You could point out nearly any property in Bleckley County and 68-year-old Lonnie Barlow likely knows who owns it.  

Barlow, a Cochran native, says he's practiced real estate law for 40 years and found his passion in the dealings and history of land ownership.  His office holds about 9,000 real estate transaction records.

"The way land is handled, who owns it, the way it's transferred and how you acquire it," said Barlow.

In the midst of researching wills, probates and transactions, the attorney found himself a hobby.

"The most wonderful thing about Bleckley County is its religious heritage. We have over 40 churches," said Barlow.

Barlow says he could tell you who owns 85 percent of Bleckley County's property and likely how it happened. 

"I like to think that I came to this office not to make money but to help people," he said.

The Dodge County Indians are in the elite eight and trying to win a state softball title. All of the kids are talented, but they've leaned on the powers of their pitcher for success.

Four Middle Georgia school systems will get a total of more than $15 million from the Race to the Top grant during the next four school years.

Bibb, Jones, Peach and Pulaski schools will benefit from the federal school-improvement grants. Bibb will get the largest chunk, more than $13 million.

According to the state Department of Education, Peach will get nearly $1.2 million, Jones about $570,000 and Pulaski about $338,000.

The Bibb County district says Superintendent Sylvia McGee and other representatives from Bibb County attended a meeting at the Georgia Department of Education about the grant.

They say allocations for the 26 participating districts are based on the federal Title I formula, which counts the number of needy children in the district.

According to the GaDOE, that means Bibb County will receive $13,297,398 during the next four years.