BRAVES SCHEDULES AVAILABLE AT 208 S. CENTER THE LOBBY OF WTGA

2016 ATLANTA BRAVES SCHEDULES ARE AVAILABLE IN OUR LOBBY—TAKE A FEW BUT LEAVE SOME FOR OTHERS.

UPCOMING CANDIDATES FORUMS

Congressional Forum for the position of US States Representative for District 3

May 2, 2016 6:30 PM

Pike County School Auditorium

This will be co-sponsored by the Pike County Farm Bureau along with Upson, Spalding, Meriwether and Lamar County Farm Bureau’s.

Local Candidates Forum

May 12, 2016 6:30 PM

Pike County Assembly Church

This will be sponsored by the Pike County Farm Bureau

Judicial Candidates Forum for the position of Superior Court Judge and D.A.

May 16, 2016 6:30 PM

Pike County Assembly Church

This will be co- sponsored by the Pike County Farm Bureau along with Spalding and Upson County Farm Bureau’s.

UPSON CO MASS NOTIFICATION SYSTEM UPGRADED

County’s Mass Notification System Upgraded

THOMASTON, GA, March 30, 2016 ― Upson County has upgraded their Mass Notification System. The Everberidge Citizen’s Alert System was placed in service three years ago. Since then, new and improved technology has lead Everbridge to upgrade their delivery platform. Upson County’s Mass Notification System transitioned to this new platform on March 17, 2016.

 Citizens that registered online when the system first came about need to go online and validate their information, as some may have had phone number changes in the past three years. Citizens that never registered online (linking their land lines and their mobile numbers together) should do so now in order to get the maximum benefit from this service. Citizens that have never registered at all or are new to our communities should also register online. Go to www.upsoncountyga.org and click on the citizen alert links to get to the easy-to-use registration / login site. Citizens that do not have internet access may call 706/741-1407 and be assisted in registering their contact numbers.

The improved alert system will provide automatic weather alerts in the events of severe thunderstorm warnings, tornado watches, and tornado warnings. You may also customize the alerts by adding a ‘quiet time’ range. No phone alerts will come to your phones from the Upson County Mass Notification System during your set ‘quiet time’ unless a TORNADO WARNING is issued. That one warning overrides any preferences set by users.

You may also set up preferences about notifications regarding road closures, utility outages, water main breaks and boil water notices, missing persons, shelter locations and mandatory evacuations.

The Mass Notification System is a free service to all citizens residing within the boundaries of Upson County, including the City of Thomaston and the City of Yatesville.

Please share this information with your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Any questions? Contact Upson Emergency Management Agency via email, EMA@upsoncountyga.org or by phone at 706/647-5600 or 706/741-1407 (cell).

SAM MCDANIEL CHOSEN FOR HUBERT HANDCOCK LEADERSHIP AWARD

EWS RELEASE

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WILL SPEND

TIME SURROUNDED BY THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST

“The Washington Youth Tour was one of the most unforgettable weeks of my life.

Everything I learned will help me become a successful leader,”

As noted by a 2015 Washington Youth Tour Delegate

(Thomaston, 03/28/16) Upson county resident, Sam McDaniel, has been chosen to receive Upson EMC’s 2016 Hubert Hancock Leadership Award and to participate in the 51st annual Washington Youth Tour, an all-expense paid leadership experience sponsored by electric membership cooperatives in Georgia, including Upson EMC.  

According to EMC leaders and past participants, to be chosen for the trip is a real honor, particularly since candidates vie for a spot alongside other teens across the state who are community volunteers, student athletes, and members of respected academic organizations.

The Youth Tour was established with one thought in mind – to inspire the next generation of leaders. This year’s tour, which takes place June 9-16, exposes students to the fast-paced world of politics, leadership and agenda-setting.  

Each year the teens are challenged to consider the part they play in government and the cooperative movement, to become involved citizens and to consider careers in public service.

“These students represent the next generation of educated, engaged citizen leaders in our communities and country,” says Brooke Parrott with Upson EMC.

“It’s important for them, especially at this critical age, to experience the nation’s capital, to see monuments and memorials honoring those who made sacrifices so that we can live and worship in a free society, and introduce them to students who share similar hopes and dreams but also come from a variety of backgrounds and different parts of the state and country.”

Sam was one of the six finalists selected by his peers in the Youth Leadership Upson class. The finalists went through a rigorous one on one interview process with out of town judges. 

