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j enkinscountytimes. com
The Jenkins County Times
Wednesday, December 25, 2024 - Page 11
Georgia Appellate
Court Disqualifies
Fulton County DA
Fani Willis from
Trump Election
Case
-Staff Reports
In a pivotal
decision Thursday,
the Georgia appellate
court disqualified
Fulton County
District Attorney
Fani Willis from
prosecuting Donald
Trump and his co
defendants in the
case alleging efforts
to overturn the 2020 Fanni Willis
presidential election
results.
The ruling significantly jeopardizes the case, potentially
bringing it to a standstill as Trump, recently elected to a
second term as president, faces mounting legal scrutiny.
Federal prosecutors previously dropped another criminal
case related to the 2020 election following Trump’s 2024
victory.
The appellate court overturned an earlier decision by
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, which
allowed Willis to remain on the case provided that Nathan
Wade, a special prosecutor she worked with, stepped aside.
The court mled this measure insufficient to address ethical
concerns.
"The remedy crafted by the trial court to prevent an
ongoing appearance of impropriety did nothing to address
the appearance of impropriety that existed at times when
DA Willis was exercising her broad pretrial discretion
about who to prosecute and what charges to bring," the
court stated.
The appellate panel emphasized that while mere
"appearance of impropriety" is usually insufficient to
mandate disqualification, this case is exceptional. The
court found that Willis’s involvement undermined public
confidence in the legal proceedings.
Central to the court’s decision was Willis’s relationship
with Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor on the case.
Critics argued that Wade's involvement created an ethical
dilemma, and the court determined that this relationship
necessitated Willis’s removal to preserve the integrity of
the judicial process.
The removal of DA Willis leaves the future of the case
in question. Legal experts suggest it could face significant
delays, or potentially collapse, given the lack of a clear
replacement to handle prosecution.
Trump and his allies have repeatedly characterized the
case as politically motivated, and Thursday’s ruling is
likely to bolster their claims while adding momentum to
the former president’s legal and political defenses.
The decision comes at a critical moment, as Trump
navigates multiple legal challenges while preparing for
his second temi in office. The case brought by Willis was
one of the most high-profile state-level efforts to hold the
former president and his associates accountable for their
actions surrounding the 2020 election.
With federal prosecutors already stepping back
from similar charges, this ruling could mark the end of
significant legal efforts to pursue accountability for the
alleged election-related misconduct.
For now, the case’s trajectory remains uncertain, but the
court’s decision underscores the challenges of balancing
prosecutorial independence with the need to maintain
public trust in the judicial process.
TikTok
TikTok Heads to US
Supreme Court
-Staff Reports
The US Supreme Court has agreed to
hear TikTok's challenge to a federal law
banning the video-sharing app unless its US
operations separate from Chinese parent
company ByteDance. Arguments are set
for Jan. 10, nine days before the law takes
effect.
The high court will review a lower-
court ruling upholding the legislation over
national security concerns and rejecting
TikTok's argument that it violated the
First Amendment. Congress enacted the
measure in April over concerns from US
officials China could access the personal
data of Americans using the app, including
browsing history, location, and biometrics.
TikTok, which became available in the US
in 2018 (see timeline), boasts roughly 170
million active US users.
ByteDance said it won't sell its US
operations. If banned, federal law will
prevent app stores from letting users
download or update TikTok, and internet
hosting services won't be able to support it.
While using TikTok won't be illegal, it could
become inoperable.
Jenkins County Board of
Education - From Gym
Upgrades to Enrollment Gains
-Gwen Watson, Special Contributor
The Jenkins County Board of Education convened
for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, December
16, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. in the Central Office. Chair Mary
Young called the meeting to order, with Vice Chair Roy
Cook, Board Members Marty Orvin and George Parker,
Superintendent Dr. John Paul Hearn, and Administrative
Assistant Gena Lane in attendance. Notice of the meeting
had been properly advertised, and the agenda was posted.
The session began with a moment of silence in memory
of Adell Anthony, a beloved school community member.
Agenda Adjustments
Dr. Hearn proposed modifying the agenda, adding the
approval of an agreement with School Window under
New Business and removing the approval of a Georgia
Department of Education Facilities Resolution. The
changes were accepted unanimously.
Meeting Minutes Approved
The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the
November 18, 2024, regular meeting following a motion
by Mr. Cook, seconded by Mr. Orvin.
Financial Report Reviewed
Dr. Hearn presented the financials for August,
September, and October 2024. Key balances as of October
31, 2024, included:
• General Fund: $5,504,814.54
• Capital Projects: $5,000,122.13
• Debt Service: $1,250,115.32
• School Food Service: $952,393.75
• High School: $76,932.27
• Middle School: $11,434.47
• Elementary School: $32,455.40
Enrollment Report
The total enrollment for the Jenkins County School
System stood at 1,184 students. This included 608 students
at the Elementary School, 263 at the Middle School, and
313 at the High School. The Virtual Preparatory School of
Georgia at Jenkins reported an additional 508 students.
Actions Taken
The Board approved several motions during the meeting,
all passed unanimously:
1. Agreement with School Window: Facilitating the sale
of school items through an online platform. 2. Fundraising
Activities: Approval of Fine Arts Night, benefiting the Art
and Band departments.
3. Performance Gym Cooking Area: Installation of
cooking facilities to enhance the food service experience
during athletic events.
Executive Session The Board entered an executive
session to discuss personnel matters and property
transactions. Upon return to open session, the following
actions were approved:
• Retirement Resignation: The Board accepted the
retirement resignation of Joyce Lanier.
