THOMASTON’S NEWEST INDUSTRY

THE  PRESIDENT OF  THOMASTON’S  NEWEST  INDUSTRY,  ANIMAL HEALTH  AND  SCIENCE  TOLD  THOMASTON  KIWANIS,  TUESDAY,  HE IS PROJECTING  300  JOBS  IN  FIVE YEARS.  CEO  CHRIS  CALLAS OF PARENT COMPANY, APPOLO  TECHNOLOGIES  SAID  THE  PLANT  WILL  MANUFACTURE  A  LINE  OF  PET PRODUCTS  INCLUDING  FLEA AND TICK SPRAYS,   OINMENTS, AND  AEROSOLS.   IT  COULD  BE  NEXT  YEAR  BEFORE  FULL  OPERATION  BEGINS  DUE  TO  DESIGN  DELAYS WITH THE  YAMAHA BUILDING, BUT  THE  COMPANY  ALREADY  EMPLOYS  6. ACCORDING  TO  ITS  AGREEMENT  WITH  THE  IDA THE  COMPANY WILL HAVE   100  EMPLOYEES BY  THE  END  OF  ITS  FIRST  YEAR. CEO  CALLAS  SAYS  WITH  OVER  200 MILLION DOGS,CATS, AND  HORSES  IN  THE  U.S. ITS  A  GROWING  MARKET.  THE  COMPANY  DOES  NOT  MARKET ITS  OWN  PRODUCTS  BUT  SELLS    TO   MAJOR  BRANDS  LIKE  HARTZ MOUNTAIN AND   PRESTICIDE PRODUCTS  TO OTHRO.  THE  FIRM  HAS  OTHER PLANTS IN  SMYRA  AND  DALTON, BUT WILL BE   INTRODUCING NEW  PRODUCT  LINES IN  THOMASTON. MR.  CALLAS  WHO  SPEAKS IN  A  THICK  GREEK ACCENT, TOLD  KIWANIS  HE  WAS  HEADED  TO  SOUTH  CAROLINA  WITH  HIS  NEW  COMPANY  BUT THOMASTON AND UPSON OFFICIALS   CHANGED HIS  MIND. HIS  COMMENTS  WILL  AIR  ON THIS  WEEK IN UPSON  COUNTY  SUNDAY  AT  6AM.

THOMASTON UPSON SCHOOLS

AT  A  WORK  SESSION  ON  A  PROPOSED  NEW  PERFORMING  ARTS  CENTER,  TUESDAY,  THE  THOMASTON UPSON  BOARD OF  EDUCATION  HAD  A  MOTION  AND A   SECOND  ON THE FLOOR  TO  ACCEPT  A  PLAN  RECOMMENDED  BY  A  PARENT  AND  STAFF  ADVISORY  COMMITTEE, BUT  THE  MOTION  WAS  WITHDRAWN.   VETERAN  BOARD  MEMBER  TERRELL   JACKSON  SAID  HE  STILL  HAS  SOME  QUESTIONS  ABOUT  THE  $7.5 MILLION  PROPOSAL.  ACCORDING  TO THE  COST  ANALYSIS  BY ARCHITECTS,  MANLEY,SPANGLER, SMITH,  THE  SO-CALLED  MULTI-USE  PLAN  WOULD INCLUDE CLASSROOMS  FOR  BAND  AND  CHORUS AND  A  GREEN  SPACE FOR  EVENT  DRESSING  ROOMS, IN  ADDITION  TO  THE  900  SEAT  AUDITORIUM. MR. JACKSON  HAD  SOME  RESERVATIONS  ABOUT  ADDING  THE  CLASSROOMS  AND  BUMPING  UP THE  COST,BUT  JAY  EUBANKS,  REPRESENTING  THE  ADVISORY  COMMITTEE  TOLD  THE  BOARD IT  WOULD  BE  A  DISSERVICE  NOT  TO INCLUDE  THEM, THEY ARE  NEEDED  BECAUSE OF  THE  LOGISTICS  OF  MOVING  BAND  EQUIPMENT  FOR  CONCERTS. JACKSON  SAID THE  PROJECT  HAD  BEEN ADVERTISED  TO  THE  PUBLIC  FOR  $6 MILLION, BUT NOW HAS  MOVED  TO  $8 MILLION,  WHEN  THE  ARCHITECTS  FEES  OF  $400,000  ARE  INCLUDED.  THE  SCHOOL  SYSTEMS  OPERATIONS  DIRECTOR, MIKE  MAJORS TOLD  THE  BOARD  $3.2  MILLION  IS  LEFT  FROM   THE  PREVIOUS  SPLOST,BUT  1.4  OF  THAT  IS  TARGETED FOR  A  NEW  BUS  BARN. THE  BOARD  HAS  NOT  DESIGNATED   A  USE  FOR  THE  REST, LEADING  TO SPECULATION IT  COULD  BE  USED  FOR  THE  PERFORMING  ARTS  CENTER. ACCORDING  TO  THE  MULTIPURPOSE  PLAN, THE  AUDITORIUM  WOULD  BE  24,800  SQUARE  FEET AT  A  COST  OF  $6.4  MILLION  AND THE  CLASSROOMS  WOULD  ADD  ANOTHER  $ I  MILLION, 8000 SQUARE  FEET.  COACH  MAJORS  SAID  THE  ARCHITECTS  ARE  ANXIOUS  TO GET STARTED WITH  DRAWINGS, BUT THE  BOARD  PUT OFF A  DECISION  UNTIL  THE  NEXT  REGULAR  MEETING,  OCT.  7TH.

