Columbia County newsmakers
Martinez native makes dean's list
Billy Byler, of Martinez, was named to the Trevecca Nazarene University Dean's List for the spring 2002 semester.
Byler is the son of Bill and Carol Byler and a graduate of Augusta Christian School. He is a junior mass communications major, assistant sports media director and editor of the campus newspaper. He is a member of the Forensics Team and a member of an inner-city basketball ministry.
Byler is planning a career in sports broadcasting.
Luke named Nurse of the Year
Amina "Tina" Luke was named Nurse of the Year for 2002 by the Georgia Association of Nurses in Long Term Care in Savannah, Ga., on Sept. 12, at the association annual convention banquet.
Luke has been in health care for 32 years and works at least 10 hours any given day.
"She is one of the most dedicated nurses I have had the pleasure of working with in my 20 years of health care and I couldn't think of a more deserving nurse then Ms. Luke," said Davene Johnson, Luke's boss at Thomson Manor. "We are blessed to have her right here in our hometown working with our seniors."
Evans youth earns Eagle Scout award
Eric Scukanec, the son of Dan and Kathy Scukanec , of Evans, received his Eagle Scout Award on Saturday, at a ceremony at Eubanks Blanchard Community Center in Appling.
Eric is a charter member of Troop 643, Evans, and the third member of his troop to earn the highest award in Boy Scouts. The first was his older brother, Andy.
Eric has been involved in scouting for nine years and has attended two national jamborees, Philmont High and Adventure Camp and various summer camps. His Eagle Scout projects, clearing and finishing a nature trail near Euchee Creek Library, was finished in the spring.
Former chamber director wins award
Larry McKinney, a former director of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, was recently awarded Certified Chamber Executive status by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives at their joint annual meeting in Pasadena, Calif.
The CCE is the highest obtainable in the chamber of commerce profession and denotes an individual with the strictest professional and ethical standards.