COCK FIGHT BUST ON ATWATER ROAD IN UPSON CO SATURDAY

DOWN A LONG DIRT DRIVEWAY AT 2015 ATWATER ROAD 50 PEOPLE HAD GATHERED SATURDAY MORNING. THE SIGN ON THE PROPERTY OF ERNEST SAMS SAID HILLTOP POULTRY SHOW , BUT UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAID COCK FIGHTING WAS ABOUT TO TAKE PLACE.

ROOSTERS WERE IN CAGES WITH SHARP OBJECTS ATTACHED TO THEIR LEGS—AND THE WEIGH-INS WERE UNDER WAY FOR WAGERING TO BEGIN NEAR THE FIGHTING PIT.

THE SHERIFF SAID UNITS ROUNDED UP 44 ADULTS AND ONE MALE JUVENILE AND TOOK THEM TO JAIL. THE 15 YEAR OLD TURNED OVER TO A RELATIVE. PARTICIPANTS CAME FROM ALL OVER THIS PART OF GEORGIA.

THEY WERE CHARGED WITH CRUELTY TO ANIMALS AND WERE FREED ON $1000 BOND EACH.

SHERIFF KILGORE SAID HIS OFFICE HAD BEEN HEARING RUMORS OF COCK-FIGHTING FOR SEVERAL WEEKS—ONE REPORT SAID WOUNDED AND DEAD CHICKENS WERE THROW IN A FIRE PIT TO DISPOSE OF THEM.

THE S.O. REPORT SAID ERNEST SAMS KEPT 100 FIGHTING ROOSTERS ON HIS PROPERTY—ABOUT 50 VECHILES WERE PARKED IN THE WOODS WHEN LAWMAN APPROACHED AND CAUGHT THEM BY SURPRISE AROUND 9;30AM JUST BEFORE THE EVENTS WERE TO BEGIN.  

JAYE EUBANKS ANNOUNCES FOR DISTRICT 7 T-U BOARD OF EDUCATION

My name is Jaye Eubanks, I am announcing today that I am running for the District 7 school board seat.  I am a lifelong resident of Upson County.  I am a 1989 graduate of Upson High School, 1991 graduate of Gordon College and 1993 graduate of Georgia Southern University.  I value the lessons I learned from my upbringing in Thomaston and Upson County.  I want to see the quality of our community return to the level it was in my youth.  I truly believe that is attainable, but not without some hard work and tough decisions.  That is why I have chosen to enter my name into the race for the school board.  I believe we can all work as hard as we can to restore our community, but our efforts will fall short without a quality, first rate school system. A system that can be one of the best in the state.  There are many opinions on how to make this happen, and some may even think it is not possible.  I think it is. I have condensed my vision into three simple points.  1) We must improve communication between the school board and the other elected bodies, boards and associations in Thomaston and Upson County.  This means regular meetings and open discussion with, but not limited to, the County Commission, City Council, IDA and Chamber of Commerce.  Our elected and appointed leaders need to know what we are doing to develop a highly qualified workforce that will want to stay here, work and raise a family.  2)  We need to improve parent involvement in our schools.  I am always shocked at the low turnout for parent teacher conferences.  We all have to do better.  We have to be engaged if we are going to succeed.  We need to utilize the software that is currently in place to keep parents up to date with their student’s progress.  This includes PowerSchool and the Remind app.  Our teachers and administrators should be encouraged to utilize these systems fully.  Parents must be encouraged to follow their student’s progress and take an active role in the success of not only their child, but the system as a whole.  Communication is key to achieving this goal. We have to work together.  3) We should recognize academic excellence.  I believe academic excellence is the hub of the wheel for our school system.  We should make a concerted effort to recognize our top students.  There was a time we recognized the top 10 students of each grade at the high school and that was a big deal.  It gave students a goal.  I know we have programs that recognize achievement, but we can do more.  They cost very little but can go a very long way in reinforcing our students success.  

