BIG MISTAKE ON AAAA COACH OF YEAR, SHOULD BE COACH DARRELL LOCKKHART U-L 32-0

Class AAAA
Coach of the Year: Aaron Parr, St. Pius (24-8 State Runner-Up; First championship appearance since 1992; No current D-I players; Started season 6-5)
Player of the Year: Tye Fagan, Upson-Lee, Jr.
Freshman of the Year: Jacorrei Turner, Woodward Academy
Best Scorer: Javon Greene, Henry County, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Travon Walker, Upson-Lee, So.
Best Passer: Kris Gardner, Westover, Jr.
Best Shot Blocker: Cordale Scott, Northside-Columbus, Sr.
Most Underrated: Julian Cameron, Woodward Academy, Sr.
Most Improved Team: LaFayette 23-5 (First home playoff win in school history; First Sweet 16 appearance in five years; Improved from 12-13)
Most Improved: Desmeontay Dyer, Eastside, Sr. (Improved from JV to 17.7 ppg/10.8 rpg/2.8 spg on Varsity)

FIRST TEAM
G – Tye Fagan, Upson-Lee, Jr.
G – Javon Greene, Henry County, Sr.
G – Keiodre Perry, Eastside, Sr.
G – Damion Rosser, Henry County, Sr.
G – Daniel Melvin, Carver-Columbus, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Cameron Holden, Mary Persons, Jr.
G – Jaylon Pugh, Cartersville, Jr.
G – Laperion Perry, LaGrange, Sr.
G – Kris Gardner, Westover, Jr.
F – Evan Jester, Sandy Creek, Sr.

Honorable Mention
C – Ahsan Asadullah, North Clayton, Sr.
G – Zyrice Scott, Upson-Lee, So.
F – Jordan Foote, Druid Hills, Sr.
F – Moses Williams, Richmond Academy, Sr.
G – DT Stephens, Richmond Academy, Jr.
G – Radaren Johnson, Thomson, Sr.
G – Alex Kelehear, LaFayette, So.
G – Everett Lane, St. Pius, Jr.
F – John Ward, White County, Sr.
F – De’Undra Singleton, Stephens County, Jr.
G – Desmeontay Dyer, Eastside, Sr.

THOMASTON P.D. BIG METH BUST

On 03/13/17 approximately 12:30 PM Sgt. Brian Hammock of the Upson Narcotics Task Force received information that a white female known as Carmen was riding in a Ford Taurus gold in color bearing a handicap Georgia tag number TNJ616 in the Thomaston area transporting a large amount of methamphetamine.  Sgt. Hammock located the vehicle in the area of Hwy 19 North during which time he conducted surveillance and contacted Officer Matthew Allen and informed him about the information.  Officer Allen observed the vehicle fail to maintain its lane on F. Street near the intersection with E Street at which time he conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.  Officer Allen identified the white female as Carmen Michelle WILBURN of 442 E Street, Thomaston, Upson County, Georgia 30286. During the investigation approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine was located in WILBURN’s pocketbook along with 1.5 grams of marijuana, a silver in color marijuana grinder, cigarillos pack containing a blue in color glass pipe used for smoking methamphetamine and 2 hypodermic needles. WILBURN was placed under arrest and transported to the Upson County Sheriff’s Office for warrants pending. WILBURN will be charged with Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute and Possession of Marijuana Less than One Ounce.

Michael Richardson

Chief of Police

UPSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY TOUR

THE UPSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY IS HOLDING A BUS TOUR FUND RAISER IN CELEBRATION OF THE SOCIETY'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY.

FIRST 13 CALLERS QUALIFY FOR THE TOUR, SATURDAY APRIL 29TH 9AM TILL NOON. COST $40 PER PERSON.

PHONE SUE GRUBBS AT 706-646-3249.

UL KNIGHTS WIN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

THE UPSON LEE KNIGHTS WON THE FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE SCHOOL'S HISTORY, FRIDAY NIGHT AT GA. TECH , DEFEATING ST. PIUS OF ATLANTA 53-48 BEFORE A SELL OUT CROWD. THE RUNNING KNIGHTS OF COACH DARRELL LOCKHART THE ONLY TEAM IN THE STATE TO GO UNDEFEATED THIS SEASON, 32-0.

