A Look Back at 2015

As we look back at 2015 through the pages of The Monticello News, there was much that was covered in the last year. It was evident that Monticello and Jasper County have seen much progress and positivity made throughout the year, with an abundance of the News focusing on new business, positive school activities and sporting events and titles, local clubs and charities all with support.

With the good, you get the bad…and unfortunately bad news sells. There were the regular vehicle accidents, a few house fires, and even deaths (be it in the obituaries or front page news). The sheriff’s office saw an abundance of burglaries, and had both new and repeat arrests.

But on the upside, headlines were light and positive. We saw the tax assessor’s state that property values were on the rise. I counted at least eight new businesses with Chamber of Commerce ribbon cuttings and much, much more.

Keep reading to see the highlights of The News pages for 2015…and may you all have a Happy New Year!!

To start 2015 last year, there was a headline that I, like many, were ecstatic to see. Amy Scroggs was named Citizen of the Year. She was named at the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce (COC) annual dinner held each January. Mrs. Scroggs is a business teacher at Jasper County High School and that is hardly her “job.” Anyone that has been to a Hurricane extracurricular event has seen her. Mrs. Scroggs is a fan of sports, is the adviser of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) which excels in Jasper every year; she is a senior advisor and enjoys supporting students, both on and off campus. Mrs. Scroggs is very active in Monticello Baptist Church. She will announce the Citizen of the Year at this year’s banquet which is to be held at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016. For information on that event, contact the COC at 706-468-8994.

Moving on with a group of headlines includes the number of positive feature stories that the News printed this year.

As I mentioned above the tax assessor for Jasper County submitted material worthy of a headline that read “Property Values Rebounding.” In April, Lynn Bentley, Chief Appraiser said that county property values were on the rise compared to the previous five years of depressed value. An average increase was seen across the board with the highest rising as much as 22 percent.

The reflection of growth was not only evident by large headlines such as that above, but positive growth in and around the county could be seen throughout the year. New businesses opening were announced each month and even our offices, The News, moved next door into newly renovated digs.

Some of the businesses seen in these pages included Crazy Daisy’s Florist, Monticello Family Foods saw Benny Bostic retire and get new owners, Big Daddy’s Pizza and Wings, Beasley’s Event Center, Master Touch Photography, Executive Tax Services, Curry & Derricho Funeral Home, and Stitches of Monticello.

The Monticello City Council also approved a special use so that a Bed & Breakfast could locate within the city limits. The B&B hopes to draw in those passing through, teach growing food and cooking classes and offer some tranquility to travelers journeying to Monticello.

All of these businesses need local support and everyone is encouraged to “shop at home,” first and to keep tax dollars here.

In addition to business, Jasper County hosts several events throughout the year that welcome local and visitors alike. This year was the first year in many that a Jasper Jubilee was held in May. It was a success and will hopefully continue in 2016. Annually there is a huge draw to the Shady Dale Rodeo held the first weekend in June, which drew standing room only crowds this year. There is also an annual salute to veterans, also in June.

Each Halloween the businesses in Monticello along with the COC host Haunticello providing children a safe environment to trick or treat. Business all participate around the Square and more and the festivities are complete with a costume contest.

Each November the county hosts its biggest draw with the Deer Festival. This year’s deer festival was quite a success, even with the threat of severe weather, and included a bevy of vendors which wares vastly varied. Each Saturday from May through October there is a local attraction, Market on the Square. Locals can bring their produce, pies, flowers, canned and jarred preserves, woodworking and jewelry to sell from 8 a.m. until noon.

Each year the Monticello Community Band, made up of members in the community young and old, volunteer and put on three concerts. One of these concerts is on July 4th and the others are spring and Christmas. Jehan El-Jourbagy is the director of the bands and they are always looking for members.

This year, along with previous years, hometown country music artist turned chef and television star Trisha Yearwood visited to sign her latest cookbook with her sister Beth and niece Ashley. The Yearwoods also met with a cancer patient with a longtime quest to meet Trisha.

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Another strong suit of this community is the people that live here. There were several recognized for outstanding achievements and some of those include:

Phillip Jordan was honored by the Altamaha Riverkeeper (ARK) for his many contributions to the organization through photography. Mr. Jordan traveled 270 miles in nine days from Milledgeville to St. Simons Island solo in a kayak, with cameras and gear.

John Jensen, biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and resident of Jasper County, received the Alison Haskell Award for Excellence in Herpetofaunal Conservation. This award honored John as “a person in North America who shows extraordinary commitment to conserve reptiles, amphibians, and their habitats.”

Brian Patrick, JCHS teacher was named ‘Finalist for State’s Top Teacher.’

Betty Jean Jordan ‘Cycled Across America.’

Phillips Workman interned with former President George Bush in Texas.

Austin Bass, local graduate, studied in Sicily, Italy.

