UPSON BOC NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

NEW APARTMENTS APPROVED IN GRIFFIN

A ONCE-TABLED ANNEXATION AND REZONING OF 30 ACRES ON WILLIAMSON ROAD FOR GRIFFIN VILLAGE AN APARTMENT COMPLEX FOR INCOMES OF $35,000 PLUS WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY BY THE CITY OF GRIFFIN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, TUESDAY.

DEVELOPER HARVEY PILKENTON HAD REVISED THE SITE PLAN FOR THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT -- SINCE IT WAS TABLED TO OFFER MORE BUFFER TO THE OAK GROVE ROAD AREA AND THE NEW PLAN WAS RECOMMENDED BY PLANNING AND ZONING STAFF.

DURING A PUBLIC HEARING, FORMER MAYOR DICK MORROW SPOKE IN FAVOR OF THE 150 UNIT APARTMENT COMPLEX , DENYING IT WILL BE SECTION 8 HOUSING . NEAR-BY HOMEOWNERS OBJECTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT CITING TRAFFIC ISSUES THAT ALREADY EXIST IN THAT SECTION OF WILLIAMSON ROAD AND ITS POTENTIAL TO LOWER PROPERTY VALUES.

THE COMPLEX WILL BE FUNDED BY LOW-INCOME TAX CREDITS AND A COMMERCIAL LOAN PARTNERING WITH AN ATLANTA HOUSING FIRM.

UPSON CO. COVID-19 JAB REPORT

As of April 28th, 24% of Georgia’s residents have been fully vaccinated. To be fully vaccinated a person must have completed their full vaccine series, either both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson.

Among our local counties, Upson takes the lead with 18.5% fully vaccinated residents, followed by Talbot and Taylor Counties at 14%, Meriwether 10%, Crawford 7%, Pike and Lamar 4%, Spalding 3.5%, and Monroe County trailing at 3%. All people in the United States age 16 and older are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and the vaccines are free.

Source Links: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/3d8eea39f5c1443db1743a4cb8948a9c https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view

UPSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER MAKES AN A GRADE

Upson Regional Medical Center received an “A” grade again in the spring 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing Upson Regional Medical Center’s achievements protecting patients from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization committed to health care quality and safety. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to all general hospitals across the country and is updated every six months. It is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospitals’ prevention of medical errors and other harms to patients in their care.

“Everyone who is a part of Upson Regional has been important in helping us achieve this honor yet again. I continue to be in awe of everything our staff does for those who depend on us,” said Upson Regional Medical Center CEO Jeff Tarrant.

“An ‘A’ safety grade is an elite designation that your community should be proud of,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “The past year has been extraordinarily difficult for hospitals, but Upson Regional Medical Center shows us it is possible to keep a laser focus on patients and their safety, no matter what it takes.”

Developed under the guidance of a national Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 27 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,700 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public.

Upson Regional Medical Center was awarded an “A” grade on April 29, 2021, when Leapfrog updated grades for spring 2021. To see Upson Regional Medical Center’s full grade details and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter and Facebook.

WARNING: A NEW SCAM IS IN TOWN

LAW ENFORCEMENT WARNING THE PUBLIC ABOUT A NEW SCAM CONTACTING THE VICTIM AS A SECRET SHOPPER AT WAL MART DOING A SURVEY AND RESEARCH AND OFFERING A CHECK FOR $1960, IF YOU PURCHASE $800 WORTH OF WAL MART GIFT CARDS AND FOWARD THE SERIAL NUMBERS.

DRUG ARREST IN GRIFFIN

The City of Griffin Specialized Investigations Unit (SIU) along with the City’s Criminal Apprehension and Gang Enforcement (C.A.G.E.) unit-initiated operation “Stay in Your Lane” in the early spring of 2021. This operation targeted local hotel/s that were being used as hubs for criminal activity, primarily drug trafficking involving the sale and distribution of methamphetamine. 

On April 26, 2021 the SIU/CAGE Units executed a narcotic search warrant at the America’s Best Inn & Suites, 676 N. Expressway, Griffin, Georgia 30223, room #112. This narcotic search warrant resulted in the arrest of Robert Jemal Bussie, 52 and the seizure of more than an ounce of Methamphetamine, a firearm and marijuana. 

This action represents only one of a number of  enforcement actions associated with operation “Stay in Your Lane”, many of which are still active and developing. 

Bussies’s arrest is expected to significantly impact these ongoing criminal enterprises. He has been charged as follows:

Trafficking Methamphetamine

Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute

Possession of Methamphetamine

Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime

Possession of Marijuana less than one ounce

Drug Related Objects

PUBLIC MEETING ON A HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN GRIFFIN

A DEVELOPMENT GROUP PLANNING HOUSING IN GRIFFIN NEAR FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AND THE DAIRY SUBDIVISION IS HOLDING A PUBLIC MEETING ABOUT THE PROJECT, THURSDAY 6 PM AT THE CHURCH.

TWO THOMASTON CHILDREN MAULED BY PIT BULLS ARE RECOVERING

THE FAMILIES OF TWO YOUNGSTERS MAULED BY PIT BULLS THIS WEEK IN THOMASTON AND UPSON COUNTY REPORT THEIR TODDLERS ARE RECOVERING AFTER UNDERGOING SURGERY AT EGLESTON'S CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IN ATLANTA.

