DEFENDANT SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS ON METH CHARGES

IN UPSON SUPERIOR COURT TUESDAY--- JUDGE FLETCHER SAMS SENTENCED REGINALD BLACKMON, AGE 45 TO 40 YEARS IN PRISON AND A $200,000 FINE FOR TRAFFICING METH AND POSSESSION MARIJUANA WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE. HE HAD DONE TIME BEFORE FOR MARIJUANA.

ACCORDING TO PROSECUTOR MICHAEL ROGERS---THE JURY STAYED OUT ABOUT 45 MINUTES.

OPENING STATEMENTS IN COURT LATE TUESDAY FOR THE ARMED ROBBERY TRIAL OF DEMARCUS GRIGGS CHARGED WITH A STICK-UP AT THE MINI MARKET ON BETHEL STREET.

GRIFFIN MAN ARRESTED FOR DRUGS IN UPSON CO.

On March 23, 2017 at noon Deputies from the Upson County Sheriff's Office responded to Flash Foods to assist DNR Cpl. Will Smith. 

Cpl. Smith entered the store and noticed Keith Duane Underwood, 26, of Griffin Ga. playing the video poker machines in the store. Cpl. Smith suspected that Underwood was the individual he had received a lookout on earlier in the day as being wanted from Spalding County. When the officers approached Underwood he initially gave a false name. His identity was confirmed and he was arrested. 

While being searched after the arrest 7.3 grams of marijuana ,18.7 grams of methamphetamine and $753 in cash were located in Underwood's pocket. 
Underwood was arrested and transported to the Upson County Jail. He faces charges of Possession of Marijuana less than one ounce and Possession of Methamphetamine with the intent to Distribute.

Underwood remains in the Upson County Jail.

Dan Kilgore, Sheriff
Upson County

D.A. COMMENTS ON FOUND BODY OF FT. VALLEY MAN

GRIFFIN CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER TOLD ZOOM NEWS WEDNESDAY-- CHARGES WILL BE FORTHCOMING RELATING TO THE DEATH OF A WHEEL-CHAIR BOUND MAN FROM FT. VALLEY, 33 YEAR OLD TROY-MAIN JOHNSON---WHO WAS LEFT AT A HUNTING CAMP MARCH 14TH OFF TRIUNE MILL ROAD. HE WAS FOUND DECEASED LAST FRIDAY.

THE D.A. SAID HIS OFFICE, UPSON S.O.AND THE GBI ARE AWAITING TEST RESULTS FROM THE STATE CRIME LAB—BUT AT THIS TIME HE IS UNCERTAIN OF THE SCOPE OF ANY CHARGES .

THE THOMASTON WOMAN WHO SAID SHE LEFT JOHNSON IN THE WOODS—27 YEAR OLD RUBY KATE COURSEY IS BEING HELD IN THE UPSON COUNTY JAIL ON UNRELATED CHARGES FOR PROBATION VIOLATION.  

ALCOHOL SUNDAY SALES PASSES IN THOMASTON, SPLOST IN LAMAR

HENRY CO. D.A. SEEKING DEATH PENALTY FOR MURDER OF SOPHIA BULLARD OF THOMASTON

HENRY COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY DARIUS PATTILLO ANNOUNCED TUESDAY HE PLANS TO SEEK THE DEATH PENALTY FOR JACOB KOSKY AGE 23 AND MATTEW BAKER JR. AGE 19 FOR THE MURDER OF 4 YOUTHS ON MOCCASIN GAP ROAD BACK ON OCT. 26TH.

SHOT TO DEATH WERE SOPHIA BULLARD, 20 OF THOMASTON, MATTEW HICKS, 18, KEITH GIBSON, 29, AND DESTINY OLINGER, 20.

THREE OTHERS ARE CHARGED WITH MISDEMEANOR OBSTRUCTION FOR NOT COOPERATING WITH POLICE, JACOB WILLIAMS, 18, KAYLA HEAD, 21, AND BROOK KNIGHT, 19.

