Dawgs Monday Press Conference

University of Georgia head football coach Kirby Smart, along with several players, previewed Saturday's game at Tennessee.

Read the entire press conference here.

Georgia - South Carolina Kickoff Set

Kickoff for the Dawgs and South Carolina has been set, get the details here.

FOREST FIRE SUNDAY

ACCORDING TO UPSON S.O.---GA. FORESTRY COMMISSION AND NORTHSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO A FOREST FIRE SUNDAY OFF FRANKLIN DRIVE—AT THE OLD DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATRE PROPERTY.

THE GA. FORESTRY COMMISSION CUT A FIRE BREAK AROUND THE BLAZE—THAT COULD HAVE BEEN STARTED FROM A CAMPFIRE OF A HOMELESS PERSON WHO LIVES IN THE WOODS.

A STRUCTURE FIRE SUNDAY AT 775 DENTON STREET, PROPERTY OF CHARLIE NICHOLSON. A UTILITY BUILDING CONTAINING PERSONAL ITEMS CAUGHT FIRE.

SHOTS FIRED AT PIKE CO DEPUTIES

THREE SUSPECTS WERE ARRESTED BY THE PIKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AFTER THEY ANSWERED A CALL EARLY FRIDAY ON THIRD STREET IN CONCORD AND MULTIPLE SHOTS WERE FIRED AT DEPUTIES.

NO ONE WAS HURT BUT 6 SHELL CASINGS WERE FOUND. A LARGE GATHERING OF INDIVIDUALS YELLED OBSCENITIES AT DEPUTIES WHEN THEY ARRIVED.

THOSE ARRESTED; 37 YEAR OLD CHRISOPHER WELLMAKER OF 165 OWENS STREET FOR POSSESSION SCHEDULE DRUGS AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT.

ANTOINE WELLMAKER, 34 OF THE SAME ADDRESS FOR OBSTRUCTION AND DISORDERLY

23 YEAR OLD BRANDON GILBERT VIOLATION OF PROBATION AND INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE SCHEDULE DRUGS—A PRIOR ARREST FOR ARMED ROBBERY.

ANY ONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE CASE, CONTACT PIKE CO. S.O. AND YOUR NAME WILL REMAIN ANONYMOUS.

SHOOTING IN GRIFFIN FRIDAY PM

On September 27, 2019, at 2:02 P.M., The Griffin Police Department responded to a call of a person shot in the 400 block of N 8th St., Griffin Ga, 30223. Officers, Griffin Fire Department Personnel, and EMT’s made contact with the victim to render aide. The Griffin Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is on scene and actively pursuing leads in the case. There is no further information available at this time.

AIR AMBULANCE AT NORTHCREEK CENTER, THURSDAY

A FEMALE WAS LIFE-FLIGHTED OUT OF THE NORTHCREEK CENTER PARKING LOT THURSDAY AFTERNOON AFTER SHE WAS REPORTEDLY GOING IN AN OUT OF CONSCIOUSNESS. THOMASTON POLICE AND FIRE AND EMS ON THE SCENE.

POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON SAID HE WAS TOLD—THE WOMAN WAS STRICKEN ILL AT ANOTHER LOCATION AND EMS TRANSPORTED HER TO THE SHOPPING CENTER SO THE MED-COPTER COULD LAND AND TRANSPORT HER TO AN OUT OF TOWN HOSPITAL.  

STOLEN FUNERAL HOME TRUCK LOCATED IN PIKE CO.

A JACKSON FUNERAL HOME TRUCK STOLEN LAST WEEK WAS LOCATED ON A DIRT ROAD IN NORTHERN PIKE COUNTY SUNDAY MORNING.

CRIMINAL WARRANTS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THE SUSPECT BRIAN HITE, AGE 48 OF GRIFFIN WHO AT LAST REPORT WAS STILL AT LARGE.

JACKSON POLICE SAID THE F-550 TRUCK WAS STOLEN SEPT. 19TH—A TRUCK WITH A BOOM ARM USED TO PLACE MONUMENTS.

THE TRUCK WAS SITED IN SPALDING COUNTY SATURDAY AND A CHASE ENSUED INTO PIKE COUNTY WHERE DEPUTIES LOST SIGHT OF IT— BUT A SPALDING COUNTY LIEUTENANT LOCATED IT SUNDAY.  

SAVANNAH SUPER CHIEF PAULA DEEN ON FUN 101FM

SAVANNAH'S SUPER CHEF PAULA DEEN WILL BE INTERVIEWED ON THE BILL BAILEY     MORNING  SHOW WEDNESDAY IN THE 8 O'CLOCK HOUR -- FUN 101 FM.

SHERIFF KILGORE ANNOUNCES JUVENILE INVOLVED BURGLARY

Between September 15th and 16th 2019, the home side concession stand at Matthew’s Field was burglarized. The burglars gained entry by prying open a window and kicking on a door. Numerous items were taken including snack food, bottles of coca cola, powerade and water.

Upon investigation it was discovered that six juveniles, two girls and four boys, between ages 12 and 16 were responsible.

All involved have been referred to juvenile court on charges of Burglary. All were released to their parents or guardians.

NEW HIRES AT GORDON STATE COLLEGE

Gordon State College recently named Katheryne Fields as director of marketing and Brittany Tennant as communications specialist. Fields will be responsible for developing and managing a marketing plan that implements Gordon State College’s newly released five-year strategic plan. In addition, she will help with overall brand development and messaging in the institution’s 14-county service region. Tennant will be responsible for developing content as well as managing the webpage, social media and sharing information with regional media outlets to elevate the communication efforts reflective of the strategic plan.

