Newspaper Page Text
Page 6 - Wednesday, March 6, 2024
The Jenkins County Times
j enkinsc ountytimes .com
Barrow announces
candidacy for State
Supreme Court
Today Athens attorney John Barrow qualified to run
for the Georgia Supreme Court seat currently held by
Andrew Pinson.
“I’m running because we need Justices on the
Georgia Supreme Court who will protect the right of
women and their families to make the most personal
family and health care decisions they’ll ever make,”
said Barrow. “Despite many fine qualities, it’s obvious
from his record that Justice Pinson cannot be counted
on to do that.”
“In siding with Mississippi and Alabama in the case
that overturned Roe v. Wade, Pinson clearly did not
represent the interests of the women and families in
Georgia who are just beginning to feel the impact of
that decision. We cannot expect Pinson to fight for
our interests now that he’s been appointed to the
only court that can stop what he helped start.”
“Today Georgia law takes away the right of women
and their doctors to make these decisions for
themselves. Tomorrow it’ll be family planning or IVF
treatment. And Andrew Pinson has been in on that
from the start,” Barrow said.
Barrow, a graduate of the University of Georgia and
Harvard Law School, has 24 years of experience in
public office, first as a county commissioner and then
as the most bipartisan member of Congress, and 24
years in private practice as a member of a small firm
in a small town, representing real people with real
world problems.
Soaked in Goodness:
Day of Giving Under the D a in clou ds
-Melissa Walker, Times reporter
In a world often consumed by
the hustle and bustle of daily life,
a heartening movement is on
the rise, volunteering and giving
back to the community. From the
first signs of Spring to the start
of day light saving time, March is
a month of new beginnings. On
Friday, March 1 our very own
Local hero Melissa Walker who
is the Central Region Program
Director for Georgia Hope/HCA
orchestrated a Day of Giving in
the Central Region of Augusta, GA.
And what better way to welcome
in the new season than to Give
Back! Melissa was tasked with
bringing community partners
together to make a difference in
our communities. The downpour
of Love on the Day of Giving was
not just about the work we do; it’s
about the heart we put into it and
the connections we build within
our communities. Across the state
of Georgia other Georgia Hope/
HCA staff also stepped out in the
storming rain dedicating their time
and efforts to create a positive
impact showering kindness
with a drizzle of Hope on a rainy
day. Melissa collaborated with
“Project Life” Director Erik Sowder,
Executive Director Amy Maxwell
and “The Salvation Army Center of
Hope” Human Resources Assistant
Nanette Hayes and Director Olga
Gonzalez to achieve the common
goal to produce a collective
outcome of allowing us to
volunteer at their organizations for
a Day of Giving. Their commitment
to community welfare not only
addresses immediate needs
but fosters a sense of unity that
transcends socio-economic
boundaries. The volunteers that
came out in challenging weather
conditions displayed their
dedication, commitment, and
willingness to contribute to making
a significant impact in their
community by weaving a tapestry
of compassion.
Project Life opened their doors
on their day offto allow our
team of community volunteers to
come in from 9am-i2noon to be
blessed by the We Love Our City
experience of sorting, organizing,
and inspecting clothes, shoes,
jewelry, etc.to ensure they were
clean, in good repair and suitable
to put out in their store for families
and children that are in need. Amy
Maxwell, the Executive Director
stated, “Thank you for organizing
such a spectacular day! The love
that poured from each of you is
truly beautiful!” Later that evening
from 3:30-6:30pm The Salvation
Army Center of Hope welcomed
our team of community volunteers
to help Feed the Homeless and
serve the Soup Kitchen Line
providing a hot meal to those
living in the shelter and those who
do not live in the shelter but still
need a hot meal. Erica Mitchell,
The Kitchen Manager stated, “I
truly loved the experience that
I encountered with the team of
volunteers. It is truly a blessing
to meet other people dedicated
to helping the community,” Olga
Gonzalez, The Salvation Army
Center of Hope Director stated,
“We are welcome to come volunteer
anytime!”
Such endeavors not only
enhance connection but also
nurture a supportive environment
for future collaborations. The Day
of Giving not only boosts morale
for staff within the Georgia Hope/
HCA company but also allows
businesses and other organizations
to directly contribute to the
betterment of the communities
they serve. Some of the
community partners
that volunteered
had the following to
say, Kelsey Lovett,
Fairfield Inn & Suites
by Marriott Director
of Sales stated, “It was
a blessing to be a part
of the Day of Giving!
I loved every bit of
it,” Teresa Hughes,
Richmond County
DFCS Director stated,
“Thanks for inviting me!
I really enjoyed it and have a place
to donate our clothes and shoes
now,” Gail Mountain, Georgia
Hope/HCA Family Support
Specialist stated, “I enjoyed you all
so much, it was a good day, and the
vibe was pleasant and heartfelt!”
Other organizations that joined
in this experience were Splash
In the Boro, Alpha Nu Gamma,
Kingdom Builders, WellStar,
Hurricane Branch Baptist Church,
Living Word Ministries, Military
personnel. As we witness this
surge in community engagement,
it becomes clear that the spirit of
giving is contagious. It is time we
are inspired by the selflessness of
others, inspiring others to embark
on Giving Back and join hands to
make a collective difference. The
bonds that were made during the
Day of Giving is a catalyst for social
cohesion, turning a rainy day into
shaping a brighter future one
selfless act at a time and one to
remember for years to come.
