STATE REP KEN PULLIN NOT SEEKING RE-ELECTION

Georgia District 131 Rep. Ken Pullin, R-Zebulon, announced on Facebook Friday that he is not seeking re-election.

“I have been so honored and humbled to be able to serve District 131 and the State of Georgia for the past 2 years," Pullin said in the post. "I will never forget all the friends I’ve made and the support you have given me and my family. I pray that we can continue our friendships over the upcoming years.”

Pullin also said, “I also want to thank my wife, my children, and my mom for all their help, support, and love. Serving is a team effort and I’ve got a great team! I love you all so much! God Bless, Ken.”

District 131 includes all of Pike and Upson counties as well as the southern portion of Lamar County.

MONROE CO TEEN CHARGED WITH MURDER AND ARSON

A  MONROE  COUNTY  TEEN  WAS  ARRESTED  IN WESTERN  KENTUCKY  AND  CHARGED WITH  MURDER   AND  ARSON  FOR  A HOUSE FIRE  ON OLD  ZEBULON  ROAD  THURSDAY MORNING  THAT  KILLED  HER  21  YEAR OLD  BROTHER AND  POSSIBLY  HER  MOTHER.

16  YEAR  OLD CANDACE WALTON  WAS  ORIGINALLY  THOUGHT  TO  BE  ONE  OF  THE  TWO  VICTIMS --  BUT  SHE  WAS  ARRESTED IN  HER MOTHER'S  CAR.  THE  BODIES OF    HER  BROTHER,  GERALD WALTON AND  POSSIBLY HER MOTHER  TASHA  VANDIVER  WERE  TAKEN  TO  THE  GBI  CRIME  LAB  FOR  AUTOPSY  AND  POSITIVE  ID.

MONROE  COUNTY   SO   INVESTIGATORS TRAVELED  TO  KENTUCKY  TO  QUESTION  WALTON.

ITS OFFICIAL CHICK-FIL-A IS COMING TO THOMASTON

CHICK-FIL-A  HAS  POSTED A  SIGN  ANNOUNCING  THEY  ARE  COMING TO  THOMASTON  ON  19  NORTH  ACROSS  FROM  HOME  DEPOT. SHOULD OPEN  BY  MID-SUMMER WITH  DUAL  DRIVE-THRUS.

IT  WAS  STRONGLY  HINTED  WEEKS  AGO  WHEN  TWO  CHICK-FIL-A  COWS  SHOWED-UP  ON  THE PROPERTY-  REPORTEDLY  -POSTED  THERE  BY  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONER  PAUL  JONES  OF  THE  ROCK  RANCH--WHO  HAS  BEEN  ASSOCIATED WITH  THE  COMPANY  SINCE  1982.  PAUL  TOLD  US  HE WAS  WORKING  AT  THE  ATLANTA  AIRPORT  AND  REPAIRING  TRACTORS  FROM  TIME  TO  TIME  FOR  CHICK-FIL-A  FOUNDER  TRUETT  CATHY--WHEN  MR.  CATHY  PRESUADED HIM TO  JOIN HIS  COMPANY.

FINANCIAL AID TO ATTEND GORDON STATE COLLEGE

Affording college is a concern for many students and parents. More than one-half of Gordon State College students borrow money to pay tuition and other expenses, University System of Georgia data shows. Student loan debt accounts for nearly $1.5 trillion in federal and private loans, according to data from the Department of Education. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as the FAFSA, can create concerns and a need for professional help.

Gordon State College’s Financial Aid counselors are offering free assistance and answering questions in a dedicated night for this cause, FAFSA Night, scheduled for Tuesday, March 10 with sessions set for 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. in Gordon’s new award-winning Student Services Center, 419 College Drive in Barnesville. Reservations are suggested and dinner will be served.

Director of Financial Aid for Gordon, Jody DeFore, is no stranger to the concept of federal lending applications. Her office attempts to educate incoming freshman about financial aid and overall personal finance, thereby helping students learn to be responsible in taking out and paying back student loans.

The University System of Georgia’s “Know More. Borrow Less.” initiative aims to reduce barriers to financial aid and encourages students to graduate with less debt. The initiative strives to inform students of the aid process as well as educate them in the principle of borrowing less. The USG also has simplified and standardized debt notifications to students which help them better understand and track the amount of college loan debt they have and their repayment information. Students receive a letter that identifies the amount of the loans they received, estimated monthly payments and additional information about their loans.

“It is very important to my staff and me to make sure the students fully understand their loans,” DeFore said. “Students are also required to complete an on-line loan counseling program before the loans are given to them. Counselors are always available for one-on-one help, if requested by the student. We can help students make informed decisions about their loans.”

DeFore and two other counselors in the Financial Aid office at Gordon are parents of high-school seniors. They personally recognize the FASFA form can be both intimidating and overwhelming.

“Let’s be honest, the FASFA can be a challenge for everyone,” DeFore said. “Many of our students today are coming from very unique backgrounds along with many first-generation students. For this group of students, the FASFA can be very challenging. The FASFA will change each year especially with tax changes like we saw in 2019, which cause parents to question what needs to be submitted!”

