THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL MET DEC. 2ND

 MAYOR  PRO TEM TROY  CHANEY  PRESIDED  IN  THE  ABSENCE  OF  MAYOR  J.D. STALLINGS  AT  THE  DEC  2ND  MEETING  OF  THE  THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL  AND  THERE  WAS  NO  PUBLIC  COMMENT  DURING  A  PUBLIC  HEARING  ON  THE  2026  BUDGET.  MAYOR  PRO   TEM  CHANEY  ADMINISTRATED  THE  OATH OF  OFFICE  FOR  NEW  FIRE  FIGHTERS--HUNTER  TUCKER, BRETAVIAN  CARTER  AND  BEN  HEFTON. AMONG  THE  ITEMS  APPROVED--BID  AWARD  TO  COGGINS  CONSTRUCTION  CO  FOR  AVE. N.  STORMWATER  ROAD  REPAIRS--$219,000.

2ND  READ  AND  UNANIMOUS  VOTE    FOR  A  SPECIAL  USE  PERMIT  AT  904  NORTH  HIGHTOWER  ST.  FOR  A  SCRAP  METAL  RECYCLING  FACILITY.

AMONG  THE APPOINTMENTS--CPA--SYDNEY  SHARPE  TO  THE  IDA-  REAPPOINTMENTS  TO  THE  ZONING  COMMISSION  STEVE  SHORT,  PRISCILLA  MCCOY AND  SANDY  KERSEY.

KAREN  RAINES  TO  THE  JOINT  REC  ADVISORY  BOARD,  JOHN  WILLIAMS  TO  THE  AIRPORT  AUTHORITY  AND  MAYOR  PRO  TEM   TROY  CHANEY  TO  THE  DOWNTOWN  DEVELOPMENT  AUTHORITY. 

ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT  DIRECTOR TAYLOR  SMITH  GAVE  A  PRESENTATION  ON  A  TAX  ALLOCATION  DISTRICT--SOMETHING  THAT  WILL  REQUIRE    ACTION  BY    THE  GA.  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY  AND A  VOTE  BY  CITIZENS--BUT  COULD  HELP  REHAB EAST  THOMASTON.

PIKE CO TIMES.COM REPORTS A NEW POLICE CHIEF FOR ZEBULON

 ZEBULON - The City of Zebulon is proud to announce the official appointment of Tony Howard as the new Chief of Police for the Zebulon Police Department, effective January 5, 2026. Chief Howard brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and dedication to public service in this esteemed role.

Mayor Joe Walter expressed his confidence in the new appointment, stating, “After a lengthy selection process, I am please to announce Mr. Tony Howard as our new Chief of Police. The Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police compiled a list of candidates to be considered for the position and assisted the City with testing and background research on all the candidates. I want to thank Interim Chief James Morgan for helping us stabilize the department and provide leadership until a permanent chief could be selected. I also want to emphasize how professional our police department has been during this time of transition and how dedicated they have been to serving and patrolling the community.”

Mayor Walter is confident that the residents and business owners will be pleased with the addition of Chief Howard to the Department and is looking forward to a seamless transition. “GACP’s assistance made the process very smooth. The Council and I believed that binging in an outside agency to assist in the selection process would provide someone with a different perspective and we are pleased with the results.”

Chief Howard brings over 30 years of service in various roles of law enforcement, being honored with many awards and accolades, including the Michael K. Conner Public Service Award for exemplary leadership and outstanding service on behalf of Weed and Seed communities. Beyond his professional achievements, Chief Howard has served over the safety ministry at Timothy Baptist Church, an Executive Board Member of the Clarke County Mentor Program, and a member of Felony Drug Court.

The City of Zebulon is excited to welcome our new police chief, Tony Howard, who brings a wealth of experience and dedication to public service. His appointment is a significant step forward for the Zebulon Police Department, and we are looking forward to his leadership.

