TWO ARMED ROBBERIES IN GRIFFIN CHRISTMAS NIGHT

SPALDING COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE LOOKING FOR THE PUBLIC'S HELP AFTER TWO ARMED ROBBERIES , AT SAM'S CHECK CASHING ON NORTH HILL AND THE RACE TRACK ON NORTH EXPRESSWAY TUESDAY NIGHT.

A TALL, THIN, DARK SKINNED-MALE WEARING A MASK AND POINTING A PISTOL ROUGHED-UP BOTH CLERKS DURING THE STICK-UPS.

SPORTS LINEUP ON ZOOM 105-9/101-1.

HERE'S THE SPORTS LINEUP ON ZOOM RADIO FOR THE NEXT WEEK. ATLANTA FALCONS—TAMPA BAY SUNDAY AT ONE, FOLLOWED AT 6 BY UL'S TYE FAGAN AND THE GA. BULLDOGS VS. UMASS IN ATHENS.

MONDAY NIGHT AT 7PM A SUGAR BOWL SPECIAL FEATURING COACH KIRBY SMART AND TUESDAY ITS THE SUGAR BOWL GEORGIA VS. TEXAS, PRE-GAME AT 4;30, KICK-OFF AT 8;30PMon 105-9/101-1.

ALL THE LATEST GA. BULLDOGS INFO AT DAWN OF THE DAWG ON OUR NEW WEBSITE myzoomradio.com.  

GA DOT AWARDS $15 MILLION FOR ATWATER ROAD

Georgia DOT has awarded 14 construction contracts for statewide transportation projects totaling $60,807,761. These projects were advertised on October 19, bids were received on November 16 and contracts were awarded to the lowest qualified bidder on November 30.

The largest single investment is a $16.5 million contract to resurface and rehabilitate 31.7 miles of roadway on I-16/State Route 404 in Bulloch and Candler counties from the Emanuel County Line to west of SR 67. This contract was awarded to Interstate Improvement, Inc., and is one of eight resurfacing projects across the state, representing 56 percent of the awarded funds, or $34.2 million.

A construction project to widen and reconstruct 1.88 miles of roadway on US 19/SR 3 from north of West County Road to Atwater Road in Upson County represents 25 percent of the awarded funds, or $15 million. The remaining 34 percent of awarded funds – or $21.7 million – include safety enhancement projects and bridge construction and rehabilitation at various locations throughout the state.

The awards bring the total construction contracts for Fiscal Year 2019 to $276 million. Fiscal Year 2019 began July 1, 2018.

GENERAL MILLS COMING TO HENRY CO. 50 NEW JOBS

The Henry County Development Authority announced today that General Mills, manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer foods, will invest $8.5 million in its new state-of-the-art distribution facility located on Westridge Parkway in McDonough, Georgia. 

The project will create more than 50 new jobs.

General Mills, headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, serves the world by making food people love. Following the company’s acquisition of Blue Buffalo Pet Products, Inc. earlier this year, they are also a leading manufacturer and marketer in the wholesome natural pet food category. The 408,000 sf McDonough facility will distribute the General Mills Blue Buffalo family of products throughout the Southeast.

“Blue Buffalo is the #1 Wholesome Natural pet food brand in the U.S. and we are pleased to be expanding with the addition of the facility in McDonough,” said Billy Bishop, President of General Mills Pet Segment. “This facility will enable us to better serve consumers, pet parents and pets in the southeast with the BLUE brand of products.”

“With the addition of Blue Buffalo to our community, Henry County has shown once again that we are a great place for business,” said June Wood, Chair of the Henry County Board of Commissioners. “We are thankful for the company’s investment and job creation. The County has outstanding food companies for people, and now we have the premier food company for pets.”

“We are excited that General Mills and Blue Buffalo has selected Henry County for its new facility,” said David Gill, Chair of the Henry County Development Authority. “They are a great addition to the outstanding food related production and logistics operations in Henry County. We look forward to working with General Mills and Blue Buffalo to successfully grow in Henry County.”

HONORS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS

SPALDING COUNTY TAX COMMISSIONER SYLVIA HOLLUMS HAS BEEN NAMED 2018 GEORGIA CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICER OF THE YEAR BY THE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF GA.

UPSON COUNTY PROBATE JUDGE DANIELLE MCRAE WAS ONE OF THE FOUR NOMINEES FOR THE HONOR.

MS. HOLLUMS HAS BEEN TAX COMMISSIONER IN SPALDING COUNTY FOR OVER 25 YEARS.

UL'S TRAVON WALKER SIGNS TO PLAY FOR UGA

WEDNESDAY WAS NATIONAL EARLY SIGNING DAY FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND UPSON-LEE'S TRAVON WALKER SIGNED WITH THE GA. BULLDOGS. D.J. DANIEL OF GA. MILITARY WHO PLAYED FOR SPALDING HIGH ALSO HEADED TO UGA AND SPALDING QUARTERBACK ZION PUCKETT TO AUBURN AS A DEFENSIVE BACK.

TRAVON WALKER WHO STARS FOR THE KNIGHTS BASKETBALL TEAM SAYS HE WILL ONLY PLAY FOOTBALL FOR THE DAWGS.

TRAVON'S FORMER HOOPS TEAM MATE TY FAGAN OF THE DAWGS IS NOT THE SAME SLENDER ROUNDBALL ACE WE KNEW . HE'S ADDED 11 POUNDS SINCE HE'S BEEN IN ATHENS AND IT APPEARS TO BE MOSTLY MUSCLE.

WE'VE GOT UGA AND GA. TECH SATURDAY AT NOON, ON ZOOM 105-9/101-1.

DUNKY D'S / BASKIN ROBBINS COMING TO THOMASTON

Press Release

The City of Thomaston and Thomaston-Upson County Development Authority are excited to announce that a combination store of Dunkin & Baskin Robbins will be coming soon to Thomaston.

The store’s proposed location is on Hwy 19 between McDonald’s and Waffle House.

According to Thomaston City Manager Russell Thompson, “the Dunkin & Baskin Robbins combo store will invest approximately $1,400,000 and create 35 new jobs”. Thompson added that the franchisee indicated that the goal is to hire locally.

Dunkin’ Donuts recently announced that starting in January, they will drop the “Donuts” from ads, packages and signage. More details on the store will be coming in the near future.

One of the goals of the Development Authority as well as the City of Thomaston is to create investment and retail jobs along our commercial corridors. The Development Authority is working to reach out to developers as well as research which retail stores would be a good match with our demographics.

 “The City of Thomaston is committed to economic development and is proud to welcome this latest business to our community.  The City will continue to work with existing businesses as well as strive to attract new development opportunities.” – Mayor J.D. Stallings

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL PASSES 2019 BUDGET

THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVED THE 2019 BUDGET BY UNANIMOUS VOTE TUESDAY, A BUDGET THAT CONTAINS A ONE MILL TAX INCREASE, BUT MAYOR J.D. STALLINGS IS TRUSTING IT WON'T BE NEEDED—AFTER ALL , HE SAID A MILL AND A HALF TAX BOOST WAS IN THE 2018 BUDGET BUT IT WAS NOT TRIGGERED. THAT ONE MILL OF TAX REVENUE WOULD BE $217,000.

THE TOTAL BUDGET IS $27.9 MILLION UP $130,000 AND THE GENERAL FUND IS $7.8 MILLION UP $281,000.