ZOOM 105-9/101-1 WILL AIR A REPLAY OF THE GAME TUESDAY AT 6PM.

GRIFFIN-SPALDING COUNTY SCHOOLS LOCKDOWN THURS

On Thursday March 9, 2017, the Griffin Police Department received information from a citizen who wanted to turn over a Kel-tec 2000 9mm handgun that was obtained from 28-year-old Joseph Miller Jr., a family member.

The family member further advised that Miller was threatening to shoot up the Police Department and area schools.  The family member stated that Miller had three additional long guns in his room at his 305 B Louis Lane residence.

The Griffin-Spalding County School System was notified of the potential threat and initiated its Level 1 Lockdown Procedure.

Based upon information obtained throughout the morning’s investigation, a search warrant was obtained from Spalding County Magistrate Court. Personnel of the GPD Special Response Team and the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit executed the search warrant at Miller’s Louise Lane residence.

Located were rounds of ammunition and a flare gun.

Simultaneously, Miller was located at the Spalding County Department of Family and Children Services where he was apprehended without incident.

He was transported to the Spalding County Jail where he is being held on one felony count of terroristic act.

URMC CONSULTANTS KILLED IN PIKE CO. WRECK

ACCORDING TO THE PIKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE—TWO WERE KILLED, TWO LIFE-FLIGHTED AFTER A HEAD-ON CRASH ON U.S. 19 IN ZEBULON NEAR THE LIBRARY—THURSDAY 6;30AM.

THE TWO DECEASED WERE CONSULTANTS FOR UPSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER TO UPGRADE ITS I.T. DEPARTMENT AND WERE SOUTH BOUND ENROUTE TO THE HOSPITAL IN A CHEVROLET TRAVERSE WITH A 3RD PASSENGER.

PIKE S.O. SAID A FORD F-150 PICK-UP DRIVEN BY 21—YEAR OLD AUSTIN GREENE OF THOMASTON WAS NORTHBOUND AND APPARENTLY CROSSED THE CENTER LINE. A PASSER-BY PULLED GREENE FROM THE WRECKAGE JUST AS THE TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE—AND HE WAS LIFE-FLIGHTED TO GRADY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN ATLANTA.

THE SURVIVING PASSENGER IN THE CHEVROLET-- GREG ROULEAU -- WAS FREED BY PIKE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT AND WAS ALSO LIFE-FLIGHTED TO GRADY.

THE DECREASED—KIM LEE AND JIM WISNEIWSKI , PART OF A TEAM FROM A BOSTON FIRM—NAVIN HAFFTY -- THAT'S BEEN WORKING ON A MAJOR I.T. PROJECT FOR THE HOSPITAL.

IN A MEMO TO EMPLOYEES -- URMC C.E.O. TRIP PENN SAID THE TWO DECEASED WERE MEMBERS OF THE HOSPITALS EXTENDED FAMILY AND THE TRIO HAVE BEEN EMBEDDED WITH STAFF FOR SOME TIME. HE ASKED FOR PRAYER FOR THEIR FAMILIES AND FOR ROULEAU.

PIKE COUNTY S.O. IS WORKING TO RE-CREATE WHAT HAPPENED AND TOXICOLOGY RESULTS WAS FOWARDED TO THE GBI CRIME LAB. 

UL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME FRI. WITH ST. PIUS

AFTER GETTING WORD THAT SOME T-SHIRTS WERE IN THE OFFING THAT WOULD BE DEMEANING TO THE CATHOLIC FAITH, THE THOMASTON-UPSON COUNTY SCHOOLS ISSUED A PRESS RELEASE THIS WEEK WARNING ABOUT APPAREL AT FRIDAY'S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL GAME AT GA. TECH BETWEEN UPSON-LEE AND ST. PIUS.

