UGA ATHLETIC ASSOC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

LAKE OCONEE, Ga. — A fiscal year 2027 budget of $239.1 million was unanimously approved by the University of Georgia Athletic Association Board of Directors at its annual spring meeting that concluded Friday. 

The budget projection for 2027 represents an 8.2 percent increase from the 2026 budget. A growth in revenue is expected due to an increase in Southeastern Conference distribution and expanded ticket revenue in football due to the Georgia/Florida game being played in Atlanta, among other factors. 

Day two agenda items included presentations from student representatives Lauren Baker and Kaila Jackson as well as a student wellness committee report from faculty athletics representative professor David Shipley. 

GORDON STATE'S PRESIDENT LEAVING

 BARNESVILLE, Ga. – Gordon State College is reflecting on a period of significant institutional growth and momentum following the announcement Friday that President Donald J. Green has been confirmed as president of Valdosta State University by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG). Since arriving at Gordon State in 2023, Green has led the college through a period of strategic advancement centered on student success, enrollment growth, workforce alignment and campus revitalization. Under his leadership, Gordon State launched the “Future Forward” strategic plan, a multi-year roadmap focused on accelerating degree completion, strengthening student support systems and aligning academic offerings with the evolving needs of Georgia’s workforce. The college achieved a record Fall-to-Fall retention rate of 64.5% in 2025, marking a 13% increase over the previous year

DOMESTIC CASE SHOOTING IN GRIFFIN

 GRIFFIN  POLICE  HAVE  ARRESTED  A   COUPLE INVOLVED IN A  DOMESTIC  INCIDENT  THAT  RESULTED  IN  A  SHOOTING AT  THE   700  BLOCK  OF  WEST  POPLAR ST.  THE  PRIMARY  AGGRESSOR  A   FEMALE  , 33- YEAR  OLD  EMMEKIA  PONDER ALLEGEDLY  SHOT  27-YEAR  OLD  DERRICK  ROBINSON  IN  THE  SHOULDER    WHO  WAS  CHARGED  WITH  BATTERY  FAMILY VIOLENCE.

GSP ARREST IN UPSON FATAL WRECK

 ACCORDING  TO  POST  26  GSP--THOMASTON    COMMANDER  SGT. JAMES  WOMBLE    TROOPERS  HAVE   ARRESTED 31  YEAR  OLD  SARAH ELIZABETH  DANIEL  OF  STAFFORD  AVE.-BARNESVILLE  ON  CHARGES  OF  VECHICULAR  HOMOCIDE   AND  OTHER  VIOLATIONS     IN  THE  DEATH  OF   29  YEAR  OLD  DANIEL  BLOUNT  OF  SKELTON  ROAD-THOMASTON ON   APRIL  18TH.   THE  ACCIDENT  HAPPENED  ON  DELRAY  ROAD   JUST  BEFORE  TYLER  LANE   AND   BOND  WAS  SET  AT  $300,000  FOR  MS.  DANIEL.

MR. BLOUNT  WAS  DRIVING   A   TRIUMPH   ROADSTER  CONVERTIBLE   AND   THE  GSP  REPORT  SAID   MS.  DANIEL    ATTEMPTED  TO PASS  ANOTHER  VEHICLE   IN  A   HONDA   AND  CAUSED   A  HEAD-ON  COLLISION--TROOPER DAVID JOSEPH  SUTTON  SAID  IN  HIS  REPORT. 

EX-DA ADAMS WINS SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE IN LAMAR, BUTTS, AND MONROE

 EX-DISTRICT  ATTORNEY  JONATHAN  ADAMS  HAS  APPARENTLY  WON   THE  JUDGESHIP  RACE   IN  THE    TOWALIGA   JUDICIAL   CIRCUIT  WITH  51 POINT 85%  OF  THE  VOTE.  DR.  BUBBA  LONGGREER  SEEMS  TO  BE  HEADED  FOR  A  RUNOFF  FOR  GA. SCHOOL  SUPERINTENDANT  WITH INCUMBENT  RICHARD  WOODS.

THOMASTON VAPE STORE COULD BE SHUT DOWN

 CITY OF  THOMASTON  ATTORNEY  JOHNNIE  CALDWELL  TOLD  THE CITY  COUNCIL  TUESDAY  NIGHT  HE  HAD  THE POLICE  DEPARTMENT  TO  SERVE  NOTICE   TO  THE OWNER OF  THOMASTON  TOBACCO  AND  VAPE  AT  1091  19  NORTH  THAT  A  HEARING  WILL  BE  HELD  REGARDING  A  VARIANCE  GRANTED  THE  BUSINESS  AS  CITY  HALL  REPORTEDLY  SEEKS  TO  SHUT-DOWN  THE  BUSINESS.  THE  OWNER  ABDUL-GHA-FOOR  SA-LAY--OWNER OF  THE  VAPE  STORE  WAS  ARRESTED  ON  FELONY  CHRGES  OF  SELLING  VAPE PRODUCTS  TO  AN  UNDERAGE    UNDERCOVER  POLICE OFFICER.A   PRODUCT  THAT  SEEMS  TO  HAVE  THC  PROPERTIES.

