STATE DNR WARNS OF SWOLLEN RIVERS AND CREEKS

STATE DNR SAYS ITS TIRED OF RESCUING SWIMMERS WHO RISK DANGER AFTER THEY BECOME STRANDED AT THE RIVER FALLS AT HIGH FALLS STATE PARK IN MONROE COUNTY.

TWO 17 YEAR OLDS FROM JACKSON WERE RESCUED TUESDAY EVENING BY DIVERS FROM BIBB COUNTY—AND MONROE COUNTY S.O. SAID THE EFFORT COST THOUSANDS—AFTER A COPTER FROM ATLANTA WAS HINDERED BY THE WEATHER. BOTH WERE CHARGED WITH TRESPASSING.

DNR NOTED TWO DROWNED IN THE RIVER LAST YEAR, AND SO ITS POSTING NEW WARNING SIGNS –BRIGHT RED AND WHITE SIGNS AT THE TRAILHEADS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE RIVER NEAR THE FALLS.

ALSO GAME WARDENS WILL RAMP-UP THEIR CHECKS TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE STAY OFF THE ROCKS AND AWAY FROM THE POOL AT THE BASE OF THE FALLS—SOMETHING THAT WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.

DNR IS WARNING THE PUBLIC TO STAY OFF GEORGIA'S SWOLLEN RIVERS AND CREEKS TILL LEVELS RETURN TO NORMAL.  

RETIREMENT RECEPTION FOR DR. SHOOK WED

RETIREMENT RECEPTION WEDNESDAY 4 TO 6PM FOR RETIRING SUPERINTENDANT OF THE THOMASTON UPSON SCHOOL SYSTEM--- DR. MAGGIE SHOOK AT THE FINE ARTS CENTER. SPECIAL PRESENTATION AT 5.

UPDATE--ULHS GRADUATION FRIDAY 8PM MATTEWS FIELD

ZOOM RADIO NEWS SPOKE WITH THOMASTON UPSON COUNTY SCHOOLS ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDANT DR. MIKE GATLIN SHORTLY AFTER 6PM AND HE REPORTS U L HIGH GRADUATION CEREMONIES ARE ON FRIDAY NIGHT AT 8PM AT MATTEWS FIELD.  

GGM PARK 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

THE CITY OF THOMASTON IS PLANNING AN INDEPENDANCE DAY CELEBRATION—WEDNESDAY JULY 4TH AT THE GREATEST GENERATION MEMORIAL PARK—COMPLETE WITH A FIREWORKS SHOW.

CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON SAID SUMMERVILLE WHERE HE WAS MANAGER BEFORE -- ALWAYS HAD ONE AND HE'S WANTED IT TO HAPPEN IN THOMASTON. THE NEW MAIN STREET COORDINATOR HEATHER BLACKMAN IS CONTACTING THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY FOR DONATIONS TOWARD THE $10,000 COST OF THE FIREWORKS. JACKIE SMITH OF THOMASTON IS A TRAINED FIREWORKS TECH AND WILL DONATE HIS TIME FOR FREE.

MAYOR J.D. STALLLINGS AND MAYOR PRO TEM DOUG HEAD BOTH EXPRESSED EXCITEMENT AND HOPE TO BUILD ON IT IN FUTURE YEARS. PLANS CALL FOR SELECT FOOD VENDORS TO BE INVITED TO THE EVENT AND THE KIDS WATER FEATURE WILL BE OPERATING. IT GOT A GREEN LIGHT FROM WEST VILLAGE ASSISTED LIVING AND THE COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES NEAR-BY ON NORTH CHURCH HAVE AGREED TO ALLOW PARKING.  

LATEST ON THE BIG LAZER DAM

UPSON EMA DIRECTOR MARTHA ANN MCCARTY SAYS STATE DNR ENGINEERS INSPECTED THE DAM AT THE BIG LAZER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA IN TALBOT COUNTY FRIDAY MORNING AND DECLARED IT SAFE—THE EMERGENCY SPILLWAY IS DOING ITS JOB.

CONCERNS ABOUT FLOODING TURNED OUT TO BE A ROAD CULVERT THAT BLEW OUT.

