The Jones County Board of Commissioners recognized a group of young men and women who receive little attention for the amazing success they are having in their sport at their first Tuesday October board meeting.
Chairman Chris Weidner called the Oct. 1 meeting to order and led the opening prayer and pledge.
Commissioner Sam Kitchens took the lead in recognizing the Jones County High School Cross Country Team. He said the boys’ varsity team is back-to-back region champions and has a record this year of 105-0.
“They have won every meet they have been in. They are currently ranked No. 2 in Georgia AAAA.
He said the girls’ varsity team are also back-toback region champions. He said the girls record is 92-2, and they have won three of their five total meets, finishing second in the other two.
“They are ranked No. 1 in the region and No. 7 in Georgia AAAA.”
Kitchens said their last meet in Jones County had these totals: 1,400 runners and 2,300 spectators bought tickets. He added that no coaches from the other schools or local educators had to buy tickets, so the total spectators are probably another 150-200.
Their next big race is Nov. 2, when they host the state sectional.
The coach is Geoff Moore.
Boys varsity team members are Luke Thornton, Tyler Marshall, Gavin Robinson, Grady Newby, Shaun Williams, Andrew Marshall, Clay Lacy, Rylan Fuller and Chase Hamm.
Girls varsity team members are Addison Robinson, Lilly Palmer, Isabella Sanchez, Camryn Wommack, Tanner Watts, Jordan Norman-Brown and Banks Dyer.
The commissioners presented each team member with a goodie bag.
Planning and Zoning
Ellen Price represented Martin Marietta Materials in a request to rezone three acres on Highway 49 from Ag–1 to M–2. She said the purpose of the rezoning was to allow the creation of a buffer area to include a vegetated screening berm associated with water controls.
Weidner asked if there was anyone opposed to the request, and there was no response. Commissioner Daylon Martin made the motion to approve the request, and the vote in favor was unanimous.
Comments
Public Works Director Shawn Wood reported that Jones County had 100 trees down due to Hurricane Helene, and cleanup was underway. Wood said they have hauled off 25-30 dump truck loads so far, and they are keeping up with the numbers according to FEMA codes.
“I was in Dublin this morning, and we are blessed. We are offering them mutual aid,” he said. “It was sad to see; they need a lot of help.”
The director went on to say the big oak tree in front of the public works building was one of the casualties.
“I feel like we are in good shape, and I am glad we were able keep up essential services,” he said.
Commissioner Wendy Vaughn agreed Jones County was very fortunate.
“We are blessed we did not get what was headed for us,” she said.
The commissioner added she was glad to see the cross-country team recognized.
“I’ve known most of these kids since they were small. It’s great to see them grow up like that,” she said. “We were lucky. I am grateful and my heart hurts for those in need.”
Kitchens said he also is thankful Jones County was not hit by the storm. He said is thankful for the teams that were prepared and for all of their planning.
Weidner said he daughter lives in Augusta. She and her family were able to make it to his house safely, but it took hours.
“She had just enough gas. There was horrible destruction; many people have nothing now. My prayers are with them,” he said.
The next meeting of the Board of Commissioners is scheduled Oct. 15.
