UGA IN THE BASEBALL SUPER REGIONALS ON FUN 101 FM

 THE  GA.  BULLDOGS  PLAY  MISSISSIPPI  STATE  IN  THE  SUPER  REGIONALS  IN  ATHENS  THIS  WEEKEND--FUN  101 FM   WILL  AIR  SATURDAY'S  GAME  STARTING  AT  10;40AM.  THE  DAWGS  PLAY  SUNDAY  AT  NOON   AND  IF  A  3RD  GAME IS  NECESSARY  IT  WILL  BE  MONDAY.

SPALDING COUNTY BAIN PROCTOR LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD

 AT   THE  SPALDING  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  JUNE  2ND  MEETING--ROSALYN  PAYNE-HILL  FOUNDER  OF  THE  GRIFFIN-SPALDING  BLACK  HERITAGE  FESTIVAL  WAS  NAMED  THE   23RD  RECIPIENT  OF  THE  BAIN  PROCTOR  LIFETIME  SERVICE  AWARD.   THE  LATE   MR.  PROCTOR, AN  UPSON  COUNTY  NATIVE  WHO  SERVED  ON  THE  CITY  AND  COUNTY  COMMISSIONS    IN  GRIFFIN-- MADE  MAJOR  CONTRIBUTIONS  TO  THE  GRIFFIN-SPALDING  COMMUNITY.

PEANUT GOT HIS 15 MINUTES OF FAME IN UPSON CO

 WHEN  SOMEONE  IN  AUTHORITY   BLASTS  SOCIAL  MEDIA -- HEED  THAT  INFORMATION--AS  SOCIAL   MEDIA  SOMETIMES  RIDES  OFF  INTO  THE  UNKNOWN--JUST  AS   PEANUT  THE  LABRADOODLE.   PEGGY  FARRELL  OF  THE  UPSON  HUMANE SOCIETY  HAS  PROVIDED  SOME  INSIGHT  INTO  WHAT'S  SPUN  AROUND  IN  THE  PAST  FEW  DAYS  ABOUT  PEANUT. HERE'S  THE  LATEST--  PEGGY  SAYS  THERE  NEVER  WAS   A  PEANUT  IN  THIS  STORY    --THE  THREE  YEAR  OLD  LABRADOOLE  NAMED        CASH  OR KASH  WAS  A  PIKE COUNTY  PUP  AND  THE  OWNER  BROUGHT  IT  TO   A  RELATIVE  ON  FRANKLINDALE  ROAD  IN  UPSON  COUNTY   AND     IT  ENDED  UP  IN  THE  UPSON  ANIMAL  SHELTER-- SOMEONE  ADOPTED  THE  PET--END  OF  STORY.GARY  GILL --A  VOLUNTEER  WITH  THE  HUMANE  SOCIETY   TOLD  101  NEWS HE  WITNESSED  THE   PIKE COUNTY   ORIGINAL   OWNER  OF  THE  DOG   AT   THE  ANIMAL  SHELTER   WEDNESDAY    AND   THE  MAN       SET  THE  RECORD  STRAIGHT , DUE  TO  THREATS THAT  HAD  BEEN  POSTED  ON  SOCIAL  MEDIA. LATE  WORD--WE  ARE  TOLD  THERE  IS  A  LABRADOODLE    NAMED  PEANUT  IN  UPSON  COUNTY   THAT  HAS  BEEN  MISSING  FOR  SEVERAL  DAYS.

NEW PRINCIPAL AT GRIFFIN-SPALDING SCHOOLS

 Dr. Stephanie Nash Named Principal of Jordan Hill Elementary

Griffin, GA – On May 26, the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) Board of 

Education approved the superintendent’s recommendation to appoint Dr. Stephanie Nash 

as the 2026-27 principal of Jordan Hill Elementary School.

Dr. Nash has been in public education for nearly three decades. She joins GSCS from Lamar 

County Schools where she served as the assistant principal and pre-k director of Lamar 

County Primary School for 10 years. Before that role, Dr. Nash served as an assistant 

principal for Crisp and Morgan County Schools. She also served as an elementary school 

teacher and after-school program site coordinator.

