T.P.D. METH TRAFFICING ARREST

ACCORDING TO POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON---KELCEY ROCKEMORE , WHO HAS FILED A MILLION DOLLAR LAW SUIT AGAINST THE CITY OF THOMASTON OVER AN ARREST BY EX-OFFICER PHILLIP TOBIN , HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR TRAFFICING IN METH.

EARLY WEDNESDAY, ROCKEMORE , AGE 31---WAS INVOLVED IN A RUMBLE WITH SEVERAL OTHER INDIVIDUALS AT FARVIEW APARTMENTS ON AVE. F. AND BOLTED OUT THE DOOR WHEN POLICE ARRIVED.

HE WAS CHASED DOWN AND ARRESTED AND 34 GRAMS OF SUSPECTED METH WAS FOUND IN SEVERAL PLASTIC BAGS.

HE FACES SEVERAL CHARGES INCLUDING OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICER. SEVERAL YEARS BACK , OFFICER TOBIN WAS TRYING TO ARREST ROCKEMORE ON DRUG CHARGES WHEN ROCKEMORE CONTENDS HE WAS ROUGHED-UP BY THE COP.

CHIEF RICHARDSON SAYS ROCKEMORE HAS ALWAYS CONTENDED HE IS NOT A DRUG DEALER.

OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING IN SPALDING CO.

ACCORDING TO SPALDING COUNTY SHERIFF DARRELL DIX A DEPUTY INVOLVED IN AN OFFICER-INVOLVED FATAL SHOOTING IS ON PAID ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE AS THE GBI INVESTIGATES THE INCIDENT WEDNESDAY ON COLLIER DRIVE OFF BIRDIE ROAD.

THE DEPUTY—BRYAN HEAD HAS BEEN WITH THE DEPARTMENT SINCE 2014 AND HAS HAD TRAINING IN CRISIS INTERVENTION. THE VICTIM—49 YEAR OLD GUY LYNN SCOTT JR. REPORTEDLY WAS THREATENING SUCIDE--- HAD A GUN –AND POINTED IT AT THE DEPUTY.

SCOTT ONCE WORKED AT THE SPALDING COUNTY JAIL 

UPSON SO; TEEN TREATED FOR METH O.D.

ACCODING TO THE UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT EMS RESPONDED TO A REPORT OF A JUVENILE DRUG OVERDOSE ON ROSE CREEK ROAD—AND THE TEEN WAS CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF METH.

THE SUSPECT---17 YEAR OLD MATTEW TRENTON DANIEL ,THE ROCK --- WAS TREATED AT THE E.R. FOR CRAMPS TO HIS HANDS—AND DEPUTIES SAID HIS BEHAVIOR INDICATED METH USE. ANOTHER UN-NAMED MALE JUVENILE WAS APPARENTLY PRESENT.

A SEARCH OF THE HOUSE TURNED-UP , A GLASS SMOKING PIPE, SOME METH AND TWO MARIJUANA GRINDERS.

ONE OF THE TWO WHITE MALES SAID THEY HAD BEEN SNORTING METH FOR 3 DAYS.

NEW VA HEALTH CLINIC FOR PIKE COUNTY

WASHINGTON D.C. –Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.) applauded the announcement by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of its plans to build a new clinic in Pike County, Georgia to bring care to veterans in the Third District. Ferguson supported Congressional authorization for the new clinic that was included in the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017, passed by the House on July 28. He released the following statement:

“Our veterans sacrificed so much for our country, too often including their own health. We should work to ensure they have timely accessible care in their own communities. I was proud to vote to authorize funding for this new clinic.”

The new facility would provide VA outpatient primary care and mental health services to eligible veterans. Officials plan to lease a new, approximately 49,000 square foot building with about 350 parking spaces.

###

HONORS FOR A UL STUDENT

Jaquarius Raglin, a senior at ULHS, has been chosen for the National Society of High School Scholars Ambassador Leadership Program. NSHSS Ambassadors are student leaders within their high schools who exhibit academic excellence and strong commitment to community service. A role model to peers, Jaquarius, who is the son of Beverly Cromer and Octavius Raglin, was selected out of hundreds of applicants for demonstrating strong academic achievement and a commitment to community service.

UPSON GRAND JURY RETURNS MURDER INDICTMENT

MONDAY THE UPSON COUNTY GRAND JURY RETURNED A MURDER INDICTMENT AGAINST BLAKE ASHLEY HANCOCK FOR THE SHOOTING DEATH OF HIS HALF-BROTHER TALVIN HAROLD ROBBINS ON B. STREET.

THOMASTON POLICE SAID A FAMILY DISAGREEMENT LEAD TO THE SHOOTING.

HANCOCK WAS TRUE BILLED FOR MALICE AND FELONY MURDER, AGGREVATED ASSAULT AND POSSESSION OF A FIREARM IN THE COMMISSION OF A CRIME.  

DR. RANDALL PETERS NEW CHAIR AIRPORT AUTHORITY

AT THE SEPTEMBER MEETING OF THE GRIFFIN-SPALDING AIRPORT AUTHORITY—WEDNESDAY NIGHT, CHAIRMAN DICK MORROW RESIGNED BUT WILL REMAIN ON THE BOARD, AND DR. RANDALL PETERS—RETIRED PRESIDENT OF SOUTHERN CRESCENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE WAS ELECTED CHAIRMAN..

MORROW SAID HE IS NOT SEEKING RE-ELECTION TO THE GRIFFIN CITY COMMISSION AND ALSO HIS SEAT ON THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY

EXPIRES DEC. 31ST SO IT WAS DECIDED TO MAKE THE TRANSITION NOW SO HE CAN MENTOR DR. PETERS ON THE PROCESS OF BUILDING THE NEW AIRPORT.

