EX-DISTRICT ATTORNEY JONATHAN ADAMS HAS APPARENTLY WON THE JUDGESHIP RACE IN THE TOWALIGA JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WITH 51 POINT 85% OF THE VOTE. DR. BUBBA LONGGREER SEEMS TO BE HEADED FOR A RUNOFF FOR GA. SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT WITH INCUMBENT RICHARD WOODS.
South Metro's News Leader
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
THOMASTON VAPE STORE COULD BE SHUT DOWN
CITY OF THOMASTON ATTORNEY JOHNNIE CALDWELL TOLD THE CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY NIGHT HE HAD THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO SERVE NOTICE TO THE OWNER OF THOMASTON TOBACCO AND VAPE AT 1091 19 NORTH THAT A HEARING WILL BE HELD REGARDING A VARIANCE GRANTED THE BUSINESS AS CITY HALL REPORTEDLY SEEKS TO SHUT-DOWN THE BUSINESS. THE OWNER ABDUL-GHA-FOOR SA-LAY--OWNER OF THE VAPE STORE WAS ARRESTED ON FELONY CHRGES OF SELLING VAPE PRODUCTS TO AN UNDERAGE UNDERCOVER POLICE OFFICER.A PRODUCT THAT SEEMS TO HAVE THC PROPERTIES.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
THOMASTON'S ELIZABETH DALLAS GOBEIL REELECTED
THOMASTON NATIVE ELIZABETH DALLAS GOBEIL WAS REELECTED TO THE GA. COURT OF APPEALS WITH 59% OF THE VOTE, 845,350 VOTES.
SPALDING CO RETURNS
SPALDING COUNTY RETURNS--CHAIRMAN CLAY DAVIS REELECTED TO DISTECT 5 COUNTY COMMISSIONER 1492 TO 1004 OVER HARVEY CLARK . INCUMBENT JAMES DUTTON DISTRICT TWO DUTTON 1246, OVER BRYAN HAYES 843 AND TODD JOHNSON 354.
SOLICITOR GENERAL STATE COURT SPALDING COUNTY --TOMMY ISON 4710 OVER AUDREY HOLLIDAY 2795.
UPSON CO ELECTED A NEW COUNTY COMMISSIONER
UPSON COUNTY ELECTED A NEW COUNTY COMMISSIONER FOR DISTRICT 3 IN TUESDAY'S PRIMARY--BRIAN "BUD" JOHNSTON POLLED 662 VOTES--56.58% TO DEFEAT INCUMBENT PAUL JONES WHO RECEIVED 277 VOTES-23.68% AND BILL MAHER WON 16% OF THE VOTE OR 197 VOTES . SCHOOL BOARD CHAIR JACQUELINE HOLLIS POLLED 66% OF THE VOTE TO DEFEAT CHALLENGER VAY WALKER WITH 30%.
ELIZABETH DALLAS GOBEIL GOT ALMOST 66% OF UPSON'S VOTE FOR REELECTION TO THE GA. COURT OF APPEALS AND WAS LEADING STATEWIDE.
THOMASTONIAN BUBBA LONGGREAR POLLED 38% FOR STATE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT BUT CAME UP SHORT TO INCUMBENT RICHARD WOODS WHO RECEIVED 50.88%.
UPSON'S STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 18 STEVEN MCNEEL GOT 90% OF THE VOTE OVER EUGENE ALLISON OF THOMASTON WHO POLLED 9.88%.
Monday, May 18, 2026
UPSON COUNTY TAX COMMISSIONER MEMO
Upson County’s next delinquent tax sale will be held October 6th, 2026. Any properties that are still due for 2025 taxes or before will be submitted to this sale on June 5th, 2026. At that time, tax sale fees amounting to $225.00 per parcel will be added to the amount of taxes due. These fees include pre-levy costs and the cost of a title search for each property. We highly encourage anyone still owing 2025 property tax to have your account paid in full before June 5th . This does not apply to any properties still under BOE appeal for the 2025 tax year. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the Tax Office at 706-647-8931
PRIMARY ELECTION DAY TUESDAY IN GA.
ITS PRIMARY ELECTION DAY IN GEORGIA WITH POLLS OPEN TILL 7PM AND FUN 101 FM WILL HAVE ELECTION RETURNS AFTER THE POLLS CLOSE ON AIR AND ON OUR WEBSITE.
