NEW T-U REC DIRECTOR TO BE HIRED

 UPSON  COUNTY'S  MANAGER LONNIE JOYCE HAS  ANNOUNCED  HE  PLANS  TO  HIRE  A  NEW  RECREATION  DIRECTOR  IN  THE  NEXT  FEW  DAYS.  CITY  AND  COUNTY  OFFICIALS  HAVE  BEEN  INVOLVED  IN  INTERVIEWING  THE    7  OR  SO  APPLICANTS FOR  THE  JOB--HE  SAID.  THE  TWO  GOVERNING  BODIES  AGREED  TO CONTINUE  WITH  THE  CITIZENS  RECREATION  ADVISORY  BOARD--RECENTLY  AND  COUNTY  COMMISSIONER BEN  WATSON  TOLD   101  NEWS , ITS  WORKING.

SPECIAL ELECTION FOR DISTRICT 18 STATE SENATE IN UPSON, MONROE, CRAWFORD, PEACH, BIBB, HOUSTON COUNTIES

 A  SPECIAL  ELECTION  WILL  BE  HELD   TUESDAY  JAN.  20,  2026   IN  UPSON, MONROE, CRAWFORD,  PEACH  AND PORTIONS OF  BIBB  AND  HOUSTON  COUNTIES  FOR  GA.  SENATE  DISTRICT 18  WITH  THE  RESIGNATION OF  SENATOR  JOHN  KENNEDY  WHO  IS  RUNNING  FOR  LT.  GOVERNOR  IN  2026. QUALIFYING  WILL  BE  HELD  MONDAY  DEC.  15TH THRU  WED. DEC.  17TH  AT  THE  GA.  SECRETARY  OF  STATE'S OFFICES IN  ATLANTA.  ACCORDING  TO  UPSON COUNTY  ELECTIONS  SUPERINTENDANT  PAM RELEFORD    QUALIFYING  FEE  $400.  MONDAY,  DEC.  22ND  IS  THE LAST  DAY  TO REGISTER  TO  VOTE  AND  IN  ADVANCE  VOTING  WILL  BEGIN  MONDAY  DEC.  29TH.

UPSON BOC DENIES APPEAL FOR SUBDIVISION ON ROLAND ROAD

 AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING  THE  UPSON COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  DENIED  AN  APPEAL  FROM  10  ACRES  LAKE  LLC  ON  ROLAND  ROAD   FOR  A  DECISION  BY  THE  PLANNING  COMMISSION  ON  A  PRELIMINARY  PLAT  FOR  A  SUBDIVISON  PLAN.   THE  COMMISSIONERS  ALSO  APPROVED  THE 2026  BUDGET  AT   THEIR  LAST  SCHEDULED  MEETING  OF  THE  YEAR.  COUNTY  MANAGER  LONNIE JOYCE  TOLD   101  NEWS  NO  PROPERTY  TAX  INCREASE  ANTICIPATED  IN  THE 26  BUDGET  BUT  SOLID  WASTE  COLLECTION  RATES  WILL  BE  INCREASED  TO  GET  THE  COUNTY  OUT OF  THE  RED  ON  THE  ITEM.

TWO FINALIST FOR GRIFFIN-SPALDING SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT

 GRIFFIN, GA – The Board of Education has named two finalists for the position of Superintendent of Schools for the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS). The finalists are GSCS Interim Superintendent Dr. Donald Warren and Dr. Stephanie Johnson, current Georgia Department of Education Office of School and District Improvement Deputy Superintendent/Chief Turnaround Officer.

A town hall meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 6, from 6-8 p.m. in the Griffin Auditorium (234 E Taylor St, Griffin, GA 30224) for stakeholders to hear from both finalists. The Board of Education plans to name the next superintendent on January 13.

“These finalists bring a wealth of leadership experience. They both possess attributes needed to move our school system forward,” said Board of Education Chairman R. Syntel Brown. “Our board has worked meticulously as we seek to identify the best possible leader to serve as the next superintendent of GSCS.”

The board worked with Georgia School Boards Association Search Director Dr. Samuel King to identify the characteristics desired in the new superintendent; adopted qualifications for the position; approved a recruitment announcement; reviewed applications and interviewed candidates that appeared to have closely met the qualifications.

