Thurman Lee Willis, Jr., age 71, of Monticello, died Sunday, July 19, 2020.Born on December 19, 1948, in Spruce Pine, N.C., he was the son of Thurman Lee Willis, Sr. and Frances Rhyne Willis.Mr. Willis moved to Monticello in 1954 and graduated from Monticello High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the…
It was a relatively light week for criminal activity in Jasper County during the past week, as there were two reports of identity fraud, and not much else. However deputies did respond to several accidents during the week, as well as making some 91 traffic stops, along with 16 stopping suspicious person or vehicle. Some…
The Monticello Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is happy to announce that Michele Celani has been hired as director of the organization. Ms. Celani’s background includes an undergrad degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in literacy, along with graduate certification in museum studies. Ms. Celani has consulted with the Atlanta History Center and chaired…
Jasper County Schools will begin the 2020-2021 academic year without changes to the calendar. All faculty and staff will report to school on Tuesday, Aug. 4, and students will return on Wednesday, Aug. 12. Students will have the option in Kindergarten-12th grades to participate in virtual learning as an alternative to traditional school. Families will…
Revelation 22:6-21 And He said unto me, Those sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the Holy Prophet sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. To God be the Glory. Amen To The Monticello News staff I thank God for the spreading of his…
Let’s get the story straight right from the beginning. OK? Traveling outside your zone right now is not easy. This past Sunday in Tennessee, I spoke at a Celebration of Life for a life-long friend who passed away the middle of April. At the time, no service was held, no relatives except for her husband…
Items from my political notebook as the Georgia summer beats us all into submission: The battle between Georgia governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, while somewhat fascinating to watch, is really silly in the grand scheme of things. For those who claim the governor’s decision to sue the Atlanta mayor is not…
The Georgia High School Association announced earlier this week that the start of the 2020 football season will be delayed until September 4. Previously, games were scheduled to begin August 21. As of now football will be the only sport delayed in terms of events or games. Cross country, volleyball and softball will begin as…
Last Saturday evening, July 18, Jasper County High School held its 2020 Junior-Senior Prom, taking the opportunity to provide students with a notable, celebratory experience in the face of a truncated school year. This uniquely scheduled prom was the inaugural event of the freshly manicured, newly opened plaza area of its on-campus sports complex, right…
Some 145 out of 157 Jasper County High School seniors will receive their diplomas at a commencement ceremony tomorrow, July 24, at 7:30 p.m. at the newly built Hurricane Field behind the school. Several seniors have already received their diplomas after opting out of participating in the ceremony for various reasons including entry into the…