SPALDING CO. SENIORS CENTER NOT BED BUGS

On October 25, 2019, a Spalding County Senior Center participant reported bug bites on his skin to staff. Staff contacted Peachtree Pest Control, our contracted vendor, and shared pictures of the bites. Peachtree Pest Control reviewed the pictures and stated, “it does not look like bed bug bites.” Peachtree Pest Control recommended vacuuming the floor and furniture daily and since there is no evidence of bugs in the furniture it is highly unlikely there are bed bugs.

As a precautionary measure, staff removed the chair that the participant utilized daily from the building. The chair was treated and left outdoors for three days. Furnishings and carpet were vacuumed daily by inmate custodial crews. On December 5th the same participant reported to staff bites to his skin after sitting in the library. Staff informed Senior Management and Three Rivers Regional Commission who provides Senior Transportation services and library access was closed at the Senior Center. Staff was informed that Heavenly Cares Personal Care Home in Griffin had a bed bug problem and two participants that resided there had stopped attending the Senior Center.

Three Rivers AAA – Area Agency on Aging advised that the personal care home should provide proof of treatment and bug eradication to Center staff prior to residents being allowed to return to the Center. Staff contacted Peachtree Pest Control and scheduled an inspection for the following week. On December 6th the Senior Center Staff met with Senior County Management regarding the situation. Senior County Management reached out to Philip Hensley, Spalding County Extension Agent.

Senior Management and Mr. Hensley contacted Glass Termite & Pest, Inc. who inspected the Senior Center that afternoon. Traces of possible activity was found in the chair that had previously been removed and from a bench that had been located in the hallway. All benches were removed and Glass Termite & Pest, Inc. expressed this was a very early detection. The library showed no other evidence of bugs but remained closed. On December 10th, Senior Transportation busses were cleaned and treated and Senior Management conferred with Dr. Dan Suiter, Professor of Entomology at UGA School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences UGA Griffin Campus and an inspection by a bed bug sniffing K-9 was recommended and agreed upon.

On December 12th the Spalding County Motor coach was inspected by Red Coat Services and there was no evidence of bed bugs. Red Coat Services utilizes specially trained K-9’s to detect bed bugs. Red Coat Services, Glass Termite & Pest, Inc., Dr. Suiter and Spalding County staff inspected the Senior Center on December 13th. Red Coat’s inspection concluded “a small amount of feces was found on a hallway bench, that had been removed from the Center a week before the inspection. No other evidence of bed bug activity was found.”

After this inspection, a press release was issued regarding the Senior Center being closed for Cleaning and Maintenance December 19th -20th and through the holidays, reopening December 26th. County Manager, William Wilson stated: “We are extremely proud of our Senior Center and the services provided there. Our Seniors are a great asset to the community and to set everyone’s mind at ease we are taking that extra step to clean and treat the facility.”

Although no evidence of bed bugs was found inside the Center during the inspection on December 13th, in an abundance of caution, on December 19th a deep cleaning to the Spalding County Senior Center took place followed by the treatment of the entire Center on December 20th. Continued treatment will include inspections every 7-10 days for 7 weeks and quarterly inspections moving forward.

HUSBAND AND WIFE INJURED THURSDAY NIGHT WRECK- UPSON CO

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAID POST 26 GA. STATE PATROL INVESTIGATED A SERIOUS ONE VEHICLE ACCIDENT THURSDAY NIGHT AT TRIUNE MILL ROAD AT TRICE CEMETERY ROAD.

ACCORDING TO THE GSP --A HUSBAND AND WIFE WERE LIFEFLIGHTED TO ATLANTA---THE DRIVER KEVIN RYAN HUNNICUTT TO ATLANTA MEDICAL CENTER AND KAYLEIGH K. HUNNICUTT TO GRADY.

STATE TROOPER JACOB OLIVER—TERMED THEIR INJURIES “VERY SERIOUS.”MR. HUNNICUTT WAS CHARGED WITH DUI AND HE FLED THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT WITH HIS WIFE TRAPPED IN THE CAR.

