Superior Court Criminal Trial Week Produces Prison Sentences
The Jasper County Superior Court criminal trial week session resulted in a few lengthy prison terms and several probation sentences for defendants. Thomas J. Griggs was sentenced to 25 years with the first seven in confinement on two separate cases. The first case included charges of sale of methamphetamine, possession of firearm by convicted felon,…
Read MoreBonds Are Granted & Denied
Steven C. Tillman, age 18, was granted a $125,000 bond during the March 7 session of the Jasper Superior Court motion day session. The defendant was charged with felony murder, voluntary manslaughter, and aggravated assault for the demise of his father, James Tillman, during a March 2022 confrontation. The defendant was indicted in February 2023…
Read MoreFatal ATV Accident Results in Charges
Gregory Scott Walton of Mansfield has been charged with homicide by vehicle (first degree) after a four-wheeler accident last summer. He was also charged with DUI/driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to maintain lane, and operation of a vehicle without current plate. Kayla Marie Cleveland, 32, of Monticello, was killed July 31 when the…
Read MoreKen Horton, Dairy Queen Receive Accolades
Nearly 300 people turned out for the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce annual dinner last Thursday at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center. Dairy Queen was named Business of the Year at the dinner and Ken Horton was named Citizen of the Year. Those winners were honored with a plaque and recognition at the banquet which all…
Read MoreMarch Is Women’s History Month
On March 8th, women around the world are celebrated for their accomplishments. In 1901 women suffragist groups experienced the power women had when they banded together. It took another 19 years to get women the right to vote when the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified. Each day Google celebrates a special…
Read MoreLocal School Board Members Interview Three Candidates
The Jasper County School Board conducted interviews Monday with three candidates to serve as District 5 school board member to replace Lewis Rice who is unable to serve for health reasons. Mr. Rice resigned his post in January. Board Chairman William Schilling, vice-chair Erin Lynch, members Towonder Dennis and Bubba Wilson interviewed Michelle Coward, Janice…
Read MoreLady Cougars Win First State Title Ever
Piedmont Academy began fielding varsity girls basketball teams in the early 1970s. More than five decades later, the 2022-23 team has now made program history with the first state championship. Friday’s 82-65 win in the GIAA Class AA finals against Citizens Christian was the culmination of years of building for coach Michael Wilson. The Lady…
Read MoreBaseball Canes Win 1, Drop 3 in Busy Week
The Monticello Hurricane baseball program had another busy week, with four varsity games and a junior varsity (JV) game, magnified by the fact that the Hurricane program was without two of their coaches for two of the varsity games. The team finished the week with a 1-3 slate, pushing their overall record to 2-8 through…
Read MoreEarly Voting To Continue Daily Until March 17
Some 90 people had voted as of mid-morning Wednesday, and nine absentee ballots had been cast. Voters in Monticello and Jasper County go to the polls from now until March 21 for a special election to name a Mayor of Monticello and to approve or disapprove extending the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).…
Read MoreJames Brian Jenkins
James Brian Jenkins, age 50, of Monticello, passed away Monday, Feb. 27, 2023. Brian Jenkins was born in Decatur, on July 2, 1972, to David and Barbara Jenkins of Stockbridge. Mr. Jenkins worked as a pipe fitter for Local Union 72 in Atlanta. He enjoyed fishing, riding motorcycles, watching his girls play softball, spending time…
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