About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 20, 2023)
Page 8 - Wednesday, December 20, 2023 The Jenkins County Times jenkinscountytimes.com Public Notices EMPLOYMENT AVAILABLE LIRELIGHTER 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 Window Cleaning Allstate Building Services, LLC Window Cleaning * Pressure Cleaning * Caulking Specialist Quality Work At Its Best 25-*- years of experience Narrel Pettis, Owner P.O. Boi 1129 813-809-7188 Milieu. GA 30442 Npetthll« yaboo.com Georgia Farm Bureau members “Dig In” at 86th annual convention Special to The Times Some 1,411 Georgia farmers and agribusiness leaders from across the state met on Jekyll Island Dec. 3-5 for the 86th Annual Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Convention. The three-day event included a trade show, awards presentations and educational sessions that briefed farmers on policy and production issues affecting Georgia’s major commodities. Jekyll Island Authority Executive Director Mark Williams welcomed convention guests at the start of the general session on Dec. 4. GFB President Tom McCall delivered his annual address and Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper gave an overview of what the Georgia Department of Agriculture has accomplished during his first year in office. Motivational speaker Matt Lohr encouraged members of Georgia’s agriculture community to create a lasting legacy that positively impacts others. Gov. Brian Kemp and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, both in Atlanta due to a special session of the Georgia General Assembly, provided video messages to GFB members. The convention’s “Diggin’ In ” theme referenced how GFB has given Georgia farmers a united voice in the legislative halls of Atlanta and Washington, D.C., since it began in 1937, and gave GFB members a chance to enhance their leadership and advocacy skills with a series of speakers. Convention events also highlighted the leadership development and ag awareness programs the organization’s 158-chapter offices and volunteer members conduct statewide to prepare the next generation of ag leaders and connect with consumers. McCall highlights GFB’s legislative work, announces intent to seek re-election GFB President Tom McCall celebrated the organization’s successes in 2023 during his annual address. McCall highlighted GFB legislative achievements during the past year and issues the organization is addressing. Legislative successes included influencing the increased truck weight variance for agricultural and forestry products up to 88,000 pounds and helping to establish the Georgia Ag Conservation Easement Program, which will provide state funds to preserve farmland from development. “No matter what circumstances we face, resilience and perseverance are characteristics that make farmers who they are,” McCall said. “My hope is that you will keep that attitude of diggin’ in top of mind when you think about how you can help Farm Bureau remain the voice of agriculture in our great state.” He said GFB is also working to address deer crop damage, fighting for reasonable H-2A labor provisions, protecting private property rights and access to water, pushing back against burdensome EPA regulations, protecting funding for natural disaster assistance and fighting unfair trade impacts from cheap imports. McCall pointed out that GFB hasn’t wavered from its founding purpose 86 years ago to provide leadership and assistance to farmers to ensure agriculture is a thriving business. “As a membership organization, our members are our mission. They are the reason we were founded, and they’ll be the reason why we have a sustainable future,” he said. McCall, who is beginning the second year of his second, two-year term, announced that he plans to run for re-election in 2024. “We have new fields to sow, challenges to overcome and victories to be won. That is why today, with humility and dedication, I am announcing my intention to run for re- election as president of Georgia Farm Bureau,” McCall said. Kemp: Still pushing initiatives to support farmers and rural Georgia Via video. Gov. Kemp said that in Fiscal Year 2024 the state is making additional funds available to support research positions for citrus, blueberry, peach and peanut projects, saying these studies “are important steps in STRONGER WORKFORCE FOR AMERICA ACT ADVANCED BY COMMITTEE Special to The Times The House Committee on Education and the Workforce, advanced H.R. 6655, the bipartisan Stronger Workforce for America Act. This legislation makes needed improvements to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) while maintaining Fiscal Year 2020 funding levels. Included in H.R. 6655 are provisions from Startup Act, introduced earlier this year, to incorporate entrepreneurial skills development training into the current workforce development system. Following the committee's approval of the bill. Congressman Rick Allen issued the following statement: "I am pleased the committee today advanced the bipartisan Stronger Workforce for America Act, which makes needed improvements