• Teacher Appointment: Marcia Godbee was approved as
a part-time (49%) teacher for the second semester.
• Substitute Teacher: Callie Dailey was approved as a
substitute teacher.
Adjournment
With no further business, the meeting adjourned
following a motion by Mr. Cook, seconded by Mr. Orvin.
The next regular meeting of the Jenkins County Board
of Education is scheduled for January 2025 ( Board
meetings are typically the last Monday of each month)
Study Suggests Syphilis
Bacteria Originated
in the Americas 8,000
Years Ago
-Joe Brady, Editor
The modem form of the bacteria
responsible for syphilis likely originated in
the Americas within the last 8,000 years,
according to groundbreaking research
published yesterday. The findings challenge
the long-standing belief that the disease was
introduced to the Americas by European
colonists, further fueling the centuries-long
debate over its origins.
Researchers analyzed bacterial DNA
extracted from the remains of five
individuals in pre-Columbian Central
and South America who showed signs of
illness. Their work uncovered early versions
of Treponema pallidum; the bacterium
responsible for syphilis. The results suggest
that the modem strain of the bacteria evolved
in the Americas long before European
contact.
However, scientists urged caution, noting
the limited number of ancient DNA samples
of bacteria available worldwide. Some
researchers proposed an alternate theory
that the proto bacteria may have originally
traveled with humans migrating from Eurasia
to the Americas thousands of years ago.
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection,
often begins without symptoms but can
progress to severe complications, including
brain and cardiovascular damage if left
untreated. It is a significant public health
concern, with approximately 8 million
new cases reported globally each year.
Thankfully, the infection remains treatable
with antibiotics.
The study not only reshapes our
understanding of syphilis’ history but also
highlights the complex interplay between
human migration and disease evolution.
Further research on ancient DNA samples
could provide more definitive insights into
the origins of Treponema pallidum.
For now, this discovery underscores the
deep historical roots of one of humanity’s
oldest known infections, offering a fresh
perspective on its past and a reminder of its
ongoing presence today.
Zach Murphy, Mandy Underwood, and Allen Dailey
Main Street Millen
Awarded Grant from
AgSouth to Enhance
Produce Market
-Joe Brady, Editor
Main Street Millen is thrilled to announce the receipt
of a $2,900 grant from AgSouth, which will significantly
enhance the Millen Produce Market. The grant will be
used to improve the market experience by addressing
summer heat challenges and expanding accommodations
for vendors and visitors alike.
The funds will go toward installing outdoor fans under
the current shelter, providing much-needed relief during
Georgia's sweltering summer months. Additionally, the
grant will allow the purchase of extra tents to expand the
market, offering more space for vendors and ensuring a
comfortable shopping environment for patrons.
"We are so grateful for AgSouth's generosity and
support," said Mandy Underwood, a representative from
Main Street Millen. "This grant will help us grow our
community market and make it an even better experience
for everyone, whether they're here to sell fresh produce or
enjoy the vibrant atmosphere."
The Millen Produce Market has become a beloved
community hub, attracting locals and visitors with its
fresh produce, homemade goods, and family-friendly
environment. With these upgrades, Main Street Millen
aims to make the market an even more enjoyable
destination for all.
The improvements are expected to be implemented in
the coming months, just in time to welcome more vendors
and visitors..
Retired Sgt Charles Reynolds and regional director
Ann Woods gather toys at the Augusta office. Photo
contributed.
Volunteers Gather
Toys For Students
-Gwen Watson, Special Contributor
Retired Sergeant Charles Reynolds Sr., affectionately
known as “Sarge,” has once again helped spread holiday
joy to Jenkins County students through his commitment
to the Toys for Tots program. On November 24, 2024,
Sarge rented a 26-foot U-Haul truck and drove to the
Toys for Tots Regional Center in Augusta. Through the
collaborated efforts of Dr. Ann Woods, Director of the
Regional Office, along with community volunteers and
Jenkins County School employees, this coordinated
effort ensured toys for children in grades PreK-12
reached the students just in time for Christmas.
For over a decade, Sarge has been a passionate
volunteer for Toys for Tots and a cornerstone of the
Jenkins County community. His relentless dedication
and the generous donations from the program have
brought countless families hope and happiness during
the holiday season.
Upon returning to Millen on Sunday, November 24th,
Sarge was met by a committed group of volunteers
who helped unload and store the toys for students in
the Jenkins County School System for delivery closer
to Christmas break. Volunteers included Jenkins
County Elementary School Principal Randy Dailey,
Board of Education Chair Mary Young, School
Superintendent Dr. John Paul Hearn, and several other
community members and Jenkins County school staff.
Together, they ensured that this year’s initiative was a
heartwarming success.
Sarge’s unwavering leadership continues to inspire
the community, but the need for more local volunteers
remains. A local coordinator could help streamline
efforts and expand the program’s reach in Jenkins
County. Those interested in joining this impactful
mission are encouraged to call (706) 723-5257.
The mission of Toys for Tots is rooted in spreading
holiday cheer and is to ensure that every child
experiences the joy of receiving a gift during the
festive season. Thanks to the dedication of individuals
like Sarge and the support of community leaders and
volunteers, Jenkins County exemplifies the true spirit of
generosity and unity.
This year, the program brought smiles to the faces of
students from PreK through 12th grade, highlighting the
profound impact of collective kindness. Together, the
Jenkins County community is ensuring that no child is
left without a special gift to open this Christmas.