IN THE 2019 BUDGET , COUNCIL IS BACKING-OFF PULLING MAJOR FUNDS FROM THE RESERVE FUND, $993,000 WAS TRANSFERED IN 2018, ONLY $215,000 TARGETED FOR 2019-- SOMETHING THAT PLEASED COUNCILMAN RYAN TUCKER—WHO HAS SAID CITY HALL IS USING TOO MUCH OF ITS RESERVE TO BALANCE ITS BUDGETS.

TRANSFERS TO THE GENERAL FUND FROM WATER, ELECTIC, SANITATION AND HOTEL/MOTEL TAXES ARE UP $490,000 AT $2.9 MILLION.

TWO OF THE BIGGEST ITEMS IN THE BUDGET, $260,000 FOR WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, MOSTLY AT LAKE THOMASTON AND ROAD PAVING IS $230,000.

COUNCIL POSTPONED APPOINTMENT OF A NEW MEMBER TO THE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON SAID MAYOR STALLINGS HAS BEEN TALKING WITH A PROSPECT.

JUDGE ROBERT MACK CRAWFORD SUSPENDED BY J.Q.C.

GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE ROBERT MACK CRAWFORD HAS BEEN SUSPENDED BY THE STATE'S JUDICIAL WATCHDOG AGENCY, AFTER BEING INDICTED FOR FELONY THEFT AND VIOLATION OF OATH OF OFFICE BY THE PIKE COUNTY GRAND JURY.

ACCORDING TO ATLANTA'S LEGAL NEWSPAPER, THE DAILY REPORT, THE THREE-MEMBER HEARING PANEL OF THE STATE JUDICIAL QUALIFICATIONS COMMISSION NOTIFIED JUDGE CRAWFORD DECEMBER 3RD THAT HE WAS FORMALLY SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

JUDGE CRAWFORD'S ATTORNEY VIRGIL BROWN SAID THE J.Q.C. FILED NOTICE OF THE ACTION WITH THE STATE SUPREME COURT UNDER SEAL WITHOUT A HEARING BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T WANT A HEARING BECAUSE THE SUPREME COURT REVERSED THEM THE FIRST TIME LAST JULY.

JUDGE CRAWFORD HAS SOME 200 TO 300 PENDING CIVIL C ASES ASSIGNED TO HIM, CASES THAT APPARENTLY WILL HAVE TO BE HEARD BY ANOTHER JUDGE.

THE JUDGE IS CHARGED WITH THE THEFT OF OVER $15,000 FROM THE PIKE COUNTY REGISTRY, FUNDS HIS ATTORNEYS SAY WERE CRAWFORD'S LEGAL FEES OWED FOR OVER 15 YEARS.

TWO FROM THOMASTON KILLED IN COLUMBUS

The second of two people who were aboard a motor scooter struck from behind by a small sport-utility vehicle on Macon Road, or U.S. 80, has succumbed to his injuries at a Columbus hospital.

Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan confirmed Sunday that Jeremy Blankenship, 30, was pronounced dead at 10:20 a.m. Sunday at Piedmont Columbus Regional’s midtown campus.

Blankenship’s death follows that Saturday of Toni McChargue, 33, who also was on the scooter that was smashed from behind by a Jeep Renegade compact SUV in the Upatoi area — on Macon Road just past the Jenkins Road intersection — at 2:14 p.m. Saturday. She was pronounced dead at the scene by Deputy Coroner Freeman Worley.

Bryan said Columbus police investigators still are not sure if McChargue or Blankenship was driving the scooter.

YEAR IN REVIEW DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER

Note from Ben Coker,
Your District
Attorney
2018 was quite the year for the Griffin Judicial Circuit. We tried a 34
year old cold case, and cleared 10 murder cases off of the docket.
These two accomplishments are impressive standing alone, but I am
also happy to report that my offices diligently worked to reduce the
backlog. Most cases in my offices are seeing a courtroom within 12
months. That is an exceptional improvement. We will continue to
work to reduce that time period even more.
I asked my staff members, and especially the attorneys in my offices,
to accomplish some daunting goals this year. They impressed me with
their dedication to the job. We tried an incredible amount of cases this
year. For some perspective, in 2017, we tried 10 cases as a circuit. This
year, we DOUBLED that number with 21. Our conviction rate is 95%.
It’s a staggering statistic and a great testament to the people that
work for me. Thank you will never be enough to them, but thank them
I do. They are warriors.
As I enter my third year as District Attorney, I am honored to work
alongside these people. Their work in the community and in the courtroom
is unmatched. I proudly give you this 2018 Year in Review. It was
a year for the books. This review is a snapshot of our year. If you want
more information about any of the cases or events in this newsletter,
please visit my website at www.dagriffincircuit.org or my Facebook
page, @gjcdistrictattorney.
As a circuit, we are ready for 2019. We continue to grow in our
knowledge and abilities. Please know how much your trust in me
means. I appreciate the opportunity to work for you, and I will continue
the fight to keep you safe. Happy Holidays, and I hope you all have
a blessed 2019.

TWO TIX FOR SALE FOR THE SUGAR BOWL

TWO TICKETS FOR SALE FOR THE SUGAR BOWL IN NEW ORLEANS, TUESDAY, JAN IST. CALL WTGA AT 706-647-7121.

UPSON CO CROSSING GUARD INJURED FRIDAY

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAYS A SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD WAS INJURED WHEN STRUCK BY A VEHICLE FRIDAY AROUND 7;30AM AT KNIGHT TRAIL AND TOM MCKINLEY ROAD. ---58 YEAR OLD WILLIAM OTIS DENBY OF A ROBIN STREET ADDRESS .

CROSSING GUARD DENBY—ONE OF TWO AT THAT INTERSECTION WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R. BY EMS --- TREATED AND RELEASED FOR INJURIES TO THE ARM, HIPS, AND LEGS.

SHERIFF KILGORE SAID THE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION WAS TURNED OVER TO POST 26 GA. STATE PATROL.

THE GSP TOLD US A VEHICLE REFUSED TO YIELD ON KNIGHT TRAIL WHEN SIGNALED TO STOP BY THE CROSSING GUARDS—AND HIT A CAR WITH THE RIGHT OF WAY ON TOM MCKINLEY ROAD. THE DRIVER AT FAULT—ROSHA K. WALKER OF ANN ARMS COURT WAS CHARGED WITH FAILURE TO OBEY AN AUTHORIZED TRAFFIC OFFICER AND THE DRIVER SHE HIT IDENTIFIED AS KATHERINE B. WILLIAMS OF SHASTA DRIVE.

ACCORDING TO THE TROOPER-- MR. DENBY WAS SCRAMBLING TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF THE TWO VEHICLES AND ITS UNCLEAR WHICH ONE OF THEM HIT HIM.

ARRESTS IN STOLEN CAR CASE PIKE COUNTY

An early morning report of a stolen car in Williamson on Vaughn Lane has lead to the arrest of Austin Brazel, 20 years of age, Rodney Miller, 19 years of age, Tristian Montfort, 21 years of age, and Travis Hoard, 22 years of age. The victim in this case reported that he had been visiting a residence on Vaughn Lane when another suspect took his car keys and was attempting to take his vehicle during which time the suspects produced a handgun and ordered the victim to move away from his vehicle. Investigators are working to identify the suspect that drove away in the vehicle at this time.

