3 MONTH PAVING PROJECT GA. 92-FAYETTE & SPALDING CO.

What:  The Georgia DOT is advising motorists in Fayette and Spalding Counties that starting Monday, Apr. 1, 2019, Georgia DOT crews will undertake a project to mill and pave 15 miles of Georgia 92 from the Georgia 85 intersection in Fayette County to the Westmoreland Road intersection in Spalding County. The work will be done overnights, from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. each night, to accommodate daytime traffic. The project is anticipated to be completed at the end of June, 2019.

The crews will start by patching priority areas of the roadway. They'll continue with milling and paving the turn lanes and side street connections, and then they'll tackle milling and paving the main road. Finally, pavement marking teams will paint the lanes and install new reflective markers. 

One lane of the roadway will be closed to accommodate the work each night. Signage and flaggers will be used to direct vehicles to the open lane. Drivers are urged to slow their speeds and be alert to the signage and flaggers' directions when approaching and driving through the work zone.

When: Starting Monday, Apr. 1 through Sunday, Jun. 30, 2019, overnights from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. 

Where: Georgia 92 from the Georgia 85 intersection in Fayette County to the Westmoreland Road intersection in Spalding County

Advisory: Motorists are advised to ex

GAMBLING BUST IN WOODBURY

Businesses Raided in Woodbury for Gambling Violations

Woodbury, GA (March 28, 2019) – On Thursday, March 28, 2019, the GBI’s Commercial Gambling Unit, in cooperation with the Georgia Lottery Corporation and the Georgia Department of Revenue, assisted the Woodbury Police Department with the execution of search warrants in Woodbury for violations of Georgia’s gambling laws.

Search warrants were executed at three business locations in Woodbury. The business locations were:

* Two Stop a/k/a Fuel Stop (Skyland Ventures, LLC), 10966 Millarden Road
* Woodbury Citgo (S&R Foods), 18608 Main Street
* Rana’s Tobacco Outlet (Zahra 786, Inc.), 11011 Millarden Road

During the course of a lengthy investigation by the Woodbury Police Department, officers discovered the businesses were operating Coin Operated Amusement Machines (COAMS) where customers were receiving cash payouts for winning credits. In Georgia, COAMS must be properly licensed by the Georgia Lottery and credits may only be redeemed for lottery tickets and/or merchandise available at the location.

While searching the location, officers and agents collected evidence related to crimes of commercial gambling and seized monetary assets gained from gambling activity.

Arrests are pending.

MEAG POWER LOAN GUARANTEES FOR VOGLE NUCLEAR

MEAG POWER HAS ANNOUNCED IT HAS CLOSED ON $414 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL LOAN GUARANTEES FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FOR MEAG'S SHARE OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLANT VOGLE NUCLEAR UNITS 3 AND 4.

THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY CONDITIONAL LOAN GUARANTEE OF UP TO $3,7 BILLION FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT—DOGGED BY COST OVERRUNS AND CONSTRUCTION DELAYS NEAR AUGUSTA.

THE CITY OF THOMASTON, GRIFFIN, BARNESVILLE, JACKSON, AND FORSYTH ARE AMONG THE 49 CITIES INVESTED IN THE PROJECT.

GA. POWER OWNS 45.7% OF THE PROJECT, OGLETHROPE POWER OWNS 30% , MEAG 22.7%, AND CITY OF DALTON 1.6%.

David Marshall Speaks To UGA Media

Upson-Lee's David Marshall spoke to the media following the Georgia Bulldogs practice Tuesday.

Marshall was asked how Coach Kirby Smart's emphasis on 'havoc play' has impacted the defensive strategy this season?

“It really makes us go out there knowing that we need more tackles for loss, more sacks, more fumbles and more interceptions. We go out there and work every day getting better, trying to get more sacks and interceptions."

On what he's seen from the two-deep group of offensive linemen.

“They're working against each other and competing against each other, getting back right. They're just making each other better is what I've seen out there."

Coach Kirby Smart also commented on Marshall's progress as he recovers from foot surgery due to what's known as a Lisfranc injury.

“We got him fixed. He’s taking the screws out now; he’s taking the next step to coming back. He’s got to slowly progress back because he gets sore each time he uses it because he hasn’t used it for so long.  We need him this year. I want him to stay healthy.”

The Lisfranc injury occurs in the middle of the foot where the bones connect and is sometimes mistaken for a sprain but actually is a very severe injury that often requires surgery to repair and months to recover from.

Marshall is back practicing with the Bulldogs but is limited in what he can do this spring.

PRE-K PROGRAM OF SCTC NOW ENROLLING

Tender Tech Child Development Center, a program of Southern Crescent Technical College, is currently enrolling for the Pre-K Program for the 2019-2020 school year.

Georgia’s Pre-K Program is a lottery funded educational program for Georgia’s four year olds to prepare children for Kindergarten. It is a free program to qualified children. Children four years of age on September 1 of the current school year who are Georgia residents are eligible to attend Georgia’s Pre-K Program during this school year. Georgia’s Pre-K Program is voluntary for families and for providers.

Located on the SCTC Flint River Campus in Thomaston, Tender Tech’s Pre-K Program is will operate on the Upson-Lee School System calendar for the length of a typical school day. Tender Tech will have most of the same holidays as Upson-Lee with a few teacher work days different. A calendar is available for interested parents. Our program will begin at 8:00 a.m. and be dismissed at 3:00 p.m. For our parents who work or need child care after 3:00 p.m., Tender Tech’s after school program is available for a tuition fee.

Parents or guardians interested in enrolling their child in the Tender Tech Pre-K program should contact or visit the center at 706.646.6200 or at 1533 Highway 19 South in Thomaston. An application and specific documents must be presented at registration.

These documents include:

Birth certificate

Proof of residency – an electric bill, tag receipt, etc.

Social security card

Vision, hearing, dental and nutrition screening (DHR Form 3300)

Current immunization records (DHR 3231)

Registration Form

Roster Information Form

Copy of parent's driver's license

GRIFFIN KIDNAPPING SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

The Uniform Patrol Officers from the Griffin Police Department responded to a victim of an assault at the WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital. Investigators from the Criminal Investigative Division also responded.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the officers met with the victim, Terene White, which had sustained extensive injuries to include a fractured nose, injuries to her face, and other multiple injuries to her body. Ms. White told Investigators that a friend dropped her off to pick up her vehicle she left at the Griffin City Park. Ms. White stated that her ex-boyfriend, Marcus Waller, appeared and started a confrontation with her at the park.

According to Ms. White, she was assaulted and beaten by Marcus Waller, both standing and while on the ground. Ms. White said that Marcus Waller dragged her across the pavement by her hair. Ms. White stated that Marcus Waller forced her into his truck and continued beating her while inside the truck. Ms. White claimed Marcus Waller told her that he would take her to the hospital for her injuries if she agreed not to tell anyone what had happened. Marcus Waller dropped Ms. White off at WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital, located next to the Griffin City Park.

After speaking with Ms. White, Investigators located Waller’s truck inside the Griffin City Park, but could not locate Marcus Waller. The truck was impounded. Items found inside Waller’s truck corroborated Ms. White’s account of the incident. Warrants were obtained for Marcus Waller’s arrest in reference to the incident.