THE EMA DIRECTOR SAID UPSON COUNTY HAS RECEIVED OVER 6 INCHES OF RAIN IN THE PAST 7 DAYS AND WESTERN UPSON EVEN MORE , 8 TO 10 INCHES.

HEAVY RAINS HAVE HELD OFF FOR THE MOST PART SINCE WEDNESDAY AND THAT HAS CAUSED THE LAKE LEVEL TO DROP AT BIG LAZER AND LEVELS ARE DOWN ON THE FLINT RIVER.

FLOOD STAGE OF 18 FEET AT THE FLINT RIVER BRIDGE ON 19 SOUTH WAS BREACHED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON WHEN IT ROSE TO 24.7 FEET BUT IT WAS DOWN TO 12 FEET FRIDAY MORNING.

AT THE 36 WEST BRIDGE FLOOD STAGE IS 11 FEET AND IT ROSE TO OVER 8 FEET—BUT IS DOWN TO ABOUT 6 FEET.

BIG LIZA LAKE HAS ISSUES

UPSON EMA DIRECTOR MARTHA ANN MCCARTY SAID ENGINEERS WILL BE ON SITE FRIDAY MORNING AT THE BIG LIZA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA IN TALBOT COUNTY TO CHECK ON THE STATUS OF THE DAM OF THE 195 ACRE LAKE. THE 5 INCHES OF RAIN IN THE AREA THIS WEEK HAS SWELLED THE LAKE AND CAUSED SOME STRESSES ON ITS SYSTEM.

AT LAST REPORT THE EMERGENCY SPILLWAY WAS WORKING AS IT SHOULD BUT RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS ON ADAMS FERRY ROAD AND MINOR ROAD IN UPSON COUNTY SHOULD BE ON THE ALERT—SHE TOLD ZOOM NEWS.

MARTHA ANN REPORTED WATER IS OVER THE BANKS AT TEN MILE CREEK THAT FLOWS INTO THE FLINT RIVER AND SEVERAL YARDS AND AT LEAST ONE HOME HAS BEEN INVADED. 

URMC CEO TRIPP PENN HAS RESIGNED

Tripp Penn is leaving his position as Chief Executive Officer of Upson Regional Medical Center.  He tendered his resignation to the Board of Directors effective, May 23rd.

Under Tripp’s leadership over the past two years, Upson Regional Medical Center accomplished higher benchmarks in clinical and quality scores, higher patient satisfaction scores, recruited several providers to the community and developed the new SilverCare geriatric psychiatric inpatient program.  Tripp was also involved with community interest organizations and a leader in the Georgia Hospital Association.

The Upson Regional Medical Center Board has engaged their management consulting company in placing an interim CEO to assure the change will be as seamless as possible. 

Bill Hightower, Upson Regional Medical Center Board Chair expressed appreciation for Tripp’s many contributions for the success of the hospital. “We wish Tripp the very best as he moves on to other opportunities and appreciate all the good work he has done at Upson Regional Medical Center”.   Mr. Hightower added, “The board’s focus is to secure a smooth transition and continue superior hospital leadership going forward.”

FLOODING ON TEN MILE CREEK IN UPSON CO.

FIVE INCHES OF RAIN THIS WEEK HAS CAUSED FLOODING IN UPSON COUNTY AND TEN MILE CREEK HAS INVADED SEVERAL YARDS AND AT LEAST ONE HOME.

LAFRAN STINCHCOMB SAID WATER COVERED-UP MOST OF THE PLAYSET IN HER BACKYARD AND SHE'S CONCERNED ABOUT HER HOME AND BELONGINGS—BECAUSE IT CAME RIGHT UP BEHIND HER DECK AND WASHED AWAY THE KIDS TOYS IN THE YARD.

THE HELMS RESIDENCE FURTHER UP THE CREEK, HAS ALREADY BEEN TAKING IN WATER—AS MUCH AS 8 INCHES IN THEIR BASEMENT WEDNESDAY MORNING.

WATER IS OVER THE BANKS IN SEVERAL SPOTS AND EMA DIRECTOR MARTHA ANN MCARTY SAYS THE CREEK FLOWS INTO THE FLINT RIVER BUT WITH THE FIVE INCHES OF RAIN WE HAVE HAD IT WON'T STAY IN ITS BANKS.

