PUBLIC SPEAKS TO UPSON BOC

 TWO  CITIZENS  SPOKE  TO  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  DURING  THE  AUGUST 11TH  REGULAR  MEETING--MIKE  BIRDSONG  OF  JOHN  B.  GORDON  ROAD SPUR  AND  WILLIAM  RUSSELL  OF JO  ANN  DRIVE. BIRDSONG  REQUESTED  SPEED  BUMPS  FOR  HIS  SMALL  ROAD  BECAUSE OF  SPEEDING  TRAFFIC.   RUSSELL  WANTED  THE  COMMISSIONERS  TO  DO  SOMETHING  ABOUT  DAMAGE  TO  HIS PRIVATE  PROPERTY  BY  A  FLORIDA  COMPANY  PARKING HEAVY DIESEL  TRUCKS  ON  HIS   LAND   TO  LAY  INTERNET  CABLE.  RUSSELL    SAID    HE  RUNS  AN   ORGANIC   MEAT, FRUIT AND  VEGEABLE  GROWING, SELLING   AND  TEACHING  OPERATION WITH  THOUSANDS  OF  PUPILS  ON  TIC  TOK.  HE  ESTIMATES  THE  BIG  TRUCKS  DID  DAMAGE  TO HIS  SOIL  TOTALING OVER  $10,000.

AS POLICY  THE  COMMISSIONERS  DO  NOT  RESPOND  TO  PUBLIC  COMMENTS.

UPSET MAN WITH A GUN IN GRIFFIN

 A   DISTRAUGHT  MAN  WITH  A  GUN  WAS  TRANSPORTED  TO  THE  E.R.  IN  GRIFFIN   WEDNESDAY   AFTER   HE  WAS  IN  THE PARKING LOT  OF  BRIGHTMOOR  HEALTH  CARE  CENTER   ON  HIGHWAY   16--WITH  A  GUN  IN HIS  HAND THREATENING  SUICIDE .  SPALDING  SO  SAID  NO   ONE  WAS  INJURED  BUT  THE  MAN  AND  HIS  COMPANION  WERE   INVOLVED   IN  A  DOMESTIC  QUARREL  AND  THE  WOMAN  PULLED  INTO  THE  PARKING  LOT  TO  DEFUSE  THE  SITUATION.  THE  BRIGHTMOOR   FACILITY   WAS  SECURED ONCE  NOTIFIED OF  THE  SITUATION. 

UPSON BOC VOTES SLIGHT TAX MILLAGE HIKE

 THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  VOTED  FOR  A  SLIGHT  TAX  MILLAGE  INCREASE  AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING  AFTER  COUNTY  MANAGER  LONNIE JOYCE  REPORTED  A  SHORTAGE  IN  THE  COUNTY  BUDGET  DUE  TO  EMPLOYEE  HEALTH  INSURANCE  COSTS  AND  PAY  INCREASES  FOR  COUNTY  EMPLOYEES--BUT  CHAIRMAN  DAN  BRUE  TOLD   101  NEWS  AFTER  THE  MEETING  MOST  WILL  STILL  HAVE  PROPERTY  TAX  RELIEF  FROM  THE  FLOST  PASSED  LAST  YEAR.

DR. JEFF KELLY APPOINTED DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT T-U SCHOOLS

 Thomaston-Upson County Board of Education Appoints Dr. Walton Jeffrey

“Jeff” Kelly as Deputy Superintendent

The Thomaston-Upson County Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Dr.

Walton Jeffrey “Jeff” Kelly as Deputy Superintendent during its meeting on Tuesday evening. The

appointment was made upon the recommendation of Superintendent Dr. Tret Witherspoon.

A lifelong resident of Upson County, Dr. Kelly brings more than two decades of experience in

Georgia public education and a proven record of leadership, service, and dedication to student

success.

Dr. Kelly has served as Executive Director of Human Resources & Safety for Thomaston-Upson

County Schools, where he has provided districtwide leadership in personnel management, school

safety, compliance, strategic planning, and organizational effectiveness. Throughout his tenure, he

has worked closely with district and school leaders to strengthen operations, support employees,

and create safe, high-quality learning environments for students.

