About The Sylvania times. (Sylvania, Ga.) 2022-current | View Entire Issue (May 15, 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. 18 May 15, 2024 LEGAL ORGAN OF SCREVEN COUNTY Sylvania, Georgia $1.25 Lifestyles ..2 | Editorials ..3 | Church News ..5 | Sports ..7 | Obituaries ..8 | Legals ..9-10 | Farm & Land.. 12 | Booking Log ..10 NOW OPEN SATURD/IY 7:00 - 5:00 Ace REWARDS 1 ■ i 1 w.? r Irv Eg /is8^ ■JE 136 Industrial Road - Sylvania, Georgia 30467 Monday - Friday 7:00 - 5:00 Saturday 7:30 - 5:00 CLOSED ON SUNDAY 912.564.2003 * >► bU Vi =3 o Th H pq ^ Tragic Shooting Leaves One Dead -Sarah Saxon. Reporter On Saturday, May 11th, a tragic incident unfolded at a residence on South Fork Road, resulting in the loss of Alan Lane's life. The harrowing event transpired when Alan's mother, Melissa Pittman Lane, allegedly shot him following a series of domestic issues. Reports indicate that Melissa, for reasons yet to be fully disclosed, felt threatened, leading to the fatal shooting of her son. Emergency services were promptly alerted, with a call to 911 registered at 12:54 p.m. Law enforcement responded to the scene, where attempts at CPR were made using a trauma kit before EMS personnel arrived. Upon EMS arrival, they took over the resuscitation efforts and swiftly transported Alan to Optim Medical Center - Screven. Despite the valiant efforts of medical personnel, Alan succumbed to his injuries. His body has since been transferred to the crime lab, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the precise cause of death. In the wake of this tragedy, Melissa Lane remains free, pending the outcome of the investigation. The case has been turned over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), who are diligently working to unravel the circumstances surrounding Alan Lane's untimely demise. Meanwhile, authorities are urging anyone with information pertaining to the incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. As the investigation unfolds, questions linger regarding the events leading up to the fatal shooting, leaving a community in mourning and seeking answers in the wake of such a devastating loss. This is a developing story and more information will be made public as it becomes available. Inset photo by Sarah Saxon Photo of Lucky Lotto sign and a note left on the door advising customers they are closed from May 8 until May 22. photo by Sarah Saxon -Sarah Saxon.Reporter At the monthly meeting on May 7, of the Sylvania City Council, a hearing concerning Lucky Lotto/ SIV Shakti LLC to deliberate on the revocation or suspension of their occupational tax certificate was addressed. The decision came following a series of incidents involving the sale of vaping products to minors by the establishment. The catalyst for this hearing traces back to an April 17 report by the Sylvania Times, which detailed the arrest of Lucky Lotto's owner, Pragneshkumer Patel, for allegedly selling vapes to minors. Under Georgia law, specifically §16-12- 171, the legal age for vaping in the state is 21 years old, with the sale of vaping and tobacco products to minors strictly prohibited and subject to potential misdemeanor charges and fines. During the hearing, Detective Norman Royal addressed the council members, providing crucial insights into the case. He revealed that Lucky Lotto had purportedly sold THC vapes to several 16-year-old juveniles, prompting concerns about underage access to vaping products within the community. Chief Shane Burke was also involved in the investigation, having been contacted by parents of minors who were found carrying vapes to Screven County High School. Upon inquiry, these minors reportedly identified Lucky Lotto as the source of their purchases. The police department had previously advised local businesses about the legal age requirement for purchasing vaping and tobacco products and the necessity of verifying customers' identification. In response to these allegations, SEE LOTTO ON PAGE 4 \JC w/ll k Close IU fwct i 0*1 School Bus and Tractor Collision Leaves No Injuries An incident on Antioch Road, Monday, May 6, around 4 p.m., brought attention to road safely concerns as a school bus and a tractor were involved in a traffic accident. The collision involved Ellen Taylor of Sylvania, the driver of the school bus, and James Pryor of Newington, who was operating the tractor. Authorities sited light on the sequence of events, revealing that Mr. Pryor was traveling north on Antioch Road while the school bus, with Taylor at t&e helm, was heading south. As the two vehicles approached each other, an unexpected encounter occurred. The plow wheels of the tractor contacted the school bus, despite being raised at the time of the crash. Fortunately, the outcome of the collision was not as dire as it could have been. Despite the intensity of the impact, there were no injuries reported among the occupants of either vehicle. Remarkably, there were two students on board the school bus when the accident transpired, highlighting the importance of safety measures and the vigilance of drivers in ensuring the well being of passengers, especially in such situations. Chamber hosts Women Empowering Women Event Jessica Mock speaks to the women gathered for the Women Empowering Women gathered at the Little Dipper for an event sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Photo by: Sarah Saxon -Sarah Saxon, Reporter On Saturday, May 4, the Screven County Chamber of Commerce held a Women Empowering Women luncheon at the Little Dipper in downtown Sylvania. Chamber Director Kylie Forehand ,, 7/ ~. A , lr -., * SEE WOMEN ON PAGE 4