying.

Anyone with information can contact Investigator Joe Baker from the Criminal Investigations Division at (706) 541-1044.

Woman throws tantrum at daycare

A woman was arrested after screaming and yelling curse words in front of several small children at a local daycare when employees refused to allow her to take her child, due to a custody order.

Police were called to Evans Towne Center Boulevard in reference to disorderly conduct and found several witnesses to confirm the employee's report, according to the incident report.

Police said Branddy Briggs was aggressive and refused to leave the daycare center after police arrived on scene.

Briggs was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and transported to the Columbia County Detention Center.

Belk stops shoplifter

The newly opened Belk was victimized after an attempted shoplifting was reported to police last week.

According to the incident report, a Belk employee recognized Olivia Goforth and Stephanie Jones from a previous shoplifting incident at the store two days prior. The employee followed the two with surveillance video and observed them fill a shopping cart with various items and enter the women's changing room.

Goforth eventually exited the changing rooms with several plastic bags with the merchandise and attempted to leave the store, passing all points of sale, according to the incident report.

The employee told police he was concerned Goforth would struggle with him so he confronted her at the front of the store before she could exit. After being confronted, Goforth dropped the bags and yelled "I can't go to jail."

Police stopped Jones and a second female in a vehicle that left the scene.

The pair told police they did not know Goforth had intended to shoplift. Police issued a warning to both in the car not to return to Belk, or they would be arrested.

The merchandise in Goforth's bag totaled $791.49. Goforth was charged with shoplifting and transported to the Columbia County Detention Center.

The Augusta University men's basketball team will play host this week to a Division I opponent for the first time since the early 1990s.

The Jaguars are playing host to Georgia Southern in an exhibition at 7 p.m. Friday at Christenberry Fieldhouse. All proceeds from the contest will go to the American Red Cross for hurricane relief efforts.

Tickets are $10 for general admission. Senior citizens, non-Augusta U. students and military get in for $5. Augusta U. and Georgia Southern students, and children 6 and under, get in for free.

Augusta, which is picked to finish second in the Peach Belt Conference, opens its exhibition schedule Thursday night. The Jaguars play at Clemson at 7 p.m.

Augusta went 24-8 last season, advancing to the second round of the Division II Tournament. The Jaguars will have to replace all-time leading scorer in guard Keshun Sherrill, who also finished as the Peach Belt Conference's career-leading scorer with 2,333 points. He is now playing in a professional league in the Netherlands.

Augusta returns four of its top five leading scorers from last season in guard Tyvez Monroe, forward Tamyrik Fields, forward Deane Williams and forward Kyle Doyle.

Augusta opens the regular season Nov. 10 on the road vs. Mount Olive in the Barton College Classic. The Jaguars then play Barton the following day. Augusta plays four consecutive road contests before returning home Nov. 25 to face Bowie State.

Georgia Southern went 18-15 last season and returns all five starters. Ike Smith led the Sun Belt Conference in scoring last season with 19.6 points a game, while Tookie Brown was the league's second-leading scorer (17.1).

"It will be a great opportunity for our players, fans and community to embrace the Hurricane Relief efforts by playing Georgia Southern at the ‘Berry," Jaguars coach Dip Metress said. "Georgia Southern is picked to win their league by many people and feature a very experienced and talented team. By playing back-to-back games with Clemson and Georgia Southern, hopefully it will prepare us for opening weekend on November ninth and tenth at Barton."

As softball teammates the past four years, Greenbrier's Nicole Rogers, Beth Romanowski and Carrintyn Greene have many shared memories together on the diamond.

But don't get them started talking about basketball. Rogers and Greene were teammates at Greenbrier Middle, while Romanowski played for Riverside.

"I had to guard her," Greene said about Romanowski, who used to rain 3-pointers on her two friends.

During eighth grade, the two schools split during the basketball season - or at least that's they claim. As for the best basketball player among them, Rogers said it's not her. Greene might have the edge - she's still playing for the Lady Wolfpack as a combo guard.

In softball, all three players made their mark this past season. Greenbrier coach Garrett Black said Greene, Rogers and Romanowski gave their all to the Lady Wolfpack program, helping the team finish with a 26-11 record. After missing out last season, Greenbrier returned to the Elite Eight.

"The competitiveness has been 100 times higher than usual," Romanowski said about the season. "Having everyone behind your back is great."