MORROW NOTED DR. PETERS KNOWS GOVERNMENT PROCEDURES AND METHODS FROM HIS EDUCATION AND MILITARY BACKGROUND AND ACTUALLY HAS SOME CONTACTS WITHIN THE GA. DOT AVIATION DIVISION.

CARL PRUETT WAS ELECTED SECRETARY-TREASURER REPLACING DR. PETERS IN THAT POSITION.

AUTHORITY MEMBERS PRAISED DICK MORROW FOR HIS SERVICE AND WITH G-DOT APPROVAL OF THE NEW AIRPORT LAY-OUT PLAN—THE FAA SHOULD O.K. THE A.L.P. IN THE NEXT 30 DAYS WHICH WILL STEP-UP THE FLOW OF FEDERAL DOLLARS.  

UL HOMECOMING PARADE THURSDAY AT 5PM

THE UPSON-LEE HOMECOMING PARADE IS THURSDAY AT 5PM THROUGH DOWNTOWN THOMASTON -- AFTER FORMING AT MATTEWS FIELD. THE KNIGHTS PLAY JORDAN FRIDAY NIGHT AT 7;30 ON THE ZOOM. -- WITH THE HOMECOMING QUEEN AND PRINCESSES TO BE CROWNED AT HALFTIME.

GA DOT EXPLORES BROADBAND

Increasingly, the world is dependent on high-speed internet and reliable cell phone service. But many throughout Georgia rely on spotty or inconsistent cellular and slow internet. Better days may be ahead as Georgia DOT explores two initiatives—broadband and wireless—that use the state-owned right-of-way (ROW) to expand the 511 Navigator system statewide, as well as enhance telecommunications for all Georgians. “We are looking at the potential to use cutting-edge technology to improve the everyday lives of Georgians - not only by expanding and enhancing statewide traffic communications, but also by improving cell phone and broadband internet options for the public,” GDOT Division Director of Operations John Hibbard, P.E. explained today in a presentation to the State Transportation Board. “Georgia DOT has no desire to get into the utility business. These are public-private partnerships—P3s—that would be financed, developed, managed and maintained by private contractors on state-owned property.” The department is reviewing responses from the broadband and cellular industries to Georgia DOT’s requests for information (RFI) about two potential programs. The broadband initiative would install conduit on the ROW along all Georgia interstates. The developer would sell or lease the conduit space to others who would install fiber-optic cable for private use. Fiber-optic technology transmits data through durable thin glass strands that carry a tremendous amount of data at exceptionally fast speeds. Installing this fiber would provide improved statewide internet coverage to meet the internet needs of rural communities while enabling GDOT to better connect all offices and improve traffic management throughout Georgia.  “80 percent of Georgians live within 20 miles of an interstate,” Hibbard said. “Installing this technology along the interstates should result in tremendous benefits for all Georgians, especially those in rural regions.”   The wireless initiative would utilize “small cell” poles on the ROW of state routes to facilitate the change from 4G technology to 5G, which offers far greater speed and capacity. The developer would sell or lease space on the poles for use by wireless communications providers. Existing poles would be used when possible. Where a new pole must be installed, its placement along the ROW would be carefully considered, with public safety being the primary consideration. While small cell poles are much shorter than traditional cell phone towers—50 feet versus 250 feet—more are required because 5G travels shorter distances. This technology would meet the wireless communications needs of Georgia DOT, as well as those of the public. “The potential benefits are enormous, not only for transportation management in Georgia, but also for people in their homes and businesses, and for the economic development that could result from increased connections,” Hibbard said. “Several states have had varying degrees of success with similar programs. We are looking at all angles to come up with just the right model for Georgia.” Gov. Nathan Deal and state legislators are supportive of initial concepts. The next step, after the first of the year, would be for Georgia DOT to solicit proposals.   Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to its citizens and its environment.

PIKE CO. SHERIFF'S OFFICE WARNS OF SCAM

We have received a complaint of an individual calling local residents and soliciting money on behalf of the Pike County Sheriff's Office. The number that was reported to appear on the caller id appeared to be from a legitimate Sheriff's Office number. The Sheriff's Office does not call citizens to solicit any money.

This appears to be a case of number spoofing in which computers and/or phone apps can be used to disguise the real number of the location being used. We have seen this becoming more common in fraud cases involving the use of a phone as it makes it difficult to track the original number. 

If you receive a call of this nature we suggest that you not engage in conversation with the other party and terminate the phone call.

2ND SUSPECT ARRESTED IN NSIDE BURGLARY

THOMASTON POLICE HAVE ARRESTED A 2ND SUSPECT IN A BURGLARY EARLY MONDAY AT HIBBETT SPORTING GOODS IN NORTHSIDE.

17 YEAR OLD WESLEY BAILEY IS IN THE UPSON COUNTY JAIL.

OFFICERS ARRESTED 17 YEAR OLD JERMARION SPARKS OF WEST MAIN STREET—AT THE SCENE OF THE CRIME—AS HE EXITED THE STORE AFTER THE SECURITY ALARM TRIPPED WHEN A BRICK WAS THROWN THROUGH THE GLASS DOOR.

THE 2ND SUSPECT ESCAPED FROM POLICE BUT FELL DOWN AND LOST HIS STOLEN MERCHANDISE , SOME NIKE SHOES AND PANTS.

THE POLICE REPORT SAID THE TWO HAD BACK PACKS HIDDEN BEHIND THE VERIZON STORE—TO CARRY STOLEN MERCHANDISE.

