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Page 4 - Wednesday, February 7, 2024
The Jenkins County Times
jenkinscountytimes.com
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EAGLE NOTES
John Paul Hearn, Superintendant
Jenkins County School System
As I mentioned last week, I had the opportunity to attend a leadership conference recently. The theme
of the conference was New Intelligence for Real Leaders. It focused on high quality practices in the field
of education. There were also several sessions on AI (Artificial Intelligence). We had a session where a
gentleman introduced us to a virtual assistant he created. The virtual assistant could carry on an intellectual
conversation that wasn’t scripted. It was totally crazy to watch. But that is how far technology has come.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transfomiative field of computer science dedicated to creating systems
capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks include learning,
problem-solving, pattern recognition, and language understanding. The significance of AI lies in its ability
to automate complex and labor-intensive processes, enhance efficiency, and solve problems beyond human
capability. As AI technology continues to evolve, its impact on various sectors of society grows, heralding
a new era of innovation and advancement. The journey of AI began in the mid-20th century with the
work of pioneers like Alan Turing, who proposed the concept of a machine that could simulate human
intelligence. This period saw the development of the first AI programs capable of performing mathematical
equations and playing games. Over the decades, AI research has swayed between periods of optimism
and so-called "AI winters," where progress slowed due to technical and funding challenges. However,
the advent of machine learning and deep learning in the 21st century has led to significant breakthroughs,
enabling AI systems to achieve remarkable feats, from defeating world champions in strategic games to
driving autonomous vehicles. AI's applications span across numerous fields, significantly transforming
them. In healthcare, AI algorithms assist in diagnosing diseases, predicting patient outcomes, and
personalizing treatment plans. The finance sector utilizes AI for fraud detection, algorithmic trading, and
customer service automation. In the realm of technology, AI powers search engines, personal assistants,
and even content creation tools, enhancing user experiences and operational efficiency. These applications
demonstrate AI's versatility and its potential to augment human capabilities in various domains. Despite
its benefits, AI raises important ethical considerations. Privacy concerns emerge as AI systems require vast
amounts of data, potentially infringing on individual rights. The automation of jobs presents challenges
for employment, necessitating strategies to manage job displacement and retraining. Additionally, the
development of autonomous weapons and surveillance technologies poses questions about moral
responsibility and governance. Addressing these ethical issues is crucial for ensuring that AI benefits
society while minimizing harm. The future of AI promises further innovation and integration into daily
life. Emerging trends include the advancement of AI in understanding and generating human language,
improving accessibility and interaction. Furthermore, AI is set to revolutionize industries by enabling new
levels of efficiency and possibilities, such as personalized education and sustainable energy management.
However, navigating the future of AI will require careful consideration of ethical and societal impacts to
harness its full potential positively. Artificial Intelligence represents a cornerstone of modern technological
advancement, with its applications and ethical implications shaping the future. As AI continues to evolve,
it offers unparalleled opportunities for progress across various sectors. However, the journey forward must
be guided by a balanced approach, considering both the potential benefits and the challenges it poses.
Embracing AI with mindfulness towards ethical considerations will ensure that its development benefits
humanity, ushering in a future where technology and human ingenuity converge for the greater good.
Knowledge such as this tends to frighten those of us who remember a world without computers and cell
phones and remember answering a phone attached to the wall, and we had no idea who was on the other
end. But as our conference speaker said, AI is not going to take your job. But someone who knows how
to use AI is. I had a conversation this morning about how AI has even transformed the task of operating
a tractor in a field. For the month of February, I will be discussing how AI is transforming our world and
how we in the Jenkins County School System are preparing our students for that transformation.
unty
commissioners
HAT
By Jonathon Powell, Special Contributor
for
The Times
Over the last two weeks. I've had the privilege of delving into the inner workings of
two departments within our local county government. It has been a fascinating journey,
shedding light on the day-to-day operations and the incredible teams that keep our
community running smoothly. So far, I've had the opportunity to sit down with both Lee
and Lisa from our Senior Citizen Center and Jason with our Road Department, providing
insights into their roles and responsibilities. The visit to our Senior Citizen Center was
particularly enlightening. I was impressed by the dedication and compassion of our staff
as they shared stories of their interactions with the elderly members of our community.
From organizing recreational activities to providing essential services, their commitment
to enhancing the quality of life for our senior citizens was tmly admirable. It was evident
that they approach their work with empathy and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.
