FINALISTS FOR PIKE COUNTY MANAGER

THE PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HAVE ANNOUNCED THE TWO FINALISTS FOR THE VACANT POST OF COUNTY MANAGER. RON E. ALEXANDER—A FINALIST FOR THE JOB IN 2018 AND BRANDON ROGERS—PIKE COUNTY'S BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS SUPERINTENDANT.

BY LAW-- THE COMMISSIONERS MUST WAIT 14 DAYS BEFORE MAKING THE HIRE. CHAIRMAN BRIAR JOHNSON SAYS THE BOARD WILL ALLOW THE NEW DISTRICT THREE COMMISSIONER TO HAVE INPUT INTO THE DECISION—THE SPECIAL ELECTION IS NEXT TUESDAY BETWEEN JEROME FINLEY AND JASON PROCTOR.

THOMASTON PD HIGH SPEED CHASE

THOMASTON POLICE TOOK A WOODBURY MOTORIST INTO CUSTODY AFTER A HIGH SPEED CHASE THROUGH THOMASTON INTO PIKE COUNTY AND INTO MERIWETHER COUNTY TO WOODBURY—37 YEAR OLD KEON FERGUSON OF WOODBURY.

THE P.D. TRIED TO MAKE A TRAFFIC STOP ON THE 2004 FORD RANGER ON POPLAR DRIVE—BUT THE MOTORIST WOULD NOT STOP. HE RAN OUT ONTO HIGHWAY 74 WEST AND HIT SPEEDS UP TO 80 INTO PIKE AND MERIWETHER COUNTY.

ONCE IN WOODBURY HE TURNED ONTO MAIN STREET AND STOPPED AND OFFICERS SURROUNDED HIM AND HE WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY. FERGUSON FACES CHARGES INCLUDING ATTEMPTING TO ELUDE, DUI, RECKLESS DRIVING AND MORE.

UPSON CO. MAN SHOT

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAYS A MAN WAS TREATED AT THE E.R. AFTER HE WAS SHOT AND WOUNDED ABOUT TWO DOZEN TIMES IN THE BACK AND ARM WITH BIRDSHOT FROM A 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN.

28 YEAR OLD SHANE GREGORY BLACK OF 1040 JEFF DAVIS ROAD HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH AGGREVATED ASSAULT.

THE UPSON S.O. REPORT SAID THE VICTIM—54 YEAR OLD BENAJAH ROSS WAINWRIGHT BOUGHT A MOTOR FOR $200 FROM BLACK AND CAME BACK TO CHECK ON IT AND IT WAS MISSING.

BLACK ALLEGEDLY SHOT HIM AND TOLD HIM TO LEAVE OR HE WOULD SHOOT HIM AGAIN.

WAINWRIGHT DROVE OFF AND TOLD DEPUTIES HE THOUGHT HIS ARM WOULD FALL OFF AFTER HE WAS SHOT.

Game Day Reminders

Game Day Schedule For Texas A&M

Click HERE

ITS OFFICIAL UPSON-LEE DROPS TO AAA

THE THOMASTON BASED—GA. HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION COMPLETED CLASSIFICATION WORK ON TUESDAY AND UPSON-LEE WILL DROP TO TRIPLE-A IN THE REGION WITH PIKE COUNTY , MARY PERSONS AND JACKSON. WESTSIDE MACON AND RUTLAND ARE MOVING UP TO QUAD-A—SO THE REGION WILL HAVE 8 MEMBERS NOT 10.

GA. SEC. OF STATE IN UPSON CO WED.

GEORGIA'S SECRETARY OF STATE BRAD RAFFENSPERGER WAS IN THOMASTON, WEDNESDAY AND MET WITH ELECTION OFFICIALS INCLUDING BOARD OF ELECTIONS CHAIR ROBERT HANEY AND COUNTY COMMISSION CHAIRMAN NORMAN ALLEN.

UPSON COUNTY IS SCHEDULED TO RECEIVE 77 OF THE NEW VOTING MACHINES WITH A PAPER TRAIL PRIOR TO THE MARCH 2020 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY. ONE OF THE NEW VOTING MACHINES IS ON DISPLAY IN THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE IN THE DRAKE BUILDING OF THE GOVERNMENT COMPLEX.

HOUSE FIRE IN UPSON CO.

ACCORDING TO THE UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE--FIRE DEPARTMENTS FROM THE CITY OF THOMASTON AND COUNTY UNITS RESPONDED TO A HOUSE FIRE AT 125 PINEVIEW DRIVE—TUESDAY WITH SMOKE COMING FROM THE ROOF AND WINDOWS.

MAJOR SMOKE AND FIRE DAMAGE TO THE RESIDENCE OWNED BY CAROL CRAWFORD. MOSTLY CONFINED TO A BEDROOM.

ZACCHACUS CRAWFORD SAID HIS LITTLE BROTHER WOKE HIM UP AND TOLD HIM THE HOUSE WAS ON FIRE. A BED WAS ON FIRE IN THE BEDROOM WHERE HIS SISTER WAS SLEEPING—BUT EVERYONE GOT OUT OF THE RESIDENCE SAFELY.