PIKE COUNTY FIRE FEES

THE  PIKE  COUNTY  FIRE  DEPARTMENT    FY   2011/12   BUDGET  WAS  REDUCED  BY  $57,000 AFTER  A  DECISION  BY  THE  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS,  TUESDAY. COUNTY  MANAGER  BILL  SAWYER  SAID  ITS  IN KEEPING WITH  THE  OTHER  COUNTY  DEPARTMENTS  AND  OPERATIONS,  WHICH HAVE BEEN  REDUCED AS  WELL. AFTER  CHANGES   IN  FIRE  FEES,THE  FIRE  DEPARTMENT  BUDGET  WILL  BE  $451,000.  AMONG  THE  FIRE  FEES,  RESIDENTIAL  WILL  REMAIN  AT  $50, AGRIBUSINESS  AND  COMMERICAL  DROPS   $50  TO  $100,  INDUSTRIAL  DROPS  $50   TO  $300 ,  AND ALL OTHER  PARCELS  $15  LESS   TO  $35.  THE  PIKE  COUNTY COMMISSIONERS  HELD  AN  EXECUTIVE  SESSION  ON  THE  MAGISTRATE  COURT  BUT  ADJOURNED  WITHOUT  TAKING  ANY  ACTION.

THOMASTON UPSON IDA

DURING   THE  SEPTEMBER  MEETING  OF  THE  THOMASTON  UPSON  INDUSTRIAL  DEVELOPMENT  AUTHORITY, MONDAY,  EXECUTIVE  DIRECTOR  J.R.  CHARLES  GAVE  AN  UPDATE   ON  PROSPECT  ACTIVITY,  USING  CODE  NAMES. PROJECT  BUTTERBALL,  A  COMPANY  DOING  BUSINESS IN  CHINA, LOOKING  TO  RE-LOCATE  TO  THE  STATES. PROJECT  TREAD, AN INTERNATIONAL  COMPANY IN  THE  TIRE  RETREAD  BUSINESS, LOOKING  AT  THOMASTON  AND  OTHER  SITES  IN  GEORGIA,  WHILE  DEVELOPING  A  BUSINESS  PLAN. PROJECT  STAMP MADE  A  WINDSHIELD VISIT  TO UPSON COUNTY,  A  FIRM  THAT  WANTS  TO  LOCATE NEAR MACON. THE ISSUE OF PAYING  COMMISSIONS  TO  REAL  ESTATE  BROKERS IF  THEY  BRING  A  PROJECT  TO  TOWN,  WAS  ON  THE TABLE.   THE  IDA  DECIDED  EARLIER  THIS  YEAR TO  DO IT. MAYOR HAYS  ARNOLD  SAID MANY IDA’S  DON’T PAY COMMISSIONS  TO  REALTORS  BUT  ITS  OK IF  CAUTION IS  EXERCISED.

RECORD RAINFALL IN UPSON

RECORD  RAINFALL   IN  UPSON  COUNTY  THIS PAST  WEEKEND,  ACCORDING  TO  REPORTS  TO  WESLEY  BROWN  AT  EL  MATADOR.   SIX  INCHES  RECORDED  ON   THREE  DIFFERENT  RAIN  GAUGES AT GREEN  ACRES  FARM  ON  19  SOUTH. FOUR  AND  THREE-FOURTHS INCHES  AT  THE  FLINT  RIVER,  FOUR  AND  A  HALF   INCHES  IN YATESVILLE, OVER  THREE  INCHES  IN  BARNESVILLE, TWO  AND  A HALF  ON  HANNAH’S  MILL  ROAD  AND  IN   MEANSVILLE  IN  PIKE  COUNTY,  WESLEY  RECORDED  THREE  POINT  THREE  INCHES  .

A 5TH SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE?

