UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAYS NEW RESTROOM VANDALISM AT LINCOLN PARK COMMUNITY CENTER IS UNDER INVESTIGATION AND ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT IT SHOULD CONTACT HIS OFFICE. IT APPARENTLY HAPPENED DURING THE WEEKEND OF THE 23RD--NOT NEARLY AS EXTENSIVE AS THE LAST TIME, JUST SOME PAPER DISPENSERS JERKED OFF THE WALL--BUT COUNTY COMMISSIONER LORENZO WILDER CALLED IT DISTURBING.
Friday, March 29, 2024
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
PIKE CO 12TH IN WEALTH GROWTH IN GA.
PIKE COUNTY RANKED #12 IN THE STATE OF GA. IN WEALTH GROWTH IN 2023 ACCORDING TO A NATIONAL COMPANY THAT RECORDS FINANCIAL DATA. PIKE COUNTY'S RAW MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD VALUE INCREASED $181,000, INCOME JUMPED $22,000 AND INTEREST INCOME WENT UP $12,000. PIKE RANKED 208TH IN THE U.S. IN WEALTH GROWTH LAST YEAR.
UPSON COUNTY RANKED 108TH OF GEORGIA'S 159 COUNTIES WITH RAW MEDIAN HOME VALUES INCREASING $98,000, MEDIAN INCOME UP $6000 AND INTEREST INCOME UP $6000.
LAMAR COUNTY RANKED 52ND IN THE STATE WITH RAW HOME VALUES UP $165,000, MEDIAN INCOME UP $12,700 AND INTEREST INCOME UP $12,700.
SPALDING COUNTY AND CRAWFORD COUNTY HAD NO MEASURABLE GROWTH IN 2023, THE COMPANY SAID.
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
JUDGE COKER SENTENCES IN CHILD MOLESTATION CASE
A Spalding County Jury heard the case of the State of Georgia vs. Chad Kendall Mangham on March 4, 2024. Mangham was charged in a 15 count indictment to include Child Molestation, Rape and Aggravated Sodomy. The Case was tried in the Superior Court of Spalding County by the Honorable Judge Ben Coker. Chief Assistant District Attorney David Studdard and Assistant District Attorney Kevin Ofchus tried the case for the State. The State presented evidence at trial that Mangham began molesting the victim, a minor, in 2012 and continued molesting her until 2017. The assaults took place at various locations in Spalding County. During the week long trial, the jury heard evidence of the horrific acts perpetrated upon the victim by Mangham and returned a verdict on March 9, 2024. Judge Ben Coker sentenced Mangham to 8 consecutive terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole. “My office will never stop working hard to keep predators like Mangham away from children,” Broder said. “My thanks to my staff and the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office and Griffin Police Department. This was a true team effort.”
D.A. MARIE BRODER ON SHOOTING DEATH TRIAL
Earlier this month, a Spalding County jury has convicted James Lee Evans, Jr. in the death of four year old Mason Piercy. The verdict followed a week long trial in which the State presented evidence that Evans, along with Mason’s mother, Jamacia Lyons, allowed Mason and his two year old brother, Chance, to play in an area at the foot of the bed knowing an AR-15 was pointing in his direction. The jury heard evidence that Evans called Mason up onto the bed and as he climbed down, he was shot in the hand and the abdomen.
In the moments after Mason was shot, Evans fled the scene with the AR-15 and ran down a well traveled path behind the Appleton Apartment complex located at 1110 West Poplar Street in Griffin and hid the AR-15 under a mattress and box spring on the path, still loaded and the safety still in the off position. Evans a known member of the Rollin 20’s Neighborhood Bloods Zoo Krew, an active and violent subset of the criminal street gang, told officers that Mason was the victim of a drive-by shooting in which Evans was the likely target. Evans sent law enforcement on a wild goose chase all over the local area in an intense search for non-existent shooters, even going so far as to name specific Crips from the east side of Griffin as potential suspects.
Evans later confessed that the shooting happened inside of the apartment he shared with his mother and told police he where he had hidden the gun. Officers later recovered the gun and determined that it was stolen in a burglary in September 2021. Ballistics testing confirmed that not only was it the weapon that killed Mason, but it had been used in multiple gang related drive by shootings in the Griffin area in the months prior to Mason’s death.
