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.
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
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.
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
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.
Monday, December 2, 2024
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.
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
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.
Monday, November 25, 2024
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.
Friday, November 22, 2024
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.
Thursday, November 21, 2024
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.