WATER SERVICE WORK

ACCORDING  TO  UPSON  COUNTY  WATER  DEPARTMENT   SUPERINTENDANT   DANNY  JOHNSON,  WATER  SERVICE   WILL  BE  SHUT  OFF  MONDAY, JAN  3RD  FROM  8;30AM  TILL  IPM  IN  THE  SUNNYSIDE  COMMUNITY,  TO  CHANGE  OVER  TO  NEW WATER LINES.

UPSON COUNTY APPOINTMENTS 2011

THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  MADE  THE  ANNUAL  APPOINTMENTS  FOR  2011  AT  TUESDAY’S  MEETING.  JOHNNY  BRODNAX ,  A  2  YEAR TERM, THOMASTON  UPSON DEVELOPMENT  AUTHORITY. HENRY  WILDER, 6  YEAR  TERM,  AIRPORT  AUTHORITY, LUCY  CHANEY, 3  YEAR TERM,  THOMASTON UPSON PLANNING  COMMISSION,  RECREATION  COMMISSION,  LUCY  CHANEY  AND  VANN  PHILLIPS, 4  YEAR  TERM.  TAX ASSESSOR  BOARD,  TED  MCKISSICK.  VICE-CHAIR  OF  COMMISSION,  FRANK  SPRAGGINS.

PIKE COUNTY FIRE CHIEF FIRED

FOLLOWING A  CALLED  MEETING  OF  THE   PIKE COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  WEDNESDAY  MORNING,  COUNTY  ATTORNEY  ROB  MORTON  ANNOUNCED  TO  THE  PUBLIC   THE  FIRE  CHIEF  IS  BEING  DISMISSED.  COUNTY  MANAGER  BILL  SAWYER  SENT  A  LETTER  TO  FIRE  CHIEF  DANNY  HENDERSON  DATED  DEC.  21ST  THAT  HIS  LAST  DAY  WILL  BE  DEC.  31ST.  COMMISSIONER  DON   COLLINS  TOLD  TGA  NEWS  AFTER  THE  MEETING  THE  DISMISSAL   INVOLVED  INSUBORDINATION.  HENDERSON  EARNED   $18,000  ANNUALLY  AND  HAD  BEEN  FIRE  CHIEF  SINCE  JAN. OF  2009.

STRUCTURE FIRE IN UPSON

ACCORDING  TO  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF’S  OFFICE, EXTENSIVE FIRE  AND  SMOKE  DAMAGE  AFTER  A  FIRE  AT  108  LONGVIEW  LOOP, THE  RESIDENCE  OF  MATTIE  WELLMAKER. MS.  WELLMAKER SAID  SHE  WAS  SLEEPING  AND  HEARD A  LOUD NOISE, AND  FOUND  A  STORAGE  ROOM  ON  FIRE. ROCK  HILL  AND  NORTHSIDE  FIRE UNITS  RESPONDED  AND  EXTINGUISHED  THE  FIRE.

CHIEF PUBLIC DEFENDER DIES

JOE  SAIA,  A   FAYETTE  COUNTY  ATTORNEY  WHO  HAS  SERVED  AS  CHIEF  PUBLIC DEFENDER  OF  THE  GRIFFIN  JUDICIAL  CIRCUIT,  SINCE  2003,  DIED  FRIDAY  AT  EMORY  UNIVERSITY  HOSPITAL,  FOLLOWING  AN  EXTENDED ILLNESS. A  MEMORIAL  SERVICE WILL  BE  HELD  THURSDAY  AT  THE  OLD  FAYETTE  COUNTY  COURTHOUSE.  SAIA  FELL  ILL  DURING  A  NORTH  CAROLINA  VACATION  IN  JUNE  AND UNDERWENT  HEART  BY-PASS  SURGERY.  HE  HAD  BEEN  IN  A  REHABILITATION  FACILITY EVERY  SINCE, UNDERGOING  6  SURGERIES.

100 NEW JOBS FOR THOMASTON

ANIMAL  HEALTH  AND  SCIENCES  HAS  RECEIVED  FUNDING  FOR   ITS  NEW  PLANT  IN THOMASTON AT  THE   YAMAHA  BUILDING, TO  EMPLOY 100  PEOPLE WITHIN  THE  FIRST  YEAR  OF  OPERATION, 250  PEOPLE WITHIN  FIVE  YEARS. THE  $5.7 MILLION  BOND  ISSUE WILL  ALLOW  THE  COMPANY  TO  PURCHASE  EQUIPMENT VITAL  TO  ITS PRODUCTION OF  PET  CARE  SUPPLIES, AS WELL  AS  COMPLETE  RENOVATIONS TO  THE  YAMAHA  BUILDING.  WITH  BOND  FINANCING  NOW  IN  PLACE, AHS PLANS  FOR  ITS  NEW  PLANT IN  THOMASTON  TO  BE  OPERATIONAL  BY  SPRING  2011. AHS  PRESIDENT CHRIS  CALLAS  SAID  “ WE ARE  EXCITED TO  CALL  THOMASTON  HOME.” CALLAS FOUNDED  AHS TO  SUPPLY  CUSTOMERS IN THE PET  CARE INDUSTRY, A MARKET WITH AN  ESTIMATED WORTH  OF  $8 BILLION. THE  COMPANY  WILL  MANUFACTURE AEROSOL/POWDER/LIQUID CHEMICAL  PRODUCTS TO  BE USED  IN  FLEA/TICK SPRAY, GROOMING    SHAMPOOS,FLY REPELLANT, AND  AIR  FRESHENERS, AMONG OTHER  ITEMS.  CALLAS  ADDED  “WE ARE  THANKFUL THAT  WE  WILL  BE  DOING  BUSINESS IN  A  WARM  AND  WELCOMING  COMMUNITY.”   THE  CHAIRMAN  OF  THE  THOMASTON  UPSON  DEVELOPMENT  AUTHORITY, NEIL  HIGHTOWER CALLED  IT  A WONDERFUL  DAY  FOR  AHS AND  THOMASTON. IDA EXECUTIVE  DIRECTOR  J.R. CHARLES   SAID   IT  REPRESENTS A  TURNING  POINT IN  THOMASTON’S  ECONOMIC  CONDITION.  IN  2007  YAMAHA CORPORATION  CLOSED ITS  PIANO PRODUCTION PLANT  LAYING  OFF  187 PEOPLE. AHS WILL  EMPLOY MORE PEOPLE THAN  YAMAHA LAID OFF WHEN IT  LEFT THOMASTON.