Greene entered the Elite Eight with a .379 batting average, five homers and 30 RBI. Rogers posted a .289 average and 13 RBI. Romanowski was 13-2 on the mound.

"What I'm most proud of is that these three kids have bought into, sold out to the high school experience. They've been all about Greenbrier High School and Greenbrier softball," Black said. "Nothing has come before it - travel ball, anything. It's been about what's been best for this program."

Greene, Rogers and Romanowski have each been playing softball since they were little. Rogers was born into a softball family - her parents, Robyn and James met playing co-ed softball in Florida.

"I've been playing softball literally my entire life," Rogers said. "Two weeks after my mom was out of the hospital with me, we were at one of my dad's softball tournaments."

Rogers said she's planning to continue playing softball in college. She's planning to walk on at Augusta University, where she wants to major in psychology and sports medicine.

Greene said she's received some emails about playing college softball. If she gets an offer to play softball, or basketball or track, she'll go wherever.

"School is school," she said, adding she wants to either become a nurse or physician's assistant.

Romanowski said she's not planning to play softball at the next level. Instead, she's going to major in exercise science at Georgia College with the hopes of becoming an occupational therapist.

When the three players graduate in the spring, they'll leave high school knowing more than just how to hit or throw a softball.

"Greenbrier softball teaches us a lot of things and not just about softball, but about important things like school," Greene said. "It's taught me life lessons."

Evans High School scored 40 or more points for the eighth consecutive game after a blowout 42-0 win over Lakeside on Friday night.

After the Knights (7-2, 4-0) dominated in all facets of the game at Lakeside, Evans will face Heritage for the region championship at home Friday, while the Panthers (2-7, 2-1) will play at Grovetown.

This game was all Evans thanks to a stout performance from the offensive and defensive line, which allowed the skill players to take advantage of their ability and speed. The Knights didn't waste any time. Evans star quarterback Damekus Taylor scampered in the end zone with 7:57 left in the first quarter following a methodical, spread offensive package on display.

On the Knights' ensuing drive, Max Tyler booted in a short field goal with 2:18 left in the first, putting the score at 10-0.

All the momentum was on Evans' side from the get-go -the defensive line getting push and corners draped over potential targets all game will do that - but the game was put to bed on a single play, which happened to be a microcosm of a dominating performance from one player: Taylor. Highlighting his standout performance, Taylor rolled out and threw an 18-yard laser to Evans' tight end Connor Warren, who ran the rest of the way for a 64-yard touchdown connection. This made the score 17-0 with 5:53 left in the second quarter.

Taylor posted 211 rushing yards with two touchdowns, along with 137 passing yards with two touchdowns. He said it was only a matter of time before he connected with Warren.

"From the get-go it opened up," Taylor said. "It's been open all year."

Feeding off the momentum of the potent Evans offense, the defense imposed its will from the jump in an effort to match the game's overall intensity. The Knights withstood an early drive in the first quarter by recovering a fumble, which led to Evans' first score.

"Our defense was trying to do what we were going over in practice," said strong safety Dedrick Holmes, who recovered a fumble on the third play of the game. "We were trying to break them down and make the offense quit."

This is exactly how the Knights' defense played all game. With every offensive play orchestrated by Lakeside, whether a Lakeside running back scuttled up the sideline or a receiver catching a ball in the middle of the field, Evans executed a textbook hit - and this went on the entire game, wearing out the Panther offense.

The defense fed off the offense, and vice versa. After Evans matriculated the ball down the field, Tyler booted in a 44-yard field goal to make the score 20-0.

The play of plays happened with 3:35 left in the third. The Knights were set up in a pro-spread formation, and when the ball was snapped, Taylor kept the rock and ran around the left edge before skedaddling up the sideline 96 yards for a touchdown, which, after the extra point, made the score 27-0.

"First off, the O-line got the job done and I followed behind them," Taylor said. "It was a fake to my running back and I followed right behind him."

The final touchdown with the starters in came with 11:59 left in the fourth, when Holmes leaped above all would-be defenders to catch a touchdown pass from Taylor. Holmes had two catches for 52 yards and a touchdown, while his counterpart, running back Corey Watkins, rushed 15 times for 82 yards.

Evans coach Lemuel Lackey said the voluminous rushing attack - along with the exceptional defensive stance all game - was attributed to the noteworthy play within the trenches.

