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- Miss Screven County Livestock Pageant Pages 15 & 16 -
VOL.3 NO. 10 March 20, 2024 | LEGAL ORGAN OF SCREVEN COUNTY | Sylvania, Georgia $1.25
Editorials ..7 | Church News ..15 | Sports ..3-4 | Delinquent Taxes.. 10-12 | Legals ..9 | Farm & Land..12 | Booking Log ..9
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Cyberbullying Incident Sparks
Community Concern
-Joe Brady, Editor
In the wake of a distressing incident with a Screven
Christian Academy
student last week, the
issue of cyberbullying
has surged to the forefront
of discussions in Screven
County. The incident,
involving a student who
fell victim to online
harassment, away from
the school, has prompted
parents, educators, and
community members to
confront the pervasive
and damaging effects of
bullying in the digital
age.
Cyberbullying, a form
of harassment that takes place through digital devices
and online platforms, has become increasingly
prevalent among today's youth. From hurtful
messages and false rumors to the dissemination of
personal infomiation, cyberbullying can inflict deep
emotional scars on its victims.
The incident has prompted a reflection on the
root causes of bullying behavior. While there is
no simple answer, experts suggest that a lack of
support and security in familial, educational, and
peer environments can
contribute to such
behavior.
"Children and teenagers
who feel secure and
supported are less
likely to bully," said a
local psychologist who
preferred to remain
anonymous. "However,
those who lack this
support may resort to
bullying as a means of
asserting power or fitting
in with their peer group."
Indeed, various factors
such as family dynamics,
personal insecurities, and social pressures can fuel
bullying behavior. From experiencing violence at
home to struggling with low self-esteem, individuals
may turn to bullying as a coping mechanism or a
means of exerting control over their surroundings.
The victim was withdrawn from SCA by
parents and the alleged see BULLY on page 6
Former Board of Elections
Member Faces Assault
Charges
-Joe Brady. Editor
Former Screven County Board
of Elections member, Benjamin
Counts, finds himself in legal
trouble following an altercation
that took place after the Screven
County Board of Commissioners
meeting on Tuesday, March
12. Millen Police Chief Shane
Burke launched an investigation
into the incident after personally
witnessing the altercation
involving Counts and several
others.
The altercation allegedly began
when Counts approached two
females inside the courthouse,
reportedly putting a finger in their
faces and unleashing a barrage
of obscenities. The confrontation
then spilled outside the
courthouse, where Chief Burke
and Sheriff Mike Kile intervened
to prevent further escalation.
Surveillance footage captured
the confrontation involving the
SEE COUNTS ON PAGE 6
Myers Honored for 28 Years of
Service to Screven County Schools
Senior Center
Goes Green
The senior center was a sea of
green with shamrock decorations
and members wearing green
shirts, green hats, and even green
socks.
Full Story Page 2
Screven County
Farm Bureau
announces winners
Screven County students Ava
Wiltse and Melanie Rountree are
the winners of the Screven County
Farm Bureau Middle School
Bookmark and High School Art
Contests, respectively.
Full Story Page 2
Hiltonia Council Meeting
Discusses Reopening Mill St
The Town of Hiltonia convened
for its regular monthly meeting
on Monday, March 11, at 6:30
p.m., where a range of topics
from law enforcement to
infrastructure were discussed.
Full Story Page 5
Senator Ossoff
vs USPS
It was only two short weeks
ago that Jenkins County residents
discovered their local newspaper
was MIA. But Jenkins County is
not the only community struggling
under the weight of missing mail.
See Page 7
Holy Week/Easter
The Holy Week Community
Luncheon Schedule
FBC Sylvania
Rocky Ford Baptist
Red Bluff Baptist Church
Sylvania 1 st UMC
Full Story Page 15
DELINQUENT
PROPERTY
TAX SALE
See Full List Page 10-13
Alan Stewart Announces
Candidacy for District 5
Commissioner
-Joe Brady. Editor
SYLVANIA, GA - Alan Stewart, a resident of Screven County since
1974, has officially qualified to announce his candidacy for the position
of District 5 Commissioner. Stewart, pictured with his wife Sharon, a
native of Screven County, is vying for the commissioner seat against
incumbent JC Warren in the upcoming November election.
With a vision focused on leveraging technology to enhance county
services, Stewart aims to build upon the existing infrastructure and
introduce innovative solutions. One of his proposed initiatives includes
the establishment of a comprehensive database accessible to residents,
facilitating the reporting of issues such as potholes for swift resolution.
Expressing concern over the current trajectory, Stewart emphasized
the importance of adopting more efficient practices, particularly within
the courthouse. "There are easier and more efficient ways to do things,
and I don't think we are headed in that direction now," remarked Stewart.
A pillar of the local community, Stewart is widely recognized as the
owner of Honey Toast Farms located on Highway 301. His multifaceted
background includes certification as a firefighter, teacher, and shotgun
coach, along with serving as the scout master of Troop 391 and Troop
103 in Sylvania.
Highlighting his diverse experience, Stewart outlined his commitment
to fiscal responsibility and effective management of county resources.
"We need to look at where we are financially and scrutinize the
management of offices," stated Stewart. "I am willing to explore finance
options to fund our technology and ensure our community's needs are
met without resorting to tax hikes."
Addressing concerns regarding community infrastructure,
Stewart emphasized the importance of investing in essential
SEE STEWART ON PAGE 6
-Sarah Saxon. Times Reporter
It was a bittersweet
gathering before the Screven
County School Board meeting
on Monday as colleagues,
community members, and
school board officials came
together to celebrate the
retirement of Whit Myers, who
dedicated 28 years of his life
to the Screven County School
System.
He was given a plaque that
was made by the Screven
County High School students
in the class of Engineering &
Technology that is taught by
Johnny Thompson.
Dr. Myers, whose journey in
education began back in 1979,
joined the Screven County
School System in 1996 as the Principal of Screven County Elementary
School. Over the years, his leadership and commitment to education
propelled him into the role of Superintendent
F F F SEE MEYERS ON PAGE 6
Dr. Whit Myers receives plaque from
Superintendent Dr. Jim Thompson Photo by
Sarah Saxon
(No
particular
order)
Tucker
Thomas,
Adlleigh
Rountree,
Darion
Carter,
Se 'an Jenkins
Four students selected as
SEMI-FINALISTS in the
Governor^ Honors Program
-Amanda Kort, Special Contributor
The Georgia Governor’s Honors Program is a summer program that
provides an opportunity for intellectually gifted and artistically talented
students to study and live with other Georgia high school students of
similar abilities in a college environment for four weeks.
This program offers instruction that is significantly different from
typical high school classrooms and is designed to provide students with
academic, cultural, and social enrichment necessary to become the next
general of global critical thinkers, innovators and leaders.
The selection process is a highly competitive one, and our school
system is given a quota for the number of students who can compete for
SEE HONORS ON PAGE 2
Spring
Tour
2024
COMING TO SYLVANIA !
THE COLLINGSWORTH FAMILY
r | A* | Tuesday, April 9,2024 - 7:00 pm
Screven County Auditorium
110 Halcyondale Rd, Sylvania, GA 30467
For Tickets:
Scan code or Call: 1-800-965-9324
www.TheCollingsworthFamily.com
Brought to you by:
S The w M '
YLVANIA 1 I IVIES
Historic Sylvania, Georgia
