Pike County Football Player Succumbs To Injury

A prayer vigil attended by hundreds was held Sunday evening for a Pike County football player that was injured during the Pirates game with Peach County Friday night. Shortly afterward, the family of 16 year old Dylan Thomas of Williamson announced that he had died from the injury.

Thomas, a linebacker for the Pirates, collapsed during the game in Zebulon and was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta where he underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.

Coaches and players from both teams huddled together on the field as Thomas was attended to. 

PIKE COUNTY TIMBER FIRM UNDER PROBE

A Pike County timber company is under investigation for racketeering and elder abuse is alleged fraud that spanned 16 counties including Lamar.

Bibb circuit district attorney David Cooke said the allegations involved Cox Land & Timber Inc. of Pike County and six co-conspirators.

Two people were arrested Tuesday as a part of the probe. John Barnhart Cox, 49, was charged with theft by deception. Jack Uselton Jr., 49, was charged with misrepresenting the origin or ownership of timber.

The investigation was begun by the Georgia Forestry Commission. It involved 28 landowners in 16 counties. At least, 17 of the landowners were elderly, Cooke said. The 16 counties are Bibb, Baldwin, Dodge, Fayette, Green, Hancock, Henry, Jasper, Lamar, Meriwether, Monroe, Newton, Pike, Spalding, Talbot and Taliaferro.

The defendants allegedly misrepresented the type and amount of timber harvested so they could pay the landowners less than what it was worth.

PLANT VOGTLE NUCLEAR EXPANSION MOVING FOWARD

IT APPEARS THE FINANCIALLY-TROUBLED PLANT VOGTLE NUCLEAR EXPANSION NEAR AUGUST WILL MOVE FOWARD AFTER THE PARTNERS STRUCK A DEAL WEDNESDAY TO KEEP THE MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR PROJECT ALIVE.

THE BIG PLAYERS SOUTHERN COMPANY/GA. POWER, THE MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC AUTHORITY OF GA----ME-AG--AND THE EMC ASSOCIATED—OGLETHROPE POWER HAVE COME TO THE TABLE.

THE BOARD OF OGLETHROPE POWER—THE PROJECTS 2ND BIGGEST OWNER HAD EARLIER DEMANDED A COST CAP TO CURB SOARING COSTS AND HAD INSISTED THAT GA POWER'S PARENT COMPANY—SOUTHERN COMPANY—EVENTUALLY TAKE-ON THE ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL RISK IF IT CONTINUES COSTLY SLIP-UPS.

DETAILS OF THE AGREEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN DISCLOSED—BUT INVESTORS INCLUDE THE CITY OF THOMASTON, GRIFFIN, BARNESVILLE, JACKSON, FORSYTH AND DOZENS OF OTHERS PLUS EMC'S AROUND THE STATE BUT NOT UPSON EMC.

TRAFFIC DEATH IN UPSON CO.

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE HAS REQUESTED THE GA. STATE PATROL CONTINUE THE INVESTIGATION INTO A SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH A FATALITY EARLY SUNDAY, SEPT. 23, ON PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD.

THE VICTIM—24 YEAR OLD CHARLENE SEWELL OF PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD WAS PARTIALLY EJECTED FROM THE 2001 FORD EXPEDITION SHE WAS DRIVING AND WAS PRONOUNCED DECEASED AT THE SCENE.

UPSON GARBAGE COLLECTION RATE GOES UP JAN IST

UPSON COUNTY CUSTOMERS WILL PAY 53-CENTS MORE PER MONTH FOR GARBAGE COLLECTION SERVICE EFFECTIVE JAN. IST, 2019—A 3.8% INCREASE.

THE UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVED THE INCREASE AT TUESDAY'S MEETING—SOMETHING IN THE CONTRACT WITH VENDOR TRANS WASTE THAT ALLOWS AN INCREASE BASED ON THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX.

GARBAGE COLLECTION SERVICE IS BILLED QUARTERLY BY THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT.

HERE'S THE NEW BREAK-DOWN -- REGULAR SERVICE MONTHLY GOES FROM 13.90 TO 14.43 AND THE QUARTERLY CHARGE WILL BE 43.29 INSTEAD OF 41.70.

THERE WAS SOME COMMENT FROM THE BOARD TO GO BACK TO THE MARKET NEXT YEAR AND TAKE BIDS.

COUNTY MANAGER JASON TINSLEY SAID THE COUNTY IS AT 5 YEARS IN A 10 YEAR CONTRACT WITH TRANS WASTE BUT THERE IS A 90 DAY OUT.