Students who are eligible for the HOPE Scholarship are required to complete either a FASFA or a Georgia Student Finance Application, also known as the GSF App.

Sometimes parents and students anticipate they might be ineligible for financial aid based on their income; however, most students are at least eligible for unsubsidized loans. When the FASFA is completed, the information that is collected generates what is called an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), which is what determines the amount of federal aid the student is eligible to receive. Federal funding consists of student loans, which must be repaid, as well as the PELL Grant, which does not require repayment. The Pell Grant is limited to students demonstrating financial need who have not earned their first bachelor’s degree.

Students are not required to make payments on their loans until they graduate or stop attending for at least six months or fall below half-time status.

Gordon State College is eager to help upcoming Highlanders navigate the world of financial aid. Students thinking of attending next year are encouraged to come and bring their parents/guardians to FAFSA night and learn about applying for and receiving financial aid.

To register for this FREE event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fasfa-nights-at-gordon-state-college-tickets-96505666045

BOY SCOUTS HONOR SCOTT BLACKSTOCK

THE  BOY  SCOUTS  HONORED  THOMASTON  BUSINESSMAN SCOTT  BLACKSTOCK  WITH  THE   GOLDEN  EAGLE  AWARD  AT  THE  ANNUAL  BANQUET  TUESDAY NIGHT--RECOGNIZED  FOR  HIS  CONTRIBUTIONS  TO  THE  BOY  SCOUTS  AND  THE  COMMUNITY.

FLOOD SAFETY PREPAREDNESS WEEK

SPALDING COUNTY OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY / EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND GEMA ANNOUNCE UPCOMING 2020 FLOOD SAFETY PREPAREDNESS WEEK

Flooding can happen whenever it rains, with little or no time to prepare or evacuate. Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency recognizes Flood Safety Preparedness Week March 9-13. The week encourages residents and their families to prepare for flooding. “We want Georgians to be prepared for flooding, including evaluating their need for flood insurance, to reduce the damage to life and property and help them recover financially in the aftermath of a flood,” GEMA/HS Director Homer Bryson said. “Flood Safety Preparedness Week is the perfect opportunity for Georgians to educate and equip themselves so they can be ready when a disaster occurs.”

Flood Safety Preparedness Week showcases a new tip each day to inform you and your family on the hazards, safety and preparation for floods.

• Monday, March 9 – Flood Safety, Preparedness, and Awareness: Make a plan, build a ready kit and communicate with your household and community to so you’re prepared in case of a flood.

• Tuesday, March 10 – Turn Around, Don't Drown: Never attempt to drive through floodwaters. Two feet of moving water can carry away a full-sized car.

• Wednesday, March 11 – Flood Hazards: Stay out of floodwaters if possible. The water can be contaminated or electrically stalls. However, if your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, leave the vehicle and seek higher ground.

• Thursday, March 12 – NWS Water Resources and Services: Many homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover floods. Make sure you’re financially ready for a flood event by visiting www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program and remember: flood insurance takes 30 days to take effect, so sooner is better than later.

• Friday, March 13 – Partner Services: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) can provide you with resources and tips to help you prepare for a flood.

For more information and resources visit https://gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia or call the Spalding County Office of Homeland Security at 770-228-2129

ATTORNEY CATHERINE SANDERSON WILL QUALITY FOR JUDGE

FAYETTE  COUNTY  ATTORNEY CATHERINE  SANDERSON  HAS  ANNOUNCED  SHE  IS  RUNNING  FOR  THE  SUPERIOR  COURT  JUDGESHIP  VACATED  BY  JUDGE  ROBERT MACK  CRAWFORD.  SANDERSON  OPPOSED  JUDGE  CRAWFORD IN  THE  LAST ELECTION.

SANDERSON SAYS  SHE  IS  COMMITTED  TO RESTORING INTEGRITY AND  CONFIDENCE  IN  THE JUDICIAL  SYSTEM  IN  THE  GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT. SHE HAS  22  YEARS  OF DIRECT COURTROOM  EXPERIENCE.

BASKETBALL SEASON OVER FOR UL

THE  BASKETBALL  SEASON  FOR  THE  UL KNIGHTS  ENDED   TUESDAY   NIGHT  AT THE CASTLE  WITH A  LOSS  TO  DENMARK HIGH    71-68.  THE  KNIGHTS  GOT  DOWN  BY   14  POINTS IN  THE  3RD  QUARTER BUT  ROARED  BACK  WITH  A  CHANCE  TO  WIN,  BUT  A LATE SHOT  DID NOT  DROP.

UPSON CO MOTORIST KILLED IN CRAWFORD CO

 ACCORDING  TO  POST  26  GA.  STATE PATROL  IN  THOMASTON--AN  UPSON  COUNTY  MOTORIST  WAS  KILLED IN A HEAD-ON  COLLISION EARLY  TUESDAY  MORNING  ON  HIGHWAY   80   NEAR  BILLY  WHITE  ROAD  IN CRAWFORD  COUNTY. 