HE WAS SOUTHBOUND ON TRICE CEMETERY ROAD AND TRAVELING TOO FAST AND THE KIA AMANTI WENT THROUGH THE STOP SIGN, LEFT THE ROAD AND HIT A TREE WITH ITS RIGHT FRONT SIDE—AND FIRST RESPONDERS WERE UNABLE TO FREE MS. HUNNICUTT -- BECAUSE THE CAR WAS PINNED AGAINST THE TREE.

A WRECKER PULLED THE VEHICLE AWAY FROM THE TREE AND MS. HUNNICUTT WAS FREED.

MR. HUNNICUTT WAS FOUND A SHORT WAYS DOWN THE ROAD HIDING BEHIND A SMALL TREE WITH A PRONOUNCED ODOR OF ALCOHOL ON HIS PERSON AND CLOTHING.

THE GSP CHARGED HUNNICUTT WITH DUI, SERIOUS INJURY BY VEHICLE, FAILURE TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN, FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LANE, TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS, SEATBELT VIOLATION, DRIVING ON SUSPENDED LICENSE AND LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT.

TWO INJURED IN WRECK

ACCORDING TO POST 26 GA. STATE PATROL-THOMASTON--TWO MOTORISTS INJURED IN WHAT WAS ALMOST A HEAD-ON COLLISION AT 19 NORTH AND JEFF DAVIS ROAD DEC. 21ST.

84 YEAR OLD HORACE BISHOP OF NORTH GREEN STREET WAS LIFE-FLIGHTED TO A MACON HOSPITAL AND THE OTHER MOTORIST KIMBERLY BEARDEN OF WOODARD ROAD—ZEBULON WAS TRANSPORTED BY EMS TO THE GRIFFIN HOSPITAL.

THE GSP REPORT SAID MR. BISHOP WAS NORTHBOUND ON 19 ATTEMPTING TO TURN-INTO JEFF DAVIS ROAD AND HE TURNED IN FRONT OF MS. BEARDEN. HEAVY DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES.

30 NEW JOBS FOR GRIFFIN

Mitsui Kinzoku Die-Casting Technology America, Inc. to build new facility, create more than 30 jobs in Spalding County

ATLANTA – December 26, 2019 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced today that Mitsui Kinzoku Die-Casting Technology America, Inc. (MKDA), a Japanese-based automotive parts manufacturer, will build a new manufacturing facility in Griffin, creating over 30 new jobs and investing $20 million in the project.

“We are grateful that MKDA chose to locate this new manufacturing facility in Griffin,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “This marks the fifth location by a Japanese company in this region in the past six years. That growth is a result of the community’s foresight, commitment and partnership in attracting significant Japanese investment in Georgia. This facility will bolster Georgia’s booming automotive industry and ensure its success in the coming years, and we are proud to work with our local economic development partners to assist great international companies in locating to Georgia.”

MKDA will manufacture products for the automotive industry – specifically focused on electric vehicles – at its new facility in Griffin.

“We are honored to locate our U.S. manufacturing site in the beautiful city of Griffin,” said Hiroyuki Nakazawa, president of Mitsui Kinzoku Die-Casting Technology Co., Ltd. “MKDA will strive to be a company that is rooted in the local community.”

With great potential for future growth, MKDA intends to continue expanding its facility in Griffin and create more jobs in the community in the coming years.

“We are pleased to welcome Mitsui Kinzoku Die-Casting to The Lakes at Green Valley,” said Chuck Copeland, chair of the Griffin-Spalding Development Authority. “The preliminary designs they have shared with us for their facility depict a world-class manufacturing facility which will be a strong addition to our tax base, as well as create a number of quality jobs for our area.”

GDEcD Project Manager Joseph Huntemann represented the Global Commerce Division on this project in partnership with the Griffin-Spalding Development Authority.

About Mitsui Kinzoku Die-Casting Technology America, Inc. (MKDA)

MKDA’s parent company, Mitsui Kinzoku Die-Casting Technology Co., Ltd., has been conducting die cast manufacturing since 1953. They are the world’s first manufacturer of heat sinks for mass-produced automobile LED headlamps. Their global headquarters in Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture has a magnificent view of Mt. Fuji.