CO COM CHAIR ALLEN RESPONDS TO FMR CHAIR BLACKSTON

At this board’s last meeting on September 11^th we received a request during public comments from Mr. Rusty Blackston which he asked the Board to publically respond to several questions he had at our next meeting.  At this time I offer this response to the issues he presented.

This Board has been made aware of current operational shortcomings and public safety concerns regarding our current judicial facilities.  Issues such as needed repairs to the existing building and facilities, potential security vulnerabilities, inmate handling concerns, overcrowding and the need for expanded office space and public access for court filings are just some of the issues expressed to the Board.  These concerns have been brought forth from nearly every elected and appointed official responsible for the public safety and our courts.  

These are the very same concerns previous leadership was presented with and I am sure is what lead to the earlier study provided from Precision Planning.   This Board decided to listen to our elected and appointed officials responsible for our public safety and court interest as well as citizens serving on our Grand Jury and made the decision to have the existing plans updated, after all a lot can and has changed since 2018.  

To the question of this Board’s use of 2016 SPLOST funds to pay for an updated study from Precision Planning.  In our April 24, 2018 regular meeting the Board was presented a proposal from the company for conceptual design updates from the previous designs from August 2015.  Also included in this proposal was site planning and cost estimating as well as renderings and final reporting.   

We carefully evaluated our funding options and concluded that the most appropriate funding source is  2016 SPLOST rather than fund through the General Fund.  Included in the 2016 SPLOST was “improvement to public buildings” where the $160,000 is budgeted for the courthouse.  

Mr. Blackston expressed his concerns about the equitable distribution of resources to every county park.  Every county park received new and safe playground equipment.  As other needs arise the staff and leadership will work to provide resources where needed, regardless of location, as it is our responsibility to provide for safe and enjoyable activities at every park.   

Funding for the Logtown Community Park which was included in 2011 SPLOST.  The amount of $50,000 was allocated for this project.  Budgets for proposed projects are estimates of the cost at the time the budget and referendum is prepared.  It is not unusual for projects to exceed the estimates largely in part due to the length of time from budget estimating to project completion which in some cases may take years.  

In this case the park project had begun as land was acquired and cleared, a basketball court and walking trail were installed and that was it.  There was no design plan or detailed project budget in place for this project.  This Board could not let this park stand in the condition it was in so we decided to come up with a plan to finish this park and turn it into something most citizens would use and be happy with.  This work consisted of building a covered pavilion with adequate restroom facilities and completing grade work, installation of ADA compliant sidewalks, installation of playground equipment, and cleaning up the landscaping.  

The final cost for this project was approximately $110,000  and the money came from 2011 and 2016 SPLOST.  

We recognize the significance of SPLOST dollars and in no way consider these tax dollars to be a “pot of gold”.  When this Board assumed office in January 2017 we recognized the need to assume greater oversight of SPLOST spending and accountability which is why we currently review every proposed SPLOST expenditure during an open meeting.  This is not a typical practice; however this Board is committed to the efficient and transparent use of SPLOST dollars.  

I appreciate Mr. Blackston’s concerns and I encourage him and others to feel free to contact the Commissioners or the County Manager anytime questions or concerns arise.  Thank you.

SEPTEMBER UPSON CO. GRAND JURY TRUE BILL LIST

2018 SEPTEMBER TERM GRAND JURY

SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

TRUE BILL LIST

JOHNNY CLARENCE ALFORD CT. 1:  AGGRAVATED BATTERY

CT. 2:  ROBBERY BY SUDDEN

SNATCHING

DELONZO DESHUN ALLEN CT. 1:  CRIMINAL TRESPASS

CT. 2:  SIMPLE BATTERY

CT. 4:  THEFT BY TAKING

DELONZO DESHUN ALLEN CT. 1:  SIMPLE ASSAULT

CT. 2:  OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICER

WESLEY GEORGE BAILEY CT. 1:  SMASH AND GRAB BURGLARY

            

NATASHA MERIAH BARFIELD CT. 1:  BURGLARY 1^ST DEGREE

DUSTIN JOEL BATES CT. 1:  TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE

TROY EUGENE BLOUNT, JR CT. 1:  VANDALISM TO PLACE OF

WORSHIP

MONTERIO DURRELL BROWN CT. 1:  POSSESSION COCAINE WITH

INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE

CT. 2:  THEFT BY RECEIVING STOLEN

PROPERTY

CT. 3:  POSSESSION OF FIREARM

DURING COMMISSION OF A

FELONY

CT. 4:  POSSESSION MARIJUANA LESS

THAN OUNCE

CT. 5:  POSSESSION FIREARM BY

CONVICTED FELON

CT. 6:  WINDOW TINT VIOLATION

ECTAVIEA SEMAJ BRYANT CT. 1:  THEFT BY RECEIVING STOLEN

PROPERTY

CT. 2:  VIOLATION OF STREET GANG

TERRORISM AND PREVENTION

ACT

QUINTRELL COLBERT CT. 1:  CRIMINAL ATTEMPT TO COMMIT A

FELONY

CT. 2:  POSSESSION OF FIRARM DURING

COMMISSION OF A FELONY

CT. 3:  CARRYING A WEAPON WITHOUT A

LICENSE

CT. 4:  CRIMINAL USE OF AN ARTICLE WITH

AN ALTERED IDENTIFICATION MARK

BRYAN LAMONTE COLLIER CT. 1:  AGGRAVATED BATTERY

JONATHAN ALAN COPPERSMITH CT. 1:  POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE

WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE

CT. 2:  POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL WEAPON

CT. 3:  POSSESSION OF FIREARM BY

CONVICTED FELON

CT. 4:  ILLEGAL USE OF SPECIFIC WEAPON

DURING CRIME

CT. 5:  VIOLATION OF STREET GANG

TERRORISM AND PREVENTION

JONATHAN ALAN COPPERSMITH CT. 1:  INTERFERENCE WITH GOVERNMENT

PROPERTY

DANIEL RAY CULVERHOUSE CT. 1:  CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

RODNEY DUCKWORTH CT. 1:  SEXUAL BATTERY AGAINST A CHLD

UNDER 16

KRISTOPHER MARK HUNT CT. 1:  POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE

CT. 2:  CROSSING THE GUARD LINE WITH

CONTRABAND

BRANDON HEATH JOHNSON CT. 1:  VIOLATION OF GEORGIA

EMPLOYMENT SECURITY LAW

JOSHUA RYAN KENNEDY CT. 1:  THEFT BY RECEIVING STOLEN

PROPERTY

HOLDEN SPENCER KNIGHT CT. 1:  CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

2^ND DEGREE

DAVID HENRY MCCONNELL CT. 1:  CHILD MOLESTATION

DAYSHA NICOLE MCDANIEL CT. 1:  AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

RODRECIUS LAPELLE MILLER CT. 1:  SIMPLE ASSAULT

CT. 2:  SIMPLE ASSAULT

AIMEE LYNN MOSLEY CT. 1:  ENTERING AN AUTOMOBILE

CT. 2:  BURGLARY 1^ST DEGREE

BRITTANY NICOLE POWELL CT. 1:  AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

MITAVIUS LEE ROBINSON CT. 1:  BURGLARY 1^ST DEGREE

KATELYN ROSE SMITH CT. 1:  CRUELTY TO CHILDREN 1^ST DEGREE

PAUL ROBERT SMITH, JR. CT.1:  ENTICING A CHILD FOR INDECENT

PURPOSES

CT. 2:  ELECTRONICALLY FURNISHING

OBSCENE MATERIAL TO MINORS

JOSEPH CHARLES STEPHENSON CT. 1:  POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL WEAPON

CT. 2:  POSSESSION OF FIREARM BY

CONVICTED FELON

CT. 3:  DRIVING ON IMPROPER

REGISTRATION

THOMAS FRANKLIN STOREY CT. 1:  AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

CT. 2:  BATTERY, FAMILY VIOLENCE

CT. 3:  AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, FAMILY

VIOLENCE

KELSEY LAMAR WALKER CT. 1:  CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

2^ND DEGREE

CT. 2:  CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

2^ND DEGREE

CT. 3:  CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

2^ND DEGREE

CT. 4:  CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

2^ND DEGREE

KELSEY LAMAR WALKER CT. 1:  CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

2^ND DEGREE

OSWALD B. WILLIAMS CT. 1:  AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

CT. 2:  AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

CT. 3:  AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

CT. 4:  AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

CT. 5:  AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

CT. 6:  AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

CT. 7:  AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

ALEXUS SAMONE WILLIS CT. 1:  AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

CT. 2:  AFFRAY

CHANDRA SHANEU WILLIS CT. 1:  VIOLATION OF GEORGIA

EMPLOYMENT SECURITY LAW

RONTEREK AKEEM WILLIS CT. 1:  AGGRAVATED BATTERY

CT. 2:  CRIMINAL TRESPASS

CT. 3:  HINDERING EMERGENCY

TELEPHONE CALL

HAM RADIO TESTING IN THOMASTON

Interested in becoming a licensed ham radio operator?