A HEARING SET FOR KOSKY AND BAKER TUESDAY WAS POSTPONED AFTER BAKER'S ATTORNEY WITHDREW FROM THE CASE BECAUSE HE DOES NOT HANDLE DEATH PENALTY CASES— HEARING RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 11TH.

AUTHORITIES SAY KOSKY AND BAKER ATTENDED A BON FIRE AT THE HOUSE—LEFT AND RETURNED LATER AND ALLEGEDLY SHOT THOSE FOUR YOUTHS AT THE PARTY.

T-SPLOST MOVING FOWARD IN SPALDING CO.

AFTER A POLL FROM COMMISSIONER DON HAWBAKER— SHOWING 60% WOULD SUPPORT A TRANSPORTATION SPLOST THAT COULD RAISE $40 MILLION OVER 5 YEARS FOR ROAD PAVING---THE SPALDING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AGREED TO MOVE FOWARD WITH UP TO 5 PUBLIC FORUMS ON A T-SPLOST AT MONDAY'S MEETING.

A HALF DOZEN CITIZENS FROM NORTH-EAST SPALDING BEGGED THE BOARD TO PAVE THEIR DIRT ROADS.

THE T-SPLOST COULD BE ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT.

MORE BLOW-UP FROM FULL BLOWN FIREARMS SHOOTING RANGE IN WILLIAMSON. RETIRED MILITARY CHRISTINE THOMAS TOLD THE COMMISSIONERS THEY HAVE FAILED TO PROTECT HER NEIGHBORHOOD BY ALLOWING A GUN TRAINING FACILITY TO TURN INTO A 6 DAYS A WEEK SHOOTING RANGE. CAN'T WATCH TV/ STRUCK BY PELLETS IN YOUR YARD---

HOME VALUES ARE LOWERED BY 50% AND SOME ARE SELLING OUT—SHE SAID.

HIGH SPEED CHASE WITH ZEBULON P.D. SAT.

ZEBULON POLICE HAD A BUSY SATURDAY WITH TWO SEPERATE METH CASES INCLUDING A HIGH SPEED CHASE THRU PIKE, SPALDING AND FAYETTE COUNTIES—THAT ENDED IN A CRASH.

THE DRIVER—37 YEAR OLD JOHN LEATHERWOOD AND A PASSENGER ANDREA COBB, AGE 40—BOTH OF GRIFFIN— RAN FROM THE LAW AT SPEEDS OF 100 MILES PER HOUR UP U.S. 19 FROM FRESHWAY PARKING LOT INTO SPALDING COUNTY –THEN TOOK HIGHWAY 92 AND WRECKED AFTER AN ATTEMPTED GSP PIT MANEUVER AT THE FAYETTE COUNTY LINE—ALL THE WHILE DUMPING BAGS OF METH FROM THE FORD EXPEDITION.

BOTH TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R. WITH INJURIES.

EARLIER A TRAFFIC STOP IN ZEBULON NETTED TWO METH ARRESTS—CHARLES JONES, AGE 23 OF PIKE COUNTY AND NICK FITZGIBBON, AGE 38 OF CLAYTON COUNTY.

UPDATE; BODY FOUND IN UPSON CO. HUNTING CAMP FRIDAY 3/177

Investigation is continuing into the death of Troymaine Johnson. 

Johnson’s body was located in the early morning hours of March 17 at  a hunting camp on Triune Mill Rd. in Upson County. We have determined that Johnson,  a paraplegic , confined to a wheelchair left his home in Fort Valley on Tuesday. March 14 with a female companion. 

On March 17 the female reported to officers from the Thomaston Police Department that she had abandoned Johnson in the woods and was uncertain of the exact location. She gave general directions of where she left him. Deputies from the Upson County Sheriff’s Office located Johnson deceased at the hunting camp property. 

