Thursday COVID-19 Report

The number of confirmed cases in Georgia currently is 26,260, the number of deaths reported is 1,132. There are 5,190 people hospitalized. The mortality rate is 4.31%.

Upson county reported one additional death, Butts county reported 7.

Fulton county has the highest number of cases at 2,809, Dougherty county has the highest number of deaths with 120.

County	No. Cases	No. Deaths
Upson	216	18
Pike	40	2
Spalding	208	9
Lamar	38	1
Monroe	23	3
Butts	141	11
Meriwether	54	1
Talbot	26	1
Taylor	17	2
Crawford	15	0
Coweta	195	4
Fayette	176	10
Unknown	393	0

The Georgia Department of Health releases updated information daily at noon and 7 pm.

For the complete report, click HERE

Updated to include the 7 pm report.

PIKE CO APPROVES AMBULANCE CONTRACT

AT   TUESDAY'S  MEETING  THE  PIKE  COUNTY  BOARD OF  COMMISSIONERS  VOTED TO APPROVE AN  AGREEMENT WITH  GRADY EMERGENCY MEDICAL  SERVICES AT  $350,000  PER YEAR  WITH  PIKE COUNTY PAYING  THE  UTILITIES AT AMBULANCE  HEADQUARTERS 7818 HIGHWAY  19 IN ZEBULON--A  4-1  VOTE  COMMISSIONER JAMES JENKINS OPPOSED.

GOV KEMP EXTENDS PUBLIC HEALTH STATE OF EMERGENCY

Gov. Brian Kemp announced he will formally extend the Public Health State of Emergency through June 12, 2020.

Additionally, he is signing order to require medically-fragile and elderly Georgians to continue shelter in place until June 12. Elderly Georgians are considered ages 65 and older.

“In accordance with our executive orders, businesses across the Peach State, must continue to operate with strict social distancing and sanitation rules to keep customers and employees safe through May 13, 2020,” Kemp said in a tweet posted Thursday

A UFO IN SPALDING COUNTY?

A POSSIBLE UFO HAD TRAFFIC PULLING OVER  FOR  A  LOOK TUESDAY EVENING ON 1-75 IN SPALDING COUNTY --- A  SERIES OF LIGHTS THAT APPEARED TO BE ONLY ABOUT A MILE HIGH.

TURNS OUT --  IT WAS NOT A UFO BUT THE STARLIGHT PROJECT FROM ELON MUSK'S SPACE-X COMPANY -- MUSK THE BRAIN-TRUST OF THE TESLA AUTOMOBILE.  402 SATELLITES WERE LAUNCHED APRIL 19TH TO PROVIDE 5-G CELL COVERAGE - SATELLITES - ABOUT THE SIZE OF WASHING MACHINES IN PACKS OF 40.

UPSON CO GRAND JURY POSTPONED

Grand Jury for May 4th has been postponed due to the Judicial Emergency Order in effect until May 13, 2020.  As soon as a new date has been set Clerk of Superior Court, Teresa Harper, will notify the Grand Jurors.

FREE TESTING FOR COVID-19

YOUR TOWN  HEALTH  CLINIC  IN  BARNESVILLE  LOCATED BEHIND  THE  LIBRARY  IS  OFFERING  FREE DRIVE-THRU TESTING  FOR  COVID-19  THIS  WEDNESDAY  MAY  6TH  FROM  8AM TILL 1PM. FOR  AN  APPOINTMENT PHONE  770-358-4408  OR JUST SHOW-UP

SOUTHERN CRESCENT TECH COLLEGE ANNOUNCES GRADUATION

So Crescent Technical college President Dr Alveta Thomas announced that the Spring 2020 graduation ceremony will be rescheduled to Nov 30 at 1st Assembly of God church on Hwy 92 west in Griffin.

She said "We understand this disappointment, but were' excited to properly celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates on Nov.30th."

THOMASTON GETTING A NEW TACO BELL

THE  COVID-19  PANDEMIC HAS NOT  DIMMED THOMASTON'S BUSINESS MO -- A  NEW TOCO BELL IS COMING AT NORTHCREEK CENTER IN FRONT OF TRACTOR SUPPLY--GROUND BREAKING   MONDAY.

