CITY OF THOMASTON PREP FOR HURRICANE ISAIAS

 City of Thomaston Prepares for Hurricane Isaias; Shares Outage 

Reporting Guidelines and Safety Measures

THOMASTON, GA — As Hurricane Isaias approaches, the City of Thomaston, along with 

Police, Fire, and Public Works crews, are all on standby to respond to storm impacts and restore 

public services as quickly and safely as conditions allow.

Residents are encouraged to exercise caution, prepare now, and review the following critical 

guidance regarding service restoration and safety procedures:

Reporting Outages & Call Volume Expectations

• Direct Outage Hotline: To report a power outage, please call 706-647-3145.

• High Call Volume & Patience: During severe storm events, the Thomaston Electric 

Utility experiences high call volumes. Please be patient as our staff processes calls and 

crews work diligently to restore services in the event of outages.

• DO NOT Call 911 for Power Outages: Emergency 911 lines must remain open strictly 

for life-threatening emergencies, serious medical situations, and active hazards. Calling 

911 for general power outage status delays critical emergency dispatching.

Restoration Priorities

Power restoration will be handled according to system integrity priority to ensure public safety 

and efficient service recovery. Priority is assigned to:

1. Critical infrastructure (water/wastewater facilities, emergency medical facilities, public 

safety operations).

2. Main distribution lines and substations that restore power to the largest number of 

customers simultaneously.

3. Individual service lines and secondary tap lines.

Crew Safety & High-Wind Protocols

The safety of our linemen and city staff is paramount. Utility crews cannot operate bucket 

trucks when sustained winds or wind gusts reach 25 mph or higher.

If severe winds cross this threshold, elevated line repairs will be temporarily paused until 

conditions stabilize. Crew response will resume immediately once wind speeds drop below safet

GRIFFIN CITY MANAGER DISMISSED

 THE CITY  MANAGER  OF  GRIFFIN,  JESSICA  O'CONNOR  HAS  BEEN  FIRED  WITHOUT  CAUSE.    ACCORDING  TO  AN  EMERGENCY  RESOLUTION  THE  GRIFFIN   BOARD OF  COMMISSIONERS  VOTED  4-3  TO  APPROVE  A  MOTION  TO  TERMINATE  THE  CONTRACT OF  MS. O'CONNOR    AT A  CALLED  MEETING  TUESDAY.

JENNIFER FREEMAN,  ASSISTANT  CITY  MANAGER OF  UTILITIES  AND  KELSEY  CARDEN,  ASSISTANT CITY  MANAGER  OF  DEVELOPMENT  SERVICES  WILL  HANDLE  MS. O'CONNOR'S DUTIES.   A   PRESS  RELEASE  FROM  CITY OF  GRIFFIN  SAID  THE  BOARD  WILL  DISCUSS  THE  APPOINTMENT  OF AN  INTERIM  CITY  MANAGER  AT  A  CALLED  MEETING  THURSDAY  9AM  OCT.  IST.

GRIFFIN-SPALDING SCHOOL GRAD RATE

 Griffin, GA – Griffin-Spalding County Schools (GSCS) is proud to announce the district’s 2026 graduation rate rose to 94.5 percent, reflecting the continued commitment of students, educators, families and the entire community to student success. GSCS performed above the State of Georgia graduation rate of 88.5 percent.

Graduation rates across the district’s high schools demonstrate strong outcomes for the Class of 2026. Griffin High School achieved a 96 percent graduation rate, A.Z. Kelsey Academy achieved a 95.7 percent graduation rate, and Spalding High School achieved a 92.4 percent graduation rate.

UPSON-LEE GRADUATION RATE

 Thomaston-Upson Schools Graduation

Rate Reaches New All-Time High of 92.6%

Thomaston-Upson Schools is proud to announce that the district’s graduation rate has reached

92.6% for 2026, establishing a new all-time high and continuing a multi-year trend of strong

graduation outcomes for Upson-Lee High School students.

The district’s graduation rate increased from 91.6% in 2024 to 92.5% in 2025 and 92.6% in

2026. The 2026 rate is also 4.1 percentage points higher than Georgia’s state average of

88.5%.

The continued increase reflects the collective efforts of students, teachers, counselors,

administrators, support staff, families, and community partners who work throughout a student’s

educational journey to keep students engaged, provide needed support, and prepare them to

successfully complete high school.

