COACH LOCKHART RETURNS TO U-L

 Coach Daryl Lockhart Returns to

Upson-Lee High School

Thomaston-Upson County Schools is pleased to announce the return of Coach Daryl Lockhart

to Upson-Lee High School as a member of the Physical Education Department.

Coach Lockhart will serve in a 49% Physical Education teaching position while also taking the

reins of the Upson-Lee High School boys basketball program for the 2026-2027 season.

Coach Lockhart is no stranger to the Upson-Lee community, and his return brings both

experience and enthusiasm back to the Knights basketball program. His commitment to

student-athletes and passion for developing young men both on and off the court make him a

valuable addition to the Upson-Lee faculty and coaching staff.

Please join Thomaston-Upson County Schools in welcoming Coach Lockhart back to the

Upson-Lee family. We wish him and the Knights boys basketball team the very best during the

2026-2027 season

TPD MEETS WITH U.S. ATTORNEY REGARDING ALLEGED INVESTMENT SCAM

 CITY OF  THOMASTON  POLICE  CHIEF  MIKE  RICHARDSON  TOLD   101  NEWS  OFFICERS  MET  WITH  A  U.S.  ATTORNEY  FROM  THE  MIDDLE  DISTRICT OF GA. OFFICE  IN  MACON,  THURSDAY REGARDING  AN  ALLEGED  INVESTMENT  SCHEME  INVOLVING  THOMASTON'S JONATHAN  HALL,  AGE  37.  THE  CHIEF SAID  THE  U.S.  ATTORNEYS  OFFICE INDICATED  IT  HAS  GIVEN  THE  CASE  A  HIGH  PRIORITY  AND  AT  LEAST  50  VICTIMS  HAVE  BEEN  IDENTIFIED  INVOLVING  OVER  9 MILLION DOLLARS.  THE  CHIEF  ADDED THAT  THE  U.S. ATTORNEYS  OFFICE  PLEDGED  TO  GIVE THE PD  REGULAR  UPDATES  IN  THE  HALL  CASE AND  TOLD  HIM  THE  PROBE  IS  ON-GOING.

THUS  FAR,  HALL IS  FACED  WITH  ONLY  TWO FELONY  DRUG COUNTS,  FELONY POSSESSION OF  MARIJUANA  AND  FELONY  POSSESSION  OF  MARIJUANA  WITH  INTENT TO   DISTRIBUTE . THOMASTON POLICE  SERVED  A  WIRE  FRAUD SEARCH  WARRANT  AT  236  PEACHBELT  ROAD  MONTHS  AGO  AND  ARRESTED  HALL  FOR  POSSESSION  OF  A  HALF   POUND  OF  MARIJUANA.  HE  POSTED   $15,000   CASH   BOND  AND  WAS  RELEASED.  CHIEF  RICHARDSON  SAID  THE SEARCH  WARRANT  WAS  IN  REFERENCE TO  AN  INVESTIGATION   INTO   AN  ALLEGED  INVESTMENT  FRAUD SCHEME  INVOLVING  A  BUSINESS OPERATING  UNDER  THE NAME  WALTER  DOUGLAS  INVESTMENTS--A COMPANY  NOT  REGISTERED TO  CONDUCT SECURITIES  INVESTMENT  ACTIVITY  AND  THE  FIRM  HAD  NO  LOCAL BUSINESS LICENSE. 

STATEMENT FROM BRIGHTMARK CEO BOB POWELL REGARDING LETTER TO INDIANA ENVIRONMENTAL

Safety is our top priority in every community in which Brightmark operates.

In July, we voluntarily paused the plastics pyrolysis part of our processing line at our Ashley facility to implement the next generation of upgraded technology, and we notified the Indiana Department of Environmental Management that we were doing so. The balance of the facility’s operation is continuing uninterrupted.

Brightmark will employ this next-generation plastics-to-pyrolysis oil technology in our proposed Thomaston facility. The pause in Ashley has no bearing on our proposed operation in Thomaston.

