2 VEHICLE WRECK 19 NORTH AND W.CO ROAD-FRI IN THOMASTON

 THOMASTON POLICE AND  FIRE  AND  EMS   DISPATCHED   TO A   TWO VEHICLE  ACCIDENT AT  19  NORTH AND  WEST COUNTY  ROAD  FRIDAY AROUND  12;30PM. AN  SUV  AND ANOTHER  CAR  INVOLVED.

GOV APPOINTS SHERIFF KILGORE TO GA. SHERIFF'S RETIREMENT BD OF COMMISSIONERS

 Dan Kilgore is the elected Sheriff of Upson County, a position he has held since January 2013. With over 40 years of experience in law enforcement, Kilgore's career has spanned a variety of roles, including serving as a sheriff's deputy, city police officer, county police officer, and district attorney’s investigator. Prior to his election as Sheriff, he dedicated more than 21 years of service as the chief deputy sheriff of Upson County. Kilgore is deeply involved in the law enforcement community and holds several leadership positions. He serves as vice chairman on the Board of the Peace Officer’s Annuity and Benefit Fund and is an advisory member of the Georgia POST Council. Additionally, he is the Georgia Sheriff’s Association Area 4 regional vice president. In 2023, he earned his certification as a retirement plan fiduciary, awarded by the Georgia Association of Public Pension Trustees. Outside of his professional endeavor

GORDON STATE FINANCIAL AID AWARENESS MONTH

 BARNESVILLE, Ga., – As Financial Aid Awareness Month concludes, Gordon State College continues to support students and families in navigating college costs. A key effort was Scholarship Saturday, where more than 500 registrants received hands-on financial aid guidance from GSC experts and partners from the University System of Georgia (USG) and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG).

The event helped students and families navigate FAFSA, HOPE, loan options, and college preparation.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support and collaboration of our local school systems,” said Kristy Riggs, GSC assistant director of financial aid. “Our goal is to be a trusted resource year-round for students, families, and high school partners as they navigate the transition from high school to their next steps. We look forward to making this an annual event!”

Attendees also gained insights on Georgia’s evolving job market from keynote speaker Chris Clarke, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Clarke emphasized the importance of lifelong learning in an era of rapid technological change, encouraging students to pursue adaptable skills for future careers.

“Over the next five years, AI will replace many low-skill, entry-level jobs in Georgia. These jobs won’t be coming back,” Clarke said. “It’s critical to focus on developing adaptable skills for the future. Lifelong learning isn’t optional; it’s essential for staying competitive in an evolving workforce.”

Other partners on hand included experts from Griffin Regional College & Career Academy, the Army National Guard, Marines, Georgia Transfer, GAFutures.org, and Southern Crescent Technical College as well as high school guidance counselors from Pike, Lamar, Griffin-Spalding, Upson, Butts, and Monroe counties.

Scholarship Saturday’s impact extended beyond the event as two student attendees were awarded $500 scholarships to support their college expenses. Emily Waddell, a dual enrollment senior at

Rock Springs Christian Academy in Lamar County, received the Dual Enrollment to Freshman Scholarship, which will be applied to her fall 2025 tuition. She has reapplied to Highlander Nation and plans to enroll after graduation.

GSC continues to offer financial aid assistance and is waiving application fees throughout March.

Prospective students can connect with the GSC Financial Aid Office at Finaid@gordonstate.edu for FAFSA support and learn more about applying at www.gordonstate.edu.

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Founded in 1852, GSC is a member of the University System of Georgia. The college has a distinct legacy of excellent scholarship and service. GSC offers nearly 30 degrees, which includes numerous concentrations, pathways, and certificate programs for students. With an enrollment of over 3,100 students, GSC provides an intimate academic setting with state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories. In this setting, students receive individualized attention that only a small college with dedicated faculty and staff can provide.

TPD REPORTS BANK ROBBERY NORTHSIDE UNITED BANK

 THOMASTON  POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON  REPORTS  A  BANK ROBBERY THURSDAY AT 4;10PM  AT  UNITED  BANK  IN  NORTHSIDE. THE SUSPECT  DESCRIBED  AS  A LIGHT SKINNED  BLACK MALE WHO FLED ON FOOT  UP GARNER STREET-- BUT THE CHIEF SAID ITS BELIEVED HE HAD A VEHICLE PARKED NEAR-BY.

