About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 20, 2023)
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%