THE UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MOVED MORE MONEY INTO UPGRADES AT THE CIVIC CENTER DURING A WORK SHOP ON THE 2011 MARCH SPLOST, TUESDAY. $2.I MILLION IS NOW LISTED FOR THE CIVIC CENTER , WITH ELECTRICAL THE BIG NEED. CHAIRMAN MAURICE RAINES WANTS THE RACQUETBALL COURT AND STEAM ROOM RESTORED, AND THE GAME ROOM. THE COMMISSIONERS DISCUSSED A 5 YEAR $15 MILLION SPLOST WITH THE COUNTY GETTING 65%, CITY OF THOMASTON 33% AND CITY OF YATESVILLE 1.39%. THAT'S AFTER 20% IS TAKEN OFF THE TOP FOR COUNTY-WIDE PROJECTS INCLUDING THE CIVIC CENTER AND RECREATION, WHICH WOULD GET $500,000 FOR REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO FIELDS.$5 MILLION FOR ROAD PAVING INCLUDING ATWATER ROAD, $520,000 for 4 SHERIFF'S CARS FOR FIVE YEARS, AND $100,000 FOR AN OBSERVATION DECK-OVERLOOK, AT SPREWELL BLUFF. THE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HAD $2 MILLION ON ITS WISH LIST FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BUT A LEGAL OPINION SAYS SPLOST CAN'T BE USED FOR THAT, BUT THE NEW BUSINESS PARK AT THE AIRPORT WILL GET A $400,000 GAS MAIN. THE COMMISSIONERS PLAN TO MEET WITH THE CITY OF THOMASTON THE FIRST OF THE YEAR TO GET ITS LIST OF PROJECTS , OPERATING ON THE BASIS, THERE WILL NOT BE A JOINT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS. IF SO THE SPLOST COULD

FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN UPSON

POST  26  GA.  STATE  PATROL  IN  THOMASTON  HAS  COMPLETED  ITS  INVESTIGATION  OF  A  FATAL  TRAFFIC  ACCIDENT, WEDNESDAY  AFTERNOON  ON  THOMPSON ROAD. TROOPER  MITCHELL  DAY  TOLD  TGA  NEWS, TOMMY  DEAN, 63  OF  HANNAH’S MILL  ROAD WAS  PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE  SCENE, FOLLOWING  THE  ONE     VEHICLE    MISHAP,  NEAR  THE  WALLER ROAD  INTERSECTION.  FRIENDS  HAVE  SAID  THEY  BELIEVE  HE  HAD  A  HEART  ATTACK  AND  WRECKED. TROOPER  DAY  SAID  DEAN’S  1994 CHEVROLET C-1500  PICK-UP LEFT  THE  ROAD,  HIT  A  POLE AND  OVERTURNED  ON  ITS SIDE  IN  A  PRIVATE  DRIVE. DEAN WAS  NOT  WEARING  A  SEAT  BELT  ,  THE TRUCK HAD  NO  AIR BAGS,  AND  THE  BODY  HAD  TO  BE  FREED  WITH  THE  JAWS OF LIFE CUTTING  TOOL  BY EMERGENCY RESPONDERS.

THOMASTON TIMES GOING TO COURT OVER LEGALS

THE  THOMASTON  TIMES  IS  GOING  TO  COURT  TO  TRY  AND  RETAIN  THE  LEGAL ADS, HEADED  FOR  THE  UPSON  BEACON, JAN. IST.  IN  A  PRESS  RELEASE, THE  TIMES  GENERAL MANAGER, ROLAND  FOILES SAID  CIVIL  ACTION  HAS  BEEN  FILED SEEKING INJUNCTION  AND  MANDAMUS  BETWEEN  THE  TWO  NEWSPAPERS. HE  SAID  A  HEARING  IS  SCHEDULED  JAN. 4TH  BEFORE  CHIEF  JUDGE  CHRIS  EDWARDS  IN  UPSON  SUPERIOR  COURT. IN  THE  FIRST PART  TO  DETERMINE IF  THE  LAW WAS  FOLLOWED  CONCERNING DATES OF  ELIGIBILITY. ACCORDING  TO  THE  PRESS  RELEASE,  THE  LAW  STATES THAT  THE  ENITY MUST  HAVE  COMPLETED 24 MONTHS OF  QUALIFIED  SERVICE AS A SUBSCRIPTION BASED  NEWSPAPER AS  WITNESSED  BY  AN INDEPENDANT  AUDIT. ANY  PERIOD  OF  TIME  THAT  WAS  OPERATED AS A  FREE  PUBLICATION COULD  NOT  BE  COUNTED  UNDER  THE  LAW.  WITH  THAT  IN  MIND THE  UPSON  BEACON WOULD NOT  BE  ABLE TO  EVEN  APPLY UNDER  THE  LAW  UNTIL   JAN  IST,2011,AT  WHICH  TIME THEY  WOULD  HAVE  COMPLETED 24 MONTHS OF  UNAUDITED  SERVICE. THE LAW  ALSO  STATES  THAT  YOU  MUST COMPLETE  THE  REQUIREMENTS IN  TIME  TO  RUN 4 WEEKS OF  LEGAL ANNOUNCEMENTS WHICH  WOULD  NOT  BE POSSIBLE IN  TIME  TO  MEET  THE JAN IST.  DEADLINE, FOILES SAID.

THE UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MOVED MORE MONEY INTO UPGRADES AT THE CIVIC CENTER DURING A WORK SHOP ON THE 2011 MARCH SPLOST, TUESDAY. $2.I MILLION IS NOW LISTED FOR THE CIVIC CENTER , WITH ELECTRICAL THE BIG NEED. CHAIRMAN MAURICE RAINES WANTS THE RACQUETBALL COURT AND STEAM ROOM RESTORED, AND THE GAME ROOM. THE COMMISSIONERS DISCUSSED A 5 YEAR $15 MILLION SPLOST WITH THE COUNTY GETTING 65%, CITY OF THOMASTON 33% AND CITY OF YATESVILLE 1.39%. THAT'S AFTER 20% IS TAKEN OFF THE TOP FOR COUNTY-WIDE PROJECTS INCLUDING THE CIVIC CENTER AND RECREATION, WHICH WOULD GET $500,000 FOR REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO FIELDS.$5 MILLION FOR ROAD PAVING INCLUDING ATWATER ROAD, $520,000 for 4 SHERIFF'S CARS FOR FIVE YEARS, AND $100,000 FOR AN OBSERVATION DECK-OVERLOOK, AT SPREWELL BLUFF. THE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HAD $2 MILLION ON ITS WISH LIST FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BUT A LEGAL OPINION SAYS SPLOST CAN'T BE USED FOR THAT, BUT THE NEW BUSINESS PARK AT THE AIRPORT WILL GET A $400,000 GAS MAIN. THE COMMISSIONERS PLAN TO MEET WITH THE CITY OF THOMASTON THE FIRST OF THE YEAR TO GET ITS LIST OF PROJECTS , OPERATING ON THE BASIS, THERE WILL NOT BE A JOINT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS. IF SO THE SPLOST COULD