EMC leaders and former student delegates agree the Youth Tour has grown into an invaluable program that gives young Americans an experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. The teen-delegates will explore government on a local and national level, gathering in Atlanta before departing for Washington D.C.   

When the group arrives in D.C., participants will have a unique opportunity to meet with their elected officials and discuss the issues that are important back home. Georgia’s delegation will convene with more than 1,700 youth representing cooperatives across the nation and have the opportunity to mingle with peers from other states and exchange views concerning local and national issues.

Since 1965, the Washington Youth Tour has given 3,000 students in Georgia and more than 50,000 students nationwide the opportunity to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.  The program was initially implemented at the request of President Lyndon Johnson to “send youngsters to the nation’s capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.”  

Upson EMC is a consumer-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to 6,785 members in Crawford, Meriwether, Pike, Talbot, Taylor and Upson counties.

33 APPLICATIONS FOR CITY OF THOMASTON MANAGER 17 FOR HR DIR

CITY OF THOMASTON' INTERIM CITY MANAGER BILLY BECKETT SAYS WHEN QUALIFYING CLOSED , THERE WERE 33 APPLICANTS FOR CITY MANAGER AND 17 FOR THE NEW POST OF HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR.

MANAGER BECKETT TOLD ZOOM NEWS MONDAY HE HOPES TO HAVE A CALLED MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL ASAP TO PRESENT HIS RECOMMENDATION FOR THE FIVE CANDIDATES TO BE INTERVIEWED. HE WANTS QUICK ACTION BECAUSE THERE ARE SOME QUALITY CANDIDATES AND TWO OTHER CITIES IN GEORGIA ARE LOOKING FOR MANAGERS.

BECKETT SAID SEVERAL WERE FROM THOMASTON, ONE FROM CALIFORNIA, ARIZONA, MASSACHUETTS, AND FLORIDA, BUT MOST FROM GEORGIA. HE DOES NOT WANT THE PERMANENT JOB.

THE H.R. APPS WERE ALL FROM GEORGIA, SOME FROM AROUND THIS AREA. THE CITY MANAGER IS DESIGNATED TO HIRE THE H.R. POSITION, BUT SINCE HE IS AN INTERIM, BILLY SAID HE WILL DO WHAT THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL DESIRES.

GOV. DEAL VETOED RELIGIOUS LIBERTY BILL

GOV. NATHAN DEAL HAS VETOED THE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY BILL—THAT TRIGGERED PUSH BACK FROM BUSINESS LEADERS, THE HOLLYWOOD FILM INDUSTRY AND THE GAY COMMUNITY.

THE GOVERNOR SAID HOUSE BILL 757 DOES NOT REFLECT THE WELCOMING IMAGE OF GA.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOHNNIE CALDWELL WHO REPRESENTS UPSON, PIKE, AND LAMAR COUNTIES VOTED FOR THE BILL AND SAID HE'S DISAPPOINTED WITH THE GOVERNOR'S VETO.

WRONG WAY DRIVER WILL SERVE 18 YEARS IN PRISON

A VEHICULAR HOMOCIDE CASE THAT COST THE LIVES OF A YOUNG UPSON COUNTY COUPLE WAS CLOSED WITH A GUILTY PLEA IN UPSON SUPERIOR COURT.

ACCORDING TO ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER, 21 YEAR OLD WILLIE WHITE OF HAMPTON, GA. WAS SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS, 18 TO SERVE IN PRISON BY JUDGE FLETCHER SAMS.

WHITE IS CHARGED WITH STRIKING A VECHILE OCCUPIED BY ALEXANDRA LAMONTHE AGE 26 AND HER HUSBAND TIMONTY LAMONTHE, AGE 29 ON U.S. 19 SOUTH, WHILE DUI.

PROSECUTOR COKER SAID WHITE WAS RUNNING FROM THOMASTON POLICE AND WAS DRIVING THE WRONG-WAY WHEN HE HIT THE COUPLE, THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS GAVE EMOTIONAL TESTIMONY AT THE PLEA BARGAIN HEARING—COKER ADDED.

