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Vol 1 No 35 November 8, 2023 Quality News That Affects You Millen, Georgia $1.25
Not Guilty
DNA Evidence Leads to Arrest and Acquittal in Six-Year-Old Murder Case
By Joe Brady, Editor & Debbie Hearn, Reporter
far
The Times
MILLEN, GA-After a six-year investigation, DNA
evidence has played a crucial role in both the arrest
and subsequent acquittal of Teresa Kim Mobley, who
was charged with the brutal murder of Kennith Scott.
On Wednesday, November 17, 2021, Mobley, 53,
was arrested by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation
(GBI) with assistance from the Millen Police
Department.
She faced
charges related
to the murder
of Kennith
Scott, 52, who
was found
stabbed to
death in his
apartment on
June 2, 2015.
The murder
of Kennith
Scott, known
as "Po Boy," in
the community,
shook the
small town of
Millen back
in 2015. His
lifeless body
was discovered
at his residence
on the 600
block of Old
Waynesboro
Road. The
Millen Police
Department
(MPD) and
GBI launched an appeal to the public for assistance
in identifying the perpetrator, seeking justice for a
beloved community member.
The breakthrough in this cold case came when
DNA evidence, preserved since the murder, was
processed by the GBI crime lab and entered into the
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Mobley's
DNA profile was matched with the unknown DNA
evidence collected from the fingernail clippings of
Mr. Scott. The exact nature of Mobley's relationship
with Scott is still under investigation.
“This arrest would not have been possible without
the teamwork of the Millen Police Department
and the GBI,” emphasized Millen Police Chief
Dwayne Herrington, highlighting the importance of
collaboration in solving this cold case.
During the trial, forensic evidence, along with
the DNA match, placed Teresa Mobley at the scene
of the crime. The court was attended by Mr. Scott's
brother, Allen, and one of his daughters, Kendra, who
had traveled from Texas to witness the proceedings.
In her initial interview with investigators, Mobley
vehemently denied any involvement with Scott or
his residence, expressing puzzlement over how her
DNA could have been found at the crime scene. She
even provided a buckle swab for DNA testing and
was allowed to leave. However, upon learning that
her DNA matched the crime scene, her story evolved
during a second interview, where she admitted to
having sexual contact with Scott and visiting his
home. When infomied of her arrest for Scott's murder,
Mobley broke down, exclaiming, "Oh God, no!"
“No! No! No!” “God No!” in a dramatic moment that
was played in court.
Dr. Sandra Reynolds, GBI Medical Examiner,
testified about the autopsy findings, revealing that
Scott had suffered a total of 46 stab wounds in various
locations on his body, including his back, neck, chest,
and abdomen, with wounds ranging from 1 V" to 2
5/8” deep.
The state's case was further strengthened when
Barbara Retzer, GBI Forensic Biologist, explained
the painstaking process of testing evidence over the
years. The forensic evidence collected in September
2015, including fingernail clippings tested in March
2017 ultimately led to the S ee MOBLEY page 7
buckle swab taken irom r °
School Cafeteria Undergoes Transformation
Thanks to Innovative Leadership
By Joe Brady, Editor
far
The Times
When one thinks of a school cafeteria, the image of hair net-clad lunchroom staff serving up traditional meals comes to mind.
However, in Jenkins County, things are changing as Allison Dann, the dynamic leader of the school meal program, is bringing
innovation to the lunchroom.
Dann, who occasionally dons a hair net, when necessary, is spearheading a cafeteria revolution that has energized both students
and staff at Jenkins County schools. The most noticeable change is the introduction of a vibrant salad bar, and the results have been
impressive. "We have introduced a salad bar, which has seen an additional 30-plus more teachers eating per day," Dann proudly
revealed.
What sets this transformation apart is the way it's partially funded. Every dollar collected from the cafeteria goes right back into
the program, allowing for the purchase of new foods and equipment. Dann explained, "We don't cook from scratch like we used to
do. Government regulations and manpower just don't allow for that anymore. A lot of food comes pre-packaged." This shift towards
pre-packaged foods is reflective of the changing landscape of school meal preparation across the country.