“This accomplishment is something our entire school system and community can celebrate,”

said Superintendent Dr. Travet “Tret” Witherspoon. “A graduation rate of 92.6% represents

students who have worked hard and persevered to reach an important milestone. It also

represents the teachers, staff members, families, and community members who have supported

those students along the way. We are extremely proud of our graduates and remain committed

to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.”

While the district celebrates another record-setting graduation rate, Thomaston-Upson Schools

remains focused on continued improvement. District and school leaders will continue working to

identify and support students who may be at risk of not graduating while strengthening

academic opportunities, student engagement, and college and career readiness.

The district recognizes that graduation is the culmination of years of work that begins long

before students enter high school. From early learning and elementary education through

middle and high school, employees across Thomaston-Upson Schools play an important role in

preparing students to reach graduation.

The 92.6% graduation rate marks the second consecutive year Thomaston-Upson Schools has

established a new all-time high, building on the district’s 92.5% rate in 2025

THOMASTON KIWANIS 5K SIGN-UP

 

The direct link to register for the Thomaston Kiwanis Kreepy 5k is https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Thomaston/ThomastonKiwanisKreepy5kRoadRace26

I have also attached a flyer with a QR code that can be scanned to register. This flyer has been shared on our Kiwanis Facebook page. Please share on your personal pages or anywhere else you see fit.

UPSON BOARD OF ELECTIONS

 The Upson County Board of Elections will have their regular meeting Tuesday, October 6th @ 3:00 PM in the Elections Office Meeting Room located at 305 South Hightower St. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the upcoming November 3, General Election. For more information contact the Elections Office at 706-647-6259. Pam W. Releford Elections Supervisor

PIKE COUNTY LIONS CLUB BBQ

 PIKE COUNTY  LIONS  CLUB  BBQ   SAT. SEPT. 26TH  11AM  TILL  2PM  ZEBULON  TRAIN  DEPOT. $12  PER  PLATE.

CITY OF THOMASTON RETREAT/WORK SESSION

 CITY OF THOMASTON

RETREAT / WORK SESSION OF MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

THOMASTON-UPSON COUNTY AIRPORT

Beginning September 24, 2026

12:00 pm

The Thomaston Mayor and City Council will hold a strategic planning retreat on Thursday and Friday, September 24-25, 2026, at the Thomaston-Upson County Airport located at 2347 Delray Road, Thomaston, GA 30286. The retreat is for strategic planning purposes only. No official or legally binding action will occur at this retreat.

Tentative Retreat Schedule

(Changes may occur.)

Thursday, September 24, 2026

12:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Friday, September 25, 2026

8:30 am to 5:00 pm

UPSON CO REPORTS SCHOOL THREAT

 News Release

On Friday, September 11, 2026 deputies were made aware of a threatening social media post made against Upson Lee Middle School. An investigation was begun and confirmed the identity of person making the threat to be a 13 year old male student from Upson Lee Middle School. The student, who was absent from school today used a fictitious name to make the post.

The post claimed that the student was " Finna blow up Mrs (----) classroom".

The student was referred to juvenile court on charges of Terroristic Threats and acts. The student will also face disciplinary consequences from the school system.

Dan Kilgore, Sheriff

Sept 11, 2026

UPSON CO COMMISSIONERS MEETING 9/8/26

 IT  WAS  AN  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  MEETING   STRAIGHT  OUT   OF  THE   TWILIGHT  ZONE,  TUESDAY.   THE  BOC  UNANIMOUSLY  APPROVED    IDA     REZONING  ON  RACE  TRACK  ROAD  FOR  A  FUTURE  INDUSTRIAL  PARK,  SOMETHING  CRITICIZED  BY  EX-CHAIRMAN  RUSTY   BLACKSTON-DURING PUBLIC  COMMENT--  SET  THE  TAX  MILLAGE  AT  THE  RATE  PREVIOUSLY  DISCUSSED  AND   A  FEMALE  WAS  ESCORTED     TO       THE  DOOR      BY  A  DEPUTY  AFTER COUNTY  MANAGER   LONNIE  JOYCE  DEFENDED  THE  S.O. USE OF  FLOCK CAMERAS  AND  WARNED   MARY ALICE  ADAMS      TO  STOP  INTERRUPTING  HIM  WITH   NEGATIVE  COMMENTS  ABOUT  THEIR   USE.

