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Jenkins County Times
MILLEN • PERKINS • RED HILL • SCARBORO • BUTTS • EMMALANE • THRIFT • BIRDSVILLE • FOUR POINTS •
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Vol 1 No 32 October 18, 2023
Quality News That Affects You
Millen, Georgia $1.25
Joint Investigation Leads
to Arrest of Lambert
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
arrest of Hayden Christopher Lambert,
a 19-year-old resident of Sylvania.
Lambert was taken into custody in
Screven County, Georgia, with the
cooperation and assistance of the
Screven County Sheriffs Department.
Hayden Christopher Lambert
faces serious charges, including
Computer or Electronic Pornography
and unlawful distribution of Material
to minors. These charges reflect the
gravity of the alleged offenses and the
commitment of law enforcement to
protect the well-being of children in
the community.
The Millen Police Department and
Screven County Sheriffs Department,
worked diligently on this complex
case, relying on digital forensics and
investigative techniques to uncover
evidence that led to Lambert's arrest.
The arrest operation was conducted
with the support and collaboration
of the Screven County Sheriffs
Department, ensuring the safety and
efficiency of the arrest.
As of now, Lambert is in custody at
the Jenkins County Jail, where he will
remain pending court action.
Local law enforcement agencies
emphasize the importance of
monitoring online activities, especially
when it comes to potential threats to
minors. Parents and guardians are
encouraged to remain vigilant and
engaged in their children's online
interactions and report any suspicious
behavior to the authorities.
This arrest serves as a testament to
the dedication of local law enforcement
to safeguarding the well-being of
the community's most vulnerable
members and reinforces the message
that child sexual exploitation will not
be tolerated. Further updates on the
case will be provided as it progresses
through the legal system.
Meet the Candidates
King Rocker: A Lifelong Jenkins County Advocate and Steward of Growth
The Millen Police Department
announced the successful conclusion
of a two-month child sexual
exploitation investigation with the
King Rocker, bom and raised in
Jenkins County, is not just a name
but a symbol of commitment,
progress, and unwavering
dedication to the people he serves.
A Jenkins County native and
High School graduate as well as a
proud alumnus of the University
of Georgia, King Rocker has deep
roots in this area. He has built a
life here, married Beth
Dwelle, and together
they've raised two
children, Katherine, and
Matthew. Not only a
devoted family man, but
King Rocker is also a
thriving business owner,
operating Rocker Supply,
a local enterprise.
King Rocker's journey
into community service
began at a young age.
At just 13 years old,
he started working
alongside Frank Garvin,
and this early exposure to
community involvement
would shape his future.
Later, he joined the
Bank of Millen, working
with his father, Watson,
further cementing his
connection to the city
and its residents.
His remarkable
career in public service
includes two decades
as the Mayor of
Jenkins County. Before
that, he served as a
City Councilman for 13 years,
amassing an impressive 33 years
of experience. As the owner of
Rocker Supply, King Rocker
has managed the business for 35
years, showcasing his unwavering
commitment to the community
and local economy.
During his time as mayor,
Millen has faced challenges.
particularly the loss of its
industrial base. In 2008, the
community experienced the
loss of 1,700 industrial jobs.
During this economic downturn.
Core Civic purchased land and
initiated the construction of a
prison, becoming a vital partner
in the region's revitalization.
King Rocker has been
instrumental in
diversifying the local
job market, fostering
new opportunities and
businesses, from the
prison system to the
reopening of MI Metals.
He takes immense pride
in the resilience of Millen
and Jenkins County. He
said, "Obviously what
we are doing in the city
is working; we shouldn't
change that."
The mayor also
recognizes the need
for collaboration,
mentioning a pressing
issue - the landfill
situation. Privatizing
it had unintended
consequences, impacting
the city's finances. He
intends to work with
the county to find a
negotiated solution to
this problem.