"I am deeply honored and humbled by the confidence that Dr. Witherspoon and the Board of

Education have placed in me," said Dr. Kelly. "Thomaston-Upson County Schools has always been

home, and it is a privilege to continue serving the community that has invested so much in me. I

look forward to working alongside our Board, Dr. Witherspoon, our dedicated employees, students,

families, and community partners as we continue building upon the great work already taking place

across our district."

Dr. Kelly's career reflects a progression of leadership roles, including teacher, instructional coach,

assistant principal, district administrator, and executive leadership. His broad experience provides

him with a comprehensive understanding of instructional leadership, school operations, personnel

management, and strategic district planning.

Prior to serving as Executive Director of Human Resources & Safety, Dr. Kelly served as Director of

Federal Programs & Safety and as an assistant principal at multiple middle schools, where he

focused on instructional improvement, student achievement, school climate, and leadership

development. He has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of West Georgia, helping

prepare future educational leaders.

Dr. Kelly holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership, along with advanced

degrees in educational leadership and middle grades education. His professional accomplishments

include being named National Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year and Georgia Assistant

Principal of the Year, honors that reflect his commitment to excellence and servant leadership.

Dr. Kelly and his wife, Amy Adams Kelly, have been married for 27 years and are the proud parents

of two children, Trey and Kate. His lifelong connection to Thomaston-Upson County continues to

shape his passion for serving the students, staff, and families of the community he proudly calls

home.

Dr. Kelly is an active member of Northridge Church, where he serves as a deacon and guitarist on

the worship team. He is also actively involved in the community through service on the Gordon

State College Educational Advisory Council and the Thomaston Hospice Foundation Board. His

leadership is rooted in a commitment to service, collaboration, and building strong relationships

that benefit students and the broader communit

GORDON STATE COLLEGE SUMMER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

 BARNESVILLE, Ga. – Gordon State College’s Summer Leadership Development Academy marked significant growth in its second year, welcoming 51 students to its 2026 cohort. The academy grew by 76% from its inaugural year while producing strong academic outcomes.

The Summer Leadership Development Academy, or SLDA, prepares students for the academic and personal responsibilities of becoming successful full-time college students. Building upon the program’s inaugural year, GSC expanded the academy through increased campus collaboration, additional course opportunities and greater flexibility for participating students.

The results reflected that growth. Participants earned pass rates of 93% and 94% in their on-campus coursework and a 100% pass rate across online courses.

“The academy provided a life-changing experience for our students this summer,” said Dr. William Smith, GSC’s Title III project coordinator. “I believe we successfully gave them a true head start on college success, equipping them with the foundation and confidence to move forward in their academic journey.”

Throughout the academy, students worked to develop the accountability and discipline needed to successfully navigate college. As participants established academic routines, organizers saw students become more consistent in following those routines and increasingly accountable when challenges arose.

Students also participated in workshops led by representatives from departments across GSC. The sessions introduced students to campus resources, academic programs and potential career pathways while helping them understand how to use those resources throughout their college experience.

A visit to the Georgia State Capitol provided another memorable learning experience. Students spent the day in Atlanta exploring Georgia’s history and government, including visits to the Senate and House chambers.

“We equipped students with the resources and knowledge to succeed as full-time college students,” said Alex White, GSC’s Title III project assistant. “It was equally rewarding to see the friendships they formed and to provide a space where those lasting connections could begin.”

By giving participants an opportunity to experience college coursework, establish academic habits and become familiar with campus resources before beginning a full-time semester, SLDA supports GSC’s goals of strengthening student success, retention and graduation.

For Smith, the academy’s impact also extends to the ways students may contribute to the Gordon State community throughout their college experience.

“Working with this group of students has been reinvigorating for me,” Smith said. “The students teach us as much as we teach and impart wisdom upon them, and I am optimistic about the program’s future impact on the institution.”

Following the growth of the academy’s second cohort, program leaders hope to continue expanding SLDA by increasing student enrollment and strengthening the support needed to sustain the program as it grows.

###

About Gordon State College

Founded in 1852, Gordon State College (GSC) is a member of the University System of Georgia. The college has a distinct legacy of excellent scholarship and service. GSC offers nearly 30 degrees, which include numerous concentrations, pathways, and certificate programs for students. With an enrollment of over 3,100 students, GSC provides an intimate academic setting with 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.

