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jenkinscountytimes.com
The Jenkins County Times
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 - Page 7
FDA approves Omicron
targeted vaccines
Special
to
The Times
In a significant
development in the ongoing
battle against COVID-19,
the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA)
has granted approval for
the commercial sale of
reformulated vaccines
from Pfizer/BioNTech
and Modema specifically
designed to target the
omicron variant XBB.1.5.
This marks a pivotal shift
as these vaccines will
now be available to the
public, rather than being
exclusively distributed to
the federal government.
The decision to develop
vaccines targeting the
XBB.1.5 omicron variant
stems from the variant's
prominence in June
when the FDA selected
it as the primary strain to
address. XBB.1.5 currently
accounts for approximately
3% of new COVID-19
cases in the United States,
according to available data.
While XBB.1.5 is among
the notable variants, the
most prevalent strains
at present are EG.5,
constituting 22% of cases,
and FL.1.5.1, at 15%—
both of which belong to the
XBB subvariant family.
What sets these newly
approved vaccines apart
is their monovalent nature.
Unlike previous booster
shots that offered broad
protection against multiple
variants, these vaccines
specifically target the
XBB.1.5 omicron variant.
This approach represents a
more focused and precise
strategy in the ongoing
efforts to combat the virus.
Hospitals across the
country have reported
a gradual increase in
CO VID- 1 9-related
admissions since July. The
data reveals that for the
week ending September 2,
there were 18,871 COVID-
19-related admissions,
marking a 192% increase
from the 6,464 admissions
recorded for the week
ending July 8. It is
important to note, however,
that these figures, while
concerning, remain lower
than the peaks experienced
earlier in the pandemic. A
year ago, approximately
35,000 new COVID-19-
related hospital admissions
were recorded during a
similar period.
This approval for
commercial sale of
omicron variant-targeted
vaccines represents a
significant step in adapting
our vaccination strategies
to address the evolving
landscape of COVID-19.
With these vaccines now
available to the public, it
is hoped that they will
contribute to reducing the
spread of XBB.1.5 and
its subvariants, ultimately
bringing us closer to
overcoming the challenges
posed by the virus.
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
U.S. Soccer to build training center in Georgia
The U.S. Soccer Federation has selected
Atlanta for a national training center and
headquarters. The details of the facility are still
in development. The announcement was made
this week. Gov. Kemp said, “Georgia is proud
to welcome U.S. Soccer’s new headquarters
and look forward to working alongside them to
build a new home for soccer players.”
Body found in back of car outside spa
Five adults and 1 teen have been arrested by
Gwinnett County authorities after a body was
found in the trunk of a car outside a Korean
Spa. Law enforcement say a 911 caller reported
a possible body inside a vehicle near the Jeju
Sauna on Gwinnett Place Dr around 10:50 p.m. on Sept. 12. When police arrived, they
did find a body of a female in the trunk of a Jaguar. The suspects have been identified as
Joonhyun Lee, 22; Joonho Lee, 26; Hyunju Lee, 25; Gawon Lee, 26; Junyeoug Lee, 15; and
Eric Hyun, 26. All six have been charged with felony murder, imprisonment, tampering with
evidence and concealing a death.
Carter’s coming to the end, reports grandson
Former president Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter, said the couple is
“coming to the end” but remain together and in love. The former president entered hospice
earlier this year and in May, the former first lady was diagnosed with dementia.
Jason Carter, the couple’s grandson said, “they are at home, they are together, and they are
in love. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
Jury acquits cousin in woman’s death
A jury has acquitted Varshaun Brown, the cousin of Latoya James after he was accused
of causing James’ death in Camden County. The two were inside Brown’s home when
officers broke down the door and opened fire, killing the unarmed black woman as they
were attempting to serve a warrant.
James was sleeping on Brown’s couch when police fired into the home on May 4, 2021,
shooting James in the back and shoulder. The family filed a $25 million lawsuit against
Camden County Sheriff Jim Proctor as well as the other deputies involved in James’ death.
Captain Experiences a
Paddling adventure!
Did you know that the Riverkeeper hosts a paddling adventure every year on the Ogeechee
River? I never knew this type event was available. It does sound interesting though.
The race usually takes place in April or May and usually is on a Saturday. This paddling
event is usually sponsored by Georgia River Network and in 11 years has grown into the
largest week-long group
paddling event in the
country.The race takes
place along about seven
miles of the Ogeechee.
The race usually begins
at 9 in the morning.
There is an entry fee
of $50 per vessel and
the race has a limit of
100 participants. For
one week, individuals
from diverse walks of
life come together for
a common cause. They
come to safely navigate
a wild river and have a great time doing it. In our daily lives, we go different directions. On
the river, we are all in the same boat, a status that breeds empathy, and thus, many a helping
hand. Even hellish situations can become almost heavenly.
Rocks River Bridge Landing will usually serve as the headquarters for the winners circle,
awards presentation, food vendors, and entertainment. Everyone is welcome to come cheer
for the racers and enjoy a day out by the river. Paddlers of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards,
and canoes are welcome to compete. Non-racing paddlers are also welcome to follow the
route after racers have started. The fee pays for one official race shirt, safety personnel, and
other costs associated with putting on the event. Over the years, this event has grown to a
substantial numbers of spectators.
