FULL LETTER FROM BRIGHTMARK

 Indiana Department of Environmental Management

100 N. Senate Avenue

Indianapolis, IN 46204-2251

Attn: Matthew Stuckey - Assistant Commissioner Office of Air Quality

Re: Brightmark Plastics Ashley OpCo LLC

Plant ID No. 151-00067

FESOP No. 151-49194-00067

Case No. 2023-29694-A

Dear Mr. Stuckey:

Brightmark Plastics Ashley OpCo LLC (“Brightmark”) is writing to provide the Indiana Department 

of Environmental Management (“IDEM”) with notice regarding the current operational status of its 

facility located at 401 McEntarfer Drive, Ashley, Indiana, and to request IDEM’s guidance regarding 

the Agreed Order adopted by IDEM on May 19, 2026.

Brightmark has temporarily suspended active plastics-to-fuel processing operations at the Ashley 

facility while the company conducts a comprehensive evaluation of its technology configuration, 

operational strategy, staffing model, and future development plans for the site. This operational 

pause is intended to allow Brightmark to assess potential technology improvements and operational 

alternatives that may enhance the long-term viability, compliance posture, and performance of the 

facility.

Due to the current idling of the facility, Brightmark will not be able to meet the current timeline 

established in Paragraph 3 of the Agreed Order, which requires Brightmark to submit a permit 

application within one hundred twenty (120) days of the Effective Date to update compliance testing 

requirements and associated deadlines relative to current and projected operational capabilities of 

the emission units requiring stack tests in the permit. Because the facility is not currently operating 

in active plastics-to-fuel processing mode, Brightmark needs additional time to evaluate its future 

operating plans and determine the appropriate permit-related path forward.

Brightmark is providing this notice so IDEM is aware of the facility’s current status and the impact 

that the operational pause has on Brightmark’s ability to meet the current Agreed Order timeline. 

Brightmark respectfully requests IDEM’s guidance on the appropriate process to address the current 

schedule and requirements under the Agreed Order.

The facility is being maintained in a safe and environmentally compliant condition during this 

temporary operational pause. Brightmark will continue to comply with applicable permit 

requirements, regulatory obligations, and ongoing commitments under the Agreed Order to the 

extent they remain applicable during the current facility status. Brightmark also intends to continue 

communicating with IDEM regarding material developments affecting the facility’s operational 

status, permitting needs, and future operating plans.

2

401 McEntarfer Drive

Ashley, IN 46705

At this time, Brightmark has not made a final determination regarding the duration of the 

operational pause or the ultimate configuration of future operations. As the company’s evaluation 

progresses, Brightmark intends to submit any permit applications, permit revisions, testing plans, 

extension requests, or supporting documentation that may be appropriate based on the outcome of 

its evaluation, future operating plans, and IDEM’s guidance.

Brightmark appreciates the professionalism, cooperation, and support provided by IDEM staff 

throughout this process and looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the agency. 

Should IDEM have any questions or wish to discuss the facility’s current status or the Agreed Order, 

please contact me directly.

Sincerely,

BRIGHTMARK PLASTICS ASHLEY OPCO LLC

Chris Hillary

Plant Manager

cc: Joe Har

BRIGHTMARK REPORTEDLY IDLING ITS INDIANA PLANT

 ACCORDING TO  A  LETTER ADDRESSED  TO  THE  INDIANA  DEPARTMENT  OF  ENVIRONMENTAL  MANAGEMENT  FROM  THE  BRIGHTMARK  PLANT  MANAGER  IN   ASHLEY,  INDIANA,  CHRIS  HILLARY, BRIGHTMARK  REQUESTS  THE  STATE'S GUIDANCE  REGARDING  THE  CURRENT  OPERATIONAL  STATUS  OF  ITS  FACILITY.  THE  LETTER  CONTINUES  QUOTE --BRIGHTMARK  HAS TEMPORARILY  SUSPENDED  ACTIVE  PLASTICS -TO-FUEL  PROCESSING  OPERATIONS  AT  THE  ASHLEY  FACILITY  WHILE  THE  COMPANY  CONDUCTS  A  COMPREHENSIVE  EVALUATION  OF  ITS  TECHNOLOGY  CONFIGURATION,  OPERATIONAL  STRATEGY. 

BRIGHTMARK  HAS  PLANNED  ITS  SECOND  PLASTICS  RECYCLING  PLANT  FOR  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  IDA'S  BIZ/TECH  PARK  AT  THE  AIRPORT  AND  HELD  A  PUBLIC  HEARING  FOR  ITS  AIR  PERMIT  MAY  18 WITH  ONLY ONE  WITNESS  IN  FAVOR. 

