South Metro's News Leader
Upson Historical Society
Part Time Position Available
Job Description:
16 Hours per Week Total, 12 Hours On-Site
Update the Membership, Donations, and Gift Shop
Inform Treasurer of Income and Expenses
Learning about WWII Homelife in Thomaston and Upson County
Give Tours to Visitors
Write the Newsletter, email or mail to members
Preferable:
Interest in History and Education
Background in Non-Profits
They went missing Thursday, 9/26/24, near Trice Road and Knight Trail area
2024 UPSON COUNTY TAX BILLS ARE IN THE MAIL WITH A DUE DATE OF NOVEMBER 25, 2024.
EDDIE EDENFIELD UGA GRIFFIN BROADCAST METEOROLGIST MEASURED 8.86 INCHS OF RAINFALL FROM HURRICANE HELENE THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, 2.9 INCHES FRIDAY.
UPSON EMC PRESIDENT/CEO KEN SIMMONS SAYS THIS AREA OF GA. DODGED A BULLET AND HIS SYSTEM WAS BLESSED , WHEN HURRICANE HELENE TOOK A TURN AWAY FROM US. AS OF LATE FRIDAY AFTERNOON, UPSON EMC HAD 300 SCATTERED POWER OUTAGES ON ITS SYSTEM FOLLOWING A PEAK OF AROUND 2000.
UPSON EMA DIRECTOR RICHARD HICKMON REPORTED THERE WAS LIMITED DAMAGE IN THE COUNTY, WITH TREES DOWN ON SEVERAL ROADS , BUT ALL WAS CLEAR BY EARLY IN THE AFTERNOON. HE SAID THE BIG ISSUE WAS A TREE DOWN AT THE GA POWER SUB-STATION 2 ON VETERANS DRIVE AND THAT LEAD TO ONE OF THE LONGEST ELECTRICAL OUTAGES IN RECENT HISTORY, 11 HOURS. FUN 101 RADIO WENT OFF THE AIR AT 5;30AM AND POWER WAS RESTORED AT 6;30 IN TIME FOR THE PRE-GAME SHOW FOR UPSON-LEE AND MARY PERSONS.
AS OF 7AM FRIDAY CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON REPORTED THESE KNOWN OUTAGES--PEACHBELT ROAD, NELSON DRIVE, MALLORY STREET , ALL OF JOHNSTON HEIGHTS, AND THE SOUTHWEST PART OF THE SQUARE. GA. POWER UNITS HAD TO BE DISPATCHED FROM MANCHESTER.
THREE TRAFFIC LIGHTS WERE OUT IN DOWNTOWN THOMASTON--CHURCH AT GORDON AND THE TWO ON LEE STREET AT CENTER AND CHURCH. POWER WAS ON NORTH OF THE COURTHOUSE SQUARE BUT SLICES PIZZERIA, THE MEXICAN RESTAURANT NEXT DOOR AND BIG CHIC UPTOWN HAD NO POWER AND COULD NOT OPEN FOR BUSINESS.
Mary Persons' football team is having to forfeit its first four games this season after the GHSA determined the Bulldogs used an ineligible player who had transferred from Upson-Lee, this Friday’s homecoming opponent.
Mary Persons announced on Wednesday, after the newspaper went to press, that it would have to forfeit its first four games of 2024 and pay a $1,500 fine for the violation. The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) determined that MP failed to submit proper paperwork and failed to determine the player’s academic eligibility before letting him play. A scan of the roster shows that sophomore receiver Chauncey Powell transferred to MP from Upson-Lee this past year. Powell has 5 catches for 87 yards and 2 touchdowns so far this year.
Upson-Lee High School Principal Mr. Ricky English has announced Mr. and Miss Upson-Lee for the Class of 2025.Congratulations to Miss Upson-Lee High School, Kennedi Prater, and to Mr. Upson-Lee High School, Nytraevion “Trae” Jones. Mr. and Miss Upson-Lee High School are nominated and selected by their peers.
Nominees must meet election/selection criteria detailed in the ULHS Student Handbook.