Dr. Nash earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Mercer 

University, her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southwestern 

University, and her specialist and doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and 

Administration from Argosy University.

Dr. Nash stated, “It is truly an honor and a blessing to serve as the Principal of Jordan Hill 

Elementary. I am excited to join a school community that is deeply committed to student 

success and dedicated to creating meaningful partnerships with families."

“Dr. Stephanie Nash joins us with the necessary talent, leadership skills and experience to 

benefit Jordan Hill and keep it on an upward track. I look forward to her impact and 

continued success,” stated GSCS Interim Superintendent Dr. Donald Warren.

UPSON'S EX-SENATOR URGES CHANGES TO MARTA SECURITY PATROL AFTER RECENT MURDER

 

No images? Click here   For Immediate Release Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Republican John F. Kennedy Issues Urgent  Call for Immediate Change to MARTA Security Protocol Macon, GA –  Following the murder of an innocent Atlanta grandmother at a MARTA station, Lieutenant Governor candidate John F. Kennedy called for immediate action to strengthen security across the transit system in the below statement: “This is a horrendous tragedy. The decision by MARTA to leave the station gates wide open places an enormous burden on local law enforcement and undermines the safety and security of Georgians who rely on this form of transportation. If any gates are still open, they need to be closed immediately.”   A lifelong Georgian from the small town of Adrian, Kennedy served 11 years in the Georgia State Senate and 3 years as President Pro Tempore. During his time in office, he worked alongside Governor Brian Kemp to pass historic tort reform, sponsored legislation to combat chronic absenteeism in Georgia’s schools, and fought to cut taxes, expand school choice, and support law enforcement. For more information on Kennedy’s vision for the future of Georgia, visit www.jfkforgeorgia.com

T-U BOE NAMES MRS. HAYLEY RECHTOROVIC PRINCIPAL OF U-L PRIMARY SCHOOL

 Thomaston-Upson County Schools Names Mrs. Hayley Rechtorovic Principal of Upson-Lee Primary School

Thomaston-Upson County Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Hayley Rechtorovic as the new Principal of Upson-Lee Primary School. The appointment was approved by the Board of Education during its meeting on Tuesday evening.

Mrs. Rechtorovic brings 24 years of educational experience to the position, all of which have been spent serving the students, families, and staff of Thomaston-Upson County Schools. Her deep roots within the district and extensive experience at Upson-Lee Primary School make her uniquely qualified to lead the school into its next chapter.

Mrs. Rechtorovic began her career in education in 2002 at Upson-Lee Primary School as a kindergarten teacher. During her 14 years in the classroom, she was dedicated to building strong foundations for young learners and fostering a love of learning among her students.

She later transitioned into the role of Instructional Coach for English Language Arts and Social Studies, where she spent three years supporting teachers and helping strengthen instructional practices. For the past seven years, Mrs. Rechtorovic has served as Assistant Principal at Upson-Lee Primary School, working closely with students, staff, and families to promote academic excellence and a positive school culture.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Rechtorovic has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success, instructional excellence, and building meaningful relationships with families and the community. Her experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the educational process and the needs of young learners.

Thomaston-Upson County Schools is excited to welcome Mrs. Rechtorovic into this leadership role and looks forward to the vision, dedication, and enthusiasm she will bring to Upson-Lee Primary School. Her leadership will help continue the school's tradition of academic excellence while fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment for students and staff.

The district invites students, staff, families, and community members to join in congratulating Mrs. Rechtorovic on her appointment as Principal of Upson-Lee Primary School.

T-U-T

CITY OF THOMASTON NEW HOUSING BID APPROVAL

 BID  OPENING  WAS  HELD  FOR  THE  RWH/ELLIOTT'S  CROSSING    HOUSING   PROJECT  OFF  NORTH  CHURCH   AND  CHARLIE  BRIDGES  OF   ESG   THE  CITY OF  THOMASTON'S  ENGINEERING  FIRM    GOT  APPROVAL OF  THE  BID  AT  TUESDAY'S  CITY  COUNCIL    MEETING.   SEVEN  BIDS  WERE  SUBMITTED-- THE  LOW  BID      MARK TURNER  COMPANY   OF  THE  METRO  AREA  AT  $2.4  MILLION  JUST  UNDER  THE   $2.5  MILLION  STATE  GRANT.  WORK  COULD  BEGIN  IN   ABOUT   A  MONTH  FOLLOWING  A  PRE-CONSTRUCTION  MEETING.  90  SINGLE-FAMILY  HOUSES  ARE  PLANNED  AT  THE  SITE.