TWO CANDIDATES WITH UPSON COUNTY TIES ARE ON THE BALLOT STATEWIDE ELIZABETH DALLAS GOBEIL IS SEEKING REELECTON TO THE GA. COURT OF APPEALS ON THE NON-PARTISAN BALLOT AND SHE HAS OPPOSITION.
AND DR. BUBBA LONGGREAR WHO CLAIMS THOMASTON AS HIS HOME AFTER LIVING HERE IN HIGH SCHOOL--IS RUNNING FOR STATE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT. HE HAS BEEN SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT OF THE CANDLER COUNTY SCHOOLS FOR 11 YEARS. SPEAKER BURNS OF THE GA. HOUSE IS ENDORSING BUBBA OVER CURRENT SUPERINTENDANT RICHARD WOODS BECAUSE HE SAYS GEORGIA'S TEST SCORES HAVE NOT IMPROVED.
ON THE BALLOT IN UPSON COUNTY 3RD DISTRICT COUNTY COMMISSIONER INCUMBENT PAUL JONES, AND CHALLENGERS BILL MAHER AND BRIAN "BUD" JOHNSTON.
Friday, May 15, 2026
EPD PUBLIC HEARING ON BRIGHTMARK MONDAY
STATE EPD WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING MONDAY 6PM AT THE CIVIC CENTER IN THOMASTON ON AN AIR PERMIT FOR THE PROPOSED BRIGHTMARK CIRCULATORY SYSTEM AT THE BIZ/PARK AT THE AIRPORT. UPSON COUNTY GOVERNMENT WILL TAPE THE EVENT AND POST IN ON THE COUNTY WEBSITE AND ON FACEBOOK.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
PLEA LIST – JUDGE W. FLETCHER SAMS, GJC MAY 14, 2026
1. 25R0375 | ERIC BERNARDJOHNSON | CT. 1: FLEEING/ATTEMPTING TO ELUDE POLICE OFFICER: 10 YEARS WITH THE FIRST 1 YEAR TO SERVE, FOLLOWED BY 9 YEARS ON PROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITYSERVICE; |
$1,000 FINE. CT. 2: FLEEING/ATTEMPTING TO ELUDE POLICE OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: INTERFERENCE WITH GOVERNMENT PROPERTY: 5 YEARS PROBATION, CONSECUTIVE TO COUNT1. | ||
2. 25R0439 | KORDAE BENDARIANCALDWELL | CT. 1: ENTERING AN AUTOMOBILE: 5 YEARS WITH 60-120 DAYS IN PDC ANDTHE REMAINDER ON PROBATION;$1,000 FINE; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; RESTITUTION OF $400. CT. 2: THEFT BY TAKING: 5 YEARS PROBATION CONCURRENT WITHCOUNT 1. |
3. 25R0492 | STEPHEN BRET HATCHER | CT. 1: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE: ALFORD PLEA 3 YEARS PROBATION; $1,000 FINE; 80HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE. |
4. 25R0531 | KELSEY JEAN PAIGELLOYD | CT. 1: THEFT BY SHOPLIFTING: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; $1,000 FINE; 40HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE. |
5. 25R0537 | AUDREY LYNN SELPH | CT. 1: THEFT OF SERVICES: 12 MONTHS PROBATIONCONCURRENT WITH 25R0546; $500 FINE; RESTITUTION OF $78.95. |
6. 25R0546 | AUDREY LYNN SELPH | CT. 1: BATTERY- FAMILY VIOLENCE: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; $500 FINE; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE. |
7. 26R0023 | NATALIE ROSEBOSWELL | CT. 1: THEFT BY TAKING: ALFORD PLEA: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; $500 FINE; 40 COMMUNITY SERVICE; RESTITUTION TBD. |
8. 26R0078 CHRISTOPHER LEE FOUNTAIN CT. 1: THEFT BY DECEPTION: 5 YEARS
PROBATION WITH 1 YEAR TO SERVE IN CONFINEMENT (TIMESERVED); $1,000 FINE; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; RESTITUTION
$3,360.00.
9. 25R0341 MICHAEL DAVID FLEMING CT. 1: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICER: 12 MONTHS
PROBATION; $500 FINE; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE.