The director of marketing position is a new role for the institution as a result of the University System of Georgia’s Comprehensive Administrative Review for GSC. The study gathered input from campus stakeholders and there was a demonstrated a need for a marketing director as well as a communication specialist and marketing specialist.

Fields previously served as the Director for Institutional Advancement at Southern Crescent Technical College in Griffin, Ga. During her tenure at SCTC, she was responsible for fundraising for the college by acquiring funds, grants, gifts and scholarships.

“The experience that Katheryne gained in her previous roles have made her an excellent choice for this position,” said Montrese Adger Fuller, vice president for Institutional Advancement, External Relations and Marketing. “She will be working in collaboration with our campus partners to promote the exciting things that are taking place at Gordon State College.”

Fields has spent more than 29 years of her career in marketing, communication and branding, including Chick-fil-A of Griffin and the Griffin Daily News. A native of Rome, Ga., Fields holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Berry College. She and her husband Dale reside in Griffin, Ga., and are parents to two grown children, son Andrew Fields, and daughter Caroline English, a junior at Georgia Southern University, and one granddaughter, Addison Fields.

Tennant previously served as an evening news producer at Macon’s WGXA-TV ABC 16 and FOX 24 for the past three years. Before her time at WGXA, Tennant interned for WTOC in Savannah, GA.

“Brittany’s excellent writing and communication skills will allow her to perform well in this role, and she will be a wonderful addition to our team,” Fuller said.

Tennant earned her bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Journalism and minor in Public Relations from Georgia Southern University. A native of Fayette County, Ga., Tennant and her husband, Harrison, reside in Macon, Ga., and are parents to one-year-old Easton.

UPSON SO INVESTIGATING A BURGLARY

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT PICKED-UP A MAN WANTED IN HENRY COUNTY FOR PROBATION VIOLATION.--- A MAN STANDING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD HOLDING A HAMMER.

THE SUBJECT—JOSEPH MILLER TOLD A DEPUTY HE SLEPT IN THE WOODS OVERNIGHT. MILLER FROM LOCUS GROVE WAS TAKEN TO JAIL AND HENRY COUNTY AUTHORITIES PICKED-HIM UP.

UPSON S.O. INVESTIGATING A BURGLARY ON CREEKSIDE DRIVE. SOMEONE ENTERED TWO STORAGE UNITS AND A KAWASKI DIRT BIKE VALUED AT $6000 IS MISSING.

UGA GETTING READY FOR N.D.

ednesday, Sept. 18, 2019

Bulldogs Getting Ready for Notre Dame

ATHENS, Ga. — The third-ranked Georgia Bulldogs held a two-hour workout Wednesday as they finalize preparations for their upcoming game versus seventh-ranked Notre Dame.

Georgia (3-0) plays host to the Fighting Irish (2-0) at 8:15 pm Saturday on CBS at Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium.

Before practice, Georgia coach Kirby Smart participated in the SEC Football Weekly Media Teleconference and provided an update on the Bulldogs. Selected comments from Smart are below:

Head Coach Kirby Smart

Opening Statement

“Our guys are excited to get to play on a national stage in a home game atmosphere that probably will be unrivaled in Georgia history from a non-conference standpoint. I know they’re excited with a team like Notre Dame coming to town. It is really a special event.”

On Defensive Front facing Notre Dame…

“It’s a big challenge for our guys up front. We’ve got a good group, some very workman-like players that play really hard. We’ve challenged them this week that this is their opportunity to step up and play on a big stage, and that’s what most of these guys choose to come to Georgia for. They do it by committee and hopefully will be no different in this game.”

On Georgia’s backfield development…

“A lot of those guys we had seen. We had seen James (Cook)  last year, we had seen Brian (Herrien) but just not to the extent that they’ve gotten work. Zamir (White) coming back has been a pleasant surprise for us, and he continues to do good things and get better. Kenny (McIntosh) has been a good asset for us; he’s going to be a good football player. I’m pleased with how far they’ve come, really feel like I’m talking about the two guys that didn’t play last year. Again, the important thing is finding roles for those guys.”

On the impact of freshman wide receiver Dominick Blaylock…

“Dom has been a great addition. He came in this summer and picked things up quickly. He’s a competitor. He has a low center of gravity, he’s kind of sneaky hard to tackle. He’s not overly elusive, but he just runs tough. He does a good job of breaking tackles. He’s very sharp and understands leverages, a very savvy route runner. He’s starting to develop a comfort level with Jake (Fromm) and that’s important to us.”

On the play of backup quarterback redshirt sophomore Stetson Bennett…

“Stetson did a good job last week when he came in. He understood his role in the game plan. I felt like he executed at a higher level. We’ve challenged him to do that in practice because he gets so many more reps in practice than he does in the game to prepare himself. We always talk about play to your strengths, and he’s got to do that.”

On the play of sophomore punter Jake Camarda…

He’s hit some boomers. The thing he’s got to continue to work on is his directional kicking. He’s done a good job with that. They (Notre Dame) have a really good returner who has been doing it for a long time. They are one of the best teams in the country at holding you up and attacking you. They do a really good job in their punt return game. It will be important for Jake in his ball placement and his hang time.”

