About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (April 14, 2023)
Local Living ..2 | Perspective ..4 Faith & Family ..3 Eagle News ..8 Farming & Fishing ..6 Sports 9 & 10 Crossword & Sudoku Page 7 I s * You're Never to Old Page 5 Jenkins County Sports Page 8 Shop Local and Eat Local Local law enforcement apprehend suspect By Joe Brady, Editor for The Times Law enforcement with the Millen Police Department and the Jenkins County Sheriff’s Office arrested Marcus Brown, 37, of Millen on an outstanding warrant from Richmond County. The warrant charges Brown with sexual exploitation of children, a felony. Brown has been transported to the Jenkins County Jail, awaiting pick-up by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. Marcus Brown Bethel Celebrates 120 Years Cooper announces retirement Special to The Times Mrs. Tara Cooper, Superintendent of Jenkins County Schools, has announced her retirement effective June 30, 2023. Mrs. Cooper has been Superintendent in Jenkins County since 2011 and says, “I have loved working for my hometown, and am so proud of all of the progress we have made in the last twelve years!” Progress shown in the graduation rate last year was 82%, the highest in the last fifteen years! The graduation rate was 68% when Mrs. Cooper began as Superintendent and she has worked closely with the board members and administrators to make graduating a priority for all Jenkins County students. “The work there is not done, but The students know me, and they know that they can count on me if they need help. we have made significant progress.” Other areas in academics have reached new heights in the Jenkins County School System as well. Results from Milestones testing for grades 3rd-8th, and End of Course testing for 9th-12th have dramatically increased since the tests of 2011. Jenkins County is no longer in the bottom two counties in performance, but scores higher than most of the counties in the CSRA. Several academic areas in each of the schools are higher than the state average and the CSRA RESA counties, and one area is one of the highest in the state! Even in the wake of the pandemic. Tara & Cary Cooper the schools are performing at a rate not only comparable to peer school districts, but better in most areas. During Mrs. Cooper’s tenure as Superintendent, a new PreK-12th See COOPER page 5 By Wanda Dwight Special Contributor for The Times At 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 16, 2023, Bethel AME Church will celebrate 120 years at its Walnut Street location. Surrounded by Jenkins County Medical Center, James L. Henry Administrative Building (housing the Jenkins County Board of Commissioners & Jenkins County Magistrate Court), Regions Bank, USDA Service Center, Southeast Produce Council, and the Millen Municipal Complex, Bethel is a lasting reminder of a former residential community that gave birth to many of its members. This year’s anniversary kicks off the church’s 120 Capital Campaign. Church trustee Pamelia Dwight points to the transformation of Walnut Street, with the current expansion of the Jenkins County Medical Center. She shares that the 120 Capital Campaign initiative is not “keeping up with the Joneses,” but is the church’s vision for remaining good stewards of the amazing trust the property represents. According to Dwight, Bethel represents a legacy left by trailblazers who served during its 120-year history, including her mother, the late Mrs. Shirley Dwight. “We hold fond memories of growing up in Bethel and the surrounding neighborhood. As we reflect on our 120-year journey, we are aware of our presence in an evolving landscape. We recognize our responsibility and call to maintain our relevance and viability in an ever-changing community. We are excited about our future at 217 Walnut Street. Google us at BethelMillen.org to learn more about our journey into the future, and please join us for our 120th Anniversary Celebration.” Rev. Jerlyn Smith-Hudson is the pastor, and the guest preacher will be Rev. Stephen Ivey, pastor of Flatrock Baptist Church (Matthews, GA) and Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church (Warrenton, GA). The Jenkins County Middle High School Symphonic Band recently performed for the Georgia Music Educators Association Festival; a statewide evaluation that rates the quality of music programs throughout Georgia. Our War Eagles Band scored a “Superior” rating from all four judges to include the Sight-Reading judge. This is another wonderful “first” and the students are thrilled to continue their journey through success. Great things come from Jenkins County! The JCMHS Band invites you, the public, to enjoy a night of music on May 23 at 7PM at the PAL theater. The JCMHS Beginning Band, JCMHS Symphonic Band, and our very own special guest, Mr. Phillip Young, will give you a musical night to remember! As always, we thank our Jenkins County School System Board of Education, Jenkins County Middle High School Staff, and the Jenkin County Chamber of Commerce for their relentless support of our children. Photo contributed. Body discovered in Atwell Avenue residence By Joe Brady, Editor for The Times Millen Police responded to a call at an East Atwell Avenue residence Monday, April 10 at approximately 3:30 p.m., in response to a possible dead body. Upon arrival, officers discovered a body that appeared to have been dead over an extended period. Although there were no obvious signs of foul play, the corpse has been sent to the state crime lab in establishing a cause of death. Authorities are awaiting confirmation of the deceased’s identity. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Millen Police Department at 478-982-2750. The Jenkins County Times will bring you further information as it becomes available. Photo contributed. JENKINS COUNTY 931 E Winthrope Ave, Millen, GA 30442 Our Swing Bed skilled care program is the in-patient extended care you need to get home and back to your life. We help you regain your independence. Visitjenkingmedicalcenter.com or call 478.982.4221 for more information.
