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THE SYLVANIA TIMES
VOL.3 NO. 13 April 10,2024 | LEGAL ORGAN OF SCREVEN COUNTY | Sylvania, Georgia $ 1.25
Lifestyles ..2 | Editorials ..7 | Church News ..5 | Sports ..3 | Obituaries ..8 | Legals ..9-10 | Farm & Land..15 | Booking Log ..10 |
Monday - Friday 7:30 - 5:00
Saturday 7:30 - 3:00
CLOSED ON SUNDAY
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Sylvania Man Arrested in Undercover Sting
-Joe Brady. Editor
On March 17, 2024, the Millen Police Department's
Internet Suppression Team (MIST) made a significant
arrest in a case involving the attempted exploitation of a
minor. Robert Bettis, a 66-year-old man from Sylvania,
was apprehended as he arrived at a location in Millen,
where he believed he would be meeting a 14-year-old girl.
The operation leading to Bettis's arrest began over a
month earlier, on February 15, when he first contacted
an undercover decoy posing as a young girl on a popular
social media platform. Detective Tony Taylor, involved
in the investigation, shared that Bettis was fully aware
the person he was communicating with was 14 years old.
Despite this, he escalated the conversations to include
sexual content.
The sting operation culminated on March 17, when
Bettis, believing he was going to meet the underage
decoy, arrived at a predetermined location near a local
business in Millen. He was arrested by officers without
any resistance.
Following his arrest, Bettis was taken to the Jenkins
County Jail, where he has been charged with aggravated
child molestation and enticing a child for indecent
purposes. He currently awaits further legal proceedings.
This arrest underscores the ongoing efforts of law
enforcement agencies to protect minors from online
predators. The Millen Police Department, through
initiatives like the MIST, continues to work diligently
to identify and apprehend individuals seeking to exploit
children through the internet.
The case also serves as a stark reminder to parents
and guardians about the importance of monitoring their
children's online activities and educating them about
the potential dangers they may encounter.
DR. MORGAN’S
MINUTE
I bet you will agree; nothing
turns a good day upside down
like a nasty headache.
Page 2
PLANTERS EMC
SCHOLARSHIPS
Planters Electric Membership
Corporation (EMC) is accepting
applications for the Planters
EMC Scholarship. All high
school seniors who are the son
or daughter of a Planters EMC
member are eligible to apply.
Page 2
NEWS ACROSS
GEORGIA
A Glynn County man has
been sentenced to 20 years
after pleading guilty to
trafficking drugs that led to
two fatal overdoses.
Page 4
CROSSWORD
PUZZLE,
SUDOKU
Page 6
FISHING WITH
JACK
Fishing has been really good
lately. I hope it has for you too.
Fish have been biting all over
Georgia. Especially at one of
my favorite spots to go with all
of my buddies.
Lake Lanier and Lanier
Islands. What a place! A
Getaway Resort in Georgia.
Page 15
2024 LIVESTOCK
SHOW WINNERS
The annual Livestock
Festival Show is now over
and in the books for another
year.
Page 15
County Celebrates Success
at the 73rd
Annual Livestock Show
-Joe Brady, Editor
The curtains have closed on the 73rd Annual Livestock Show, marking
another successful year of agricultural excellence and community spirit
in Sylvania. This year's event saw remarkable entries across various
categories, showcasing the hard work and dedication of participants who
have become the pride of the community.
Emerging as the overall champion, Dustin Brannen clinched the title
with his exceptional heifer entry, demonstrating not just superior livestock
rearing skills but a deep understanding of agricultural practices that left
the judges and attendees impressed. Brannen's victory is a testament to
the high standards and competitive spirit that define the annual show.
In the realm of market goats, Adie Rountree stood out from
the competition, being named the Grand Champion Market Goat
Showmanship. Rountree's expertise and connection with her entry
captivated the audience, highlighting the diverse talent present in this
year’s lineup of participants.
Not to be outdone, DC Burke, Jr. claimed the prestigious title of Grand
Champion Market Hog, adding to the roster of winners who represent
the best of the best in livestock showmanship. Burke's dedication and
skillful handling of his entry were evident, earning him top honors in a
highly competitive category.
The Sylvania Times extends heartfelt congratulations to all the winners
of this year's livestock show. Their achievements not only reflect their
individual commitment to agricultural excellence but also contribute
to the rich tradition of the event, which has become a cornerstone of
community life in Screven County.
We also wish to express our deep gratitude to all participants, whose
hard work and enthusiasm make the livestock show a highlight of the
year. The dedication of each exhibitor adds to the vibrancy and success
of the event, ensuring its place as a beloved annual tradition.
For those eager to relive the moments or catch a glimpse of the winners
and other entries, additional photos and highlights from the event can be
found on page 11 of our latest issue. The Sylvania Times looks forward
to continuing to support and celebrate the agricultural achievements of
our community in the years to come.
DC Burke, Jr
Grand Champion Market Hog
Georgia Lawmakers
Demand Action on
Postal Service Delays
Delays could impact
UPCOMING ELECTION SEASON
-Joe Brady. Editor
A group of Georgia's congressional representatives, led by Congressman
Hank Johnson, is intensifying pressure on the United States Postal Service
(USPS) to address persistent mail delays in the state which have sparked
widespread concern among constituents, particularly regarding the timely
receipt of absentee ballots.
The issue came to the forefront when constituents reported not receiving
their absentee ballots for a recent election, a problem that Congressman
Johnson described as both "ridiculous" and deeply upsetting. Despite
assurances given, the aftermath of the election revealed a significant number
of voters were disenfranchised due to delayed ballot delivery.
Investigations into the source of these delays point to operational
challenges at the USPS Regional Processing and Distribution Center
in Palmetto, which was inaugurated earlier this year with the goal of
consolidating mail distribution to enhance efficiency. Despite these
intentions, the facility has been overwhelmed by backlogs, with reports of
delayed mail and packages, as well as extensive waiting times for trucks
attempting to enter the premises.
In response to the growing outcry, Congressman Johnson, along with
three other congressional representatives, has penned a letter to USPS
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, demanding a thorough explanation and
immediate rectification of the ongoing issues. The letter seeks clarity on the
measures being taken to address the concerns of affected customers.
"The buck has to stop somewhere with this, and it stops right at the
desk of Louis DeJoy," stated Congressman Johnson, underscoring the
urgency of the situation. However, attempts to engage directly with USPS
representatives for comment were rebuffed, with a promise to respond to
inquiries via email—a promise that remains unfulfilled.
The concern extends beyond the immediate inconveniences caused by mail
delays, touching on the broader implications for democratic participation.
With critical elections on the horizon, there is growing apprehension that
unresolved postal service inefficiencies could undermine the integrity of
mail-in voting, casting a shadow over the forthcoming 2024 election.
As the situation unfolds, Georgia's lawmakers continue to seek answers
and action from the Postal Service, emphasizing the need for swift and
effective solutions to ensure that postal operations do not impede citizens'
ability to vote, especially amidst heightened concerns over voter suppression
and electoral fairness.
At the Times Newspaper offices, we have started registering complaints
with individual post offices. With readers complaining daily they haven’t
received a newspaper in over a month, something needs to be done.
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