THOMASTON MAN INJURED IN PIKE WRECK

Pike County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on Highway 19 near the teen challenge complex this morning. A motorcycle rider, Christopher Lambert ,from Thomaston, was found to have serious injuries and was air lifted to Grady Hospital. The motorcycle had struck the rear of a Coca Cola eighteen wheeler that was driven by Kenneth Bronson from Macon.

Witnesses to the incident told Deputies that the motorcycle had been traveling at a high rate of speed and passing other vehicles just before the collision occurred. The investigation is on going and any necessary charges will be made at a later date.

TU SCHOOLS TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

Thomaston-Upson Schools have announced their 2018-19 Teachers of the Year. Congratulations to Matt Bentley, Upson-Lee High School; Sarah McLane, Upson-Lee Middle School; Matthew Whatley, Upson-Lee Elementary School; and Stacy Patterson, Upson-Lee Primary School.

Matt Bentley teaches social studies and serves as head boys' soccer coach and assistant athletic director. Sarah McLane teaches 7th grade English/Language Arts. Matthew Whatley teaches 4th grade English/Language Arts and Social Studies, and Stacy Patterson teaches Special Education. These teachers, selected by her peers, will advance to the Thomaston-Upson School System Teacher of the Year competition, which includes a written application, personal interview, and classroom teaching observation. The 2018-19 Thomaston-Upson School System Teacher of the Year will be selected in November, and the winner will represent T-U Schools in the state competition.

 
Congratulations to Mr. and Miss Upson-Lee High School 2017: Tavias Fagan and Amaya Kendall. Mr. and Miss ULHS are nominated and voted on by their peers. 

Amaya is the daughter of Tamara and Anthony Kendall, and Tavias is the son of Kendra Fagan.

Congratulations to the 2017 ULHS Homecoming Queen Court: Lauren Adams, Laila Fallin, Yasia Gray, Sarah Harrell, Ashley Hobbs, Haylee Hood, Amaya Kendall, Janiah Meadows, Kimberly Quiller, Sarah Ward, Cierra Williams, and Quadesha Williams. The 2017 Homecoming Queen Court is nominated and selected by the senior class. The 2017 Queen will be announced during halftime festivities at the annual Homecoming game on Friday, September 22.

BURGLARY AT HIBBETT SPORTS

ACCORDING TO THOMASTON POLICE—ONE SUSPECT IN CUSTODY---ONE ON THE RUN AFTER AN ATTEMPTED BURGLARY AT HIBBETT SPORTS AT THE WAL MART SHOPPING CENTER MONDAY AT 4AM.

CHIEF INVESTIGATOR MONICA SNIPES TOLD ZOOM NEWS---THE GLASS DOOR TO THE BUSINESS WAS SMASHED WITH A BRICK TO GAIN ENTRANCE—BUT THE SECURITY ALARM SOUNDED AND ALERTED POLICE.

ONE SUBJECT FLED WITHOUT ANY MERCHANDISE—ARRESTED WAS 17 YEAR OLD JERMARION SPARKS OF WEST MAIN STREET—AS HE TRIED TO LEAVE THE STORE.

THE CASE IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.

CHIEF INVESTIGATOR SNIPES SAID A SOUTH CAROLINA MAN WAS ARRESTED FOR CAR THEFT—ON SEPTEMBER 14TH—FOR ALLEGEDLY STEALING A PICK-UP TRUCK BELONGING TO THE THOMASTON-UPSON SCHOOL SYSTEM.

33 YEAR OLD MICHAEL GREEN OF WEST COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA WAS ARRESTED AT THE LAKESIDE PLANT AND HE WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK. IT HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE STEERING COLUMN. POLICE SAID THE TRUCK WAS PARKED AT MATTEWS FIELD BUT THE KEYS WERE NOT INSIDE—HE APPARENTLY HOT WIRED-IT AND REPORTEDLY CRASHED THROUGH THE GATE.

ONE STOP OWNER HAS REDUCED ICE PRICE

THE OWNER OF THE ONE STOP CONVIENCE STORE AT 19 NORTH AND ATWATER ROAD IN THOMASTON—TOLD ZOOM NEWS ON THE AIR THURSDAY—HE HAS DROPPED THE PRICE OF ICE TO 50 CENTS AFTER A FIRESTORM OF CRITICISM-- OVER THE PRICE.

TWICE THE ICE OWNER STEVE BENNETT REDUCED THE PRICE OF HIS ICE TO 50-CENTS A BAG POST IRMA TO HELP THE PUBLIC—AND THE ONE STOP OWNER LOADED-UP FOR HIS STORE AND PRICED IT AT $1.50.

HE TOLD US HIS ICE MACHINE HAS BEEN DOWN FOR A MONTH SO HE HAD BEEN BUYING HIS ICE FROM TWICE THE ICE—BUT THE JACK-UP IN PRICE ANNOYED THE PUBLIC AND THEY TOOK TO SOCIAL MEDIA TO BLAST THE BUSINESS.

A THOMASTON BUSINESS HELPS IRMA RELIEF

A THOMASTON BUSINESS HAS BEEN AN IRMA RELIEF CENTER---ADVANTAGE RELOCATION AT THE OLD LAKESIDE PLANT HOUSING 100 TRUCKS FOR GENERATORS AND FUEL FOR T-MOBILE AND VERIZON AND 60 MORE TRUCKS ARE EXPECTED OVER THE WEEKEND.

