South Metro's News Leader
When: Thursday, August 27, 2026, 6:00 pm
POST 26 GA. STATE PATROL HAS RELEASED THE ACCIDENT REPORT AUGUST 14TH AFTER A VEHICLE STRUCK A 64 YEAR OLD MAN IN A MOTORIZED WHEEL CHAIR AT NORTH CENTER AND DAVIS-THOMASTON AND THE VICTIM--JOHN MELENDEZ OF WOODLAND ROAD WAS LIFE-FLIGHTED TO AN OUT OF TOWN TRAUMA CENTER.
THE MOTORIST- CANDACE STREETMAN OF BROOKFOREST DR. TOLD THE GSP SHE DIDN'T SEE THE MAN WHO FAILED TO YIELD AND SHE TRIED TO AVOID HITTING HIM.
AT THE AUGUST 18TH MEETING THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVED $135,000 SPLOST PROJECT FOR A DEMO CAMERA SYSTEM FOR WATER LINES NEEDED TO LOCATE ROOTS AND OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS.
APPROVED $11,300 SPLOST PROJECT FOR AUDIO EQUIPMENT WITH COUNTY GOVERNMENT FOR THE MEETING CHAMBER IN THE GOVERNMENT COMPLEX. APPROVED A MORATORIUM ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA SHOPS UNTIL ZONING IS ESTABLISHED, DONATE A SLIVER OF LAND ON HANNAH'S MILL ROAD RIGHT OF WAY TO G-DOT FOR NEW CREEK BRIDGE AND APPROVED PLAT AT 327 & 331 NORTH BETHEL TO A-JOIN LOTS FOR HOUSING.
CITY OF THOMASTON FIRE CHIEF JEREMY WALKER AND THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL HONORED TIFFANY AND FIRE-FIGHTER HUNTER TUCKER AUGUST 18TH FOR LIFE-SAVING EFFORTS WHILE ON VACATION AT AN ALABAMA BEACH. TIFFANY NOTICED A YOUNG BOY STRUGGLING IN THE WAVES, RUSHED TO HIS SIDE AND HUSBAND HUNTER FOLLOWED. THE BOY'S MOM WAS ALSO STRUGGLING AND SHE WAS RESCUED BY THE TUCKERS,TOO.
THE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON KICKS-OFF AT 7;30 FRIDAY AT MATTEWS FIELD WITH UPSON-LEE HOSTING LAMAR COUNTY-JOIN THE TAILGATE AT THE TASTY SHOP PARKING LOT AT 5PM. AIR TIME ON FUN 101FM IS 7PM AFTER THE BRAVES GAME ITS THE FIRST GAME FOR KNIGHTS NEW HEAD COACH LOGAN WINKLES.
AT TUESDAY'S JOINT MEETING OF THE THOMASTON MAYOR COUNCIL/UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS THE BOARDS SEEMED TO APPROVE OF A SUGGESTION BY COMMISSIONER JAMES ELLINGTON TO APPOINT A COMMITTEE OF CITY AND COUNTY OFFICIALS TO EVALUATE JOINT FACILITIES AT THE CITY-COUNTY GOVERNMENT COMPLEX. CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON POINTED TO THE LEE AUDITORIUM'S LIMITED USE AS A TUAC VENUE AND SUGGESTED IT HAVE OTHER ROLES. CITY COUNCILMAN JEFF MIDDLEBROOKS WAS QUICK TO RESPOND THAT ALL THE CONFEDERACY ARTIFACTS NEED TO BE REMOVED IF ITS OPEN TO EVERYONE.
CITY MANAGER THOMPSON SUGGESTED SOME-TYPE OF CABINETY THAT COULD BE PLACED OVER THE TWO CONFEDERATE PORTRAITS TO COVER THEM IN CASE OF EVENTS SUCH AS CLASS REUNIONS AND SUCH.