On 03/25/19, Marcus Waller had communicated to investigators through an attorney that he planned to turn himself in on his pending charges. On 03/26/19, Marcus Waller turned himself in to the Spalding County Detention Center. Marcus Waller is being charged with Kidnapping, Aggravated Battery, Damage to Property, False Imprisonment, Battery, Simple Battery, and Disorder

GUILTY PLEAS UPSON SUPERIOR COURT

Jury Trial - Judge W. Fletcher Sams

Lionel Lamond Daniel Ct. 1: Driving While License Suspended: 12 months to serve; Fine of $1,000 Ct. 2: Operating a Vehicle Without A Valid Tag: 12 months to serve; Fine of $1,000

Pleas – Judge W. Fletcher Sams

Paul Glenn Hammock Ct. 1: Possession Methamphetamine: 3 years probation; 80 hours community service; Fine of $1,500 Ct. 2: Possession of a Controlled Substance:

Nolle Prosequi Ct. 3: Drugs Not in Original Container:

Albert Eugene Williamson Ct. 1: Battery (FVA): 12 months, 6 months to serve followed by 6 months probation; 40 hours community service; Fine of $400

TPD CHIEF RICHARDSON ON GARCIA GUILTY PLEA

Chief Mike Richardson stated, “Yesterday’s conviction of Ms. Garcia is a huge win for our local Law Enforcement’s fight against gang activity and a huge message to those who would think they can get away with committing such acts in our small quiet community. I guess we’re not the Mayberry they expected. 

 I would like to thank Sgt. Brian Hammock and Cpt. Monica Snipes and all the TPD investigators and officers that worked so hard and diligently on this case. Your hard work and efforts made our community safer. Thanks to Sheriff Kilgore and all his jail staff who assisted throughout the case and keeping our courts safe during all the hearings and proceedings leading up to yesterday’s conviction. 

 Finally, I would like to give a special thanks and hats off to DA Ben Coker and his entire Thomaston office, especially Lead prosecutor ADA Marie Broder and ADA Irvin, for their commitment, support, and tireless work devoted to making this a successful prosecution. The amount of time and preparation put into this case was unbelievable and we greatly appreciate all their hard work. 

 Again, thanks to everyone involved in this case to include all the other agencies across the State and other States that assisted us. We are fully committed to protecting this community and combating gang activity and violence so know if you choose to operate in this community that when caught you will be prosecuted with everything we got.”

THOMASTON-UPSON KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Kindergarten registration for children who are NEW to Upson County or who DO NOT attend local day care/Pre-K centers that will have in-house screenings will be held April 19 at Upson-Lee Primary School, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

Parents should contact the school at 706-647-7540 to schedule an appointment. Local screenings will be held at the following centers for students who currently attend there: Upson-Lee Pre-K, Lu’s Learning Center, AJ’s Mini School, Rays of Hope, Small World, Headstart, Noah’s Ark, Tender Years & Tender Tech.

The parent must bring the child and athe following documentation to the registration appointment.

Child’s certified birth certificate (Child must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2019.)

Child’s Social Security Card 

Immunization certificate on proper GA form #3231 (obtained from your child’s doctor or the Upson Co. Health Dept.)

Hearing, Vision, and Dental Screening Certificate # 3300 (obtained from your child’s doctor or the Upson Co. Health Dept.)

Proof of Upson County residency and your photo ID (Acceptable proof of residency includes a rental/lease agreement, mortgage document or current real property assessment document in the parent/guardian’s name or a utility bill for water, electricity, or gas in the parent/guardian’s name and a valid Upson County address.)


Please call now to make your appointment for April 19.

A STATE CHAMPION AT UPSON-LEE

Upson-Lee High School student Austin Pitts is the 2019 STATE CHAMPION in Electrical Construction Wiring. Austin brought home the gold medal from the SkillsUSA State Championship, which was held March 21-23 in Atlanta. 

ULHS students also won 2 silver medals at the event: Dylan Taylor won Silver in Tile and Brandon Adams and Chandler Murphy captured the Silver medal in Construction Technology Display. 

Ben Lowe is the Construction teacher and SkillsUSA advisor at ULHS.

SPRING FUN AT THE ROCK RANCH

Spring Break Fun Fridays

March 29 and April 5 – Spring Break Fun Fridays – From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., families can finish out their week of Spring Break together playing to their heart’s content with some outdoor fun that includes a locomotive train, pony rides, a carousel, and zip lines.

Spring Saturdays

April 6 – Storybook Character Day – Make the most of a beautiful Spring day with family fun down on the farm! Visit with characters from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Elephant and Pig, and Splat the Cat! Plus enjoy 25+ great attractions like Tiny Town, the Petting Zoo, and gemstone mining*. Hours for this event will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

April 13 – Easter Eggstravaganza presented by Eggland’s Best® – Bring an Easter basket and a camera and come ready to hunt 65,000 prize-filled eggs. As a gift to the community, admission is free. Guests can enjoy a visit and picture with the Easter Bunny, play on playgrounds, and hunt eggs by age group (hunts staggered at different times beginning at 1:00 p.m.). There will be live music at noon and a drawing to win great prizes. Those wanting to extend their experience may purchase a Farm Fun wristband for $14.99 per person age 3 and older. The wristband grants unlimited access to locomotive train rides, carousel rides, pedal carts, paddle boats, fishing, pony ride, the giant jumping pillow, sports zone (speed pitch), and more. Hours for this Easter event will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

April 20 – “Dino-Mite” Dinosaur and Rock Festival – What better place to have a dinosaur and rock festival than in a town called “The Rock”? Guests of all ages will be amazed at the Jurassic Kingdom traveling Dinosaur Show. Reptile shows by expert snake wrangler Jason Clark will highlight living relatives of the dinosaurs including alligators, snakes, and giant tortoises. The Rock Museum, a new addition to the ranch, features one of the largest private Georgia gemstone collections. Guests can learn about gems, crystals, and other geological treasures. The Rock Museum and fossil dig station will be available at no extra charge and guests will enjoy half-price gemstone mining on this special date. There will also be vendors selling rocks, gems, fossils, and jewelry. In addition, creative pre-historic activities will surely entertain as guests participate in T-Rex Inflatable Costume Sumo Wrestling and Dino-Rider Races. Hours for this event will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

April 27 – “Barnyard-Palooza” – Enjoy farm-life, highlighted by a baby animal experience. Guests should bring a camera as there will be great photo ops with tractors, bunny rabbits, baby chicks, and cuddly piglets. Guests can feed goats and see newborn kids, try the cow milking simulator activity, view an observational beehive, and enjoy all the fun attractions like the corn bin. Hours for this event will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May 4 – “May the Fourth Be with You” – Meet intergalactic superstars including Kylo, Vader, R2D2, Chewy, and Storm Troopers (bring a camera). There will be a costume contest with prizes for guests who dress for the theme, themed drones will be flying, there will be games including a Talkin’ Wookie competition, and special themed snacks. Hours for this event will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May 11 – Flower and Butterfly Festival – BYOV (Bring Your Own Vase) to this very special day of spring flowers and butterflies. Guests can cut their own flowers from a field of many blooms. Fresh cut flowers might make a nice gift on Mother’s Day Weekend. All moms will also enjoy free homemade strawberry ice cream on this date. There will be a butterfly house offering up close and personal butterfly viewing and a chance to hand-feed butterflies. There will be a mass butterfly release at 4 p.m. (great photo op). Hours for this event will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A day at The Rock Ranch is filled with action-packed adventure and memory making with a wide variety of activities* to appeal to all ages including: pony rides, locomotive train rides, zip lines*, paddle boats, a carousel, cane pole fishing, pedal carts, Farm Land animal zoo, rock climbing wall*, tractor wagon rides, gemstone mining*, a cow train, ball toss sports zone and speed pitch, giant jumping pillow, Tiny Town, and more.

