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Vol 1 No 41 December 20, 2023
Quality News That Affects You
JVlillen, Georgia $1.25
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
Last Friday, The Jenkins County Times had the
exclusive opportunity to accompany government officials,
including Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Senator Jon
Ossoff, on a bus tour around Millen to witness firsthand
the challenges posed by troubled railroad crossings. The
tour was followed by a press conference held at the
former Honey's building, where officials discussed the
impact of the bipartisan infrastructure law and unveiled
plans to address longstanding transportation issues in the
community.
Secretary Buttigieg emphasized the significance of the
bipartisan infrastructure law, signed by President Biden
two years ago, in providing much-needed support to
communities like Millen. "Transportation is important
to the town of Millen; this town was founded around
the railroad," explained Secretary Buttigieg. "Railways
unite our country. We all depend on transportation to
sustain our daily lives. Small communities like Millen
have shouldered the burden of the increased traffic."
Mayor Rocker highlighted the pressing issue of a
three-mile train shutting down traffic in Millen, causing
disruptions for residents in their daily lives. "This makes
it harder for us to get to work, school, even for EMT's to
respond to medical emergencies," he added.
Earlier this year, Senators Wamock and Ossoff secured
the passage of two critical provisions in the Railway
Safety Act of 2023 aimed at addressing stalled trains
that trap Atlanta residents in their neighborhoods. These
provisions also update the grant program to provide
additional support for projects eliminating crossings near
schools and along school bus routes.
In August, Senator Wamock sent a letter urging
Secretary Buttigieg to approve the Millen project. The
proposed project, part of the bipartisan Railway Upgrades
for Rural American Lines (RURAL) Act introduced in
2021, aims to modernize unsafe or outdated railroad
warning devices.
Senator Ossoff expressed the importance of the
Millen project, stating, "After hearing from Millen
and Jenkins County leaders about railroad crossing
blockages that are not just inconvenient but downright
dangerous, Senator Wamock and I elevated this as one of
our highest priorities. We are now delivering resources
through the bipartisan infrastructure law to plan and
begin construction to address this crisis."
The Millen project will implement three grade-
separated rail crossings: one just north of the railyard
on SR 21/Millen Bypass and two on SR 67/17/East
Winthrope Avenue. The initiative aims to enhance
the efficiency of the local transportation network for
emergency vehicles, personal vehicles, and freight
movements. It will alleviate hardships and accessibility
issues faced by communities on the west side of the
existing crossing.
While grade-separated roads generally allow for
smoother traffic flow and higher speeds, they come
with disadvantages, including their space-intensive,
complicated, and costly nature. Large physical structures
such as tunnels, ramps, and bridges contribute to their
complexity and may face public opposition.
The project is expected to take approximately two years
to complete, promising a significant improvement in
Millen's transportation infrastructure and the overall
quality of life for its residents.
JON OSSOFF, SAM EADES, PETE BUTTIGIEG
Brad Saxon, Mayor King Rocker, Pete Buttigieg,
Jon Ossoff, John P. Hearn
ill
.mil
Briasia Gray Signs REACH
Scholarship at BOE
Monthly Meeting
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
At the recent Board of Education (BOE) monthly meeting, Briasia
Gray, accompanied by her mother, officially signed her REACH
Scholarship agreement. The event not only highlighted Briasia's
dedication to academic achievement but also underscored the impact
of the REACH Georgia program on the educational landscape.
The REACH Georgia initiative, launched on February 6, 2012, at
the Georgia Institute of Technology, marked a significant milestone
in educational philanthropy. AT&T, as the first corporate partner,
demonstrated its commitment with a generous donation of $250,000.
Originally introduced as a two-year pilot, REACH Georgia rapidly
expanded its reach, incorporating five additional school systems—
Rabun, Douglas, Dodge, Quitman, and Bulloch Counties. The
program committed to supporting 35 students as REACH Scholars
and invested $350,000 in student scholarships. Since then, REACH
has grown to serve all 180 school systems across Georgia, benefiting
more than 3,600 Scholars and committing over $36 million in
scholarships.
The REACH Scholarship is awarded based on enrollment at a HOPE-
eligible Postsecondary Institution. The selection process begins with
teachers and counselors nominating rising 8th-grade students to
apply for the prestigious scholarship. Nominees complete a thorough
application, followed by school system interviews, leading to the
selection of REACH Scholars from eligible candidates.
Key features of the REACH Scholarship include:
• A maximum award of $1,250 per semester or $834 per
quarter.
• A maximum Academic Year award amount of $2,500.
• A lifetime maximum limit award of $ 10,000.
Additionally, REACH Scholars awarded less than the maximum
amount per semester or quarter can receive the remaining funds for
an additional term, not exceeding the maximum semester or quarter
award amount.
Briasia Gray and her mother, Aldrina Kent were present at the
December BOE meeting. Briasia signed her REACH scholarship.
Photo by J. Brady
1st Place: Wrap Me Up with Bows
Pam Foreman
Ugly sweater contest
is hard to judge
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
The Jenkins County Courthouse was full of excitement this past
week, but not for the reasons you would expect. The Clerk of Courts
offices held an “Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest”. And let me say,
these gals went all out with a different variety of ugly sweaters. The
Jenkins County Times (your number one news source) was the only
newspaper invited to attend.
Participants included, Patricia Rich (Reindeer with lights), Nicole
Pye (Emu Christmas), Karen Summers ( snow balls and reindeer),
Vicki Patrick (Santa belt with lights). Shannon Turner (Santa needs
bail), Pam Forehand (Wrap me up with bows) , Tracey Herrington
(Emu Pink) , and Shannon Lane ( Big balls and festive deer). The
participants entered through the double doors of the court room one
at a time and paraded down the aisle with flair and style. (Some more
spins and grins than flair and style). The winners were announced by
the judges. Jake Sasser, Tiffany McTeer and Theadosa Foreman. And
they were, third place, Karen Summers, second place. Shannon Lane
and the big first place winner was Pam Foreman. Congratulations to
all the participants. Honorable mention goes to Tracey Herrington for
her “very special model walk” down the aisle!
Employees of the Clerk of Court offices enjoy showing out for the judges!
Prakul Chandra, MD • Jodi Gilmer,
optim primary care
Schedule appointment today:
A
CONVENIENT CAR