THE  FAYETTE  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  HAVE  MISGIVINGS  ABOUT  ADDING  A  FIFTH  SUPERIOR  COURT  JUDGE  IN  THE  GRIFFIN  JUDICIAL  CIRCUIT,  SOMETHING  TO  BE  CONSIDERED  BY  THE  JUDICIAL  COUNCIL  OF  GEORGIA.  THE  FAYETTE COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  HAVE  WRITTEN  A  LETTER  TO   THE  COUNCIL  ASKING  FOR A  DELAY  ON  ANY  DECISION,  BASED  ON COSTS  TO  THE COUNTY. WILL  SIMMONS,  COURT  ADMINISTRATOR  FOR  THE  SIXTH ADMINISTRATIVE  JUDICIAL  CIRCUIT SAYS  THE  FOUR  JUDGES  IN  THE  CIRCUIT IN  UPSON,  PIKE, SPALDING, AND  FAYETTE  COUNTIES, WERE HANDLING  THE  WORKLOAD  OF  AN  ADDITIONAL  I.33 JUDGES. THE  FINAL  DECISION RESTS WITH THE  GA.  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY,  WHICH  MUST  PAY  90% OF  THE JUDGES  SALARY,ALONG  WITH  A  LAW  CLERK  AND  A  SECRETARY,WITH  THE  FOUR  COUNTIES  MAKING  UP  THE  REST.  THE  COUNTY PAYS  50% OF  THE  JUDGES  COSTS  BASED  ON POPULATION  AND  CASE  FILINGS. UPSON COUNTY  COMMISSIONER  MAURICE  RAINES  SAID  BASED  ON  UPSON’S  CASELOAD, A  FIFTH  JUDGE  IS  NOT  NEEDED. IT  WOULD  RAISE  THE  COST  OF  GOVERNMENT  AND  HE’S  AGAINEST  THAT.

CHANGE AT TAX ASSESSORS

TED  MCKISSICK,  ACTING  CHAIR  OF  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  BOARD OF  TAX  ASSESSORS,  SAYS  THE  BOARD  IS  ADVERTISING  FOR  A  NEW  ASSISTANT  CHIEF  APPRASER, AFTER  THE  RETIREMENT  OF  DEBBIE  AUSTIN, SEPTEMBER  15TH.  MS. AUSTIN  WHO  WAS  EMPLOYED  IN  THE  TAX  OFFICE  FOR  OVER  20  YEARS,  HAS  REPORTEDLY  TAKEN  A  POSITION  IN  CAMDEN  COUNTY,WHERE  UPSON’’S  FORMER  CHIEF  APPRASER   TERRY  ROSS   HOLDS THAT  POST. THE  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  APPOINTED  MIKE  RAWLS  TO  THE  TAX  ASSESSORS  BOARD,  RECENTLY.  CHAIRMAN  MCKISSICK TOLD  TGA  NEWS, HE  IS  AN  OUTSTANDING  CHOICE.

MORE PAVING FOR THOMASTON

ADDITIONAL   STREET   RESURFACING  IS  COMING  TO  DOWNTOWN  THOMASTON. AT  TUESDAY’S  MEETING,  THE  MAYOR  AND  COUNCIL  HAD  THANKS  FOR  GA.  DOT   DISTRICT  ENGINEER  DAVID  MILLEN  FOR  6  BLOCKS  TO  BE  ADDED . IT  WILL  INCLUDE  THOMPSON  STREET  TO  LEE  STREET  ON  U.S.  19.  CITY  MANAGER  PATRICK  COMISKEY  SAID  A   $500,000 GRANT  FOR  WATER  IMPROVEMENTS  WILL  BE  USED  TO  IMPROVE  FLOW  AND  WATER  PRESSURE  FROM  THE  LAKE  THOMASTON  WATER  TOWER  TO  BARNESVILLE  STREET.  ITS  A  ONE  MILLION  DOLLAR  PROJECT  WITH  THE  OTHER  HALF  FROM  SPLOST.  COUNCIL  MEMBER  ED  BELL   URGED THE  PUBLIC   TO  ATTEND  THE  BOSS HOGG  BAR  B  QUE   COOK-OFF,SATURDAY  IN  DOWNTOWN  THOMASTON.