For families and groups who would like to make it a getaway, a limited number of Farm Stay Houses are available as well as the unique opportunity to sleep pioneer-style camping in Conestoga wagons. For details, visit https://therockranch.com/farm-stays/.

Other than Easter’s free admission, entry to all Spring Events is $14.99 per person plus tax for guests age 3 and older.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.therockranch.ticketl

NEW ADMINISTRATORS IN GRIFFIN-SPALDING SCHOOLS

The Griffin-Spalding Board of Education voted 4-0 to approve two new school administrators and two new central office administrators for the 2019-2020 school year during a special called board meeting held March 25, 2019. Griffin-Spalding Board of Education Member R. Syntel Brown was not present at the meeting.

Anne Street Elementary Principal – Dr. Seabrook Royal

Dr. Seabrook Royal has been an educator, assistant principal and principal for over 20 years. For the last 13 years, Royal has served Walton County Public Schools as principal of Monroe Area High School for three years and principal of Walker Park Elementary for 10 years. Prior to that role, Royal served as a principal and assistant principal for Clayton County School System and a middle school teacher with Fulton County Schools. Royal received his bachelor’s degree from Benedict College, his master’s degree in Education from Clark Atlanta University, his specialist’s degree in Educational Supervision from Troy State University and his doctorate degree in K-12 Administration from Nova Southern University.

Griffin High School Assistant Principal – Dr. Jacinta Bouknight

Dr. Jacinta Bouknight joins the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) from Fulton County Schools where she served as an assistant principal, instructional support teacher and interrelated resource teacher for the past 15 years. Bouknight received her bachelor’s degree in Biology, master’s degree in Interrelated Special Education and doctorate degrees in Education Leadership and Administration from Clark Atlanta University.

Director of Student Services – Larry Jones

Larry Jones is currently the principal of Orrs Elementary School. Jones has been an educator, assistant principal and principal for over 30 years. He has been employed by the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) since 2003, serving as the assistant principal of Futral Road Elementary for three years, principal of Futral Road Elementary for nine years, principal of Rehoboth Road Middle School for four years and principal of Orrs Elementary for one year. Jones received his bachelor’s degree in Spanish, master’s degree in Spanish and master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia Southern University.

Director of Special Education – Charles Kelly

Charles Kelly joins GSCS from Griffin RESA where he has been the Georgia Learning Resource System (GLDS) Director since 2016. Prior to that role, Kelly served Clayton County Public Schools for seven years as coordinator of special education, compliance specialists and lead teacher/autism specialists. Kelly received his bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Alabama, his master’s degree in Instructional Technology from the Georgia Southern University and his educational leadership degree from the University of West Georgia.

These appointments become effective on July 15 for the 2019-2020 school year.

GRIFFIN HIGH HAS A NEW FOOTBALL COACH

The Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education voted 4-0 to approve the recommendation of Kareem Reid as head football coach of Griffin High School during a special called board meeting March 25, 2019. Griffin-Spalding Board of Education Member R. Syntel Brown was not present at the meeting.

Reid is currently the head football coach at Westlake High School in Atlanta, GA. He is also Westlake’s physical education teacher. During his tenure at Westlake, Coach Reid led the team to win three GHSA Region 2-7A championships for three consecutive years and three state playoffs (2016, 2017 and 2018), named Region 2-7A Coach of the Year in 2016 and 2018 and named the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Metro Atlanta/Fulton County “Coach of the Year” in 2016. Since taking over Westlake’s football program in 2016, Coach Reid’ football team included 25 magnet students, with team averaging a 2.8 GPA each semester. Additionally, Coach Reid helped secure college scholarships for 41 student-athletes and he established a partnership with a local church for his team to participate in the annual “Thanksgiving Basket Project.”

GANG MEMBER TO SERVE 20 YEARS IN PRISON

THE FIRST DEFENDANT IN A GANG-BANGERS CASE WITH MULTIPLE SUSPECTS ENTERED A GUILTY PLEA MONDAY RATHER THAN GOING ON TRIAL IN UPSON SUPERIOR COURT.

ACCORDING TO GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT CHIEF ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY MARIE BRODER---45 YEAR OLD ANGELINA GARCIA SAID TO BE THE #3 LIEUTENANT IN THE DONALD G. BLOODS GANG -- WAS SENTENCED BY JUDGE FLETCHER SAMS TO 20 YEARS TO SERVE IN PRISON, 20 YEARS PROBATION , IS BANISHED FROM THE GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,AND MUST NOT HAVE CONTACT WITH THE VICTIM , ANY OTHER GANG MEMBERS OR WITNESSES.

SHE WAS CHARGED WITH ORDERING A HIT ON ANOTHER GANG MEMBER EXTAVIA BRYANT WHO GOT CROSSED-UP WITH THE GANG AND WAS SHOT SEVERAL TIMES IN A FIELD NEAR A. STREET, BUT SURVIVED.

A.D.A . BRODER SAID MONDAY MORNING BEFORE TRIAL, MS. GARCIA AND HER DEFENSE ATTORNEY VIEWED A VIDEO OF BRYANT FROM THOMASTON POLICE DETAILING THE EVENTS OF THE SHOOTING , LAYING OUT EVIDENCE THE STATE HAD AGAINST GARCIA.  

6TH GRADER CHARGED IN SPALDING SCHOOLS THREATS

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a sixth grade student from Rehoboth Road Middle School has been charged with 12 counts of terroristic threats and acts and 8 counts of disorderly conduct in connection with the bomb threats that were made to Rehoboth Road Middle School and Spalding High School on March 12, 2019 via social media and again to Spalding High School, Griffin High School, Rehoboth Road Middle School, Kennedy Road Middle School, Cowan Road Middle School, and Griffin Christian Academy on March 18, 2019. 

The juvenile offender was using a cellphone and was accessing Instagram through the Rehoboth Road Middle School’s WIFI system to distribute the threats. When we attempted to track the IP address of the cellphone, it returned to the Rehoboth Road Middle School WIFI system since the student was using that means to access the internet and the Instagram account. To make the threats to the schools and a selected group of individual students, the offender highjacked another student’s Instagram account and changed the password so that the original student could not access the account. He also included his own real Instagram account name in the thread where the threats were being generated so as he was sending the threats he was also receiving the threats under his real name to make it appear that he was also a victim. 

A different student whose account was highjacked was questioned and he and his cellphone were with school system and law enforcement officials when other posts were made using his screen name. He does know the student that was charged but does not know how his Instagram account was taken over. There is no indication that he had any involvement in the threats and he is also considered a victim. 

The student offender that was charged is cared for by his grandmother and she has been completely cooperative with Rehoboth Road Middle School staff and Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Investigators. At this point it will be difficult to hold the grandmother accountable for the child’s actions or to seek restitution from her, since she had no knowledge that her grandson had a phone and did not know he was accessing social media. The offender’s parents cannot be held accountable for restitution either due to their current status in the child’s life. This student’s life is the perfect storm for bad behavior to manifest itself. He will be held accountable but will also receive other forms of help. The student has been suspended from the School System, and a tribunal is pending as well as a Juvenile Court hearing. 

The success of this ongoing investigation was a result of the cooperative efforts of the Griffin-Spalding County School System, specifically various school administrators and their staff members, the Superintendent’s Office and staff, and the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office. We would also like to thank Griffin Police Department CSI Unit for their assistance. We believe that this incident once again shows that the Griffin-Spalding County School System and the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office have taken a zero-tolerance stance when it comes to the investigation and prosecution of anyone that makes threats involving our schools or threatens the safety of our students and staffs. 

This incident, along with past incidents involving threats via social media should not reflect negatively on the overall safety of our GSCS schools. These incidents have been random acts by a limited number of individuals. They have been taken seriously, acted on immediately, and brought to a conclusion.