After a nationwide search, the board narrowed the pool of applicants down to two finalists. These finalists have been identified by the board as the most qualified candidates for the role. Documents submitted as part of each candidate’s application will be available for public inspection and copying, as required by law, on the school district website at www.gscs.org.  

In accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(11), the board is naming the finalists at least 14 calendar days prior to the meeting at which a final vote will be taken.

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UPSON'S STATE SENATOR RESIGNING TO CONCENTRATE ON LT. GOV RACE

 Macon, GA – Today, State Senator John F. Kennedy (SD-18) announced that he will be resigning his seat in the Georgia State Senate, effective immediately. 

“It has been an incredible honor to serve and represent the 18th District in the Georgia State Senate these past 11 years,” said Senator John F. Kennedy. “I want to thank the people of Crawford, Monroe, Peach, Upson, Bibb and Houston counties for their trust and support as we’ve worked together to deliver historic conservative results for Middle Georgia and our state as a whole. 

“The 18th District deserves a senator this upcoming legislative session who will be entirely focused on their needs and their priorities—not a statewide campaign—and it is my hope that the timing of my resignation will ensure they have representation under the Gold Dome during this session. When Susan and I decided to announce my campaign for Lt. Governor, we knew this race would take our full focus and commitment because that’s what the people of our state deserve. It is clear to me that continuing my service in the state senate while also running for Lt. Governor would be a disservice to both my constituents and the thousands of hardworking Georgians who have pledged their support for our vision for this state. 

“2026 is a critical election for the future of our state and I look forward to continuing our campaign’s momentum to keep Georgia growing, learning, and safe for generations to come.”

Kennedy was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2014 where he would work his way up from being a Governor’s Floor Leader to being unanimously elected by all 55 members of the State Senate to serve as President Pro Tempore - the second highest position in the Senate. 

During his time in office, Senator John F. Kennedy has been an effective leader in the Senate Chamber and legislative partner to Governor Brian Kemp and Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones—helping deliver a conservative agenda that includes:

• Passing the largest income tax cut in Georgia history
• Providing property tax relief for Georgia homeowners
• Raising pay for educators and law enforcement
• Strengthening Georgia’s ban on sanctuary cities
• Prohibiting boys from playing in girls sports

Kennedy also sponsored and passed meaningful tort reform legislation and Georgia’s first Anti-semitism law.
 

 

IN UPSON COUNTY BISHOP ROAD IS NOW OPEN

 

FLY FOR EMPTY STOCKING FUND POSTPONED

 THE  FLY  FOR  TOYS  FUNDRAISER  FOR  EMPTY  STOCKING  FUND  POSTPONED  UNTIL  SAT.  DEC. 13 DUE  TO  WEATHER--8AM  TILL  3PM AT  THE  T-U  AIRPORT  SPONSORED  BY  WEST CENTRAL  GA. FLYING  CLUB  AND  THE  AIRPORT.  BRING  A  TOY  OR  CASH DONATION (ADULTS  $20/CHILDREN 16  AND  UNDER  $10 ) TO  RECEIVE  A  FREE FLIGHT  OVER  THOMASTON --LEAVE  GIFTS  UNWRAPPED.    PANCAKE  BREAKFAST  8AM  TILL  10AM  WITH  DONATION.

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL MET DEC. 2ND

 MAYOR  PRO TEM TROY  CHANEY  PRESIDED  IN  THE  ABSENCE  OF  MAYOR  J.D. STALLINGS  AT  THE  DEC  2ND  MEETING  OF  THE  THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL  AND  THERE  WAS  NO  PUBLIC  COMMENT  DURING  A  PUBLIC  HEARING  ON  THE  2026  BUDGET.  MAYOR  PRO   TEM  CHANEY  ADMINISTRATED  THE  OATH OF  OFFICE  FOR  NEW  FIRE  FIGHTERS--HUNTER  TUCKER, BRETAVIAN  CARTER  AND  BEN  HEFTON. AMONG  THE  ITEMS  APPROVED--BID  AWARD  TO  COGGINS  CONSTRUCTION  CO  FOR  AVE. N.  STORMWATER  ROAD  REPAIRS--$219,000.