THE PD PRESS RELEASE  SAID  THE MALE SUSPECT CAME IN THE  BANK, WALKED UP TO THE TELLER AND  HANDED HER  AN IPAD THAT HAD A NOTE DEMANDING MONEY OR  HE  WOULD  SHOOT.  HE NEVER DISPLAYED A  WEAPON AND NO ONE  WAS HURT. THE TELLER HANDED  HIM  MONEY  IN  THE DRAWER AND  THE SUSPECT FLED  THE BANK.

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL TO HOLD GOLF CART TOWN HALL

 THE  THOMASTON CITY  COUNCIL  IS PLANNING  A  TOWN  HALL MEETING  ON GOLF CARTS   TO GAIN  PUBLIC INPUT  ON  AN ORDIANCE  THAT WOULD LEGALIZE  GOLF CARTS ON  CITY  STREETS. A NEW ORDIANCE WOULD  SET  THE GUIDELINES  ON   THEIR USE--HOWEVER, MANY TRAVEL CITY  STREETS NOW.  POLICE CHIEF MIKE  RICHARDSON TOLD  101  NEWS AFTER THE  TUESDAY'S  MEETING  HE IS NOT IN FAVOR OF  GOLF  CARTS  -- BUT IF APPROVED   THERE NEEDS TO BE SAFEGUARDS. THE CHIEF  SAYS   OFFICERS HAVE NOT  BEEN CITING OPERATORS   IF  THEY  ARE DRIVING PROPERLY -- ALTHOUGH  THEY  ARE  TECHNICALLY ILLEGAL.   MAJOR SIDNEY  CORLEY ASKED COUNCIL IF  THEY  WOULD HAVE  THE PD'S  BACKS WHEN  THEY  HAVE  TO  IMPOUND  GOLF  CARTS FOR  DRIVING IN  THE  DOWNTOWN  AREA--THEY MUST  TRAVEL IN   RESTRICTED AREAS--  RESIDENTIAL STREETS--ONLY.

COUNCIL  MENTIONED  REQUIREMENTS  TO DRIVE  A  GOLF-CART IN THE CITY LIMITS--  EACH  WOULD HAVE TO   BE INSPECTED  BY   THE PD  AND ISSUED A  DECAL OF COMPLANCE--WITH  SEAT  BELTS AND SUCH. A  FACTION OF  CITIZENS WITH  GOLF CARTS HAVE BEEN URGING COUNCIL  TO APPROVE  THEM. 

ASSOCIATED WITH THE GOLF  CARTS  IS AN ORDIANCE THAT  WAS  APPROVED  SETTING  THE  SPEED  LIMIT ON  RESIDENTIAL STREETS  AT  25MPH.  IT NOW   GOES  TO G-DOT FOR APPROVAL. 

THOMASTON'S MAYOR PRO TEM RESIGNING

 THE CITY OF  THOMASTON'S  MAYOR PRO TEM DOUG HEAD ANNOUNCED AT  TUESDAY'S  COUNCIL MEETING HE PLANS  TO RESIGN HIS POST AT THE LAST MEETING IN APRIL--AND WILL JOIN HIS  BROTHER'S TOURING BUSINESS. THE CITY-WIDE  POST IS ON  THE NOVEMBER BALLOT.

CITY OF THOMASTON ARBOR DAY CEREMONY

 Please take part in this year’s Georgia State Arbor Day Ceremony on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 11:30 am located at 407 Howell Street.  We are proud to have had our Tree City USA Certification for Thirty-Seven years.  Please come join us for this year’s tree dedication and we look forward to seeing you ther

SPALDING CO BOC/THOMASTON CC PUBLIC HEARINGS HB 581

 THE  SPALDING COUNTY  BOARD OF  COMMISSIONERS  WILL  HOLD  THE  FINAL  PUBLIC  HEARING  ON OPTING-OUT  OF  HOUSE  BILL   581 TODAY  AT   6PM AND STATE HOUSE MEMBER  BETH  CAMP  WHO  SPONSORED  THE  TAX REDUCTION  BILL  WILL  BE A SPECIAL GUEST  TO  ADDRESS THE ISSUE.  THE COMMISSIONERS  ARE  SCHEDULED TO  VOTE  ON  IT  AT THE  END OF  THE  AGENDA.

THE THOMASTON MAYOR  AND  COUNCIL  HAS  NOT DECIDED ITS POSITION  AND  WILL  HOLD  PUBLIC HEARINGS  TUESDAY AT  10AM AND  6PM.

