DOWNTOWN GRIFFIN SHOOTING FRIDAY

THE  SPALDING  COUNTY  MEDICAL  EXAMINER  CONFIRMS  44-YEAR  OLD  KRYSTAL  EVANS,  FORMALLY  KRYSTAL  MALLORY  WAS  SHOT  DEAD  FRIDAY  NEAR  THE  COURTHOUSE  AFTER  A  COURT  HEARING.  GRIFFIN  POLICE  ANNOUNCED  TOM  MALLORY  HER  EX-HUSBAND,  AS  THE  SUSPECT.  MALLORY  WAS  TRANSPORTED  TO  GRADY  MEMORIAL  HOSPITAL  AFTER  HE  SHOT  HIMSELF  IN  THE  HEAD,  FOLLOWING  THE  MURDER OF  HIS  EX-WIFE  ON  6TH  STREET.

SPALDING  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DARRELL  DIX  SHARED  DETAILS  OF  THE  SHOOTING  IN  A  LENGTHY  FACEBOOK POST.  HE  EXPLAINED  KRYSTAL  WALKED  OUT  OF  THE  COURTHOUSE  TO  HER  CAR.  MALLORY  SHOT  HER  SEVERAL  TIMES  FROM HIS  CAR  WINDOW  AND  SPED OFF,  THEN  SHOT  HIMSELF.  PRECIOUS  EVANS,  THE  VICTIM'S  DAUGHTER  BELIEVES  THE  MURDER  COULD  HAVE  BEEN  PREVENTED.  SHERIFF  DIX  SAID  DEPUTIES  HAD  RESPONDED  TO  SEVERAL  DOMESTIC  INCIDENTS INVOLVING  THE  COUPLE,  BUT  THEY  ALWAYS  BLAMED  EACH  OTHER  FOR  THEIR  TROUBLES.  SHERIFF  DIX  SAID  TOM  MALLORY  WAS  ARRESTED  ONCE, BUT  POSTED  BOND.

PRECIOUS  EVANS  SAYS  SHE  PLANS  A  RALLY  FOR  JUSTICE  AT  THE  SPALDING  COUNTY  COURTHOUSE  WEDNESDAY  AND A  VIGIL  FOR  HER   MOTHER  THURSDAY.  

T-U CHAMBER POLITICAL FORUM

Join us at The Ritz Theater on Monday, September 23rd at 7pm for a Political Candidate Forum for the Upson County Commissioner Chairman. Questions from the public can be submitted through September 18.

Submit a question here: https://www.thomastongachamber.com/political-candidate.../

UPSON PLANNING DENIES TWO SPECIAL EXCEPTION APPS

 THE  UPSON  COUNTY PLANNING  COMMISSION  VOTED  TO  DENY  RECOMMENDATION   TO THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS   ON  TWO  SPECIAL  EXCEPTION    APPLICATIONS    AT  THE  SEPTEMBER  MEETING,  MONDAY.   STAFF  RECOMMENDED  DENIAL  ON  BOTH--   MINI  WAREHOUSES  FOR  MATT  SMITH  AT  74  WEST  AND  OLD  ALABAMA  AND    FOR " VICTORY  IN   PRAISE  MINISTRIES"  ON  HIGHWAY   19 SOUTH  NEAR    MARTIN  CHURCH  ROAD  AND    BIRDSONG  ROAD--WHERE  THE  CONGREGATION  WANTS  TO  BUILD  A  NEW  CHURCH. PASTOR  DONALD  HAMILTON   TESTIFIED    THE  CHURCH  HAS  OUTGROWN  ITS  PRESENT  LOCATION  -BUT  COMMISSION  MEMBER  JOHNNY DAWSON  WARNED  THE  THREE  ACRE  SITE  WOULD  NOT  ALLOW  FOR  CHURCH  GROWTH.  DAWSON  SAID  HIS  CHURCH  HAD  A  DIFFICULT  TIME  EXPANDING  ITS  CAMPUS  WHEN  IT  STARTED  GROWING  AND  HE  DID NOT  WANT  TO  SEE  ANOTHER  CHURCH  GO  THROUGH    THOSE   CHALLENGES. P&Z  DIRECTOR  DOUG  CURRIER  RECOMMENDED  SEVERAL  OTHER  VACANT  CHURCH  BUILDINGS  IN  UPSON  COUNTY  THAT  COULD  HOUSE  THE  CONGREGATION. 

THE  PLANNING  COMMISSION  RECOMMENDED  A  REZONING  FOR  SARAH  ELLINGTON  AT   151  GRAY'S  CHAPEL  ROAD  NEAR  THE  YATESVILLE  CITY  LIMITS  FOR  A  COMMERCIAL  LIVESTOCK  PROCESSSING  OPERATION--SOMETHING  COMMISSION  MEMBER  JOEL  PITTS  SAID  IS  A  NEED  IN  UPSON  COUNTY. 

