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SAVINGS INSERT INSIDE! CO 0> CO CO CD lO o CO CO o VOL. 114, NO. 28 January 13, 2021 LEGAL ORGAN OF JENKINS COUNTY MILLEN, GEORGIA • 75 CENTS Meet the artists behind Big Buckhead Church By Joe Brady Millen News editor Jerry and Dona Hargrove Locklair met in 1973. Jerry is a native of South Carolina and Dona a native of Millen. Dona was a 1969 graduate of JCHS and the daughter of Grady and Bernice Hargrove. Dona grew up on Buttermilk Road and met Jerry during her college days at Ringling College of Art. The two married and had two sons, Jeremy and Jason. They made their home in Lynchburg, SC on the Locklair family farm. Together they became established Southern artists, having painted five centennial portraits for Clem- son University, the Citadel, and USC. All of this came to an abrupt end however when Dona lost her battle with can cer on June 7, 2017. The couple’s work is in spired by their southern heri tage and also their travels throughout North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Their work is remembered for historically accurate depic tions of life in the old south. Jerry remembers the day they were commissioned to paint the portrait of Big Buck- head Church. “The Jenkins County Chamber of Com merce called us and explained they wanted someone local to do the painting. Dona felt she owed it to the residents of Jenkins County to paint the famous landmark not only because of her lineage but also because her father start ed his ministry at Buckhead Church,” Mr. Locklair stated. Once the portrait was com pleted, the couple agreed to gift the painting to the county. “We couldn’t come down for the dedication ceremony because Dona was battling cancer,” Jerry explains. Over two years after Dona’s passing, Jerry made the trip to see the painting he and his beloved wife painted together. “This is some of our finest work, and I’m so glad Dona got to do it,” Jerry said as he stares at the painting hanging at the Jenkins County Cham ber of Commerce office. It warms the heart to know that a beloved landmark, so prized in our own hearts was painted by a couple whose love will endure the ages. Thanks Jerry and Dona for giving us your talent and the testimony of your love. Jerry now paints alone and may be reached at his website, www. locklairart.com. The Locklairs were married 43 years until Dona’s passing on June 7, 2017; two days after her 66th birthday. The couple’s paintings are prized by people of all walks of life. Photo contributed. The artistic team agreed to donate the portrait to Jenkins County and it hangs at the Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Mandy Underwood. Landing honored by state Mrs. Elizabeth Landing, Jenkins County Clerk of Court, was honored by a resolution of the Georgia House of Representa tives, made this past Monday at the Jenkins County Courthouse. The presentation honored Mrs. Landing for her 50+ years of dedicated service. Mrs. Landing retired as of Dec. 31,2020. She stands with her friends and family during the ceremony. Tracey Herrington won the election for Mrs. Landing’s replacement and started in that role on Jan. 1,2021. Photo contributed. GA roads no safer than last year The travel period that began at 6 p.m., Dec. 24-12 p.m., Jan 1 saw some 33 fatali ties on Georgia roadways. The same travel period in 2019 saw 32 fatalities. Statewide, Georgia State Troopers in vestigated 725 traffic crashes that resulted in 272 injuries. Georgia troopers arrested 545 persons for driving under the influence while 15,235 traffic citations were issued. Of those citations, over 500 were written for distracted driv ing violations and over 5,000 for speeding. City to update water meters By Joe Brady Millen News editor Millen residents will soon get an upgrade to new and improved water meters. Jeff Brantley, city manager explains, “the current meters are very old and over time no longer record accu rate water usage.” The city was approved for a Georgia Environmental Finance Authority or GEFA loan of $896K. GEFA provides loans for water, wastewater, and solid waste infrastruc ture; manages energy efficiency and renewable energy programs; and manages and monitors state owned fuel storage tanks. The low interest financing loan terms allows for a 40% forgiveness of the loan. Because the new water meters will be equipped with antennae to read data and transmit back to the office, the city has entered into an agreement with Georgia Power to monitor the system. “Rather than buying the equipment to install for reading the data, we have commissioned Georgia Power to read the data because they currently have that equipment in place,” he added. The same software and equipment used by Georgia Power to monitor electric service may also be used for water service monitoring. The city would have to purchase software, equipment and enter into a sliding scale maintenance contract had it not en tered into the agreement with Georgia Power. By entering into this agreement, the City is expected to see a $6k cost savings. The Southern Company, the parent company of Georgia Power will charge a $.99 fee for each meter read and since the meter is read through a system the company currently oper ates, the City of Millen will not have to pay a maintenance fee. “The cost to replace a residential water meter is around $250,” Brantley said, adding “of course commercial water meters cost more.” Don’t expect to see this price reflected on your bill, however. These new and improved meters are being installed at no cost to the customer. The program should start in the next three months, Jeff proj ects. Residents will continue to be billed by the City for water and sewer usage. No change in appointments to city At the January meeting of the Millen City Council, the council members voted unanimously to carry over the appointed positions as previously assigned. R. Hubert Reeves, III will continue in his roll as city Attorney; April Stafford will serve as Municipal Court Judge; Municipal Court Solicitor will continue to be Duff Ayers and the Municipal Court Public Defender will continue to be Christopher Gohagan. Council Member Darrell Clifton was elected Mayor Pro-Tern for the 2021 term. Council Member Robin Scott served in this capacity for the 2020 term. “The problem with our existing meters is that they are old and no longer read water usage accurately,” city manager Jeff Brantley explains. Photo contributed. 330 US HWY. 25 NORTH, WAYNESBORO - 706-554-2114 - www.mizellford.com