Monday, March 18, 2024

GHSA Headquartered in Thomaston Announces Sole Finalist for Position of Executive Director

THOMASTON, GA (March 18, 2024) -- The Board of Trustees of the Georgia High School Association has announced that Dr. Timothy David Scott is the Sole Finalist for the position of Executive Director of the GHSA. 

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."

GEORGE E. CARRIKER CANDIDATE DIST. ONE UPSON BOC

 From :  George E.  Carriker

             Candidate for District 1 Commissioner

             100 Edna Circle

             Thomaston, GA 30286

              706-741-0248

We would like to announce that we are a Democratic candidate for Upson County Commission for District 1.

We look for to meeting with constituents of the district to discuss issues that are relevant to the community at large and District 1 particularly. 

Our campaign will officially kick off on May 29, 2024.

Our slogan is:  Real Change

If you want to be a member of TEAM CARRIKER please contact us by email at george.carriker@hotmaill.com or text your name and “I’M IN” to 706-741-0248.  Our plan is to set up campaign related social media accounts for all campaign related information.

As the campaign season progresses, we will announce specific issues that we intend to address.

So, stay tuned for more info in the coming months.

All aboard the CARRIKER Train.

Respectfully

George E Carriker, 100 Edna Circle, Thomaston, GA 30286

UPSON PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDS RV PARK WITH STRICT CONDITIONS

 STANDING  ROOM  ONLY  AT  MONDAY'S  MARCH  MEETING  OF  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  PLANNING  COMMISSION---OVER AN  APPLICATION  FOR  A   RV  PARK  AT 1922 LAWRENCE  ROAD   IN  WESTERN  UPSON.  APPLICANT  TIMOTHY  PRYOR  SEEMS  TO  BE PLANNING  AN  UPSCALE  SORT-OF RV  PARK--BUT  THE  PLANNING  COMMISSION  HANDED  DOWN  SOME  STRICT  DEMANDS  ON  HIM  AFTER  PLANNING  DIRECTOR  DOUG  CURRIER  OFFERED  STAFF  APPROVAL.  THAT  APPROVAL  REQUIRES  PRYOR  TO  RETURN  TO  THE  NEXT  MEETING  FOR  A  REVIEW  OF   CONDITIONS   BEFORE  THE  ITEM  IS  FOWARDED  TO  THE  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS.


HALF  A  DOZEN CITIZENS  SPOKE  AGAINST  THE  RV  PARK--ONLY  PRIOR  WAS  IN  FAVOR.  OVER  TWO  DOZEN  MEMBERS  OF  THE  NEAR-BY  SPRINGFIELD MISSIONARY  BAPTIST  CHURCH  ON  HIGHWAY  74 WERE  PRESENT  AND  PASTOR  C. DERRICK  SHELTON SR.  VOICED HIS CONCERNS  TO  THE PLANNING  COMMISSION.


DIRECTOR  CURRIER  RECOMMENDED  AN  IN-DEPTH  CONCEPT PLAN  WITH  ENGINEERING--TYPE  DETAIL--SOMETHING  THAT  WOULD  BE  APPROVED  IN  STAGES.   VICE CHAIR    JEFFREY HILTON  MADE  THE  MOTION TO  MOVE  FOWARD  WITH  THE  APPLICATION  AND  IT  WAS  A   3  TO 1  VOTE.  HILTON,  JOEL  PITTS,  AND PHILLIP FALLIN  IN  FAVOR--CHAIR  ALISHA  MCKINLEY OPPOSED. HILTON STIPULATED  ONLY  11  RV  SLOTS  WOULD BE  ALLOWED  AT  FIRST  AND  HE   LISTED  SEVERAL OTHER  CONDITIONS.


PASTOR  SHELTON  TOLD   101  NEWS--THE  RV PARK   HORSE  TRAILS    WOULD  BE  RIGHT NEXT  TO  THE CHURCH  CEMETERY. PRYOR  ANTICIPATES  BUSINESS  FROM  HORSE  OWNERS  AND  WANTS  ROOM  FOR  HORSES  TO  EXERCISE ON  THE  60  ACRES.

Anne Massengale Announces for Distric 5 T-U BOE

My name is Anne Massengale. I am running this spring to be the next School Board Member for District Five, “Red Bone,” in Upson County. My residence is on Atwater Road.