The State initially charged Evans and Lyons with Homicide in the Second Degree, two counts of Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree, Reckless Conduct, and lying to police. Evans was also charged with various other charges related to his gang membership and the possession of the gun. Prior to trial, Lyons agreed to testify against Evans and entered a non-negotiated plea to the reduced charge of Involuntary Manslaughter. After trial, the jury found Evans guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter as well as other charges. In a hearing after the verdict,
Judge Scott Ballard sentenced Evans to ten years to serve in the Department of Corrections, followed by ten years on probation. In a separate sentencing hearing, Judge Ballard sentenced Jamacia Lyons to ten years probation under the First Offender Act.
Regarding the case, District Attorney Marie Broder expressed her deep sorrow over the senseless loss of Mason Piercy, a tragedy that was completely preventable with the flip of a simple safety switch. “The hardest part of this case was the unknown. Who would Mason have been? What would he have done? We’ll never know, because he never had the chance to show us.” She expressed her sincere thanks to those who fought for Mason, starting with emergency personnel on scene, law enforcement, and medical personnel.
This case was investigated by Investigator Anadia Ruiz of the Griffin Police Department and was prosecuted by Senior ADA Kathryn Lenhard and ADA Monique Harris. Mason’s story will stay with them long after Evans is released from prison.
GA. COUNTIES WEALTH GROWTH 2023 UPSON 108
WTGA'S DANNY BISHOP CRUNCHED THE NUMBERS ON AN AJC STORY ABOUT THE GROWTH OF WEALTH IN GEORGIA COUNTIES IN 2023 AND DISCOVERED COWETA AND PIKE COUNTY WERE JUST OUTSIDE THE TOP 10. COWETA #11, PIKE #12. UPSON COUNTY RANKED 108TH IN THE STATE WITH MEDIAN HOME VALUES UP $98,000, MEDIAN INCOME UP $7900, AND INVESTMENT INCOME UP $6000. LAMAR COUNTY WAS 52ND WITH HOME VALUES UP $165,000,MEDIAN INCOME UP $12,700 AND INVESTMENT INCOME UP $6000. MONROE COUNTY WAS RANKED #32 IN THE STATE WITH MEDIAN HOME VALUES UP $122,000, MEDIAN INCOME UP $18,500, INVESTMENT INCOME UP $6000. MERIWETHER COUNTY RANKED 94TH WITH MEDIAN HOME VALUES UP $104,000, INCOME UP $99,000, INTEREST INCOME UP $10,000. FAYETTE COUNTY RANKED 22ND, HOME VALUES UP $237,000, INCOME UP $16,000, INTEREST INCOME UP $13,000. BUTTS COUNTY RANKED 118TH IN GA. WITH HOME VALUES UP $158,000, INCOME UP $3800, INTEREST INCOME UP $7000. TALBOT COUNTY RANKED 110TH WITH HOME VALUES UP $77,000, INCOME UP $8200, INTEREST INCOME UP $9000. TAYLOR COUNTY HOME VALUES UP $40,000, INCOME UP $8800, INTEREST INCOME UP $6000. FORSYTH COUNTY WAS #1 IN GA. WITH HOME VALUES $307,000, INCOME UP $34,000 AND INTEREST INCOME $7000. OCONEE COUNTY WAS #2, GREENE COUNTY #3 IN WEALTH GROWTH IN THE STATE IN 2023. SPALDING COUNTY AND CRAWFORD COUNTY SHOWED NO MEASURABLE GROWTH.
#11 COWETA COUNTY RANKED 184TH IN THE U.S., PIKE COUNTY 208TH--THE TWO HIGHEST GROWTH OF WEALTH IN 2023 IN THE SOUTH METRO--AND PIKE COUNTY THE HIGHEST GROWTH ON THE U.S. 19 CORRIDOR. THE AJC BASED THE NUMBERS ON INFORMATION FROM SMART ASSET , A COMPANY THAT TRACKS DATA USED BY FINANCIAL PLANNERS AND ADVISORS.
J. Thomas Lundy Scholarship Awarded to Jason Tinsley
Jason Tinsley, a County Manager for Upson County, GA, has been awarded the J Thomas Lundy Scholarship by the National Association of County Administrators (NACA). The scholarship, made possible by MissionSquare Retirement, recognizes Jason’s current leadership role and desire for continuous learning where he can bring these experiences and skills directly back to his community and organization.