HIS GREAT GRANDMOTHER WAS TREATED FOR SMOKE INHALATION BY EMS.

THE THOMASTON FIRE DEPARTMENT, ROCK HILL, NORTHSIDE, THURSTON AND YATESVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDED.

SEC Championship Security Notice

The Southeastern Conference issued a security notice for fans planning to attend the Championship game on December 7th in Atlanta.

For details, click HERE

GDOT INSTALLING RUMBLE STRIPS

This week, Georgia DOT crews are starting a project to install rumble strips on 15 state routes in eight counties throughout west central Georgia. The work will be done in overnight shifts from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. each night of the week except for Saturday nights (and those nights affected by holiday restrictions). Engineers anticipate that the entire project will take three months to complete, weather permitting.

Rumble strips are comprised of long lines of short indentations milled into a roadway's asphalt or concrete, and they are usually located along the edges of a roadway's outer lanes or along the center line. Their purpose is to alert inattentive drivers when they are in danger of crossing into opposing lanes of traffic or off the roadway by making a low rumbling sound and vibration when a car's tires drive over them.

The rumble strips will be installed on the following state routes in the order listed below, starting tonight. It is unknown how long it will take for each highway to be completed:

• Taylor County - Georgia 128
• Taylor County - Georgia 22
• Talbot County - Georgia 90
• Talbot County - Georgia 41
• Talbot County - Georgia 36
• Upson County - Georgia 36
• Lamar County - Georgia 36
• Lamar County - Georgia 7
• Butts County - Georgia 36
• Butts County - Georgia 42
• Henry County - Georgia 42
• Henry County - Georgia 155
• Pike County - Georgia 18
• Pike County - Georgia 362
• Spalding County - Georgia 16

The rumble strip installations will require a 'rolling' lane closure around the crews and their equipment. As the vehicles and equipment move down the highways, a lane of traffic will be closed around them. Motorists are urged to watch for signage as well as the vehicles in the work zone while driving on these state routes overnight. If a driver encounters the crews, they are encouraged to slow their speeds and be alert while maneuvering around the work zone. 

Advisory: Motorists are advised to expect delays, exercise caution, and reduce their speed while traveling through work zones. Before heading out, get real-time information on work status and traffic conditions. Call 511, visit 511ga.org, or download the Georgia 511 app.

UNITED BANK GUNMAN SENTENCED

The three gunmen who terrorized employees of the United Bank in Woodbury, Georgia in June of 2018 have each been sentenced to at least a decade in federal prison.

“These defendants chose to rob a bank and in the process terrorized its employees,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Thanks to a quick law enforcement response they lost their getaway car and subsequently their freedom.”

“The sentencing of these three men illustrates the FBI’s commitment to working with its law enforcement partners to protect our citizens against such violent offenders,” said Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, Chris Hacker. “Hopefully this sentencing sends a message to those contemplating bank robbery that they will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

“This case is a great example of teamwork. I’m thankful for the assistance of everyone involved, especially our law enforcement partners. We at the Woodbury Police Department are committed to providing a safe community for all who live in or visit. Knowing we have law enforcement partners willing to respond and support us during times like this is comforting. As we work together, we provide a safer community for everyone,” said Woodbury Police Chief Smart Web.

According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: Shortly after noon on June 28, 2018, a vehicle allegedly driven by Dontavious Prather (whose charges remain pending), pulled up to the United Bank in Woodbury, Georgia and dropped off three masked gunmen: Antavious Bray, Derrick Scott, and D’Asis Sheffield. Bray, armed with a semi-automatic rifle, ordered two bank employees to lie face down on the floor while he stood over them with the rifle pointed at them. Meanwhile, Scott and Sheffield, armed with handguns, threatened the teller, forced their way into the bank vault, and filled their backpacks with cash. The three gunmen then fled from the bank through a back door.

As they left the bank, Bray, Scott, and Sheffield discovered that their getaway driver had quickly left the scene without them because of the quick response of the Woodbury Police Department. At that point, the three gunmen fled on foot into a nearby wooded area. Within hours, FBI agents had captured Bray and Scott, who had broken into a nearby home to use as a hiding place.

Sheffield remained unidentified and at large until local news stations played a video clip of him walking through the backyard of a residence near the bank shortly after the robbery. Several tipsters identified Sheffield, and the FBI arrested him shortly thereafter. DNA evidence also confirmed that Sheffield was the third gunman.

Bray, Scott, and Sheffield each pled guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

· Antavious Bray, 31, of Greenville, Georgia, was sentenced to 12 years, 10 months in prison, and five years of supervised release.

· Derrick Scott, 27, of Manchester, Georgia, was sentenced to 12 years, 10 months in prison, and five years of supervised release.

· D'Asis Sheffield, 21, of Greenville, Georgia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and five years of supervised release. All three men were also ordered to pay full restitution to the victims.

Dontavious Prather, 23, of Greenville, Georgia, pled not guilty to a Second Superseding Indictment on December 21, 2018, and his case remains pending in federal court. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment against Prather only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret R. Hobson and Miguel R. Acosta prosecuted the case.