NEW SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES

GOVERNOR  SONNY  PERDUE  HAS  SET  THE  DATE  FOR  SWEARING-IN  CEREMONIES  FOR  THE  TWO  NEW  SUPERIOR  COURT  JUDGES IN  THE  GRIFFIN  JUDICIAL  CIRCUIT.  MACK  CRAWFORD  OF  PIKE  COUNTY  AND  FLETCHER  SAMS  OF  FAYETTE  COUNTY  WILL  TAKE  THE   OATH  OF  OFFICE,  MONDAY OCT. 4TH,3PM  IN  THE  HOUSE  CHAMBER. CRAWFORD  WILL  OCCUPY  THE  OFFICERS  OF  FORMER JUDGE  JOHNNIE  CALDWELL IN  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COURTHOUSE  AND  JUDGE  SAMS WILL  OCCUPY THE  OFFICES  OF  FORMER  CHIEF  JUDGE  PASCAL  ENGLISH IN  FAYETTE  COUNTY. JUDGE  CRAWFORD  HAS  BEEN  ASSIGNED  ENGLISH’S  PENDING  CASES  AND  JUDGE  SAMS,  CALDWELL’S CASES.

BURGLARY LOSS $45,000

THE  UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF’S OFFICE  IS  INVESTIGATING  A  BURGLARY  AT  450  MORGAN ROAD  WITH  A  REPORTED  LOSS  OF $45,400,MOSTLY VECHILE RACING  PARTS,$1800 IN  CASH, AND  A  SAFE IS  MISSING. SOMEONE  CUT  THE  CHAIN  ON   THE  GATE  TO ENTER  THE   PROPERTY.  A  RACING  TRAILER,  A  STORAGE  BUILDING,  AND  THE  RESIDENCE  WERE  BROKEN-INTO.  TURBO   INJECTORS  VALUED  AT  $18,000, AMONG  THE  ITEMS MISSING. IT HAPPENED  DURING  THE  WEEKEND  WHILE  THE  FAMILY  WAS   ATTENDING  BUGGY DAYS IN  BARNESVILLE.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

THE  2012  TEACHERS OF  THE YEAR WERE  ANNOUNCED FOR  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  SCHOOLS .  UL PRE-K-SHELLY  AUSTIN, SOUTH  ELEMENTARY-  CHERYL  BICE, NORTH  ELEMENTARY-CATHY GREENMAN, MIDDLE  SCHOOL-KRISTI BOSWORTH,HIGH  SCHOOL-JAN  MCKINLEY.  THE  TEACHER   OF  THE  YEAR WILL  BE  ANNOUNCED  IN  NOVEMBER. UPSON-LEE HIGH  SCHOOL’S  SAT  AVERAGE  SCORE  FOR  2010 IS  1350,AN  INCREASE OVER  THE  2009  AVERAGE  OF  1339 BUT IS  STILL  BELOW THE  STATE  AVERAGE  OF 1442. IN  2010  ,27%  MORE  STUDENTS  TOOK  THE  SAT.

EARLY VOTING BEGINS

EARLY  VOTING  BEGINS  MONDAY,  SEPTEMBER  20TH AND ABSENTEE  BALLOTS  ARE  AVAILABLE  FOR  THE  GENERAL  ELECTION  NOV. 2ND.MONDAY  OCT. 4,IS THE  LAST  DAY  TO  REGISTER  TO  VOTE IN  THE  ELECTION.

4-WHEELER INJURY

A MEMBER  OF  A  SURVEYING  CREW  FROM  WINDER,  GA.  WAS INJURED  IN A  4-WHEELER  ACCIDENT  OFF   36  WEST  NEAR  GOSHEN  ROAD. ACCORDING  TO UPSON  S.O. ,  JONATHAN  CLINT  SMITH, COMPLAINED  OF  PAIN  IN  HIS  ARMS  AND  LEGS  AND  WAS  TRANSPORTED TO  THE  E.R.  BY UPSON  EMS,  ONCE  HE  WAS  LOCATED.  SMITH  WAS ON  A  4-WHEELER  TRYING  TO  CROSS POTATO  CREEK  WHEN  THE  WHEELS  STARTING  SLIDING  ON  THE  BANK,  AND  THE  VECHILE  TURNED  OVER ON HIM  IN  THE  WATER.  THE  CREW  WAS SURVEYING  THE  GA.  NATURAL  GAS  PIPELINE

PURPLE HEART SEARCH

THE  UPSON  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY  IS  CONDUCTING  A  RECOGNITION  PROJECT  FOR  PEOPLE  THAT  HAVE  BEEN  AWARDED   THE  PURPLE  HEART . IF  YOU  KNOW  OF  ANYONE  WHO  HAS  RECEIVED  A  PURPLE  HEART  CALL THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  ARCHIVES,  AT  706-646-2437.GIVE  YOUR  NAME  AND  PHONE  NUMBER  AND  A  MEMBER OF  THE  HISTORICAL  SOCEITY WILL  BE  IN  TOUCH.