PLEA LIST – JUDGE W. FLETCHER SAMS, GJC MAY 13, 2026
1. 24R0221 DERREK LEE NELLOR CT. 1: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: LESSER CHARGE
OF DISORDERLY CONDUCT: 5 MONTHS CONFINEMENT(TIME SERVED).
CT. 2: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: NOLLE PROSEQUI.
CT. 3: BATTERY FAMILY VIOLENCE: NOLLE PROSEQUI.
CT. 4: CRIMINAL TRESPASS: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 5:OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI.
2. 24R0284 JOSEPH ZACHARY MCKINLEY CT. 1: BURGLARY 1ST DEGREE: 25 YEARS WITH
5 YEARS SERVED IN CONFINEMENT (TIME SERVED) AND THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE;
$1,000 FINE.
3. 25R0138 SANTONIO CORNELIUS ELLISON CT. 1: DRIVING UNDER INFLUENCE:
12 MONTHS PROBATION WITH 72 HOURS CONFINEMENT;30 DAYS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $1,000 FINE.
CT. 2: DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED: 12 MONTHSPROBATION CONCURRENT WITH COUNT 1; $1,000 FINE.
CT. 3: VIOLATION OF DUTY UPON STRIKING FIXED OBJECT:NOLLE PROSEQUI.
CT. 4: OPEN CONTAINER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 5:FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LANE: NOLLE PROSEQUI.
CT. 6: RECKLESS DRIVING: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 7:FAILURE TO WEAR SAFETY BELT: NOLLE PROSEQUI.
4. 25R0205 TEION JAVONTAE DAVIS CT. 1: POSSESSION OF COCAINE WITH INTENT
TO DISTRIBUTE: 10 YEARS WITH FIRST 2 YEARS TO SERVE IN CONFINEMENT AND THE REMAINDER ONPROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $2,000 FINE.
| CT. 2: FAILURE TO WEAR SAFETY BELT:NOLLE PROSEQUI. | |
5. 25R0237 | CALVIN SHEROID PRICE | CT. 1: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT- FAMILY VIOLENCE: ALFORD PLEA: 10YEARS PROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $1,000 FINE. |
6. 25R0381 | CASEY ORLANDOMOORE | CT. 1: TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE: NOLLE PROSEQUI CT. 2: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE: 20 YEARS WITH THE FIRST 7 YEARS TO SERVE IN CONFINEMENT WITH REMAINDER ON PROBATION;$5,000 FINE; BANISHMENT FROM GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT. CT. 3: INTERFERENCE WITH GOVERNMENT PROPERTY: 5 YEARS TOSERVE IN CONFINEMENT,CONCURRENT WITH COUNT 2. CT. 4:OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 5: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 6: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. |
7. 25R0482 | DEPETRO VANQUIZKING | CT. 1: SIMPLE BATTERY-FAMILY VIOLENCE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 2: PUBLIC DRUNKENESS: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; $1,000 FINE; 40HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE. CT. 3: DISORDERLY CONDUCT: NOLLE PROSEQUI. |
ANDY HAY CHIEF NORTHSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Andrew "Andy" Hay Jr., age 76, of Meansville, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at The Gardenias Assisted Living.
Mr. Hay was born on May 19, 1949, in Thomaston, Georgia to the late Andrew Hay Sr. and the late Mary Pitts Redwine. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ann Bell Hay, stepfather, Frank Redwine, and brother Tony Hay.
Andy is survived by his son and daughter in law, Jason and Rikki Hay, grandson, Kasen Hay, granddaughter, Ryan Olivia Hay, son Adam Hay and his partner, Lindsey Philpott, grandchildren, Doc Hay, Rilyn, Colt, Fiora, two nieces and several cousins.
Andy has always been an avid car guy! He loved going to car shows and driving around the cars he had. He was the Chief of Northside Volunteer Fire Department for over 40 years and loved every minute of it. He retired from the Georgia Department of Revenue in 2004. After his retirement, he spent most of his days hanging out at Corley's Garage. He was well known around Thomaston and never met at a stranger.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. from Northridge Church. Burial will follow at Crystal Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. at Coggins Funeral Home.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
STATEMENT FROM T-U REC DIR. ERIK FOSTER ON TEE BALL INCIDENT
The Thomaston-Upson Recreation Department does not tolerate any form of physical altercation, violence, or conduct that negatively impacts the safety and integrity of our programs. Recently, two coaches were involved in a physical altercation that resulted in the City of Thomaston pursuing Disorderly Conduct charges under the applicable city ordinance. Those legal matters are being handled independently by the proper authorities and are separate from Recreation Department disciplinary actions.