UPSON CO PROBATE JUDGE MUFFIN GIBSON ON HER RUN-OFF VICTORY

​

This is Upson County Probate Judge Muffin Gibson.

My heart is full today. I am truly humbled and deeply grateful to share the incredible blessing of winning the probate judge runoff election. Thank you to everyone who prayed for me, encouraged me, supported me, and took the time to vote. Your belief in me has touched me more than I can ever put into words.

To my wonderful husband, my family, my staff, and my friends,  your love, your strength, and your constant support carried me through this entire journey. And above all, I thank the Good Lord for His guidance, His grace, and His steady hand over my life and this campaign.

I am here to serve this community with compassion, integrity, and experience. Thank you for trusting me, for standing beside me, and for giving me the honor of continuing to serve you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Upson County. 

Upson County Probate Judge Muffin Gibson  

INCUMBENT MUFFIN GIBSON WINS RUN-OFF FOR UPSON CO PROBATE JUDGE

 INCUMBENT  MUFFIN  GIBSON  WAS  ELECTED   AS  UPSON  COUNTY  PROBATE  JUDGE  IN  TUESDAY'S    RUN-OFF  ELECTION.  JUDGE  GIBSON  POLLED   1508  VOTES    57  POINT 45% AND  CHALLENGER  DUSTIN  FORDHAM  RECEIVED  1117  VOTES 42 POINT 55%.  GIBSON  CARRIED  EVERY  PRECINCT  EXCEPT  SALEM    AND  SHE  CARRIED  THE  EARLY  VOTING. JUDGE  GIBSON  WAS  SERVING  AS  INTERIM  PROBATE  JUDGE  AFTER  PREVIOUS  PROBATE  JUDGE  DANIELLE  MCRAE   RESIGNED.  

UPSON CO ROAD CLOSED/BISHOP ROAD TILL FURTHER NOTICE

 

CITY OF THOMASTON CHECK THEFT

 ON   THE  THOMASTON  POLICE  BLOTTER--A  CASE  OF  CHECK  FRAUD   INVOLVING  THE  CITY  OF  THOMASTON   UNDER  INVESTIGATION  BY  THE   CID  UNIT.  THE  REPORT  SAID  A  CHECK  FOR $3952  WAS  MAILED    BY  THOMASTON  CITY  HALL    THROUGH  THE US  MAIL  TO  A  KENNESAW, GA.  COMPANY--AND  IT  WAS  STOLEN  FROM  THE  MAIL  AND  ALTERED.  IT  WAS  MADE  OUT  TO  A   TAKEIM   HENDERSON  OF  RIVERDALE, GA.  FOR  THE   ORIGINAL  AMOUNT. .

UPSON COUNTY DELINQUENT TAX SALE

 ACCORDING  TO  UPSON  COUNTY   TAX  COMMISSIONER  ANDY  CHASTAIN  THE  COUNTY'S  DELINQUENT   TAX  SALE  IS  TUESDAY  MORNING   10AM  AT  THE  CIVIC  CENTER. ANYONE  INTERESTED  IN  BIDDING  ON  ANY  PROPERTIES SHOULD  COME  BY  THE  TAX  COMMISSIONER'S  OFFICE  BY  9;30AM  TUESDAY  TO  SIGN  UP  OR  SIGN  UP  AT   THE  CIVIC  CENTER  PRIOR  TO  THE  START  OF  THE  SALE. 

MR. OLDS FOUND AND IS OK/TPD

 THOMASTON  POLICE  CHIEF  MIKE RICHARDSON  SAYS A  MISSING  VULNERABLE  ADULT--82-YIEAR  OLD  MARIOT  OLDS   FROM  HARBORVIEW  NURSING  HOME  HAS  BEEN  LOCATED  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA   AND  IS  OK  WITH  FAMILY THERE.