CHIC-FIL-A  SCHEDULED TO OPEN THE FIRST OR SECOND WEEK IN JUNE ACROSS FROM HOME DEPOT AND IN DOWNTOWN THOMASTON,  A NEW MEXICAN  RESTAURANT ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE COURTHOUSE SQUARE IS  WORKING TO OPEN IN  JUNE.

Wednesday COVID-19 Report

The number of confirmed cases in Georgia currently is 25,634, the number of deaths reported is 1,095. There are 5,072 people hospitalized. The mortality rate is 4.27%.

Fulton county has the highest number of cases at 2,766, Dougherty county has the highest number of deaths with 119.

County	No. Cases	No. Deaths
Upson	211	17
Pike	39	2
Spalding	205	9
Lamar	37	2
Monroe	23	3
Butts	134	4
Meriwether	54	1
Talbot	24	1
Taylor	17	2
Crawford	15	0
Coweta	195	4
Fayette	174	10
Unknown	485	0

The Georgia Department of Health releases updated information daily at noon and 7 pm.

For the complete report, click HERE

Updated to include the 7 pm report.

Upson Mortality Rate Double State Average

The mortality rate in Upson county is double the state average.

As of noon on Wednesday, Upson county has reported 209 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 17 deaths, a mortality rate of 8.13%. The state has a total of 25,274 cases with 1,052 deaths, a statewide average mortality rate of 4.16%.

One factor in Upson’s higher death rate is the older population, Georgia’s 65 and over population is 9.6% while Upson county has 13.9% in the age bracket, a 45% increase above the state average.

The number of people age 65 and older with underlying health conditions is about 55.2% of the population and waiting too long to see a doctor can be deadly. The infection rate in Upson county has increased from 721.3 on April 24th to 795.37 today.

Another statistic that jumps off the daily report is the fact that with 17 deaths, Upson county has just 16 reported hospitalizations. Only one other county in the state has reported more deaths than patients hospitalized. This seems to indicate that those experiencing symptoms are not seeking medical attention and testing early enough.

Medicare covers the lab tests for COVID-19. You pay no out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 and might otherwise have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but instead you need to stay in the hospital under quarantine.

Practice good hygiene, social distancing and seek medical attention as soon as you notice any symptoms.

AM RED CROSS TESTING RECOVERED DONORS COVID-19 ANTIBODIES

The American Red Cross is now testing recovered donors for COVID-19 antibodies and can accept convalescent plasma donations from antibody positive donors. 

Call The American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 for more information.

UPSON BOC UPDATE ON OPERATIONS

With the expiration of The Governors Shelter in Place Executive Order, Upson County announces the following changes in operations for public access to County government facilities.

Effective Friday, May 1 through close of business May 12, County Offices will have limited access and be available by APPOINTMENT ONLY.

All offices will be available via phone or email.

PLEASE CALL IN ADVANCE TO ALL DEPARTMENTS FOR ASSISTANCE.

A list of department operations is below.

Airport 706-647-4500 Open - Restricted Access
Animal Control 706-647-5586 Open - Emergency Only
Archives 706-646-2437 Closed - Call or Email Only
Bldg. & Zoning, Code Enforcement & Inspection 706-647-1297 Open - Limited Access.
Commissioners Office Finance & Administration 706-647-7012 Open - Appointment Only
Clerk of Court 706-647-5847 Open - Limited Access. Please call ahead.
Extension Office/County Agent 706-647-8989 Open - Limited access Monday - Wednesday.
Industrial  Development Authority 706-647-7007 Open - Appointment Only
Juvenile Court 706-647-0028 Open - Limited Access. Please call ahead.
Magistrate Court 706-647-6891 Open - Limited Access. Please call ahead.
Probate Court 706-647-7015 Open - Appointment Only Recreation 706-647-9691 Community Parks Open No Scheduled Events
Registrar Office 706-647-6259 Open - Appointment Only
Road Department 706-647-2824 Operating – Safety/Emergency Building Closed
Senior Center 706-647-1607 Building Closed Meal Delivery Continuing
Sprewell Bluff Park 706-601-6711 Open – Limited Access
Sheriff Department 706-647-7411 Open - No Public Access
Tax Assessor 706-647-8176 Open - Appointment Only
Tax Commissioner 706-647-8931 Open - Monday & Thursday
Water/Waste Department 706-647-3515 706-646-5439 Open - Limited public access.