LACY GREEAR CRAIN, G.M. SAYS ABOUT 80 VISITORS FROM OUT OF TOWN HAVE BEEN AT THE DISTRIBUTION CENTER/WAREHOUSE THIS WEEK AND MORE ARE EXPECTED. THE FIRM HIRED 33 TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES IN ONE DAY TO HELP WITH IRMA PREPARATION AND RELIEF. SHE SAYS THE COMPANY HOPES TO CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY. 

UPDATE; CAR CRASH INTO FLASH FOODS 19 N.

THE UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS RELEASED THE NAMES OF THREE PERSONS INJURED WHEN A LINCOLN TOWN CAR CRASHED THROUGH THE FLASH FOODS STORE AT 19 NORTH AND JEFF DAVIS ROAD—SUNDAY MORNING—CAUSING HEAVY DAMAGE.

THE DRIVER---ANTONIO BERNARD LITTLE OF OAK STREET—POSSIBLY SUFFERED A MEDICAL EMERGENCY—AND WAS TRAPPED IN THE CAR—WHICH APPARENTLY STARTED A FIRE IN THE STORE.

NORTHSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT DOUSED THE FIRE AND LITTLE WAS FREED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE MEDICAL CENTER IN MACON BY EMS.

TWO CUSTOMERS WERE INJURED AND TRANSPORTED TO URMC BY EMS---20 YEAR OLD VICTORIA MURRAY OF FT. VALLEY WHO RECEIVED A SEVERE MOUTH LACARATION AND 38 YEAR OLD DARRELL GRESHAM WHO HAD A LACARATION TO HIS FOOT.

TU-PIKE,LAMAR, SPALDING, HENRY CLOSED SCTC OPEN LATER

SCHOOL SYSTEMS IN THE AREA WILL BE CLOSED AGAIN WEDNESDAY DUE TO ROAD CONDITIONS AND POWER OUTAGES RELATED TO IRMA.

THE THOMASTON-UPSON SCHOOLS, GRIFFIN-SPALDING SCHOOLS, PIKE, LAMAR, AND HENRY COUNTY SCHOOLS --GORDON STATE COLLEGE WILL BE CLOSED—SOUTHERN CRESCENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE WILL BE OPEN WED. BUT HOLD CLASSES WITH A LATER START TIME AT 10AM. THE CHILD CARE CENTER ON THE FLINT RIVER CAMPUS IN THOMASTON WILL OPEN AT THE REGULAR TIME.

OUTAGE UPDATE-UPSON EMC, CITY OF THOMASTON, YATESVILLE

POWER OUTAGE UPDATE—NEAL TRICE AT UPSON EMC REPORTS 1334 MEMBERS STILL OUT—COULD BE WEDNESDAY OR LATER BEFORE ALL ARE RESTORED.

CITY OF THOMASTON ELECTRICAL SUPERINTENDANT NEAL IVY REPORTS ABOUT 200 CUSTOMERS WITHOUT SERVICE. A BIG TREE FELL ON GREENWOOD ROAD AND THAT'S CREATING PROBLEMS AT BIRDSONG AND GREENWOOD.

THE ENTIRE CITY OF YATESVILLE IS WITHOUT POWER—SERVED BY GA. POWER— THEY STARTED THE DAY WITH ABOUT A MILLION CUSTOMERS WITHOUT SERVICE.

SOUTHERN RIVERS ENERGY REPORTS 3000 WITHOUT POWER IN PIKE COUNTY AND SYSTEM WIDE 11,800 STILL OUT BUT 40 MORE LINEMAN ARE ARRIVING TO HELP.

PIKE ROADS REPORT FROM CO. MAN JOHN HANSON

Patton Road, Chapel Hill Road, Millwood Road and Roberts Quarters Road (at the City Limits Concord) closed because of power lines down.

THOMASTON-UPSON SCHOOLS CLOSED WED.

Below is the call that went out to parents and staff today and was posted on Facebook:

SCHOOLS CLOSED WEDNESDAY: Thomaston-Upson School System administration has been in close communication with county government officials and the Upson County Sheriff’s Department monitoring power outages and road closures within our community. Currently, 3,000 homes, including the entire city of Yatesville, are without power, and a number of roads are inaccessible by our school buses due to road closures. While we are very thankful that our community was spared the massive destruction experienced by so many in this storm’s path, we still have teachers, staff, and students without power and without access to roads. Due to these reasons, all Thomaston-Upson Schools will remain closed on Wednesday, September 13. Our intent is to return to school on Thursday. Hopefully, by this time, power will have been restored to most of our students and staff and roads will have been cleared. Please stay safe, and thank you for your support of Thomaston-Upson Schools.

UPDATE SOUTHERN RIVERS ENERGY

Crews have restored power for an additional 2385 members since 10 a.m. leaving a total of 10,165 still without power. They are working non-stop and will continue until everyone has been restored. With the help of additional crews coming to assist today and tomorrow, we hope to have the majority of our members restored by Thursday, provided there is no damage to the service entry on the house. If the service panel has been torn away from the side of the house or is damaged in any way, the homeowner will have to make the necessary repairs before SRE can reconnect the service.

Unfortunately, we cannot predict when any particular street or neighborhood will be restored. The crews are working from the substation all the way out to individual homes. Rural systems such as ours have miles of distribution lines that run through heavily wooded areas to get to some homes. So fallen trees coupled with saturated ground can make it challenging to get heavy trucks into the affected areas.

Rest assured, crews are working as quickly as possible but there are many obstacles that can delay progress. We also urge everyone to remember the "Move Over for Linemen" law went into effect on July 1, 2016 requiring any motorist approaching utility linemen at an active work site, as indicated by traffic cones or flashing beacons, to change lanes or reduce their speed to a “reasonable and proper speed” below the posted speed limit. Violators face a $250 fine.