Brazel, Montfort and Hoard were located by Deputies near the Dollar General in Williamson. A handgun was recovered that was concealed in Hoard's pants, which was consistent with the gun the victim had described. Miller was found hiding in a closet at a residence on Vaughn Lane. All four are currently in the Pike County Jail and will be facing various charges including armed robbery, theft by taking motor vehicle , possession of a firearm during commission of a crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

GRIFFIN PD WORKING AN ARMED ROBBERY

 On December 13, just after 1130 hours, uniform patrol officers of the Griffin Police Department responded to the Dollar General (1019 Memorial Drive Griffin, Ga.) in reference to an armed robbery. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the employees of the business. The suspect in this crime is a slender black male 6’00 to 6’03 in height and had a beard at the time of this incident. The suspect used a handgun during the commission of the crime. One of the employees was treated at the scene by EMS for none life threatening injuries. The suspect is still at large.

   The investigation is still ongoing. If anyone has any possible information in regards to the armed robbery, please contact Griffin Police Department Criminal Investigative Division with any information in connection to this crime.

NEW MEMBER OF THE IDA

AT TUESDAY NIGHT'S MEETING, THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY MARK IRVIN TO THE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, AS DR. LARRY DERICO IS STEPPING DOWN AFTER BEING NAMED SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT.

RETIRING COUNTY COMMISSIONER FRANK SPRAGGINS GOT A BIG SEND-OFF AT THE CLOSE OF THE MEETING—RETIRING AFTER SERVING FOR 20 YEARS. BENJAMIN WATSON WILL ASSUME THE 4TH DISTRICT SEAT IN JANUARY.

THOMASTON MAYOR J.D. STALLINGS READ SPRAGGINS A RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION FROM THE CITY COUNCIL—AND THE OTHER BOARD MEMBERS READ LETTERS FROM U.S. SENATORS JOHNNY ISAKSON AND DAVID PERDUE, GOVERNOR NATHAN DEAL AND STATE REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT DICKEY AND CHAIRMAN NORMAN ALLEN READ A PROCLAMATION FROM THE BOARD

SPRAGGINS SAID A BIG MOVE FOR THE COUNTY IS NOT HAVING TO BORROW MONEY TO OPERATE NEXT YEAR AND HE NOTED CITY COUNTY RELATIONS HAVE IMPROVED.

HIS PARTING GIFT WAS AN ALMOST BILLBOARD-SIZED PHOTO OF THE UPSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE. SPRAGGINS CHAIRED THE EFFORT WHEN IT WAS RENOVATED SEVERAL YEARS BACK.

HE GAVE CREDIT FOR HIS SUCCESS TO HIS WIFE BRENDA, WHO WAS PRESENT.

UL'S TRAVON WALKER STAYING WITH THE GA. BULLDOGS

UPSON-LEE'S TRAVON WALKER IS FEATURED IN A STORY IN THE MACON TELEGRAPH ON A NUMBER OF THE NATION'S TOP PROSPECTS IN ATHENS LAST WEEKEND FOR A FINAL VISIT TO UGA. WALKER WHO WAS IN A WAIT-SEE MODE AFTER DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR MEL TUCKER LEFT TO BE HEAD COACH AT COLORADO LOCKED DOWN HIS PLEDGE TO THE BULLDOGS AND WILL SIGN WITH GEORGIA WEDNESDAY AND ENROLL IN JUNE.

TRAVON—THE 2ND RANKED DEFENSIVE TACKLE IN THE COUNTRY TOLD THE TELEGRAPH—COACH SMART IS A DEFENSIVE COACH SO COACH TUCKER LEAVING MEANT NOTHING EXCEPT THE LOSS OF A RELATIONSHIP. THE DEFENSE WILL FOREVER STAND WITH COACH SMART—I KNOW HE WILL PUT THE RIGHT PERSON IN THAT POSITION.  

THOMASTON-UPSON SCHOOLS BUS BARN BURGLARY

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE INVESTIGATING A BREAK-IN AT THE THOMASTON-UPSON SCHOOLS BUS BARN ON 74 EAST DURING THE WEEKEND. SOMEONE BROKE A WINDOW AND ENTERED THE BUILDING, PRIED-OPEN THE DOOR TO THE TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR'S OFFICE—RIFLED THROUGH SEVERAL CABIENTS AND DRAWERS AND BROKE INTO THE GUM BALL MACHINE IN THE SNACK AREA—BUT NOTHING SEEMS TO BE MISSING FROM THE BUS BARN.

TRAILER HOME FIRE FRANKLIN DRIVE

UPSON S.O. AND NORTHSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO AN UNOCCUPIED SINGLE-WIDE MOBILE HOME FIRE AT 325 FRANKLIN DRIVE WITH VISIBLE FLAMES.

A NEIGHBOR TOLD DEPUTIES NO ONE LIVED THERE BUT RANDOM PEOPLE HAD BEEN GOING IN AND OUT—AND HE SAW A FIRE INSIDE THE UNIT AT NIGHT—SOMEONE APPARENTLY TRYING TO KEEP WARM—A SLIM WHITE MALE LAST SEEN.  

EX-RE LEE COACH MATTHEW ARTHUR PASSED AWAY DEC IST

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR COACH MATTHEW ARTHUR WHO WAS ON THE STAFF OF COACH JIM CAVAN AT RELEE WERE HELD TUESDAY IN WARNER ROBINS. COACH ARTHUR DIED OF COMPLICATIONS OF A STROKE DEC. IST.

COACH ARTHUR STARTED HIS COACHING CAREER AT RE LEE IN 1959 AND WAS HONORED AS THE INTERIM HEAD COACH WHEN THE REBELS WON THE NORTH GA. FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP IN 1961.

HE LEFT TO BECOME HEAD COACH AT NORTHSIDE HIGH IN WARNER ROBINS AND WAS ELECTED SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT IN HOUSTON COUNTY IN 1980 AND RETIRED IN 1988.

HIS SON MATT ARTHUR JR. IS COMMISSIONER OF THE TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM OF GEORGIA AND WAS SUPERINTENDANT OF SCHOOLS IN RABUN COUNTY WHEN HE HIRED COACH KIRBY SMARTS FATHER SONNY SMART AS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH.  

STUDENT TAKES SCHOOL BUS FOR JOY RIDE

ACCORDING TO THOMASTON POLICE, A 13 YEAR OLD MALE STOLE A SCHOOL BUS AND TOOK IT FOR A JOY RIDE THE NIGHT OF NOVEMBER 28TH AND LEFT IT PARKED BEHIND FAGAN'S STORE ON ZORN STREET SOUTH OF TOWN.

THE FEMALE BUS DRIVER FOUND IT MISSING AT THE PRE-K NEXT TO THE GOVERNMENT COMPLEX-- WHEN SHE REPORTED FOR DUTY THE NEXT MORNING AND NOTIFIED AUTHORITES.

THE BUS WAS NOT DAMAGED AND THE KEYS WERE IN THE IGNITION WHEN POLICE FOUND IT.

SCHOOL OFFICIALS HAVE NOT COMMENTED BUT THERE'S A REPORT THE STUDENT WAS SENT TO THE ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL. 

GUILTY VERDICT IN PIKE COUNTY TRIAL

Monday morning, Assistant District Attorney Michael Rogers picked three Pike County juries to resolve remaining cases on the trial calendar in front of the Honorable Christopher Edwards. The first case ADA Rogers tried was the State of Georgia vs. Carl Schaneman. Schaneman was charged with multiple misdemeanor counts. Yesterday, the jury found Schaneman guilty of two counts of misdemeanor obstruction. Chief Judge Edwards sentenced the defendant to 12 months to serve in the Pike County Jail. After the verdict and sentence, the remaining two defendants waiting for trial entered guilty pleas.