THE  LETTER  CONTINUES  QUOTE-- DUE TO  THE  CURRENT  IDLING  OF  THE  FACILITY, BRIGHTMARK  WILL  NOT  BE  ABLE  TO MEET  THE  CURRENT  TIMELINE  WHICH  REQUIRES BRIGHTMARK  TO SUBMIT  A  PERMIT  WITH   120 DAYS   OF  THE  EFFECTIVE  DATE OF  THE  ORDER.  BECAUSE  THE  FACILITY  IS NOT  CURRENTLY OPERATING  IN  ACTIVE  PLASTICS-TO-FUEL  PROCESSING MODE,  BRIGHTMARK NEEDS  ADDITIONAL  TIME  TO  EVALUATE  ITS  FUTURE OPERATING  PLANS  AND  DETERMINE  THE  APPROPRIATE PERMIT-RELATED  PATH  FOWARD--END  QUOTE.B

GSP THOMASTON INVESTIGATING WRECK KNIGHT TRAIL/TOM MCKINLEY RD

 POST  26  GA.  STATE  PATROL /THOMASTON   INVESTIGATED  A  TWO-VEHICLE  ACCIDENT  WITH  3  INJURIES AUGUST  3RD  AT  KNIGHT  TRAIL  AND  TOM  MCKINLEY  ROAD. ACCORDING  TO  TROOPER   BEN  CLARK,  THE  DRIVER  OF  A  2024 GMC  SUV  DRIVEN  BY DEBORAH  BEVERLY  OF  R.  STREET  FLIPPED  OVER  AFTER A 2020  HONDA  DRIVEN  BY CAMESHA  JARIE  BRASWELL OF  HEATH DRIVE  IN  THOMASTON--ENTERED  HER   LANE OF  TRAVEL  AND  STRUCK  HER  VEHICLE  IN  THE  PASSENGER  SIDE.   BOTH  MOTORISTS  AND  A  PASSENGER  IN  THE  HONDA-- KYLE  BRASWELL  WERE  TRANSPORTED  TO  THE  E.R.  BY AMERIPRO  EMS WITH  NON-LIFE  THREATING  INJURIES

BIBLE CLASSES AT U-L ELEMENTARY

 

 "Big news for Thomaston families! Free LifeWise Bible classes will start August 21st for Upson-Lee Elementary 5th grade students, and January 22nd for 3rd & 4th graders. With your permission, your child can attend an off-campus, character-building Bible class each Friday—right during the school day. Don't wait! Enroll your child today at LifeWise.org/thomastonupsonga." 

BOIL WATER NOTICE CITY OF THOMASTON

 Boil Water Notice

Inframark

309 Veterans Dr.

Thomaston, GA 30286

(706) 646-8031

Wednesday August 5, 2026

Dear Water Customer,

 Your residence is currently under a “Boil Water” notice. The affected 

area includes Summer Trace, Daisy Ln, 200 Block of O St SW & 

600/700 Blocks of 4th Ave SW in West Silvertown. We recommend 

that water that is to be used for human consumption be boiled before 

use. This is due to loss of water pressure from the water main break

in this area. If you have any questions, please call us at 706-646-8031. 

We will notify you as soon as the notice is lifted.

Sincerely,

Inframark

City of Thomaston Water Dept

SUV WRECK UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THOMASTON GSP POST

 POST  26  GA.  STATE  PATROL  INVESTIGATING  AN  SUV  ACCIDENT  AT  KNIGHT  TRAIL  AND  TOM  MCKINLEY  ROAD--MONDAY  AROUND  6PM.  THE  VEHICLE  REPORTEDLY  FLIPPED OVER

SPALDING CO SENIOR SERVICES

GRIFFIN, GA. (August 4, 2026) Fifty Forward – Your Center for Senior Services is 

excited to announce their semiannual Maker’s Market Fine Arts Fair will be hosted on 

Friday, October 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Center

located at 885 Memorial Drive in Griffin, Georgia.

Support your community by shopping locally! Choose from a variety of items including 

baked goods, artwork, crafts, ceramics, creative clay, crochet and knit work, hand 

crafted jewelry, photography, quilting, woodwork and much more. All items are custom 

made by local, talented Senior Center artists. Most purchases are limited to cash only; a 

select few vendors accept credit cards.

This is a special event you do not want to miss!

 

Interested in participating in the Fine Arts Fair? If you are age 50 or over, please contact 

770-467-4385, ahightower@spaldingcounty.com, or ochilds@spaldingcounty.com to 

find out more information on how to secure a spot in the Maker’s Market.

