FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Reynolds ▪ September 10, 2026
Flint Energies Foundation awards $15,000 to Marion County organizations
The Flint Energies Foundation has awarded $15,000 in grants to organizations serving Marion County, supporting emergency response and youth athletics.
Tazewell Volunteer Fire Department, represented by Stephen Matthews, received $5,000 to assist with replacing the transmission in its wildland brush truck. The truck is equipped with a 300-gallon pump-and-roll apparatus that allows firefighters to drive while pumping water during roadside and brush fires. The grant will help cover the estimated repair costs and keep this important emergency response vehicle in service. Buena Vista Fire & Rescue, also represented by Stephen Matthews, was awarded $5,000 to assist with the removal, repair, and rebuilding of leaking hydraulic cylinders on its ladder truck.
The remaining $5,000 was awarded to Marion County Middle School Softball, represented by Monty Howard, to purchase a pitching machine, balls, and additional equipment. Together, these grants will strengthen emergency response capabilities while providing Marion County student-athletes with resources to develop their skills and compete.
The Flint Energies Foundation provides grants to local non-profits such as this one using money donated by Flint Energies Consumer-members through Operation Round Up®. The electric cooperative’s Members contribute $175,000 annually to the Flint Energies Foundation, which supports worthy causes in the 17 counties it serves. Operation Round Up is a way for participating Members to support multiple charitable organizations by simply allowing Flint Energies to round up their bills to the nearest dollar. Donations to Operation Round Up, which average only about $6 per year per member, are tax deductible. About 40% of Flint’s Membership participates in Operation Round Up, but that percentage continues to decline. If you are a Flint Energies Consumer-member and wish to contribute, you can sign up at www.flintenergies.com/ORU or by calling 1.800.342.3616.
The Flint Energies Foundation, a state-chartered, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, disburses all contributions to approved projects; Member contributions are not used for administration costs. Foundation Board members include Chair Joanne Hamlin, Lizella; Vice Chair Eloise Doty, Butler; Secretary Connie McCutchen, Midland; Treasurer John Luppino, Warner Robins; Gina Fink, Fort Valley; Charles Harrison, Grovania; Pat Bartness, Warner Robins; Traci Kemp, Warner Robins; Betty Chase, Oglethorpe; Roger Sinyard, Mauk; and Ian Russell, Fort Valley.
About Flint Energies
Flint Energies is a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned by its members in parts of 17 central Georgia counties. Flint employs 221 employees and serves over 100,000 electric meters. We are 100% locally controlled and democratically governed by nine Directors elected from among the membership. In 1937, Flint Energies was created to bring people together to meet common needs like reliable electric energy, and our mission remains focused on improving the quality of life in Middle Georgia. Flint Energies is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Follow Flint on X, Instagram and Facebook.
Contact:
Natalie Bradley, Community Relations Specialist, 478.847.5195, nbradley@flintemc.com
2 days ago, Marion County Middle/Highschool
Congratulations to Melva Williams on her acceptance to Brenau University!
3 days ago, Melissa Jernigan
Congratulations to Melva Williams on her acceptance to Valdosta State University!
4 days ago, Counselor
ATTENTION
Southland Academy does NOT have GoFan. It will be CASH or VENMO at the gate.
Prices: $10 Adults or $7 Students
14 days ago, Marion County Middle/Highschool
Congratulations to our first student from the Class of 2027 to receive college acceptances! Melva Williams has been accepted to Columbus State University and Georgia Southwestern State University.
14 days ago, Counselor
IMPORTANT: EARLY DISMISSAL TODAY, 9/1/2026
Due to the ongoing water issue in the county and low water pressure, Marion County Schools will dismiss early today, Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
MCMHS will dismiss at 8:25 AM.
LKMES will dismiss at 8:30 AM.
Parents and guardians may begin picking up car riders at the designated dismissal time for each school. Buses will also begin their routes following dismissal.
We understand that an unexpected schedule change can be inconvenient for families and appreciate your patience and flexibility. The health and safety of our students and staff remain our priority.
Please continue to monitor the Marion County Schools website, social media pages, and district notification system for any additional updates.
17 days ago, Marion County Schools
Each year, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program honors some of our nation’s most exceptional high school seniors who shine through academic achievement, artistic talent, and career and technical excellence. Established by executive order in 1964, the program has grown to recognize up to 161 students annually, celebrating those whose accomplishments reflect the highest ideals of scholarship, creativity, and leadership.
The 2027 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program application window will open from September 1 to November 1. High school seniors may apply, provided they meet all program qualifications outlined by the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The application, program criteria, and informational brochures are on the Excellence Recognitions PSP webpage at http://www.gadoe.org/USPS. Applications are due by November 1 at 5:00 p.m.
Links are available in Microsoft Teams-Class of 2027.
18 days ago, Counselor
Marion County Middle High School Picture Day is officially scheduled for Thursday, September 3rd, 2026! Don't be left out of the yearbook!