WHITE WAS CHARGED WITH 22 COUNTS BUT SEVERAL WERE MERGED—THEY INCLUDED TWO COUNTS OF VEHICULAR HOMOCIDE, DUI, ATTEMPTING TO ELUDE AND TRAVELING THE WRONG WAY

REZONING PASSED FOR $85 MILLION DOLLAR GENERAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN SPALDING CO

DESPITE HIGHLY EMOTION TESTIMONY FROM FAMILIES WHO LIVE NEAR IT, THE SPALDING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS VOTED TO REZONE 55 ACRES AT THE SPALDING-BUTTS COUNTY LINE FOR AN $85 MILLION DOLLAR GENERAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER, AT THURSDAY'S ZONING MEETING.

AN ATTORNEY FOR DOLLAR GENERAL SAID IT WILL CREATE 530 NEW JOBS, 150 CONSTRUCTION JOBS. WORK EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JUNE.

STORE CLERK SHOT IN GRIFFIN

Sheriff Wendell Beam Reports:

On Thursday, March 24, 2016 at 10:13 PM Spalding County Deputies responded to an attempted Armed Robbery and a person shot at the Triangle Amoco Station at 3241 Jackson Road Spalding County, Georgia.  Deputies discovered the male employee lying on the floor inside the business.  The employee stated he was locking the door to the business when someone in the parking lot shot through the glass door.  The employee was shot three times in the upper body.  He was taken to the Atlanta Medical Center for surgery.  Identification of the employee is being withheld pending further notification of family members.  Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to contact the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office at 770-467-4282.

PIKE CO HEALTH FAIR APRIL I, 2016

PIKE COUNTY HEALTH FAIR APRIL I, 2016 7AM TILL 10AM, LIFE SPRINGS CHURCH, ZEBULON. SPONSORED BY UGA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION IN PIKE COUNTY AND THE PIKE COUNTY FARM BUREAU WOMEN'S COMMITTEE.

OPEN TO ALL, REGARDLESS OF WHERE YOU RESIDE.

STORMS POSSIBLE IN THE AREA THURSDAY EVENING

UPSON COUNTY EMA DIRECTOR MARTHA ANNE MCCARTY PARTICIPATED IN A NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BRIEFING THURSDAY MORNING ON THE POSSIBILITY OF SEVERE STORMS IN OUR AREA THURSDAY EVENING.

ONE TO 2 INCHES OF RAIN POSSIBLE WITH WIND GUSTS TO 60 MILES PER HOUR AND THUNDERSTORMS THAT COULD SPAWN TORNADOS , BUT FORECASTERS SAY STRAIGHT LINE WINDS COULD BE A GREATER THREAT. IT APPEARS 8PM TONITE WILL BE THE TIME FRAME OF THE MOST STORM ACTIVITY—WITH THE SYSTEM LOSING STRENGTH BY 11PM AND PRODUCING SHOWERS INTO FRIDAY MORNING.

REP. CALDWELL VOTED FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AND CAMPUS CARRY

STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOHNNY CALDWELL WHO REPRESENTS UPSON, PIKE, AND LAMAR COUNTIES—TOLD ZOOM NEWS OVER THE WEEKEND—HE VOTED FOR TWO CONTROVERSIAL BILLS THAT AWAIT THE GOVERNOR'S SIGNATURE—THE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY BILL AND THE CAMPUS CARRY BILL—FOR GUNS ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES.

CALDWELL SAID THE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY BILL IS NEEDED TO PROTECT PASTORS FROM HAVING TO CONDUCT SAME-SEX WEDDINGS AND IT ALSO ALLOWS CHURCHES TO OPT-OUT ON SAME-SEX WEDDINGS.

GEORGIA'S BUSINESS TITANS, SPORTS FRANCHISES, AND HOLLYWOOD OPPOSE IT—CLAIMING IT WILL LEGALIZE DISCRIMINATION IN THE STATE. U.S. SENATOR JOHNNY ISAKSON SAID MONDAY—RELIGIOUS LIBERTY SHOULD BE LEFT UP TO THE FEDS.

THE CAMPUS CARRY BILL IS OPPOSED BY OFFICIALS WITH THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM AND GEORGIA'S CHIEF'S OF POLICE.

HOUSE MEMBER CALDWELL—A FORMER JUDGE AND PROSECUTOR—SAID CAMPUS CARRY WILL LIMIT GUNS ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES—NOT ALLOWED IN A DORM OR FRAT HOUSE OR AT A COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME—AND YOU MUST BE AGE 21 WITH A CARRY PERMIT .