QUAD GRAPHICS WANTS INCENTIVES

THE   THOMASTON  UPSON INDUSTRIAL  DEVELOPMENT  AUTHORITY  HELD  A  CALLED  MEETING AT  QUAD  GRAPHICS, MONDAY  AND  GOT  AN  UPDATE  ON  THE  COMPANY  FROM  ANDREW  SCHIESL, VICE  PRESIDENT AND  GENERAL  COUNSEL  AND PATRICK  HENDERSON,  DIRECTOR  OF  GOVERNMENT  AFFAIRS.  QUAD  PROPOSED A  $4 MILLION  ADDITIONAL  INVESTMENT IN  THE  ROCK  PLANT,  SOMETHING  THAT COULD  MEAN  75   MORE JOBS, AND  IT  WANTS  STATE  AND  LOCAL  INCENTIVES  FOR  SAVINGS  OF  $2 MILLION  OVER  5  YEARS. THE  OFFICIALS  SAID  SINCE  QUAD ABSORBED  WORLD  COLOR  PRESS OF CANADA AND  WENT  PUBLIC IN  JULY, ITS  THE  LARGEST  COMMERCIAL  PRINTER IN THE WESTERN  HEMISPHERE.  SEVERAL  PLANTS  HAVE  BEEN  CLOSED  AND MORE  CLOSINGS  ARE  IN THE  WORKS.  THEY  SAID  THE  ADDITIONAL  INVESTMENT FOR  NEW  EQUIPMENT WILL HELP  THE  ROCK  PLANT  STAY  COMPETITIVE WITH THE  OTHER  EAST COAST  PLANTS IN  NEW  YORK  AND  WEST  VIRGINIA.  IT  WAS  MENTIONED  THAT  TAXES  AND  UTILITY  COSTS  ARE    KEY  FACTORS  IN THE  COST  OF DOING    BUSINESS, AND  QUAD INDICATED IT  NEEDS  A  RESPONSE  BY  EARLY JANUARY. IDA  CHAIRMAN NEIL  HIGHTOWER  TOLD  THE  QUAD  EXECUTIVES,  THE  DEVELOPMENT  AUTHORITY IS  COMMITTED  TO  GIVING  THE  COMPANY   WHAT  IT  NEEDS  TO  BE  COMPETITIVE. QUAD  EMPLOYS OVER  420, 45  PART-TIME AT THE  ROCK PLANT.  MEMBERS  OF  THE  TAX  ASSESSORS  BOARD  ATTENDED THE  MEETING,  AND  THE  NEW  PLANT DIRECTOR  JEFF  STRIBLING AND   BARBARA  TYSON ,  WHO  JUST  RETIRED  FROM  THAT POSITION, BOTH  ADDRESSED  THE  GROUP. 

HOME INVASION

THOMASTON   POLICE  HAVE  TWO  SUBJECTS  IN  CUSTODY  AFTER  A  HOME  INVASION ON  HERBERT  STREET.  A  CARD  GAME  WAS UNDERWAY  WHEN  THREE MALE  SUBJECTS  ENTERED  AND  USED  A  PISTOL  TO  ROB  THOSE  PARTICIPATING.

PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT

A   PEDESTRIAN  WAS  HIT  BY  AN  SUV IN  DOWNTOWN  THOMASTON  FRIDAY  AFTERNOON  AND  TRANSPORTED  TO  THE  MEDICAL  CENTER  OF  CENTRAL GA. IN MACON  BY  AIR  AMBULANCE.  ACCORDING TO  THE  GA.  STATE PATROL, THE  VICTIM  33  YEAR  OLD  JAMES  EMMETT  CROMER  OF  427   SOUTH  BETHEL  STREET STEPPED  INTO  THE  PATH  OF  A  FORD  EXPEDITION  DRIVEN  BY  CAROL  DENISE  CARTER  OF  PICKARD  PLACE.  HIS  INJURIES  WERE  DESCRIBED  AS  EXTENSIVE.  NO  CHARGES  HAVE  BEEN  FILED  IN  THE  CASE.

PEDESTRIAN HIT BY A VEHICLE

A  PEDESTRIAN  HIT  BY  A  VEHICLE     IN  DOWNTOWN  THOMASTON  FRIDAY  AFTERNOON,  WAS  TRANSPORTED  BY AIR   AMBULANCE  TO  AN  OUT-OF-TOWN  HOSPITAL. HE WAS  DESCRIBED  AS  A  WHITE  MALE  IN  HIS  MID-30’S, WHO  WAS  CROSSING  THE  STREET  AT  NORTH  CHURCH  AND  THOMPSON  JUST  BEFORE  4PM. A  BLACK  FEMALE  WAS  DRIVING  THE  FORD  EXPEDITION  THAT  WAS  INVOLVED. A  STOREOWNER  TOLD  TGA  NEWS   HE  LOOKED  UP  AND  A  SAW  A  MAN  LYING  IN  THE  STREET NEAR  THE  INTERSECTION.  UPSON  EMS,  THOMASTON  POLICE  AND  THE  GA. STATE  PATROL  RESPONDED.

UPSON EMPLOYEES CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  HAD  A  CHRISTMAS  PRESENT  FOR  THE  WORKFORCE AT  THE  ANNUAL  EMPLOYEE  CHRISTMAS  LUNCHEON FRIDAY. A  $300  CHRISTMAS  BONUS ,  AND  THE  CHECKS  WERE  GIVEN  AT  THE  BANQUET. CHAIRMAN MAURICE  RAINES  SAID  TIMES  ARE  TOUGH, BUT  ITS  GETTING  BETTER, AFTER  EMPLOYEES EXPERIENCED  FURLOUGHS, SO  THE  BOARD  WANTED  TO  REWARD  THEM.  THE  COMMISSIONERS  NOR  CONSTITUTIONAL  OFFICERS  WILL  RECEIVED  THEM. ONE OTHER  GIFT  FOR  EMPLOYEES,  COUNTY OFFICES WILL  CLOSE  THURSDAY AT  2PM  FOR  CHRISTMAS.  THE  COUNTY  EMPLOYEE  OF  THE YEAR  WAS  ANNOUNCED, KENNETH  THURMAN OF  THE  ROADS  DEPARTMENT, AND  THE  LONGEST  SERVING  EMPLOYEE IS ROGER  SMITH OF  THE  ROADS  DEPARTMENT,  35  YEARS. THOSE  WITH  30  YEARS  OF  SERVICE, SHARON  FOWLER, RALPH  SEARCY,  AND  NORMA  HODGE.  25  YEARS, JULIE ANN  LEGG, JUNE SMITH,  RONNIE  WILLIAMS,  RONNIE  COCHRAN, STONEY  SPEIR, AND NEIL  REGAN.  CHAIRMAN  RAINES  TOLD  THE  EMPLOYEES  SOME  TYPE  OF  RETIREMENT PLAN IS  IN  THE WORKS,  ITS  COMING ,  HE  SAID.

