DR, KIRK NOOKS FORMALLY INSTALLED AS GORDON PRES.

GORDON STATE COLLEGE HELD THE INVESTITURE OF DR. KIRK A. NOOKS ON FRIDAY—THE 4TH PRESIDENT OF GORDON STATE.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GA. DR. STEVE WRIGLEY PERFORMED THE FORMAL INSTALLATION AND PRESENTED HIM WITH THE MEDALLION OF OFFICE.

DR. NOOKS WENT ON TO SAY “WHILE WE DON'T HAVE TO GO IT ALONE, THE NEXT CHAPTER IS OURS TO WRITE.”

U-L RIFLE TEAM 3RD IN STATE

 On April 27, 2019, the Georgia High School Rifle State Championship was held at Fort Benning, GA.  Of the 119 teams that participated in the regular season, the top 17 teams qualified for the state championship.  After two nail-biting relays, the Upson Lee Knights finished in 3^rd place overall with a team score of 1147 out of 1200.  Individually, Ana Maldonado shot a season best score of 291 out of 300, making it to the finals and finishing overall in 8^th place individually out of 93 competitors.  The other team members finished as follows:  Grace Geldbach – 290 out of 300 (13^th overall), Savannah Muse – 286 out of 300 (29^th overall) and Eli Pollard – 280 out of 300 (56^th overall).  Jackson Roddenberry was the alternate shooter with a score of 274 out of 300.  This was a great finish to a very long season.  CONGRATULATIONS!!!

COACH JESSIE WILDER RECOGNIZED BY THOMASTON SERTOMA

RETIRED EDUCATOR AND COACH JESSIE WILDER WAS RECOGNIZED WITH THE 2019 SERVICE TO MANKIND AWARD THURSDAY BY THE THOMASTON SERTOMA CLUB.

COACH WILDER HAD A CAREER OF OVER 30 YEARS IN THE LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM TEACHING P.E. AND COACHING BOYS AND GIRLS TENNIS INCLUDING TWO STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS. SHE SERVES ON THE BOARD OF THE THOMASTON-UPSON RETIRED EDUCATORS , AND SERVES AS WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY BUS CHAPERONE AT FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.

COACH WILDER WAS ELECTED TO THE 2006 CLASS OF THE THOMASTON-UPSON SPORTS HALL OF FAME. CONGRATULATIONS TO COACH WILDER.

STUDENT WITH BB GUN AT UL MIDDLE SCHOOL

Parents and Guardians:

Upson-Lee Middle School is committed to providing our students with a safe learning environment. When safety issues arise, we want to clearly communicate these issues with you. This message is to inform you that one of our students brought an unloaded BB gun to school today. Our School Resource Officer received this information from another student this morning. The student was immediately removed from the classroom, the weapon was confiscated, and the student was questioned by law enforcement officials. No students were harmed, and at no time was the gun used to threaten students or staff. This student will face disciplinary measures as per the Thomaston-Upson School System’s Code of Conduct. 

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SCTC RIBBON CUTTING/OPEN HOUSE IN HENRY CO.

Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) has recently announced plans to hold a Ribbon Cutting and Open House for Building B at the Henry County Center to be held on April 23, 2018 at 10:00 am.

Located just behind the existing Building A, this 82,500 square foot multi-level, state-of-the-art facility houses various medical, computer, and industrial training programs designed to meet the immediate needs of the area. The modern, open-concept plan and floor-to-ceiling glass throughout the structure is ideal for viewing students at work in the labs and will be a showpiece of the building’s sophisticated architecture.

Building B offers classrooms and hands-on lab spaces to support a number of new and expanding programs. Automotive Technology, Auto Collision Repair, Mechatronics, Water Quality Technology, Associate of Science in Nursing - RN, MRI/CT Scan, Phlebotomy, Cardiovascular Technology, Vascular Technology, Nurse Aide, and a myriad of Computer Information Systems Technology programs including Computer Programming, Computer Networking, Database Specialist, Web Site Design, and Web Application Development are now being offered at the SCTC Henry County Center.

For the design and construction of Building B, the Technical College System of Georgia contributed $20,958,000 in state general obligation bond financing. Henry County contributed an additional $5 million and the City of McDonough donated an additional $1 million in SPLOST funds for this project.

Southern Crescent Technical College President Dr. Alvetta Thomas stated, “We are beyond excited to be celebrating the ribbon cutting for this important asset to our college community. The Henry County business, education and government communities have long been supporters of Southern Crescent Technical College and this project is a model for true collaboration between all of these partners. This building is a great example of teamwork, dedication and vision and shows the commitment to education and workforce development from the leaders and citizens of Henry County.”

This new facility is the second of eight buildings originally proposed for SCTC’s Henry County location. It is a major addition to the educational infrastructure of Henry County and brings more options for technical education within range of every resident in the area. The SCTC Henry County Center is located immediately east of Henry County High School and the Henry Academy for Advanced Studies, built on 25 acres of land donated to Southern Crescent Technical College by the Henry County Board of Education.

With the addition and expansion of the SCTC Henry County Center, many students will be able to begin and finish their education in Henry County. Building B is a huge asset to the Henry County Center, allowing for more programs to be offered at this location. The 35,000 square foot Building A at the Henry County Center opened in January of 2013 and offers Business Management, Early Childhood Education, Criminal Justice, Logistics, CISCO Computer Networking as well as various general purpose and pre-allied health classrooms and labs.

As the College grows, Southern Crescent Technical College will continue to expand our educational programs and facilities to provide students with enhanced opportunities for career success. For more information on Southern Crescent Technical College or its offerings, please visit www.sctech.edu

NEW LADDER TRUCK FOR THOMASTON FIRE DEPART.

Thomaston Fire Department’s new 107’ Pierce Ascendant PUC Ladder Truck arrived in Forsyth, Georgia on April 11, 2019 and will remain there until all emergency equipment is mounted and installed.

This beautiful apparatus was transported from PIERCE manufacturing plant located in Appleton Wisconsin. The Fire Chief and several officers were able to visit the facility during pre-construction and final inspection. Before this truck can be put in-service all members of Thomaston Fire must receive specialized training. Those training dates are schedule from May 7th thru May 14th . The training is a part of the purchase package which will ensure all members will understand its operations, safety features and limitations.

There are many more safety features on this truck compared to the 1988 E-One ladder truck which has serious mechanical issues. The truck was expensive for Thomaston but well worth the price to serve the citizens and visitors of this community. The new 107’ aerial ladder will service the city for the next 20 to 25 years. It is the first time in the history of Thomaston Fire Department that we were able to SPEC a ladder truck specifically for Thomaston and not purchase an older used ladder with someone else’s mechanical problems already visible.

As the citizens of Thomaston and elected officials are well aware, this large piece of equipment will not fit into our current station. Therefore the city of Thomaston and Community Ambulance have signed a lease agreement with each other to house the new ladder truck along with 2 personnel at Community Ambulance located on Barnesville Highway and Community Ambulance will house an ambulance and 2 personnel at the City of Thomaston Fire Department.