T-U BOE SETS TAX MILLAGE AND THOMASTON COUNCIL CUTS TAXES

 THOMASTON'S CITY  MANAGER   RUSSELL  THOMPSON    SAYS   WATER  IS  CLEAR  LEAVING   THE    TREATMENT     PLANT       AFTER  A   TEMPORARY  PUBLIC   NOTICE  ABOUT      DISCOLORATION  DUE  TO  MANGANESE.  THE  WATER   REMAINED  SFE  FOR  DRINKING,  COOKING, BATHING  AND   OTHER  USES.

MAYOR  JD  STALLINGS  WAS  GUSHING   AT   TUESDAY'S  COUNCIL  MEETING--NOTING    THE  CITY  COUNCIL  CUT  TAXES  DURING  THE  MEETING.

IN   HIS  TESTIMONY  BEFORE  THE  T-U-  BOARD  OF  EDUCATION-PUBLIC  HEARING   PRIOR   TO  SETTING  THE  TAX  MILLAGE  DR. KEN  MORGAN    URGED  COMPROMISE   AND  THE  BOARD  VOTED  TO  DROP  THE  MILLAGE  RATE  ABOUT  ONE MILL    AND   UP  THE FUND  BALANCE  CONTRIBUTION   TO  $567,000  TO  BALANCE  THE  BUDGET--A  6-1   VOTE  . BRENT  KING  VOTED  NO--TELLING  101  NEWS  HE  OPPOSED  BECAUSE  TOO  MANY  CITIZENS  ARE  STRUGGLING  FINANCIALLY.

WARM SPRINGS POLICE OFFICER KILLED/SHOOTER SHOT HIMSELF AFTER A CHASE

 A   FATAL SHOOTING  OF  A  WARM  SPRINGS  POLICE  OFFICER   ON  DUTY--CHRIS  FISHER   TUESDAY  NIGHT       HAS  LEAD  TO   THE  REPORTED    SHOOTING    OF   THE  SUSPECT  IN  THE  SHOOTING.  THE  GBI  ISSUED  A  BLUE  ALERT  FOR  23  YEAR  OLD  JIMMIE   STEVERSON  WHO  MIGHT  HAVE   AMBUSHED   OFFICER   FISHER  AND  FIRED   THE   FATAL  SHOT  TO  THE  HEAD.  

BREAKING  NEWS--THE  ALLEDGED  SHOOTER  REPORTEDLY  GOT   IN  A  CHASE   WITH  THE   LAW  IN  GEORIGIA  AND  SHOT     HIMSELF       WED    IN  SOUTH CAROLINA.   THIS   IS  BREAKING  NEWS  FROM  101  NEWS.

KIWANIS CLUB OF THOMASTON 5K /WALK

 THOMASTON  KIWANIS  CLUB  KREEPY  5  K  ROAD  RACE/WALK.  OCT.  24, 2026

5 K RACE  $35  ENTRY  FEE      $40  DAY  OF   RACE.  SUBMIT   ENTRIES  KIWANIS  CLUB  RACE,  101  NORTH  GREEN  ST.   THOMASTON,  GA.   30286.

CITY OF THOMASTON WATER DEPARTMENT NOTICE

 City of Thomaston

Telephone 706-647-4242 Fax 706-646-2653

106 East Lee Street

P.O. Box 672

Taking The Time To Serve 

Office of the City Manager

PUBLIC NOTICE

City of Thomaston Water Department 

Water Quality Notice: Temporary Water Discoloration Due to Naturally Occurring 

Manganese 

September 1, 2026

The City of Thomaston Water Department is aware that some customers may notice a slight 

brown, yellow, or tea-colored tint in their tap water. This temporary discoloration is the 

result of elevated levels of naturally occurring manganese entering the treatment plant from 

the source water supply.

Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral commonly found in soil, groundwater, and 

surface water. While it can affect the appearance of drinking water, it does not necessarily 

indicate health concern. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a 

Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL) of 0.05 mg/L for manganese based on 

aesthetic considerations such as color, taste, and staining potential.

Current manganese levels in the City's water system remain below EPA’s secondary 

aesthetic standard. However, concentrations have been elevated enough to cause minor 

discoloration in portions of the distribution system. Probable causes include prolonged 

periods of extreme heat combined with rapid temperature changes to the water source 

onset by cooler rain events and cooler mornings. The temperature swings affect the water 

chemistry. Crews are aware and are undertaking efforts throughout the system to abate the 

issue 

Is the Water Safe? 

Yes. The water remains safe for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other household uses. This 

situation does not constitute a health emergency and is not a violation of any primary 

drinking water regulations. The primary impact is limited to the appearance of the water.

