BICKLEY, ALEXANDER FINALISTS FOR PIKE CO MANAGER

THE PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ARE EXPECTED TO VOTE ON HIRING A NEW COUNTY MANAGER AT A CALLED MEETING SATURDAY AT 8;30AM FOLLOWING AN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

THE TWO FINALISTS ARE THOMASTON BUSINESSMAN BOBBY BICKLEY AND RON ALEXANDER, ZONING DIRECTOR OF GARDEN CITY, GA. BASED ON STATE LAW THE COMMISSIONERS HAD TO WAIT 14 DAYS AFTER ANNOUNCING THE FINALISTS TO MAKE THE HIRE.

THE MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THOMASTON STREET—NOT IN THE COURTHOUSE.

SMASH AND GRAB BURGLARY AT MIKE'S MARKET, A. ST.

THOMASTON POLICE DEPARTMENT LOOKING FOR THE PUBLIC'S HELP IN CATCHING FOUR BURGLARS AFTER A SMASH AND GRAB THEFT EARLY WEDNESDAY AT MIKE'S MARKET—213 A. STREET.

ACCORDING TO SGT. BRIAN HAMMOCK--$6200 IN CASH, COINS, LOTTERY TICKETS AND CIGARETTES MISSING AFTER FOUR SUBJECTS WERE CAUGHT ON SECURITY VIDEO BREAKING THE FRONT WINDOW WITH A CONCRETE YARD DECORATION AROUND 1;30AM. THEY WERE WEARING HOODIES, FACE COVERINGS AND GLOVES.

A CUSTOMER NOTICED THE STORE'S DAMAGE JUST BEFORE OPENING TIME WEDNESDAY MORNING. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE CRIME CALL SGT. HAMMOCK AT 770-550-1409.

JUDGE ROBERT MACK CRAWFORD INDICTED

CALLED INTO SESSION WEDNESDAY, THE PIKE COUNTY GRAND JURY RETURNED TRUE BILLS OF INDICTMENT ON TWO COUNTS ON SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE ROBERT MACK CRAWFORD, VIOLATION OF OATH OF OFFICE AND THEFT BY TAKING.

THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE PRESENTED EVIDENCE TO THE GRAND JURY, GRIFFIN CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER HAD REMOVED HIS OFFICE FROM THE CASE.

JUDGE CRAWFORD'S ATTORNEY VIRGIL BROWN TOLD ZOOM NEWS AT THE PIKE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, JUDGE CRAWFORD WILL TURN HIMSELF IN AT THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, THURSDAY FOR PROCESSING AND WILL BE RELEASED ON HIS OWN RECOGNIZANCE WITH ZERO BOND.

THE CASE INVOLVES $15,600 ATTORNEY BROWN SAYS JUDGE CRAWFORD EARNED IN LEGAL FEES WHILE HE WAS A PRACTICING ATTORNEY, MONEY IN THE COURT REGISTRY THE JUDGE ORDERED THE CLERK OF COURT TO PLACE IN HIS ACCOUNT, AFTER SITTING IN THE REGISTRY FOR YEARS.

ASSISTANT A.G. DAVID MCCLOCKLIN, WHO PRESENTED THE EVIDENCE TO THE GRAND JURY HAD NO COMMENT ON THE CASE WHEN ASKED BY ZOOM NEWS. ATTORNEY BROWN TOLD US HE WOULD RELEASE A STATEMENT LATER.

HENRY COUNTY SENIOR SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE ALEX CRUMBLEY PRESIDED.

CBS VOICE VERNE LUNDQUIST ON ZOOM RADIO THURS AT 6;15PM

THE RETIRED VOICE OF SEC FOOTBALL ON CBS—VERNE LUNQUIST HAS A NEW BOOK OUT CALLED PLAY BY PLAY AND VERNE CALLED IN TO THE MICK IN THE MORNING SHOW THIS WEEK TO DISCUSS HIS BOOK.

ZOOM RADIO WILL AIR THAT 45 MINUTE INTERVIEW THURSDAY AT 6;15—JUST BEFORE BULLDOGS LIVE WITH UGA COACH KIRBY SMART AT 7 ON 105-9/101-1.

GA. SUPREME COURT RULES IN JUDGE CRAWFORD'S FAVOR

ON FRIDAY, THE GA. SUPREME COURT UNANIMOUSLY REJECTED A REQUEST TO SUSPEND GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT JUDGE ROBERT MACK CRAWFORD FROM OFFICE.

THE STATE JUDICIAL QUALIFICATIONS COMMISSION HAD RECOMMENDED THAT CRAWFORD BE RELIEVED OF HIS DUTIES WITH PAY WHILE AN ETHICS COMPLAINT AGAINST HIM IS PENDING. IN JULY THE JQC ACCUSED CRAWFORD OF THEFT FOR DIRECTING THE CLERK OF COURT IN PIKE COUNTY TO TRANSFER OVER $15,000 TO HIM FROM AN ACCOUNT IN THE COURT REGISTRY—MONEY HIS ATTORNEY SAYS JUDGE CRAWFORD IS ENTITLED TO FOR UNPAID LEGAL FEES BACK WHEN HE WAS AN ATTORNEY.

THE PIKE COUNTY GRAND JURY IS BEING CALLED INTO SESSION WEDNESDAY BY THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE TO SEEK CRIMINAL INDICTMENTS FOR THEFT RELATED TO THE CASE.

GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER HAS REMOVED HIS OFFICE FROM THE CASE AND ASSISTANT A.G. DAVID MCCULLOUGH IS THE PROSECUTOR. JUDGE CRAWFORD HAS ALREADY AGREED TO STOP PRESIDING OVER CRIMINAL CASES.

TREE AT RITZ THEATER COMING DOWN

THOMASTON CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON SAID A TREE NEAR THE MARQUEE OF THE RITZ THEATER IS COMING DOWN TUESDAY --A TREE THEATER OWNER MALCOLM NEAL SAYS HE HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET REMOVED FOR 13 YEARS BECAUSE IT OBSTRUCTS THE MARQUEE.

AT THE LAST MEETING—THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL VOTED TO REMOVE THE TREE TO ALLOW FOR FACADE AND MARQUEE UPGRADES AND CITY MANAGER THOMPSON REVIEWED THAT DECISION WITH THE TREE BOARD LAST THURSDAY.

THE MANAGER TOLD ZOOM NEWS, THE TREE BOARD WAS HESITANT TO SUPPORT THE IDEA NOTING—EVERY BUSINESS MIGHT WANT THEIR THE TREES REMOVED —BUT THE CITY MANAGER SAID ANY MORE CREPE MYRPLE REMOVALS WILL COME TO THE TREE BOARD FOR A RECOMMENDATION. THE MANAGER TOLD US THE CITY COUNCIL HAS THE FINAL DECISION ON TREE REMOVAL.

RITZ OWNER NEAL SAID HE GOT SO FRUSTRATED WITH THE TREE BOARD'S DISCUSSION, THURSDAY, HE LEFT THE MEETING.

THE CITY COUNCIL WAS ACTUALLY REENFORCING A 2008 DECISION BY THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE DOWN THE TREE. NEAL SAID IMPROVEMENTS WILL TOTAL $35,000 AND WORK WILL BEGIN SHORTLY.

MAJOR DRUG ARRESTS IN SPALDING COUNTY

SPALDING COUNTY SHERIFF DARRELL DIX HAS RELEASED THE NAMES OF 32 SUSPECTS AFTER A TWO MONTH-LONG INVESTIGATION INTO DRUG AND GANG ACTIVITY THAT STRETCHED ALL THE WAY TO WEST VIRGINIA.

THE SHERIFF SAID THREE DEATHS FROM DRUG OVERDOSES SPARKED THE ARRESTS, MOST SUSPECTS FROM GRIFFIN BUT ONE FROM PIKE COUNTY AND TWO FROM LAMAR COUNTY.

DAVID COLLIS, AGE 43 OF HIGHWAY 109 MOLENA BOOKED FOR POSSESSION METH AND POSSESSION DRUG OBJECTS

PATRICIA LOVE, AGE 37 OF GROVE STREET BARNESVILLE CHARGED WITH POSSESSION METH AND MARIJUANA.

TIMOTHY SCOTT, AGE 35 OF GROVE STREET BARNESVILLE BOOKED FOR POSSESSION METH.  

TU IDA BOND DEAL UNDER COURT ORDER

A 2013 $8.9 MILLION BOND DEAL FOR PROVIDENCE HEALTH AND REHABITATION CENTER BY THE THOMASTON UPSON DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IS ONE OF 13 DEALS UNDER COURT ORDER BY THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION—AN ORDER FOR NATIONAL NURSING HOME KINGPIN CHRISTOPHER BROGDON OF ATLANTA TO PAY INVESTORS $89 MILLION IN INTEREST AND PRINCIPAL OWED .

ACCORDING TO A STORY IN SUNDAY'S AJC—IN A FEDERAL CASE BROGDON IS ACCUSED OF FUNDING HIS LIFESTYLE THROUGH FRAUD BY DUPING INVESTORS WHO BOUGHT HIS BONDS.

IN ADDITION TO BEING A NATIONAL PLAYER IN THE NURSING HOME AND ASSISTED LIVING BUSINESS—BROGDON IS OWNER OF THE J. CHRISTOPHER'S RESTAURANT CHAIN.

THE THOMASTON-UPSON IDA ISSUED CONDUIT BONDS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO PROVIDENCE HEALTH AND REHABITATION, BONDS THAT WERE NOT BACKED BY THE IDA OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT BUT ALLOWED BRODGDON TO SEEK FINANCING FROM OTHER SOURCES.

THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION SAID BROGDON DECEIVED INVESTORS, CO-MINGLING MONEY THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE DEDICATED TO SPECIFIC PROJECTS AND DIVERTING FUNDS TO OTHER BUSINESS VENTURES AND FAMILY ACCOUNTS.

BROGDON AND HIS WIFE CONNIE LIVE THE GOOD LIFE—THEY OWN A $5 MILLION CONDO IN BUCKHEAD AND A $2 MILLION BEACH HOUSE IN ST. SIMONS ISLAND PLUS A PRIVATE PLANE WORTH $1.5 MILLION.  

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING ON HILL STREET

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON TOLD ZOOM RADIO NEWS TUESDAY—INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING AT A MALE SUBJECT RECENTLY ARRESTED ON SHOPLIFTING CHARGES AT WAL MART IN CONNECTION WITH RECENT HOUSE BURGLARIES IN THE HILL STREET, THURSTON AVE. , SOUTH GREEN STREET AREA.