GISA COMING TO THOMASTON

THE PRIVATE SCHOOL COUNTERPART OF THE GA. HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION , THE GEORGIA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION IS MOVING TO THOMASTON. ACCORDING TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DR. JEFF JACKSON, THE GISA HAS PURCHASED THE MEDICAL BUILDING AT WEST GORDON AND JACKSON AVE. AND WILL BE RELOCATING ITS GRIFFIN OFFICE, THE FIRST OF NEXT YEAR. TWO MEMBERS OF THE GISA STAFF LIVE IN THOMASTON, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR TOMMY WHITTLE AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ROBIN AYLOR. DR. JACKSON SAID THE GISA IS ESTABLISHING AN ATLANTA OFFICE IN SANDY SPRINGS FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AND THE THOMASTON OFFICE WILL HANDLE ACADEMICS ,ATHLETICS AND BUSINESS. THE GISA HAS 153 MEMBER SCHOOLS AND DR. JACKSON SAID THE THOMASTON OFFICE WILL BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE LARGER MEETINGS THAN THE GRIFFIN OFFICE, WHICH WAS BEING LEASED.

BURGLARY AT LOCAL CHURCH

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DON PEACOCK SAYS THE S.O. IS INVESTIGATING A BURGLARY AT MOUNTAIN VIEW BAPTIST CHURCH ON JEFF DAVIS ROAD, DISCOVERED    THURSDAY  MORNING. SOMEONE BROKE A WINDOW AND ENTERED THE OFFICE, A COMPUTER AND CASH MISSING.

CHAIRMAN ON UPSON’S LEGAL ORGAN.

AT  TUESDAY’S MEETING,  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  MAURICE  RAINES   RELEASED  THIS  STATEMENT  IN  REFERENCE  TO  ONGOING  MISGIVINGS ABOUT  THE  TRANSFER  OF  THE  LEGAL ORGAN  DESIGNATION  FROM  THE  THOMASTON  TIMES  TO  THE  UPSON  BEACON. “ THE  BOARD  OF  COMMISSIONERS OF  UPSON COUNTY FULLY  AND  CONSISTENTLY  SUPPORTS THE  CLERK OF  SUPERIOR  COURT,  SHERIFF,  AND PROBATE JUDGE  IN   THEIR  DECISION TO  MAKE A  CHANGE OF   LEGAL  ORGAN.AT  NO TIME HAVE  ANY  MEMBERS OF  THE BOARD BEEN INVOLVED IN  THIS PROCESS, AS WE ARE LIMITED  IN  OUR  STATUTORY  ABILITIES  BY  THE  STATE    CONSTITUTION. THE  AUTHORITY TO  DESIGNATE AN  ENTITY THE  OFFICIAL  LEGAL  ORGAN RESIDES ENTIRELY WITH THE  THREE  ELECTED OFFICIALS THAT  WERE  INVOLVED IN  THE  DECISION-MAKING  PROCESS. I  WOULD  LIKE TO  THANK  THE  VARIOUS ELECTED  OFFICIALS AND MEMBERS OF THIS BOARD FOR KEEPING THE  STANDARD OF  PROFESSIONALISM  HIGH, AND  NOT  MAKING COMMENTS  OR  SHARING  OPINIONS ON  THIS  MATTER. IN  RESPONSE  TO  INQUIRIES ABOUT  MY  RELATIONSHIP WITH  MEMBERS  OF  THE  STAFF OF  THE UPSON  BEACON, I  WOULD  LIKE TO  ENCOURAGE ALL PERSONS  TO  STOP  BY  MY OFFICE  AND  TALK WITH  ME  THE  WAY  I  DO WITH  DEBBIE LORD OF  THE UPSON  BEACON, OR  ASHLEY BILES OF  THE  THOMASTON  TIMES  OR  DAVE  PIPER  OF  WTGA. I  BELIEVE  IN,  AND  OPERATE, AN  OPEN  GOVERNMENT. ANY  COMMENTS THAT  MAY HAVE  SURFACED ABOUT  MY  INVOLVEMENT IN  THIS  OR  ANY OTHER  MEDIA-RELATED  MATTER  ARE  FALSE AND  UNAPPRECIATED.  AS  CHAIRMAN OF  THE  BOARD, I  WILL  WORK WITH ANY  AND  ALL  MEDIA OUTLETS, AND ONLY  ASK THE  VERY  BEST OF THE NEWSPAPER THAT IS  DESIGNATED OUR  COMMUNITY’S LEGAL ORGAN. AS  FOR  MY  PERSONAL  INVOLVEMENT IN  THE DECISION-MAKING  PROCESS AND  ANY  QUESTION AS TO  WHETHER I  USED MY  POSITION  TO  INFLUENCE THE  CHANGE, THE  ANSWER IS  A  RESOUNDING  NO.  I  WOULD  ASK  THAT  ALL  MEDIA  OUTLETS DISCONTINUE THEIR  UNCONSTRUCTIVE   ACTIONS  AND  REFOCUS THEIR  EFFORTS ON  HELPING TO PROMOTE THE PROGRESS THAT IS  BEING  MADE  COUNTY-WIDE. THE NEGATIVE COMMENTING DOESN’T SERVE  THEIR  READERS OR  THE  COMMUNITY AT-LARGE WHEN INDUSTRIAL OR  COMMERCIAL  PROSPECTS  USE OUR  LOCAL  MEDIA FOR  RESEARCH  AND  DEVELOPMENT  PURPOSES. IN   CONCLUSION, I  LOOK  FOWARD TO WORKING WITH  THE  THOMASTON  TIMES,UPSON  BEACON,WTGA  AND  WTUC-TV IN  2011. BY  BANDING  TOGETHER,WE  CAN ALL ENSURE THAT  TEAM UPSON  CONTINUES  TO GROW  AND  PROSPER.”

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

THE THOMASTON UPSON BOARD OF EDUCATION MADE EVERYBODY HAPPY WITH A DECISION ON THE NEW PROPOSED PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, TUESDAY, A FREE-STANDING BUILDING NEAR THE HIGH SCHOOL. ON A RECOMMENDATION BY ARCHITECTS MANLEY, SPANGLER, AND ASSOCIATES OF GRIFFIN, THE BOARD AGREED TO INCLUDE A BAND AND DRAMA SUITE IN THE PLANS , WHICH COULD ADD $ 1 MILLION TO THE COST. HOWEVER, THE TWO CLASSROOMS COULD BE ELIMINATED FROM THE PROJECT, IF THE CONTRACTOR'S BID IS OVER BUDGET. ACCORDING TO THE ARCHITECTS , SCHEME A , JUST THE 6000 SQUARE FOOT AUDITORIUM, SEATING 900 , WOULD COST ABOUT $7 MILLION, SCHEME B WITH THE BAND AND DRAMA CLASSROOMS $8 MILLION. THE SCHOOL BOARD HAS ABOUT $7 MILLION IN SPLOST FUNDS FOR THE PROJECT, BUT SOME BOARD MEMBERS OPPOSED THE CLASSROOMS BECAUSE IT WOULD UP THE COST. NOW THE DECISION CAN BE MADE WHEN THE BIDS COME IN, PROBABLY MIDSUMMER. CONSTRUCTION COULD START IN AUGUST, AN 18 MONTH PROJECT TO OPEN IN APRIL 2013. THOMASTON'S COY BOWLES OF THE SUPER STAR ZAC BROWN BAND COMMENDED THE BOARD FOR MOVING forward WITH THE PROJECT DURING PUBLIC COMMENTS. COY SAID A QUALITY PERFORMING FACILITY ENCOURAGES CREATIVITY. JAY EUBANKS CHAIR OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE THANKED THE BOARD, HE SUPPORTS ADDING THE BAND AND DRAMA CLASSROOMS.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

AT  TUESDAY’S  MEETING  OF  THE  THOMASTON  UPSON  BOARD OF  EDUCATION, KRISTI  BOSWORTH,  A  MATH  TEACHER  AT UL  MIDDLE  SCHOOL, WAS  NAMED  2011  TEACHER OF  THE  YEAR  IN  THE  THOMASTON  UPSON  SCHOOLS.