$3 MILLION LOTTERY WINNER IN THOMASTON

 

Georgia Lottery Player Wins $3 Million on Scratcher

ATLANTA (Aug. 10, 2026) – A Georgia Lottery player won the $3 million top prize playing the 100X The Money scratch-off game. The lucky ticket was purchased at Mr. Bs, 401 N. Center Street in Thomaston. The winner claimed their prize on Aug. 7. Last week, Georgia Lottery players claimed $39,585,197 in winnings from scratch-off games. A Milner resident won $150,000 in the Aug. 8 Powerball drawing by matching four of the five white-ball numbers and the Powerball and selecting the PowerPlay option, which tripled the prize from $50,000 to $150,000. The ticket was purchased on the Georgia Lottery mobile app

UPSON CO DEPUTY INJURED

 UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  SAYS  DEPUTY ANTHONY  THOMPSON,   AGE  34  IS  RECOVERING     AT  HOME  AFTER  BEING  A  WRECK  VICTIM,  SATURDAY     1AM AFTER  A  3-VECHILE  CRASH  ON  19  NORTH  IN FRONT  OF  CHILI'S  RESTAURANT.   DEPUTY  THOMPSON  WAS  RESPONDING  TO  A  CALL   WITH  BLUE LIGHTS  AND  SIREN  ACTIVATED  -WHEN HE  TRIED  TO  GO AROUND  TRAFFIC  BY USING  THE  CENTER  LANE  AND  HIT A  2012  NISSAN  MURANO   DRIVEN  BY 17  YEAR  OLD  CHRISTIAN  ALSOBROOKS   SITTING  THERE  WITHOUT  HAZARD LIGHTS  ACTIVATED.  THE  DEPUTIES  SUV  TRAVELED  INTO  THE  SOUTHBOUND  LANE  AND  STRUCK  A  TOYOTA  CAMRY  DRIVEN  BY 23-YEAR  OLD  DESTINY  COOPER  OF THOMASTON--WHO  WAS  AIRLIFTED  TO  A  MACON  TRAUMA  CENTER. POST  26  GA.  STATE  PATROL  INVESTIGATED.

COACH LOCKHART RETURNS TO U-L

 Coach Daryl Lockhart Returns to

Upson-Lee High School

Thomaston-Upson County Schools is pleased to announce the return of Coach Daryl Lockhart

to Upson-Lee High School as a member of the Physical Education Department.

Coach Lockhart will serve in a 49% Physical Education teaching position while also taking the

reins of the Upson-Lee High School boys basketball program for the 2026-2027 season.

Coach Lockhart is no stranger to the Upson-Lee community, and his return brings both

experience and enthusiasm back to the Knights basketball program. His commitment to

student-athletes and passion for developing young men both on and off the court make him a

valuable addition to the Upson-Lee faculty and coaching staff.

Please join Thomaston-Upson County Schools in welcoming Coach Lockhart back to the

Upson-Lee family. We wish him and the Knights boys basketball team the very best during the

2026-2027 season

TPD MEETS WITH U.S. ATTORNEY REGARDING ALLEGED INVESTMENT SCAM

 CITY OF  THOMASTON  POLICE  CHIEF  MIKE  RICHARDSON  TOLD   101  NEWS  OFFICERS  MET  WITH  A  U.S.  ATTORNEY  FROM  THE  MIDDLE  DISTRICT OF GA. OFFICE  IN  MACON,  THURSDAY REGARDING  AN  ALLEGED  INVESTMENT  SCHEME  INVOLVING  THOMASTON'S JONATHAN  HALL,  AGE  37.  THE  CHIEF SAID  THE  U.S.  ATTORNEYS  OFFICE INDICATED  IT  HAS  GIVEN  THE  CASE  A  HIGH  PRIORITY  AND  AT  LEAST  50  VICTIMS  HAVE  BEEN  IDENTIFIED  INVOLVING  OVER  9 MILLION DOLLARS.  THE  CHIEF  ADDED THAT  THE  U.S. ATTORNEYS  OFFICE  PLEDGED  TO  GIVE THE PD  REGULAR  UPDATES  IN  THE  HALL  CASE AND  TOLD  HIM  THE  PROBE  IS  ON-GOING.