STATE HOUSE MEMBER CAMP TO CHAIR LEGISLATIVE EVENT 2027

 

Chair Beth Camp, President Pro Tempore Larry Walker Accept Host State Gavel for 2027 NCSL Legislative Summit in Atlanta

ATLANTA – State Representative Beth Camp (R-Concord) recently attended the 2026 National Conference of State Legislatures’ (NCSL) Legislative Summit in Chicago, where she joined Senate President Pro Tempore Larry Walker III (R-Perry) onstage during NCSL’s closing general session ceremony to accept NCSL’s host state gavel from Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel Welch and Illinois House Assistant Majority Leader Marcus C. Evans, Jr. This ceremony symbolizes the transition to Georgia as the next Legislative Summit host state, and the 2027 Legislative Summit will take place in Atlanta from August 9 – 11, 2027.

“Georgia is thrilled to be next year’s host state for the 2027 NCSL Legislative Summit and to welcome thousands of legislators and legislative staff from across the country and territories as we showcase all that our great State of Georgia has to offer,” said Chair Camp. “As a member of NCSL’s Executive Committee, it was an honor to join Senate President Pro Tem Larry Walker onstage in Chicago to accept the ceremonial gavel, signifying the transition of power from this year’s host State of Illinois to the State of Georgia as we gear up to host the 2027 NCSL Legislative Summit in Atlanta.”

NCSL’s Legislative Summit brings together state legislators and legislative staff from all 50 states and U.S. territories for three days of collaboration, innovation and bipartisan dialogue. It is the largest meeting of state legislators and legislative staff in the nation.

NCSL, created by state legislators and legislative staff in 1975, serves America’s 50 states, commonwealths, territories and the District of Columbia. Every state legislator and staffer is a member of the organization and has complete access to the latest in bipartisan policy research, training resources and technical assistance tailored specifically to their needs. NCSL offers members a variety of opportunities to connect and collaborate, notably at its signature event, the NCSL Legislative Summit.

NORTHSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO STAGECOACH ROAD IN UPSON

 Northside Volunteer Fire Rescue

tSpdoesnort75ami30u4m987h614mu7iauc81f4904i7fh4lim2h23u1u7lt ·

At approximately 0415 hours on July 30, 2026, Northside Volunteer Fire Rescue was dispatched to a reported residential structure fire on Stagecoach Road. While responding, additional information from dispatch advised that flames were visible from the residence.

Engine 83 arrived first on scene at 0420 hours and confirmed a working structure fire with active fire conditions. A size-up was completed, command was established, and firefighters immediately initiated an aggressive interior fire attack while simultaneously conducting a primary search of the residence.

During the primary search, one occupant was located inside the structure and removed by firefighters. The victim was transferred to awaiting EMS personnel for evaluation and care.

Engine 82 arrived as the second-due apparatus and assisted with fire suppression, search operations, overhaul, and scene support.

Through coordinated interior fire attack and tactical ventilation, crews were able to confine the fire primarily to the area of origin, limiting the incident to moderate fire extension and preventing further damage to the remainder of the residence. A primary and secondary search confirmed that all occupants had been accounted for, and the fire was declared under control shortly thereafter.

Northside would like to thank Upson County EMS, the Upson County Sheriff's Office, Upson County 911, and all assisting agencies for their teamwork and professionalism throughout this incident.

This incident serves as another reminder of the importance of working smoke alarms, having two ways out of every room, and practicing a home fire escape plan with your family.

No further information regarding the occupant's condition will be released out of respect for the individual and their family.

NEW ARRESTS BY GRIFFIN PD

  

As of July 28, 2026, the Griffin Police Department has made two additional arrests in connection with the July 11 

homicide at Raymond Head Park. Kenijay Ponder was taken into custody on July 23 in Henry County, and Josiah 

Starks was taken into custody on July 28 for their roles in the murder of Malcom Freeling.

Since the incident, the Griffin Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, with assistance from the Field 

Investigation Team (FIT) Unit, has worked diligently to identify all individuals involved. Our goal is to ensure that 

everyone responsible is brought to justice, to provide closure for the victim’s family, and to reassure the community 

that individuals who act with such reckless disregard for human life will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the 

law.

