T-U SPELLING BEE CHAMP KRISH MODI WINS DISTRICT 6

Thomaston-Upson Spelling Bee champion Krish Modi, an 8th grader at ULMS, won the District 6 Spelling Bee on Saturday, February 25, in Warner Robins. Krish will now represent District 6 and the Thomaston-Upson School System at the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) State Spelling Bee Championship on March 17 at Georgia State University. Krish prevailed through 18 rounds at the District 6 Bee, where he correctly spelled the words langlauf, samovar, diphthong, chary, contrapuntal, ubiquitous, and recidivist, among others. 

KELSEY ROCKEMORE TRIAL CONTINUED IN UPSON CO.

THE TRIAL OF KELSEY ROCKEMORE FOR FALSE STATEMENTS TO THE GBI AND OBSTRUCTION OF FORMER POLICE OFFICER PHILLIP TOBIN HAS BEEN CONTINUED IN UPSON SUPERIOR COURT.

TOBIN IS NOW WORKING OUT OF STATE AND THE GBI AGENT WHO WORKED THE CASE ROBERT DEVANE IS CURRENTLY ON ACTIVE DUTY IN THE U.S. AIR FORCE AND THEY ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO TESTIFY.

UPSON S.O. CAN TRACK DEMENTIA PATIENTS

THE UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IS LAUNCHING A NEW PROGRAM CALLED OPERATION LIFE-SAVER. SGT. NEIL SANDERS TOLD THOMASTON KIWANIS TUESDAY THE S.O. ISSUES A WRIST BAND RADIO TRANSMITTER TO FAMILIES FOR DEMENTIA PATIENTS TO WEAR THAT CAN TRACK THEM IF THEY GO MISSING.

THE COST IS $250 PLUS $5 PER MONTH FOR BATTERIES.

WIFE FOUND MURDERED IN SPALDING COUNTY

SPALDING COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HAS ARRESTED A HUSBAND FOR THE ALLEGED MURDER OF HIS WIFE—50 YEAR OLD SANDY CHERRY—OF PINE GLEN MOBILE HOME PARK ON NORTH MCDONOUGH ROAD —WHO DID NOT SHOW-UP FOR A CAR POOL TO WORK—THURSDAY MORNING.

AT 9;45AM--THE SUSPECT—50 YEAR OLD EARL CHERRY REFUSED TO ALLOW DEPUTIES TO ENTER AND SPEAK WITH HER—BUT BASED ON CONFLICTING STORIES THEY SEARCHED THE RESIDENCE AND FOUND A LARGE CRIME SCENE AND FOUND MS. CHERRY DECEASED.

CORONER SONNY FOSTER, GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER AND A.D.A. MARIE BRODER RESPONDED TO JOIN THE INVESTIGATION.

EARL CHERRY FACES 3 MURDER COUNTS, PLUS CONCEALING THE DEATH OF ANOTHER AND TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE.  

TPD, NTF DRUG BUST WITH ONE ARREST

On Thursday evening, February 16, 2017, members of the Narcotics Task Force (NTF) with the assistance of TPD officers executed a search warrant for Narcotics at 465 N Main St., Thomaston, Georgia.  During the execution of the warrant the following items were found and seized as evidence:

Two separate bags containing a total of 23 individual baggies packaged with crack cocaine, a third bag containing two small slabs of crack cocaine, an AK47 pistol with 3 magazines and one 100 round drum magazine along with ammo.  A Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver with laser light and ammo, 5 digital scales, additional supplies used to cook crack and packaging material.  The Cocaine seized had an estimated street value of $1,100. 

Quincy L. JOHNSON of Thomaston, Georgia was arrested at the scene and charged with multiple felony drug and weapon charges and criminal gang activity.   JOHNSON is being held at the Upson County jail.  The investigation is still on going and additional charges may follow.  “I’m very pleased with the results of the investigation thus far, removing guns from the hands of criminals and getting them off the streets is a huge success.” 

BOWMAN SENTENCED TO LIFE , NO PAROLE

ACCORDING  TO   GRIFFIN  CIRCUIT  DISTRICT  ATTORNEY  BEN  COKER—MICHAEL  DEWAYNE  BOWMAN  HAS   ACCEPTED  A  SENTENCE  OF  LIFE  IN   PRISON   WITHOUT  PAROLE  PLUS  30  YEARS  TO  SERVE --  FOR  THE  MURDER  OF  CITY  OF  GRIFFIN  POLICE  OFFICER  KEVIN  JORDAN.
THE  STATE  HAD  BEEN  SEEKING  THE  DEATH  PENALTY.