THUS  FAR,  HALL IS  FACED  WITH  ONLY  TWO FELONY  DRUG COUNTS,  FELONY POSSESSION OF  MARIJUANA  AND  FELONY  POSSESSION  OF  MARIJUANA  WITH  INTENT TO   DISTRIBUTE . THOMASTON POLICE  SERVED  A  WIRE  FRAUD SEARCH  WARRANT  AT  236  PEACHBELT  ROAD  MONTHS  AGO  AND  ARRESTED  HALL  FOR  POSSESSION  OF  A  HALF   POUND  OF  MARIJUANA.  HE  POSTED   $15,000   CASH   BOND  AND  WAS  RELEASED.  CHIEF  RICHARDSON  SAID  THE SEARCH  WARRANT  WAS  IN  REFERENCE TO  AN  INVESTIGATION   INTO   AN  ALLEGED  INVESTMENT  FRAUD SCHEME  INVOLVING  A  BUSINESS OPERATING  UNDER  THE NAME  WALTER  DOUGLAS  INVESTMENTS--A COMPANY  NOT  REGISTERED TO  CONDUCT SECURITIES  INVESTMENT  ACTIVITY  AND  THE  FIRM  HAD  NO  LOCAL BUSINESS LICENSE. 

STATEMENT FROM BRIGHTMARK CEO BOB POWELL REGARDING LETTER TO INDIANA ENVIRONMENTAL

Safety is our top priority in every community in which Brightmark operates.

In July, we voluntarily paused the plastics pyrolysis part of our processing line at our Ashley facility to implement the next generation of upgraded technology, and we notified the Indiana Department of Environmental Management that we were doing so. The balance of the facility’s operation is continuing uninterrupted.

Brightmark will employ this next-generation plastics-to-pyrolysis oil technology in our proposed Thomaston facility. The pause in Ashley has no bearing on our proposed operation in Thomaston.

 

THOMASTON-UPSON BOE DEFENDS TAX MILLAGE HIKE

 

Thomaston-Upson Schools

s͏o͏e͏o͏t͏p͏r͏n͏d͏S͏a͏6͏t͏m͏0͏f͏m͏6͏f͏8͏c͏7͏t͏m͏8͏8͏0͏3͏2͏2͏g͏5͏h͏c͏3͏6͏m͏2͏g͏a͏i͏6͏g͏a͏3͏3͏7͏t͏5͏5͏7͏1͏m͏3͏u͏i͏i͏i͏7͏3͏ ·

Why the Board is considering a millage rate increase: keeping our schools safe

Thomaston-Upson families, we want to be direct with you about where the district stands, starting with our top priority: keeping students and staff safe.

The Board has given tentative approval to a two-mill increase in the property tax millage rate. The clearest reason is safety. Our school resource officer program and secure entry systems cost about $450,000 a year, and state safety grants cover only $180,000 of that, leaving the district to absorb roughly $270,000 on its own. That is not a cost we believe should ever be the first thing cut.

Beyond safety, the district is also closing a broader budget gap that has existed since 2021. This follows a full year of cuts, including $1.5 million in new savings for next year, that weren't enough on their own. Much of the remaining pressure comes from costs we don't control locally: state health insurance and retirement rates for our employees are rising sharply again this year, and a decade of enrollment decline means less state funding even though our fixed costs haven't gone down.

For homeowners, the state's Homestead Tax Relief Grant will help offset part of the impact, an estimated $264 in savings if the Board sets the rate at 14.68 mills, though it doesn't cover the full increase for everyone.

The Board will hold three public hearings before making a final decision: 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, when the Board is expected to formally set the rate. We encourage you to attend, ask questions, or share your thoughts at any of these. Questions are also welcome anytime through the Office of the Superintendent.

With gratitude,

Dr. Tret Witherspoon, Superintenden

CITY OF THOMASTON BOIL WATER NOTICE LIFTED

 Boil Water Notice

Lifted

Inframark

309 Veterans Dr.

Thomaston, GA 30286

(706) 646-8031

Friday August 7, 2026

Dear Water Customer,

 The “Boil Water” notice affecting the Summer Trace, Daisy Lane, 200 

Block of O St and the 600/700 Blocks of 4th Ave in West Silvertown has 

been lifted. 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 Wate

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

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." 

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