2024 In The Rear View
Well 2024 has indeed been one for the books! It was filled with a lot of emotions, locally and nationally. Most of us evaluate of our days, weeks, months, and years by the events that happen and people that fill them.
What do you remember most about 2024? As I run down the local list as seen in the pages of The News, compare it to yours.
No one can forget that 2024 was a presidential election year with several twists and turns. I cannot go any further without acknowledging the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter who passed away this week. He was the 39th President of the U.S., the only Commander-in-Chief elected from Georgia, and the longest living President who celebrated his 100th birthday on October 1.
Jasper County saw quite a few changes. The Sheriff’s Office saw the completion of long-awaited renovations at the sheriff department offices. A new four way stop was created at the intersection of Henderson Mill and County Line Roads.
Wrecks and car crashes were usual in nature as well as drug busts and seizures but 2024 also came with a crackdown on local businesses with gambling machines on their premises.
Natural events took center stage too. There were occassional weather events, as the effects of tropical storms and hurricanes were prevalent, that caused downed trees, downed power lines, the unearthing of roadways in addition to flooding.
No review is complete without a look at the people that shape and influence our community. Whether it’s the individual that took the leap to run for public office or that young adult that competed academically or athletically for their school.
Let’s begin the review.
JANUARY
•The new year brought the swearing in of newly elected public officers for the city and county governments. Jenny Murphy, Gail Harrell, Doug Currie were sworn in for Monticello City Council. As those three were sworn in, three others, Zach Middleton, Melissa Strozier, and Tim Womack, qualified for the open council seat left by David Wease.
•Jasper County High School (JCHS) senior Tiffani McClain was selected as a National Delegate with 4-H.
•Bruce Henry was named chairman of the Jasper County Commission where impact fees were a major topic of discussion.
•Six local businesses were served with warrants for alleged illegal gambling and THC vapes after a year long investigation.
•Storm damage was rampant with downed trees and flooding throughout the county.
•Michelle Coward of the Board of Education (BOE) announced bid for re-election while Bill Schilling remained chairman of the BOE.
•Community leaders and husband and wife duo Juanita Thompson and Andrew Thompson die days apart. Both were long-time educators in the community. Miss Juanita was the first Head Start Director in Jasper County and a loved musician. Mr. Andrew served as the principal of Washington Park Elementary School for decades.
•Cold weather in January was a problem which caused many local pipes to freeze and burst in the city corridors.
FEBRUARY
•Piedmont Academy wrestlers head to state competition as Boone Pope, Colt Leddon, and Zarya Lindsey bring home championship titles. Patrick Meadows and Pope also earned their 100th win titles.
•Gail Harrell hosted a town hall meeting for District 1 constituents.
•Jasper County Commission gets a clean audit for 2023.
•Four Jasper County Charter System students, Lorilei Fowler, Reese Byrd, Addison Smith, and Sarah Lamb advanced to the state technology fair after claiming top spots at the region fair.
•The Jasper County Middle School Lady Hurricanes become undefeated Piedmont Athletic Conference champions.
•Jasper County received a $1.3 million check from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) as a tornado reimbursement for damage done by the January 2023 tornado.
•Monticello City Council agreed to take bids for the sale of the Mine Lake property.
•Don Jernigan seeks re-election as the District 3 County Commissioner.
•The February 2024 Grand Jury indicts 15.
•Cougar Matt Joyner signs to play football at Shorter University.
•Rhett Harris of Piedmont and Tiffani McClain of JCHS were selected as STAR (Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition) students. Tiffani was awarded the title of County STAR alongside her chosen educator Caleb Fontaine.
•John Henderson enlisted to run for the Chief Magistrate post.
•Three Hurricane seniors accept scholarships to play football at the collegiate level. Randy Williams, Jr. and Josiah Cotterell signed with Reinhardt University and Brandon Ridley with Brevard College.
•Lady Cougar Marissa Holder hit the 2,000 point mark on the Piedmont basketball team.
•JCHS Lady Canes soccer player Becky Leigh Wilson signs to play soccer at Wesleyan College.
•Firefighters battle two severe home fires within three days. A Smith Street home was a total loss while a Robby Street home was not.
MARCH
•The Lady Cougars basketball team won their second consecutive state title for GIAA Class AA.
•Smith & Sons Funeral Home earned Business of the Year honors while Cory McMichael earned Citizen of the Year honors, both sponsored by the Monticello Jasper County Chamber of Commerce.
• Billy Norris sought re-election as County Coroner.
•The annual Seuss on the Loose literacy festival was held.
•Commissioners decided not to privatize the landfill.
•Erin Lynch of BOE District 2 decided not to seek re-election.
•City Council awarded the sale of the Mine Lake property to its sole bidder of nearly $4 million.
•Chrissy Mason qualified for Chief Magistrate office.
•Michele Celani qualified for BOE District 4 post.
•Chris Blakely qualified for the County Commission District 3 seat along with Rob Alexander. David McGuire qualified for the District 1 Commission seat.
•Local primary results led to run off election for city council between Tim Womack and Zach Middleton. Joe Biden and Donald Trump emerged as primary winners in the presidential race.
•Local deputies were busy confiscating drugs and drug paraphernalia.
•JCHS athlete Austin Young signed with Brevard College to play football.
APRIL
•The Monticello News got a fresh coat of paint in a new color going from Pepto Pink to Brick Red.
•Theda Layton celebrated 105 years of age.
•A solar eclipse took the nation by storm and viewers in Jasper County were abuzz as the next eclipse of its nature won’t occur until 2044.
• Tim Womack is sworn as new city councilman.