Furthermore, King
Rocker has ambitious
plans for the city's
future. “I envision an
See MAYOR page 7
Incumbent Mayor King Rocker and his wife Beth
County Lowers Millage Rate,
Easing Property Tax Burden in 2023
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
Jenkins County - In a move welcomed by taxpayers in
Jenkins County, the County Commission has announced a
significant reduction in the millage rate, providing much-
needed relief for property owners in 2023. This decision
comes as a response to concerns raised after property
value reassessments earlier this year, as reported by the
Jenkins County Times (JCT) on August 8, 2023.
The previously looming threat of a substantial tax
increase was a cause for concern among local taxpayers
following the reassessment of property values. However,
the Jenkins County Commission has stepped in to address
these concerns by taking action to lower the millage rate.
The city took an initial step in this direction by rolling
back its millage rate, and now the county has followed
suit.
The new millage rate of 7.695 is a testament to the
County Commission's commitment to easing the
financial burden on property owners in Jenkins County.
This rate is expected to have a direct and positive impact
on property tax bills for 2023.
To put this reduction into perspective, a property
valued at $100,000 will now incur approximately $770 in
property taxes at the lowered millage rate of 7.695. This
represents a welcome reduction in property tax expenses
for homeowners and businesses alike, providing valuable
financial respite.
"Hee Haw" Revival Brings
Nostalgia and Laughter to
Historic Pal Theatre
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
Millen - Get ready for a night of timeless country classics, humor,
and good old-fashioned entertainment as the Jenkins County Players
bring the beloved 1970s and 80s hit television show "Hee Haw" to life
this Saturday at the Historic Pal Theatre on Cotton Avenue in Millen,
Georgia.
The show promises to transport audiences back in time to the era of
"Hee Haw," where classic tunes like "Gloom, Despair, and Agony on Me,"
"Harper Valley PTA," and "Happy Trails to You" will once again echo
through a theater. The cast, led by Sheriff Robert Oglesby, will perform
old hits from Patsy Cline, "Scarlet Ribbons," "Man of Constant Sorrow,"
and more, while the whole Hee Haw gang
will come together to sing old hymns and See HEEHAW page 7
Georgia Department of
Agriculture Recognizes Gay
Family as Centennial Farm
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
A momentous occasion
unfolded at the Georgia National
Fair as the Georgia Department
of Agriculture honored the Gay
family for their unwavering
commitment to farming and their
enduring legacy. The Gays have
been officially recognized as a
Centennial Farm, a prestigious
distinction awarded to farms that
have been continuously owned
and operated by a single family
for 100 years or more.
John B. Gay, a dedicated
steward of the land, and his family,
proudly received this prestigious
recognition at a special ceremony
during the Georgia National
Fair. The event was attended by
a multitude of well-wishers and
dignitaries, including Georgia
Commissioner of Agriculture,
Tyler Harper.
A Century Farm, or Centennial
Farm, is not just a testament
to a family's determination
and hard work, but it is also
a symbol of the deep-rooted
agricultural traditions that have
shaped the history of our great
nation. The Gay family's century-
long dedication to their farm
showcases the enduring spirit
and passion of America's famiing
families.
Commissioner Harper, who
presented the award to the
Gay family, commended their
dedication to agriculture. He
stated, "The Gay family is a
shining example of the legacy
and values that our state holds
dear. They have not only
sustained their farm through a
century of challenges but have
also contributed significantly to
our state's agricultural heritage.
It's truly an honor to recognize
their remarkable achievements."
The Centennial Farm
designation is a remarkable
achievement and a significant
milestone for the Gay family,
who have faced and overcome
the many challenges of farming
over the past century. Their
enduring commitment to
agriculture, perseverance through
difficult times, and dedication to
preserving their land for future
generations are the cornerstones
of their success.
Congratulations to John B. Gay
and the entire Gay family on
this well-deserved recognition
as a Centennial Farm. May their
legacy continue to thrive for
generations to come.
