THOMASTON-UPSON BOE STATEMENT ON SUMMER PAINTING BIDS

 THOMASTON-UPSON COUNTY SCHOOLS

Media Statement

2026 Summer Painting Project Bid Process | July 15, 2026

Thomaston-Upson County Schools (TUCS) strives to maintain honest and fair business 

relationships when purchasing quality products and services through a competitive bidding 

process. In response to questions raised at the July 14, 2026, Board of Education meeting 

regarding the 2026 Summer Painting Project, the district offers the following explanation of the 

bid process and contract award.

In April 2026, TUCS issued an Invitation to Bid for the 2026 Summer Painting Project. Two bids 

were received. Martie Murphy Contracting submitted a bid of $121,225 for materials and labor 

and $110,225 for labor only. Brush Strokes submitted a bid of $114,193.28 for materials and labor 

and $93,063.29 for labor only.

Under Board of Education policy, all bids exceeding $100,000 must be approved by the Board. At 

the May 12, 2026, Board meeting, the Board voted to reject all bids because the project cost 

exceeded the available budget. The Board also approved issuing a new Invitation to Bid with a 

revised scope of work that requested a single combined price for materials and labor.

Please note that because the Invitation to Bid was conducted as a competitive sealed bid process, 

the Board did not negotiate with the apparent low bidder. In a sealed bid process, all bidders must 

be treated equally. Negotiating pricing with a single bidder after bids have been opened would 

undermine fair competition and compromise the integrity of the process, and the district is not 

permitted to do so.

A second Invitation to Bid was issued in May 2026, with bids due on June 16, 2026. Two bids 

were received. Brush Strokes submitted a bid of $84,972.38, and Martie Murphy Contracting 

submitted a bid of $79,800. Following the opening of the sealed bids, district personnel contacted 

both bidders to confirm their understanding of the project scope because of a significant 

difference between the bid amounts for a specific location. Both bidders confirmed that they 

understood the scope of work.

The district awarded the contract to Martie Murphy Contracting as the lowest responsive bidder 

at $79,800, with the understanding that no change orders will be accepted unless approved by 

the Superintendent. Because the awarded amount was less than $100,000, Board approval was 

not required under district policy.

The rebid process resulted in a savings of more than $34,000 compared to the lowest bid received 

in April. Thomaston-Upson County Schools remains committed to transparency, fair competition, 

and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars in every purchasing decision.

Dr. Tret Witherspoon

Superintendent, Thomaston-Upson Schools

Media inquiries: David Eubanks, Director of Public Relations, 706-647-962

THE SUMMER PAINTING PROJECT BIDS AT T-U SCHOOLS CONTESTED BY A CONTRACTOR

 

  THE  OWNER  OF  BRUSH  STROKES  PAINTING  COMPANY   RYAN   GILL    TOOK   ISSUE  WITH  SUMMER    PAINTING  BIDS  AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING  OF  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  BOARD  OF  EDUCATION.  GILL  CHARGED  HE  HAD  THE  LOW  BID  OF   $114,000  COMPARED  WITH  MARTIE  MURPHY  CONTRACTING    $121,000  BUT  IT  WAS      OVER  BUDGET  SO  IT  WAS  RE-BID  AND  MURPHY  HAD  THE  LOW  BID  OF $76,000  COMPARED  WITH  GILL'S  BID  OF  $84,000.

  

  GILL  SPOKE  TO  THE  BOARD AND  TO   101  NEWS  CONTESTING  THE  ISSUE. 

TAX MEETING IN YATESVILLE 7/23/26

 Upson Co. Tax Commissioner, Andy Chastain, will be holding his final town hall meeting to discuss new property tax legislation and tax relief that will be affecting this year’s property taxes. Discussions will include updates on HB581, FLOST, and HTRG (Homestead Tax Relief Grant) and how these will affect homestead taxpayers this year. This meeting will be held at Yatesville Senior Hall, 15 Empire St. at 6:30 pm on July 23rd . There will also be other county officials present to engage in a Question/Answer forum at the end of the presentation.

