ZEBULON PD APPEALS POSTPONED,AGAIN

 POSTPONED  AGAIN  WED, ACCORDING  TO  CITY ADMINISTRATOR  LARRY  MITCHUM --   THE  APPEALS  FOR  HIGH  RANKING ZEBULON POLICE OFFICERS  CHIEF  JONATHAN  HEMPHILL  AND  TRUSTIN  BRAZER  AT  THE  REQUEST OF  ATTORNEYS--DISMISSED  BY  ZEBULON CITY COUNCIL  FOR  INSUBORNATION.  

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL WILL RE-VOTE ON 25 JOINT PROJECTS BUDGET

 THE  GRINCH  WHO  STOLE  CHRISTMAS PAID  AN  EARLY  VISIT  TO  THE  QUARTERLY  JOINT  PROJECTS  MEETING  OF  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSION/THOMASTON CITY  COUNCIL. THEY COULDN'T  AGREE  ON MUCH-- BUT   BOTH     BODIES  VOTED  TO  APPROVE   THE  2025  BUDGET   BUT  A  2-1  VOTE  BY  COUNCIL  REQUIRES  A  RE-VOTE. CITY  MANAGER  RUSSELL  THOMPSON  TOLD MAYOR  AND  COUNCIL  AT  TUESDAY'S MEETING  THE  CHARTER  REQUIRES A  MAJORITY  OF  THOSE  PRESENT  VOTING  TO  APPROVE  AND  MAYOR-PRO  TEM DOUG  HEAD  VOTED  AGAINST    A  2-1  VOTE  BY  REEVES AND MIDDLEBROOKS--YEA.   HEAD   WANTED  TO  DELAY IT  TILL  TWO  NEW  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  TAKE  OFFICE  IN  2025.COUNCIL  WILL  RE-VOTE AT  THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. 

 CITY  FATHERS   DIDN'T  TAKE  THE PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION  BY  CITY  MANAGER THOMPSON ON  A  SPECIAL  USE  PERMIT  AT  105  YAMAHA  PARKWAY  FOR JMF  TOWING  AND  RECOVERY LLC.  THE  MANAGER  SAID  THE  ZONING  COMMISSION  VOTED TO APPROVE  BUT  HE  PERSONALLY IS  OPPOSED. COUNCILMAN JEFF MIDDLEBROOKS  DID NOT  AGREE  AND  MADE  THE  MOTION  IN  FAVOR OF  JMF WITH CONDITIONS INVOLVING  LANDSCAPING  AND  BUFFERS -- BUT TO DENY A  2ND LOCATION  AT 904  NORTH HIGHTOWER.

THE IDA WAS  ALREADY ON  BOARD  TO  SELL JMF 7  ACRES   AT THE   ORIGINAL INDUSTRIAL  PARK  FOR  $175,OOO--SO THE  COMPANY  CAN  RELOCATE  AFTER  LOSING  A  LAW  SUIT  AGAINST UPSON  COUNTY. IDA  CHAIR  CHASE  FALLIN   TOLD   101  NEWS  AT  THE NOVEMBER MEETING--ALL  WAS  SET  FOR  THE  TRANSACTION  JUST  AWAITING  COUNCIL GREEN-LIGHTING.

COUNCIL  APPROVED  THE  FY   2025  BUDGET AT  OVER  $45  MILLION  WITH 4% PAY  RAISES  AND  SPECIAL  CONSIDERATION  FOR  ELECTRICAL  LINEMEN AND  POLICE OFFICERS. 

GOV. KEMP NEW RURAL SITE DEVELOPMENT

 

Gov. Kemp Announces First Grant Recipients of New Rural Site Development Initiative

ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced the inaugural recipients of the OneGeorgia Authority’s new Rural Site Development Initiative grant. Recognizing the vital importance of ready for development sites, this initiative enables Georgia’s rural communities to identify, assess, and develop new industrial sites, helping to maintain the capacity for economic growth and Georgia’s competitive edge. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, site studies, land grading, and other essential community infrastructure that supports site development. 

“Georgia has been the No. 1 state for business for over a decade by investing in our future,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “When we talk to companies, the first question they ask is if we have the workforce. The second is if we have the sites. The Rural Site Development Initiative is just one of the ways we’re making sure Georgia remains in pole position for economic development for years to come.” 

The first round of successful grantees demonstrated substantive plans for industrial site development while meeting OneGeorgia Authority eligibility requirements, which includes certification as a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) site location. These inaugural grants total $9.3 million. The six award recipients have also demonstrated strong community buy-in.