For 20 years, Jason Tinsley has provided quality local government management solutions for communities in Georgia and Florida.
In 2018, Jason joined the Upson County Board of Commissioners to serve as their County Manager. In his current role, Tinsley is responsible for managing and coordinating all county government operations and other activities as specified by federal, state, and local law, and as directed by the Board of County Commissioners to provide innovative, effective, and fiscally responsible government services.
Previous roles include Senior Management and Budget Analyst for Leon County (FL), Assistant County Manager and Finance Director for Habersham County (GA), County Administrator for Wayne County (GA), City Manager for the City of Jefferson (GA) and County Manager for Marion County (GA). In his former positions, Tinsley gained significant experience in local government finance, policy analysis, economic development, and human resource management.
Jason has served as a consultant to the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government to develop an online government finance course for revenue administration used by local government managers throughout the state. Tinsley is active with the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG), having served as a member of the ACCG Board of Managers and as the President of the Geargia Association of County Managers and Administrators (GACMA). Jason is also a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the Georgia City/County Management Association (GCCMA).
Jason and his wife, Kaylyn, reside in Thomaston, Georgia with their four children, Jackson (19), Joel (17), Jensen (15) and Anne (4). Jason enjoys spending his spare time coaching youth sports, running and spending time on the Georgia coast with his family. Tinsley holds his bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master of City Management degree from East Tennessee State University.
Congratulations, Jason!
NACA and MissionSquare Retirement congratulate Jason on his achievements and his passion for county administration.
Friday, March 22, 2024
SPALDING COUNTY COUPLE INDICTED ABUSE PERSONAL CARE HOME
A Spalding County couple have been indicted for allegedly running an unlicensed personal care home and abusing residents, according to Georgia’s attorney general.
Curtis Bankston and Sophia Simm-Bankston are charged with operating an unlicensed personal care home, unreasonable confinement of a disabled adult and unreasonable confinement of a resident, according to AG Chris Carr, Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Marie M. Broder and Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia Executive Director Pete Skandalakis. The case is being investigated by the offices of Carr and Skandalakis.
From the Upson County Utility Office:
Due to inconsistencies with the US Postal Service deliveries in our area, all late fees and reconnect fees will be waived for the current billing cycle. Any fees that have already been paid will be credited to next month’s bill. Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you are a customer with questions, please contact us at 706-647-3513 or visit our website at upsoncountyga.org/.
Griffin police officer indicted in Spalding County
From the GRIP: Former Griffin Police Department Officer D’Marquivius ”D.J.” King has been indicted by a Spalding County grand jury.King faces one count of violating his oath of office, a felony.
The indictment stems from a Georgia Bureau of Investigation case requested by Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Marie Broder.
Broder requested the GBI investigation after The GRIP published a series of investigative articles related to King’s purported concealment of his brother, Damon Beck’s, alleged involvement in the May 9, 2021, murder of Javarreis Reid.
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Jessica Jones Announces Candidacy for Upson Superior Court Clerk
For the last 10 years, I have served as your County Clerk. I’m a Georgia Certified Clerk through the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government, where I also received a certificate in the Clerks Masters Education Management Development Program. In 2023, I completed a rigorous 300-hour program to receive a Public Manager Certificate. I have also previously served on the Board of Elections for five years.
If elected as your next Superior Court Clerk, my goal is to maintain accurate county records, transparency of the office and maintain good relationships with all community stakeholders and all who utilize the Clerk’s Office. Being a public servant is my core, and I would like to continue serving as your next Superior Court Clerk for Upson County.
I humbly ask for your support and to vote Jessica Harper Jones as Superior Court Clerk for Upson County on May 21, 2024.
