About The Sylvania times. (Sylvania, Ga.) 2022-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 16, 2022)
Recipes ... 2 Calendar ... 8 Editorials ...9 Farm & Land ...4 Church News ...5 Obituary ...6 Legals ...7 Booking ...8 Sports 11-12-131 Barbee indicted in drug trafficking conspiracy U Q - <S) Joe Brady A newly unsealed federal indictment charges nearly three dozen defendants for their involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy centered in South Georgia and reaching into the Caribbean. The primary conspiracy charge in USA v. Morales-Jimenez et. al, dubbed Operation Carpet Ride, carries a statutory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to life, said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Conviction on the charge also carries a minimum of five years of supervised release following any prison term, Editor and there is no parole in the federal system. “The painstaking investigation in Operation Carpet Ride spans nearly six years and thousands of miles as it tracked illegal drugs flowing into the United States to the Southern District of Georgia and beyond,” said U.S. Attorney Estes. Lovett retains Commissioner seat Thompson new face of District 7 Joe Brady Editor With 100% of the precincts reporting, Edwin Lovett of District One has retained his seat on the Screven County Commission. In a close race, Lovett narrowly beat opponent Tyler Thompson (R) 361 to 354. Incumbent Lovett is completing his first term. In an April 2022 interview with The Sylvania Times, Commissioner Lovett said, “the goal of our BOC is to keep Screven County a healthy place to live and work. We serve at the will of the people and have been good stewards of the trust the citizens of this county have placed in us. I look forward to four more years.” The District 7 seat has been won by Ben Thompson (R) who beat his opponent Chris Nasworthy (D) 402-244 votes. Thompson ousted incumbent John Triplett in the primary election this year. This will mark Thompson’s first elected office. In a March 2022 interview with The Sylvania Times, Thompson said, “we need a fresh pair of eyes on the problems affecting our county. Both the city and county need to work together, and I am the bridge to make that happen.” Ben’s term will begin January 1, 2023. In other election news, Georgia voters will return to the polls for a runoff between Senator Raphael Wamock(I-D) and Herschel Walker(R). Georgia Law requires that when no candidate receives a majority of votes in the general election, a runoff between the top two vote-getters is required. Election Day has been scheduled for Dec. 6, 2022, with one week of early voting beginning Nov. 28 and no Saturday voting this cycle. Any voters wishing to request an absentee ballot must do so by Nov. 28, 2022. City voters want distilled spirits Voters decide on resolution to allow consumption Joe Brady Editor Restaurants are that much closer to serving alcohol after the general election. Out of a total of 961 voters during the 2022 election cycle, 693 voted for the consumption of distilled spirits with their meals. In the July 5, 2022, edition of the Times, it was reported that Sylvania City Council voted to adopt a resolution to let voters decide at the November General Election whether licenses to sell distilled spirits by the drink for consumption on premises where sold should be issued with the city limits. “The next step is for City Council to establish and adopt an ordinance,” explains Stacy Mathis, City manager. Currently distilled spirits are unlawful within the city limits; malt beverages and wine are permissible, however. Those businesses wishing to obtain a “pour” license must also contact the State of Georgia to apply for a state alcohol license. “I’m sure we will look at surrounding communities and model our ordinance after theirs,” Mathis concludes. Our New Home - week 11 Sam Eades Publisher Things are going great at our new location. The old pictures from the original Bank of Screven County have reappeared after steaming the wallpaper off the wall that has covered them for over 50 plus years. These pictures are a part of the history of Screven County. One of the pictures features Mr. Alexander Stevens Mills, president/owner of the bank, taking a leisure trip in his boat on the river. We are looking forward to moving in soon! “Our law enforcement partners have done outstanding work in identifying, investigating and disrupting this drug trafficking organization.” Operation Carpet Ride, investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), identified drug trafficking operations in Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Richmond, and Tattnall counties, and elsewhere, from as early as January 2016. As described in the 49-count indictment, the conspiracy is alleged to have imported large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and other drugs for distribution in the Southern District. Each defendant in USA v. Morales- Jiminez et. al is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, • See BARBEE page 2 Manufacturer to bring OVER 600 NEW JOBS TO AREA Special to The Sylvania Times Governor Brian P. Kemp has announced that Joon Georgia, Inc., an automotive parts manufacturer, will create 630 new jobs and invest $317 million in Bulloch County. Plans for the company’s new manufacturing facility mark the first confirmed supplier for Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Bryan County. "Less than two weeks after the groundbreaking of Hyundai Motor Group’s innovative facility, we’re already seeing the regional impact it will have," said Governor Brian Kemp. "Joon Georgia will be the first of many companies drawn to the Peach State to support the Metaplant, creating jobs and opportunity for generations of hardworking Georgians. We’re thankful they have chosen to add their name to this ongoing success story." Joon Georgia is part of Ajin USA, a current supplier for multiple Hyundai Motor Group facilities. The company produces a variety of automotive body parts and electronics for original equipment manufacturers. "We are excited to be one of the first Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America automotive suppliers to build an automotive parts manufacturing facility in Bulloch County and for our first plant in the great State of Georgia. We look forward to partnering with the county and state, and with their assistance, help us make this new • See JOBS page 10 Student section helps spur Gamecocks to playoff victory The theme for the student section for Friday night's playoff win over Crawford County was ESPN Sports Center. Pictured here with their banner are Connor Thompson, Katheryn Davis, Thomas Milner, Emma Webb with the microphone, Addison Lee, and Mason Forehand (photo by Beth Thompson). See complete coverage in the Sports Section, page 11. Possum Eddy The helpful place. 136 Industrial Road Sylvania, Georgia (912) 564-2003 KICKSTART YOU OLIDAY GIFTS i gifts fnonnthe Best 8rands all in one place. Saturday - 7:30 Closed Sunday