THOMASTON CHESS SERIES

 COFFEE SHOP SUMMER CHESS SERIES

RAPID SWISS CHESS TOURNAMENT

WHOLESOME BOWLS COFFEE SHOP

105 South Center Street, Thomaston, GA

(762) 319-9119 or (706) 271-5944

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 3PM

PIKE COUNTY WRECK ON US 19

 PIKE  COUNTY  FIRST  RESPONDERS  WERE  ON  THE  SCENE  AROUND   1PM  TUESDAY  ON   US   19  NEAR MT.  GILEAD  BAPTIST  CHURCH--A  MULTI-VECHILE   WRECK  THAT  HAD  SLOWED  TRAFFIC  FLOW.

UPSON PLANNING COMMISSIONER RECOMMENDS REZONING FOR NEW IND PK

 BY  UNANIMOUS  VOTE  THE   UPSON  COUNTY  PLANNING  COMMISSION   MONDAY      VOTED  TO  RECOMMEND  A  REZONING  FOR   THE  IDA  FOR   A  NEW  INDUSTRIAL  PARK  TO  THE  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  ON  MUD  BRIDGE  ROAD  AT  RACE   TRACK  ROAD.  THE PLANNING  COMMISSION  PLACED SEVERAL  CONDITIONS  ON  THE  REZONING   OF   222  ACRES  INCLUDING  A  DEVELOPMENT  AGREEMENT  SHALL  BE  APPROVED  BY  THE   BOARD  OF  COMMISSIONERS  REGARDING  THE  SITE   PLAN  AND  ACCESS  IMPROVEMENTS   PRIOR  TO  ANY  PERMITS  BEING  ISSUED.

GRIFFIN ;POLICE REPORT FATAL SHOOTING

 Press Release 26-004087 

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, shortly after 10:00 p.m., the Griffin Police Department, Griffin Fire-Rescue, and 

Wellstar Spalding EMS responded to a reported shooting at Raymond Head Park, located at 800 Anne Street in 

Griffin. Upon arrival, officers located a 31 year old adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported 

to Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. The victim has been identified 

as Malcolm Freeling. The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information rega

RAPPER ARRESTED IN BARNESVILLE FOR ATLANTA MURDER

 

• Deputies captured a Georgia music artist Saturday night on an outstanding Fulton County homicide warrant.
• Authorities recovered rifles and a handgun during the targeted operation in Lamar County.
• The suspect was safely turned over to the Fulton County Sheriff's Office at the scene.

MEET THE PIKE COUNTY PIRATES FOOTBALL TEAM

  MEET THE PIRATES!

The countdown to football season is on, and we want YOU to come meet your Pike County Pirates!

Thursday, July 30

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Pike County Fieldhouse

Bring the whole family for an evening of fun as you meet our 2026 Pike County Football Players and Cheerleaders!

Meet your favorite players

Meet our cheerleaders

Take photos with your favorite Pirate and cheerleader

Enjoy delicious food from local food trucks!

BIBLE CLASSES OPEN IN UPSON CO

   "Big news for Thomaston families! Free LifeWise Bible classes are now open for Upson-Lee Elementary students. With your permission, your child can attend an off-campus, character-building Bible class for one hour each week—right during the school day. Don't wait! Enroll your child today at LifeWise.org/thomastonupson.

GUILTY VERDICT SPALDING CO

 DAVID J. STUDDARD

ACTING DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Griffin Judicial Circuit

07/9/26

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, after a two-day jury trial in Spalding County, Robert Cory Millen was found guilty of two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The Defendant was sentenced by the Honorable Matthew M. McCord in the Spalding County Superior Court, to serve 24 months in the Spalding County Jail. The State was represented by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jonathan P. Richardson and Assistant District Attorney Wendy Carlyle. The Griffin Police Department, led by Inv. Shateema Amos, investigated this case.

The case began in January of 2025 when two juvenile children absconded from a youth development home in Griffin, Georgia. The two juveniles made their way to a local liquor store seeking transport to Atlanta. Once at the liquor store, however, the two juveniles met co-Defendant William White, along with another co-defendant. These two co-defendants led the two juveniles into the parking lot, where Defendant Robert Cory Millen waited in his vehicle. Despite the Defendant Robert Cory Millen’s later statement to Investigator Amos that the girls “didn’t look a day over 15 [years old],” Defendant Robert Cory Millen nevertheless allowed the two juveniles into his truck. Defendant Robert Cory Millen then drove the two juveniles and his co-defendants to co-defendant William White’s house. Once at co-defendant William White’s house, the two girls were given alcoholic beverages, as well as illicit substances, including marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamines. After consuming these substances, the two juveniles were subjected to acts of statutory rape, child molestation, aggravated child molestation, and trafficking of persons for sexual servitude.