ANOTHER  SPECIAL  EXCEPTION  RECOMMENDED  FOR  AN  A-R  INDOOR-OUTDOOR  SPECIAL  EVENT  VENUE  FOR LORI  WEEKS  AT  534  LOGTOWN  ROAD. 

GSC NEW ALUMNI AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATOR

 BARNESVILLE, Ga., – Gordon State College has recently, in August, appointed Susan Hoffman as the new Alumni Affairs and Annual Fund Administrator in the advancement and alumni relations office.

Hoffman will take the lead on alumni affairs, focusing on event coordination, reunions, alumni research, and data organization. She will also be responsible for tracking dedications and memorandums, welcoming visitors at the Alumni House, and enhancing alumni engagement through the annual fund, campus campaigns, and social media outreach.

“I am excited to take on this inspiring challenge and am optimistic about Gordon’s growth in the near future, as well as my own,” Hoffman said. “Over the past few years, I’ve come to adore my Gordon family, and with a team this passionate and dedicated, I’m confident we’ll achieve great things together.”

An alumna of GSC, Hoffman spent about two years supporting the executive director of external affairs and strategic initiatives, as well as the director of athletics, in the Office of the President while pursuing a degree in business management and administration with a minor in English.

During her time as a student, Hoffman participated in the Presidential Fellows Program, welcoming guests such as Chancellor Sonny Perdue and refining her leadership skills. She also traveled extensively through the UK, France, and Ireland, experiences she plans to leverage as a campus ambassador in her new role.

More so, Hoffman contributed to the creation of the Tartan Journal, GSC’s campus magazine launched in 2023. She also led the team that achieved a 3rd place finish in the IREX Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge, where GSC students collaborated with peers from Duhok Polytechnic University in Iraq on a recycling initiative.

“We are thrilled to welcome Susan to our Advancement team at Gordon State College,” said Natalie Rischbieter, executive director of advancement. “In her new position, Susan will be instrumental in developing a vibrant alumni program for both current and future graduates. Her experience as a GSC alumna makes her an ideal fit for this role. We encourage you to stop by and introduce yourself.”

Prior to joining Highlander Nation in her new role, Hoffman co-owned a profitable all-natural bath and body apothecary shop for two years. She also assisted in setting up the Griffin Art Walk Second Saturday events and the Rue Colline Art Gallery.

A native of Metairie, Louisiana, Hoffman was raised in Douglas and Spalding, Georgia, and now resides in Barnesville. She earned her Associate of Science in business, Associate of Arts in common core, and her Bachelor of Science in business management with a minor in English, all from GSC.

Outside of her professional achievements, Hoffman enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, and her Rottweiler, Cooper, who shares her love for porch coffee. Her activities include painting detailed acrylics, exploring coffee varieties, and camping in the mountains.

MONROE CO SO ARREST ON SCHOOL THREATS

 SCHOOL  THREATS  ALL  OVER  GEORGIA  HAVE  ERUPTED  IN  THE  AFTERMATH  OF  A  SCHOOL  SHOOTING  IN  WINDER, GA  THAT  KILLED  4  AND  WOUNDED   9  OTHERS.  MONROE  COUNTY  SO  ARRESTED  A  JACKSON MAN,  CHRIS  COOPER,  26  FOR   A  FACEBOOK  POST  THAT  CONTAINED  AN  IMPLIED  THREAT AT  MARY PERSONS  HIGH  SCHOOL.   THE  SO  BOOSTED  SECURITY AHEAD OF  THE  SCHOOL  DAY.  ANYONE  WITH  INFORMATION  ABOUT  THIS  THREAT  OR   OTHERS  CONTACT  MONROE  COUNTY  SHERIFF'S  OFFICE. 

BADCOCK FURNITURE INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE

  THE  INVENTORY  REDUCTION  .    SALE  ROARS-ON  AT  BADCOCK  HOME  FURNITURE  IN  THOMASTON,  BARNESVILLE,  AND  MANCHESTER  .  SAVE  UP  TO   50%  AND  MORE  DURING  THIS  GIGANTIC  INVENTORY  LIQUIDATION SALE.   SAVE  BIG  TIME STORE-WIDE  AT  BADCOCK  FURNITURE,  THOMASTON,  MANCHESTER,  BARNESVILLE.  

GRIFFIN-SPALDING SCHOOLS ARE SAFE

 We have been working with local and state law enforcement since early this morning regarding rumors and social media posts. Their investigations have indicated that there is no credible threat in our community based on the information at this time. All schools are safe and operating per normal operating procedures. Parents should expect to see an increased law enforcement presence in and around schools out of an abundance of caution.