D.A.  COKER  TOLD  ZOOM  NEWS  HE   APPROACHED  BOWMAN'S  DEFENSE  ATTORNEYS   WITH  THE  SENTENCE  OFFER--   THURSDAY  AFTERNOON  AFTER   THE  JURY  RETURNED  A  VERDICT OF  GUILTY  BUT  MENTALLY  ILL-- ON  THE  MURDER  COUNTS  AT  THE  TROUP  COUNTY  COURTHOUSE.  PRESIDING  JUDGE  FLETCHER  SAMS   SENTENCED  BOWMAN,  AGE   31  ,  IN  COURT  FRIDAY  MORNING.

OFFICER   JORDAN'S  FAMILY   AGREED   WITH    THE  SENTENCE -- THE  D.A.  TOLD  US.

  AND  HE     WENT  ON  TO  SAY   THE  SENTENCE    SHOULD    GIVE    OFFICER   JORDAN'S  FAMILY  SOME  CLOSURE.

  PROSECUTOR  COKER  STATED--  THE  VERDICT  WAS  NOT  WHAT  HIS  OFFICE  HOPED-FOR BUT  AFTER   REVIEWING  THE  VERDICT   AND   SPEAKING  WITH   JURORS   LATER,   IT  WAS  CLEAR  THEY  WERE  NOT  GOING  TO  RETURN  A  DEATH  PENALTY  SENTENCE.

BOWMAN'S  GIRL  FRIEND  CHANTELL  MIXON  IS  ALSO  CHARGED  WITH  MURDER  IN  THE  SHOOTING  DEATH  OF  OFFICER JORDAN.

D.A.  COKER  INDICATED  MIXON  WILL  BE  ON  THE  COURT  DOCKET FOR  TRIAL  LATER  THIS  YEAR  IN   SPALDING  COUNTY,  BUT  IT  WILL  NOT  BE  A  DEATH   PENALTY  CASE.

ACCORDING TO  TESTIMONY  IN  THE  TWO  WEEK  TRIAL—MIXON WAS  CREATING  A  DISTURBANCE  AT  THE  WAFFLE   HOUSE  IN  GRIFFIN  WHEN  OFFICER  JORDAN  TRIED  TO  ARREST   HER  AND  BOWMAN  SHOT  HIM  IN  THE  BACK  5   TIMES.

BOWMAN GUILTY BUT MENTALLY ILL

A JURY IN TROUP COUNTY FOUND MICHAEL DEWAYNE BOWMAN GUILTY BUT MENTALLY ILL , THURSDAY FOR THE MURDER OF CITY OF GRIFFIN POLICE OFFICER KEVIN JORDAN.

THE VERDICT WAS RETURNED AT THE TROUP COUNTY COURTHOUSE AFTER A TWO WEEK TRIAL.

GRIFFIN CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER TOLD ZOOM NEWS AFTER THE VERDICT WAS READ—THAT THE VERDICT -- GUILTY BUT MENTALLY ILL-- DOES NOT TAKE THE DEATH PENALTY OFF THE TABLE AND THE SENTENCING PHASE WILL CONTINUE FRIDAY MORNING.

THE JURY FOUND BOWMAN GUILTY BUT MENTALLY ILL OF THE MURDER CHARGES AND THE OTHER MOST SERIOUS CHARGES IN COUNTS 1 -- 6, BUT HE WAS FOUND GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS 7 -12 INCLUDING POSSESSION OF A FIREARM IN THE COMMISSION OF A CRIME.

D.A. COKER SAID IT WAS NOT THE VERDICT HIS OFFICE HOPED FOR, BUT THEY WILL PROCEED WITH THE SENTENCING PHASE THAT COULD TAKE TWO DAYS TO COMPLETE.

THE SENTENCING PHASE IS EXPECTED TO INVOLVE TESTIMONY FROM OFFICER JORDAN'S FAMILY AND POSSIBLY HIS ASSOCIATES.

DALLAS HOFFMAN UL STAR STUDENT

THE UPSON LEE STAR STUDENT AND STAR TEACHER WERE ANNOUNCED TUESDAY BY THE SPONSORING THOMASTO N KIWANIS CLUB.

STAR STUDENT—DALLAS HOFFMAN—SON OF STACY AND ERIC HOFFMAN—AND DALLAS SELECTED HIS MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH TEACHER---MARGARET BLACKWELL—STAR TEACHER.