"They made it difficult for us early in the ball game," Lackey said. "We were able to make some adjustments; we were kind of able to get outside of them a little bit. We felt like we had the advantage up front."

For the Panthers, Chris Welch rushed nine times for 46 yards, while Graham Tulowitzky caught the ball five times for 51 yards.

Evans recorded 455 total yards and Lakeside gained 213.

The Knights tacked on 318 yards rushing, while Lakeside rushed for 140 yards.

Columbia County's softball teams - Evans, Greenbrier and Harlem - each fell short in their bid for a state championship last week.

Defending state champion Harlem won its opening contest in the Class AA Elite Eight. The Lady Bulldogs then failed to score in their next two contests, falling to Monticello and Dodge County.

Harlem graduates three seniors off this season's 24-8 team. The Lady Bulldogs return a solid core of players in pitcher Skyler Wiggins, outfielder Aleja Dorsey, infielder Peyton Perdue and catcher Kali Garrett.

The Evans softball team finished third in the state after falling to Allatoona late Friday night in the Class AAAAAA Tournament. The Lady Knights rallied after losing their opening contest Thursday night.

After falling into the losers bracket, Evans defeated Effingham County, Cambridge and Houston County. Evans originally was slated to play its next game at 10 a.m. Saturday, but the GHSA moved up the game to 10 p.m. Friday due to weather concerns Saturday in Columbus, Ga. The bad weather never materialized, though.

Playing its fourth game Friday, Evans eventually lost to Allatoona, 12-3, in the nightcap. Lady Knights coach Ricky Beale said his team left the softball complex after midnight.

"They answered the challenge," he said. "The biggest thing about this is they didn't quit. I'm proud of their effort."

Evans (30-4) trailed Effingham County with two outs to go in the first game Friday before rallying for a 5-4 win. Then, the Lady Knights reeled off two more wins, with sophomore Leah Powell pitching every inning.

Beale said this year's run will provide motivation in the off-season. Evans, which has no seniors, returns Powell, first baseman Diamond Williams, shortstop Morgan Johnson and second baseman Sydney Baker, all of whom hit better than .400 this season.

"Last off-season, we were telling them they didn't understand what Columbus is like. Now they know," Beale said this morning. "They want to get back. This will drive them a little bit."

Greenbrier finished at 26-11 after dropping two games in the Elite Eight. Lady Wolfpack coach Garrett Black finished his coaching career at the school with two state championships and 18 Elite Eight appearances in 22 seasons. He also finished with more than 650 career wins.

Greenbrier graduates three players, including pitcher Beth Romanowski. The Lady Wolfpack return leadoff hitter Rachel Crowe, along with Kayleigh Nicholson, Camryn Halliday and Rebecca Clark.

Augusta Prep's football season came to a close Friday night.

Playing without injured starters Hinson Fowler, Palmer Batchelder and Will Dorn, the Cavaliers fell to Heritage School, 42-24.

Augusta Prep had high hopes for a deep playoff run entering this season. The Cavaliers defeated Glenn Hills in a scrimmage and then reeled off four consecutive regular season wins. Augusta Prep's offense struggled in region losses to Gatewood and John Milledge.

Augusta Prep finished at 7-3, going 15-5 the past two seasons. The Cavaliers will graduate 10 seniors, including running back B.J. Stone, who rushed 127 times for 1,650 yards and 18 touchdowns. Dorn passed for 531 yards and seven touchdowns, rushed for 505 yards and six touchdowns and also posted 513 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Batchelder added 429 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Glen Owen led with 70 tackles and 17 receptions. Fowler led Augusta Prep with six sacks and caused two fumbles.

Quarterback Justin Meddings, who will return next season, went 50 for 95 passing for 804 yards and 12 touchdowns.

^

Grovetown clinched its second playoff berth in two years with its 49-14 win over Greenbrier.

Jahmar Bingham and D'Angelo Durham combined for six touchdowns in the victory as the Warriors rolled up more than 400 yards of offense.

Bingham went 6 for 6 passing for 156 yards, averaging 26 yards a completion. Braxton Wharton caught two passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns. Durham rushed 18 times for 154 yards.