The female is in custody on unrelated charges. Charges related to the death of Johnson are forthcoming upon receipt of information from the State crime lab. 

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and District Attorney Ben Coker are assisting with this investigation.

This investigation is active and ongoing. More details will be released as they become available.

Dan Kilgore, Sheriff

Upson County Ga.

THOMASTON MUNICIPAL COURT AMNESTY PROGRAM

Thomaston Municipal Court Judge David Fowler has announced an Amnesty Program for unpaid FTA’s (Failure to Appear in Court) warrants that will begin Monday, March 27, 2017 and last through 5pm on Wednesday May 31, 2017. The amnesty period will apply to outstanding FTA’s prior to the 2017 calendar year.   The Amnesty period is an effort to help clear up the large number of outstanding criminal and traffic cases that have failed to appear in City Municipal Court.  

Anyone who failed to appear in court as directed prior to 2017 will be allowed to pay their fine(s) and the court will lift and or withdraw any FTA notices that have been sent to the DDS (Department of Drivers’ Services) and or any bench warrant without any further costs being applied.    

A copy of the Amnesty Order language will be posted on the Thomaston Police Department Facebook page.  Violation of Probation (VOP) Warrants will not be part of the amnesty program.  

Fine payments can be made at the Customer Service window on the first floor at Thomaston City Hall located at 106 E. Lee Street, Thomaston, Georgia. If you have any questions please call the Thomaston Police Department at 706-647-5455 and ask to speak with Ms. Candice Chatman.

T-SPLOST RECOMMENDED IN SPALDING COUNTY

THE GRIFFIN-SPALDING COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO RECOMMEND A T-SPLOST REFERENDUM ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT AT ITS MARCH MEETING.

UP TO ONE CENT FOR FIVE YEARS WITH PROJECTS TO BE IDENTIFIED BY THE CITY AND COUNTY WITH COMMUNITY INPUT.

THE COMMITTEE WAS TOLD IT COULD YIELD OVER $40 MILLION DOLLARS—WITH A COUPLE OF POSSIBLE PROJECTS MENTIONED—MOVING GA. HIGHWAY 155 OUT OF DOWNTOWN GRIFFIN AND A JENKINSBURG ROAD INTERCHANGE ON 1-75.

THE SPALDING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WILL DISCUSS THE T-SPLOST RECOMMENDATION AT MONDAY'S 6PM MEETING.

BIG PARADE FOR THE UL KNIGHTS- STATE CHAMPS THURSDAY

Upson-Lee High School, along with the City of Thomaston and Upson County governments would like to invite the community to be a part of a special parade and recognition honoring the 2017 AAAA Basketball State Champions - the Upson-Lee High School Knights! The parade will begin at 5 PM on Thursday, March 16, from Matthews Field, and will end on the south side of the courthouse square, where there will be a special recognition ceremony for the players and coaches. (Parade route: depart from Matthews Field, turn left onto Hwy 74; follow 74 into downtown Thomaston around the square and end on the south side of the square.) There will be a stage set up on the south side of the courthouse for the recognition ceremony. In addition, official UL Knights 2017 State Basketball AAAA Champion T-shirts will be sold at the square. Short and long sleeves, youth and adult sizes will be available. All proceeds from the sales of the official t-shirts will go to purchase state champion rings for the team. Come out and support our 2017 UL Knights State Basketball Champions on Thursday!

BIG MISTAKE ON AAAA COACH OF YEAR, SHOULD BE COACH DARRELL LOCKKHART U-L 32-0

Class AAAA
Coach of the Year: Aaron Parr, St. Pius (24-8 State Runner-Up; First championship appearance since 1992; No current D-I players; Started season 6-5)
Player of the Year: Tye Fagan, Upson-Lee, Jr.
Freshman of the Year: Jacorrei Turner, Woodward Academy
Best Scorer: Javon Greene, Henry County, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Travon Walker, Upson-Lee, So.
Best Passer: Kris Gardner, Westover, Jr.
Best Shot Blocker: Cordale Scott, Northside-Columbus, Sr.
Most Underrated: Julian Cameron, Woodward Academy, Sr.
Most Improved Team: LaFayette 23-5 (First home playoff win in school history; First Sweet 16 appearance in five years; Improved from 12-13)
Most Improved: Desmeontay Dyer, Eastside, Sr. (Improved from JV to 17.7 ppg/10.8 rpg/2.8 spg on Varsity)