Different types of awards and prizes are given to the winners of the races. Usually it will
include, huge kayak fishing kits from Brass Pro Shops, goodies from Claxton Fmit Cakes,
trips to the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University and many more prizes.
Hopefully next year you will be able to compete in this wonderful event. Along with
strolling the beautiul river and the prizes of course, you get the chance to see the entire
length of the river on the race and spend some time with family and friends.
Happy Trails!
Eagles School Menu
September 25-29
Breakfast - Daily choices of 100% Fruit Juice, Assorted Fruit, 1%FF Assorted Milk
or GNG (Grab ‘n Go).
September 25 - Breakfast Pizza or GNG Chex Mix & Fmit Juice.
September 26 - Sausage Biscuit or Parfait w/Fruit & Granola or GNG Blueberry
Muffin & Fmit Juice.
September 27 - Pancake on a Stick or GNG Pop-Tarts & Fmit Juice.
September 28 - Fun Fruitti Waffles & Sausage or GNG Granola Bar, Cheese & Juice.
September 29 - Grits, Sausage, & Toast or GNG Assorted Variety.
GUI investigating inmate death at Chatham County jail
The GBI is investigating after an inmate’s death at the Chatham County jail early last Friday
morning. A unit officer found Lloyd James, 41, unresponsive in his cell around 5 a.m. Life
saving measures were attempted but to no avail. James was pronounced dead at Memorial
Hospital. James had been booked in the detention center since Oct. 2021 on several charges
including burglary, drag possession, and gang activity.
Convicted parade driver requests new trial
The driver who was sentenced to 10 years after driving through a parade in Rincon has
requested a new trial. Anthony Rodriguez’s attorney says his defendant did not receive a
fair trial and was not proven to be guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In fact, the motion
argues that there wasn’t enough evidence to lead to a conviction and the judge should have
exercised their right to request a new trial.
It also states that because pronouns were used interchangeably throughout the trial, it could
have confused the jury, “inflaming the passions of the jury and causing prejudice.”
Lunch - May choose PB&J Uncrastable instead of Hot Entree, All meals are served
with a choice of assorted fruits & milk, MUST choose at least 3 items. One MUST be
a FRUIT or VEGETABLE.
September 25 - Pizza, Com, Garden Salad w/Ranch, Baby Carrots w/Dip, Cinnamon Roll.
HS Choice: Pizza or Salad Bar Available.
September 26 - Com Dog Nuggets, Seasoned Fries, Celery Sticks w/Dip, Brownie.
HS Choice: Pizza or Salad Bar Available.
September 27 - Beef Nachos w/Queso, Tortilla Chips, Salsa/Sour Cream, Black Beans.
HS Choice: Pizza or Salad Bar Available.
September 28 - Chicken Chunks, Steamed Broccoli, Wheat Roll, Celery Sticks w/Dip.
HS Choice: Pizza or Salad Bar Available.
September 29 - GAME DAY Hot Dog on Bun, Creamy Coleslaw, Baby Carrots w/
Dip, Frito Com Chips.
HS Choice: Pizza or Salad Bar Available.
NOTICE
The Jenkins County Board of Commissioners does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the
James L. Henry Administrative Building on September 28, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. § 48-5-32 does hereby publish the
following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years.
CURRENT 2023 PROPERTY TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY
COUNTY WIDE
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Real & Personal
271,210,311
285,647,214
293,064,019
285,945,384
309,852,065
352,795,777
Motor Vehicles
5,068,720
4,088,320
3,369,350
2,865,070
2,500,430
2,301,070
C
o
V
Mobile Homes
2,290,723
2,225,493
2,038,624
2,006,037
2,278,693
2,581,998
u
A
Timber - 100%
4,096,980
3,436,236
6,437,350
7,857,536
7,160,045
5,613,230
n
u
Heavy Duty Equipment
0
0
0
0
0
0
y
E
Gross Digest
282,666,734
295,397,263
304,909,343
298,674,027
321,791,233
363,292,075
W
Less Exemptions
67,072,560
69,518,160
48,949,356
54,446,272
56,339,631
56,844,343
d
NET DIGEST VALUE
215,594,174
225,879,103
255,959,987
244,227,755
265,451,602
306,447,732
Gross Maintenance &
e
R
Operation Millage
12.1950
14.7650
12.5750
11.4850
10.9950
9.6950
A
A
Less Rollback
T
2.0000
2.5700
2.3800
2.2900
2.3000
2.0000
r
E
(Local Option Sales Tax)
e
NET M&O MILLAGE RATE
10.1950
12.1950
10.1950
9.1950
8.6950
7.6950
TOTAL M&O TAXES LEVIED
$2,197,983
$2,754,596
$2,609,512
$2,245,674
$2,308,102
$2,358,115
TAX
Net Tax $ Increase
($177,006)
$556,613
($145,084)
($363,838)
$62,427
$50,014
Net Tax % Increase
-7.45%
25.32%
-5.27%
-13.94%
2.78%
2.17%