This case was bought as a part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In keeping with the Attorney Generals mission to reduce violent crime, the Northern District of Georgia’s PSN program focuses on prosecuting those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our communities, and supports and fosters partnerships between law enforcement and schools, the faith community, and local community leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

UPSON PLANNING COMMISSION MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS

AT THE NOVEMBER MEETING OF THE UPSON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION, THE BOARD RECOMMENDED A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR AN INDOOR/OUTDOOR SPECIAL EVENT VENUE FOR DAVID M. CALLAWAY AT 275 MULBERRY ROAD . HE TOLD THE PLANNING COMMISSION HE PLANS WEDDINGS, BIRTHDAY PARTIES AND REUNIONS AT THE SITE WHICH INCLUDES A BARN AND A LAKE.

THE BOARD ALSO RECOMMENDED TEXT CHANGES TO THE ZONING ORDIANCE FOR UNITED TELECOM A SATELLITE TV BUSINESS LOCATING AT THE FORMER SOUTHCREST BANK DATA CENTER—ITS PURCHASED. ITS CURRENTLY ZONED COMMERCIAL BUT WANTS MANUFACTURING ZONING SAME AS THE BIZ/TECH PARK—AND 4 ACRES IN THE PARK IT WILL PURCHASE.

THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WILL MAKE THE FINAL DECISION ON BOTH RECOMMENDATIONS.

TRAFFIC FATALITY NEAR YATESVILLE ON 74

A CULLODEN MAN, 79 YEAR OLD WILLIAM CHARLES STALLINGS DIED AS A RESULT OF INJURIES IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 74 NEAR YATESVILLE IN MONROE COUNTY—SATURDAY AFTERNOON.

ACCORDING TO THE MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT THE TWO CAR ACCIDENT HAPPENED GOING TOWARD YATESVILLE— A CHEVROLET CAMARO DRIVEN BY HARLEE-GRACE DEAN TRAVELING EAST WHEN A FORD EDGE DRIVEN BY JULIA STALLINGS ENTERED HIGHWAY 74 AT NORWOOD DRIVE AND COLLIDED WITH DEAN.

MS. STALLINGS AND DEAN SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES, BUT WILLIAM STALLINGS A PASSENGER WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED . THE STALLINGS COUPLE TRANSPORTED TO MACON MEDICAL CENTER WHERE MR. STALLINGS DIED AT 10PM.

Dawgs Prepare For Texas A&M

Monday press conference previews Texas A&M

Upson-Lee's David Marshall attends press conference, speaks with media.

Click HERE

NEWS FROM GORDON STATE COLLEGE

BARNESVILLE, Ga. – Gordon State College faculty and staff spent Friday’s Data Day examining and sharing reports, information and ideas to enhance student success

As part of the institution’s Strategic Plan, a five-year road map that includes monitoring and reporting data to appropriate stakeholders, the day started with Dr. Alan Burstein, who was named the college’s Chancellor’s Learning Scholar (CLS) for 2019. Burstein, a Professor of Business for the Department of Business and Social Sciences has served as director of Institutional Research and Division Chair and in other roles for the college as well.

Burstein shared the results of a recent Community College Survey of Student Engagement specific for Gordon State College students. Burstein specifically focused on applying the results of the 2019 CCSSE study to Gordon’s Highlander EDGE. EDGE stands for the qualities that set Gordon State graduates apart: Engaged Innovators, Dedicated Scholars, Gifted Communicators, Ethical Leaders.

“To enhance our student success, we have to take the information we have from the CCSSE and begin to sharpen The Highlander EDGE,” Burstein said.  “This is our first attempt to measure the EDGE. We demonstrated strength in engaged innovators and critical thinking. We need to increase our opportunities for ethical leadership and dedicated scholars.”

The CCSSE study reflected Gordon students rated their experience as good or excellent, which Berstein stated speaks volumes to the efforts of faculty and staff.

Gordon State College also made significant gains in retention efforts. Freshmen retention of the fall 2018 freshmen class increased to 58.2%, an increase of 10% over fall 17 freshmen retention.  Gordon State College also led among state colleges and ranked third in the system overall last year in percentage of first year students taking 15 or more credits in fall semester.  These data points are key indicators that Gordon State College is making significant improvements in student success, and these trends will also help us build enrollment.

Assistant vice president for Academic Excellence Peter Higgins reported the college experienced significant improvements in subgroups of retention. African-American male retention was up about 13 points, and residential students were retained at a higher rate than commuting students for the first time in several years, he stated.

Also, students who earned an A, B, or C in the new first-year seminar, FIRE 1000, were retained at more than 70 percent and 14 points higher than freshman who did not enroll in FIRE 1000. First-Generation Students (defined as students with neither parent having attending college) who passed FIRE 1000 were retained at 73 percent, which is 3.5 points higher than the retention rate for “Continuing Generation” Students (students who have parents who earned a baccalaureate degree).

Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness Britt Lifsey explained how the USG system provides institutions with the productivity of academic programs.