THE  VICTIM,  JUSTIN  TAUNTON , AGE  32 , OF 112  CREEKSIDE  DRIVE CROSSED THE  CENTER LINE WHILE  WESTBOUND   IN  A  2001  BMW   AND  HIT  A  SEMI  HEAD-ON .
THE  TRUCK  DRIVER , DAVID  BROOKS  OF MAUK,GA   WAS  TRANSPORTED  TO  THE  E.R.  THE  ACCIDENT  JUST  BEFORE   7AM  BLOCKED ALL LANES OF  TRAFFIC.

A MOTORIST TRAPPED IN A WRECK

ACCORDING  TO  REPORTS--A  MAN'S  ARM  WAS   CAUGHT   UNDER  A  CAR  THAT FLIPPED ON  74 WEST MONDAY NIGHT  AROUND  8PM  NEAR  WILSON'S  STORE  IN  UPSON  COUNTY.    HE  WAS  FREED  AND  TRANSPORTED TO  THE  E.R.

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

IDA AND CITY OF THOMASTON ADVERTISING FOR A NEW ATTORNEY

FOLLOWING AN  EXECUTIVE  SESSION, MONDAY,  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON DEVELOPMENT  AUTHORITY  VOTED  TO  POST  AN  AD  FOR  AN  ATTORNEY  FOR  THE  IDA,  AS  CURRENT  LEGAL  COUNSEL  JOEL  BENTLEY  AND  HIS  FAMILY  ARE   RELOCATING    OUT  OF  STATE.  THE  IDA SET A RETAINER FOR  BENTLEY  FROM  JUNE  IST  TO  DEC.  31ST  AT $1500  PER MONTH  AND   $200 PER  HOUR.

  DIRECTOR KYLE FLETCHER  SAID  THE  IDA  HOPES  TO  RETAIN   A NEW  ATTORNEY BY  THE  END OF  MARCH ,  BUT  WILL NEED  BENTLEY'S  ON GOING  ADVICE ON LEGAL  MATTERS AND HIS  EXPERTISE TO  BRING  THE NEW ATTORNEY  UP  TO  SPEED.

BENTLEY IS  ALSO  ATTORNEY  FOR  THE CITY OF  THOMASTON  AND  CITY HALL  IS  ADVERTISING  FOR  APPLICANTS  FOR  CITY  ATTORNEY   WITH  THE  WINDOW  TO  CLOSE THIS  FRIDAY  AT  NOON.  AS OF TUESDAY AFTERNOON  TWO  PROPOSALS  HAD  BEEN  RECEIVED. BENTLEY WILL  END  HIS  EMPLOY AS CITY ATTORNEY AT THE END OF  MAY. 

THOMASTON'S BOBBY POPE INDUCTED INTO THE GA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

THOMASTON  NATIVE  BOBBY  POPE  WAS  INDUCTED INTO  THE  GA.  SPORTS HALL OF  FAME   ALONG  WITH  GRIFFIN  NATIVE JEFF  TREADWAY OF  ATLANTA  BRAVES  FAME   --SATURDAY IN MACON. POPE IS  A MEMBER OF  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  COUNTY SPORTS HALL  OF  FAME.

POPE  STARTED  HIS  CAREER IN  BROADCASTING  AT  WSFT RADIO IN   THOMASTON AND  WENT  ON  TO  BECOME  SPORTS  DIRECTOR OF  WMAZ TV AND  RADIO IN MACON,    AND LATER   BECAME ATHLETIC  DIRECTOR  AT MERCER  UNIVERSITY  AND   SERVED ON    THE  GA.  SPORTS HALL OF  FAME  BOARD OF  DIRECTORS.

REZONING APPROVED AT 600 NORTH CENTER ST.

AT A CALLED MEETING  MONDAY  THE  THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL MET  FOR  GOING-ON  TWO  HOURS  BEFORE  VOTING  TO  REZONE  600  NORTH  CENTER  STREET  FROM C-2 COMMERCIAL  TO  M-2-CONDITIONAL--BUT  COUNCIL  EXPANDED  THE  CONDITION  TO  INCLUDE    ADDING ON   TO  THE  BUILDING  IF  MORE  SPACE IS  NEEDED.
.
ALAN  HARRIS  THE  PROSPECTIVE  BUYER  OF  THE  BUILDING  FROM  MARK AND  JEFF  ELLINGTON   TOLD COUNCIL  ITS  NOT  FINANCIALLY  VIABLE TO  BE LIMITED  TO ONLY   CLIMATE  CONTROLLED MINI  STORAGE UNITS  IN  THE  INTERIOR OF  THE  BUILDING--ALTHOUGH  THAT WAS THE  RECOMMENDATION  FROM THE  THOMASTON  ZONING  COMMISSION.

THE  CONDITION  APPROVED  BY  COUNCIL  INCLUDED  A PROVISION  THAT  ANY  ADDITION TO  THE    BUILDNG  BE  ARCHITECTURALLY  IN  TUNE  WITH THE  EXISTING  BUILDING.  COUNCIL  GOT  ASSURANCES FROM   HARRIS  THAT  ANY  ADDITION  WOULD BE AN  IMPROVEMENT  OVER  WHAT'S  THERE NOW.