ON FACEBOOK A FRIEND OF TORRI MCCONNELL, MOTHER OF ONE YEAR OLD BRAXTIN MCCONNELL SAYS THE FAMILY IS AMAZED AT WHAT DOCTORS WERE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH. A PIT BULL RIPPED OPEN HIS LEFT CHEEK AND TORE TWO OTHER WOUNDS ON HIS FACE AT 118 RU AL MAIN CIRCLE ON SUNDAY. ACCORDING TO UPSON S.O. UPSON ANIMAL CONTROL TOOK CUSTODY OF THE DOG.

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MICHAEL RICHARDSON TOLD 101 NEWS TUESDAY, A 5 YEAR OLD FEMALE CHILD ATTACKED INSIDE A HOME AT 126 B. STREET MONDAY NOONTIME, IS RECOVERING AFTER SURGERY, ACCORDING TO HER FATHER. POLICE COUNTED 11 SHELL CASINGS IN THE RESIDENCE AT 224 R. STREET AFTER THE RESIDENT, CORBIN JONES SHOT AND KILLED THE DOG WITH HIS AR-15 ASSAULT RIFLE WHEN THE PIT LUNGED AT HIM AFTER BITTING HER IN THE FACE. THE TODDLER WAS AT THE JONES RESIDENCE WHILE HER MOTHER, MEGAN DENSON OF COVINGTON, GA. WAS DOG SITTING THE PIT BULL, WHILE THE OWNER, TYLER SMITH WAS ON VACATION.

Callista Clark On Kelly & Ryan

Zebulon's Callista Clark will make her television debut Friday morning on Live With Kelly and Ryan at 9:00 am on WSB TV, channel 2.

Callista will perform her new single “It’s ‘Cause I Am” from her EP "Real To Me" that was released on February 12th of this year.

Callista is signed to Big Machine Records, the same label that Taylor Swift was with when her career began and "Real To Me" was produced by Nathan Chapman who joined Big Machine Records with Swift. Callista co-wrote all of the songs on the EP.

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL DENIES ALL APPEALS SELLING ALCOHOL TO MINORS

THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL DENIED ALL APPEALS FROM A SECOND GROUP OF STORES FOR SELLING ALCOHOL TO MINORS AND SENTENCED THEM TO SUSPENSION OF ALCOHOL LICENSE FOR 30 DAYS AND 60 DAYS PROBATION, FRIDAY.

THESE STORES BANNED FROM SELLING FOR 30 DAYS: 

NORTH CREEK SHELL 

SOUTHSIDE BP 

MR. B'S 

BEST VALUE 

RACEWAY 

SHAMROCK FOOD MART 

QUICK STOP

EXPRESS FOOD MART

7/11 MART

LOTTO PARADISE

HANDY MART

FAST STOP

MM FOOD MART

MIKE'S MARKET 

ALL CLERKS WHO WERE CITED IN THE TPD UNDERCOVER OPERATION, HAVE PAID THEIR TICKETS.

UPSONIAN CHARGED AT LAKE OCONEE

THE LAKE OCONEE NEWSPAPER IS REPORTING THE FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS, PAIGE HOLLOWAY AND HIS DAUGHTER, RALEY HOLLOWAY BAUGHCUM, AGE 26 WERE CHARGED WITH ALCOHOL SALES TO MINORS BY THE PUTNAM COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT.

THE NEWSPAPER SAYS THE HOLLOWAYS WERE OPERATING A DRINK WAGON IN A VENDOR-STYLE TRAILER IN FRONT OF A WALK-UP BAR B Q RESTAURANT AND FROZEN DAIQUIRIS WERE SOLD FROM A WINDOW TO WALK-UP CUSTOMERS.

SHERIFF HOWARD SILLS, SAID HE GOT REPORTS THEY WERE SELLING TO MINORS SO AN 18 YEAR OLD FROM HIS DEPARTMENT WENT UNDERCOVER AND BOUGHT ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WITHOUT HAVING TO SHOW I.D. ALSO A 13 YEAR OLD BOUGHT THE SHERIFF SAID.

RALEY HOLLOWAY BAUGHCUM, POSTED $980 PROPERTY BOND FOR FOUR COUNTS, TOTALING $3920. PAIGE HOLLOWAY POSTED A $980 PROPERTY BOND FOR ONE COUNT AND THEY WERE RELEASED FROM CUSTODY. THE RESTAURANT OWNER WAS ALSO CITED FOR VIOLATING A COUNTY ORDIANCE AND 8 PEOPLE WERE CITED FOR OPEN CONTAINER VIOLATIONS.

SHERIFF SILLS SAID SOCIAL MEDIA ACCUSED HIM OF RUINING EVERYTHING AND ADDED HE WAS SHOCKED WHEN THE DRINK WAGON REOPENED AFTER THE HOLLOWAYS WERE RELEASED FROM JAIL.

EX-GOP CONGRESSMAN DOUG COLLINS IS OUT IN 2022

FORMER GEORGIA GOP CONGRESSMAN DOUG COLLINS HAS ANNOUNCED HE WILL NOT RUN FOR ANY OFFICE IN 2022. THERE HAD BEEN RUMORS HE WOULD CHALLENGE GOVERNOR BRIAN KEMP OR SENATOR RAPHAEL WARNOCK.