Thomaston Fire Department will be celebrating the arrival of this new equipment by hosting an old traditional ceremony called a WET DOWN to commemorate the arrival of a new engine. This event is planned to be held in the next couple of weeks, we would like to invite the entire community to help us celebrate, Date and Location to be announced.

I would like to thank the Officers and Firefighters of this department for their endless effort and hard work in assisting with the SPEC’s for our new truck. I would like to send a special thank you to the Fire Truck Committee, City Manager, Mayor, City Council Members and the Citizens of Thomaston. The Thomaston Fire Department looks forward to continuing our efforts in serving the Citizens of Thomaston and Visitors in our community. Please remember to join us in the next couple of weeks to Celebrate the arrival of our brand new 107’ Ascendant heavy duty single axel PUC Chassis Ladder Truck.

NEW RANEW'S PLANT LOCATING IN UPSON CO.

AT TUESDAY'S MEETING, THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED A REZONING FOR 44 ACRES AT HIGHWAY 36 AND DELRAY ROAD FOR A NEW INDUSTRIAL PROJECT OF OVER $13.2 MILLION FROM LESTER RANEW, FOUNDER AND OWNER OF RANEW'S TRUCK AND EQUIPMENT HEADQUARTERED IN MILNER, GA.

JOINT MEETING UPSON CO. AND CITY OF THOMASTON

THE THOMASTON MAYOR AND COUNCIL AND UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HAVE NOT HELD A JOINT MEETING THIS YEAR, BUT ONE IS SCHEDULED, THURSDAY MAY 9TH 6;30PM AT THE SENIOR CENTER.

THE TWO BODIES HAVE REPORTEDLY NOT HAD ANY IN-DEPTH DISCUSSIONS ABOUT SERVICE DELIVERY STRATEGY BUT AN ANNUAL AGREEMENT IS REQUIRED BY STATE LAW TO GET STATE FUNDS. THESE DISCUSSIONS REGARD WHAT SERVICES THE CITY AND COUNTY EACH PROVIDE TO AVOID OVERLAPPING SERVICES.

UPSON CO COMMISSIONERS APRIL 23, AGENDA

UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 6:00 P.M. – Regular Commission Meeting City/County Meeting Room –April 23, 2019 

PUBLIC HEARING: The rezoning applicant is WSL Real Estate Holdings, LLC of Milner, Georgia. The property owner is Rolling B. Ranch, LLC. of Atlanta, Georgia. The applicant has requested a rezoning of 43.37 acres MOL from A-R to M-2. The property, located in the southwest corner of the intersection of Delray Road and Barnesville Hwy/SR 36, is more referred to as being in Land Lot 97 of the 10th Land District and found on Tax Map 067 Parcels 014 and 015. 

PUBLIC COMMENTS: Speakers must state their names and address, and must direct all comments to the Board Chair. Any questions must be put in writing and submitted to the Clerk or the Commissioner over your jurisdiction. 

REPORTS: March 2019 Financial Report 

CONSENT AGENDA: Regular Meeting Minutes April 9, 2019; Approval of bid for AC Units;  Approval of budge calendars; Mid-year budget; Joint Project Budget; Upson County Budget 

NEW BUSINESS: Reading of a Proclamation for National Nurses Week; Appointment to the Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities & Addictive Diseases Regional Advisory Council; Discussion and approval of an Agreement for City of Thomaston’s tax collection; County Manager, Commissioners, and County Attorney Comments 

TPD DRUG BUST

On Wednesday April 17th, Officers of the Thomaston Police Department were conducting routine patrol in the area of East Thompson Street and North Bethel Street in Thomaston, Upson County, Georgia when Cpl. Matt Allen observed a white in color Ford Fusion stopped at the stop sign on North Bethel Street and East Thompson Street intersection. 

Cpl. Allen knew the passenger to be Carlos Cunningham and knew that Cunningham was currently on house arrest for drug and gang charges ordered by Upson County Superior Court. He made contact with Cunningham at the passenger side of the vehicle and immediately noticed a black in color backpack between his legs. 

The driver was identified as Anthony Foster. 

During the contact officers could detect a faint odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. While attempting to make contact with the Upson County Superior Court about Cunningham’s house arrest status, Cpl. Allen requested assistance from the Upson County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit. Upon the K9 Officer’s arrival, a free air sniff of the vehicle was conducted. The K9 gave a positive alert for narcotics resulting in a search of the vehicle. 

During the search the officers located an undisclosed amount of cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, synthetic marijuana, THC Vape Cigarettes, suspected heroin, a semi-automatic pistol, and digital scales. Cunningham and Foster were both placed under arrest and transported to the Upson County Sheriff’s Officer for pending charges of Violation of Georgia Control Substance Act and weapons charges.

ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES

The Thomaston-Upson School System, in partnership with Southern Crescent Technical College, has Adult Education classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 AM - 12 Noon at the Upson-Lee Learning Academy, located at 300 S. Adams Street. 

All classes are taught by a Southern Crescent Technical College instructor. Adult Education classes are designed to help adult students with College and Career Readiness, GED Preparation, Life Skills, and English as a Second Language. 

All instruction, books, and materials are FREE of charge to students. Regular attendance is required. For information, call 706-646-6121.

RAINS HAVE CLOSED SEVERAL PIKE COUNTY ROADS

The following roads are currently close in Pike County due to the heavy rains :

Second District road - west of Chapel Hill Road

Hunter Road

Greene Street- just south of Highway 18

Milner Road - north of Bottoms Road

Turner Road - east of Concord Road and north of Hollinville Road

Bethany Church Road - between Jonathans Roost Road and Dunbar School Road

The roads are currently being monitored but there is no current time frame for reopening of these roads.

JQC PANEL RECOMMENDS JUDGE CRAWFORD BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE

A STATE JUDICIAL QUALIFICATIONS COMMISSION HEARING PANEL HAS RECOMMENDED THAT GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE ROBERT “MACK” CRAWFORD BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE OVER $15,600 HE IS ACCUSED OF TAKING FROM THE PIKE COUNTY COURT REGISTRY.

THE GEORGIA SUPREME COURT WILL MAKE THE FINAL DECISION ON THE RECOMMENDATION.

ZEBULON ATTORNEY VIRGIL BROWN HAS CLAIMED THE MONEY WAS LEGAL FEES IN A REAL ESTATE CASE EARNED BY JUDGE CRAWFORD WHEN HE WAS PRACTICING LAW. ATTORNEY BROWN TOLD ZOOM NEWS HE LOOKS FOWARD TO ARGUING THE CASE BEFORE THE GA. SUPREME COURT. JUDGE CRAWFORD PAID BACK THE MONEY IN FEBRUARY 2018 AFTER SPEAKING WITH JQC DIRECTOR BEN EASTERLIN.

ACCORDING TO THE JQC, JUDGE CRAWFORD HAS 20 DAYS TO FILE EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULING WITH THE GA. SUPREME COURT WHICH WILL DECIDE IF IT WANTS BRIEFS OR ORAL ARGUMENTS. THE SUPREME COURT HAS RULED IN FAVOR OF JUDGE CRAWFORD ONCE ALREADY IN THE CASE ON A MATTER AIMED AT REMOVING HIM FROM OFFICE.