THE  THOMASTON  ZONING  COMMISSION HAD  RECOMMENDED  THE  REZONING WITH  THE  PROVISION  THAT ONLY  THE  EXISTING  BUILDING  WOULD   BE USED   AND  THAT TROUBLED MAYOR PRO  TEM  DOUG  HEAD  WHO  MADE  THE  MOTION  TO  APPROVE.  HE --WAS  CONCERNED    THAT  ITS SPOT  ZONING  BUT  THERE  HAS  BEEN  OTHER  SPOT  ZONING OF  M-2 AND  M-2-C NEAR-BY.

THE  ELLINGTONS  SAID  THEY  HAVE  HAD    THE  BUILDING  ON  THE MARKET  FOR  5  YEARS WITH LITTLE  INTEREST--BUT  TWO  PARTIES HAD  APPROACHED  THEM  ABOUT  PUTTING IN A   BAR--WHICH  THEY   REJECTED.

GORDON STATE ANNOUNCES CLUB FOOTBALL

Gordon State College has announced plans to develop a club football team that will begin competition in Fall Semester 2020.

Club football is an 11-man, full-contact football league competing at the collegiate level. Unlike traditional intercollegiate sports, however, club teams are not funded by the institution’s athletic department. The GSC club football team will operate under the direction of the Office of Student Life and Recreation. Students interested in participating will pay an annual fee, and the team will also raise money through sponsorships and donations.

“Club Football is the perfect fit for our campus,” said President Kirk A. Nooks. “We know that many students want to participate and compete in athletics while they are in school. This outlet will serve as another avenue for our students and community to connect. This approach to club sports will complement our intercollegiate teams and bring to life our vision for a vibrant campus.”

UL KNIGHTS ADVANCE IN STATE PLAY-OFFS

UPSON LEE KNIGHTS  ADVANCE  IN  THE  STATE PLAY-OFFS  AFTER  BEATING  NORTH  OCONEE  63-56  THURSDAY  AND  PLAY  DENMARK  HIGH   TUESDAY AT  7PM  IN  THE  CASTLE  HERE ON  FUN   101-FM.


FORMER UL  COACH  DARRELL LOCKHART'S  VALDOSTA  TEAM IS OUT--LOSING  TO  HUGHES  55-52. THE  SPALDING  LADIES    WON 52-38 OVER OCONEE AND HOST  AMERICUS-SUMTER WED.

GRIFFIN  BOYS LOST  TO SOUTHWEST DEKALB  67-46. LAMAR COUNTY  LADIES  LOST  TO  WASHINGTON CO.59-42

ARMED ROBBERY IN GRIFFIN

On Thursday, February 20, 2020, between 8:00 and 8:15 pm, Officers with the City of Griffin Police Department Uniform Patrol Division were dispatched to Marco’s Pizza on Highway 16 West in reference to a robbery that occurred in the area of Turner Street. 

Officers learned from the victim that an order for food items had been called in and the address given for delivery was 603 Turner Street. The delivery driver arrived at the Turner Street address and saw a male standing on the porch. The victim then advised the male put a handgun to his head and demanded all the money in the driver’s possession. The victim stated there was between one hundred and two hundred dollars in the money bag. 

Based on the description of the suspects and their clothing provided by the victim, an Investigator in the Criminal Apprehension and Gang Enforcement Unit (CAGE) reported that he had been out with the subjects just prior to receiving the call at Marco’s. Officers responded to the area and were able to locate the suspects. The suspects were detained and transported to the Griffin Police Department for further investigation. 

Based on evidence and information uncovered during the ensuing investigation, two adults and two juveniles have been charged with Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Crime. The suspects are identified as: Djuan Head age 19 Andre Head, age 18. Female juvenile, age 15 and Male juvenile, age 12

THOMASTON DDA MEETS ON REZONING AT 600 NORTH CENTER ST./

A  PROPOSED  REZONING--  AT  600  NORTH  CENTER  STREET--TABLED  BY  THE  THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL TUESDAY--GOT A  GREEN LIGHT FROM  THE  DOWNTOWN  DEVELOPMENT  AUTHORITY  AT  A CALLED  MEETING  FRIDAY  MORNING.

LANE  COGGINS OF RESCUE  ME  ANTIQUES AND  GIFTS--THE  CHAIR OF  THE  DDA -- TOLD   101  NEWS  IT  WAS  THE  CONSENSUS  OF  THE  BOARD  THAT  THE  REZONING   FROM  COMMERCIAL  TO  M-2-C-- SHOULD  BE  APPROVED.

BUILDING OWNERS MARK  AND  JEFF  ELLINGTON WERE  QUESTIONED  BY  THE  DDA  AND MARK TOLD US--THEY  CLARIFIED  THE  CONDITION  THAT WOULD  BE  PLACED  ON  THE  PROPERTY--THE  OUTSIDE  APPEARANCE WILL NOT  CHANGE IF ITS  SOLD FOR  CLIMATE  CONTROLLED  STORAGE  UNITS.

THE  THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL  HAS  A  CALLED  MEETING  MONDAY  AT  NOON  TO  AGAIN  CONSIDER  THE  REZONING.