UPSON COUNTY ROADS DEPARTMENT REPORTS DAVID ROAD IS CLOSED AND SPREWELL BLUFF/OLD ALABAMA ROAD IS CLOSED ON THE 74 WEST SIDE AND YOU HAVE TO DETOUR AROUND TO GET TO THE BLUFF.

KEN PULLIN WINS GOP NOMINATION FOR STATE HOUSE

IN TUESDAY'S PRIMARY ELECTION REPUBLICAN KEN PULLIN OF PIKE COUNTY OUTPOLLED INCUMBENT JOHNNIE CALDWELL OF THOMASTON FOR THE DISTRICT 131 STATE HOUSE SEAT __3940 TO 2303 OF A TOTAL OF 6243 VOTES CAST IN UPSON, PIKE AND LAMAR COUNTY. PULLIN WILL FACE DEMOCRAT CHRIS BENSON OF THOMASTON IN NOVEMBER.

IN UPSON COUNTY PULLIN GOT 63% OF THE VOTE, CALDWELL 37%, 1869 VOTES TO 1091.

WINNERS IN UPSON, PULLIN, JONES, SALTER, ALCOHOL

IN TUESDAY'S PRIMARY ELECTION IN UPSON COUNTY PAUL JONES WAS ELECTED DISTRICT 3 UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER WITH 53% OF THE VOTE. THE INCUMBENT THE LATE RALPH ELLINGTON WHO PASSED AWAY SATURDAY, WAS ALSO ON THE BALLOT. JONES POLLED 418 VOTES, ELLINGTON 367—46.75%. PAUL TOLD US AFTER THE VOTE COUNT HIS THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE ELLINGTON FAMILY.

FOR STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 131 -- CHALLENGER KEN PULLIN GOT 63% INCUMBENT JOHNNIE CALDWELL , 37% . PULLIN 1869 VOTES, CALDWELL 1091.

FOR THOMASTON-UPSON BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 4 CHALLENGER BRIAN SALTER WON WITH 56%, INCUMBENT KEITH ROHLING 43%--SALTER 266 VOTES, ROHLING 206.

SUNDAY SALES OF MIXED DRINKS IN THE COUNTY 55% YES, 44% NO, SUNDAY ALCOHOL PACKAGE SALES 56% YES, 43% NO.

IN THE REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR'S RACE CASEY CAGLE 44%, BRIAN KEMP 24%-- ON THE DEMOCRAT BALLOT STACEY ABRAMS 78%, STACY EVANS 21%.

LT. GOVERNOR SHAFER 44%, DEMOCRAT AMICO 54%.

CITY OF THOMASTON WILL HAVE FIREWORKS JULY 4

THERE'S GOOD NEWS AND LESS THAN GOOD NEWS FOR THE CITY OF THOMASTON'S GREATEST GENERATION MEMORIAL PARK. DURING A MEETING OF THE PARK COMMITTEE , MONDAY, CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON ANNOUNCED A 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION COMPLETE WITH A FIREWORKS SHOW IN THE PARK, BUT ON THE DOWN SIDE—COMMUNITY ENTERPRISES, THE HIGHTOWER FAMILY FOUNDATION - HAS SENT MAYOR J.D STALLINGS A LETTER THAT THIS YEAR'S BUDGETED GRANT OF $100,000 HAS BEEN REDUCED TO $12,000. THOSE FUNDS REQUESTED FOR A STUDY OF A WATER FEATURE IN THE PARK.

NEIL HIGHTOWER PRESIDENT OF COMMUNITY ENTERPRISES SAID IN THE LETTER, THE CITY COUNCIL HAS BEEN UNABLE TO AGREE TO THE FAMILY'S REQUEST TO NOT CLOSE PARK DRIVE AND NOT OFFER FOR SALE THE DONATED PARK TRIANGLE PROPERTY VALUED AS PART OF THE PARK.

CITY HALL PUT THE TRIANGLE UP FOR SALE AND GOT AN OFFER OF HALF A MILLION DOLLARS FROM AN ATLANTA DEVELOPER, THEN BACKED OFF WHEN OPPOSITION STIFFENED—BUT STILL LEFT THE DOOR OPEN FOR FUTURE SALE.

