August COVID-19 Report

August has been the deadliest month since the pandemic began in March, the state recorded 1,880 deaths, April had been the previous high with 1,007.

The state finished the month with 270,471 confirmed cases an increase of 84,119 or 31.1% more than July. 2.55% of the population has been infected.

Testing increased 48.83% over July.

Upson county reported 190 new cases, a 40.34% increase and 10 deaths.

Pike county reported 91 new cases, a 48.92% increase and 4 deaths.

Spalding county reported 335 new cases, a 40.02% increase and 12 deaths.

Lamar county reported 104 new cases, a 47.49% increase and 7 deaths.

Monroe County Man Killed Following Altercation On Georgia 42

A domestic incident in Monroe county led to the shooting death of a Forsyth man Sunday.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, deputies were sent to a location on Ga. 42 around 12:30 a.m. where they found two wrecked vehicles and 35-year-old Michael High of Forsyth dead of a gunshot wound.

Deputies arrested Wendell Scott, 38, of Decatur and High's girlfriend Cierra Bell, 26, also of Decatur, at the scene. Both are currently being held in the Monroe County Jail.

Investigators said Bell had been gambling with Scott at a location in Oglethorpe and called High to pick her up. On the way back to Forsyth, the couple got into an argument, Bell got out of the car and started walking. 

Scott was driving back to Decatur, saw Bell walking and pulled over to offer her a ride. Moments later, High rear-ended Scott's car then slid into the ditch.

High got out of the damaged car, walked up to Scott and was shot.

The investigation is ongoing.

Georgia Holds First Scrimmage

The University of Georgia football team held it's first scrimmage of the fall on Saturday, Coach Kirby Smart conducted a virtual meeting with the media afterward, to read the entire press conference:

Click HERE

Friday Board Of Education COVID-19 Report

The Thomaston-Upson School System was informed of the following confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students, faculty, and staff today, August 21, 2020. 

All Thomaston-Upson employees and students who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate at home for 10 days. They must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. Numbers reported are not cumulative. The health and well-being of all students, staff, and the greater community continue to be of primary importance. Feel free to contact your child’s school if you have questions.

Upson-Lee High School

• 1 confirmed positive student case. Student was already quarantined for exposure.

Upson-Lee Middle School, Upson-Lee Elementary School, Upson-Lee Primary School, Upson-Lee Pre-K, and Upson-Lee Alternative had no new cases today.

Weekly COVID-19 Report

The number of confirmed cases in Georgia is 265,372, the number of deaths is 5,471, Hospitalizations 24,333, ICU admissions 4,433.

The number of new cases reported since last Friday is 15,742. The mortality rate is 2.06%.

Statewide, testing increased slightly over last week a total of 166,882. The positive rate is 11.09%.

Upson county reported 1 death, Spalding 4, Lamar 2, Monroe 6, Meriwether 1, Taylor 2 and Fayette 4.

Crawford county reported their first 3 deaths.

August has been the deadliest month of the pandemic thus far with 1,719 deaths reported, the previous high was 1,007 in April.

Fulton county has the highest number of cases with 24,586 and the highest number of deaths with 503.

County	Cases	Deaths	New Cases
Upson	646	54	0
Pike	271	8	10
Spalding	1,152	48	73
Lamar	322	16	15
Monroe	587	39	65
Butts	556	40	30
Meriwether	477	9	30
Talbot	154	5	2
Taylor	134	6	22
Crawford	148	3	19
Coweta	2,201	26	257
Fayette	1,539	38	145
Unknown	2,497	4

The Georgia Department of Health releases updated information daily at 3 pm.

For the complete report, click HERE 

CITY OF THOMASTON ETHICS HEARING POSTPONED

THOMASTON CITY HALL INFORMED 101 NEWS FRIDAY AFTERNOON--TUESDAY'S 4;30 PM ETHICS HEARING BASED ON COMPLAINTS AGAINST MAYOR PRO TEM DOUG HEAD HAS BEEN POSTPONED BECAUSE CITY MUNICIPAL COURT WILL BE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER. NO WORD ON WHEN IT WILL BE RESCHEDULED.

BLACK LIVES MATTER DEM IN DOWNTOWN THOMASTON

WHILE THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MARCH WAS UNDERWAY IN WASHINGTON D.C. FRIDAY--A DEMONSTRATION WAS UNDERWAY IN DOWNTOWN THOMASTON.

A MAN WAS ON THE SQUARE HOLDING A B.L.M. SIGN, ONE SIGN SAID B.L,M. BLUE LIVES DON'T. APPARENTLY A REFERENCE TO THE POLICE SHOOTING IN WISCONSIN.