PIKE CO SO CAPTURES DEKALB SUSPECTS

Pike County Sheriff’s Deputies captured two suspects from an armed carjacking that took place in Dekalb County. Deputies attempted to stop a stolen Nissan Rogue at 8:08 p.m. last night. The driver refused to stop and a pursuit ensued on Highway 19 southbound through Zebulon.

The suspect tried to turn onto Highway 109 (east) and was unable to make the turn due to their speed. After becoming stuck in the mud, on the property of Life Springs Church , the occupants of the vehicle fled on foot. Five occupants ran in different directions from the scene.

A short time later one of the suspects was found hiding in the Dollar General. Angelo Barnett Jr., 18 years old from Lithonia, was arrested and found to be in possession of a handgun and the key fob to the vehicle. An additional suspect, Keith Stewart , 17 years of age from Lithonia, was also captured in the parking lot of the Dollar General.

The vehicle that was pursued by deputies was reported to have been taken on February 13th during an armed carjacking in Dekalb County. Inside the vehicle a mask was located along with other items that will be submitted for DNA testing.

Charges including theft by receiving motor vehicle , carrying a concealed weapon, fleeing and eluding, possession of a firearm during commission of a crime and numerous traffic violations are being filed against the suspects in custody.

The other suspects have not been located at this time and investigators are working to identify them.

Sheriff Jimmy Thomas would also like to thank the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office for providing an additional K-9 to assist

Bridge Underwater

The bridge on Dripping Rock Road at the Upson County / Pike County line is closed due to flooding on Elkins Creek. Emergency Management Director Martha Ann McCarty told Fun 101 that the water has begun to recede slightly but there is more rain in the forecast for early next week.

The bridge is constructed of wood and once the water is low enough, it will need to be inspected before traffic will be allowed back on it.

There is also flooding reported on Adams Ferry Road near the Flint River in the southern part of the county.

Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road, according to FEMA, a foot of water will float most vehicles.

BURGLARY AT DOLLAR GENERAL IN YATESVILLE

UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  SAYS  DEPUTIES  RESPONDED  TO  A  BURGLAR  ALARM  THURSDAY  MORNING  JUST  AFTER  6AM AT DOLLAR  GENERAL IN  YATESVILLE.

SOMEONE  THREW   A  BRICK  AND  SMASHED  THE  FRONT  DOOR AND  A  QUANITY OF  CIGARETTES  ARE  MISSING.

THE DOLLAR  GENERAL  IN MOLENA ON   74  WEST  HAD  A  SIMILAR  BURGLARY  EARLIER   THIS  MONTH.

3PM THURSDAY WEATHER ALERT FROM UPSON EMA

A cold rain continues to fall over much of north and central Georgia this afternoon with some reports of sleet & snow now mixing with the rain across the higher elevations of extreme north Georgia

LOCAL CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP MEETING

The Local Caregiver Support Group will meet at Monday, March 2nd, at
4:30 PM at St. Peter the Rock Catholic Church (located at 3594 Barnesville
Hwy., also known as Thomaston Rd.) in Thomaston, GA. All caregivers are welcome.

Caregivers can come in and head out as needed. They can also bring
along the ones they care for.

This group meets regularly on the first Monday of every month.

To sign up for a monthly email newsletter for caregivers, please contact Caroline at qucollins@gmail.com. You can also call her at 470-338-8274 for more information.

LISTEN TO FUN 101 ON ALEXA OR ECHO

LISTEN TO  FUN  101 FM  ON  YOUR ALEXA OR  ECHO.   PROGRAM  THE  TUNE-IN  RADIO  APP  INTO  YOUR  ALEXA  SKILLS OR  ECHO AND  SEARCH  THE  DATA  BASE  FOR  FUN 101/WTGA.

RECORD DONATION AT GORDON STATE COLLEGE

The Gordon State College Foundation received the largest donation in the history of the Foundation, a landmark $255,000 gift Wednesday from Gordon State College Foundation Board of Trustee Member and donor, Dan White, who has a long history with the College.

The $255,000 landmark gift, announced during the monthly meeting of the GSC Foundation Board of Trustees, will be designated toward a combination of eight endowed scholarships, an endowed lecture series and an endowed Fine and Performing Arts Series.

"Dan's leadership and contributions to this institution and community have been outstanding," said GSC President Kirk A. Nooks. "His generosity speaks to his desire to make a difference within this region. This investment will literally be a gift that keeps on giving. We arrived at this moment because of people who built an institution that means so much to so many. Future generations will benefit from this transformational legacy. That is truly the Power of We!”

White, from Yatesville, has family members who attend Gordon. His acquaintance to the institution is not new, and he has continuously been a generous supporter of the students, the Fine and Performing Arts Program and the History Program at Gordon State College. He has been a GSC Foundation Trustee since 2015. White is the co-founder and director of The Rural Library Project, Inc., a nonprofit organization working with rural municipalities to establish new and small libraries. He is also a partner in Passive Solar Design and Construction, Inc.

