Current events

Candidate speaks

Debra Bernes, a candidate in Tuesday's runoff for a post on the Georgia Court of Appeals, will speak at the breakfast meeting of the Columbia County Republican Party 9 a.m. Saturday at Dye's Southern Grill in Columbia Square. For information, call Chairman Lee Muns at 827-1572.

Pre-legislative breakfast

The annual Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Pre-Legislative Breakfast will be at 7:30 a.m. Thursday at the Belair Conference Center, 4083 S. Belair Road. For information, call 651-0018.

Empty Stocking fund deadline

Friday is the deadline for applications for the Empty Stocking Fund. Sponsored by The Augusta Chronicle, the fund offers assistance to families in the CSRA who are in need during the holiday season. Applications may be picked up at The News-Times office in the Publix shopping center in Evans, 4272 Washington Road.

Soldier donations

Grovetown City Councilwoman Marjorie Adams is seeking donations of items for soldiers serving in the Middle East. Especially needed are blankets, brown T-shirts, cotton underwear and boot-length socks, toiletries, magazines and other items. Donations may be dropped off during office hours at Grovetown City Hall, 103 Robinson Ave., or during Columbia County's tree-lighting in Evans, 4:30-7 p.m. Dec. 4. For information, call 863-4576.