FIRST TEAM
G – Tye Fagan, Upson-Lee, Jr.
G – Javon Greene, Henry County, Sr.
G – Keiodre Perry, Eastside, Sr.
G – Damion Rosser, Henry County, Sr.
G – Daniel Melvin, Carver-Columbus, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Cameron Holden, Mary Persons, Jr.
G – Jaylon Pugh, Cartersville, Jr.
G – Laperion Perry, LaGrange, Sr.
G – Kris Gardner, Westover, Jr.
F – Evan Jester, Sandy Creek, Sr.

Honorable Mention
C – Ahsan Asadullah, North Clayton, Sr.
G – Zyrice Scott, Upson-Lee, So.
F – Jordan Foote, Druid Hills, Sr.
F – Moses Williams, Richmond Academy, Sr.
G – DT Stephens, Richmond Academy, Jr.
G – Radaren Johnson, Thomson, Sr.
G – Alex Kelehear, LaFayette, So.
G – Everett Lane, St. Pius, Jr.
F – John Ward, White County, Sr.
F – De’Undra Singleton, Stephens County, Jr.
G – Desmeontay Dyer, Eastside, Sr.

THOMASTON P.D. BIG METH BUST

On 03/13/17 approximately 12:30 PM Sgt. Brian Hammock of the Upson Narcotics Task Force received information that a white female known as Carmen was riding in a Ford Taurus gold in color bearing a handicap Georgia tag number TNJ616 in the Thomaston area transporting a large amount of methamphetamine.  Sgt. Hammock located the vehicle in the area of Hwy 19 North during which time he conducted surveillance and contacted Officer Matthew Allen and informed him about the information.  Officer Allen observed the vehicle fail to maintain its lane on F. Street near the intersection with E Street at which time he conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.  Officer Allen identified the white female as Carmen Michelle WILBURN of 442 E Street, Thomaston, Upson County, Georgia 30286. During the investigation approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine was located in WILBURN’s pocketbook along with 1.5 grams of marijuana, a silver in color marijuana grinder, cigarillos pack containing a blue in color glass pipe used for smoking methamphetamine and 2 hypodermic needles. WILBURN was placed under arrest and transported to the Upson County Sheriff’s Office for warrants pending. WILBURN will be charged with Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute and Possession of Marijuana Less than One Ounce.

Michael Richardson

Chief of Police

UPSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY TOUR

THE UPSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY IS HOLDING A BUS TOUR FUND RAISER IN CELEBRATION OF THE SOCIETY'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY.

FIRST 13 CALLERS QUALIFY FOR THE TOUR, SATURDAY APRIL 29TH 9AM TILL NOON. COST $40 PER PERSON.

PHONE SUE GRUBBS AT 706-646-3249.

UL KNIGHTS WIN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

THE UPSON LEE KNIGHTS WON THE FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE SCHOOL'S HISTORY, FRIDAY NIGHT AT GA. TECH , DEFEATING ST. PIUS OF ATLANTA 53-48 BEFORE A SELL OUT CROWD. THE RUNNING KNIGHTS OF COACH DARRELL LOCKHART THE ONLY TEAM IN THE STATE TO GO UNDEFEATED THIS SEASON, 32-0.

ZOOM 105-9/101-1 WILL AIR A REPLAY OF THE GAME TUESDAY AT 6PM.