Grovetown (5-4 overall, 3-1 region) now plays host to Lakeside (2-7, 2-2) at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The Warriors can clinch a share of the region title if Heritage defeats Evans. If Evans wins and Grovetown wins, the Warriors will grab the region's No. 2 seed and play host in two weeks to its first home state playoff game.

If Lakeside wins and Evans wins, there will be a three-way tie for second in the region. If the Panthers win and Heritage wins, Lakeside will grab the region's No. 3 seed.

^

Greenbrier (5-4 overall, 0-4 region) is seeking the school's second consecutive winning season - something that hasn't happened since the program reeled off three consecutive winning campaigns in 1996-98. The Wolfpack play host to Alcovy at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Greenbrier's defense looks to turn it around after allowing 36 or more points the past three games. The Wolfpack face an Alcovy team (3-6, 0-4) that almost upset Lakeside and Heritage the past two games.

^

Augusta Christian's season came to a close after a 46-25 loss to Trinity-Byrnes. The Lions finish the season at 2-8.

Improving the defense will be a priority for Augusta Christian in the off-season. The Lions allowed 40 or more points in four of their final five games of the season.

After Augusta Prep's narrowly missed winning a pair of cross country championship last year, the boys and girls teams were determined to finish on top.

In 2016, the Lady Cavaliers finished as runner-up, while the boys finished third. Coach Tom Holodak said the teams started preparing for this season at the start of summer.

"From June 1," he said, "our goal was to shoot for the championship for both teams."

On Saturday, the boys and girls teams each won Georgia Independent Schools Association state championships - the first time the two teams have won titles in the same year - in Athens, Ga. The boys claimed the school's first state championship since 2001. The girls won for the first time since 2011.

"That's not an easy feat," said Holodak, whose teams also won region titles this season. "I'm just so proud of all 32 runners in the program."

In the girls meet, Augusta Prep posted a 34-point total to defeat Trinity Christian (62). Senior Jamie Holodak was the top Lady Cavaliers finisher, placing fourth overall at 21:11.62. She was followed by Grace Ellis (sixth, 21:46.77), Molly Joseph (seventh, 22:25.51), Zenia Nava (eighth, 23:04.53) and Salley Wilson (ninth, 23:05.82).

In the boys meet, Augusta Prep posted a 46-point total to defeat Trinity Christian (64). Jack Collier finished fourth to lead the Cavaliers with a time of 18:06.67. He was followed by Collin Bertram (seventh, 18:39.48), Trey Farmer (eighth, 18:49.46), Alex Schmacht (12th, 18:56.11) and Colin Schmacht (15th, 19:13.74).

"We knew two, three weeks ago this was going to be an impossible course," Holodak said. "I told them this is going to be the toughest course they're going to run in their career. Their time was irrelevant. It was all about their place."

Fall is the time to make new additions to the landscape. Many homeowners ask me about recommendations for new plant material, but these recommendations can sometimes be a difficult task due to homeowners' personal opinions on plant styles, sun exposure in the landscape and the vast amount of plants available on the market.

One tool that helps me with the decision-making process is the Georgia Gold Medal Plant list. These are plants that have been shown to be superior ornamental plants through the combined work of extension, nurseries, landscape professionals and university researchers.

Winners are chosen from six categories each year: Annuals, perennials, natives, trees, shrubs and vines and groundcovers. Below are a few of my favorites:

Native Shrub: Rhododendron ssp. - Native Azaleas

There are 12 species of azaleas that can be found in Georgia, varying from 3 to 15 feet. Many of them are white but they also come in shades of pink, yellow, orange and red. When different species are near each other, they can hybridize naturally and create new colors. All of our native azaleas are deciduous. The earliest native azaleas bloom before leaves emerge, making a beautiful display in the woodland garden, or against evergreens, a fence or a wall. Later blooming native azaleas bring color into the summer and fall garden. Native azaleas are great at attracting butterflies, bees and other pollinators.

Tree: Nyssa sylvatica - Blackgum

This is a mid-size (60-80' tall), native tree that can add shade and fall color to a landscape. Black gum can live over 600 years. Flowers are important for bees, and the fruit is attractive to birds. Deer love the foliage, so protect young trees. Green leaves turn mainly reds to purples in fall, making a dramatic display.

Although this plant is comfortable in wetlands, it also grows in upland habitats and has a high drought tolerance.