CITY OF THOMASTON SEWER LINES SUFFER TOO MUCH RAIN

RAIN RAIN AND MORE RAIN MAXED OUT THE CITY OF THOMASTON'S SEWER SYSTEM SUNDAY ACCORDING TO CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON. SOME SEWER BACK-UPS REPORTED AT WOOD VALLEY APARTMENTS ON HANNAH'S MILL ROAD AND MANHOLES IN THE GOSHEN ROAD AREA OVERFLOWED.

CITY MANAGER THOMPSON SAID CREWS GOT THE CALL SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND WORKED TILL LATE INTO THE NIGHT TRYING TO RELIEVE WATER IN THE PIPES.

NEW DIR. OF ADMISSIONS GORDON STATE COLLEGE

Gordon State College recently named Erin Layton as Director of Admissions.

Layton will be responsible for developing short and long-term strategic goals for recruitment and enrollment, in alignment with divisional and college wide strategic plans. Layton will also ensure the proper planning and execution of all events associated with student recruitment and relationship management.

“I am thrilled to join this amazing leadership team that President Kirk A. Nooks and Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Dr. John Head have put together,” said Layton. “Gordon State is clearly on the path to great things and I'm excited to be a part of this team that is moving us towards that greatness. I have had the joy of knowing members of Gordon's admissions team from the road for several years and I'm looking forward to getting to know the operations team as we all work together to bring in future classes that will call Gordon home. I am also looking forward to working with the team to create smoother processes for prospective students and creating unique experiences that showcase the best Gordon has to offer. I can't wait to get to campus and start working with Gordon's students, staff, and faculty as we continue to discover what great things the Power of WE can accomplish!”

Layton serves as the Associate Director of Admissions at University of West Georgia (UWG) and is responsible for managing the recruitment team. She was hired at UWG as the Senior Admissions Representative. Layton has also worked as the Enrollment Center Coordinator at West Georgia Technical College, overseeing admissions, cashier, adult education and Veterans' programs. She was responsible for setting up their communications plan, created the orientation program, and served on various committees. She has also held the position of Director of Admissions at Emmanuel Christian Seminary in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Head said, “Erin is going to be a great addition to Highlander Nation! She has a wealth of experience in Admissions, having worked at the University of West Georgia, West Georgia Tech, and at Emmanuel Seminary. She has proven herself to be an effective leader and has built a successful team at each institution.”

Layton holds an undergraduate degree in broadcasting from Georgia Southern University, a Master of Arts in Religion from Emmanuel School of Religion and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Student Affairs Leadership from the University of Georgia.

Layton will begin working with GSC as the Director of Admissions Monday, January 6, 2020.

UL ELEMENTARY A GA. REWARD SCHOOL

According to the Georgia Department of Education and the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, Upson-Lee Elementary is “Beating the Odds” and has been named a Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) 2019-20 Reward School. Reward Schools, as designated by the GaDOE, are among the greatest improving 5% of Title 1 Schools throughout the state. ULES posted a 14.1 point gain this year in the CCRPI, going from a score of 62.4 in 2018 to 76.5 in 2019. In addition to improving CCRPI scores, Reward Schools must maintain or improve the performance of certain subgroups, to include Economically Disadvantaged, English Language Learners, and Students with Disabilities.

TU Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico and Assistant Superintendent Julie English visited ULES on Friday, December 20, to deliver the good news.

“This is a huge accomplishment, and we appreciate you all,” English stated as she addressed the faculty and staff.

Dr. Derico stated, “We are extremely proud of the ULES faculty, staff, students, and their families for meeting the challenges, for overcoming barriers, and for ensuring that we provide excellence in education at all times to all students.”

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVES 2020 BUDGET

vTHE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVED THE 2020 BUDGET ON DEC. 17TH -- A $32 MILLION BUDGET UP 3%. POLICE OFFICERS AND ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT LINEMAN GET A 5% PAY RAISE AND OTHER EMPLOYEES A 2%.