MR.  OLDS  WENT  MISSING  AT  HARBORVIEW  NURSING  HOME  IN  THOMASTON NOV.  22ND  AND  POLICE WERE  CONTACTED  BY  HIS  DAUGHTER  IN  GEORGIA  THAT  HE MIGHT  BE  WITH  UNAUTHORIZED  RELATIVES  IN NORTH  CAROLINA.  THE  VA  AIDED TPD  AND  AUTHORITIES  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA  HELPED    IN  LOCATING  MR.  OLDS  AND  WAS  FOUND  WITH  FAMILY TUESDAY.  HE  SUFFERS  FROM DEMENTIA  AND  HAS DIABETES  BUT  LEFT  THOMASTON  WITHOUT  HIS  MEDS.  CHIEF  RICHARDSON  SAID  THE  PD  SPENT  ABOUT  A  DAY  AND  A  HALF   IN MAN-HOURS  TO  LOCATE MR.OLDS.

SPALDING ZONING BD NO ACTION ON REZONING FOR DATA CENTER

 THE  SPALDING  COUNTY  ZONING  BOARD    TOOK     NO ACTION TUESDAY  AND  VOTED  UNANIMOUSLY  TO  DELETE  THE  ITEMS  ON  THE  AGENDA--INCLUDING  A  REZONING  REQUEST  FOR  A   3RD  DATA  CENTER IN  THE  COUNTY AT  WALLACE JACKSON INDUSTRIAL  PARK AT  JACKSON  ROAD  AND WALLACE  ROAD.  THE  PLAN  IS  TO  BUILD  10   MAIN   BUILDINGS  WHICH  WOULD  MAKE IT  TWICE  AS  LARGE  AS  THE  PREVIOUS  TWO. 

PIKE SO BUSTS NARCOTICS RING

 he Pike County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation West Georgia Gang Task Force wrapped up a months long drug investigation today. The investigation centered on the distribution of narcotics from several residences in the Concord area. Four search warrants were executed in Pike County along with one in Upson County and one in Clayton County. Eight arrests have been made so far , with more expected. Quantities of narcotics , cash and guns have been seized during the execution of these warrants. 

A special thank you to the Georgia Bureau Of Investigation, Upson County Narcotics Task Force, Clayton County Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, and Georgia Department of Corrections for all of their work on this investigation.

The following people are currently in custody:

Poston, Jeffrey Bryan 

Age 62 

730 Hill St., Concord, GA 

1) Felony use of communication during commission of a felony in involving controlled substance 16 – 13– 32.3(A) 

2) Attempt or conspiracy to violate Georgia controlled substance act 16 – 13– 33

 

Smith, Nelson Tyrone

Age 50 

41 2nd St., Concord, GA

1) Felony use of communication and commission of a felony involving control substance 16 – 13– 32.3(A) 

2) Charge felony attempt or conspiracy to violate Georgia Control substance act 16 – 13– 33

 

Flemister, Ronnie Cornelius 

Age 43 

Williams Drive, Concord, GA

1) Felony use of communication and commission of a felony involving control substance 16 – 13– 32.2(A) 

2) Felony attempt or conspiracy to violate Georgia Control substance act 16 – 13– 33

 

Mays, Jamayain 

Age 24

58 Martin Luther King Jr. Circle, Zebulon, Georgia 

1) Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance,  OCGA 16-13-33

2) Felony use of communication during commission of a felony in involving controlled substance 16 – 13– 32.3(A) 

 

Williams, Fredrick 

Age 56

84 Belmont Park Drive, Newnan, GA

1) Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, OCGA 16-13-33

2) Felony use of communication during commission of a felony in involving controlled substance 16- 13- 32.3 

 

Andrews, Toccara Yvette

Age 43

801 Redland Drive, Jonesboro  

1) Conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance, methamphetamine, OCGA 16-13-33

 

Chasing, Christine 

Age 74

2391 Green Street, Concord, GA. 

1) Felony use of communication during commission of a felony in involving controlled substance 16- 13- 32.3 

 

Gates, Calvin L.

