About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 27, 2023)
T Prakul Chandra, MD • Jodi Gilmer, PA optim primaryeare Schedule appointment today: i 478.982.0120 • MILLEN • PERKINS • RED HILL • SCARBORO • BUTTS • EMMALANE • THRIFT • BIRDSVILLE • FOUR POINTS • CO U1 0) 01 O CO o CO LD Vol l No 29 September 27, 2023 Quality News That Affects You Millen, Georgia $1.25 TM® (Que®nn^ air® crowned By Joe Brady, Editor for The Times This year’s Fair on the Square Beauty Pageant was a huge success. Main Street Millen would like to thank all the contestants who participated. Our many thanks to Jessica Suggs with Durden Bank and Sam Eades with Jenkins County Times and Spring Creek Auction for being the master of ceremonies. Tiny Miss Fair on the Square Queen: Jessie Kate Butler 1st Runner Up: Braelyn Kabri Lane 2nd Runner Up: Addalynn Faye Childs Wee Miss Fair on the Square Queen: Averly Blake Jackson Miss Fair on the Square Queen: Katelyn Harris 1st Runner Up: Addilyn McKensley Marsh 2nd Runner Up: Allison Aldrich Teen Miss Fair on the Square Queen: Jaylynn Hicks 1st Runner Up: Maci Eason 2nd Runner Up: Avery Faith Wiggins Junior Miss Fair on the Square Queen: Josie Gay 1st Runner Up: Alyssa Smith 2nd Runner Up: Bristol Kenzie Lane Young Miss Fair on the Square Queen: Lainee Elexa Aspinwall 1st Runner Up: Colby Sutton Frawley 2nd Runner Up: Brinlee Kacen Lane Little Miss Fair on the Square Queen: Addison Lilly McNeal 1st Runner Up: Lynleigh Jade Overstreet 2nd Runner Up: MacKenzie Scott Toddler Miss Fair on the Square Queen: Ariah McKeena Brady 1st Runner Up: Naomi Grace Mendoza 2nd Runner Up: Bailee Anna Sharpe Meet the Candidates By Tyler Busch, Podcast Director & Staff Writer for The Times Former Millen city councilman. Dr. Giovanni Shumake announced his candidacy for mayor of Millen. He most recently served on the city council representing district one. He was born and raised in Millen and moved back to Millen to retire a few years ago. He ran for city council in 2021 to fill a vacant seat. Before mnning for city council, Shumake led a citizens advocacy group. Professionally, he taught in education for ten years, then moved into the corporate world. He taught language arts and science at the middle school level as well as being the adult education coordinator for Augusta Technical Institute in Burke County. He taught in Augusta, Statesboro, and Washington/ Wilkes County. His favorite place to teach was in Statesboro since this is where his teaching career began. In the corporate world, he was a trainer and manager as well as worked in Human Resources. Shumake resigned from his city council position on August 25, 2023, as is required by state law when qualifying for office. He had been serving on the city council for a year and eight months. While on city council Shumake states, “I have been so fortunate to advocate for the employees of the city of Millen, and was able to ensure that all full-time employees received a $750 bonus, as well as raise the base pay salary to $12 an hour.” He continued saying, “I wasn’t advocating for just residents in my district, but for all Millen residents.” Shumake did mention that while on city council they cracked down on code enforcement and making - sure ordinances were being enforced. While on city council, he was assigned to family enrichment agencies like Step-up, serving as the city representative. If elected mayor, he states, “the chairs that all city council members sitting in will be working chairs, and we will create committees where each council member would look over assigned departments’ like public works. In addition. Shumake mentions that during his time on council, time was added to meeting agendas to give council members time to have their thoughts/concems heard. Even in a crowded mayoral race, Shumake is excited to see the desire for change Millen residents are wanting. He states the following on how he is the most qualified and attractive candidate mnning for mayor; “I regularly attended city council meetings prior to going on city council, and I have led legislation that benefits city employees and residents.” He continues, “I have forged relationships with elected officials and city administrators throughout Georgia, members of the GA municipal association and the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) regional commission.” He has also attended various city council meetings throughout the state to get insight on their best practices. Awards that Shumake has been given are from the Carl Vinson Institute of Government and the Georgia Municipal Association certificate of recognition as a result of completed training courses for elected officials. He believes that it is vital that elected officials should stay updated on See SHUMAKEpage 5 The Jenkins County War Eagles are now 4-0 in regional play. They are tied with ECI for first place in the region. Pictured from left to right: (Front Row) Mya Abraham, Kynlee Wallace, Hillary Garvin, Laura Gayle Dailey, and Katie Bell. (Second Row) Lynnsey Lane, Renee Hearn (Head Coach), Cayley Linder, Shanya Lake, Jakhaila Oglesby, and Dehaje Newton. (Back Row) Callie Dailey (Assistant Coach), Aubrey Davis, Avery Wiggins, Ava Brantley, Ladaeshia Williams, Lohgan Walker, and Kolbie Motes (Assistant Coach). see more pics in He sports Historic Season Lady War Eagles Section pages 9-10. Pictured are Britany Dawkins-Nursing Director; Katy Hood-Unit Director; Kenyatta Kelly, Joanne Griffin, and Sirena McGee. Photo by S. Eades On Track Behavioral Health at JCMC Marks 4th Anniversary By Joe Brady, Editor for The Times In a celebration of compassion, care, and commitment to mental health, the On Track Behavioral Health department at Jenkins County Medical Center (JCMC) proudly commemorated its fourth anniversary last week. Since its inception, this vital unit has provided invaluable support to over 700 patients, making a profound impact on the counties it serves. Under the leadership of Antoine Poythress, CEO of Jenkins County Medical Center, the On Track Behavioral Health department has become a cornerstone of care for individuals aged 55 and over. This specialized unit offers a haven for those in need of mental health support, and it has played a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of the community. The Behavioral Health department is designed as an inpatient geriatric psychiatric unit, serving the unique § ee JCMC page 7 needs of elderly patients. Its mission is to Come Spend Time with "The Savannah Sipping Society" at the Historic Pal Theater By Joe Brady, Editor for Tin Times Laughter and camaraderie await as Millen's historic Pal Theater presents "The Savannah Sipping Society," a delightfiil comedy in two acts by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten. Directed by Donna Hooley, this production promises to be a side-splitting experience you won't want to miss. Show Dates and Ticket Information: Mark your calendars for two uproarious performances at the Pal Theater, located at 531 Cotton Avenue. The showtimes are as follows: • Friday, September 29, 2023, at 7:30 pm • Sunday, October 1, 2023, at 3:00 pm Tickets for this hilarious evening of entertainment are priced at just $10 each. They can be purchased in advance in the following ways: 1. In Person: Visit the Millen Jenkins Chamber of Commerce, where you can buy tickets using cash, check, or credit card. 2. Online: For your convenience, tickets are available online at https://tinyurl.com/57rk74I3. 3. At the Door: Tickets will also be available at the theater's entrance one hour before each show, subject to availability. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to enjoy a night out with friends and family, all while supporting the restoration of the beloved Pal Theater. The Plot: "The Savannah Sipping Society" is a heartwarming and laugh-out- loud comedy that brings together four remarkable women who find themselves at a crossroads in their lives. Bonding over chance encounters and impromptu Happy Hours, these women s ee SIPPING page 6 embark on a journey of self-discovery and V ml * f V