CHIEF RICHARDSON TOLD US HE APPRECIATED CITIZENS OF THAT AREA ATTENDING A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING LAST WEEK. THE MESSAGE FROM THE P.D. , IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, CALL 911 

FIVE LOAVES AND TWO FISHES PANTRY NEEDS DONATIONS

Five Loaves and Two Fish Food Pantry provides groceries for families in need, but they are requesting your help, especially before Thanksgiving, when the demand is the greatest. Wouldn't it be comforting to know when you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner that others in your community would be able to do the same, and have a happy Thanksgiving? Please help make this happen by donating a frozen turkey or hen, or making a monetary donation, so the Food Pantry can provide those in need with groceries this Thanksgiving. Frozen turkeys (must be frozen) need to be delivered to Five Loaves & Two Fish Food Pantry between Monday, November 12th and Friday, November 15th anytime between 8:00am and 12:00pm. They are located in the same building (at the rear) as Hope Health Clinic at Solomon Street and 10th Street, in downtown Griffin. Their address is: 412 W. Slaton Avenue, Griffin, GA 30223. Donations (checks please, no cash) are also welcome and can be mailed or delivered to the same address. For more information, call (678) 603-1238.

WOW $ 1.6 BILLION GA. LOTTERY MEGA MILLIONS

ATLANTA – Mega Millions continues its record run. Tuesday’s jackpot has ballooned to $1.6 billion – the largest in U.S. history. The Mega Millions cash option is 904 million.

Meanwhile, Powerball is making a run of its own. Wednesday’s Powerball jackpot has grown to $620 million – the third largest Powerball jackpot and the sixth largest jackpot in U.S. history. The Powerball cash option is $354 million.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for Georgians,” Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin said. “Our players are having a lot of fun, and students across the state benefit with each Mega Millions and Powerball ticket purchased in Georgia.”

Mega Millions and Powerball tickets are $2 each. For an additional $1 per play, Mega Millions players can multiply prizes with the Megaplier option, and Powerball players can multiply prizes with the Power Play option. Mega Millions also offers an optional $3 wager Just the Jackpot that allows players to receive two entries for a chance to win the game’s jackpot prize only.

Mega Millions and Powerball tickets can be purchased at Georgia Lottery retailers statewide. Georgia residents also can purchase tickets via the Georgia Lottery app or online at www.galottery.com.

As with all other Georgia Lottery games, proceeds from Mega Millions and Powerball will benefit education in the state of Georgia.

DEM CAND. FOR GOV. STACEY ABRAMS IN THOMASTON WED.

DEMOCRAT CANDIDATE FOR GA. GOVERNOR STACEY ABRAMS WILL BE IN THOMASTON WEDNESDAY TO SPEAK AT ST. MARY'S AME CHURCH 605 HIGHTOWER STREET. ABRAMS AND OTHER CANDIDATES WILL ADDRESS THE VOTERS AT 10;30AM SPONSORED BY THE UPSON DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND ST. MARY'S AME CHURCH. PLEASE BE SEATED BY 10;30AM.

THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR BRIAN KEMP WAS IN UPSON COUNTY FOR A LABOR DAY BAR B Q.

5 INJURED SAT. NIGHT WRECK IN THOMASTON

ACCORDING TO POST 26 GA. STATE PATROL IN THOMASTON A ONE YEAR OLD CHILD WAS AIRLIFTED AND 4 OTHERS TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R. AFTER A THREE VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON 19 NORTH NEAR LA FESTA RESTAURANT—SATURDAY NITE AT 9PM. IT COULD BE ALCOHOL RELATED.

THE GSP REPORT SAID THE CHILD , ALEXANDER O'STEEN OF YATESVILLE WAS TAKEN BY AIR AMBULANCE TO CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE OF ATLANTA. OTHER PASSENGERS IN THE SAME CAR, INFANT ARABELLA O'STEEN TAKEN TO MACON MEDICAL CENTER, AND LINDSEY BROOKE O'STEEN , AGE 26 AND THE DRIVER SAMUEL O'STEEN, 26 , BOTH OF YATESVILLE WERE UNINJURED.

THE DRIVER APPARENTLY AT FAULT—JOVARIS LAMON FULLER, AGE 32 OF JONESBORO WAS TAKEN TO URMC , A PASSENGER BRANDON ANDERSON, AGE 26 OF DETROIT WAS TRANSPORTED TO WELLSTAR SPALDING REGIONAL HOSPITAL, , AND THE DRIVER OF THE THIRD VEHICLE —GARY WAYNE SHAFFER, AGE 65 OF FAIRBURN ,WAS ALSO TAKEN TO UPSON REGIONAL.

FULLER HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH DUI, RECKLESS DRIVING, SERIOUS INJURY BY VEHICLE, AND POSSESSION AND DISTRIBUTION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES OR MARIJUANA.

FULLER WAS DRIVING A 2018 PORSCHE MACAN S NORTHBOUND ON 19 AND STRUCK THE O'STEEN 2007 CHEVROLET UPLANDER IN THE REAR, THEN HIT THE SHAFFER CAR , HEAD-ON, A 2016 SUBARU IMPREZA —AS IT TRAVELED SOUTHBOUND ON 19.