Payments by phone/drop box or mail.

Please use the link below to see the Governor’s Executive Order 04.23.20.02 https://gov.georgia.gov/executive-action/executive-o

BURN BAN MODIFIED FOR UPSON CO.

Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency Georgia Forestry Commission

 FROM: Richard E. Dunn, Director

 DATE: April 29, 2020

SUBJECT: Vegetative Storm Debris Generated by Severe Weather on April 12,13, and 23, 2020 for Banks, Catoosa, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Upson, Walker Counties

This memo is in response to multiple resource requests received by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) through the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS). As described in the Executive Order issued by Governor Kemp on April 13, 2020 and renewed on April 23, 2020, a State of Emergency exists due to the damage created by the severe storm systems that moved through the State on April 12, 13 and 23, 2020.

Based on information regarding the lack of practicable alternatives for the disposal of storm debris, in accordance with applicable state regulation EPD will temporarily modify the Burn Ban for select counties for a limited period of time.

Those counties include: Banks, Catoosa, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Upson, and Walker.

This memo allows for the burning of vegetative debris resulting from storm damage for the counties referenced above for the period May 1 through May 31, 2020.

Permissible storm debris include trees, brush, and stumps. Other storm damage debris, such as that from damaged or destroyed housing, is classified as solid waste and may not be burned.

Furthermore, restrictions on other types of open burning during this period remain in effect. EPD urges that burning of vegetative debris resulting from storm damage should be conducted only when all other options such as mulching or chipping are not possible.

Any outdoor open burning in Georgia requires a burn permit from the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). Permits for hand-piled, natural vegetation collected on site can be secured online at GaTrees.org or by calling 1-877-OK2-BURN.

Permits for any other types of burning should be obtained by contacting the county GFC office. In addition, this memorandum cannot and does not authorize any activity prohibited by local ordinances or waive any requirement to obtain any requisite local permits or authorizations.

Any burning of vegetative debris, whenever feasible, should be conducted between 10:00 AM and one hour before dark.

UPSON BOC DEALING WITH FINANCIAL IMPACT OF COVID-19

THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HAVE TAKEN ACTION TO DEAL  WITH THE FINANCIAL IMPACT ON REVENUES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC .

AT TUESDAY'S MEETING VIA TELECONFERENCING--THE  BOARD APPROVED A  RESOLUTION GIVING THE  COUNTY MANAGER AND STAFF TEMPORARY AUTHORITY-- FOR 90 DAYS -- ON 4 MEASURES.

A COUNTYWIDE HIRING  FREEZE, PROHIBITION ON COUNTY SPONSORED  TRAVEL, PROHIBITION ON SMALL EQUIPMENT PURCHASES AND A FREEZE ON CAPITAL EXPENDITURES/PROJECTS NOT PREVIOUSLY APPROVED BY THE  COMMISSIONERS.

THE RESOLUTION WAS PRESENTED AFTER COUNTY  MANAGER  JASON TINSLEY NOTED NATIONAL GDP IS EXPECTED TO DECLINE  BY 12% IN THE 2ND QUARTER AND UNEMPLOYMENT IS SKYROCKETING. THE COUNTY MANAGER SAID ITS UNCLEAR  HOW SEVERE UPSON COUNTY  WILL  BE AFFECTED--BUT SALES TAXES COULD  TAKE A MAJOR HIT BEFORE THE CRISIS PASSES. THE RESOLUTION INCLUDES THE COUNTY'S FUND BALANCE POLICY  ESTABLISHED  LAST YEAR REQUIRING A FUND BALANCE OF 33% OF THE PREVIOUS YEARS BUDGETED EXPENDITURES TO DEAL WITH EMERGENCIES.

COUNTY MANAGER TINSLEY ANNOUNCED SPREWELL BLUFF PARK WILL REOPEN MAY IST WITH LIMITED ACCESS.

Tuesday COVID-19 Report

The number of confirmed cases in Georgia currently is 24,844, the number of deaths reported is 1,036. There are 4,896 people hospitalized. The mortality rate is 4.17%.

62% of the cases are in the age group of 18 to 59, 33% are in the 60 and over group.

Fulton county has the highest number of cases at 2,720, Dougherty county has the highest number of deaths with 118.