Thursday Board Of Education COVID-19 Report

The Thomaston-Upson School System was informed of the following confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students, faculty, and staff today, August 27, 2020.

All Thomaston-Upson employees and students who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate at home for 10 days. They must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. Numbers reported are not cumulative. The health and well-being of all students, staff, and the greater community continue to be of primary importance. Feel free to contact your child’s school if you have questions.

Upson-Lee High School

• 1 confirmed positive case among students
• 2 staff have been quarantined at home due to exposure/close proximity
• 37 students have been quarantined at home due to exposure/close proximity

Upson-Lee Middle School

• 1 faculty/staff has been quarantined at home due to exposure/close proximity
• 1 student has been quarantined at home due to exposure/close proximity

Upson-Lee Primary School

• 2 students have been quarantined at home due to exposure/close proximity

Upson-Lee Elementary, Upson-Lee Pre-K, and Upson-Lee Alternative had no new cases today.

UPSON CO COVID-19 DATA SCRUBBED BY STATE

On Tuesday of this week the Georgia Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 Daily Report showed Upson County’s total case numbers at 29 cases LESS than Monday’s total.

District 4 Public Health was contacted and they explained that about once a week the District “scrubs the data.” They look at addresses to make sure the cases are recorded for the correct county, and they look for any duplicate entries where the same name is recorded more than one time. Usually there are very few if any errors, but this explains why you may occasionally see one or two cases or deaths drop off a county’s totals.

This week there just happened to be multiple duplicates. This can happen, for example, if a person is tested at a doctor’s office and the specimen is sent to an outside lab; the lab reports the results and then the doctor’s office unknowingly reports it as well. District 4 has removed the 29 duplicates and Upson’s data is now correct on the state report.

THOMASTON MAYOR AND COUNCIL MET WED. ON RE LEE ISSUE

The Mayor and Council of the City of Thomaston met for a called session on 08/26/2020, at which much discussion, deliberation, and thought was given to requests that have been made regarding changes centered around Confederate imagery at the government complex. 

The Mayor and Council of the City of Thomaston unanimously agreed to the following: 

The City government is exempt from the provisions contained in our local ordinance which require a certificate of appropriateness from the Historical Preservation Commission. Typically, a certificate of appropriateness is required from the Historic Preservation Commission prior to any material change in the appearance of a historic property, a structure, site, object, or work of art within a historic district. The Government Complex is part of a historic district that was created by a local act, specifically, City Ordinance 818, which was adopted by City Council on August 17, 1993. 

State law exempts local governments from having to obtain a certificate of appropriateness. 

The City Government only need give the Commission prior notice of its intent to act. City Council also recognizes that state law has specific protections for monuments. Given the breadth of definition to the term “monument” in state law, any changes that were requested regarding the Government Complex could be construed contrary to the intent of the statute. 

As such, the City Council unanimously agreed to take no action that would appear to violate the law. The meeting that was scheduled to discuss the matter on September 8th, 2020 has been canceled. 

The Mayor and Council do recognize that this is an issue of significant concern and interest to the citizens of Thomaston; both those who support changes, as well as those who do not. The Mayor and Council appreciate the citizen input that they have received regarding this matter, and want to continue the discussion in hopes that all parties have greater understanding and respect for opposing views and ideologies. 

The City Council is going to continue exploring alternatives to address citizen concerns pertaining to this matter and welcome any public suggestion that leads to community unity. Thomaston is a great town, full of great people who I know can overcome the challenges we face as a society in today’s world. 

The Mayor and Council wish to express their thanks to City Manager, Russell Thompson and City Attorney DeAnn Wheler for their time, effort and due diligence in researching and reviewing all areas related to the sensitive and complex matter. 

THREE RIVERS UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DROPS

Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Three Rivers’ unemployment rate decreased in July.

Additionally, Three Rivers saw monthly increases in labor force and employment in July.

“As the state continues to reopen, we are going to see wild fluctuations up and down of the unemployment rate across the state,” said Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler. “The numbers that we really need to focus on are the most important ones, such as increases in workforce and employment which we are continuing to see in almost all regions and counties.”

In Three Rivers, the unemployment rate decreased in July to 8.1 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point. A year ago, the rate was 3.8 percent.

The labor force increased in July by 4,269. The July total was 246,251. That number is down by 4,395 from the total from July 2019.

Three Rivers ended July with 226,308 employed residents. The number increased by 4,086 in July and was down 14,896 as compared to last year.

Initial claims for unemployment decreased by 21 percent in July. When compared to last July, claims were up by about 934 percent.

Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 3,060 active job postings in Three Rivers for July.

