About The Sylvania times. (Sylvania, Ga.) 2022-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 21, 2024)
thesy lvaniatimes. com The Sylvania Times Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - Page 13 -F arm and Land- Florence Marina State Park in Omaha Did you ever know there was an Omaha, Georgia? Actually, I never knew it until I started looking for new lakes to fish in and new territories to camp. This place is amazing! It features a lighted fishing pier, a camper's dock and one of the only deep water marina's I have ever seen on the Chattahoochee River. Anyone can fish anywhere on the shoreline except for the marina itself. This park offers Jon boats for rent and full hook up campsites with power, water, sewage and cable. They also offer cabins for rent. The park sits on the 45,000. acre Lake, Walter F. George which is also called. Lake Eufaula. I have to say this is a perfect, quiet, getaway for those who love to fish, enjoy water sports resting with beautiful scenery and maybe just being away from the hustle and bustle of every day life in the city. Your family will enjoy a trip to this wonderful state park. They have fully equipped cottages, small effciency units and of course as stated, a very nice campground for tents or campers. It is not a very far drive. Well, I have been accused of saying not far, but it is up to interpetation. It would be around 4 hours from Sylvania. However, it is deflntely worth a weekend trip. The fishing is excellent guys! Florence Marina is extremely popular with nature enthusiasts as well. Bird watchers are likely to see herons, egrets, and even bald eagles on occasion. They also have a center that showcases plants, history, artifacts from native amercians and prehistoric period items. Daily parking pass is only $5.00 and the park is open, Sunday through Monday, 7:00 until 10:00 pm. Let me just say, for me, it was a new place to explore, to fish, and to have a new adventure! Have fun guys! Until next week! } ack Rocky Ford Town Council Tackles Initiatives in February Meeting -Joe Brady. Editor In the latest session of the Rocky Ford Town Council, Mayor Ken Mock reported that the town issued 25 citations in the month of January, resulting in a total income of $8,747 for the city. This revenue will contribute to the town's operational and developmental expenses, reflecting the ongoing efforts to maintain fiscal stability. A significant development was the announcement of projects covered under the community grant provided by Norfolk Southern, as reported by the Sylvania Times. Mayor Mock outlined the inclusion of the water meter replacement project, the creation of a walking track, and the rehabilitation of drainage ditches. These six-figure projects represent some of the most ambitious initiatives on the town's agenda, emphasizing a commitment to enhancing infrastructure and community amenities. The street department has taken on the responsibility of giving the town hall a much-needed facelift. Mayor Mock highlighted the need to address drywall damage, concrete issues, and window glazing. The department is set to tackle these projects, aiming to improve the overall condition of the town hall. Mayor Mock also shared weather-related updates, noting that Rocky Ford experienced 5 inches of rain during the week. Despite this substantial rainfall, the town fared well. with the only reported incident being a fallen tree behind town hall. Interestingly, a resident has expressed interest in utilizing the wood from the fallen tree. Addressing infrastructure concerns, the mayor informed the council about the Low Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG) project for repaving. The quote for the project came in at $124,000, covering a one-inch overlay without milling down the existing asphalt. This repaving initiative spans from the town to Highway 17, with the town's portion amounting to over $37,000. The council voted to pursue additional funding from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to support the project. Additionally, Mayor Mock mentioned that the same tree surgeon responsible for removing the fallen tree behind city hall will also be handling the removal of three trees at the Recreation Department. One of the trees has been in a state of decline for decades, prompting the decision to prioritize its removal. The Rocky Ford Town Council continues to work towards the betterment of the community, demonstrating a commitment to both fiscal responsibility and quality of life improvements. OTC Foundation Highlights Impact and Growth at Sylvania Rotary Club By Sarah Saxon, Reporter Repri (OTC) Representatives from the Ogeechee Technical College ' Foundation engaged with members of the Sylvania Rotary Club, shedding light on the institution's remarkable growth and impactful programs. The OTC Foundation group was introduced to the Rotary members by member Evan Brower who is the Chairman of the Foundation. Larry Mays, the Vice President of the OTC Foundation, took center stage to underscore the significant strides the college has made over the years. Highlighting the expansive array of over 100 programs offered by OTC, Mays emphasized their tangible influence on daily life, touching the lives of individuals across various sectors. Notably, he mentioned that 62% of the college's students are part-time, juggling full-time jobs while striving to enhance their lives through education. There was discussion about the nursing program, which saw an overwhelming response with 120 applicants vying for just 24 available spots in January 2024. The surge in interest reflects the growing prominence of healthcare programs at OTC, signaling a promising trajectory for the future. Technical education. Mays noted, is gaining traction as it offers expedited pathways to employment, with OTC boasting an impressive 95% job placement rate for its graduates. The IGOT Foundation, an integral part of OTC's support ecosystem, was lauded for its substantial contributions to student success. Over the 2019-2020 academic year, the foundation disbursed more than 40 scholarships, facilitated adult literacy and GED programs, and spearheaded initiatives for student and staff development. Additionally, it mobilizes resources to enhance instructional quality and provides essential student emergency funds annually, aligning with its mission to bolster OTC's educational endeavors. The impact of these initiatives was poignantly illustrated through the story of Nicole Turner, a scholarship recipient and graduate of the paramedic EMT program. Turner, now employed at the Screven County EMS, credited the OTC Foundation scholarship for enabling her to pursue her aspirations amidst personal and professional responsibilities. Formerly employed at a dry cleaner in Statesboro, Turner faced unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the transformative role of education in her journey. The discussion also touched upon the burgeoning demand for OTC's Commercial Truck Driving CDL program, particularly in Sylvania, where a substantial waiting list attests to the vital role of commercial truck drivers in sustaining the supply chain. Against the backdrop of economic expansion, the need for skilled professionals in transportation is further accentuated, underscoring OTC's pivotal role in meeting industry demands. In closing, the dialogue between OTC Foundation representatives and the Sylvania Rotary Club underscored the profound impact of technical education in shaping livelihoods and driving economic prosperity in the region. Pictured are: Larry Mays, Christina Hall, Nicole Turner, Jeff Davis and Evan Brower, by Sarah Saxon. ARREST Continued from Page 1 Department, and Sylvania Police Department. On the afternoon of Feb. 6, at approximately 4 p.m.. Mills was taken into custody off of Newington Highway when he drove to the undisclosed location to meet the minor for sexual purposes. Mills has been charged with one count of criminal attempt to commit aggravated child molestation. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues. THE COLLINGSWORTH FAMILY PRESENTS BEST OF THE CFAM SPRING TOUR 2024 Tuesday, April 9,2024 7:00 pm Screven County Auditorium 110 Halcyondale Rd, Sylvania, GA 30467 Sponsored by: Jenkins County Times 1 The T ►YI.VATSTIA . , IMES 912.451.6397 For Tickets: Scan code or Call: 1-800-965-9324 www.TheCollingsworthFamily.com VOUR DESIGN PRINTED BV THE BEST ! r A ggnsHSMiB