A MEMBER OF THE PARK COMMITTEE , GARY SELF , SAID HE WAS SHOCKED TO HEAR OF THE DONATION REDUCTION, WHEN THE CITY MANAGER CONFIRMED IT DURING THE MEETING, MONDAY.

THOMPSON SAID THE 4TH OF JULY EVENT IS SOMETHING HE'S WANTED TO DO SINCE HE CAME TO THOMASTON, AND THE NEW MAIN STREET COORDINATOR HEATHER BLACKMAN HAS GOT THE BALL ROLLING ON SHORT NOTICE.

THE HIGHTOWER FOUNDATION HAS INVESTED OVER A MILLION DOLLARS IN THE PARK OVER THE YEARS.

STATEMENT FROM UPSON ELECTIONS CHAIR ROBERT HANEY

The Upson County Board of Elections in conjunction with the Board of Commissioners and the Upson County attorneys have been in communications with the Georgia Secretary of State’s office regarding the May 22^nd General Primary Election and the passing of District 3 Commissioner Ralph Ellington.  Based on the timing of Commissioner Ellington’s passing, the Secretary of State advises that the election in Upson County should proceed as planned.  The Secretary of State’s attorneys will advise the county further based upon the outcome of the election.

Robert E. Haney

Chairman, Upson County Board of Elections

STATEMENT FROM UPSON CO. CHAIR NORMAN ALLEN

PRESS RELEASE FROM UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSION CHAIRMAN 

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our friend and fellow commissioner Ralph Ellington. 

Ralph has served the citizens of Upson County for many years, most recently as the District Three Commissioner where he has served for the past six years. As a long time business leader Ralph devoted much of his time to the Chamber of Commerce, serving two consecutive terms as the Board Chairman.

A true gentleman, whose contributions to the community will not soon be forgotten. I ask that we all lend our support to Becky and the entire family. I am sure our friend Ralph would want us to celebrate his life rather than mourn our loss. We will miss our dear friend as he was truly a kind and great man.

RECOGNITION FOR D.A. BEN COKER

Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Ben Coker has been named one of Georgia's most influential district attorneys throughout the state in 2018.

The recognition was given in the May/June edition of James magazine, an Atlanta magazine that focuses on stories and issues of interest to leaders in Georgia government, business and opinion. The magazine's readership is made up mainly of leaders and decision-makers in government, business, politics, news, education and finance. The magazine, which is celebrating its 13th year of publication, targets leaders who impact major decisions on laws, regulations, purchasing, news, opinion and spending.

"It is certainly an honor to be listed amongst my peers as one of Georgia's most influential district attorneys," Coker said. "I am extremely proud to represent the citizens of the Griffin Judicial Circuit."

Coker was elected DA of the Griffin Judicial Circuit in 2016 and took office in 2017. He has prosecuted in the Griffin Judicial Circuit, comprised of Fayette, Pike, Spalding and Upson counties, for over a decade.

As a trial attorney, Coker has tried numerous cases before juries, resulting in approximately 20 life sentences and over 400 years in prison for the convicted defendants. Thousands of cases prosecuted by Coker have resulted in guilty pleas.

As an assistant district attorney, Coker personally handled hundreds of asset forfeitures, removing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the hands of criminals and distributing the funds to law enforcement and victims of crime.

BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES UL HIGH COMMENCEMENT MAY 25

Acceptable Behavior Guidelines

Upson-Lee High School Commencement Ceremony

As an invited guest to this private ceremony, the Upson-Lee High School Class of 2018 requests that you adhere to the following guidelines for acceptable behavior:

· During the presentation of diplomas, please do not applaud after each name is called.  Family members may stand silently when your child’s name is called; there will be a time for applause after each row of names is called.

· No noisemakers allowed.  

· No signs allowed.

· No yelling or verbal outbursts during the ceremony.

· Turn off all cell phones.

· No unauthorized personnel will be allowed on the field or track during the ceremony.

· No tripods please; still cameras and video cameras should be held in your seats.  Professional photos will be available to all graduates at a later date.

· Children should be supervised at all times.