Tree: Cornus angustata ‘Elsbry' - Empress of China Dogwood

This small evergreen tree is a prolific bloomer in May that requires part shade (no afternoon sun). It will brighten any shade garden. Each branch holds up to 150 white blooms that eventually transform into translucent strawberry-like fruit. This red fruit stands out against glossy green leaves and feed songbirds.

Perennial: Kniphofia hybrids - Red Hot Poker

This is a full sun plant with tall flower spikes open from the bottom up, rising on strong stems above sword-like leaves. As the blooms open, the lower flowers change color, often creating a two-toned effect that is beautiful, towering above annuals and other perennials. The blooms make great cut flowers and are hummingbird magnets. The Popsicle Series bloom all summer on dwarf plants.

Shrub: Edgeworthia chrysantha - Paperbush

Paperbush is a plant for all seasons and requires partial shade. Enjoy its showy, fragrant flowers and attractive bark from December to February. Paperbush is a deciduous shrub; with coarse-textured summer foliage it is somewhat tropical in appearance. They are bluish-green on top and silver-green below. As fall approaches, the older foliage gradually turns yellow and drops, and then the remaining foliage sheds after the first real hard freeze. Once the foliage falls, it reveals the young flower buds that are silvery in appearance. Early spring the buds turn white as they expand then creamy yellow when open. Smooth, chocolate-brown bark creates a striking contrast to the flowers and helps show them off.

For more suggestions and to see all the Gold Medal winners from 1994, search the Georgia Gold Medal Plant winners online at georgiagoldmedalplants.org.

I hope these suggestions will help you think about adding more interesting plants to your landscape.

Fall is a great time to plant, so get out to the local garden center and find something to make your landscape even more beautiful.

Editor's Note: In last week's results, the second and third place winners were listed incorrectly. For week eight, in second place was Julie Caraway of Grovetown with a score of 8-1 with a tie breaker guessed 28-10 (Notre Dame). In third place in week eight was Billy Kelley, who also went 8-1 with a tiebreaker guessed 24-14 (Notre Dame).

In week 7, Jimmie Edenfield was the true second place winner by guessing the tiebreaker.

The News-Times apologizes for the errors.

Jim Park, Kathy Enright, Donna Park and Will Jones each posted a perfect 10-0 score and got the tiebreaker in Week 9 of the Pigskin Picks Contest. They each receive a $10 Zaxby's gift card and a T-shirt.

Contest winners can receive their prizes at the Columbia County News-Times office at 604 Government Center Way in Evans.

Sports writer Chris Gay went 10-0 in Week 9 of the contest. He is 67-20 overall.

If you'd like to participate in the Pigskin Picks contest, fill out a paper ballot in today's edition of the News-Times and return it by Friday. Make sure you pick a score for the tiebreaker. You can also register to play at newstimes.augusta.com/pigskin.

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 a.m., when clocks are set back one hour.

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens is urging Georgians to change the battery in their smoke alarms at the same time they change their clocks back to standard time, according to a news release.

In conjunction with the "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" fire safety program sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Hudgens says the annual change from daylight saving time to standard time is a good reminder to make sure your smoke alarm is working properly.

"If you have a smoke alarm, make sure it's in working order," Hudgens said. "Changing the battery at least once every year and cleaning dust from the device is a simple way to ensure continued protection of your family and your property. Having a working smoke alarm doubles the chances you will survive a fire in your home."

In 2016, approximately 106 residential fires in Georgia resulted in 141 deaths. Of those fires, 96 homes did not have a working smoke alarm. This year, 75 Georgians have died in 69 residential fires, with only three of the homes having a working smoke alarm.

Several Columbia County residents say their fears have come to fruition, and many are still on edge awaiting answers from a Hinesville pet shelter about the fate of 26 dogs evacuated from a rescue shelter in Claxton more than a month ago.

To date, the dogs have been transported to three different locations over the course of nearly two months, due to miscommunication between rescue groups, the Georgia Department of Agriculture's companion animal and equine division, and now a Hinesville rescue shelter director who says she was thrown "into a hornet's nest."

"I am having to bear the burden of making decisions that I sort of feel should have been made before I ever got involved," said Liberty Humane Shelter president and director Sandra Frye. "It's not the ideal situation."

According to Frye, five of the 26 dogs have been euthanized. Three or four are still being worked with and a decision has not been made on their fate. Frye would not release the names of the dogs, saying she was not legally obligated to do so and that it would only cause "drama."