Visit gdol.ga.gov to learn more about career opportunities, Employ Georgia, and other GDOL services for job seekers and employers. Don’t forget to connect with us on social media.

Wednesday Board Of Education COVID-19 Report

The Thomaston-Upson School System was informed of the following confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students, faculty, and staff today, August 26, 2020. 

All Thomaston-Upson employees and students who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate at home for 10 days. They must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. Numbers reported are not cumulative. The health and well-being of all students, staff, and the greater community continue to be of primary importance. Feel free to contact your child’s school if you have questions.

Upson-Lee High School

• 1 confirmed positive case among students
• 26 students have been quarantined at home due to exposure/close proximity

Upson-Lee Elementary School

• 2 confirmed positive cases among students
• 2 students have been quarantined at home due to exposure/close proximity

Upson-Lee Primary School

• 1 confirmed positive case among students
• 7 students have been quarantined at home due to exposure/close proximity

Upson-Lee Middle School (Updated 8/26 at 6:23 PM)

• 2 students have been quarantined at home due to exposure/close proximity

Upson-Lee Pre-K, and Upson-Lee Alternative had no new cases today.

GA. DEPART COM HEALTH UPSON NURSING HOME COVID-19 REPORT

Upson County Nursing Homes August 25, 2020 Weekly COVID-19 Update
Source: GA Department of Community Health https://dch.georgia.gov

Since last week HARBORVIEW has reported no new positive cases and no new deaths, and has zero active resident cases.

PROVIDENCE has reported no new positive cases and no new deaths, but continues to have one active resident case.

RIVERSIDE has reported one new positive case and 2 new deaths. In the past week 9 of their active cases have recovered and they are now down to 7 active cases.

Overall, the 3 nursing homes have reported a cumulative total of 169 positive residents and 44 deaths, bringing the mortality rate to 26%.

PIKE TEEN IN A FATAL ACCIDENT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED

THE 13 YEAR OLD 9TH GRADER STRUCK AND KILLED BY A CAR ON HIGHWAY 18 IN PIKE COUNTY MONDAY HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS EVAN HURT--WHO DIED SEVERAL HOURS AFTER THE ACCIDENT.

AN ACCOUNT HAS BEEN SET UP FOR HIS FAMILY AT FIRST BANK OF PIKE AND A GOFUNDME ACCOUNT--"HELP FOR THE HURTS."

FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD FRIDAY AT 4 PM AT CHRIST CHAPEL CHURCH WITH VISITATION 2 TO 4 PM AT THE CHURCH.

GRIFFIN COMMISSIONERS DENY CONTROVERSIAL REZONING

TUESDAY'S VIRTUAL MEETING OF THE CITY OF GRIFFIN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WAS MARRED BY AUDIO PROBLEMS--BUT THE BOARD VOTED 4-3 TO DENY A CONTROVERSIAL ZONING ISSUE AT HILL AND MILNER INVOLVING THE VACANT HISTORIC CAMELIA HOUSE.

OVER 40 CITIZENS ATTENDED WITH A PETITION OF OVER 600 SIGNATURES OPPOSED TO PLANS BY DEVELOPER LANCE TOLAND JR. TO REMOVE THE OLD MANSION AND BUILD 15 HOMES ON THE 4 ACRE TRACT.

VOTING TO DENY --MAYOR DOUG HOLBERG,AND COMMISSIONERS MURRAY, TINSLEY AND BROCK--WITH THE AUDIENCE ERUPTING IN APPLAUSE.

CURRENT ZONING ALLOWS 8 HOMES ON HALF ACRE LOTS BUT TOLAND WANTED QUARTER ACRE LOTS. 15 HOMES FROM 1800 TO 2200 SQUARE FEET--IN A PRICE RANGE OF $350,000.

30 E-MAILS OPPOSED TO THE REZONING WERE READ DURING THE MEETING.

Tuesday Board Of Education COVID-19 Report

The Thomaston-Upson School System was informed of the following confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students, faculty, and staff today, August 25, 2020.

All Thomaston-Upson employees and students who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate at home for 10 days. They must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. Numbers reported are not cumulative. The health and well-being of all students, staff, and the greater community continue to be of primary importance. Feel free to contact your child’s school if you have questions.

Upson-Lee Primary School

• 1 confirmed positive case among faculty/staff

Upson-Lee Elementary School

• 1 confirmed positive case among students
• 3 students have been quarantined at home due to exposure/close proximity

Upson-Lee High School, Upson-Lee Middle School, Upson-Lee Pre-K, and Upson-Lee Alternative had no new cases today.