District Attorney Coker said of the verdict, “thank you to ADA Rogers, my Pike County Office, and the Zebulon Police Department for their hard work this week. Thank you, also, to the police officers in Pike County and across this Circuit who work hard to keep our communities safe. These men and women suit up every day, despite the known dangers to them, just to protect us from those that seek to do us harm. My offices are honored to continue to fight alongside them and for them.”

REWARD IN HOMOCIDE NOW $2000 CASH

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON SAYS THE REWARD IN A VIOLENT HOME INVASION/MURDER CASE HAS BEEN RAISED TO $2000 IN CASH.

67 YEAR OLD STEVEN EARLES OF 4TH AVE. DIED OF INJURIES SUSTAINED IN A BEATING AT HIS HOME LAST WEEK AND HIS WIFE JOYCE EARLES WAS ALSO BEATEN AND REQUIRED A HOSPITAL STAY.

THE CHIEF SAID TWO MEN IN DARK CLOTHING BROKE-IN THE HOUSE IN A ROBBERY ATTEMPT AND BEAT THE COUPLE. MS. EARLES WAS ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES RECENTLY AFTER SOME SCHEDULE PILLS WERE FOUND IN HER POSSESSION.

THE CHIEF HAS BEEN GUARDED ABOUT RELEASING MORE DETAILS BUT HE TOLD ZOOM NEWS WEDNESDAY INVESTIGATORS HAVE BEEN POURING OVER LEADS IN AN ATTEMPT TO SOLVE THE CASE.

ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE CRIME SHOULD CONTACT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND YOUR NAME WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL.  

TWO TRAPPED IN ELEVATOR DURING TUAC EVENT

THOMASTON-UPSON SCHOOLS SPOKES-PERSON KAREN TRUESDALE TOLD ZOOM NEWS—WORKMEN FROM A FLORIDA COMPANY WERE AT THE UL FINE ARTS CENTER WEDNESDAY REPAIRING AN ELEVATOR WHERE A YOUNG WOMAN AND A TODDLER WERE TRAPPED FOR OVER 30 MINUTES DURING A TUAC EVENT , MONDAY EVENING—WHEN IT LOST POWER.

ROCK HILL FIRE DEPARTMENT AND UPSON COUNTY S.O. RESPONDED BUT HAD NO LUCK IN OPENING THE DOOR. FINE ARTS CENTER DIRECTOR GEORGE FLOWERS MANAGED TO LOCATE THE KEY TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE TWO WERE O.K.

MS. TRUESDALE SAID THE ELEVATOR HAD PASSED STATE INSPECTION IN SEPTEMBER.  

GDOT ANNOUNCES 19 NORTH PROJECT BID AWARD

The Georgia Department of Transportation has announced it awarded contracts for road improvements projects in Upson and Talbot Counties in November, 2018.

The Upson County project involves widening the four lanes of US 19/Georgia 3 in the Hannahs Mill area, from County Road 27/East-West County Road to County Road 8/Atwater Road, and also add a raised median. In addition, It will realign Delray Road to intersect with US 19 and Jimmerson Road and install a new signal. The contract was awarded to C.W. Matthews Contracting Company of Marietta, Georgia for $15.1 million. It is anticipated that construction will be complete by the end of 2020.

The Talbot County project involves resurfacing nearly eight miles of Georgia 22 from the Muscogee County line to Georgia 96. The contract was awarded to C.W. Matthews Contracting Company of Marietta, Georgia for $5.4 million. It is anticipated that the construction will be complete by the end of summer, 2019.

Information on schedules, lane closures and detours will be made available in advance of construction activities.

THOMASTON MAYOR & COUNCIL TWO CLOSED DOOR SESSIONS

THE THOMASTON MAYOR AND COUNCIL HELD TWO EXECUTIVE SESSIONS DURING TUESDAY'S MEETING, SOMETHING THAT HAS ALSO HAPPENED RECENTLY.

IN TOTAL THEY SPENT ABOUT A HOUR BEHIND CLOSED DOORS IN THE TWO SESSIONS—THE FIRST INVOLVING POTENTIAL LITIGATION AND PERSONNEL—AND A GBI AGENT MET WITH THEM.

THE 2ND EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING THE POTENTIAL SALE OF REAL ESTATE—WAS HELD AT THE END OF THE REGULAR AGENDA.  

THOMASTON GETS MILLION DOLLAR GRANT

State Director for Rural Development Joyce White today announced that USDA is investing $20.5 million to help rebuild and improve rural water infrastructure in three rural Georgia communities.

“Infrastructure investments help create economic prosperity, improve the delivery of safe drinking water, and help safeguard public health in rural communities,” White said. “Under the leadership of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA is partnering with local officials and businesses to make critical investments to help strengthen rural communities.”

USDA announced $1.2 billion today financing 234 water and environmental infrastructure projects through the department’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. The funding can be used for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.

In Georgia, eligible communities and water districts can apply online on the interactive RD Apply tool, or they can apply through one of our field offices. A directory of the Georgia offices is online at https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/GA_OfficeMapPhones_0.jpg or call the Community Programs Division at (706) 546-2171.

Below are the summaries of the investments USDA is making in Georgia:
In Thomaston, Ga a $1,954,000 loan (and $2,559,000 grant) will be used to improve the city’s wastewater treatment facility. The project includes rehabilitating the two wastewater treatment facilities and the sanitary sewer trunk lines and manholes. The Harborview lift station will be replaced, and several upgrades will be made to the Bell Creek wastewater treatment facility. The City of Thomaston is a small rural community of 9,170 people in Upson County. This project will serve 4,434 residential and commercial users.

THOMASTON KIWANIS 5 K ROAD RACE FEB. 9

THOMASTON KIWANIS CLUB SWEETHEART 5K ROAD RACE AND WALK -- SAT. FEB. 9TH STARTING AT THE GREATEST GENERATION MEMORIAL PARK - A -CERTIFIED PEACHTREE ROAD RACE QUALIFIER . REGISTRATION 8AM RACE STARTS AT 9. CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE—CONTACT DR. MARK COTNEY.

REGISTRATION $30, $35 THE DAY OF THE RACE. CHECKS PAYABLE TO KIWANIS CLUB RACE, 101 NORTH GREEN STREET, THOMASTON, GA. 30286.

MUST REGISTER BY JAN. 25TH TO GUARANTEE A SHIRT ON RACE DAY.

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO CHILDREN'S CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS.

RUNOFF ELECTION TUES IN GA.

GEORGIA VOTERS GO TO THE POLLS TUESDAY WITH TWO RACES ON THE RUNOFF BALLOT.

REPUBLICAN BRAD RAFFENSPERGER FACES DEMOCRAT JOHN BARROW FOR SECRETARY OF STATE.

FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION—INCUMBENT REPUBLICAN CHUCK EATON IS OPPOSED BY DEMOCRAT LINDY MILLER.

THE POLLS WILL BE OPEN 7AM TILL 7PM

THOMASTON PD WORKING A HOMOCIDE

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON TELLS ZOOM RADIO NEWS—A VIOLENT HOME INVASION EARLY MONDAY ON 4TH AVE. IS NOW A HOMOCIDE.

TWO MASKED MEN ENTERED AROUND 5AM AND A MAN AND WIFE WERE BEATEN SEVERLY--67 YEAR OLD STEVEN EARLES , WHO IS DISABLED, HAS DIED OF HIS INJURIES AND HIS WIFE JOYCE EARLES WAS TREATED FOR HER INJURIES.

