The Fillin’ Station food pantry — ongoing food distribution and donation needs
The Fillin’ Station in Guyton continues to feed thousands of local residents and partners with local stores and donors for periodic food drives to restock shelves.
News & Stories
Local news and stories from Springfield, Rincon, Guyton, Clyo, Egypt and all of Effingham County, Georgia.
Effingham Toy Run — riders collect new, unwrapped toys for county children
A community toy run in Springfield asks riders (and vehicles) to bring a new, unwrapped toy or pay a small entry fee; collected gifts will be handed to Effingham County social workers for local distribution.
Habitat for Humanity collecting aluminum cans — drive runs April through October
Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County is running an aluminum-can recycling drive (April–October) with drop-offs taken to the Rincon ReStore; proceeds and a matching grant fund local homebuilding work.
FORCE steering committee to collect 1,000 food items on roof for local pantries
The Food OutReach Co-op of Effingham (FORCE) is organizing a public collection — committee members will station themselves on the roof of a local business and collect canned goods beginning Nov. 13 to build pantry stocks.
Manna House weekly food distributions and Thanksgiving assistance
Manna House runs weekly drive-through food distributions in Rincon and organizes an annual Thanksgiving assistance program to give holiday meal boxes to local families.
County election ballot set for Nov. 3; key early‑voting dates posted
The Effingham Herald published a local rundown of the Nov. 3 ballot and early‑voting schedule. Officials certified two write‑in candidates and reminded voters of registration and absentee deadlines.
OpenAI to lease office space in Rincon's ECIDA building, board approves three‑year lease
Local reporting says the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority approved a three‑year lease for OpenAI to occupy the third floor of the ECIDA building at 100 Enterprise Drive in Rincon. The company plans a build‑out before staff use the space.
Sheriff’s Office to join 'Operation Watchful Eye' Oct. 26–Nov. 2
The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office announced it will take part in the statewide residence and compliance checks of registered sex offenders the week of Oct. 26–Nov. 2. The operation focuses on verifications and arrests for non‑compliance.
School bus carrying 21 high‑school students involved in afternoon crash; no serious injuries
A school bus on Honey Ridge Road and Highway 119 was struck by a truck on Oct. 8; Georgia State Patrol said no students were hurt and the driver had only minor injuries. Students were transferred to another bus and the crash is under investigation.
Commissioners back move to increase senior school exemption; voters would decide later
The board approved a resolution supporting local legislation to raise the S4 senior homestead exemption from $20,000 to $100,000; that change would need state approval and a voter referendum before taking effect.
GDOT asks for public input on SR 21 widening that reaches into Effingham
The Georgia DOT opened a public comment window for a proposed widening project on State Route 21 that runs from Chatham County into Effingham. The county posted the notice so local residents can review plans and submit feedback.
County moves ahead on Atlas Park at former sand mine near Guyton
County leaders are advancing plans to convert a former sand mine into 'Atlas Park' — a phased recreation project with trails, a boat launch and a proposed 138‑acre lake and 16‑court pickleball complex. Initial work will lean on current SPLOST funds.