In addition to the salad bar, Dann has prioritized sourcing locally. The school now partners with the 920 Cattle Company, which
supplies beef and sausage. Local fresh eggs are also on the menu, enriching the dining experience for students. The school recently
received an $8300 grant, specifically designated for sourcing local food. This has allowed them to expand their commitment to local
providers.
Given that all school children eat at no charge in Jenkins County,
grants have become a lifeline for offsetting rising food costs. For
instance, a $33,000 supply chain grant is used to cover the substantial
annual milk expenses, which average between $55,000 and $65,000
per year.
But the changes don't stop there. Students in Jenkins County
schools are now treated to a diverse menu that includes not only fresh
persimmons but also Mexican and Asian cuisine. "I want to offer one
new item per month," Dann explains. Her philosophy is simple and
refreshing: why not introduce kids to new foods in school? After all,
school is a place for learning and experiencing new things.
However, it's important to note that most of these cafeteria changes
primarily affect middle and high school students, as elementary
students are subject to more restrictive diets due to government
regulations. Nevertheless, Allison Dann and her team are determined
to provide every student with a taste of innovation and variety.
Dann emphasizes that their cafeteria transformation is not an
outlier. She said, "most school cafeterias are modeled like this; we
are just catching up." Jenkins County is embracing the future of
school dining, and under Allison Dann's leadership, it's clear that
students are in for an exciting culinary journey. Photo by J.P. Hearn
War Eagles to Host
First Round of
Playoffs
By Brad Asbury, Sports Editor
for
The Times
For the second season in a row,
the War Eagle football team will
host the first round of the playoffs
and will enter as a number two
seed on their side of the bracket!
Coach Charlie Waters will lead
his team, who are 9-1 to face off
against Charlton County who
finished their season 2-8. While it
appears, they have near-opposite
records, playoffs and tournaments
of any kind can be tricky!
Charlton County enters the
playoffs having lost their last
two games, both of which were
regional matchups. They lost to
top-10 ranked Clinch County
31-6 and a tough season finale
to a very good Lanier County
team by a final score of 32-28.
Charlton had a very tough non
conference schedule, including
three games outside of Georgia
against teams that were all at
the top of their divisions in the
state of Florida. In addition to
these tough opponents, Charlton
County lost to Pierce County (#2
in Class AA) and Dublin (#9 in
Class A-Division 1).
One thing War Eagle fans can
be assured of entering the game
on Friday night is that these War
Eagles will be ready. Charley
Waters is one of the winningest
coaches in the history of Jenkins
County football. The success of
the past two years in his return to
the helm of the War Eagles has
been nothing short of amazing.
Over the last two years, the War
Eagles have a combined record of
16-5. While Waters would quickly
give praise to his players for their
success, it is Waters and his staff
who have this War Eagles team
game day ready every week.
The game on Friday night will
take place at 7:30 PM at Roy Head
Stadium. Fans are encouraged
to arrive early and show up and
be loud for the War Eagles. Until
last season, the only time in
recent years that the War Eagles
have hosted a playoff game was
in 2017. The winner of the War
Eagles game will play the winner
of Miller County (4th seed) and
Dooly County (1st seed).
The Jenkins County War Eagles will host Charlton County in a playoff game on Friday
night at Roy Head Stadium. The War Eagles host the playoffs for the second year in a row
and they are looking to not stop until they run into Atlanta for the championship! Photo
by Danielle Davis.
Rich honored with
highest FFA degree
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
Jonathon Rich was bestowed the highest honor one can earn in FFA
with less than 1% of members receiving the award. To be eligible for the
American FFA degree, members must receive a State FFA Degree, be an
active member for the past three years, completing secondary instruction
in an agricultural education program and operating a supervised
agricultural experience program. Community service, leadership abilities
and outstanding scholastic achievement are also required. Jonathon is
the son of Patricia and Lee. Photo contributed.
THANK