FANS AND STUDENTS ARE URGED TO WEAR KNIGHTS COLORS AND GEAR -- ANYONE WITH INSULTING CLOTHING COULD BE ESCORTED FROM THE BUILDING.

THE RUNNING KNIGHTS BASKETBALL TEAM WILL LEAVE THE HIGH SCHOOL AT 1PM FRIDAY HEADED FOR GA. TECH. THE BUS WILL PASS THE CIVIC CENTER, MIDDLE SCHOOL, AND CIRCLE THE SQUARE TWICE. FANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SHOW KNIGHTS COLORS AND LINE THE STREETS FOR A SUPER SENDOFF.

GPB WILL NOT TELEVISE THE TITLE GAMES THIS SEASON, BUT WE WILL AIR IT ON 105-9/101-1 FM WITH PRE-GAME FRIDAY AT 6;30PM FOR THE 8PM TIP-OFF.

2017 ATL BRAVES SCHEDULES IN OUR LOBBY

ZOOM RADIO 105-9/101-1 FM—THE HOME OF THE ATLANTA BRAVES—PICK-UP YOUR 2017 ATLANTA BRAVES SCHEDULE IN OUR LOBBY. SPRING TRAINING GAMES SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 1PM IN MARCH.

THOMASTON MAYOR J.D. STALLINGS HAS ANNOUNCED SATURDAY AUGUST 5TH WILL BE THOMASTON NITE AT THE NEW SUN TRUST STADIUM—KICK-STARTING A ONE-TIME ANNUAL TRADITION. TICKET INFORMATION UPCOMING.

FREE DENTAL CLINIC

THE CENTENNIAL BAPTIST ASSOCIATION SPONSORING A FREE DENTAL CLINIC FOR THE UNINSURED MARCH 16TH THRU 18 TH AT PINE VIEW BAPTIST CHURCH IN BARNESVILLE.

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT MONDAY, MARCH 13TH BEGINING AT 9AM—706-741-7439 THAT'S 706-741-7439

UPSON CO. SCHOOL BUS WRECK MONDAY 7AM

SEVERAL STUDENTS TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R. FOR EVALUATION AFTER A WRECK INVOLVING AN UPSON COUNTY SCHOOL BUS AND A TRUCK FROM HARPER'S TREE SERVICE ON HICKMON FORK ROAD—MONDAY MORNING 7AM.

POST 26 GSP TOLD ZOOM NEWS—NONE OF THE STUDENTS HAD SERIOUS INJURIES.

AFTER A TWO HOUR MEETING MONDAY AT THE CIVIC CENTER—THE 66-MEMBER EXECUTIVE COMMITTE OF THE THOMASTON-BASED GA. HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO ACCEPT THE RETIREMENT OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GARY PHILLIPS AT THE END OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR—AND HIS CONTRACT THRU 2018 WILL BE HONORED—ANNUAL SALARY AROUND $130,000 .

TWO BILLS IN THE GA. GENERAL ASSEMBLY WOULD REPLACE THE GHSA—BUT ATTORNEY ALAN CONNELL—LEGAL COUNSEL TOLD ZOOM NEWS—HE HAD PREVIOUSLY SPOKEN WITH STATE SENATOR BRUCE THORNTON OF CARTERSVILLE AND THRONTON INDICATED HE WOULD DROP HIS BILL IF PHILLIPS AGREED TO RETIRE. HE WAS SIDEWAYS WITH GHSA OVER A 2015 BASEBALL GAME TRAVEL DECISION .

STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOHNNIE CALDWELL TOLD US HE OPPOSES THE HOUSE BILL BUT IT WAS HELD IN COMMITTEE AND DID NOT CROSS OVER TO THE SENATE FRIDAY --- A GOOD SIGN FOR GHSA SUPPORTERS.

PHILLIPS -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR 3 YEARS –16 YEARS IN ALL-- TOLD THE COMMITTEE MONDAY-- BECAUSE OF HIS RESPECT FOR GHSA AND FAITH IN THE JOB ITS DOING—HIS FIRST INCLINATION WAS TO FIGHT TO THE BITTER END—BUT THIS WOULD BENEFIT NO ONE.