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL RAISES TAXES

 THE  THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL  APPROVED  A  46%  TAX  MILLAGE  INCREASE  ON  A   4-0  VOTE  AT  A  CALLED  MEETING,  THURSDAY,  BUT  IT  WOULD  NOT  HAVE  BEEN  UNANIMOUS  IF  COUNCILMAN  RYAN  TUCKER HAD  BEEN  PRESENT,  AS  HE  WAS  OPPOSED.  TUCKER  RELAYED  A  MESSAGE  TO  CITY  MANAGER   RUSSELL  THOMPSON  THAT  HE  WAS  NOT IN  FAVOR  DUE  TO  DISCRIPANCIES  IN  PROPERTY  VALUATIONS,  AND  CURRENT  ECONOMIC  FACTORS.  HIS  PREFERENCE  FOR THE  BUDGET  WAS  A  REVENUE  SOURCE  THAT  DID  NOT  FALL  SOLELY  ON  PROPERTY  OWNERS.  DURING  A  PREVIOUS  PUBLIC  HEARING  TUCKER SAID  HE  FAVORS A  CONSUMPTION-TYPE  FLAT  TAX--NOT PROPERTY  TAX.

COUNCILMAN  DON  GREATHOUSE  TOOK  OWNERSHIP  OF  THE  50-50  FUNDING  FOR  THE  TAX  HIKE,  HALF  FROM  UTILITIES  AND  HALF  FROM  PROPERTY  TAXES.  HE  EXPLAINED  THIS  WAY  NON-PROFITS  THAT  DON'T  PAY  PROPERTY  TAXES  WILL  ALSO  PARTICIPATE  IN  THE  NEEDED  REVENUE  FOR  CITY  OPERATIONS.  DEBT  SERVICE  FOR  THE NEW  FIRE  STATION  WAS  THE  PRIMARY  NEED  FOR  THE  TAX  HIKE,  CITY  OFFICIALS  SAID. 

The Thomaston-Upson County School District announces appointment of Stewart Bowers

The Thomaston-Upson County School District is proud to announce the appointment of Stewart Bowers, MS, ATC, LAT, CEAS I, as the district’s new Athletic Trainer. With an impressive professional background and a steadfast commitment to the health and safety of student-athletes, Mr. Bowers is set to be an invaluable addition to the district’s athletic programs.

 

Mr. Bowers holds a Master of Science in Advanced Athletic Training from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science in Education specializing in Athletic Training from the University of Georgia.

 

In his previous role as Head Athletic Trainer at Wesleyan College, Mr. Bowers was instrumental in establishing emergency protocols, managing athlete medical records, and collaborating with local physicians to ensure top-tier care for student-athletes. Mr. Bowers brings experience in athletic training from high school, collegiate, and professional settings. Some of his prior roles include Clinical Athletic Trainer at Emory Orthopaedics in Atlanta, Head Athletic Trainer for Greenville Triumph Soccer Club in Greenville, S.C., and Athletic Trainer at Chapin High School and Cardinal Newman School in South Carolina. He also worked with the Atlanta Falcons in Flowery Branch from 2015-2017 as an Athletic Training Intern. 

 

Mr. Bowers holds the following certifications: Graston Technique Module One, CPR and First Aid, and Board of Certification for Athletic Training. His professional memberships reflect his ongoing dedication to the field of athletic training.

 

Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico stated, "We are very excited that Mr. Bowers has joined the UL team as the Thomaston-Upson School System’s District Athletic Trainer. His experience and commitment to the well-being of student-athletes make him an extraordinary asset to our school district and community."

Mr. Bowers and his wife, Destiny, have 2 fur kids, Captain and Olive. With a start date of September 3, 2024, Mr. Bowers will focus on the health and safety of student-athletes, collaborate with coaches and medical professionals, and continue to enhance protocols for athletic performance and injury prevention.

DAVE & YOKO IN PARIS IN THE PIPELINE

 WATCHING   AN   OLD  JAMES  BOND  FLICK,  RECENTLY,  THAT  NATURALLY  HAD  A  CAR  CHASE  SCENE,  I  RECOGNIZED  A  SIDEWALK  CAFE  IN  PARIS  WHERE  I    ONCE  GREETED  YOKO  ONO, JOHN  LENNON'S  WIDOW. YOKO TURNED   91  THIS  PAST  FEBRUARY  AND  IN  JULY  WAS  RECOGNIZED  WITH  THE   2024  64TH  ANNUAL  EDWARD  MCDOWELL  MEDAL  FOR  OUTSTANDING  CONTRIBUTIONS  TO  THE  ARTS.  OUR  TOUR  GROUP  WAS  GATHERED  OUTSIDE  THE  CAFE  WHEN  LINDA  BEST  OUR  LEADER  CALLED  TO  ME,  "DAVE, DAVE, HERE  COMES   YOKO  ONO, SPEAK  TO  HER  DAVE."  ALWAYS  OBEDIENT  TO  LINDA  WHEN  ON  TOUR,  I  QUICKLY, MOVED  TO  THE HEAD OF  THE  GROUP  AND  SHOW  NUFF--COMING  UP  THE  STREET  WAS  YOKO. WHEN  SHE  GOT  DIRECTLY  IN  FRONT  OF  US    I    SPOKE  UP  AND  SAID  "HELLO,  YOKO"  AND  SHE  SMILED  AND  SAID  "HELLO,  DAVE". WELL,  SHE  DIDN'T REALLY MENTION ME  BY  NAME  BUT  SHE  DID  SAY  HELLO.