URMC Celebrates Certified Nurses Day
Thomaston, GA, March 20, 2024 – Upson Regional Medical Center celebrated Certified Nurses Day on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Certified Nurses Day is an annual day of recognition for and by health care professionals dedicated to nursing professionalism, excellence, and service to publicly acknowledge nurses who earn and maintain credentials in their specialty. Upson Regional Medical Center has 26 certified nurses on staff, four of which hold two certifications and two of which hold three certifications. Leadership at URMC encourages and recognizes those team members who strive to enhance their skill sets through continued education and training. URMC’s certified nurses are:
Amber Andrews, RN, ASN, Certified Lactation Counselor
Hannah Baucom, RN, BSN, Certified Critical Care Nurse
Lou Brown, RN, ASN Certified Inpatient Obstetric Nurse
Samantha Cato, RN, ASN, Certified Maternal Newborn Nurse, Certified Lactation Counselor
Sharon Carnell, RN, BSN, Certified Emergency Nurse
Cymberlee Cleveland, RN, BSN, Certified in Electronic Fetal Monitoring, Certified Inpatient
Obstetric Nurse
McKenna Conley, Rn, MSN, Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
Rebecca Crane, RN, ASN, Certified Lactation Counselor
Manuella Daniel, RN, BSN, Certified Lactation Counselor
Stephanie Davis, RN, BSN, Certified Critical Care Nurse
Ginger Edmonson, RN, BSN, Certified Inpatient Obstetric Nurse
Brandy Ellington, RN, BSN, Certified Inpatient Obstetric Nurse
Lindsay Hill, RN, BSN, Certified Wound Care Associate
Brandie Kilcrease, RN, MSN, Certified Nurse Manager and Leader, Certified Neonatal Intensive
Care Nurse, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant
Catherine Lance, RN, ASN, Stroke Certified Registered Nurse
Cynthia Lockhart, RN, ASN, Certified Critical Care Nurse
Ashley McKneely, RN, BSN, Certified Critical Care Nurse
Michelle Mincey, RN, BSN, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant
Richarda Moss, RN, ASN, Certified Lactation Counselor, Certified Inpatient Obstetric Nurse
Kelli Pitts, RN, BSN, National Certification Board Peri-Operative Nursing
Lauren Reynolds, RN, MSN, Certified Pediatric Nurse, Certified Nurse Manager and Leader
San Short, RN, BSN, Certified Diabetes Educator
April Stevens, RN, ASN, Certified Lymphedema and Wound Therapist
Suzanne Streetman, RN, MSN, Certified Professional in Health Care Risk Management,
Certified in Healthcare Compliance, Certified Professional Inpatient Safety
Stacey White, RN, BSN, Certified Medical/ Surgical Registered Nurse
Alan Williams, RN, ASN, Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
These nurses were honored at a breakfast and awarded certificates and pins recognizing their
status as a certified nurse.
Upson Regional Medical Center’s Chief Nursing Officer shared, “We are fortunate to have
nurses at URMC that are passionate about quality patient care. Our certified nurses are experts
in their specialty areas of nursing and exemplify the top-notch care that we are proud to provide
each and every day.”
To learn more about Upson Regional Medical Center, visit urmc.org or visit our pages on
Facebook and Instagram.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Upson County March Term Grand Jury
MARCH 19, 2024
TRUE BILL LIST
1. TOMAS PHENEL GRESHAM CT. 1: IMPERSONATING AN OFFICER CT. 2: DISTRACTED DRIVING CT. 3: DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED
2. JOE LEE HARRIS, IV CT. 1: BURGLARY IN THE FIRST DEGREE
3. CHRISTOPHER PERRY HOLLAND CT. 1: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CT. 2: POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF A FELONY CT. 3: SIMPLE ASSAULT
4. KHANDICE LESHAUN JONES CT. 1: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICER CT. 2: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICER
5. JOSEPH JAMES MCGUIRE CT. 1: BATTERY, FAMILY VIOLENCE CT. 2: HINDERING EMERGENCY TELEPHONE CALL CT. 3: TERRORISTIC THREATS
6. JOSEPH MONROE POPE CT. 1: CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY IN THE SECOND DEGREE
7. RHANDEL BOAZ WATTS CT. 1: ENTERING AN AUTOMOBILE CT. 2: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
8. EDWARD VASCO PEPPERS CT. 1: DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (LESS SAFE) (DRUGS) CT. 2: ENDANGERING A CHILD WHILE DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE CT. 3: POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA, MORE THAN AN OUNCE CT. 4: POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF A FELONY CT. 5: POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF A FELONY CT. 6: IMPROPER HEADLIGHTS
9. DEANDRE RASHARD TENNYSON CT. 1: TERRORISTIC THREATS
10. MARTEZ DEMOND TERRY CT. 1: TERRORISTIC THREATS CT. 2: AGGRAVATED STALKING
11. JOSHUA JAMES YORK CT. 1: TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE OR AMPHETAMINE CT. 2: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE CT. 3: POSSESSION OF A SCHEDULE I CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CT. 4: FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LANE
Monday, March 18, 2024
GHSA Headquartered in Thomaston Announces Sole Finalist for Position of Executive Director
Scott, currently the Superintendent of Dalton Public Schools, will join the GHSA on July 1, 2024, succeeding Dr. Robin Hines when he retires. Hines has served as the Executive Director of the GHSA since 2017.