Georgia Tech Kickoff Set

Kickoff for the Georgia - Georgia Tech game on Saturday, November 30th has been set.

For details, click HERE

SMALL BUSINESS SAT. NOV. 30TH/DT CHRISTMAS MARKET

Thomaston Main Street celebrates the 10th Annual Small Business Saturday® by hosting a Downtown Christmas Market on Saturday, November 30th from 12 noon till 6pm. 

Along with a special showing of FROZEN 2 at The Ritz Theatre at 4pm and topping off the evening with our famous Christmas Light Parade, as an American Express® Neighborhood Champion. 

Main Street announced today that, as a member of the American Express® Neighborhood Champion Program, it will host an event as part of Small Business Saturday, which takes place on Nov 30. Created by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday celebrates the impact small businesses have on communities across the country. 

Downtown Thomaton will be hosting a Main Street event on the Square to celebrate all of our Small Local Businesses for Shop Small Saturday. The stores and resturants will be open downtown, hosting their Christmas specials along with outside vendors hosting sidewalk sales. Come out and find those unique decorations or gifts for the Holidays. 

We will also have free Santa pictures in the Courthouse from 2pm till 6pm and Home Depot will be hosting Santa’s workshop again, for the kids to make something special after their time with Santa. The Ritz Theatre will be Showwing FROZEN 2 at 4pm and the Christmas Light Parade will start at 7pm. We have a wonderful, funfilled day for our community to come out and enjoy and Shop Small, Shop Local, Support your community! 

Keep an eye out for the list of all the participating businesses and their local deals that you can take advantage of on Black Wednesday and Shop Small Saturday, on the Main Street Facebook Page! https://www.facebook.com/MSdowntownthomaston/

UPDATE ON TREE FALL

A TREE FELL ON TWO VEHICLES FRIDAY MORNING AROUND 8;30 ON HANNAH'S MILL ROAD. UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE TOLD 101 NEWS THE TREE HIT A CAR AND A VAN BUT NO ONE WAS INJURED.

COUNTY WORK CREWS STAYED ON THE SCENE FOR SEVERAL HOURS FOR CLEAN UP.

This just in to 101 News....A large tree has fallen on a vehicle on Hannahs Mill Road near Ten Mile Creak. Emergency Vehicle are on the scene. More on this story as it develops.

TU SCHOOL BOARD DISCUSSES BULLYING

At the Tuesday, November 12, meeting of the Thomaston-Upson Board of Education, the Board approved the 2020-21 district calendar. Students' first day of school will be Wednesday, August 5. Thursday, May 27, will be the last day. ULHS graduation will be held on Friday, May 28.

In other business, the Board heard reports from the school principals regarding bullying prevention efforts and the procedures used at each school once a student has reported a bullying incident. Upson-Lee Middle School uses a school-wide bullying prevention curriculum that is presented to students each year by the school counselors. Both Mrs. Gulley and Dr. Price stated that most of the bullying incidents reported at ULMS and ULHS have originated outside of the school on social media. All principals reported that both the administration and the school counselors play key roles in educating students about bullying prevention and investigating any reported incidents.

UPSON CO. PROPERTY TAXES DUE MONDAY NOV. 18

A REMINDER FROM THE UPSON COUNTY TAX COMMISSIONERS OFFICE---UPSON COUNTY PROPERTY TAXES ARE DUE MONDAY, NOV. 18TH.

ALL BIDS FOR UPSON CO. COURTHOUSE ROOF--REJECTED

THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HAVE REJECTED ALL BIDS FOR A NEW COURTHOUSE ROOF INCLUDING A NEW CLOCK TOWER. TWO BIDS W ERE RECEIVED BUT ONE WAS DISQUALIFIED.

THE ONLY BID WAS JUST OVER $2 MILLION -- WAY TOO MUCH---THE COMMISSIONERS SAID AT TUESDAY'S MEETING.

COUNTY MANAGER JASON TINSLEY SAID THE COUNTY WILL NOW GO BACK TO THE MARKET FOR MORE BIDS.

UPSON-LEE DROPS TO TRIPLE-A

THOMASTON BASED—GA. HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION HAS RELEASED ITS CLASSSIFICATIONS FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS AND UPSON LEE IS DROPPING DOWN TO TRIPLE-A—REGION TWO WITH PIKE COUNTY, MARY PERSONS AND JACKSON.

THE COLUMBUS SCHOOLS APPEALED TO GO FROM TRIPLE A TO QUAD-A AND UL WAS DROPPED TO TRIPLE-A, AS IT WAS ON THE BORDER LINE OF QUAD-A.

OTHER TEAMS IN REGION TWO WITH THE KNIGHTS---AMERICUS-SUMTER, CENTRAL-MACON, CRISP COUNTY, PEACH COUNTY, RUTLAND, AND WESTSIDE MACON.

LAMAR COUNTY IS IN REGION 3 DOUBLE-A WITH MONTICELLO, DODGE COUNTY, BLECKLEY COUNTY, NORTHEAST, SOUTHWEST, AND WASHINGTON COUNTY.  