"I'm not going to comment on that. Anything we have done, we have documentation on and justification for doing it," Frye said. "We had a behaviorist come in, we had a vet come in. I have worked with (the dogs); we have had multiple people come in and work with them, and it's not like they just tried to bite one person."

Frye confirmed that four of the dogs were awaiting final shots before being released for adoption. But many of the dogs remain under quarantine.

In the meantime, several Columbia County residents said they fear the dogs have been unfairly labeled aggressive and unadoptable, and were unnecessarily euthanized.

According to Frye, the no-kill shelter name does not mean dogs will not be euthanized, but she added it is a decision they do not take lightly.

"A no-kill shelter is basically a shelter that will not euthanize animals based on availability," Frye said. "We have one animal that's been here for 12 years. He runs away from houses he goes to and he comes back to the shelter because this is his home. I am not going to euthanize them because of space. Temperament is another question."

Frye said when the dogs arrived at the shelter, nearly half had temperament issues.

"I have people that work with them, animal behaviorists. I have people that have come through that have looked at them, we have assesssed them, we are working with them, no hasty decisions have been made, nor will they be made," Frye said.

"Do you want a feral dog living next to you? Do you want a dog that has approached multiple ones of us to bite us?" Frye asked. "I am a responsible, common-sense rescuer and shelter and some people just don't understand that. These have been the policies for the last 12 years since I have been here. I am not changing them for anybody."

Frye encouraged anyone who had prior interest in the dogs at the shelter to apply for adoption; however, all will have to undergo the routine adoption process, which includes having vet references and paying $150.

Several Columbia County residents who temporarily housed the dogs at a private Grovetown residence for two weeks before the dogs were tranported to Frye say they're having an issue adopting dogs from the shelter, and were under the impression from the Georgia Department of Agriculture that they had the right to begin the adoption process.

Tina Pondy, of Grovetown, and other volunteers worked to move the dogs from the Aiken County Fairgrounds last month to the private Grovetown residence of Laura Linkin. Over the course of two weeks, Pondy, Linkin and the volunteers worked around the clock feeding, walking and bonding with the dogs, like a three-legged pitbull mix, named Jackie, who was labeled dog-aggressive, according to Pondy. But Jackie was allowed free roam inside Linkin's home with other foster animals, dogs included, without incident.

According to reports, the Georgia Department of Agriculture was called to investigate complaints it received regarding the dogs' living conditions on Linkin's property. However, at least two investigations revealed the dogs were being treated humanely.

Inspection reports from Sept. 25 stated a stop order on adoptions was in place due to "confusion about ownership of the dogs." It was concluded that the dogs would be sent back to the shelter in Claxton where they were evacuated from.

However, reports from Sept. 27 show two Georgia Department of Agriculture employees arrived at the Claxton rescue and received pet surrender forms and rescue license forfeiture from the owners. The report states the owners "voluntarily relinquished their S.O.S. Save our Souls rescue license due to personal reasons. This action was not required by the GA Department of Agriculture."

The next day, the dogs housed at Linkin's residence were crated and removed, though the location of where the dogs were being sent wasn't disclosed to the volunteers by the Georgia Department of Agriculture until several days later, after multiple information requests.

Pondy and other volunteers attempted to adopt some of the dogs, including Jackie, but have been unsuccessful.

Frye said applications to adopt certain dogs had been received from Columbia County residents. Linkin's application was denied due to poor vet references.

"The vet said that their personal animals were not up to date on shots, or spayed and neutered," Frye said regarding the vet references on Linkin's application. "They have approximately 15 animals onsite, dogs, and when she wants to adopt four dogs, it's one person - how can you take care of that many animals? It would be irresponsible of me as a shelter to release four animals to someone who already has 15 on the premises. I don't do that with anybody, unless they're a rescue or a rehab."

However, Linkin, a retired federal agent, routinely fosters animals for a local rescue called Old Fella. Pondy said new ownership at Linkin's veterinary clinic was the reason for the misinformation.

"She gets in a lot of dogs through the foster program, and of course they're not current because she is no longer in possession of them," Pondy said. "It will look like you're not current when it's an animal you don't currently possess anymore."