GORDON STATE COLLEGE CLOSED WED.

Gordon State College will remain closed and all classes are cancelled Wednesday, Sept. 13. Resident students are asked to begin moving back in the residence halls beginning at noon Wednesday. Normal campus operations and classes will resume Thursday, Sept. 14.

UPDATE SOUTHERN RIVERS ENERGY

Crews have been working all across our system since before daylight assessing damage and making progress. Power has been restored to approximately 1247 members but there is still have a long way to go with 11,867 still out. Five additional crews bringing a total 26 extra linemen are on the way from North Carolina to assist in restoration efforts as soon as they can get here today with 12 more linemen from Indiana scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning.

Members with a medical situation requiring a constant power supply are encouraged to make other arrangements in the event that it takes multiple days to fully restore power.

Crews are assessing damage in each county and should have a better idea of about how long full restoration will take. At least six broken poles have been reported so far, each of which takes several hours to replace. The help of the additional crews will definitely expedite progress but with roughly 70 percent of the system down, it will still take some time.

As of 10 a.m. today the total number of EMC (electric membership cooperatives) members without power across the state was 428,000 and Georgia Power reported 870,000 or roughly half of the residential customers.

Work will continue around the clock in an effort to restore everyone as quickly as possible.

REPORT FROM PIKE CO. MANAGER JOHN HANSON

Pike County offices will remain closed tomorrow September 12th. We anticipate reopening Wednesday morning at regular business scheduled time.

7PM MONDAY CITY OF THOMASTON OUTAGE REPORT

CITY OF THOMASTON OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED TUESDAY —ONLY ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL REPORT. ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT SUPERINTENDANT NEAL IVY TOLD ZOOM NEWS AT 7PM MONDAY HE HAD ABOUT 400 CUSTOMERS WITHOUT SERVICE AND IT WILL PROBABLY BE WEDNESDAY BEFORE ALL ARE BACK ON LINE—DEPENDING ON HOW MUCH HELP HE CAN GET FROM NEIGHBORING DEPARTMENTS.

COUNTY OF UPSON OFFICES WILL BE OPEN TUESDAY AT 9AM,

LATEST OUTAGE UPDATE UPSON EMC

MONDAY 6PM UPDATE UPSON EMC OUTAGES. ACCORDING TO MANAGER NEAL TRICE JUST OVER 4000 CUSTOMERS WITHOUT SERVICE—2072 IN UPSON COUNTY, 700 IN TALBOT COUNTY, 309 IN PIKE COUNTY, 31 IN TAYLOR COUNTY AND 94 IN CRAWFORD COUNTY.

IT COULD BE SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE ALL CUSTOMERS HAVE SERVICE—MR. TRICE TOLD ZOOM NEWS.

GA. POWER OUTAGE UPDATE

5 p.m. Update: Hurricane Irma continues in Georgia, nearly 50 percent of Georgia Power customers without power.

Extensive damage and extended power outages expected to continue due to high winds and fallen trees.

Company procures additional resources for response, 5,500 personnel in place to respond.

UPDATE SOUTHERN RIVERS ENERGY--MONDAY

As of 5:30 SRE has 13,114 accounts without power across all nine counties. Crews will continue restoration efforts as soon as they have rested and conditions are more favorable for making progress. With roughly 80 percent of our system down, this will be a lengthy restoration process.

Georgia’s EMCs reported a total of 375,000 members without power earlier today. Crews will have to assess the damage in the light of day tomorrow but it will be time and labor-intensive with so many downed trees that have to be cleared before trucks can even get to affected areas.

Due to the degree of damage, EMCs will be joined by hundreds of additional line workers and right-of-way crews from Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and crews from as far away as Iowa, Illinois and Oklahoma.

The cooperatives are providing assistance through mutual aid agreements between the nation's nearly 1,000 electric cooperatives, which help one another during natural disasters, including power restoration efforts.

During restoration, EMCs caution members to be mindful of the following safety measures to ensure the safety of the public and EMC personnel:

Do not try and remove trees or limbs that have fallen onto power lines.

Continue to use caution and stay away from downed power lines. 

This is especially true in wet situations and even more so with standing water as a result of this storm. 

Updates will resume tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. Stay safe and thank you for your patience.

COUNTY WIDE CURFEW IN SPALDING CO./GRIFFIN

DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF TREES AND POWER LINES

DOWN SPALDING COUNTY AND THE CITY OF GRIFFIN WILL HAVE A CURFEW 10PM MONDAY TILL 6;30AM TUESDAY. ALL NON-EMERGENCY TRAVEL IS DISCOURAGED.

TUES--CITY OF THOMASTON CLOSED, UPSON CO. OPEN

THOMASTON CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON SAYS CITY HALL WILL BE CLOSED TUESDAY—ONLY EMERGENCY PERSONNEL REPORT.

UPSON COUNTY COMMISSION CHAIRMAN NORMAN ALLEN TOLD ZOOM NEWS IRMA MOVED THROUGH UPSON COUNTY QUICKER THAN EXPECTED AND COUNTY OFFICES WILL BE OPEN AT 9AM ON TUESDAY. THE CHAIRMAN SPOKE TO US ON THE ROAD. HE AND COMMISSIONER JAMES ELLINGTON WERE ON THE GO CHECKING ON ROAD CONDITIONS.

SPALDING COUNTY OFFICES CLOSED TUESDAY

Spalding County and City of Griffin Offices will be closed Tuesday, September 12, 2017 due to the expected high winds and possible power outages. Emergency Personnel to report as scheduled.

