Open to the pubic, call (478)934-0810 to RSVP.

The Cochran Bleckley Rec. Department is currently accepting registration for fall football, cheerleading, and soccer.  Cost is $55 per child.  Registration ends August 18.  Go to cbrdrecreation.com  to register.  Call (478)934-3225 with any questions.

The Middle Georgia Community Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry will be at Tabernacle of Testimony, 188 Dinah Street, July 23 from 11 am until 2 pm or until supplies run out.  The event is drive-through, please stay n your car upon arrival.

    (Photos contributed.) Kids in Bleckley County have been learning music, poses, and other things about acting this week as the annual Summer Theatre Camp was held at House of Grace.  Ran by Mi Waters and Kelli Greer, the annual event gives kids a chance to shine by being a part of a musical that's performed for both parents and the community.  This year's selection is "High School Musical JR."  The opening performance was Friday night and there were shows both Saturday afternoon and evening.  If you've missed the other performance but still want to catch it,  there'll be one more tomorrow at 2 pm.

    The first annual Amarius Mims Back to School Bash was held Saturday afternoon in the BCHS gym.  It was a hub of activity.  In front of the gym wa s DJ and inflatables for kids.  The concession stand in the lobby handed out free Chick Fil-A sandwiches and pizza.  School supplies could be picked up in the gym.  Families went to tables labeled by grade to get book bags full of supplies needed for their grade.  Mims was of course on hand to take pictures and sign autographs.  He's picked by some media outlets to have a breakout season this year with Cincinnati, his third with the Bengals.

Faith Temple Precious Faith Ministries will open their food bank July 24 from 3 to 3:30 pm.  The event is drive thru, please stay in your car upon arrival.

  (JW Taylor with kids.)   The Eastgate Shopping Center parking lot turned into a hub of activity Thursday night as the second annual JW Back to School Bash was held.  It was organized by BCHS alumni JW Taylor.  Volunteers were on hand to distribute book bags and other needed school supplies.  Other volunteers helped distribute Domino's Pizza.  There was also a bounce house for kids to play in.  If you missed this one, another alumni, Amarius Mims, is having a Back to School Bash Saturday at 1 pm in the BCHS gym.

  (Photo courtesy Nikki Purser Photography.) Bleckley County High School senior competition cheerleader Anna Kate Wall will be trying out for Georgia Cheerleading Coaches Association Cheerleader of the Year and a spot on the All-State quad.  Wall was nominated by head coach Heather Davis.  To be eligible, Wall had to complete an essay and get two letters of recommendation.  One from Davis and one from someone close to her.  She had to meet a GPA requirement and also get administrative approval that she was of good character and worthy of representing BCHS.  The tryout will be on August 1 at Columbus State University and will consist of an interview and performance of a cheer routine.  Wall will be competing against other cheerleaders from Class A through 4A.

On this day ten years ago, the Bleckley County Fire Department was formed.  It came via a proclamation by former county commissioner Bob Brockman who felt the county wasn't getting the fire protection it needed.   The ISO (International Organization for Standards) rating for much of the county was 10 (the highest or worst), which affects homeowners insurance rating.   The BCFD has grown and improved.  The ISO is now five.  A release states the goal is to get the number up to one, few fire departments ever reach that goal   The current BCFD has 57 volunteer members and three paid personnel.  Of the members, 27 of them are Firefighter Two rank (highest classification) or 47 percent of the department.  Twenty members are Firefighter One, the first certified firefighter rank.   Among all members, they 11 that are Certified Fire Instructor Two and five members are Certified Fire Instructor One.  The BCFD also appreciates Commissioner Mike Davis , elected in 2019, for his ongoing support that has helped them to grow.