Eve Mullis, Mari Angus, Anna Kate Wall, Briley Rozier. Members of both the competition and football squads came to support Anna Kate. They're pictured with coaches Heather Davis and Emily Raley. The All State Squad. (Photos contributed.)   Bleckley County High School senior competition cheerleader Anna Kate Wall was at Columbus State University Saturday to try out for the Georgia Cheerleading Coaches Association All State Squad.  That morning, she had an interview with judges.  In the afternoon, she performed a routine.  Squad mates Eve Mullis, Mari Angus, and Briley Rozier were part of her stunt group.  When the top 16 were announced, Wall's name was called.  She made the All State Squad consisting of cheerleaders from classes 1A-4A.  The squad will be recognized November 14 at the end of the state finals in Macon where Wall will receive her scholarship.

(Cochran Church of the Nazarene.) (Mt. Zion Baptist Church.) (Christ Chapel Cochran.)               (Photos contributed.)  The Bleckley County Church Softball League postseason tournament took place this weekend at House of Grace and Ruth Baptist Church.  The finals were played at Ruth. Cochran Church of the Nazarene won the sportsmanship award.  Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Danville was runner up.  They were defeated by Christ Chapel Cochran for first place.      

                    A busy summer of back to school bashes and supply giveaways were capped Saturday with two events.  Dre Day Foundation held their fifth annual Back to School Summit at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.  They offered school supplies for kids as well as a hot dog lunch.  Faith Baptist Church held a Back to School Bash.  Besides food and school supplies, they had a giant water slide and a slip 'n slide to help keep cool in the summer heat.  The final back to school event will be the annual prayer walk tomorrow night at 6 pm in the BCMS gym.

The Royal Kingsmen Band has been hard at work the past two weeks preparing for the upcoming football season at band camp.  The public got a chance to see what they've been learning at the Marching Band Showcase held Friday night at Royal Stadium.  Fans got to hear songs they'd been practicing, both new and some familiar favorites.  Director Sarah Roseman spent a few minutes talking about the things they did at camp, and took time to recognize various leadership roles in the band as well as the band rookies.  The band also gave a sneak peek of this year's halftime show entitled "Metal Mayhem."  It ended in the same way all games end with a performance of the alma mater followed by the fight song.

  Mike Davis with Gina Thomas.   (Photos contributed.) Retiring Tessie W. Norris/Cochran-Bleckley Library Branch Managed Gina Thomas was recognized Friday for years of service.  Commissioner Mike Davis presented a plaque honoring her for her dedication to "literacy, public service and the community. "  A proclamation was signed marking July 31 as "Mrs. Gina Thomas Day."

All games start at 7:30 pm.

See any cheerleader to purchase.

                The regular season for Bleckley County Church Softball League games wrapped up Tuesday night.  The postseason tournament will be held this weekend at Ruth Baptist Church and House of Grace.  (Editor's note: photos suck because I forgot to put the battery in my camera and took these two with my cellphone.)

Bleckley County High School has been named a National Beta School of Distinction.  The announcement was first made via a post on the Bleckley County High School Facebook page.  The honor is given to chapters who increase their membership by 10 percent and chapters who promoting achievement, character, leadership, and service.