to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). To strengthen America’s resilient and evolving workforce, we must ensure these federal dollars are dedicated to upskilling and making the shift to skills-based hiring, and H.R. 6655 does just that," said Congressman Rick Allen. "As a small business owner, I am proud today’s legislation includes commonsense provisions from my Startup Act to support American entrepreneurs by expanding access to programs that offer training and resources to individuals seeking to start their own business. By bridging the gap between the education and business communities, H.R. 6655 will equip our workforce with the tools needed to spark innovation and achieve the American Dream." BACKGROUND: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law on July 22, 2014. WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Jenkins County Board of Education Approves School Calendar and Celebrates Student Achievement By Joe Brady, Editor for The Times In a recent monthly meeting held on December 11, 2023, the Jenkins County Board of Education discussed crucial matters ranging from enrollment statistics to the approval of the 2024-2025 school calendar. The gathering shed light on the academic achievements of students and marked significant dates for the upcoming school year. Currently, Jenkins County schools boast an enrollment of 1,157 students, with a consistent trend of at least one student enrolling per month. The Board emphasized specific criteria for enrollment: students must either reside in the county, have parents or guardians who own property in the county, or have parents or guardians employed full time within the county. One of the major highlights of the meeting was the unanimous approval of the 2024-2025 school calendar. The academic year is set to commence on August 1, 2024, with teachers scheduled to report to work on July 26, 2024. This decision comes after careful consideration to ensure a smooth and organized start to the upcoming school year. In a heartwamiing moment during the meeting, the Board acknowledged the commitment to academic excellence demonstrated by student Briasia Gay. Accompanied by her mother, Aldrina Kent, Briasia signed the prestigious REACH Scholarship. Superintendent Dr. J.R Hearn expressed the board's great pride in students like Briasia, underscoring their dedication to academic success. "The board takes great pride in our students when they commit to academic excellence as Briasia has done. It's moments like these that reaffirm our commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment," stated Superintendent Dr. J.R Hearn. Looking ahead, the Jenkins County Board of Education announced that the next monthly meeting is scheduled for January 22, 2024, at 5 p.m. The community is encouraged to attend and stay informed about the ongoing initiatives and developments within the education system. %am )g N 1 ITS h§ y* While speaking at Georgia Farm Bureau’s annual convention, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper gave an overview of what the Georgia Department of Agriculture has accomplished this past year. securing a prosperous future for our farmers.” He also noted the opening of a new dairy processing facility in Lowndes County, as well as the suspension of fuel and diesel taxes during the fall harvest season. “I look forward to working alongside partners like Commissioner Harper and all of you to protect the resources our farming families depend on,” Kemp said. Jones thanked the state’s farmers for their work to provide food, clothing and shelter. “I just want to tell you how much I appreciate Farm Bureau and all its members and what you do for the great state of Georgia. Agriculture is the number one industry, and it can't be said enough,” Jones said. “We can't ever forget what our small and large farmers do for our state's economy.” Harper says GDA working hard for Georgia farmers & consumers Georgia’s 17th Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper gave an overview of what the Georgia Department of Agriculture has accomplished since he took office in January. “Your Georgia Department of Agriculture staff works on your behalf day in and day out. We issue over 70 different licenses for Georgians,” said Harper, a seventh-generation farmer from Irwin County. “I can’t think of another state December 2023 Superior Court Indictments Gabrielle Allen - Possession of Schedule I Controlled Substance, Possession of Methamphetamine, Driving Under the Influence (Less Safe) (Combined Influence). Andrew Dean Wilson - Aggravated Assault on Peace Officer, Obstruction of Officer. Antonio Lashawd Dishmond - Aggravated Assault, Criminal Damage to Property (2nd Degree), Possession of Firearm During Commission of a Felony, Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon, Giving False Information to Law Enforcement Officer, Obstruction of Officer. Gerald Bradley Gaiser - Aggravated Stalking (2 Counts), Terroristic Threats. Sandra Reynolds - Aggravated Assault/Family Violence (2 Counts), Cruelty to Children (1st Degree), Obstruction of an Officer. Hayden Christopher