CHILD MAULED BY A PIT BULL IN UPSON CO

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE IS URGING PARENTS TO KEEP SMALL CHILDREN AWAY FROM BIG DOGS AFTER A ONE YEAR OLD CHILD WAS VICIOUSLY ATTACKED BY A PIT BULL AT 118 RU ALMAIN CIRCLE, SUNDAY.

THE CHILD, BRAXTIN MCCONNELL OF 126 B. STREET N.E. WAS LIFE FLIGHTED TO EGLESTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IN ATLANTA AFTER THE DOG RIPPED OPEN HIS LEFT CHEEK, BIT HIM BELOW THE LEFT EYE, AND AROUND THE MOUTH

ACCORDING TO THE S.O. REPORT- THE FAMILY WAS VISITING AND THE CHILD'S FATHER DAVID MCCONNELL WALKED HIM OVER TO A NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE WHERE THE DOG WAS ON A RUNNER. THE DOG OWNER JOSEPH MASON WARNED THE FATHER NOT TO BRING THE CHILD OVER, BUT MR. MCCONNELL SAID IN THE PAST THE DOG HAD BEEN FRIENDLY.

BEFORE THEY KNEW WHAT WAS HAPPENING, THE DOG GRABBED HOLD OF THE CHILD'S FACE AND WOULD NOT LET GO. THE TWO OF THEM FINALLY FREED THE CHILD AND HE WAS TAKEN TO THE E.R. AT URMC.

THE REPORT SAID AFTER THE ATTACK, THE MASON FAMILY TOOK THE DOG TO THE ANIMAL SHELTER.

Thunderstorm Watch Extended

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City has extended the severe thunderstorm watch through central and northwest Georgia until 10 pm tonight.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued

Severe thunderstorm watch issued for southwest Georgia until 10 pm tonight.

There are several severe storms moving through central and southern Alabama at the present time, at least one of which has spawned a tornado.

BOIL WATER ADVISORY FOR GRAND MONDE LIFTED

THE UPSON COUNTY UTILITIES DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THE BOIL WATER ADVISORY FOR GRAND MONDE SUB-DIVISION HAS BEEN LIFTED, IT WAS LIFTED FRIDAY AFTERNOON. 

ANY QUESTIONS CALL THE UTILITIES DEPARTMENT AT 706-647-3513.

UPSON COUNTY NURSING HOMES COVID-19 UPDATE

Since mid-February all three nursing homes in Upson County have been COVID-free, but that has changed this month. Harborview has reported 2 new COVID-positive residents, one on April 7th and another one on April 19th. No new deaths and no new positive staff have been reported. Providence and Riverside remain COVID-free.

According to the latest orders from the Georgia Department of Public Health, indoor visitation and non-medical trips outside the facility are not allowed unless there have been no new resident or staff COVID-19 cases for the past 14days.

Sources:

Georgia Department of Community Health (https://dch.georgia.gov)

Georgia Department of Public Health https://dph.georgia.gov/administrative-orders

WEATHER ALERT FROM UPSON EMA

UPSON COUNTY EMA DIRECTOR MARTHA ANN MCCARTY SAYS THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IS REPORTING THE UPSON COUNTY AREA IS IN THE BULLS EYE FOR UP TO 3 INCHES OF RAIN FROM SYSTEMS MOVING IN SATURDAY MORNING AND EVENING. 

BE SURE TO STAY WEATHER ALERT WITH FUN 101 FM.

CHILD HIT BY A CAR IN UPSON

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAYS A CHILD RIDING A BICYCLE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R. AFTER HE WAS STRUCK BY A CAR, THURSDAY EVENING ON DENTON STREET. 

NO WORD ON HIS CONDITION.

COLONY BANK AND SOUTHCREST BANK ARE MERGING

Colony Bankcorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBAN) ("Colony" or "the Company"), the holding company for Colony Bank, and SouthCrest Financial Group, Inc. (PK: SCSG) ("SouthCrest"), the holding company for SouthCrest Bank, N.A., today jointly announced the signing of an Agreement and Plan of Merger under which Colony has agreed to acquire 100% of the common stock of SouthCrest in a combined stock-and-cash transaction valued at approximately $84.0 million. Upon completion of the transaction, Colony is expected to have approximately $2.4 billion in assets, $1.4 billion in loans, $2.0 billion in deposits, and $165.8 million in tangible common equity. The transaction is expected to be meaningfully accretive to Colony's fully diluted earnings per share in year one, excluding transaction costs. 

The Agreement and Plan of Merger has been approved by the Boards of Directors of Colony and SouthCrest. The closing of the transaction, which is expected to occur no later than the fourth quarter of 2021, is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approval and approval by the shareholders of Colony and SouthCrest. Under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, each SouthCrest shareholder will have the right to elect to receive either $10.45 in cash or 0.7318 shares of Colony's common stock in exchange for each share of SouthCrest common or preferred stock, subject to customary proration and allocation procedures such that approximately 27.5% of SouthCrest shares will be converted to cash consideration and the remaining 72.5% of SouthCrest shares will be converted to Colony common stock. Based on Colony’s closing stock price of $15.00 per share as of April 21, 2021, the value of the per share merger consideration is estimated to be $10.83. 

