About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 18, 2023)
Page 6 - Wednesday, October 18, 2023 The Jenkins County Times jenkinscountytimes.com Perfection Jenkins County Senior Center By Lee Wilson, Special Contributor for The Times Well, I ran into one of our senior’s sister at the grocery store again the other day and she was telling me more stories about her brother who comes here. We’ll just call him “James”. She was saying James was such a handful when he was young boy in school. James’ teachers seemed to always have a time with him at school. One day his teacher asked the class what their favorite animal was and James said “Fried Chicken”. The whole class began to laugh and the teacher scolded James and told him that he wasn’t funny. James told the teacher that his Mom and Dad always told him that he should be honest and truthful and that he was. Fried Chicken is my favorite animal. Well, James’ teacher sent him on to the principal’s office for disrupting the class. The next day, James’ teacher asked James to answer the question from the day before correctly and tell her what his favorite animal was. This time James just said “chicken”. The teacher said that’s good and asked him “why is that?” James answered that is was because you can make them into fried chicken. The class began to laugh and once again James was sent to the office. Well, the following day the teacher thought she would change her question up and then asked the class to tell her who their favorite person was. James immediately responded, “Colonel Sanders”. The class just burst into laughter. Guess where James got sent to again!!! James’ sister also said that James would get his brother in trouble along with him sometimes. One day, James hatched a plan to warn speeding cars coming through town that a cop was hiding ahead. After a few weeks, the cop became suspicious that all of a sudden no one was speeding anymore. The cop decided to investigate and sure enough he found the problem. There was James’ brother hiding up the road and when a car was speeding he would jump out with a sign that said “Warning, speed trap ahead”. With a little more investigation, he also found James standing on the other end of the road holding a sign that read New sidewalks coming to Old Waynesboro Road By Joe Brady, Editor for The Times During the City Council meeting held on October 3, 2023, there was a discussion regarding the installation of sidewalks on Old Waynesboro Road, specifically between Winthrope and Barney Ave. The City Council considered the feasibility of installing sidewalks along Old Waynesboro Road in the specified section of the street. It was suggested that the sidewalks could be positioned on the side of the street that is adjacent to the railroad tracks. The proposed sidewalk installation is estimated to cover approximately 2,000 linear feet at the estimated cost for this project reported to be around $120,000. The discussion during the meeting highlighted the importance of enhancing pedestrian infrastructure in this area for the safety and convenience of residents and pedestrians. The proposed sidewalk installation aligns with the city's commitment to improving walkability and ensuring safe passage for pedestrians. T S P L O S T (Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) funds will be allocated for the construction of sidewalks on the east side of the road. TSPLOST funds are dedicated to improving transportation infrastructure within the city. There was a unanimous decision by city council to proceed with the project. EMPLOYMENT AVAILABLE EIRELIGHTER The City of Sylvania is accepting applications for the position of firefighter. Applicant would be responsible for general duties of engaging directly in firefighting, rescue, and fire prevention activities. Drives and operates fire equipment, assists in maintenance and repair of fire stations and equipment; does related work as required. Must possess certification as a Firefighter from the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council or be able to obtain certification within one year of employment. Must have or be able to obtain a valid Class F State of Georgia Motor Vehicle Operators License. Salary increases after six-month successful probationary period and annually thereafter as budget allows. Benefits include health insurance including an employer paid option for the employee, retirement option, disability insurance, vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay. Applicant must pass a drug test and physical. Submit application to Stacy F. Mathis, City Manager, Sylvania City Hall, 104 S. Main St., Sylvania, GA 30467. The City of Sylvania is an Equal Opportunity Employer Georgia students record all time-high graduation rate Special to The Times Georgia’s high-school seniors recorded another historic graduation rate in 2023. The four-year graduation rate rose to 84.4% — up from 84.1% in 2022, and an all-time high since the state began using the adjusted cohort calculation first required to be calculated in 2011 by federal law. A total of 107 Georgia school districts recorded graduation rates at or above 90%, and 43 districts recorded rates at or above 95%. Georgia’s statewide graduation rate has increased by 14.7 percentage points since 2012. “I’m incredibly proud of Georgia’s high-school seniors - and the teachers, leaders, and families who have supported them to produce these results,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “It’s important to remember that the positive news we’ve received lately - from this historic- high graduation rate to Georgia students beating the national average on the SAT - is more than just numbers. Every data point represents an actual student and new opportunities that have opened up for their future. I’m confident we’ll continue to see positive results as we invest in academic recovery and building a student-centered educational system.” Georgia calculates a four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate as required by federal law. This rate is: • The number of students who graduate in four years with a regular high school diploma, divided by • The number of students who form the adjusted cohort for the graduating class From the beginning of ninth grade, students who are entering that grade form a cohort that is subsequently adjusted by adding any students