THE BUDGET CONTAINS A 1 MILL TAX INCREASE ALLOCATED FOR A NEW FIRE DEPARTMENT BUILDING. CITY HALL WAS SEEKING A $200,000 SURPLUS DEDICATED TO FUNDS OWED MEAG FOR THE PLANT VOGTLE PROJECT BUT WILL BE SHORT ABOUT $20,000 DUE TO THE PAY RAISES.

CITY CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER LONNIE BOYCE—TOLD 101 NEWS THE BUDGET CONTAINS 5 NEW POSITIONS. AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT--$42,000 WITH BENEFITS,

AN ADDITIONAL CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER $46,000

AND THREE NEW PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES A TOTAL OF $123,000.

AMONG THE CUTS TO THE BUDGET $25,000 FOR A DOG PARK

FUND RAISER FOR THE FAGAN'S FIRE VICTIMS

BETTY AND EDDIE LEWIS FAGAN LOST EVERYTHING IN A HOUSE FIRE AT 1121 HIGHWAY 80. A FUND RAISER IS SCHEDULED FOR THE FAGAN'S MONDAY, DEC. 23RD AT 6PM AT SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH.

UGA's Signing Day Press Conference

Today was the beginning of the early signing period for college football players to put their signature on official letters of intent with the college of their choice.

The University of Georgia had a good day and late Wednesday afternoon, Coach Kirby Smart spoke with the media about the days events.

CLICK HERE

UPSON CO. COMMISSIONERS 2020 APPOINTMENTS

THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HAVE MADE THESE APPOINTMENTS FOR 2020.

STEVE RUSH REAPPOINTED TO THE IDA

SCOTT BLACKSTOCK RECOMMENDED FOR THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TO REPLACE RETIRING BARNEY HANCOCK.

RONNIE PORTWOOD TO THE BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS

MOTORCYCLE FATALITY IN UPSON CO.

A HOUSTON COUNTY MAN WAS KILLED IN A MOTORCYCLE WRECK MONDAY ON PLEASANT GROVE ROAD NEAR YATESVILLE.

33 YEAR OLD DANIEL KYLE DARSEY OF PERRY WAS DECEASED WHEN AN UPSON COUNTY DEPUTY ARRIVED AT THE SCENE.

ITS SPECULATED HE WAS TRAVELING SOUTH , LOST CONTROL IN A CURVE AND HIT A CEMENT LAND MARKER

TRANSFER AGREEMENT GORDON ST. AND SCTC

Gordon State College (GSC) and Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) signed a transfer articulation agreement Tuesday that will provide educational opportunities for currently enrolled and potential students of both institutions.

Under this agreement, students completing an Associate Degree in General Studies from SCTC are eligible to pursue a bachelor’s degree from GSC in Human Services, Health Information Management, Interdisciplinary Studies or Management and Administration.

GSC President Kirk A. Nooks said, “Southern Crescent Technical College has always been a partner in preparing students for the workforce. This articulation agreement shows that students can complete their academic journey locally and maintain their commitment to developing the regional talent base.”

SCTC President Alvetta Peterman Thomas said, “The ongoing partnership between Southern Crescent Technical College and Gordon State College demonstrates the commitment both institutions have to creating opportunities for the students and the communities that we serve.” This agreement provides an avenue for students earning an associate degree in General Studies to have a seamless transfer opportunity to pursue additional education in Human Services at Gordon State College. At Southern Crescent Technical College, we are focused on helping our students reach their educational goals as we strive to build strong students, strong careers, and strong communities.”

This agreement establishes a plan where an undergraduate student may first attend SCTC to complete an associate degree and then transfer to Gordon State College to complete a bachelor’s degree on campus, online or at Gordon State’s McDonough Center. The agreement would allow students to transfer without the risk of losing any credit hours.

GSC Assistant Vice President of Innovative Education and Strategic Initiatives Dr. Ric Calhoun said, “Southern Crescent is a great educational partner and this agreement will help to strengthen the partnership, as well as providing a clear path for their graduates to baccalaureate degrees on our campus. I look forward to the continuing relationship between our two institutions.”

Acceptance of transfer credits from SCTC to GSC rely on a minimum grade of C for any course designated for transfer of course credit, college level courses equivalent in content and standards to GSC courses and a minimum of 30 credits must be earned at GSC to be eligible for graduation.