THE PANEL'S DECISION STATES JUDGE CRAWFORD VIOLATED THE RULE OF THE GA. CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT THAT JUDGES “SHALL RESPECT AND COMPLY WITH THE LAW.”

RANEW'S PLANS TO INVEST UP TO $15 MILLION IN UPSON CO

THURSDAY DURING A CALLED MEETING---BY A UNANIMOUS VOTE THE UPSON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION FOLLOWED A STAFF RECOMMENDATION AND RECOMMENDED REZONING 44 ACRES AT 36 EAST AND DELRAY ROAD FOR THE RANEW'S COMPANY OF MILNER.

ATTORNEY DAVID DUNAWAY TOLD THE PLANNING COMMISSION --THE COMPANY PLANS TO INVEST $13 TO $15 MILLION AND BUILD A 100,000 SQUARE FOOT BUILDING AND INITIALLY EMPLOY 32 IN A SINGLE SHIFT-- TO PAINT JOHN DEERE TRACTOR FRAMES.

RANEW'S WILL USE A HIGH TECH ECO-PAINT LINE AND COMPANY COMPTROLLER ADRIAN CHAPMAN TOLD ZOOM NEWS THEY ARE SCHEDULED TO BE IN BUSINESS BY JANUARY.

THE ZONING RECOMMENDATION IS FROM A-R ZONING TO M-2 GENERAL MANUFACTURING AND PLANNING DIRECTOR DOUG CURRIER SAID HE RECOMMENDED THE REZONING BECAUSE THERE IS MANUFACTURING ZONING IN THE AREA AND THAT SECTION OF THE COUNTY NEAR THE AIRPORT IS TARGETED FOR INDUSTRY.

THE COUNTY WILL PROVIDE WATER AND THE CITY OF THOMASTON SEWAGE SERVICE WITH PRE-TREATMENT FROM RANEW'S.

THE REZONING REQUEST IS BEING FAST-TRACKER DUE TO THE URGENCY REQUIRED BY THE COMPANY AND IT WILL BE ON NEXT TUESDAY'S AGENDA OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR FINAL ACTION.

UPSON EMA SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE THURS AND FRI

Here's the latest information on the severe weather event.

What:  A line of strong to severe storms is expected to move west to east Thursday night and Friday morning across the area.  Any storms that develop over the state will be capable of...

• Damaging winds over 60 mph
• Brief tornadoes
• Heavy rain. Total rainfall should remain less than 2 inches.
• Hail up to 1 inch in diameter

Where:  At this time, it appears anywhere over north and central Georgia will be under a marginal to slight risk with eastern and central portions under and enhanced risk Friday. See outlook graphics below. 

Timing: Most likely time frame to range from 10 PM Thursday to 6 PM Friday as a line of thunderstorms moves from west to east. Some redevelopment of thunderstorms is possible over middle Georgia Friday afternoon. S

UPSON TAX ASSESSMENT NOTICES GOING OUOT

THE UPSON COUNTY TAX ASSESSORS OFFICE WILL BE MAILING-OUT 16,000 TAX ASSESSMENT NOTICES, THURSDAY. PROPERTY OWNERS WILL HAVE 45 DAYS TO APPEAL FROM THE DATE ON THE NOTICE.

TO APPEAL YOU CAN STOP BY THE TAX ASSESSORS OFFICE UPSTAIRS IN THE COURTHOUSE ANNEX OR MAIL IN YOUR APPEAL.

CHIEF APPRASER CHARLES MCKEEHAN TOLD ZOOM NEWS—MOST ASSESSMENTS ARE NOT GOING UP LIKE LAST YEAR, BUT SOME NEIGHBORHOODS WILL EXPERIENCE A RISE IN PROPERTY VALUES.  

GRIFFIN CHILD RECOVERING FROM A GUNSHOT WOUND

SGT. CHRIS WILSON—GRIFFIN PD SAYS A 7 YEAR OLD CHILD SHOT BY AN 8 YEAR OLD WHILE THEY WERE PLAYING WITH A 45 CALIBER HANDGUN IS EXPECTED TO MAKE A FULL RECOVERY.

THEY WERE LEFT IN THE CARE OF AN ADULT---THE YOUNGSTER WAS SHOT IN THE STOMACH AND UNDERWENT SURGERY AFTER THE INCIDENT AT GRIFFIN CROSSING APARTMENTS ON WEST MCINTOSH. NO CHARGES RELATING TO THE ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING BUT THE CASE WILL REQUIRE FURTHER INVESTIGATION

TOP 2 SENIORS AT UPSON-LEE HIGH

Upson-Lee High School Principal Mr. Tracy Caldwell has announced the Class of 2019 Top 2 Seniors. 

Chelsey Marie Graham is the 2019 Valedictorian and Johana Mata is Salutatorian. 

Valedictorian is the senior with the highest overall numeric average who has also completed all available Honors courses and at least three of the Advanced Placement (AP) courses in different core areas. Salutatorian is the student with the second highest overall numeric average who has completed the same courses described for eligibility of the Valedictorian.

WEST CENTRAL GA. BANK PRIZE WINNERS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PRIZE WINNERS OF THE WEST CENTRAL GA. BANK ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.

IST PRIZE—A PATIO SET—TOMMY SALTER

2ND PRIZE—NEXGRILL GAS GRILL—CARLY SHUMATE

3RD PRIZE—A PAIR OF ADIRONDACK CHAIRS—TERRIE HOYAL

SPALDING CO EMPLOYEE HEALTH INS. INCREASING

FOLLOWING A VOTE BY THE SPALDING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, MONDAY, HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS FOR EMPLOYEES WILL INCREASE BY 20%-- WITH ANTHEM/BLUE CROSS BECAUSE THE COUNTY'S COSTS ARE GOING-UP $1.2 MILLION ANNUALLY TO AROUND $6.8 MILLION.

COMMISSIONER BART MILLER CAST THE ONLY NO VOTE—AGAINST THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION, EXPLAINING IT COULD MEAN A ONE MILL TAX INCREASE—AND HE PLEDGED NOT TO RAISE TAXES.

COUNTY MANAGER WILLIAM WILSON SAID THE COUNTY HAD A DEADLINE DECISION—SO THE PLAN CHOSEN CAN BE PRINTED FOR EMPLOYEES TO REVIEW.

THE COMMISSIONERS WERE ADVISED A PROPOSAL FROM CIGNA WOULD COST MORE IN THE LONG TERM.

SPALDING COUNTY IS STARTING THE TRASH TAG INITIATIVE—PROVIDING TRASH BAGS FOR CITIZENS TO CLEAN-UP AND POST BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS — THEN COUNTY CREWS WILL PICK-UP THE TRASH BAGS.

SENIOR NIGHT FOR UL SOCCER TUES.

