About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 13, 2023)
jenkinscountytimes.com The Jenkins County Times Wednesday, September 13, 2023- Page 11 2023 - 2024 THE GREAT POTATO CHALLENGE STEM CHALLENGE GEORGIA AG EXPERIENCE - A MOBILE CLASSROOM POWERED BY- City Reduces Millage Rate, Easing Tax Burden on Property Owners Decrease from 7.219 to 5.528 Mills Following Tax Appraiser r s Assessment Georgia Elementary Classes Take on the "Great Potato Challenge" to Cultivate STEM Skills By Joe Brady, Editor for The Times Elementary students across Georgia in grades three through five, including special education classes, homeschoolers, and community or after school groups, are being invited to embrace the "Great Potato Challenge." This exciting STEM challenge aims to harness their scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) skills, all while delving into the fascinating world of agriculture. In the "Great Potato Challenge," participating elementary classes will embark on a captivating journey into the life cycle of a potato. Students will have the opportunity to observe the growth patterns of a potato under different conditions: planted in soil, grown hydroponically, and placed in a petri dish with no source of nourishment. Throughout this experiment, students will maintain detailed journals of their observations and engage in discussions to unravel the mysteries of potato growth. Educators, homeschooling parents, and after-school group leaders eager to take part in this educational endeavor can find more information and register their classes for the "Great Potato STEM Challenge" starting from September 11, 2023, until March 15, 2024, by visiting www.gfb.ag/ stemchallenge. Once registered, participating classes will gain immediate access to a digital resource toolkit that will equip them for the STEM challenge. To add an extra layer of excitement, the top-grade winners from third, fourth, and fifth-grade entries will have the chance to win a prize package totaling $350 for their class. The central question guiding this STEM challenge is, "What can potatoes teach me about soil and how it interacts with living and nonliving things?" To answer this question comprehensively, participating classes will follow the provided lesson plans and activities tailored for the challenge. Their goal will be to create a concise video presentation, not exceeding five minutes, showcasing what they have learned about growing potatoes. These class presentations must be uploaded to YouTube for judging by March 15, 2024. Virginia Fulwood, GFA Educational Programs Assistant, shared her insights on the initiative, saying, "We developed the STEM challenge to connect elementary students to Georgia agriculture. This year, students can observe potatoes growing in their own garden to see how soil interacts with living and non-living things around them. This type of activity is a hands-on way to leam." Sponsored by the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) and the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA), this statewide competition represents an outreach program of the GFA Georgia Ag Experience mobile classroom. It's important to note that this challenge has been redesigned to run throughout the entire school year, providing students with an extended opportunity to engage with STEM principles and agriculture. The primary aim of the "Great Potato Challenge" is to inspire elementary teachers and students in grades 3-5 to explore various facets of Georgia agriculture. By applying their STEM skills to real- world problems faced by farmers in the production of food and fiber, these young learners are not only expanding their knowledge but also contributing to the advancement of the agricultural industry. IVTartin Shares VFW's Commitment to Service in Jenkins and Screven Counties By Sarah Saxon, Reporter far The Times In a heartfelt address to the Sylvania Rotary Club, Phil Martin, a retired Army Colonel, and dedicated member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), shed light on the organization's unwavering commitment to service and support for veterans and their communities. The presentation, held on Thursday, September 7, brought together local Rotary members eager to hear about Martin's experiences and the VFW's vital work. Born on a Kansas cattle farm, Martin's life journey led him to serve as a 4th infantry rifleman in Vietnam and later retire from the military after 24 years with the rank of Colonel. His dedication to service did not end with his military Phil Martin of VFW Post 7116 Photo By: Sarah Saxon career; instead, it took on a new purpose as he became a driving force behind the VFW's "service above self' motto. Over the past two years, the VFW has demonstrated this commitment through the construction of eight handicap ramps for veterans and individuals in need. These ramps, while physically enhancing accessibility, also serve as symbolic bridges connecting veterans with the broader community. The VFW, founded in 1899, holds the esteemed title of the oldest veterans' organization in the United States. It is a haven for veterans who have served overseas, in combat duty, conflicts, or on foreign lands. Across Georgia, there are 321 posts, boasting a combined membership of approximately 200,000, while nationwide, there are a staggering 2 million active members. Locally, VFW Post 7116 serves both Jenkins and Screven Counties and stands as a testament to the organization's enduring impact, with 118 dedicated members. Among them, 93 are lifetime members, and the Post is complemented by an active American Legion Auxiliary boasting 108 members, 84 of whom hold dual membership with the VFW. During his address, Martin emphasized the VFW's role in honoring veterans during times of grief. He noted, "People have mostly found out what kind of people the VFW are when there is a funeral, and they are there to help honor the individual." This unwavering support during times of loss underscores VFW’s commitment to their motto. In addition to their year-round efforts, the VFW conducts special fundraising initiatives on key dates, including Poppy Day, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day. All funds raised through these events are channeled towards supporting veterans and addressing their diverse needs. Phil Martin's presentation at the Sylvania Rotary Club meeting not only shed light on the remarkable work of the VFW but also served as a reminder of the importance of community service and the enduring bonds of camaraderie forged through shared experiences and a shared commitment to serving others. Millen - The city of Millen has announced a significant reduction in its 2023 millage rate, providing welcome relief to property owners. This move comes after a thorough appraisal conducted by the Tax Appraiser's office in June 2023, which led to a decreased millage rate from 7.219 mills in the previous year to the current rate of 5.528 mills. The mill rate, a vital component of property taxation, determines the amount of property tax property owners are required to pay based on the assessed value of their real estate. Mills are equivalent to one-tenth of a percent, making them a critical factor in determining property tax bills for residents and businesses in Millen. To illustrate the impact of this millage rate reduction, consider a scenario where the mill rate is 7. If a taxpayer's personal residence has a taxable value of $150,000, the property tax bill for the homeowner would amount to $1,050. For every $1,000 of assessed value, $7 is owed in property taxes. “Our decision to lower the millage rate is expected to have a positive effect on property owners, providing them with financial relief in the upcoming tax year. Lower property taxes can alleviate the financial burden on residents and encourage investment in the local real estate market,” explains Mayor King Rocker. The Tax Appraiser's office's assessment in June 2023 played a pivotal role in this reduction, reflecting changes in property values and economic conditions in Millen. The city's commitment to responsible fiscal management and ensuring that property taxes remain fair and equitable has led to this positive outcome. City officials have emphasized their dedication to maintaining essential public services while also considering the financial well-being of their constituents. The decision to lower the millage rate demonstrates the city's commitment to achieving this balance. “This reduction represents a collaborative effort between city officials and the Tax Appraiser's office to create a fair and equitable property tax system that benefits everyone in the community,” Rocker concluded. BRINSON'S Tree & Stump Removal * Troo & Slump ftomoual * Trimming * Storm CtaariUp * Skid steer Work * Itirtd CiCOrirtCj, Brush Cull in £j, & 6u£t) Hogging LOtdIFyOwAQCJ. liCCfitOd & hSurtd CALI NOW 706-526-8686 Window Cleaning Allstate Building Services, LLC Window Cleaning * Pressure Cleaning * Caulking Specialist Quality Work At Its Best 2 5— years of experience \arvel Feltis, Owner P.O. Boi 1120 813-309-7188 Millen, GA 30442 NpettUll ij yaliot-.i Buford Williams Wade Parker Marie Garvin Birthdays <& Anniversaries!!! Ann Saxon