GSC Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. C. Jeffery Knighton said, “We are very excited to be strengthening our relationship with our higher education partner in middle Georgia. This MOU is another great example of how, together, we are helping students prepare for meaningful, productive lives.”

This articulation agreement is the second agreement GSC has made with SCTC this year, with the first allowing the transfer of credit from SCTC’s associate degree program in Consumer Economics into the four-year bachelor's degree program at Gordon.

THOMASTON POLICE TO GET 5% RAISE IN 2020

AT TUESDAY NIGHT'S MEETING OF THE THOMASTON MAYOR AND COUNCIL—THE COUNCIL VOTED 5-0 TO GIVE POLICE OFFICERS AND ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT LINEMAN A 5% PAY INCREASE AND OTHER EMPLOYEES A 2% RAISE IN THE 2020 BUDGET.

ABOUT 20 CITIZENS INCLUDING SOME POLICE OFFICERS TURNED OUT AT A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE BUDGET IN SUPPORT OF THE 5% PAY HIKE.

BICYCLE ICON STANLEY PICKARD STRUCK BY A CAR

THOMASTON BICYCLE ICON STANLEY PICKARD IS RECOVERING IN A MACON HOSPSITAL AFTER HE WAS STRUCK BY A CAR ON HANNAH'S MILL ROAD LAST WEEK. HIS LITTLE PUP MOSES WAS NOT INJURED.

ACCORDING TO FRIENDS—STANLEY WAS ADMITTED TO THE ICU WITH HEAD TRAUMA--BUT IS NOW IN A PRIVATE ROOM.

ACCORDING TO THE GSP HE WAS STRUCK BY A 2007 ACURA DRIVEN BY ALISA SANDERS OF MOORE DRIVE. NO CHARGES FILED AGAINST THE MOTORIST BY THE GA. STATE PATROL.

NEW DUNKIN STORE IS OPEN

THE NEW DUNKIN STORE IS NOW OPEN IN NORTHSIDE THOMASTON—FORMERLY CALLED DUNKIN DONUTS.

IT REPRESENTS 20 NEW FULL-TIME JOBS AND AN INVESTMENT OF OVER ONE MILLION DOLLARS.

FINALISTS NAMED FOR 5TH SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE

THREE OF THE FOUR FINALISTS FOR THE NEW 5TH SUPERIOR COURT JUDGESHIP IN THE GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ARE FROM UPSON COUNTY.

JUVENILE JUDGE BEN J. MILLER JR. , DISTRICT ATTORNEY BENJAMIN COKER AND HIS CHIEF ASSISTANT D.A. MARIE GREENE BRODER.

THE 4TH FINALIST IS FAYETTE COUNTY STATE COURT JUDGE JASON THOMPSON.

11 NOMINEES WERE INTERVIEWED BY THE STATE JUDICIAL NOMINATING COMMISSION LAST WEEK AND THE FOUR FINALISTS WERE ANNOUNCED ON FRIDAY.

GOVERNOR BRIAN KEMP WILL MAKE THE APPOINTMENT.

HOUSE FIRE IN UPSON

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAYS THE AMERICAN RED CROSS HAS BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT HELPING A FAMILY WHOSE HOUSE WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE SUNDAY---AT 1121 HIGHWAY 80 CULLODEN—THE RESIDENCE OF BETTY AND EDDIE LEWIS FAGAN. MS. FAGAN SAID SHE WENT INTO THE KITCHEN AND SAW FLAMES ON THE STOVE AND GOT HER HUSBAND OUT OF THE RESIDENCE.

U-L's Tye Fagan Sets Career High In Loss

Upson-Lee's Tye Fagan set a career high in the loss to Arizona State Saturday night in Tempe, Arizona.

For More Click HERE

PIKE COUNTY HAS A NEW COUNTY MANAGER

THE PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HAS HIRED RON E. ALEXANDER—PLANNING DIRECTOR OF GARDEN CITY—AS THE NEW COUNTY MANAGER AND HE REPORTS JAN. 13TH.