· There will be a time for celebration upon completion of the commencement ceremony.

· The ceremony will begin promptly at 8:00 p.m.  Please find your seat prior to this time and remain seated throughout the ceremony.

· NO reserved seating.

· No balloons.

· Please be courteous and remain seated until the end of the ceremony.

· Law enforcement officers have authority to issue citations to anyone violating disorderly conduct ordinance #62-10.  The fine for this offense is $365.00 minimum.

U.S. POSTAL VEHICLE INVOLVED IN WRECK

POST 26 GA. STATE PATROL IN THOMASTON IS INVESTIGATING AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING A U.S. POSTAL LETTER CARRIER VEHICLE AT DEL RAY AND ROCKY BOTTOM ROAD, WEDNESDAY MORNING.

REPORTEDLY AN SUV WAS ALSO INVOLVED. THOMASTON POST MASTER DONNIE JOHNSON TOLD US HE'S STILL INVESTIGATING THE ACCIDENT.  

UPSON CO. TO GET DOLLAR GENERAL #6

A VARIANCE FOR A NEW DOLLAR GENERAL STORE ON THE PROPERTY OF DONNIE TYLER ON 36 EAST AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE BUSINESS/TECH PARK WAS PARTIALLY GRANTED BY THE UPSON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION , MONDAY. BUT THE PROJECT IS MOVING FOWARD— A VARIANCE DOES NOT REQUIRE COUNTY COMMISSION APPROVAL.

PLANNING DIRECTOR DOUG CURRIER RECOMMENDED DENIAL ON BOTH REQUESTS BASED ON THE COUNTY ZONING ORDIANCE.

DOLLAR GENERAL WAS GRANTED A REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES FROM 38 TO 30—BUT MUST KEEP EACH SPACE 9 AND A HALF FEET WIDE—NOT THE 9 FEET IT REQUESTED.

THE PLANNING COMMISSION CUT THE DEVELOPER—SOME SLACK ON THE NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES BECAUSE IT AGREED TO SPRUCE-UP THE FACADE OF THE BUILDING—REPORTEDLY AT THE REQUEST OF UPSON COUNTY COMMISSION CHAIRMAN NORMAL ALLEN.

CONSTRUCTION COULD START IN DECEMBER AND IT WILL BE THE SMALLEST STORE DOLLAR GENERAL BUILDS. THE DEVELOPER SPRING HILL LAND TRUST/TERAMORE DEVELOPMENT OF THOMASVILLE, GA. IS NOT THE DEVELOPER OF EVERY DOLLAR GENERAL IN UPSON COUNTY—BUT THIS WILL BE STORE #6 IN UPSON.

ELIZABETH DALLAS GOBEIL APPOINTED TO CT. OF APPEALS

GOVERNOR NATHAN DEAL HAS APPOINTED UPSONIAN ELIZABETH DALLAS GOBEIL TO FILL A VACANCY ON THE GA. COURT OF APPEALS.

ELIZABETH IS AN APPELATE JUDGE FOR THE STATE BOARD OF WORKMAN'S COMPENSATION . JUDGE GOBEIL AND HER HUSBAND BART CURRENTLY LIVE IN SAVANNAH AND BART IS A DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS FOR THE GA. PORTS AUTHORITY.

14 ATTORNEYS WERE INTERVIEWED FOR THE VACANCY CREATED WHEN JUDGE ELIZABETH BRANCH WAS APPOINTED TO A SEAT IN THE 11TH CIRCUIT.

ELIZABETH'S MOTHER BEA DALLAS LIVES IN THOMASTON AND HER LATE FATHER WAS DR. MAC DALLAS.  

THREE ARRESTED FOR DEFACING SPREWELL BLUFF PARK

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAID SUSPECTS FROM GRIFFIN AND PIKE COUNTY WERE ARRESTED TUESDAY FOR SPRAY PAINTING GRAFFITI ON THE ROCKS AT SPREWELL BLUFF PARK—ROCKS NEXT TO THE RIVER WHERE THE WALKING DEAD TV SHOW HAS FILMED.

