This week is National Police Week, a time when officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice are honored. In 1962 President John F. Kennedy signed a bill designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. Currently, thousands of law enforcement officers and family converge on Washington, D.C. to honor fallen heroes.There is a Blue Mass…
Introduction: Information explosion! With the speed of lightning, technology is expanding at a record pace. It is so fast that it changes before you can keep up with it, some good—some not so good. Nevertheless, our world is changing. But remember, God’s word does not change! And by the way, Jesus is the same yesterday,…
Opal Sue Bright Folendore, 76 of Hillsboro, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025 surrounded by family. Opal was born March 22, 1949 in Seneca, SC to the late Fredrick and Elizabeth Jones Bright. She was born and raised in South Carolina and was a lifelong Baptist. In the early 80’s, Opal joined her husband Bo,…
Susan D. Holmes Susan Dykes Holmes, 82, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday morning, April 30, 2025 in her beloved town of Monticello, Georgia. Susan was born on October 8, 1942, in Jasper County, Georgia to the late Martha Blackwell Dykes and William Samuel Dykes. She was a product of rural Georgia and…
The Jasper County Commissioners received the Fiscal Year 2024 audit report of an “unmodified opinion” at a work session Monday evening at the Courthouse. The opinion means the numbers represented are materially correct, and the firm had few findings. The audit covered the general fund, the 2018 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and…
On Saturday, April 26, Jayden Wojcik traveled to LaGrange College, in LaGrange, to compete in the State National History Day Competition. Jayden competed in the Senior Individual Exhibit division with his project “A School Built Separate” and won second place. His project focused on the history of Jasper County Training School (JCTS) and the old…
SHAWN HOLMES (SECOND FROM LEFT) IS EMS HERO The staff of the Piedmont Newton Hospital Emergency Department selected paramedic Shawn Holmes with Jasper County Fire Rescue to receive the “EMS Hero Award.” This quarterly award from the hospital celebrates an emergency medical services provider from the community or surrounding communities who has made a positive…
Judge Terry Massey issued a ruling April 25 in Holy Nation Church’s civil hearing reviewed last Tuesday in Jasper County Superior Court. The hearing stemmed from a September 2024 incident in which one of the plaintiffs in the hearing were issued a criminal trespass warrant for visiting the church location. Current church leaders filed the…
Deputies with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) had a busy week last week, responding to all types of calls for service. Persons arrested during the week, and their charges, include: Breanna Latimore, 29, Monticello—Interference with Government Property Marco Aram Martin Ortiz, 27, Monticello—Driving without a Valid License Trish Angelica Ryans, 33, Atlanta—Criminal Trespass Joshua…
The Jasper County Board of Assessors, at its regular meeting Monday afternoon, approved the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget along with reviewing value changes and effects of new legislation. Chief Appraiser Lynn Bentley said the budget had not been increased in three years, but with the cost of postage and education, it is necessary to…