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Bryant Sworn in as Chaplain for
Sheriff’s Department
By Sarah Saxon, Reporter
for
The Times
In a ceremony held on Friday, December 15,
Bonita Thomas Bryant took on a new role as she was
officially sworn in as the Chaplain for the Screven
County Sheriff’s Department. The ceremony,
administered by Sheriff Mike Kile, marked the
beginning of Bryant's official duties in providing
spiritual guidance and support to the law enforcement
community
Notably, prior to her official swearing-in, Bryant
has already been making a positive impact through
her dedication to teaching a women’s Bible study
within the Sheriffs Department. The program has
garnered a commendable response from female
inmates, with an average attendance of about 15
ladies, each equipped with their own donated Bibles.
Bryant, an Ordained Pastor at Good Samaritan
Church, brings a wealth of spiritual knowledge and
a commitment to community service to her new role.
Currently pursuing a Biblical Counseling/Theology
Degree online through Liberty University, she aims
to complete her studies and graduate in the Winter
of 2025.
Expressing her passion for people and her desire
to share the teachings of God, Bryant stated, “I have
a love for people and wanted to help them leam the
word of God.” Sheriff Kile recognized her dedication
and approached her with the opportunity to extend
her teachings to female inmates, providing a source
of comfort and guidance through the teachings of
Jesus.
Sheriff Mike Kile swears in Bonita Thomas Bryant as Chaplain.
Photo by: Sarah Saxon
Sheriff Mike Kile spoke highly of Bryant,
acknowledging her commitment to both her faith
and her desire to make a positive impact within the
Sheriff’s Department. He expressed confidence in
her ability to provide support not only to the staff but
also to those in custody
As Chaplain, Bryant is expected to play a crucial role
in fostering a supportive and spiritually nourishing
environment within the Sheriff’s Department. Her
appointment reflects the department's commitment to
holistic well-being and a compassionate approach to
law enforcement.
Sylvania Ford Distribution Site for Toys
By Sarah Saxon, Reporter
for The Times
Lorie Autry, Willie Haynes, and Ken Thomas overseeing the collection
of toys at Sylvania Ford. Photo by: Sarah Saxon
Lorie Autry, the Executive Director of the United Way
of Screven County, Ken Thomas, the Sales Manager at
Sylvania Ford, and US Marine Chief Warrant Officer 3
Willie Haynes convened to oversee the collection of toys
for the annual Toys for Tots campaign.
Residents of Screven County displayed immense
generosity this holiday season, with Thompson
Strickland Waters Funeral Home and Screven County
Schools serving as local drop-off points. These locations
brimmed with new toys, all destined to bring smiles to
the faces of boys and girls on Christmas morning.
The essence of the Toys for Tots initiative is beautifully
encapsulated in its mission statement: "Our mission is to
provide toys, books, and other gifts to children in need at
Christmastime - and beyond! This way, we'll be able to
bring thejoy of Christmas and send a message of hope to
children in need throughout the year. Join us in making a
lasting impact in the lives of those children."
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Bv Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
Screven County 4-H
Member, Wins Statewide
Christmas Card Contest
By Sarah Saxon, Reporter
for
The Times
The holiday season has an extra sparkle for the Wiltse family in
Sylvania as their talented daughter, Ava Wiltse, emerged victorious in
the 2023 State 4-H Christmas Card Contest. Ava, a Junior 4-H member,
showcased her artistic prowess, capturing the festive spirit and earning
accolades for her creative masterpiece.
Ava Wiltse. the daughter of Rev. Jason and Emily Wiltse, stands out
not only for her artistic abilities but also as a remarkable 8th-grade
homeschool student. Being one of seven siblings, Ava balances her time
between academic pursuits, 4-H activities, and family life.
For her efforts, Ava not only received the statewide recognition, but
was also given a price of $100.
Known for her vibrant personality and diverse interests, Ava is not
just a talented artist but an active participant in her homeschools group
and the local 4-H community. Her passion for sketching and drawing
has now gained statewide recognition, adding another feather to her cap.
Aside from her artistic endeavors, Ava finds joy in baking delectable
treats, diving into a variety of books, and showcasing her musical
talents by playing the violin. Her commitment to her pursuits and her
enthusiastic engagement in the community have made her a standout
member in both her homeschool group and 4-H.
Lauren M. Clark, Ava's 4-H teacher, expressed her pride in Ava's
achievement, stating, "Ava's dedication to her craft is truly commendable.
Winning the state contest is a testament to her artistic skill and creative
vision. I'm not only proud of her but also thrilled to share the joy by
distributing her winning cards to individuals and businesses here in
Screven County."
For those who wish to share in Ava's success and spread the holiday
cheer, the opportunity to order her winning Christmas cards is available.
Interested individuals can place orders through the official 4-H contact
at facebook.com/georgia4Hfoundation.
Jada Abraham, Rain Cail, Leo Joyner, Mackenzie Preston, Joshua Williams. Photo contributed.
Tucked away within the
historic confines of Rocky Ford
City Hall is a literary haven that
many may not be aware of -
the Rocky Ford Library. As the
resident librarian, Jane Rahn
affectionately describes it, "This
is my Norman Rockwell town."
Jane's love for her community
and its quaint library shines
through as she unveils plans to
elevate the library into a vibrant
hub of learning and community
engagement.
The shelves of the Rocky
Ford Library are a testament
to the generosity and support
of the town's residents. Jane
explains, "On these shelves
are the love and support of our
town; they have donated books by the tote full." The
library, furnished with donated books, has become a
repository of community spirit, reflecting the literary
interests and passions of its residents.
Jane Rahn envisions a future for the library that
extends beyond its current offerings.
"I would love to offer computer
workshops for our older patrons,
an afterschool program with some
of our retired educators, and even
drama classes! I would enjoy doing
a drama about the founding of
Rocky Ford." Her ambitious vision
reflects a commitment to making the
library a dynamic and multifaceted
community resource.
Supporting the Rocky Ford Library
is simple and accessible to all.
Residents can fill out a membership
card and start borrowing books at
two-week intervals. Additionally, the
library welcomes book donations of
all sorts and on most subjects. Jane
Rahn also spearheads a thoughtful
initiative known as the "red ribbon
program." She explains, "We tie a red ribbon around
six magazines and take them to our homebound
patrons." This initiative ensures that even those who
cannot visit the SEE LIBRARY ON PAGE 9
library in person
Jane Rahn
SCMS awards REACH Scholarships
By Sarah Saxon, Reporter
for
I I11 : TIMES
Screven County Middle School hosted a REACH (Realizing
Educational Achievement Can Happen) Signing Day Ceremony for the
2023-2024 REACH Scholars on November 1st, 2023.
The finalists are Jada Abraham, Rain Cail, Leo Joyner, Mackenzie
Preston, and Joshua Williams. Upon successful completion of the
program, the students earn a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500 max/year or
$ 1,250/semester) towards the cost of attendance at a HOPE-eligible
postsecondary institution.
The REACH Program has helped many students throughout the state
of Georgia since fomier Governor Nathan Deal launched it in February
2012. The mission of the REACH Program is to ensure that low
income, academically promising students have the academic, social, and
financial support needed to graduate from high school, access college,
and achieve postsecondary success. With continued support from the
community, we are looking forward to all the great things that lie ahead
with the REACH Program.
If you have questions or want to donate monies you can contact Lori
Burns, REACH Coordinator at 912-451-2000.
