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.

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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 wi

CONTROVERSY IN T-U SCHOOLS ABOUT A BOARD MEMBER'S RESIDENCY

 The Thomaston-Upson System was notified that the newly elected board member recently moved districts.  At that time, the issue was turned over to the school system attorney.  We are awaiting information on how to proceed. 

David Eubanks Director of Public Relations & Fine Arts Thomaston-Upson Schools

FIRES IN UPSON CO

 UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF'S  OFFICE  RESPONDED  TO   TWO  STRUCTURE  FIRES  LAST  WEEK--ONE  AT  VIRGINIA  WELL  CO.  19  NORTH  AUGUST  21ST--APPARENTLY  LIGHTNING  STRUCK  A  PILE OF  WOOD  AGAINEST  THE  REAR OF  THE  BUILDING.  NORTHSIDE  FIRE  DEPARTMENT  SUPPRESSED  THE  FIRE  BEFORE  THERE  WAS  HEAVY  DAMAGE--BUT  SOME  DAMAGE  TO  AN  EXTERIOR  WALL.

AT  95  MANLEY  ROAD  BLACK  SMOKE   OBSERVED  COMING  FROM  A  DWELLING  AND  THE   OWNER  CODY  STARNES  SAID  HE  HEARD A  POPPING SOUND  WHILE  IN  BED.  NORTHSIDE  FIRE  DEPARTMENT  GAINED  CONTROL  OF  THE  FIRE.

A  VEHICLE  FIRE  AT  EAST  MOORE'S  CROSSING  AND  DELRAY  ROAD.  ROCK  HILL  FIRE DEPARTMENT  RESPONDED  BUT   A  VEHICLE  DRIVEN   BY  JAMESAN  GRAMME  WAS  A  TOTAL  LOSS.  SHE  AND  HER  DAUGHT  EXITED  THE  CAR  WHEN  THE  ENGINE  LIGHT  CAME  ON  AND  IT  STOPPED.

LOSS  OF  $4000  AFTER  A  DOOR  TO  A  SKID  STEER  MISSING  AT  3774  TRIUNE  MILL  ROAD.  THE  OWNER  SAID  HE  STEPPED  AWAY  FROM  CLEARING  LAND   FOR   TWO  HOURS  AND   THE  THEFT  OCCURED.

MAURICE RAINES FOR UPSON BOC CHAIR?

 EX-COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  MAURICE  RAINES   TOLD   101  NEWS  WEDNESDAY  MORNING  HE  HAS  RECEIVED  PHONE  CALLS,  EMAILS  AND  TEXTS  URGING  HIM  TO  RUN  AGAIN  FOR  CHAIRMAN  AND  HE  WILL  HAVE  AN  ANNOUNCEMENT  SOON  ON  HIS  INTENTIONS.  HE  SERVED  AS  CHAIRMAN  FROM  2009  TO 2012.     CAPTAIN   RAINES   OF  THE  GA.  STATE PATROL   IS  CURRENTLY  DEPUTY    DIRECTOR    OF  THE  GOVERNOR'S  OFFICE OF  HIGHWAY  SAFETY.

SPECIAL ELECTION FOR UPSON BOC CHAIR

VICE-CHAIR  CHRIS  BIGGS  WILL  APPARENTLY   WILL   PRESIDE    UNTIL  MARCH  2027  WHEN  A  SPECIAL  ELECTION  CAN  BE  HELD  FOR  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN.   COUNTY  ATTORNEY  HEATH ENGLISH  ADVISED  ITS  TOO  LATE  TO  GET  THE  POSITION   ON  THE  NOVEMBER  BALLOT. CHAIRMAN BRUE  HAS  REPORTEDLY  TURNED-IN   ALL  HIS  COUNTY  PROPERTY  AND  REPORTED  FOR  DUTY  AT     HOME  DEPOT.