Age 60

219 Hillcrest Street, Concord, GA

1) Felony use of communication during commission of a felony in involving controlled substance 16-13-32.3

2) Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, OCGA 16-13-33

Additional charges are pending.

*  There will be a future press release on this event at the appropriate time and mug shots will be made available 

GHSA PUNISHES BOTH SCHOOLS IN FOOTBALL FIGHT

 101  NEWS  HAS  BEEN  TOLD  THE  GAINESVILLE  SCHOOL SYSTEM  MIGHT  SEEK  AN  INJUNCTION  IN  UPSON  SUPERIOR COURT  TO  GET   35  PLAYERS  REINSTATED  THAT  THE  GA.  HIGH  SCHOOL  ASSOCIATION SUSPENDED  AFTER A  FIGHT  DURING  THE  GAME  WITH  BRUNSWICK FRIDAY  NIGHT--A  GAINESVILLE  BLOW  OUT.

GHSA  PUNISHED  BOTH  SCHOOLS -- BRUNSWICK 41   PLAYERS SUSPENDED  A  ONE YEAR  PLAY-OFF  BAN  AND  A  $5000  FINE.  GAINESVILLE  39  PLAYERS  SUSPENDED AND  A  $5000  FINE.  DURING A  HEARING  TUESDAY  GHSA  DROPPED  THE  SUSPENSION OF  4  GAINESVILLE PLAYERS  AND  THE  SCHOOL  HAS  INDICATED  IT  WILL  EXHAUST  ALL  LEGAL  REMEDIES  TO  REINSTATE  THE   35  PLAYERS   UNDER  SUSPENSION  SO  THEY  CAN  PLAY  AGAINST  LANGSTON  HUGHES  IN  THE  QUARTER FINALS--FRIDAY.

DURING  THE  HEARING  GAINESVILLE  SUPT. JEREMY  WILLIAMS  ARGUED  THE  GHSA  MIS-INTERPRETED  VIDEO EVIDENCE  AND  THAT   MOST   SUSPENDED PLAYERS  WERE  NOT  TRYING  TO  ESCALATE  THE  ALTERCATION--AND  HE  CRITICIZED OFFICIALS  FOR  NOT  CONTROLLING  THE  SITUATION  EARLIER.

GHSA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR  TIM  SCOTT  EMPHASIZED  THAT  SIDELINE  DEPARTURE  RULES  HAD  TO BE ENFORCED  REGARDLESS  OF  CIRCUMSTANCES. 

PIKE CO BOC SUBDIVISION PUBLIC HEARING

 A  REZONING APPLICATION FOR   A  43-LOT SINGLE-FAMILY  SUBDIVISION  AT  CAMPGROUND  ROAD  AND  HIGHWAY  18  IN  ZEBULON    WAS   WITHDRAWN  FROM  THE  AGENDA  OF  THE  PIKE  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  AT    TUESDAY'S  6;30  MEETING.  COUNTY  CLERK  ANGELA  BLOUNT  SAID  THE  COUNTY   RECEIVED  A  FORMAL  WITHDRAWAL  REQUEST  FROM  THE  APPLICANT  JASON   BETSILL  OWNER OF  THE  82  ACRES. 

UGA FOOTBALL PLAYER DISMISSED FROM TEAM

 A  UGA  FOOTBALL  PLAYER   FROM  NEW  JERSEY--OFFENSIVE  LINEMAN NYI ER  DANIELS  HAS  BEEN  DISMISSED  FROM  THE  TEAM  AFTER  BEING  CAUGHT  IN  COMMERCE  DRIVING  OVER   100  MILES  PER  HOUR  OVER  THE  WEEKEND.  THE  6-8  350  POUND   RED-SHIRT  FRESHMAN  FACES  SEVERAL  TRAFFIC  CHARGES.