Paul Kelly won the Georgia Farm Bureau hay contest.

Quinton Watson, Monticello native, pens Hello, Mr. Moon, a children’s book which has been published.

Brandi McMichael competes in Chicago for FBLA.

Morgan Studdard competes in HOSA nationals.

Ian Boyd is an Eagle Scout.

The late Maybeth Thurmond celebrated her 100th birthday in November. While the late Phil Jordan, James Smith ‘Chick’ Wilson, Mary Grace Howard, and Nona Wilson all celebrated their 90th birthdays in 2015.

Meanwhile couples Walter and Frances Smith, Robert and Wilma Fletcher, and Fred and Inez LaVaughn celebrate their 50th wedding anniversaries.

Janell Wild and Phyllis Norwood retired this year.

CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS

With such a small community, it truly is the people that make the difference. Here in Monticello and Jasper County there are a number of civic organizations that make our town a better place to live.

We have organizations such as Kiwanis Club which honors an outstanding student each month. Another program dedicated to children is the Jasper County Mentor Program. The program pairs students who may be lacking in some areas and recommended by a teacher, with high school and adult mentors.

The ML&J Fund is an ongoing fund that supplements and heads up the collection and distribution of back to school supplies in July and Christmas needs in December. Each year Tricia Armistead sponsors an event, The Polar Express, for children. There is always a great turn out in December with rides on the train and toy donations, pictures with Santa, all for a great cause.

There is also something for people of all ages interested here in Monticello, and that is Thomas Persons Hall. The old school on College Street boasts classes for painting, drawing, fitness including yoga and karate, and dance.

The Monticello Garden Club ladies meet each month and are a primary reason for the beautification of Monticello. The ladies have workdays on both the town Square and in local cemeteries.

SCHOOL NEWS

School events are a huge part of the community happenings. Everything was included from field trips, to classroom activities, to actual business meetings, and of course, sports.

Dr. Mike Newton, Jasper County Schools Superintendent that Jasper County Schools will have a charter school designation. The new designation allows for more flexibility on the local level and entitles the board to waivers and to have more governance as to decisions made in the local district.

Speaking of education the STAR Student for 2015 was Cheyenne Galloway and she chose her teacher, and mother, Beth Galloway as her STAR teacher. Miss Galloway was the STAR student of Piedmont Academy and Taylor Edwards and Chris Savage, Band Director were the STARs for JCHS.

Bobbi Sauls was named Teacher of the Year at Piedmont Academy.

Last February, Jasper County schools had several students compete and five students advance to state competition for technology. At the graduation ceremonies, JCHS heralded 115 students and Piedmont had 32 graduates.

SPORTS

In small towns such as this, sports abound here and everyone knows an athlete, young or old. Looking back at 2015, between Jasper County Schools, Piedmont Academy, and Jasper County Recreation Department you can see just how successful athletics are.

In January, two Lady Cougars accepted scholarships to play collegiate level softball. Morgan Tillman of Piedmont signed with GMC and Morgan Studdard of JCHS signed with Gordon College.

Last February, the Middle School ’Canes boys basketball team went undefeated in its season to win the conference championship. This was a redemption win, and a huge one for the boys, who fell short last year in the same game against the same team.

Ben Davis, Mat Cougar wrestled his way to win a region title in his weight class, while Hurricane Niall Alhasi competed for the state wrestling title in his weight class.

In basketball, the Cougars played in state competition. Three ’Canes Jakari Middlebrooks, Quinton Standifer, and De’Miria Glover were named All-Region with Middlebrooks making the first team.

Three Shiloh Knight players including David Sorrells, R.J. Whitlock, and Trent Raines also received All-Region awards for their efforts.

In March, the ’Canes soccer season began well and ended with the boys’ squad making it to and winning the first round of state playoffs for the first time.

In April, both the baseball ’Canes and Cougars earned region championships, while Hurricane tennis teams competed at state.

Zach Beggs, Piedmont Academy’s all around sports standout signed to play baseball at Young Harris College. Also, Piedmont’s Nick Adamczyk signed to play soccer at Elon.

In May, Cougar Jeremiah Dave won the state title for shot put with a throw of 44-4.

In addition JCHS has three players, Lane Thomas, Quincy Standifer and Garrison Williams, sign to play football at Reinhardt University.

Hurricane Katelin Villarreal signs to play soccer at GMC.

Alina Jablonski, a JCHS freshman earned two top 10 finishes at the GHSA girl’s state track meet.

Brandon Stewart also excelled at the boy’s state track meet placing fourth in the 800m. Mr. Stewart finished the season ranked sixth for that event in all AA.

In June, the Diamond Cougars earned the title of Back to Back state champions.

Also, three Cougars sign scholarships for athletics including Jeremiah Dave to play football at Fort Valley State University; Chase Young to play football and kick at Huntington College; and Michael Davis to play baseball at Darton College.