THIEVES TARGET KIA'S IN THOMASTON

 THOMASTON  POLICE  CHIEF  MIKE  RICHARDSON    REPORTS    POSSIBLY   A  DOZEN   BREAK-INS  OF  KIA  AUTOMOBILES  HAPPENED  LAST  WEEK--AND  TWO  WERE  STOLEN.  THE  CHIEF  SAYS  A  VIDEO  ON  TIC  TOK  REVEALED   HOW  TO  ENTER  KIA'S  AND  THE  THIEVES  APPARENTLY  USED  THAT  TECHNIQUE   FOR THE  BREAK-INS.

THOSE  CASES  ARE   UNDER  INVESTIGATION  AND  THE  CHIEF  EXPECTS  ARRESTS  WILL  BE  FORTHCOMING.

LAMAR CO MAN FACES FED DRUG CHARGES

 Lamar County Man Faces a Max of Life in Prison for Armed Drug Distribution Deputies Found Firearms, Ammunition, Drugs in Defendant’s Barnesville, Georgia, Apartment MACON, Ga. – A Lamar County resident set for trial this week admitted that he possessed firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking at a plea hearing Monday and is facing up to life in prison for his crime. Gregory Alexander Twymon, 35, of Barnesville, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime before U.S. District Judge C Ashley Royal on June 1. Twymon faces a mandatory minimum of five years up to a maximum of life in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system. “Armed drug traffickers will be brought to justice in the Middle District of Georgia," said U.S. Attorney William R. "Will" Keyes. "We thank the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office and ATF for helping us hold the defendant accountable and for their ongoing work to uphold the law and make our communities safer for everyone.”

GUILTY PLEA FAYETTE CO

 DAVID STUDDARD

ACTING DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Griffin Judicial Circuit

6/2/26

Press Release

For Immediate Release

On June 2nd, 2026, the State called the case of The State of Georgia v. Jefferson Thurmond to trial in front of the Honorable Scott L. Ballard. The State was represented by Administrative Chief Assistant District Attorney Monique Harris. The case was investigated by Detective Anna Lieff of the Peachtree City Police Department. Prior to the jury being questioned and selected, Thurmond entered a guilty plea to two counts of Child Molestation and one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child and was sentenced to 60 years to serve 40 years in custody with the balance on probation.

Had this case proceeded with trial, the State was prepared to present evidence showing that the victim in this case reported that about 10 years ago, while she was a minor, she was sexually assaulted by the Defendant, her mother’s boyfriend at the time. These acts occurred while at her home in Peachtree City, GA and again at a home in Coweta County, GA. The victim was motivated to come forward after finding out the Defendant had recently started sharing a room with his minor granddaughter, which caused her concern for the safety of that child. A few weeks ago, prior to the plea in Fayette County, the Defendant was found guilty by a Coweta County jury for the acts he committed there against this victim and other minors. The State was prepared to present evidence of those crimes in the trial here in Fayette County. While the defense requested that the State not proceed with the Fayette County charges, given his conviction and sentence in Coweta County, it was important to the State and victims that he be held accountable for each of his actions and the years of abuse he inflicted upon the victim here as well.

Acting District Attorney David Studdard said after sentencing, “I am very proud of my office for their dedication to victims of these horrific crimes. I am equally proud of the victim in this case, a very courageous young women who was brave enough to come forward and ensured that this predator met with justice.”

