About The Sylvania times. (Sylvania, Ga.) 2022-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 2024)
Hit,tonta * Newington * Rocky Ford Sylvania Oliver Cooperville Dover Halcyondale Mit t haven THESYLVANIATIMES.COM 912-451-NEWS (6397) or 478-401-5007 Follow Us on Facebook | f \ www.facebook.com/thesylvaniatimes T THE SYLVANIA TIMES VOL.3 NO. 16 May 1, 2024 LEGAL ORGAN OF SCREVEN COUNTY Sylvania, Georgia $1.25 Lifestyles ..2 | Editorials ..7 | Church News ..5 | Sports ..3-4 | Obituaries ..8 | Legals ..9-10 | Farm & Land..12 | Booking Log ..10 Monday - Friday 7:30 - 5:00 Saturday 7:30 - 5:00 CLOSED ON SUNDAY The helpful place 912.564.2003 136 Industrial Road - Sylvania, Georgia 30467 Ace REWARDS [1 ail c cts r— <u . « S' 1 -te on S-H J9 -1 <C W Police Encounter Leads to Multiple Arrests Travon Clark & Shariya Ellison were arrested by local law enforcement. -Joe Brady/Sarah Saxon Photos contributed Editor / Reporter A routine attempt to serve a warrant on April 16 escalated into a series of events involving an altercation, a stabbing report, and ultimately, the arrest of multiple individuals. Officer Spencer Bennett, along with Chief Shane Burke and Screven County Sheriff’s Deputies Allen Anderson, Dwight Singleton, and Steve Singleton, responded to an address on Curtis Street in Sylvania to execute a warrant. Upon arrival at the residential complex, officers could hear commotion emanating from behind the closed apartment door. As they attempted to establish contact, a call came into 911 reporting a stabbing incident on First Street. Several units departed to respond to the urgent call, leaving Chief Burke at the scene on Curtis Street. “I waited because I knew the suspect would flee the scene.” During this time, Chief Burke observed Travon Clark exiting the residence. However, upon seeing the police chief, Clark swiftly retreated inside the premises. Sensing the stabbing incident was a false call, officers swiftly surrounded the residence and successfully gained entry. Clark was apprehended and subsequently charged with Obstructing Law Enforcement Officers and because it was determined the suspect manufactured the stabbing call; False Report of a Crime. During the apprehension, law enforcement officers discovered an AR Pistol in the room with Clark. In addition to Clark, Shariya Ellison was taken into custody for charges of Obstruction of an Officer and Hindering Apprehension or Punishment of a Criminal. Furthermore, Ashley Johnson, another occupant of the residence, voluntarily went to the police department to provide her statement regarding the events. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of law enforcement operations and the importance of swift and decisive action by officers in ensuring public safely. BACKPACK PROGRAM RECEIVES GRANT The Backpack Program at Screven County Elementary School has received a vital boost in funding, thanks to a generous grant... Page 2 QUINTET NAMED FIRST TEAM ALL REGION Page 4 THE POET’S CORNER Page 5 2023 Annual Water Quality Report (CCR) This report is a snapshot of last year's water quality. We are committed to providing you with information because informed customers are our best allies. Page 10 EARLY VOTING BEGAN APRIL 29-MAY 17 BOND DENIED IN MILLEN DOUBLE HOMICIDES -Joe Brady. Editor Bond has been denied for Raheem Whitfield in the March 24, slayings of Tyrell Brown and Maxine Jones, both of Millen. Whitfield appeared in court last Wednesday, April 24 to have either bond set or denied for his role in the murders. Whitfield will remain in the Jenkins County Jail until the time for his trial, the Grand Jury convenes in June to determine indictment. Whitfield, 28, of Waynesboro turned himself into authorities and was arrested two days later and charged with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. RAHEEM WHITFIELD Junior Women’s Club holds Candidate Forum Candidates in attendance for the Sylvania Junior Women’s Club Candidate Forum, photo by: Sarah Saxon -Sarah Saxon. Reporter On Monday evening, the community of Screven County gathered at the Screven County Courthouse for a pivotal event in the lead-up to the upcoming elections. Hosted by the Sylvania Junior Women’s Club, the Candidate Forum Agenda provided a platform for candidates running for various offices to address pressing issues, share their platforms, and engage directly with constituents. The evening commenced with a warm welcome from Billiejoe Lea, setting the tone for an evening of civic engagement and dialogue. The solemnity of the occasion was marked by the American Legion Post 7116 leading the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. Moderated by Sandy Powell, president of the Women’s Club, the forum adhered to a structured agenda, with each candidate allotted three minutes to articulate their platform speeches. From discussions on job creation to infrastructure concerns, the candidates tackled a spectrum of issues crucial to the community’s welfare. Following the introductory speeches, attendees had the opportunity to pose questions to the candidates, addressing a myriad of local concerns. The 2024 Livestock Queen, Lilly Doss, facilitated this process, ensuring a fair and transparent exchange of ideas. Among the array of candidates present were contenders for positions ranging from Board of Commissioners to Chief Magistrate and Probate Court Judge. Each candidate offered unique perspectives and proposals aimed at addressing the challenges facing Screven County. The candidates addressed issues on how to grow jobs in Screven County, the continuing road maintenance issues, and the possible downsizing of the library, which Commissioner Willis thought would be a good idea citing the example, “nobody uses computers anymore, they use cell phones.” Commissioner Rosa Romeo disagreed with the potential plan, stating the library was very important to this community. In another question, Candidate Tony Monte explained that if elected, he wanted to add constables to the SEE CANDIDATE ON PAGE 10 Pictured are the officers who were inducted into the 2024 Women s Auxiliary, photo by Sarah Saxon VFW Auxiliary Inducts New Officers -Sarah Saxon, Reporter On Thursday, April 25, the Sylvania VFW Auxiliary 7116 installed new officers. Established in 1914, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary set out to serve the veterans of this country and our communities in honor of the sacrifices and commitment of every man and woman who has served in uniform. The VFW Auxiliary is one of the nation’s oldest veterans’ service organizations and our members are the relatives of those who served in a location of foreign conflict. Nearly 470,000 members in more than 3,500 Auxiliaries nationwide, plus three foreign-based Auxiliaries, volunteer millions of hours and fundraise millions of dollars for charitable projects that benefit veterans, military service personnel and their families. The officers who were inducted and photographed below are President Melissa Talley, Senior Vice President/Secretary Kim Oglesby, Junior Vice President Vicent Talley, Treasurer Denise Avery, Guard Nancy Thompson, Conductor Jessica Hall, Chaplin Lori Scott, and Trustee 1 year Helen Lowe. »nder Sweet. 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