GRIFFIN-SPALDING COUNTY SCHOOLS LOCKDOWN THURS

On Thursday March 9, 2017, the Griffin Police Department received information from a citizen who wanted to turn over a Kel-tec 2000 9mm handgun that was obtained from 28-year-old Joseph Miller Jr., a family member.

The family member further advised that Miller was threatening to shoot up the Police Department and area schools.  The family member stated that Miller had three additional long guns in his room at his 305 B Louis Lane residence.

The Griffin-Spalding County School System was notified of the potential threat and initiated its Level 1 Lockdown Procedure.

Based upon information obtained throughout the morning’s investigation, a search warrant was obtained from Spalding County Magistrate Court. Personnel of the GPD Special Response Team and the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit executed the search warrant at Miller’s Louise Lane residence.

Located were rounds of ammunition and a flare gun.

Simultaneously, Miller was located at the Spalding County Department of Family and Children Services where he was apprehended without incident.

He was transported to the Spalding County Jail where he is being held on one felony count of terroristic act.

URMC CONSULTANTS KILLED IN PIKE CO. WRECK

ACCORDING TO THE PIKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE—TWO WERE KILLED, TWO LIFE-FLIGHTED AFTER A HEAD-ON CRASH ON U.S. 19 IN ZEBULON NEAR THE LIBRARY—THURSDAY 6;30AM.

THE TWO DECEASED WERE CONSULTANTS FOR UPSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER TO UPGRADE ITS I.T. DEPARTMENT AND WERE SOUTH BOUND ENROUTE TO THE HOSPITAL IN A CHEVROLET TRAVERSE WITH A 3RD PASSENGER.

PIKE S.O. SAID A FORD F-150 PICK-UP DRIVEN BY 21—YEAR OLD AUSTIN GREENE OF THOMASTON WAS NORTHBOUND AND APPARENTLY CROSSED THE CENTER LINE. A PASSER-BY PULLED GREENE FROM THE WRECKAGE JUST AS THE TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE—AND HE WAS LIFE-FLIGHTED TO GRADY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN ATLANTA.

THE SURVIVING PASSENGER IN THE CHEVROLET-- GREG ROULEAU -- WAS FREED BY PIKE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT AND WAS ALSO LIFE-FLIGHTED TO GRADY.

THE DECREASED—KIM LEE AND JIM WISNEIWSKI , PART OF A TEAM FROM A BOSTON FIRM—NAVIN HAFFTY -- THAT'S BEEN WORKING ON A MAJOR I.T. PROJECT FOR THE HOSPITAL.

IN A MEMO TO EMPLOYEES -- URMC C.E.O. TRIP PENN SAID THE TWO DECEASED WERE MEMBERS OF THE HOSPITALS EXTENDED FAMILY AND THE TRIO HAVE BEEN EMBEDDED WITH STAFF FOR SOME TIME. HE ASKED FOR PRAYER FOR THEIR FAMILIES AND FOR ROULEAU.

PIKE COUNTY S.O. IS WORKING TO RE-CREATE WHAT HAPPENED AND TOXICOLOGY RESULTS WAS FOWARDED TO THE GBI CRIME LAB. 

UL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME FRI. WITH ST. PIUS

AFTER GETTING WORD THAT SOME T-SHIRTS WERE IN THE OFFING THAT WOULD BE DEMEANING TO THE CATHOLIC FAITH, THE THOMASTON-UPSON COUNTY SCHOOLS ISSUED A PRESS RELEASE THIS WEEK WARNING ABOUT APPAREL AT FRIDAY'S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL GAME AT GA. TECH BETWEEN UPSON-LEE AND ST. PIUS.

FANS AND STUDENTS ARE URGED TO WEAR KNIGHTS COLORS AND GEAR -- ANYONE WITH INSULTING CLOTHING COULD BE ESCORTED FROM THE BUILDING.