SOUTHERN RIVERS ENERGY REPORTS SUNDAY AFTERNOON

 Southern Rivers Energy suffered significant system damage from this morning’s severe storms that knocked out power to more than 10,000 meters across all nine counties in its service area. Additional EMC crews from Sumter, Grady, and Excelsior EMCs are now helping with restoration efforts along with contract crews from Sumter Utilities, Utilicon Services, and Harper’s Tree Service.

 

As of 3:00 PM, crews have restored power to more than 3165 meters and identified at least 10 broken poles and large amounts of line torn down by fallen trees and limbs. A total of 95 separate outages affecting 5316 meters remain, and an extensive amount of tree damage must be cleared before crews can access and repair damaged infrastructure. They are making progress, but due to the extent of the damage, some areas may not be restored until tomorrow evening.

 

The areas identified as the hardest hit include:

Monroe County/Culloden – Hwy 341 South

Pike County – Blanton Mill Road, Turner Road, Hollonville Road, Wood Creek, and Patton Road

Meriwether County – Flat Shoals Road, Gay Road, 109 Spur, Cleggs Ferry, Primrose Road, and Roosevelt Hwy.

 

SRE members living in any of these areas are encouraged to prepare to be without power until tomorrow evening. Crews will continue working steadily and hope to make quicker progress with the help of additional crews, but it is currently a slow process. Report outages using the Outage Hotline at 866-244-4890 and remember to stay away from downed power lines. Follow SRE on Facebook and X for updates.”    

 

You can find previous updates and photos on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/southernriversenergy

UPSON EMC REPORTS AT 10;30AM MONDAY

 We still have over 300 meters without power. These are mostly in Talbot and Upson counties. We have a few in Pike too. The storm that came through on Sunday morning had toppled trees onto our lines which caused multiple broke poles.

STORM DAMAGE IN UPSON, PIKE, SPALDING

 CITY  OF  THOMASTON  ELECTRIC CREWS SPENT  SEVERAL HOURS AT  CHEROKEE  ROAD AND  KINGSTON  ROAD  EARLY  SUNDAY   AFTER  DOWNED  TREE DEBRIS  BLOCKED  THE  INTERSECTION  AND LINES  WERE DOWN IN  THE  AFTERMATH OF THE STORM. TWO  BUCKET TRUCKS WORKED  THE  SCENE  AFTER THE  THOMASTON FIRE DEPARTMENT BLOCKED-OFF  CHEROKEE  ROAD  FROM  SOUTH GREEN  TO GREENWOOD ROAD. THE  TFD REPORTED A  TREE DOWN AT MILL  RACE  ROAD AND EMA DIRECTOR RICHARD HICKMON REPORTED  TREES DOWN ON  ROADWAYS ON TRIUNE MILL  ROAD, HICKMON FORK ROAD, AND  LAWRENCE  ROAD. POWER OUTAGES REPORTED IN  THE CITY OF  THOMASTON.

PIKE  COUNTY  EMA REPORTED  TREES DOWN ON  SEVERAL HOUSES IN  THE NORTHERN END  OF THE COUNTY. ONE ON KINGS BRIDGE ROAD.  SOME POWER OUTAGES REPORTED.  SPALDING  COUNTY  EMA REPORTED A  HOUSE  WAS  DAMAGED  IN THE  STORM WITH  TREES AND POWER LINES DOWN.

MISSING MAN IN UPSON SUNDAY FOUND

MISSING  MAN  FOUND  IN  UPSON COUNTY  SUNDAY. MR. JAMES BECKHAM,  74  OF  871  SKELTON  ROAD WAS LAST SEEN  SUNDAY  4AM  ON  FOOT. HE  WALKED UP  TO  A  RESIDENCE ON  MILL  RACE ROAD. SHERIFF  DAN KILGORE SAID  HE  WAS  CHECKED OUT  AT  THE E.R.  AND  FOUND  TO  BE O.K.

STORM DAMAGE IN UPSON EARLY THURSDAY

 UPSON COUNTY  EMA DIRECTOR  RICHARD HICKMON REPORTED  TWO  TREES DOWN IN  THURSDAY  COMMUNITY, ONE IN YATESVILLE--BUT  CREWS  OPENED  THE  ROADS QUICKLY AFTER THURSDAY'S  EARLY  MORNING STORM. NO  OTHER REPORTS  OF  DAMAGE-OTHERWISE.