A SPALDING COUNTY MAN, 36 YEAR OLD FRED ALTON MCCLEAN, 19 YEAR OLD CHRISTOPHER BLAKE ARD AND A 16 YEAR OLD FEMALE JUVENILE BOTH FROM CONCORD—ALL CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL INTERFERENCE WITH GOVERNMENT PROPERTY—A FELONY.

SHERIFF KILGORE TOLD ZOOM NEWS—ITS SHAMEFUL THAT SOMEONE WOULD DEFACE THE PARK AS HARD AS THE COUNTY HAS WORKED TO MAKE IT A SUCCESS.

MAIN STREET MEET AND GREET MAY 10

THOMASTON CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON IS INVITING THE DOWNTOWN THOMASTON BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO A MEET AND GREET WITH NEW MAIN STREET COORINATOR HEATHER BLACKMON , THURSDAY 4 TO 5PM AT THE TUAC OFFICES AT SOUTH CENTER AND GORDON.

LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED.

HEATHER WAS RECENTLY NAMED TO THE POSITION AND TOLD US SHE IS WORKING WITH STATE DCA TO GET THE CITY OF THOMASTON ACCREDITED AS A MAIN STREET CITY, SOMETHING THAT WILL TAKE ABOUT A YEAR.

HEATHER'S HUSBAND REV. MATTEW BLACKMON IS INTERIM PASTOR OF SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH AND THEY HAVE FOUR CHILDREN.

30 YEARS TO SERVE IN PIKE SUPERIOR COURT

PIKE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER SAID A JURY DELIBRATED ONLY 19 MINUTES TUESDAY BEFORE FINDING BILL WHITLEY GUILTY OF BURGLARY , CAR THEFT, AND CRIMINAL ATTEMPT BURGLARY. GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS.

JUDGE FELTCHER SAMS SENTENCED DEFENDANT WHITLEY TO 30 YEARS TO SERVE IN PRISON.

D.A. COKER SAID WHITLEY STOLE A LEXUS AUTO FROM THE RESIDENCE OF ELIZABETH LAMINSKI ON HIGHWAY 109 IN PIKE COUNTY , SEPT. 23 2016 AFTER A BURGLARY.

HE WENT ACROSS THE STREET TO A NEIGHBORS HOUSE—AND WAS CONFRONTED BY THE RESIDENT WITH A GUN.

WHITLEY FLED INTO UPSON COUNTY AND WAS ARRESTED.

PROSECUTOR COKER COMMENDED ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY MARK IRVIN FOR HIS PRESENTATION OF THE STATE'S CASE.   

PROTESTERS AT UL MIDDLE SCHOOL

OFFICIALS WITH THE THOMASTON-UPSON SCHOOL SYSTEM WERE TAKEN-ABACK FRIDAY AS CLASSES LET OUT—TO FIND 4 PICKETTS WITH PROTEST SIGNS AT UL MIDDLE SCHOOL.

NEWLY APPOINTED SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT DR. LARRY DERICO TOLD ZOOM NEWS—THEY WERE PROFESSIONAL PROTESTERS ASSOCIATED WITH A STATE TEACHER'S ORGANIZATION. IT COSTS $500 PER YEAR TO JOIN AND IF A TEACHER HAS A GRIEVANCE WITH A SCHOOL—THEY SHOW-UP AND PROTEST. DR. DERICO SAID THEY SEEMED TO KNOW LITTLE ABOUT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL.

ASSISTANT SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT DR. MIKE GATLIN SAID HE TOLD THEM—THEY MUST HAVE THE WRONG SCHOOL—AS PRINCIPAL RHONDA GULLEY WAS NAMED STATE PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR IN 2017.

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR JUDGE BILL JOHNSTON III, 54 OF GRIFFIN

A MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR CITY OF GRIFFIN MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE WILLIAM “BILL” JOHNSTON III , 54 , WILL BE SUNDAY AT 2PM AT THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF GRIFFIN. THE FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS AFTERWARD IN THE CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HALL. COX FUNERAL HOME OF MANCHESTER IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS THE FAMILY HAS REQUESTED POTTED PLANTS AND DONATIONS MAY BE MADE TO THE FAMILY LIFE FUND OF THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF GRIFFIN.