DRUG DEALER 10 YEARS IN PRISON/$200,000 FINE

A THOMASTON MAN IS CHECKING INTO THE GRAY BAR HOTEL FOR AN EXTENDED STAY AFTER ENTERING A GUILTY PLEA FOR TRAFFICKING METH IN UPSON SUPERIOR COURT, THURSDAY.

JUDGE FLETCHER SAMS SENTENCED CAREY JEROME DANIEL TO 30 YEARS---10 TO SERVE IN PRISON , THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION AND A FINE OF $200,000.

JURORS REPORT TO THE UPSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE MONDAY FOR A TRIAL CALENDAR.

CANDIDATES FORUMS MONDAY AND WED. ON ZOOM RADIO

ZOOM RADIO HAS INVITED THE TWO CANDIDATES FOR UPSON COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 4 TO A POLITICAL FORUM MONDAY AT 6PM---AARON DAWSON AND BENJAMIN WATSON ARE ON THE BALLOT FOR THE SEAT HELD BY VETERAN COMMISSIONER FRANK SPRAGGINS WHO IS RETIRING.

A 2ND CANDIDATES FORUM WILL AIR WEDNESDAY AT 6PM ON 105-9/101-1 FEATURING THE TWO CANDIDATES FOR STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 131. DEMOCRAT CHRIS BENTON AND REPUBLICAN KEN PULLIN.  

TWO NEW FINALISTS FOR PIKE COUNTY MANAGER

PRESS RELEASE Pike County Board of Commissioners announces Ron E. Alexander and James Robert Bickley as finalist for the County Manager Position for Pike County. Pursuant to law the candidate for the position will be decided after 14 days of this notice, which will be after November 2, 2018.

TWO SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT'S HONORED

AT THE GA. SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT'S ASSOCIATION 2018 FALL BOOTSTRAP CONFERENCE IN ATHENS—TWO FROM THIS PART OF GA. ARE NOMINATED FOR GA. SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR.--TO BE ANNOUNCED IN DECEMBER.

DR. MICHAEL DUNCAN, SUPERINTENDENT OF THE PIKE COUNTY SCHOOLS AND DR. CURTIS JONES BIBB COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT , AND FORMER SUPERINTENDENT OF THE GRIFFIN-SPALDING COUNTY SCHOOLS , ARE AMONG THE FOUR NOMINATED.

IN ADDITION , DR. DUNCAN WAS NAMED THE 2018 RECIPIENT OF THE BILL BARR LEADERSHIP AWARD-NAMED FOR AND DESIGNED IN HONOR OF THE FIRST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GSSA AND AMONG THE MOST COVETED RECOGNITIONS IN GA. PUBLIC EDUCATION.

GA. LOTTERY RECORD AMOUNT

ATLANTA – Mega Millions continues its record climb. As a result of strong sales, Friday’s Mega Millions jackpot has been bumped from $900 million to $970 million – the largest in the game’s history and second largest in U.S. history. The Mega Millions cash option is $548 million.

At the same time, Saturday’s Powerball jackpot has grown to $430 million, combining with Mega Millions for more than $1.4 billion in jackpot prizes. The Powerball cash option is $248 million.

Georgia Lottery players continue to win big. In Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing, one ticket in Macon won $1 million, one ticket in Clayton won $50,000, and three tickets won $10,000 each in Alpharetta, Fort Valley andRossville. In Wednesday’s Powerball drawing, two tickets won $50,000 each in Cumming and McDonough.

“Our players across the state are winning and having fun,” Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin said. “Most importantly, Georgia’s students are winning with each ticket purchased. Mega Millions and Powerball are both great contributors to lottery-funded HOPE scholarships and grants, including the Zell Miller Scholarship, as well as lottery-funded Pre-K.”

Mega Millions and Powerball tickets are $2 each. For an additional $1 per play, Mega Millions players can multiply prizes with the Megaplier option, and Powerball players can multiply prizes with the Power Play option. Mega Millions also offers an optional $3 wager Just the Jackpot that allows players to receive two entries for a chance to win the game’s jackpot prize only.

Mega Millions and Powerball tickets can be purchased at Georgia Lottery retailers statewide. Georgia residents also can purchase tickets via the Georgia Lottery app or online at www.galottery.com.

As with all other Georgia Lottery games, proceeds from Mega Millions and Powerball will benefit education in the state of Georgia.

AID HURRICANE VICTIMS AT THOMASTON FORD

THOMASTON FORD IS A COLLECTION POINT FOR ITEMS NEEDED BY HURRICANE MICHAEL VICTIMS. GO TO THE THOMASTON FORD FACEBOOK PAGE FOR A LIST.

ROCK SPRINGS CHURCH IS ALSO TAKING DONATIONS ON ITS WEBSITE.