THOMASTON-UPSON BOE MEETING 2/11/25

 Board Recognition

1.        Ronik Patel, a senior at Upson-Lee High School, has been named 2025 PAGE STAR Student for the Thomaston-Upson School System. Ronik is the son of Mr. Jayesh Patel and Dr. Saroj Patel. Patel selected Thomaston-Upson School System’s English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher Mrs. Renae Kilgore as the 2025 STAR Teacher. STAR Student is the student with the highest score in one sitting of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) taken through the November test date of his or her senior year. STAR Student must also be in the top 10 percent of his or her class based on grade point average. STAR Teacher, chosen by the STAR Student, is the teacher who has made the most significant contribution to the student’s scholastic development.

2.        Congratulations to ULHS Science Olympiad team members David Eppinger and Logan Slaughter for winning FIRST PLACE this weekend in a regional competition at Berry College. Eppinger and Slaughter secured the first-place finish in the Air Trajectory event by designing and building a compressed-air-powered device capable of launching projectiles with precision to hit targets at varying heights and distances.

3.        Upson-Lee High School and West Central Georgia Bank, a Partner In Education with the Thomaston-Upson School System, have proudly recognized 212 students as GOAL Card recipients. These students earned a grade of “A” at ULHS in every course during the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year and will receive free admission to all regular season athletic events during this second semester. The West Central Georgia Bank GOAL Card program is in its 33rd year, making this the oldest partnership program within the Thomaston-Upson School System. We want to thank West Central Georgia Bank for continuing to recognize excellence in our school system. 

4.        Congratulations to Upson-Lee High School Cafeteria Manager, Cindy Railey, and the ULHS Cafeteria Team for winning FIRST PLACE in the dessert category for the GA School Nutrition Association's 6th District. The Upson-Lee High School dessert now advances to the state competition.

5.        Congratulations and good luck to the ULHS  girls and boys basketball teams, which will be competing in the region tournament this week. 

6.        Congratulations and good luck to the NJROTC Rifle Team, which will be competing in the Navy Nationals in Anniston, Alabama, starting February 16th.

7.        Congratulations and good luck to the following members of the ULHS Wrestling Team who qualified for the state wrestling tournament and will be traveling to Macon on Thursday for the state competition: John Adams, Cason Waddell, Trevor Young, Cleveland Nicholas, Jordan Little, Chestin Howard, Connor Walker, and Cooper White

Board Action Items

1. The Board approved the $6.8 million GMP for Phase III Sports Facility Upgrades. Phase III includes the new Athletic Complex behind Upson-Lee High School.
2. The Board approved 2 surplus requests - 1 for a 2005 Toshiba Printer that no longer works and 1 for an ice maker at ULHS that is beyond repair.  

NEW T-U IDA MEMBER

 AG ED  AND FFA  ADVISOR AT U-L  HIGH SCHOOL--JOSH  RABALAIS WAS APPOINTED  TO THE IDA AT TUESDAY'S  MEETING  OF  THE UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. IT WAS  MENTIONED THAT HE  WOULD BE AN IDEAL GO-BETWEEN  FOR   THE  DEVELOPMENT  AUTHORITY  AND SCHOOL  SYSTEM. 

CITY OF ZEBULON EASTSIDE DRAINAGE UPGRADES

 Zebulon, GA – February 6, 2025 – The City of Zebulon is pleased to announce that the 2023 CDBG Flooding, Street and Drainage Improvements (Eastside Drainage Improvements) project is out for bid. The bids will be due on Monday March 10, 2025, at 1:00PM and will be opened at that time and place. The City anticipates awarding the bid on March 20, 2025 at a called meeting and construction should start by this May. Construction should take approximately six months and will involve some temporary street closures. The City of Zebulon was awarded $1,000,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the State of Georgia in October 2023 to address flooding problems in the Beckham Street/Ralph McCrary Blvd (Old Jackson St.) and MLK Circle neighborhoods. The City has completed all of the preliminary work and has obtained the necessary approvals to install new pipes, drainage structures, curb and gutter and other improvements. The city is contributing $187,000 in SPLOST dollars towards the project. Councilmember Claude Hollis brought this matter to City Council in 2021 and worked hard with the other Council members to collect income surveys needed for the project. According to Mayor Joe Walter, “the residents in these two neighborhoods have been very patient with the City as we worked with the engineer to get the plans prepared and permitted. Every time it rains, I think about the folks who have water running under their houses. It is important that we take care of these issues for the folks that do not have the means to address the flooding by themselves.” Mayor Walter also added, “we are using SPLOST funds to address flooding in the Head, Gwyn and Franklin Street neighborhood and that project will be going out to bid later this spring. We are thankful that we have SPLOST funds to use towards these projects and appreciate the community