Masque of Silence was formed by a group of friends about two years ago to perform in a youth explosion hosted by Old Storm Branch Baptist Church.

When they performed, the group of teens felt a spiritual connection and knew it was something they wanted to continue doing.

“After we danced our song, every single one of us caught the spirit,” said Rochell Fulmer, 18. “You can’t experience something like that and never do it again.”

Twitter @RobPavey

Residents in Columbia and Richmond counties have just one more week before a seasonal ban on outdoor burning goes into effect May 1.

The ban, which affects 54 counties this year – six more than in 2011 — is part of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s effort to reduce ozone and particle emissions that are most dangerous during warm weather months.

An Evans construction company put in the winning bid last week to finish a drainage project from which the original contractor was fired.

Columbia County commissioners awarded a nearly $327,000 bid Tuesday to Blair Construction Inc. to finish the stormwater project on Sandalwood Drive in the Springlakes neighborhood.

The project to finish widening the culverts and parts of Reed Creek that feed the subdivision’s 20-acre lake should conclude in 60 days, said county Water Utility Director Bill Clayton.

Twitter @DonnieFetter

The Harlem High Drama Club delivers its final performances of the school year Friday and Saturday. The shows also are the final performances of director Roy Lewis’ teaching career.

After nearly 30 years as Harlem High’s drama director, Lewis intends to retire when the school year concludes next month.

For his final show, Lewis chose the classic Broadway musical Bye Bye Birdie.