THE  RECENT  OLYMPICS  REMINDED  ME OF  THE WEEK  I  SPENT  IN  PARIS. NOT MY KINDA  TOWN.  AFTER  A  DINNER  CRUISE  ON  THE  SEINE  RIVER,  I  NOTICED IT  WAS  SORT-OF  MURKY,  SO   I  AGREE  WITH  ALL  THE JOCKS  WHO DIDN'T  WANT  TO  SWIM  IN  IT.  AND  ON  THAT  DINNER  CRUISE  ONE  ENTREE  WAS  GOOSE  GIZZARD  FOR   $135  A  POP. WE  ORDERED  SALMON. OH YEAH,  I  DON'T  LIKE  TO  PAY      TO  USE    PUBLIC  RESTROOMS  IN  PARIS. 

A  WEEK  IN  PRE-SEASON  CAMP  WITH  TOM  BRADY  AND   COACH  BILL BELICHICK , BEEN  THERE,  DONE  THAT.  I  BELIEVE  IT  WAS  AFTER  THEY  WON   THEIR  THIRD  SUPER  BOWL.  HOW  A  BEAT  REPORTER  CAN  DEVELOP  A  STORY  FROM  COACH  BELICHICK'S  DAILY  PRESSER, I  WILL  NEVER  KNOW.  HE  SELDOM  SPEAKS,  BUT  ONE  OF  THIS PLAYERS  MADE  UP  FOR  IT,  TEDY   BRUSCHI WHO  RETIRED  TO  ESPN.  ASK  TEDY  A  QUESTION AND  STAND-BY  FOR  A  30  MINUTE  ANSWER.  HE  AND  HIS  LOCKER  MATE,  HAD A  HUGE  BOX OF  HERSEY'S     CHOCOLATE  BLOCKS  THEY  EXPLAINED  AS  INSTANT  ENERGY. WHILE  OTHERS  WERE  CONVENTIONING  IN  BOSTON  I  TOOK  THE  TRAIN  TO  FOXBORO, DAILY,  TO  CHECK  OUT  THE  PATS. A  TRAIN  THAT  TRAVELED  FOWARD  TO  FOXBORO  THEN  BACKED  UP  TO  GILLETTE  STADIUM.

THE  ANGELS  WERE  IN  BOSTON,  SO AT  NIGHT  I   ATTENDED  RED  SOX  GAMES,  THAT  WEEK.  RADIO  REPORTERES  WERE SECOND  CLASS  CITIZENS  IN  THE  FENWAY  PARK  PRESS  BOX.  WE  WERE  SEATED   ON  THE  THIRD  ROW  AND  HAD  TO  ACTUALLY  SEE  A  PITCHER  DELIVER  A  PITCH ,  BUT WE  HAD  TO  LOOK  UP  TO  THE  TV  MONITOR  TO  SEE IT  ARRIVE   AT  THE PLATE.  I  GOT  WISE  AFTER  THE  FIRST  GAME  AND  TOOK  THE  SEAT  ON  THE  FRONT  ROW  FOR  THE   PROVIDENCE  NEWSPAPER  BEAT  WRITER  WHO  WAS  ON  VACATION.  I  UNDERSTAND  THE  FENWAY  PRESS  BOX  HAS  BEEN  REMODELED,  AND  RADIO  REPORTERS  NOW  HAVE    A  BETTER  VIEW.  I  DON'T  UNDERSTAND  IT , I  HAVE  SEEN  SEVERAL  GAMES  AT  FENWAY  PARK,  BUT  NONE IN  YANKEE   STADIUM,  THE  YANKS  HAVE  ALWAYS  BEEN  ON  THE  ROAD  WHEN  I  HAVE  BEEN  IN  N.Y.

A  FOOTNOTE  ABOUT  QB  TOM  BRADY.  HE  FOLLOWED  BELICHICK DAILY  ON  THE  PODIUM  FOR  COMMENTS,  BUT  HE  CONFOUNDED  ME  ABOUT  HIS  ACCESSORIES.  HE  LEFT  THE  STADIUM  WITH A  SHE-HE  PURSE  OVER  HIS  SHOULDER,  THE  FIRST  TIME  I  HAD  EVER  SEEN  A  MAN   CARRY  ONE.