Meanwhile after Wednesday’s practice, sophomore center Trey Hill and redshirt freshman tight end John FitzPatrick visited with the media. Here’s a few of their comments:

Sophomore center Trey Hill

On the biggest challenge for the offensive line…

“Just basically being off the ball fast, staying agile and basically moving people.”

On being one of the quicker guys on the offensive line…

“Off the ball, quickness, yes, but everybody’s quick on the line; you have to be, it’s the SEC.” 

On personal preference of playing at a neutral site or a home-and-home series…

“It really doesn’t matter. Wherever we’ve got to play, we just have to play fast and physical. Neutral site, away site, at home, we just have to do the same thing everywhere we go.”

Redshirt freshman tight end John FitzPatrick

On his thoughts on neutral site games vs. home-and-home series...

"Honestly, I do not think it affects me that much. Georgia fans are always going to travel no matter what. They're the best fans in the nation. Whether it's a neutral site, an away game, they're going to come. So basically, it's a home game every time we play. That is the best thing about being a Bulldog."

On his excitement for Saturday...

"It is going to be so much fun. But, at the same time we take each game with the same approach, the same mindset. Whether it's Notre Dame, whether it's Murray State we are going to have the same mindset. It is just another game."

On when he gets in the zone for the game...

"Hearing the crowd outside when you're in the locker room. And then, what I try to do is envision myself making the play before the play happens. So that way when I go out, I can do that myself. 

MOVIE SHOT IN PIKE CO. FREE SCREENING

A SCREENING OF THE MOVIE MURDER IN COWETA COUNTY IS SET FOR TODAY AT 5PM AT THE J. JOEL EDWARDS LIBRARY IN ZEBULON—A FILM SHOT IN PIKE COUNTY.

THE LIBRARY WILL HOST TWO MORE SHOWINGS AT THE PIKE COUNTY COURTHOUSE SATURDAY AT 9;15AM AND 1;30PM. THE PRODUCER AND DIRECTOR OF THE MOVIE WILL HAVE A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION AT 11 AM .

YOU NEED A TICKET FOR ALL SHOWINGS—CONTACT THE LIBRARY AT 770-567-2014

CITY OF THOMASTON PARKS TO CLOSE AT DARK

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON SAYS GOING FOWARD THE THREE PARKS IN THE CITY WILL CLOSE AT DARK, DUE TO VANDALISM AND OTHER TROUBLE -- MOSTLY AT WEAVER PARK, BUT ALSO AT PARK STREET, AND THE GREATEST GENERATION MEMORIAL PARK. HE SPOKE TO THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL ABOUT IT TUESDAY NITE.

BASKETBALL COURTS AND TENNIS COURTS WILL BE OPEN TILL 10PM AS LONG AS THERE IS ACTIVITY ON THEM.

ULHS GRAD RATE TOPS STATE

ULHS Graduation Rate Tops State for 5th Consecutive Year

The Georgia Department of Education has released graduation rate data for the class of 2019, and Upson-Lee High School has exceeded the state average for the fifth consecutive year. Upson-Lee High School posted a rate of 90.9%, an all-time high since the state of Georgia began utilizing the required adjusted cohort calculation for graduation rates. At 90.9%, the Thomaston-Upson rate is significantly higher than the state of Georgia graduation rate average of 82.0%. Other 2019 graduation rate averages in the Griffin RESA District are: Butts 83.5%; Fayette 90.2%; Griffin-Spalding 88.6%; Henry 87.0%; Lamar 83.3%; Newton 86.9%; Pike 93.9%

C'BO FLEMISTER OF PIKE CO. SCORES FOR N.D.

PIKE COUNTY'S C'BO FLEMISTER SCORED A TOUCHDOWN ON A ONE YARD RUN, AS NOTRE DAME RAN PAST NEW MEXICO 66-14 SATURDAY.

LOOK FOR C'BO #20 THIS SATURDAY AS THE IRISH COME TO ATHENS TO PLAY THE GA. BULLDOGS—4PM AIR TIME, 8PM KICK ON FUN 101 FM.

BURGLARY FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF THOMASTON

THOMASTON POLICE ARRESTED A MAN WEARING A REFLECTIVE VEST INSIDE THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, FRIDAY. HE TOLD POLICE HE HAD PERMISSION TO BE IN THE CHURCH AT NIGHT TO MOVE THINGS AROUND.

THE SUSPECT—ZACKERY JAMES MELTON WAS CHARGED WITH BURGLARY AND SIMPLE BATTERY. THEY WERE SIGNS HE HAD BEEN RUMMAGING THROUGH SOME ITEMS. THE REPORT SAID HE HUGGED A FEMALE CHURCH MEMBER AT THE ELEVATOR, WAS WEARING A CHURCH MEMBERS SHOES, AND WROTE HIS NAME ON SOME POSTERS IN THE CHILDRENS AREA. NO WORD ON HOW HE GOT IN THE CHURCH. 

MR. AND MISS UPSON-LEE ANNOUNCED

Upson-Lee High School has announced Mr. and Miss Upson-Lee and Senior Favorites for the Class of 2020. 

Mr. and Miss Upson-Lee High School are Jaylen King and McKenzie Smith. 