HE'S ALSO WORKED FOR BRYAN COUNTY AND HENRY COUNTY.

U-L's Travon Walker Named To Freshmen All SEC Team

Upson-Lee's Travon Walker was named to the Freshmen All Southeastern Conference Team on Thursday.

For more click HERE

BOIL WATER ADVISORY HAS BEEN LIFTED

THE BOIL WATER ADVISORY HAS BEEN LIFED IN NORTHSIDE. ACCORDING TO BEN BERRYHILL OF THE UPSON COUNTY WATER SYSTEM THE TEST CAME BACK NEGATIVE FOR BACTERIA . C.W. MATTEWS CONSTRUCTION CO. STUCK A WATER LINE DURING THE 19 NORTH WIDENING PROJECT AND A BOIL WATER ADVISORY WAS ISSUED WEDNESDAY—BUT IT HAS BEEN LIFTED.

HOUSE FIRE CAUSED BY CHRISTMAS TREE

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAID THURSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO A HOUSE FIRE TUESDAY AT 1730 ROLAND ROAD—APPARENTLY CAUSED BY A CHRISTMAS TREE.

THE OCCUPANT BRANDON JOHN GILMER , HIS WIFE AND DAUGHTER LEFT THE RESIDENCE AND WHEN THEY RETURNED OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE DWELLING. THERE IS FIRE DAMGE TO THE FRONT ROOM AND KITCHEN AND SMOKE DAMAGE.

GRIFFIN'S NEW MAYOR SWORN IN

The City of Griffin made history at Tuesday’s Commission workshop, swearing in Douglas S. Hollberg as the first four-year Mayor in the City’s 179-year history.

Beginning January 1, 2020, Doug Hollberg will serve at the City’s first Mayor after serving the past sixteen years as the At-Large Commissioner. In 2018, voters approved changing the City’s charter by converting the At-Large Commission seat to a four-year mayor elected by the citizens. Previously, a Chairman was elected each year by members of the commission. “I’m incredibly humbled that the people of Griffin elected me as the first four-year mayor in the City’s history.”

Doug Hollberg is a 1990 graduate of North Georgia College with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, a graduate of Leadership Georgia 2000 and an Eagle Scout. Doug served as Commission Chairman in 2008, 2015 and 2018. He and his family operate a small family business, Hollberg Properties. Doug is also employed by Rivers Insurance as an Independent Property and Casualty Insurance Agent since 2014. Married for 29 years to the former Pamela Joy Parsons of Washington, Georgia, the Hollbergs have two children and reside at 812 Maple Drive. They are members of First Baptist Church of Griffin.

Mayor-elect Hollberg continued, “Like my father before me, I’ve dedicated a portion of my life to serving the people of Griffin,” said Hollberg. “I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Griffin as Mayor and working to make Griffin the best place to live, learn, work, play and retire.

CITY OF THOMASTON PAY RAISES 3% FOR ALL ?

AT A 2020 BUDGET WORKSHOP LAST FRIDAY—THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL TENATIVELY AGREED TO A PAY INCREASE OF 3% ACROSS THE BOARD FOR ALL CITY EMPLOYEES.

STAFF HAD RECOMMENDED A 5% PAY HIKE FOR POLICE OFFICERS AND ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT LINEMAN BECAUSE OF RETENTION ISSUES AND 1.75% FOR ALL OTHER EMPLOYEES—BUT THERE HAD BEEN COUNCIL OBJECTIONS.

COUNCILMAN JEFF MIDDLEBROOKS SAID GIVING MORE TO SOME CAUSES MORALE PROBLEMS IN THE RANKS AND COUNCIL MEMBER LAKEYTHA REEVES SAID IF EMPLOYEES SUCH AS POLICE AND LINEMAN WANT HIGHER PAY THEY ARE FREE TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON HAD TOLD COUNCIL THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ARE GIVING UPSON DEPUTIES A 5% PAY RAISE AND DEPUTIES ALREADY GET HIGHER ENTRY LEVEL PAY THAN POLICE.

COUNCIL WILL HOLD THE FINAL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING NEXT TUESDAY AT 6PM AND THE FINAL BUDGET VOTE AT 7PM.