TWO HOUSE FIRES LAST WEEK IN UPSON CO

MAJOR DAMAGE AT A HOUSE FIRE AT 80 APPLEWOOD LANE LAST WEEK. ACCORDING TO UPSON S.O. RICHARD SMITH SAID HE WAS COOKING BURGERS AND FRIES AND REMEMBERS TURNING OFF THE STOVE, SAT DOWN TO WATCH TV AND FELL ASLEEP AND WAS ALERTED BY HIS SON THE KITCHEN WAS ON FIRE.

NORTHSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT—KELLY RICHARDSON, OWNER. UNITS FROM ROCK HILL, LINCOLN PARK, AND THURSTON ALSO RESPONDED.

AT 426 COBBTOWN ROAD , KITCHEN DAMAGE IN A FIRE. TYLER REMINGTON DODGEN WAS COOKING ON THE STOVE AND LEFT THE ROOM—AND IT BLAZED-UP—DAMAGE TO THE WALL ABOVE THE STOVE. NORTHSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE.  

NO RULING FRIDAY IN JQC HEARING ON JUDGE CRAWFORD

ATTORNEY VIRGIL BROWN TOLD ZOOM NEWS FRIDAY HE FEELS “PRETTY GOOD “ ABOUT THE WAY AN ETHICS HEARING BY A PANEL OF THE STATE JUDICIAL QUALIFICATIONS COMMISSION CONCLUDED FRIDAY ON SUSPENDED SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE ROBERT MACK CRAWFORD. THE JQC IS SEEKING TO REMOVE JUDGE CRAWFORD FROM OFFICE BASED ON CHARGES OF THEFT OF $15,000 FROM THE PIKE CO. SUPERIOR COURT REGISTRY THE JUDGE CLAIMS WERE HIS LEGAL FEES FROM A REAL ESTATE CASE WHEN HE WAS A PRIVATE ATTORNEY. THE JQC THREE MEMBER PANEL DID NOT MAKE A RULING FRIDAY—BUT ATTORNEY BROWN SAYS HE EXPECTS IT SOON.

JUDGE CRAWFORD, ATTORNEY EUGENE DABBS , AND PIKE COUNTY PASTOR BILLY SMITH WERE AMONG THOSE WHO TESTIFED AT THE CONTINUED HEARING IN HENRY COUNTY. A COBB COUNTY JUDGE DENIED A MOTION FOR INJUNCTION EARLIER IN THE WEEK—THAT CONTESTED THE COMPOSITION OF THE JQC.

MEMORIAL AT SPREWELL BLUFF FOR THE LATE JOHNNY HAMMONDS

Mr. Johnny’s Bench

Mr. Johnny Carthan Hammonds more affectionately known as “Mr. Johnny” was one of the first employees at Sprewell Bluff Park. On March 12^th the Upson County Board of Commissioners presented his wife Sylvia Hammonds and his son John Hammonds with a Proclamation to place a memorial plaque on Mr. Johnny’s Bench. He began his employment with Upson County on May 8th, 2015 as a Parking Attendant until December 24^th, 2018 when he passed.  Mr. Johnny would spend many long hours and had sold hundreds of parking passes on the bench that sits across the road from the Park Overlook Deck.  That bench will be always be remembered as Mr. Johnny’s Bench to those who had the privilege of meeting him while passing through the park, or even sitting alongside him for a friendly chat.

The park will be holding a dedication ceremony for Mr. Johnny Carthan Hammonds on March

24^th at 7:00pm at the Park Overlook. Anyone who would like to attend his dedication ceremony,

share a story, or honor his memory is all invited to sit on “Mr. Johnny’s Bench”. 

EVANS FOOD GROUP BUYS TURKEY CREEK SNACKS

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March 21, 2019

Turkey Creek Joins Forces with Evans Food Group

Evans Food Group acquires leading pork rinds manufacturer

Chicago, IL, March 21, 2019 – Wind Point Partners and portfolio company Evans Food Group (“Evans” or the “Company”), a leading global producer of branded and private label pork rinds, are pleased to announce today that Evans has acquired Turkey Creek Inc. (“Turkey Creek”). Turkey Creek, founded in 1977 and headquartered in Thomaston, Georgia, is a leading national producer of pork rinds.  

The pork rind market is the fastest growing and one of the most attractive in all of salty snacks.  The combination of Evans and Turkey Creek creates the opportunity to leverage both companies’ complementary product and brand portfolios and distribution networks. Turkey Creek also enables Evans to secure a strong position in the strategic convenience channel and adds a manufacturing platform in the southeast. 

Jose Luis Prado, Evans Chairman and CEO, expressed, “I am delighted to welcome the entire Turkey Creek team into the Evans family. Both companies share a passion for delighting our customers with delicious and high-quality products and being great partners to our customers and distributors for many decades. We are also excited to leverage Turkey Creek assets to expand our product portfolio with more product solutions and brands. The combination also increases our capacity to keep up with this fast-growing market."

“We are excited about the combination of Evans and Turkey Creek. Both companies are intensely focused on growing the pork rinds category."

Joe Lawler, Principal

The acquisition of Turkey Creek continues Wind Point’s long history of partnering and working with family-held businesses. Joe Lawler, Principal with Wind Point Partners, stated, “We are excited about the combination of Evans and Turkey Creek. Both companies are intensely focused on growing the pork rinds category. From a strategic perspective, the acquisition of Turkey Creek will give Evans a launch pad to grow in the large convenience channel and enhance our manufacturing capacity and capabilities in a new geography.”

Gail and Laddie Fulcher, the founders of Turkey Creek, commented, “The merging of Turkey Creek and Evans, with the support of Wind Point, is a win-win for our customers, our team members and for our town.  All three organizations share common values.  Leveraging Evans’ national manufacturing footprint will allow us to serve Turkey Creek’s clients across the country in a much better way. The combination will also enable expansion of the Thomaston plant.  We are excited to remain involved in supporting a successful transition.” 

Wind Point Partners acquired Evans in April of 2016 in partnership with Jose Luis Prado, a more than 30-year veteran of the global snacks industry.  Turkey Creek is the second complementary acquisition for Evans.  Evans acquired Gaytan Foods in 2017, which strategically enhanced the Company’s West Coast presence.  In cooperation with Jose Luis and Evans management, Wind Point will seek to continue growing the Evans platform through a combination of organic growth and innovation, as well as additional acquisitions. 

The Wind Point investment team has considerable experience in the consumer products and food space, an area of focus for the firm since its founding in 1984, with Evans representing the firm’s 7th platform investment in the food space over the last decade.

BMO Harris Bank N.A. and Antares Capital led financing for the transaction. White & Case served as legal counsel to Evans.

UPSON CO GRAND JURY INDICTMENT FOR VEHICULAR HOMOCIDE

ACCORDING TO GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER THE UPSON COUNTY GRAND JURY RETURNED A TRUE BILL OF INDICTMENT ON BRIAN KEITH LOGAN FOR VEHICULAR HOMOCIDE, WEDNESDAY.

LOGAN IS ACCUSED OF BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATH OF MICHAEL SMALLWOOD—HE ALLEGEDLY TURNED IN FRONT OF SMALLWOOD'S MOTORCYCLE AT 36 EAST AND TRICE CEMETERY ROAD.  

SPALDING SO ARRESTS THOMASTON MAN FOR METH

On March 19th, 2019, members of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division and C.A.G.E. Unit concluded an investigation that lead to the arrest of Dustin Darville a white male, 37 years of age, from Thomaston, Ga. 

