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VOL.3 NO. 3 January 31,2024 | LEGAL ORGAN OF SCREVEN COUNTY | Sylvania, Georgia $1.25
Editorials ..5 | Church News ..3 | Sports ..11-12 | Obituaries ..8 | Legals ..9 | Farm & Land..13 | Booking Log ..7 | Crossword ..10
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On the evening of January 26, the Screven County Chamber
of Commerce members at the First Baptist Church for the annual
banquet.The event, sponsored by Farmers and Merchants Bank, was
a celebration of community, recognition, and shared achievements.
The attendees were welcomed by the soothing sounds of Carlos
Carvajal's violin, setting a serene ambiance as guests mingled and
enjoyed a delightful charcuterie in a cup prepared by the local
Food Lion. The evening continued with an invocation, followed by
an exquisite dinner prepared by Golden Bee Patisserie, featuring
a Spring Salad Mix, Honey Garlic Chicken Breast, Shrimp and
Grits, Seasoned Green Beans, and Rolls, guests were waited on
by members of the SCHS FFA. The honey butter for the rolls was
courtesy of Honey Toast Farms.
Keynote speaker Andy Durrence of JTEKT addressed the
audience, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's values
and the significance of effective management in business leadership.
Durrence's insights resonated with the chamber members, highlighting
the need for businesses to remain valuable in a rapidly changing
landscape.
Kylie Forehand, President, and CEO of the Screven County Chamber
of Commerce took the stage to provide an overview of the chamber's
achievements in 2023. Notable accomplishments included participating
in ribbon cuttings, hosting anniversary celebrations, luncheons, customer
appreciation days, and business after-hours events. The chamber
welcomed 30 new members,
ending the year with a total of
155.
Forehand expressed her
excitement about the success
of the shop local punch card
initiative during the holiday
season, which saw 1,000
punch cards distributed to local
businesses, resulting in $7,500
spent locally in just 30 days.
The chamber also sold $26,930
in chamber bucks, supporting
local member businesses.
Looking ahead to 2024,
Forehand outlined plans to
create more networking opportunities, offer additional education events
for members, and revise member benefits to better serve the community.
The goal is to reinstate Leadership Screven by 2025.
The awards ceremony recognized outstanding businesses and
individuals in the community. Donkey's Discount received the Small
Business of the Year award for their exemplary customer service. Ross
Drugs was honored as the Medium Business of the Year, and JTEKT,
received the Large Business of the Year award. The Screven County
Board of Education was
recognized as the Non-
Profit Business of the
Year.
Riverside Rayne
was named the New
Chamber Member of the
Year, highlighting their
active participation and
partnership with the
chamber.
The prestigious Agnes
Tebeau award, given
to an individual going
above and beyond for the community, was presented to Len Stafford for
his selfless dedication and support of Screven County events.
As the event drew to a close, Georgia Speaker of the House Jon Bums
left the audience with a poignant message: "If you want to go fast, go
alone. If you want to go far, go with friends."
The 50th annual meeting of the Screven County Chamber of
Commerce was a resounding success, showcasing the strength and unity
of the local business community as they look forward to another year of
growth and collaboration.
Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 50th Anniversary
By Sarah Saxon, Reporter
for
The Times
Tramaine Melvin & Spike Albritton
Donkey’s Discount
Small Business of the Year
Ken Thomas & Chris Griner
Ross Drugs
Medium Business of the Year
Hoke Reeves & Jonathan Thomas
Koyo
Large Business of the Year
Dorothy Glissen & Len Stafford Leslie Daniel paints picture of
Agnes Tebeau Volunteer Award 2024 Chamber Dinner
Jim Thompson & Brett Warren
Profit Award
Screven County BOE
Rocky Ford City Council Swears
In Two Members
Judge Debbie Brown swears in Wayne Bragg and Melissa Smith
as new city council members for Rocky Ford. By: Sarah Saxon
On January 23, the Mayor and City Council of
Rocky Ford came together for their monthly meeting,
addressing various matters crucial to the community's
well-being and development.
The meeting commenced with the traditional
invocation and pledge of allegiance, setting the tone
for a productive session. Mayor Ken Mock presided
over the meeting, joined by Secretary Shannon
Phillips, Drew Dudley, Inez Lane, Ralph Mock,
and the recently appointed council members Wayne
Bragg and Melissa Smith.
A significant part of the agenda involved the
swearing-in ceremony for the new council members.
Probate Judge Debbie Brown administered the
oath of office to Wayne Bragg and Melissa Smith,
officially welcoming them into their roles as integral
members of the City Council.
In a unanimous decision. Drew Dudley was
nominated and approved to serve as the Mayor Pro-
Tern, indicating the council's confidence in his ability
to fulfill this important position.
Chief Tony Taylor took the floor to present the
Police Department report, highlighting those 22
tickets that had been issued over the past month.
By Sarah Saxon, Reporter
for
I I IE TIMES
Additionally, Chief Taylor proposed the addition of a
part-time police officer to the department, subject to
approval by the council members.
Ralph Mock was designated as the on-call person
for any Water Department-related issues, a decision
aimed at ensuring swift responses and efficient
management. Mayor Ken Mock, while continuing to
be the on-call person for the Recreation Department,
expressed the need for a dedicated individual for the
Street Department.
Secretary Shannon Phillips provided an update on
the city's financial matters, mentioning that Richard
Deal had initiated an audit of the city's books.
Mayor Mock brought attention to the Recreation
Department building, proposing plans for repainting,
and the possibility of installing a metal roof on the
main structure. The council also discussed the idea of
adding picnic tables around the recreation area and
playgrounds, enhancing community spaces.
In a positive development. Rocky Ford secured a
Norfolk Southern safety grant exclusively eamiarked
for the Police Department. Chief Taylor outlined the
department's plan to utilize the funds for acquiring
a tag reader and computer software, which would
contribute to generating additional revenue for the
town.
The city is also exploring funding opportunities
from the LMIG (Local Maintenance and Improvement
Grant) to facilitate the paving of roads. Notably,
Main Street from the railroad tracks to Highway 17
and Doster Road were identified as priority areas for
potential improvement.
The meeting concluded with the unanimous
decision to renew the Statewide Mutual Aid
Agreement/Hazard Mitigation Letter. This agreement
signifies that the county will aid Rocky Ford in the
event of disasters, whether natural or man-made,
reflecting the collaborative spirit of the community.
As the city embarks on these initiatives, the Rocky
Ford City Council remains committed to enhancing
the quality of life for its residents and fostering a
safer and more vibrant community.
Rhonda Hinson, music teacher at Screven County Elementary School, sits at the piano
playing and reflecting on her win as the 2024 Georgia K-5 VFW Teacher of the Year. Photo
by Sarah Saxon
Hinson Chosen as K-5
Georgia VFW Teacher
of the Year
By Sarah Saxon, Reporter
for
The Times
In recognition of her dedication
and excellence in education,
Rhonda Hinson, the music teacher
at Screven County Elementary
School, has been selected as the
K-5 Teacher of the Year by the
Department of Georgia VFW
(Veterans of Foreign Wars).
The prestigious award will be
conferred at the upcoming awards
banquet scheduled for February
10, hosted at the Macon Marriott
City Center.
Hinson's journey in the realm
of music education is marked by
a profound commitment to her
craft and an unwavering passion
for nurturing young minds.
Graduating with a degree in
Piano from Weslyn College, she
furthered her academic pursuits
by obtaining a master's in Piano
and another master's in music
education, both from Florida
State University.
During her time at FSU,
Hinson actively contributed to
SEE TEACHER, PAGE 6
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