About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 3, 2024)
CONVENIENT CARE Prakui Chandra, MD - Jodi Gilmer, PA 'XL-' 1 optim prinnary cane Sched ul e a-p poi n tmert today: 47S.9S2.0120 co ui 01 o co o CO LD SHOP LOCAL EAT LOCAL Vol 1 No 43 January 3, 2024 Quality News That Affects You IVIillen, Georgia $1.25 Community Rallies to Support Family Devastated by Christmas Eve Fire By Joe Brady, Editor for The Times Christmas took an unexpected turn for the Kelley family of five as tragedy struck their home on Christmas Eve. Arlinda Kelley and her loved ones were in the midst of holiday preparations in their home on Herrmanns Road, when a grease fire erupted around 5 p.m., resulting in the complete loss of their residence. The devastating incident left the family without a home during what should have been a joyous time of celebration. However, the spirit of community and compassion emerged as local organizations quickly mobilized to provide assistance. Organizations such as the St. Nicholas Toy Box of Millen and Fostering Bulloch Hope Chest wasted no time in springing into action. Recognizing the immediate need for support, these groups have stepped forward to help the Kelley family navigate through the challenges brought on by the fire during the holiday season. For those in the community who wish to extend a helping hand to the Kelley family during this difficult FIRElMMim time. Fostering Bulloch Hope Chest is facilitating the collection of donations and assistance. Individuals interested in contributing or providing support can reach out to Fostering Bulloch Hope Chest for more information. In the face of tragedy, the response from local organizations and the community at large serves as a poignant reminder of the strength that can be found in unity and compassion. As the Kelley family begins the process of rebuilding their lives, the support from neighbors, friends, and community organizations is sure to make a significant impact in helping them find hope and comfort during this challenging time. Joint Law Enforcement Operation Results in Arrest of Alleged Child Predator By Joe Brady, Editor for The Times In a collaborative effort, detectives from the Jefferson County Vice and Narcotics Division, in conjunction with agents from the FBI and U.S. Secret Service, successfully conducted an operation leading to the apprehension of 39-year-old Christopher Card from Pinson, Alabama. Card stands accused of attempting to meet a 14-year-old minor for sexual purposes, and the operation unfolded on December 22, 2023, in Fultondale, Alabama. The meticulous operation involved setting up surveillance in the parking lot of Home to Suites in Fultondale, where authorities arrested Card upon his entry. The investigation, initiated on December 4, 2023, by officers from the Millen Police Department (MPD), focused on proactively targeting internet crimes against children and online enticement of minors for sexual acts. MPD officers, working diligently to protect young individuals from potential harm, established an online chat with Christopher Card. Under the guise of a 14-year-old girl, officers engaged with Card, who, unaware of the identity, made arrangements to meet at a motel in Fultondale, Alabama. As the investigation progressed, officials in Alabama joined forces with the Millen Police Department to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated effort against the alleged predator. A pre-arranged meeting was scheduled between Card and the online persona he believed to be a minor, leading to his arrest as he entered the designated location. Christopher Card is currently held in the Jefferson County Jail on a $90,000 bond. He faces charges of electronic solicitation of a child for sex and traveling to meet a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Gavin Underwood is attending Florence Darlington Technical College in Florence, SC. Gavin is a JCHS graduate of 2023, a Nancy Wolfinger Scholarship recipient. Gavin is the son of Mandy and Brian Underwood. Marisol Guzman-Rangel is the 2023 JCHS Valedictorian. She is the daughter of Enrique Guzman and Elizabeth Rangel. She is currently attending Georgia College and State University where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology. PEYTON MERRIER By Johnnie Mae Sherrod, Special Contributor for LAWREN SCOTT Attends University of West Georgia Grace Curry. She is a 2023 recipient of the MLK scholarship and will be honored at the upcoming banquet on January 13th. Grace is currently attending Southeastern Tech where she is actively pursuing a business degree in hopes of one day opening up her own business. I am attaching three pictures we had taken a the historic courthouse in Brunswick this past weekend. Please feel free to use whichever one work best for your paper. Thanks! The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 8:00 am at the First Baptist Church on Old Waynesboro Road in Millen. The speaker for the occasion will be Minister Mariam Jackson. Marian Jackson is a native of Burke County Georgia. She was educated in the Burke County Public School System. She is a 1984 graduate of Waynesboro High School. She began her career in public service in 1987 as a billing and collections clerk for the City of Waynesboro. In 1996 she transitioned to Burke County Board of Commissioners as a personal property appraiser for the Board of Assessors. Marian received her Level 2 Appraisal recognition and became the Property Records and Mapping Coordinator. As an appraiser she had the opportunity to work closely with the tax commissioner’s office. Marian noticed practices that could be implemented in the tax commissioner's office to better service the citizens of Burke County. In 2012 she made the decision to qualify and place her hat in the race for Tax Commissioner. On July 31, 2012, her heart’s desire was answered. She successfully ousted the longtime Commissioner. Marian married Allen Jackson June 1, 1985. Together they have two daughters, Shelby and Devon. She has one non-biological son, Tetric and three grandchildren, Nyla, Tetric Jr, Khalani. Marian credits God for being who she is and where she is. She realizes it’s only by His grace that she serves as Burke County’s first African American Tax Commissioner. The Martin Luther King, Jr./ Charles Beale Memorial Banquet will be held January 13, 2024, at 6:00 pm at the Jenkins County Senior Citizens Center. The speaker for the occasion will be Miss Shiamante’ Grimes. Miss Grimes is a 2011 recipient of the Scholarship. Shiamante’ Grimes is a native of Jenkins County and the daughter of Aaron and Betty Grimes. She is the proud mother of Daylan Lakes. She is a 2012 graduate of Jenkins County High School and a recipient of the Charles Beale and the David L. Reese Scholarship. Shiamante furthered her education by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Augusta University in 2017. She is currently employed by Textron Specialized Vehicles (EZ-GO), where she leads the University Relations program. She has also served as the Executive Assistant for the Most Impactful Women Influences in the CSRA. Shiamante enjoys attending networking events and being active in the community, where she has supported back to school drives as well as coat giveaways. It is her sincere belief that “God is within her; she will not fail.” (Psalm 46:5) 2023 MLK, JR./Charles Beale Scholarship Recipients: * Grace Curry * Lawren Scott * Gavin Underwood * Marisol Guzman-Rangel * Peyton Merrier 2024 Scholarship applications may be found in the JCHS counselor’s office. All seniors who are planning to attend college or a technical school are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. MARIAN S. JACKSON SHIAMANTE' GRIMES 71 fa he. Tlfl 5/5 540 E Winthrope Ave, Millen, GA 30442 MARKET CHECK OUT OUR NEW FLYER IN THIS ISSUE!