PIKE CO BOC POST AGENDA TO DISCUSS PROPOSED CONDOS FOR SENIORS

PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

SPECIAL CALLED MEETING

5:00 p.m. Monday, August 24, 2020 

The Pike County Board of Commissioners held its Special Called Meeting on Monday, August 24, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. in the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, at 16001 Barnesville Street, Zebulon. Chairman Briar Johnson convened the meeting and Commissioners Tim Daniel, Tim Guy, Jason Proctor and James Jenkins attended. County Manager Brandon Rogers, County Attorney Rob Morton and County Clerk Angela Blount were also present.

1. CALL TO ORDER ..............................Chairman Briar Johnson

2. INVOCATION…………………………..Silent Invocation

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE................Chairman Briar Johnson 

4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA - (O.C.G A. 50-14-1 (e) (1)) Motion/second by Commissioners Guy/Daniel to approve the agenda, motion carried 5-0.

5. DISCUSSION OF AN APPLICATION SUBMITTED REQUESTING PERMISSION TO CREATE A PRIVATE CONDO COMMUNITY FOR INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING RESTRICTED TO AGE 55 AND UP. PROPERTY LOCATION IS AT 15177 ZEBULON ROAD, GRIFFIN, GA. 

County Manager Brandon Rogers addressed the Board stating this meeting is to discuss the subject property and to have a better understanding before the Board of Commissioners meeting tomorrow night which will include the Public Hearing. Brad Vaughan, Director of Planning and Development, stated his office received a request for a private condo community for independent senior living restricted to age 55 and up. Vaughan stated the proposed development does not fit neatly into one zoning category; therefore, an exception is the point of action. In the past, there was a DR-6 zoning, Duplex Residential 600 square foot, it was repealed in our code in 2009 and never replaced. 

Vaughan stated the plans are for a 2200 square foot two family residential dwelling units. The submitted design includes garage space for both sides of the dwelling units in that 2200 square foot design. The proposal includes a private road, sidewalks and street lights in a gated community. The total acreage of land is 8.64 acres. The subject property lies within the one-mile radius of the intersection of Spalding County line and US 19. Immediately to the west, lies the Hidden Falls Subdivision which is zoned PRD, Planned Residential Development. Vaughan stated the density of the dwelling units is more appropriate in the PRD, Panned Residential Development, zoning. 

Commissioner James Jenkins asked if it was not being classified as a PRD. Vaughan replied you have special exception or have it rezoned as PRD which will require multiple variances. PRD zoning is specifically numerated being within one half mile of the incorporated Pike County or within a one mile arc of the intersection of US 19 and Spalding County line. PRD subdivision is made for a greater density; you will have improvements with the roads and with the utilities. The units will not be subdivided for individual ownership. Vaughan stated the applicants are going to do long term private pay lease on the condos. Commissioner Jenkins asked how long a long term lease is for. Applicant Robin Cochran replied minimum a year with discounts on multi-year commitments up to five years. Commissioner Jenkins asked what about the sewerage. Brad Vaughan replied the plans show a common commercial septic system which will have to be approved by the Health Department. 

Commissioner Jenkins asked where EPD, Environmental Protection Divisions, would play a part as far as the septic. Vaughan replied the Health Department would come in for the septic system and EPD would come in for land disturbance. County Manager Brandon Rogers stated he spoke to Ben Trotter regarding the septic system and because of the number of dwellings on the property, it will exceed his scope of work and he would not be able to approve or deny anything due to the amount of water used per day; it will probably be an EPD issue from the start to get the sewer approved. 

Commissioner Jenkins asked about the number of residents that will be in this condo community. Brad Vaughan stated there will be 15 - 2 family units which could be up to 30 residents total. Commissioner Jenkins noted if each person had a 2 vehicle that would be 30 vehicles on an eight acre lot. 

Commissioner Tim Daniel noted if it is 30 units, it could possibly have 60 residents. Brad Vaughan clarified that is correct, 15-2 family units, possible two people in each unit would be a total of 60 possible residents. 

Chairman Briar Johnson stated he looked at the plans over the weekend and it is very attractive, but it is a duplex. Chairman Johnson asked what will happen five years down the road the community goes belly up; what prevents the nice duplex community from going into rental property like Williamson and Molena has. 

Brad Vaughan stated you could have owner exits managed by a leasing company or conditions could be placed by the Board on the land use upon approval. 

Commissioner Jenkins inquired if a decel and accel lane would be required. Vaughan replied it would be DOT governance regarding the entrance, the plans illustrated shows a decel lane. Commissioner Jenkins asked for clarification if they are called duplexes or condos. Vaughan replied only prospective is multifamily use. Commissioner Jenkins stated it is for senior living and most of the time when you have senior living; they are looking for senior activities at the same time and not just living quarters. 

