THOMASTON'S CHRISTMAS PARADE

 THE  ANNUAL  CITY  OF  THOMASTON  CHRISTMAS PARADE  IS  SATURDAY,  DEC. 21, 7 TO  8;30PM  IN DOWNTOWN  THOMASTON.  SANTA  AND MRS. CLAUS  AT  THE UPSON  COUNTY COURTHOUSE  4  TO  6PM.

UPSON CHAIR DECLINES IDA APPOINTMENT

 Commissioners,

As requested, I hereby decline my appointment to the Thomaston-Upson County Industrial Development Authority.

I am enormously proud of the accomplishments and the changes made to the Authority in recent years. No longer does the Authority solely focus on industrial recruitment. We have embraced all aspects of economic development, established goals and objectives, and have a true professional at the helm.

It is my hope that in the very near future you will consider appropriating funds for this Authority as they have achieved so much and have met the requirements the Board of Commissioners established for funding.

Sincerely,

Norman Allen

UPSON CHAIRMAN-ELECT SWEARING-IN CEREMONY

 UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN-ELECT DAN  BREU INVITING  THE  PUBLIC  TO  HIS  SWEARING-IN  CEREMONY  AT  THE  COURTHOUSE  SATURDAY  10;30  TO  11AM--UPSON  COUNTY PROBATE  JUDGE DANIELLE MCRAE  PRESIDING. 

GA. LOTTERY WINNER IN THOMASTON

 ATLANTA (Dec. 13, 2024) – A Georgia Lottery player in Thomaston has won the jackpot for $125,000 in the Dec. 12 Fantasy 5 drawing.

 

The winning ticket, purchased at EZ Stop at 1030 Barnesville Street in Thomaston, matched all five white ball numbers to win the prize.

 

The winning numbers from the Dec. 12 drawing were 01-04-32-33-35.

 

Fantasy 5 winners have 180 days from the draw date to claim prizes. As with all other Georgia Lottery games, proceeds from Fantasy 5 benefit education in the state of Georgia.

ZEBULON PD PROBED BY GBI

 THE  ZEBULON CITY  COUNCIL  HAS  VOTED  TO  REQUEST  A   GBI INVESTIGATION  OF  THE  PD.  APPEALS ON  TWO  DISMISSED OFFICERS  POSTPONED  TO  DEC.  19TH.

FIRE AT KENNY'S COLLISION-WED

 KENNY'S  COLLISION  BODY  SHOP/ATWATER  ROAD   IS  OPEN  FOR  BUSINESS  FOLLOWING  A  FIRE  IN A  GARAGE WEDNESDAY  MORNING  AROUND  8;45AM.  101  NEWS  WAS  TOLD IT SEEMS  TO  HAVE  STARTED FROM  AN  ELECTRICAL  ISSUE  AND  THE  STATE  FIRE MARSHALL'S  OFFICE WILL WORK  ON THE  CAUSE THIS  WEEK.

 CITY  OF  THOMASTON  FIRE CHIEF  JEREMY WALKER DISPATCHED  UNITS  IN  MUTUAL  AID  AND  LIMITED THE  DAMAGE  TO  A  GARAGE--HE  TOLD  US.

RIBBON CUTTING NEW UPSON CO JUSTICE CENTER

 RIBBON  CUTTING  CEREMONIES  HELD  TUESDAY  AFTERNOON  AT  THE NEW  UPSON  COUNTY  JUSTICE CENTER ON  19  SOUTH--THE  $20  MILLION-PLUS  SPLOST  PROJECT  THAT  CAME  IN  UNDER BUDGET, ACCORDING  TO  THE COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  AND  BUILDER  PARRISH CONSTRUCTION  COMPANY.  IPG  ARCHITECTS  HAD  A  PART  IN  THE PROGRAM  AND  CLERK OF  SUPERIOR  COURT  TERESA  MEIER WELCOMED  THE  CROWD. COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  NORMAN  ALLEN  SAID  MOVE-IN HAS  STARTED  FOR  THE  4  NEW  COURTROOMS  AND  COURT  SESSIONS  ARE  SCHEDULED IN  JANUARY. 