THE HEAD FOOTBALL COACH AT JONES COUNTY—JUSTIN ROGERS—ONE TIME OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR AT GRIFFIN HIGH—IS THE NEW HEAD COACH AT COLQUITT COUNTY HIGH REPLACING RUSH PROPST—FIRED AS THE HIGHEST PAID HIGH SCHOOL COACH IN GA.

SENIOR NIGHT FOR UPSON-LEE SOCCER TUESDAY HOSTING WEST LAURENS, LADIES AT 5;30, THE #1 RATED BOYS TO FOLLOW.

WRECK SUNDAY AT SILVERTOWN TRAFFIC LIGHT

ACCORDING TO POST 26 GA. STATE PATROL THOMASTON —TWO INJURED IN A TWO VEHICLE CRASH SUNDAY AFTEROON AT THE SILVERTOWN TRAFFIC SIGNAL WHEN AN SUV ALLEGEDLY RAN THE RED LIGHT AND FLIPPED AFTER A COLLISION WHILE NORTHBOUND.

GSP CORPORAL JASON MCCLUNG TOLD ZOOM NEWS--THE DRIVER OF THE FORD SUV—JOHN CLIFT, AGE 57 OF JOHN B. GORDON ROAD TRANSPORTED TO URMC AND A PASSENGER—HIS MOTHER, EVELEN CLIFT, AGE 76 OF EAST LEE STREET , EJECTED OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW AND TRANSPORTED TO MACON MEDICAL CENTER -- BOTH HAD NON-LIFE THREATENING INJURIES.

THE DRIVER OF THE 2ND VEHICLE—A FORD FOCUS, WILLIAM BECKHAM, 57 OF BURKETT ROAD—HAD TWO PASSENGERS, BUT NONE INJURED. HE WAS TURNING LEFT FROM GOODRICH AVE HEADED SOUTH AND WAS HIT ON THE FRONT END BY THE FORD SUV.

UPSON S.O. HIGH SPEED CHASE

THE UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES CHASED A FEMALE MOTORIST FROM UPSON COUNTY, THROUGH MONROE COUNTY AND INTO BIBB COUNTY ON HIGHWAY 74 BEFORE THE CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT A UTILITY POLE.

THE CHASE INVOLVING 25 YEAR OLD TYSHEMIA MONYA JONES OF PRATER STREET REACHED SPEEDS OVER OVER 95 MILES PER HOUR, STARTING AT A ROAD CHECK SHE RAN THROUGH AT DELRAY ROAD AND ROCKY BOTTOM ROAD.

ONCE ON HIGHWAY 74 , VEHICLES WERE PULLING OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID THE SPEEDING MOTORIST— WHO WENT THROUGH YATESVILLE TRAVELING 90.

JONES WAS BOOKED FOR FLEEING, POSSESSION SYNTHETIC NARCOTICS, RECKLESS DRIVING, SPEEDING AND OTHER CHARGES .

A TORNADO OVER UPSON CO. SUNDAY ?

ACCORDING TO UPSON COUNTY EMA DIRECTOR MARTHA ANNE MCCARTY A POSSIBLE TORNADO IN THE AREA OF SPREWELL BLUFF SUNDAY BUT NO TOUCHDOWN CONFIRMED. UPSON, PIKE, AND LAMAR COUNTIES WERE UNDER A TORNADO WARNING FOR A TIME SUNDAY MORNING, AND IN LAMAR COUNTY TREES REPORTED DOWN ON INDUSTRIAL DRIVE, WELDON LAKE ROAD AND MCNEELY ROAD AND POWER OUTAGES REPORTED BY SOUTHERN RIVERS ENERGY IN THE AREA OF HIGH FALLS PARK ROAD AFFECTING OVER 1000 CUSTOMERS. SOME TREES DOWN IN BUTTS COUNTY.

ATLANTA TV REPORTED A TORNADO TOUCHDOWN ON TOM MCKINLEY ROAD IN UPSON COUNTY BUT EMA DIRECTOR MCCARTY TOLD ZOOM NEWS, THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DID NOT RECORD THAT ACTIVITY.

COACH LOCKHART LEAVING FOR VALDOSTA HIGH

COACH DARRELL LOCKART , WHO WON TWO STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS AT UPSON-LEE HAS BEEN NAMED THE NEW BOYS BASKETBALL COACH AT VALDOSTA HIGH SCHOOL.

MURDER CHARGES FILED IN UPSON CO.

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAYS MURDER CHARGES HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE SHOOTING DEATH OF KYLE SPRAGGINS, AGE 27 AT 1748 HENDRICKS CHURCH ROAD, WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. 22-YEAR OLD JACKIE REYNOLDS ALLEGEDLY USED A 9 MILLIMETER HANDGUN AND FACES CHARGES OF MALICE AND FELONY MURDER, AGGREVATED ASSAULT AND POSSESSION OF A WEAPON IN THE COMMISSION OF A CRIME.

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR KYLE SPRAGGINS WILL BE MONDAY 2PM AT THE CHAPEL OF COGGINS FUNERAL HOME. VISITATION 12 NOON TILL 2PM.

SUSPECTED DRUG DEALER ARRESTED IN SPALDING CO.

On Thursday, April 11, 2019 Agents with Spalding County Special Operations, Spalding Sheriff’s C.A.G.E. Unit, and Spalding County S.W.A.T. executed a search warrant at 553-A Poplar Drive, the residence of Marty Manley, following an investigation into narcotics distribution. Manley has been known as a drug distributor in Spalding County for years and has been arrested and convicted multiple times on both drug and other charges. According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, “Being a multi time and possibly armed offender, Spalding County S.W.A.T. conducted the entry after deploying a distraction device outside of the residence. When entry was made, Manley attempted to retreat to the bathroom and tried flush the methamphetamine down the toilet. S.W.A.T. team members followed him into the restroom. As a result, Manley was taken into custody and his methamphetamine was recovered inside of the toilet, removed from the house’s plumbing, the floor around the toilet where Manley had previously been standing in the bathroom as he met the S.W.A.T. deputies, and elsewhere in the residence.” Marty Manley has been charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of drug related objects, obstruction of officers, and tampering with evidence. He will be residing at the Spalding County Jail for the foreseeable future. According to Sheriff Darell Dix “Marty Manley has been a thorn in the side of the residents on the west side of the county for years. His residence along with several others in that immediate area have been responsible for selling methamphetamine, multiple thefts, and other crimes. The good people who live in that area are tired of the illegal activity and the untouchable attitude and boldness that this trash has brought to their community. We have already visited several of the problem houses, made arrests, issued citations, and taken a high visibility approach to deter crime. We have assured these criminals that their life is about to be miserable. We are working with Spalding County Code Enforcement in the area and have had power service pulled from one of the problem houses due to code issues. Just like with anywhere we go, we will use every resource available to stop them, arrest them, run them out, or move them on. The option they choose is on them.”

CHURCH YARD SALE SAT.