After reviewing the situation, the Thomaston-Upson Recreation Department has determined that both individuals will be suspended from all coaching activities for the Summer, Fall, and Winter sports seasons. Neither individual will be eligible to return to coaching duties any earlier than the Spring season of 2027, and any potential return will be contingent upon successful completion of an approved anger management course.
As a department, we are committed to maintaining a safe, positive, and respectful environment for all athletes, families, coaches, officials, and spectators. Behavior that compromises those standards will not be tolerated, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken when necessary.
Erik Foster
Director of Parks & Recreation
706-975-4394
101 Civic Center Drive
P.O. Box 470
Thomaston, GA 30286
UPSON SO/THOMASTON PD RESPONDS TO TEE BALL INCIDENT
UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ASSISTED BY THOMASTON POLICE ARRESTED TWO TEE BALL COACHES TUESDAY EVENING FOR A DISAGREEMENT AT THE CIVIC CENTER TEE BALL FIELD. ACCORDING TO THE S.O. REPORT 33 YEAR OLD JACOB WAINWRIGHT WHO IS WHITE AND 39 YEAR OLD JESSE GARMON WHO IS BLACK CHARGED AT EACH OTHER DURING A COACHES CONFERENCE ON THE PITCHING MOUND. DEPUTY DINASIS WALKER WAS WORKING SECURITY AND RUSHED IN TO SEPERATE THE TWO COACHES. IN THE S.O. REPORT GARMON TOLD THE DEPUTY IT WAS OVER RACIAL COMMENTS. A WITNESS THOUGHT GARMON MIGHT HAVE JUST GOT UPSET BY AN UMPIRE'S CALL. BOTH COACHES WERE CHARGED WITH DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND BOOKED AT THE UPSON COUNTY JAIL.
THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORT SAID PARENTS BEGAN TO STORM THE FIELD WHEN THE INCIDENT STARTED.
UPSON COUNTY ZONING ORDIANCE CHANGES
THE UPSON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION 5;30 MEETING MONDAY LASTED UNTIL 8PM IN DISCUSSIONS OVER ZONING ORDIANCE CHANGES WITH WSP CONSULTANT LEE WALLTON. COUNTY COMMISSION CHAIRMAN DAN BRUE IS PLEASED WITH THE EXCHANGE AND SAYS THE PLANNING COMMISSION WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE CHANGES IN JUNE AND THE ISSUE WILL COME TO THE COMMISSIONERS IN JULY. AT TUESDAY'S REGULAR MEETING THE COMMISSIONERS PLACED A 60 DAY MORATORIUM ON APPEALS FROM PLANNING AND ZONING.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
CORRECTION ON NON-PARTISAN BALLOT GA. COURT OF APPEALS
CORRECTION: THE GA. COURT OF APPEALS RACE INVOLVING THOMASTON NATIVE ELIZABETH DALLAS GOBEIL IS ON A NON-PARTISAN BALLOT , A BALLOT YOU RECEIVE IF YOU SELECT A DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN BALLOT. JUDGE GOBEIL HAS SERVED FOR NEARLY 8 YEARS AFTER BEING APPOOINTED BY GOVERNOR NATHAN DEAL IN 2018 AND WAS ELECTED STATEWIDE IN 2020.
DRUG OVERDOSE DEATH IN THOMASTON UNDER INVESTIGATION
THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON REPORTS THE BODY OF 20 YEAR OLD WILEY WOLFSON IS AT THE STATE CRIME LAB FOR AUTOPSY AFTER HE ALLEGEDLY DIED OF A DRUG OVERDOSE AT 312 THURSTON AVE. THE CHIEF SAID THE AUTOPSY USUALLY IS CONDUCTED RATHER QUICKLY BUT IT TAKES SEVERAL WEEKS TO GET THE TOXOCOLOGY REPORT. WOLFSON'S ROOM MATE SAID HE SAW WOLFSON WITH COCAINE THE NIGHT BEFORE AND POLICE FOUND WRAPPERS OF SUSPECTED NARCOTIC-TYPE PILLS WOLFSON SAID HE BOUGHT AT A NORTHSIDE VAPE STORE.
