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US POSTAGE PAID
SYLVANIA, GA
PERMIT NO. 4
Words of
Encouragement
PAGE 3
JENKINS COUNTY • MILLEN • PERKINS • SCARBORO • BUTTS • EMMALANE • THRIFT • BIRDSVILLE
Jenkins County Times
Vol 1 No 1 March 3, 2023 Quality News That Affects You Millen, Georgia $1.25
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Milton arrested on fraud charges
Victims cheated out of $50 thousand
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
Robert Allen Milton currently
sits in the Screven County Jail. His
victims mainly around the CSRA
are glad he’s there, they just wish
they had their money. Milton is
suspected of swindling the public
in a scam involving swimming
pool installations. “If anyone has
had any business dealing with Mr.
Robert Allan Milton they are urged
to contact the Screven County
Sheriff’s Office and as for Investi
gator Dwight Singleton.” Investi
gator Singleton may be reached at
912-564-2013.
Back and better
THAN EVER
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
It has been an awful two months; I have missed writing the news for
my hometown. But I did tell you I would be back! I have had many
texts, calls, and questions as to how I would address that article in the
other paper.
My response, get ready for it, is nothing. Granny would box my ears
if I stooped low enough to address those comments. It has always been
my desire to bring Jenkins County a newspaper they could be proud
of, a newspaper like we gave Screven County. In fact, a friend of mine,
Tim, has asked on numerous occasions why Millen can’t have a good
paper? Well, here it is.
Not since Frank Edenfield has Millen/Jenkins County had a truly
local paper. The Times is laid out here, written here, and by people you
know. As I look through the first edition I can’t help but feel like this is
one big family reunion!
We have Tara, Joshua, Carmen, Brad, Sam, Talmadge, Debbie and
even me. We also have some new faces that you will learn to love like
we do, Tyler, Hannah, Jake, and even Bam. Everybody needs to meet
Bam. We also have a column entitled, “Words of Wisdom”. I think
you’ll like it. So, in short, it’s good to be back home! We hope you
enjoy the fresh new modem look of your newest newspaper. Don’t
wrap fish with this one.
School expansion to offer more
choices for students
School Emergency Relief Fund
(ARPESSERIII). These funds were
a result of the federal government’s
response to the COVID 19
pandemic,” explains John Paul
Heam, Assistant Superintendent of
the Jenkins County School System.
The total cost for the expansion is
$5.1 million.
One of the parts of the addition is
adding elementary classrooms on
the end of the current JCES wings
for exploratory classes. Exploratory
courses are a series of courses that
provides students with experiences
beyond core subjects. “The courses
offer students an opportunity to try
something new or to explore more
into an interest area,” explains Tara
Cooper, Superintendent.
The addition also includes a
new art room, band room, and
the addition of a STEAM lab and
class which will expose students
to a new world of technology and
engineering. “Our elementary
students were traveling across the
school to get to their exploratory
classes. Now all those classes are
within the halls of JCES,” Heam
states.
John Paul explains that the wing
closest to the viaduct will house
high school classes on the second
story. “In addition to that we are
also adding a middle school ag
lab and classroom where the old
D-wing was in front of the green
house. This will give our middle
school students easier access to the
greenhouse and allow for easier
collaboration between the middle
and high school ag programs.”
TQ Constmctors, Inc., based in
Metter is responsible for the project
and has an occupancy date of mid
July 2023. “We hope to have
classes ready for the new school
year,” explains Cooper. There will
still be some exterior work until
October 2023 but there should not
be any dismption to classes.
MSM creates
unique fundraiser
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
Main Street Millen has gotten creative in the fundraising department.
This year the group promises to egg our yards for a nominal fee.
“Have your front yard filled with candy stuffed eggs and greetings
from the Easter Bunny,” explains Mandy Underwood, director of the
organization.
The group will only deliver eggs to Jenkins County and will decorate
the evening before Easter, Saturday, April 8th. “Customers have a
choice,” Underwood continues, “they may choose to have the eggs
hidden or they may pick up the eggs.” For more information, please
contact the Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce office at 478-982-
5595. Or you may visit the website at https://checkout.square.site/buy/
JF366LJPCSZYNSAKNJSZRRQQ to sign up.
The expansion is made possible by the American Rescue Plan-Elementary and
Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund. These funds were a result of the federal
government’s response to the COVID 19pandemic, (photo by J.P. Hearn)
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
In the past several months,
the school grounds have been
busy with more than the sound
of children’s voices raised in
play. The sound of constmction
can be heard daily as our school
undergoes an expansion that
leaves Board of Education
officials excited for the
opportunity.
“We are very excited about the
addition to our school. We are
using funds made available to
us though the American Rescue
Plan - Elementary and Secondary
Fall in love with Sweet Blossom Alpacas
By Jake Gay, Reporter
for
The Times
Y’all aren’t going to believe this, but there’s an Alpaca farm in Millen! I recently got
the opportunity to speak with Mrs. Debbie Pettis, and her husband Narvel. Together they own Sweet Blossom Alpacas.
“Our interest in alpaca began with me reading a newspaper article in 2008 which had a photo of an
alpaca. I didn't know what an alpaca was but had heard of a llama which they are related to. In
2008, alpacas (and llamas) were not well known as they are today,” explains Debbie.
The article referenced how the alpaca fiber was used for yam, and other clothing
items. This fiber is produced every year and then harvested by shearing them like
sheep. “This intrigued Narvel and I, so we visited an alpaca farm. I fell in love
with them, and my husband fell in love shortly thereafter, he really had no choice,”
she laughs.
The couple admits to doing a lot of research on the animals. Then they spent 6
months or so making their property suitable for them. “And Sweet Blossom Alpaca
Farm was started when our first six alpaca arrived on Mother's Day in 2009. We haven't
looked back since. There is something very special about alpacas & llamas and anyone
that has spent a good amount of time with them will understand that statement. Our
farm name represents watching the cria (alpaca baby) blossom into a beautiful adult
alpaca.”
The Pettis’ are
breeders who ensure
the next generation
of offspring is of
greater quality than the
previous. “The breeding
decision is based on
scientific data including tests
on their fiber. The results are
entered into a national database,
Expected Progeny Differences
(EPDs). We also visit alpaca
shows as well as attending various
conferences in the northeast.”
The couple also compete in fleece
shows.
Sweet Blossom Alpaca Farm
works to educate public and
potential breeders in raising alpaca.
“We provide mentoring to all new
alpaca owners and are always available
for questions and guidance in raising
alpaca.”
In addition to farm tours, the couple also has a store
stocked with items made from alpaca fiber. “People are
amazed at the softness of the clothing. We offer scarves,
socks, hats, blankets, and sweaters.”
The farm is located at 676 Hiltonia Road and may be Narvel and Debbie Pettis are the proud owners of Sweet Blossom
reached by dialing 813-335-7387 or by visiting WWW. Alpaca Farm. The couple offers tours and a store featuring products
SWeetblossomalpacas.com made with alpaca fiber, (photo contributed)
I come To The New Jenki ns County Ti mes!
WE ARE HERE TO SERVE YOCT
(478) 982-4221 931 E Wlnthnope Ave, Millen, GA30442