It's the AWESOME YARD SALE!!! If you're looking for something...they probably have it! The AWESOME Yard Sale will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints at 3748 Barnesville Highway, between Thomaston and The Rock. They are excited to have this yard sale to raise money for the Young Women ages 12-17 to attend Girls Camp, so they can be close with nature and learn to be closer to Jesus Christ. These teen girls have been gathering items such as kitchen items, all kinds of furniture, exercise equipment, baby items, toys, clothes, garage tools and much, much more! The AWESOME Yard Sale is THIS Saturday, April 13th starting at 8am. There will also be baked goodies for sale. If it rains, the sale will be inside the church gym. See you all Saturday at 3748 Barnesville Highway between Thomaston and The Rock. 

UPSON CO. COM DENY FORTNER REZONING

BEFORE A STANDING-ROOM ONLY CROWD—TUESDAY EVENING—THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO DENY A REZONING FOR JAMES FORTNER AT 1409 COUNTY ROAD FOR HIS TRUCKING, TOWING AND REPAIR BUSINESS—FROM A-R TO M-2 MANUFACTURING.

COMMISSIONER BEN WATSON MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REZONING LIMITING THE BUSINESS TO THOSE THREE ENTERPRISES BUT IT DIED FOR LACK OF A 2ND.

COMMISSIONER PAUL JONES MADE THE MOTION TO DENY BASED ON THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION THAT THE BUSINESS IS IN A FLOOD PLAIN AND NEXT TO POTATO CREEK AND THE COUNTY HAS AN OBLIGATION TO CITY AND COUNTY CITIZENS TO PROTECT THE CITY OF THOMASTON'S WATER SUPPLY.

OVER A DOZEN CITIZENS AND TRUCKING COMPANY OWNERS TESTIFIED THAT FORTNER IS A ONE AND ONLY WHO WILL DO REPAIR WORK REGARDLESS OF WHEN ITS NEEDED. SEVERAL OF HIS EMPLOYEES SAID THEY NEED THEIR JOBS. TWO CITIZENS OPPOSED THE REZONING—BOTH FROM THE NEAR-BY POTATO CREEK HEIGHTS COMMUNITY.

HIS ATTORNEY STEVEN JONES OF GRIFFIN URGED THE COMMISSIONERS TO APPROVE THE REZONING WITH CONDITIONS NOTING THE BIG CLEAN-UP OPERATION UNDERTAKEN SINCE THE PLANNING COMMISSIONER VOTED TO RECOMMEND DENIAL BACK IN JANUARY.

HOWEVER, PLANNING DIRECTOR DOUG CURRIER SHOWED PHOTOS THAT HE SAID POINTED TO THE CONTINUED USE OF THE PROPERTY AS A JUNK YARD IN VIOLATION OF THE ZONING.

CURRIER NOTED FORTNER NEGLECTED TO PAY HIS COUNTY OCCUPATIONAL TAX/BUSINESS LICENSE FROM 2013 TO 2017 WHILE SHOWING A SMALL OFFICE AT 185 EAST MOORE'S CROSSING AS THE ADDRESS OF THE BUSINESS. IF HE HAD PAID HIS OCCUPATIONAL TAX ON TIME—HE WOULD HAVE DISCOVERED HE WAS IN A-R ZONING BACK THEN—HE SAID.

FORTNER HAS 30 DAYS TO APPEAL THE DECISION TO SUPERIOR COURT—BUT THE COMMISSIONERS INDICATED THEY ARE WILLING TO WORK WITH HIM TO ALLOW TIME FOR A RELOCATION OF HIS BUSINESS.

AMRIS BEDFORD NEEDS OUR PRAYERS

THE GRAND DAUGHTER OF FORMER THOMASTON CITY COUNCILMAN/BUSINESSMAN GARY BEDFORD, 9 YEAR OLD AMRIS BEDFORD IS UNDERGOING 10 WEEKS OF RADIATION TREATMENT AT ST. JUDE'S HOSPITAL IN MEMPHIS FOR RECURRANCE OF A BRAIN TUMOR. FRIENDS IN THOMASTON ARE HOLDING A FUND-RAISER FOR THE FAMILY BY SELLING PINK LIGHT BULBS FOR $5 TO HELP THE FAMILY DURING THEIR STAY IN MEMPHIS.

THE LIGHT BULBS ARE AVAILABLE AT RESCUE ME AND ENGLISH'S CAFE IN DOWNTOWN THOMASTON.

FRIENDS ARE ASKING EVERYONE TO USE THE PINK LOVE LIGHT BULBS AND PRAY FOR AMRIS.

FAST TRACK ZONING MEETING FOR INDUSTRIAL PROSPECT

THE UPSON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION HAS SET A CALLED MEETING FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 18TH, 5;30PM TO FAST TRACK A ZONING REQUEST FOR A PROSPECTIVE INDUSTRY. COUNTY COMMISSION CHAIRMAN NORMAN ALLEN SAID IT WOULD ALLOW THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TO HEAR THE REQUEST AT ITS APRIL 23RD MEETING IN ORDER TO ACCOMINDATE A TIME-TABLE FOR THE COMPANY.

ACCORDING TO PLANNING DIRECTOR DOUG CURRIER—THE ZONING REQUEST IS FROM W.S.L. REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS OF MILNER, GA FOR 44 ACRES AT DEL RAY ROAD AND HIGHWAY 36 EAST TO BE ZONED FROM A.R. TO M-2, MANUFACTURING.

ITS THE ONE-TIME BICKLEY PROPERTY NEAR THE AIRPORT NOW OWNED BY ROLLING B. RANCH OF ATLANTA.

IDA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KYLE FLETCHER TOLD ZOOM NEWS THE INDUSTRY WILL REQUIRE WATER/SEWER SERVICE WHICH IS ONLY AVAILABLE FROM THE CITY OF THOMASTON IN THAT AREA.  

UPSON CO. COMMISSIONERS AGENDA APRIL 9

UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 6:00 P.M. – Regular Commission Meeting City/County Meeting Room –April 9, 2019 AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Norman Allen II. INVOCATION III. PUBLIC HEARING (CONTINUED) The Upson County Board of Commissioners will conduct a Public Hearing Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 6:00 pm to consider a rezoning case. The hearing will be held in the City/County meeting room, #140 of the City/County Governmental Complex, 106 East Lee Street. The rezoning applicant is James Fortner of Thomaston, Georgia. Mr. Fortner has requested a rezoning (REZ2019-01) of 7.2 acres MOL from A-R to M-2. The property, located at 1409 County Road, is more referred to as being in Land Lot 213 of the 10th Land District and found on Tax Map 030 Parcels 046, 046A and 046B. The Upson County Board of Commissioners will conduct a Public Hearing Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 6:00 pm to consider a rezoning case. The hearing will be held in the City/County meeting room, #140 of the City/County Governmental Complex, 106 East Lee Street The rezoning applicant is William Shaun Benton of Concord, Georgia. Mr. Benton has requested a rezoning (REZ2019-03) of .53 acres MOL from C-2 to R-2. The property, located at 32 N. Old Alabama Road, is more referred to as being in Land Lot 244 of the 10th Land District and found on Tax Map 042C Parcel 003. IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS Speakers must state their names and address, and must direct all comments to the Board Chair. Any questions must be put in writing and submitted to the Clerk or the Commissioner over your jurisdiction. V. CONSENT AGENDA a. Regular Meeting Minutes b. Award bid for Senior Center flooring project VI. NEW BUSINESS c. Approval of a resolution declaring the results of the Special Election on March 19, 2019 d. Discussion of financing schedule for General Obligation Sales Tax (T-SPLOST) Bond, Series 2019 e. County Manager, Commissioners, and County Attorney Comments VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR SANDRA WHITE AND SONS

Visitation will be held Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Tabernacle of Praise Church International in McDonough. The celebration of life service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church on Camptellton Road in Atlanta. Rev. Dr. Timothy Flemming will officiate. 