“Georgia’s historic economic development success is the result of decades of strategic partnerships and initiatives championed by the Georgia General Assembly,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “I commend Governor Kemp for this announcement that further solidifies Georgia’s standing as the No. 1 Place to do Business, and I look forward to the continued job creation and development opportunities these investments will bring to Screven County and other communities across the state.” 

“I commend Governor Brian Kemp on this great announcement, which further solidifies that in Georgia, we welcome new businesses across the state and support efforts to increase Georgia’s workforce,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “I’m proud to support efforts like these to increase economic development opportunities and attract future businesses to our great state. This is just one innovative approach to keeping Georgia the No. 1 state for business into the future.”

“Georgia’s economic development success has been unprecedented, in part due to the combination of leadership and prior investment,” said Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “This new tool will enable communities to remain attractive for future prospects and achieve their vision of economic prosperity.”

“By investing in site development, communities are investing in their long-term health,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “There is no better way to change a life for the better than creating an opportunity for a job. This program will help us continue to bring economic opportunity and prosperity into our communities, providing generational change for the better.” 

In addition to meeting OneGeorgia Authority requirements, applicants leveraged other funding sources to demonstrate community commitment. Use of funds is subject to all applicable state laws and regulations, as well as to the policies and requirements of the OneGeorgia Authority and the Department of Community Affairs. OneGeorgia funds must be expended within the timeframe specified in the grant award documentation, which is generally two years from the date of the award.

 

 

Awards

Dade Industrial Development Authority

The Dade Industrial Development Authority in northwest Georgia was awarded $31,500 for a due diligence grant to assist with the costs of studies and reports required to seek GRAD certification for the Dade Industrial Park. The total project costs are $59,050. This grant will support the studies and reports needed to add another 50-acre tract adjacent to the existing 42-acre park.

Liberty County Development Authority

The Liberty County Development Authority in coastal Georgia received a grant of $2 million for site readiness improvements, including the construction of an access road, at the rail-served and “GRAD” certified Tradeport West Business Center as part of renewing its GRAD certification. The Liberty County Development Authority is contributing to the total infrastructure cost of $4.7 million.

Joint Development Authority (JDA) of Peach County and the City of Warner Robins

The JDA of Peach County and the City of Warner Robins in middle Georgia was awarded a grant of $2 million to construct a new road/entrance to the Robins International Industrial Park, a “GRAD Select” park. This work will support the continued growth of the park, which has attracted $217 million in investment and 280 new jobs to the JDA area from companies such as Pure Flavor, Local Bounti, and Pratt Industries. The JDA is contributing to the total infrastructure cost of $3.57 million.

Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority

The Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority, also in middle Georgia, received a grant of $2 million for necessary water and sewer improvements at the Eastman Aerospace Park, a “GRAD Select” park. The site is adjacent to the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport and Middle Georgia State University’s School of Aviation, and is well-positioned to attract strategic industries such as aerospace and defense. The Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority is contributing to the total project cost, which is expected to exceed $2.2 million.

Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority

Coastal Georgia’s Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority was awarded $2 million in OneGeorgia funds to enhance the Georgia Breakbulk Logistics Site with road, water, sewer, and site grading improvements. The total project costs are $3,009,000 for the 700 developable acres at the rail-served site.

Screven County Development Authority

Screven County Development Authority in southeastern Georgia, was awarded $1,040,332 in grant funds to assist with flooring and building improvements to the Screven County Speculative Building located within the Screven County Industrial Park, a “GRAD Certified” site. The total project costs is $2,005,924 and the 70-acre site. OneGeorgia previously assisted with an Equity loan to fund the construction of the speculative building.

 

About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for arts, film, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit georgia.org for more information.

About Department of Community Affairs  

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) partners with communities to build strong, vibrant neighborhoods, commercial and industrial areas through community and economic development, local government assistance, and safe and affordable housing. Using state and federal resources, DCA helps communities spur private job creation, implement planning, develop downtowns, generate affordable housing solutions, and promote volunteerism. DCA also helps qualified Georgians with low to moderate incomes buy homes, rent housing and prevent foreclosure and homelessness. For more information, visit www.dca.ga.gov. 

 

 

 

SPALDING CO WARMING STATION

 With the onset of the first real cold snap, we will be working with partners to open a Warming Center at the City Park Gym located at:

 

601 Camp Northern Road

 

With the following operating hours for this event:

Tuesday 12/3/2024                   9pm-8am

 

Thursday 12/5/2024                 9am-8am

 

Friday 12/6/2024                       9pm-8am

 

This will be a Warming Center only for those that need to escape the cold temps on these dates and not a shelter that would consist of overnight stays, cots, blankets, food, etc.