Lambert - Computer Pornography. Steven Dawayne Bragg - Burglary (1st Degree), Burglary (2nd Degree). Alisa Sue Taylor - Serious Injury by Vehicle (2 Counts), Driving Under the Influence (Less Safe) (Drugs), Failure to Stop at Stop Sign. Jenkins County Commissioners Address Renovations, All-Star Uniforms, and Project Updates in Monthly Meeting By Joe Brady, Editor far The Times In the latest monthly meeting of the Jenkins County Commissioners held on December 12, a variety of topics were discussed, ranging from department updates to important policy changes and ongoing projects. Tina Burke, County Tax Commissioner, kicked off the meeting by providing an update on the renovation project in her department. The project, with an estimated cost of $14,582, received a single quote. Following a vote by the Commissioners, it was decided to proceed with the renovation, signaling a commitment to enhancing county tax services. Commissioners also addressed a policy change related to the Recreational Department's All-Star uniforms. Starting in the new year, parents will no longer be reimbursed for the cost of All-Star unifomis, reflecting a shift in the county's financial approach to such expenses. Workman's Comp provider selection was another crucial decision. Two price quotes were received: ACCG at $77,658 and Chatham Insurance at $77,668. Commissioners opted for ACCG, not only for its competitive pricing but also for the added benefit of a cash dividend reimbursed to the county at the end of the year. The LMIG 2024 project focused on resurfacing LB Hall and Lane Road. Despite receiving two quotes in November from Reeves and Sikes Brothers, commissioners rejected the bids. The Board requires 3 bids on road projects. The County Administrator will resubmit the project for further quotes, ensuring a cost-effective and efficient outcome. County Attorney George Rountree is actively working on the revision of the Solid Waste Management Plan, although it is not yet ready for Commissioner approval. An announcement was made regarding the Spring Creek Auction, which will conduct another county auction for a Maserati seized several years ago. Scheduled for January 27, 2024, at the Sheriffs office, the auction represents an opportunity for residents to participate in a public sale. The progress of the airport hangar project was also shared, indicating significant advancements. The asphalt has been completed, parking lot striping is anticipated before the end of the month, and lighting installations will be completed as soon as the lights arrive. Additionally, an agreement on the terms of the easement for BB Lane property has been reached with the property owner, with finalization expected before the end of the month. The value of the easement is $855.00. As the year draws to a close, the Commissioners announced plans for an employee Christmas luncheon on December 21 at the Ag Building. While county revenue is currently $300,000 above budget, it was noted that expenses are $194,000 higher than initially budgeted, highlighting the need for continued fiscal diligence. The comprehensive updates and decisions made during the meeting underscore the commitment of Jenkins County Commissioners to responsible governance, efficient projects, and fiscal responsibility. agency that impacts every Georgian every day. Harper discussed the GDA’s efforts to increase consumers’ understanding of agriculture. “Urban Georgians depend on rural Georgia to feed and clothe them. Rural Georgians depend on urban Georgians to buy their products,” Harper said. “We [famiers] have to make others understand how we do what we do and why. Most people think agriculture is cows, sows and plows. We’ve got to educate consumers to realize the technology and innovative production practices farmers are using to grow their food while protecting the soil and water on their farms.” One way the GDA worked to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers this year was by partnering with the Atlanta Braves to promote its Georgia Grown program that spotlights food items grown and processed in the state. Harper said the GDA Food Safety Team passed its third- year audit and that the GDA Meat Inspection Team is doing such a good job that the USD A has asked it to teach inspectors in other states. Since the first non-native Yellow-Legged Hornet was detected in the U.S. in the Savannah area on Aug. 9, Harper said the GDA has worked with the USDA Animal Protection Health Inspection Service and UGA College of Agriculture staff to identify, trap and eradicate five nests of the invasive species. The GDA has prioritized eradicating and limiting the spread of the hornet because it is a predator of pollinators. There are more than 100 different commodities that rely on pollinators to cross fertilize crop plants and make a crop such as watermelons, blueberries, strawberries, com and many vegetables grown in Georgia, according to the GDA. Harper has said in previous statements that pollinators have about a $450 million impact on Georgia agriculture. The GDA has launched a biweekly newsletter. The See FARM page 12
