TWO ARMED ROBBERIES IN GRIFFIN CHRISTMAS NIGHT

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

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

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

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

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

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

GA DOT AWARDS $15 MILLION FOR ATWATER ROAD

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

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

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

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

GENERAL MILLS COMING TO HENRY CO. 50 NEW JOBS

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

The project will create more than 50 new jobs.

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

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

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

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

HONORS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS

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

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

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

UL'S TRAVON WALKER SIGNS TO PLAY FOR UGA

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

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

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

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

DUNKY D'S / BASKIN ROBBINS COMING TO THOMASTON

Press Release

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

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

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

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

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

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

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL PASSES 2019 BUDGET

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TWO FROM THOMASTON KILLED IN COLUMBUS

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

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

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

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

YEAR IN REVIEW DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER

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

TWO TIX FOR SALE FOR THE SUGAR BOWL

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

UPSON CO CROSSING GUARD INJURED FRIDAY

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

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

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

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

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

ARRESTS IN STOLEN CAR CASE PIKE COUNTY

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

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

GRIFFIN PD WORKING AN ARMED ROBBERY

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

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

NEW MEMBER OF THE IDA

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

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

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

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

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

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

UL'S TRAVON WALKER STAYING WITH THE GA. BULLDOGS

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

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

THOMASTON-UPSON SCHOOLS BUS BARN BURGLARY

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

TRAILER HOME FIRE FRANKLIN DRIVE

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

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

EX-RE LEE COACH MATTHEW ARTHUR PASSED AWAY DEC IST

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

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

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

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

STUDENT TAKES SCHOOL BUS FOR JOY RIDE

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

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

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

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

GUILTY VERDICT IN PIKE COUNTY TRIAL

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

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

REWARD IN HOMOCIDE NOW $2000 CASH

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

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

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

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

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

TWO TRAPPED IN ELEVATOR DURING TUAC EVENT

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

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

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

GDOT ANNOUNCES 19 NORTH PROJECT BID AWARD

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

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

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

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

THOMASTON MAYOR & COUNCIL TWO CLOSED DOOR SESSIONS

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

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

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

THOMASTON GETS MILLION DOLLAR GRANT

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

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

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

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

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

THOMASTON KIWANIS 5 K ROAD RACE FEB. 9

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

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

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

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO CHILDREN'S CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS.

RUNOFF ELECTION TUES IN GA.

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

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

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

THE POLLS WILL BE OPEN 7AM TILL 7PM