The Thomaston Area Amateur Radio Club and Central District GA ARES will host a Ham Cram Course for entry-level Technician and General class ham radio license. ARRL Testing Session for all classes of License will take place later in the afternoon for anyone interested in obtaining their Amateur Radio License.

The Ham Cram course will be on September 29th, 9 a.m., Upson County EMA Conference Room, 605 West Gordon Street.

There is no cost for the Ham Cram but the ARRL Test is $15. If testing, be sure to bring a photo ID.

For more information or to preregister text “Ham” to 706- 975-5914 or leave a voice message with contact info. Please reserve your spot by Thursday afternoon.15, which is the Exam and licensing Fee required by ARRL. 

For more information or to preregister text “Ham” to 706- 975-5914 or leave a voice message with contact info.

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL REJECTS BIDS

AT THE SEPT. 18TH MEETING—THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL REJECTED ALL BIDS FOR DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS—AT HOLLOWAY TIRE, WEAVER PARK AND OUT 74 EAST AND TABLED A CHANGE ORDER FOR RENOVATION OF THE OLD NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY FOR CITY OFFICES.

ACCORDING TO CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON--THE DRAINAGE PROJECTS WILL BE RE-BID AND COUNCIL WANTS MORE TIME TO REVIEW A $100,000 CHANGE ORDER FOR ADDITIONAL WORK AT THE ARMORY. MCLEROY CONSTRUCTION HAD THE LOW BID—NEGOTIATED DOWN TO $415,000 , FOR OFFICES TO HOUSE THE ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT, PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES AND ROADS DEPARTMENT. THE $100,000 CHANGE ORDER INVOLVES SOME ARMORY WORK PLUS IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ROADS DEPARTMENT SHOP -- TOTAL PROJECT-- $515,000. THE ORIGINAL BID WAS OVER $600,000.

COUNCIL MEMBERS DOUG HEAD AND RYAN TUCKER—BOTH BANKERS—STEPPED OUTSIDE THE MEETING ROOM DURING THE DISCUSSIONS.  

BUGGY DAYS PARADE CUT SHORT SAT.

HUNDREDS OF PATRONS ON THOMASTON STREET IN BARNESVILLE LINED THE THE STREET BUT THE BUGGY DAYS PARADE WAS DETOURED BEFORE IT REACHED THEM SATURDAY AFTERNOON.

BARNESVILLE . COM REPORTS BARNESVILLE POLICE CHIEF CRAIG COOPER SAID IT WAS DETOURED BACK TO THE STAGING AREA AT SUMMERS FIELD DUE TO SEVERAL MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TRAFFIC FLOW ISSUES ON MAIN STREET AND THE HOLMES STREET AREA.

IN HIS STATEMENT CHIEF COOPER SAID UNFORTUNATELY SOME THINGS ARE BEYOND OUR CONTROL—AND ITS ALWAYS OUR DUTY TO PROTECT AND SERVE—AND HE HOPES THE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDS.

ULHS GRAD RATE TOPS STATE AGAIN

ULHS Graduation Rate Tops State for 4th Consecutive Year

The Georgia Department of Education has released graduation rate data for the class of 2018, and Upson-Lee High School has exceeded the state average for the fourthconsecutive year. Upson-Lee High School posted a rate of 87.1%, significantly higher than the state of Georgia graduation rate average of 81.6%. Fayette County topped the Griffin RESA district with an average of 88.8%. Other 2018 graduation rate averages in the Griffin RESA District are:

Butts 80.8%

Griffin-Spalding 85.4%

Henry 87.7%

Lamar 87.0%

Newton 87.0%

Pike 87.7%

EX-UPSON DEPUTY SENTENCED

IN UPSON SUPERIOR COURT MONDAY—A FORMER UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTY—KODY KENNEDY ENTERED A GUILTY PLEA TO SIMPLE BATTERY FOR STRIKING A MAN IN HANDCUFFS WHILE IN CUSTODY AND HE WAS SENTENCED TO FINE AND PROBATION BY JUDGE SCOTT BALLARD.

THE INCIDENT INVESTIGATED BY THE GBI -- GOT KENNEDY TERMINATED AND ALSO ONE THOMASTON POLICE OFFICER WAS FIRED AND ANOTHER FACED DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

IT STEMMED FROM A TRAFFIC STOP ON 36 EAST INVOLVING CURTIS LAMAR PERRY WHO WAS CHARGED WITH SPEEDING , OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICER AND POSSESSION OF METH.