PEANUT ADOPTED OUT BY UPSON ANIMAL CONTROL

 PEANUT  THE  LABRADOODLE  HAS  BEEN  ADOPTED  OUT  BY  THE  UPSON COUNTY  ANIMAL  SHELTER  BUT  HIS  FORMER OWNER  WANTS  IT  BACK--AND NOW  REPORTS  LAWYERS  ARE  GETTING  INVOLVED.   THE  OWNER  REPORTEDLY  WENT ON  A  CRUISE--LEFT  PEANUT  WITH  HIS  GRANDMOTHER  BUT  IT  GOT  LOOSE  AND  PICKED-UP  BY  UPSON  ANIMAL  CONTROL-- PUT    UP  FOR  ADOPTION  AND  PEANUT  WAS  ADOPTED-OUT   MONDAY    MORNING.  THE OWNER  SAID  HE  RETURNED  FROM MIAMI  SUNDAY  AND  TRIED  TO  CONTACT  THE  ANIMAL  SHELTER  BUT  IT   WAS  CLOSED--AND  HE  LEARNED  MONDAY   PEANUT   HAS  A  NEW  HOME  AND  THE NEW  OWNER  REPORTEDLY  WANTS  TO  KEEP  THE  PET. 

UPSON CO SHERIFF DAN KILGORE REPORTS A WEEKEND BIKER WRECK

 A  HARRIS  COUNTY  MOTORCYCIST  HIT  A  DEER  ON 74  EAST  NEAR  TRINITY  ROAD  AROUND  4AM  SUNDAY  AND    HE   WAS  TRANSPORTED  BY  EMS  TO  A  MACON  TRAUMA  CENTER.

T-U SCHOOLS BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING TESTIMONY

 My name is Ambure Leavitt, and I worked for Thomaston-Upson County Schools for six years.

I loved my job. I loved the students, the teachers, and this community. But eventually, I had to leave because I could not survive financially on the salary being provided.

My paycheck was around $1,200 a month.

As a parent, that was not enough to support myself and my child. And now, the same community is being asked to afford groceries, utilities, housing, and property taxes while being asked to accept another 1.51 mill tax increase.

Before taxpayers are asked to give more, they deserve answers.

Over the years, support positions have been cut, absorbed, or left unfilled. My former position as an attendance clerk was one of them. Now those responsibilities are falling onto teachers who are already overwhelmed.

The work does not disappear when positions are cut. It simply gets pushed onto the people already carrying the heaviest load.

We are not losing employees because they don’t care. We are losing them because they cannot survive financially.

That should concern every person in this room.

At the same time, paraprofessionals and support staff are being reduced in environments where students need more supervision and support — not less.

Teachers are evacuating classrooms during behavioral incidents. Staff members are overwhelmed. Students and parents continue expressing concerns about bullying and classroom behavior.

If children are truly the priority, why are classrooms losing support instead of gaining it?

I also noticed a proposed assistant social worker position in the budget at nearly $50,000 a year.

And I want to be clear — this is not criticism of social workers. I worked closely with ours, and I know how valuable they are to students and families.

My concern is about priorities.

At a time when classrooms are losing support staff, teachers are stretched beyond capacity, and taxpayers are left wondering why existing classroom needs continue going unmet.

Could that funding help place another teacher in a classroom?

Could it help restore support staff positions?

Could it help relieve some of the pressure being placed on teachers every single day?

Those are fair questions for this community to ask.

And I think one of the biggest frustrations in Thomaston-Upson County is the message people feel they are receiving.

Academic scores remain low.

Bullying concerns continue being reported.

Teachers and staff are overwhelmed.

Yet the main thing this community continues hearing is that more money is needed.

People want to know:

• What is being done to improve student outcomes?
• What is being done to improve safety and behavior in schools?
• What is being done to retain good teachers and staff before asking taxpayers to carry an even heavier burden?

Families across this county are already making sacrifices in their own homes every single day. People are cutting back, working extra jobs, and trying to survive rising costs however they can.

I want our schools to succeed.

I want teachers supported.

I want students safe.

But the message being sent right now is that the burden keeps falling on classrooms, teachers, staff, and taxpayers while they are expected to do more and more with less and less.

And at some point, we have to ask:

How much more are teachers, staff, parents, and taxpayers expected to carry before enough is enough?

At some point, the people making decisions for this district need to be willing to make sacrifices too.

Tonight, I am asking this board not to approve this millage increase until this community sees stronger accountability, stronger classroom support, and a clearer commitment to the students, teachers, and staff carrying this district every single day.