 

There will be Leisure Service personnel on scene during these hours with other volunteer staff.

 

Our Law Enforcement partners will be visible throughout these hours as much as possible, with fire personnel making routine visits to check the occupant wellbeing.

TWO INJURIES/WRECK NEAR U-L MIDDLE SCHOOL

 A  FEMALE  MOTORIST    AND  A MALE  FED-EX  DRIVER  WERE  TRANSPORTED TO  THE  E.R.  BY  AMERI PRO  EMS  AFTER  A  KIA  SUV  WAS  T-BONED  BY  A  BOX  TRUCK  NEAR  U-L MIDDLE  SCHOOL  WEDNESDAY  MORNING  AROUND  7;45AM.

TPD CAPTAIN  BRIAN  HAMMOCK  TOLD   101  NEWS  THE  CROSSSING  GUARD  AT EAST  MAIN ,  L.  STREET   AND  HOLSTON  DRIVE   ATTEMPTED  TO  GET  THE  FED-EX DRIVER  TRAVELING  EAST   ON  MAIN   TO  STOP -- BUT  HE  RUSHED  THROUGH  THE  INTERSECTION  AND  T-BONED  THE  LONE OCCUPANT  OF  THE  SUV  FLIPPING  IT OVER A  FULL  TURN  .  THE  FEMALE  HAD  PULLED  OUT OF  L.  STREET  HEADED  FOR  THE  MIDDLE  SCHOOL,  CAPTAIN  HAMMOCK  TOLD  US.

LT. AUSTEN  BELL  TFD  REPORTED  THERE  WAS NO  FIRE. CAPTAIN HAMMOCK REPORTED  PD  SGT. SHANE  MORGAN IS  IN  CHARGE  OF  THE  ACCIDENT  INVESTIGATION.

EAST THOMASTON SCHOOL TO BECOME SENIOR LIVING

 CITY  OF  THOMASTON  ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT  DIRECTOR  TAYLOR  SMITH  TOLD  THOMASTON KIWANIS,  A $20  MILLION  PROJECT  TO  TURN  THE  EX-EAST  THOMASTON  SCHOOL  INTO  SENIOR  HOUSING  IS  A  GO.UNITS  WILL  START  AROUND  $700-SOMETHING A  MONTH.  TAYLOR  SAID  IT  WILL  BE  COOL  WHEN SOMEONE  WHO  ATTENDED  SCHOOL  AT  EAST  THOMASTON  RETURNS  TO  LIVE  THERE.

SPALDING BOC MAKING PLANS TO EXPAND OFFICES

 THE  SPALDING  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  AWARDED  A  CONTRACT  TO LLD BLUELINE  CO.  FOR  DEMOLITION / RENOVATION  OF  THE  BUILDING  NEXT  TO  THE  COURTHOUSE  ANNEX  FOR  COUNTY  OFFICES AND OTHER  COURTHOUSE  UPGRADES--AT  MONDAY'S   MEETING.

THE  BUILDING  AT 117  EAST SOLOMON  STREET  FORMERLY  JAN'S USED FURNITURE  IS IN  POOR  CONDITION.  TO  ASSESS  THE  CONDITION  OF  THE  BUILDING $18,200  THEN  A   2ND  CONTRACT  FOR  $87,300  TO  DESIGN  A  DEMOLITION  PLAN.  THE  COUNTY IS PLANNING  FOR  A   2ND  STATE COURT JUDGE AND  THE  CURRENT  STATE COURT OFFICES  WILL  BE  EXPANDED. IMPROVEMENTS  TO   THE  DISTRICT  ATTORNEY'S  OFFICES ON  THE  4TH  FLOOR OF  THE  COURTHOUSE  ALSO  IN  THE  PLANS.

AFTER MUCH  DISCUSSION  THE  SPALDING  COMMISSIONERS  VOTED  TO  PURCHASE  A  NEW  ROLL-OFF  BIG  RIG   FOR  $260,000 AND SELL-OFF 3 HIGH MILEAGE  TRUCKS.  THAT  WILL  LEAVE  THE COUNTY WITH  3  TRUCKS  AND  TWO DRIVERS.

SPALDING CO NEW DEPUTY CLERK

 Spalding County, GA– November 25, 2024 – Spalding County is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Houghton as the new Deputy County Clerk. With over nine years of executive-level support experience across the military, private sector, and non-profit industries, Mr. Houghton brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on supply chain management from Auburn University, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of North Georgia. His diverse professional background includes impactful roles such as Executive Assistant at Habitat for Humanity, IT Consultant at Advanced iTech, and Program Manager for the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps youth program.

