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VOL.2 NO. 49 January 3, 2024 | LEGAL ORGAN OF SCREVEN COUNTY | Sylvania, Georgia $1.25
Editorials ...11 | Church News ...3 | Sports ...4-5 | Obituaries ...6 | Legals ...7 | Farm & Land...10 | Comics 8 | Crossword ....8
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Longtime Magistrate Judge Jimmy Griner
Announces Retirement Plans
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
After nearly two decades of dedicated service
on the magistrate bench, Judge Jimmy Griner
of Screven County is preparing to bid farewell
to his role at the courthouse as he enters his
final year. A Screven County native. Judge
Griner has been a steadfast presence in the legal
community since 2003.
As he looks forward to his retirement. Judge
Griner reveals his plans to tackle a honey-do
list that stretches over a mile long. "When I'm
not working on that, I want to fish and spend
time with my ten grandchildren," he explains.
Alongside his wife Norma, the couple has
shared a 20-year marriage and raised five
children, expanding their family to include a
total of ten grandchildren.
While many in the community may recognize
Judge Griner from his years on the magistrate bench,
others may recall his earlier days as the owner of
Cops & Robbers Music and Videos. Throughout his
varied career. Judge Griner has maintained a strong
desire to help people. "I've always had a desire to
help people. From the early days when I was a small
business owner to now as a judge, the opportunity to
help others is rewarding."
Beyond his duties as a magistrate judge, Jimmy
Griner has served on the judicial council for two
years, demonstrating a deep respect for the law
and a commitment to upholding justice. In his role
as a magistrate judge, he presides over civil filings
under $15,000 and adjudicates cases involving
landlords and tenants. Additionally, he handles
foreclosure proceedings and addresses issues related
to abandoned motor vehicles.
When questioned about the legacy he hopes to
leave behind. Judge Griner responded with clarity,
"At 5 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2024, when I hang up my
robe for the last time, I want to be remembered for
doing my job as honorably as possible. That I have
been honest and trustworthy."
As Judge Griner embarks on the final chapter of
his judicial career, the Screven County community
reflects on the impact of his service, noting his
dedication to justice and the well-being of the
community. The upcoming year will undoubtedly be
a time for farewells and reflections on the significant
contributions of Judge Jimmy Griner to Screven
County's legal landscape.
Optim Medical Center-Screven
Welcomes Dr. David Lariscy
Introduces Cardiology Services to Enhance Local Care
By Meg Pace,
Special Contributor
for
The Times
Optim Medical Center-Screven proudly announces
the arrival of David Lariscy, MD, a Sylvania native.
Dr. Lariscy's expertise in cardiology services marks a
pivotal moment for the hospital, offering specialized
cardiac care previously unavailable in the region.
The introduction of cardiology services at Optim
Medical Center-Screven reflects Optim’s commitment
to enhancing healthcare accessibility within the rural
communities it serves. Dr. Lariscy brings an extensive
background in medicine, boasting Board Certification
in Internal Medicine, with a specialization in
Cardiology and Cardiovascular Diseases.
Hospital CEO Lagina Evans expressed excitement
at the addition of Dr. Lariscy to the medical staff,
stating, "Optim Medical Center-Screven is thrilled to welcome back a local talent like Dr. David Lariscy to our
community. His dedication to cardiac care will undoubtedly benefit our patients."
Dr. Lariscy's educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Georgia Southern
University, followed by a master's degree in Biomedical Science at Barry University in Miami, FL, and Ross
University School of Medicine in Barbados, where he graduated with highest honors.
The strategic inclusion of cardiology services aligns with Optim Medical Center-Screven's vision to ensure
comprehensive and accessible healthcare for the local population. This initiative not only addresses the unmet
needs for specialized cardiac care but also reinforces the commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure
in rural areas.
Dr. Lariscy will hold clinic every Monday from 9 AM to 4 PM at 209A Mims Road, Sylvania, GA. Patients
seeking to schedule an appointment please call 912-681-2273.
Cooper Funeral Home
Distributes Toys
Cooper Funeral Home employees collected toys at their
first annual toy drive. The first annual toy distribution
saw over 100 kids helped.“We start collecting the first
of December up until the weekend before Christmas.
I want to thank the city of Oliver, and the city and
county of Sylvania and Screven,” explained Eric
Cooper, funeral director and organizer of the event.
Toys were distributed at the funeral home last Friday.
Pictured are Rev. James Brown, Eric Cooper and Ezra
Thomas are standing amongst the toys they collected
for the toy distribution. Photo by Sarah Saxon
540 E Winthrope Ave, Millen, GA 30442
CHECK OUT OUR NEW FLYER IN THIS ISSUE!
Christmas Cheer at AMI
Kids Foster Group Home
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
The spirit of Christmas shone brightly at the AMI Kids foster group
home in Screven County as individuals gathered for the seventh annual
Christmas party. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, the event
provided a glimpse into the remarkable work being done at this foster
home.
Contracted through the state of Georgia, AMI Kids serves as a haven
for up to 24 young men between the ages of 12 and 18. At present, the
home accommodates 22 boys, all of whom have found themselves
in foster care for various reasons. Anna Herrington, a dedicated case
manager with the group, emphasized that AMI Kids is not an institution
for "prison kids." Instead, it acts as a transitional space for foster
children, ensuring they have a stable environment until at least high
school graduation.
"These are foster children who, for one reason or another, end up here,"
explained Herrington. "Our goal is to provide a supportive environment
so that when they leave, it's either to reunite with family or transition to
another placement."
Under the umbrella of the Screven County School System, AMI Kids
ensures that no student is left behind. The organization offers tutoring
for those in need, reinforcing its commitment to the education and well
being of the young men in its care.
AMI Kids Savannah River, a nonprofit organization with a history
spanning nearly 50 years and branches across the country, is dedicated
to helping youth develop into responsible and productive citizens. The
impact of their work was evident at the Christmas party, where the
festive spirit was palpable.
A significant contributor to this annual celebration is Vicki Riley,
along with the First Christian Church, who come together to sponsor
the Christmas party for the boys. Riley coordinates private donations
based on a Christmas wish list submitted by each young man, ensuring
that each gift is chosen with care and consideration. The local Pizza Hut
adds to the festivities by generously providing pizzas for the occasion.
"Each kid is bought for individually. We are so grateful for our
donors and sponsors," expressed Riley, who has been spearheading the
Christmas party for the past seven years.
For those interested in learning more about the AMI Kids program or
how to contribute, Anna Herrington can be contacted at aherrington@
amikids.org. This festive event not only brings joy to the young men at
AMI Kids but also highlights the importance of community support in
ensuring a brighter future for these deserving individuals.
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