IN A FACEBOOK POST, RESCUE ME MARKET ON THE DOWNTOWN THOMASTON SQUARE THAT ONCE HOUSED O.W. JONES & SON HARDWARE, HAS ANNOUNCED ITS CLOSING ITS DOORS FEB. 18, BUT PIVOTING IN A NEW DIRECTION AND OPENING UPPER KRUST KITCHEN AND TABLE TOP ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE SQUARE WITH COFFEE AND 16 FLAVORS OF SCOOPED ICE CREAM , GOURMET PROVISIONS AND MORE.
South Metro's News Leader
Thursday, February 2, 2023
DA MARIE BRODER ON GUILTY VERDICTS
PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On Tuesday, January 31st, after week-long trial, a Spalding County jury convicted Robert Freeman III, and Xavier Carter of Felony Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, Three Counts of Aggravated Assault, and Violation of Criminal Street Gang Act. Xavier Carter was also convicted of Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony. Senior Assistant District Attorney Ashton Fallin and Assistant District Attorney Holly MacDonald presented the case for the State.
On July 24, 2020, Xavier Carter planned to commit an armed robbery in order to be able to join the Rolling 20s Neighborhood Bloods. He and another co-defendant, Ryan Willis, drove to Spalding Heights and met up with Robert Freeman and a fourth co-defendant, Damarion Sinkfield. While at Spalding Heights, Freeman, Carter and Sinkfield planned the robbery while Ryan Willis remained in the car. Carter brought brass knuckles and a firearm with him while all four drove to Walden Pointe apartments. Carter, Freeman, and Sinkfield all went up to the third floor apartment of the victim, Jeffery Ryan Deluca. When the victim opened the door, he was immediately attacked. He was shot in the back of the head and killed. His fiancée and children were in the apartment at the time. All four co-defendants fled in the vehicle driven by Ryan Willis.
The Griffin Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Carter and Freeman were sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole on the Felony Murder, plus 20 years on the Street Gang Act to run consecutive. Carter received an additional 5 years consecutive for having the firearm. Willis is still awaiting trial and Sinkfield pled guilty to Felony Murder and was sentenced
to life with the possibility of parole.
“The victim’s fiancé presented a statement to the Honorable Scott Ballard during sentencing that was extremely powerful,” District Attorney Broder stated.
‘There is no sentence you can give them that will bring our sweet Ryan back, but we ask you to please take into consideration the safety of the community of Griffin, and surrounding counties, where these gangs are flourishing. Let’s not let Ryan die in vain. Let’s do what we can to prevent the suffering and evil criminal street gangs inflict on the community. These acts are depriving the community of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” – Taylor Lyons, fiancée of Jeffery Ryan DeLuca.
“Taylor’s words are so true.” DA Broder stated. “I am so proud of her and my team in continuing our fight against gang violence. Gang members, know this. We will not stop until our community is free from all gang violence.”
2/2/23 GROUNDHOG DAY
FEB. 2 GROUNDHOG DAY AND GEORGIA'S FAMOUS GROUNDHOG, GENERAL BEAUREGARD LEE HAS MADE HIS WEATHER FORECAST FOR 2023. OFFICIALS AT THE DAUSET TRAILS NATURE CENTER IN GWINNETT NATURE CENTER ANNOUNCED THE GROUNDHOG DID NOT SEE HIS SHADOW-MEANING WE'RE GOING TO HAVE AN EARLY SPRING.
THE GENERAL'S PREDICTION CONTRADICTS FELLOW GROUNDHOG PUNXSUTWNEY PHIL, WHO ANNOUNCED THAT THERE WOULD BE SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER.
City of Thomaston Municipal General Election
The public is hereby notified that the Municipal Election for the City of Thomaston will be held at the Civic Center located at 101 Civic Center Drive, Thomaston, GA 30286.
Early Voting will begin on Monday, October 16, 2023 from 8:30 am- 5:00 pm, and will extend for a three-week period, ending on Friday, November 3, 2023 followed by Election Day on November 7, 2023 from 7:00am- 7:00pm for the following seats:
Mayor for a term of four years, Councilmember District 1 for a term of four years, and Councilmember District 2 for a term of four years.
Qualifications for said election will open on Monday August 21, 2023 at 8:30am and will end on Friday August 25, 2023 at 4:30pm. The hours for qualifying each day will be from 8:30am- 1:00pm and resume from 2:00pm until 4:30pm.
Qualifying fees are as follows:
Mayor - $324.00
Councilmember of Districts 1 and 2 - $216.00
Please contact the City Manager’s Office with questions regarding qualifying. 706-647-4242 Ext. 4
Arbor Day Foundation Names Thomaston a 2022 Tree City USA
LINCOLN, Nebraska (1/23/2023)- Thomaston was named a 2022 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation-to-horror its commitment to-effective urban forest management.