A THOMASTON NATIVE, BILL CAME FROM A FAMILY DEVOTED TO PUBLIC SERVICE. HIS GRANDFATHER, THE LATE JOHNNIE CALDWELL SENIOR WAS GEORGIA'S INSURANCE COMMISSIONER. HIS FATHER BILLY JOHNSTON SERVED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE THOMASTON-UPSON DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY UNTIL THIS YEAR AND HIS UNCLE JOHNNIE CALDWELL JR. SERVES IN THE GEORGIA HOUSE.

BILL WAS LEGAL COUNSEL OF THE GRIFFIN-SPALDING AIRPORT AUTHORITY SINCE ITS FORMATION IN 2014. ZOOM RADIO SALES MANAGER CARL PRUETT WHO WAS SECRETARY-TREASURER OF THE AUTHORITY UNTIL JAN IST—SAID BILL WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN PROVIDING LEGAL GUIDANCE TO THE AUTHORITY TEAM INVOLVED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW GRIFFIN-SPALDING COUNTY AIRPORT TARGETED FOR A SITE OFF THE ARTHUR BOLTON PARKWAY.  

GBI PRESS RELEASE AUTOPSY OF JUDGE BILL JOHNSTON

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Crime Lab on Thursday conducted an autopsy on Griffin City Court Judge Bill Johnston.

According to Nelly Miles, director of the GBI Office of Public Affairs, preliminary autopsy findings indicate Johnston’s death was noncriminal.

Miles said the Griffin Police Department initially requested GBI assistance in locating Johnston, who was first reported missing by his family.

According to the GBI, Johnston’s family reported he left his residence at approximately 6:20 p.m. April 30, stating he had a business meeting in Lamar County.

Johnston, age 53, was located May 1 in the back seat of his vehicle in the vicinity of Jewel Drive and Pearl Circle in Spalding County.

NEW CONTRACT UGA COACH KIRBY SMART

The University of Georgia Athletic Association Board of Directors Executive Committee Thursday approved a contract extension and new compensation package for head football coach Kirby Smart.

Terms of the new contract include seven years and a compensation package worth $49 million.

“Kirby has provided an incredible level of energy and excitement to our football program, and we look forward to his leadership for many years to come,” said J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Greg McGarity.

“I’d like to first thank President Morehead and Greg McGarity for allowing me to lead this program,” said Smart. “I’m humbled by the faith they’ve placed in me and won’t ever take that for granted. I’d also like to thank our staff and our entire football family. Without their hard work and dedication we wouldn’t have been able to have the kind of success we’ve had in such a short period of time.

“As a young boy, I grew up in this great state dreaming of being a Bulldog,” he continued. “To have been able to do that—first as a player, and now as the head football coach—is beyond anything I ever dreamed. I do not take lightly the awesome responsibility of leading this program, and while I’m pleased with where we are as a program, I couldn’t be more excited about where we’re going in the future. You can rest assured that we will continue to work tirelessly to make Georgia football the best it can possibly be.

“Last, but not least, I want to express my gratitude and love for all our fans and thank them and the wonderful people of the State of Georgia for their tremendous support.”

Smart led the Bulldogs to a 13-2 record this past season along with an SEC championship, Rose Bowl title, and appearance in Georgia’s first College Football Playoff national championship game.

“In just two short years, Coach Smart has established a new level of excellence in UGA’s storied football program,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “I look forward to his continued success and his strong support of this great university.”

EX U.S. ATTORNEY TO RECEIVE HOLLIMAN JR. AWARD

THE UGA GRADY COLLEGE OF JOURNALISM HAS ANNOUNCED FORMER U.S. DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL SALLY YATES HAS BEEN SELECTED TO RECEIVE THE 2018 JOHN HOLLIMAN JR. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, NAMED IN HONOR OF THE LATE JOHN HOLLIMAN , A THOMASTON NATIVE, AND CNN REPORTER WHO GAINED FAME AS ONE OF THE “ BOYS OF BAGHDAD.” JOHN STARTED HIS BROADCASTING CAREER HERE AT WTGA WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL AND WENT ON TO WORK FOR COX BROADCASTING, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS AND COVERED SCIENCE AND NASA FOR CNN.