OVERALL—I AM QUIET PROUD OF WHAT WE HAVE ACCOMPISHED— PHILLIPS SAID.

LAST WEEK--THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES VOTED 5 TO 3 TO RECOMMEND PHILLIPS RETIRE AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR—LEADING TO MONDAY'S MEETING OF THE FULL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE—WHICH MADE IT CLEAR BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE IT DID NOT WANT PHILIPS TO LEAVE—BEFORE ACCEPTING HIS RETIREMENT PLANS.

UL KNIGHTS IN FINAL FOUR SAT 8PM IN AUGUSTA ON 105-9/101-1 FM

THE UNDEFEATED UPSON LEE KNIGHTS OF COACH DARRELL LOCKHART PLAY HENRY COUNTY HIGH IN THE FINAL FOUR OF THE STATE BASKETBALL PLAY-OFFS SATURDAY AT 8PM IN AUGUSTA. AIR TIME    7PM ON 105-9/101-1 WITH MICKEY THRASHER AND COACH JIM FOWLER FROM AUGUSTA COLLEGE.

SANDY CREEK MEETS ST. PIUS IN THE 4PM GAME—AND THE TWO WINNERS PLAY AT GA. TECH NEXT FRIDAY NIGHT FOR THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

THE GRIFFIN HIGH LADY BEARS FACE BUFORD IN THE LADIES FINAL FOUR 6PM SATURDAY AT COLUMBUS STATE .

FAYETTE COUNTY BOYS PLAY BUFORD AT 8PM IN COLUMBUS.

COUNTY MANAGER PLANS TO STAY ON

UPSON'S COUNTY MANAGER JIM WHEELESS SAID AN OUT-POURING OF SUPPORT FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, DEPARTMENT HEADS AND CITIZENS CHANGED HIS MIND ABOUT

A RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT THIS WEEK.

WHEELESS TOLD NEW COMMISSION CHAIRMAN NORMAN ALLEN ON MONDAY THEIR MANAGEMENT STYLES DON'T JIVE AND HE PLANNED TO ANNOUNCE HIS RETIREMENT AT TUESDAY'S MEETING. BUT BETWEEN MONDAY AND TUESDAY'S MEETING HE WAS ENCOURAGED TO STAY WHEN WORD GOT OUT HE WOULD BE RETIRING—SO THAT ANNOUNCEMENT NEVER CAME.

AFTER THE BOARD EXITED EXECUTIVE SESSION—TUESDAY--CHAIRMAN ALLEN—WHO HAS A POLICY OF NOT VOTING EXCEPT TO BREAK A TIE—MADE A MOTION TO DISMISS WHEELESS AND THE OTHER NEW COMMISSIONER JAMES ELLINGTON CAST A VOTE TO SUPPORT HIS TERMINATION—A 3 TO 1 VOTE FOR WHEELESS TO REMAIN COUNTY MANAGER.

IN A STATEMENT RELEASED WEDNESDAY---CHAIRMAN ALLEN TOLD ZOOM NEWS HE WAS NOT HAPPY ABOUT THE MANAGER'S INTENTIONS TO RETIRE—BUT HE BELIEVES ONCE SOMEONE EXPRESSES RESERVATIONS ABOUT A JOB ITS NOT GOOD FOR THEM TO STAY-ON—SO HE MADE THE MOTION TO DISMISS HIM.

HE ALSO INDICATED HE CAN MOVE-ON FROM THIS AND WORK WITH WHEELESS.

JIM TOLD US HE PLANS TO RELEASE A STATEMENT DEALING WITH EVENTS THIS WEEK.

LOG TRUCK ACCIDENT DOWNTOWN THOMASTON

A FEMALE PASSENGER IN A CAR ON SOUTH CENTER STREET WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R. BY EMS AFTER OVERHANGING TIMBERS ON A LOG TRUCK SMASHED A WINDOW AND INJURED HER WEDNESDAY.

