STATE HOUSE MEMBER CAMP TO CHAIR LEGISLATIVE EVENT 2027

 

Chair Beth Camp, President Pro Tempore Larry Walker Accept Host State Gavel for 2027 NCSL Legislative Summit in Atlanta

ATLANTA – State Representative Beth Camp (R-Concord) recently attended the 2026 National Conference of State Legislatures’ (NCSL) Legislative Summit in Chicago, where she joined Senate President Pro Tempore Larry Walker III (R-Perry) onstage during NCSL’s closing general session ceremony to accept NCSL’s host state gavel from Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel Welch and Illinois House Assistant Majority Leader Marcus C. Evans, Jr. This ceremony symbolizes the transition to Georgia as the next Legislative Summit host state, and the 2027 Legislative Summit will take place in Atlanta from August 9 – 11, 2027.

“Georgia is thrilled to be next year’s host state for the 2027 NCSL Legislative Summit and to welcome thousands of legislators and legislative staff from across the country and territories as we showcase all that our great State of Georgia has to offer,” said Chair Camp. “As a member of NCSL’s Executive Committee, it was an honor to join Senate President Pro Tem Larry Walker onstage in Chicago to accept the ceremonial gavel, signifying the transition of power from this year’s host State of Illinois to the State of Georgia as we gear up to host the 2027 NCSL Legislative Summit in Atlanta.”

NCSL’s Legislative Summit brings together state legislators and legislative staff from all 50 states and U.S. territories for three days of collaboration, innovation and bipartisan dialogue. It is the largest meeting of state legislators and legislative staff in the nation.

NCSL, created by state legislators and legislative staff in 1975, serves America’s 50 states, commonwealths, territories and the District of Columbia. Every state legislator and staffer is a member of the organization and has complete access to the latest in bipartisan policy research, training resources and technical assistance tailored specifically to their needs. NCSL offers members a variety of opportunities to connect and collaborate, notably at its signature event, the NCSL Legislative Summit.

NORTHSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO STAGECOACH ROAD IN UPSON

 Northside Volunteer Fire Rescue

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At approximately 0415 hours on July 30, 2026, Northside Volunteer Fire Rescue was dispatched to a reported residential structure fire on Stagecoach Road. While responding, additional information from dispatch advised that flames were visible from the residence.

Engine 83 arrived first on scene at 0420 hours and confirmed a working structure fire with active fire conditions. A size-up was completed, command was established, and firefighters immediately initiated an aggressive interior fire attack while simultaneously conducting a primary search of the residence.

During the primary search, one occupant was located inside the structure and removed by firefighters. The victim was transferred to awaiting EMS personnel for evaluation and care.

Engine 82 arrived as the second-due apparatus and assisted with fire suppression, search operations, overhaul, and scene support.

Through coordinated interior fire attack and tactical ventilation, crews were able to confine the fire primarily to the area of origin, limiting the incident to moderate fire extension and preventing further damage to the remainder of the residence. A primary and secondary search confirmed that all occupants had been accounted for, and the fire was declared under control shortly thereafter.

Northside would like to thank Upson County EMS, the Upson County Sheriff's Office, Upson County 911, and all assisting agencies for their teamwork and professionalism throughout this incident.

This incident serves as another reminder of the importance of working smoke alarms, having two ways out of every room, and practicing a home fire escape plan with your family.

No further information regarding the occupant's condition will be released out of respect for the individual and their family.

NEW ARRESTS BY GRIFFIN PD

  

As of July 28, 2026, the Griffin Police Department has made two additional arrests in connection with the July 11 

homicide at Raymond Head Park. Kenijay Ponder was taken into custody on July 23 in Henry County, and Josiah 

Starks was taken into custody on July 28 for their roles in the murder of Malcom Freeling.

Since the incident, the Griffin Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, with assistance from the Field 

Investigation Team (FIT) Unit, has worked diligently to identify all individuals involved. Our goal is to ensure that 

everyone responsible is brought to justice, to provide closure for the victim’s family, and to reassure the community 

that individuals who act with such reckless disregard for human life will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the 

law.

The Griffin Police Department supports community events and encourages anyone planning a large community 

gathering to obtain proper permits and coordinate with their local law enforcement partners to ensure their event 

remains safe, secure, and family-friendl

TWO ARRESTED FOR CAR BREAK-INS IN UPSON

 News Release

Between July 12 and July 15, 2026 the Upson County Sheriff’s Office received 4 complaints of vehicles being broken into with items stolen. These incidents occurred during the overnight hours in the eastern part of Upson County on Rocky Bottom Road, Rose Creek Road and Mud Bridge Road. We also received a report of a Burglary on Rose Creek Road. Copper wire was stolen from the walls and ceiling during the burglary from a vacant residence.

            Investigators received a tip identifying Ian Sweatt, 25, of Hampton Georgia as a suspect. A vehicle being driven by Sweatt was located in the area of the thefts by utilizing FLOCK camera technology.  Sweatt was arrested by deputies during a license check on Barnesville Highway on July 23 on an outstanding warrant from Henry County. Sweatt was interviewed by Investigators and admitted to committing the thefts. Another suspect who is identified as Jacob Lee Chambers, 21, of Rose Creek Road was named as an additional suspect. Chambers was located by Investigators and interviewed. Chambers also confessed to committing the thefts.