DOUG HEAD'S PRESENTATION OF THE CHAMBER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO THE LATE HAYS ARNOLD JR.

Hays Arnold, Jr.
Good evening! I want to thank the Board for giving me the distinct honor and pleasure of revealing to you the Chamber’s 2019 Lifetime achievement Award recipient. This award is given to someone whose work on behalf of the community has been exemplary over several decades.
And this is certainly the case of tonight’s recipient!
Hays Arnold was born and reared in Thomaston and attended public school here, graduating from Robert E. Lee Institute in 1957. He then attended Florida Southern College, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Hays was a charter member of the Epsilon Sigma chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity and was active in the Student Government Association and Young Republicans. He continued his education throughout his life and was always an avid reader. In his free time, Hays enjoyed fishing and playing golf.
Before he retired from business activities in 2008, Hays was a businessman in Thomaston and Atlanta for 44 years. Hays brought both the Century 21 and Coldwell Banker real estate franchises to Thomaston, which he later sold in order to concentrate his attention on his construction and development interests.
Hays was twice elected Mayor Pro Tem and was then elected Mayor where he served from 2004 through 2015.
Hays was grateful and proud to serve and he came from a rich heritage of public servants. His great-great grandfather and two great grandfathers served as mayors of Thomaston. In addition, his grandfather and father served on the Thomaston City Council. His father, also, served on the Upson County Commission for almost 20 years, serving over twelve of those years as Chairman.
Throughout his life Hays served on many boards, including the Board of Health, Three Rivers Regional Council, West Central Georgia Work Force Investment Board, Thomaston-Upson Office Building Authority, and Thomaston-Upson County Industrial Development Authority. Hays served as Chairman of the Three Rivers board and the Thomaston-Upson County Transportation Committee. Hays was an ex officio member of the Board of Directors of the Thomaston-Upson Chamber of Commerce during the twelve-year period he served as Mayor. Hays was a past President of the Chamber of Commerce. In 2010, Hays was appointed by Governor Sonny Perdue to the Upper Flint Regional Water Planning Council and was reappointed by Governor Nathan Deal in 2013. Governor Perdue also appointed Hays to serve on Georgia's 2010 Complete Count Census Committee. Hays was active in the Georgia Municipal Association, serving on the Legislative Policies Council for four years, and on Transportation and Environment/Natural Resources committees for 15 years
Hays was a Mason and a Shriner and was a Life Time member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Coast Guard Reserve on December 8, 1968.
Hays was married to Anna Cowart Arnold. Hays and Anna were always proud to confess their Christian faith, Charles Bennett, their Pastor, described Hays as a Pilgrim of the faith. Charles said that Hays loved his church, The Gathering in Thomaston, but more than that, he loved the church where-ever he was. He gave his church his full support whether with his presence, his finances or his talents. Hays and Anna have four children and eleven grandchildren and Hays was always extremely proud of them.
Sometimes you accomplish many things in life and win many awards and recognitions and certainly Hays was one of those people whose life was covered in accomplishments and awards, but in the end, it is all about how you impacted people…those around you. Hays certainly did this.
Hay’s illness caused him to be in the hospital and I visited him on several occasions. Inevitably our conversation would always turn to the Lord and the hope he had. Hays was so fearless and he was so confident about his relationship with God and where he stood with God, always being willing to witness to that fact.
My daughter posted something on Facebook the other day and I think it is something we should all think about and something certainly applicable to Hay’s life:
Imagine getting to Heaven and God saying this:
Before I laid the foundation of the earth, I thought of you and of the days you would live on earth. I planned out the people and the places I would give you. I laid out your neighbors and your workplace, the places you would attend school and your family. I
laid out enough days to do all the good works that I proposed for you and I equipped you with all you would need to accomplish those purposes here. I filled you with my spirit to encourage and remind you and lead you. I gave you my Word so you would know me and know what to do. I gave you people to be with and people who needed me.
Now let’s talk about how all that went.
Well when I think about that conversation with Hays I am very confident that The Lord would look at Hays and say, “Well done thy good and faithful servant!”
We are thankful to Hays for all that he did in our community and thankful to his family who shared him with us.
Now please welcome to the stage, Patrick Comiskey who will be accepting this Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the Hays Arnold family

UPSON BOC APPROVES CEMETERY

THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HAVE APPROVED A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR A CEMETERY ON DELRAY ROAD OWNED BY THE GREATER BIRTH MISSIONARY CHURCH OF GOD NOW IN SILVERTOWN.

THE PLANNING COMMISSION HAD RECOMMENDED DENIAL BECAUSE ITS CLOSE TO AN INDUSTRIAL HUB—THE BIZ-TECH PARK NEAR THE AIRPORT—AND THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS POSTPONED A DECISION UNTIL IT RECEIVED A SITE PLAN.

PASTOR WILLIAM HOLSEY PRESENTED THE SITE PLAN AT TUESDAY'S MEETING—INCLUDING SPECIFICS ABOUT THE ROAD TO THE CEMETERY FROM DELRAY ROAD AND THE BOARD APPROVED IT BY UNANIMOUS VOTE WITH 5 CONDITIONS .