 

THOMASTON-UPSON BOE DEFENDS TAX MILLAGE HIKE

 

Thomaston-Upson Schools

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Why the Board is considering a millage rate increase: keeping our schools safe

Thomaston-Upson families, we want to be direct with you about where the district stands, starting with our top priority: keeping students and staff safe.

The Board has given tentative approval to a two-mill increase in the property tax millage rate. The clearest reason is safety. Our school resource officer program and secure entry systems cost about $450,000 a year, and state safety grants cover only $180,000 of that, leaving the district to absorb roughly $270,000 on its own. That is not a cost we believe should ever be the first thing cut.

Beyond safety, the district is also closing a broader budget gap that has existed since 2021. This follows a full year of cuts, including $1.5 million in new savings for next year, that weren't enough on their own. Much of the remaining pressure comes from costs we don't control locally: state health insurance and retirement rates for our employees are rising sharply again this year, and a decade of enrollment decline means less state funding even though our fixed costs haven't gone down.

For homeowners, the state's Homestead Tax Relief Grant will help offset part of the impact, an estimated $264 in savings if the Board sets the rate at 14.68 mills, though it doesn't cover the full increase for everyone.

The Board will hold three public hearings before making a final decision: 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, when the Board is expected to formally set the rate. We encourage you to attend, ask questions, or share your thoughts at any of these. Questions are also welcome anytime through the Office of the Superintendent.

With gratitude,

Dr. Tret Witherspoon, Superintenden

CITY OF THOMASTON BOIL WATER NOTICE LIFTED

 Boil Water Notice

Lifted

Inframark

309 Veterans Dr.

Thomaston, GA 30286

(706) 646-8031

Friday August 7, 2026

Dear Water Customer,

 The “Boil Water” notice affecting the Summer Trace, Daisy Lane, 200 

Block of O St and the 600/700 Blocks of 4th Ave in West Silvertown has 

been lifted. If you have any questions, please call us at 706-646-8031. 

We will notify you as soon as the notice is lifted.

Sincerely,

Inframark

City of Thomaston Wate

FULL LETTER FROM BRIGHTMARK

 Indiana Department of Environmental Management

100 N. Senate Avenue

Indianapolis, IN 46204-2251

Attn: Matthew Stuckey - Assistant Commissioner Office of Air Quality

Re: Brightmark Plastics Ashley OpCo LLC

Plant ID No. 151-00067

FESOP No. 151-49194-00067

Case No. 2023-29694-A

Dear Mr. Stuckey:

Brightmark Plastics Ashley OpCo LLC (“Brightmark”) is writing to provide the Indiana Department 

of Environmental Management (“IDEM”) with notice regarding the current operational status of its 

facility located at 401 McEntarfer Drive, Ashley, Indiana, and to request IDEM’s guidance regarding 

the Agreed Order adopted by IDEM on May 19, 2026.

Brightmark has temporarily suspended active plastics-to-fuel processing operations at the Ashley 

facility while the company conducts a comprehensive evaluation of its technology configuration, 

operational strategy, staffing model, and future development plans for the site. This operational 

pause is intended to allow Brightmark to assess potential technology improvements and operational 

alternatives that may enhance the long-term viability, compliance posture, and performance of the 

facility.

Due to the current idling of the facility, Brightmark will not be able to meet the current timeline 

established in Paragraph 3 of the Agreed Order, which requires Brightmark to submit a permit 

application within one hundred twenty (120) days of the Effective Date to update compliance testing 

requirements and associated deadlines relative to current and projected operational capabilities of 

the emission units requiring stack tests in the permit. Because the facility is not currently operating 

in active plastics-to-fuel processing mode, Brightmark needs additional time to evaluate its future 

operating plans and determine the appropriate permit-related path forward.

Brightmark is providing this notice so IDEM is aware of the facility’s current status and the impact 

that the operational pause has on Brightmark’s ability to meet the current Agreed Order timeline. 

Brightmark respectfully requests IDEM’s guidance on the appropriate process to address the current 

schedule and requirements under the Agreed Order.

