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Page 4 - Wednesday, December 13, 2023
The Jenkins County Times
jenkinscountytimes.com
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John Paul Hearn, Superintendant
Jenkins County School System
I enjoy watching Hallmark Christmas
movies with Renee’. There, I said it. If
anyone is wondering, I do like a good
Christmas movie. We were watching
one Sunday afternoon, and the following
statement was made. “Christmas is a time
to reflect on things that matter the most.”
That is a very true statement. It seems that
in our busy hectic lives, the only time we
ever slow down even a little may be around
the Christmas holidays. I know we are still
busy with family engagements, but it is
a time that we slow down some from our
daily schedules.
I had the opportunity this past week to
slow down for a few days and spend some
time with just Renee’. It is sad to say but
when we get busy with life, those we love
most are often the ones who get the least
amount of attention. I absolutely love
spending time with Renee’. There is not
another person that I would rather go on an
adventure with. She doesn’t quite share my
love for attending college football games,
but she doesn’t mind that I go do that with
Taylor and Anna Kate. Outside of that, I
really don’t want to experience much else
without her.
We were able to spend a couple of days in
New York City. Now if you had asked me
a few years ago about spending time in the
Big Apple, I would have told you that you
were crazy if you thought I was going. But
that was an adventure that she had always
wanted to go on so a couple of years ago I
surprised her with a trip there. I must say I
really enjoyed it. We stay in the same quiet
neighborhood and don’t eat out a lot when
we go. We also don’t do a lot of touristy
things. Instead, we explore the quieter parts
of the city. In fact, on Saturday we just sat
inside and watched Christmas movies all
day.
On Saturday night we went to a Christmas
concert with Brett Eldredge. I have always
wanted to see his Christmas show. As a
side note, if you like the “Big Band” sound,
you need to look up his Christmas music.
I Love it. Back to my story. If you know
anything about NYC, you know it is a very
diverse place. If I had to guess, most races,
nationalities, and religions are represented
in the population of NYC. In fact, the state
of Georgia only has about 2 million more
citizens in the state than the population of
NYC alone. At the concert, a lot of that
diversity was represented. But I will say
this. During that concert of nothing but
Christmas music, the audience was united.
Most sang along and were joyful.
To end the show, he put the microphone
away. The band did not play. He sang The
First Noel acapella. You could have heard
a pen drop in the theater. He asked the
audience to join in and the entire audience
did so. It was a lesson for me. Reflect on
things that matter the most. Tell the ones
you love that you love them. Take the time
to go on adventures with those that matter
the most. And remember that we are a
much more beautiful and effective people
when we are together.
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
I did a dumb thing. Now, when I made that announcement earlier this week my
family all grabbed their heads, like, Oh dear God, what now? It wasn’t that kind of
dumb. Sunday evenings I have a date with my weekly pill organizer. Just me, my
drugs, and the various little compartments they go in.
I have said it before, I don’t know how people ever handled multiple pills without
an organizer. Granny had hers in a white oblong Tupperware container on the table.
Bless her heart! Well, I can’t even keep it straight with the pill organizer.
So, let me get back to my story. I methodically place each pill in the little
compartment until they are all gone. Now one of my pills, my crack, I call it is a
horse pill. Now, if Eagle didn’t automatically refill my prescriptions, I would be
lost. I picked them up last week, in fact, they are still sitting on the counter, in the
white shopping bag! Anyway, I used to count my number of pills each morning and
night, just to make sure I had them all. There should be seven pills in my hand each
morning.
Last week, however, I did not count them yet about Wednesday I noticed I seemed
to be short a pill. Thursday morning, I discovered I had not been taking my crack!
No wonder I had not felt good all week. I thought it was the cold I have really
kicking my behind. No, it was the absence of a horse pill that keeps my blood
vessels big and open so my blood can flow! Maybe I need a medicine nurse to fix
my meds each week. Is this only gonna get worse?
Younger folks, please talk with your parents and grandparents and ask them to
count their pills. I mean, medicine is great when we take it! I won’t tell my doctor,
he might have me committed! That’s all for now, take care!
A WORD FROM
JON BURNS,
Ga Speaker of the House of
Representatives
Special Session on
Redistricting
The Special Session continues this
week. Last week, both the House and
Senate adopted new maps for their
respective legislative districts. Those
maps now go to the other chamber to
be reviewed and approved. Late Friday
afternoon a new congressional map was
introduced and will also be considered this week.
All these maps comply with the instructions of the federal judge, who
overturned the maps the General Assembly approved two years ago. These
new maps will go to the judge for consideration before his December 8 th
deadline, if adopted by both chambers and signed into law by Governor
Kemp.
I appreciate all the members of the House and Senate who are taking
time away from their jobs and families to help us satisfy the judge’s
requirements.
In addition, the state is still planning to appeal the judge’s ruling to
a higher federal court so that we may get our originally adopted maps
restored.
As this Special Session continues, you are welcome to come to watch
your state government at work by visiting the State Capitol and viewing
our session from the fourth-floor public galleries. You are also invited
to watch both committee and floor sessions live on the House website at
https://www.legis.ga.gov/.
Thankful for friends and deep roots...
Last week, when we convened for this year’s Special Session, I had
the honor of doing so with a very special gavel. I am grateful to my friend,
Ronny Just, for crafting a new gavel with an accompanying strike plate
made from the timber of a Live Oak at Sweetheart Circle on the campus of
my alma mater, Georgia Southern University.