THE RUNNING KNIGHTS BASKETBALL TEAM WILL LEAVE THE HIGH SCHOOL AT 1PM FRIDAY HEADED FOR GA. TECH. THE BUS WILL PASS THE CIVIC CENTER, MIDDLE SCHOOL, AND CIRCLE THE SQUARE TWICE. FANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SHOW KNIGHTS COLORS AND LINE THE STREETS FOR A SUPER SENDOFF.

GPB WILL NOT TELEVISE THE TITLE GAMES THIS SEASON, BUT WE WILL AIR IT ON 105-9/101-1 FM WITH PRE-GAME FRIDAY AT 6;30PM FOR THE 8PM TIP-OFF.

2017 ATL BRAVES SCHEDULES IN OUR LOBBY

ZOOM RADIO 105-9/101-1 FM—THE HOME OF THE ATLANTA BRAVES—PICK-UP YOUR 2017 ATLANTA BRAVES SCHEDULE IN OUR LOBBY. SPRING TRAINING GAMES SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 1PM IN MARCH.

THOMASTON MAYOR J.D. STALLINGS HAS ANNOUNCED SATURDAY AUGUST 5TH WILL BE THOMASTON NITE AT THE NEW SUN TRUST STADIUM—KICK-STARTING A ONE-TIME ANNUAL TRADITION. TICKET INFORMATION UPCOMING.

FREE DENTAL CLINIC

THE CENTENNIAL BAPTIST ASSOCIATION SPONSORING A FREE DENTAL CLINIC FOR THE UNINSURED MARCH 16TH THRU 18 TH AT PINE VIEW BAPTIST CHURCH IN BARNESVILLE.

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT MONDAY, MARCH 13TH BEGINING AT 9AM—706-741-7439 THAT'S 706-741-7439

UPSON CO. SCHOOL BUS WRECK MONDAY 7AM

SEVERAL STUDENTS TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R. FOR EVALUATION AFTER A WRECK INVOLVING AN UPSON COUNTY SCHOOL BUS AND A TRUCK FROM HARPER'S TREE SERVICE ON HICKMON FORK ROAD—MONDAY MORNING 7AM.

POST 26 GSP TOLD ZOOM NEWS—NONE OF THE STUDENTS HAD SERIOUS INJURIES.

AFTER A TWO HOUR MEETING MONDAY AT THE CIVIC CENTER—THE 66-MEMBER EXECUTIVE COMMITTE OF THE THOMASTON-BASED GA. HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO ACCEPT THE RETIREMENT OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GARY PHILLIPS AT THE END OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR—AND HIS CONTRACT THRU 2018 WILL BE HONORED—ANNUAL SALARY AROUND $130,000 .

TWO BILLS IN THE GA. GENERAL ASSEMBLY WOULD REPLACE THE GHSA—BUT ATTORNEY ALAN CONNELL—LEGAL COUNSEL TOLD ZOOM NEWS—HE HAD PREVIOUSLY SPOKEN WITH STATE SENATOR BRUCE THORNTON OF CARTERSVILLE AND THRONTON INDICATED HE WOULD DROP HIS BILL IF PHILLIPS AGREED TO RETIRE. HE WAS SIDEWAYS WITH GHSA OVER A 2015 BASEBALL GAME TRAVEL DECISION .

STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOHNNIE CALDWELL TOLD US HE OPPOSES THE HOUSE BILL BUT IT WAS HELD IN COMMITTEE AND DID NOT CROSS OVER TO THE SENATE FRIDAY --- A GOOD SIGN FOR GHSA SUPPORTERS.

PHILLIPS -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR 3 YEARS –16 YEARS IN ALL-- TOLD THE COMMITTEE MONDAY-- BECAUSE OF HIS RESPECT FOR GHSA AND FAITH IN THE JOB ITS DOING—HIS FIRST INCLINATION WAS TO FIGHT TO THE BITTER END—BUT THIS WOULD BENEFIT NO ONE.

OVERALL—I AM QUIET PROUD OF WHAT WE HAVE ACCOMPISHED— PHILLIPS SAID.