Thomaston achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
"Tree City USA communities see the positive effects of an urban forest firsthand," said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "The trees being planted and cared for by Thomaston are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy to a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education."
If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time. Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, energy use, and extreme heat and flooding. Thomaston is doing its part to address these challenges for residents both now and in the future.
More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.
About the Arbor Day Foundation
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership, organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters, and valued partners. Since 1972, almost 500 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival.
As one of the world's largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees. More information is available at arborday.org.
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
NEW OWNERSHIP OF THE OLD MARTHA MILLS SITE IN THOMASTON
THE NEW OWNER OF THE OLD MARTHA MILLS PROPERTY ON GOORICH AVE. IN THOMASTON-- SEAN DRAIME OF DRAIME ENTERPRISES , A BUSINESS ON THE SITE, HEADS UP A GROUP CALLED MARTHA MILLS LLC THAT HE SAYS PURCHASED THE ADDITIONAL 31 ACRES ABOUT A WEEK AGO FROM A VIRGINIA GROUP, GOODRICH LUMBER LLC.
UPSON EMA SEVERE WEATHER TRAINING
National Weather Service will be holding a Severe Weather spotter Training class on March 6 at 6 PM at Upson EMA. We are hosting neighboring counties Meriwether and Crawford first responders to join our folks for this bi-annual training. We’ll be offering a few seats to interested weather enthusiasts within our communities to join us, as well. Seating for those folks will be limited to 12 persons. They can register by sending an email to EMA@upsoncountyga.org. First come, First served basis.
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
SLOW EXPOSURES IN PIKE CO YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOW
2023 Young Photographers Show
Enter before the May 1st deadline!!!!
To photographers under the age of 18 (and their supporters!): Don't miss your chance to be a part of SlowExposures XX! The deadline is May 1st and we want to see what you have in mind when you think of the rural South. Pick out two of your favorites and enter. It's free. And, if your photo gets picked, visitors from all over the U.S. will see your work.
Our judges for 2023 are Dr. Dan Dunnahoo and Dr. Karen Lacey of Pike County, GA. There are three divisions: K-5, 6-8, and 9-12th grades. The selected photos will be exhibited during SlowExposures, September 15-17th in Pike County. The judges will award first, second, and third places in each grade category as well as a "Best in Show". And, we'll hold a reception for the photographers and families on Sunday, September 17th. We think it's a fitting conclusion to honor these photographers of the future!
CONGRESSMAN FERGUSON ANNOUNCED AS CHAIR SUBCOMMITTEE ON SS
Ferguson Announced as Chairman of Subcommittee on Social Security
Receives Seat on Budget Committee and Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-GA) today released the following statement on his assignment to the House Budget Committee, and House Ways and Means Subcommittee assignments as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Social Security, and member of the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures – also referred to as the Subcommittee on Tax.
“My focus in Congress has always been on creating jobs, building a strong economy, and eliminating bureaucratic barriers and waste,” Congressman Drew Ferguson said. “As a member of the Committee on Ways and Means and House Budget Committee, I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get our country back on track with responsible fiscal and pro-growth policies. For the last two years, the radical Left’s out-of-control, big government spending resulted in an economic crisis – causing hardworking Americans to suffer with record high inflation and putting our nation on the brink of a recession.
“We will reverse course and enact policies to maintain American competitiveness and innovation, economic growth, and fiscal responsibility. As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Social Security, I will be a leading voice for our nation’s seniors, and advance solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing our country today.”
Background:
The Committee on Ways and Means is the oldest committee of the United States Congress, and is the chief tax-writing committee in the House of Representatives with jurisdiction over all taxation, trade, tariffs and other revenue-raising measures.
The Subcommittee on Social Security is responsible for legislation and policy matters referred to the Committee on Ways and Means that relate to the Federal Old Age, Survivors’ and Disability Insurance System, the Railroad Retirement System, and payroll taxes and trust fund operations relating to those systems.
The House Budget Committee’s responsibilities include legislative oversight of the federal budget process, reviewing all bills and resolutions on the budget, and monitoring agencies and programs funded outside of the budgetary process.
A FATAL STABBING IN GRIFFIN
On January 31st 2023 shortly after 6am Griffin Police were called to the 100 block of W Tinsley in reference to a domestic related call. Upon arrival on scene a 47 year old male was found suffering from a stab wound. Fire and EMS personnel attempted life saving measures but were unable to revive the victim. A juvenile suspect and witness were transported from the scene to PD HQ for interviews. This is an ongoing and active investigation with updates to follow as they become available.