MANCHESTER'S TERRY SIGNS WITH TEXAS

 MANCHESTER  HIGH  5-STAR  DEFENSIVE LINEMAN  JUSTUS  TERRY  COMMITTED  TO  PLAY FOR  TEXAS  FRIDAY  AFTERNOON  AT  THE  SCHOOL. HE  WAS  PREVIOUSLY  COMMITTED  TO  UGA  THEN  SOUTHERN  CAL.  THE  MOVE  CAME  AS  A  SURPRISE, AS  GEORGIA  HAD  MADE  TERRY  A  PRIORITY THIS  SEASON. HOWEVER,  THE  BULLDOGS DID  SIGN  THE  TOP  TWO  DEFENSIVE  LINEMAN  IN  THE  COUNTRY, BOTH  GEORGIANS. 

GORDON STATE COLLEGE REPORTS

 BARNESVILLE, Ga., – Gordon State College observed International Education Week in late November on its Barnesville campus with a screening of Verdigris, a narrative film provided by the Irish Film Institute (IFI). The celebration also included displays representing countries from around the globe, presented by faculty, staff, and student clubs.

Highlander Nation was selected by the IFI to screen Verdigris, the 2023 winner of the Best Independent Film Award at the Galway Film Festival. The screening was part of the IFI’s international program, supported by Culture Ireland and presented in association with MnáMná Films and Prelude Content. The program provides select venues and community colleges in the United States with opportunities to showcase Irish films.

“I was thrilled to celebrate International Education Week with the screening of Verdigris,” said Dr. Christy Flatt, GSC professor of sociology. “This event was a perfect conclusion to a day of global exploration for Gordon State students, offering a unique opportunity to engage both students and the community in meaningful discussions about the film's powerful themes.”

Following the screening, GSC faculty members Dr. Kicklighter and Flatt facilitated a discussion that encouraged the audience to explore social issues depicted in the film and draw comparisons with similar topics in the United States. The conversation highlighted themes such as family dynamics, the strength of friendship, and the role of education in bridging cultural divides, fostering a deeper cross-cultural understanding.

The event also showcased a variety of global cultures through displays representing seven countries: Canada, China, Egypt, Grenada, Ireland, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

The GSC Academic Affairs office chose to highlight Grenada, an island nation in the eastern Caribbean Sea, as part of the event. The selection was inspired by Michelle Childers, a 2022 GSC alumna and daughter of Lori Childers, GSC senior academic affairs coordinator. Michelle is currently a Term 4 veterinary student at St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada.

“I had the opportunity to tour the university and the island during my daughter’s orientation before she started her studies,” Lori said. “I discovered so much about Grenada, known as the 'Spice Island' for its abundant spice production. This tiny island contributes over 20% of the world’s nutmeg supply. Our office chose to highlight Grenada because it’s a lesser-known country, and we enjoyed exploring its culture, cuisine, wildlife, and rich history.”

GSC dining services also joined in on the celebration by offering an international cuisine menu at Highlander Hall throughout the week.

 

 

ZEBULON PD APPEALS POSTPONED,AGAIN

 POSTPONED  AGAIN  WED, ACCORDING  TO  CITY ADMINISTRATOR  LARRY  MITCHUM --   THE  APPEALS  FOR  HIGH  RANKING ZEBULON POLICE OFFICERS  CHIEF  JONATHAN  HEMPHILL  AND  TRUSTIN  BRAZER  AT  THE  REQUEST OF  ATTORNEYS--DISMISSED  BY  ZEBULON CITY COUNCIL  FOR  INSUBORNATION.  