KENNEDY WAS SENTENCED TO 12 MONTHS PROBATION, 40 HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AND A $500 FINE.

TWO OTHER GUILTY PLEAS MONDAY, JACKIE LEE REYNOLDS CRIMINAL TRESPASS—SENTENCED TO TIME SERVED AND CASMEONDRA NICOLE HARRIS—POSSESSION MORE THAN OUNCE OF MARIJUANA, 5 YEARS PROBATION, 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE, FINE OF $2000.

OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICER 12 MONTHS PROBATION, FINE OF $500.

UPSON CO TAX BILLS ARE IN THE MAIL

OVER 16,000 UPSON COUNTY TAX BILLS ARE IN THE MAIL. TAX COMMISSIONER ANDY CHASTAIN SAID THE DUE DATE IS NOVEMBER 15. THE BILLS WERE TO GO OUT LAST WEEK, BUT THE PRINTING COMPANY HAD SOME ISSUES.

UGA FOOTBALL GAME KICKS AT NOON ON ZOOM RADIO

THE UGA-MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL GAME SATURDAY WILL WILL HAVE A 12 NOON KICK-OFF, ORIGINALLY IT WAS A NIGHT GAME BUT WAS MOVED UP DUE TO HURRICANE FLORENCE.

AIRTIME FOR THE TAILGATE SHOW 8AM, 105-9/101-1.

THE ATLANTA FALCONS PLAY THE CAROLINA PANTHERS SUNDAY AT 1 ON ZOOM RADIO 105-9/101-1.

OUR NEW WEBSITE myzoomradio.com

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE—myzoomradio.com—FOR THE LATEST NEWS AND WEATHER, SPORTS INCLUDING GA. BULLDOG NEWS AND INTERVIEWS WITH ROCK LEGENDS FROM MICK-IN-THE MORNING---ITS myzoomradio.com.

SHERIFF KILGORE REPORTS A ROBBERY ARREST

On September 3rd, 2018 between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Laquasian Kendez “Fred” Hutcherson, 40, of Thomaston committed an armed robbery at a residence on Chaney Street in the Lincoln Park community of Upson County. Hutcherson robbed two victims at gun point taking approximately $1000 dollars in cash.

Fred Hutcherson is held in the Upson County Jail charged with two counts of Armed Robbery, Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Bond must be set by a Superior Court Judge.

This case is ongoing.

GOP GOV CANDIDATE IN UPSON CO. LABOR DAY

BIG TURN-OUT FOR A POLITICAL BAR B Q LABOR DAY IN UPSON COUNTY ON THE BENTLEY FARM—COORDINATED BY WILL BENTLEY.

GUESTS INCLUDED REPUBLICAN NOMINEE FOR GOVERNOR AND GA. SECRETARY OF STATE BRIAN KEMP, U.S. SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORMER GA. GOVERNOR SONNY PERDUE AND TWO OTHER REPUBLICANS STATE AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER GARY BLACK—WHO IS SEEKING RE-ELECTION AND TRICIA PRIDEMORE RUNNING FOR PSC COMMISSIONER.

THE CROWD ALSO INCLUDED 5 GEORGIA SHERIFFS WHO HAVE ENDORSED KEMP FOR GOVERNOR INCLUDING UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE, PIKE COUNTY SHERIFF JIMMY THOMAS, LAMAR COUNTY SHERIFF BRAD WHITE, MERIWETHER COUNTY SHERIFF CHUCK SMITH, AND FAYETTE COUNTY SHERIFF BARRY BABB.     

5TH JUDGE RECOMMENDED FOR GRIFFIN CIRCUIT

The Judicial Council, chaired by Chief Justice P. Harris Hines, met in Marietta yesterday, to consider requests for two new superior court judgeships and other action items.

After reviewing caseload data for the requesting circuits, the Council voted to recommend additional judgeships in the Griffin Judicial Circuit and Gwinnett Judicial Circuit. New judgeships are created by the General Assembly; the bill authorizing a new position provides for an effective date, initial term, and stipulates election or appointment of the initial judge.

This recommendation will be forwarded to the Governor and the General Assembly to be considered for legislative action in the 2019 session.

The 27-member Judicial Council of Georgia meets several times a year to act on policy and administrative matters of the judiciary. Judges of the appellate and trial courts at all levels are represented on the Council, as is a representative of the State Bar of Georgia.