About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 20, 2023)
WAR EAGLES FLY HIGH OVER THE GAMECOCKS See Page 9 i • MILLEN • PERKINS • RED HILL • SCARBORO • BUTTS • EMMALANE • THRIFT • BIRDSVILLE • FOUR POINTS • co ui ai Q\ o CO o CO LD SHOP LOCAL EAT LOCAL Vol l No 28 September 20, 2023 Quality News That Affects You Millen, Georgia $1.25 War Eagles Defeather the Gamecocks By Brad Asbury, Sports Editor for The Times Friday night at Roy Fiead Stadium was picture-perfect. A light breeze swept across the field, the temperature was somewhere in the mid-70s, fans were pouring into the stadium as the game began, and the anticipation was high for the rivalry game between Jenkins County and Screven County. Twenty-two miles separated these two teams, but it was thirty-nine that separated them on Friday night. The War Eagles would upend the Gamecocks both offensively and defensively. The War Eagles received the opening kick and were forced to a quick 3 and out as the Gamecocks seemed to pick up on the mnning plays the War Eagles were trying would take over on offense. The to execute. After a deep punt by defensive power of the War RobTravious Coney, the Gamecocks See WAR EAGLES page 9 for FULL STORY Meet the Candidates Local veteran seeks top job By Tyler Busch, Podcast Director & Staff Writer for The Times Retired Air Force veteran Terry Hearn is mnning for mayor of Millen. He served his country proudly for 21 years. In the service, Heam was an ammunition specialist and worked on conventional and nuclear bombs. These bombs were then placed onto various aircraft. He retired from the military in 1997 and currently works for a company (based out of Tamarac, Florida) that builds car washes. Prior to his current job, Heam worked for the Louisiana Department of Corrections for 10 years. He has been a Millen resident since 2016. Heam is mnning for mayor to make Millen an attractive place for businesses. One of the main issues Heam is mnning on is tackling blight/abandoned buildings. His plans for tackling blight is “to look at where all the abandoned buildings are and how they can be utilized again.The buildings should be renovated to accompany new businesses.” Heam says. In the seven years since Heam has lived in Millen, he has noticed that many of these abandoned buildings are steadily falling into disrepair. One area he believes the city can do better on is by promoting itself and hosting events that will bring outsiders to the city. “We should host softball tournaments and other events to show outsiders what Millen has to offer.” Heam wants to change the image of Millen from just being the town where the Nancy Hanks once stopped, to something more like what Georgia is known for. He describes Millen as “a small, mral town with lots of southern hospitality that you can’t find in a bigger city.” There are many benefits to living in Millen and according to Hearn, “you get a big city feel with small city ideas.” He likes the reality that in Millen, “you know your neighbors, its neighborhoods are safe, and the people who ran or own the businesses in town are your friends. Everyone looks out for one another and helps in a time of need.” This has helped shape the strong sense of community Millen can pride itself on. Helping Millen grow means bringing in new businesses and he plans to do just that. Heam states, “I would like to see chain stores come to Millen like Walmart and Lowes, stores that have a wide See HEARN page 5 Join Friends of Magnolia for State Parks Day Cleanup By Joe Brady, Editor for The Times Friends of Magnolia, in collaboration with Magnolia Springs State Park, is thrilled to invite the local community to participate in the Your State Parks Day Cleanup event on September 23, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This exciting initiative aims to bring together volunteers of all ages and skill levels to enhance the beauty and functionality of this cherished natural space. With projects designed to accommodate a diverse range of abilities, there's no reason not to join in on this day of community-driven park improvement. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a beginner looking to make a positive impact, there's a role for you at this cleanup event. Two specific areas within Magnolia Springs State Park have been earmarked for enhancement during the cleanup effort. These areas include the kiosk and the earthworks area. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own tools, as the park has a limited supply available for sharing. Your tools can make a significant difference in revitalizing these key sections of the park. As a token of appreciation, all volunteers who participate between the hours of See FRIENDS page 5 Millen Welcomes Celia's Custom Embroidery: A Hub of Creativity in the Heart of the Community Cdestine Hutley Unveils Her Passion for Embroidery By Joe Brady, Editor for The Times Millen, Georgia - Millen is now adorned with a touch of creativity, as Celestine Hutley, affectionately known as Celeste, opened the doors of Celia's Custom Embroidery in the charming old Landrum Drive Elementary School. With over two decades of history in Georgia and six years in Millen, Celeste has become an integral part of the local fabric. Originally hailing from the sunny state of Florida, Celeste and her husband, Dawrence Hutley, embarked on their journey to Georgia more than two decades ago, seeking a change of pace and a close-knit community. Now, they proudly call the friendly town of Millen their home. A Ribbon-Cutting Celebration Last Saturday, on September 9th, Millen came together for a memorable ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the grand opening of Celia's Custom Embroidery. During the event. Celeste expressed her profound love for Millen, stating, "I love Millen, and I have worked for various embroiderers in the sewing industry for many years. This is what I love to do!" Beyond custom embroidery, Celeste also offers minor alterations, showcasing her versatile skills. Her shop carries a selection of inventory ready for See RIBBON page 8 City to Enforce Sign Regulations in Public Right-of-Way By Joe Brady, Editor for The Times Millen — In an effort to maintain the aesthetics and safety of public spaces in Millen, the City is taking action to enforce local sign regulations, particularly in the public right- of-way. According to Sec. 30-25 of the city's ordinances, specific guidelines exist regarding signs in these areas, and non-compliant signs may face removal and storage behind City Hall. The city's ordinance clearly outlines the rules governing signs within the public right-of-way, which include: (1) Permanent Signs: Permanent signs that comply with city regulations are permitted in the public right-of-way. (2) Public Signs: Signs erected by or on behalf of governmental bodies to post legal notices, identify public property, convey public information, and direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic are allowed. (3) Bus Stop Signs: Signs placed by public transit companies at designated bus stops are permissible. (4) Public Utility Signs: Informational signs from public regarding tnerr pol lines, pipes, or facilities are also in compliance. (5) Awning, Projecting, and Suspended Signs: These types of signs that project over a public right-of-way is allowed but require a permit. The regular traffic outlined in Sec. 30-25, aims to ensure that signs within the public right-of- way do not compromise safety, obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or detract from the visual appeal of the city's streets. In cases where signs are found to be non-compliant with these regulations, the City may act by removing them from the public right-of-way. These removed signs will be placed in a designated fenced area behind City Hall. Candidates and individuals responsible for the signs will have the opportunity to retrieve them from this storage area, provided they adhere to the city's sign regulations. V * f V