Commenting on the announcement, Heath Fountain, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are pleased to announce the acquisition of SouthCrest Financial Group and SouthCrest Bank. This acquisition will allow Colony to accelerate its growth by increasing our footprint to include the attractive Northern Georgia markets and additionally provide us access to the highly populous suburban Atlanta markets. Colony has built a reputation for responsive, high-quality customer service, and in that regard, our two companies share a unique alignment of core philosophies, values and ambitions that should make the integration process simple and, for SouthCrest's customers, seamless and transparent. “With little overlap in our respective branch networks, we look forward to serving these customers with a broader array of products, capabilities, and resources, including mortgage banking and Small Business Administration lending, which should translate into meaningful enhancements to the way they experience banking. In turn, we expect to realize additional growth in loans and deposits beyond our own organic expansion, as well as greater efficiencies in our business. Moreover, with combined assets of $2.4 billion, Colony will be the largest community bank and the fourth largest bank based in Georgia. We believe significant opportunities exist for continued growth as we increase our combined banks’ operational scale and bring additional resources to our new markets.” 

Fountain continued, "Outside of the appealing financial and strategic rationale for this transaction, we also are pleased to note that Harold W. Wyatt, III, Chairman of SouthCrest Financial Group, and Brian D. Schmitt, Chief Executive Officer of SouthCrest Financial Group, will join Colony’s Board of Directors when the acquisition is completed. Brian will also join our executive team in the role of Executive Vice Chairman. I have known Brian for many years and have worked with him at a prior financial institution. He has a deep understanding of suburban Atlanta markets, as well as a keen focus on strategic planning and acquisitions. His knowledge will be invaluable as we continue to grow Colony Bank. Brian will also be joined by several experienced SouthCrest executive team members who will joining the combined company.” 

Schmitt commented, "As our company considered various growth and strategic alternatives, our Board was impressed by the Colony team. Colony will provide greater capital resources and operational scale that will allow us to grow as part of the largest community bank in the state. The transaction provides an increased competitive advantage in the banking arena, not only from the standpoint of products and services, but also those related to customer service. I am excited to once again be working with Heath who I have known for many years, as well as his management team. We are pleased that both institutions share commonalities of enhanced service and value.” 

Hovde Group, LLC, served as financial advisor and Fenimore, Kay, Harrison & Ford, LLP, provided legal counsel to Colony. Janney Montgomery Scott served as financial advisor to SouthCrest and Alston & Bird, LLP, served as its legal advisor. Conference Call Management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the acquisition of SouthCrest at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, April 23, 2021. The number to call for the interactive teleconference is (877) 317-6789. A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available through Friday, May 7, 2021, by dialing (877) 344-7529 and entering confirmation number 10155222. A live webcast of this conference call will be available under the Shareholder Information section of the Company’s website, www.colony.bank. A 30-day online replay will be available approximately an hour following the conclusion of the live broadcast.

Colony Bankcorp, Inc. is the bank holding company for Colony Bank. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Fitzgerald, Georgia. Colony operates 29 locations throughout Georgia. The Homebuilder Finance Division helps the local construction industry with building and construction loans, and the Small Business Specialty Lending Division assists small businesses with government guaranteed loans. The Bank also helps its customers achieve their goal of home ownership through Colony Bank Mortgage. Colony’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “CBAN.” For more information, please visit www.colony.bank. You can also follow the Company on Facebook or on Twitter @colony_bank. 

SouthCrest Financial Group, Inc. is a bank holding company with over $700 million in assets, headquartered in Atlanta, GA. The company operates a nine branch network throughout Georgia through its subsidiary bank, SouthCrest Bank, N.A. The bank provides a full suite of retail, private, entrepreneurial, high-net-worth and commercial banking services, and online banking services. 

THOMASTON NIGHT AT THE ATL BRAVES

MAYOR J.D. STALLLINGS HAS ANNOUNCED THOMASTON NIGHT AT THE ATLANTA BRAVES IS ON AGAIN AFTER A HIATUS LAST BASEBALL SEASON DUE TO COVID-19. 

TICKETS GO ON SALE MONDAY FOR $10 AT CITY HALL FOR THE SATURDAY, 4 PM MAY 22 ND GAME WITH PITTSBURG.

THOMASTON POLICE ARREST TWO FOR STREET RACING

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON HAS IDENTIFIED TWO SUSPECTS AFTER THEY WERE ARRESTED FOR STREET RACING WEDNESDAY AND BOOKED INTO THE UPSON COUNTY JAIL.

A 4-WHEEL DRIVER, DYRANM BANKS, AGE 30 OF THOMASTON WAS AMONG A GROUP OF STREET RACERS TRAVELING ON SOUTH GREEN STREET NEAR OLD TALBOTTON ROAD. BANKS FLED FROM THE LAW AND ABANDONED THE 4-WHEELER IN LINCOLN PARK AND WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER A BRIEF FOOT CHASE. BANKS ALSO HAD AN OUTSTANDING WARRANT IN LAMAR COUNTY. HE'S CHARGED WITH RECKLESS DRIVING, NO LICENSE, FELONY FLEEING, OBSTRUCTION, AND SEVERAL OTHER TRAFFIC AND EQUIPMENT VIOLATIONS.