THERE WERE SIGNS OF VOMIT IN A SINK-ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT.
Friday, May 8, 2026
CNN'S BOYS OF BAGHDAD
WITH THE PASSING OF MEDIA MOGUL TED TURNER -- THOMASTON REMEMBERS WTGA'S JOHN HOLLIMAN WHO STARTED HERE BUT SPEAKING TO THE WORLD FROM A HOTEL IN BAGHDAD WHEN THE U.S. GAVE THE GLOBE A BIT OF SHOCK AND AWE. VIRTUALLY EVERY TV AND RADIO STATION IN THE WORLD WAS TUNED TO CNN AS THE BOYS OF BAGHDAD, BERNARD SHAW, PETER ARNETT AND JOHN WERE IN A HOTEL AWAITING A CALL FROM SADDAM HUSSEIN REPS WHEN THE DEADLINE FOR UN SANCTIONS PASSED AND WAR WAS IMMINENT AND THE US WAS GOING TO BOMB BAGHDAD.
JOHN HOLLIMAN DIED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN ATLANTA IN 1998 AND ARNETT WENT ON TO TEACH JOURNALISM IN CHINA AND SHAW, NOW 74, RETIRED TO THE STATE OF MARYLAND--AND TOLD VIEWERS AT THE TIME--THIS FEELS LIKE WE'RE IN THE CENTER OF HELL--BUT I MADE MY PEACE THAT I COULD BE DEAD AT ANY TIME.
SADLY, JOHN HOLLIMAN-- CNN SPACE REPORTER HAD COMMITTED TO COVERING A SPACE SHOT WITH CBS ANCHOR LEGEND WALTER CRONKITE LATER THE YEAR HE PASSED AWAY.
GOV. KEMP/IST LADY AND US SENATE CANDIDATE DEREK DOOLEY IN PIKE, LAMAR, SPALDING
GA. GOVERNOR BRIAN KEMP, IST LADY MARTY KEMP AND U.S. SENATE CANDIDATE DEREK DOOLEY WILL SWING THRU THIS PART OF GA. WEDNESDAY. IN LAMAR COUNTY AT PASTIME GRILL 9;15 TO 10;15. IN PIKE COUNTY AT CHRIST CHAPEL PAVILION 10;30 TILL 11;30 AND SPALDING COUNTY AT SOUTHERN EVENTS 12 PM TILL 1PM.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
UPSON BOC WORK SESSION 5/6/26
COUNTY MANAGER LONNIE JOYCE REPORTS ON WEDNESDAY'S WORK SESSION OF THE UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND UPDATED THE ZONING ORDIANCE. A CONSULTANT WILL ATTEND THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD MEETING MONDAY TO DISCUSS CHANGES THAT HAVE BEEN PROPOSED . FINAL CHANGES WILL BE MADE AND A PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD AT THE JUNE MEETING. THEN, THE ZONING ORDIANCE WILL MOVE ON TO THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR FINAL APPROVAL.
THE COMMISSIONERS ADDED 5 MORE MILES OF RESURFACING TO THE LIST AND WILL VOTE ON IT AT THE NEXT TUESDAY MEETING. MOSTLY SMALL ROADS CLOSE TO AREAS ALREADY SCHEDULED FOR PAVING.
THE TAX ASSESSORS ASKED THAT THE BOC TABLE FOR THE TIME BEING USAGE OF BODY CAMERAS FOR TAX ASSESSORS EMPLOYEES .
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
DR. WAINE KONG OF THOMASTON HAS A NEW BOOK
THE ESSENTIAL TEACHINGS OF CONFUCIUS: MY YEARNING FOR THE WISDOM OF MASTER KONG Basil Waine Kong, Ph.D., J.D. (Jamaican)
600 pages of wisdom and guidance that will profoundly enrich your life. Published by Spines, Kindle: $9.95; Softcover: $30.00; Hardcover: $45.00.
Available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. In fact, do me a great favor, in addition to buying a copy, send one to a friend. You will be doing them a huge favor---lots to discuss!
Confucius readily admitted that he was a transmitter of knowledge, not the creator. The “I Ching” (Book of Changes) is attributed to King Wen of Zhou preceded him by 500 years.
"He who learns but does not think is lost. He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger." — Confucius
G-DOT WANTS PUBLIC INPUT ON PIKE CO PROJECT
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