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.

###

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

er101@gmail.com]

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To: wtga@fun101fm.com

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

STORM ROLLS THROUGH UPSON/LAMAR WED 5PM

A SQUALL LINE ROLLED THROUGH UPSON AND LAMAR COUNTIES AROUND 5PM WEDNESDAY AND DUMPED SEVERAL INCHES OF BLOWING RAIN ON THE AREA.

UPSON EMC PRESIDENT/CEO NEAL TRICE TOLD ZOOM RADIO NEWS A GA. POWER UTILITY POLE FELL ACROSS EMC LINES NEAR THE GILMORE CENTER AND KNOCKED OUT SERVICE TO UPSON-LEE HIGH SCHOOL. HE REPORTED SOME SCATTERED POWER OUTAGES.

A MOTORIST CALLED US FROM LAMAR COUNTY AND SAID TRAFFIC WAS PULLING OFF HIGHWAY 36 TO WAIT TILL THE STORM SYSTEM MOVED THROUGH.    

LIFE IN PRISON FOR A SEXUAL BATTERY CONVICTION

BENJAMIN D. COKER

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Griffin Judicial Circuit

11/7/18

PRESS RELEASE

Yesterday, an Upson County Jury returned a verdict of guilty in the State vs. Marcus Slaton. Slaton was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Battery. The Honorable W. Fletcher Sams sentenced the defendant to Life in prison. The case was tried by Assistant District Attorney Mark Irvin and Chief Assistant District Attorney Marie Broder. Slaton was convicted of molesting an 8 year old child.

District Attorney Coker said of the verdict, “I would like to thank my Upson office, law enforcement, and the Crescent House for their testimony. I would also like to thank the jurors for believing this little girl. Yesterday, this child’s received justice. Together, we will continue to work diligently to keep the children of Upson County safe from those that seek to do them harm.”

TPD - BOND GRANTED IN INFANT DEATH CASE

DURING A HEARING WEDNESDAY MORNING, UPSON COUNTY CHIEF MAGISTRATE JUDGE JAN STREETMAN GRANTED BOND OF $25,000 TO JULICIA HOLMES ARRESTED AFTER HER THREE MONTH OLD INFANT WAS FOUND DECEASED ON WEST COUNTY ROAD, OCT. 20.

AFTER THOMASTON POLICE FOUND THE CHILD UNRESPONSIVE HOLMES WAS PLACED IN THE UPSON COUNTY JAIL ON CHARGES OF CONCEALING A DEATH AND MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS, AND CONCEALING FACTS.

POLICE INVESTIGATIONS SGT. GEORGE LITTLE TOLD ZOOM RADIO NEWS THERE COULD BE ADDITIONAL CHARGES ONCE THE AUTOPSY REPORT IS RELEASED FROM THE GBI CRIME LAB. THE POLICE REPORT SAID OFFICERS WERE CONTACTED 3 OR 4 HOURS AFTER THE BABY REPORTEDLY WAS NOT BREATHING AND IT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R. TWO OTHER CHILDREN WERE IN THE HOME AT THE TIME.

UPSON NATIVE WILL BENTLEY TO TOP STATE POST

Mr. Will Bentley has agreed to become the President of the Georgia Agribusiness Council.. Will served as the Executive Vice President of the 5,500-member Georgia Cattlemen’s Association and the Georgia Beef Board. In these roles, he has been extremely active in local, state and federal policy formulation and advocacy, and has direct lobbying experience in our Capital. He is well known in Georgia by our Elected officials and within the Agribusiness community.

Bentley is originally from Thomaston, GA., where he and his family own and operate Bentley Farms. He is a Shorter College graduate with a major in business marketing and a minor in communications. Will serves on the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Advisory Council. He is also a member of the UGA AgriAbility Board, the Macon Civic Club, the Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture Board, and is a member of Leadership Georgia class of 2017.