William Wilson
County Manager
Spalding County Board of Commissioners
www.spaldingcounty.com

UPDATE FROM UPSON EMA

UPSON EMA DIRECTOR MARTHA ANNE MCCARTY REPORTS ALMOST 5000 POWER OUTAGES IN THE CITY OF THOMASTON AND UPSON COUNTY AS OF 3PM.

NO INJURIES REPORTED BUT WINDS HAVE DONE A NUMBER ON TREES AND LIMBS THAT FELL ON POWER LINES AND ON STREETS AND ROADS.

EMA DIRECTOR MCCARTY IS CONCERNED AT ALL THE TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD—THEY NEED TO GO HOME—SHE TOLD ZOOM NEWS.

SHE REPORTED A LIMB DOWN IN THE 500 BLOCK OF SOUTH GREEN STREET THAT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. SHE PREDICTED THE WORST OF IRMA WILL CONTINUE IN THIS AREA UNTIL 8PM.

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON HAS BEEN ON THE ROAD SURVEYING DAMAGE. A BIG TREE UPROOTED ON OGLETHROPE WAY NEAR WEAVER PARK THAT MIGHT HAVE DAMAGED A CAR.

THE CHIEF URGED THE PUBLIC TO STAY INSIDE

A BIG PECAN TREE UPROOTED AT THE WOOD VALLEY APARTMENTS ON HANNAH'S MILL ROAD—THE BIG TREE WAS UPROOTED AND IT FELL OVER A PORTION OF THE ROOF.

UPSON EMC OUTAGE UPDATE

UPSON EMC MANAGER NEAL TRICE SAYS ONE THIRD OF HIS SERVICE AREA IS WITHOUT POWER—CUSTOMERS IN MERIWETHER COUNTY, UPSON COUNTY, PIKE COUNTY AND THE OTHER COUNTIES IN THE UPSON EMC SERVICE AREA.

A TOTAL OF 3792 CUSTOMERS ARE WITHOUT POWER OF A TOTAL CUSTOMER BASE OF 9100.

GA. POWER REPORTS 600,000 CUSTOMERS WITHOUT POWER.

BE PATIENT THESE ARE HAZARDOUS WORKING CONDITIONS FOR LINEMEN.

SOUTHERN RIVERS ENERGY SUSPENDS WORK

More than 80 percent of our members (12,391) are currently without power from #HurricaneIrma across Bibb, Crawford, Lamar, Meriwether, Monroe, Pike, Spalding and Upson counties. 

Crews have been working steadily on restoration efforts since yesterday afternoon and all through the night. We ask for your patience as we temporarily suspend work due to unsafe conditions for our linemen. Our dispatch and rehab team are currently assessing damage and once the storm leaves affected areas, we will continue power restoration efforts as soon as conditions are safe to do so and our crews have rested. The safety of our linemen is our top priority.

We appreciate your patience and ask you to please call the outage hotline at 1-866-244-4890 to report your outages.

GA. POWER OUTAGE UPDATE

Damage Update

• As of 1 p.m. Monday, there are more than 410,000 customers without power in Georgia and more than3,600 individual cases of damage (including broken poles and lines) the company is working to repair.
• Damage and outages are primarily concentrated in Metro Atlanta, Central, Southern and Coastal Georgia.

SHERIFF KILGORE--STAY OFF THE ROADS

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE WARNS THE PUBLIC TO STAY OFF THE ROAD UNTIL THE STORM PASSES, ITS TOO DANGEROUS WITH WINDS AND BLOWING RAIN.

THE SHERIFF SAID A TREE WAS DOWN BLOCKING 74 WEST, BUT IT HAS BEEN CLEARED. POWER OUTAGES REPORTED ALL AROUND UPSON COUNTY AND UPSON EMC SAYS BE PATIENT, IT WILL TAKE TIME TO RESTORE SERVICE, BECAUSE IT CAN'T ENDANGER CREWS.

THREE WAYS TO FOLLOW OUR IRMA COVERAGE

THREE WAYS TO LISTEN TO ZOOM RADIO—101.1 FM, 105.9 FM AND OUR LIVE STREAM, FUN 101FM.COM ON YOUR COMPUTER, SMART PHONE OR TABLET.

GA. POWER OUTAGE UPDATE

Damage Update

• As of 11 a.m. Monday, there are more than 300,000 customers without power in Georgia and more than2,900 individual cases of damage (including broken poles and lines) the company is working to repair.
• Damage and outages are primarily concentrated in Central, South and Coastal Georgia.  

CITY OF THOMASTON POWER OUTAGE UPDATE

AT NOON MONDAY, CITY OF THOMASTON ELECTRICAL SUPERINTENDANT NEAL IVY TOLD ZOOM NEWS TREES ARE DOWN ON WEST THOMPSON AT GLENDALE AND ON CHERRY STREET CAUSING POWER OUTAGES.

A NUMBER OF OUTAGES HAVE BEEN REPORTED BUT WITH THESE WINDY CONDITIONS ITS TOO DANGEROUS TO PUT CREWS UP IN A BUCKET TRUCK, HE SAID.

UPDATE SOUTHERN RIVERS ENERGY OUTAGES

Outages are steadily increasing with more than 2500 members without power across eight counties. Most are located in Bibb (627) and Monroe (841). Crews are continuing to work in the elements to restore as much as possible but conditions are deteriorating.

Members are encouraged not to use social media to report outages. Please use the Outage Hotline: 866-244-4890.

Erin Cook, CCC

PLANT CLOSINGS

CLOSINGS DUE TO IRMA...

TENCATE CLOSED TILL WED. 8AM, MOLENA, ZEBULON, SENOIA

INTERFOR CLOSED MONDAY , CHIEF MANUFACTURING MONDAY AND TUESDAY.