THE CHURCH OWNS ABOUT 80 ACRES IN ALL—BUT PASTOR HOLSEY SAID THE CEMETERY WILL ONLY BE A SMALL PORTION OF THE PROPERTY—AND HE ADVISED IT WILL NOT BE VISIBLE FROM DELRAY ROAD. HE INDICATED THE CHURCH COULD RELOCATE TO THE SITE IN THE FUTURE.    

BERRY GLOBAL HOSTS NETWORKING NIGHT AT GORDON STATE

Plant Manager Richard Composto and Human Resources Manager April Asher shared the variety of products designed and created by Berry Global Inc. with Gordon State College students Business After Hours networking Monday night.

Berry Global manufactures plastic food film in its PVC Resinite Division in Griffin. The Griffin site opened in1970 and has benefited from five plant expansions on its existing 90 acres. Berry in Griffin employs a staff of 300.

Worldwide, Berry Global boasts $14 billion in sales, 49,000 employees and 355 facilities.

Composto said resumes should tell a story and should be clean, innovative and organized. Asher stressed resumes should be free from spelling and grammatical errors. She said education and roles with responsibilities are important highlights for graduates. They both encouraged students to create a professional Linked In account and carefully consider their posts on social media accounts.

“You have one chance to make a good impression,” Composto said. “Everyone is nervous. Don’t overstate your accomplishments but accurately state your skills. Be confident in what skills you have to offer.”

They hire skills and attributes, not always for disciplines in some areas of the production process but science and math backgrounds are always helpful as well as engineering. Problem solving skills, collecting data and quality control are helpful in protecting the company’s formula.

Asher told students to watch their body language and any clothing distractions. “When you are interviewing by phone, have your resume in front of you and know what you want to do with your degree,” she added. “When you are in person, you should know your history and don’t read your resume in front of me in the interview.”

Many Berry products are featured in grocery stores or restaurants as a film to cover food or package products.

Griffin’s plant is a larger plant for the corporation with 25 PVC blown film and 14 finishing lines. Griffin’s location at 1201 South Pine Hill Road is one of two plants in Georgia, with the other in Calhoun

Texas A&M Kickoff Set

Kickoff for the Texas A&M game has been set and two Georgia players received weekly honors from the SEC.

Full stories, click HERE

Kirby Smart Monday Press Conference

It's Auburn week, coach Kirby Smart and several players talked about Saturday's game at Auburn.

Click HERE

Dawgs Game Day Reminders

Dawgs Play Missouri in Athens.

Click HERE

HOLBERG WINS MAYOR OF GRIFFIN AGAIN AFTER RECOUNT

A FRIDAY RECOUNT IN THE CITY OF GRIFFIN MAYOR'S RACE GAVE CITY COMMISSIONER DOUG HOLBERG THE SAME MARGIN OF VICTORY---15 VOTES OVER OPPONENT DAA'OOD AMIN. THE VOTE WILL BE CERTIFIED THE FIRST OF THE WEEK.

THOMASTON-UPSON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDS

HE FORMER MAYOR OF THOMASTON, THE LATE HAYS ARNOLD JR. WAS THE RECIPIENT OF THE THOMASTON-UPSON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT THE ANNUAL MEETING—THURSDAY. EX-CITY MANAGER PATRICK COMISKEY ACCEPTED THE AWARD ON BEHALF OF THE ARNOLD FAMILY.

MAYOR PRO TEM DOUG HEAD PRESENTED THE AWARD.

OTHER CHAMBER AWARDS—ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD—THE LILY JANE

MOST IMPRESSIVE OF THE YEAR—HANNAH'S MILL ANIMAL HOSPITAL

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR TRIPLE S FARMS

PRIME TIME PLAYER OF THE YEAR—INTERFOR

MOST DEDICATED—S.S.BLACKSTOCK INCORPORATED AND TITAL WAVE.

HOMETOWN FAVORITE OF THE YEAR MILL TOWN SOAPS

MVP OF THE YEAR THOMASTON-UPSON ARCHIVES

HUSTLE AND HEART AWARD—PHYL GATLIN PHOTOGRAPHY

CHAMBER BOARD MEMBER OF THE YEAR NEAL TRICE

AND CHAMBER CHAIR GAVEL EXCHANGE—2019 CHAIR TRENNIS DUMAS TO INCOMING CHAIR—DARREN DAY.

UL AT SPALDING FRIDAY NITE ON FUN 101FM

UPSON-LEE CLOSES OUT THE REGULAR SEASON FRIDAY AT SPALDING ON FUN 101 FM AT 7PM. DEPENDING ON WHAT HAPPENS TONITE THE KNIGHTS COULD GO TO WOODWARD ACADEMY NEXT FRIDAY NITE IN THE PLAY-OFFS.

ALSO PIKE COUNTY HOSTS KENDICK OF COLUMBUS, GRIFFIN AT RIVERDALE, LAMAR COUNTY AT HOME WITH TEMPLE.