Will is married to Ember Bishop Bentley and the couple lives in Macon, GA with their dog, Gordon. The Bentley’s attend Vineville United Methodist Church.

WINNERS IN TUESDAY'S ELECTION

IN TUESDAY'S ELECTION BENJAMIN WATSON ELECTED DISTRICT 4 UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER, KEN PULLIN WON STATE HOUSE 131, MARTY HARBIN WON GA. SENATE 16, RUN-OFF FOR MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF-- LAWSON BITTICK AND BRAD FREEMAN, STOCKBRIDGE WON—NO CITY OF EAGLE'S LANDING IN HENRY COUNTY. VIRLON RACHELS WON MAYOR MEANSVILLE.

EARLY SUNDAY ALCOHOL SALES APPROVED SPALDING/GRIFFIN.

BITTICK, FREEMAN RUN-OFF MONROE CO SHERIFF

DEC. 4TH RUN-OFF FOR MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF BETWEEN TOP VOTE GETTER LAWSON BITTICK AND BRAD FREEMAN.

IN A 6 MAN RACE BITTICK GOT 31% 3937, FREEMAN POLLED 24% OR 2974. BITTICK HOPING TO SUCCEED HIS FATHER JOHN CARY BITTICK WHO LEFT TO BECOME U.S. MARSHALL MIDDLE DISTRICT OF GA.

KEN PULLIN ELECTED STATE HOUSE 131

DISTRICT-WIDE IN UPSON, PIKE, AND LAMAR, REPUBLICAN KEN PULLIN ELECTED IN STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 131, WITH 73% OF THE VOTE . PULLIN GOT 16,308 VOTES, DEMOCRAT CHRIS BENTON 26%--5808 VOTES.

WATSON PULLIN KEMP FERGUSON WIN BIG IN UPSON

OVER 66% VOTER TURN-OUT IN UPSON COUNTY IN TUESDAY'S ELECTION AND BENJAMIN WATSON WON DISTRICT 4 UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER WITH ALMOST 59% OF THE VOTE. REPUBLICAN WATSON POLLED 1389 VOTES TO AARON DAWSON'S 977 OR 41.29%.

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 131, GOP'S KEN PULLIN, 7047, 67.80% TO CHRIS BENTON 3337, 32%.

IN THE GOVERNOR'S RACE REPUBLICAN BRIAN KEMP GOT 66.81%, 7057 VOTES TO DEMOCRAT STACEY ABRAMS 3439 OR 32.56%.

LT. GOV. REPUBLICAN DUNCAN 68.32%, AMICO 31.62%.

SEC. OF STATE RAFFENSPERGER 65.80%, BARROW 32.89%.

ATTORNEY GENERAL CHRIS CARR—66.78% BAILEY 33.20%.

U.S. CONGRESS, 3RD DISTRICT, DREW FERGUSON REELECTED 67.97% TO ENDERLINE 32%.

BOBBY BICKLEY OF THOMASTON NEW PIKE CO. MANAGER

THOMASTON BUSINESSMAN BOBBY BICKLEY WAS HIRED AS COUNTY MANAGER BY THE PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AT A CALLED MEETING SATURDAY. CHAIRMAN BRIAR JOHNSON TOLD ZOOM RADIO NEWS FOLLOWING THE MEETING, THE BOARD WILL BE MEETING WITH BICKLEY SOON TO ESTABLISH HIS CONTRACT.

IT WAS A 3-2 VOTE, COMMISSIONERS JAMES JENKINS AND TOMMY POWERS OPPOSED.

T-SPLOST VOTE IN SPALDING CO. NOV. 2019

AT A WORKSHOP MONDAY AFTERNOON—THE SPALDING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DECIDED TO HOLD A TRANSPORATION SPLOST IN NOVEMBER OF 2019 AND A COMMITTEE WILL BE FORMED TO DECIDE PRIORITIES FOR PROJECTS AND TO PROMOTE THE VOTE.