A DIRT BIKE RIDER, DANQUAVIS WALKER, AGE 27 OF THOMASTON DUMPED HIS BIKE ON SOUTH GREEN AT UPSON AVE, FLED ON FOOT AND WAS APPREHENDED AFTER A BRIEF FOOT CHASE. WALKER WAS CHARGED WITH RECKLESS DRIVING, FELONY FLEEING, OBSTRUCTION, NO LICENSE, NO HELMET, NO INSURANCE, NO REGISTRATION AND OTHER TRAFFIC AND EQUIPMENT VIOLATIONS.

CHIEF RICHARDSON SAID THE DIRT BIKE AND 4-WHEELER WERE IMPOUNDED BY THE P.D. THE CHIEF SAID STREET RACING HAS BEEN ON THE RISE IN THE COMMUNITY, WITH GROUPS SPEEDING THROUGH PARKS AND NEIGHBORHOODS AND HE URGES CITIZENS TO CALL 911 IF THEY OBSERVE STREET RACING, THAT'S THE QUICKEST WAY TO GET OFFICERS TO RESPOND .

BOIL WATER ADVISORY IN UPSON CO

Due to a watermain break, the Grand Monde Subdivision area is under a boil advisory until further notice. 

If you have any questions, you can reach the Utilities Department at (706) 647-3513.

PIKE COUNTY BASEBALL TEAM WINS REGION TITLE

THE PIKE COUNTY BASEBALL TEAM HAS CLINCHED THE REGION CHAMPIONSHIP AND WILL PLAY MARY PERSONS THURSDAY AND OLA FRIDAY AT 5:55 ON FUN 101 FM GETTING READY FOR THE STATE PLAY-OFFS.

RETIRED UPSON CO SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT LYNN BATES HAS PASSED AWAy

Mr. Frank Lynnwood "Lynn" Bates, age 84, of Yatesville Ga., died Monday, April 19, 2021, at his residence.

Mr. Bates was born on November 30, 1936, in Meansville, to the late George Frank Bates, and the late Bobbie Bates. He served his country in the United States Army for 20 years, and then went on to be the Superintendent for Upson County Schools for 32 years, and 10 years at Mary Persons in Forsyth. He was a member of Yatesville Baptist Church. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his daughter, Lori Passmore, son, Michael L. Bates, brother, Robert Bates.

Survivors include his wife, Linda L. Bates of Yatesville, son, Todd (Linda) Bates of Yatesville, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 11:00 a.m from Yatesville Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Fincher Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Coggins Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Shriners Hospital in Atlanta.

Coggins Funeral Home

MID-APRIL COVID-19 UPDATE

As Georgia’s cases, deaths, and hospitalizations continue to decline, Upson County’s numbers are on the rise. From the last half of March to the first half of April new cases in Upson have increased from 20 to 26, deaths have increased from 1 to 3, and new hospitalizations have increased from 1 to 4.

There has been slight improvement in Upson’s average 2-week test positivity, dropping from 5.5% the last half of March down to 5.3% the first half of April, which is closely in line with the state’s 5% positivity rate. Upson’s mortality rate has increased slightly from 5.8% at the end of March to 5.9% mid-April. The state’s mortality rate is much lower at only 2%.

Within the CDC’s Levels of Community Transmission (Low, Moderate, Substantial, or High), which are determined by case rate and test positivity, Upson County is in the Substantial Level.

https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report

https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view

Upson County	New Cases	New Deaths	New Hosp	Avg 2-wk Test Pos
Apr 16 – 30, 2020	77	13 (hi)
June 1 – 15	14 (lo)	6	1
June 16 – 30	60	3	0 (lo)
July 16 – 31	78	0 (lo)	4
Oct 16 – 31	16	3	7	4.4% (lo)
Nov 1 – 15	35	0 (lo)	1	6.0%
Nov 16 – 30	63	0 (lo)	6	10.9%
Dec 1 – 15	57	0 (lo)	4	11.7%
Jan 1 – 15, 2021	246 (hi)	2	14 (hi)	23.4% (hi)
Jan 16 – 31	162	12	10	18.7%
Feb 1 – 15	76	7	14 (hi)	12%
Feb 16 – 28	36	3	8	9.4%
Mar 1 – 15	40	6	6	8%
Mar 16 – 31	20	1	1	5.5%
Apr 1 – 15	26	3	4	5.3%
Source: Daily Reports from GA Department of Public Health

PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS MAILED IN UPSON CO

THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS ISSUED A PRESS RELEASE MONDAY ON THE MAILING OF TAX ASSESSMENT NOTICES. 

THE BOARD SAYS THIS IS THE FIRST STEP IN THE PROCESS OF DETERMINING FAIR VALUES TO ENSURE THAT CITIZENS PAY ONLY THEIR FAIR AMOUNT IN PROPERTY TAXES. THE BOARD IS ASKING EVERY PROPERTY OWNER TO CAREFULLY REVIEW THEIR ASSESSMENT AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PROCESSES TO HAVE QUESTIONS ANSWERED AND VALUATIONS REVIEWED. 

THIS IS NOT YOUR TAX BILL AND THE AMOUNT LISTED IS ONLY AN ESTIMATE BASED ON LAST YEAR'S MILLAGE RATE. IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE LOCAL GOVERNING AUTHORITIES HAVE MANAGED TO ROLL BACK MILLAGE RATES TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF RISING PROPERTY VALUES.