THE GA. BULLDOGS AND MISSOURI—SATURDAY AT 7 --PRE GAME AT 3 ON FUN 101.

A FEMALE SHOT IN THOMASTON

ACCORDING TO THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON--A FEUD BETWEEN NEIGHBORS APPARENTLY RESULTED IN A SHOOTING WEDNESDAY NIGHT AROUND 7;30 AT THE APARTMENTS ON PARK LANE.

CHIEF RICHARDSON SAID THE SUSPECT IS IN CUSTODY AND THE VICTIM 22 YEAR OLD BRIANNA SINGLETON IS IN ICU AT THE MACON MEDICAL CENTER AFTER BEING LIFE-FLIGHTED.

THE ALLEGED SHOOTER IDENTIFIED AS JAMARKUS HARRIS WHO FACES A NUMBER OF CHARGES.

NEIGHBORS IN THE APARTMENTS HAD DISAGREEMENTS OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS AND HARRIS WAS THE BOYFRIEND OF ONE OF THE MS. SINGLETON'S NEIGHBORS, THE CHIEF TOLD US.

CHIEF RICHARDSON SAID OFFICERS WERE IN THE AREA AND HEARD THE GUNSHOTS, AND CAPTURED HARRIS ON BARNESVILLE STREET AS HE FLED IN A VEHICLE.

SHOTS FIRED AT MONROE CO. DEPUTY

At approximately 7:50 pm, Tuesday, November 5, 2019, a Monroe County Sheriff's Office Deputy attempted to make a traffic stop for speeding on I-75 South near mile post 191. The vehicle, a 2013 Lincoln Sedan, did not stop and the Deputy gave chase. Near mile post 184 south, the Deputy attempted to perform a P.I.T. maneuver. However, as the Deputy began to move in, the passenger of the vehicle leaned out of the vehicle and fired three shots at the patrol car with one of those shots hitting the patrol car in the front passenger headlight. The vehicle continued to travel down I-75 south and exited at the Rest Area. The suspect lost control of the vehicle and wrecked into some trees. The driver and passenger of the vehicle immediately exited the vehicle on foot and each individual went separate directions.

Upon a search of the vehicle, Deputies discovered 5.1 ounces of suspected Meth, 1.3 ounces of suspected Cocaine, multiple size bags, a black scale and one gun.

With the assistance of Forsyth Police Department, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, Butts County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshall Fugitive Task Force and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the driver of the vehicle was captured near Pea Ridge Rd. and Hwy. 41 at approximately 12:30 am with a second gun in his possession. The driver was identified as Eugene Coreyl Wilson of Covington, Ga.

Wilson will be charged with Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Fleeing/Attempt to elude an officer, Driving without a License, Reckless Driving, Speeding 130+/70, VGCSA x2, and Possession of Drug Related Objects.

During this time, the passenger of the vehicle was identified as Justin Michael Donley of Rockmart, Ga. The search for Donley continued through the night into the morning. At approximately 8:20 am, Wednesday, November 6, 2019, Donley entered the BP station at the Rumble Rd. exit. The clerk at the store attempted to stop Donley, however, Donley took off on foot and he tried to wave down a vehicle. Deputies arrived at the scene and apprehended Donley minutes later near Jenkins Rd. and Rumble Rd.

Donley will be charged with Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, VGSA x2 and Possession of Drug Related Objects.

Both Wilson and Donley are currently being held at the Monroe County Jail and additional charges may be pending. Please see attached for Booking Photos.

TRAFFIC FATALITY IN UPSON COUNTY TUESDAY

POST 26 GA. STATE PATROL HAS CONFIRMED A FATALITY AND TWO INJURIES IN A HEAD-ON CRASH TUESDAY AFTERNOON ON HANNAH'S MILL ROAD NEAR ATWATER ROAD.

THE DECEASED —25 YEAR OLD JEREMY DUCHEMIN OF GROVETOWN, GA. WAS LIFE FLIGHTED TO AN OUT OF TOWN HOSPITAL WHERE HE DIED. ALSO INJURED—26 YEAR OLD TAYLOR WHEELER OF MEANSVILLE. AND THE OTHER DRIVER 25 YEAR OLD REANNON RIDGEWAY OF ATWATER ROAD—DRIVING A 2005 HIGHLANDER SUV. SHE WAS TRANSPORTED TO SPALDING REGIONAL BY AMBULANCE.

ACCORDING TO POST 26 GSP—MS. RIDGEWAY WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND AND ENCOUNTERED A BIKE RIDER—AND MOVED OVER TO GIVE HIM ROOM—BUT CROSSED OVER THE CENTER LINE INTO THE PATH OF DUCHEMIN WHO WAS NORTHBOUND DRIVING A CHEVROLET MALIBU.

THE GSP SKIRT TEAM REPORTEDLY WILL INVESTIGATE THE ACCIDENT.