Thank you.

CONTRACT FOR T-U SCHOOLS NEW SUPER

  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  BOARD OF  EDUCATION  HAS  RELEASED  THE  THREE   YEAR  CONTRACT  OF    NEW  SUPERINTENDANT  DR. TRAVET WITHERSPOON  OF  VALDOSTA  CITY  SCHOOLS--$170,000 ANNUALLY  Payable  IN  12  MONTHLY  INSTALLMENTS  WITH  A  3%  PAY  INCREASE AS  OF  JULY  IST  2027  AND    THREE  PER  CENT JULY  IST 2028.   THE  CONTRACT  TERMS- 36  MONTHS  COMMENCING  JULY  IST  2026  AND  ENDING  JUNE  30TH  2029 WITH  PROVISIONS  TO  EXTEND  IT.

 

 THE  CONTRACT  INCLUDES    A  MONTHLY  IN-COUNTY TRAVEL  ALLOWANCE  OF  $500   AND   THE  BOARD  WILL  PAY 100% OF  THE  HEALTH  INSURANCE  FAMILY  COVERAGE. ALSO  THE  BOARD  WILL  TAKE  THREE  BIDS  FOR  THE  NEW  SUPERINENDANT'S  MOVING   EXPENSES   FROM  LAKELAND , GEORGIA  TO  THOMASTON  EXPECTED  TO  BE  IN  THE  RANGE  OF  $5000.

CITY OF THOMASTON SETS TWO PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CLOSE A VAPE SHOP

 NOTICE OF ZONING ORDINANCE HEARING

GEORGIA, UPSON COUNTY

RE: Ordinance of the City of Thomason, Georgia to Revoke the Special Use 

Permit of property located at 1091 Hwy 19 N, Suite B

The public is hereby notified pursuant to the Georgia Zoning Procedures Act and Zoning 

Ordinance of the City of Thomaston, Georgia, that the Thomaston Zoning Commission 

will hold a public hearing (1st public hearing) in the meeting room at the ThomastonUpson County Government Complex, located at 106 East Lee Street, Thomaston, Georgia, 

at 12:30 P.M. on June 15, 2026. The Mayor and City Council of the City of Thomaston, 

Georgia, will hold its first read and public hearing (2nd public hearing) in the meeting 

room at the Thomaston-Upson County Government Complex at 7:00 P.M. on June 16, 

2026 The second read and vote will be held at the regular City Council meeting scheduled 

for 7:00 P.M. on June 16, 2026, relative to the Revoking of the Special Use Permit for 

property located at 1091 Hwy. 19 N, Suite B, Thomaston, Georgia.

Wherefore a Special Use Permit was granted by the Council and Mayor of the City 

of Thomaston to Michael Lee, Pacific Management Group, LLC, for his business located 

at 1091 Highway 19 North, Suite B, Thomaston, Georgia; and 

Whereas the Special Use Permit provided that no low THC, THC, marijuana 

concentrates, marijuana paraphernalia, pipes, bongs, grinders, or any related objects 

were to be stocked or sold; and

Whereas, Michael Lee, Pacific Management Group, LLC, at his business located 

at 1091 Highway 19 North, Suite B did stock and did sell said prohibited products and 

has been charged and arrested for selling said prohibited products to under aged minors; 

Therefore, the Mayor and Council of the City of Thomaston will hold two (2) 

public hearings to discuss and to withdraw its Special Use Permit allowing the 

operation of a business located at 1091 Highway 19 North, Suite B, Thomaston, Georgia 

owned and operated by Michael Lee, Pacific Management Group, LLC. Said hearings will 

be held on June 15, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. and June 16, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Upson County 

Government Complex, located at 106 E Lee St., Thomaston, Georgia.

This 19th day of May 2026.

THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THOMASTON, GEORGI

UPSON CO GOP PARTY MEETING

 When: Thursday, May 28, 2026, 6:00 pm

Where:  Upson GOP meeting room at 103 S. Hightower Street

If you or your organization would like to speak at one of the Upson County Republican Party meetings, you may contact us at upsonrepublicans@gmail.com or through our FACEBOOK page: Upson County Republican Party.