ASKED IF THE CASE IS DRUG-RELATED, THE CHIEF TOLD US, MS. EARLES WAS ARRESTED LAST MONTH FOR POSSESSION OF SOME PILLS.

ESPN REPORTS GA TECH COACH JOHNSON TO RETIRE

Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson is expected to announce his retirement after 11 seasons with the school, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.

An official announcement could come later Wednesday. Georgia Tech assistant coaches have been told to return from the recruiting trail for meetings, sources said. A team meeting is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to a source.

Johnson, 61, is 82-59 at Georgia Tech and 189-98 overall as a head coach. He guided the Yellow Jackets to the ACC championship in 2009, and he finished first or second in the Coastal Division in seven of his 11 seasons.

The Yellow Jackets lost to rival Georgia 45-21 last Saturday to finish 7-5. They await a bowl assignment, which would be Johnson's ninth at Georgia Tech.

His 189 career wins currently rank fourth among active coaches behind Brian Kelly (231), Nick Saban (230) and Bill Snyder (215).

Johnson, who is 2-3 against Georgia over the last five seasons, is one of the few coaches in college football who still runs an option-centered offense with his flexbone spread. He ran the same system at Navy before taking the Georgia Tech job.

The Yellow Jackets lead the country in rushing this season and have been a fixture in the top 10 nationally in rushing each of the last 10 years.

Under Johnson, Georgia Tech ran for 301.9 yards per game, which ranked second in FBS behind Navy (308.0). The Yellow Jackets ran for 5,222 more yards than any other major conference team during Johnson's tenure.

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, who played at Georgia Tech, is expected to be a top candidate to succeed Johnson, according to sources. Clemson co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott and Army coach Jeff Monken, who also runs the triple option, could be in the mix as well.

ESPN's Adam

UPSON CO WILL NOT BORROW $ FOR 2019

UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER JAMES ELLINGTON SAID ITS NEWS THAT BELONGS ON THE RADIO—FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER 20 YEARS, COUNTY GOVERNMENT WILL NOT BORROW MONEY FOR OPERATIONS GOING INTO A NEW YEAR. AT ONE TIME THE COUNTY'S DEBT WAS $5 MILLION— AND THE COUNTY HAD TO BORROW BIG BUCKS ANNUALLY USING A GOVERNMENT INSTRUMENT CALLED A TAX ANTICIPATION NOTE WITH INTEREST THAT AMOUNTED TO ABOUT $50,000 A YEAR.

AT TUESDAY'S MEETING—EVERYONE GOT AN ATTA-BOY FOR THE ACCOMPLISHMENT. COUNTY MANAGER JASON TINSLEY, COUNTY FINANCE OFFICER WAYNE SANDEFUR, THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS THEMSELVES, AND TAX COMMISSIONER ANDY CHASTAIN FOR COLLECTING $1.4 MILLION IN DELIQUENT TAXES THIS YEAR.

THE COMMISSIONERS APPROVED THE $16 MILLION 2019 BUDGET DURING THE MEETING , A 4.7% DECREASE, $810,000 LESS THAN THIS YEARS.

CHAIRMAN NORMAL ALLEN SAID THE DIFFERENCE WAS CHANGING COMPANIES THAT MANAGES THE COUNTY'S RETIREMENT SYSTEM—SOMETHING THAT SAVED A MILLION DOLLARS.

CITY, COUNTY, YATESVILLE MOVING FOWARD ON MARCH VOTE

THE UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, THOMASTON MAYOR AND COUNCIL AND CITY OF YATESVILLE COUNCIL HELD A JOINT MEETING THIS WEEK AND WILL MOVE FOWARD W ITH A ONE CENT SALES TAX TRANSPORTATION SPLOST ON THE MARCH BALLOT. A 5 YEAR $16 MILLION T-SPLOST FOR ROAD PAVING AND RELATED PROJECTS.

MOTION DENIED DAVID SCOTT BATCHELOR

ACCORDING TO DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER, FOLLOWING A HEARING MONDAY IN UPSON SUPERIOR COURT, JUDGE FLETCHER SAMS DENIED A MOTION FOR DAVID SCOTT BATCHELOR TO WITHDRAW A GUILTY PLEA FOR CHILD COMPUTER PORN DUE TO INEFFECTIVE LEGAL COUNSEL. D.A. COKER SAID BATCHELOR WAS ARRAIGNED ON A RECENT INDICTMENT OF CHILD MOLESTATION DURING COURT MONDAY AND WAS SENT BACK INTO THE STATE PRISON SYSTEM TO COMPLETE A SENTENCE OF 18 YEARS FOR THE ORIGINAL CHARGE.

FIRE AT 1888 MILLS

AROUND 1;30PM TUESDAY THOMASTON FIRE DEPARTMENT DISPATCHED TO A FIRE IN AN OLD 1888 MILLS BUILDING TARGETED FOR DEMOLITION .

FIRE CHIEF RENEE HARRIS SAID SOME TILES AND OTHER DEBRIS IN A CORNER OF THE BUILDING CAUGHT FIRE—CAUSE UNKNOWN. NO CREWS WERE WORKING IN THE BUILDING BUT SOMEONE SUGGESTED PERHAPS A HOMELESS MAN SEEN IN THE AREA COULD BE RESPONSIBLE. NO DAMAGE TO SPEAK-OF BUT THE CHIEF TOLD US UNITS STAYED ON THE SCENE FOR ABOUT THREE HOURS.    

TENCATE/SOUTHERN MILLS SETTLES LAW SUIT

Macon, GA—Today, a federal judge in Macon, Georgia, approved an agreement reached between Flint Riverkeeper, Inc., neighboring property owners, and Southern Mills, Inc. to resolve a citizen suit brought by Flint Riverkeeper and the neighboring property owners under the Clean Water Act concerning wastewater discharges at Southern Mills’ Molena plant. 

Southern Mills is a manufacturer of inherently fire-resistant fabrics.  Flint Riverkeeper’s citizen suit filed in 2016 alleged that industrial wastewater from the dyeing and finishing of textiles at Southern Mills’ Molena plant was illegally leaving the boundaries of Southern Mills’ land application system and polluting nearby groundwater and tributaries of the Flint River.  In response, Southern Mills denied the allegations and asserted that it operated its land application system in compliance with law and that any environmental impacts from its operations did not harm human health or the environment. 

A land application system is a wastewater treatment method that involves treating the wastewater through a series of aerated ponds and then spraying it onto large spray fields, located on Southern Mills’ property where the wastewater receives further treatment through absorption in the soil and plant uptake.  Southern Mills currently operates the system under a permit issued by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD).  Since 1988, Southern Mills has operated under permits and requirements managed by the Georgia EPD.  The permits require renewal every five years and the current permit was issued in 2014

Under the consent decree entered by the Court, Southern Mills agreed to meet new limits for certain pollutants in the wastewater sprayed onto the spray fields.  To meet these new limits in the next five years, Southern Mills agreed to invest in and construct significant improvements to its aeration ponds and wastewater pretreatment system.  These new limits exceed limits currently required by state or federal agencies.  Flint Riverkeeper contends that the new limits are necessary to meet the goals of the Clean Water Act.

As part of the consent decree, Southern Mills also agreed to dispose of any waste generated by the improvements in a permitted landfill, implement measures to increase the treatment capacity of the spray fields, and to conduct additional and more frequent soil and water sampling.  Southern Mills will also provide funding for Flint Riverkeeper to monitor the decree and for American Rivers to improve the Flint River watershed.