LAST WEEK--THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES VOTED 5 TO 3 TO RECOMMEND PHILLIPS RETIRE AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR—LEADING TO MONDAY'S MEETING OF THE FULL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE—WHICH MADE IT CLEAR BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE IT DID NOT WANT PHILIPS TO LEAVE—BEFORE ACCEPTING HIS RETIREMENT PLANS.

UL KNIGHTS IN FINAL FOUR SAT 8PM IN AUGUSTA ON 105-9/101-1 FM

THE UNDEFEATED UPSON LEE KNIGHTS OF COACH DARRELL LOCKHART PLAY HENRY COUNTY HIGH IN THE FINAL FOUR OF THE STATE BASKETBALL PLAY-OFFS SATURDAY AT 8PM IN AUGUSTA. AIR TIME    7PM ON 105-9/101-1 WITH MICKEY THRASHER AND COACH JIM FOWLER FROM AUGUSTA COLLEGE.

SANDY CREEK MEETS ST. PIUS IN THE 4PM GAME—AND THE TWO WINNERS PLAY AT GA. TECH NEXT FRIDAY NIGHT FOR THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

THE GRIFFIN HIGH LADY BEARS FACE BUFORD IN THE LADIES FINAL FOUR 6PM SATURDAY AT COLUMBUS STATE .

FAYETTE COUNTY BOYS PLAY BUFORD AT 8PM IN COLUMBUS.

COUNTY MANAGER PLANS TO STAY ON

UPSON'S COUNTY MANAGER JIM WHEELESS SAID AN OUT-POURING OF SUPPORT FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, DEPARTMENT HEADS AND CITIZENS CHANGED HIS MIND ABOUT

A RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT THIS WEEK.

WHEELESS TOLD NEW COMMISSION CHAIRMAN NORMAN ALLEN ON MONDAY THEIR MANAGEMENT STYLES DON'T JIVE AND HE PLANNED TO ANNOUNCE HIS RETIREMENT AT TUESDAY'S MEETING. BUT BETWEEN MONDAY AND TUESDAY'S MEETING HE WAS ENCOURAGED TO STAY WHEN WORD GOT OUT HE WOULD BE RETIRING—SO THAT ANNOUNCEMENT NEVER CAME.

AFTER THE BOARD EXITED EXECUTIVE SESSION—TUESDAY--CHAIRMAN ALLEN—WHO HAS A POLICY OF NOT VOTING EXCEPT TO BREAK A TIE—MADE A MOTION TO DISMISS WHEELESS AND THE OTHER NEW COMMISSIONER JAMES ELLINGTON CAST A VOTE TO SUPPORT HIS TERMINATION—A 3 TO 1 VOTE FOR WHEELESS TO REMAIN COUNTY MANAGER.

IN A STATEMENT RELEASED WEDNESDAY---CHAIRMAN ALLEN TOLD ZOOM NEWS HE WAS NOT HAPPY ABOUT THE MANAGER'S INTENTIONS TO RETIRE—BUT HE BELIEVES ONCE SOMEONE EXPRESSES RESERVATIONS ABOUT A JOB ITS NOT GOOD FOR THEM TO STAY-ON—SO HE MADE THE MOTION TO DISMISS HIM.

HE ALSO INDICATED HE CAN MOVE-ON FROM THIS AND WORK WITH WHEELESS.

JIM TOLD US HE PLANS TO RELEASE A STATEMENT DEALING WITH EVENTS THIS WEEK.

LOG TRUCK ACCIDENT DOWNTOWN THOMASTON

A FEMALE PASSENGER IN A CAR ON SOUTH CENTER STREET WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R. BY EMS AFTER OVERHANGING TIMBERS ON A LOG TRUCK SMASHED A WINDOW AND INJURED HER WEDNESDAY.

WITNESSES TOLD ZOOM NEWS, THE LOG TRUCK DID NOT STOP, THE TRUCK DRIVER APPARENTLY WAS UNAWARE OF THE ACCIDENT CAUSED WHEN HE TURNED ONTO EAST GORDON.