“I have seen this institution grow to what it is today, an educational resource for our region,” White said. “The personal investment on my part into this institution is to help further its mission regionally and state-wide. There are many ways to enhance the experience at Gordon, and I encourage others to invest in students whose access to college education is right here. My focus is students from rural areas. It is incredible to see the changes that have occurred here over my lifetime and realize what a treasure it is. ”

Montrese Adger Fuller, Vice President of Advancement, External Relations and Marketing and Executive Director of the Gordon State College Foundation said, "This gift is transformational, and we appreciate the long lasting legacy that Dan White is leaving for the students and programs at Gordon State College for many years to come."

This is the first Fine and Performing Arts Endowment at Gordon and is a timely response to a need for the program.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of Mr. White’s gift,” said Dr. Ed Whitelock, Department Head for Humanities and Programs in Fine and Performing Arts at Gordon State College. “We are helping students create experiences outside of the classroom that also benefit the arts in our service region.”

The GSC Foundation reported $656,359 in annual giving contributions for 2018-2019, and the GSC Foundation Board achieved 100 percent participation in giving to the college for 2019.

GUILTY PLEAS FOR MURDER OF A LAMAR COUNTY MAN IN UPSON CO

IN  FAYETTE  COUNTY  SUPERIOR  COURT  THURSDAY,  CAMERON  JONES  AGE  21  OF  THOMASTON  ENTERED  A   GUILTY  PLEA  TO  MALICE MURDER  AND  AGGREVATED  ASSAULT  FOR  THE  SHOOTING  DEATH OF  RODERICK  CRAWFORD OF  LAMAR  COUNTY   OVER A  YEAR  AGO AND   JONES  WAS  SENTENCED TO  LIFE IN  PRISON  PLUS   20  YEARS  CONSECUTIVE  BY  JUDGE  FLETCHER  SAMS.

THE  DISTRICT  ATTORNEY'S  OFFICE  ALSO  ANNOUNCED  JONES  ACCOMPLICE, KIERA  WILLIAMS, AGE   19  OF  ELLENWOOD  PLED  TO  THE  SAME  CHARGES AND  RECEIVED   THE  SAME  SENTENCE IN  SPALDING COUNTY  IN  OCTOBER  OF  2019.

PROSECUTORS  EXPLAINED  WILLIAMS  PLEA  WAS NOT  REVEALED  SO  AS NOT  TO  TAINT   THE  JURY  IN  JONES  TRIAL  SET  FOR NEXT MONTH IN  UPSON  SUPERIOR  COURT.

THE   GBI  AND  UPSON  SHERIFF'S  OFFICE  INVESTIGATED CRAWFORD'S  MURDER AND  EVIDENCE  INDICATED  CRAWFORD  RESPONDED  TO  AN  ESCORT  SERVICE ON  THE  INTERNET  AND WAS  MURDERED AND  HIS  BODY  LEFT  BEHIND  AN  EMPTY  MOBILE  HOME  IN  LINCOLN PARK.

  THE  D.A.'S  OFFICE   TOLD  US   AT THE  PLEA   HEARING  THURSDAY,  CRAWFORD'S  FAMILY  WAS  PRESENT  AND  AGREED WITH  THE  PLEA AND  SENTENCE.  UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  AND HIS  DEPUTIES WERE ALSO   IN  THE  COURTROOM. THE  SHERIFF  SAID   THE  HEARING  WAS MOVED  FROM  THE  UPSON  COUNTY COURTHOUSE FOR  SECURITY  REASONS  AS JONES  HAD  ISSUED  THREATS  BEFORE  HIS  FIRST APPEARANCE  IN  UPSON  SUPERIOR  COURT.

NEWLY  APPOINTED  DISTRICT  ATTORNEY  MARIE  GREENE  BRODER AND  ASSISTANT  D.A.  ASHTON  FALLIN  REPRESENTED  THE  STATE AT THE  HEARING.

JONES AND  WILLIAMS  STILL  FACE  MURDER  CHARGES  IN  CLAYTON  COUNTY  IN  ANOTHER  CASE.

A CAR FLIPPED INTO A CREEK

THOMASTON  POLICE  INVESTIGATED  AN  ACCIDENT INVOLVING  AN  AMBULANCE   AND  ANOTHER  CAR     WEDNESDAY    MORNING  AT  EAST  MAIN  AND  GLENDALE--A  CAR  THAT CAME  TO  REST UPSIDE  DOWN  IN  A  CREEK. THE  DRIVER OF THE  SATURN  AUTO  AND  A  CHILD OCCUPANT  WERE  TRANSPORTED  TO  THE  E.R.  WITH  MINOR  INJURIES. NO  INJURIES IN THE  AMBULANCE.

MAJOR  SIDNEY  CORLEY  TOLD   101  NEWS  AN  AMBULANCE FROM MCDONOUGH  WAS   PASSING  THROUGH  THOMASTON  TRANSPORTING  A PATIENT ON  EAST MAIN  WHEN  THE SATURN  PULLED OUT IN  FRONT OF  THE  AMBULANCE .  THE  IMPACT    SPUN IT  AROUND  AND  SENT  THE  CAR  INTO  THE  CREEK--LANDING UPSIDE  DOWN.

THE  AMBULANCE HAD  MINOR   FRONT  END  DAMAGE,  THE    SATURN IS TOTALED. THE  SATURN  DRIVER  WILL  BE  CHARGED  WITH  FAILURE TO  YIELD  --MAJOR  CORLEY  TOLD  US.

