Looking Back at 2020—Covid and More

A look back through the pages of the 2020 Monticello News tells a story of a year marked by a global pandemic changing the way we live in many ways, and then the stories of crime, local government, special people, and more reminding us that the more things change the more they stay the same.

Other than Covid-19, elections held the highlight of 2020 with local elections last summer, a contested presidential election this November, and now District 1 Jasperites looking at voting again in March to replace long-time beloved commissioner Carl Pennamon who succumbed to Covid.

Without a doubt or even a second thought, Covid-19 had the biggest presence this year as it altered the way we live our lives within our community. We have seen illness and death within our fold from this virus and while it may not have been our family member, it has likely been a friend or an acquaintance known to us like Carl.

While the Georgia Department of Health statistics currently lists Jasper with seven deaths attributed to Covid, the number is likely underrepresented as the virus contributes to other bodily malfunctions. The virus hit the nation’s biggest cities early on during the pandemic but has slowly wound a path to the rural areas. As of December 27, Jasper had 783 cases recorded up from 712 cases on December 20.

In altering the way we live our lives, Covid has also changed the way we entertain ourselves, or not. The News’ annual football contest was met with questions: whether we would have the contest due to a questionable football season, college and professional. Football season panned out but there were some hiccups as games were postponed or just cancelled.

On a local level, Covid put a lid on preseason practices and conditioning for high school sports. In the midst of basketball season now, the teams are experiencing games being called upon arrival due to impromptu Covid circumstances.

Covid affected everything. Supplies, especially toilet paper, were hard to find. There remains a shortage of cleaning wipes as well as some groceries and other non-food products. Members of the Georgia National Guard visited The Retreat Nursing Home, Jasper Memorial Hospital and accompanying medical offices to clean and sanitize in an effort to fight the virus.

Alas, change can be good as it allows us to adapt to our environment and adapt we have and will continue to do well beyond the conclusion of 2020.

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A photo at right shows Jamal Gude, a freshman home from college early because of Covid. All schools went virtual last spring, making Jamal just one of many college students who finished the year virtually, as did all public school students here.

Graduation for Jasper County High School took place in July—two months after classes ended. But, it was able to be held at Hurricane Field which was complete by that time.

Elections were also affected by Covid. Barely a week went by that elections were not the topic. The year started with various candidates announcing their intended run for office including many local and regional races. Both Rep. Susan Holmes and Sen. Burt Jones had competition this election cycle. In addition, T. Wright Barksdale was elected district attorney. Tim Lam retained his seat for Chief Magistrate, and most of the other county-wide seats were not contested.

District 3 Commissioner Don Jernigan retained his seat after being challenged by Pat Tria. District 1 Commissioner Carl Pennamon was unopposed in the general election but died before the election. Two people have qualified to fill that seat in a special election March 16. District 5 Commissioner Doug Luke did not seek re-election and Stephen Ledford will take on those duties to begin 2021.

The primaries were originally scheduled for May, but because of the pandemic, were moved to June. In addition, the presidential preference primary was also moved.

Elections are still in the news as the Georgia has two races in the Senate run-off set for January 5.

It’s been a tough year for residents at The Retreat Nursing Home. Last January 2, The News reported that visitors were restricted because of influenza concerns. That passed, and then Covid came along, and no visitors have been allowed most of the time since March. The Retreat had started allowing some visitation before the uptick in Covid locally and nationwide.

The pages of The Monticello News featured many individuals, as staff worked on a “Know Your Neighbor” feature introducing many residents to the community.

When it was determined seniors would not graduate on time, writer Kim Joris started featuring high school students so we got to know the class of 2020—a group of upbeat, positive students who will always remember their senior year. 2020—a group of upbeat, positive students who will always remember their senior year.

The beginning of the year saw some changes in local leadership, as Bruce Henry was elected County Commission chairman, and Gail Harrell was sworn in as Mayor Pro-Tem of Monticello.

Michele Celani was named Citizen of the Year, and Jasper County Small Engine was named Business of the Year. One thing that Mrs. Celani did was spearhead the mobile Smithsonian display that completed its visit to Monticello last January.

The weather made headlines several times, with lots of rain in March. The first mention of Covid-19 in these pages came March 19, and reports continued throughout the year. That week is when workers began delivering lunches to the children who were out of school because of Covid. The school lunch deliveries continued through May, to each household.

Children did not return to school until August. And that return was with lots of new guidelines. Most weeks’ papers featured good things happening in our community during Covid. The schools, although having to quarantine some students and staff, have done a good job of keeping the children safe while educating them mostly in person. As usual the pages of this paper promote many of the good things happening in our schools.

In addition, 4-H, FBLA, FFA and other clubs feature their accomplishments in these pages frequently. No one need look further to find the promise of our community being well represented when we see what our local schools are doing.

Partly because of Covid, and some systems not returnign to in-person school last fall, Piedmont Academy has seen a welcome influx of students. Like public school, it has managed to keep teaching despite the risk of Covid.

Among other projects, the Courthouse was stabilized after it was determined much work was needed. The project was completed within the year.

Monticello Kart Racing (MKR) got a new home in 2020, with races now taking place at 500 Ted Sauls Road. Racing did not take place much of the year as the track was being prepared, and there was hesitation about gatherings. They have started back now, with races being held every couple weeks.

After the near total shutdown for Covid, things began opening back up. The Market on the Square opened in May, and had a very successful year. People were ready to get out, but with face-to-face contact limited, the outdoor venue was a real plus. Many wore masks, some did not. There were hand-sanitizing stations and six foot distance was encouraged.

Covid prevented the Chamber of Commerce from hosting Haunticello or the Deer Festival, and the Deer Dash was held virtually. A planned Christmas parade was also cancelled because of the pandemic.

Mid-year saw a prayer vigil held to bring unity to the community in the face of a pandemic and high-profile police killings across the nation which brought some unrest here too.

The city of Monticello got a new manager—Angela Redding—who remains at the helm now. The county got a new ag agent, but he isn’t new to the county. John Scruggs began work as the county’s agricultural extension agent. He previously had taught ag classes at the high school.

The city also spent considerable time discussing code enforcement, and meeting with the county in an effort to reach an intergovernmental agreement for the Magistrate Court to handle city cases. That hurdle has not yet been crossed. Despite Chief Magistrate Tim Lam approaching the city last fall, saying he’d be happy to handle the cases, Monticello attorney Joe Reitman says the city charter must be changed again before it can happen.

The city of Monticello twice gave residents a credit on their electric bills, however Adam McGinnis said that it is not enough and the city needs to lower rates. He has spoken to council at least twice on how the city could reduce rates and still have money. The city is also debating about how to proceed with its Mine Lake property.

In July, Jasper County High School held graduation and contacted the students who were returning to school to determine how many would be served in person and how many would be virtual. Many who started virtual in August, returned to the classroom later in the fall, with a few still choosing the virtual option.

Weather was again a topic in August with storm causing property damage here. The 911 center was approved for a new phone system in August, but still battles problems with radios.

The fact that the year will be remembered forever for Covid-19, does not change the fact that there were numerous other happenings—good and bad—throughout the year. 2020 will not be remembered fondly by many, but it will be remembered, that’s for sure.