The facility is being maintained in a safe and environmentally compliant condition during this 

temporary operational pause. Brightmark will continue to comply with applicable permit 

requirements, regulatory obligations, and ongoing commitments under the Agreed Order to the 

extent they remain applicable during the current facility status. Brightmark also intends to continue 

communicating with IDEM regarding material developments affecting the facility’s operational 

status, permitting needs, and future operating plans.

2

401 McEntarfer Drive

Ashley, IN 46705

At this time, Brightmark has not made a final determination regarding the duration of the 

operational pause or the ultimate configuration of future operations. As the company’s evaluation 

progresses, Brightmark intends to submit any permit applications, permit revisions, testing plans, 

extension requests, or supporting documentation that may be appropriate based on the outcome of 

its evaluation, future operating plans, and IDEM’s guidance.

Brightmark appreciates the professionalism, cooperation, and support provided by IDEM staff 

throughout this process and looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the agency. 

Should IDEM have any questions or wish to discuss the facility’s current status or the Agreed Order, 

please contact me directly.

Sincerely,

BRIGHTMARK PLASTICS ASHLEY OPCO LLC

Chris Hillary

Plant Manager

cc: Joe Har

GSP THOMASTON INVESTIGATING WRECK KNIGHT TRAIL/TOM MCKINLEY RD

 POST  26  GA.  STATE  PATROL /THOMASTON   INVESTIGATED  A  TWO-VEHICLE  ACCIDENT  WITH  3  INJURIES AUGUST  3RD  AT  KNIGHT  TRAIL  AND  TOM  MCKINLEY  ROAD. ACCORDING  TO  TROOPER   BEN  CLARK,  THE  DRIVER  OF  A  2024 GMC  SUV  DRIVEN  BY DEBORAH  BEVERLY  OF  R.  STREET  FLIPPED  OVER  AFTER A 2020  HONDA  DRIVEN  BY CAMESHA  JARIE  BRASWELL OF  HEATH DRIVE  IN  THOMASTON--ENTERED  HER   LANE OF  TRAVEL  AND  STRUCK  HER  VEHICLE  IN  THE  PASSENGER  SIDE.   BOTH  MOTORISTS  AND  A  PASSENGER  IN  THE  HONDA-- KYLE  BRASWELL  WERE  TRANSPORTED  TO  THE  E.R.  BY AMERIPRO  EMS WITH  NON-LIFE  THREATING  INJURIES

BIBLE CLASSES AT U-L ELEMENTARY

 

 "Big news for Thomaston families! Free LifeWise Bible classes will start August 21st for Upson-Lee Elementary 5th grade students, and January 22nd for 3rd & 4th graders. With your permission, your child can attend an off-campus, character-building Bible class each Friday—right during the school day. Don't wait! Enroll your child today at LifeWise.org/thomastonupsonga." 

SUV WRECK UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THOMASTON GSP POST

 POST  26  GA.  STATE  PATROL  INVESTIGATING  AN  SUV  ACCIDENT  AT  KNIGHT  TRAIL  AND  TOM  MCKINLEY  ROAD--MONDAY  AROUND  6PM.  THE  VEHICLE  REPORTEDLY  FLIPPED OVER

SPALDING CO SENIOR SERVICES

GRIFFIN, GA. (August 4, 2026) Fifty Forward – Your Center for Senior Services is 

excited to announce their semiannual Maker’s Market Fine Arts Fair will be hosted on 

Friday, October 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Center

located at 885 Memorial Drive in Griffin, Georgia.

Support your community by shopping locally! Choose from a variety of items including 

baked goods, artwork, crafts, ceramics, creative clay, crochet and knit work, hand 

crafted jewelry, photography, quilting, woodwork and much more. All items are custom 

made by local, talented Senior Center artists. Most purchases are limited to cash only; a 

select few vendors accept credit cards.

This is a special event you do not want to miss!

 

Interested in participating in the Fine Arts Fair? If you are age 50 or over, please contact 

770-467-4385, ahightower@spaldingcounty.com, or ochilds@spaldingcounty.com to 

find out more information on how to secure a spot in the Maker’s Market.

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