THOMASTON'S ELIZABETH DALLAS GOBEIL REELECTED

 THOMASTON  NATIVE  ELIZABETH  DALLAS  GOBEIL   WAS  REELECTED  TO  THE GA.  COURT  OF  APPEALS  WITH 59%  OF  THE  VOTE, 845,350  VOTES.

SPALDING CO RETURNS

 SPALDING  COUNTY   RETURNS--CHAIRMAN  CLAY  DAVIS  REELECTED  TO  DISTECT  5   COUNTY  COMMISSIONER 1492  TO 1004  OVER HARVEY  CLARK .   INCUMBENT  JAMES  DUTTON  DISTRICT  TWO    DUTTON  1246,  OVER  BRYAN  HAYES 843 AND  TODD JOHNSON 354.

SOLICITOR  GENERAL  STATE  COURT  SPALDING  COUNTY  --TOMMY  ISON 4710  OVER  AUDREY  HOLLIDAY 2795.

UPSON CO ELECTED A NEW COUNTY COMMISSIONER

 UPSON  COUNTY  ELECTED  A   NEW  COUNTY  COMMISSIONER  FOR  DISTRICT  3  IN  TUESDAY'S  PRIMARY--BRIAN "BUD" JOHNSTON  POLLED 662  VOTES--56.58%  TO  DEFEAT INCUMBENT  PAUL  JONES  WHO  RECEIVED 277  VOTES-23.68%  AND  BILL  MAHER  WON   16%  OF  THE  VOTE OR  197  VOTES  .  SCHOOL  BOARD  CHAIR JACQUELINE   HOLLIS  POLLED 66% OF   THE  VOTE  TO  DEFEAT  CHALLENGER VAY  WALKER  WITH 30%.

ELIZABETH  DALLAS GOBEIL  GOT  ALMOST 66%  OF  UPSON'S  VOTE  FOR  REELECTION  TO  THE  GA.  COURT OF  APPEALS  AND  WAS  LEADING  STATEWIDE.

THOMASTONIAN  BUBBA  LONGGREAR  POLLED  38%  FOR  STATE  SCHOOL  SUPERINTENDANT  BUT  CAME  UP  SHORT  TO  INCUMBENT  RICHARD  WOODS  WHO  RECEIVED  50.88%.

UPSON'S  STATE  SENATOR   DISTRICT  18   STEVEN  MCNEEL GOT  90%  OF  THE  VOTE  OVER  EUGENE ALLISON  OF  THOMASTON  WHO  POLLED  9.88%.

UPSON COUNTY TAX COMMISSIONER MEMO

 Upson County’s next delinquent tax sale will be held October 6th, 2026. Any properties that are still due for 2025 taxes or before will be submitted to this sale on June 5th, 2026. At that time, tax sale fees amounting to $225.00 per parcel will be added to the amount of taxes due. These fees include pre-levy costs and the cost of a title search for each property. We highly encourage anyone still owing 2025 property tax to have your account paid in full before June 5th . This does not apply to any properties still under BOE appeal for the 2025 tax year. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the Tax Office at 706-647-8931

PRIMARY ELECTION DAY TUESDAY IN GA.

 ITS  PRIMARY ELECTION  DAY  IN  GEORGIA  WITH  POLLS OPEN  TILL  7PM  AND  FUN  101  FM  WILL  HAVE  ELECTION  RETURNS  AFTER  THE  POLLS  CLOSE ON  AIR  AND  ON OUR  WEBSITE.

TWO  CANDIDATES  WITH  UPSON  COUNTY  TIES  ARE  ON  THE  BALLOT  STATEWIDE ELIZABETH  DALLAS GOBEIL  IS  SEEKING  REELECTON  TO  THE GA.  COURT OF  APPEALS  ON  THE  NON-PARTISAN  BALLOT   AND  SHE  HAS  OPPOSITION.

