Thomas Rehder has a message for those afflicted with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

“Never give up,” the 12-year-old said.

Thomas, who lives in Martinez, knows first-hand just how hard that advice can be to follow. Thomas was diagnosed with OCD at 4. Since then it has disrupted nearly every aspect of his life.

Instead of succumbing to the severe anxiety disorder, Thomas decided to fight back and help others affected by OCD.

The Columbia County school board approved spending just shy of $1 million in 1-percent sales tax funds for 16 school buses Tuesday.

While the low bid from Rush Truck Centers of Georgia came in at about $1.4 million, the 66-passenger buses will cost the school system less than $1 million after a $457,000 state allocation.

Each bus costs a discounted $89,843, about $900 less than the state’s contracted rates.

“I feel like this is a good price we’re getting,” said school Superintendent Charles Nagle.

Busy schedules make it easy to put off getting an important health screening.

The sixth annual Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday, however, makes it easier to get checked out in one place.

“It’s a one stop shop,” said event coordinator Beth Frits.

The free expo, sponsored by WJBF News Channel 6, takes place from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion, 3300 Evans-to-Locks Road.

There will be more than 40 exhibitors, including University and Doctors Hospital, providing information and free health screenings.

A Thomson man sustained minor injuries Friday after his motorcyle collided with a car in front of the Tudor Branch subdivision on Columbia Road.

The wreck happened at about 6 p.m. when Mary Duley, 29, of Grovetown, was taking a left turn onto Columbia Road from the Tudor Branch entrance, said Columbia County sheriff's Deputy Keith Warner.

Duley's Infiniti G35 struck a 2001 Honda motorcyle, driven by 42-year-old William Gilmer, who was traveling west on Columbia Road, Warner said.

Gilmer was taken to an area hospital with non life-threatening injuries, Warner said.