ARCHIVES ROOF REPAIRS WAS DISCUSSED BY COUNTY MANAGER LONNIE JOYCE WHO SAID BIDS WILL BE SOUGHT TO USE FIBERGLASS SINGLES THE LOWER COST OPTION.
PASTOR ED SEARCY OF THOMASTON KIWANIS WAS INDUCTED AS GOVERNOR-ELECT OF THE GA. DISTRICT AT THE ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION IN PEACHTREE CITY SATURDAY. ED WILL OFFICIALY TAKE OFFICE OCT. IST AND SERVE IN THE STATE'S HIGHEST KIWANIS OFFICE FOR THE NEXT YEAR.
Upson-Lee Middle School Named a 2026
AMLE School of Distinction
August 17, 2026
Upson-Lee Middle School has been named a 2026 School of Distinction by the Association for
Middle Level Education (AMLE), earning national recognition for its commitment to excellence in
middle grades education and continuous school improvement.
Upson-Lee Middle School is one of just 39 schools recognized worldwide as a 2026 AMLE
School of Distinction. The honorees include schools from across the United States as well as
Canada and Israel.
The recognition is especially significant for Upson-Lee Middle School, which was previously
named an AMLE School of Distinction in 2022. AMLE recognition is awarded on a four-year
cycle, requiring schools to reapply to maintain their School of Distinction status and demonstrate
an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.
"This recognition is a tremendous honor for Upson-Lee Middle School and reflects the hard
work taking place throughout the school each day," said ULMS Principal Rhonda Gulley. "Our
teachers and staff are committed to creating an environment where our students feel supported,
challenged, and connected. Being recognized again as an AMLE School of Distinction validates
that commitment and the work of our entire school community."
The AMLE Schools of Distinction program is both a recognition and continuous improvement
initiative for schools serving students ages 10–15. The program recognizes schools committed
to the middle grades best practices outlined in AMLE's foundational text, The Successful Middle
School: This We Believe. Schools also participate in self-assessment and strategic
vision-setting designed to support continued growth and success.
According to AMLE, schools are selected through a rigorous review process focused on the
characteristics of successful middle grades schools and their commitment to continuous
improvement. As part of the 2026 selection process, schools demonstrated excellence in
implementing middle grades best practices and continuous improvement plans, with the
evaluation supported by stakeholder interviews involving staff, students, and families.
"The 2026 Schools of Distinction once again remind us that great middle schools do not happen
by accident, they are built through intentional practices, strong leadership, and a deep
understanding of young adolescents," said Chris Woodside, AMLE CEO, in announcing this
year's recipients. "These 39 schools are leading the wa
POST 26 GSP/THOMASTON COMMANDER SGT. JAMES WOMBLE REPORTS A MALE SUBJECT IN A WHEEL CHAIR WAS AIR FLIGHTED TO A MACON TRAUMA CENTER AFTER BEING STRUCK BY A VEHICLE AT NORTH CENTER AND DAVIS STREET FRIDAY AFTERNOON. HE WAS REPORTEDLY ATTEMPTING TO CROSS NORTH CENTER STREET. THE GA. STATE PATROL IS INVESTIGATING THE ACCIDENT.
COOLING CENTERS FOR GRIFFIN/SPALDING COUNTY. FAIRMONT COMMUNITY CENTER-BLANTON ST. CITY PARK COMMUNITY CENTER, FLINT RIVER REGIONAL LIBRARY.
FUN 101FM KICKS OFF THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON THURSDAY NIGHT SEPTEMBER 3 WITH GA. TECH AND COLORADO. AIR TIME 6PM WITH AN 8PM KICK AT THE BOBBY DODD IN ATLANTA.
THE GA. BULLDOGS OPEN WITH TENNESSE STATE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 IN ATHENS , A 3;15PM KICK, 11AM AIR TIME ON FUN 101 FM. REMEMBER THE RADIO BROADCAST IS REAL TIME, THE TV BROADCAST IS A REPLAY OF THE PLAY THAT HAS ALREADY HAPPENED.
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.
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.
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
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.
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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.
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