UPSON GRAND JURY RETURNS MURDER INDICTMENT

MONDAY THE UPSON COUNTY GRAND JURY RETURNED A MURDER INDICTMENT AGAINST BLAKE ASHLEY HANCOCK FOR THE SHOOTING DEATH OF HIS HALF-BROTHER TALVIN HAROLD ROBBINS ON B. STREET.

THOMASTON POLICE SAID A FAMILY DISAGREEMENT LEAD TO THE SHOOTING.

HANCOCK WAS TRUE BILLED FOR MALICE AND FELONY MURDER, AGGREVATED ASSAULT AND POSSESSION OF A FIREARM IN THE COMMISSION OF A CRIME.  

DR. RANDALL PETERS NEW CHAIR AIRPORT AUTHORITY

AT THE SEPTEMBER MEETING OF THE GRIFFIN-SPALDING AIRPORT AUTHORITY—WEDNESDAY NIGHT, CHAIRMAN DICK MORROW RESIGNED BUT WILL REMAIN ON THE BOARD, AND DR. RANDALL PETERS—RETIRED PRESIDENT OF SOUTHERN CRESCENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE WAS ELECTED CHAIRMAN..

MORROW SAID HE IS NOT SEEKING RE-ELECTION TO THE GRIFFIN CITY COMMISSION AND ALSO HIS SEAT ON THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY

EXPIRES DEC. 31ST SO IT WAS DECIDED TO MAKE THE TRANSITION NOW SO HE CAN MENTOR DR. PETERS ON THE PROCESS OF BUILDING THE NEW AIRPORT.

MORROW NOTED DR. PETERS KNOWS GOVERNMENT PROCEDURES AND METHODS FROM HIS EDUCATION AND MILITARY BACKGROUND AND ACTUALLY HAS SOME CONTACTS WITHIN THE GA. DOT AVIATION DIVISION.

CARL PRUETT WAS ELECTED SECRETARY-TREASURER REPLACING DR. PETERS IN THAT POSITION.

AUTHORITY MEMBERS PRAISED DICK MORROW FOR HIS SERVICE AND WITH G-DOT APPROVAL OF THE NEW AIRPORT LAY-OUT PLAN—THE FAA SHOULD O.K. THE A.L.P. IN THE NEXT 30 DAYS WHICH WILL STEP-UP THE FLOW OF FEDERAL DOLLARS.  

UL HOMECOMING PARADE THURSDAY AT 5PM

THE UPSON-LEE HOMECOMING PARADE IS THURSDAY AT 5PM THROUGH DOWNTOWN THOMASTON -- AFTER FORMING AT MATTEWS FIELD. THE KNIGHTS PLAY JORDAN FRIDAY NIGHT AT 7;30 ON THE ZOOM. -- WITH THE HOMECOMING QUEEN AND PRINCESSES TO BE CROWNED AT HALFTIME.

GA DOT EXPLORES BROADBAND

Increasingly, the world is dependent on high-speed internet and reliable cell phone service. But many throughout Georgia rely on spotty or inconsistent cellular and slow internet. Better days may be ahead as Georgia DOT explores two initiatives—broadband and wireless—that use the state-owned right-of-way (ROW) to expand the 511 Navigator system statewide, as well as enhance telecommunications for all Georgians. “We are looking at the potential to use cutting-edge technology to improve the everyday lives of Georgians - not only by expanding and enhancing statewide traffic communications, but also by improving cell phone and broadband internet options for the public,” GDOT Division Director of Operations John Hibbard, P.E. explained today in a presentation to the State Transportation Board. “Georgia DOT has no desire to get into the utility business. These are public-private partnerships—P3s—that would be financed, developed, managed and maintained by private contractors on state-owned property.” The department is reviewing responses from the broadband and cellular industries to Georgia DOT’s requests for information (RFI) about two potential programs. The broadband initiative would install conduit on the ROW along all Georgia interstates. The developer would sell or lease the conduit space to others who would install fiber-optic cable for private use. Fiber-optic technology transmits data through durable thin glass strands that carry a tremendous amount of data at exceptionally fast speeds. Installing this fiber would provide improved statewide internet coverage to meet the internet needs of rural communities while enabling GDOT to better connect all offices and improve traffic management throughout Georgia.  “80 percent of Georgians live within 20 miles of an interstate,” Hibbard said. “Installing this technology along the interstates should result in tremendous benefits for all Georgians, especially those in rural regions.”   The wireless initiative would utilize “small cell” poles on the ROW of state routes to facilitate the change from 4G technology to 5G, which offers far greater speed and capacity. The developer would sell or lease space on the poles for use by wireless communications providers. Existing poles would be used when possible. Where a new pole must be installed, its placement along the ROW would be carefully considered, with public safety being the primary consideration. While small cell poles are much shorter than traditional cell phone towers—50 feet versus 250 feet—more are required because 5G travels shorter distances. This technology would meet the wireless communications needs of Georgia DOT, as well as those of the public. “The potential benefits are enormous, not only for transportation management in Georgia, but also for people in their homes and businesses, and for the economic development that could result from increased connections,” Hibbard said. “Several states have had varying degrees of success with similar programs. We are looking at all angles to come up with just the right model for Georgia.” Gov. Nathan Deal and state legislators are supportive of initial concepts. The next step, after the first of the year, would be for Georgia DOT to solicit proposals.   Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to its citizens and its environment.