County	No. Cases	No. Deaths
Upson	207	17
Pike	39	2
Spalding	198	8
Lamar	35	2
Monroe	23	1
Butts	129	3
Meriwether	53	1
Talbot	22	1
Taylor	17	2
Crawford	15	0
Coweta	191	4
Fayette	171	9
Unknown	615	2

The Georgia Department of Health releases updated information daily at noon and 7 pm.

For the complete report, click HERE

Updated to include the 7 pm report.

CRAWFORD CO MAN KILLED DURING SHOOTOUT WITH THE LAW

After a 100-mph chase, a Crawford County man was killed during a shootout with deputies Monday night, authorities said.

Just after 6:15 p.m., deputies were sent to a reported domestic dispute at a home off Richardson Mill Road in unincorporated Fort Valley, the GBI said in a news release. Jamie Lamar Darley, 33, was accused of pulling out a gun and threatening other people in the home.

URMC APPROVED FOR COVID-19 STUDY

Upson Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce it has been approved for participation in a research study to help in the fight against COVID-19. The sponsor of this study is the Mayo Clinic, a not-for-profit academic medical center based in Rochester, Minnesota. Focus of this research is on the therapeutic value of convalescent plasma to treat severe cases of COVID-19 infection.

Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 have developed antibodies in their blood that may be able to combat the virus. Using recovered patients as the donors, plasma with these antibodies is harvested and then given to patients suffering from active and severe COVID-19 virus. There are strict criteria that must be met for both donors and recipients of this plasma.

Participation in the study allows Upson Regional Medical Center to requisition convalescent plasma through the American Red Cross—enough supply for each approved patient. Jeff Tarrant, Upson Regional Medical Center CEO, said, “We are proud to have been approved by the Mayo Clinic as a study site for this research project, and are anxious for our physicians and clinical staff to initiate this therapy for some of our patients. However, without donors, this research really doesn’t go anywhere. We need individuals who have conquered this disease to consider paying it forward by taking a small amount of time to work with the Red Cross and donate plasma.”

Eligible donors must have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and recovered. Donors cannot still be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, and at least 14 days must have passed since they were first diagnosed. Testing to assure that donors are free of active COVID-19 infection will be performed. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, and feel well. The Red Cross has some additional criteria for donors, but these are the main eligibility requirements.

Upson Regional Medical Center physician Dr. Alexander Smolensky stated, “We are proud to be participating with several major academic medical centers in this project. While we do not yet know what the research will show, convalescent plasma transfusions may help some of our sicker patients recover. But there is a shortage of plasma that contains these precious antibodies. We urge anyone in the area who has beaten COVID-19 to consider donation. Your gift of plasma could help others beat this as well.”

Interested donors should reach out to the American Red Cross at www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/plasma-donations-from-recovered-covid-19-patients.html to complete the donor eligibility form. The American Red Cross has convenient donor centers that can facilitate the collection of convalescent plasma. For more information, contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

UPDATE; PIKE COUNTY MAGISTRATE COURT

A quick update about the status of the Pike County Magistrate Court/office. 

As we come under the rules and orders of the Supreme Court of Georgia, and consistent with Chief Justice Harold Melton’s statewide judicial emergency declaration, your Magistrate office will continue our health-safety precautions and alternative service options at least through Wednesday, May 13. Your Magistrate staff is successfully handling your business via these alternatives, and we remain available to assist you personally, by appointment, when needed. Please visit our website at magistratepikega.com or call 770-567-2004 if you have questions, concerns, or wish to schedule an appointment.

We thank you for your continued grace, consideration and cooperation in the best interest of our community; and wish you and yours the best of health, as well as peace of mind and spirit.

PAVING WORK IN GRIFFIN

McLeroy Inc. will begin Milling & Resurfacing Operations on East Solomon St. beginning Wednesday, April 29, 2020 through Friday May 1, 2020. 

Contractor plans to start milling & resurfacing parking areas and travel lanes on E. Solomon St beginning at Third St. and heading west to Ninth St., before reversing direction and heading east, until reaching Third St. Residents and businesses should expect delays throughout the duration of this operation. 

Depending upon weather and progress, milling will resume on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 to complete any remaining portion of E. Solomon St. before moving to begin work on S. Hill St. between E. Poplar and Tinsley St. 

