(Photos contributed.)  Local artist Martha Francis visited the Tessie W. Norris Library Thursday afternoon.  Children and adults on hand enjoyed arts and crafts and making bookmarks.  On site reporting stated 68 people attended.  You can keep up with happenings at the library by following them on Facebook.

          \                       It was Parents Night for Vacation Bible School at Lakeview Baptist Church Wednesday evening.  This week's theme has been Tropical Trek.  VBS Director Michelle Knighton welcomed everyone and got children to repeat the week's theme, Jesus seeks and He saves.  Kids then performed the songs learned during the week.  Pastor John Stover spoke, read a couple of scriptures, then led a closing prayer.  To learn more about Lakeview Baptist Church, go to lakeviewcochran.com or follow them on Facebook.

                                (Photos contributed.)  Magician Chad Crews appeared at the Tessie W. Norris Library Wednesday afternoon.   He did several tricks including making two Ball Snakes appear.  Crews also encouraged children to read.  The event was well attended and said to be standing room only.

  The second night of Vacation Bible School took place at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Monday evening.  This year's theme is "Rainforest Falls: Discovering the Nature of God."  Activities included music, "Sticky Scripture", Bible stories and games in the church's newly built gym.  VBS will last through June 11, 5:30-8:30 pm each night.  Family day will be June 14.

Photo contributed Photo contributed. (Two photos contributed.)  The Dre Day Foundation held their fifth annual Gun Violence Awareness Festival Saturday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.  During the day, there were things like food booths and activities for kids.  That evening, a special service was held by the church. It featured messages and songs from family members, foundation members, and remarks by Mayor Carla Coley.  The evening ended with a candlelight vigil where participants were encouraged to say the name of someone they knew affected by gun violence, living or dead.  There will be a Back to [...]

                          (Photos contributed.)  Rozier Auto Parts held their third annual car show Saturday morning in the First Baptist Church parking lot.  There were 49 cars from across Georgia competing for awards such as Best in Show.

                          Monday was the second night of Vacation Bible School at Christ Chapel Cochran.  This year’s theme has been “What a Mess.”  Activities that night included Bible stories, learning songs, fun outside, and making a special kind of sand in arts and crafts.  Parent Night will be June 10 at 8 pm.

                (Photos contributed.)  A Ducks Story Time was held at the Tessie W. Norris Library Friday afternoon.  Librarian Gina Thomas read the book Duck Duck Dinosaur.  Sc9ty Thomas of Into the Woods Poultry Farm brought his mini ducks for the kids and adults in attendance to see and touch.

                  (Photos contributed.) The Tessie W. Norris/Cochran-Bleckley Library held a kickoff party for their Summer Reading Program Wednesday morning.  There were activities for kids and families, free popcorn, and a chance to sign up for the Summer Reading Program.  The library will host a "Ducks" story time this Friday at 2 pm.

Vacation Bible School season kicked off Tuesday night at Limestone Baptist Church.  This year’s theme is :”Kingdom Quest.”  Kids rotated in stations which included music, arts and crafts, a Bible story, and recreation outside.  The art project night was to draw fishing nets in relation to the night’s main scripture Matthew 4:19 which said “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”  VBS runs from 5:30-8 pm through May 28.  Parents night will be May 29 at 6 pm.

                      A Memorial Day program was held Monday morning on the courthouse square.  It featured the presentation of colors by Patrick Mimbs of American Legion Post 107, the singing of the national anthem by Anna Grace Dyes from the BCHS Class 0f 2026, and an invocation delivered by county commissioner Mike Davis.  Air Force Lt. Col Michael Jones (ret.) was the master of ceremonies and guest speaker.  He spoke on the current conflict with Iran.  After the program, guests enjoyed refreshments by the Cochran Woman's Club.

(Photos contributed.) Graduation ceremonies were held for the Bleckley County High School Class of 2026 were held Saturday morning at Royal Stadium.  It was a joyous day for seniors as they bid farewell to their high school careers and took their first step toward the future.  Congratulations to the Class of 2026.      

(Photos contributed.)  Bleckley County Success Academy held graduation ceremonies Thursday night in the high school auditorium.  It featured remarks from student Tre’Von Harris as well as Rep. Danny Mathis and Dr. Lane Collins, pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church.  Student Mia Powell read “We Still Rose.”