The symbolism of this gavel is not lost on me - both the tree and I find
our roots in the same soil. I was blessed not only to graduate from Georgia
Southern, but meet my wife, Dayle, while we were students there. While
my duties require me to spend a great deal of time in Atlanta these days,
home is never far from my heart.
I appreciate dear friends who would provide such a meaningful gift.
Thanks to Ronny Just, Bryan Tolar, Emily Engel, and Bill Benzur.
Historic News in the Governor’s Office
Last week, Governor Kemp announced that his dedicated Chief of
Staff Trey Kilpatrick would be leaving public service to take on a senior
leadership role in the private sector. Trey has been an invaluable partner
working with my staff and me over the last year in crafting policy and
overseeing the work of our state government. I appreciate Trey’s service
and friendship.
Trey’s replacement will make history. Longtime state staffer and Current-
Deputy Chief of Staff, Lauren Curry, becomes the first lady appointed as
Chief of Staff to the Governor of Georgia. Lauren has served our state
well for many years, and I congratulate her on this historic achievement.
My staff and I look forward to continuing to work with her and Governor
Kemp to keep Georgia the envy of the nation. Bipartisan support for others
While partisanship tends to run high during legislative sessions, I was
proud to join members of both parties in donating blood at the State
Capitol last Wednesday.
Every donation of blood can help up to three individuals receiving
medical care, and as we know, every life is priceless.
Giving blood is an easy way to help your friends and neighbors. If
you would like more information on donating blood, visit https://www.
redcross.org/give-blood.html
King Rocker
Hello Millen and Happy Holidays!
First, I wanted to say thank you for making your voice heard in
this past run off election. I appreciate all your votes and I look foward
to working with you as I continue to serve as your Mayor. What a
wonderful city we live in!
This week I wanted to take time to bring you up to date on our
Community Developmental Block Grants.
Phase one of the grant in 2018 was used behind McDonald's. This
project, of course is completed. It included Johnson and Warren
Streets. We were awarded 1,000.000 for housing, water and storm
water work.
Phase two was completed in 2020, where we moved over to
Lincoln, Warren and Tarver Streets. Another 1,000,000. was awarded
for this project. Same as above, housing, water and storm water work.
Phase three was awarded in 2021 and was used for Palmer Row.
Another 1,000.000. was awareded for this project and was to be used
for the same listed above. This project is still on going, with water,
sewer, and storm water is complete. Our plans are to have the housing
part of the grant completed in the very near future.
Phase four was awarded 1,000.000. in 2023. This particular grant
is in the planning phase. On December 18,2023, in council chambers
of City Hall, a public meeting will be held for any citizens who
would like to attend. The target areas for this grant will be Waters
Ave. and Buckhead Road from Palmer Row up to Dexel Ave. With
all the above items being done on these streets, we will also be using
part of the grant for sidewalks. However, this particular grant did not
include any housing, due to the fact, nothing qualified. We plan for
this project to go up for bid in early 2024.
All of these projects also include the City of Millen's matching
funds, which is usually 10% or around 100,000. for each grant.
The City Council and myself are committed to keep improving
these areas where the grants have been approved to use.
Personally, I think, this is what we would call, "Keeping our feet
to the FIRE!"
And just so you know, we will be applying for phase 5 very soon.
There will be more "coming down the tracks" really soon!
Happy Holidays,
QCocker
The crew from Millen is pictured here volunteering at the
Children’s Hospital of Georgia Telethon this past Thursday
in Augusta. The telethon raises money every year for the
Children’s Miracle Network. The volunteers from Millen
are Mayor King Rocker and his wife, Beth, Dale and
Neasy Suggs. Whitney Zeagler, Paula Adams, Linda M
Jenkins and Rose Small.
Letters to the editor of The Jenkins County Times are welcomed and encouraged.
These are pages of opinion, yours and ours. Letters to the editor voice the opinions of
the newspaper’s readers. The Jenkins County Times reserves the right to edit any and
all portions ofa letter. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters must include the
signature, address and phone number of the writer to allow our staff to authenticate
its origin. Letters should be limited to 400 words and should be typewritten and
double-spaced or neatly printed by hand. Deadline for letters to the editor is noon
on Wednesday. Email Letters to the Editor to: thejenkinscountytimes@gmail.com
Area restaurant offers
more than good food
Middle school FBLA officers and Middle/High FFA
officers participated in an etiquette lunch at Jacqueleen’s
Southern Porch in Garfield, GA. Officers were treated to
a 4-course meal and trained in fine dining table etiquette.
Everyone had a great time and learned a lot!
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Proudly covering Jenkins County's news, sports, and community events .
Sam Eades Publisher
Joe Brady Editor
Sam Eades Advertising Sales
Debbie Hearn Admin/Layout and Design Executive
Sarah Saxon ....Admin/Legals/Reporter/AP Correspondent
BradAsbury Sports Editor
Lori Jones Front Office/Receptionist
THE JENKINS COUNTY TIMES
issue 40 December 2023 is published weekly by on
Wednesday for $24.95 per year by THE JENKINS COUNTY
TIMES, 125 N. Main • Sylvania, Ga. 30467.
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Millen GA 30442
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