Similarly, my discussion with the team at our Road Department provided valuable insight
into the infrastructure that supports our county's transportation network. From maintaining
roads and structures to overseeing improvement projects, their role is essential to ensuring
the safety and efficiency of our roadways. It’s no surprise with their professionalism and
attention to detail, as well as their willingness to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our
community. However, amidst the excitement of exploring these departments, I must make
a confession. During my introduction of the Road Department in last week's article, I made
an unfortunate typo regarding Jason's title. As the Field Director, Jason plays a crucial role
in overseeing the department in its entirety, and I regret the error in misrepresenting his
position. I realized my mistake shortly after the article went to print, and I apologize for
any confusion it may have caused. I must say that this journey into the heart of some of
our local county departments has been an eye-opening and enriching experience. While
mistakes may happen along the way, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow
from them. As we continue to strive for transparency and accountability in our community,
I am confident that together, we can build a brighter future for all. This past week marked a
new chapter in my role within our community as I took over postings for our Commissioners
Facebook Page. It's an exciting opportunity to connect with our citizens and keep them
informed with timely and infomiative content. However, diving into the world of mobile
Facebook has been a learning curve for me. The last time I used Facebook regularly was
during my college years, and back then, it was only accessible through computers, with flip
phones being the trendiest gadgets around. Needless to say, the platform has undergone
significant changes since then, and I've been navigating through the mobile version with
trial and error. It's been heartwarming to witness our citizens already engaging with our
page and interacting with the content we've been sharing. From informative updates about
local initiatives to community events and resources, our goal is to provide valuable content
that resonates with our audience. However, we recognize that there's always room for
improvement, and I'm open to feedback and suggestions from our community members on
how we can enhance their experience on our Facebook page. Looking ahead. I'm excited to
set the table for some upcoming article topics that will shine a spotlight on the incredible
individuals and initiatives within our community. One of the topics currently in progress
is a feature on our local Hospital and its dedicated staff. From the Diabetes Management
Clinic to the Rehabilitation Services, our very own Jenkins County Medical Center offers
a comprehensive range of services to meet the diverse needs of our community members.
Additionally, I'll be highlighting the remarkable achievements of Henry and Robbie within
our Jenkins County EMS Department. Their tireless efforts to revitalize our EMS staff and
implement innovative changes have been instrumental in improving our emergency medical
services. Despite the challenges they've faced along the way, we're on the brink of achieving
significant milestones, thanks to their dedication and perseverance. As we embark on this
journey of sharing stories and insights from within our community, I invite you to join the
conversation. Your feedback and input are invaluable in shaping the content we produce
and ensuring that it resonates with our audience. Whether you have suggestions for future
topics or specific areas of interest you'd like us to explore, please don't hesitate to reach
out. Together, we can continue to foster a sense of connection and community through our
Facebook page and beyond. As we look forward to the coming week, let's all take pride in
being residents of Jenkins County. I wish you a wonderful week ahead !
Notice of Correction
In last week’s issue of the Jenkins County Times, Commissioner Powell labeled both
Jason Oglesby and Chuck Richardson as Superintendents. Jason Oglesby is the Field
Director and Chuck Richardson is the Field Superintendent. We regret the error.
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
So, every day, a subscriber calls the offices wondering where their papers are. The
post office blames us, we blame them, we play the blame game all day long. The other
day I received a phone call, “Mr. Joe, the newspaper hasn’t paid their electric bill.” Oh
yes the newspaper has I said. “On January 4, check number...” Ok, I put the check in
the blue mailbox myself. So, I drove a check to the local office. Y’all, that check still
hasn’t shown up.
Last week, every resident of Rocky Ford called to tell us they didn’t receive
newspapers. When I called the post office, “well we delivered them.” Now y’all, do we
have something better to do than decide the whole town would call and complain at the
newspaper? I mean for real. I didn’t say anything, I just let that one go.
But here’s the cherry on top. Last week, I wrote a check for the PO box rent. Put it
in an envelope and then, carried it into the post office and put it in the local only box.
I even wrote “customer service” on the envelope. Then the late notices started. The
threatening letters, “we are gonna repossess your PO box.” So, I called the branch, “did
you get my check?” The answer? Nope. Wow, y’all, I’m envisioning a huge plant, like
in Little Shop of Horrors, in the back of the Post Office eating mail as soon as it comes
down the chute. “Feed me!”