•Jasper County Recreation Department spring sports began.
•The Sheriff Department’s detention center made substantial construction headway.
•The JCMS boys track team won the PAC championship title.
•The cicada insects made their return. The noisy little creatures emerge every 13 years. Their last appearance was in 2011 and their next should be in 2037.
MAY
•A relatively new group “Bridging Monticello” organized a Tour of Homes.
•The JCHS track & field boys team had six region champions and 29 state qualifiers from the region meet.
•JCHS wrestler Ethan Norton signed with Brewton Parker College.
•JCHS Alumnus and Chemist Cole Smith developed gel for advanced bandages at Georgia College.
•JCHS graduated 140 seniors. Piedmont had ??
•Nancy Stafford selected to serve as Shady Dale Rodeo Grand Marshal.
•Jasper Jubilee is revived by Bridging Monticello with annual festival and many events
•County commissioners passed a short term rental ordinance which became a bode of contention
•Megan Nichols won a state award for Jasper County FFA.
•JCHS track star Tayshawn Reeves hurdles to a state title.
•The Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual golf tournament.
JUNE
•County approved the Maintenance & Operation budget while discussions ensued about lessening funding to Jasper Memorial Hospital and funding a third ambulance locally. Both projects were funded.
•JCHS student Hunter Cleveland won a national road safety public service announcement contest which led him to New York to film it.
•City Council approved a $12 million budget.
•The annual rodeo attracted thousands.
•Juneteenth was celebrated in big fashion in Monticello with a parade and a plethora of activities.
•Local activist Lottie Norris celebrated her 90th birthday in addition to serving as Grand Marshal in the Juneteenth parade.
•Talks of restructuring the 911 Joint Authority Board began.
•Chrissy Mason defeated Incumbent Tim Lam for the Chief Magistrate position in a run off.
•JCHS student Jorden Reed is named Work Based Learning Student of the Year for the East Central Region.
•Barr Bridge Road opened with a new bridge over Murder Creek.
•Tamala Alexander is feted for her service to the Jasper County Library.
•Musical Theatre Camp was conducted with 50 students.
JULY
•Smoke Over Monticello barbecue competition was hosted at the Blaque Butterfly event center.
•The BOE approved a 13.25 millage rate.
•Jasper Memorial Hospital partnered with Rural Physicians Group to provide local services.
•The County Commission approved the special tax to fund a new ambulance and its station in Farrar.
•The 911 Board named Jennifer Smith as the interim director.
•JCHS student Eli Nelson wins short film contest.
•Car show and Street Eats is hosted.
•The El-Jourbagy-Harty family vacation in New Zealand.
•City Council approved the 2020 draft audit.
•Independence Day brings fireworks, food, and fun around the county.
AUGUST
Back to school rally for the start of the 2024-25 school year was conducted with students headed back to class.
•JCHS graduate and current Vice Provost & Chief of Staff to the Provost at the University of Georgia Dr. Alton Standifer addresses the students at the Fall Tailgate Service hosted by Monticello First United Methodist Church.
•Church Street and West Washington Street intersection foiled drivers again with the accidents continuing to pile up.
•Board of Elections appointees Mark Logan, David McGuire, and Guy Tucker are sworn in.
•Driver wrecks and abandons car with minor children left behind.
•Lady Hurricanes start season with 8-0 record.
SEPTEMBER
•The football contest began.
•Man is charged with conspiracy to commit murder and arson.
•Local field AT&T workers were on strike.
•The Jasper County Food Bank celebrated 15 years.
•Following the Apalachee High School shooting, police presence increased at schools in the Jasper County Charter System.
•JCHS Cross Country gained season momentum.
•Luther Ausburn celebrates 99 years.
•Carnethia Pennamon maintains certification as Monticello City Clerk.
•911 Authority Board reduces to seven members from 11.
•JCCS Superintendent Kenneth Garland received a three year contract extension.
•JCHS football kicks into high gear.
•Perla Bautista is crowned Hurricane Homecoming Queen and Madelyn Taylor is crowned Miss Hurricane.
•Last month to register for voting in the General Election.
OCTOBER
•Jasper County weathers Hurricane Helene and stepped up to aid surrounding communities.
•City Council voted to purchase new equipment including an excavator.
•JCMS Hurricanes win the PAC league in football.
•Dale Boone celebrates 90 years.
•Piedmont Academy hosted homecoming festivities.
•The Public Facilities Authority (PFA) discussed funding a new recreation facility.
•Hurricane Cross Country was named the 2024 Region 4A Champions.
NOVEMBER
Head on collision happened on Jackson Lake Road.
•The 58th Deer Festival is held.
•Jasper County supported Donald Trump as president.
•Wayne Owensby, Jr. was sentenced to 10 years for his involvement in the December 31, 2022 collision that resulted in a fatality.
•Car chase ends in wreck and drug seizure.
•Kaylee Slocumb earned the Eagle Scout Award as the highest award the Boy Scouts offers.
•Residents speak against a proposed solar farm project on Rock Eagle Road.
•Hurricane football made it into the round of Sweet 16 and the Elite 8.
•Chase Tillman is sentenced to 20 years for the shooting death of his father Steven Tillman.
DECEMBER
•County Commission approved C2 zoning changes from 1.2 acres to one acre.
•Grand jury convened with 20 indictments true billed.
•Holiday festivities abound with a tree lighting and holiday parade.
•City Council contemplated approval of an alcohol license for the Blaque Butterfly.
•Cassandra Campbell wins the grand prize drawing for the football contest which was four tickets to the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day.
•Newly elected or re-elected officials are sworn into office.
Happy New Year!