THE BOARD HEARD THREE SUGGESTIONS FOR THE SITE OF A NEW $4.6 MILLION IN-DOOR AQUATIC CENTER TO BE BUILT WITH SPLOST FUNDS —THE LAKES AT GREEN VALLEY INDUSTRIAL PARK, THE FORMER DUNDEE MILLS SITE ACROSS FROM UGA GRIFFIN AND THE CITY PARK.

IT WOULD BE 8 LANES WITH PROFESSIONAL DIVING BOARDS.

THE BOARD INSTRUCTED COUNTY MANAGER WILLIAM WILSON TO SECURE PROPOSALS AND DRAWINGS FOR THE AQUATIC CENTER BY A RETREAT IN LATE JANUARY 2019.

CONGRESSMAN FERGUSON IN THOMASTON MONDAY

SPEAKING TO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFICALS MONDAY IN THOMASTON, 3RD DISTRICT CONGRESSMAN DREW FERGUSON WAS GUARDED IN PREDICTING REPUBLICANS CAN KEEP THE HOUSE ON TUESDAY, BUT HE PROJECTED THE GOP WILL RETAIN THE SENATE.

FERGUSON WAS PRESENT AT THE MACON AIRPORT SUNDAY AS PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP RALLIED FOR REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR BRIAN KEMP AND HE ESTIMATED THE CROWD AT 70,000. FERGUSON SAID THE CROWD SEEMED TO BE OF ALL AGES AND ALL WALKS OF LIFE.

UL'S WALKER SELECTED FOR ALL AMERICAN BOWL

UPSON LEE'S TRAVON WALKER HAS BEEN SELECTED TO PLAY IN THE HIGH SCHOOL ALL AMERICAN BOWL SATURDAY, JAN. 5TH, 2019 IN THE ALAMO DOME IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS.

THE UGA-BOUND WALKER—WAS PRESENTED HIS JERSEY BY GAME OFFICIALS AT CEREMONIES AT THE HIGH SCHOOL THURSDAY.

THE BEST 90 HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS IN THE U.S. ARE SELECTED FOR THE GAME ANNUALLY. 

JUDGE CRAWFORD WILL REMAIN ON THE BENCH

VIRGIL BROWN—ATTORNEY FOR SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE ROBERT MACK CRAWFORD—INDICTED WEDNESDAY BY THE PIKE COUNTY GRAND JURY FOR VIOLATION OATH OF OFFICE AND THEFT BY TAKING—TOLD ZOOM NEWS AT THE PIKE COUNTY COURTHOUSE— JUDGE CRAWFORD WILL REMAIN ON THE BENCH UNTIL ANOTHER RULING IS POSSIBLY ISSUED. ATTORNEY BROWN CONTENDS JUDGE CRAWFORD IS INNOCENT OF CHARGES INVOLVING $15,000 IN WHAT CRAWFORD CLAIMS ARE LEGAL FEES HE EARNED WHILE A PRACTICING ATTORNEY.

AN ETHICS CASE BEFORE THE STATE JUDICIAL QUALIFICATIONS COMMISSION IS STILL PENDING BUT J.Q.C. DIRECTOR BEN EASTERLIN SAID WEDNESDAY—THE INDICTMENTS HAVE NO EFFECT ON THE PENDING J.Q.C. PROCEEDINGS. CRAWFORD'S HEARING BEFORE THE J.Q.C. WILL BE IN JANUARY.

FORMER GA. GOVERNOR ROY BARNES IS REPRESENTING JUDGE CRAWFORD IN THE J.Q.C. PROCEEDINGS—BUT COULD NOT SERVE AS LEGAL COUNSEL IN THE CRIMINAL MATTER—BECAUSE ITS BEING PROSECUTED BY THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE—AND BARNES HAS BEEN RETAINED BY THE STATE IN AN OPIOID CASE.