NEW OFFENSIVE LINE COACH AT UGA

Matt Luke, former head coach at Ole Miss, has been named Associate Head Coach and Offensive Line coach at the University of Georgia according to an announcement Tuesday by UGA head coach Kirby Smart.

Luke has a long history of coaching the offensive line at Ole Miss, Duke, Tennessee, and Murray State in addition to serving as co-offensive coordinator at both Duke and Ole Miss.

“We are extremely excited and fortunate to have Matt join our staff,” said UGA head coach Kirby Smart. “He’s a proven football coach who has a wealth of experience on the offensive side of the ball, especially in the offensive line. He has a great reputation among those who have played for him and it’s obvious watching his teams over many years that players love him and play hard for him.”

A former offensive lineman at Ole miss from 1995-98, Luke began his career as a graduate assistant at Ole Miss in 1999. His previous coaching stops which led to his head coaching position at Ole Miss included Murray State (OL, 2000-2001), Ole Miss (OL/TE, 2002-2005), Tennessee (OL/TE, 2006-07), Duke (Co-OC/OL, 2008-2011), Ole Miss (Co-OC/OL, 2011-2016), and Ole Miss interim head coach (2017). He was named head coach at Ole Miss where he served from 2018-2019.

A native of Gulfport, Miss., Luke was a standout at Gulfport High School before enrolling at Ole Miss. He graduated from Ole Miss in 2000 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Along the way he served under head coaches David Cutcliffe at Ole miss and Duke, Ed Orgeron at Ole Miss, and Hugh Freeze at Ole Miss.

Luke is married to the former Ashley Grantham of Oxford, Mississippi, and the couple has two sons, Harrison (born Feb. 18, 2008) and Cooper (born July 20, 2011). His father, Tommy, was a defensive back at Ole Miss in the 1960s while his brother, Tom, quarterbacked the Rebels from 1989-91.

TPD NABS WANTED SUSPECT

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON SAID A SUSPECT WHO HAS BEEN ON THE LAMB FOR SOME TIME-- IS NOW IN THE UPSON COUNTY JAIL---MARTEZ DEMOND TERRY IN HIS 30'S.

TERRY HAD NUMEROUS OUTSTANDING FELONY WARRANTS AND THE NARCOTICS TASK FORCE GOT A TIP HE WAS LEAVING THE PARKING LOT OF WAL MART THURSDAY AFTERNOON AROUND 4PM IN A RED HONDA AND UNITS SCRAMBLED TO CHASE HIM DOWN.

TERRY CUT THROUGH HARDEE'S PARKING LOT TO SHORT E STREET AND MADE HIS WAY TO WEAVER PARK WHERE OFFICERS BOXED HIM IN AND ARRESTED HIM.

IT WAS NOT A HIGH SPEED CHASE—THE CHIEF SAID—BUT HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO GET AWAY FROM THE LAW.

AMONG THE OUTSTANDING WARRANTS—AGGREVATED ASSAULT, TERRORISTIC THREATS AND POSSESSION OF A FIREARM BY A CONVICTED FELON.

ARREST BURGLARY IN PROGRESS

THOMASTON POLICE TOOK A SUSPECT INTO CUSTODY AFTER A REPORT OF A BURGLARY IN PROGRESS IN THE 100 BLOCK OF THURSTON AVE. WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.

MAJOR SIDNEY CORLEY TOLD 101 NEWS---A NEIGHBOR SAW THE BEARDED MALE SUBJECT ROAMING THE STREET AND THE RESIDENT CAME HOME AND FOUND THE FRONT DOOR KICKED-IN. NOTHING REPORTED MISSING.

MAJOR CORLEY SAID POLICE HAD A PREVIOUS ENCOUNTER WITH THE SUSPECT, EARLIER IN THE DAY.

THOMASTON COUNCIL WORKING ON EMPLOYEE PAY HIKES

THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL HAGGLED OVER PAY RAISES FOR EMPLOYEES IN THE PROPOSED 2020 BUDGET—DURING A WORK SESSION—TUESDAY. DUE TO RETENTION ISSUES STAFF RECOMMENDS MORE FOR CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICERS AND ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT LINEMAN—BUT COUNCILMAN JEFF MIDDLEBROOKS SAID GIVING MORE TO SOME—HURTS MORALE.

POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON TOLD COUNCIL ENTRY LEVEL COPS PAY IS $500 BEHIND THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND HE HAD AN OFFICER NOTIFY HIM JUST LAST WEEK HE'S RESIGNING TO TAKE A JOB WITH LOCUS GROVE P.D. AT HIGHER PAY.

STAFF RECOMMENDS A 5% PAY RAISE FOR POLICE AND LINEMAN AND 1.75% FOR ALL OTHER EMPLOYEES. CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON SAYS CITY HALL IS WORKING TOWARD A $200,000 SURPLUS IN THE 2020 BUDGET EARMARKED FOR ME-AG/PLANT VOGTLE DEBT.

JASON PROCTOR WINS CO. COM IN PIKE COUNTY

JASON PROCTOR IS PIKE COUNTY'S NEW 3RD DISTRICT COUNTY COMMISSIONER. IN TUESDAY'S RUN-OFF HE OUT-POLLED JEROME FINLEY 129 TO 121.

WITH A FULL BOARD THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ARE EXPECTED TO MOVE FOWARD TO HIRE A NEW COUNTY MANAGER.

THE TWO FINALISTS ARE BRANDON ROGERS, CURRENTLY PIKE COUNTY'S BUILDING AND GROUNDS SUPERINTENDANT AND RON E. ALEXANDER—CURRENTLY WITH GARDEN CITY, GA. AS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR.

TPD INVESTIGATED A STABBING

THOMASTON POLICE ARRESTED A FEMALE FOR A STABBING INCIDENT IN THE BACKYARD OF 426 B. STREET—SHANDRA CORBIN OF HIGHWAY STREET CHARGED WITH AGGREVATED ASSAULT FOR CUTTING HER DAUGHTER'S BOYFRIEND ON THE ARM.

THE VICTIM—32 YEAR OLD JONATHAN WHITE WAS TREATED AND RELEASED AT THE E.R.

SGT. GEORGE LITTLE TOLD 101 NEWS—THE TWO GOT IN AN ARGUMENT AND CORBIN PRODUCED A KITCHEN KNIFE AND SLASHED WHITE.

HE WAS CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY FOR DAMAGING THE FRONT DOOR OF MS. CORBIN'S CAR.  

GDOT HAS APPROVED DESIGN OF THE 5-WAY STOP-THOMASTON

The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) has approved the location and design of Project #0006967 for Upson County, a project that would improve the operations of four intersections on the Georgia 74/Georgia 36 one-way pair in downtown Thomaston. The design and location were approved on November 18, 2019.

The project is located in Land District 10, Land Lot 217, and G.M.D. 56 in downtown Thomaston, Upson County, Georgia on the one-way pair on Georgia 74 and Georgia 36. Georgia 74 is a major east-west corridor that runs through the heart of downtown Thomaston, Georgia and is functionally classified as an urban principal arterial. Georgia 36 briefly shares the same one-way pair of alignments with Georgia 74 as it runs through downtown and is classified as an urban principal arterial. The project corridor has a large volume of trucks and has operational and crash incident issues at four intersections: Georgia 36/Georgia 74 at Green Street (2 intersections) and Georgia 36/Georgia 74 at Bethel Street (2 intersections).

The proposed project would improve the operations of the four intersections along the Georgia 74/Georgia 36 one-way pair by realigning the intersections and improving geometry, including implementing a roundabout at the five-way intersection within the east portion of the project (Georgia 36/74, Hightower Street and N. Bethel Street). The proposed roundabout would: maintain and promote better connectivity, minimize property impacts, reduce crash frequency and severity by reducing contact points, reduce the speed at which impacts may occur, improve sight distance through improved geometric design and better accommodate pedestrians by creating highly visible ADA compliant crosswalks where appropriate sight distance is achieved. State route traffic will not be detoured. Local streets may be detoured if necessary. The estimated construction time is 12 months.