There are many other areas I could address, and those will come in due time.  I look forward to the coming weeks as I get to know the people of district 7 better and share with them my vision for our school system.My name is Jaye Eubanks, I am announcing today that I am running for the District 7 school board seat.  I am a lifelong resident of Upson County.  I am a 1989 graduate of Upson High School, 1991 graduate of Gordon College and 1993 graduate of Georgia Southern University.  I value the lessons I learned from my upbringing in Thomaston and Upson County.  I want to see the quality of our community return to the level it was in my youth.  I truly believe that is attainable, but not without some hard work and tough decisions.  That is why I have chosen to enter my name into the race for the school board.  I believe we can all work as hard as we can to restore our community, but our efforts will fall short without a quality, first rate school system. A system that can be one of the best in the state.  There are many opinions on how to make this happen, and some may even think it is not possible.  I think it is. I have condensed my vision into three simple points.  1) We must improve communication between the school board and the other elected bodies, boards and associations in Thomaston and Upson County.  This means regular meetings and open discussion with, but not limited to, the County Commission, City Council, IDA and Chamber of Commerce.  Our elected and appointed leaders need to know what we are doing to develop a highly qualified workforce that will want to stay here, work and raise a family.  2)  We need to improve parent involvement in our schools.  I am always shocked at the low turnout for parent teacher conferences.  We all have to do better.  We have to be engaged if we are going to succeed.  We need to utilize the software that is currently in place to keep parents up to date with their student’s progress.  This includes PowerSchool and the Remind app.  Our teachers and administrators should be encouraged to utilize these systems fully.  Parents must be encouraged to follow their student’s progress and take an active role in the success of not only their child, but the system as a whole.  Communication is key to achieving this goal. We have to work together.  3) We should recognize academic excellence.  I believe academic excellence is the hub of the wheel for our school system.  We should make a concerted effort to recognize our top students.  There was a time we recognized the top 10 students of each grade at the high school and that was a big deal.  It gave students a goal.  I know we have programs that recognize achievement, but we can do more.  They cost very little but can go a very long way in reinforcing our students success.  

There are many other areas I could address, and those will come in due time.  I look forward to the coming weeks as I get to know the people of district 7 better and share with them my vision for our school system.

HIGH SPEED CHASE ON 19 SOUTH--TWO COPTERED TO MACON HOSPITAL

A HISPANIC MALE FROM MACON—WHO CLAIMED HE HAD SEEN THE DEVIL—GOT IN A HIGH SPEED CHASE WITH UPSON DEPUTIES THURSDAY NIGHT ON 19 SOUTH AND SLAMMED HEAD-ON INTO ANOTHER MOTORIST—WHILE TRAVELING NORTH IN THE SOUTH-BOUND LANE.

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAID BOTH MOTORISTS WERE LIFE-FLIGHTED TO THE MACON MEDICAL CENTER FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT.

THOMASTON RESIDENT—JASON JOINER, AGE 21 OF 3595 LOGTOWN ROAD WAS DRIVING A 2010 HYUNDAI ACCENT—WHEN HE WAS HIT HEAD-ON BY A 2007 FORD F-150 PICK-UP—DRIVEN BY JUAN APARICIO FAJAREO OF BIBB COUNTY.

THE S.O. REPORT SAID JOINER WAS UNRESPONSIVE WHEN APPROACHED BY DEPUTIES—BUT HE WAS BREATHEING.

SHERIFF KILGORE SAID 911 GOT A CALL AROUND 7;30PM THAT A HISPANICE MALE WAS IN A YARD ON LOGTOWN ROAD SHOUTING RELIGIOUS STATEMENTS.

DEPUTIES RESPONDED AND GOT BEHIND FAJAREO—PUT DOWN STOP SPIKES AND BLEW-OUT A FRONT TIRE—BUT HE KEPT GOING—AND PASSED AT LEAST ONE OTHER ROAD BLOCK BEFORE THE HEAD-ON CRASH ON U.S. 19.

WHEN THE TRUCK FINALLY GOT STOPPED—DEPUTIES SMELLED ALCOHOL ON THE MOTORIST—WHO FOUGHT WITH THEM.

THE ACCIDENT WAS TURNED OVER TO THE GA. STATE PATROL FOR INVESTIGATION.

TU SCHOOLS TEACHER ARRESTED FOR CHILD MOLESTATION

News Release From Upson County Sheriff Dan Kilgore

On February 22, 2016 Deputy School Superintendent Dr. Mike Gatlin of the Thomaston- Upson School System notified the Upson County Sheriff’s Office of a  possible inappropriate relationship between a student and a teacher. As the result of an investigation, Jennifer Lynn Robinson  of 410 “B” Street Thomaston was arrested on charges of Aggravated Child Molestation and Child Molestation.  Robinson, 47, is a kindergarten teacher at Upson-Lee South Elementary. The victim in this case is not a student of Robinson, although he is a 14 year old 8th grader in the school system. We have consulted with Assistant District Attorney Ben Coker and determined that the appropriate charges are one count each of Aggravated Child Molestation and Child Molestation for at least five incidents. These incidents  occurred at various location within Upson County between July 1, 2015 and February 21, 2016.