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| Pictured l-r:ULHS Principal Mr.Ricky English,Mr.Upson-Lee High School,Trae Jones, Miss Upson-Lee High School, Kennedi Prater, and Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico. |
THOMASTON POLICE ARRESTED A SUSPECT FOR CARJACKING AT TACO BELL, FRIDAY---25 YEAR OLD FREDRICK NAPIER OF 212 JEFFERSON AVE--WHO WAS IMPERSONATING A POLICE OFFICER. THE PD REPORT SAID THE VICTIM, A 27 YEAR OLD MALE FROM SHILOH, GA , JUSTIN RODEN, WAS SITTING IN HIS TRUCK WAITING FOR HIS WIFE TO GET THEIR ORDER FROM THE DRIVE-THRU. HE TOLD POLICE NAPIER APPRACHED HIS VEHICLE AND STATED HE WAS AN UNDERCOVER COP AND CHARGED THE VICTIM HAD JUST BOUGHT DRUGS FROM ONE OF HIS " BOYS.' THE VICTIM ASKED TO SEE A BADGE BUT NAPIER THEN GOT AGGRESSIVE WITH HIM AND INSTRUCTED HIM TO PUT HIS HANDS BEHIND HIS BACK. THE SUSPECT WALKED AWAY AND FLED WHEN RODEN'S WIFE WALKED-UP.
SHE IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 AND NAPIER WAS BOOKED INTO JAIL CLAIMING HE THOUGHT RODEN WAS SOMEONE HE KNEW NAMED TYLER AND WAS PLAYING A JOKE ON HIM. NAPER CHARGED WITH CARJACKING, IMPERSONATING AN OFFICER AND FALSE IMPRISONMENT.
Upson county Sheriff Dan Kilgore reports a traffic fatality Friday afternoon on Waymanville Road. The sheriff told 101 News the male driver of a Honda Pilot passed away in an air ambulance enroute to Macon Medical Centers Trauma Unit , Upson County Coroner Craig Stubbs identified the driver of the Honda as Michael Kenneth Stewart 61 of Thomaston. A passenger in the vehicle was transported to the ER at URMC for treatment of injuries.
Sheriff Kilgore said the vehicle went out of control near Hunt Road, hit a tree, trapping Stewart in the wreckage. He was freed with the jaws of life by volunteer fire units and the Thomaston Fire Department.
The investigation was over to post 26 Ga. State patrol.
BARNESVILLE, Ga., – Gordon State College hosted its quarterly Regional Growth Roundtable on Sept. 9 at the Barnesville campus, bringing together local and regional stakeholders to discuss economic development opportunities.
“The Upson County Board of Commissioners is offering a $2500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for dumping tires into Kendall Branch Creek on Grays Chapel Road. If you have any information, please contact Captain Hosley of the Upson County Sheriff’s Office at 706-646-7904.”
“This type of activity cannot be tolerated in our community and I trust that anyone with knowledge of this incident will step up and do the right thing and contact our Sheriff’s office. We take this serious and will not stand for persons destroying or causing harm to our natural resources.”
Early Voting begins on Tuesday, Oct. 15th due to State Holiday.
Early Voting is Oct. 15 – Nov. 1 8:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday, Oct. 19th 9am – 5pm
Saturday, Oct. 26th 9am – 5pm
Election Day is Nov. 5th 7am – 7pm
ACCORDING TO CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON--THE CITY OF THOMASTON EXPERIENCED A 30 MINUTE POWER OUTAGED FRIDAY AROUND 9AM AFTER A TREE FELL ON WEST MAIN STREET. THOMASTON POLICE AND FIRE AND CITY CREWS RESPONDED. ALL TRAFFIC LIGHTS IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA WERE OUT AND POLICE OFFICERS HAD TO DIRECT TRAFFIC DURING THE OUTAGE.
CITY OF THOMASTON MAYOR J.D. STALLINGS SAYS THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS HAVE DECLINED AN INVITATION TO HOLD A PUBLIC MEETING WITH ALL THREE TAX LEVEYING BODIES, CITY COUNCIL, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND BOARD OF EDUCATION. INSTEAD THEY HAVE ISSUED AN INVITATION TO ATTEND THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE TAX ASSESSORS BOARD.
MAYOR STALLINGS SAID THE FORMAT OF THE PUBLIC MEETING WOULD NOT HAVE ALLOWED CITIZENS. TO ASK QUESTIONS OF THE TAX ASSESSORS ONLY MEMBERS OF THE TAXING BODIES. SINCE PUBLIC HEARINGS ON TAX MILLAGE -- QUESTIONS HAVE SURFACED ABOUT RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL TAX ASSESSMENTS AND GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC HAVE BEEN CALLING FOR ANSWERS.
AT TUESDAY'S 7PM MEETING THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL IS SCHEDULED TO DISCUSS THE TAX ASSESSORS WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE CITY'S INVITATION TO A PUBLIC MEETING.
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.
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.../
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 HERSHEY'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.
