About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 1, 2025)
Vol 2 No 42 January 1, 2025 Qualit^NewsThatAffectsYou Millen, Georgia $1.25 Beloved Jenkins County Businessman Ralph Crowe Dies Ralph Crowe, a cherished figure in the Jenkins County community and a respected businessman, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024, following an extended illness. Crowe was widely known for his dedication and service as a partner at Crowe Fields Funeral Home, a cornerstone of the community, which he operated alongside his business partner, Robert Fields. His commitment to his work and the families he served left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Family, friends, and community members will gather to honor Ralph Crowe's life and legacy during visitation hours on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Crowe Fields Funeral Home. The visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will take place the following day, Tuesday, December 31, at 2 p.m., at Millen Methodist Church, where loved ones will celebrate the life of a man who gave so much to Jenkins County. Ralph Crowe will be remembered not only for his contributions to the business community but also for his kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to those around him. The Jenkins County community mourns the loss of a truly remarkable individual. Tragic Wreck Claims Lives of Grandmother and Granddaughter -Joe Brady. Editor Starting January 1, Georgia Power customers will see their electricity bills increase yet again, with the average household spending about $43 more on electricity since the start of 2023. This comes after a series of rate hikes tied to base rate adjustments, excess fuel cost recovery, and the completion of two nuclear power units at Plant Vogtle. The latest 3.5% rate hike, approved unanimously by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) on Tuesday, will raise typical household bills by an additional $5.48 in 2025. The increase allows Georgia Power to recover $306 million invested in upgrading the power grid and developing new energy sources. See POWER page 5 Refugio Gudino Christy Boyett Deputy of the Year Jailor/Dispatcher of the Year The Jenkins County Sheriff’s Office held their annual Christmas party last week and named Deputy Refugio Gudino deputy of the year and Christy Boyett as jailer/dispatcher of the year. This year Chief Deputy Aaron presented Deputy Refugio Gudino with the Deputy of the Year Award. This makes Deputy Gudino Deputy of the Year for the second time in a row. Sheriff Robert Oglesby also presented Christy Boyett with the Jailer/Dispatcher of the Year Award. “We have a dedicated staff, and they all do an excellent job for this county. They are all outstanding folks.” Sheriff Oglesby said. -Joe Brady. Editor An early morning crash at the intersection of Highway 21 and Highway 23 in front of the new Dollar General has tragically claimed the lives of a grandmother and her granddaughter. The wreck occurred around 8 a.m., prompting a 911 call to dispatchers reporting the devastating scene. According to the Georgia State Patrol’s preliminary investigation, Stephen Davis, 48, of Newington, was driving a Hobart service truck northwest on Highway 21 when the collision occurred. Deborah Griffin, 69, of Girard, was behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Malibu traveling east on Highway 23. Authorities determined that Ms. Griffin failed to yield after stopping at the stop sign on Highway 23, leading to the deadly collision. Mr. Davis was unable to avoid the Malibu, striking its passenger side. The force of the impact caused the Malibu to spin clockwise before hitting a stop sign in the right turn lane of Highway 23. Tragically, Ms. Griffin’s passenger, her 23-year- old granddaughter Ashanee Dixon, was pronounced dead at the scene, confirmed Jenkins County Coroner Henry Young. Dixon was an employee at Neighbors Express in Millen and was well loved by her colleagues and community. Ms. Griffin sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to Augusta University Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Stephen Davis was transported to Jenkins County Medical Center, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Funeral services for Deborah Griffin and Ashanee Dixon were held Sunday, December 29, at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery. The community continues to mourn the loss of these two lives, whose absence will be deeply felt. Jenkins County Sheriff Robert Oglesby said, “Please folks, remember to exercise caution and obey traffic signs to prevent similar tragedies in the future. There have been a lot of wrecks and fatalities right here at this intersection.” The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Georgia Power Customers to Gudino and Boyett Award Top Honors Anonymous Donor Restores Running Water to Perkins -Joe Brady. Editor The residents of Perkins can finally celebrate a return to normalcy, as running water has been restored to the small town, thanks to an anonymous donor. The town’s 98 residents have straggled without a steady water supply since March 2023, relying on community support for necessities like drinking and cleaning. Perkins' water crisis began when William “Bill” Sipes, then- president of the Perkins Water Authority, was arrested for embezzling $28,000 from the organization’s treasury. Despite the community’s efforts to raise funds to address the immediate issue, their attempts to fix the water system fell short. Since the crisis began, local organizations such as the North Jenkins Volunteer Fire Department and individual donors have stepped up, delivering cases of water to help residents. The story of Perkins’ plight gained broader attention after it was featured in the September 10 edition of JCT. In a game-changing development, an anonymous donor stepped forward to replace the town’s well. Young’s Welldrilling Pump Services, a Hephzibah-based company with over 20 years of experience, was commissioned for the project. The new well has finally resolved the town’s ongoing water issues. County Commissioner Jonathan Powell expressed his gratitude, saying, “The Perkins residents are relieved to once again have accessible water, and we would like to thank the donor who came forward to solve the problem.” The restoration of running water marks a new chapter for Perkins, as the town moves past months of uncertainty and difficulty. “Residents and community leaders alike are hopeful that this renewed access will provide stability and improve the quality of life for everyone in the town,” Powell said. Face Higher Bills Congratulations to Jeff Murray for his dedication and hard work in our Pulmonary Rehabilitation program! Your commitment and progress are truly inspiring! Jeff is pictured at left with Keith Baker, Director of Pulmonary Services. "I'm going to do whatever I have to do and I'm not ever quitting." JENKINS COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER ABOUT THE PROGRAM The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Jenkins County Medical Center is designed to help patients recover from acute lung disease or lessen the severity of chronic pulmonary conditions including COPD, emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and post-COVID issues. For details, call 478-982-4221 or go to jenkinsmedicalcenter.com under the “Services” tab