Here is what you need to know about ordering:
Online Pre-Orders: Skip the paper and order online ahead of time at bpiphotography.net/view-order-photos/.
Paper Pre-Order Forms: Paper forms will also be sent home with students. If using a paper form, please send it filled out with your student on Picture Day.
Bring your best smile next Thursday! 😊✨
23 days ago, Marion County Schools
Statement from the Superintendent
Marion County Schools is committed to supporting our students, families, staff, and community with transparency, respect, and a focus on facts.
Superintendent Jamie Penoncello has issued the following statement regarding recent social media commentary involving a student of Marion County Schools.
The statement below is shared with the knowledge and support of the student's parents, whose signatures are included to affirm their agreement with the information presented.
Please read the Superintendent's full statement below.
Good afternoon. I am the Superintendent of Marion County Schools, with a heavy heart and a sense of urgency. On Saturday, I came across a post made by our mayor on Facebook regarding one of our students. The post lacked critical facts. It was disappointing to see that he did not reach out to the Principal, the Assistant Superintendent, or myself for clarification. The parents of the student were unaware of the post until later Sunday and called the principal on Monday morning. Imagine their shock and concern. The mayor's words were reckless. They sowed division in our community and hurt innocent people. On Saturday, the Assistant Superintendent and I reached out to the mayor to discuss the inaccuracies in his post. We hoped for an open dialogue, but our calls went nowhere. This speaks volumes. Meanwhile, our coach faces unfair judgment for actions she did not commit. The rush to judgment on social media can be harmful. This situation serves as a reminder. Let's be cautious before jumping to conclusions. It's crucial to gather all the facts before speaking publicly. The parents of this child stand with our school system, just as we stand with our students. Together, we will continue to work tirelessly to make this school system the very best it can be.
25 days ago, Marion County Schools
Students, information regarding sign-ups for SAT (11th and 12th grades), PSAT (10th grade), and ASVAB (10-12) is available in Teams. Please be sure to let Mrs. Jernigan know if you wish to test. SAT is $60, PSAT is free for 10th graders and $18 for 11th graders, and the ASVAB is free.
about 1 month ago, Counselor
about 1 month ago, Counselor
Current juniors or seniors who wish to attend the annual Probe College Fair at Georgia Southwestern State University on September 24 are invited to pick up a permission form in the main office. Permission forms will also be posted in Microsoft Teams for the Class of 2027 and 2028. Students must turn in permission forms and fill out information at the link provided in Teams to get their own personalized bar code by September 14th to be eligible for the trip. Forms may be turned in to the main office.
The Probe College Fair is state-sponsored and usually features over 30 colleges and other post-secondary organizations, including the Georgia Student Finance Commission and branches of the U.S. Military. A full list of participating groups can be found at
www.gaprobe.org closer to the fair date.
about 1 month ago, Counselor
The Junior Ring Ceremony will be held on 8/14 at 9:30 a.m. in the cafeteria. Parents are invited to attend. You should receive further information from Bowen Grad if you have a balance to take care of. Rings must be paid in full by that morning to participate in the ceremony. If you have questions, please call 229-382-6837.
about 1 month ago, Counselor
Just a reminder of our Senior meeting tomorrow (Friday, 8/7)! Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Seniors should all be in attendance. Those participating in work-based learning should stay after for orientation. Senior meeting starts at 8:30 a.m. in the cafeteria. See you then!
about 1 month ago, Counselor
Schedule change forms for high school have been posted in Teams and will open tomorrow (Friday) morning. Although you can pick up your schedule at Open House tonight, you must wait until tomorrow morning to request changes. No schedules will be changed during Open House. Any inquiries may be filled out on the form; questions may be directed to
jernigan.melissa@marion.k12.ga.us via e-mail. Thank you!
about 2 months ago, Counselor
Students who plan to participate in Work-Based Learning for the 2026-27 school year will have a mandatory meeting on August 7th. This is the same date as our scheduled Class of 2027 meeting at 8:30 a.m. Please make plans to attend.
4 months ago, Counselor
Sports Physicals are scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 5PM-7PM. Please bring the completed forms to your appointment time. Please see the flyer attached. To secure an appointment time, registration with the QR code is required.
https://tinyurl.com/m8jt3k9u4 months ago, Marion County Schools
Honors Day and Graduation information
Honorees Day - May 14th
9th, 10th, 11th @ 10:00 am
6th, 7th, 8th @ 1:00 pm
Seniors
Reception @ 5:00 pm and Award Ceremony @ 6:00pm
Graduation - May 23rd @ 9:00 am
4 months ago, Marion County Middle/Highschool
Congratulations to Nilah Clayton on her acceptance to Columbus Technical College!
5 months ago, Counselor
Congratulations to Ebony Jackson-Frazier on her acceptance to Tuskegee University!
5 months ago, Counselor