When reviewing candidates for the position, I am more qualified than most. I have numerous degrees including my Specialist in Administration/Supervision and Education Leadership. I graduated from colleges like Shorter College and University, Mercer University, and West Georgia College and University.

 

With working over thirty years in the public school setting, I have the experience to do the job. It includes being a principal of numerous schools on all four levels including alternative school. My knowledge is current on curriculum PreK through 12th grade, testing, and school law.

 

My talents are unique and diverse. With a love to go meet new people and not being afraid to stand up for what is right, I will make a positive impact on the students of Upson County. My personal passion in education is ensuring the rights of all exceptional students, and having all students be prepared with skills to join the workforce upon graduation.

 

My “why” to run was easy! I can’t complain if I am not willing to be part of the solution. The election will be held on May 21st. My personal plan is to attend local meetings, clubs, and go where people want to know more about me. My email is annemassengale@gmail.com. Please contact me with questions, concerns or ideas. Thank you for your vote!

Monday, March 11, 2024

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

 PLEAS – JUDGE RHONDA B. KREUZIGER, GJC

MARCH 11, 2024

 

1. 24R0060 COREY BRIDGES CT. 1: BATTERY, FAMILY VIOLENCE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 2: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: ALFORD PLEA: 10 YEARS, SERVE 2 YEARS IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM, FOLLOWED BY THE REMIANDER ON PROBATION TO RUN CONCURRENT WITH VOP CASE #22R0465; $1,000 FINE.

 

2. 24R0027 NATHAN CREAMER CT. 1: POSSESSION OF A SCHEDULE IV CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (BENZODIAZEPINE): FIRST OFFENDER: 3 YEARS PROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $1,000 FINE. CT. 2: POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF A FELONY: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: FAILURE TO WEAR SEAT BELT: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

3. 23R0288 WESLEY BAILEY CT. 1: CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY IN THE SECOND DEGREE: 5 YEARS, SERVE 1 YEAR, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE.

 

4. 24R0077 ANDREA SIMMONS CT. 1: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAINE: CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE: 3 YEARS, SERVE 240 DAYS IN CONFINEMENT, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $500 FINE. CT. 2: POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISISON OF A FELONY: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

UPSONIAN TO OPPOSE REP DICKEY FOR STATE REP

 


   UPSONIAN   JOSHUA  LEWIS,   QUALIFIED  TO  OPPOSE  VETERAN  STATE   LEGISLATOR    ROBERT  DICKEY OF  CRAWFORD  COUNTY  IN  THE MAY PRIMARY  FOR  A  NEW  HOUSE  SEAT  THAT  INCLUDES  UPSON,  CRAWFORD  AND A  PORTION OF LAMAR  COUNTY. DICKEY  OF  THE   WELL-KNOWN    PEACH  FARMING  FAMILY , ONCE  REPRESENTED     SOUTHERN  UPSON  IN  THE  GA.  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY.  JOSHUA  LEWIS  TOLD  101  NEWS   HIS  CAMPAIGN  WILL  FOCUS  ON JOB  CREATION  AND  HE  SUPPORTS  LEGISLATION  FOR  GEORGIANS  TO  VOTE  ON  THE LEGALIZATION  OF  MARIJUANA.

UPSON SO/ANOTHER ENCOUNTER WITH A SWORDSMAN

 UPSON  COUNTY SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  SAYS  A  MAN  WHO  WENT  TO  JAIL  FOR  SWINGING  A  SWORD  AT  DEPUTIES  SEVERAL  YEARS  BACK--IS  AGAIN    IN  THE  POKIE  FOR  HOLDING  A  DOUBLE-EDGED  AX  AND  REFUSING  TO  SURROUNDER  FOR   A  PROBATION   VIOLATION.THE  SUSPECT,  45  YEAR   OLD  JUSTIN  WYRE  OF  113  RU  AL  MAIN  ROAD  ACTED  OUT  OVER  SEVERAL  DAYS  LAST  WEEK--SPARKED  BY  A  COMPLAINT  TO  A  NEIGHBOR  THAT  THEIR  WI FI  WAS  INTERFERING  WITH  HIS  BRAIN  FUNCTION.  SHERIFF KILGORE  SAID  WYRE  KNOCKED OUT    THE  NEIGHBOR'S    CAR  WINDOW  WITH  A  CROWBAR  BUT  THEY  DECLINED    TO  PROSECUTE  AND  HE  REFUSED  TO  COME  OUTSIDE  HIS  RESIDENCE  WHEN  HIS PROBATION  OFFICER  CAME  TO  CHECK ON  HIM. 