JUDGE COKER'S SWEARING-IN SET

THE  NEW   5TH  SUPERIOR  COURT  JUDGE    OF   THE  GRIFFIN  JUDICIAL  CIRCUIT,  FORMER  DISTRICT  ATTORNEY  BENJAMIN   COKER WILL BE  SWORN-IN   
   THURSDAY  MARCH  5TH   AT  1PM   BY  GOVERNOR  BRIAN  KEMP IN  THE  NORTH  HALL  OF  THE  STATE  CAPITAL.

JUDGE  COKER  SAYS  HIS   OFFICE  WILL  BE  IN  THE  UPSON COUNTY  COURTHOUSE. 

STATE REP KEN PULLIN REPORTS FROM THE GA. CAPITAl

Week Five Last week, we returned to the State Capitol for the fifth week of the 2020 legislative session. Two weeks ago, we voted on a legislative calendar to postpone meeting on the House floor in order to devote additional time to the state budgeting process, and last week, the House Appropriations subcommittees held several meetings to work to finalize the Amended Fiscal Year 2020 (AFY 2020) and Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 2021) budgets. Crafting the state budget is always an arduous process, and the fifth week of session proved to be especially significant as we dedicated our time to gathering more information on potential budget adjustments for the current and upcoming fiscal years and discussed budgetary priorities.

As a recap, Governor Brian Kemp previously instructed our state agencies to reduce spending by four percent in AFY 2020 and six percent in FY 2021, saving taxpayers millions of dollars on inefficient operational costs. Gov. Kemp’s recommended budget would reduce operational spending by $216 million in the AFY 2020 budget and an additional $341 million in the FY 2021 budget. Even with these reductions, the FY 2021 budget is still set at several hundred million dollars above the current fiscal year’s budget. After hearing from state agencies throughout our subcommittee meetings, we gained a better understanding of the proposed budget and how state dollars may be appropriated for statewide services.  Mental Health Services Over the last ten years, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Resources has worked to secure additional state funding to improve mental health services and bolster programs that provide treatment for citizens with substance abuse issues in Georgia, and this week, we learned more about budget adjustments in these areas. The governor’s proposal for the AFY 2020 budget would amend the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ budget to save $34.3 million, and general funds for the agency would be reduced by more than $45.9 million in the FY 2021 budget. These reductions include: more than $4.9 million in the AFY 2020 budget that the General Assembly allocated last year for an additional 144 residential treatment beds for six facilities across the state that treat people with addictive diseases. adult mental health services would see a reduction of nearly $3.5 million in AFY 2020 and more than $7.4 million in FY 2021 under the governor’s proposal. child and adolescent mental health services would be reduced by almost $12.8 million this fiscal year and approximately $14.1 million in the upcoming fiscal year.  Access to Rural Healthcare There are areas of Gov. Kemp’s budget that include services that our rural communities often rely on. Each of the state’s 159 counties has its own local health department, which is sometimes the closest, if not the only location where citizens in rural areas can receive health care services. These health departments provide preventative care, offer innovative telehealth services for residents to receive care remotely via video conference and conduct necessary environmental health inspections of restaurants and hotels. Under Gov. Kemp’s proposal, the Department of Public Health would see a reduction of approximately $6.4 million in the AFY 2020 budget that would affectgrant funds for county health departments, as well as an additional reduction of more than $9.2 million in funding for these departments in the FY 2021 budget. Furthermore, the Department of Community Health’s funding would be reduced by $630,000 in both the AFY 2020 and the FY 2021 budgets. These reductions would affect programs that attract and retain doctors in rural Georgia, as well as loan repayment awards for health care providers. There is also a proposed reduction of $463,000 in one-time funds for the state’s Rural Health Innovation Center, which the General Assembly previously appropriated to confront the health care challenges and disparities in rural Georgia. Over the last several years, the House has led the charge in creating legislative solutions that aid rural communities, and improving the quality of life and ensuring access to basic health care services for rural Georgians continues to be a priority in the House. Ag Education We also spent time examining proposed budget adjustments for agricultural education and research programs that aid the state’s farmers and agricultural industry in a variety of ways. In prior budgets, the General Assembly appropriated additional funding for programs like the University System of Georgia’s Agricultural Experiment Stations (AES) and Cooperative Extension Services (CES). We currently have three AES locations throughout the state that conduct ground-breaking research on crops, turf, environmental factors, livestock and food safety. Moreover, the CES program, which has local extension offices across the state, has provided Georgia farmers with free, reliable and unbiased research-based programs, publications, workshops and other resources for more than a century. We learned that under Gov. Kemp’s AFY 2020 budget proposal, the AES and CES programs would be reduced by approximately $6.2 million, and the programs would see a reduction of more than $7.6 million in the FY 2021 budget. This would reduce funding for vacant positions, contractual services, operating expenses and maintenance costs for these programs. Agriculture is the number one industry in Georgia, and my colleagues and I will remain committed to maintaining this title as we consider funding for these programs.  GBI Crime Labs We also discussed proposed funding for the state’s crime labs that handle and process sexual assault evidence. In 2016, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 304, or the “Compassionate Care for Victims of Sexual Assault Act,” to address rape kit backlog at the time and overhaul the way our state handles and processes these evidence kits. In 2018, the House announced that a backlog of 3,005 sexual assault kits had been tested, and 321 of these kits resulted in DNA matches that identified criminals. Last week, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and informed us that the agency is experiencing another backlog. GBI receives approximately 200 kits per month but are only able to test an average of 106 kits each month with the current number of scientists that are employed. If GBI continues to process these rape kits at their current rate, there could be more than 2,000 backlogged kits by the end of 2020. Gov. Kemp’s budget proposal for AFY 2020 reduces GBI funds by $1.6 million for unfilled scientist positions. GBI director Vic Reynolds told the subcommittee this week that despite the cost saving measures, he will work to ensure that the backlog does not reach the same levels that we experienced in 2016. The Port of Savannah While we worked on the state budget this week, we received word that the federal government is taking steps to support the growth and expansion of the Savannah harbor and Port of Savannah, which is one of the busiest ports in the country and an economic driver in our state. President Donald Trump announced that his budget proposal includes $93.6 million in funds for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, which will deepen Savannah’s harbor to allow for larger vessels. This vital project has a total projected cost of $1 billion, and these federal funds will help the project stay on track to finish by 2022. Additionally, the Georgia Ports Authority announced that the Port of Savannah has been awarded $34.6 million through the Port Infrastructure Development Grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation to modernize the port’s loading docks. The Port of Savannah plays an important role in global commerce, and these investments will provide a great opportunity for the port to remain a worldwide leader in imports and exports. What's Next? By the end of last week week, the House Appropriations Committee began voting on portions of the AFY 2020 budget from the subcommittees on transportation, education and economic development. This week, the House Appropriations Committee is expected to take up the remaining portions of the amended budget from the other appropriations subcommittees and consider the entire AFY 2020 budget bill as a whole. In the meantime, we will also keep working to finalize the FY 2021 budget bill. While the state budget bills continue to make their way through the legislative process, I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you have regarding the state’s budgeting process or any budget recommendations. Upson and Pike County Seniors One of my favorite days of the year- Upson and Pike Seniors visiting the Capitol! They were lobbying hard to make sure our Senior Citizen Centers are funded for the upcoming year. Hog Show Competition I had a great time attending the Hog Show competition between the Pike, Upson, and Monroe FFA and 4H students last week. Congratulations to the winners!