ERIC PLANS TO ATTEND MIDDLE GA. STATE COLLEGE IN MACON AND STUDY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—AND WILL COMPETE FOR REGION STAR STUDENT IN COLUMBUS.

GA DOT EMPLOYEE ARRESTED ON CHILD PORN CHARGES

Upson County Man Arrested for Distribution of Child Pornography

Thomaston, Georgia – An investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes (CEACC) Unit resulted in the arrest of an Upson County man.  On Monday, February 13, 2017, David Batchelor, age 45, was arrested at his residence, 825 West Moores Crossing Road, Thomaston, Georgia, by members of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Upson County Sheriff’s Office.  Batchelor is currently being held at the Upson County jail where he is charged with Distribution of Child Pornography.  

The arrest of Batchelor was the result of a proactive investigation initiated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s CEACC Unit. The unit is the host agency for the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force that seeks to target those that possess and distribute illegal child abuse images.  

Several electronic devices were seized from Batchelor during this investigation. The GBI’s CEACC Unit will conduct forensic analysis of the electronic devices belonging to Batchelor and more charges may be forthcoming.

Batchelor is currently employed with the Georgia Department of Transportation and serves as Executive Administrator of the Rays of Hope Child Care Facility.  

This investigation remains active and ongoing.  Anyone with related information should contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit at 404-270-8870.

INTERFOR JOB FAIR FEB. 16TH S.C.T.C.

INTERFOR IS HOSTING A JOB FAIR FOR PRODUCTION AND MAINTENANCE MILLWRIGHTS AT SOUTHERN CRESCENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE, BUILDING-A IN THOMASTON, THURSDAY FEB. 16TH 8AM TILL NOON AND 3PM TILL 6;30PM. FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO APPLY, VISIT INTERFOR DOT COME SLASH CAREERS. INTERFOR, FORMERLY KEADLE LUMBER ENTERPRISES.

GORDON STATE COLLEGE POLICE HONORS

Two Gordon State College police officers were recently recognized by their peers and honored at a reception hosted by the campus’ Rotaract Club.

Sgt. Lynn Ray was named Top Gun for her skills on the range. Officer Michael Sanders was named Officer of the Year.

“Sergeant Ray always dedicates her workday to smiling and serving others,” said GSC Police Chief Jeff Mason. “That role as a cop has always been her trademark. It is a leadership skill that she teaches by example.”

Mason noted that Ray’s shooting skills are exemplary.

“Her practice has paid off,” Mason said. “It was not an easy award to win, but she succeeded.”

Ray has been with the department for 16 years and was named Officer of the Year in 2014.

Officer Michael Sanders was named Officer of the Year for the second time by department supervisors.

“Officer Sanders came to us in 2013 to pursue a career in campus policing,” said Mason. “He was a great selection.”

Mason jokes that Sanders carries the nickname Bright and Shiny because his uniform is always neat and pressed, a nod to his 4 ½ years as a U.S. Marine. Sanders was also recognized for helping the department reach two major goals that were set in 2015.

“The first was to have a dedicated Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Instructor and to have a certified POST range instructor,” Mason said. “We have those now. Thank you Michael for neve

THOMASTON'S CITY CLERK, CFO IS RESIGNING

FOLLOWING AN EXECUTIVE SESSION TUESDAY—THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL ACCEPTED THE RESIGNATION OF CITY CLERK AND FINANCE OFFICER CLINT CHASTAIN— EFFECTIVE FEB 17TH---WHO IS REPORTEDLY TAKING A SIMILAR POSITION WITH HARRIS COUNTY GOVERNMENT.

IN OTHER ACTION THE COUNCIL APPOINTED GAIL HAMMOCK ASSISTANT CITY CLERK—TO HANDLE THOSE DUTIES AND AUTHORIZED CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON TO BEGIN THE PROCESS TO HIRE AN INTERIM FINANCE OFFICER.

COUNCIL MEMBERS DON GREATHOUSE AND RYAN TUCKER TOLD ZOOM NEWS—WEDNESDAY--THE CITY CLERK/FINANCE OFFICER JOB IS TOO DEMANDING FOR ONE PERSON—THEY WANT TO SEPERATE THE POSITIONS—BUT IT WILL REQUIRE A CHANGE TO THE CITY CHARTER.

UPSON S.O. MAKES BURGLARY ARREST

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAID GOOD POLICE WORK LEAD TO THE ARREST OF ONE ATLANTA MAN AFTER A BURGLARY AT SARINA'S CHEVRON AT 19 NORTH AND DEL RAY ROAD 3AM SATURDAY MORNING— AND A CHASE WITH SUSPECTS—TWO STILL ON THE RUN.