THE BOARD SAYS IT CAN'T RECALL A TIME WHEN REAL ESTATE SALES AND INCREASED PROPERTY VALUES ARE AT THE CURRENT LEVELS.

POSITIVE POLICE WORK BY THOMASTON PD

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON SAID TWO OF HIS OFFICERS, CPL. MARK JOHNSON AND OFFICER JUSTIN SANDERS ARE GETTING A BIG THANKS FOR THEIR HANDLING OF A TRAFFIC STOP FROM JOHN WILLIAMS, A BLACK MALE MOTORIST, LAST WEEK.

THEY STOPPED THE PICK-UP ON A LOUD MUSIC COMPLAINT AND DISCOVERED THROUGH VEHICLE REGISTRATION HE HAD A TRAFFIC VIOLATION WARRANT FROM OHIO AND WAS FLAGGED AS A DANGEROUS SUBJECT. TURNS OUT, OHIO WAS NOT INTERESTED IN SERVING THE WARRANT FROM HIS PAST AND WILLIAMS SAID THE SITUATION WAS QUICKLY AND PROFESSIONALLY RESOLVED. THE CHIEF SAID WILLIAMS LATER CAME BY THE POLICE STATION TO TALK WITH THE OFFICERS AND THANKED THEM FOR REASSURING HIS FAITH IN LAW ENFORCEMENT.

CHIEF RICHARDSON SAID WHEN CITIZENS AND POLICE RESPECT ONE ANOTHER, GOOD THINGS HAPPEN.

COVID-19 TESTING CHANGES

COVID-19 testing for Upson County is now offered on only one Wednesday per month. 

For April the testing day is tomorrow, April 21st, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

The location is no longer at Upson Regional’s parking deck, but has been moved to the Upson County Health Department, 314 East Lee Street. 

The testing is still drive-through and it is still free.

CITY OF GRIFFIN EMPLOYEE LOST HIS SON IN A FIRE

In the early morning hours of Wednesday April 14, 2021, John Burel was struck with unimaginable tragedy when he lost his 13-year-old son, his home and all of his belongings in a house fire. While John survived the fire and is expected to make a full physical recovery from his injuries, he’s now tasked with starting his life completely over all while morning the loss of his only child.

John is a 20-year employee of the City of Griffin and throughout his career, he has been more than a coworker to those that know him. For most of us, he has become a friend. With this in mind, John’s fellow employees of the City of Griffin have decided to organize a GoFundMe page to raise funds to assist with funeral expenses and to help with his recovery process. Understanding that we can offer more assistance as an entire community, City of Griffin employees are asking the public to join them in their efforts to support John during his time of need.

“As employees of the City, we view each other like family” said City Manager, Jessica O’Connor. “Coming together to support one of our own in a moment of tragedy like this is just the right thing to do. While no amount of money can ease the pain, we’re hoping our financial contributions can relieve some of the burden John is facing.”

Those wishing to make a contribution to John can visit cityofgriffin.com or click the link to his GoFundMe page.

GEORGIA'S U.S. SENATORS SEEK FEDERAL AID FOR NEWNAN

GEORGIA'S TWO U.S. SENATORS JON OSSOFF AND REV. RALPH WARNOCK TOURED STORM-TORN NEWNAN, GA. SATURDAY AND SAID THEY PLAN TO ASK FOR A FEDERAL EMERGENCY TO BE DECLARED .

POST-TORNADO 3500 INSURANCE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED FOR MORE THAN $55 MILLION IN DAMAGES, INCLUDING DAMAGE TO NEWNAN HIGH AND ATKINSON ELEMENTARY.

RETIREMENT SHOWER FOR CITY OF THOMASTON CLERK GAIL HAMMOCK

THE CITY OF THOMASTON IS HOSTING A WALK-THROUGH RETIREMENT SHOWER TO HONOR CITY CLERK , MRS. GAIL HAMMOCK FOR 42 YEARS AT CITY HALL, TUESDAY APRIL 20 AT THE SENIOR CENTER. CITY EMPLOYEES 4 TO 5 PM AND THE PUBLIC FROM 5 TO 6:30 PM.

D.A. MARIE BRODER SPEAKS TO THE GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

I hope all has been well since my last column. We have been extremely busy in the courthouses, and I have excellent news to share with you all. After over a year without trials, we finally held the first jury trial in our Circuit in Spalding County! We are one of the few Circuits in the State to have done so.

This past week, we launched three weeks of jury trials in Spalding County, and on April 19th, we will begin two weeks of jury trials in Fayette. There are hundreds of cases still waiting to be tried, but I am so proud to tell you that we are getting started.

This was a collaborative effort among Judges, Court Services, my office, and defense attorneys. We worked together to focus on presenting the cases that would be most agreeable for a “trial run” in the new normal. For this reason, we did not attempt to try a murder case or crime involving a child. Those cases will be tried after we successfully conduct this round of jury trials. Instead, we focused on cases that could be tried in one or two days, which also did not require out-of-state witnesses. Our goal was to minimize any impact COVID might have should a problem arise mid-trial. It was a success. While trial looked very different than in years past in Spalding County, with masks, social distancing, and a converted Jury Assembly Room in the basement for our courtroom, we overcame these challenges and presented two cases.