Senior Favorites are Kedrick Atwater, Kyrese Caldwell, DeMeke Colbert, Anthona Cox, D’Kaija Fagan, Des’Monaa Green, I’smeona Harris, Derris Hayes, Naziyah Jones, Imon Kendall, Mr. ULHS Jaylen King, Kyndal Mann, Colby McRae, Dante Smith, DeAngelo Smith, Jordan Smith, Miss ULHS McKenzie Smith, Madison Walker, Tylan Wellmaker, and India White. 

Students are selected for these honors by popular vote from among their peers.
The ULHS Volleyball Team won home matches on Thursday, Sept. 12, against Mary Persons and Howard, improving their overall record to 12-2. They are currently 5-0 for region play and ranked #1 in Region 2AAAA. They are ranked #5 in the state for Class 4A.

UPSON SHERIFF KILGORE AND D.A. COKER ON NATIONAL TV

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE AND GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER ARE INTERVIEWED IN A DISCOVERY CHANNEL TV PROGRAM CALLED DEADLY WOMEN WITHOUT MERCY. IT INVOLVES A MURDER CASE FROM MARCH 2017 AND THE OFFENDER—RUBY KATE COURSEY OF THOMASTON IS SERVING LIFE IN PRISON FOR LEAVING HER EX-BOY FRIEND TROY JOHNSON, AGE 33 OF FT. VALLEY IN A WOODED AREA OFF TRUNE MILL ROAD—WHERE HE DIED OF EXPOSURE.

JOHNSON—WHO WAS WHEELCHAIR BOUND FROM A GUNSHOT WOUND WHEN HE WAS 11 YEARS OF AGE, WAS APPARENTLY PUSHED OUT OF THE CAR AND LEFT WITHOUT A COAT.

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THE TIME OF THE PROGRAM—AIRING ON CHARTER CABLE CHANNEL 771, DISH NETWORK CHANNEL 192 AND DIRECT TV CHANNEL 285.

ENROLLMENT UP AT SCTC

Enrollment at Southern Crescent Technical College is on the rise yet again for Fall Semester. The latest uptick is in this Fall semester’s enrollment which indicates that 5,256 students are registered, marking an 8.3 percent in total enrollment and a 7.1% increase in full-time equivalency when compared with SCTC's Fall Semester 2018 figures. These numbers are roughly double the statewide average enrollment growth across the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), which has expanded by about 4-5% during the same time period. All numbers are courtesy of the TCSG data center.

At Southern Crescent Technical College, the year-over-year increases began in 2017, when 4,756 students enrolled, which was up 1% percent over the 2016 Fall semester enrollment of 4,703. Since that time, enrollment has been on a steady incline, with a 3% increase in 2018 and a 7.2% increase in 2019.

Of the 5,256 students registered for Fall Semester, reports show that 34.2% of that number reside in Henry County. Additionally, 18.2% are from Spalding County and 10.2% are from Fayette County.

“Our current enrollment increase is attributed to several factors including the growth of high school dual enrollment programs, a strong commitment to serving students by faculty and staff, and the expansion of facilities and programs,” according to Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Xenia Johns.

Boosting enrollment has been a goal for Southern Crescent Technical College President Dr. Alvetta Thomas, who has worked diligently across all divisions of the College to increase enrollment since she came on board in December of 2016.

“In the past few years, we have been laser-focused on data at Southern Crescent Technical College in the attempt to move the needle in a few key areas. I am thrilled to report that our efforts have had positive results with an increased graduation rate, an increased retention rate, and an increase in the number of awards conferred.”

“Our mission at Southern Crescent Technical College is workforce development and it is evident that we are responding to the needs of our community. When the numerous career options available in our region for graduates with the skills offered by SCTC are coupled with the low cost of attendance, there is no doubt why Southern Crescent Technical College continues to make a marked impact on this area’s workforce," SCTC President Dr. Alvetta Thomas continued. "It is encouraging to see more students taking advantage of the tremendous opportunities afforded to them because of the Hope Career Grant and increased financial aid options. Additionally, with a stellar job placement rate and the demand for SCTC graduates far exceeding supply, we are extremely optimistic that this enrollment growth will continue.”

One noted area of enrollment growth can be found in the number of students taking advantage of the Dual Enrollment program at Southern Crescent Technical College. Reports indicate that SCTC currently has 1,319 dually enrolled students in various programs and from various schools in SCTC’s eight county footprint.

The Dual Enrollment program allows high school students to take academic degree and diploma level core courses and occupational courses that are eligible to transfer to any TCSG or USG college or university. Some students may choose to enroll fully into a degree, diploma or technical certificate of credit program, or they may choose to just take a few courses. All college coursework taken through Dual enrollment are fully covered through state of Georgia funding, and students are not required to pay out of pocket for tuition, college fees, or textbooks.

According to Dr. Drew Todd, Director of Recruitment at Southern Crescent Technical College, “The Dual Enrollment program saves students time and money and we are thrilled to see more and more students taking advantage of this opportunity. Being able to jump-start your career by taking these classes is certainly worth the extra effort.”

Overall, Fall Semester 2019 enrollment in the 22 colleges of Technical College System of Georgia was more than 100,000 students, according to a report released today.

About Southern Crescent Technical College:

Southern Crescent Technical College is a multi-campus unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and serves the workforce and community needs of Butts, Fayette, Henry, Jasper, Lamar, Pike, Spalding, and Upson counties. The College is a public, accredited, two-year post-secondary institution serving a diverse student population by offering over 200 academic credit programs and services, adult education, continuing education and programs customized for business and industry. Southern Crescent Technical College is committed to excellence and is characterized by outstanding instruction, a comprehensive commitment to state-of-the-industry training and workforce development, and a close connection to the community. As the

PUPPY MILL ARRESTS IN MONROE CO.

