About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 27, 2023)
Page 2 - Wednesday, September 27, 2023 The Jenkins County Times j enkinsc ountytimes .com Band gives impromptu performance The JCMHS band gave an impromptu perfomiance Saturday on the sidewalk in front of B&T’s Food Fresh. The band was accepting donations for equipment and competitions throughout the school year. “Donations to the band are accepted anytime. We give these perfomiances throughout the school year as a way of showing our appreciation to our town,” Band Director Jim McBride explained. If you would like to help the JCMHS band you may drop off monetary donations at the Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce, Jenkins County High School office, or the Jenkins County Times/Spring Creek Auction office. Jenkins County School District Welcomes New Bus to Fleet By Joe Brady, Editor for The Times In a forward-thinking move aimed at bolstering both their transportation services and environmental stewardship, the Jenkins County Board of Education has unanimously given the green light to the purchase of a brand-new gasoline engine bus. The decision, supported by a combination of state and local funding, signals a smart financial and eco-friendly choice for the county's school bus fleet. The Jenkins County School District is poised to take its transportation infrastructure to the next level with the approval of a new 72-passenger gasoline engine bus. This addition promises not only to improve the quality of student transportation but also to align the district with modem environmental standards. The acquisition of this modem bus comes with a price tag of $133,900. In a display of partnership between the state and the local community, the state has generously contributed $88,000 toward the purchase, with the remaining $45,000 covered by local funding. This cooperative effort underscores the district's commitment to making essential upgrades while being mindful of taxpayer dollars. This state-of- the-art school bus will be equipped with several features designed to enhance the comfort and safety of its passengers. Notable amenities include air conditioning to combat the region's sweltering summers and camera systems to bolster security and monitor onboard activities. A critical factor influencing the board's decision in favor of a gasoline engine bus was the recent surge in diesel fuel prices and the proposed regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning diesel engines. With diesel prices at record highs and the EPA's commitment to tightening regulations on diesel emissions, the board deemed the gasoline engine bus not only a cost- effective choice but also a more environmentally responsible one. While the gasoline engine bus represents a slightly lower upfront cost compared to diesel alternatives, the board's decision underscores its dedication to fiscal responsibility and sustainability. By choosing this option, the district aims to reduce operational costs and contribute to a cleaner environment for the benefit of future generations. The Jenkins County Board of Education's choice to invest in this modem gasoline engine bus reflects its commitment to providing the highest level of transportation services to students while making pmdent financial and eco-conscious decisions. This decision serves as a positive example for other educational institutions striving to balance cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility in their transportation solutions. As the new bus is incorporated into the county's fleet, the Jenkins County Board of Education's forward- looking approach underscores its dedication to delivering excellence in education while keeping an eye on the future. The Times Printing Services ► BROCHURES ► BUSINESS CARDS FLYERS CERTIFICATES INVITATI LCI ILn3 ENVELOPES BANNERS . J* •/ OTHER ACCESSORIES YOURALLAROUNDPRINTSHOP Call Today! (912)451-6397 (getting. to knout tyenkin* County By Sam Eades, Publisher/ Writer for The Times CAMP LAWTON - A short time in history Pt. 1 I could go on and on about Camp Lawton and the things I have learned while living in Jenkins County. However, I am going to write this article in parts. This is the first part of Camp Lawton, a short time in history. Camp Lawton was located where Magnolia State Park sits now. It was only in existence for six weeks in 1864. It is known as the largest prison in the world, according to its planner. Brigadier General John H. Winder. It is noted that Camp Lawton was named for the small community of Lawton along the railroad tracks that was located in the East of Jenkins County. Some folks believe that Camp Lawton and the community were named after Confederate Quartermaster, General A. R. Lawton. However, no such records have been found to document that fact. The community of Lawton would eventually beccome Lawtonville. This quaint little town was also home to Lawton Station which was named for General Lawton, because he was president of the Augusta and Savannah railroad prior to the war. Camp Lawton was built to alleviate the over crowding at Camp Sumter in June of 1864. Camp Sumter was also known as Andersonville. After researching Camp Lawton, there is no reason given for why Mr. Winder chose Millen for a camp site. But I would say it is because of the resources that would be close by. Water, Land, and Food and of course the railroad had alot to do with its location. I am sure. I bet you didn't know this, but the site of Camp Lawton was leased at the time from Mrs. Caroline Elizabeth Jones. She was the widow of Batt Jones. It is said that the stream that ran through the camp, came from two great sources of water. The large spring, which was part of an artesian spring system that most locals called Magnolia Springs. They dammed the lower half of the stream in the dog leg and this part would be used for sewage to go down stream. The upper half would be used as clean drinking water, washing and bathing. Eventually, this water would flow through the ditch that served as a camp latrine. It seems that the artifical channel still exists at this very site. The total prison was forty two acres, framed by fifteen foot high stockade walls. These walls were made from Pine Trees located on the property. And, what they called a "deadline" was built to keep prisoners from scaling the walls and escaping. Deadline walls are low fencing made from pine scantlings inside the perimeter of the wall. The camp also included hand built brick ovens that were used for baking and cooking food for the prisoners. Next week, we will discuss the capicity that the prison would hold and a few stories on what has been found in this historical site. See ya next week! Sam Purvis wins jackpot at Spring Creek Miranda Purvis won a whopping $250 Saturday night in the nightly jackpot drawing. There won’t be any auctions Sept. 29-30 but we will be back Oct. 6-7 with Kyle on Friday and Debra on Saturday. Great Deals, Great People, Great Fun! Have a great recipe you want to share? We’re looking for good home cooks! email: thejenkinscountytimes@gmail.com or send recipe along with your name & phone number to: JCTimes P.O. Box 1448, Millen, GA 30442