DECEASED SPALDING CO. INMATE I.D.

44-YEAR OLD DENVER CHARLES PERKINS, A SPALDING COUNTY INMATE AWAITING TRIAL FOR CHILD MOLESTATION AND AGGREVATED SEXUAL BATTERY WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD FRIDAY BY WELLSTAR MEDICAL STAFF AFTER A DISTRESS CALL TO THE JAIL.

SHERIFF DARRELL DIX SAID MISINFORMATION WAS POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA ABOUT RESPONSE TIME—VIDEO VERIFIES IT WAS LESS THAN A MINUTE. THE GBI IS INVESTIGATING THE CASE.

PIKE MOTORIST KILLED IN UPSON CO. WRECK

ACCORDING TO POST 26 GA. STATE PATROL-THOMASTON, A PIKE COUNTY MOTORIST WAS KILLED IN A TWO VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH TWO OTHER INJURIES AT DEL RAY ROAD AND HIGHWAY 36- IN UPSON COUNTY FRIDAY.

THAT DRIVER—20 YEAR OLD BRANDON GOBBLE OF 1737 ALABAMA ROAD, MEANSVILLE DRIVING A CHEVY CAVALIER FAILED TO YIELD AND PULLED INTO THE PATH OF THE OTHER CAR AND WAS STRUCK AT THE DRIVER'S DOOR. A PASSENGER, EMILY MOORE, AGE 20 OF 1737 ALABAMA ROAD , MEANSVILLE WAS INJURED AND TRANSPORTED TO URMC.

THE 2ND MOTORIST—AMANDA GAIL SPOON, AGE 39 OF 138 PERDUE ROAD—LAMAR COUNTY WAS DRIVING A FORD SUPER DUTY PICK-UP AND HAD COMPLAINT OF INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY EMS TO WELLSTAR SPALDING REGIONAL HOSPITAL.

HENRY CO. MURDERS HAS THOMASTON CONNECTION

LAST WEEK'S 15 HOUR STAND-OFF IN HENRY COUNTY THAT ENDED IN THREE DEATHS AND TWO WOUNDED HENRY COUNTY POLICE OFFICERS--- HAS A THOMASTON CONNECTION.

UPSON COUNTY FAMILY FRIENDS TOLD ZOOM NEWS-- THE FATHER OF SANDRA RENEE WHITE, AGE 39 OF STOCKBRIDGE—ONE OF THE VICTIMS IS FROM THOMASTON—JOHN WHITE . CLASSMATES CALLED HIM JOHN JUNIOR WHITE AT UPSON HIGH AND THEY SAY HE MOVED AWAY FROM THOMASTON AFTER SCHOOL. MS. WHITE'S SON ARKEYVION WHITE, 16 A FOOTBALL PLAYER AT DUTCHTOWN HIGH WAS ALSO A SHOOTING DEATH VICTIM.

HENRY COUNTY POLICE SAID MS. WHITE'S BOYFRIEND—ANTHONY TONY BAILEY JR. WAS THE GUNMAN— FAMILY MEMBERS SAID SHE HAD BEEN TRYING TO GET HIM TO LEAVE BECAUSE HE HAD A DRINKING PROBLEM. MS. WHITE WAS PREGNANT AND HER MOTHER HAD PLANNED A SURPRISE BABY SHOWER FOR HER LAST SATURDAY.

TWO HENRY COUNTY POLICE OFFICERS WERE SHOT DURING THE STAND-OFF, TAYLOR WEBB AND KEEGAN MERRITT—BOTH ARE RECOVERING AT HOME.  

DECEASED INMATE IN SPALDING CO.

At approximately 2:00 p.m. today, April 5, 2019, Spalding County deputies were made aware of an inmate in distress. Jail medical personnel and deputies immediately responded and administered aid, and EMS was notified. Spalding Fire and EMS arrived, took over treatment, and transported the inmate to WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital. The inmate was pronounced deceased by WellStar medical staff. The GBI was immediately notified and is on site at the Spalding County Jail conducting the investigation. According to Sheriff Darrell Dix “Misinformation has been posted on social media regarding the time that the first inmate called for help to the deputies’ response. The deputies’ response time was less than one minute. This has been verified by video.” The investigation has been turned over to the GBI. Any further questions should be directed to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

PAY HIKES FOR CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS

THE GA. GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROVED PAY RAISES FOR CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS AROUND THE STATE, DURING THE SESSION—A 5% PAY HIKE FOR SHERIFF'S, TAX COMMISSIONERS, CLERKS OF COURT AND PROBATE JUDGES. THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED A PAY INCREASE SINCE 2008 ALTHOUGH COST OF LIVING RAISES UPPED THEIR SALARY 14% SINCE THEN.

THE GA. ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OPPOSED THE INCREASES.

PIKE CO AMERICAN LEGION PANCAKE BREAKFAST

The Pike County American Legion Post 197 will be having a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser. It will be at the Pike County American Legion Post 197, 645 Meansville St., Zebulon, GA on Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 8 am - 11:00 am. The proceeds will go towards the programs that help our veterans and their families in our community. 
For a $5 donation, you get two sausage patties and all you can eat pancakes and a drink.

HENRY COUNTY STAND-OFF, THREE DEAD TWO OFFICERS SHOT

IN HENRY COUNTY A TRAGIC END TO A 15 HOUR POLICE STAND-OFF AT EAGLE'S RIDGE SUBDIVISION IN STOCKBRIDGE.

A GUNMAN WHO SHOT TWO POLICE OFFICERS, APPARENTLY KILLED HIS PREGNANT GIRL FRIEND, HER 16 YEAR OLD SON, AND HIMSELF.

HER FAMILY SAID HER BOYFRIEND HAD A DRINKING PROBLEM AND SHE WANTED HIM TO LEAVE.

THE TWO POLICE OFFICERS ARE IN GRADY HOSPITAL AND ARE EXPECTED TO RECOVER.

ONE OF THE OFFICERS SHOT IN THE HAND PULLED THE OTHER TO SAFETY AFTER HE WAS SHOT.

PAY RAISE FOR THOMASTON MAYOR AND COUNCIL

THE THOMASTON MAYOR AND COUNCIL WILL GET A PAY RAISE EFFECTIVE JAN IST 2020, FOLLOWING A UNANIMOUS VOTE BY COUNCIL—TUESDAY. THE FIRST PAY ADJUSTMENT IN 16 YEARS.