HONOR FOR UL MIDDLE SCHOOL ASST. PRINCIPAL JEFF WHEELESS

Mr. Jeff Wheeless, Assistant Principal at Upson-Lee Middle School, was awarded the Mike Campbell Emerging Leader Award at the fall conference of the Georgia Association of Middle School Principals. This award is presented to an Assistant Principal who exemplifies excellence during his or her first 3 years as an administrator. Mr. Wheeless is in his second year as Assistant Principal at ULMS.

TWO ARRESTED IN THE SHOOTING AT WAFFLE HOUSE

TWO MEN FROM FLOVILLA HAVE BEEN CHARGED IN THE SHOOTING DEATH OF A MILNER, GA. MAN 27 YEAR OLD NICHOLAS P. BRYAN—SHOT AT THE WAFFLE HOUSE ON 1-75 NEAR THE LAMAR—BUTTS COUNTY LINE , EARLY FRIDAY.

ROBERT LEWIS HENDERSON JR.--SON OF BUTTS COUNTY COMMISSIONER ROBERT L. HENDERSON SR. HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH MURDER AND A COMPANION ANTONIO DEMARTY EVANS, AGE 39 CHARGED WITH TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE.

THE GBI SAID BRYAN ALLEGEDLY USED RACIAL SLURS AND HAD A CONFRONTATION WITH THE TWO MEN .

THOMASTON MAYOR STALLINGS REELECTED

THOMASTON MAYOR J.D. STALLING WAS RE-ELECTED TO A 2ND FOUR YEAR TERM IN TUESDAY'S ELECTION.

MAYOR STALLINGS POLLED 426 VOTES—CHALLENGER JOLEE BENTON GOT 124.

GA DOT LANE CLOSE UPSON CO. 19 NORTH

Lane Closure on US 19/Georgia 3 Northbound This Week for Widening Project Excavation

What: Crews working with the Georgia DOT project to widen US 19/Georgia 3 in the Thomaston area will be excavating near the roadway, and will close a northbound lane of traffic from the East County Road intersection to the Wynnbrook Drive intersection this week, from Wednesday, Nov. 6 through Friday, Nov. 8, 2019 from 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. each day. Signage and orange and white barrels will be used to block entry to the closed lane, and motorists are urged to slow their speeds through the work zone and stay alert to the workers and their equipment.

When: Wednesday, Nov. 6 through Friday, Nov. 8, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day

Where: US 19/Georgia 3 northbound from East County Road to Wynnbrook Drive in the Thomaston area, Upson County, Georgia

UL ELEMENTARY VETERANS DAY PROGRAM

Upson-Lee Elementary School students will present the annual Veterans Day program for the community on Monday, November 11, at 6 PM at the Upson-Lee Fine Arts Center. 

The program will pay tribute to all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Services. Local veterans are encouraged to attend and will be recognized during the program. 

The program is free of charge and open to the community. The Fine Arts Center is located on the campus of Upson-Lee High School at 268 Knight Trail.

STAND-OFF CITY OF GRIFFIN/ SPALDING COUNTY

THE STAND-OFF BETWEEN THE SPALDING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND THE CITY OF GRIFFIN CAME TO A HEAD AT MONDAY'S COUNTY MEETING. GRIFFIN CITY MANAGER KENNY SMITH ATTENDED AND ADDRESSED THE BOARD AND ASKED FOR A NEW CONTRACT FOR 800 MEGA-HERTZ SERVICE. ON A 4-1 VOTE THE COMMISSIONERS VOTED TO TABLE.

SEVERAL WEEKS AGO THE CITY OF GRIFFIN ASKED FOR A REFUND OF $58,000 PLUS INTEREST FOR THE 2018 CONTRACT FOR 800 MEGAHERTZ COMMUNICATION SERVICE FOR POLICE, FIRE, AND EMS BECAUSE THE CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY HAD EXPIRED. AND THE CITY OF GRIFFIN IS ALSO REFUSING TO PAY THE 2019 BILL.

IT CAUGHT THE COUNTY OFF GUARD AND COMMISSIONERS SUGGESTED CUTTING OFF THE CITY'S SERVICE—AND THEY CONTINUED WITH THAT IDEA MONDAY NIGHT. ADDRESSING CITY MANAGER SMITH, COMMISSIONER GWEN FLOWERS-TAYLOR—SAID--WE ARE NOT THE BAD GUYS IN THIS—YOU CAN ALWAYS GO BACK TO HAVING A DISPATCHER.

CITY MANAGER SMITH WAS ALARMED THE COUNTY WAS SUGGESTING CUTTING OFF SERVICE—NOTING ALL WE WANT IS A NEW CONTRACT—BUT THAT WAS TABLED.

TRAVON WALKER'S BEST GAME AGAINST THE GATORS?

RETURNING AFTER A WRIST INJURY---THOMASTON'S TRAVON WALKER MADE TWO TACKLES AND HAD A PASS BREAK-UP AS THE GA. BULLDOGS BEAT FLORIDA 24-17 IN JACKSONVILLE.

THE GA. BASKETBALL TEAM FEATURING THOMASTON'S TYE FAGAN OPENS THE SEASON WITH WESTERN CAROLINA TUESDAY AT 6;30 ON FUN 101FM.  

Dawgs Win Third Straight Against Gators

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