Pinwheels & Candles

April may not be bringing with it the typical expectations of spring weather, but in Putnam County the month has come with its typical shower of reminders that April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Activities have included the placement of pinwheels on the courthouse lawn and other spots around the county by Area 30 early childhood development students and other volunteers. (Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN)

The latter event also brought the naming of Linda Merkel as the 2016 Bessie Rector Award winner. Merkel serves as the director of the Putnam County Youth Development Commission as well as in a number of other capacities serving families and children in Putnam County. (Banner Graphic/NICK WILSON)

(Banner Graphic/NICK WILSON)