SELLIER’S WIFE TO RUN FOR STATE HOUSE

JUDYE  SELLIER,  OF  FT. VALLEY, WIFE  OF  THE  LATE  TONY  SELLIER  HAS  CONFIRMED  SHE IS  RUNNING  FOR  HIS  STATE  HOUSE  SEAT  IN  THE  SPECIAL  ELECTION  FEB.  15TH. DEMOCRAT  SHARON  HOWARD  WHO  OPPOSED  TONY  SELLIER  IN  NOVEMBER  ALSO  HAS  ANNOUNCED.  ANOTHER  REPUBLICAN,  ROBERT  DICKEY OF  MUSELLA, OWNER  OF  DICKEY  FARMS  HAS  ALSO  ANNOUNCED.   HOUSE  SEAT  136 INCLUDES ALL OF  CRAWFORD  COUNTY  AND  PARTS OF UPSON, LAMAR, MONROE, BIBB, HOUSTON, AND PEACH.

CITY OF THOMASTON DROPS MAIN ST. PROGRAM

CITING  A  BUDGET  CRUNCH  AND  LIABILITY ISSUES  ,  THE  THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL  VOTED  TO  DISCONTINUE  THE  MAIN  STREET PROGRAM  AND  ELIMINATE  THE DOWNTOWN DIRECTOR  AT  A  CALLED  MEETING  MONDAY.A  PROGRAM  WITH  A  $53,000  ANNUAL  BUDGET. A  ROOM  FULL   OF  SUPPORTERS  INCLUDING  MEMBERS  OF  THE  DOWNTOWN  THOMASTON  BUSINESS  ASSOCIATION  EXPRESSED  DISAPPOINTMENT  WITH  THE  MOVE. CITY  MANAGER  PATRICK COMISKEY , WHO  MADE  THE  RECOMMENDATION  TO  THE  COUNCIL , SAID CITY HALL  HAS  BEEN  WORKING  WITH  ESSENTIALLY  THE  SAME  AMOUNT  OF  REVENUE  FOR  THE  PAST DECADE. DTBA  PRESIDENT  BARBARA HOLLOWAY TOLD THE  MAYOR  AND  COUNCIL  DOWNTOWN  DIRECTOR  SYLVIA  CHAPMAN  WOULD  BE  WILLING TO  TAKE  A  PAY  CUT  TO  KEEP  THE PROGRAM  GOING,  AND  CLOSING     IT  WOULD BE A  TERRIBLE  MISTAKE.  WITHOUT  A  DIRECTOR  SHE  QUESTIONED  HOW  THE  DTBA  COULD  FUNCTION  . COUNCIL  MEMBER  PATSY  PERDUE  HELD  UP A  COPY  OF  THE NEW  STATE  GUIDELINES  FOR  MAIN  STREET  CITIES  FROM  THE  DEPARTMENT OF  COMMUNITY  AFFAIRS  AND  CALLED  IT  AN  UNFUNDED  MANDATE.  AND  COUNCIL  MENTIONED  THE PROGRAM  CREATES  LIABILITY PROBLEMS, CITY HALL  GOT  CAUGHT IN  THE  MIDDLE  WHEN  THE  DTBA WAS  SUED  SEVERAL  YEARS  AGO  OVER A  BUSINESS  DONATION. AMONG OTHER  BUSINESS  OWNERS  SPEAKING  FOR  CONTINUING  THE  PROGRAM,  GARY  SELF,  ELENE  COOK AND  KAY ROBINSON. COUNCILMAN  WALLACE  RHODES   CALLED  COUNCIL  THE  STEWERDS OF  THE  TAXPAYERS  MONEY AND CUTS NEED  TO  BE  MADE IN THE BUDGET,  OR  A  TAX  INCREASE  COULD  RESULT. MAYOR  HAYS  ARNOLD  TOLD  THE  GROUP,”WE ARE  IN DIFFICULT  TIMES  AND  CURRENT TRENDS  ARE  NOT  PROMISING.”  DIRECTOR  SYLVIA  CHAPMAN  HAS BEEN  OFFERED  ANOTHER  POSITION  , AS  A GUARD  AT  THE  ELECTRIC  DEPARTMENT  OFF  VETERANS  DRIVE. PRESIDENT  HOLLOWAY   TOLD TGA  NEWS  SHE  WAS  THE  BEST DIRECTOR  DTBA  EVER  HAD.

BONES FOUND ARE NOT HUMAN

ACCORDING   TO  MAJOR  DAN   KILGORE, UPSON S.O.  BONES  FOUND  BY  HUNTERS IN  SOUTHWEST  UPSON  COUNTY  SUNDAY  ARE  DEER  BONES.  THEY  WERE   FOUND   OFF  ADAMS  FERRY  ROAD  AND  SENT  TO THE  STATE  CRIME  LAB  TO  BE  CHECKED  OUT.

CANDIDATE FOR STATE HOUSE 136

A  REPUBLICAN  FROM  MUSELLA, GA.  ROBERT  DICKEY  HAS  ANNOUNCED  HE  WILL  SEEK  THE  GA.  HOUSE  DISTRICT  136  SEAT  HELD  BY  THE  LATE  TONY  SELLIER  WHO  DIED  RECENTLY. DICKEY,  57,  OWNS  DICKEY  FARMS,  A  PEACH  AND  TIMBER  FARM  STARTED  BY HIS  GRANDFATHER  A  CENTURY AGO. THE  SPECIAL  ELECTION  TO  FILL  THE  SEAT,  WHICH INCLUDES  CRAWFORD COUNTY  AND  PARTS  OF  UPSON, LAMAR, MONROE, BIBB,  PEACH, AND  HOUSTON,  WILL  BE  FEB. 15TH.

CAFE BURGLARY

THOMASTON  POLICE  ARE   INVESTIGATING A  BURGLARY  DISCOVERED  SATURDAY  AT  NORRIS  FINE  FOODS,  695  SHORT  E  STREET.  SOMEONE  SMASHED  THE  FRONT  DOOR  GLASS  AND  REMOVED  THE  CASH REGISTERED  DRAWER.  SOME  DOLLAR  BILLS WERE  FOUND OUTSIDE,  NEAR  THE  BUSINESS.