  AND  DR.  BUBBA LONGGREAR  WHO  CLAIMS  THOMASTON  AS  HIS  HOME  AFTER  LIVING  HERE IN  HIGH  SCHOOL--IS  RUNNING   FOR  STATE  SCHOOL  SUPERINTENDENT.  HE  HAS  BEEN  SCHOOL  SUPERINTENDANT OF  THE  CANDLER  COUNTY  SCHOOLS    FOR   11  YEARS.     SPEAKER  BURNS     OF  THE  GA. HOUSE  IS  ENDORSING  BUBBA  OVER  CURRENT  SUPERINTENDANT  RICHARD WOODS    BECAUSE HE  SAYS    GEORGIA'S  TEST  SCORES  HAVE  NOT  IMPROVED.

  

  ON  THE  BALLOT  IN  UPSON COUNTY 3RD  DISTRICT  COUNTY  COMMISSIONER    INCUMBENT  PAUL  JONES,  AND  CHALLENGERS  BILL  MAHER  AND  BRIAN "BUD"  JOHNSTON. 

EPD PUBLIC HEARING ON BRIGHTMARK MONDAY

 STATE  EPD  WILL  HOLD  A  PUBLIC  HEARING  MONDAY  6PM  AT  THE  CIVIC  CENTER  IN  THOMASTON  ON  AN  AIR PERMIT  FOR  THE  PROPOSED  BRIGHTMARK  CIRCULATORY  SYSTEM  AT  THE  BIZ/PARK  AT  THE  AIRPORT. UPSON  COUNTY  GOVERNMENT  WILL  TAPE  THE  EVENT  AND  POST  IN  ON  THE  COUNTY  WEBSITE  AND  ON  FACEBOOK.

PLEA LIST – JUDGE W. FLETCHER SAMS, GJC MAY 14, 2026

1.  25R0375	ERIC BERNARDJOHNSON	CT. 1: FLEEING/ATTEMPTING TO ELUDE POLICE OFFICER: 10 YEARS WITH THE FIRST 1 YEAR TO SERVE, FOLLOWED BY 9 YEARS ON PROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITYSERVICE;
		$1,000 FINE. CT. 2: FLEEING/ATTEMPTING TO ELUDE POLICE OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: INTERFERENCE WITH GOVERNMENT PROPERTY: 5 YEARS PROBATION, CONSECUTIVE TO COUNT1.
2.  25R0439	KORDAE BENDARIANCALDWELL	CT. 1: ENTERING AN AUTOMOBILE: 5 YEARS WITH 60-120 DAYS IN PDC ANDTHE REMAINDER ON PROBATION;$1,000 FINE; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; RESTITUTION OF $400. CT. 2: THEFT BY TAKING: 5 YEARS PROBATION CONCURRENT WITHCOUNT 1.
3.  25R0492	STEPHEN BRET HATCHER	CT. 1: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE: ALFORD PLEA 3 YEARS PROBATION; $1,000 FINE; 80HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE.
4.  25R0531	KELSEY JEAN PAIGELLOYD	CT. 1: THEFT BY SHOPLIFTING: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; $1,000 FINE; 40HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE.
5.  25R0537	AUDREY LYNN SELPH	CT. 1: THEFT OF SERVICES: 12 MONTHS PROBATIONCONCURRENT WITH 25R0546; $500 FINE; RESTITUTION OF $78.95.
6.  25R0546	AUDREY LYNN SELPH	CT. 1: BATTERY- FAMILY VIOLENCE: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; $500 FINE; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE.
7.  26R0023	NATALIE ROSEBOSWELL	CT. 1: THEFT BY TAKING: ALFORD PLEA: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; $500 FINE; 40 COMMUNITY SERVICE; RESTITUTION TBD.

8.          26R0078           CHRISTOPHER LEE FOUNTAIN                      CT. 1: THEFT BY DECEPTION: 5 YEARS

PROBATION WITH 1 YEAR TO SERVE IN CONFINEMENT (TIMESERVED); $1,000 FINE; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; RESTITUTION

$3,360.00.

 

9.          25R0341          MICHAEL DAVID FLEMING                                 CT. 1: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICER: 12 MONTHS

PROBATION; $500 FINE; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE.

PLEA LIST – JUDGE W. FLETCHER SAMS, GJC MAY 13, 2026

 

1.          24R0221           DERREK LEE NELLOR                                      CT. 1: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: LESSER CHARGE

OF DISORDERLY CONDUCT: 5 MONTHS CONFINEMENT(TIME SERVED).

CT. 2: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

CT. 3: BATTERY FAMILY VIOLENCE: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

CT. 4: CRIMINAL TRESPASS: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 5:OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

2.          24R0284          JOSEPH ZACHARY MCKINLEY                       CT. 1: BURGLARY 1^ST DEGREE: 25 YEARS WITH

5 YEARS SERVED IN CONFINEMENT (TIME SERVED) AND THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE;

$1,000 FINE.