The first case involved a possession of methamphetamine and resulted in a hung jury, as the jury could not reach a verdict, or a final decision as to guilty or not guilty. This means the case can be tried again later. The second case involved a charge for a large quantity of methamphetamine against two defendants. A Spalding County Jury convicted them of possessing the methamphetamine, and the Honorable Scott Ballard sentenced each to 10 years with the first 5 years to be served in prison. So many of the cases on this calendar involved the use and distribution of methamphetamine. After the conclusion of trials, in one of my later columns, I will be discussing methamphetamine and its effect on our communities. It’s a conversation that needs to occur.

Aside from the cases that were tried, dozens of other cases resolved that had been pending while we awaited reopening. As is often the case, when a defendant is out on bond, it is not until the risk of a conviction before a jury that he or she seriously considers accepting a plea offer or taking their case to trial. We have resolved hundreds of cases with guilty pleas, dismissals, entries into a pre-trial diversion program, or entry into an alternative court. It has been amazing to watch.

I am extremely proud of Chief Assistant District Attorney David Studdard, Assistant District Attorney Monique Harris, and my Spalding County Office for their hard work on these cases this week. I am also very proud of the citizens of Spalding County who reported for Jury Duty and sacrificed their time to allow our justice system to work. Without you all, our jobs would not be possible.

Next week, Fayette County steps up to the plate, and Spalding County continues to try cases. We are finally moving forward, and you can feel the energy in the courthouses.

I look forward to updating you on how much more progress we’ve made in a few weeks. Until then, be kind to one another and answer the call for Jury Duty

BIG HOUSE FIRE UPSON CO

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE REPORTS A HOUSE FIRE EARLY MONDAY SHORTLY AFTER 3AM AT 405 WEST MOORE'S CROSSING ROAD, THE RESIDENCE OF JOHNNY BENTLEY THE THIRD. MR. BENTLEY, AGE 47 , WOKE TO SMOKE AND FOUND A RAGING FIRE IN THE CARPORT. HE MANAGED TO GET ALL FAMILY MEMBERS OUT OF THE STRUCTURE.

ONE INDIVIDUAL WAS TREATED FOR SMOKE INHALATION ACCORDING TO THE S.O. REPORT.

CITY OF THOMASTON FIRE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTEER UNITS WERE DISPATCHED AND UPSON EMC WAS CALLED IN FOR POWER LINES DOWN AND SPARKING IN THE DRIVEWAY.

THE RED CROSS WAS NOTIFIED TO ASSIST THE FAMILY .

GRIFFIN NATIVE HANK HUCKABY FORMER CHANCELLOR PASSES AWAY

Former University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby died Wednesday at age 79 after suffering a stroke last week.

Huckaby served a brief stint in the state House of Representatives representing a Watkinsville-based district and before that spent years as an administrator at the University of Georgia.

He was named chancellor of the university system in 2011 and served in that role until retiring in early 2017

GAIL HAMMOCK HONORED DURING ARBOR DAY CEREMONY

THOMASTON  MAYOR  J.D. STALLINGS  DECLARED  WEDNESDAY,    APRIL 14TH  "GAIL  HAMMOCK  APPRECIATION  DAY"  AS  SHE  WAS  HONORED  FOR  HER  UPCOMING  RETIREMENT  AFTER   42  YEARS  WITH  CITY  HALL,  DURING  THE   ANNUAL  ARBOR  DAY  CEREMONY.   TWO  MAPLES  WERE  RECENTLY  PLANTED   TO  HONOR  GAIL   AT  THE  NORTH  ISLAND    AND  AT  THE  SOUTH   ISLAND  AT  THE  SILVERTOWN  TRAFFIC  LIGHT.

  DURING   THE  ARBOR  DAY  CEREMONY  ,THE  GEORGIA  FORESTRY  COMMISSION  CONGRATULATED  THE   CITY  OF  THOMASTON  FOR  ITS  LONG  STANDING  DESIGNATION  AS  A  TREE  CITY USA.

UPDATE ON GRIFFIN JUVENILE WHO DIED IN PIKE CO.

Pike County Sheriff’s Office investigators have continued to gather information and evidence in regards to the death of a juvenile earlier this month at 14777 Highway 19. 

The facts of the case have shown that three juveniles entered a commercial property without permission from the property owner. While inside the facility, the juveniles attached a chain hoist to the bumper of a truck, in order to lift the front of the truck off of the ground. The chain was hooked to the bumper of the truck, and it was during this time that the metal bumper gave way to the weight that was placed on it. The truck then fell striking the juvenile. 

The Medical Examiner’s Office, at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, has advised investigators that the manner of the juvenile’s death is consistent with the aforementioned sequence of events and evidence currently obtained.

Investigators have been in contact with the District Attorney’s Office as to the progress of the investigation and the findings as they are developed. On Wednesday, April 15, the criminal charges were upgraded by investigators with the Department of Juvenile Justice to involuntary manslaughter for the 12 and 14 year old juveniles.

This case remains open and under investigation any further developments will be relayed when appropriate.

GRIFFIN-SPALDING BOE PASSES RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF BLACK LIVES MATTER

AT TUESDAY'S REGULAR MEETING THE GRIFFIN-SPALDING COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION UNANIMOUSLY PASSED A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT--A RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY BOARD MEMBER SYNTEL BROWN.