SHERIFF  KILGORE   ASSIGNED      A  TACTICAL  TEAM   OF  DEPUTIES   TO  ACCOMPANY  THE PROBATION  OFFICER  AND  THEY  WERE  TOLD  WYRE  HAD  AN  AX  AND  WAS  REFUSING  TO  EXIT  THE  RESIDENCE. ONCE  INSIDE  THE  DWELLING,  DEPUTIES  DISCHARGED  A FLASH  BANG  DEVICE  THAT  DISORIENTED  WYRE  AND  HE  DROPPED  THE  AX  AND  WAS  ARRESTED. HE  WAS  BOOKED ON  THREE  COUNTS  OF  OBSTRUCTION  AND  A  PROBATION  VIOLATION.

PIKE CO BETH CAMP UNOPPOSED

 PIKE  COUNTY'S  BETH  CAMP IS  UNOPPOSED  FOR  A  NEW  STATE  HOUSE  DISTRICT  OF  PIKE  COUNTY,  AND PARTS OF SPALDING  AND  LAMAR  COUNTIES--AFTER  GRIFFIN  LEGISLATOR    DAVID  KNIGHT  ANNOUNCED  FRIDAY  HE  WILL  NOT  SEEK  REELECTION  TO  THE NEWLY  CREATED  DISTRICT.  ON  THE  HOUSE  FLOOR  FRIDAY,  KNIGHT  SAID  THE  RECENT  DEATH  OF  HOUSE  RULES  COMMITTEE  CHAIRMAN  RICHARD SMITH  CONVINCED  HIM  IT  WAS  TIME  TO LEAVE  OFFICE  AND  SPEND MORE  TIME  WITH  HIS  WIFE  AND   11  YEAR OLD  SON.  IN  HIS  REMARKS KNIGHT  SAID  PEOPLE  ARE  TIRED  OF  BAD POLITICS  AND  PEOPLE  BEING  MEAN  TO  EACH  OTHER  AND  HE  CALLED  FOR MORE  CIVILITY  IN  GOVERNMENT.


KNIGHT  IS   SERVING  HIS   20TH  YEAR  IN  THE  HOUSE  AND  IS  CHAIRMAN  OF  THE HOUSE  APPROPRIATIONS  COMMITTEE'S  HIGHER EDUCATION  SUBCOMMITTEE.


CAMP  IS  A  COMMITTEE  CHAIR  ON   LOCAL  GOVERNMENT RELATIONSHIPS. 

UPSON PLANNING COM CONTROVERSIAL RV PARK APP

 A  CONTROVERSIAL   SPECIAL  EXCEPTION  APPLICATION  FOR    AN  RV  PARK   AT  1922 LAWRENCE  ROAD  IS  ON  TODAY'S  5;30  AGENDA  FOR  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  PLANNING  COMMISSION.  THE  BOARD  TABLED  IT  AT  LAST  MONTH'S  MEETING,  AS  JEFFERY HILTON  MADE  A  MOTION  TO  TABLE  THE  MEASURE--SAYING  HE  NEEDED  MORE  INFORMATION  ABOUT  IT.


A  CITIZEN  WHO  LIVES  DOWN  THE  ROAD  FROM  THE  PROPOSED  SITE,   HEATHER  RUSH  OPPOSED  THE  RV  PARK  DURING  A PUBLIC  HEARING--CLAIMING IT  WILL  LOWER  PROPERTY  VALUES  AND  QUESTIONING  IF  A  NEAR-BY  BRIDGE  CAN  SUPPORT  THE  WEIGHT OF  RV'S.


THE  CITY  OF  THOMASTON  HAS  EXPERIENCED  SEVERAL  POWER  OUTAGES  OF  SHORT  DURATION  OVER  THE  PAST  FEW  DAYS--INCLUDING  BEFORE   6AM  AND  LATER  IN  THE   MORNING   SATURDAY.  CITY  MANAGER  RUSSELL  THOMPSON  TOLD   101  NEWS   GA.  POWER'S  TRANSMISSION  FEEDER  WENT  OUT  TEMPORARILY. 