2ND  READ  AND  UNANIMOUS  VOTE    FOR  A  SPECIAL  USE  PERMIT  AT  904  NORTH  HIGHTOWER  ST.  FOR  A  SCRAP  METAL  RECYCLING  FACILITY.

AMONG  THE APPOINTMENTS--CPA--SYDNEY  SHARPE  TO  THE  IDA-  REAPPOINTMENTS  TO  THE  ZONING  COMMISSION  STEVE  SHORT,  PRISCILLA  MCCOY AND  SANDY  KERSEY.

KAREN  RAINES  TO  THE  JOINT  REC  ADVISORY  BOARD,  JOHN  WILLIAMS  TO  THE  AIRPORT  AUTHORITY  AND  MAYOR  PRO  TEM   TROY  CHANEY  TO  THE  DOWNTOWN  DEVELOPMENT  AUTHORITY. 

ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT  DIRECTOR TAYLOR  SMITH  GAVE  A  PRESENTATION  ON  A  TAX  ALLOCATION  DISTRICT--SOMETHING  THAT  WILL  REQUIRE    ACTION  BY    THE  GA.  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY  AND A  VOTE  BY  CITIZENS--BUT  COULD  HELP  REHAB EAST  THOMASTON.

PIKE CO TIMES.COM REPORTS A NEW POLICE CHIEF FOR ZEBULON

 ZEBULON - The City of Zebulon is proud to announce the official appointment of Tony Howard as the new Chief of Police for the Zebulon Police Department, effective January 5, 2026. Chief Howard brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and dedication to public service in this esteemed role.

Mayor Joe Walter expressed his confidence in the new appointment, stating, “After a lengthy selection process, I am please to announce Mr. Tony Howard as our new Chief of Police. The Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police compiled a list of candidates to be considered for the position and assisted the City with testing and background research on all the candidates. I want to thank Interim Chief James Morgan for helping us stabilize the department and provide leadership until a permanent chief could be selected. I also want to emphasize how professional our police department has been during this time of transition and how dedicated they have been to serving and patrolling the community.”

Mayor Walter is confident that the residents and business owners will be pleased with the addition of Chief Howard to the Department and is looking forward to a seamless transition. “GACP’s assistance made the process very smooth. The Council and I believed that binging in an outside agency to assist in the selection process would provide someone with a different perspective and we are pleased with the results.”

Chief Howard brings over 30 years of service in various roles of law enforcement, being honored with many awards and accolades, including the Michael K. Conner Public Service Award for exemplary leadership and outstanding service on behalf of Weed and Seed communities. Beyond his professional achievements, Chief Howard has served over the safety ministry at Timothy Baptist Church, an Executive Board Member of the Clarke County Mentor Program, and a member of Felony Drug Court.

The City of Zebulon is excited to welcome our new police chief, Tony Howard, who brings a wealth of experience and dedication to public service. His appointment is a significant step forward for the Zebulon Police Department, and we are looking forward to his leadership.

UPSON CO PROBATE JUDGE MUFFIN GIBSON ON HER RUN-OFF VICTORY

​

This is Upson County Probate Judge Muffin Gibson.

My heart is full today. I am truly humbled and deeply grateful to share the incredible blessing of winning the probate judge runoff election. Thank you to everyone who prayed for me, encouraged me, supported me, and took the time to vote. Your belief in me has touched me more than I can ever put into words.

To my wonderful husband, my family, my staff, and my friends,  your love, your strength, and your constant support carried me through this entire journey. And above all, I thank the Good Lord for His guidance, His grace, and His steady hand over my life and this campaign.

I am here to serve this community with compassion, integrity, and experience. Thank you for trusting me, for standing beside me, and for giving me the honor of continuing to serve you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Upson County. 

Upson County Probate Judge Muffin Gibson  

INCUMBENT MUFFIN GIBSON WINS RUN-OFF FOR UPSON CO PROBATE JUDGE

 INCUMBENT  MUFFIN  GIBSON  WAS  ELECTED   AS  UPSON  COUNTY  PROBATE  JUDGE  IN  TUESDAY'S    RUN-OFF  ELECTION.  JUDGE  GIBSON  POLLED   1508  VOTES    57  POINT 45% AND  CHALLENGER  DUSTIN  FORDHAM  RECEIVED  1117  VOTES 42 POINT 55%.  GIBSON  CARRIED  EVERY  PRECINCT  EXCEPT  SALEM    AND  SHE  CARRIED  THE  EARLY  VOTING. JUDGE  GIBSON  WAS  SERVING  AS  INTERIM  PROBATE  JUDGE  AFTER  PREVIOUS  PROBATE  JUDGE  DANIELLE  MCRAE   RESIGNED.  