THE RESOLUTION MENTIONS A PEACHFUL PROTEST IN GRIFFIN MAY 31ST 2020 TO BRING AWARENESS TO BLACK LIVES MATTER, GOES ON TO MENTION THE GEORGE FLOYD CASE, AND ADDS ALL LIVES MATTER IN OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT AND SYSTEMIC RACISM AND SOCIAL INJUSTICE MUST BE ERADICATED AND THE SCHOOL SYSTEM HAS A CRITICAL ROLE TO PLAY.

ARRESTS IN SPALDING COUNTY TRUCK FIRE WITH TWO BODIES

Erik Eduardo Cabrealopez

On Tuesday April 13th at approximately 12:30pm, the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office along with Spalding County Fire responded to a fire call on Jackson Road near the Spalding County Butts County line. 

When units arrived, they found a Chevrolet Z71 pickup truck parked just inside a wood line fully engulfed in flames. As the fire was being extinguished Fire Fighters located 2 bodies in the bed of the truck. 

Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Investigators, Crime Scene Investigators, Spalding County Coroner Michael Pryor, along with Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Marie Broder responded to the scene. 

Sheriff Darrell Dix, “We immediately began contacting other local agencies to see if they had reports of any missing persons or stolen vehicles matching the description of the truck. Due to the extreme heat generated by the fire we had to wait more than 2 hours before we could begin processing the scene. Once the scene was safe our Crime Scene Investigators went to work processing the truck for evidence while our Criminal Investigators began working on identifying the victims and tracking down the owner of the truck. 

The fire was so intense that it completely destroyed the VIN plates, and the truck had no tag. Spalding County Coroner Michael Pryor contacted the GBI Crime Lab and both bodies were transported for autopsy and possible identification.” 

While speaking to other agencies, Henry County Investigators told us that 2 persons had been reported missing on April 11, 2021 by their families. According to Investigators the males had gone to meet a Hispanic male to discuss a joint business venture and had not been seen or heard from since. The information provided to us included race, sex, height, weight, and distinguishing marks such as tattoos. 

Based on this information we were able to identify the victims as Joshua Wyatt B/M ,29 years of age and Carlos Benford B/M 36 years of age, who had both been reported missing from Henry County. 

We also found that Henry County had teamed with Clayton County in their attempts to find the victims based on information they had received that led them to an address located in Clayton County. The leads and information continued to come in especially after the initial story was covered by both local and Atlanta media. We followed up on every tip we received, and those tips eventually led us to a residence located at 375 Dutchman Road in Griffin. 

On April 14th the Spalding County SWAT, the Spalding County CAGE Unit executed a search warrant at the residence. After the scene was secured our Crime Scene Investigators began processing and gathering evidence. The residence had been vacated by the occupants. The furniture and other items from the house had been burned in a large pile in the back yard, and the interior of the house had been sprayed with bleach in an effort to destroy evidence. 

“Their attempts to cover up their crime failed. Our Crime Scene Investigators located the actual spot in the house where the murders took place, and they were able to recover evidence. Also located in the search were items that directly linked the victims to the house.” 

This morning, Spalding County Investigators obtained arrest warrants for Erik Eduardo Cabrealopez charging him with 2 counts of murder, 2 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of malice murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 2 counts of kidnapping, 2 counts of concealing a death, and 2 counts of tampering with evidence. 

This afternoon at approximately 12:30 pm, Erik Eduardo Cabrealopez was taken into custody in Fulton County by the GBI Gang Task Force, Georgia State Patrol, GBI West Metro Narcotics Unit, and Spalding County Investigators after a short vehicle pursuit that was ended with a PIT maneuver by GSP. 

“This investigation was brought this far due to the hard work and inter-agency cooperation between the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office and all of the agencies and Offices involved. Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Marie Broder, Spalding County Coroner Michael Pryor, the Henry County Police Department, the Clayton County Police Department, the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Victor Hill, the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Eddie Mixon, the GBI Gang Task Force, GBI West Metro Narcotics Unit, and the Georgia State Patrol.” 

“We are all praying for the families of these two young men whose lives were taken in such as violent and senseless way. We are going to do all we can to make sure that their killer and anyone else that we learn was involved as the investigation continues never sees the light of day as a free man again until the day they die.”

UPDATE ON SPALDING CO HOUSE FIRE WITH TEEN DEATH

ACCORDING TO THE SPALDING COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT, A HOUSE FIRE ON WOODCREST DRIVE, EARLY WEDNESDAY, RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF A 7TH GRADE STUDENT AT COWAN ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL--13 YEAR OLD TAYLOR BUREL WHO DIED AT THE HOSPITAL SHORTLY AFTER BEING TRANSPORTED. HIS FATHER JOHN BUREL WAS TREATED AND RELEASED AT THE E.R. THE HOUSE WAS A TOTAL LOSS.

THE TEEN'S BODY HAS BEEN SENT TO THE GBI CRIME LAB FOR AUTOPSY TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF DEATH. THE GRIFFIN-SPALDING SCHOOL SYSTEM DISPATCHED COUNSELORS TO COWAN ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL TO SUPPORT STUDENTS AND STAFF.

MEANWHILE SPALDING COUNTY S.O. AND FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE STATE INSURANCE AND FIRE SAFETY COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE ARE INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE.