Metter Elementary School third graders have been studying Georgia Government and how it works including a recent field trip to the Court House. To further their understanding of the Judicial Branch, Probate Judge Tony Thompson delivered over 200 educational posters about Georgia's Court System to Metter Elementary School on Thursday. Third Grade teacher Joy Ferry and MES students Charley Holland and Ja'khia Edenfield helped receive the posters.

Ms. Ferry and the MES teachers have taken their students on a tour of the courthouse in recent years and Judge Thompson has enjoyed meeting with them and introducing them to the main court room. "Ms. Ferry and the rest of the MES staff do a wonderful job by taking the children to the center of judicial activity in our community for a better understanding of what they are studying. The children come in wide eyed and excited to actually see something they have been studying. The students are well-behaved and eager to learn," said Judge Thompson. "The Administrative Office of Courts printed new copies of these educational posters this year and we are happy to have secured copies for our local students. The posters explain the functions of judge, jury, attorney, Sheriff and deputy, and court clerk. Also detailed are the different types of courts that are at the courthouse as well as some history of the judicial branch," added Thompson. "An educated citizenry is the most important thing for a good judicial system, so I applaud our students and teachers," said Thompson.

Candler County Probate Judge Tony Thompson joined area probate judges in attending a symposium hosted by Pineland MH/DD/AD Community Services Leadership on June 24, 2012 in Statesboro. Pineland Mental Health provides an array of services and interacts with the Probate Courts in a number of ways. The Pineland service area includes Appling, Bulloch, Candler, Evans, Jeff Davis, Tattnall, Toombs and Wayne counties.  

Area probate judges met with Pineland Leadership to discuss service options and available resources. Probate Judge Susan Tate of Athens/Clarke County was the guest speaker who gave an informative presentation on legislative changes as well as an overview of law enforcement protocols. Pineland Director June Dipolito welcomed the several Probate Judges in attendance and led them through a tour of the facilities. Ms. Dipolito introduced the judges to several of the Leadership staff including Behavioral Services director Dr. Cynthia Cone-Dekle, Medical Services Nurse Tami Russo, Mental Health Manager Michelle Meadows, Bulloch-Candler Disabilities Service Manager Gloria Kenure and others. Joining Judge Thompson in attending the symposium was Judge Don Wilkes of Emanuel County, Judge Darin McCoy of Evans County and Judge Larry Threlkeld of Toombs County. "Ms. DiPolito and her staff do a tremendous job with sometimes limited resources serving the citizens of our area through their caring and professional efforts", said Judge Thompson. "It was a pleasure to meet the staff and to hear from Judge Susan Tate about legislative changes and law enforcement's Crisis Intervention Training. This is a difficult area of law. Probate Courts are often on the front lines of mental health issues. We are fortunate to have talented partners in this team effort and we appreciate all that Pineland Mental Health Services does for us."