ASKED IF THE GOVERNOR WILL SIGN THE TWO BILLS—CALDWELL WOULD NOT SPECULATE—BUT GOVERNOR NATHAN DEAL HAS UNTIL EARLY MAY TO MAKE THE CALL.

CALDWELL TOLD US HE IS WORKING FOR $3 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR A NEW STUDENT CENTER AT GORDON STATE COLLEGE IN BARNESVILLE. HE GOT A MILLION AND A HALF FROM THE HOUSE—BUT THE SENATE PULLED THE PLUG ON THE OTHER HALF—BUT HE'S STILL PUSHING FOR IT.

HE LANDED $5 MILLION FOR RENOVATION OF THE DOROTHY HIGHTOWER LIBRARY ON GORDON'S CAMPUS IN A PREVIOUS SESSION.

THOMASTON PD OFFICER TOBIN RETURNING TO DUTY

PRESS RELEASE

STATEMENT FROM THE CHIEF

Since January 25, 2016 when I took office as the Chief of Police for the Thomaston Police Department, I have been faced daily with how to resolve the looming Officer Tobin issue.   I have been asked numerous times by citizens with opinions on both sides of the issue how and when I plan to make a decision regarding whether Officer Tobin will continue in his duties at TPD or not.  I have tried to be very objective in my review of all the information available to me.  I have read statements, police reports, commendations, viewed videos, and certainly not least among my actions was to pray about how I would go about correcting an issue that began long before my tenure. I understand this issue has invoked anger, created division, and wasted tax payer dollars, all of which made my decision that much more difficult.    

At this point all investigations and reviews have concluded that no one, to include myself, has found Officer Tobin guilty of committing unlawful acts while acting in his official duties.  I might add that while the City of Thomaston Policy does not allow me to consider disciplinary actions dating beyond a five year period, I did go back and look at complaints beyond 2011, as did the District Attorney, but found all complaints, based on the available documentation, had been addressed by previous administrations.  While I firmly believe that Officer Tobin has not committed any criminal violations, I do believe that Officer Tobin is in need of training regarding professional standards and conduct that I believe to be paramount in order for him to remain at the TPD.  My expectations of my officers will always be that the citizen, no matter who they are and what they have done, is to be treated with respect and dignity in action and in words.   I will accept and tolerate no less from any of my officers.    

It is my decision that Officer Tobin will end his administrative leave and return to the TPD on Thursday, March 17th.  I have set forth very clear expectations for his conduct after his return, which he fully understands.  Officer Tobin will be assigned as the department Evidence Custodian and a Crime Scene investigator, for which he will receive training.  These positions fill a vacancy that is needed for our department as we strive to obtain State Certification and ultimately National Accreditation.   I have not had the opportunity to work with Officer Tobin, but plan to work closely with him to help him understand that his passion for policing will be made more effective in this community as he understands my expectations for professionalism and respect.  I am fully aware that my decision will anger some in this town.  I assure you that I am acting not only within the confines of the law but in the best interest of this city.  As I have stated to some members of the community, I am deeply committed to bettering the lives of those we serve and will tolerate nothing less than professionalism and respect in the services we deliver.  It is my hope and prayer that we can put this issue behind us and move toward building a better future together in our community and within our Police department.  

Chief Mike Richardson  

ABC WORLD NEWS TONIGHT FILMED IN THOMASTON FOR MADE IN THE USA SEGMENT

ABC WORLD NEWS  TONIGHT  WAS AT THE STANDARD TEXTILE PLANT IN THOMASTON THIS WEEK FILMING FOR ITS “MADE IN THE USA “ SEGMENT THAT SPOTLIGHTS PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED IN THE USA. THE SEGMENT WILL AIR ON ABC NEWS IN THE COMING WEEKS.

IT TIES IN WITH A BIG EVENT AT THE PLANT THURSDAY FEATURING MARRIOTT HOTELS EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN BILL MARRIOTT ANNOUNCING THAT HIS CHAIN WILL BE FIRST IN THE U.S. TO PROVIDE GUESTS WITH “MADE-IN-THE-USA” TOWELS AND BATHMATS FROM STANDARD TEXTILE PLANTS IN THOMASTON AND UNION, SOUTH CAROLINA.

THE AGREEMENT WITH STANDARD TEXTILE CREATES 150 U.S. JOBS AND ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT.

STANDARD TEXTILE IS PRODUCING THE PRODUCTS WITH 100 PER CENT COTTON FIBER GROWN IN THE U.S.