Jerime Buffington, with Paragon, sated there will be sidewalks around the entire community, there will be areas for amenities, a park area and a gazebo. Commissioner Jenkins asked if all of this development will fit on eight acres. Mr. Buffington replied yes sir. 

Brad Vaughan stated from an engineering standpoint and from a building standpoint, you can fit all that on this parcel; the question remains the actual use of the property. 

Commissioner Jenkins stated the county policy code says 20 acres in PRD and they want this reduced to eight acres. Brad Vaughan stated that would fall as a rezoning application, this property is still zoned AR, Agricultural Residential, and they are asking for a special exception. County Attorney Rob Morton stated for clarification the existing application is for a piece of property that is currently zoned AR, they are requesting a special exception. Morton noted the letter in the packet from the applicants reads we are requesting a special exception to incorporate Fountain Farm in Pike County. Fountain Farm will be a 20+ gated condo community for ages 55 and up and goes on and talks about the private pay lease. The issue that has already been mentioned by Brad Vaughan is a variance application that has been submitted in conjunction to this was postponed by the Board of Appeals until the Board of Commissioners makes a decision on the special exception application. One of the recommendations for consideration is if this would be suited better as a PRD development, but that is not what their application is. Their application is for a special exception for AR zoned property. One issue is that AR zoning requires one unit per lot. 

Commissioner Jenkins stated we are going for AR and not PRD. County Attorney Rob Morton stated that is what is pending before you right now and the Board of Commissioners, being the legislative body of the county, can make the determination if better suited in a different zoning. 

The motion from the Board of Appeals was not to approve or deny but for recommendation on the existing special exception application on whether it should be considered for a PRD zoning. Brad Vaughan noted the design requirements for PRD include the parent tract of land should be a minimum of 20 acres, set up individual ownership and have a minimum of 1 acre per parcel. Chairman Johnson noted on the drawing it shows private drive, the drive will not be a road that the county maintains. Vaughan stated that is correct. Commissioner Jenkins asked where the septic system is going on the eight acres. Brad Vaughan replied under the green space on the west side of the property. 

Commissioner Jason Proctor asked if the community would be on county water. Vaughan replied yes. Brad Vaughan noted the road into the community is noted as private drive; therefore, the county will not have to maintain it. 

Commissioner Tim Guy stated it will be around 3900 linear foot for drain field and that is if the soil is right. Commissioner Tim Daniel asked County Attorney Rob Morton for his opinion, if he has one, on if this is the right direction to get this approved/denied. County Attorney Rob Morton stated he is careful with giving an opinion with Public Hearing tomorrow night and the Board consideration, from a legal standpoint that is the reason we allow special exceptions when something is not specifically listed as a permitted use and the Board of Commissioners can consider it as a possible use. The purpose of the special exception is because you cannot create an ordinance that will cover every use past/present/future because there are uses that we are not aware of today that may show up in five to ten years. Morton stated it certainly is a legally viable way to go about it, there are some other issues if the special exception is approved, some issues will have to be addressed by a variance or other discussion as indicated; AR limits one unit per lot and this is one lot. Morton noted this was something that was not addressed at the Board of Appeals meeting the other day. 

The Board of Appeals makes the final decision on all variance applications. Morton stated the Board of Commissioners consideration is if they want to approve this development in the AR zoning, special exception for the senior condo use. 

6. ADJOURNMENT Motion/second by Commissioners Jenkins/Daniel to adjourn at 5:34 p.m., motion carried 5-0.

PIKE COUNTY YOUTH HIT BY A CAR HAS PASSED AWAY

A 9TH GRADER DIED SEVERAL HOURS AFTER HE WAS HIT BY A CAR WHILE CROSSING HIGHWAY 18 IN PIKE COUNTY--MONDAY AFTERNOON. HE WAS LIFE-FLIGHTED TO AN ATLANTA HOSPITAL.

CITY OF THOMASTON ETHICS COMMITTEE MEETING MOVED TO THURSDAY 4;30

TWO MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT THOMASTON CITY HALL--THIS WEEK-- BOTH VIRTUAL MEETINGS ON YOUTUBE.

THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL CALLED MEETING WEDNESDAY AT 5 PM --AN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

THE ETHICS COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY HAS BEEN MOVED TO THURSDAY AT 4:30.

Monday Board Of Education COVID-19 Report

The Thomaston-Upson School System was informed of the following confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students, faculty, and staff today, August 21, 2020. 