UPSON BOC AND THOMASTON MAYOR AND COUNCIL HAVE AT IT

 A  VERBAL  RUMBLE-ROOSKI  BROKE-OUT  AT  A  JOINT  MEETING  OF  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  AND  THOMASTON  MAYOR  AND  COUNCIL--TUESDAY-  ON  THE  2025  JOINT PROJECTS  BUDGET---MOSTLY  CENTERED  ON  THE  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  DECLINING  TO  FUND  THE  IDA  IN  2025--AS  IT  DID   IN  2024.

AT  ONE  POINT  THOMASTON  MAYOR  J.D.STALLINGS SUGGESTED  JOINT  PROJECTS  BE  DISSOLVED  AND  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  NORMAN  ALLEN  RESPONDED  THE  IDA  IS NO LONGER  IN  JOINT  PROJECTS  BECAUSE   THE  COUNTY   HAS  DECLINED  TO  FUND  IT.

CHAIRMAN  ALLEN   EXPLAINED    THAT  THE  IDA  ALREADY  HAS  ABOUT  $3  MILLION  IN  THE  BANK  SO  WHY  SHOULD  TAXPAYERS  GIVE  THEM  MORE  MONEY.

WHEN IT  WENT  TO  A  VOTE--THE  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  UNANIMOUSLY  APPROVED  THE   2025  BUDGET  AND  THE  CITY  COUNCIL  VOTED  2  TO  1  TO  APPROVE--REEVES  AND  GREATHOUSE  VOTING  YES  HEAD-NO.

TWO UPSONIANS OF NOTE HAVE PASSED AWAY

 TWO  NOTABLES IN  UPSON  COUNTY  HAVE  PASSED  AWAY,  RETIRED  YATESVILLE MAYOR  WALTER  BOYT  AND  EX-UPSON  COUNTY  CORONER  DANNY  BROWN.

FUNERAL  SERVICES  FOR  MAYOR  BOYT  WILL  BE  TUESDAY 1PM  AT  YATESVILLE  BAPTIST  CHURCH.  VISITATION  MONDAY,  NOV.  25 , 5  TO  7PM  AT  FLETCHER-DAY  FUNERAL  HOME.

MEMORIAL  SERVICES  LATER  FOR  DANNY  BROWN, COGGINS  FUNERAL  HOME  IN  CHARGE  OF  ARRANGEMENTS. 

THOMASTON PD BEAT

 THOMASTON  POLICE  INVESTIGATED  A  CASH  REGISTER  ROBBERY LAST  SATURDAY  AT  DOLLAR  GENERAL  ON   19  SOUTH.  THE  REPORT  SAID  A  BLACK  MALE  WITH  A  GOTEE  AND  WEARING  SUNGLASSES  30  TO  40  YEARS OF  AGE-  WEARING   RED  GYM  SHORTS  -REACHED  OVER  THE  COUNTER  AND  GRABBED  CASH.  HE  FLED  IN  A  BLACK  JEEP  LIBERTY  THAT  HAD   NO  TAG.

A  VETERAN  WHO  RECEIVES    MEDICATION  FROM  THE  VA  SAID  HIS  MEDICATION  FROM  THE  VETERANS  ADMISTRATION  WAS  STOLEN.  FEX  X  RECORDS  SHOWED IT  WAS  DELIVERED  TO  107  HABITAT  COURT  BUT  THE  PACKAGE  HAD  BEEN    OPENED  AND  THE  MEDICATION  WAS  MISSING.

A  FEMALE  REPORTED  TO  TPD  THAT  HER  BANK  ACCOUNT  HAD  BEEN  HACKED  OF   OVER  $900  AND  THE  MONEY  WAS  TRANSFERRED  TO  BIT  COIN--CRIPTO-CURRENCY.

POLICE  SAID  THREE  FEMALE  JUVENILES    FROM  UPSON-LEE  MIDDLE  SCHOOL  WERE  CAPTURED  ON  VIDEO  BREAKING  THE  LATCHES  ON  THE  RESTROOMS  AT  WEAVER  PARK.  THE  LATCHES  COST   $8  EACH.

UPSON CO TAX DEADLINE

 THIS  MONDAY,  NOVEMBER 25TH  IS  THE  DEADLINE  TO  PAY  2024  UPSON  COUNTY  PROPERTY  TAXES  WITHOUT  PENALTY.