KYLE FLETCHER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE THOMASTON-UPSON INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY , SAID THE IDA IS EXCITED TO PARTNER WITH STANDARD TEXTILE FOR THE NEW INVESTMENT.

POLICE CHASE SUNDAY FROM ZEBULON TO THOMASTON

CITY OF ZEBULON POLICE OFFICER TRUSTIN BRAZIER WAS TREATED AT THE E.R. AFTER HIS PATROL UNIT WAS TOTALED IN A HIGH SPEED CHASE SUNDAY ON U.S. 19 FROM ZEBULON TO THOMASTON.

THE RUN-A-WAY DRIVER WAS IN THE SONIC DRIVE-IN PARKING LOT IN NORTHSIDE THOMASTON WHEN HE SLAMMED INTO OFFICER BRAZIER'S POLICE CAR AND KEPT GOING.

THE CHASE CONTINUED TO EAST COUNTY ROAD—WHERE THE AXLE COLLAPSED ON THE CAR NEAR THE MACHINE SHOP AT THE CREEK BRIDGE AND IT RAN IN A DITCH. THE DRIVER GOT AWAY ON FOOT. TWO PASSENGERS IN THE FLEEING VEHICLE WERE FROM TENNESSEE.

ZEBULON P.D. THOMASTON POLICE, UPSON S.O. AND THE GA. STATE PATROL WERE ALL INVOLVED IN THE CHASE AT SOME POINT.

THE CASE IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION. 

QUALIFYING FOR THE MAY 24, 2016 PRIMARY OPENED MONDAY

IN UPSON COUNTY FOR CHIEF MAGISTRATE--- WILLIAM HUGHLEY , JAN STREEMAN

FOR TAX COMMISSIONER --DONNA SMITH AND ANDY CHASTAIN

FOR DISTRICT ONE UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER-- INCUMBENT LORENZO WILDER AND CHRIS BIGGS.

FOR BOARD OF EDUCATION—SHELIA HALL DISTRICT 3, INCUMBENT LEON FOWLER—DIST. 5, INCUMBENT TERRELL JACKSON DISTRICT 7

FOR SHERIFF—INCUMBENT DAN KILGORE

PROBATE JUDGE—INCUMBENT DANELLE MCRAE

BILL  MAHER--COUNTY  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN

LEE FOWLER TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Lee Fowler, a 1998 Upson-Lee graduate and former Thomaston-Upson School System teacher, was selected Teacher of the Year for the Frank McClarin Success Academy in the Fulton County School System. Lee is the English/Language Arts Chair and a teacher at McClarin Success Academy. He is the son of Leon and Sandra Fowler of Thomaston.

...............................................................

Karen F. Truesdale

BRIAN SMITH ANNOUNCES FOR SPALDING CO SHERIFF

Brian Smith officially announces he is  qualifying for the office of Sheriff of Spalding County on Monday March 7th.  He is a native of Spalding County where he lives with his wife and daughter. He's had 20+ years experience in law enforcement, and earned 16 certifications and awards. Brian worked for the Spalding County Sheriff's Office for 14 years finishing with his assignment to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. He is currently an Investigator with Coweta County Sheriff's Crime Suppression Unit and serves as the department chief helicopter pilot.

This Sunday residents can meet Brian Smith at Rock Springs church in Milner.   At the Rock Springs services  he will be introduced by Dr Bennie Tate at  their 8:30am and 11:00am services,  and will be available afterward for meeting and questions.

Brian Smith says; "I am energetic, I have the experience to lead, and I'm ready for the job of making our sheriff's department one that you'll be proud of.  I have a plan to make our Sheriff's dept run more efficiently and also be able to offer better salaries so we can retain our good employees."

REBEKAH HANSON RUNNING FOR CLERK PIKE SUPERIOR COURT

Press Release:

March 4th 2016 at 12:00 p.m.

Rebekah Hanson of Pike County is announcing her candidacy for Clerk of Superior Court in Pike County.

Rebekah is a graduate of American Continental University with a degree in Criminal Justice with a focus in Court administration.

Rebekah is a licensed real estate agent with Coldwell Banker-Bullard Realty and a small business owner in Pike County.

Rebekah is the wife of John Hanson and mother of 3 daughters, Elizabeth, Georgia, and Audrey Hanson.

