About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 20, 2023)
01 S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR! Check OL^our insert inside for tremendous bargaii .B^Ts . MARKET Winthrope Avenue, WiTeriu Georgia 304 fm • MILLEN • PERKINS • RED HILL • SCARBORO • BUTTS • EMMALANE • THRIFT • BIRDSVILLE • FOUR POINTS • CO m 01 01 O CO o CO LD I s * SHOP LOCAL EAT LOCAL 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of the bipartisan Railway Upgrades for Rural American Lines (RURAL) Act introduced in 2021, aims to modernize unsafe or outdated railroad warning devices.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