THOMASTON POLICE INVESTIGATING.

SENIOR CITIZEN PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT

ACCORDING TO THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MICHAEL RICHARDSON—AN ELDERLY WHITE MALE WALKING WITH A CANE WAS STRUCK BY A CAR AT THE SILVERTOWN TRAFFIC SIGNAL—WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.

THE VICTIM FELL FOWARD ON HIS FACE AND SUFFERED LACARATIONS AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO A MACON HOSPITAL BY EMS.

THE CHIEF SAID HE WAS TALKING WITH FIRST RESPONDERS AT THE SCENE.

MOVE FAILS TO FIRE UPSON COUNTY MANAGER

A MOVE TO FIRE COUNTY MANAGER JIM WHEELESS FAILED AT TUESDAY'S MEETING OF THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AFTER AN HOUR-LONG EXECUTIVE SESSION.

ACCORDING TO THE COUNTY CLERK'S NOTES ON THE MINUTES—DURING OPEN SESSION—CHAIRMAN NORMAN ALLEN—WHO HAS A POLICY OF NOT VOTING EXCEPT TO BREAK A TIE—MADE A MOTION TO DISMISS WHEELESS AND THE OTHER NEW COMMISSIONER JAMES ELLINGTON 2ND THE MOTION.

THE MOTION FAILED ON A 3-1 VOTE WITH COMMISSIONER ELLINGTON CASTING THE ONLY VOTE TO TERMINATE WHEELESS.

COMMISSIONERS LORENZO WILDER, RALPH ELLINGTON AND FRANK SPRAGGINS VOTED IN SUPPORT OF COUNTY MANAGER WHEELESS.

IN A STATEMENT RELEASED WEDNESDAY MORNING—CHAIRMAN ALLEN TOLD ZOOM NEWS—COUNTY MANAGER WHEELESS INFORMED HIM MONDAY AFTERNOON HE PLANNED TO ANNOUNCE HIS RETIREMENT DURING TUESDAY'S MEETING.

IN THAT EXCHANGE WHEELESS REPORTEDLY INDICATED THE TWO HAVE A CLASH OF MANAGEMENT STYLES THAT COMPLICATES THEIR WORKING RELATIONSHIP.

CHAIRMAN ALLEN SAID HE WAS DISAPPOINTED TO HEAR WHEELESS WANTED TO LEAVE—BECAUSE HE BRINGS A SKILL SET TO THE COUNTY THAT WILL BE HARD TO REPLACE.

HOWEVER, THE CHAIRMAN SAID HE MADE THE MOTION TO DISMISS BECAUSE PAST EXPERIENCE HAS TAUGHT HIM ONCE AN INDIVIDUAL IN A KEY LEADERSHIP POSITION EXPRESSES A DESIRE TO LEAVE AN ORGANIZATION—IT SUFFERS GOING FOWARD.

ALLEN SAID--SINCE HE WAS ELECTED CHAIR LAST YEAR—THERE HAS BEEN A PERCEPTION HE WANTED WHEELESS GONE—BUT THAT'S NOT SO.

WHEELESS WAS EXCUSED FROM THE HOUR-LONG CLOSED DOOR SESSION THAT GOT LOUD—ACCORDING TO PERSONS ON THE OUTSIDE.

THERE WAS NO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THE AGENDA AND CHAIRMAN ALLEN SAID HE W AS UNAWARE THERE WOULD BE ONE UNTIL COMMISSIONER LORENZO WILDER ASKED FOR IT.

THE CHAIRMAN SAID HE DOES NOT KNOW WHY WHEELESS CHANGED HIS MIND BETWEEN THEIR MEETING MONDAY AFTERNOON AND THE TUESDAY MEETING—BUT ALLEN TOLD US HE SUGGESTED WHEELESS INFORM ALL THE OTHER BOARD MEMBERS.