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL WILL RE-VOTE ON 25 JOINT PROJECTS BUDGET

 THE  GRINCH  WHO  STOLE  CHRISTMAS PAID  AN  EARLY  VISIT  TO  THE  QUARTERLY  JOINT  PROJECTS  MEETING  OF  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSION/THOMASTON CITY  COUNCIL. THEY COULDN'T  AGREE  ON MUCH-- BUT   BOTH     BODIES  VOTED  TO  APPROVE   THE  2025  BUDGET   BUT  A  2-1  VOTE  BY  COUNCIL  REQUIRES  A  RE-VOTE. CITY  MANAGER  RUSSELL  THOMPSON  TOLD MAYOR  AND  COUNCIL  AT  TUESDAY'S MEETING  THE  CHARTER  REQUIRES A  MAJORITY  OF  THOSE  PRESENT  VOTING  TO  APPROVE  AND  MAYOR-PRO  TEM DOUG  HEAD  VOTED  AGAINST    A  2-1  VOTE  BY  REEVES AND MIDDLEBROOKS--YEA.   HEAD   WANTED  TO  DELAY IT  TILL  TWO  NEW  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  TAKE  OFFICE  IN  2025.COUNCIL  WILL  RE-VOTE AT  THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. 

 CITY  FATHERS   DIDN'T  TAKE  THE PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION  BY  CITY  MANAGER THOMPSON ON  A  SPECIAL  USE  PERMIT  AT  105  YAMAHA  PARKWAY  FOR JMF  TOWING  AND  RECOVERY LLC.  THE  MANAGER  SAID  THE  ZONING  COMMISSION  VOTED TO APPROVE  BUT  HE  PERSONALLY IS  OPPOSED. COUNCILMAN JEFF MIDDLEBROOKS  DID NOT  AGREE  AND  MADE  THE  MOTION  IN  FAVOR OF  JMF WITH CONDITIONS INVOLVING  LANDSCAPING  AND  BUFFERS -- BUT TO DENY A  2ND LOCATION  AT 904  NORTH HIGHTOWER.

THE IDA WAS  ALREADY ON  BOARD  TO  SELL JMF 7  ACRES   AT THE   ORIGINAL INDUSTRIAL  PARK  FOR  $175,OOO--SO THE  COMPANY  CAN  RELOCATE  AFTER  LOSING  A  LAW  SUIT  AGAINST UPSON  COUNTY. IDA  CHAIR  CHASE  FALLIN   TOLD   101  NEWS  AT  THE NOVEMBER MEETING--ALL  WAS  SET  FOR  THE  TRANSACTION  JUST  AWAITING  COUNCIL GREEN-LIGHTING.

COUNCIL  APPROVED  THE  FY   2025  BUDGET AT  OVER  $45  MILLION  WITH 4% PAY  RAISES  AND  SPECIAL  CONSIDERATION  FOR  ELECTRICAL  LINEMEN AND  POLICE OFFICERS. 

GOV. KEMP NEW RURAL SITE DEVELOPMENT

 

Gov. Kemp Announces First Grant Recipients of New Rural Site Development Initiative

ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced the inaugural recipients of the OneGeorgia Authority’s new Rural Site Development Initiative grant. Recognizing the vital importance of ready for development sites, this initiative enables Georgia’s rural communities to identify, assess, and develop new industrial sites, helping to maintain the capacity for economic growth and Georgia’s competitive edge. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, site studies, land grading, and other essential community infrastructure that supports site development. 

“Georgia has been the No. 1 state for business for over a decade by investing in our future,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “When we talk to companies, the first question they ask is if we have the workforce. The second is if we have the sites. The Rural Site Development Initiative is just one of the ways we’re making sure Georgia remains in pole position for economic development for years to come.” 

The first round of successful grantees demonstrated substantive plans for industrial site development while meeting OneGeorgia Authority eligibility requirements, which includes certification as a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) site location. These inaugural grants total $9.3 million. The six award recipients have also demonstrated strong community buy-in.

“Georgia’s historic economic development success is the result of decades of strategic partnerships and initiatives championed by the Georgia General Assembly,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “I commend Governor Kemp for this announcement that further solidifies Georgia’s standing as the No. 1 Place to do Business, and I look forward to the continued job creation and development opportunities these investments will bring to Screven County and other communities across the state.” 