All Thomaston-Upson employees and students who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate at home for 10 days. They must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. Numbers reported are not cumulative. The health and well-being of all students, staff, and the greater community continue to be of primary importance. Feel free to contact your child’s school if you have questions.

T-U Transportation Department

• 1 confirmed positive cases among faculty/staff
• Transportation Dept. staff are in the process of contact tracing for this bus route. Parents will be notified asap.

Upson-Lee High School

• 1 confirmed positive case among students
• 44 students have been quarantined at home due to exposure/close contact

Upson-Lee Primary School

• 4 staff being monitored at home due to possible positive case (awaiting results)
• 7 students being monitored at home due to exposure to possible positive case (awaiting results)

Upson-Lee Elementary School

• 1 confirmed positive cases among faculty/staff

Upson-Lee Middle School, Upson-Lee Pre-K, and Upson-Lee Alternative had no new cases today.

CHILD COMPLAINT LEADS TO CHARGES IN MONROE CO.

On Sunday, May 31, 2020, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a child complaint involving a 6 year old male. The complainant stated that a video from Snapchat and subsequently Facebook showed two older males “horse-playing” with the child. However, she felt that the males were being too rough with the child.

Monroe County Investigators further investigated the incident and arrested 19 year old Trentavious Morgan, 20 year old Jaquavious Bloodser and 23 year old Tra’darius Singleton on June 11, 2020. All three will be charged with 1 count of misdemeanor Simple Battery. 

More charges may be pending against these individuals.

Investigators also arrested the mother of the child, 28 year old Rhonda Benford. She is charged with Cruelty to Children in the second degree with criminal negligence for allowing the child to be unsupervised and knowing that he was being bullied.

This is an ongoing investigation and no further details will be released at this time.

JUVENILE STRUCK BY CAR IN PIKE CO

Pike County Deputies responded to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on Highway 18 near Brazier Road this afternoon. A male juvenile was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross Highway 18. Life flight responded to the scene and transported the juvenile to Atlanta for treatment. This case remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office traffic investigators.

Please remember all the parties involved in this terrible tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.

UPSON BOC AGENDA 8/25/20

UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 

Regular Commission Meeting 

August 25, 2020 - 6:00 P.M. 

THE MEETING WILL BE STREAMED LIVE ON YOUTUBE PLEASE COPY THE LINK BELOW

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe2eGmYc-ooba5KStmOeXkw 

AGENDA

I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Norman Allen

II. INVOCATION

III. PLEDGE

IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS - Anyone that wish to make public comments please send them to the County Clerk at jjones@upsoncountyga.org by August 24, 2020 by 5:00 p.m.

V. CONSENT AGENDA
     a. August 4, 2020 Work Session Minutes
     b. July 28, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes
     c. Approval of the List of Roads Document/Radar List for Upson County
     d. Acceptance of the July 2020 Financials

VI. NEW BUSINESS
     e. Discussion and approval of an ordinance approving the 2020 Millage Rate
     f. Discussion and approval of a contract with Grella Partnership Strategies
     g. Presentation and approval of the 2019 CAFR
     h. Discussion/Award bids for the Shop Building
     i. County Manager, Commissioners, and County Attorney Comments

VII. ADJOURNMENT

TRAFFIC FATALITY IN MONROE CO.

On Sunday, August 23, 2020 at approximately 7:41pm, Monroe County Deputies and Monroe County Emergency Services responded to a single vehicle accident at Sutton Road and Highway 42.

Upon arrival, Deputies located a Lincoln SUV that had left the roadway (traveling east on Sutton Road) and hit an embankment.

Monroe County Emergency Services pronounced the driver of the vehicle, Samuel Dexter Leach (43 years of age) of Forsyth, deceased on scene.

The cause of the accident is under investigation at this time.

State Exceeds Two COVID-19 Milestones

Georgia has passed the quarter of a million mark with 252,222 confirmed COVID-19 cases becoming only the 5th state to do so and according to the Georgia Department of Health the state is now the 10th to exceed 5,000 deaths with 5,092.

Georgia is 3rd in active cases behind Florida and California and has slipped to 19th in testing per million of population.

Friday Board Of Education COVID-19 Report

The Thomaston-Upson School System was informed of the following confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students, faculty, and staff today, August 21, 2020.

All Thomaston-Upson employees and students who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate at home for 10 days. They must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. 

Numbers reported are not cumulative. The health and well-being of all students, staff, and the greater community continue to be of primary importance. Feel free to contact your child’s school if you have questions.

T-U Transportation Department

• 1 confirmed positive cases among faculty/staff
• Transportation Dept. staff are in the process of contact tracing for this bus route. Parents will be notified asap.