 

3.          25R0138         SANTONIO CORNELIUS ELLISON          CT. 1: DRIVING UNDER INFLUENCE:

12 MONTHS PROBATION WITH 72 HOURS CONFINEMENT;30 DAYS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $1,000 FINE.

CT. 2: DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED: 12 MONTHSPROBATION CONCURRENT WITH COUNT 1; $1,000 FINE.

CT. 3: VIOLATION OF DUTY UPON STRIKING FIXED OBJECT:NOLLE PROSEQUI.

CT. 4: OPEN CONTAINER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 5:FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LANE: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

CT. 6: RECKLESS DRIVING: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 7:FAILURE TO WEAR SAFETY BELT: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

4.          25R0205           TEION JAVONTAE DAVIS                                CT. 1: POSSESSION OF COCAINE WITH INTENT

TO DISTRIBUTE: 10 YEARS WITH FIRST 2 YEARS TO SERVE IN CONFINEMENT AND THE REMAINDER ONPROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $2,000 FINE.

		CT. 2: FAILURE TO WEAR SAFETY BELT:NOLLE PROSEQUI.
5.  25R0237	CALVIN SHEROID PRICE	CT. 1: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT- FAMILY VIOLENCE: ALFORD PLEA: 10YEARS PROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $1,000 FINE.
6.  25R0381	CASEY ORLANDOMOORE	CT. 1: TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE: NOLLE PROSEQUI CT. 2: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE: 20 YEARS WITH THE FIRST 7 YEARS TO SERVE IN CONFINEMENT WITH REMAINDER ON PROBATION;$5,000 FINE; BANISHMENT FROM GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT. CT. 3: INTERFERENCE WITH GOVERNMENT PROPERTY: 5 YEARS TOSERVE IN CONFINEMENT,CONCURRENT WITH COUNT 2. CT. 4:OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 5: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 6: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI.
7.  25R0482	DEPETRO VANQUIZKING	CT. 1: SIMPLE BATTERY-FAMILY VIOLENCE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 2: PUBLIC DRUNKENESS: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; $1,000 FINE; 40HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE. CT. 3: DISORDERLY CONDUCT: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

ANDY HAY CHIEF NORTHSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT

 ​

​Mr. Andrew "Andy" Hay Jr., age 76, of Meansville, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at The Gardenias Assisted Living.  

Mr. Hay was born on May 19, 1949, in Thomaston, Georgia to the late Andrew Hay Sr. and the late Mary Pitts Redwine.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ann Bell Hay, stepfather, Frank Redwine, and brother Tony Hay.  

Andy is survived by his son and daughter in law, Jason and Rikki Hay, grandson, Kasen Hay, granddaughter, Ryan Olivia Hay, son Adam Hay and his partner, Lindsey Philpott, grandchildren, Doc Hay, Rilyn, Colt, Fiora, two nieces and several cousins.

Andy has always been an avid car guy!  He loved going to car shows and driving around the cars he had.  He was the Chief of Northside Volunteer Fire Department for over 40 years and loved every minute of it.  He retired from the Georgia Department of Revenue in 2004.  After his retirement, he spent most of his days hanging out at Corley's Garage.  He was well known around Thomaston and never met at a stranger. 

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. from Northridge Church.  Burial will follow at Crystal Hill Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. at Coggins Funeral Home.

STATEMENT FROM T-U REC DIR. ERIK FOSTER ON TEE BALL INCIDENT

 The Thomaston-Upson Recreation Department does not tolerate any form of physical altercation, violence, or conduct that negatively impacts the safety and integrity of our programs. Recently, two coaches were involved in a physical altercation that resulted in the City of Thomaston pursuing Disorderly Conduct charges under the applicable city ordinance. Those legal matters are being handled independently by the proper authorities and are separate from Recreation Department disciplinary actions.

After reviewing the situation, the Thomaston-Upson Recreation Department has determined that both individuals will be suspended from all coaching activities for the Summer, Fall, and Winter sports seasons. Neither individual will be eligible to return to coaching duties any earlier than the Spring season of 2027, and any potential return will be contingent upon successful completion of an approved anger management course.

As a department, we are committed to maintaining a safe, positive, and respectful environment for all athletes, families, coaches, officials, and spectators. Behavior that compromises those standards will not be tolerated, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken when necessary.

 

Erik Foster

Director of  Parks & Recreation

706-975-4394

Efoster@upsoncountyga.org

101 Civic Center Drive

P.O. Box 470

Thomaston, GA 30286