Three newcomers and a local guest were welcomed to Franklin County at the Newcomers Coffee conducted at the Thruston House in January.
Robert and Donna McFarland, and Amie Burgen and mother, Sheryl Phillips,attended the event. Following the coffee, a driving tour of the historic homes in Mount Vernon was conducted.

Jordan Health Services is sponsoring five days of scheduled  “Glamor Shots” as a fund raising event for Relay for Life. Appointments are available Feb. 27 through March 3.  Appointments may be scheduled through Jordan Health Services. No walk-ins, please.All proceeds will benefit Relay for Life. See the Feb. 5 Optic-Herald for more details.

A $50,000 reward is being offered to anyone  who can point researchers to the ivory-billed woodpecker.
The ivory bill, long considered extinct, has been the subject of search parties over the last four years, but none proved the bird’s existence.

Jacob McDaniel, left, and Jake Whitehurst, right, get excited as they eye their homemade Pinewood Derby racing entries in the recent Pack sponsored race. The preparation and race day activities provide an opportunity for boys and their dad or other male role model to share an experience and have fun doing it.

As a part of that parks plan, city residents will be asked to participate in a  survey to be mailed later this month. The survey will be mailed to city water customers and are requested to be returned by the end of the month. See the Feb. 5 edition of the Optic-Herald for more information.