As part of their investigation, agents were conducting surveillance on Darville that included following his movements. On the 19th, shortly after he crossed in to Spalding County, Investigator Cameron Arnold conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle Darville was operating. Once stopped, Darville was asked for consent to search his vehicle, and of course he refused to consent to the search. 

Based on their knowledge of Darville and his drug distribution, Investigator Sheldon Mayfield who is also one of our K-9 handlers, deployed his K- 9 “Ludo”. Ludo alerted on the car and during the subsequent search that was conducted, the methamphetamine was found in a soccer ball that had been cut open that was laying in the back seat. 

Darville has been charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, trafficking methamphetamine and possession of marijuana less than one ounce. He is currently residing in the Spalding County Jail. The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Upson County Drug Task Force for their assistance during the investigation.

GSP SGT. MAURICE RAINES OF THOMASTON PROMOTED TO LT.

GEORGIA STATE PATROL SGT. MAURICE RAINES HAS BEEN PROMOTED TO LT. AND WILL BE THE GSP LIAISON REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY WORKING WITH DIRECTOR ALLEN POOL AND HIS STAFF TO BRING TRAFFIC SAFETY AWARENESS TO GEORGIA.

LT. RAINES IS A RECENT GRADUATE OF THE FBI ACADEMY IN QUANTICO, VIRIGINA AND TOLD ZOOM NEWS HE IS GRATEFUL TO THE STATE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SAFETY FOR BEING NOMINATED TO ATTEND THE FBI ACADEMY, AND HE IS GRATEFUL THE FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY ACCEPTED HIM—A 10 WEEK PROGRAM OF ADVANCED COMMUNICATION, LEADERSHIP, AND FITNESS TRAINING.

MURDER INDICTMENTS RETURNED BY UPSON GRAND JURY

MURDER INDICTMENTS WERE RETURNED BY THE UPSON COUNTY GRAND JURY, WEDNESDAY ON CAMERON JONES, AGE 20 OF THOMASTON AND KIERA WILLIAMS, AGE 18 OF ELLENWOOD FOR THE SHOOTING DEATH OF RODERICK CRAWFORD OF LAMAR COUNTY , ACCORDING TO DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER.

DR. DERICO THANKS PUBLIC FOR ESPLOST VOTE

Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico stated, "On Tuesday, March 19, voters in Upson County approved a 5-year, $15 million renewal of the Education SPLOST for Thomaston-Upson Schools. 

I am both humbled and honored by the support of our community. On behalf of the Thomaston-Upson Board of Education, our 4,068 students, and our 708 employees, I offer sincere thanks to everyone who reinvested in our schools and our students by casting a vote in favor of this ESPLOST. 

Your vote will help to improve the future of the Thomaston-Upson School System and the future of our community."

MOTORIST FLEEING THE LAW AND A TROOPER INJURED

IN PIKE COUNTY EARLY TUESDAY, A MOTORIST RUNNING FROM A ROAD CHECK AND A STATE TROOPER CHASING HIM WERE BOTH INJURED WHEN THEY FLIPPED OVER ON HIGHWAY 362.

ACCORDING TO GSP POST 26 IN THOMASTON---THE DRIVER OF A 2002 TAHOE, 44 YEAR OLD CLEVELAND DORSEY OF AMERICUS ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES , WAS EJECTED AND AIR FLIGHTED TO GRADY HOSPITAL IN ATLANTA.

TROOPER JACOB OLIVER FLIPPED IN HIS PATROL UNIT AND WAS TREATED AND RELEASED AT SPALDING REGIONAL HOSPITAL.

PROPERTY DAMAGE FROM THE WRECK CAUSED A POWER OUTAGE IN THE AREA AROUND OLD FAYETTEVILLE ROAD.

DORSEY FACES SEVERAL CHARGES INCLUDING DUI , FLEEING, AND SUSPENDED LICENSE.  

UPSON TSPLOST AND ESPLOST PASS BY WIDE MARGINS

THE TRANSPORTATION SPLOST AND THE EDUCATION SPLOST CONTINUATION BOTH PASSED WITH OVER 70% OF THE VOTE IN UPSON COUNTY, TUESDAY.

THE TSPLOST FOR ROAD PAVING 73.52% TO 26.48%, 755 VOTES TO 272.

THE ESPLOST 77.21% TO 22.79%, 796 VOTES TO 235, WITH A 7% VOTER TURNOUT.

MURDER CASE BEFORE UPSON CO GRAND JURY

GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER SAYS EVIDENCE WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE UPSON COUNTY GRAND JURY WEDNESDAY ON TWO DEFENDANTS CHARGED WITH THE MURDER OF A LAMAR COUNTY MAN.

CAMERON JONES, AGE 20 OF THOMASTON AND KIERA WILLIAMS, 18 , OF ELLENWOOD ARE CHARGED WITH THE SHOOTING DEATH OF RODERICK CRAWFORD OF BARNESVILLE, WHOSE BODY WAS FOUND IN LINCOLN PARK JAN 3. AUTHORITIES SAY CRAWFORD MADE CONTACT WITH WILLIAMS ON A ESCORT WEBSITE AND THE TWO ALLEGEDLY TRIED TO ROB CRAWFORD WHEN HE SHOWED UP . THE TWO ALSO FACE MURDER CHARGES IN THE ATLANTA AREA.

FATALITY IN UPSON CO. MONDAY

ACCORDING TO POST 26 GA. STATE PATROL A PEDESTRIAN AT HER MAILBOX WAS KILLED WHEN STRUCK BY A CAR IN THE 3200 BLOCK OF YATESVILLE HIGHWAY MONDAY AFTERNOON.

THE VICTIM—78 YEAR OLD SUE SELF GRUBBS OF 3280 HIGHWAY 74 EAST WAS DECEASED AT THE SCENE.

A MACON MOTORIST—34 YEAR OLD DARRYL TOLEN WAS WEST BOUND AND APPARENTLY LOST CONTROL OF HIS 2005 SATURN VUE, CROSSED THE HIGHWAY AND STRUCK MS. GRUBBS. THE CAR THEN OVERTURNED AFTER HITTING A CULVERT BETWEEN TRINITY ROAD AND THE ROCK ROAD.

TOLEN WAS TRANSPORTED TO URMC WITH NON-LIFE THREATENING INJURIES. MS. GRUBBS IS THE SISTER OF THOMASTON SURVEYOR GARY SELF.

THE GSP ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION TEAM HAS BEEN CALLED INTO THE INVESTIGATION BY POST 26.  

THOMASTON MAYOR AND COUNCIL MARCH 19 AGENDA

CITY OF THOMASTON
MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL – AGENDA
MARCH 19, 2019 – 7:00 P.M.
City-County Meeting Room, Main Floor, R. E. Lee Building

A. Call Meeting to Order / Invocation / Pledge Allegiance to the Flag.

B. Approval of Minutes of March 5, 2019.

C. Adoption of Agenda.

D. Public Comment and Announcements.

E. Introduction of the City’s New Web Site.

F. City Attorney’s Report.

G. Assistant City Clerk’s Report.

H. City Engineer’s Report.

I. City Manager’s Report.

1. Amendment to Cemetery Ordinance.

2. Approval of 1888 Demolition Permit.

3. Discussion of Water Service on Goshen Road.

4. Officials Compensation.

J. Other Business.

K. Executive Session.

L. Adjournment.

5TH JUDGE APPROVED FOR GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

THE GA. HOUSE AND SENATE HAVE APPROVED FUNDING FOR A 5TH SUPERIOR COURT JUDGESHIP FOR THE GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT THAT INCLUDES PIKE, UPSON, FAYETTE, AND SPALDING COUNTIES.

