A lightning strike damaged the Mount Oglethorpe Monument in Jasper overnight, scattering chunks of marble at the base of the 38-foot Cherokee marble statue, officials say. A historic monument honoring Georgia founder James Oglethorpe was apparently struck by lightning Tuesday night as severe storms swept through Pickens County. The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to multiple reports of storm damage across the county, including downed trees, standing water and possible power lines in or near roadways. The agency also reported apparent storm damage to the Oglethorpe Monument on Main Street in downtown Jasper and asked the public to stay away from the damaged structure until it can be safely evaluated.