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.
South Metro's News Leader
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
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
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
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.
Monday, August 10, 2026
$3 MILLION LOTTERY WINNER IN THOMASTON
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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.
Friday, August 7, 2026
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
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
Thursday, August 6, 2026
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."
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
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.
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