THE BILL NOW GOES TO GOVERNOR BRIAN KEMP FOR HIS SIGNATURE AND THE GOVERNOR IS EXPECTED TO SIGN IT AND APPOINT THE 5TH JUDGE PRIOR TO JAN I, 2020 WHEN THE NEW JUDGE WILL BEGIN A 4 YEAR TERM.  

EARLY VOTING TOTALS FOR TUES TSPLOST AND E-SPLOST IN UPSON CO

EARLY VOTING ENDED FRIDAY FOR A $17 MILLION TRANSPORTATION SPLOST AND A $15 MILLION CONTINUATION OF THE EDUCATION SPLOST IN UPSON COUNTY—AND A TOTAL OF 529 VOTES CAST, 8 OF THOSE BY MAIL FOR TUESDAY'S REFERENDUM.

IN LAMAR COUNTY A NEW JAIL AND SUNDAY LIQUOR SALES WILL BE ON TUESDAY'S BALLOT AND 416 EARLY VOTES WERE CAST.  

EXTRA SECURITY AT UPSON CO COURTHOUSE FRIDAY

SHERIFF DAN KILGORE ORDERED EXTRA SECURITY OUTSIDE THE UPSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE AND INSIDE THE COURTROOM FRIDAY WHILE SOME MOTIONS WERE HEARD BY SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE FLETCHER SAMS ON ALLEGED GANG MEMBER ANGELINA GARCIA. MS. GARCIA FROM NORTH CAROLINA IS SUSPECTED TO BE A MEMBER OF THE BLOODS GANG INVOLVED IN A SHOOTING INCIDENT ON A. STREET—A CASE THAT HAS 6 DEFENDANTS IN ALL.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER SAYS MS. GARCIA IS SCHEDULED TO GO ON TRIAL IN UPSON COUNTY ON MONDAY, MARCH 25TH. AUTHORITIES BELIEVE THE GANG MEMBERS CAME TO THOMASTON WITH INTENT TO CARRY OUT A HIT ON GANG MEMBER XTAVIA BRYANT—WHO WAS SHOT DURING THE INCIDENT, BUT SURVIVED.

SHERIFF KILGORE SAID THERE HAVE BEEN NO DIRECT THREATS BUT AS A PRECAUTION HE POSTED DEPUTIES ON ALL CORNERS OUTSIDE THE COURTHOUSE AND ADDITIONAL DEPUTIES INSIDE THE COURTROOM.

D.A. COKER SAID TWO DEFENDANTS IN THE CASE ARE FROM THOMASTON, GREGORY LAWSON AND JADE BRADSHAW.

SCHOOL BOARD APPRECIATION WEEK

The week of March 18-22 is School Board Appreciation Week in Georgia. 

The weeklong observance calls attention to the contributions of local board of education members to their school districts and to their communities. “Citizens elect board members to represent the community’s voice on education matters and to set the vision for the school district.

We are extremely fortunate in our community to have board members who embrace and embody our vision for the future of Thomaston-Upson Schools,” stated Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico. “I want to thank the members of the Thomaston-Upson school board for the countless hours they spend in service to our schools, our students, and our community to ensure that we always provide excellence in education for every individual, every day.” 

This week we want to give special recognition to our local school board members: Chairperson Ms. Jacqueline Hollis, District 2; Vice-Chair Mr. Jaye Eubanks, District 7; Ms. Angeline McGill, District 1; Ms. Sheila Hall, District 3; Mr. Brian Salter, District 4; Mr. Leon Fowler, District 5; Mr. Stephen Sadler, District 6. 

Thank you for your service!

TSPLOST AND ESPOST ON THE BALLOT TUESDAY IN UPSON

A SPECIAL ELECTION IS SET FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 19TH FOR A $17 MILLION TRANSPORTATION SPLOST FOR THE COUNTY OF UPSON, AND CITIES OF THOMASTON AND YATESVILLE, MONEY THAT CAN BE USED FOR ROAD PAVING AND SIDEWALKS.

THE COUNTY WOULD RECEIVE $9.5 MILLION, THE CITY OF THOMASTON $7.3 MILLION AND YATESVILLE $170,000. IF APPROVED UPSON COUNTY WANTS TO BOND $6 MILLION TO BEGIN ROAD PAVING ASAP. THE COUNTY HAS ABOUT 422 MILES OF ROADS AND MAYOR PRO TEM DOUG HEAD SAYS THE CITY OF THOMASTON HAS 67 MILES OF ROADS. TO RESURFACE ALL OF THEM WOULD COST THE COUNTY $60 MILLION AND THE CITY OF THOMASTON OVER $14 MILLION.

ALSO ON THE BALLOT TUESDAY, THE THOMASTON-UPSON COUNTY SCHOOLS WANT TO CONTINUE THE CURRENT EDUCATION SPLOST WITH $15 MILLION. THE BIGGEST AMOUNT $5.1 MILLION WOULD BE FOR BUILDING UPGRADES, $3 MILLION FOR COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT , AND THERE'S MONEY FOR TEXTBOOKS, VEHICLES AND HALF A MILLION FOR SECURITY.

NEW PRINCIPAL AT UL HIGH

At the March 12th meeting, the Thomaston-Upson Board of Education approved Dr. Jarvis Price as Principal of Upson-Lee High School, as recommended by Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico. 

Dr. Price currently serves as Assistant Principal at ULHS and is completing his second year at the school. He holds a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia Southern University along with the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Middle Grades Education (Georgia Southern University); Master of Education in Educational Leadership (Georgia College & State University); Education Specialist in Educational Leadership (Georgia College & State University); Education Specialist in Curriculum & Instruction (Liberty University). 

Dr. Price has worked as a middle grades teacher in the Thomaston-Upson and Bibb County School Systems and served as Assistant Principal of Baldwin High School for two years prior to coming to ULHS as Assistant Principal. Dr. Price’s wife, the former Ashley Favors, is a school counselor at Upson-Lee Middle School. Both Dr. and Mrs. Price were born and raised in Upson County and graduated from Upson-Lee High School. They are expecting their first child in July of this year. 

Dr. Price will take over the position of ULHS Principal following Mr. Tracy Caldwell's retirement at the end of this school year.

MOLENA, GA , A PURPLE HEART CITY

On April 27, 2019, at 11:00 am, at the City Pavilion/Fire Station, the City of Molena Georgia will celebrate becoming a Purple Heart City. The designation is given by the state Military Order of the Purple Heart as a thank you to our veterans and a reminder to the community of the sacrifices servicemen and women have made for us.

A Purple Heart is awarded to any armed forces member wounded or killed in combat.

If you are a Purple Heart recipient, we invite you to contact the City of Molena at 770-884-9711 so that we may recognize you at our ceremony.

