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.
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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