On Monday, September 9, 2019, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and the Monroe County Animal Shelter responded to 445 Unionville Road in Barnesville (Monroe County) for a welfare check concerning a complaint of abandoned or neglected dogs. Upon arrival, a multitude of dogs were located inside and outside of the residence living in deplorable conditions. 

The owner of the animals, Lynda Cummings, was immediately contacted. Cummings met officials at the residence and agreed to surrender all of the dogs to the Sheriff's Office. The Animal Shelter immediately contacted the Atlanta Humane Society for assistance and help with the retrieval of the dogs. The Atlanta Humane Society arrived with additional staff and began to assess and then transport the dogs to their facilities. 44 dogs, one of which was deceased, were removed from the residence.

Lynda Cummings was arrested and is charged with 7 Felony Counts of Unlawfully and maliciously causes physical harm to an animal or animals by depriving it of a member of its body, by rendering a part of such animals body useless, by seriously disfiguring such animals body or member thereof (7 dogs with missing or deformed jaws caused by neglect), 1 Felony Count of unlawfully and maliciously causes a death of an animal (1 deceased puppy) and 36 Misdemeanor Counts of unlawfully and unintentionally exercise custody, control, possession, or ownership of dogs, and did fail to provide such animals adequate food, water, sanitary conditions, or ventilation.

Brandi Marzka, daughter of Lynda Cummings, was arrested and is charged with 36 Misdemeanor Counts of unlawfully and unintentionally exercise custody, control, possession, or ownership of dogs, and did fail to provide such animals adequate food, water, sanitary conditions, or ventilation.

UPDATE; ACCIDENT AT T-U GOVT. COMPLEX FRIDAY

A SENIOR CITIZEN INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT AT THE THOMASTON-UPSON GOVERNMENT COMPLEX DRIVE-THRU LAST FRIDAY, DIED TUESDAY AT A MACON HOSPITAL.

ACCORDING TO THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON, 85 YEAR OLD BETTY JO BARFIELD ALLEN OF 4TH AVE. WAS LIFE FLIGHTED TO MACON AFTER SHE WAS FOUND UNCONSCIOUS IN A 2005 LEXUS SUV.

THE POLICE REPORT SAID MS. ALLEN WAS ATTEMPTING TO PAY A UTILITY BILL AND DROPPED THE PAYMENT TUBE AND OPENED THE CAR DOOR TO RETRIEVE IT—TOOK HER FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND THE SUV ROLLED FOWARD—AND AS A RESULT, HALF HER BODY WAS WEDGED BETWEEN THE DOOR OF THE VEHICLE AND SHE HIT HER HEAD SEVERAL TIMES ON THE GUARD RAILS.

16 YEAR OLD JUVENILE GRIFFIN SHOOTING CASE

ACCORDING TO GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER—A 16 YEAR OLD FEMALE JUVENILE CHARGED WITH SHOOTING HER MOTHER—A SPALDING COUNTY DEPUTY—WILL BE TRIED AS A JUVENILE.

D.A. COKER TOLD 101 NEWS—SPALDING COUNTY JUVENILE COURT JUDGE STEVEN OTT ISSUED AN ORDER DENYING THE STATE'S MOTION TO TRANSFER THE AGGREVATED ASSAULT CASE TO SUPERIOR COURT. DEPUTY AMANDA MARTIN MOORE WAS SHOT ONCE AT THEIR RESIDENCE ON ETHERIDGE MILL ROAD JUNE 12TH AND HER DAUGHTER WAS ARRESTED A SHORT TIME LATER.

THE CASE COULD BE ON THE SPALDING COUNTY JUVENILE COURT CALENDAR IN THE NEXT 30 DAYS—COKER TOLD US.

OFFICER MOORE IS RECOVERING AND A BENEFIT MOTORCYCLE RIDE WAS HELD LAST SATURDAY TO HELP WITH HER MEDICAL EXPENSES .  

UGA BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

The Georgia Bulldogs’ Southeastern Conference basketball schedule for the 2019-20 season was released by the league office on Tuesday. Georgia will open SEC play at home against Kentucky on Tuesday, Jan. 7 and wrap up league competition at LSU on Saturday, March 7.

The schedule includes four Saturday home dates and five weeknight outings at Stegeman Coliseum.

“Having our schedule finalized means the season will be here soon, and I can not wait for us to get back in front of the Bulldog Nation at Stegeman Coliseum,” head coach Tom Crean said. “The SEC is loaded with great teams. There are so many outstanding coaches and players. Navigating our way through league play will be extremely challenging and our fans creating a raucous atmosphere at the Steg will be critical to our success.”

Georgia begins league action with six-consecutive games against 2019 NCAA Tournament participants. After hosting Kentucky, the Bulldogs travel to Auburn on Jan. 11; host Tennessee on Jan. 17; visit Mississippi State and Kentucky on Jan. 18 and 21, respectively; and wrap the span with Ole Miss visiting Stegeman Coliseum on Jan. 25.

“Night-in and night-out in this league, you have to bring your ‘A,’ game,” Crean said. “You might be able to get by with an ‘A-‘ but if you think you’re going to get away with your ‘B’ game, it’s just not going to happen. In different leagues, there were certain things like rebounding that could become your edge. In this league, everybody rebounds the ball. There’s not one team that I could say doesn’t rebound the ball. It’s a staple of everybody in the SEC, so you’ve got to figure out a way to be better.”