Upson Hunters Discover Bones

The Upson County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the discovery of bones by two hunters Sunday evening off of Adams Ferry Road in southwestern Upson County.

It is not known at this time if the bones are human or those of an animal, the Department of Natural Resources is assisting in the investigation. The bones have been sent to the state crime lab for analysis.

Colder Temps On The Way

Temperatures will moderate slightly Saturday before another arctic cold front moves south.

Rain is forecasted for Saturday night and Sunday morning with possible snow flurries Sunday afternoon.

Monday’s high temperature is not expected to exceed 32, lows will reach mid to low teens in some areas. Wind chill factors will dip into the single digits.

Prepare for another 4 to 5 day period with lows ranging from 18 on Monday night to 30 by Thursday night.

Propane or other heating source levels should be checked, prepare for the potential of power interruptions should ice or snow occur.

Protect plants, pets and any exposed water lines, vehicle anti-freeze levels should also be checked.

Snow accumulations are not expected but icy roads are possible, especially bridges.

THOMASTON MAIN STREET MEETING

THE  THOMASTON  MAYOR  AND  COUNCIL   WILL  MEET  MONDAY NIGHT  AT  7PM  ON  THE  FUTURE  OF  THE  MAIN  STREET  PROGRAM.  PUBLIC  INPUT  IS  INVITED. CITY MANAGER  PATRICK  COMISKEY IS  RECOMMENDING  THE  PROGRAM  BE  CLOSED, ELIMINATING  THE  EXECUTIVE  DIRECTOR  AND   MOST  OF  THE  BUDGET OF  ALMOST  $53,000  ANNUALLY.  THE  CITY  MANAGER  SAYS  THE  DOWNTOWN  THOMASTON  BUSINESS  ASSOCIATION  WILL  CONTINUE, OPERATING  SIMILAR  TO  A  CIVIC  ORGANIZATION,  AND  CAN  PROBABLY  ACCOMPLISH  MORE  THAT  WAY. NORTHSIDE  MERCHANTS HAVE  COMPLAINED, THE  MAIN  STREET  PROGRAM PUTS  TOO  MUCH  FOCUS ON  THE  SQUARE, SOMETHING  THAT  ALSO FIGURES  INTO  THE  DECISION, HE  SAID. AFTER  A  FRIDAY  WORK SESSION,  MAYOR  HAYS  ARNOLD  TOLD  TGA NEWS  THE  LOSS OF JOBS  AND  BUSINESSES  HAVE  CHANGED THE  COMMUNITY, AND CITY  HALL  HAS  TO  ENSURE  THAT  ESSENTIAL  SERVICES  CAN  BE  PROVIDED,  AND  THAT  MEANS MAKING  HARD  DECISIONS  ON  BUDGETS  AND  PERSONNEL.  SINCE  2001  THE  CITY PAYROLL  HAS  GONE  FROM   132  TO  87, AND  NOW  ITS  FACED  WITH  HEALTH INSURANCE  COSTS  THAT  COULD  RISE  20%. THE  MAYOR  AND  COUNCIL  IS  LOOKING  FOR  WAYS  TO BALANCE  THE  BUDGET, AND  INCREASES IN  ELECTRICITY, WATER  AND  SEWER ARE ON  THE  TABLE.

THOMASTON PROPOSES UTILITY HIKES

DURING A BUDGET WORK SESSION, TUESDAY, THOMASTON'S CITY MANAGER PATRICK COMISKEY PROPOSED INCREASING ELECTRICAL AND WATER AND SEWER RATES EFFECTIVE JAN IST. THE MANAGER TOLD THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL, HE SUGGESTS A TWO YEAR PHASE-IN FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS AND A THREE YEAR FOR INDUSTRIAL CUSTOMERS, SOLO CUP AND TEN CATE. RESIDENTIAL POWER RATES WOULD INCREASE 6 ½ %, COMMERCIAL RATES 5 1/2% IN 2011 AND 2012. THE INDUSTRIES WOULD EXPERIENCE A DOUBLE DIP HIKE OVER THREE YEARS. . WATER AND SEWER RATES WOULD INCREASE $5 PER MONTH FOR THE AVERAGE CUSTOMER IN 2011 AND 2012. ACCORDING TO SURVEYS, THE CITY OF THOMASTON HAS SOME OF THE LOWEST POWER RATES IN THE STATE , BUT ITS WHOLESALE POWER SUPPLIER , MEAG IS FACING A $250 MILLION BUDGET INCREASE DUE TO PROJECTS, AND CITY HALL'S PORTION IS A MILLION. OTHER MEAG CITIES SUCH AS GRIFFIN AND MARIETTA ARE ALSO MOVING ON RATE HIKES. THE  MANAGER SAID WATER SALES ARE DOWN 17% DUE TO THE LOSS OF INDUSTRIAL CUSTOMERS AND THE COUNTY IS NOT BUYING NEAR AS MUCH SINCE IT DRILLED WELLS IN WESTERN UPSON. THE WATER AND SEWER RATE INCREASE WOULD ALSO AFFECT COUNTY WATER CUSTOMERS SERVED BY THE CITY UNLESS THE COUNTY ABSORBS THEM. CITY MANAGER COMISKEY IS ALSO PROPOSING TO CLOSE THE MAIN STREET PROGRAM, AND THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION WOULD NOT HAVE AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

CLERK OF COURT VOTES FOR BEACON

THERESA HARPER,  CLERK  OF  UPSON  SUPERIOR  COURT  RELEASED  A  STATEMENT  REGARDING  THE  APPOINTMENT  OF  THE  UPSON  BEACON  AS  LEGAL  ORGAN FOR UPSON  COUNTY.” SOMEONE  VERY  WISE ONCE  SAID  THAT IF  YOU’RE MAKING  EVERYBODY  HAPPY  ALL  THE TIME THEN YOU’RE NOT  BEING  A GOOD  LEADER.  RECENTLY,MYSELF, SHERIFF  PEACOCK  AND  JUDGE HAMBY  WERE  ASKED BY  THE  UPSON  BEACON TO  BE  CONSIDERED AS  THE  LEGAL  ORGAN FOR  UPSON COUNTY. AS  YOU  CAN  IMAGINE, THIS  WAS  A  VERY  DIFFICULT  DECISION FOR  ALL  OF  US. MY  VOTE TO HAVE  THE  UPSON BEACON APPOINTED AS  THE  LEGAL  ORGAN WAS BASED ON INFORMATION SUPPLIED  TO  MYSELF,  SHERIFF DON  PEACOCK  AND PROBATE  JUDGE  GARY  HAMBY.  THE  INFORMATION  PROVIDED SHOWED  THAT THE UPSON  BEACON MET  THE  LEGAL  REQUIREMENTS TO  BE  APPOINTED. IT IS  UNDERSTANDABLE THAT  THE  THOMASTON TIMES IS  NOT  HAPPY  WITH  MY  VOTE. HOWEVER, IT IS DISAPPOINTING  THEY  ARE  REPORTING  INACCURATE  INFORMATION. IN THE  LATEST EDITION  OF  THE  THOMASTON  TIMES IT  STATES  THAT  WHEN  ASKED  MY  REASONING FOR  VOTING  IN  FAVOR  OF  THE  BEACON THAT I  REPLIED-WE  DON’T  HAVE  TO  SAY. THAT IS  AN  INACCURATE  QUOTE. MY REPLY WAS  THAT-WE DON’T  HAVE  ANYTHING  TO  SAY. THE  DIFFERENCE IN  THOSE TWO  STATEMENTS  IS HUGE. I  TAKE  MY  RESPONSIBLITY  TO  SERVE  UPSON  COUNTY VERY  SERIOUSLY. I  STAND BY  MY  VOTE FOR  THE  CHANGE BECAUSE I  BELIEVE THAT  IT  IS  IN  THE  BEST  INTEREST OF  THE  CITIZENS OF UPSON  COUNTY  TO  HAVE  THE  LEGAL  NOTICES  PUBLISHED  IN  A  NEWSPAPER  THAT  IS  BEING  READ BY  THE  MAJORITY OF  THE PEOPLE. I  LOOK  FOWARD TO  CONTINUE  TO  WORK  HARD TO HELP UPSON  COUNTY  PROGRESS IN  A  POSITIVE  MANNER.