UPSON FINANCE DIRECTOR

THE   UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  HAVE  HIRED  RONALD  VAN  HOUTEN  AS   COUNTY  FINANCE  DIRECTOR.  THE  CONTRACT  RUNS  THROUGH  2013  AT  AN  ANNUAL  SALARY  OF    $54,000.  VAN  HOUTEN  HAS  SERVED  AS  COUNTY  ACCOUNTANT  FOR  SEVERAL  YEARS,  BUT  AS  FINANCE  DIRECTOR,   A   CONTRACT  EFFECTIVE   JULY  IST,2010, HE  IS  MOVING   INTO  AN  OFFICE  AT  THE  GOVERNMENT  COMPLEX.  THE  POSITION    DOES  NOT  INCLUDE  BENEFITS.  THE  COMMISSIONERS  PLAN  TO  INTERVIEW  3  OR  4  APPLICANTS  OF  THE  12   WHO  APPLIED  FOR  WATER  SYSTEM  SUPERINTENDANT,  TO   REPLACE  CHET  WARD.  COMMISSIONER  STEVE  HUDSON  SAID  ACTING  WATER  CHIEF  DANNY  JOHNSON  HAS  DONE  AN  OUTSTANDING  JOB  AND  IS  HIS  CHOICE  FOR  THE  POST.

LAW SUIT DISMISSED IN FEDERAL CT.

A  NOTICE OF  DISMISSAL  HAS  BEEN  FILED  BY  THE  ATTORNEY  FOR AN  UPSON  COUNTY  COUPLE  IN  FEDERAL  COURT IN  MACON,  FOR   A  LAW  SUIT ALLEGING  A   USED TAMPON  WAS   FOUND  IN  A  BOWL  OF  BREAKFAST  CEREAL  IN  2008.THE  CASE INVOLVING  THOMAS  AND  LYNN  RODDENBERRY  WAS  CLOSED  TUESDAY,ACCORDING  TO   COURT  RECORDS.  THE  COUPLE  FILED  THE  LAW  SUIT  IN U.S. DISTRICT  COURT  LAST  WEEK    AGAINEST  SAV-A-LOT  FOODS  AND  RALSTON  FOODS,CONTENDING  THE  HUSBAND  FOUND THE  ITEM  IN  A  BOWL OF  CHOCOLATE  CHIP  CRUNCH. HE  SPIT  OUT  THE  CEREAL,BECAME  NAUSEATED  AND  WENT  TO  THE  E.R, ACCORDING  TO   THE  COMPLAINT. THE  RODDENBERRYS  SOUGHT  UNSPECIFIED  DAMAGES  FROM  THE  GROCERY  STORE  CHAIN  AND  CEREAL  COMPANY.  THE  STORY  WAS  REPORTED  BY NEW  AGENCIES  ALL  OVER  THE  COUNTRY AND  JAY  LENO  INCLUDED  IT  IN  HIS COMEDY  MONOLOGUE, TUESDAY  ON THE  TONIGHT  SHOW.

PIKE COUNTY DEATH

THE  PIKE  COUNTY  SHERIFF’S  OFFICE  TRAFFIC  UNIT  IS  INVESTIGATING  A  MOTOR  VECHILE COLLISION  INVOLVING   A  PEDESTRIAN  THAT   OCCURRED  ON  WEDNESDAY  MORNING. ZOLLIE  EASLEY,76,WAS  KILLED  WHILE  ATTEMPTING  TO CROSS HIGHWAY  362. MS.  EASLEY  WAS  STRUCK  BY  A  FORD  RANGER  TRAVELING  EASTBOUND.  THE  VECHILE  WAS  UNABLE  TO  AVOID  STRIKING  THE  VICTIM,WHO  WAS  PRONOUNCED  DECEASED  AT  THE  SCENE.  NO  CHARGES ARE  EXPECTED  TO  BE  FILED  AGAINEST  THE  DRIVER,  ACCORDING  TO  SHERIFF  JIMMY  THOMAS.

UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

STANDING  ROOM  ONLY  AT  TUESDAY’S  MEETING  OF  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS, HOMEOWNERS  OPPOSED  TO  A  CONVIENCE  STORE  MOVING  CLOSER  TO  THEIR  NEIGHBORHOOD.  BY  A  UNANIMOUS  VOTE,  THE  COMMISSIONERS  VOTED  TO  DENY  A  REZONING  APPLICATION  FROM  ROBERT  CHANDLER  TO  REZONE  4  ACRES  FROM  R-2  TO  C-2  AT  WEST  COUNTY  ROAD  AND  HANNAH’S  MILL  ROAD. MR.  CHANDLER SAID  THE  OWNERS  OF  THE   CONVIENCE  STORE AT  THAT  INTERSECTION  DO  NOT  OWN  THEIR  BUILDING  AND  THEY  WANTED  TO  PURCHASE HIS  LAND  AND  BUILD  A NEW  STORE.  ZONING  DIRECTOR  CHAD JACOBS TOLD  THE  BOARD,  THE  PLANNING  COMMISSION  VOTED  TO  DENY   REZONING   BECAUSE IT  REPRESENTS  SPOT  ZONING. ALSO  HE  NOTED  THE  COUNTY’S  COMPREHANSIVE  PLAN  WOULD  HAVE  TO  BE  AMENDED.  SEVERAL  PROPERTY  OWNERS   SPOKE  AGAINEST  THE  REZONING,BRENT  KING, DANIEL  SMITH, AND  RICHARD TYSON. THEY  CONTENDED  DEER  CHASE WOULD  BE  IMPACTED  BY MORE  TRAFFIC  AND  SAFETY  ISSUES  WERE INVOLVED. KING  SAID  THERE’S  ALEADY A  DRAINAGE PROBLEM ON  HIS  PROPERTY  WHICH  WOULD  BE  WORSE WITH  A  NEW  STORE. ACCORDING  TO  CHANDLER, THE STORE  OWNERS PLANNED  TO   PUT UP  A  PRIVACY  FENCE,  AND  HE POINTED OUTA LAWNMOWER  SHOP  JUST  DOWN  THE  WAY  IN  A  RESIDENTIAL  AREA,SOMETHING   HE  CALLED   SPOT  ZONING.  IN  OTHER  ACTION,  THE  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  APPOINTED MIKE  RAWLS,  A  REAL  ESTATE APPRASER,  TO  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  BOARD OF  TAX  ASSESSORS. RAWLS  JOINS  DAVID  CALLAWAY  AND  TED  MCKISSICK  ON THE BOARD.

SAT SCORES FOR GEORGIA

ONLY  ONE  HIGH  SCHOOL  IN    THE  AREA  MET  STATE  AVERAGE ON  THE   2010  SAT, AS  STATEWIDE  SCORES  DROPPED. MARY  PERSONS  HIGH IN  MONROE  COUNTY  BESTED  THE  STATE  AVERAGE  OF  1453 WITH  A  SCORE  OF  1458. PIKE  COUNTY  WAS  NEXT  AT  1416,SPALDING COUNTY  HIGH, 1374, UPSON-LEE,1350,LAMAR  COUNTY  COMPREHENSIVE  HIGH  1348, CRAWFORD  COUNTY  1324,GRIFFIN  HIGH  1265,GREENVILLE  HIGH  1228,MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL,  1148.  THE  NATIONAL  AVERAGE  THIS  YEAR,1509 OF A POSSIBLE  2400  POINTS.

Couple Sue Cereal Manufacturer

Upson County residents Thomas and Lynn Roddenberry are suing the Save-A-Lot grocery store chain in federal court.

The suit claims that Mr. Roddenberry found a used tampon in his bowl of cereal.

According to the complaint, they bought a box of Chocolate Chip Crunch cereal from the store in Thomaston in October 2008 and neither the box nor the cereal showed signs of tampering.

Roddenberry said he discovered the tampon in his bowl after taking a bite of the cereal the next day, he spit out the cereal and immediately became nauseated. He went to the emergency room and the suit claims he sustained physical injuries "from the adulterated food" and emotional worry.

The suit was filed against Save-A-Lot and cereal manufacturer Ralston Foods on September 8, 2010 in U.S. District Court in Macon and seeks unspecified general and special damages along with court costs.

ALCOHOL SALES VIOLATION

THOMASTON POLICE HAVE CITED THE OWNER OF PONDEROSA STEAK HOUSE BAR AND GRILL NORTH CENTER AT THE TRACKS FOR SELLING ALCOHOL AFTER HOURS FOR THE SECOND TIME. ANDY YORK, 44 OF DOUBLE BRIDGES ROAD, PAID A $1500 FINE IN APRIL FOR VIOLATION OF THE CITY’S ALCOHOL ORDIANCE. SEPTEMBER 4^TH AT 3AM OFFICERS RESPONDED TO LOUD MUSIC AND TALKING AND FOUND MIXED DRINKS AND BEER BEING SERVED. THE CITY’S ORDIANCE DOES NOT ALLOW ALCOHOL SALES AND CONSUMPTION AFTER 2AM. OFFICERS FOUND A LINE OF PATRONS APPARENTLY BEING SERVED MIXED DRINKS AND BEER AND YORK HAD CASH IN HIS HAND, ACCORDING TO THE REPORT. POLICE ORDERED THE D.J. TO STOP THE MUSIC AND CITED YORK. THE CASE IS SCHEDULED OCTOBER 12TH IN CITY OF THOMASTON MUNICIPAL COURT. CITY OF THOMASTON CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER BOBBY ELLINGTON SAID ANOTHER BUSINESS RECENTLY BANNED FROM ALCOHOL SALES FOR 6 MONTHS IS CLOSED. MINGLES BAR ON NORTH HIGHTOWER WAS EVICTED FROM THE BUILDING AND THE LICENSE HAS BEEN CLOSED OUT. THE OPERATOR WOULD HAVE TO APPLY FOR A NEW LICENSE IF THE BUSINESS IS ESTABLISHED IN A NEW LOCATION. MINGLES WAS CITED AFTER POLICE FOUND MIXED DRINKS BEING SOLD BUT A STATE LIQUOR LICENSE HAD NOT BEEN OBTAINED.