DEPUTIES HAD PULLED-OVER A MOTORIST FOR DUI—ON 19 AND HEARD THE SECURITY ALARM WHEN IT TRIGGERED AT THE CONVIENCE STORE.

DEPUTY ZACK WALLS RUSHED TO THE STORE AND FOUND THE FRONT GLASS DOOR BROKEN AND MECHANDISE SCATTERED IN THE PARKING LOT LEADING TOWARD DEL RAY ROAD—SO HE PROCEEDED AND FOUND THE CADILLAC AUTOMOBILE AND IT SPED AWAY FROM HIM.

THE CAR TURNED BACK TOWARD THOMASTON ON 36 AND REACHED SPEEDS OF ALMOST 120 MILES PER HOUR TRYING TO ELUDE THE LAW—AT WHICH TIME THE S.O. CALLED OFF THE CHASE.

THE DRIVER APPARENTLY SPOTTED A CITY OF THOMASTON POLICE OFFICER NEAR OLD YATESVILLE ROAD—AND RAN OFF INTO A FIELD.

ONE OF THE PASSENGERS GOT ON THE ROOF OF THE CAR AND HE AND THE DRIVER BAILED-OUT—WHILE IT WAS STILL MOVING AND FLED THE SCENE.

A PASSENGER IN THE BACK SEAT WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY—IDENTIFIED AS LARRY JOHNSON , AGE 28, OF ATLANTA . FOUND INSDE THE CAR—CARTONS OF CIGARETTES AND OTHER GOODS FROM THE STOR, MARIJUANA , AND A BACK-PACK OF BURGLARY TOOLS.

SCTC FOUNDATION MONTE CARLO EVENING FEB. 18 6PM

AN EVENING IN MONTE CARLO—SATURDAY FEB. 18TH 6PM AT PARK LANE IN THOMASTON--- PRESENTED BY THE FOUNDATION OF SOUTHERN CRESCENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE.

CASINO GAMES, GREAT EATS, AUCTION AND GAMING PRIZES INCLUDING A VACATION ON THE COAST, HUNDREDS IN GIFT CARDS, A BIG GREEN EGG, A YETI COOLER, A WINE BASKET AND MORE. TICKETS $85 EACH—770-229-3417.

DOLLAR GENERAL HIRING AT NEW BUTTS-SPALDING CENTER

Dollar General Plans to Create Approximately 1,000 New Jobs in Georgia in 2017

Statewide job growth part of Company’s overall plan to create 10,000 jobs nationwide

Goodlettsville, Tennessee – February 3, 2017 – Dollar General (NYSE:DG) is expected to create approximately 1,000 new jobs throughout Georgia in 2017 as part of the company’s new store growth plan and the opening of a new state-of-the-art distribution center in Jackson.  The creation of these new jobs are part of Dollar General’s overall fiscal 2017 growth plan in which the major discount retailer plans to add 1,000 stores and create approximately 10,000 new jobs in the states it serves.

“Dollar General looks forward to welcoming new employees who want to grow with us as we expand throughout the states we serve,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s chief executive officer. “These new jobs reflect the organization’s commitment to seize growth opportunities and further deliver Dollar General’s value proposition of everyday low prices on quality merchandise to customers in 1,000 new locations in 2017. Since joining Dollar General in 2008, I’ve had the privilege to see the company grow from approximately 72,000 employees to more than 130,000 anticipated employees by end of the 2017 fiscal year. It really is an exciting time to be a Dollar General employee.”

The creation of these approximate 10,000 new jobs will represent a roughly nine percent overall increase to its workforce and mark the largest one-year employee increase through organic store and distribution center growth in the company’s 78-year history.

As all hiring functions are managed online, candidates looking to join Dollar General must apply for all new positions online at www.dollargeneral.com/careers.

GORDON STATE COLLEGE THEATRE PRODUCTION

The Gordon State College Theatre season continues this month with August Wilson's riveting play Fences.

The play explores the hopes and dreams of Troy and Rose Maxon and their family in a rapidly changing 1950's America. The play, winner of the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, was adapted for the screen and is currently in theatres starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.

Fences cast members include, LaTrez Anderson as Troy; Samantha Jackson as Rose; Ja’Michael Stephens as Cory Maxson; Trenton Riley as Gabriel Maxson; Joshua Lowery as Lyons Maxson and Demario Watkins as Jim Bono. Raynelle Maxson, Troy’s young daughter, is played by local actors Jada Warner, 11, from Pike County and G’Nasha Mahone, 9, from Lamar County.