D.A. BEN COKER TO SPEAK IN GRIFFIN OCT. 23, 6PM

GRIFFIN CIRCUIT DV TASK FORCE HOSTS ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT VIGIL The Griffin Judicial Circuit Domestic Violence Task Force will be hosting its annual Candlelight Vigil to recognize victims of domestic violence on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at Park at Sixth, 204 Solomon St, Griffin, Georgia. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and each year the Griffin Judicial Circuit Domestic Violence Task Force plans a Candlelight Vigil. The purpose of the Vigil is to remember those members of our community that have been lost to domestic violence as well as to celebrate those who have survived. The Vigil is an opportunity to unite our community to end domestic violence. This year, the vigil is being held in Spalding County. The keynote speaker is Ben Coker, District Attorney - Griffin Judicial Circuit. The vigil will also feature a story from the family of a murder/suicide. The Griffin Judicial Circuit Domestic Violence Task Force is a non-profit organization which provides leadership to the four (4) counties in the Griffin Judicial Circuit (Fayette, Pike, Spalding, and Upson) to better respond to the risk and prevention of domestic violence. Our mission is to provide a coordinated community response to domestic violence. Our objectives are to educate and provide leadership to the Griffin Judicial Circuit to effectively respond to the issues associated with domestic violence. Our commitment is to provide support and assistance to victims of abuse and to ensure that they have access to resources and other useful information. The Candlelight Vigil is FREE and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided following the Vigil.

SEWAGE SPILL IN THOMASTON

During Hurricane Michael, ESG responded to a SCADA alarm that indicated a power failure at the Industrial Lift Station. This location is not equipped with an emergency generator in the event of power outages. ESG mobilized a portable generator to power the station. Once the problem was determined, Georgia Power was notified that an emergency repair was needed. They were unable to respond in a timely manner with the chaos caused by Hurricane Michael. The power was restored with the portable generator but not before the station overflowed.

The release started at 9:10 am and stopped one hundred and twenty one (121) minutes later at 11:11 am. There was approximately 3,630 gallons of wastewater released into a tributary of Potato Creek. The leak was estimated at 30 gpm. Georgia power was able to restore power to the station at 4:40 pm. The site was cleaned, debris was removed and signs were posted at the site.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has been notified and the affected area has been treated within the regulations of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

SHERIFF DAN KILGORE LITTER DETAIL

Litter continues to be a problem on Upson County’s roadways.  In an effort to address this issue, the Upson County Sheriff’s Office assumed supervision of the Community Service program in September 2017. We operate a litter detail every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. In the first twelve months of operation we supervised pick up of litter on 806 county roads and city streets totaling 4406 bags of trash weighing more than 23,220 pounds.

We will continue to work on this project in an effort to keep our community clean.

HILL ST/S. GREEN NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING

FOLLOWING A SERIES OF HOME BURGLARIES IN THE HILL STREET/SOUTH GREEN STREET /THURSTON AVE . AREA— THE THOMASTON POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS SCHEDULED A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING TUESDAY, OCT. 16TH AT 6PM IN THE FRONT YARD OF 700 ANDREWS DRIVE AT THE CORNER OF ANDREWS DRIVE AND HILL STREET.

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON AND SEVERAL OF HIS OFFICERS WILL OFFER ADVICE ON KEEPING THE NEIGHBORHOOD SAFE.

UPSON CO. RAINFALL FROM THE STORM

ACCORDING TO THE UPSON EMA RAIN GAUGE UPSON COUNTY RECORDED FOUR AND A HALF INCHES OF RAIN FROM HURRICANE MICHAEL ON WEDNESDAY.

UPSON UNDER A TORNADO WARNING TUES AFTERNOON

SOUTHERN UPSON COUNTY NEAR THE SALEM COMMUNITY WAS UNDER A TORNADO WARNING AROUND 2;30PM WEDNESDAY.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RADAR TRACKED SOME STORM DEBRIS IN CRAWFORD COUNTY HEADED TOWARD UPSON COUNTY AT 10,000 FEET BUT IT NEVER REACHED UPSON COUNTY. SEVERAL COUNTIES INCLUDING UPSON, PIKE, SPALDING, LAMAR, AND HENRY UNDER A TORNADO WATCH TILL 2AM THURSDAY.

WEATHER MEMO SOUTHERN RIVERS ENERGY

 Southern Rivers Energy is prepared to respond to outages in the wake of Hurricane Michael but this will likely cause more damage than Irma which was a four-day event. We have additional crews on standby from Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee so we will have additional help but it will still take time. We urge everyone to have a plan in place and be prepared for power outages to last several days.

> 

>> Anyone with medical needs that require electricity must have a back up plan. Please report outages using the Outage Hotline 866-244-4890 but be advised that you may not get through immediately due to the high volume of calls. Stay away from any downed power lines and trees or limbs that may be touching them. SRE members can find updates at southernriversenergy.com as well as Facebook and Twitter. 

WEATHER CLOSINGS

WEATHER RELATED CLOSINGS

QUAD GRAPHICS CLOSED WED. 7PM REOPEN THURSDAY 7PM

TENCATE ZEBULON, MOLENA—3RD SHIFT NO REPORT, RESTART 10AM THURSDAY.

THOMASTON-UPSON CIVIC CENTER CLOSED TILL 10AM THURSDAY. ALL CITY OF THOMASTON AND COUNTY OF UPSON OFFICES OPEN THURSDAY 10AM.

URMC WELLNESS CENTER CLOSED WED 6PM REOPEN THURSDAY 9AM.

UPSON CO SENIOR CENTER CLOSED

FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH, ALL SERVICES CANCELLED, CLOSED THURSDAY.

SOUP KITCHEN SILVERTOWN BAPTIST CHURCH CLOSED THURSDAY

GORDON STATE COLLEGE BARNESVILLE CLOSED TILL MONDAY.