Hughston Clinic Ribbon Cutting

The Thomaston-Upson County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at the newly opened Hughston Clinic today.

Doctor Norman L. Donati, Jr. and Doctor Douglas Pahl have moved into their new office location at 522 North Center Street and are the newest facility of the renowned Hughston Clinic based in Columbus, Georgia.

Founded in 1949 by the late orthopedic surgeon Jack C. Hughston, the clinic gained worldwide respect pioneering orthopedic techniques and care, Hughston almost single-handedly elevated sports medicine to a level enjoyed by only a handful of orthopedic surgeons.

Hughston Clinic President John I. Waldrop, MD, quoted in Orthopedics Today said that “Jack C. Hughston was really one of the founders and fathers of sports medicine.”

Doctor Norman L. Donati Jr., is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, and graduated with honors from Memphis State University. He received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in 1981. His orthopaedic surgery training and specialty fellowship in foot and ankle were both completed at the Campbell Orthopedic Clinic in Memphis.

Dr. Donati, pictured here (on the left) with Fun 101 Director of Sales, Carl Pruett, has been the team physician for the Upson Lee High School athletic teams, and has been involved with high school and middle school athletes in the surrounding counties of Pike, Lamar, Taylor, and Meriwether. He also serves as orthopaedic consultant on the sports medicine advisory committee of the Georgia High School Association.

Dr. Douglas W. Pahl, graduated from Baylor University in Waco, Texas then earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. He completed his internship and orthopaedic surgery residency at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon, Georgia. After completion of his distinguished army career, Dr. Pahl elected to complete a fellowship in orthopaedic spine surgery at the prestigious Twin Cities Spine Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Dr. Pahl specializes in orthopaedic spinal surgery with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques. He has recently developed new spine surgery instruments to improve minimally invasive techniques. Additionally, he specializes in adult and pediatric spinal deformity, and cervical and lumbar degenerative disorders.

The Hughston Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL

BUSTING   SLACK  IS  UNDER  ATTACK  IN  THE  CITY  OF  THOMASTON.  A  TUESDAY’S  MEETING  COUNCILMAN  WALLACE  RHODES  SAID  HE   HAS  HEARD  FROM  THE  PUBLIC  AND THEY LIKE  A  NEW ORDIANCE IN  DUBLIN,GA.  THAT OUTLAWS SAGGY  PANTS.  RHODES  SUGGESTED  THE  COUNCIL TAKE  A  LOOK  AT THE  IDEA  AND  ITS  EXPECTED  TO  BE  ON THE  NEXT  MEETING  AGENDA. NO  PROFILING IS  INTENDED, RHODES SAID,ALTHOUGH  COUNCIL  MEMBER   PATSY  PERDUE  SAID  THERE  HAVE  BEEN  THREATS  OF  LAW  SUITS  OVER   THE  DUBLIN ORDIANCE.THE COUNCILMAN  SAID  THOMASTON  POLICE  COULD  ISSUE  CITATIONS IF  SUCH  AN  ORDIANCE  PASSED.

PIKE BUSINESS PROSPECT

IN  HIS  REPORT  TO  THE  PIKE  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS,WEDNESDAY,  COUNTY  MANAGER  BILL  SAWYER  SAID  HE  AND  THE  IDA  ARE  STILL  IN  CONTACT  WITH   THE  ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT  PROSPECT  THAT  HAS  BEEN  MENTIONED,  PREVIOUSLY.  THE  COUNTY   MANAGER  REPORTED  HE  IS  WORKING  WITH  THE  SCHOOL  SYSTEM  TO  COMBINE  FUEL PURCHASES  FOR  BETTER  PRICING.   HE  ADDED  THE  FOUR  DAY  WORK  WEEK  FOR   PUBLIC  WORKS  IS  WORKING OUT. ACCORDING  TO  THE  MANAGER,THE  COUNTY’S GENERAL FUND  HAS  $14,200,  CASH  RESERVES  $32,000,FIRE  FUND  $152,000.THE  COMMISSIONERS  APPROVED  THE  2ND  READING  OF  AN  ORDIANCE  AMENDMENT  TO  EXEMPT  CHURCHES FROM  FIRE  FEES. CIGNA  WANTS  TO  HELP  THE  COUNTY  DEVELOP  A  WELLNESS PLAN  AND  COUNTY  EMPLOYEES  ARE  INVITED TO  A   HEALTH  SCREENING  NOV.  18TH IN  HOPES HIGH-RISK INDIVIDUALS  CAN  BE  IDENTIFIED.