PIKE CO. SHERIFF'S OFFICE WARNS OF SCAM

We have received a complaint of an individual calling local residents and soliciting money on behalf of the Pike County Sheriff's Office. The number that was reported to appear on the caller id appeared to be from a legitimate Sheriff's Office number. The Sheriff's Office does not call citizens to solicit any money.

This appears to be a case of number spoofing in which computers and/or phone apps can be used to disguise the real number of the location being used. We have seen this becoming more common in fraud cases involving the use of a phone as it makes it difficult to track the original number. 

If you receive a call of this nature we suggest that you not engage in conversation with the other party and terminate the phone call.

2ND SUSPECT ARRESTED IN NSIDE BURGLARY

THOMASTON POLICE HAVE ARRESTED A 2ND SUSPECT IN A BURGLARY EARLY MONDAY AT HIBBETT SPORTING GOODS IN NORTHSIDE.

17 YEAR OLD WESLEY BAILEY IS IN THE UPSON COUNTY JAIL.

OFFICERS ARRESTED 17 YEAR OLD JERMARION SPARKS OF WEST MAIN STREET—AT THE SCENE OF THE CRIME—AS HE EXITED THE STORE AFTER THE SECURITY ALARM TRIPPED WHEN A BRICK WAS THROWN THROUGH THE GLASS DOOR.

THE 2ND SUSPECT ESCAPED FROM POLICE BUT FELL DOWN AND LOST HIS STOLEN MERCHANDISE , SOME NIKE SHOES AND PANTS.

THE POLICE REPORT SAID THE TWO HAD BACK PACKS HIDDEN BEHIND THE VERIZON STORE—TO CARRY STOLEN MERCHANDISE.

THOMASTON MAN INJURED IN PIKE WRECK

Pike County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on Highway 19 near the teen challenge complex this morning. A motorcycle rider, Christopher Lambert ,from Thomaston, was found to have serious injuries and was air lifted to Grady Hospital. The motorcycle had struck the rear of a Coca Cola eighteen wheeler that was driven by Kenneth Bronson from Macon.

Witnesses to the incident told Deputies that the motorcycle had been traveling at a high rate of speed and passing other vehicles just before the collision occurred. The investigation is on going and any necessary charges will be made at a later date.

TU SCHOOLS TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

Thomaston-Upson Schools have announced their 2018-19 Teachers of the Year. Congratulations to Matt Bentley, Upson-Lee High School; Sarah McLane, Upson-Lee Middle School; Matthew Whatley, Upson-Lee Elementary School; and Stacy Patterson, Upson-Lee Primary School.

Matt Bentley teaches social studies and serves as head boys' soccer coach and assistant athletic director. Sarah McLane teaches 7th grade English/Language Arts. Matthew Whatley teaches 4th grade English/Language Arts and Social Studies, and Stacy Patterson teaches Special Education. These teachers, selected by her peers, will advance to the Thomaston-Upson School System Teacher of the Year competition, which includes a written application, personal interview, and classroom teaching observation. The 2018-19 Thomaston-Upson School System Teacher of the Year will be selected in November, and the winner will represent T-U Schools in the state competition.

 
Congratulations to Mr. and Miss Upson-Lee High School 2017: Tavias Fagan and Amaya Kendall. Mr. and Miss ULHS are nominated and voted on by their peers. 

Amaya is the daughter of Tamara and Anthony Kendall, and Tavias is the son of Kendra Fagan.

Congratulations to the 2017 ULHS Homecoming Queen Court: Lauren Adams, Laila Fallin, Yasia Gray, Sarah Harrell, Ashley Hobbs, Haylee Hood, Amaya Kendall, Janiah Meadows, Kimberly Quiller, Sarah Ward, Cierra Williams, and Quadesha Williams. The 2017 Homecoming Queen Court is nominated and selected by the senior class. The 2017 Queen will be announced during halftime festivities at the annual Homecoming game on Friday, September 22.