INTERFOR BOND ISSUE APPROVED IN UPSON SUPERIOR COURT

 IN  A  COURT  PROCEEDING  LASTING  ONLY  ABOUT  FIVE  MINUTES  MONDAY,  UPSON  COUNTY  SUPERIOR  COURT  JUDGE  BENJAMIN  COKER  VALIDATED  A  $165  MILLION  BOND  ISSUE  FROM  THE  IDA    FOR  INTERFOR  FORESTRY PRODUCTS  TO  INSTALL  A   NEW  PLANER  MILL  COMPLEX  AT  THE  PLANT OFF  36  EAST.

SPALDING BOC HEARING ON NEW DATA CENTER TUESDAY

 ) 

  THE  SPALDING  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  WILL  HOLD  A  PUBLIC  HEARING  ON  A  THIRD  PROPOSED  DATA  CENTER  TUESDAY   NOV. 25   on  127  ACRES  AT  SOUTH  MCDONOUGH  ROAD  AND HIGHWAY  16.  SPALDING  INVESTMENTS LLC  IS  THE  PROPERTY  OWNER  AND  DEVELOPER  FOR  A  DATA  CENTER  OF  1.42  MILLION  FEET.  THERE  IS  ALSO  AN ADDITONAL  POWER  STATION  ON  THE  SITE.  THE  SPALDING  COMMISSIONERS  PREVIOUSLY  APPROVED  TWO  OTHER  DATA  CENTERS  BUT  THE  THIRD  ONE  IS  MORE  SQUARE  FEET  THAT  THE  PREVIOUS   TWO  COMBINED.  THE NEW  DATA CENTER  COULD  BE  APPROVED  AT  THE  COMMISSIONERS  ZONING  MEETING  DEC. 15TH. 

INTERFOR SHUTTING DOWN IN UPSON CO TILL FEB.

 INTERFOR  THE  CANADIAN  FORESTRY  PRODUCTS    COMPANY   WITH  A  LUMBER  SAW MILL OFF  36 EAST   IN  UPSON  COUNTY   HAS  ANNOUNCED  IT WILL  BE  SHUT DOWN   FRIDAY  NOV. 21ST  THRU   FEB.  7TH   AND    HAS  REQUESTED  A $165 MILLION   INDUSTRIAL  REVENUE   BOND   ISSUE  FROM  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  INDUSTRIAL  DEVELOPMENT  AUTHORITY  WITH    $85  MILLION  OF  THE   FUNDING  TO  BE  USED  FOR  A  NEW PLANER MILL  COMPLEX.  NEW  EQUIPMENT   INSTALLATION  REPORTEDLY  IS  PLANNED  DURING  THE  SHUT  DOWN  PERIOD. 

THE  ATTORNEY  FOR  THE  IDA  JOHNNY  CALDWELL  TOLD   101  NEWS  A  BOND  VALIDATION  HEARING FOR  INTERFOR    WILL  BE  HELD  MONDAY  IN  THE  COURTROOM  OF  SUPERIOR  COURT  JUDGE  BENJAMIN  COKER  AND  TWO  MEMBERS  OF  THE  IDA  WILL  BE PRESENT  TO  TESTIFY IF  NEEDED.   IDA    EXECUTIVE  DIRECTOR     SLADE  GULLEDGE  WILL  ALSO  ATTEND.

INTERFOR  HAD  EARLIER  REQUESTED  A  BOND  ISSUE  OF  $115  MILLION   BUT  COVID  AND OTHER  ISSUES  DELAYED  A  PLANNED  EXPANSION  OF  THE  OPERATION--SO  ADDITIONAL  FUNDING  WAS  ADDED  FOR  A  $165  BOND  ISSUE.  THE COMPANY'S  ATTORNEY  BENJAMIN  BROOKS  OF  SMITH-GAMBRELL-RUSSELL  LAW  FIRM  IN  ATLANTA  TOLD  THE  IDA  CITY AND  COUNTY GOVERNMENTS  AND  THE IDA  WILL  NOT  BE  COMMITTED   TO   ANY  FUNDING--THE  COMPANY  WILL  SEEK  ITS OWN FINANCING.