Upson-Lee High School

• 1 confirmed positive case among students
• 44 students have been quarantined at home due to exposure/close contact

Upson-Lee Primary School

• 4 staff being monitored at home due to possible positive case (awaiting results)
• 7 students being monitored at home due to exposure to possible positive case (awaiting results)

Upson-Lee Elementary School

• 1 confirmed positive cases among faculty/staff

Upson-Lee Middle School, Upson-Lee Pre-K, and Upson-Lee Alternative had no new cases today.

Weekly COVID-19 Report

The number of confirmed cases in Georgia is 249,630, the number of deaths is 4,998, Hospitalizations 23,125, ICU admissions 4,218.

The number of new cases reported since Monday is 10,769. The mortality rate is 2.00%.

Statewide, testing decreased since last Friday by 66,875 to a total of 150,049, the fewest tests since the first week of July. The positive rate increased to 11.06%.

Upson county reported 4 deaths, Pike 2, Spalding 1, Monroe 3 and Meriwether 1.

August has been the deadliest month of the pandemic thus far with 1,246 deaths reported, the previous high was 1,007 in April.

Fulton county has the highest number of cases with 23,375 and the highest number of deaths with 486.

County	Cases	Deaths	New Cases
Upson	646	53	14
Pike	261	8	15
Spalding	1,079	44	40
Lamar	307	14	11
Monroe	522	33	17
Butts	526	40	14
Meriwether	447	8	7
Talbot	152	5	5
Taylor	112	4	5
Crawford	129	0	9
Coweta	1,944	26	151
Fayette	1,394	34	59
Unknown	2,689	6

The Georgia Department of Health releases updated information daily at 3 pm.

For the complete report, click HERE 

NO COMMENT FROM COUNTY ATTORNEY ON TAX COM LAW SUIT

HEATH ENGLISH OF THE ENGLISH LAW GROUP, ATTORNEYS FOR THE COUNTY OF UPSON TOLD 101 NEWS THE FIRM PLANS TO FILE AN ANSWER WITHIN 30 DAYS TO A LAW SUIT FILED BY UPSON COUNTY TAX COMMISSIONER ANDY CHASTAIN AGAINST COMMISSION CHAIRMAN NORMAN ALLEN, THE OFFICE OF TAX ASSESSORS, AND THE COUNTY OF UPSON.

ATTORNEY ENGLISH TOLD US HE COULD NOT COMMENT ON ANY LITIGATION--BUT THE FIRM IS WORKING TO DETERMINE ANY CONFLICTS -- TO CLARIFY WHICH DEFENDANTS THEY CAN REPRESENT IN THE COMPLAINT FILED IN UPSON SUPERIOR COURT.

HE SPECULATED A HEARING COULD BE HELD IN THE NEXT 6 MONTHS.

TAX COMMISSIONER CHASTAIN FILED THE SUIT ALLEGING CHAIRMAN ALLEN DEMANDED THAT THE CHIEF APPRASER OF THE TAX ASSESSORS OFFICE UN-SUPPRESS HIS PERSONAL INFORMATION ON ITS WEBSITE AND MAKE IT PUBLIC --SOMETHING HE SAID IS PROTECTED BY LAW--AFTER HE RECEIVED A PERSONAL THREAT FROM A TAX PAYER IN HIS OFFICE IN 2017.

HOW TO COMMENT ON R.E.LEE NAME ISSUE

The Mayor and Council of the City of Thomaston will discuss and potentially take action on requests that the R.E. Lee name be removed from the government complex, the two portraits in the auditorium be moved to the archives, and other items likewise be removed from formal public setting where governmental business takes place. 

This issue will be considered at a special called meeting of the Mayor and Council on September 8th , 2020, at 3:00 PM. 

Out of abundance of caution regarding COVID-19 and in anticipation of a large crowd, the meeting will be held virtually and the public may view the meeting live at:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRlF8V1o6j-67nNYbOysNwg 

For this called meeting, there will be no public comment. However, the Mayor and Council are sincerely interested in hearing from citizens and constituents prior to the meeting date. Mayor and council have requested that citizens/constituents contact them via email, phone call, video recording, or by mail no later than by Monday, August 31st. Mayor and Council have also requested that citizens/constituents please include their name and physical address on any correspondence. 

Those who do not know their elected representatives may find them and their contact information by visiting: 

https://gis.cityofthomaston.com/portal/apps/InformationLookup/index.html?appid=4714b27a6e21448 a9da7d4bab584ed71 

(link will also be available on the City’s website and Facebook page) 

Those interested in submitting a video should contact the City Manager’s office at 706-647-4242 for processing purposes. 