MS. YATES IS A 1986 GRADUATE OF THE UGA LAW SCHOOL AND CURRENTLY A DISTINGUISHED LECTURER AT GEORGETOWN LAW SCHOOL.    

CROWN TECHNOLOGY HAS CLOSED ON A BUILDING

As part of Crown Technology’s continued success and commitment to product diversification, we are pleased to announce the acquisition of the property at 600 Poplar Drive, Thomaston, GA. Crown Technology, LLC, based in Woodbury, GA produces various pavement marking products that are sold worldwide.

This new location will house Crown Technology’s “Preformed” Thermoplastic Pavement Marking Manufacturing Division. The most notable examples of this product to the driving public would include: various arrows seen on roadways, blue and white handicap parking symbols, bicycle related markings, various words such as “ONLY”, “LEFT”, “SOUTH”, etc.

Crown will immediately begin with renovations to various parts of the new location in order to fit the needs of our manufacturing business and to provide a safe and effective work environment for our employees. Crown intends to begin manufacturing operations in late 2018 or early 2019, once renovations are completed. In anticipation of this acquisition and manufacturing expansion, Crown began hiring key staff to ensure adequate training at our existing location before moving operations to the new location. We fully anticipate further hiring before and after the facility opens.

Crown Technology, LLC would like to express our gratitude to the Thomaston-Upson IDA and especially Kyle Fletcher, Executive Director. The Thomaston-Upson IDA was instrumental in providing Crown with information and building access as we researched and ultimately acquired the 600 Poplar Drive property.

Crown Technology, LLC looks forward to this expansion and being a part of the Thomaston, GA community for many years to come!

“Crown Technology will be a great addition to our local industrial base”, said IDA Executive Director Kyle Fletcher. We have a good working relationship with their team and are looking forward to assisting them as they prepare the plant for operation.

Carson Gleaton, IDA Chairman added that this deal would not have been possible without the generous building donation by Scott Blackstock. “Understanding the dynamics and challenges of rural economic development is so important and Mr. Blackstock certainly has a passion for wanting our community to succeed, said Gleaton.

The deal was brokered by Art Barry of Colwell Banker Commercial Eberhardt & Barry in Macon.

UPDATE ON TYE FAGAN TO UGA

ATHENS, Ga. —- Tye Fagan, a two-time Georgia Class AAAA Player of the Year at Upson-Lee High School in Thomaston, Ga., has signed a letter-of-intent to play for the Georgia Bulldogs, head coach Tom Crean announced on Wednesday.

Fagan, a 6-3, 170-pound, combo guard was named as the top player in Class AAAA in both 2017 and 2018 and first-team All-State by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution after leading Upson-Lee’s Knights to back-to-back undefeated seasons and state championships. Upson-Lee finished the 2017-18 season riding a 63-game winning streak, the third-longest in state boys’ high school history.

“We are truly excited to be adding Tye Fagan and honored that he chose to be our first commitment as we embark on building our UGA basketball program,” Crean said. “Tye not only has numerous abilities to impact the game on both ends of the floor and the character and personality to make others around him better, but he also is a pure winner and achiever. He will help bring many, many qualities that we value at Georgia. Any time you can add a championship-winning player and person to your program, it’s great. But I can’t recall ever signing anyone that was 63-0. That’s unique.”

As a senior, Fagan averaged 25.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.4 steals and 1.5 assists for Upson-Lee, which finished 31-0. He scored in double figures in all 30 games played, with 25 20-point outings, six 30-point performances and nine double-doubles.

As a junior, Fagan averaged 21.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.6 steals and 1.5 steals per game while leading the Knights to a perfect 32-0 finish and the first state championship in school history. He posted double-digit scoring outputs in 28 of 29 games played, with 17 20-point and three 30-point tallies.

Last month, Fagan was named second-team All-Georgia by USA Today, the organization’s all-classification, all-state boys’ basketball team. He was ranked as the nation’s No. 18 combo guard by 247sports.com.

Fagan is the third signee who will join the Bulldogs as a freshman next season. During the NCAA’s early signing period last November, Georgia signed Amanze Ngumezi, a 6-9, 235-pound, power forward from Johnson High School in Savannah and JoJo Toppin, a 6-6, 175-pound small forward from Norcross High.