So, as the rain poured and the
love was showered down on our
Day of Giving experience, let the
shared testimonies remind us that
the true strength of a community
lies in the collective compassion of
its members. Until Our Next Read...
Love One Another!
Pictured are Project Life
Executive Director Amy Maxwell,
Melissa Walker, and Fairfiled Inn
Director of Sales Kelsey Lovett.
Photo contributed.
Georgia Senate wants voters
to decide sports betting
-Staff Reports
In a significant development on Tuesday, Georgia senators
voted in favor of a state constitutional amendment that could
pave the way for legalizing sports gambling in the state. The
approval of Senate Resolution 579 marks a breakthrough for
I proponents of sports betting in Georgia, although the road to
implementation remains challenging.
The Senate vote resulted in a 41-12 majority in favor of the
amendment, which, if passed, would allow Georgians to vote
on authorizing sports gambling in the upcoming November
elections. The proposed constitutional amendment has a
specific allocation plan for the tax revenue generated from
sports betting.
Under the proposed amendment, 80% of taxes from sports
betting would be earmarked for prekindergarten programs,
with the remainder allocated to college scholarships once prekindergarten programs are fully funded. Additionally,
15% of the proceeds would be directed towards assisting individuals with gambling problems, and the remaining 5%
would establish a fund for Georgia to recruit and fund major sports events.
Some advocates for sports betting had initially sought to legalize it through the state lottery without a
constitutional amendment. However, Republican state Sen. Bill Cowsert emphasized the importance of giving voters
a say in such a major policy shift, comparing it to the process that led to the authorization of the state lottery in 1992.
"I think it's the politically appropriate thing to do when we make this type of major policy shift in our state," said
Sen. Cowsert. "This is to give voters the opportunity to speak on the issue."
Opposition to the constitutional amendment came from Sen. Marty Harbin, who argued that sports gambling is a
highly addictive form of gambling. He expressed concerns that voters might not have adequate knowledge about the
potential downsides of sports betting.
Despite the approval in the Senate, the proposed
amendment still faces a challenging path ahead.
It requires two-thirds approval in the state
House before it can be added to the ballot for the
November elections.
Currently, 38 states across the nation have
legalized sports betting, each with varying
regulations. Georgia's proposed bill would set the
tax rate at 20% of proceeds, with the funds being
collected after winnings are paid to gamblers.
As the state continues to grapple with the
gambling issue, some lawmakers are using the
opportunity to link sports betting with other
forms of gambling, such as casinos and betting
on horse racing. Senator Carden Summers
urged fellow senators to consider removing
all gambling prohibitions from the state
constitution, opening the door for additional
forms of gambling.
Democrats, who have been historically
hesitant due to moral opposition from some
Republicans, agreed to support the proposed
amendment this time, citing the prioritization of
funds for prekindergarten programs.
While the fate of sports gambling in Georgia
hangs in the balance, the state's residents may
have the chance to make their voices heard in
November.
Tlimil'Sll\-SHiH.KI.A\ll-\\\Ti:iiS
FUNERAL HOME
107 Singleton Ave, Sylvania, GA 30467 ph:912-564-2331
Email: lswfhga@gmail.com
Website: lhompsonslricklandwaters.com
Providing personal caring, and professionaC service to everyfamity.
“Serving as we would want to 6e served. ’
SERVING SCREVEN COUNTY AND SURROUNDING AREAS SINCE 1981
Aged to Perfection
Jenkins County Senior Center
By Lee Wilson,
Special Contributor
Today before you think of saying an unkind word-
Think of someone who can’t speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food -
Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife-
Think of someone who is crying out to God for a
companion.
Today before you complain about life -
Think of someone who went too early to heaven.
Before you complain about your children -
Think of someone who desires children but they’re
barren.
Before you argue about your dirty house, or someone
didn’t clean or sweep -
Think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance, you drive -
Think of someone who has to walk the same distance
as their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your
job -
Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those
who wished they had your job.
But before you think of pointing the finger or
condemning another -
Remember that not one of us is without sin and we
all answer to one maker.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you
down -
Put a smile on your face and thank God you’re alive
and still around.
Life is a gift - Live it, Enjoy it, Celebrate it, and
Fulfill it.
WE REBIND I rsl GENUINE
LEATHER. BO N DED LEATH ER
and TOR G RAI rsl COWHIDE!
012.451.6397
The Times Bible Kebinding
Jenkins County
Booking Log
March 6
February 19 - Kevin R. Bibbs, Theft by Shoplifting
(Misd.), Hold Placed.
February 22 - Courtney Nicole Jackson,
Possession of Schedule IV Controlled Substance,
Seat Belt Violation, DUI (Drugs), Distracted Driving,
Drugs Not in Original Container (Misd.).
February 22 - Mathew Ryan Way, Possession of
Marijuana (Misd.), Driving w/License Suspended or
Revoked, No Insurance, Expired Vehicle Tag.
February 24 - Rose Mitchell Roberts, Hold Placed
for BCSO.
February 24 — Emily Thomas, Driving w/License
Suspended or Revoked (Misd.).
February 25 - Jonathan Brandun Bynes, Destroy
or Damage any Material or Devise Used in Detection
or Suppression.
Incidents
February 20 - Harassing Communications,
Magnolia Avenue.
February 21 - Custody Dispute, East Winthrope
Ave.
February 22 - Possession of Schedule IV Drugs,
East Winthrope.
February 22 - Active Vehicle Fire, Millen Bypass.
February 24 - Damage to Property, Perkins Road.