QUAD GRAPHICS CLOSING AT NOON MONDAY, PRODUCTION RESTART TUESDAY 7AM.

STANDARD TEXTILE CLOSED, DART CLOSED,

MCDONALDS OF THOMASTON CLOSED MONDAY

MIMBS TAXI CLOSING 11AM MONDAY TILL 4AM TUESDAY

NOAH'S ARK CHILD CARE CLOSED

WALGREEN'S CLOSED MONDAY

RITZ THEATER CLOSED MONDAY NIGHT

CAR CRASHES INTO FLASH FOODS 19 NORTH

ACCORDING TO UPSON CO. SHERIFF'S OFFICE —A MOTORIST IN A LINCOLN TOWN CAR HAD A MEDICAL EMERGENCY AND CRASHED INTO FLASH FOODS AT 19 NORTH AND JEFF DAVIS ROAD SUNDAY MORNING. THE MOTORIST TRAVELING SOUTH ON 19 HIT TWO CARS AND SMASHED ALL THE WAY TO THE COOLERS INSIDE FLASH FOODS BEFORE COMING TO REST. TWO INJURED—A FEMALE CUSTOMER AND THE DRIVER—BOTH TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R. THE STORE IS WORKING TO REOPEN.

GSP , THURSTON AND, NORTHSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENTS ALSO RESPONDED.

COURT CLOSINGS MONDAY AND TUESDAY

COURT CLOSINGS TODAY-- SPALDING COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT HEARINGS JUDGE ROBERT M. CRAWFORD, UPSON SUPERIOR COURT TUESDAY—JUDGE CRAWFORD.

LAMAR COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT GRAND JURY AND TRAVERSE JURY—CANCELLED TODAY AND TUESDAY—REPORT WED. 8;30AM.

SPALDING COUNTY STATE COURT CANCELLED TODAY AND TUESDAY—ARRAIGNMENT MOVED TO SEPT. 26TH 9AM.

UPSON COUNTY PROBATE COURT CANCELLED TODAY

CITY OF THOMASTON MUNICIPAL COURT TUESDAY HAS BEEN CANCELLED UNTIL TUESDAY SEPT. 19TH. 

CLOSINGS DUE TO IRMA

HERE'S A LIST OF CLOSINGS TODAY---UPSON COUNTY AND CITY OF THOMASTON—ONLY EMERGENCY PERSONNEL REPORT.

SPALDING COUNTY AND CITY OF GRIFFIN , PIKE COUNTY AND LAMAR COUNTY —ONLY EMERGENCY PERSONNEL REPORT.

ALL UPSON COUNTY MEETINGS TODAY AND TUESDAY CANCELLED.

CHIEF MANUFACTURING CLOSED TODAY AND TUESDAY.

TEN-COTTA PROTECTIVE FABRICS CLOSED TILL WED. 8AM—MOLENA, ZEBULON AND SENOIA PLANTS.

UGA GRIFFIN AND SOUTHERN CRESCENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE CLOSED TODAY—A DECISION LATER ON TUESDAY.

GORDON STATE COLLEGE CLOSED TODAY AND TUESDAY.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS— TODAY AND TUESDAY--THOMASTON-UPSON, LAMAR COUNTY, PIKE COUNTY, GRIFFIN-SPALDING, MONROE COUNTY, BUTTS COUNTY, HENRY COUNTY, ROCK SPRINGS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, SKIPSTONE ACADEMY, FAITH ACADEMY,GRIFFIN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY.

UPSON EMA UPDATE ON IRMA

ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HURRICANE IRMA CONTINUES TO WEAKEN AS IT MOVES INTO GEORGIA—BUT ITS STILL A DANGEROUS STORM.

GOVERNOR NATHAN DEAL HAS ISSUED A STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR THE ENTIRE STATE—AND UPSON COUNTY AND ALL COUNTIES IN CENTRAL GA. TO ATLANTA ARE UNDER A TROPICAL STORM WARNING.

ACCORDING TO UPSON COUNTY EMA DIRECTOR MARTHA ANN MCCARTY—THE SEVERE WEATHER IN THIS AREA WILL BEGIN BETWEEN 8AM AND NOON AND WILL PEAK BETWEEN NOON AND 8PM---WINDS 40 MILES PER HOUR WITH GUSTS TO 60 PLUS 3 TO 6 INCHES OF RAIN AND POSSIBLE ISOLATED TORNADOS—THAT COULD BE WRAPPED IN RAIN BANDS WITH NO WARNING.

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH ALSO IN AFFECT. VACATE MOBILE HOMES AND STAY INDOORS—A GOOD SAMARITAN SHELTER IS AVAILABLE AT NORTHSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH AT 423 EAST COUNTY ROAD.

BE SURE TO SECURE YARD FURNITURE, TRAMPOLINES AND SUCH. THE UPSON EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER WILL BE STAFFED STARTING AT 6AM PHONE 706-647-5600.

ALERT FOR SOUTHERN RIVERS ENERGY CUSTOMERS

Southern Rivers Energy is closely monitoring the path of Hurricane Irma and contingency plans are in place. Trucks and materials are stocked and our crews are ready to respond to outages. Rest assured we are prepared but we urge our members and the community as a whole to take this seriously and have a plan in place in the event that Irma causes extensive damage and widespread outages.