who transfer into the cohort during the next three years and subtracting any students who transfer out. Georgia Graduation Rates - 2011 to 2023 2023 - 84.4% 2019 - 82.0% 2015 - 79.0% 2011-67.4% 2022-84.1% 2018-81.6% 2014 -72.6% 2021-83.7% 2017 - 80.6% 2013-71.8% 2020-83.8% 2016 - 79.4% 2012-69.7% partners In Education BUSINESS, COMMUNITY AND SCHOOLS WORKING TOGETHER The 2023-2024 Partners in Education for the Jenkins County School System are; B&T Food Fresh Market; Brinson Insurance; The Charm Barn; CoreCivic; Dairy Queen; Durden Bank; Georgia Power; Hadden Insurance Agency; Huddle House; Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce; Jenkins County Times; Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center; Jenkins County Medical Center; Modern Woodmen of America; Planters EMC; Queensborough Bank; Regions Bank; Round's on Winthrope; Subway; Superior Alarm of Millen; Spring Creek Auction These businesses are proud to support Jenkins County Schools. ^ A Yamaha electric keyboard 3 with bench. Only 5 years old! v Asking $40 obo. 3 Call 706-360-0681 BOOKING LOG October 4 September 19 - Clinton Reagor Brannen, Hold Placed for Bulloch County. September 19 - Jetson Allen Groover, Hold Placed for Bulloch County. September 19 - William Travis Haines, Hold Placed. September 19 - Garrett Allen Herb, Hold Placed for Bulloch County. September 19 - Scotty Jobe, Hold Placed for Bulloch County. September 19 - Thomas Lee Thompson, Hold Placed. September 19 - Darrell Jamar Williams, Hold Placed for Bulloch County. September 19 - Dominque Marquis Wright, Hold Placed. September 19 - Justin Mcgregory Jones, Hold Placed. September 19 - Dakota Wilkes, Hold Placed for Bulloch County. September 21 - William Phillip Lariscy, Probation Violation. September 21 - James Grady Royal, Possession of Cocaine. September 23 - Jesse Nicholas Flake, Hold for Weekend. September 23 - Shey Joseph Hubbard, Speeding (35 & Over) (65 Zone). September 23 - Mark Rocker, Schedule I, Tampering with Evidence (Felony). September 24 - Fransico Morales, Illegal Parking, No Driver’s License. Incidents September 11 - Burglary (1st Degree), Theft by Taking, GA Highway 17 N. September 11 - Miscellaneous Accident, US Highway 25 S. September 12 - Battery/Simple Battery Family Violence (Misd.), Runaway Juvenile, Unruly Juvenile, New Testament Church Rd. September 12 - Miscellaneous Report, Highway 23 N. September 21 - Dog Complaint, Parrish Burke Rd. NOTE: If anyone has any information leading to the recovery of the stolen purses, please contact the Jenkins County Sheriff’s Department at 478-982-4211. City to install new well and larger water lines Bv Debbie Hearn, Reporter for The Times During the City Council meeting held on October 3, 2023, a significant project proposal related to the city's water infrastructure was discussed. The key points of the proposal are as follows: 1. Water Well Integration: The city has four water wells on the east side and are installing a new well on the west side. There is a 6 inch water line on North Avenue that connects the two sides of town. To make the system more efficient, the North Avenue water main will be enlarged to a 12 inch line to improve the water flow. 2. State Economic and Infrastructure Development Grant - (SEID): It was mentioned that the city has access to this grant totaling $500,000, which can be allocated towards this project. 3. Projected Cost: The projected cost for implementing this well integration project is approximately $654,000. 4. Grant Coverage: The grant is expected to cover 80% of the project's cost, up to $500k. 5. SPLOST Funds: The remaining 20% of the SOUTHEAST CRESCENT REGIONAL COMMISSION project's cost, which is $134,000, can be covered using SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) funds. 6. Project Scope: The project will involve enlarging the water lines and creating the necessary infrastructure to connect and integrate the east and west side water wells into a unified system. The City Council discussed the importance of this project in improving water distribution, enhancing reliability, and ensuring efficient water supply management for the city. The utilization of the Southeast Crescent Grant and SPLOST funds will help make this project financially feasible and beneficial for the community. The City Council's decision to move forward with this project demonstrates their commitment to enhancing the city's infrastructure and services, ultimately benefiting the residents by ensuring a more robust and integrated water supply system. Further updates on the project's progress will be communicated as developments occur. STATE OF GEORGIA CITY OF MILLEN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION IN THE CITY OF MILLEN The Special Election in the City of Millen- District 1 to fill the unexpired term of the former District 1 Council Member Giovanni R. Shumake will be held at Millen City Hall 919 College Avenue Millen, Georgia on November 7, 2023, in conjunction witti the Municipal General Election. All persons in the City of Millen -District 1 who are not registered to vote and desire to vote in the special election must be registered to vote by October 10, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Advance (Mail-Out-Absentee) Voting begins on October 16, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. and ends on November 7, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Advanced (Absentee-In-Person) Voting shall be held at the Jenkins County Courthouse, 611 East Winthrope Avenue Millen, Georgia 30442, beginning on October 16, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. ana ending on November 3, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Saturday Advanced In-Person Voting shall be held on October 21 and October 28, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. On Election Day, November 7, 2023, all voting will take place at Millen City Hall 919 College Avenue Millen, Georgia 30442. Polls will open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Should a runoff election be required, such runoff will be held on December 5, 2023. For Additional information contact Wanda P. Burke, Election Superintendent at 478-982- 5581. This 30th day of August, 2023. Wanda P. Burke Election Superintendent Jenkins County, Georgia 611 East Winthrope Avenue P.O. Box 904 Millen, Georgia 30442 478-982-5581