Sweatt and Chambers are in the Upson County Jail facing charges of four counts each of Entering Auto, One count each of Burglary and one count each of Criminal Damage to property.

Investigators have been working to recover the property stolen. Some items have been located. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Investigator Marcus Denson at the Upson County Sheriff’s Office.

Dan Kilgore, Sheriff

July 29, 2026

 TWO  ARRESTED  FOR  UPSO

UPSON BOC MEETING/IDA REZONING POSTPONED

 SEVERAL  CITIZENS  ATTENDED   TUESDAY'S  MEETING  OF  THE  UPSON COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  TO  SPEAK  DURING  A   PUBLIC  HEARING  ON  A  REZONING  REQUEST  BY  THE   IDA  ON  RACE  TRACK  ROAD--  FOR  A  NEW  INDUSTRIAL/BUSINESS  PARK.  BUT  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  DAN  BRUE  ANNOUNCED  THE  ITEM  WAS  POSTPONED  AT  THE  REQUEST  OF  THE  IDA  -- POSSIBLY TILL  SEPTEMBER.

THE   BOC  DISCUSSED  CHANGES  TO  THE  ZONING  AND  SUBDIVISION  ORDIANCES   BUT  ONLY  ONE  CITIZEN  SPOKE.  FURTHER  DISCUSSIONS  TARGETED  FOR  NEXT  WEEK'S  WORK  SESSION.

RECOGNITIONS AT UPSON BOC MEETING

 DURING  RECOGNITION  AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING  OF  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  THE  BOC  HONORED   THE   RECREATION  12 U  BASEBALL  STATE  AND  NATIONAL  CHAMPS  AND  THE   REC 10 U SOFTBALL  STATE  CAMPS.  PHOTOS  BY  COUNTY  CLERK  JESSICA  JONES  ARE  ON  OUR  WEBSITE.

ALSO  RECOGNIZED  LUCAS   AUSTIN  FOUNDER  OF  THE  OLD  THOMASTON  PHOTOS & STORIES FACEBOOK  GROUP -- WHO  GOT  A  BIG  RECEPTION    FROM  THE  STANDING  ROOM  ONLY  CROWD.

WELLSTAR TO LAY OFF OVER 700

 

A spokesperson for Wellstar released the following statement: 

As a non-profit health system, Wellstar has a responsibility to regularly evaluate how we operate so we can continue to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Following a comprehensive review of our organization, we made the difficult decision to implement workforce reductions that impact our corporate and shared services functions, as well as certain administrative roles within Wellstar Medical Group. Our frontline care team roles were not impacted. These changes will help us simplify our structure, clarify roles, strengthen accountability and move decision making closer to the people who care for patients, while positioning Wellstar for continued long-term sustainable growth. Our mission has not changed, and our patients will continue to receive the same compassionate, high-quality care they expect from Wellstar.

This impacts 761 employees, or about 2% of our more than 35,000 employees. Each area was evaluated individually based on its role in supporting patient care, opportunities to improve effectiveness and alignment with how we will operate going forward. As a result, the level of impact varies by department. Additionally, these decisions were shaped by analysis of industry benchmarks.

UPSON COUNTY BD OF ELECTIONS

 NOTICE OF ELECTION CANCELLATION Pursuant to O.C.G.A 21-2-291 & 21-2-325, notice is hereby given that the City of Yatesville Special Election scheduled for November 3, 2026, is cancelled. The following candidate qualified for office and is unopposed: For City Council At Large: Connie Montoya The above unopposed candidate shall be deemed to have voted for herself. This 29th day of July, 2026 Pam W. Releford Election Supervisor

Griffin PD Needs Your Help

 

Griffin PD Needs Your Help

 

CITY OF THOMASTON DESIGNATED OPEN RECORDS OFFICERS

 CITY OF THOMASTON

Designated Open Records Officers 

July 7, 2026

§50-18-71 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, authorized the City of

Thomaston to designate one or more open records officers upon whom

requests for inspection or copying of records, pursuant to the Open Records

Act, may be delivered; 

Thomaston Fire Department 

Jeremy Walker, jwalker@cityofthomaston.com 

in his capacity as Chief of the Thomaston Fire Department.

Thomaston Police Department

Sgt. Stephany McDonald, sallen@cityofthomaston.com

in her capacity as Sergeant of the Thomaston Police Department.

City of Thomaston Finance Department

Reshann Adams, radams@cityofthomaston.com 

in her capacity as Finance Director of the Finance Department. 

City of Thomaston Human Resources Department

Kim Williams, kwilliams@cityofthomaston.com 

in her capacity as Human Resources Director of the Human Resources Department.

Thomaston Water and Wastewater Operations

Heath Jarriel, hjarriel@azuria.com in his capacity as Project Manager of

the Thomaston Water and Wastewater Operations.