Scott, who holds degrees from Georgia College, Troy State University and ARGOSY University, has an extensive background as a coach and administrator in Georgia.
Scott began his career in 1987 at Northside High School in Warner Robins where he was head wrestling coach and assistant football coach. He moved to Warner Robins High School as Assistant Principal in 1997 before returning to Northside as Principal in 2001.
Scott also served as Principal at Dublin High School and Douglas County High School before joining the Dalton Public School System as Assistant Superintendent for District Operations in 2015. He became Superintendent of the Dalton system in 2018.
Scott says that a common thread throughout his career “has been and is the collaboration of all stakeholders to share best practices and ideas for the success of every student and our organization.”
Throughout his career, Scott has worked with the Georgia High School Association on numerous occasions, overseeing the hosting of many GHSA events, including a state championship football game.
Scott also has been recognized on multiple occasions by the Georgia School Board Association for his exemplary work. He is a member of the National Association of School Superintendents, the Georgia Association of Educational Leadership, and the Professional Association of Georgia Educations, among other organizations.
“We are excited about Dr. Tim Scott being named sole finalist for the Executive Director position,” said GHSA President Dr. Jim Finch. “Dr. Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the association. It was clear during the search and interview process, Dr. Scott was able to articulate a plan and vision to move the GHSA forward. We look forward to his leadership and are confident he can continue to provide a positive and enriching experience for our student athletes."
Scott’s hiring must be ratified by the GHSA State Executive Committee at its annual Fall Meeting on April 15, 2024 in Macon. Scott would be the seventh Executive Director in the history of the GHSA, following Sam Burke (1939-76), Bill Fordham (1976-91), Tommy Guillebeau (1991-2001), Ralph Swearngin (2001-14), Gary Phillips (2014-17) and Hines (2017-24).
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
PIKE/LAMAR PRIMARY TOTALS
IN PIKE COUNTY-2632 REPUBLICAN VOTES CAST--DONALD TRUMP GOT 2475, HALEY 121, DESANTIS 23. PRESIDENT BIDEN GOT 252 OF 276 CAST. IN LAMAR COUNTY TRUMP TALLIED 1573, BIDEN 418.
TRUMP AND BIDEN WIN BIG IN UPSON TUES
NO SURPRISES IN TUESDAY'S PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY IN UPSON COUNTY, PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN WON ON THE DEMOCRAT BALLOT WITH 610 VOTES OF 639 VOTES CAST-- DONALD TRUMP ON THE REPUBLICAN BALLOT WITH 2246 OF 2421 VOTES CAST.
ON THE REPUBLICAN BALLOT, NIKKI HALEY RECEIVED 145 VOTES, RON DESANTIS 16. ON THE DEMOCRAT BALLOT MARIANNE WILLIAMSON GOT 15 VOTES, DEAN PHILLIPS 14.
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
T-U IDA HIRES A NEW DIRECTOR
AT A CALLED MEETING, TUESDAY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE THOMASTON-UPSON IDA, CHASE FALLIN ANNOUNCED THE BOARD HAS HIRED A NEW DIRECTOR, SLADE GULLEDGE, TO BE ON BOARD MARCH 18. CHAIRMAN FALLIN SAID MR. GULLEDGE WAS WITH THE COBB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR 17 YEARS AND MOST RECENT TENURE AS VICE PRESIDENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE FORSYTH COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. SLADE STATED "THOMASTON-UPSON IS ABSOLUTELY BRIMMING WITH OPPORTUNITY." HE ADDED " ONE KEY ASPECT OF A SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY IS QUALITY LEADERSHIP AND THOMASTON-UPSON HAS THAT IN ABUNDANCE."