“I commend Governor Brian Kemp on this great announcement, which further solidifies that in Georgia, we welcome new businesses across the state and support efforts to increase Georgia’s workforce,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “I’m proud to support efforts like these to increase economic development opportunities and attract future businesses to our great state. This is just one innovative approach to keeping Georgia the No. 1 state for business into the future.”

“Georgia’s economic development success has been unprecedented, in part due to the combination of leadership and prior investment,” said Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “This new tool will enable communities to remain attractive for future prospects and achieve their vision of economic prosperity.”

“By investing in site development, communities are investing in their long-term health,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “There is no better way to change a life for the better than creating an opportunity for a job. This program will help us continue to bring economic opportunity and prosperity into our communities, providing generational change for the better.” 

In addition to meeting OneGeorgia Authority requirements, applicants leveraged other funding sources to demonstrate community commitment. Use of funds is subject to all applicable state laws and regulations, as well as to the policies and requirements of the OneGeorgia Authority and the Department of Community Affairs. OneGeorgia funds must be expended within the timeframe specified in the grant award documentation, which is generally two years from the date of the award.

 

 

Awards

Dade Industrial Development Authority

The Dade Industrial Development Authority in northwest Georgia was awarded $31,500 for a due diligence grant to assist with the costs of studies and reports required to seek GRAD certification for the Dade Industrial Park. The total project costs are $59,050. This grant will support the studies and reports needed to add another 50-acre tract adjacent to the existing 42-acre park.

Liberty County Development Authority

The Liberty County Development Authority in coastal Georgia received a grant of $2 million for site readiness improvements, including the construction of an access road, at the rail-served and “GRAD” certified Tradeport West Business Center as part of renewing its GRAD certification. The Liberty County Development Authority is contributing to the total infrastructure cost of $4.7 million.

Joint Development Authority (JDA) of Peach County and the City of Warner Robins

The JDA of Peach County and the City of Warner Robins in middle Georgia was awarded a grant of $2 million to construct a new road/entrance to the Robins International Industrial Park, a “GRAD Select” park. This work will support the continued growth of the park, which has attracted $217 million in investment and 280 new jobs to the JDA area from companies such as Pure Flavor, Local Bounti, and Pratt Industries. The JDA is contributing to the total infrastructure cost of $3.57 million.

Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority

The Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority, also in middle Georgia, received a grant of $2 million for necessary water and sewer improvements at the Eastman Aerospace Park, a “GRAD Select” park. The site is adjacent to the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport and Middle Georgia State University’s School of Aviation, and is well-positioned to attract strategic industries such as aerospace and defense. The Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority is contributing to the total project cost, which is expected to exceed $2.2 million.

Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority

Coastal Georgia’s Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority was awarded $2 million in OneGeorgia funds to enhance the Georgia Breakbulk Logistics Site with road, water, sewer, and site grading improvements. The total project costs are $3,009,000 for the 700 developable acres at the rail-served site.

Screven County Development Authority

Screven County Development Authority in southeastern Georgia, was awarded $1,040,332 in grant funds to assist with flooring and building improvements to the Screven County Speculative Building located within the Screven County Industrial Park, a “GRAD Certified” site. The total project costs is $2,005,924 and the 70-acre site. OneGeorgia previously assisted with an Equity loan to fund the construction of the speculative building.

 

About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for arts, film, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit georgia.org for more information.

About Department of Community Affairs  

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) partners with communities to build strong, vibrant neighborhoods, commercial and industrial areas through community and economic development, local government assistance, and safe and affordable housing. Using state and federal resources, DCA helps communities spur private job creation, implement planning, develop downtowns, generate affordable housing solutions, and promote volunteerism. DCA also helps qualified Georgians with low to moderate incomes buy homes, rent housing and prevent foreclosure and homelessness. For more information, visit www.dca.ga.gov. 

 

 

 

TWO INJURIES/WRECK NEAR U-L MIDDLE SCHOOL

 A  FEMALE  MOTORIST    AND  A MALE  FED-EX  DRIVER  WERE  TRANSPORTED TO  THE  E.R.  BY  AMERI PRO  EMS  AFTER  A  KIA  SUV  WAS  T-BONED  BY  A  BOX  TRUCK  NEAR  U-L MIDDLE  SCHOOL  WEDNESDAY  MORNING  AROUND  7;45AM.