Georgia will enjoy three straight Saturday home games. After the Rebels trek to Athens on the 25th, Texas A&M and Alabama will do so on Feb. 1 and Feb. 8, respectively. The Bulldogs’ remaining home dates are against South Carolina on Feb. 12, Auburn on Feb. 19, Arkansas on Feb. 29 and Florida on March 4.

The Bulldogs’ 2019-20 roster will feature five returning letterwinners and 10 newcomers. Georgia’s seven-player signing class includes five of the consensus top-100 prospects in the Class of 2019 and has been ranked among the top-5 groups nationally.

“We had a really good summer,” Crean said. “We had eight strong weeks, and we’ve been back at it since school started last month. But we’ve got a lot to learn and how we’re going to respond when we start having to deal with physicality is going to be key. We’ve got to get our team to understand as quick as possible what’s going to cause us to lose before we truly understand what it’s going to take for us to win.”

Non-renewable season tickets for Georgia’s 17-game home slate are now on sale for $255. The Bulldogs’ home schedule includes games against eight teams that earned postseason bids last spring, including six NCAA Tournament participants. Fans interested in purchasing non-renewable season tickets can do so online here or by calling the UGA ticket office at 877-542-1231.

Fans interested in supporting Georgia Men’s Basketball and improving their game day experience may also make a contribution to The Georgia Bulldog Club’s Basketball Enhancement Fund (BEF). Benefits include opportunities for access to game day parking and hospitality, single game and postseason ticket requests and an invitation to watch a team practice. For more information about the BEF and benefits of membership, please click here. Contributions to the BEF can be made online here or by contacting The Georgia Bulldog Club by phone at 877-423-2947.

“Last season, we established a new record for total attendance at Stegeman,” Crean said. “This year, we want to break the average attendance record too.”

Georgia’s total attendance of 148,700 last season topped the Bulldogs’ previous mark by more than 9,000. The average of 8,747 fans per game ranked fourth in program history.

FBI RECOVERS STOLEN FUNDS FROM GRIFFIN

The City of Griffin has recovered $789,065.16 of the $802,499.21 taken during a cyber attack that occurred in June, according to a press release issued Monday afternoon by the city.

Of the $13,434.05 remaining deficit, the city will pay a $10,000 deductible, and $3,434.05 will be covered under the city’s cyber crimes insurance policy.

“More than 40 municipalities have been victims of cyber attacks this year and unfortunately we were one of them. Due to the quick action on the part of our employees and the diligent work of the FBI, we were one of the few municipalities to recover our assets without significant loss,” said Griffin City Manager Kenny Smith.

UNWANTED VISITOR ARRESTED BY UPSON S.O.

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAYS A SUSPECT WAS ARRESTED FOR CRIMINAL TRESPASS AFTER HE WALKED INTO TWO HOUSES ON BONANZA DRIVE, MONDAY MORNING.

29 YEAR OLD JUSTIN ALLISON OF 19 NORTH—SUSPECTED OF BEING HIGH ON DRUGS -- WALKED INTO A HOUSE WHERE THE COUPLE WAS PREPARING TO LEAVE AND TAKE THEIR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL.

THE MAN OF THE HOUSE GRABBED A HAMMER AND CHASED ALLISON OUTSIDE.

THEN, ALLISON WENT NEXT DOOR AND WALKED-IN AND THE MALE OCCUPANT PULLED A PISTOL ON HIM AND CALLED FOR DEPUTIES. 

ACCIDENT AT UL PRE-K

THOMASTON POLICE, FIRE AND EMS DISPATCHED TO AN ACCIDENT AT UL PRE-K ON EAST LEE WHILE SCHOOL WAS LETTING OUT MONDAY AFTERNOON.

LT. BRIAN HAMMOCK OF THOMASTON P.D. TOLD 101 NEWS AN ELDERLY FEMALE MOTORIST WITH A MEDICAL CONDITION WAS PULLING INTO THE PARKING LOT TO PICK-UP A CHILD AND WAS STRICKEN ILL AND RAN INTO THE FENCE AT THE PLAYGROUND.

NO CHILDREN WERE ON THE PLAYGROUND AND THE MOTORIST WAS TRANSPORTED BY HER DAUGHTER FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT. NO OTHER INJURIES.

MINOR FRONT END DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND A SECTION OF THE FENCE WAS KNOCKED DOWN -- LT. HAMMOCK TOLD US. 

GUNSHOT VICTIM CREST HIGHWAY

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAID A MAN TRYING TO TAKE A VIDEO OF HIMSELF FISHING—WAS WOUNDED IN THE LEG WHEN HE DROPPED HIS PISTOL AND IT DISCHARGED. THE MAN, WILLIAM ERIC OGLESBY WAS TRANSPORTED TO A MACON HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT.

DEPUTIES GOT THE CALL TO THE AREA OF POTATO CREEK NEAR THE CREST HIGHWAY WHERE OGLESBY WAS SHOT IN THE RIGHT CALF WITH A 22 PISTOL.

HE TOLD THE S.O. HIS PISTOL FELL ONTO SOME ROCKS AND

DISCHARGED. TURNS OUT , HE DID NOT HAVE PERMISSION TO BE ON THE PROPERTY AND WILL BE CHARGED WITH FISHING WITHOUT PERMISSION.    