BURGLARY AT HIBBETT SPORTS

ACCORDING TO THOMASTON POLICE—ONE SUSPECT IN CUSTODY---ONE ON THE RUN AFTER AN ATTEMPTED BURGLARY AT HIBBETT SPORTS AT THE WAL MART SHOPPING CENTER MONDAY AT 4AM.

CHIEF INVESTIGATOR MONICA SNIPES TOLD ZOOM NEWS---THE GLASS DOOR TO THE BUSINESS WAS SMASHED WITH A BRICK TO GAIN ENTRANCE—BUT THE SECURITY ALARM SOUNDED AND ALERTED POLICE.

ONE SUBJECT FLED WITHOUT ANY MERCHANDISE—ARRESTED WAS 17 YEAR OLD JERMARION SPARKS OF WEST MAIN STREET—AS HE TRIED TO LEAVE THE STORE.

THE CASE IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.

CHIEF INVESTIGATOR SNIPES SAID A SOUTH CAROLINA MAN WAS ARRESTED FOR CAR THEFT—ON SEPTEMBER 14TH—FOR ALLEGEDLY STEALING A PICK-UP TRUCK BELONGING TO THE THOMASTON-UPSON SCHOOL SYSTEM.

33 YEAR OLD MICHAEL GREEN OF WEST COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA WAS ARRESTED AT THE LAKESIDE PLANT AND HE WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK. IT HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE STEERING COLUMN. POLICE SAID THE TRUCK WAS PARKED AT MATTEWS FIELD BUT THE KEYS WERE NOT INSIDE—HE APPARENTLY HOT WIRED-IT AND REPORTEDLY CRASHED THROUGH THE GATE.

ONE STOP OWNER HAS REDUCED ICE PRICE

THE OWNER OF THE ONE STOP CONVIENCE STORE AT 19 NORTH AND ATWATER ROAD IN THOMASTON—TOLD ZOOM NEWS ON THE AIR THURSDAY—HE HAS DROPPED THE PRICE OF ICE TO 50 CENTS AFTER A FIRESTORM OF CRITICISM-- OVER THE PRICE.

TWICE THE ICE OWNER STEVE BENNETT REDUCED THE PRICE OF HIS ICE TO 50-CENTS A BAG POST IRMA TO HELP THE PUBLIC—AND THE ONE STOP OWNER LOADED-UP FOR HIS STORE AND PRICED IT AT $1.50.

HE TOLD US HIS ICE MACHINE HAS BEEN DOWN FOR A MONTH SO HE HAD BEEN BUYING HIS ICE FROM TWICE THE ICE—BUT THE JACK-UP IN PRICE ANNOYED THE PUBLIC AND THEY TOOK TO SOCIAL MEDIA TO BLAST THE BUSINESS.

A THOMASTON BUSINESS HELPS IRMA RELIEF

A THOMASTON BUSINESS HAS BEEN AN IRMA RELIEF CENTER---ADVANTAGE RELOCATION AT THE OLD LAKESIDE PLANT HOUSING 100 TRUCKS FOR GENERATORS AND FUEL FOR T-MOBILE AND VERIZON AND 60 MORE TRUCKS ARE EXPECTED OVER THE WEEKEND.

LACY GREEAR CRAIN, G.M. SAYS ABOUT 80 VISITORS FROM OUT OF TOWN HAVE BEEN AT THE DISTRIBUTION CENTER/WAREHOUSE THIS WEEK AND MORE ARE EXPECTED. THE FIRM HIRED 33 TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES IN ONE DAY TO HELP WITH IRMA PREPARATION AND RELIEF. SHE SAYS THE COMPANY HOPES TO CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY. 

UPDATE; CAR CRASH INTO FLASH FOODS 19 N.

THE UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS RELEASED THE NAMES OF THREE PERSONS INJURED WHEN A LINCOLN TOWN CAR CRASHED THROUGH THE FLASH FOODS STORE AT 19 NORTH AND JEFF DAVIS ROAD—SUNDAY MORNING—CAUSING HEAVY DAMAGE.

THE DRIVER---ANTONIO BERNARD LITTLE OF OAK STREET—POSSIBLY SUFFERED A MEDICAL EMERGENCY—AND WAS TRAPPED IN THE CAR—WHICH APPARENTLY STARTED A FIRE IN THE STORE.

NORTHSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT DOUSED THE FIRE AND LITTLE WAS FREED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE MEDICAL CENTER IN MACON BY EMS.

TWO CUSTOMERS WERE INJURED AND TRANSPORTED TO URMC BY EMS---20 YEAR OLD VICTORIA MURRAY OF FT. VALLEY WHO RECEIVED A SEVERE MOUTH LACARATION AND 38 YEAR OLD DARRELL GRESHAM WHO HAD A LACARATION TO HIS FOOT.