Robinson is currently being held in the Upson County Jail pending warrants. Bond has not been set.

This investigation is ongoing

THOMASTON POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED BY THE GBI

Thomaston Police Officer Arrested

On Monday, February 22, 2016, at 1:30 p.m., GBI agents arrested Thomaston Police Officer Ulysses Clark at the Upson County Sheriff’s Office. Clark, a 20 year veteran of the Thomaston Police Department, has been charged with False Statements and Writings and Violation of Oath by Public Officer. 

Griffin Judicial Circuit Assistant District Attorney Ben Coker requested a GBI investigation upon learning that while on duty, Clark allegedly signed, as an endorsing official, an Upson County Tax Commissioner Office Certification of Inspection by a Duly Constituted Georgia Law Enforcement Officer for a trailer that he allegedly did not physically examine. The trailer, worth more than $10,000 but less than $20,000, had been reported stolen in another jurisdiction and entered into the Georgia Crime Information Center’s (GCIC) and the National Crime Information Center’s (NCIC) stolen vehicle files prior to the trailer being presented for inspection. Subsequently, Clark allegedly provided false statements to the local law enforcement agency investigating the theft of the stolen trailer that he had examined the trailer and queried the trailer through GCIC/NCIC. The investigation is ongoing.

  

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NO LEAD OR COPPER IN CITY OF THOMASTON WATER SUPPLY

VICTOR COZART, PROJECT MANAGER FOR SEVERN-TRENT, THE OPERATOR OF THE CITY OF THOMASTON'S WATER SYSTEM REPORTED FRIDAY TAP –WATER SAMPLE RESULTS AT 30 HOUSEHOLDS THROUGH-OUT THOMASTON--- DETECTED NO LEAD OR COPPER. UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT—EPA REQUIRES TESTING FOR LEAD AND COPPER EVERY THREE YEARS.

FLINT, MICHIGAN HAS BEEN IN THE NEWS LATELY, AFTER IT SWITCHED TO ANOTHER WATER SOURCE AND LEAD TURNED-UP IN THE WATER SUPPLY.

UPSON CO MAN DIES IN HOUSE FIRE

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE HAS IDENTIFIED A 33 YEAR OLD WHITE MALE__WHO PERISHED IN A HOUSE FIRE EARLY FRIDAY AT 515 MEADOW DRIVE.

THE SHERIFF SAID TODD PERDUE DIED INSIDE THE RESIDENCE—APPARENTLY TRYING TO EXIT THE BURNING HOUSE THRU A DOOR LEADING TO THE CARPORT.

SHERIFF KILGORE SAID THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES INTO THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE—WITH THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL INVOLVED IN THE PROBE.

PERDUE WAS ALONE IN THE HOUSE WHEN THE FIRE STARTED—HE LIVES WITH HIS FATHER WHO WAS AT WORK AT THE TIME—SHERIFF KILGORE TOLD ZOOM NEWS.

THOMASTON-UPSON SCHOOLS SPELLING BEE CHAMP

T-U System 2016 Spelling Bee Champion:
Congratulations to Jules Passmore, Champion of the T-U School System's Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) Spelling Bee and to Runner-up Dawson Fleming. Jules, a student at Upson-Lee North Elementary, will represent T-U Schools at the District 6 GAE Spelling Bee on February 27 at the C.W. Pettigrew Community Center in Fort Valley, GA.

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STORM DAMAGE MONDAY IN EASTERN UPSON CO.

A STORM THAT BLEW INTO UPSON COUNTY MONDAY NITE CAUSED PROPERTY DAMAGE AND DOWNED TREES.

JIMMY ELLINGTON OF TRICE CEMETERY ROAD TOLD ZOOM NEWS THE MID-SECTION OF HIS BARN AND ROOF WERE TORN-AWAY AND SCATTERED IN HIS PASTURE. HIS HOUSE SUSTAINED SHINGLE AND SHUTTER DAMAGE.