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR T-U SCHOOLS

. Schools announced their 2019-20 Teachers of the Year last week. Congratulations to Mrs. Lauren Hall, Upson-Lee Primary Teacher of the Year; Mrs. Amanda Waters, Upson-Lee Elementary Teacher of the Year; Mr. Tim Bosworth, Upson-Lee Middle School Teacher of the Year; and Mrs. Bethany Norris, Upson-Lee High School Teacher of the Year. These teachers will now advance to the Thomaston-Upson School System Teacher of the Year competition, where a panel of community judges will evaluate the teachers based on their written applications, personal interviews, and classroom observations

TWO KILLED IN HENRY CO. WRECK

On March 12, 2019, at approximately 1:27 am, HCPD Officers were notified of a possible stolen vehicle (Silver Mazda CX9 SUV with broken headlight) out of Chamblee Georgia being tracked in the McDonough area by a Global Positioning System. A HCPD Officer spotted the suspect vehicle in the parking lot of a hotel off of Mill Road at Jonesboro Road and attempted to stop the vehicle. The suspect vehicle struck the driver’s door of our officer and a vehicle pursuit began. The suspect vehicle entered I-75 North Bound from Jonesboro Road and exited at Jodeco Road, performed a U-turn and continued down the exit ramp in the wrong direction. As the suspect vehicle entered onto to I-75, our Officers did not continue the pursuit and slowed on the exit ramp. The suspect vehicle entered onto the North Bound lane and collided with a  white F150. The driver of the F150 died as a result of the collision. The driver and the passenger of the Mazda were pulled to safety by HCPD Officers. The driver of the Mazda was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The passenger of the Mazda was transported to an area hospital and his condition is unknown. The suspect vehicle was confirmed stolen by Chamblee P.D. and reported around 11:35 pm. It is believed the suspects were in the McDonough area to commit entering auto thefts. The Georgia State Patrol is the lead agency on the vehicle fatality. HCPD Officers dashcam footage of the pursuit cannot be released to the public until the HCPD Pursuit Report is completed.

Deceased Driver of stolen Mazda: Adolphus D. Knight, 19 y.o.a of Riverdale

Deceased Driver of F150: Kalif B. Patterson, 38 y.o.a of Dalzell South Carolina

CLASSES RESUMED IN GRIFFIN

CLASSES RESUMED TODAY IN GRIFFIN AT REHOBOTH MIDDLE SCHOOL AND SPALDING COUNTY HIGH AFTER THE SCHOOLS WERE EVACUATED AND SEARCHED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT.

THE SCHOOLS HAD RECEIVED SOME TYPE OF THREAT ON SOCIAL MEDIA, ACCORDING TO SPALDING COUNTY S.O.

TWO SCHOOLS IN SPALDING CO EVACUATED

 A threat over social media has led officials to evacuate two schools in Spalding County.

According to the Griffin-Spalding County school system, administrators evacuated Spalding High School and Rehoboth Road Middle School after a threat was made toward both schools on social media.

While officials have not said whether they think the threat is valid, they evacuated both schools so that law enforcement could search both schools.

School officials say all students and staff members are safe.

Investigators have not yet provided the details of the threat or whether anyone will be charged

PRESS RELEASE SPALDING CO SHERIFF DARRELL DIX

Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix in cooperation with the Spalding County Fire Department will be conducting a series of town hall meetings across our community. Each week in April Sheriff Dix and his Command Staff will be setting up meetings at Spalding County Fire Stations in each district. Command staff from the Spalding Fire Department will also be present to address your concerns, and how together we can promote public safety across the county. According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, “Our hope is that through the face to face town hall meetings we will have an open discussion about your concerns, answer questions, and hear your ideas about crime and other public safety issues that are affecting you and your quality of life. It has been one of my beliefs from the beginning that rather than going in to a community and telling them what their problems are, we should spend time listening to the community and hearing their ideas about issues that they view as problems. There are many occasions that what law enforcement may see as a problem in the community may not be the problem that the community sees as a priority. It doesn’t do any good for someone to come in to your house and tell you that they are going to come in and paint your walls when you don’t have a roof to protect them from the rain. It’s about listening, prioritizing, and solving problems while being tough on criminals, crime, and enforcing the law. By working hand in hand with citizens we can address the issues and continue to move us forward in making Spalding County better place to live, work, play, and raise our families.” This is one of the many programs that the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office has pledged to do, and will continue to do, that will allow us to work with and be a part of the Spalding County community while building relationships and trust. If you cannot attend a meeting at a fire station near you, you can attend any other meeting that will be held.

MARCH 11 AGENDA UPSON PLANNING COM

UPSON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Since 1995 – 25 Years REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Thomaston-Upson County Government Administration Complex 106 East Lee Street – R.E. Lee Building City/County Meeting Room, #140 Monday, March 11, 2019, 5:30 P.M. (Please silence all audible alarms.) 1. Call to Order and Roll Call 2. Adoption of Meeting Minutes - February 11, 2019 Regular Meeting - Minutes Provided 3. Old Business A. Speaker: Animal Ordinance Development – Adrian Releford, Upson County, Director of Animal Control Discussion of Residential Animal Ordinance – No Materials B. Discussion of Solar Ordinance – Materials Previously Provided 4. New Business A. Speaker: Fair Housing/Group Home Issues – Shane Wellman, Director, Altrus Inc. – Materials Provided B. Application for Variance – VAR2019-01, James E. Burnette; 134 Lanier Road, Parcel 071 060, For A-R Second Dwelling on Less Than Four (4) Acres - Materials Provided 1. Public Hearing 2. Commission Discussion C. Application for Rezoning – REZ2019-03, W. Shaun Benton, 32 Old Alabama Road, Parcel #042C 003, From C-2 to R-2 - Materials Provided 1. Public Hearing 2. Commission Discussion 5. Other Business 6. Planning Commissioner Issues and Announcements 7. Secretary’s Issues and Announcements a. TRRV Program Update b. Manufactured Home Ordinance Update 8. Adjournment (OVER) \\ucboc-vmdc2\dcurrier\planning commission\agendas\2019 pl comm ag\3 - march 11, 2019 - pl comm ag.docx (Commissioners: Please cal

MONDAY DEADLINE TO REGISTER RV'S IN UPSON CO

MONDAY 5PM IS THE DEADLINE IN UPSON COUNTY TO REGISTER YOUR RV IF YOU ARE LIVING IN IT FULL TIME—BUT U MUST OWN IT TO LIVE THERE.

UPSON PLANNING DIRECTOR DOUG CURRIER REPORTED AS OF 5PM FRIDAY ONLY 30 WERE REGISTERED AT THE ZONING OFFICE AND PROJECTS THERE ARE PROBABLY HUNDREDS LIVING IN RV'S THAT COULD BE SUBJECT TO CITATIONS.

THOMASTON MAN DIED IN HENRY CO WRECK TUES

ACCORDING TO THE HENRY COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT, A THOMASTON MAN AND ANOTHER MOTORIST FROM MCDONOUGH WERE KILLED TUESDAY NIGHT IN A BAD WRECK ON 1-75 NEAR HUDSON BRIDGE ROAD –AND 3 VEHICLES CAUGHT FIRE.

THE FATALITIES—LELAND D. WILSON AGE 40 OF THOMASTON DRIVING A HONDA ACCORD AND THE DRIVER OF AN AUDIE COUPE , SYLVIA P. WELCH 59 , OF MCDONOUGH, DIED AT THE SCENE AND SEVERAL OTHER VICTIMS WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R.

THE POLICE REPORT SAID WILSON'S HONDA WITH NO LIGHTS ON BROKE DOWN IN THE RIGHT-HAND LANE AND A TRACTOR -TRAILER HIT TWO OTHER CARS ,THEN THE HONDA-- AND THE TRUCK AND OTHER VEHICLES BURST INTO FLAMES.

THE ACCIDENT REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

WORKER IN GRIFFIN KILLED THURSDAY

ACCORDING TO SPALDING COUNTY CORONER SONNY FOSTER A CONTRACTOR FOR COMCAST DIED THURSDAY AFTERNOON WHEN HE CAME IN CONTACT WITH OVERHEAD POWER LINES WHILE WORKING ON COMMUNCATION LINES IN A BUCKET TRUCK IN A FIELD ALONG SIDE HIGHWAY 16 WEST OF GRIFFIN..