Saturday, March 9, 2024

CONTESTED RACES, PIKE, SPALDING, LAMAR

 PIKE  COUNTY--SHERIFF  JIMMY  THOMAS(-INCUMBENT), SCOTT  GRAY-  SHERIFF  (INDEPENDENT)  JAMAL  WILLIS


CO  COMMISSIONER  DIST.  3  DOYLE JASON  PROCTOR(INCUMBENT), TODD  CHILD, KEN  PULLIN,  SONYA PETTY  SMITH-WITHDREW.


SPALDING  COUNTY-PROBATE  JUDGE- ALEXANDER  HOPE, KAY  PERDUE


CO  COM  DIST  1-GWEN FLOWERS-TAYLOR( INCUMBENT),  COREY  MANGHAM


CO  COM  DIST 4-RYAN  BOWLDEN(INCUMBENT),  BRANDON  ROBINSON  WHITE


BOE DIST 4 (INCUMBENT)  BARBARA  JO  COOK,  NANCY ADAME MCCHARGUE,  CHERRI WELDON


BOE  DIST 2 (INCUMBENT  WILLIAM  DOSS,  KIMBERLY  TINSLEY  REGISTER


LAMAR  COUNTY  DIST.  4 ( INCUMBENT) NANCY  THRASH, OPPOSED  BY TRUMAN  BOYLE


BAD WRECK NORTHSIDE THOMASTON FRIDAY

 TRAFFIC  AT  A  STANDSTILL  FRIDAY  AROUND  2PM  AT   19  NORTH  AND  COUNTY  ROAD  WITH  A  TWO  VEHICLE  WRECK,  ONE  UPSIDE DOWN  IN  THE  INTERSECTION.  AN  EYEWITNESS  TOLD   101  NEWS  NO  ONE  SEEMED  TO BE  INJURED  SERIOUSLY.

Friday, March 8, 2024

Upson County Qualifiers

 Qualified Candidates

Norman Allen (R) – BOC Chairman (Incumbent)

Edward J. Searcy II (D) – BOC Chairman

Dan Brue (R) – BOC Chairman

William R. “Bill” Maher, II Chairman

Christopher Biggs (D) – Dist. 1 County Commissioner

Dominic Terry – (D) – Dist. 1 County Commissioner

George Carriker (D) – Dist. 1 County Commissioner

James Ellington (R) – Dist. 2 County Commissioner

William Hughley (NP) – Chief Magistrate Judge

Cecil Hutchins (NP) – Chief Magistrate Judge

Hannah Ellington Arnette (NP) – Chief Magistrate Judge

Mia J. Collier (NP) – Chief Magistrate Judge

Dan Kilgore (R) – Sheriff (Incumbent)

K. Craig Stubbs (R) – Coroner (Incumbent)

Teresa Meier (R) – Clerk of Superior Court (Incumbent)

Jessica Harper Jones (R) – Clerk of Superior Court

Danielle McRae (NP) – Probate Judge (Incumbent)

David “Andy” Chastain (R) – Tax Commissioner (Incumbent)

Heather Rush (R) – Tax Commissioner

Angeline McGill (NP) – School Board Dist. 1 (Incumbent)

Ken Whaley (NP) – School Board Dist. 1

Brent King (NP) – School Board Dist. 3

Scott Roberts (NP) – School Board Dist. 5

F. “Anne Massengale” Williamson (NP) – School Board Dist. 5

Steven South (NP) – School Board Dist. 7

Tracy Lee Boyt (NP) – Soil & Water District Supervisor (November 5, 2024 General Election)

Congratulations To The U-L Top Two!

On Friday, March 8, Principal Mr. Ricky English announced the Upson-Lee High School Class of 2024 Top 2 Seniors. Miss Julian Sloan (Jules) Passmore is the 2024 Valedictorian and Miss Baleigh Ashlan Moore is the 2024 Salutatorian. Valedictorian is the senior with the highest overall numeric average who has also completed four Honors, Dual Enrollment, and/or Advanced Placement courses in each of the core content areas (ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies). Three of the above-mentioned courses must be Advanced Placement and/or Dual Enrollment courses in at least three different content areas. Student must have been enrolled at ULHS in the junior year before the 2nd 9 weeks began and the entire senior year to be considered for this honor. Salutatorian is the student with the second highest overall numeric average who has completed the same courses described for eligibility of the Valedictorian.