AT 1939 YATESVILLE HIGHWAY UPSON SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTED —DON AND MARTHA ELLERBEE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AROUND 9;30PM AND FOUND THE AWNING CONNECTING TO THE FRONT OF THEIR RESIDENCE HAD BEEN RIPPED AWAY AND HAD BLOWN-UP ON THEIR ROOF.

THE ELLERBEE HOME ALSO HAD CEILING LEAKS IN BOTH BEDROOMS.

ROCK HILL FIRE DEPARTMENT DISPATCHED TO REMOVE A TREE IN THE ROAD AT TRICE CEMETERY AND YATESVILLE HIGHWAY.

ROCK HILL UNITS RESPONDED TO A HOUSE FIRE AT 1136 VESTAVIA LANE—THE RESIDENCE OF ANDREW CREAMER—WHO WAS NOT AT HOME. A NEIGHBOR SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE DWELLING AND CALLED 911. ROCK HILL PERSONNEL TOLD THE S.O. THE FIRE APPARENTLY STARTED ON THE BACK DECK OR PERHAPS IN THE KITCHEN NEAR SOME GAS CANS AND CHEMICAL CONTAINERS. THERE WAS NO WATER OR ELECTRICITY SERVICE AT THE RESIDENCE. 

THOMASTON MAN ARRESTED IN PIKE CO. FOR MARIJAUANA

PIKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT BUSTED A THOMASTON MAN AND A FLORIDA WOMAN FOR MARIJUANA POSSESSION, FRIDAY EVENING AND SEIZED OVER $6000 IN CASH.

ARRESTED WERE 34—YEAR OLD TRAVIS WILLIS OF UPSON COUNTY AND 29—YEAR OLD VONTISHA BUSH OF FLORIDA.

PIKE DEPUTIES MADE A TRAFFIC STOP AND FOUND A QUANITY OF POT CONCEALED IN THE TRUNK, ALONG WITH SCALES AND PACKAGING MATERIAL FOR DISTRIBUTION. THE CASH WAS SEIZED FOR ASSET FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS.

THOMASTON MAN INDICTED BY FEDERAL GRAND JURY

ACCORDING TO THE U.S. ATTORNEYS OFFICE, NORTHERN DISTRICT OF GA., A THOMASTON MAN IS ONE OF 45 CURRENT AND FORMER GA. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND CONTRACT OFFICERS INDICTED BY A FEDERAL GRAND JURY FOR SMUGGLING CONTRABAND INTO PRISONS AND TAKING BRIBES.

THE INDICTMENTS WERE RETURNED AFTER A FEDERAL UNDERCOVER OPERATION.

ACCORDING TO ONE INDICTMENT, JARRATT KEN MELVIN AGE 23 OF THOMASTON, FORMERLY A CORRECTIONS OFFICER AT PULASKI STATE PRISON , HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH ACCEPTING BRIBE PAYMENTS TO PROTECT DRUG TRANSACTIONS AND WITH ATTEMPTED DRUG TRAFFICKING.

500 NEW JOBS FOR THE REGION

THE JOINT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF BUTTS COUNTY AND SPALDING COUNTY ANNNOUNCED THURSDAY THAT DOLLAR GENERAL, AMERICA'S LARGEST SMALL-BOX RETAILER, IS PROJECTED TO INVEST $85 MILLION TO BUILD A ONE MILLION SQUARE FOOT DISTRIBUTION CENTER AT THE BUTTS-SPALDING LINE, TO CREATE 530 FULL-TIME JOBS. CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN LATER THIS YEAR.

THOMASTON-UPSON BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING FEB.9,2016