BUTTS MEHRE EXPANSION PROJECT APPROVED

Butts Mehre Expansion Project Approved

ATHENS —— A major expansion of the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall — 165,000 square feet of new and improved space that will include a much larger operating area for the Bulldogs’ football program — was approved by the University of Georgia Athletic Association Board of Directors during its quarterly meeting here Friday.

After today’s unanimous approval by the Board, the Butts Mehre expansion project will be presented for consideration by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia at one of its meetings later this fall.

The Butts Mehre building has served as the administrative center for the Athletic Association, as well as the operational hub for the football program, since 1987.  In those 32 years it has undergone a number of renovations and expansions, most recently the William Porter Payne and Porter Otis Payne Indoor Athletic Facility, which opened in 2017.

The latest project, at an estimated cost of $80 million, will add a greatly expanded weight room, locker room, meeting rooms, coaches’ offices and sports medicine facility, as well as a number of other improvements for the football program.  Construction for the first phase is projected to begin in January of 2020 and would be completed by April of 2021, according to J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Greg McGarity.  Phase two of the project will include a small portion of new construction and renovation of existing space, and would be completed by January of 2022, McGarity said.

Other highlights of the meeting included:

• In his own report, McGarity also thanked the many fans that traveled to Nashville for Georgia’s season-opening football win at Vanderbilt.  Bulldog faithful were estimated to comprise 75 percent of the fans that filled Vanderbilt Stadium last Saturday.  McGarity also urged everyone to arrive early for Saturday’s home opener vs. Murray State for the dedication of Dooley Field, scheduled for 3:30 in advance of the 4:00 p.m. kickoff.

• A presentation by Deputy Athletic Director Josh Brooks on the Butts-Mehre expansion project.  Brooks also updated the Board on other ongoing projects, including the Equestrian team’s facility in Bishop, Ga., and the grandstand at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex.

• A presentation from women’s basketball head coach Joni Taylor on her team’s recent trip to Italy.  The Lady Bulldogs visited Rome, Florence, Venice and Trieste on their 11-day journey that included three victories on the court.  Team members Caitlin Hose, Maya Caldwell, Stephanie Paul, Mikayla Coombs and Ari Henderson also contributed to the team’s presentation.

• An educational session on compliance by Executive Associate AD Will Lawler.

• A glowing academic report from Faculty Athletics Representative David Shipley. The most prominent information he shared was the 2.99 overall grade point recorded by all UGA student-athletes in the 2018-19 academic year.  The cross country teams had the highest GPAs among all men’s and women’s teams, with the men taking top honors overall with a 3.49 average.

• A report on the football student ticketing process from student representative Will Harper, a senior Finance major from Norcross. Student-athlete representatives Walker Higgins (men’s swimming & diving) and Sabrina Vega (gymnastics) also spoke on a number of activities associated with The Georgia Way, UGA’s program for career development.​

SPALDING CO. BOC PROPOSES TAX HIKE

The Spalding County Board of Commissioners is seeking to increase the 2019 General Fund property taxes to be levied by 6.81 percent over the rollback millage rate.

According to a press release issued by Spalding County, the Board of Tax Assessors is required to annually review the assessed value for property tax purposes of taxable property in the county. When the trend of prices on properties that have recently sold in the county indicate there has been an increase in the fair market value of any specific property, the Board of Tax Assessors is legally required to redetermine the value of such property and increase the assessment. That is called a reassessment.

When the total digest of taxable property is prepared, Georgia law requires a rollback millage rate be computed that will produce the same total revenue on the current year’s new digest that the previous year’s millage rate would have produced had no reassessments occurred.

The budget tentatively adopted by the Spalding County Board of Commissioners requires a millage rate higher than the rollback millage rate. Therefore, before the Spalding County Board of Commissioners may finalize the tentative budget and set a final millage rate, Georgia law requires three public hearings be held to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on the increase.

Those three public hearings will be held at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sept. 16, and 9 a.m. Sept. 20, in room 108 of the Spalding County Courthouse Annex located at 119 E. Solomon St.

All concerned residents may attend and speak at these public hearings.

TWO CONVICTS WHO ESCAPED ENTER PLEAS

ACCORDING TO GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER--TWO STATE CONVICTS FROM SPALDING COUNTY C.I. —WHO ESCAPED WHILE WORKING A CLEAN-UP DETAIL AT THE CITY OF THOMASTON BARN ON VETERANS DRIVE ENTERED GUILTY PLEAS THURSDAY IN UPSON SUPERIOR COURT.

ZACK RAPLEY AND JOHN OWENBY WERE SENTENCED TO 5 YEARS TO SERVE IN PRISON CONSECUTIVE TO THEIR CURRENT SENTENCES BY JUDGE FLETCHER SAMS.

THE TWO INMATES STOLE A CITY OF THOMASTON PICK-UP WITH THE KEYS IN IT NEAR THE ARMORY AND DROVE TO DALTON, WHERE ONE OF THEM HAD FAMILY.

THEY WERE ARRESTED BY WHITFIELD COUNTY S.O. AFTER A STATE WIDE LOOKOUT WAS POSTED.

GUILTY PLEA IN UPSON MURDER CASE

ACCORDING TO GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER A GUILTY PLEA IN UPSON SUPERIOR COURT THURSDAY IN AN APRIL 2019 MURDER CASE.