“We are pleased the company has worked with us and the private property owners to resolve this case,” said Gordon Rogers, the Flint Riverkeeper.  “The new effluent limits and improvements to the company’s wastewater treatment system should substantially improve water quality, both for the waters immediately adjacent to the site and for nearby tributaries.  The improvements also may have the ancillary benefit of controlling odors near the plant.  We will ensure that the improvements are implemented and look forward to partnering with the company going forward to protect the Flint River watershed.” 

Company representative, Mike Anderson, stated “Southern Mills has remained a vital part of the Georgia manufacturing base and the Upson County Community for over 26 years.  We remain committed to the vital resources of all communities in which we operate.  We have agreed to invest in and achieve these unprecedented and negotiated limits to be both a leader and partner to ensure the Flint River basin continues to thrive for future generations.”

The case is Flint Riverkeeper, Inc. v. Southern Mills, Inc. d/b/a TenCate Protective Fabrics, No. 16-CV-435 (U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia).  Flint Riverkeeper was represented by attorneys Hutton Brown and April Lipscomb with the Southern Environmental Law Center and Donald D.J. Stack and Tyler Sniff with Stack & Associates, P.C. in Atlanta. The private property owners were represented by Stack and Associates, P. C.

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About Flint Riverkeeper: The Flint Riverkeeper (FRk) was established in 2008 to address the various issues that are threatening the Flint River and its tributaries in the face of unprecedented growth in Atlanta and outlyin

MAILBOX DAMAGE IN SILVERTOWN

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON IS ASKING FOR A PUBLIC'S HELP AFTER 30 MAILBOXES IN SILVERTOWN WERE DAMAGED AND DESTROYED OVERNIGHT TUESDAY. THE CHIEF SAID IT APPEARS SOMEONE USED A BASEBALL BAT ON 0. STREET, 4TH AVE. AND WEST GOODRICH AVE TO VANDALIZE THE MAILBOXES.

ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MAILBOX DAMAGE IS ASKED TO CALL THOMASTON POLICE. 

EX-CONGRESSMAN MAC COLLINS DEAD AT 74

FORMER U.S. CONGRESSMAN MAC COLLINS OF JACKSON WHO REPRESENTED THIS PART OF GEORGIA FROM 1992 TO 2004 DIED TUESDAY AT AGE 74.

CONGRESSMAN COLLINS , A REPUBLICAN PLAIN-SPEAKING COUNTRY BOY -- A TRUCK DRIVER-TURNED LAWMAKER WHO STEPPED DOWN FROM HIS CONGRESSIONAL SEAT TO RUN FOR ZELL MILLER'S OLD U.S. SENATE SEAT WON BY JOHNNY ISAKSON.

CAUSE OF DEATH IS UNKNOWN, BUT FRIENDS SAID HE STARTED THE DAY WORKING ON THE FAMILY FARM.  

UL'S TYE FAGAN SCORES 7 BUT UGA LOSES

THE YOUNG GEORGIA BULLDOGS BASKETBALL TEAM GOT POUNDED BY #16 CLEMSON TUESDAY, 64-49 IN THE CAYMAN ISLAND CLASSIC, WITH UPSON-LEE'S TYE FAGAN MAKING HIS SECOND START FOR THE DAWGS AND SCORING 7 POINTS.

THE BULLDOGS WILL PLAY AGAIN (TODAY) WEDNESDAY AT 5PM.

A TAYLOR COUNTY SERIAL KILLER

A 78 YEAR OLD DRIFTER BORN IN REYNOLDS IN TAYLOR COUNTY HAS CONFESSED TO 90 MURDERS INCLUDING 3 FROM GA. IN THE PAST FOUR DECADES.

A NEW VICTIM SEEMS TO BE IDENTIFIED EVERY DAY—LINKED TO SAMUEL LITTLE WHO IS SERVING LIFE IN PRISON IN CALIFORNIA FOR STRANGLING THREE WOMEN AND INCLUDED AMONG HIS VICTIMS TWO WOMEN IN BIBB COUNTY AND A COLUMBUS WOMAN FOUND IN ALABAMA.

HE CLAIMS HE KILLED 18 YEAR OLD FREDONIA SMITH OF MACON IN 1982 -- WHO WENT OUT FOR ICE CREAM AND NEVER RETURNED HOME.

LITTLE IS CURRENTLY BEING HELD IN A TEXAS JAIL WHERE HE IS AWAITING TRIAL FOR THE MURDER OF AN ODESSA WOMAN. 

WRAP-UP OF UGA VS. CLEMSON BASKETBALL/DAWGS PLAY AGAIN 5PM WED.

GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman -- The University of Georgia men’s basketball team dropped a 64-49 contest to the 16th-ranked Clemson Tigers in the second day of the Caymans Classic on Tuesday afternoon at John Gray Gymnasium. 

Senior forward Derek Ogbeide reached double-digit points late in the second half to become the leading scorer for the Bulldogs with 11 points. Junior guard Tyree Crump, Georgia’s second-leading scorer, added nine points with six rebounds. 

Nicolas Claxton, a sophomore forward, finished as the top-rebounder for the Bulldogs, hauling in nine rebounds. Defensively, he was a force, accumulating five blocks, which ties his career high that was set against Savannah State in the first game of the season. Sophomore forward Rayshaun Hammonds also contributed on the glass by grabbing seven rebounds for Georgia. 

“I think what we learned yesterday is what happens when you come out as a team,” said Georgia head coach Tom Crean. “When you come out and you play together, you realize you are only as good as your teammates and that is not how we played today. We have a lot of growing up to do, and we will. We have got to get it turned around in a hurry. We have got to go home and get better and get in better shape.”

In the first half, Crump led the team in scoring with eight points. Midway through the half, Crump scored a layup to bring the Bulldogs within one point of a 12-11 Tiger lead. Clemson then went on an 8-0 run, but a 3-point basket by Crump made it a six-point game with the Tigers leading 20-14. 

During a 7-0 run by Georgia, Crump scored a three-pointer to close Clemson’s lead to single-digits, making the score 32-24 with a little over two minutes to play before halftime. Ignas Sargiunas went 2-of-2 from the line to take the Bulldogs into the half down by eight points with a score of 34-26. 

In the second half, Georgia was able to close the gap with Clemson to 10 points twice. Clemson built its lead to 12 until Hammonds moved it to 10 points with a shot at the buzzer with less than eight minutes to play. Later, with the score at 59-48, Crump brought it to a 10-point game again with a free-throw, but the Bulldogs were unable to eclipse the double-digit deficit the Tigers maintained through the rest of the game. 

Georgia will continue play tomorrow in the consolation game at 5 p.m., versus the loser of the Georgia State and Creighton game later Tuesday evening. 

SPALDING CO RECYCLING OPEN FRIDAY, NOV 23

SPALDING COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS ANNOUNCES RECYCLE CENTERS WILL BE OPEN ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD, 2018 The Spalding County Public Works would like all Spalding County Citizens to know that the Recycle Centers will be open on Friday, November 23rd, 2018 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information please call: Spalding County Public Works 770-467-4774.

UL'S TYE FAGAN SCORES 8 AS THE DAWGS WIN MONDAY

UPSON - LEE'S TYE FAGAN STARTED THE GAME AND WAS ON THE FLOOR FOR 36 MINUTES MONDAY AS THE GA. BULLDOGS BLASTED ILLINOIS STATE 80-68 IN THE GRAND CAYMANS CLASSIC TOURNAMENT—AND THE DAWGS ADVANCE TO PLAY CLEMSON TUESDAY AT 1PM ON THE ZOOM.

FAGAN HAD 8 POINTS AND 5 REBOUNDS.

DUE TO THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY KIRBY SMART LIVE WILL AIR TUESDAY AT 7PM WITH FOCUS ON THE GA-GA. TECH GAME SATURDAY AT NOON ON 105-9/101-1.

ARREST BY SPALDING S.O. FALSE STATEMENTS

On the morning of November 18, 2018, Spalding deputies responded to a report of a possible drive-by shooting. According to the victim, she was driving in the area of North 9th and Bleachery Street when an unknown person began firing at her vehicle. The victim further stated that she drove a short distance and abandoned her vehicle. She then ran to her Northside Drive residence and notified law enforcement. Deputies located her vehicle and discovered what appeared to be possible gunshot damage. Investigators and Crime Scene responded to interview the victim and process the scene. During the course of the interview, the victim admitted to allowing friend to drive her vehicle and lying about the circumstances of the incident. Investigators charged Hannah Amber Dawson with False Statements and Writings. She is being housed at the Spalding County Jail and is awaiting a bond hearing. The driver of the vehicle has been identified and is being sought for questioning. No reported injuries were reported and surrounding law enforcement agencies were notified. The investigation is active and additional charges are possible.

ABRAMS SAID SHE HAS NOT CONCEDED KEMP SAYS SHE HAS

SPEAKING TO THE MEDIA FRIDAY AFTERNOON FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE ELECTION DAY , DEMOCRAT STACEY ABRAMS SAID SHE KNOWS REPUBLICAN BRIAN KEMP WILL BE DECLARED GOVERNOR BUT SHE REFUSED TO CONCEDE THE ELECTION.

KEMP RESPONDED-- THAT ABRAMS HAD CONCEDED THE RACE AND OFFICIALLY ENDED HER CAMPAIGN FOR GOVERNOR.

TU SPORTS HALL OF FAME 2019

Thomaston-Upson Sports Hall of Fame

2019 Radio Inductee Profiles

The first member of the 2019 class of the Thomaston-Upson Sports Hall of Fame is Danny Kelly.  Kelly is a 1966 graduate of Yatesville High School where he was a member of the Yellow Jackets basketball team that won the 1965 Class C state championship.  He has been a Georgia High School basketball official for 45 years and has also umpired high school baseball and softball.  He has officiated region and state tournaments in basketball, baseball, and softball.

The second member of the 2019 class of the Thomaston-Upson Sports Hall of Fame is Tommy Parks.  Parks is a 1990 graduate of R.E. Lee Institute where he was a starter and major contributor in both football and baseball.  He went on to play baseball at Wallace Junior College and Berry College.  He was an All-Conference pitcher at Berry and later served as their pitching coach for one season.  He was baseball coach at Andalusia High School in Alabama and Harris County High School.  He also coached football at Manchester High School and Harris County.  His teams won three region championships in baseball and two region titles in football.  He was head football coach at Upson-Lee High School from 2014-16 and had a 21-11 record.

The third member of the 2019 class of the Thomaston-Upson Sports Hall of Fame is Helen Middlebrooks Smith.  Smith is a 1964 graduate of R.E. Lee Institute where she was a three-year starter for the Lady Rebels basketball team.  She was a vital member of the Lee teams that won 59 straight games during the 1963 and 1964 seasons.  She was named honorable-mention AAA All-State in 1963 and was selected as the Most Valuable Player on Lee’s 1963 State Championship team.

The fourth member of the 2019 class of the Thomaston-Upson Sports Hall of Fame is Rick Rawlins.  Rawlins is a 1972 graduate of R.E. Lee Institute where he was a four-year letterman and starter for the Rebel football team.  He received the Most Promising Player Award in 1968 and was named Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 1971.  He received honorable-mention on the 1971 AAA All-State team and played in the Georgia High School All-Star game in 1972.  Rawlins then received a football scholarship to Georgia Tech where he was a starter in 1973 as a defensive nose guard.

The fifth member of the 2019 class of the Thomaston-Upson Sports Hall of Fame is Ben Daniel.  Daniel is a 1962 graduate of R.E. Lee Institute where he was a three-year starter on the Rebel football team.  He received the Most Outstanding Lineman Award on the 1961 Lee team that finished 2^nd in the state.  He received honorable-mention on the 1961 AAA All-State team and played in the 1962 Georgia High School All-Star game.  He received a football scholarship to The Citadel where he played for four years.

The team member of the 2019 class of the Thomaston-Upson Sports Hall of Fame is the 1979 Upson High School boys’ basketball team.  Coached by John Thrower, the Yellow Jackets had a season record of 27-4.  Along the way they won the Troup Holiday Class and the Region 4AAA championship.  Behind the scoring of Glenn Ferguson and Robert Caldwell, Upson went on to finish 2^nd in the AAA state tournament, losing by one point in the state finals.  

CAR BREAK-IN ARREST SPALDING COUNTY

During the latter part of October, Spalding deputies responded to multiple reports of vehicles that had been entered. The majority of these incidents were localized in the southern portion of the county. Spalding investigators were able to obtain video footage from a homeowner and post the footage on social media. Investigators were able to link a vehicle and a possible suspect to the events. A search warrant was obtained for a 2017 Nissan Altima that was placed at the scene. Multiple stolen items were recovered from the Nissan that were associated with reports in Pike and Spalding County. Griffin Police officers also recovered two stolen handguns that were reported stolen in earlier reported entering auto cases. The weapons are currently being processed for prints. The primary suspect in this case is 19 year old Domon Chrishone Kendrick. Kendrick has been charged with 9 counts of theft by receiving stolen property. Kendrick was arrested and posted bond on the initial 8 charges. An additional warrant was obtained for theft by receiving and he is being sought by Spalding deputies. Sheriff Darrell Dix stated “We would like to thank the Griffin Police Department and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office for their timely assistance. Griffin PD officers actually recovered two of the weapons that were reported stolen. Pike County deputies were instrumental in assisting and worked with our investigators in discussing incidents in Pike County”. The investigation continues and additional arrests are possible.

PIKE COUNTY'S AMAZON, A VETERANS MEDICAL CLINIC

BUTCH ARMISTEAD-- AGENT FOR TWO TRACTS OF PROPERTY WHERE A VETERANS ADMINISTRATION MEDICAL CLINIC COULD LOCATE ON U.S. 19 NORTH OF ZEBULON—TOLD THE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS— WEDNESDAY ----THIS IS PIKE COUNTY'S AMAZON. A PROJECT THAT COULD MEAN 350 TO 400 NEW JOBS. AMAZON FLIRTED WITH ATLANTA AND OTHER CITIES FOR ITS NEW HEADQUARTERS BUT CHOSE NORTHERN VIRGINIA AND NEW YORK FOR 50,000 NEW JOBS, THIS WEEK. THE STATE OF GEORGIA REPORTEDLY OFFERED AN INCENTIVE PACKAGE OF $2 BILLION TO LURE AMAZON.

DURING TWO PUBLIC HEARINGS WEDNESDAY , MEMBERS OF THE EDWARDS FAMILY GOT REZONING APPROVAL FOR TWO TRACTS OF 30 AND 16 ACRES SIDE-BY-SIDE FROM A-R TO P-I PROFESSIONAL AND ANOTHER PUBLIC HEARING IS SCHEDULED IN DECEMBER FOR A TRACT OWNED BY JERRY COLWELL AT U.S. 19 AND OLD ZEBULON ROAD, SOUTH OF ZEBULON.