I love our local postal workers; God knows I do. They are working just as hard as
ever. Some mail doesn’t get delivered until late at night. They are doing the best they
can. All kidding aside, I worry that folks will start to make other arrangements and soon,
the mail service will have bigger problems. I have started hand delivering local mail. I
renewed my po box online. What is the answer? I don’t know. More employees? Y’all,
the post office is hiring if you are looking. In the meantime, let’s pray for Rocky Ford in
hopes they get their newspapers this week! That’s all for now, take care.
A Word from Senator John Ossoff
Sens. Ossoff, Brown, Rubio, Rev. Warnock Urge
Increased Tariffs on Imported Chinese Solar Products
goods threaten U.S. solar
Heavily subsidized Chinese
manufacturing, Senators say
U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is urging the Biden Administration to
increase tariffs on Chinese solar imports threatening American
solar manufacturing.
Today, Sens. Ossoff, Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Marco Rubio
(R-FL), and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) urged President
Biden to increase tariffs on Chinese-made solar module, cell, and
wafer imports under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
According to a recent study in 2023, the price of a solar panel manufactured in China
dropped to 15 cents per watt, more than 60% below the price of a U.S.-made panel. The
Senators argued China’s heavily subsidized products are hurting U.S. efforts to reshore
domestic solar manufacturing — a key energy security goal.
“China’s aggressive subsidies for its own solar manufacturing industry demonstrate its
intent to control the industry globally,” the Senators wrote. “By 2026, China will have
enough capacity to meet annual global demand for the next ten years. This capacity is an
existential threat to the U.S. solar industry and American energy security.”
While American solar manufacturing has boomed since passage of Sen. Ossoff’s
Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act — signed into law as part of the
Inflation Reduction Act — the Senators say more is needed to strengthen the American
manufacturing base.
“These heavily subsidized and artificially low prices put U.S. solar manufacturers at an
extreme disadvantage during a critical turning point in the development of the domestic
solar manufacturing industry,” they continued. “Section 301 tariffs are needed to avoid
dire consequences not only for our economic and national security, but also for the
thousands of workers employed by these manufacturers.”
A word from Jon Burns
Cutting Taxes and
Supporting the
Jewish Community
This past week has been an incredibly fulfilling and
rewarding one in Atlanta as the House moved forward on
several key priorities to improve the lives of Georgians across our great state. I’ve often
said my mission as Speaker of the House is to make Georgia the best place to live, work
and raise a family for generations to come—and I am certainly proud of the work we did
this past week to move toward that goal.
On Tuesday, I had the privilege of speaking to the Georgia chapter of the Faith &
Freedom Coalition—an outstanding organization that seeks to advance the virtues of faith,
hard work, marriage, family, personal responsibility, and helping the most vulnerable
among us. My remarks included a powerful quote from one of our greatest Presidents,
Ronald Reagan, that still rings true today: “Freedom is a fragile thing and it's never more
than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by way of inheritance; it must
be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a
people.” I will always stand up—and on principle—to defend our God-given rights and
the freedoms we enjoy in the greatest state and country in the world.
On Wednesday, our House team announced major tax cut proposals that we believe
will deliver much-needed relief to Georgians across our state. Joined by colleagues in
the House, we unveiled plans to increase the child deduction from $3,000 to $4,000,
double the homestead exemption from $2,000 to $4,000, and accelerate the state income
tax cut from 5.75 percent to 5.39 percent. Together, these proposals will put more money
back into the pockets of Georgia taxpayers and build on our state’s economic success—
which stands in stark contrast to the dysfunction of Washington D.C.
Thursday was a very important and meaningful day. First, I had the honor of speaking
to the Buckhead Coalition—a group of like-minded businesspeople, entrepreneurs, and
job creators who live within Buckhead. My message discussed the ways we have worked
with our partners at the local level to fight crime and increase public safety in Atlanta
and across the state and appreciated their warm welcome. That afternoon, the House
reconvened to vote on final passage of HB 30—which defines antisemitism in our state
and provides for criminal penalties if a crime is motivated by this type of hate. It was
a priority of the House going back all the way to last year, and its final passage—with
overwhelmingly bipartisan support—sent a clear message that hate will not be tolerated
in our state. Thanks to Chairman John Carson and Rep. Esther Panitch for their tireless
work to get this critical legislation across the finish line.
The House will continue to be about the people’s business—and I’m confident that we
will continue to deliver meaningful results just as we did this past week that improve the
lives of everyone across our state.
My Best,
Speaker Jon Burns
_ _ Phone:(478)401-5007
JN/LxA S Proudly covering Jenkins County's news, sports, and community events
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THE JENKINS COUNTY TIMES
issue 48 February 2024 is published weekly by on
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