The City of Griffin cautions travelers to use care when travelling this area and would like to thank residents and guest, for their patience during this construction progress. For questions or concerns regarding the Downtown LCI project, please contact the City of Griffin Public Works Department at 770-229-6603.

The Beast Came In The Middle Of The Night

It was nine years ago this morning when what came to be one of the most devastating tornado outbreaks in U.S. history spread into north and central Georgia on April 27th and through the early morning hours of April 28th, 2011. There were a total of 15 tornadoes during the outbreak across our area.

After watching the storm system moving through Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi all day, I decided that someone needed to be on the air when the system moved into Georgia Wednesday night. Julie went to the station with me and we monitored the beast as it moved steadily our way. The fast moving supercells had crossed into Georgia from Alabama and were traveling at a speed of 65 miles per hour.

It was just before midnight when the first tornado touched down near Hollonville in Pike County, I opened the mic and gave the first warning as it headed northeast into the Sunnyside area just north of Griffin were Charlie Green, 54, of Griffin, and Jamie White of Thomaston were killed. The storm was on the ground for a distance of 20 miles.

Moments after the first tornado touched down, a second twister dropped to the ground between Manchester and Warm Springs in Meriwether County damaging a school, a motel, a nursing home, several homes and 2 mobile home parks before crossing the Flint River into Upson County.

On Weems Road, one structure was completely destroyed and several others were damaged, utility poles were snapped like twigs and lines were down, the ragged spikes left as the trees broke about 15 feet above the ground clearly showed the path of the twister.

I was giving another warning as it took out the power lines on top of the mountain and knocked us off the air. Julie and I headed up to the tower to see if we could get the station back on, not knowing the amount of damage that had been done. The rain was more like a hurricane, it was raining sideways as we reached the top. The first house we could see was missing it's roof, trees and limbs were scattered everywhere.

Upson County was lucky, the storm intensified as it moved to the east.

In Lamar County the destruction was total, the county was in the process of determining how many homes were no longer habitable and how many were injured. Paul and Ellen Guntter of Grove Street were killed, three other family members were hospitalized.

Amazing stories of survival were around every corner, Frank Foster’s wife Sallie was helping care for an elderly friend leaving Frank home alone with their small dog. Just before 10 pm, Frank went to bed, he had seen the news from Alabama but thought that it was too far away to impact his life.

At 12:30 am, Frank was awakened by the sound of debris hitting the roof, a second later the roof was no longer there. His bedroom was located in the right front corner of the house, it’s the only part that remained standing.

Frank picked up their small dog, raised a window and stepped out onto his front porch. Amid all the devastation, his first thought was to call and make sure Sallie was alright. She answered the phone and thought Frank was just kidding when he said the house was gone.

When the sun rose Thursday morning, Frank was just thankful he was there to pick up the pieces.

The amount of devastation that nature can inflict over the span of a few minutes is at times unbelievable and pictures don't always convey the full impact of what it's like to see peoples lives scattered across a field. 

The National Weather Service officially rated the storm as an EF-3 although a small strip in Lamar county looked more like a 4. I received a call a few days later from the NWS asking if I would send them the pictures that I had taken to use in their final assessment. 

The most memorable picture that I took that week was the foundation of a brick home that sat adjacent to the Guntter’s mobile home. 

The occupants survived the storm. 

The flag was put in the tree by the same wind that claimed two lives 50 feet away.

Wednesday Weather Alert

Scattered storms, some strong to severe, will be possible on Wednesday afternoon and evening across much of north and central Georgia.

The primary threat will be damaging winds, though a tornado cannot be ruled out. 

The severe threat in the yellow is a 2 out of 5.

Monday COVID-19 Report

The number of confirmed cases in Georgia currently is 24,219, the number of deaths reported is 994. There are 4,566 people hospitalized. The mortality rate is 4.1%.

62% of the cases are in the age group of 18 to 59, 33% are in the 60 and over group.

Upson county reported three new deaths, an 83 year old male and an 84 year old female with underlying health issues and a 60 year old female.

Fulton county has the highest number of cases at 2,680, Dougherty county has the highest number of deaths with 114.

