Ashton Bland (seated) with Tamela Bland and Matthew Harvey
A Montgomery County Middle Schooler has taken a lesson he learned and put it into book form for others to learn as well.
Ashton Bland has released a child’s book that’s been published based on a circumstance in which he and his friend Matthew Harvey participated.
“This book is entitled ‘Silent Night,” the young writer said, “and it’s based upon a time when Matthew and I slipped out of the house and back to the pool one night after we were told not do by my mom.”
The story originated from an assignment he wrote for school.
“I wrote an essay at the beginning of the year for my ELA [English Language Arts] class and my teacher asked my mom if she could publish it on the school website. My Mom and Aunt read it and said it was a good story and had a good lesson.”
The story may be interesting, but the young author penned it for another reason.
“There’s a moral to the story,” Ashton said. “The moral is to obey your parents and I think kids need to hear it.”
He adds that he’s already thinking about writing another book based on the same principle.
“It would be about another one of my adventures, but it would have a meaning behind it,” he said.
Ashton and his mother Tamela Bland self-published the hardback book, and although it may not be in bookstores yet, a copy is available by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Ashton’s mother, along with help from software and family illustrated the book.
Tamela Bland says she is very proud of what her son has already accomplished.
“I’m very proud of him; very proud!” she declared.
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Toni (Mrs. Vincent Faison, Sr.) with her grandson, Toombs County Commissioner Alfred Cason and Lyons Mayor Willis Nesmith
The park in Lyons named in honor of a man who volunteered countless hours as a coach at the city’s recreation department is about to get a major renovation thanks to $2.2 million grant. A special gathering was held Tuesday afternoon at the Vincent Faison, Sr., Park to accept the ceremonial check and Mayor Willis Nesmith says the money will be used for constructing at least one more basketball court, a pickleball court, a community center, provide public restrooms and more upgrades and additions.
Toni Faison is the widow of the park’s namesake and says her late husband would be very pleased about the soon-to-be upgrades.
“We are excited,” Mrs. Faison said, “and Vincent would be thrilled to see this. He grew up playing ball in this park and Vincent, Jr., did, too. I’m happy to see these improvements and I know Vincent’s mother would be as well.”
She continues, “On behalf of the family, we hope this park will become a place for the community to come together and be a safe place for children to come and play.”
Mayor Nesmith said there was no definite timeline as to when the work will begin or when the project will be completed.
The land that encompasses Vincent Faison Sr., Park was given to the city in 1972, and a portion of it was once part of the old Lyons Industrial High School. Originally it was named Hallmark Park, but the name changed to honor the late Vincent Faison Sr., some 15 years ago and in the same year in which Faison passed away. Since its formation, the park has served as a city park as well as providing an overflow site for a baseball field for the Lyons Recreation Department.
In 2017, the late Ben Mitchell, a Lyons City Councilman, suggested applying for a Land Water Conservation Grant for improvements to the facility and the road leading into the park was renamed Ben Mitchell Ave. Tuesday afternoon, Mitchell’s son Quincy was in attendance and expressed his approval and appreciation to the city for apply for and receiving the grant for the park.
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Toombs County Schools would like to congratulate our first year assistant principals for completing the First District RESA Assistant Principal Development Program. Thisyear-long, work-embedded program is designed for new assistant principals seeking to learn what it takes to be an effective building-level leader in today's educational environment. (L to R): Toombs County Superintendent Barry Waller, Melondy Walker (Toombs County High School), Joey Montford (Toombs County High School), Hunter Adams (Toombs County Middle School), Wendie Sikes (Toombs County Middle School), and Matthew Helms (Lyons Upper Elementary School).
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Brewton-Parker College (BPC) is excited to announce the addition of several new majors to its academic offerings. The new degrees will meet the demands of today's job market and provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers. Beginning in the Fall 2023 semester are majors in Secondary Chemistry Education, Secondary English Education, Special Education, Music Education, and concentrations in Forensic Science and Pre-Athletic Training. Additionally, majors in Marketing and Sport Management will be available starting in Spring 2024.
Students desiring to earn a degree in any of the new education degrees will gain practical experience and develop the required skills to excel in the classroom. The Secondary Chemistry and Secondary English majors will prepare students to become certified high school teachers in their respective subjects, with coursework in advanced topics and teaching methods. The Special Education degree will prepare students to work with those who have diverse learning needs, offering the tools and strategies necessary to provide exceptional educational support and empower students to reach their full potential. Music Education will prepare students to become certified K-12 teachers while gaining the necessary pedagogical knowledge to teach music effectively.
BPC understands the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, thus adding concentrations in Pre-Physical Therapy and Pre-Athletic Training will provide students with a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and therapeutic techniques, preparing them for future graduate studies or careers in the healthcare field.
Beginning with the Spring 2024 semester, the new Marketing degree will give students a solid foundation to succeed in the fast-paced marketing and advertising world. Students will study basic marketing principles, consumer behavior, digital marketing, and learn how to conduct market research. The increased popularity of athletics as careers and not just extracurriculars gave rise to the major in Sport Management. The program will provide students with business operations skills, as well as analytical training skills, all directed specifically towards the sports industry.
"We are thrilled to offer these new majors to our students," said Dr. Steve Echols, President of Brewton-Parker College. "Each of these majors will prepare students for meaningful and fulfilling careers while equipping them to be community leaders. We look forward to welcoming our first cohort of students in the fall and seeing the impact they will make in the world."
BPC seeks to meet the evolving needs of students and prepare them for success in today's competitive job market. For more information, please visit www.bpc.edu.
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Chris Wiggins
This Thursday marks the 9th year since Chris Wiggins was shot and killed while he worked at the Santa Claus Minit Market and his family still hopes those responsible can finally be caught and prosecuted for his death.
"I'm not forgetting and I'm not letting this go," the victim's mother Dale Wiggins declared.
Chris Wiggins was killed just before midnight on June 8, 2014, and his body was discovered the following morning.
These radio stations checked with the Toombs County Sheriff’s Office last week and Capt. Jordan Kight said he is following up with the GBI on some things that may possibly be evidence in the case. Capt. Kight said he had expected updates from the GBI as they continue their investigation but as of yet the state agency has not provided him with any.
Meanwhile, a reward for information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons who killed Chris Wiggins is still available and the Toombs County Sheriff’s Office continues to follow any new leads they receive, just as they have been doing since Wiggins’ murder.
Anyone who thinks they may know something that will help bring closure to the Wiggins family is asked to contact the Toombs County Sheriff’s Office at 912-526-6778.
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