UPSON BEACON IS LEGAL ORGAN

UPSON   COUNTY  SHERIFF  DON  PEACOCK  AND  CLERK  OF  SUPERIOR  COURT  THERESA  HARPER  HAVE  SIGNED  THE  LEGAL  DOCUMENT   NECESSARY  TO OFFICIALLY  DESIGNATE  THE   UPSON  BEACON  NEWSPAPER, THE  LEGAL  ORGAN. PROBATE  JUDGE  GARY HAMBY  DID  NOT  SIGN  THE RESOLUTION,  HE  VOTED  FOR  THE  THOMASTON TIMES TO  KEEP  THE  LEGAL  ADS.  THOSE  THREE  CONSITITIONAL  OFFICERS  ARE  EMPOWERED TO  DECIDE  THE  ISSUE.  A  LEGAL  AD WILL  RUN  IN  THE  THOMASTON TIMES  FOR  FOUR  WEEKS, STARTING  FRIDAY,  NOTIFYING  THE PUBLIC  THE  UPSON  BEACON  WILL  BECOME  LEGAL  ORGAN  EFFECTIVE  JAN. IST. THE  AD  RATES  FOR  THE  LEGALS  WILL  REMAIN  THE  SAME  AT  THE  BEACON,  THE  STATE  SETS   LEGAL  AD  RATES.

GORDON COLLEGE STUDENT MURDERED

A STUDENT AT GORDON COLLEGE IN BARNESVILLE WAS SHOT AND KILLED IN A HOME INVASION-ROBBERY EARLY SUNDAY AT 121 WESTCHESTER DRIVE IN BARNESVILLE. DURING A PRESS CONFERENCE MONDAY MORNING, ATTENDED BY TGA NEWS, POLICE CHIEF CHUCK KEADLE IDENTIFIED THE VICTIM AS DANAVAN FRANK BUSSEY, 21, ORIGINALLY FROM MILLEDGEVILLE. THREE SUSPECTS ARE IN CUSTODY CHARGED WITH MURDER, SHAMEIK SPINKS, 17 OF 6 BROWN STREET, BARNESVILLE, LEKIEVIUS ELEBY,21, OF 107 WESTCHESTER DRIVE, AND BRYCE A. SMITH, 20, OF 202 WESTCHESTER DRIVE. CHIEF KEADLE SAID BUSSEY DIED OF A SHOTGUN BLAST TO THE FACE, AND WAS PROUNCED DEAD ON ARRIVAL AT SPALDING REGIONAL HOSPITAL. ABOUT A DOZEN PEOPLE WERE AT A PARTY IN THE RESIDENCE WHEN THE THREE INTRUDERS ENTERED AROUND 3;45AM SUNDAY. CHIEF KEADLE DID NOT RELEASE DETAILS ON WHAT HAPPENED BUT HE SAID THE MOTIVE WAS ROBBERY. HE WOULD NOT COMMENT WHEN ASKED IF THE CRIME WAS DRUG-RELATED. THE SUSPECTS ARE NOT GORDON STUDENTS, BUT LIVED NEAR BUSSEY, THE CHIEF TOLD REPORTERS. THE DEFENDANTS ARE BEING HELD IN THE LAMAR COUNTY JAIL ON CHARGES OF MURDER, FELONY MURDER, ARMED ROBBERY, AND BURGLARY. THE LAMAR COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ASSISTED IN THE INVESTIGATION AND SHERIFF LARRY WALLER STOOD WITH THE CHIEF DURING HIS STATEMENT TO THE NEWS MEDIA. THE CHIEF SAID OTHER AGENCIES THAT ASSISTED, INCLUDED THE GBI, GORDON COLLEGE POLICE DEPARTMENT , THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND THE LAMAR COUNTY CORONER'S OFFICE. GORDON COLLEGE POLICE CHIEF JEFF MASON TOLD REPORTERS BUSSEY WAS A STUDENT IN GOOD STANDING.

Home Invasion Death

Barnesville.com is reporting that one person was killed Saturday night in a home invasion incident at a residence at 121 Westchester Drive in Barnesville.

Barnesville police chief Chuck Keadle said the investigation is ongoing and that more information will be released at an 11 a.m. news conference Monday.

There were multiple reports the victim was a Gordon College student but Keadle would not confirm that report.

According to Lamar County tax records, the home is owned by Brian Upson of Griffin.

121 Westchester Drive is located just north of Zebulon Street on the west side of U.S. 41 near the site of the old Aldora textile mill.

Dawgs In Liberty Bowl

The Dawgs have accepted an invitation to play in the Liberty Bowl on New Year’s Eve in Memphis.

For more on the story click here.

Christmas Tour of Homes

On Sunday, December 5, 1pm-6pm, make plans to tour some of Thomaston’s most beautiful home places and experience Southern hospitality at its finest. The Sertoma Women of Upson sponsors the annual Christmas tour of homes.

Featuring five private homes - Jill and Frank Nunn, Jane and Dr. Hugh Smith, Jessica and Dr. Murray Deen, Sarah and Robby Armstrong and Kayla and Joel Burke, one church – The Gathering, and a retail venue - Thomaston-Upson Art Council’s Mistletoe Market.

For additional information click here.

