Bleckley County High School Sophomore Nate "The Great" Johnson is the first Special Olympics athlete to make it to state. He'll be competing at the Atlanta Invitational April 13 and the state finals May 18-19 at Emory University. Help support Nate by purchasing a "Domi-NATE" T-Shirt. Costs are $15 for youth X-Small through adult X-Large, $17 for adult 2 XL and up. Orders can be placed by emailing Libby DeLoach, ldeloach@bleckley.k12.ga.us, or Chelsea Tyner, ctyner@bleckley.k12.ga.us. Checks can be dropped off in the main office of Bleckley Primary. Orders are due by April 30.

Cold temperatures didn't stop people celebrating the birthday and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Monday.  The annual parade was held followed by a progam at Turner Chapel AME Church.  The theme was "Make it a day on, not a day off' and featured music from the NAACP Youth Choir and a message from guest speaker Devonte Harris.  Harrs is the lead pastor of Salem AME Church and Bethel AME Church in Bronwood, Georgia.

First Baptist Church  of Cochran will hold a benefit fish fry December 7 at 7 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Cost is $20 donation. Plates will have fish, french fries, hush puppies, coleslaw. Door prizes, items for auction including Glock 42, Yeti Hopper, fishing accessories, and cakes. Money raised will go toward Brian Smith, a local man battling cancer, as well as a needy family during Christmas. Only 250 tickets will be sold. Call Shane Savant, (478)217-0139, or Brad Davis, (478)697-4044, to purchase. Sponsored by FBC Brotherhood Outdoor Ministries.  The church is located at 102 S Second St.