On June 2, 2026, co-defendant William White entered a guilty plea to two counts of trafficking persons for sexual servitude, one count of child molestation, one count of statutory rape, one count of possession of firearm during the commission of a felony, and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a

minor. On June 3, 2026, the Honorable Matthew M. McCord sentenced co-defendant William White to a total of fifty-five years, to serve the first twenty-five years in the state penitentiary and the remainder on probation, to include registration on the Georgia Sex Offender Registry.

On June 15, 2026, co-defendant Tamarrius Lewis entered a guilty plea to two counts of trafficking persons for sexual servitude, four counts of child molestation, two counts of statutory rape, and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. On June 16, 2026, the Honorable Matthew M. McCord sentenced co-defendant Tamarrius Lewis to a total of forty years, to serve the first twenty-five years in the state penitentiary and the remainder on probation, to include registration on the Georgia Sex Offender Registry.

On June 15, 2026, co-defendant Antonio Pittman entered a guilty plea to two counts of statutory rape. On June 16, 2026, the Honorable Matthew M. McCord sentenced co-defendant Antonio Pittman to a total of forty years, to serve the first twenty years in the state penitentiary and the remainder on probation, to include registration on the Georgia Sex Offender Registry.

The remaining co-defendants in this case are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“This community cannot tolerate the actions of sex offenders who prey on children,” ADA Richardson stated. He continued by stating “this office will not rest until we bring justice for these victims, and for other victims who have suffered sexual abuse at the hands of similar individuals. I am grateful for the tenacity and efforts of Investigator Amos, along with all other Griffin Police Department Officers who assisted in the prosecution of this case. I am also grateful for co-counsel ADA Carlyle, Legal Assistant Stephanie Crimley, Victim Advocate Evony Kendall, Investigator Stan Phillips, and the entirety of the District Attorney’s Office for the continued investigation, preparation, and effort that it took to bring this case to trial.” Acting District Attorney David Studdard added, "I'm very proud of the work my prosecutors and assistants put in on this case and that of the dedicated law enforcement officers who helped bring these defendants to justice. Human trafficking is a horrific crime, and we will aggressively pursue those who prey

UPSON CO BIZ COULD BE OUT $70,000

 UPSON  COUNTY  SO  SAYS  THE  LOSS  AT  THE   BUS  BUSINESS   AT 1385  BARNESVILLE  HIGHWAY  COULD  BE  $60  TO  $70,000    AFTER  SOMEONE  APPARENTLY  CUT  THROUGH  A  FENCE  AND  STOLE  CATALYTIC  CONVERTERS  OFF   30   BUSES.  THE  ITEMS   CONTAIN    EXPENSIVE  METALS  THAT  MAKE  THEM  VALUABLE.

IMPORTANT TAX INFO FROM UPSON TAX COMMISSIONER ANDY CHASTAIN

 PSA UPSON CO TAX COMMISSIONER

Upson County property taxpayers can expect a due date of early to mid-December this year due to the new property tax legislation creating a delay in assessment notices being mailed out. The GA Dept. of Revenue did not give the green light for assessment notices to be mailed out until the 1st of June this year when typically, those notices are mailed out in April each year, therefore allowing the 45 day appeal period to be met well before the July 15th deadline of giving the tax digest to the tax commissioner for the digest approval process.

UPSON CO HOUSE FIRE 7/2/26

UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF'S  OFFICE  HAS  MORE  INFO  ON  A   HOUSE  FIRE  AT  111  GLENWARD  DRIVE  JULY  2ND  THAT  HEAVILY  DAMAGED  THE  HOME    OF   KAREN  AND   LARRY  SMITH.  IT  APPARENTLY  STARTED  FROM  A  SIDE  BY  SIDE  PARKED  NEXT  TO  THE  HOUSE.  THE  OCCUPANTS   SAID  THEY  HEARD  A  BIG  BOOM  AND   VITUALLY  EVERY  FIRE  DEPARTMENT  IN  THE  COMMUNITY  RESPONDED. 