COUNCIL MEMBERS CURRENTLY EARN $2400 PER YEAR, THE MAYOR PRO TEM $2700 PER YEAR AND THE MAYOR $3600 PER YEAR—BUT EVEN WITH PAY RAISES THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL WILL STILL MAKE LESS THAN THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.

UNDER THE PLAN APPROVED TUESDAY—COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL EARN $7200 PER YEAR, MAYOR PRO TEM $8100 ANNUALLY AND THE MAYOR $10,800. BASED ON A SURVEY OF LIKE-SIZED CITIES IN GEORGIA—THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL WERE ON THE LOW END OF THE PAY SCALE. CITY OFFICIALS GET RETIREMENT BUT NO HEALTH INSURANCE.

THE UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PAY SCHEDULE WAS APPROVED SEVERAL ADMINISTRATIONS AGO BEFORE ANY OF THE CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS WERE ELECTED.

COMMISSIONERS MAKE $9000 ANNUALLY PLUS AN ADDITIONAL $1200 ONCE CERTIFIED BY THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ASSOCIATION. PLUS HEALTH INSURANCE AND RETIREMENT IS OFFERED AND $250 PER MONTH FOR EXPENSES.

THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN EARNS $12,000 PER YEAR, PLUS $1200 ONCE CERTIFIED AND $400 MONTHLY FOR EXPENSES, HEALTH INSURANCE AND RETIREMENT IS AVAILABLE.

ACCORDING TO CITY ATTORNEY JOEL BENTLEY--IT WILL TAKE TWO VOTES TO FINALIZED MAYOR AND COUNCIL PAY RAISES, BECAUSE THE CITY CHARTER MUST BE AMENDED.

STUDENT HIT BY A CAR DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL

THERE'S GOOD NEWS ABOUT A THOMASTON-UPSON SCHOOLS KINDERGARDEN STUDENT STRUCK BY A CAR WHILE GETTING OFF A SCHOOL BUS, TUESDAY AFTERNOON ON THE YATESVILLE HIGHWAY.

UL PRIMARY PRINCIPAL TRACY WAINWRIGHT SAID THE 5-YEAR OLD WAS RELEASED FROM A MACON HOSPITAL THURSDAY AND IS DOING WELL.

THE CHILD'S KINDERGARTEN CLASS SENT HER SOME BALLOONS WHILE SHE WAS HOSPITALIZED.

POST 26 GA. STATE PATROL IN THOMASTON SAYS THE DRIVER OF THE LINCOLN AUTO WAS ROBERT LEE HODO, AGE 80 OF MOORE'S CROSSING ROAD.

BLOOD DRIVE THOMASTON FORD FRIDAY

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE AT THOMASTON FORD APRIL 5, FRIDAY 1 TO 6PM. DONORS GET A FREE RED CROSS T-SHIRT.

ATLANTA BRAVES SCHEDULES ARE AVAILABLE IN OUR LOBBY

2019 ATLANTA BRAVES SCHEDULES HAVE ARRIVED AND ARE AVAILABLE IN OUR LOBBY. THE HOME OF THE BRAVES 105-9/101-1.

WORKSHOP UPSON CO PLANNING COM 4/4/19

The Upson County Planning Commission will conduct a workshop, Thursday April 4 2019, 5:30 pm to continue discussion of a county solar power ordinance.  The workshop will be held in the City/County Governmental Complex, Drake Building, 305 S. Hightower Street in the Magistrate Judge’s Conference Room, #D140B.

T-U SCHOOLS PERSONNEL APPOINTMENTS

At last night's meeting, the T-U Board of Education approved the following personnel appointments, as recommended by Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico (effective for the 2019-2020 school year). 

• Mr. Matt Bentley, Upson-Lee High School Assistant Principal 
• Mrs. Nesha Campbell, Upson-Lee High School Assistant Principal for Curriculum & Instruction
• Mr. Jason Weems, Principal of Upson-Lee Pre-Kindergarten
• Mr. Michael Kirby, Upson-Lee Primary School Assistant Principal

Please join us in congratulating these individuals and wishing them much success as they step into these fundamental roles within the Thomaston-Upson School System.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER IN PIKE CO.

Prayer Power of Georgia will sponsor the Pike County celebration of the annual National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 2, 2019,
Please join us for the service at noon on the Pike County Courthouse Square.
The National Day of Prayer is a patriotic and spiritual celebration of our great nation; a time to join together to honor those who have served in many different capacities and to ask blessings for those who are serving our community and nation as they are called.
We will honor our Veterans and military personnel.
We will offer words and prayers for our community, state, nation, world, and all that need salvation.
For further information, please contact,
Chaplain Ben Maxedon
Prayer Power of Georgia
PO Box 1263
Zebulon, GA 30295
770-689-7549 prayerpower4u@bellsouth.net
www.prayerpower4u.ne

UPDATE; UPSON CO. STUDENT HIT BY A CAR

POST 26 GA. STATE PATROL-THOMASTON IS INVESTIGATING AN ACCIDENT AFTER A 5-YEAR OLD FEMALE CHILD WAS STRUCK BY A CAR WHILE GETTING OFF A SCHOOL BUS ON THE YATESVILLE HIGHWAY BETWEEN THE ROCK ROAD AND SULLIVAN CREEK, TUESDAY AFTERNOON.

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAID THE STUDENT WAS LIFE-FLIGHTED TO AN OUT OF TOWN HOSPITAL AND THE ELDERLY MALE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R. BY AMBULANCE.

THE SHERIFF TOLD ZOOM NEWS—THE CHILD WAS CONSCIOUS BUT HAD HEAD AND LEG INJURIES AFTER BEING HIT IN HER DRIVE-WAY.

SHERIFF KILGORE SAID PRELIMINARY INDICATIONS ARE THE DRIVER OF A LINCOLN CONTINENTAL WAS BEHIND THE SCHOOL BUS AND ALLEGEDLY IGNORED THE EXTENDED SAFETY ARM AND WARNING LIGHTS OF THE STOPPED SCHOOL BUS AND CAME AROUND AND HIT THE CHILD.

THE CAR THEN VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A TREE.

THE MEDI-COPTER LANDED IN A FIELD NEAR THE ACCIDENT SCENE—THE SHERIFF TOLD US.

HIGHWAY 74 EAST WAS BLOCKED TO TRAFFIC FOR A WHILE FOLLOWING THE ACCIDENT.  