Clerk of the City of ThomastonTaylor White, twhite@cityofthomaston.com 

in her capacity as Clerk of the City of Thomaston.

For the full resolution or more information visit the city of Thomaston’s

website at cityofthomaston.com

ROCKY BOTTOM CLOSED IN UPSON CO

 UPSON  COUNTY  MANAGER  LONNIE  JOYCE  SAID  A  CONTRACTOR'S   QUOTE  OF   $600,000  TO  REPLACE  TWO  RUSTED  PIPES  ON  ROCKY  BOTTOM  ROAD--SO  HE  WILL  PROBABLY  PUT  IT  OUT  FOR  BID.  THE  ROAD  COULD  BE  CLOSED  FOR  UP  TO   60  DAYS  DUE  TO  THE  BIG    TRUCKS  RUNNING  UP  AND  DOWN  IT  CAUSING  THE  ROADBED  TO  SINK.  THE  ITEM  WILL  PROBABLY  BE  DISCUSSED  AT  THE    AUGUST    WORK  SESSION--HE   TOLD   101  NEWS.  

REZONING REQUEST FOR T-U IDA POSTPONED

 UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONER   BEN  WATSON  CANNOT  ATTEND    TUESDAY'S   6PM  MEETING   SO   THE  BOC  HAS  POSTPONED  A  REZONING  PUBLIC  HEARING   REQUESTED  BY  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  IDA  FOR   222  ACRES  OFF  RACETRACK  ROAD.  RESCHEDULED  FOR  SEPTEMBER  8T  TO  REZONE  THE  TRACT  FOR  A  NEW  INDUSTRIAL/BUSINESS  PARK..

LAMAR COUNTY GOVERNMENTS TO DISCUSS TSPLOST MONEY FOR ROADS

 Tuesday, July 28, 2026 10:30 a.m. The City of Barnesville will meet in a Joint Special Called Meeting with the Lamar County Board of Commissioners, City of Milner, and the Town of Aldora to discuss and approve the percentages of the proposed Transportation Special Purchase Local Option Sales Tax at the Lamar County Administration Building located at 790 Veterans Parkway. 1) Call the meeting to order ………………………… Kelly G. Hughes. 2) Approval of the Agenda. 3) TSPLOST discussion and approval.

DEFACS RELOCATING IN GRIFFIN

 he Georgia Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Family &

Children Services (DFCS) Spalding County Office is relocating to a permanent

office space. The new location for the Spalding County DFCS Office is 1211 Greenbelt

Drive, Griffin, Georgia 30223.

 

This office will open on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 9 a.m. Spalding County

DFCS will see walk-in customers Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

There will be a drop box on-site for customers to drop off important

documents.

 

Applicants, existing clients, and the public may continue to

access information and/or apply for assistance online when possible.

Self-service/telephonic options:

∞ Apply, make changes to, or renew benefits at gateway.ga.gov.

∞ Call us at 1-877-423-4746 to apply, renew, or make changes by phone.

∞ Visit our website at dfcs.ga.gov.

Note: Child abuse or neglect can be reported by calling 1-855-422-4453.

If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police

department.

 

 

 

Kirston Brown County Director Spalding Division of Family and Children Services Georgia Department of Human Services PO Box R Griffin, GA 30224 404-904-9250 (M) K

SPALDING COUNTY FODAC SEEKING HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

 

Griffin, Georgia 30224  www.spaldingcounty.com 

Fifty Forward Your Center for Senior Services 

Partners with Friends of Disabled Adults and 

Children to Host Home Medical Equipment Drive

GRIFFIN, GA. (July 24, 2026) Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) will 

host a home medical equipment (HME) device donation drive and information event at 

Fifty Forward Your Center for Senior Services located at 885 Memorial Drive in Griffin

on Friday, August 14, from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. 

FODAC Griffin, located at 235 Emlet Drive, accepts donations of gently used home 

medical equipment, which are cleaned, sanitized, and repaired by trained technicians 

before being distributed to individuals in need. For a one-time $25 registration fee, 

FODAC provides refurbished home medical equipment at no cost or low cost to people 

recovering from injury or illness or seeking to maintain their independence and mobility. 

Community members are encouraged to donate gently used home medical equipment 

during the event. Items currently needed include: 

 Canes, crutches, walkers, and rollators 

 Manual and power wheelchairs (adult and pediatric) 

 Standers 

 Hospital beds 

 Shower chairs 

 Bedside commodes 

 Patient lifts 

Donation receipts will be provided, along with information about FODAC's equipment, 

programs, and services. 

Headquartered in Tucker, Georgia, with additional locations in Savannah and Griffin, 

FODAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides more than $15 million in 

refurbished home medical equipment and services each year while keeping 

approximately 450 tons of equipment out of landfills annually. Founded in 1986 as a 

faith-based organization, FODAC has become a national leader in the safe, effective, 

and appropriate reuse of home medical equipment and serves as a trusted resource 

during emergencies in Georgia, across the United States, and internationally. 

For more information contact Barry Satterfield at 470-706-9626 or email 

griffin@fodac.org.