JACKIE LEE REYNOLDS, AGE 22 WAS CHARGED WITH THE SHOOTING DEATH OF 25-YEAR OLD KYLE JAMES SPRAGGINS, APRIL 10TH, 2019 AT 1748 HENDRICKS CHURCH ROAD. REYNOLDS ENTERED A PLEA TO A LESSER CHARGE OF VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER PLUS POSSESSION OF A WEAPON IN THE COMMISSION OF A CRIME AND REYNOLDS WAS SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS TO SERVE IN PRISON BY JUDGE FLETCHER SAMS.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY COKER SAID THE REDUCED CHARGE WAS AGREED TO AFTER CONSULTING WITH THE VICTIM'S FAMILY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT.

THE D.A. TOLD 101 NEWS REYNOLDS AND SPRAGGINS HAD BEEN ARGUING OVER METH AND THE 9 MILLIMETER HANDGUN MOST OF THE DAY WHEN REYNOLDS SHOT SPRAGGINS ONCE IN THE FACE.

UPSON BOC AGENDA 9/10/19

UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
6:00 P.M. – Regular Commission Meeting
City/County Meeting Room –September 10, 2019


AGENDA

I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Norman Allen

II. INVOCATION

III. PUBLIC HEARING
An ordinance of Upson County, Georgia to amend the zoning ordinance of Upson County to permit Ground Mounted Solar Energy Systems in the A-R, O-1, C-2, P-M, M-1 and M-2 zoning districts; Establishing purpose and intent; Providing definitions; Establishing permitting and submittal requirements; Establishing general requirements for ground mounted systems, including setbacks, fencing, ground cover, lighting, solar access easements and system decommissioning; providing for repeal/conflict; providing for severability; providing for an effective date.

An ordinance of Upson County, Georgia amending the zoning ordinance of Upson County, to clarify the definition and intent of accessory structures and uses; to define guest quarters; to clarify the circumstances under which quest quarters may be constructed in the A-R zoning district; to delete class B manufactured homes as second homes in the A-R zoning district; to permit site-built homes as second homes in the A-R zoning district; to correct a scrivener’s error; providing for repeal/conflict; providing for severability; providing for an effective data.

IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Speakers must state their names and address, and must direct all comments to the Board Chair. Any questions must be put in writing and submitted to the Clerk or the Commissioner over your jurisdiction.

V. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Regular Meeting Minutes August 27, 2019

VI. NEW BUSINESS
b. County Manager, Commissioners, and County Attorney Comments

VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION

VIII. ADJOURNMENT

TAX COMMISSIONER CHASTAIN SAYS THE STATE HAS APPROVED THE 2019 TAX DIGEST FOR UPSON COUNTY

  On Aug. 30^th, Upson County’s 2019 Tax Digest was found to be in proper form and approved for collection of 2019 Ad Valorem taxes.

The overall county net digest increased from $616 million to almost $621 million. A slight increase of almost $5 million. The City of Thomaston’s net digest decreased from $217.8 million to $216.5 million. A drop of $1.3 million. But all the governing authorities went with the 2019 rollback millage rates so most taxpayers should expect their taxes to remain about the same as last year. This is the 5^th year in a row that the governing authorities have rolled back the millage rates. Upson County’s current 2018 tax collection percentage stands at 99%.

  2019 Property tax bills will be mailed out next Tuesday, Sept 10^th and will be due Nov. 18^th, 2019. Property tax bills will also be available to pay online this year and in order to avoid the lines at the tax office, we highly encourage taxpayers to take advantage of this new feature. Go to Upson County Official Website; and under Departments, click on Office of Tax Commissioner, then online property tax payment link.

  My staff and I consider it a pleasure and honor to serve the taxpayers of Upson County. We will continue to provide quality customer service and strive each year to maintain a high standard of performance and expectations.

SHOOTING AT DOLLAR GENERAL IN GRIFFIN

CITY OF GRIFFIN POLICE DEPARTMENT PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE Chief Michael F. Yates ***Press Release*** September 4, 2019 PIO: Lieutenant Daniel Jett Office: (770) 229-6450 Ext.541 djett@cityofgriffin.com On September 2, 2019, at 8:42 P.M., Uniformed Patrol Officers with the Griffin Police Department responded to a call of a person shot at Dollar General (1665 W. McIntosh Rd., Griffin Ga, 30223). Officers made contact with the victim and multiple witnesses in the area. The victim was identified as Jonah Wilson. Wilson was shot above the right hip while in the area of Sunnyside Pediatrics (1661 W. McIntosh Rd.). Wilson was then transported to Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital for treatment. After arriving at Wellstar Spalding Regional, Wilson was transported to Atlanta Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The scene was then turned over to the Criminal Investigation Division. During the initial investigation, it was discovered that the building of Sunnyside Pediatrics was struck during the gunfire. Sunnyside Pediatrics was closed and the building was unoccupied. The Criminal Investigation Division is currently following up active leads and the case remains active. The Griffin Police Department would like to thank the citizens of Griffin for their continued involvement and partnership with us in an effort to keep our city safe. The Griffin Police Department works to continue strengthening the bond with the community. The above story is proof that

BARN TOTAL LOSS

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE DISPATCHED TO A BARN FIRE AT 761 HARRELL ROAD, THE PROPERTY OF DONALD HELMS. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. NORTHSIDE, THURSTON, AND LINCOLN PARK FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDED.