Around Town: Political forums, the State of Education, purchase tennis pavers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers West Point Project Management Office in West Point, Ga. now have available permits and maps for the 2016-2017 hunting seasons. A permit is required to hunt off lands by USACE at West Point with a $25 fee. Permits may be purchased at the West Point Lake Visitors Center.

All hunters are encouraged to examine the hunting maps and permits closely to ensure compliance with all rules, regulations and weapon restrictions. All state hunting regulations also apply for the state in which the permit holder is hunting. The USACE at West Point manages approximately 10,000 acres of land for hunters to utilize. For more information, contact Park Ranger Ben Williams at 706-645-2937.

Help support the tennis community by celebrating your favorite player, recognize a winning season, and/or honor a dedicated coach or captain. Pavers will be installed in front of the Cooper Creek Clubhouse between courts 4 and 5. Pavers are available in two sizes:

▪ 4 inch by 8 inch engraved paver with space for 3 lines $150. A miniature replica $25.

▪ 16 inch by 16 inch engraved pavers with space for 14 lines $350. A miniature replica $40.

For more details, visit www.corta.org or call 706-317-4136.

The Phenix City Board of Realtors is hosting candidate forums for the municipal elections in Phenix City and Smiths Station. The forums will feature candidates for each race in each city and will be held at the Board of Realtors banquet facility, 1906 Crawford Road. The forums are open to the public. The schedule is:

▪ City of Phenix City: Today, 6 p.m.

Mayor: Eddie Lowe, Jerry Barbaree; District 1: Steve Bailey, Billy Sims II; District 2: Johnny Barfield, Johnnie Robinson; District 3: Arthur Day, Otis Bellamy, Robert Vance; At-large council member: Griff Gordy, Sabrina Sumbry

▪ City of Smiths Station: Thursday, August 11, 6 p.m.

Mayor: John Bessant, F.L. Copeland; Place 1 Unopposed: George Stringer, Jr.; Place 2: Davin Bostic, Morris Jackson, Adam Littleton; Place 3 Unopposed: James Moody; Place 4: Richard Cooley, Diane Holman Stein; Place 5: Mike Kane, Richard Key.

For additional information, contact Chris Lammons at 334-297-1740.

The 2016 State of Education featuring University System of Georgia’s Chancellor Hank Huckaby as keynote speaker, will emphasize performance, partnerships and values as he aligns its efforts to better prepare Georgians for jobs moving forward. Hosted by the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, 11 a.m., August 16. Registration; 11:15 a.m. Buffet opens; 11:45 a.m. Program begins. Members/$30; Future members/$40 and Reserved table of 8/$300. 706-327-1566

Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods is seeking middle and high school students to serve on his fall 2016 Student Advisory Council. These students will meet with Superintendent Woods to discuss the impact of state policies in the classroom, along with other issues related to education, and will serve as the Superintendent’s ambassadors to their respective schools. Applicants must be enrolled in a Georgia public middle or high school for the 2016-17 school year. Middle school students will meet Sept. 12, Nov. 7, Feb. 13 and April 10. High school students will meet Sept. 13, Nov. 8, Feb. 14, April 11. Application deadline is 5 p.m. August 16, 2016. For more information or to complete an application, contact Ron Culver at rculver@doe.k12.ga.us.

This story was originally published August 3, 2016 at 11:00 AM with the headline "Around Town: Political forums, the State of Education, purchase tennis pavers."