REP. KEN PULLIN GA. HOUSE UPDATE

Legislative Update - Week Eleven Speaking from the well last week. My colleagues and I returned to the Gold Dome on Monday, March 26 for Legislative Day 36 and the 11thweek of session. The House had another busy week of reviewing legislation in committee hearings, voting on important bills and resolutions on the House floor and giving final passage to a number of bills that will now be considered by Governor Brian Kemp.  It's been cool having pages up this session.  Katelyn Johnson and her family were up this week! FY 2020 Budget The House fulfilled our only constitutional obligation by giving final passage to the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY 2020) budget, or House Bill 31. We completed our legislative responsibility with the adoption of a conference committee report, which set the final FY 2020 budget at an estimated $27.5 billion. Amongst several important appropriations, more than 50 percent of the FY 2020 funds are allocated for education, 22 percent for health and human services and 8 percent for transportation and economic development. The FY 2020 budget includes several House priorities, but one of our proudest highlights includes funding for the largest salary increase in our state’s history for teachers and certified personnel, which raises their base pay by $3,000 starting in July of this year. Other highlights place a particular emphasis on women and children’s issues, such asprogram funding to address the high percentage of maternal mortality in Georgia and additional funding for our most vulnerable Georgians, including the elderly and foster children. This comprehensive budget would provide for the wide-ranging needs of our state and its citizens, while epitomizing our legislative and fiscal priorities for Fiscal Year 2020. I am proud of the House and Senate’s collaborative efforts that allowed the Georgia General Assembly to fulfill its constitutional responsibility to give final approval to the FY 2020 budget.         Heart Beat Bill Update My Yes vote on House Bill 481, known as the Heartbeat Bill, on Friday. If we can save 1 innocent life in Georgia, my entire time in the House has been worth it. The bill passed 92-78 and is headed to Governor Kemp's desk for signature.  I've made a lot of good friends this session!  I'll really miss these guys after April 2nd. Certificate of Need The House worked closely with the Senate, physicians, hospitals and patients to amend theCertificate of Need system in Georgia for health care facilities, including creating more transparency for nonprofit hospitals. In particular, House Bills 186 and 321 require nonprofit hospitals to publicly post a range of financial data. The changes in CON will help level the playing field and put the focus back on providing the highest standard of healthcare for Georgians, regardless of their location. SB 66 - Streamlining Wireless Facilities and Antennas Act Last week, my colleagues and I passed a Senate bill to continue in our efforts to promote broadband expansion in rural Georgia. Senate Bill 66, or the “Streamlining Wireless Facilities and Antennas Act,” would help streamline the deployment of small cells, or small wireless facilities, in public rights-of-way by placing limits on fees that providers could pay and by implementing deadlines for local governments to follow during the permit application process. SB 66 would simplify and expedite new broadband installation by creating a standardized process for wireless providers to install, mount, modify or replace small cells and/or poles without the requirement of an agreement by a city official and without an implementing ordinance. Similar legislation has been passed in 22 other states, and this bill would help meet the growing demand for reliable internet access in Georgia. This important bill would ultimately encourage Georgia’s broadband providers to expand in rural areas, while ensuring that rural Georgians quickly receive these new broadband and wireless services. It was an honor to host Jordan Holley at the Capitol last week. Jordan headed to Louisiana the next day for the USA Powerlifting High School National Competition and to compete over the weekend.  SB 118 & SB 115- Expansion of Technology in Health Care We also passed two additional measures that would help our rural communities prosper by providing a new pathway to receive modern health care through the use of technology.Senate Bill 118 would require that insurance companies recognize the use of information and communications technologies as acceptable forms of health care, and, as such, insurance providers would be required to provide coverage to patients and health care professionals for telehealth and telemedicine services. This legislation would prohibit insurers from excluding coverage for services solely based on the fact that the service is not provided through an in-person consultation. Finally, the bill would require that insurers reimburse health care providers for services provided through telemedicine at the same rate that the insurer would usually cover if the service was offered in-person, but SB 118 would prohibit insurers from requiring the use of telemedicine in lieu of in-person or contact services. Doctors in rural areas often rely on telehealth services for their patients through telephones, remote patient monitoring devices, and they often use these services for provider consultations, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration. We also passed Senate Bill 115 to allow the Georgia Composite Medical Board to issue telemedicine licenses to doctors who are currently licensed in other states and seek to practice telemedicine in Georgia. These telemedicine licenses would attract the best talent to our state and would provide more doctors for Georgia citizens to choose from. As the use of telehealth services grows in Georgia, these two Senate measures are critical to guaranteeing that doctors and patients have adequate insurance coverage and greater choices in their doctors along the way. My niece, Adi, came to visit last week! I love spending time with her and I think she enjoyed her time as a Page.  H.R. 589 - House Study Committee on Maternal Mortality The House adopted an extremely important measure to address the high rates of maternal mortality in Georgia. House Resolution 589 would create theHouse Study Committee on Maternal Mortality to help institute systemic changes to decrease and prevent maternal deaths in our state. Currently, women in the U.S. are more likely to die of childbirth or pregnancy-related causes than women in other high-income countries, and Georgia is among the top ten states with the highest maternal mortality rate, with 60 percent of these maternal deaths being preventable. The high rate of maternal deaths in our state is a serious public health concern and has a tremendous family and societal impact that affects wide and diverse populations. For this reason, the study committee will develop ideas and strategies to be implemented systemically that would decrease and prevent maternal deaths in Georgia. HR 589 will allow this House to continue our legislative commitments to improving health care for Georgians after the legislative session adjourns, and I look forward to the legislative initiatives that will be developed from this study committee to protect the lives of expecting mothers in Georgia. It was great to spend time with Dr. Nooks, GSC President, and GSC student leaders! SB 158 - Anti-Human Trafficking Protective Response Act Another meaningful piece of legislation that passed in the House this week was Senate Bill 158. This impactful measure would strengthen Georgia’s current anti-human trafficking laws and provide greater resources and care for victims of human trafficking. SB 158, or the “Anti-Human Trafficking Protective Response Act,” would authorize the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) to provide emergency care and supervision for a child victim of human trafficking without a court order or the consent of a parent or legal guardian. This bill would also direct DFCS and law enforcement to immediately take the child to an available victim services organization, which is certified by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, to provide comprehensive trauma-informed services, and this bill would protect these victims from being prosecuted for prostitution if they are under 18 years old. SB 158 would also allow local authorities and citizens to seek civil penalties against businesses or property owners that have received three or more separate sexually-related charges or indictments that occur on the premises within a 12-month period. Finally, the bill would allow property owners or operators to assist law enforcement in investigations of criminal sexual-related conduct. It is imperative that we reform the way Georgia treats victims of human trafficking through treatment and rehabilitation opportunities and by protecting them from encountering unjust prosecution. SB 106 - Patients First Act Late last week, we passed the “Patients First Act”, and Governor Kemp quickly signed it into law. With its passage, Senate Bill 106 authorizes the Governor’s Office to explore and submit to the federal government 1115 and 1332 Medicaid Waiver applications to create Georgia-centric solutions that will help us lower health care costs, increase access, and improve the quality of care on the private insurance market and for the Medicaid population.

Rep. Ken Pullin serves on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Human Relations and Aging, and Small Business Development. He represents the 131st House District which includes Upson, Pike, Lamar counties. He may be reached at 404.656.0188 or by email at ken.pullin@house.ga.gov. Copyright © *2019* *Pullin for Georgia*, All rights reserved. Our Capitol address: 504-F Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg. 18 Capitol Square SW Atlanta, GA 30334 404.656.0188 - Office Our District address: P.O. Box 295 Zebulon, GA 30295 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.