UPSON CO ROAD CLOSED/BISHOP ROAD TILL FURTHER NOTICE

 

CITY OF THOMASTON CHECK THEFT

 ON   THE  THOMASTON  POLICE  BLOTTER--A  CASE  OF  CHECK  FRAUD   INVOLVING  THE  CITY  OF  THOMASTON   UNDER  INVESTIGATION  BY  THE   CID  UNIT.  THE  REPORT  SAID  A  CHECK  FOR $3952  WAS  MAILED    BY  THOMASTON  CITY  HALL    THROUGH  THE US  MAIL  TO  A  KENNESAW, GA.  COMPANY--AND  IT  WAS  STOLEN  FROM  THE  MAIL  AND  ALTERED.  IT  WAS  MADE  OUT  TO  A   TAKEIM   HENDERSON  OF  RIVERDALE, GA.  FOR  THE   ORIGINAL  AMOUNT. .

UPSON COUNTY DELINQUENT TAX SALE

 ACCORDING  TO  UPSON  COUNTY   TAX  COMMISSIONER  ANDY  CHASTAIN  THE  COUNTY'S  DELINQUENT   TAX  SALE  IS  TUESDAY  MORNING   10AM  AT  THE  CIVIC  CENTER. ANYONE  INTERESTED  IN  BIDDING  ON  ANY  PROPERTIES SHOULD  COME  BY  THE  TAX  COMMISSIONER'S  OFFICE  BY  9;30AM  TUESDAY  TO  SIGN  UP  OR  SIGN  UP  AT   THE  CIVIC  CENTER  PRIOR  TO  THE  START  OF  THE  SALE. 

MR. OLDS FOUND AND IS OK/TPD

 THOMASTON  POLICE  CHIEF  MIKE RICHARDSON  SAYS A  MISSING  VULNERABLE  ADULT--82-YIEAR  OLD  MARIOT  OLDS   FROM  HARBORVIEW  NURSING  HOME  HAS  BEEN  LOCATED  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA   AND  IS  OK  WITH  FAMILY THERE.

MR.  OLDS  WENT  MISSING  AT  HARBORVIEW  NURSING  HOME  IN  THOMASTON NOV.  22ND  AND  POLICE WERE  CONTACTED  BY  HIS  DAUGHTER  IN  GEORGIA  THAT  HE MIGHT  BE  WITH  UNAUTHORIZED  RELATIVES  IN NORTH  CAROLINA.  THE  VA  AIDED TPD  AND  AUTHORITIES  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA  HELPED    IN  LOCATING  MR.  OLDS  AND  WAS  FOUND  WITH  FAMILY TUESDAY.  HE  SUFFERS  FROM DEMENTIA  AND  HAS DIABETES  BUT  LEFT  THOMASTON  WITHOUT  HIS  MEDS.  CHIEF  RICHARDSON  SAID  THE  PD  SPENT  ABOUT  A  DAY  AND  A  HALF   IN MAN-HOURS  TO  LOCATE MR.OLDS.

SPALDING ZONING BD NO ACTION ON REZONING FOR DATA CENTER

 THE  SPALDING  COUNTY  ZONING  BOARD    TOOK     NO ACTION TUESDAY  AND  VOTED  UNANIMOUSLY  TO  DELETE  THE  ITEMS  ON  THE  AGENDA--INCLUDING  A  REZONING  REQUEST  FOR  A   3RD  DATA  CENTER IN  THE  COUNTY AT  WALLACE JACKSON INDUSTRIAL  PARK AT  JACKSON  ROAD  AND WALLACE  ROAD.  THE  PLAN  IS  TO  BUILD  10   MAIN   BUILDINGS  WHICH  WOULD  MAKE IT  TWICE  AS  LARGE  AS  THE  PREVIOUS  TWO.