After a visit to the shelter in Hinesville, in an effort to place some of the "trouble" cases with awaiting rescues, Pondy said she and others were only allowed to see the dogs, not take them. Pondy said she left concerned about the health of the dogs, including Jackie, who requires a soft food diet.

But Frye contends the dogs are cared for and their team is doing everything they can to responsibly place the dogs.

"We have multiple dogs we are working with (that have) dog aggression and food aggression and (we're) doing certain things with them to try to desensitize them to food aggression and food protection and the dog aggression," Frye said. "It's not like they're just sitting in a kennel back there not being touched or being cared for. We're trying to do our part."

While Frye would not release the names of the dogs that were euthanized last week, it is believed that Jackie is among the dogs euthanized.

"It's disgusting," Pondy said of the situation. "All anybody wanted to do was find these dogs homes and keep them safe."

Hundreds are expected to attend the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association.

The public is welcome and invited to attend the annual walk at the Columbia County Amphitheater in Evans on Saturday.

Registration begins at 10 a.m., opening ceremony at 11 a.m. and the walk begins at 11:30 a.m.

In 2016 the Augusta walk raised more than $75,000, contributing to more than $2.2 million raised in Georgia for care, support and research efforts for those impacted by Alzheimer's, according to a news release from the Alzheimer's Association.

The walk is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research.

Participants will learn more about Alzheimer's disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies enrollment and support programs and services.

Walk participants also honor those affected by Alzheimer's disease with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony.

Register today. Sign up as a Team Captain, join a team or register to walk as an individual at georgiawalk.org.

GROVETOWN - One local school has been recognized by the Atlanta Falcons for their involvement and recognition of the United States military.

The 2016 NFC Champions will commemorate veterans, 7:30 p.m. Friday at Grovetown High School. The Warriors will play Lakeside High School in a Senior Night football game. All active and retired military members will be allowed free admission.

Throughout the game will be paratroopers, Humvees from Fort Gordon and door prizes. The Grovetown Warriors will be donned in red, white and blue camouflage jersey colors, while the coaches will be wearing special military-color polos, and the band will be wearing American-Flag paint under their eyes.

Other features for the Salute to Service game are Under Armour military-themed gloves, skydivers for the National Anthem, a 40-yard American Flag, military static displays, Signage/American Flags throughout Grovetown High School, USA flag-painted "Rise Up" letters, Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders and a Freddie Falcon appearance.

Grovetown High School - in competition with all public and private schools in the state of Georgia - has been selected by the Atlanta Falcons as the Salute to Service recipient, an accolade given out for just the third time in three years by the Falcons highlighting a single school in the state of Georgia.

"I'm humbled and proud that we are able to salute our troops," Grovetown Athletic Director Martin Jackson said. "It means a lot to me. I really hope my dad can be here. He is what I think of when I think of people who sacrifice everything for our country. We have so many soldiers here that put their life on the line. I didn't get to join the service, but I am sure am grateful to all who have served. It means a lot to me. I am so proud and so humbled that our school can be a part of the Atlanta Falcons - salute to the troops, salute to the servicemen."

To bring the event to Grovetown High, Jackson said he - along with head football coach Damien Postell - filled out an application. The Falcons needed to know specific information, including how Grovetown has frequently been involved with the military, the proximity of Fort Gordon and how the school has honored military servicemembers in the past.

One prerequisite, Jackson said, is the high school has a solid relationship with Fort Gordon. Additionally, the school has over 540 active military families who attend the school, it organizes programs for Veterans Day, has an ROTC program, employs a teacher liaison for the school and Fort Gordon and has teachers who are veterans. To add to the list, the school regularly salutes military families at football games, military members typically volunteer to direct traffic during home football games, monitor the crowd and cook for the school's booster club.

Not only will Grovetown in 2017 be the only school to be recognized by the Falcons for Salute to Service, but the Atlanta-based professional team will allocate $6,000 worth of military-designed jerseys to the school. Jackson said the school - at least once a year - will use these jerseys in an effort to pay homage to those who put their lives on the line.

"The big thing I wanted to get out of this was to show the community how much we appreciate our troops - how much Grovetown High School supports our troops," Jackson said. "I don't think you can thank them enough for the sacrifices they've made. It's certainly a big honor. I'm honored to be a small part of it."

Tickets for active and retired military are free. Adult tickets are $7 and student tickets are $5 at lunch, but $7 at the gate. Children's tickets under six years old are $1.