GRIFFIN-SPALDING CO. SCHOOLS WEATHER INFO

Due to inclement weather conditions from Hurricane Michael, and the safety of our employees, GSCS will have a delayed start time of 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 11, for all employees. All essential staff members who may be required to report to work earlier will be contacted by their direct supervisor.

So far, GSCS has cancelled two athletic events this afternoon, and will make decisions about other activities scheduled for tomorrow as needed. GSCS will continue to monitor weather conditions and keep you updated if there are any changes. You may also want to monitor the district's web site, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts for updates as well.

PIKE CO PLAYER'S DEATH ACCIDENTAL

IN HIS REPORT PIKE COUNTY CORONER TERRELL MOODY HAS RULED THAT THE DEATH OF FOOTBALL PLAYER DYLAN THOMAS WAS ACCIDENTAL. THE OFFICIAL CAUSE OF DEATH IS CARDIAC ARREST DUE TO OR AS A CONSEQUENCE OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY, DUE TO OR AS A CONSEQUENCE OF A CLOSED HEAD INJURY.

DYLAN THOMAS, 16 , DIED AT GRADY HOSPITAL ON THE SUNDAY FOLLOWING THE PEACH COUNTY GAME ON FRIDAY, WHEN HE WAS LIFE FLIGHTED DUE TO INJURY.  

WRECK TUES WAYMANVILLE ROAD, ONE INJURED

A FEMALE THOMASTON MOTORIST WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE MACON MEDICAL CENTER WITH MULTIPLE INJURIES AFTER HER SUV FLIPPED SEVERAL TIMES TUESDAY AFTERNOON 4PM ON WAYMANVILLE ROAD AT DALLAS DRIVE.

ACCORDING TO POST 26 GA. STATE PATROL, 53 YEAR OLD MARY EUBANKS GIBSON OF POPLAR DRIVE IN THOMASTON WAS DRIVING A 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER-- DRIFTED ON THE ROAD—OVERCORRECTED AND TURNED OVER SEVERAL TIMES.  

STORM PREP IN THOMASTON/UPSON

THOMASTON MAYOR J.D. STALLINGS TOLD THOMASTON KIWANIS TUESDAY—ALL CITY VEHICLES ARE FUELED-UP AND CREWS ARE ON STAND-BY FOR THE STORM . AT TUESDAY NITE'S MEETING COMMISSION CHAIRMAN NORMAN ALLEN URGED THE PUBLIC TO BE CAUTIOUS AND TRACK THE STORM THRU THE MEDIA—AND HE SAID EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND COUNTY CREWS ARE ON THE READY.

SPALDING COUNTY MANAGER WILLIAM WILSON WAS ON HOLIDAY FOR A FEW DAYS IN PANAMA CITY BEACH—BUT HE TOLD US HE WAS PART OF THE FORCED EVACUATION AND HAD TO CUT HIS VACATION SHORT AND WAS BACK IN THE OFFICE TUESDAY.  

SPALDING COUNTY HIRES ASST. CO. MANAGER

MICHELLE IRIZARRY NAMED SPALDING COUNTY’S NEW ASSISTANT COUNTY MANAGER Spalding County Manager William P. Wilson Jr. announced today the appointment of Michelle Irizarry as Spalding County Assistant County Manager. The appointment, effective December 4, 2018, concludes an exhaustive search that identified several competitive and qualified candidates. Ms. Irizarry has over 17 years of government experience with property tax, accounting, budget preparation, Community Development, GDOT, MARTA, ARC, grant administration and City Management. “Irizarry’s government experience combined with her Human Resources skills, financial management knowledge, economic development and public engagement skills make her the ideal candidate for this position” said Wilson. Irizarry comes to this position from the City of Statham where she currently serves as the City Administrator. In her current position, Irizarry oversees the daily management of the City, supervises and works closely with Police, Public Works, Water/Sewer, Finance, and Building Departments, manages Human Resources, Tax and Utility billings, administers Economic Development program, conducts elections, and represents the City, Mayor and City Council at public functions. Ms. Irizarry received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Shorter University in Rome, Georgia where she graduated with honors in 2008. Ms. Irizarry and her family will be relocating to Spalding County and they look forward to becoming a part of our community. # #

BOTH FINALISTS FOR PIKE CO MANAGER WITHDREW

ACCORDING TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BRIAN JOHNSON —BOTH FINALISTS FOR COUNTY MANAGER HAVE WITHDRAWN THEIR NAMES FROM CONSIDERATION.

MICHELLE ARIZARRY, OF AUBURN, GA. , CITY ADMINISTRATOR OF STATHAM, GA. WITHDREW MONDAY AND TOLD PIKE OFFICIALS SHE IS TAKING A POSITION WITH SPALDING COUNTY, APPARENTLY ASSISTANT COUNTY MANAGER.

THE OTHER FINALIST, JAMES HEDGES WHO WORKED RECENTLY AS CITY MANAGER OF PELHAM, GA. WITHDREW LAST WEEK, AMID REPORTS HE IS TOP CHOICE TO BE THE NEW COUNTY MANAGER OF MONROE COUNTY.