The Griffin Police Department supports community events and encourages anyone planning a large community 

gathering to obtain proper permits and coordinate with their local law enforcement partners to ensure their event 

remains safe, secure, and family-friendl

TWO ARRESTED FOR CAR BREAK-INS IN UPSON

 News Release

Between July 12 and July 15, 2026 the Upson County Sheriff’s Office received 4 complaints of vehicles being broken into with items stolen. These incidents occurred during the overnight hours in the eastern part of Upson County on Rocky Bottom Road, Rose Creek Road and Mud Bridge Road. We also received a report of a Burglary on Rose Creek Road. Copper wire was stolen from the walls and ceiling during the burglary from a vacant residence.

            Investigators received a tip identifying Ian Sweatt, 25, of Hampton Georgia as a suspect. A vehicle being driven by Sweatt was located in the area of the thefts by utilizing FLOCK camera technology.  Sweatt was arrested by deputies during a license check on Barnesville Highway on July 23 on an outstanding warrant from Henry County. Sweatt was interviewed by Investigators and admitted to committing the thefts. Another suspect who is identified as Jacob Lee Chambers, 21, of Rose Creek Road was named as an additional suspect. Chambers was located by Investigators and interviewed. Chambers also confessed to committing the thefts.

Sweatt and Chambers are in the Upson County Jail facing charges of four counts each of Entering Auto, One count each of Burglary and one count each of Criminal Damage to property.

Investigators have been working to recover the property stolen. Some items have been located. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Investigator Marcus Denson at the Upson County Sheriff’s Office.

Dan Kilgore, Sheriff

July 29, 2026

 TWO  ARRESTED  FOR  UPSO

UPSON BOC MEETING/IDA REZONING POSTPONED

 SEVERAL  CITIZENS  ATTENDED   TUESDAY'S  MEETING  OF  THE  UPSON COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  TO  SPEAK  DURING  A   PUBLIC  HEARING  ON  A  REZONING  REQUEST  BY  THE   IDA  ON  RACE  TRACK  ROAD--  FOR  A  NEW  INDUSTRIAL/BUSINESS  PARK.  BUT  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  DAN  BRUE  ANNOUNCED  THE  ITEM  WAS  POSTPONED  AT  THE  REQUEST  OF  THE  IDA  -- POSSIBLY TILL  SEPTEMBER.

THE   BOC  DISCUSSED  CHANGES  TO  THE  ZONING  AND  SUBDIVISION  ORDIANCES   BUT  ONLY  ONE  CITIZEN  SPOKE.  FURTHER  DISCUSSIONS  TARGETED  FOR  NEXT  WEEK'S  WORK  SESSION.

RECOGNITIONS AT UPSON BOC MEETING

 DURING  RECOGNITION  AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING  OF  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  THE  BOC  HONORED   THE   RECREATION  12 U  BASEBALL  STATE  AND  NATIONAL  CHAMPS  AND  THE   REC 10 U SOFTBALL  STATE  CAMPS.  PHOTOS  BY  COUNTY  CLERK  JESSICA  JONES  ARE  ON  OUR  WEBSITE.

ALSO  RECOGNIZED  LUCAS   AUSTIN  FOUNDER  OF  THE  OLD  THOMASTON  PHOTOS & STORIES FACEBOOK  GROUP -- WHO  GOT  A  BIG  RECEPTION    FROM  THE  STANDING  ROOM  ONLY  CROWD.

WELLSTAR TO LAY OFF OVER 700

 

A spokesperson for Wellstar released the following statement: 

As a non-profit health system, Wellstar has a responsibility to regularly evaluate how we operate so we can continue to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Following a comprehensive review of our organization, we made the difficult decision to implement workforce reductions that impact our corporate and shared services functions, as well as certain administrative roles within Wellstar Medical Group. Our frontline care team roles were not impacted. These changes will help us simplify our structure, clarify roles, strengthen accountability and move decision making closer to the people who care for patients, while positioning Wellstar for continued long-term sustainable growth. Our mission has not changed, and our patients will continue to receive the same compassionate, high-quality care they expect from Wellstar.

This impacts 761 employees, or about 2% of our more than 35,000 employees. Each area was evaluated individually based on its role in supporting patient care, opportunities to improve effectiveness and alignment with how we will operate going forward. As a result, the level of impact varies by department. Additionally, these decisions were shaped by analysis of industry benchmarks.

UPSON COUNTY BD OF ELECTIONS

 NOTICE OF ELECTION CANCELLATION Pursuant to O.C.G.A 21-2-291 & 21-2-325, notice is hereby given that the City of Yatesville Special Election scheduled for November 3, 2026, is cancelled. The following candidate qualified for office and is unopposed: For City Council At Large: Connie Montoya The above unopposed candidate shall be deemed to have voted for herself. This 29th day of July, 2026 Pam W. Releford Election Supervisor

Griffin PD Needs Your Help