WITNESSES TOLD ZOOM NEWS, THE LOG TRUCK DID NOT STOP, THE TRUCK DRIVER APPARENTLY WAS UNAWARE OF THE ACCIDENT CAUSED WHEN HE TURNED ONTO EAST GORDON.

THOMASTON POLICE INVESTIGATING.

SENIOR CITIZEN PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT

ACCORDING TO THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MICHAEL RICHARDSON—AN ELDERLY WHITE MALE WALKING WITH A CANE WAS STRUCK BY A CAR AT THE SILVERTOWN TRAFFIC SIGNAL—WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.

THE VICTIM FELL FOWARD ON HIS FACE AND SUFFERED LACARATIONS AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO A MACON HOSPITAL BY EMS.

THE CHIEF SAID HE WAS TALKING WITH FIRST RESPONDERS AT THE SCENE.

MOVE FAILS TO FIRE UPSON COUNTY MANAGER

A MOVE TO FIRE COUNTY MANAGER JIM WHEELESS FAILED AT TUESDAY'S MEETING OF THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AFTER AN HOUR-LONG EXECUTIVE SESSION.

ACCORDING TO THE COUNTY CLERK'S NOTES ON THE MINUTES—DURING OPEN SESSION—CHAIRMAN NORMAN ALLEN—WHO HAS A POLICY OF NOT VOTING EXCEPT TO BREAK A TIE—MADE A MOTION TO DISMISS WHEELESS AND THE OTHER NEW COMMISSIONER JAMES ELLINGTON 2ND THE MOTION.

THE MOTION FAILED ON A 3-1 VOTE WITH COMMISSIONER ELLINGTON CASTING THE ONLY VOTE TO TERMINATE WHEELESS.

COMMISSIONERS LORENZO WILDER, RALPH ELLINGTON AND FRANK SPRAGGINS VOTED IN SUPPORT OF COUNTY MANAGER WHEELESS.

IN A STATEMENT RELEASED WEDNESDAY MORNING—CHAIRMAN ALLEN TOLD ZOOM NEWS—COUNTY MANAGER WHEELESS INFORMED HIM MONDAY AFTERNOON HE PLANNED TO ANNOUNCE HIS RETIREMENT DURING TUESDAY'S MEETING.

IN THAT EXCHANGE WHEELESS REPORTEDLY INDICATED THE TWO HAVE A CLASH OF MANAGEMENT STYLES THAT COMPLICATES THEIR WORKING RELATIONSHIP.

CHAIRMAN ALLEN SAID HE WAS DISAPPOINTED TO HEAR WHEELESS WANTED TO LEAVE—BECAUSE HE BRINGS A SKILL SET TO THE COUNTY THAT WILL BE HARD TO REPLACE.

HOWEVER, THE CHAIRMAN SAID HE MADE THE MOTION TO DISMISS BECAUSE PAST EXPERIENCE HAS TAUGHT HIM ONCE AN INDIVIDUAL IN A KEY LEADERSHIP POSITION EXPRESSES A DESIRE TO LEAVE AN ORGANIZATION—IT SUFFERS GOING FOWARD.

ALLEN SAID--SINCE HE WAS ELECTED CHAIR LAST YEAR—THERE HAS BEEN A PERCEPTION HE WANTED WHEELESS GONE—BUT THAT'S NOT SO.

WHEELESS WAS EXCUSED FROM THE HOUR-LONG CLOSED DOOR SESSION THAT GOT LOUD—ACCORDING TO PERSONS ON THE OUTSIDE.

THERE WAS NO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THE AGENDA AND CHAIRMAN ALLEN SAID HE W AS UNAWARE THERE WOULD BE ONE UNTIL COMMISSIONER LORENZO WILDER ASKED FOR IT.

THE CHAIRMAN SAID HE DOES NOT KNOW WHY WHEELESS CHANGED HIS MIND BETWEEN THEIR MEETING MONDAY AFTERNOON AND THE TUESDAY MEETING—BUT ALLEN TOLD US HE SUGGESTED WHEELESS INFORM ALL THE OTHER BOARD MEMBERS.