CHAIRMAN JOHNSON TOLD ZOOM NEWS MONDAY, THE BOARD WILL DISCUSS THEIR OPTIONS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT WEDNESDAY'S MEETING —BUT IT APPEARS THEY WILL HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD AND START ALL OVER ON HIRING A NEW COUNTY MANAGER.

DUE TO SOME MEMBERS CONFLICTS THE PIKE COMMISSIONERS HAD DELAYED AN ANNOUCEMENT OF HIRING A NEW MANAGER UNTIL OCT. 18TH.   

TRAFFIC FATALITY SUNDAY IN THOMASTON

A THOMASTON WOMAN DIED OF INJURIES FROM AN AUTO ACCIDENT SUNDAY AFTERNOON AROUND 5PM AT THE SILVERTOWN TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE OTHER MOTORIST INVOLVED HAS BEEN ARRESTED.

POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON SAID THE VICTIM , 60 YEAR OLD MATTIE WILLIAMS OF WEST GOODRICH AVE. WAS DRIVING A 1995 BUICK LA SABRE THAT WAS T-BONED BY A 2009 GMC SUV DRIVEN BY 38 YEAR OLD CHRIS LAMBERT OF MATHIS LAKE ROAD. LAMBERT . ALLEGEDLY RAN THE RED LIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION—THE CHIEF TOLD ZOOM NEWS.

MS. WILLIAMS VEHICLE WAS STRUCK IN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AT NORTH CHURCH AND GOODRICH AVE. AND SHE DIED OF INJURIES A SHORT TIME LATER.

THE GSP HAS CHARGED LAMBERT WILL FELONY VEHICULAR HOMOCIDE, DUI DRUGS, DRIVING WITH SUSPENDED LICENSE, AND RUNNING A TRAFFIC LIGHT , AND HE IS IN THE UPSON COUNTY JAIL.

THE GA. STATE PATROL IS INVESTIGATING THE ACCIDENT.

PROBLEMS FRIDAY WITH GA. DRIVER SERVICES SYSTEM

THE GA. DEPARTMENT OF DRIVER SERVICES HAD A SYSTEM PROBLEM FRIDAY AND COULD NOT ISSUE DRIVERS LICENSES . SGT. MAURICE RAINES POST COMMANDER LAGRANGE GSP SAID THOMASTON DDS WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL TUESDAY , BUT GRIFFIN, NEWNAN, AND FAYETTEVILLE , WARNER ROBINS AND PERRY WILL BE OPEN 8 TO NOON SATURDAY AND 8 TO 1 MONDAY—BUT NO ROAD TESTS SATURDAY AND YOU MUST HAVE A RESERVATION TO HAVE A ROAD TEST MONDAY—WHICH IS A HOLIDAY—COLUMBUS DAY—BUT THOSE OFFICES WILL BE OPEN TO ACCOMIDATE DRIVERS LICENSE CUSTOMERS.

FUNERAL SERVICE FOR DYLAN THOMAS, 16

IT WAS STANDING ROOM ONLY THURSDAY AT OAK HILL BAPTIST CHURCH IN WILLIAMSON—A CHURCH THAT HOLDS 1700—FOR THE FUNERAL SERVICE OF PIKE COUNTY FOOTBALL PLAYER DYLAN THOMAS, 16.

DYLAN DIED OF INJURIES IN THE PEACH COUNTY GAME—AND TEAMATES AND MEMBERS OF THE JUNIOR VARSITY TEAM WORE THEIR RED JERSEYS -- HIS NUMBER 32 WAS SCRAWLED IN RED ON CAR WINDOWS IN THE CHURCH PARKING LOT—SOME ACCOMPANIED BY THE WORDS DYLAN STRONG.

PLAYERS FROM PEACH COUNTY ALSO ATTENDED THE SERVICE WEARING THEIR GRAY JERSEYS

UPSON CO. FIRE FATALITY

ACCORDING TO UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE A MOLENA MAN DIED IN A HOUSE FIRE EARLY THURSDAY AT 278 THUNDERING SPRINGS ROAD.

THE BODY OF THE VICTIM, 62 YEAR OLD JAMES MORELAND STRICKLAND WAS FOUND AT THE REAR OF THE HOUSE NEAR A DOORWAY. MR. STRICKLAND LIVED ALONE , ACCORDING TO THE SHERIFF.

FIRE DEPARTMENTS FROM UPSON COUNTY AND PIKE COUNTY RESPONDED TO A FULLY INVOLVED FIRE AT 6;30AM THURSDAY, THE RESIDENCE WAS REDUCED TO RUBBLE.

SHERIFF KILGORE SAID THE BODY WAS SENT TO THE GBI CRIME LAB FOR AUTOPSY AND THE STATE FIRE MARSHALL'S OFFICE WILL INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE.

HOUSE FIRE 103 D. STREET.

CITY OF THOMASTON FIRE CHIEF RENEE HARRIS SAID A HOUSE WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE AT 103 D. STREET—WEDNESDAY AROUND 11AM AND TWO FAMILY PETS PERISHED IN THE FLAMES, TWO DOGS—THE RESIDENCE OF SHIRLEY ANN HUCKABY. HER 21 YEAR OLD GRANDSON WAS THE ONLY PERSON AT HOME AT THE TIME, BUT WAS UNHARMED.

ACCORDING TO THE CHIEF WHEN UNITS ARRIVED, FLAMES WERE THROUGH THE ROOF. CAUSE UNKNOWN.

