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Mayor’s Reading Club Challenge underway in Pembroke this summer
Pembroke city seal

Jeff Moeller, correspondent

Pembroke Mayor Tiffany Zeigler is optimistic that her Mayor’s Reading Club Challenge can have positive effects for young students in the area, and shared her plans with the initiative at this month’s City Council meeting on June 8.

At the meeting, Zeigler outlined the program which is also highlighting the 250th anniversary of the nation. The goal is to achieve 100,00o recorded minutes among children, parents, grandparents, and teachers. According to her Facebook page, 38 readers have signed up as of June 9, and the minutes’ amount has hovered close to the 25,000 mark.

Zeigler described various increments having rewards. Individuals who register 25,000 minutes of reading would have a storytime with the mayor, 50,000 would equal a popsicle party with the mayor, 75,000 would mean Facebook recognition, and 100,000 would yield an ice cream party with the mayor. To register, go to bit.ly/PembrokeReads.

“We are working with the schools,” said Zeigler. “Getting kids to read is very important.”

Zeigler also noted that there are eight spots open for the Mayor’s Youth Council for students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.

In other news, an estimated amount of $113,924.58 was approved for a work detail with the Georgia Department of Corrections from July 2026 to June 2027. Councilmember Chris Benson confirmed the all women crew will be paid when they are actually working. He stated positive results were seen in the past with the work detail.

Police Chief Brenda Tyson stated the Leadership Bryan program was completed and Jackson White was hired as a new officer. Mayor Pro-Tem and Councilmember Johnnie Miller Sr. requested a police presence between the streets of Poplar and Garrison for speeding. He asked Tyson if radar could be enforced in the early evening of the area for potential violators, and to help avoid serious accidents.

Fire Chief Peter Waters stated there were 53 service calls and the pool opening in May. Waters also said the company is helping Family Connections with its lunch program Tuesdays and Thursdays, He added the company will host its annual summer camp during the last week in June. Waters, who also was acknowledged as a graduate of Leadership Bryan, will also be a part of the reading program at the Bryan County Summer Camp at Hendrix Park.

Zeigler also mentioned that she volunteered the police and fire departments to help students with reading during the summer in neighborhoods. where parents aren’t engaged or don’t have the opportunity to get them to the library during the day.

“This will also give the kids the opportunity to know our firefighters and police officers,” Zeigler said. “It’s a positive for the kids in our community.”

More updates:

  • In addition, the City of Pembroke’s 2025 audit is still underway and it should be completed shortly.
  • The Bryan County NAACP will host their annual Juneteenth Prayer Breakfast June 20 at the J. Dixie Harn Center.
  • Mayor Zeigler also stated that there will be no July 4th celebration this year, citing cost concerns.