ADAMS CABIN 36 WEST TOTALLY INVOLVED

 THURSTON  FIRE  CHIEF  RICHARD  HICKMON   REPORTS  UNITS  RESPONDED  TO  A  FIRE  AT  THE  ADAMS  CABIN   IN  UPSON  COUNTY   NEAR  THE  POTATO  CREEK  BRIDGE  ON  36  WEST,  AROUND   5;30AM  FRIDAY  MORNING  BUT  IT  WAS  A  TOTAL  LOSS.  DICKSON  ADAMS  WHO  REPORTEDLY  LIVES  IN  THE  CABIN  SUFFERED  BURNS  TO  HIS  BACK  AND  WAS  TREATED  BY  AMERI-PRO  EMT'S  AT  THE  SCENE.

CHIEF  HICKMON  TOLD   101  NEWS ADAMS  WAS  PULLING  OUT  OF  THE  DRIVEWAY  WHEN  THURSTON  UNITS  ARRIVED--BUT  THE  PAVED  DRIVE-WAY   ABOUT  A  HALF-MILE  LONG   WAS  TOO  NARROW  FOR  FIRE  TRUCKS  TO  ACCESS  AND  THE  CABIN  WAS   DESTROYED .   THE  GA.   FORESTRY  UNIT  ALSO  RESPONDED.

UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF DAN  KILGORE  SAID  THE  STATE  FIRE  MARSHALL'S  OFFICE  WAS  NOTIFIED  AND  OPENED  AN  INVESTIGATION  INTO  THE  CAUSE  FRIDAY. CHIEF HICKMON  WARNED  OF  NARROW  DRIVEWAYS  LEADING  TO  RESIDENCES--FIRE  ENGINES  NEED  ROOM  TO  TRAVEL--HE  SAID.

THERE  ARE  LEAST  TWO  OTHER  HOUSES  DOWN  THE  DRIVEWAY--WTGA  WAS  TOLD. 

UPSON TAX COMMISSIONER WANTS PUBLIC INPUT

 UPSON  COUNTY  TAX  COMMISSIONER  ANDY  CHASTAIN  SAYS  HE  WANTS  TO  IMPROVE  CUSTOMER  SERVICE--PERHAPS  BY  ADJUSTING  THE  HOURS  OF OPERATION  FOR  WORKING  FOLK.  CURRENT  OFFICE  HOURS   8AM  TILL   4;45PM  AND  OTHER  COUNTIES  HAVE  ADJUSTED  THEIR  HOURS  7AM  TO   6PM  AND  ANOTHER 7;30AM  TO  5;30   4  AND  A  HALF  DAYS  A  WEEK.  HE'S  NOT  IN  FAVOR  OF  A  4  DAY  WORK  WEEK--BUT  HE'S  LOOKING  FOR  PUBLIC  FEED-BACK  AND  WHAT'S  BEST  FOR  HIS  STAFF.  SEND  YOUR  SUGGESTIONS  TO  THE  COUNTY  WEBSITE  UNDER  OFFICE  OF  TAX  COMMISSIONER.  THE  TAX  COMMISSIONER  SAYS  ITS  ALL  ABOUT  BETTER  CUSTOMER  SERVICE. 

URMC NEW CEO

 Thomaston, GA, November 18, 2024 – With current CEO Jeff Tarrant’s plans for retirement in early 2025, the Upson County Hospital, Inc. Board of Directors would like to announce that Daniel S. Owens, MBA is the finalist candidate for Upson Regional Medical Center’s Chief Executive Officer. Owens is from Lilburn, GA. He most recently served as CEO at Emory University Hospital Midtown and Emory University Hospital Smyrna where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of a 605 licensed bed academic teaching hospital, 48 bed Level 3 NICU and an 88 licensed bed community hospital. Owens is a Georgia native who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Emory University and a Master of Business Administration from Brenau University. He is recognized as a Fellow of the Woodruff Leadership Academy and completed Harvard Business School’s Executive Course in Managing Healthcare Delivery. Throughout his career, Owens has been active in the Atlanta healthcare community, serving as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Georgia Hospital Association, as a board member and on the executive committee of the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals, as a member of the American College of Health Care Executives, and as a member of the Atlanta Rotary Clu

Q&A THOMASTON CITY HALL

 MONDAY,  NOVEMBER   25TH   9  TO 5  ITS  Q & A  AT  CITY  HALL     WITH  THOMASTON'S  CITY  MANAGER  RUSSELL  THOMPSON.  THE  PUBLIC  IS  INVITED  TO  DROP-BY  HIS   2ND  FLOOR  OFFICE  AND ASK  ANY  QUESTIONS  ABOUT  THE  HOTEL  PROJECT,  THE   PROPOSED   2025  BUDGET  OR  ANY  OTHER  PROJECT.