In July, Felicia Gordon signed to run at Brenau University.

In November, football Cougars became region champs.

While there are sports galore, there are other school activities that were highlighted in the last year. Livestock showings were abundant this year with names such as Eli Smallwood, Trent Maddox, Cody Sparks, Zach Mooney and Morgan Caldwell all having a terrific year showing both cows (heifers) and pigs. Agriculture and farming are a large draw for our county.

4-H is also a school affiliated program that flooded the news pages this year. From camps, to District Project Achievement (DPA), leadership opportunities, field trips, and local representative for this area 4-H has a huge impact on the students locally.

The 4-H BB shotgun and archery teams competed at state levels this year. The 4-H program also won the State Challenge Bowl this year.

A newer successful school program is that of interns. Several JCHS students interned at local businesses and received credit for on the job training. Local schools also have excelled in other areas in the last year as well. The schools offer something for the more artistic side of students by hosting an array of events including several band concerts. The Marching Hurricanes received Superior ratings at a competition.

Piedmont Literary competitors won the state competition this year for their talents.

FEATURE STORIES

One part of The News that was utilized more this year than in previous years was that of a ‘features’ section which marveled with stories of good deeds, human connections, and those feel good stories that are more personal than typical news.

A story line that began last summer and has progressed throughout this entire year is that of Peter Card, a native of Jasper County who went abroad to teach English in Abu Dhabi. He and his wife Cheryl have been featured on the front page of The News several times for their many adventures abroad. Their adventure began in Abu Dhabi but has lead them to France, Greece, England, Thailand, Philippines, Belgium to name just a few places. Mr. Card is our resident international correspondent for sights abroad.

This summer he began his second year abroad while keeping us posted on the international borders.

Another feel good story was that of a man who was run over by his tractor and lived to tell about it after being rescued and taken to the hospital. He even got back on that tractor a few months later.

There were stories of disease and the curing of those.. One feature was about a man that received a transplant and is going strong to this day. Another was that of a man who was given life, through loss of a local. He received both organ and tissues donated….He then sought out the family and met with them in thanks. A recipient of a heart came to town to visit the school where donor Richie Steele, who lost his life at a young age in an automobile accident, attended.

There was another feature about John Braden who ran with “heart,” after receiving a heart transplant.

There were feature stories getting to know local faces in government; we heard from two new judges (who happen to both be female) in the Ocmulgee District. Those ladies are Alison Burleson and Brenda Holbert Trammell. There was also a new District Attorney Stephen Bradley appointed.

Primary Care Center welcomed a new doctor, Nataliya Kubasova and a physician’s assistant, Elizabeth Wood to its facility.

GOVERNMENT

Local government had some turnover as well. Mike Benton was hired in September as new county manager and replaced Karen Degges who was placed on medical leave and then terminated.

It seemed that with the good, comes bad. Some of the negative headlines that crossed these pages involved theft and crime, wrecks and fires.

Leading the bad news were county employees being charged with theft. There were three county employees on the front page charged with theft, two from county offices. There were an overwhelming number of burglaries reported to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office within the last year, as those led most every week followed by the usual thefts, financial and identification fraud, terroristic threats, child molestation and prostitution…yes right here in small town USA. The biggest photos are of drugs found and those charged.

In addition to arrests there is always the report of those who have died. The page 2 obituaries remain as one of the most read pages of The News. There were even front page deaths, such as ‘Two Die in Accidental Electrocution,’ and ‘Shooting on Burney Drive.’

There are always pictures of mangled cars and homes on fire that grace our pages, and those seemed to occur less this year. One headline this year boasted 19 accidents in one week in June. And, as a result, there is now a new four-way stop at the intersection of Bethel Church Road and Hwy. 212, due to many of those above accidents.

This year the county both created and eliminated a Solid Waste Authority. They also discussed at length the landfill and its contents regarding fiber disposal. In June the commissioner’s adopted a $9.5 million budget for the fiscal year 2016.

This was an election year for persons sitting on the Monticello City Council and the council will see three new members in January. There were two community forums held for those vying for a seat and the results were Stone Workman, Mayor pro tem; Jenny H. Murphy, District 2; and Cynthia Miller, District 1. Two long serving council members, Katherine Alexander and Bobby Jacobs were given plaques for their years of service to the city of Monticello.

Whew…if you’ve made it this far then you know that small towns such as this can do a lot in one year. 2016 is promised to be better for Jasper County and the City of Monticello and we here at The Monticello News look forward to things that may come.

We especially want to thank our advertisers, as those are the ones that keep us in business. To all of our readers, please keep buying the news and don’t forget that we have a website, www.themonticellonews.com.

Keep reading in 2016 to see about the DeGarmo’s Group Home for Boys, the Babies of 2015, and much, much more. The county issued its first same-sex marriage license in 2015, who knows what you will read in 2016!

Enjoy.