We will release a schedule for providing updates to the media the membership on Monday after we have a better idea of how our territory will be affected. SRE members need to save the Outage Hotline in their phones and use it to report outages or downed power lines: 866-244-4890. Please stay away from any downed power lines or trees/limbs that are touching them. We appreciate everyone’s support and cooperation as we brace for Hurricane Irma.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS, UPSON, PIKE, LAMAR, GORDON STATE MON-TUE

OL CLOSINGS MONDAY AND TUESDAY DUE TO HURRICANE IRMA, THOMASTON-UPSON, PIKE COUNTY, LAMAR COUNTY, ROCK SPRISCHONGS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, GORDON STATE COLLEGE,SKIPSTONE ACADEMY

HEARINGS CANCELLED IN SPALDING COUNTY SUP. CT.

Due to the inclement weather and possible hazardous driving conditions, Judge Robert M. Crawford has cancelled his Superior Court hearings scheduled for Monday, September 11, 2017 at the Spalding County Courthouse. These hearings will be rescheduled at a later date. Marcia Norris Spalding County Clerk of Superior Court

IRMA UPDATE FROM MARTHA ANNE MCCARTY UPSON EMA DIR.

GEMA Conf Call notes:

Per Director Bryson of GEMA - Gov Deal may increase # of counties in State of Emergency declaration.

NHC - middle GA will see anywhere form 3-6" of rain, winds at 40 mph+ embedded in rain bands.

DOT - US 19 out of FL - usual traffic is 300 vehicles/hour, seeing flow of 1982/hr now.

I asked about fuel supply. I was told that there is sufficient supply. The hold-up is in distribution. Delivery trucks are tied up in traffic in getting additional fuel supplies out to stores.

We do not have any shelters open in Upson County at this time. Shelters in metro areas of Macon and Columbus will be maxed out before outlying areas are pulled into service. Cots and shelter personnel are in short supply. Any churches that open "Good Samaritan" shelters for evacuees, please let Upson EMA know if you do, and how many persons are housed there. "Good Samaritan" shelters are exactly that, and receive no funding for reimbursement of expenses, nor are they covered by any Red Cross or Govt liability.

My best advice is to prepare for a heavy rain event. The possibility of power outages exists as lots of rain and wind gusts will bring down trees and power lines. If you encounter a flooded roadway, do NOT drive through flood waters. Turn around and go another way.

A LAMAR CO. COLD CASE REOPENED

LAMAR COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY JONATHAN ADAMS IS KEEPING A CAMPAIGN PLEDGE TO REOPEN THE COLD CASE INVOLVING THE JULY 1984 MURDER OF DONNA OGLETREE JOHNSON OF PIKE COUNTY AND HE HAS NAMED A RETIRED FBI AGENT TO HEAD-UP THE INVESTIGATION.

A 27 YEAR VETERAN OF THE FBI—JALAINE G. WARD OF MACON WAS SWORN-IN LAST WEEK . K.B. AYER OF THE MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE WILL BE A PART OF THE INVESTIGATION TEAM AND THE LIAISON TO THE OGLETREE FAMILY— K.B. IS THE DAUGHTER OF RETIRED STATE TROOPER JACK BARKER.

THE BODY OF MS. JOHNSON WAS FOUND ON A LOGGING ROAD NEAR PIEDMONT AND THE ROCK ROADS. SHE HAD BEEN HOG-TIED, SEXUALLY VIOLATED, RUN OVER BY A VEHICLE AND STRUCK IN THE HEAD WITH A HEAVY OBJECT.

THAT SAME EVENING A HEAVY RAIN STORM HINDERED THE INVESTIGATION—SPECULATION THAT IT WASHED AWAY EVIDENCE IMPORTANT TO THE CASE THAT REMAINS UNSOLVED.

AT THE TIME OF HER DEATH MS. JOHNSON WAS EMPLOYED BY A THOMASTON DRUG STORE CHAIN.

FOR MORE ON THIS STORY LOG ON TO BARNESVILLE.COM.

10 YR. OLD ATTACKED BY A PIT BULL ON VICKERY RD.

ACCORDING TO UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE---A 10 YEAR OLD STUDENT AT UPSON LEE NORTH WAS LIFE FLIGHTED TO AN ATLANTA HOSPITAL AND UNDERWENT SURGERY AFTER BEING ATTACKED BY A PIT BULL INSIDE THE HOUSE ON VICKERY ROAD—SUNDAY NIGHT.

THE CHILD'S MOTHER AMANDA MELTON SAID HER HUSBAND WAS KEEPING THE PIT BULL FOR HIS BOSS—AND FAMILY MEMBERS HEARD THE ATTACK AND RUSHED TO GET THE DOG OFF THE CHILD.

THE S.O. REPORT SAID THE CHILD'S SHIRT WAS SOAKED IN BLOOD AND HE RECEIVED A LARGE LACARATION TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD, HIS LEFT EYE WAS SWOLLEN SHUT AND HIS TOP EYE LID WAS TORN. THE CHILD HAS SINCE BEEN RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL—AND UPSON ANIMAL CONTROL TOOK CUSTODY OF THE DOG—AND IT HAS BEEN PUT DOWN.

U.S. 19 N. PROJECT BACK ON SCHEDULE

THE GA. DOT COMMISSIONER CALLED STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOHNNIE CALDWELL TUESDAY AND TOLD HIM PHASE TWO OF THE U.S. 19 NORTH PROJECT IS BACK ON SCHEDULE—AFTER BEING POSTPONED UNTIL 2022.

UPSON COUNTY COMMISSION CHAIRMAN NORMAL ALLEN TOLD ZOOM NEWS, STATE HOUSE MEMBER CALDWELL AND LOCAL OFFICIALS HAVE BEEN WORKING THE LEVERS OF GOVERNMENT TO GET THE PROJECT DATE MOVED BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL DESIGNATION.