TPD CAPTAIN  BRIAN  HAMMOCK  TOLD   101  NEWS  THE  CROSSSING  GUARD  AT EAST  MAIN ,  L.  STREET   AND  HOLSTON  DRIVE   ATTEMPTED  TO  GET  THE  FED-EX DRIVER  TRAVELING  EAST   ON  MAIN   TO  STOP -- BUT  HE  RUSHED  THROUGH  THE  INTERSECTION  AND  T-BONED  THE  LONE OCCUPANT  OF  THE  SUV  FLIPPING  IT OVER A  FULL  TURN  .  THE  FEMALE  HAD  PULLED  OUT OF  L.  STREET  HEADED  FOR  THE  MIDDLE  SCHOOL,  CAPTAIN  HAMMOCK  TOLD  US.

LT. AUSTEN  BELL  TFD  REPORTED  THERE  WAS NO  FIRE. CAPTAIN HAMMOCK REPORTED  PD  SGT. SHANE  MORGAN IS  IN  CHARGE  OF  THE  ACCIDENT  INVESTIGATION.

EAST THOMASTON SCHOOL TO BECOME SENIOR LIVING

 CITY  OF  THOMASTON  ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT  DIRECTOR  TAYLOR  SMITH  TOLD  THOMASTON KIWANIS,  A $20  MILLION  PROJECT  TO  TURN  THE  EX-EAST  THOMASTON  SCHOOL  INTO  SENIOR  HOUSING  IS  A  GO.UNITS  WILL  START  AROUND  $700-SOMETHING A  MONTH.  TAYLOR  SAID  IT  WILL  BE  COOL  WHEN SOMEONE  WHO  ATTENDED  SCHOOL  AT  EAST  THOMASTON  RETURNS  TO  LIVE  THERE.

SPALDING BOC MAKING PLANS TO EXPAND OFFICES

 THE  SPALDING  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  AWARDED  A  CONTRACT  TO LLD BLUELINE  CO.  FOR  DEMOLITION / RENOVATION  OF  THE  BUILDING  NEXT  TO  THE  COURTHOUSE  ANNEX  FOR  COUNTY  OFFICES AND OTHER  COURTHOUSE  UPGRADES--AT  MONDAY'S   MEETING.

THE  BUILDING  AT 117  EAST SOLOMON  STREET  FORMERLY  JAN'S USED FURNITURE  IS IN  POOR  CONDITION.  TO  ASSESS  THE  CONDITION  OF  THE  BUILDING $18,200  THEN  A   2ND  CONTRACT  FOR  $87,300  TO  DESIGN  A  DEMOLITION  PLAN.  THE  COUNTY IS PLANNING  FOR  A   2ND  STATE COURT JUDGE AND  THE  CURRENT  STATE COURT OFFICES  WILL  BE  EXPANDED. IMPROVEMENTS  TO   THE  DISTRICT  ATTORNEY'S  OFFICES ON  THE  4TH  FLOOR OF  THE  COURTHOUSE  ALSO  IN  THE  PLANS.

AFTER MUCH  DISCUSSION  THE  SPALDING  COMMISSIONERS  VOTED  TO  PURCHASE  A  NEW  ROLL-OFF  BIG  RIG   FOR  $260,000 AND SELL-OFF 3 HIGH MILEAGE  TRUCKS.  THAT  WILL  LEAVE  THE COUNTY WITH  3  TRUCKS  AND  TWO DRIVERS.

SPALDING CO NEW DEPUTY CLERK

 Spalding County, GA– November 25, 2024 – Spalding County is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Houghton as the new Deputy County Clerk. With over nine years of executive-level support experience across the military, private sector, and non-profit industries, Mr. Houghton brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on supply chain management from Auburn University, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of North Georgia. His diverse professional background includes impactful roles such as Executive Assistant at Habitat for Humanity, IT Consultant at Advanced iTech, and Program Manager for the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps youth program.