DR. EARL STEWERT JR. RECOGNIZED BY GA. TREND

THOMASTON INTERNAL MEDICINE PHYSICIAN DR. EARL STEWERT JR. AGE 31 IS RECOGNIZED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF GA. TREND MAGAZINE AS ONE OF THE 2018 40 GEORGIANS UNDER 40 NOMINATED FOR THEIR CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS AND POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON THE LIVES OF OTHERS.

ACCORDING TO GA. TREND , IN HIS PRACTICE IN THOMASTON DR. STEWERT IS HELPING RESPOND TO THE OPIOID CRISIS, STARTING A TREATMENT PROGRAM WITH MORE THAN 20 PATIENTS ENROLLED AND HIS DR. EARL STEWERT JR. FAMILY FOUNDATION PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIPS TO DESERVING COLLEGE-BOUND AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDENTS.

TWO STRUCTURE FIRES IN UPSON CO.

ROCK HILL AND YATESVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDED TO A HOUSE IN FLAMES AT 59 JOHNSON STREET, THE RESIDENCE OF CAROLYN TEAL.

MS. TEAL TOLD UPSON S.O. SHE WAS WATCHING TV AND HEARD A LOUD BANG IN THE BACK OF THE HOUSE CHECKED AND FOUND A BACK ROOM ON FIRE. A FREEZER WAS HOUSED IN THAT AREA. THE BOOM COULD HAVE BEEN FROM AEROSOL CANS IN THE ROOM.

YATESVILLE FIRE CHIEF BILLY LEE SAID THE CAUSE IS UNDETERMINED.

THE ROCK HILL DEPARTMENT DISPATCHED TO ANOTHER STRUCTURE FIRE AT 110 JOHN HUTCHERSON DRIVE, A STORAGE SHED ON FIRE. CALVIN PENNYMAN SAID HE BOUGHT SOME ITEMS AT AN ESTATE SALE AND PLACED THEM IN THE SHED, AND THEY MIGHT HAVE CONTAINED CHEMICALS THAT CAUGHT FIRE.  

UPSON COUNTY JAILER TERMINATED

NEWS RELEASE

On October 2, 2018 a Jail Officer at the Upson County Jail , Keytric Jones, 32, of Fort Valley Ga was arrested and charged with Sexual Assault against a person in custody and violation of Oath of Office. Jones, who had been employed since February 2018, was terminated effective immediately. Investigation revealed that Jones inappropriately touched a male inmate in a sexual manner between July and September 2018. 
Jones remains in custody pending warrants and bond.
This investigation is active and ongoing.

Dan Kilgore, Sheriff
October 3, 2018

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR PIKE PLAYER DYLAN THOMAS,16

Mr. Dylan Michael Thomas, age 16, of Hollonville, passed away September 30, 2018.  Dylan was a Junior at Pike County High School. He loved all sports, but football was his favorite. He was a linebacker and running back for the Pike County Pirates. When he was younger, he played second base, catcher and shortstop for Pike County recreational baseball.  He was passionate about the outdoors, and a skilled fisherman and hunter. He especially enjoyed deer, turkey and duck hunting.  He was also an excellent marksman. 

Dylan lived life to the fullest.  He was a true friend, who never met a stranger. He was a loving son and brother.

He is survived by his parents: Darren and Shannon Thomas; sister: Ashley Westbrook of Hollonville, and a 2007 Pike County High School graduate; grandparents: Delcie Thomas of Davie, FL, Tom Thomas of Live Oak, FL, and Sheryl Burgess of Williamson; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved him dearly.

Friends may visit the family on Wednesday, October 3, 4-7 p.m., at the funeral home.  Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 4, 4 p.m., at Oak Hill Baptist Church, 100 Lakeside Drive, Williamson, with Dr. David Couch and Pastor Stephen Dervan officiating.  Burial will follow in Moody Memorial Gardens.

The family would like for all football players (no matter which school) to wear their jerseys to the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a scholarship fund that is being established in honor of Dylan. For more information, please contact the funeral home 770-567-8642. 

GHSA STATEMENT ON PIKE COUNTY PLAYER DEATH

GHSA Executive Director Dr. Robin Hines met with the Superintendent of Pike County Schools, Dr. Mike Duncan, and the Athletic Director of Pike County High School, James Stanford, on Tuesday to review the incident of Dylan Thomas’ tragic death this past weekend. Below are the findings of the investigation into his death.

In reviewing the game film, there is no indication of an injury occurring in the second quarter of the game, nor did the player or anyone else report a possible injury at that time.

In the third quarter, the player fell while attempting to pursue a play and reported a problem with the feeling in his leg. A certified trainer was called onto the field immediately and the player was helped off the field with what appeared to be a leg injury.

He was met at the bench by an orthopedic surgeon who was on the sideline along with the Pike County certified trainer.

The student was wearing a 2018 model Riddel Flex helmet (brand new). This is the highest-rated helmet that Riddel manufactures.

It also should be noted that Pike County coaches (like all GHSA certified coaches) are required to renew the concussion protocol offered by the GHSA each year.

There is no indication of any negligent action by anyone associated with Pike County in this incident. The coaches had taken every precaution to prepare for potential injuries and went beyond the required standards when working within the concussion protocol.