PIKE COUNTY'S PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR BRAD VAUGHN TOLD ZOOM NEWS AFTER THE MEETING , ALL THREE TRACTS FIT THE COUNTY'S OVERLAY PLAN FOR THE PROJECT THAT COULD OPEN IN 2021 OR 2022.

UPSON S.O. DRUG BUST COLQUITT STREET

UPSON SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES ARRESTED A GRIFFIN MAN AND A THOMASTON WOMAN ON DRUG CHARGES ON COLQUITT STREET.

38 YEAR OLD TIMOTHY DANIEL CREAMER OF RHODES LANE-GRIFFIN BOOKED FOR POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE PILLS AND 44 YEAR OLD STEPHANIE PITTS OF EAST PEACHTREE STREET-THOMASTON CITED FOR POSSESSION OF METH.

DEPUTIES WENT TO THE RESIDENCE TO SERVE A WARRANT AFTER NEIGHBORS HAD REPORTED HIGH TRAFFIC COUNT LATE AT NIGHT AT THE RESIDENCE.

HEAVY RAIN DAMAGES UPSON CO. COURTHOUSE

AT TUESDAY'S MEETING , COUNTY MANAGER JASON TINSLEY REPORTED TO THE UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS THAT RECENT RAINS HAVE CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE COURTHOUSE AND TO A COUPLE OF OFFICES IN THE GOVERNMENT COMPLEX.

CREWS HAVE BEEN BUSY REMOVING WATER FROM THE C ARPET AND PADDING IN THE MAIN COURTROOM THIS WEEK AND ONE COMMISSIONER SAID IT APPEARS THE WOOD AROUND THE STAIN GLASS CEILING IS ROTTING DUE TO THE LEAKS. NO SUPERIOR COURT WAS SCHEDULED THIS WEEK.

COUNTY MANAGER TINSLEY TOLD THE BOARD THE WATER PROBLEM NEEDS A LONG TERM FIX,

PIKE CO PUBLIC HEARINGS ON VETERANS CLINIC

THE PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WILL HOLD TWO PUBLIC HEARINGS WEDNESDAY 9AM RELATED TO LOCATION OF A VETERANS ADMINISTRATION MEDICAL CLINIC IN ZEBULON.

BOTH REQUESTS FOR REZONING FROM AR TO P-1 PROFESSIONAL/INSTITUTIONAL.

JOHN W. EDWARDS JR., ALLIE E ARMISTEAD, AND LAURIE FISHER, 30 ACRES OFF HIGHWAY 19 NORTH ACROSS ROAD FROM FRESHWAY NORTH OF ZEBULON.

THE OTHER REQUEST FROM THE EDWARDS FAMILY/JAASEE HOLDINGS/ 16 ACRES THAT ADJOINS THE OTHER TRACT.

BOTH WOULD ALLOW A DRUG TREATMENT CENTER ON THE PROPERTY WHICH COULD BE A PART OF THE VETERANS CLINIC.

THIS IS THE 2ND PUBLIC HEARING ON THE EDWARDS FAMILY PROPERTY— THE FIRST WAS RECOMMEND BY STAFF. STATE LAW REQUIRES A 6 MONTH LAPSE FOR A 2ND PUBLIC HEARING IF A DRUG TREATMENT CENTER IS INVOLVED.

JERRY COLWELL IS ALSO REQUESTING A REZONING FOR THE VETERANS CLINIC FOR HIS PROPERTY AT U.S 19 AND OLD ZEBULON ROAD—BUT THE CLOCK IS STILL RUNNING FOR HIS

A 2ND PUBLIC HEARING. THE FIRST WAS ALSO RECOMMENDED

ALSO ON THE PIKE COMMISSIONEERS AGENDA—EXECUTIVE SESSION RELATED TO COUNTY MANAGER—THOMASTON BUSINESSMAN BOBBY BICKLEY HAS BEEN HIRED FOR $72,000 ANNUALLY, REPORTS DEC. 10TH. 

PIKE CO. S.O. ARRESTS THOMASTON MAN FOR SCAM

Investigators have arrested Justus Hughley , 22 years of age, for the charge of Computer Theft after a report of a fraudulent go fund me account that was accepting money on behalf of the family of Dylan Thomas. 

The investigation was lengthy as several subpoenas had to be served throughout the country to gather the needed information to identify the perpetrator. A bank account in Iowa was used by the suspect to attempt to transfer the money from go fund me to his personal account. 

Fortunately the transaction was reported as fraudulent and no money was received by Hughley. Computer IP addresses and banking information provided by the suspect to go fund me and a bank were used to locate the suspect in Upson County. He is currently in the Pike County Jail awaiting a bond hearing.

UL'S TYE FAGAN FEATURED IN UGA RED AND BLACK NEWSPAPER

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Tye Fagan ready to lead as a freshman for Georgia men's basketball

• Jed May | Football Beat Writer
 
• Nov 6, 2018 Updated 9 hrs ago
 
•  0

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University of Georgia guard Tye Fagan speaks at media availability in Athens, Georgia on Monday, July 9, 2018. (Photo/Tony Walsh)

Tony Walsh

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Georgia freshman guard Tye Fagan had one word when asked what his role is on this year’s team: lead.

“My job is to lead, whether I’m a freshman or not,” Fagan said.

It might seem odd for a freshman to be so up front about his desire to lead when he is one of the youngest players on the roster. However, leadership isn’t new for the Thomaston, Georgia, native.

Fagan attended Upson-Lee High School, which went 63-0 during his final two years of high school. He averaged 25 points per game his senior season on his way to being named the Class 4A State Player of the Year.

“That provided me leadership experiences to come here, even though I’m a freshman, and still be who I am, which is a leader,” Fagan said.

Fagan said the situation dictates how he approaches trying to lead. Sometimes it takes the form of leading by example, such as when practice is lacking intensity, but he also said he’s not afraid to speak up if he sees a veteran player struggling to get things going.

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“My job is to lead, whether I’m a freshman or not."

- Tye Fagan, Georgia men's basketball player

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Ever since arriving in Athens, Fagan has tried to capitalize on leadership opportunities. He said he noticed the team struggling offensively in the Bulldogs’ first exhibition game against UAB, so he stepped up and organized the unit.

“Tye Fagan, he’s stepped up in a leadership role,” sophomore forward Nicolas Claxton said. “We’re starting to embrace him, respecting everything he says.”

First-year head coach Tom Crean said his best teams in the past are ones that have had several leaders, not just one. He said leadership comes from how players handle adversity, their willingness to help others when they’re struggling and their consistency.

+1  

University of Georgia guard Tye Fagan (14) passes the ball mid air in an exhibition game between University of West Georgia and the University of Georgia in the Stegman Stadium on Thursday, November 1, 2018. (Photo/Kyle Nadler Instagram: @kylenadler)

“Tye Fagan wants that and those are the kinds of things that he’s got to do because he’s a pure winner,” Crean said. “He’s come in here with a very good pedigree of winning. But he’s also a freshman. For us to over expect really anything out of this team, but especially the freshmen right now when you’re going through change like we’re going through, would not be realistic.”

Fagan is still very new to the college game. He’s only played in the UAB exhibition, and his first official college game isn’t until Nov. 9 against Savannah State.

But that doesn’t mean he can’t take point.

“I anticipate [leading] to be a challenge because I’m young,” Fagan said. “There’s a lot of things I don’t know about the college game yet because I haven’t played an official game yet. But I’m willing to accept the challenge