About The Sylvania times. (Sylvania, Ga.) 2022-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 21, 2024)
The Shepherd’s Nook Christian Supply Store * BIBLE SALE * 15% OFF * See page 11 - 7;30 - 5:00 g 2 — 136 Industrial Road - Sylvania, Ge@n|iSr3046/ r=m —0 am »u rbt Htttonta * Newington * Rocky Ford * Sylvania * Oliver * Cooperville * Dover * Halcyondalf * Mtt.t havfn Editorials ..7 | Church News ..11 | Sports ..3-4 | Obituaries ..8 | Legals ..9 | Farm & Land..13 | Booking Log ..5 | Crossword ..10 L7 CO O CO 0 CO in h> o ARREST Due to Joint Investigation By Joe Brady. Editor The Screven County Sheriffs Office was contacted by the Millen Police Department in reference to an ongoing investigation where an individual in Screven County had been in contact with an online underage persona of theirs. The underage persona was a 14-year- old female. The persona was contacted by Dalton Eugene Mills, 32, from Screven County. The contact continued for several weeks and was sexually explicit in nature. On Feb. 6, 2024, Mills arranged to meet with the 14-year-old female in Screven County. A joint operation was assembled including Screven County Sheriffs office, Millen Police SEE ARREST ON PAGE 13 Trailblazing biochemist Marie Maynard Daly Marie Maynard Daly, a trailblazing biochemist whose groundbreaking work has left an indelible mark on the scientific community. As we celebrate Black Tlistory Month, it is fitting to shine a spotlight on this remarkable woman who overcame numerous obstacles to become a pioneer in her field. Full Story Page 6 Sylvania Planning and Design Commission Several important items were on the agenda, with a focus on approving plats and building permits for various residential structures within the city. Full Story Page 2 Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, The Screven County Farm Bureau Board would like to take a minute and tell everyone who attended our annual Eggs & Issues meeting this past Saturday morning, THANK YOU! Full Story Page 7 Property Tax Reform Passes Georgia Senate Lt. Governor Burt Jones’s property tax reform priority, Senate Bill 349, passed the Senate. The legislation, also known as the “Save Our Homes” Act, aims to address longstanding issues with local property taxes. Full Story Page 8 Screven County Elementary School Students of the Month January 2024 Full Story Page 10 Area Hospital Celebrates Rural Hospital Leadership Day -Joe Brady. Editor HomeTown Health, LLC marked its 25th anniversary by hosting the 17th Annual Georgia Rural Hospital Leadership Day at the Capitol, bringing together more than 50 rural hospital leaders. The event was a significant milestone for the organization, known for its dedication to supporting rural healthcare SEE QPTIM ON PAGE 8 IDA Appointment causes sparks Debate at Commissioners Meeting -Joe Brady, Editor Tensions ran high during the monthly county commissioners meeting as a significant point of contention emerged over the appointment to the Industrial Development Authority (IDA). The spotlight was on three individuals - Joe Bohannon, Andrea McBride, and Ben Boyd - who had submitted applications for consideration. In a letter dated February 13, 2024, by IDA chairperson Stephen Milner to Chairman Will Boyd, “the board of the Screven County Development Authority would like to express our support for the appointment of Ben Boyd to the development authority board.” Milner further explained the board believed Boyd could provide valuable contributions to the board. This recommendation lead Chairman Boyd to recuse himself from the voting process due to a familial relationship with the candidate. This move aimed to maintain transparency and address any potential conflicts of interest. However, Commissioner Ben Boyd Allyson Willis raised concerns about Boyd's potential conflict of interest, suggesting it could compromise the integrity of the selection process. Attorney Aaron Meyer contested these apprehensions, providing legal clarification and asserting that the recusal of Commissioner Boyd addressed any perceived conflicts appropriately. Meyer emphasized that the recommended candidate, ® en , SEE IDA PAGE 8 Boyd, Board, of Education Faces Education Veterans Retire -Joe Brady. Editor In a significant development at the February meeting of the Screven County Board of Education, longtime educator and assistant superintendent Mr. Brett Warren announced his retirement at the end of the current school year, marking the end of a remarkable 31-year career in education, with 25 years dedicated to administrative roles. Dr. Jim Thompson, Superintendent of Screven County Schools, commended Mr. Warren for his decades of service, expressing gratitude for his wisdom, humility, and hard work. “Mr. Warren has been a dedicated and integral part of our school system, leaving a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike,” stated Dr. Thompson. With the retirement of Mr. Warren, the Board of Education has appointed Brian Scott to assume the role of Assistant Superintendent. Scott, known for his commitment to education, brings a wealth of experience to the position. In a series of additional changes, Billy Pollock has been selected to step into the role of High School Principal, while Brett Warren has announced his RETIREMENT AFTER A 3 1-YEAR CAREER IN EDUCATION. PHOTO BY S. SAXON. Kyle Reynolds will take on the responsibilities of Assistant Principal. These appointments aim to ensure a smooth transition and continued excellence in the educational leadership of Screven County. In another announcement, Dr. Whit Myers shared his decision to resign from the Board of Education. Dr. Myers has been an esteemed figure in education, with a career spanning 45 years. Beginning as a teacher in 1979, he joined Screven County in 1996 as the Principal of Screven County Elementary School. His SEE BOARD ON PAGE 7 Controversial Bill Threatens Georgia Libraries Supporters say ALA holds Marxist ideologies -Joe Brady. Editor In a quiet legislative move, Senate Bill 390 (SB390) is making its way through the Georgia Senate, sparking concerns as it loosens restrictions on librarian certifications and targets funding for programs associated with the American Library Association (ALA). Sponsored by twenty-two Republican lawmakers, the bill has ignited a debate over the role of the ALA and the potential impact on libraries across the state. The senators championing SB390 include Sen. Larry Walker, Sen. Greg Dolexal, Sen. Blake Tillery, Sen. John Alberts, Sen. Billy Hickman, Sen. Shawn Still, Sen. Brandon Beach, Sen. Steve Gooch, Sen. Carden Summers, Sen. Brian Strickland, Sen. Matt Brass, Sen. Max Bums, Sen. Ed Setzler, Sen. Jason Anavitarte, Sen. Mike Hodges, Sen. Lee Anderson, Sen. Clint Dixon, Sen. Ben Watson, Sen. John Kennedy, Sen. Russ Goodman, Sen. Ricky Williams, and Sen. Marty Harbin. A critical aspect of SB390 is its loosening , P 8 SEE LIBRARY PAGE 8 Spring Tour 2024 For Tickets: Scan code or Call: 1-800-965-9324 www.TheCollingsworthFamily.com COMING TO SYLVANIA ! THE COLLINGSWORTH FAMILY Tuesday, April 9,2024 - 7:00 pm Screven County Auditorium 110 Halcyondale Rd, Sylvania, GA 30467 lipsmnmr 'Stbep/beh/JJS I Historic Sylvania, Georgia e