School Board Notes From the Thomaston-Upson Board of Education Meeting ~ Tuesday, February 9, 2016 *This publication is for employee information only and does not contain a complete list of BOE agenda items or BOE actions taken at the meetings. Official Minutes from all T-U BOE meetings may be accessed online at: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/Meetings/MinutesListing.aspx?S=4155&Ty=1 ~ A brief overview of the T-U Board of Education meeting for our school system employees ~ 1) Personnel changes from last night’s BOE meeting include: a) ULMS PE teacher Ellen Foy will move to the ULSE, where she will take the open physical education position at that school. Congratulations to Mrs. Foy! (Job transfers within a single school do not have to be approved by the BOE. Therefore, the following was not on the personnel agenda at last night’s meeting, but is a result of Mrs. Foy’s transfer: Jeff Wheeless will take over the open PE position at ULMS. Mr. Wheeless is currently a Special Ed co-teacher at ULMS. Congratulations to Mr. Wheeless!) b) Tyler Pritchett, Director of the Upson-Lee Fine Arts Center, has tendered his resignation, effective Feb. 29, 2016. We wish him much happiness in his new endeavors! c) The BOE accepted the resignation or retirement of the following teachers and staff, effective at the end of this school year: Lynne Bickley (ULSE); Mollie Colvin (ULHS); Anna Logan Cotney (ULHS); Susan Cox (ULSE); Diane Greathouse (ULMS); Deborah Green (ULMS); Cheryl Herring (ULSE); Sherre Hilley (ULSE); Matthew Johnson (ULHS); Mike Majors (C.O.); Donna Sprayberry (ULSE); Dottie Teal (ULNE); Janet Whitley (ULHS). Best wishes to you all! d) The BOE approved the transfer of Milton Thompson from custodian at the ULNE cafeteria to custodian at the ULSE cafeteria. e) The BOE approved the following new hires: Devina Smith (ULMS SPED nurse); Gertha Jones (ULNE café food assistant sub); Jennifer Teal (food assistant sub – floater). Welcome! 2) BOE Chairperson Miriam Elsey gave the Chairperson Report: a) She attended ULSE Family Reading Night. This was a very successful event. Ms. Elsey thanked the teachers/staff at ULSE for their hard work. b) The Tour of Schools on Friday, Feb. 5, was very informative. Ms. Elsey thanked the community members who attended and thanked the principals and assistant principals for graciously opening their schools to the community. There is another tour planned for Wednesday, Feb. 17, from 9 – 11 AM. 3) The following BOE members reported: a) Angeline McGill reported that she is volunteering at Upson-Lee Alternative School. She congratulated Dr. Cunningham, ULAS Principal, for the hard work evidenced while she has been over there. b) Keith Rohling congratulated the ULHS Varsity Boys Basketball Team

THOMASTON MAN WRECKED IN LAMAR CO SUNDAY

A THOMASTON MOTORIST WAS LIFE-FLIGHTED TO AN ATLANTA HOSPITAL SUNDAY AFTERNOON AFTER HIS HONDA CRASHED INTO A TREE ON PIEDMONT ROAD IN LAMAR COUNTY .

THE GA. STATE PATROL POST IN FORSYTH —IDENTIFIED THE DRIVER AS TONY SMITH, AGE 23 OF 300 AVE. F. IN THOMASTON.

THOMASTON HAS AN INTERIM CITY MANAGER

AT A CALLED MEETING FRIDAY, FEB. 5TH, THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL VOTED TO HIRE BILLY BECKETT OF PEACHTREE CITY AS INTERIM CITY MANAGER. THE 90 DAY CONTRACT STIPULATES PAY OF $65 PER HOUR PLUS MILAGE.

BECKETT, AGE 67 , HAS 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AND WILL BE ON BOARD MONDAY, FEB. 15TH. 

RADAR BACK IN SERVICE FOR THOMASTON PD

Press Release  

On February 4, 2016 the Thomaston Police Department received the certification from the State of Georgia Department of Public Safety which would lawfully permit this department to utilize speed detection devices (RADAR Units) in the City limits of Thomaston. During this process this department updated the information with the State of Georgia related to the approved city streets and state routes that are permitted by the Department of Public Safety to use speed detection devices on. Effective on February 5, 2016 this department will start enforcing speeding violations and we encourage all citizens to please obey all speed limits within the city of Thomaston to ensure everyone’s safety while driving.

For Immediate Release: February 5, 2016 PIO:  Lieutenant Andrew Pippin

Thomaston Police Department

POSSIBLE ROLLING METH LAB IN LAMAR COUNTY THURSDAY

At approximately 6:25 a.m. on 2/4/16, the Lamar County Sheriff's Office received a complaint of a single vehicle accident on I-75 southbound at the 200 mile marker.  The vehicle hit the guardrail and came to rest in the northbound lanes of I-75.  Officers responding to the scene arrived at approximately 6:34 a.m. Contact was made with the driver and occupant of the vehicle who were checked by emergency personnel at the scene.  Neither occupant received any injuries.

Upon further investigation, officers found containers with possible hazardous materials inside which raised suspicions of a possible mobile Meth lab.   At this time, Sheriff Brad White expressed extreme concern for the motoring public. The Lamar County Sheriff's Office quarantined the area and contacted the GBI HAZMAT and EOD officers for assistance securing the suspected hazardous materials.  The GBI HAZMAT and EOD officers arrived and properly secured, removed and transported the suspected hazardous materials away from the scene.