UPSON CO WRECK TUES AM
UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAYS A MOTORIST WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R. AFTER HE RAN OFF THE ROAD AT DEL RAY ROAD AND NORTH DELRAY JUST BEFORE 7AM TUESDAY MORNING. THE SHERIFF SAID THE DRIVER HAD NON-LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES AND HE TURNED THE INVESTIGATION OVER TO POST 26 GSP-THOMASTON.
Monday, January 30, 2023
BREAKING NEWS--36 EAST BLOCKED FROM KNIGHT TRAIL TO TOM MCKINLEY ROAD
101 TRAFFIC ALERT--UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE REPORTS HIGHWAY 36 EAST IS BLOCKED FROM KNIGHT TRAIL TO TOM MCKINLEY ROAD BY TWO 18-WHEELERS. ONE OF THEM WAS TRYING TO MAKE A U TURN AND GOT STUCK AND ANOTHER BIG RIG CAME ALONG AND TRIED TO GO AROUND IT AND GOT STUCK. SHERIFF KILGORE SAID IT WILL IMPACT SCHOOL TRAFFIC IN THE AREA SO PARENTS SHOULD PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
Friday, January 27, 2023
NEW INDUSTRY FOR THOMASTON
UPSON COUNTY, Ga. — Governor Brian P. Kemp announced on Friday a manufacturing company is building their new headquarters in Thomaston.
A press release says the company Green Georgia LLC, a sustainable building materials manufacturing company, will create over 170 jobs at the company’s new headquarters and invest $59 million in the facility.
“In Georgia, companies have all the resources they need to thrive, from reliable infrastructure to a highly skilled workforce,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “As we continue to bring quality jobs to every corner of our state, we're working hard to connect Georgians with the opportunities they need to succeed in these careers.”
Green Georgia LLC will design and manufacture low-carbon materials used to create prefabricated buildings for a variety of structures, including sustainable factories, the release says.
John Wolfington, Principal of Green Georgia says they are excited to come to Upson County.
“Green Georgia is an Eco-friendly building solutions company that is going to transform the way we build today. By building in a controlled environment, our products can be produced at a much lower cost and quicker than traditional construction without producing the waste that comes with traditional construction," he said.
Green Georgia LLC says they have committed to using local contractors and suppliers for the construction of its more than 300,000-square-foot, manufacturing facility at the Thomaston-Upson Industrial Park.
"We believe their product and mission to provide sustainable materials furthers our community’s mission to attract innovative and forward-thinking companies to our region. An investment of this size proves that companies are looking for what smaller communities in rural Georgia can offer: a robust workforce, opportunity for growth with small-town charm, and a tight-knit community. Georgia is the best state in which to do business, and this project represents a win for Thomaston, Upson County, and our middle Georgia community," Kyle Fletcher, Executive Director of the Thomaston-Upson County Industrial Development Authority said.
Operations are expected to begin by early 2024, and the company will be hiring for positions in sales, administration, engineering, and production.
GORDON STATE ANNUAL STATE OF THE COLLEGE ADDRESS
BARNESVILLE, Ga. – On Tuesday, Jan. 31, Gordon State College President, Dr. Kirk A. Nooks will present the institution’s annual State of the College address at 9 a.m. in the GSC Student Activity and Recreation Center (SARC).
President Nooks will focus on providing an overview of the highlights and milestones from the past year and elaborate on where GSC currently stands as well as what is in the horizon for the year ahead.
“Gordon State College had incredible triumphs since implementing our five-year strategic plan in 2018. There’s much to catch up on since last year and there’s thrilling news to be shared of what’s to come in the near future,” Nooks said. “I’m proud of the commitment and collaboration among faculty, staff, and students that led us to where we currently are today. Our Highlander Nation embraced ‘The Power of We’ and for that we have many successes to communicate.”
Some topics will include the progress for GSC to leverage its institution’s strategic plan, “The Power of We,” that has materialized in its fifth year by developing degree programs to ensure maximum transferability to higher education partners and alignment to regional workforce needs. Another discussion will include how GSC, with continuous efforts, has uniquely created an institutional framework that supported and continues to champion evolving strategic priorities.
The event will also be open to the community.
Founded in 1852, GSC is a member of the University System of Georgia. The college has a distinctive legacy of excellent scholarship and service. GSC offers 11 four-year degrees and 16 associate-level degrees, which includes multiple baccalaureate pathways for students. With an enrollment of over 3,000 students, GSC offers an intimate academic setting in state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories. In this setting, students receive individualized attention that only a small college with dedicated faculty and staff can provide.
GRIFFIN-SPALDING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARD WINNERS
Annual awards banquet winners-
Member of Year- Conner West
Community Inspiration award- Brightmoor Hospice
Game Changer- Ariel Holloway
Beautification award- Myrtle Plot
Ambassador of Year- David Johnson and Josh Hineish
General Griffin for 2023- Tom Gardner
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