TPD ARRESTS JUVENILES FOR CAR THEFT

 THOMASTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF

Chief Michael Richardson

For Immediate Release: Contact: Chief Mike Richardson

July 8, 2026 Thomaston Police Department 

mrichardson@cityofthomaston.com 

706-647-5455

 

PRESS RELEASE

Thomaston Police Arrest Two Juveniles Following Stolen Vehicle Investigation

The Thomaston Police Department has arrested two juveniles, ages 12 and 15, in connection 

with the theft of a vehicle during the early morning hours of Monday, July 6, 2026. Charges are 

also pending against a third juvenile believed to be involved.

At approximately 2:37 a.m., officers responded to the 300 block of 6th Avenue after a gray 2011 

Kia Optima was reported stolen. A BOLO was immediately issued to surrounding law 

enforcement agencies.

Just over an hour later, a Thomaston Police officer and an Upson County Sheriff's deputy located 

the stolen vehicle near 300 Avenue F (Farview Apartments). When officers attempted to stop the 

vehicle, three suspects fled on foot.

A coordinated search by the Thomaston Police Department and Upson County Sheriff's Office 

resulted in the arrest of two juveniles. Investigators later identified a third juvenile involved, and 

additional charges are pending. The vehicle was recovered with damage to the steering column 

consistent with it being unlawfully taken.

These arrests follow a recent increase in entering auto incidents and vehicle thefts throughout the 

City of Thomaston. Over the past 60 days, the Thomaston Police Department has investigated 

approximately 22 entering auto incidents and 5 vehicle thefts, with Kia vehicles being 

specifically targeted.

As part of this ongoing investigation, investigators have also arrested 22-year-old Darrell 

Hussey, who is charged with the following:

-(11) counts of Criminal Damage to Property

-(9) counts of Criminal Attempt of Motor Vehicle Theft

-(11) counts of Entering Auto

-(2) counts of Theft by Taking Motor Vehicle

-(1) count of Possession of Firearm During the Commission of a Crime

-(2) counts of Conspiracy to Commit a Crime

-(1) count of Loitering and Prowling

-(1) count of False Name

-(1) count of Possession of Tools for the Commission of a Crime

THOMASTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF

Chief Michael Richardson

Investigators believe Hussey is associated with the juveniles involved, as well as a larger group 

believed to be responsible for these crimes.

The Criminal Investigations Division has worked diligently over the past 2 months to identify 

those responsible, and additional arrests are expected.

The Thomaston Police Department would like to thank the Upson County Sheriff's Office for 

their assistance. This investigation remains active, and anyone with information related to recent 

entering auto incidents or veh

BIG RIG OVERTURNED IN UPSON CO

 UPSON  COUNTY  FIRE  AND  RESCUE UNITS  RESPONDED  TO  AN  OVERTURNED  SEMI  AT  19  SOUTH  AND  HIGHWAY  80    MONDAY   AFTERNOON  AND  THE  DRIVER  WAS  AIR FLIGHTED  TO  AN  OUT  OF  TOWN  TRAUMA  CENTER.  101  NEWS  SPOKE  WITH  NORTHSIDE  FIRE  DEPARTMENT  CHIEF  CHARLES  SANDEFUR  WHO  TOLD  US  SALEM  VOLUNTEER  FIRE DEPARTMENT  CALLED  FOR  MUTUAL  AID  AND  HIS  CREW RESPONDED.    WE WERE  TOLD  FIRE  AND  RESCUE  UNITS  HAD  TO  FREE  THE   TRAPPED   TRUCK  DRIVER  WITH  THE  JAWS OF  LIFE  CUTTING  TOOL.   THE    BIG  RIG    WAS  TRAVELING  ON  19  SOUTH  WHEN  THE  ACCIDENT  HAPPENED  AND  WAS  TRANSPORTING    LIQUID  WASTE.   GA.  STATE  PATROL IS  INVESTIGATING.