Rebekah is active in the Pike County community as a Board Member of the Pike County Arts Council, Founder/Director of Pike Arts Council Junior Players, and a 4-H volunteer.

Rebekah’s campaign will focus on serving as Clerk of Superior Court with a commitment to excellence for the citizens of Pike County.

PRESS RELEASE FROM THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON

PRESS RELEASE

On March 1, 2016, District Attorney Scott Ballard released his final report regarding his complete review of numerous citizens’ complaints involving Officer Phillip Tobin of the Thomaston Police Department.  This review was conducted at the request of Former Chief Dan Greathouse in August of 2014.   

After a lengthy, careful review of each individual complaint filed against Officer Tobin the District Attorney’s Office concluded that they will not be requesting the GBI to investigate any of the complaints.  As stated in the report by Scott Ballard, “The Georgia Bureau of Investigation exists to investigate criminal activity. For this reason, I would only send a file to the GBI to investigate if, after initially screening the matter, I believe that there is a substantial likelihood that the investigation would reveal prosecutable criminal activity on part of the officer.  I am not requesting that the GBI investigate any of these matters because I do not believe that any of them qualify under that standard.”  

Since Officer Tobin’s tenure with the Thomaston Police Department, dating back to 2004, all complaints against him have been investigated by the Police Department.  Since Officer Tobin has been placed on administrative leave several of the complaints against Officer Tobin were reviewed a second time by the TPD, the DA’s office and a third extensive lengthy review of all the complaints by the District Attorney himself.  All investigations and reviews concluded that there is no prosecutable criminal misconduct on behalf of Officer Tobin.  

At this time the DA’s report has been turned over to newly appointed Chief Mike Richardson for his review and final recommendation.  Chief Richardson will be reviewing the report to determine appropriate administrative actions as well as Officer Tobin’s future with the TPD. The review will be conducted within the next week and a recommendation submitted to the Interim City Manager, Mr. Beckett. 

PIKE CO COMMISSIONERS THANK THE VOTERS

Pike County Board of Commissioner would like to take the opportunity to thank the citizens of Pike County for supporting the 2016 SPLOST Continuation. The measure passed with an overwhelming amount of support at 74.01% of the vote in favor of the SPLOST. The Commissioners are committed to maximizing the use of these dollars to improve the roads in Pike County. Request for Proposals for the planned projects will be sent out in the coming weeks in preparation for when the funding becomes available. We would like to see projects starting as late spring 2016. County Manager, John Hanson Pike County Board of Commissioners

THE FOUNDER COMING IN AUGUST

A MOVIE FILMED IN THOMASTON AND GRIFFIN HAS A NEW RELEASE DATE. THE FOUNDER—THE STORY OF MCDONALD'S RESTAURANT CHAIN FOUNDER RAY KROC WILL BE ON THE SILVER SCREEN IN AUGUST.

SCENES WERE FILMED AT PIGGY PARK DRIVE-IN IN THOMASTON AND GRIFFITH'S DRIVE-IN IN GRIFFIN.

IT STARS MICHAEL KEATON AS RAY KROC AND GOOD MORNING AMERICA DUBS THE MOVIE CONTROVERSIAL. KEATON BRAGGED THAT HIS LAST TWO MOVIES WON BEST PICTURE—BIRDMAN LAST YEAR AND SPOTLIGHT THIS YEAR.

TRUMP, CLINTON WIN IN UPSON, SPLOST WINS IN PIKE

DONALD TRUMP AND HILLARY CLINTON THE BIG WINNERS IN UPSON COUNTY IN TUESDAY'S PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY WITH A 43% VOTER TURNOUT.

ON THE GOP SIDE TRUMP GOT 51%, MARCO RUBIO 19%, TED CRUZ 18%.

HILLARY CLINTON GOT 80% OF THE DEMOCRAT VOTE, BERNIE SANDERS 20%.

PIKE COUNTY APPROVED A $5.8 MILLION SPLOST FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES WITH 74% OF THE VOTE.

DONALD TRUMP GOT 44%, CRUZ 17%, RUBIO 15% AND ON THE DEMOCRAT BALLOT HILLARY CLINTON 68%.

IN SPALDING COUNTY DONALD TRUMP 4007 VOTES, CRUZ 2458, RUBIO 1964. HILLARY CLINTON 3157 BERNIE SANDERS 822—WITH A TURN-OUT OF ALMOST 50%.