The production is directed by Theater Professor Lisa Cesnik Ferguson. Professor Tony Pearson is the play’s scenic designer/lighting designer.

The play opens Wednesday, Feb. 15 and continues through Saturday each evening at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

Tickets for each performance are available at the door and are $10 for adults and $5 for youth.

A Brunch and Show option is available for Sunday’s performance that includes Brunch, ticket to the play and transportation from Highlander Dining Hall to the Fine Arts Auditorium for $17 per person. Seating is limited so please call 678-359-5052 to make reservations.

PHOTO: Back, G'Nasha Mahone, Trenton Watkins, Trenton Riley, Jada Warner, Dimario Watkins, Samantha Jackson, Josh Lowery. Front (on steps): Ja'Michael St

FEMALE DRIVER KILLED IN PIKE CO. THURSDAY AM

PIKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING A HEAD-ON COLLISION INVOLVING TWO FEMALE DRIVERS-- EARLY THURSDAY MORNING ON CONCORD ROAD -- THAT RESULTED IN ONE FATALITY AND THE OTHER MOTORIST IN SERIOUS CONDITION.

MAJOR DAVID NEAL TOLD ZOOM NEWS—THE FATALITY IS IDENTIFIED AS 22 YEAR OLD MACY MONS OF STRICKLAND ROAD AND THE OTHER MOTORIST 31 YEAR OLD KAYLA BAILEY OF DUNN ROAD --WHO WAS LIFE-FLIGHTED TO GRADY HOSPITAL IN ATLANTA REPORTEDLY WITH SERIOUS INJURIES.

MAJOR NEAL SAID THE 2014 DODGE DART MS. MONS WAS DRIVING CAUGHT FIRE AFTER THE IMPACT—AND TWO MALE MOTORISTS CAME UPON THE WRECK SCENE AND MANAGED TO FREE HER—BUT SHE DIED SHORTLY AFTER THE ACCIDENT.

MS. BAILEY WAS TRAPPED IN THE WRECKAGE OF THE 2012 ACURA AND SHE WAS EXTRICATED BY THE PIKE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT .

MAJOR NEAL SAID THE INVESTIGATION IS ON-GOING BUT IT APPEARS ONE OF THE MOTORISTS CROSSED THE CENTER LINE AND CAUSED THE WRECK SHORTLY AFTER 7AM—THURSDAY.  

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK FEB. 6-10

Upson EMA Urges Upson Residents to Prepare During

Severe Weather Preparedness Week Feb. 6-10

(Thomaston) – Devastating tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods and other severe weather events can strike with little to no warning in Upson County. These devastating effects can be seen most recently in the communities of southwest Georgia, as well as storm damage right here in our communities. Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which runs from February 6 - 10, is the ideal time for residents and their families to prepare for the possibility of a disaster.

Throughout the week, each day will focus on a different severe weather threat faced by Georgians. Thoamston-Upson Emergency Management Agency is encouraging all residents to dedicate time to practicing emergency response procedures and learning how to deal with each potential disaster.

“Severe weather can be extremely dangerous, but by taking small steps to prepare, you can ensure that you and your family stay safe in the wake of a disaster, said Martha Anne McCarty, EMA Director. “I encourage our residents to implement safety measures at home and at work so they will be ready when severe weather strikes.”

Severe Weather Preparedness Week begins with Family Preparedness Day on Feb. 6, when Upson households are encouraged to purchase and program their NOAA Weather Radios. All of the following days focus on a different threat and how to get prepared.

Monday, Feb. 6 – Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day

Tuesday, Feb. 7 – Thunderstorm Safety 

Wednesday, Feb. 8 – Tornado Safety and PrepareAthon! For Tornado Safety

Thursday, Feb. 9 – Lightning Safety

Friday, Feb. 10 – Flood Safety

On Wednesday, when tornado safety is emphasized, residents, schools and businesses statewide are encouraged to participate in Ready Georgia’s PrepareAthon! For Tornado Safety, a statewide tornado drill.

Another valuable tool for all residents is the Ready Georgia app. This free app, available for both iPhone and Android devices, provides mobile access to a variety of emergency preparedness tools. For more information about Severe Weather Preparedness Week and events occurring locally, visit our Facebook page, UpsonEmergencyManagementAgency, or contact via email  - EMA@upsoncountyga.org or call 706/741-1407