Sheriff Brad White expresses his regret for any inconvenience experienced by the motoring public for delays which occurred during the closing of I-75 northbound.

Ginger Story Executive Assistant Lamar County Sheriff’s Offic

DAVID MARSHALL OF UL GOING TO UGA

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A WHILE, AN UPSONIAN WILL BE IN ATHENS PLAYING FOR THE GA. BULLDOGS.

DURING CEREMONIES AT UL HIGH SCHOOL WEDNESDAY, DEFENSIVE LINEMAN DAVID MARSHALL ANNOUNCED HE WILL SIGN WITH UGA. HE HAD COMMITTED TO AUBURN, BUT HE SAID THAT CHANGED WHEN COACH WILL MUSCHAMP LEFT TO COACH SOUTH CAROLINA.

TWO UL STUDENTS SENTENCED FOR ARMED ROBBERY

ACCORDING TO ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER, TWO 15 YEAR OLD UL HIGH STUDENTS ENTERED GUILTY PLEAS FOR ARMED ROBBERY AT KELLY'S CORNER CONVENIENCE STORE ON JAN. 26TH, WEDNESDAY IN UPSON JUVENILE COURT.

THE TWO WERE SENTENCED TO THE MAXIMUM , 60 MONTHS TO SERVE IN A JUVENILE FACILITY BY JUVENILE JUDGE BEN MILLER JR.

SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAID THE TWO SKIPPED SCHOOL THAT MORNING AND ROBBED THE FEMALE OPERATOR AT KNIFE POINT.

THOMASTON COULD BE HIRING AN INTERIM CITY MANAGER

FOLLOWING AN EXECUTIVE SESSION—TUESDAY NITE—THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO HIRE AN INTERIM CITY MANAGER—BILLY BECKETT OF PEACHTREE CITY—PENDING CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS.

COUNCIL SAID BECKETT HAS 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AND COMES HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY THE GA. MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION.

HE LAST SERVED AS COUNTY MANAGER OF CATOOSA COUNTY, GA. AND HAS BEEN EMPLOYED BY AMERICUS, RIVERDALE, ADAIRSVILLE, MCDONOUGH, AND HIRAM, GA. IN EITHER A FULL TIME OR INTERIM BASIS.

MAYOR PRO TEM DOUG HEAD SAID BECKETT IS NOT INTERESTED IN BECOMING THE FULL TIME CITY MANAGER OF THOMASTON.

TORNADO DRILL POSTPONED TILL FRIDAY

ACCORDING TO MARTHA ANN MCCARTY—UPSON EMA DIRECTOR—THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS CANCELLED A STATE WIDE TORNADO DRILL SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY DUE TO POSSIBLE BAD WEATHER.

IT HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY FEB. 5TH. THE POSSIBILITY OF SEVERE WEATHER EXISTS FOR PARTS OF GEORGIA EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING.

THE DRILL IS BEING HELD IN COORDINATION WITH GEORGIA'S SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK.

NEW CATH LAB AT URMC

Set to open this week, Upson Regional Medical Center's new cath lab.  The brand new 1.5 million dollar cath lab is equipped to diagnose blockages in both the heart and the legs, including the latest in treatment for leg blockages (peripheral vascular disease).  

Surgeon Robert Solyomvari, MD,  and Cardiologist Mark Dorogy, MD, are ready to lead an experienced team of technologists and nurses to provide outstanding diagnostic care close to home.

Low-risk catheterization and peripheral studies will be performed in the cath lab. One procedure, which is frequently referred to as a “cath”, is a diagnostic test used to find blockages. This procedure is called an angiogram (an x-ray of an artery) and should not be confused with an angioplasty, where stents are placed in the arteries to open blockages.

Through a small incision in the groin, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, which is guided to the coronary arteries of the heart. Once dye has been injected into these coronary arteries, the physician can see, through x-ray monitors, any blockages, their location and severity.

During the procedure, medication is usually administered for sedation and pain management. Upson's specially-trained and experienced cath lab staff are always available for continuous monitoring, reassurance, and skilled care.

Upson  also is equipped to provide peripheral vascular diagnostic tests such as abdominal aortograms, carotid artery angiograms, and additional angiograms that show blood flow through the arteries.