BOATERS OVERDUE ON FLINT RIVER

THE  UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF’S  DEPARTMENT  WAS  TRYING  TO  DISPATCH  A  SEARCH  HELICOPTER WHEN  TWO  OVERDUE  BOATERS  TURNED UP  AT  SPREWELL  BLUFF,  MONDAY.  JOE  AND  LUKE  HILDRENBRAND  OF  LAGRANGE,PUT  IN   WITH  RELATIVES AT THE HIGHWAY  18  BRIDGE.BUT  RELATIVES  BECAME  WORRIED  WHEN  THEY  DID  NOT  SHOW UP  AT   THE  BLUFF.  THE  S.O.  GOT   VERIZON    TO  CHECK  ON  THEIR  LAST  CELL  PHONE  TRANSMISSION,  CALCULATED  AT  8.7  MILES  WEST  OF  THE  TOWER  ON  GORDON  SCHOOL  ROAD.

PIKE COUNTY METH LAB

PIKE  COUNTY  SHERIFF  JIMMY  THOMAS  SAYS  NARCOTICS  AGENTS  SERVED  A  SEARCH  WARRANT  AT  819  REID  ROAD  ON  SEPT.  3RD  AND FOUND  AN  ACTIVE  METHAMPHETAMINE  LAB.  ONE  ARREST,40 YEAR  OLD FULTON  SMITH,  CURRENTLY  IN  THE  PIKE  COUNTY  JAIL.  SMITH  IS  CURRENTLY  ON  BOND  FOR  TWO  PRIOR  METH  CHARGES,  AND  A  PREVIOUS  SEARCH  WARRANT  SERVED  AT  HIS  RESIDENCE  ALSO  LEAD  TO  THE  DISCOVERY  OF  A  METH  LAB.

Counterfeit Bills In Thomaston

Thomaston police are calling in a federal agent to assist with the investigation of $2,000 in counterfeit twenty dollar bills found by officer Phillip Tobin.

One suspect is being held on a probation violation.

Antonio Grant of 912 North Bethel Street was observed by Tobin in the back alley off 4th Avenue and apparently dropped the bills while running away.

Officer Tobin said with high tech computers around today, there’s no telling where the bogus bills were made.

New President For Southern Crescent

Dr. Randall Peters, President of Heart of Georgia Technical College in Dublin, Georgia has been named the new president of Southern Crescent Technical College in Griffin and Thomaston.

Commissioner Ron Jackson of the Technical College System of Georgia made the announcement in a press release following a meeting of the board Thursday.

Dr. Peters, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U. S. Army will assume his new position October 1st.

Fatal Accident In Thomaston

An accident at the intersection of U.S. 19 and Deluxe Circle has claimed the life of an 83 year old Thomaston woman.

According to the Georgia State Patrol, Thelma Louise Hilley of Highway Street pulled out of Deluxe Circle into U.S. 19 and was struck in the drivers side by a north bound Mazda pickup.

The pickup driver, Amy Michelle Posey of Ann Arms Court is pregnant and was flown to a Macon hospital as a precaution. Two passengers in the pickup were not injured.

Ms. Hilley was attempting to cross U.S. 19 to attend services at the Church of God.

Applicants For Upson Tax Assessor

The window has closed to submit applications for Upson Tax Assessor. The position has been open since the resignation of Emily Oxford earlier this year.

Applicants include:

Sandra Miller of Deerwood Drive

Linda Fay Winfrey of Trice Road

Patsy Marsh of Harrell Road

Sidney Beach of Willingham Springs Road

J.W. Bentley of Highway 74 West

George Carriker of Edna Circle

Michael Rawls of Everest Drive

Ed Crews, former chair of the Upson County Commission.

Chairman Maurice Raines said the board is reviewing the applications and will make an appointment soon.

Child Molestation In Pike

A senior citizen from Pike County has been charged with three counts of child molestation.

According to Major David Neal of the Pike County Sheriffs Office, 73 year old Max Allen Boutwell of Molena allegedly molested three children in his family.