THE NAME OF THE 60-YEAR OLD MAN FROM THE TYRONE AREA HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED PENDING NOTIFICATION OF NEXT OF KIN.

THE CABLES AT THAT POINT RUN THROUGH A WOODED AREA AND IT SEEMS HE GOT TOO CLOSE TO LIVE POWER LINES AND WAS ELECTROCUTED .

.

FEDERAL AUTHORITIES AT OSHA ARE INVESTIGATING THE ACCIDENT.

CORONER FOSTER CALLED IT A SAD SITUATION.

UL/LAMAR CO TEACHER DONNA ANDREWS GOES NATION WIDE

THE STORY ABOUT UPSON-LEE / LAMAR CO HIGH WORK-BASED LEARNING TEACHER DONNA ANDREWS WINNING $10,000 -- HAS BEEN PICKED-UP BY THE WIRE SERVICES AND HAS GONE NATION-WIDE.

MS. ANDREWS WON THE CASH BY READING THROUGH A CONTRACT BY TRAVEL INSURANCE COMPARISON SITE SQUAREMOUTH—AND THE COMPANY WAS SO IMPRESSED WITH HER DEDICATION TO READING THEY ADDED $5000 FOR EACH HIGH SCHOOL.

SHE WON THE CONTEST 23 HOURS AFTER IT WAS LAUNCHED.  

THE LATEST ON UPSON COMMUNITY HEART AND SOUL

These statements will eventually be adopted by the city, county, school board and other organizations to be a compass to help guide our leaders in future decision making and be an addition to our Community’s Comprehensive Plan.

Arts & Culture--We have an appreciation for and a commitment to the arts and our local culture. We value organizations like Flint Rose Studios, Thomaston-Upson Arts Council, and Upson Lee Fine Arts Center for bringing us together to celebrate the visual arts, music, and traditions unique to our community.

Downtown Thomaston---Downtown Thomaston captures and conveys the spirit of our community because it is home to many of our one-of-kind locally-owned businesses, historic structures, and events. We appreciate the walkability of the Courthouse Square and the art-deco design of the Ritz Theater. We value being able to shop, eat, and visit with each other downtown at the local shops, the theater, and during various concerts and events.

Flint River/The Bluff---We believe the Flint River and Sprewell Bluff are two of the greatest assets our community has because they collectively provide us with magnificent scenic views and endless outdoor recreation opportunities that unite residents and attract visitors.

Local Assets---We appreciate the diversity and caliber of our unique local assets that range from The Rock Ranch to the Upson Regional Medical Center and directly impacts our overall sense of place and wellbeing.

Local Economy---Our community is fortunate to have a diverse base of small businesses investing in our community and that motivate us to support our economy by eating and shopping locally.

Natural Assets---We appreciate that overall our community has an abundance of natural resources which create beautiful open country views, clean fresh air, and offer residents and visitors a variety of outdoor opportunities to connect with nature and each other.

Parks & Recreation---We take pride in all of our local parks and recreation opportunities that they provide. Residents feel a special connection to the Greatest Generation Park and our strong recreation programs.

Public School System---We take pride in our local public school system because we understand and appreciate how it impacts the community by providing quality education and after-school programs. We cherish that we are recognized for and united by our school’s successful sports programs.

Small Town Feel ---We value the convenience, peacefulness, and safety of small-town life where relationships are built and maintained making this family-friendly community a great place to live.

The People---We value the people in our community who, through compassion, support and connectedness, lend to a sense of place, family, and belonging. We encourage our values being put into action through both individual and organized efforts.

https://thomastonupsonheartandsoul.wufoo.com/forms/q7zvmy019p118e/

Jennifer G. Rogers

Project Coordinator

Thomaston-Upson Community Heart & Soul

NEW BUSINESS COMING TO PIKE CO.

AT WEDNESDAY'S MEETING, THE PIKE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY VOTED TO SELL TRACT 4 OF THE PIKE COUNTY INDUSTRIAL PARK TO F J PROPERTIES FOR $135,000. THE INITIAL INVESTMENT ESTIMATED AT $2 MILLION ACCORDING TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GINNY BLAKENEY.

THE COMPANY IS PROPOSING A 40,000 SQUARE FOOT BUILDING WITH A SECOND PHASE OF ANOTHER 40,000 SQUARE FOOT BUILDING , RELATIVELY SOON AFTER THEY ESTABLISH THE FIRST BUILDING—A FIRM THAT SUPPLIES AND MONITORS MACHINES IN GAS STATIONS THAT FUND THE LOTTERY SYSTEM. THE FIRST YEAR ITS ANTICIPATED $25,000 WILL BE ADDED TO THE TAX DIGEST AND AFTER PHASE TWO—ABOUT $45,000 PER YEAR.

THE COMPANY IS CURRENTLY LOCATED IN SPALDING COUNTY BUT TOLD THE PIKE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY THEY NEED MORE LAND TO DO BUSINESS.

LIGHT TURN-OUT EARLY VOTING FOR E-SPLOST & T-SPLOST

COUNTY MANAGER WILLIAM WILSON JR. ANNOUNCED, MONDAY, THE TRANSPORTATION SPLOST PLANNED FOR NOVEMBER OF THIS YEAR BY SPALDING COUNTY AND CITY OF GRIFFIN HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL MARCH OR MAY OF 2020—TO AVOID CONFLICT WITH AN EDUCATION SPLOST ON THE BALLOT FOR NOVEMBER 2019 BY THE GRIFFIN-SPALDING SCHOOLS.

UPSON COUNTY, THE CITY OF THOMASTON, AND CITY OF YATESVILLE HAVE A TRANSPORTATION SPLOST ON THE BALLOT MARCH 19TH—THE SAME DATE AS THE THOMASTON-UPSON SCHOOLS EDUCATION SPLOST. ACCORDING TO THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE , A LIGHT TURNOUT SO FAR FOR EARLY VOTING—AS OF TUESDAY 251 VOTES CAST FOR THE T-SPLOST AND E-SPLOST IN UPSON.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE IN THOMASTON

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE AT THE CIVIC CENTER IN THOMASTON TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2;30PM TO 7;30PM. DONORS ARE NEEDED, BLOOD SUPPLY IS CRITICAL. PLEASE DONATE THE GIFT OF LIFE.

NEW VA FACILITY IN PIKE COUNTY

MAX KIRBY A FIELD REPRESENTATIVE OF U.S. 3RD DISTRICT CONGRESSMAN DREW FERGUSON SPOKE TO THOMASTON KIWANIS TUESDAY ABOUT THE VA OUT-PATIENT CLINIC PLANNED FOR PIKE COUNTY.

THE SIZE—GROUND UP NEW CONSTRUCTION OR LEASE OF AN EXISTING BUILDING, LOCATION AND BUDGET IS STILL TO BE DETERMINED—BUT IT WILL HAVE 350 PARKING SPACES AND PROVIDE 150 JOBS. CURRENTLY THREE SITES ARE IN THE RUNNING —ONE SOUTH OF ZEBULON, ONE NORTH ON 19 AND ONE IN THE CITY OF ZEBULON .

KIRBY SAID THE SIZE WILL BE BETWEEN 33,000 AND 49,000 SQUARE FEET WITH A BUDGET OF 20 TO $50 MILLION AND A LEASE TERM OF 15 TO 20 YEARS. THE BID WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN LATE SUMMER, AND A TOWN HALL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED PROBABLY IN JUNE OR JULY.

A SIMILAR-SIZED FACILITY IN HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA ATTRACTS OVER A MILLION PATIENTS A YEAR.