County	No. Cases	No. Deaths
Upson	203	17
Pike	38	2
Spalding	197	8
Lamar	34	0
Monroe	21	1
Butts	126	3
Meriwether	49	0
Talbot	21	1
Taylor	17	2
Crawford	14	0
Coweta	190	4
Fayette	169	8
Unknown	600	2

The Georgia Department of Health releases updated information daily at noon and 7 pm.

For the complete report, click HERE

Updated to include the 7 pm report.

GDOT NEW CROSSWALK IN TAYLOR CO.

Georgia DOT crews will start a project to install a a new crosswalk, ADA-compliant ramps, a concrete island and rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFB) on Georgia 96/Marion Street in Reynolds, between Macon Street and South Collins Street, tomorrow, Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2020. Engineers have scheduled to project to be complete by mid-May, 2020.

The new crosswalk, ramps and island will provide a safe place for pedestrians to cross the highway, accommodating growing numbers of people who are crossing at that location. The RRFBs will help reduce the potential for accidents at the mid-block location by alerting drivers to the possibility of pedestrians in the roadway.

While the crews are active, a single lane closure in each direction will be utilized to create a safe work zone. Motorists are encouraged to slow their speeds in the area and watch for the signage and orange and white barrels alerting them to the closed lanes.

Where: Georgia 96/Marion Street between Macon Street and South Collins Street in Reynolds, Georgia

CALLED MEETING LAMAR COUNTY BOC

LAMAR COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING April 29th, 2020 10:00 A.M.
Special Called Meeting Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Discussion
     • Insurance Plan

3. Public Comments

4. Round Table

5. Executive Session
     a. Real Estate
     b. Litigation
     c. Personnel

6. Adjournment

BOATERS MISSING ON THE FLINT RIVER ARE RESCUED

BOATERS  WENT MISSING  ON  THE  FLINT  RIVER  IN  UPSON  COUNTY  SUNDAY  EVENING  BUT  WERE  LOCATED  BY A  STATE  DNR  RANGER MONDAY  MORNING  AROUND   10AM  ACCORDING  TO  SHERIFF  DAN KILGORE. THREE PERSONS  AGES  10  TO  24 MISSING  IN THE  AREA OF YELLOW  JACKET SHOALS.

WHEN  REPORTED MISSING , A  LARGE  RESCUE EFFORT  WAS MOBILIZED  ON  THE  UPSON COUNTY  SIDE AND  ON THE  TALBOT  COUNTY  SIDE,  AND THE  SEARCH  INCLUDED  A HELICOPTER.

GBI INVESTIGATES OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING-HOGANSVILLE

GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Hogansville, GA

Hogansville, GA (April 26, 2020) – On Saturday, April 25, 2020, the GBI was requested by the Hogansville Police Department to conduct an officer involved shooting investigation.

Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 9:28 p.m., the Hogansville Police Department was dispatched and responded to a noise complaint at 600 Lincoln Street, Hogansville, Troup County, GA.

A short time later, Hogansville Police Department officers arrived at the residence where they attempted to contact Faron Morris Hammond, 61. A short time later, the officers left the residence without contacting Hammond.

At approximately 9:40 p.m., a second 911 call was made regarding a noise complaint from a different complainant. Officers were again dispatched to 600 Lincoln Street and arrived on scene at approximately 9:43 p.m where they made contact with Hammond. After a brief conversation with Hammond through the door, Hammond fired one time at the officers with a 12-gauge shotgun resulting in one of the officers being shot. The officers returned fire, striking and killing Hammond inside the residence.

The officer that was shot was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The GBI will continue its independent investigation of the officer involved shooting. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over the Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

Sunday COVID-19 Report

The number of confirmed cases in Georgia currently is 23,481, the number of deaths reported is 916. There are 4,377 people hospitalized. The mortality rate is 3.9%.

62% of the cases are in the age group of 18 to 59, 34% are in the 60 and over group.

Fulton county has the highest number of cases at 2,545, Dougherty county has the highest number of deaths with 108.

County	No. Cases	No. Deaths
Upson	197	14
Pike	39	2
Spalding	190	8
Lamar	33	0
Monroe	20	1
Butts	126	3
Meriwether	49	0
Talbot	21	1
Taylor	16	2
Crawford	14	0
Coweta	188	4
Fayette	161	8
Unknown	622	0

The Georgia Department of Health releases updated information daily at noon and 7 pm.

For the complete report, click HERE