JAMES  ELLINGTON,  2ND  DISTRICT  COMMISSIONER   TOLD   101  NEWS  AFTER  WEDNESDAY'S   PUBLIC   HEARING  ON  THE  TAX  MILLAGE  RATE,  HE  IS   CONSIDERING  THE  RACE   FOR  CHAIRMAN.  THE  PUBLIC   WAS  A   NO  SHOW  AT  THE  8;30AM  PUBLIC  HEARING  AND  VICE-CHAIR  CHRIS  BIGGS   PRESIDED.

UPSON BOC CHAIR BRUE TO RESIGN

 IT  HAD  BEEN  RUMORED  FOR  SOME  TIME--BUT   UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  DAN  BRUE  ANNOUNCED  AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING  HE   HAS  SENT  A   LETTER  TO  GOVERNOR  BRIAN  KEMP  INDICATING  HE  WILL  RESIGN   AT  THE  END  OF  THE  MONTH.  WITHOUT  MENTIONING  HOME  DEPOT  BY  NAME  THE  CHAIRMAN  INDICATED  HE  HAS  A  GREAT  OPPORUNITY  IN  FRONT  OF  HIM,  ONE  HE   PASSED  OVER  ONCE  BEFORE,  AND  WITH  FAMILY  CONSIDERATIONS  HE  SHOULD  ACCEPT  IT  AT  THIS  TIME.  THE  CHAIRMAN  WORKS  AT  ONE   OF  HOME  DEPOTS  FACILILTIES IN HENRY  COUNTY .

UPSON BOC PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX MILLAGE

 THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  WILL  CONDUCT  A  PUBLIC  HEARING  ON  THE  2026  TAX MILLAGE  RATE  AT  8;30AM   AND  5PM WEDNESDAY   AUGUST  26  AT  THE  GOVERNMENT  COMPLEX. THE  COMMISSIONERS    HAVE  PROPOSED  A  SLIGHT  TAX  MILLAGE  RATE  INCREASE  DUE  TO  HEALTH  INSURANCE  AND  EMPLOYEE PAYROLL  EXPENSES.

THOMASTON-UPSON BOE PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX MILLAGE

 THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  BOARD OF  EDUCATION  WILL  HOLD  TWO  PUBLIC  HEARINGS    ON  THE  2026  TAX MILLAGE  RATE  TUESDAY,  AUGUST 26TH  AT  7;30AM  AND  6PM.   THE  BOE  HAS  SET  A  TENATIVE  TWO-MILL   TAX   INCREASE  IN  ORDER  TO  BALANCE  THE  BUDGET.    ONE  CITIZEN COMPLAINED  THAT   THE   7;30AM  PUBLIC  HEARING  IS  TOO  EARLY  BECAUSE IT  CONFLICTS  WITH  TRAFFIC  AT  THE  MIDDLE  SCHOOL

UPSON CO REPUBLICAN PARTY MEETING

 When: Thursday, August 27, 2026, 6:00 pm

Where:  Upson GOP meeting room at 103 S. Hightower Street

Guest Speaker: A Representative from the Rick Jackson for Governor Campaign.

If you or your organization would like to speak at one of the Upson County Republican Party meetings, you may contact us at upsonrepublicans@gmail.com or through our FACEBOOK page: Upson County Republican Party.

8/14/26 WHEELCHAIR ACCIDENT IN THOMASTON

 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.

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL 8/18/26

 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 / COUNTY OF UPSON JOINT MEETING

 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.

EDWARD SEARCY TOPS KIWANIS IN GA.

 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.

HONOR FOR U-L MIDDLE SCHOOL

 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

COOLING CENTERS IN GRIFFN

 COOLING  CENTERS  FOR  GRIFFIN/SPALDING  COUNTY.  FAIRMONT  COMMUNITY  CENTER-BLANTON  ST.  CITY PARK  COMMUNITY  CENTER,  FLINT  RIVER  REGIONAL  LIBRARY.