 

City of Thomaston

Telephone 706-647-4242 Fax 706-646-2653

106 East Lee Street

P.O. Box 672

Taking The Time To Serve 

Office of the City Manager

What Customers Can Do 

If you experience discolored water, we recommend the following:

• Run cold water from a faucet, bathtub, or utility sink for approximately 2 to 5 minutes 

or until the water clears.

• Delay washing light-colored laundry until the water runs clear to prevent potential 

staining.

• There is no need to boil water or purchase bottled water as a result of this issue.

• Customers with specific health concerns should consult their healthcare provider.

 

Actions Being Taken 

The City of Thomaston Water Department is actively working to restore normal water 

appearance by:

• Adjusting treatment processes to optimize manganese removal.

• Enhancing oxidation and sequestration treatment measures as needed.

• Conducting targeted flushing of water mains throughout the distribution system.

• Continuing routine water quality monitoring to ensure compliance and track 

improvements.

We anticipate conditions will improve over the next 24 to 72 hours as these corrective 

measures take effect.

 

 

 

City of Thomaston

Telephone 706-647-4242 Fax 706-646-2653

106 East Lee Street

P.O. Box 672

Taking The Time To Serve 

Office of the City Manager

Contact Information 

Due to the increased number of customer inquiries, response times may be slightly longer 

than normal. If discoloration persists after flushing your lines, or if you have any questions, 

please contact:

City of Thomaston Water Department

Heath Jarriel, Project Manager

Phone: 706-646-8031

Email: hjarriel@azuria.com

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to resolve this issue and 

maintain the high quality of service our customers expect.

Sincerely,

Heath Jarriel

Project Manager

City of Thomaston Water Departmen

REGISTER FOR DOLLY PARTON AT FLETCHER-DAY FUNERAL HOME

 Dolly Parton gave the world more than music. She gave us laughter, kindness, generosity, and a little extra sparkle.

As people everywhere remember the Queen of Country Music, Fletcher-Day Funeral Home invites members of our community to stop by and sign a special condolence register in her honor. The register will be available during our regular business hours, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., through Friday, September 4, 2026.

Following that date, the register will be forwarded to the Parton family in Nashville, Tennessee as an expression of sympathy and appreciation from the people of our community.

Her remarkable voice may now be silent, but the songs she gave us will always remain.

We will always love you, Dolly.

Troy V. Chaney 

GORDON STATE COLLEGE HONORS THOMAS GOSS

 BARNESVILLE, Ga. – Gordon State College alumnus and Foundation Trustee Thomas “Tog” Goss was honored with the Alumni and Distinguished Friends Award during the 2026 University System of Georgia Foundation Board of Regents’ Scholarship & Awards Gala. The event, themed “Sea of Dreams,” took place Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.

The annual Gala is the USG Foundation’s signature philanthropic event, bringing together business, civic and higher education leaders from across Georgia to support need-based scholarships for students attending the state’s public colleges and universities. The event also recognizes outstanding students, faculty, alumni, donors and supporters whose leadership and service advance public higher education throughout Georgia.

Goss was recognized in the State Colleges category for his longstanding commitment to Gordon State, healthcare education and expanding opportunities for students. A distinguished healthcare executive and GSC alumnus, Goss serves as a trustee of the Gordon State College Foundation and is the former chief operating officer of Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin. He currently serves as CEO of Putnam General Hospital.

“Tog Goss represents the kind of leadership and service that makes Gordon State College and our communities stronger,” said Dr. Russell Crutchfield, president of GSC. “His commitment to developing Georgia’s healthcare workforce, expanding opportunities for students and investing in the communities we serve reflects the very best of Highlander Nation. This recognition by the Board of Regents is well deserved, and we are proud to celebrate him.”

That commitment to Gordon State includes establishing an endowed scholarship supporting students in the College’s LPN/Paramedic Bridge to ASN pathway. The scholarship helps reduce financial barriers for non-traditional students while supporting the development of skilled healthcare professionals who can serve rural communities throughout the region.

Goss also provides strategic guidance through GSC’s Nursing and Health Sciences Advisory Board and regularly shares his experience with students through mentorship, speaking

engagements and professional guidance. His continued involvement connects academic preparation with workforce needs while strengthening pathways into healthcare careers.

Through his philanthropy, professional leadership and advocacy, Goss has become a champion for healthcare access and a strong ambassador for GSC and the USG.

GSC’s participation in the annual Gala provides an opportunity to celebrate members of Highlander Nation whose contributions extend beyond the College while strengthening relationships with donors, corporate partners and state leaders who support public higher education.

###

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 wi