UPSON BEACON NEW COUNTY LEGAL ORGAN

THE  UPSON   BEACON  NEWSPAPER  IS  REPORTING  IT  WILL  BE   THE  NEW  LEGAL  ORGAN  OF UPSON COUNTY EFFECTIVE JAN  IST, REPLACING  THE  THOMASTON  TIMES. THREE  CONSTITUTIONAL  OFFICERS  ARE EMPOWERED TO  MAKE  THE  DECISION, THE  SHERIFF, CLERK OF  COURT  AND  PROBATE  JUDGE. AT  A  RECENT  MEETING  OF  CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS  CALLED  BY  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  MAURICE  RAINES,  THE  ISSUE  WAS  BROUGHT  UP. PROBATE JUDGE  GARY  HAMBY  MUST  NOTIFY  THE  SECRETARY  OF  STATE  ANNUALLY  REGARDING  THE  COUNTY’S  LEGAL  ORGAN. DURING  THE  MEETING  SHERIFF  DON  PEACOCK  AND  CLERK   OF    COURT  THERESA  HARPER  VOTED TO  CHANGE  TO  THE  UPSON  BEACON  AND  PROBATE  JUDGE  HAMBY  VOTED  TO  STAY  WITH  THE  THOMASTON  TIMES,  A  2  TO  1  VOTE FOR  THE  BEACON. SHERIFF  PEACOCK  TOLD  TGA  NEWS  THIS  WEEK,  HE  WOULD  LIKE  TO  SEE  THE  TWO   NEWSPAPERS  ROTATE  AS  LEGAL  ORGAN,  EVERY  COUPLE OF  YEARS. CLERK  OF  COURT  HARPER  SAID  SHE  VOTED  FOR  THE  BEACON  BECAUSE  IT   HAS  A  MORE  LOCAL  PRESENCE. JUDGE HAMBY  HAS NOT  BEEN  AVAILABLE  FOR  COMMENT,  BUT  HE  HAS  FAMILY  WHO  HAVE  BEEN  ON THE   TIMES  STAFF.  THERE  HAVE  BEEN  QUESTIONS  RAISED AS TO  THE  QUALIFICATIONS  OF  THE  UPSON  BEACON  TO  BE  THE  LEGAL  ORGAN,  BUT  COUNTY  ATTORNEY  ED  TRICE  SAYS  THEY HAVE  BEEN  ANSWERED  AND  HE IS  PREPARING  THE  LEGAL  DOCUMENTS  NEEDED  FOR  THE   CHANGE. OVER  THE PAST  TWO  YEARS  THE  BEACON  HAS  REPORTEDLY  AVERAGED  92%  PAID  CIRCULATION,  WHICH  COUNTY  OFFICIALS  HAVE  TOLD  US  MEETS QUALIFICATIONS. THE LEGAL  ADS WILL BE  A SIGNIFICANT  REVENUE  BOOST  FOR  THE  UPSON  BEACON,  AND  THERE  IS  SPECULATION  AS TO  HOW  IT  WILL  AFFECT  THE  THOMASTON  TIMES.  BOB  TRIBBLE,  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  BEACON, OWNS  30  NEWSPAPERS  AND  HAS  REPORTEDLY  MADE  OVERTURES IN THE  PAST  TO BUY-OUT  THE  TIMES.ROLAND FOILES, GENERAL  MANAGER  OF  THE  THOMASTON  TIMES, ISSUED  THIS  STATEMENT" TO MY KNOWLEDGE  THE  CONSTITUTIONAL  OFFICERS  WHO  APPARENTLY MADE  THE  DECISION-THE  SHERIFF,CLERK OF  SUPERIOR  COURT AND PROBATE JUDGE—HAVE NOT  NOTIFIED  THE  TIMES  ABOUT ANY  CHANGE OR REQUESTED ANY  INFORMATION FROM OUR NEWSPAPER. THERE  IS NO RECORD OF  ANY  AGENDA ITEM OF  ANY  GOVERNMENTAL  BODY TO  DISCUSS THE  AWARDING OF  THE  OFFICIAL  LEGAL ORGAN STATUS, NOR  HAS  A  LEGAL NOTICE REGARDING THE  DECISION BEEN  PUBLISHED YET  AS  REQUIRED  BY  STATE  LAW.”

Zac Brown Band Receives 4 Grammy Nominations

The Zac Brown Band has been nominated for four Grammy awards.

The four categories are Best County Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals and Best Country Song for their number one hit Free, Best Country Album for their second album You Get What You Give that went to number one and Best Country Collaboration With Vocals for their collaboration with Newnan native Alan Jackson on As She’s Walking Away, it also went to number one.

The 53rd annual Grammy’s will be presented February 11th, 2011 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The show will be televised live by CBS.

Last year the group was nominated for three awards and won the Grammy for Best New Artist.

Thomaston’s Coy Bowles plays keyboards and guitar for the group, he is the son of Barney and Janis Bowles. Other members of the band include band founder Zac Brown (lead vocals, guitar), Jimmy De Martini (fiddle, vocals), John Driskell Hopkins (bass guitar, vocals), Chris Fryar (drums) and Clay Cook (guitar, keyboards, mandolin, steel guitar, vocals).

Here are the categories and the other nominees. 

Best country performance by a duo or group with vocals:

Free, Zac Brown Band; Elizabeth, Dailey & Vincent; Need You Now, Lady Antebellum; Little White Church, Little Big Town; Where Rainbows Never Die, The SteelDrivers

Best country collaboration with vocals:

As She's Walking Away, Zac Brown Band & Alan Jackson; Bad Angel, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert & Jamey Johnson; Pride (In The Name Of Love), Dierks Bentley, Del McCoury & The Punch Brothers; Hillbilly Bone, Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins ; I Run To You, Marty Stuart & Connie Smith

Best country song:

Free, Zac Brown Band; The Breath You Take, George Strait; The House That Built Me, Miranda Lambert; I'd Love To Be Your Last, Gretchen Wilson; If I Die Young, The Band Perry; Need You Now, Lady Antebellum

Best country album

You Get What You Give, Zac Brown Band; Up On The Ridge, Dierks Bentley; The Guitar Song, Jamey Johnson; Need You Now, Lady Antebellum; Revolution, Miranda Lambert

State Representative Tony Sellier Dies

Macon.com is reporting that State Representative Tony Sellier, a Republican representing the 136th District, died Tuesday night at Peach County Medical Center from congestive heart failure following complications from a recent medical procedure, according to his family.

Sellier, 65, a Middle Georgia resident for more than 30 years, was elected Nov. 2 to a third term in the state House of Representatives. His district includes all of Crawford County and parts of Bibb, Houston, Lamar, Monroe, Peach and Upson counties.

Gov. Sonny Perdue announced Wednesday that flags on state buildings and grounds will fly at half-staff on the day of Sellier’s funeral.

“Tony’s compelling personal history, along with his deep commitment to faithfully representing his constituents, made him one of the most respected members of the Georgia General Assembly,” Perdue said in a written statement. The governor noted that he and his wife, Mary, were deeply saddened at the death of their “beloved friend and public servant.”

“We join all of Middle Georgia in praying for God’s comfort and peace for his wife Judye, their three children and ... grandchildren, and for the entire Fort Valley community that Tony loved so dearly,” Perdue said.

Read more: http://www.macon.com/2010/12/01/1360673/coroner-state-rep-tony-sellier.html#ixzz16uRn4drk