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Vol 1 No 44 January 10, 2024
Quality News That Affects You
IMillen, Georgia $1.25
Williams Arrested for
Alleged Attempted Child
Solicitation and Related
Charges
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
A 27-year-old man from Register, Tristan Williams,
is facing serious charges after the Millen Police
Department disclosed his attempt to solicit a child
online for unlawful sex acts. The arrest underscores
the constant vigilance required in combating online
predators and protecting vulnerable members of the
community.
According to the Millen Police Department,
Williams was engaged in communication with an
individual he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. He
allegedly planned to meet the underage individual at
a local business in Millen. However, officers with the
MPD and deputies with the JCSO intervened at the
predetermined location, promptly arresting Williams
upon his arrival.
Williams now faces a range of serious charges,
including Aggravated Child Molestation, enticing a
Child for Indecent Purposes, Unlawful Distribution of
Material to Minors, Driving on a Suspended License,
and Possession of Drug-Related Objects.
Following his arrest, Williams was booked into the Jenkins County Jail, where he is currently held on a
$32,600.00 bond. The legal proceedings will determine the course of action against him.
Millen Police Department Investigator Tony Taylor said, “We strongly encourage anyone with additional
information related to this case to come forward. Community cooperation is cmcial in ensuring a thorough
investigation and ensuring the safety of all residents. This arrest serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by
law enforcement to safeguard our community from individuals who pose a threat to the well-being of minors.”
City Council Rejects
Variance Request for
Palmer Row Residence
Square Footage
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
In a recent
public hearing
held in December,
the City Council
faced a pivotal
decision regarding
a Variance Request
for residence
square footage.
The taxpayer,
seeking approval to place a handi-house type building on a vacant lot
located on Palmer Row, approached the City Council to plead their case.
City Attorney Hubert Reeves addressed the matter during the hearing,
citing state statute and municipal code constraints that hindered the
approval of the requested variance. The building in question had a
modest size of just over 400 square feet, falling significantly short of the
city's code requirements mandating a minimum of 1,000 square feet for
residential structures.
"Based on state statute and our code, we cannot grant the variance,"
clarified Reeves during the proceedings. He went on to explain that the
resident would be left with two options - either relocate the building
or undertake substantial renovations to meet the city's square footage
regulations.
"You have no choice tonight but to deny See VARIANCE page 5
Millen Council highlights infrastructure
Projects, Grants, and Community Impact
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
At the first meeting of the year. Mayor King Rocker,
Council members Darrel Clifton, and Robin Scott were
sworn in by Judge Duff Ayers. The group was reelected
during the General Election.
Mandy Underwood, representing Main Street Millen
(MSM), delivered an insightful overview to the Council,
shedding
light on the
progress and
initiatives
undertaken
by the
organization.
The council
was informed
that MSM
successfully
raised
$56,000,
including
a generous
$34,000 grant
from Evans
Concrete,
specifically
earmarked for
replacing the
train viewing platform. Underwood expressed gratitude
for the tremendous dedication, showcasing over 1,000
volunteer hours invested in various projects.
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has been
granted the RDF grant for the Kirkland Building, with
construction anticipated to commence, spanning a duration
of 210 days.
A notable change in the council's leadership saw Robin
Scott assuming the position of Mayor Pro Tern, succeeding
Darrel Clifton. Clifton, in his statement, expressed the
‘importance of passing on the role after serving as Mayor
Pro Tern for several years.” Hubert Reeves secured another
term as City Attorney, ensuring continuity in the legal
representation for the city.
City Auditors will continue to be Reddick, Riggs, Hunter
& Colson PC, while April Stafford will retain her position
as Municipal Court Judge. Sam DeRocco remains the
Municipal Court Solicitor, and Christopher Gohagan
continues his service as the Municipal Court Public
Defender.
Council member Coney is set to serve on the Jenkins
County Family Enrichment Center board, and Council
member Clifton will represent the council on the Jenkins
County Health Department board.
A significant decision during the session was the approval
of Marks Demolition & Environmental Group for the final
demolition of the 2021 CDBG Palmer Row project, with
their bid at $12,400 prevailing over Coastal Tree
& Land's $19,820 bid.
The council also voted on the 2024 Community
Home Investment Program (CHIP) grant,
allotting $500,000. Jeff Brantley, City Manager,
explained, “this grant follows the completion of
the 2019 project, with a $500 application fee.”
Further infrastructure developments include
approving Parker Engineering for the 2024
CDBG grant and Cranston Engineering for the
Southeast Crescent Regional Commission Grant
(SEID), focusing on replacing main water supply
lines around the city.
A pay increase was approved for the municipal
court judge, solicitor, and public defender.
Manager Brantley justified the decision by
comparing pay rates with neighboring cities and
addressing the necessity of hiring an out-of-town
attorney.
The meeting concluded with news of a
Duff Ayers Darrel Clifton - Council Member
$ 154,000 Community Impact Grant from Norfolk Southern,
Duff Ayers Robin Scott - New Mayor Pro Tern
allocated for radio dispatch for emergency services and
Duff Ayers King Rocker - Mayor
sidewalks on Old Waynesboro Road.
As rehabilitation construction progresses on the Kirkland
building. Gray Street from Cotton to Napa will be
temporarily closed during the installation of roof trusses.
The city will remind residents closer to the exact date and
there will be little impact to area businesses. The project is
expected to be completed by July 31, 2024.
Jeff Brantley highlighted the ongoing 2021 CDBG $4
million project nearing completion, with plans to remodel
one home and demolish another. The unspent funds will
be returned to the state if not utilized by July, requiring
reapplication.
Looking ahead, the 2023 CDBG, a $1 million
infrastructure grant, is scheduled for bidding in August,
while the $3 million EDA project will be bid out in three
phases. The EDA grant is for the well, water tank, and
water lines to connect Highway 25. The well will be located
on White Oak Road across from Ella Mae Gardens. The
tank will be situated past Planters EMC on Hwy 25 at the
Industrial Site.
The 2024 CDBG, focusing on Williams Street, will
encompass both infrastructure and housing components.
Council member Clifton emphasized the need for strict
code enforcement, suggesting collaboration with the county
to address pertinent issues monthly.
Il/Znke 2lfl Sfo
540 E Winthrope Ave, Millen, GA 30442
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