Rep. Ken Pullin serves on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Human Relations and Aging, and Small Business Development. He represents the 131st House District which includes Upson, Pike, Lamar counties. He may be reached at 404.656.0188 or by email at ken.pullin@house.ga.gov. Copyright © *2019* *Pullin for Georgia*, All rights reserved. Our Capitol address: 504-F Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg. 18 Capitol Square SW Atlanta, GA 30334 404.656.0188 - Office Our District address: P.O. Box 295 Zebulon, GA 30295 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

CHAD JACOBS MOVING TO A NEW POSITION IN GRIFFIN

CHAD JACOBS  PLANNING  AND  ZONING  DIRECTOR  FOR  SPALDING  COUNTY  IS  RESIGNING  TO  TAKE  A  SIMILAR  POST  WITH  THE  CITY OF  GRIFFIN.  JACOBS  AT  ONE  TIME  WAS  PLANNING DIRECTOR  FOR  UPSON  COUNTY.

UGA STUDENTS RESCUED IN SPALDING CO.

On Saturday February 15th, 2020 at 10:44 p.m., deputies with the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding 7 adult males that had been reported missing in the 800 block of Baptist Camp Road. 

When deputies arrived on scene they were contacted by Austin Grant. Grant told the deputies that he and approximately 40-45 other students from the University of Georgia were there on a camping trip and 7 of the students decided to go on hike in the woods around 8:30 p.m. None of the students took a flashlight or cellphone with them. According to Grant, the remaining students searched for the ones that were lost for approximately two hours before calling 911 to report them missing and get help. 

Due to the fact that the temperature outside was cold and dropping, it was sprinkling rain intermittently, they were not properly clothed for the weather they were in, and they were without water or shelter, Sheriff Dix activated the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit (STAR) to conduct an air search for the missing students. While conducting a grid search of the area, STAR located a small campfire several hundred feet in the woods about a little less than a mile away from where the students originally began their walk. 

Deputies on the ground were guided to the area by STAR and all 7 people were located huddled around the fire they had built. They were cold and wet, but otherwise unharmed. In interviews conducted after the rescue, it was learned that the students became lost while participating in a fraternity initiation, and they were not allowed to have cell phones, flashlights, or other personal items while participating in the initiation. 

Sheriff Darrell Dix stated that, “The actions of the initial responding deputies, investigators, and deployment of STAR piloted by Chief Deputy Tony Thomason, with Captain Joe Peavy acting as Tactical Flight Officer, resulted in this successful ending. This whole incident was the result of a fraternity initiation that put the students that were missing in a potentially dangerous situation due to the fact that all the students involved underestimated the weather. They forget how fast something that was meant to be funny can turn into a serious situation."