By phone or email: Mayor: John “J.D.” Stallings – 706-975-8704 JDStallings@cityofthomaston.com 

Mayor Pro Tempore: Doug Head – 706-656-2371 DHead@cityofthomaston.com 

Taking The Time To Serve Council Members 

District 1: Lakeitha Reeves – 706-647-7771 LReeves@cityofthomaston.com 

District 2: Jeff Middlebrooks – 706-741-6239 JWMiddlebrooks@cityofthomaston.com 

District 3: Ryan Tucker – 404-406-8679 RTucker@cityofthomaston.com 

District 4: Don Greathouse – 706-975-2541 DonGreathouse@cityofthomaston.com 

By Mail: PO Box 672 Thomaston, GA 30286 

By Mail for Council member Reeves: 501 E. Walker St Thomaston, GA 30286

CITY OF THOMASTON ETHICS COMMITTEE WILL MEET AGAIN TUES.

THE CITY OF THOMASTON ETHICS COMMITTEE MET FOR JUST A FEW MINUTES THURSDAY BEFORE ADJOURNING AND SETTING ANOTHER MEETING FOR TUESDAY AT 4:30 PM. THE PANEL ASKED FOR MORE TIME TO REVIEW THE ETHICS ORDINANCE AND THE ETHICS COMPLAINT AGAINST MAYOR PRO TEM DOUG HEAD RELATED TO HIS POSITION TO REMOVE THE R.E.LEE LETTERING AND ARTIFACTS FROM THE GOVERNMENT COMPLEX BUILDING.

RONALD VAN HOUTEN WAS ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, CITY CLERK GAIL HAMMOCK SECRETARY, AND CITY COUNCIL ATTORNEY DEANN WHEELER APPOINTED LEGAL COUNSEL.

FORMER CITY COUNCIL MEMBER BOB COCHRAN AND G-DOT EMPLOYEE CONSTANCE FLINT ARE THE OTHER TWO MEMBERS OF THE ETHICS COMMITTEE--THAT APPARENTLY WAS MEETING FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER.

GORDON STATE FOUNDATION NEWS

As part of its mission to promote the cause of higher education and recognize distinguished service, the Gordon State College Foundation granted emeritus status to Bill Cooper and William Fears in its first meeting for the academic year Wednesday.

Chairman Derrick Lewis conducted the Foundation meeting, which was held virtually.

“The Foundation is thankful for their service and pleased to recognize Mr. Cooper and Judge Fears,” Lewis said. “Both gentlemen have expressed their desire to maintain contact with the college, which is appreciated.”

Members who request emeritus status are presented to the Foundation board for approval and are invited to remain engaged with the Foundation as well as the college through meetings, events and other opportunities.

Cooper joined the Foundation in 2017 and served on the by-laws committee last year. He is the principal and owner of Middle Georgia Hospitality Insurance in Griffin. A graduate from the University of Georgia, he serves on the advisory board for United Bank and the UGA-Griffin Board of Visitors. Cooper has served on various hospital, civic and faith-based boards as well. He and his wife Jan have one daughter, Katie, who is an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Tampa.

Fears joined the Foundation in 2011 and served on the membership committee from 2015-2020. He attended Gordon from 1977 to 1978. Fears earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and a Juris Doctor from Woodrow Wilson College of Law. Fears is a judge of the Towaliga Circuit of the 6th Superior court District of Georgia. He is a past president for the Flint Circuit Bar Association and the Towaliga Circuit Bar Association and has served on various civic and faith-based boards. He and his wife Joyce have two children.

The pair join the extraordinary list of trustees who have transitioned to emeritus status including: Bruce Akins, Mayor Peter Banks, Capt. Paul Barnes, Bill Bazemore, George Butler, Dallis Copeland, Rep. Robert Dickey; Joe Edwards, Sr., Walter Geiger, Calvin "Hoppy" Hopkins, C.A. "Lon" Knowles, Pete Malone, Jimmy, Matthews, Ed Mitchell, Dr. Mike Oxford, Dr. John Quinn, Tom Richardson, Eddie Rogers, Larry Smith, Luke Weaver and Jennie Woodlee.

The GSC Foundation, established in 1972, seeks to support and enhance the work of Gordon State College through securing financial resources for the further development and growth of the college.

YATESVILLE CHITLING HOEDOWN CANCELLED FOR 2020

THE ANNUAL CHITLING HOEDOWN EVERY OCTOBER IN YATESVILLE HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR 2020 BY THE YATESVILLE CITY COUNCIL DUE TO COVID-19 .

LAST YEAR 1388 POUNDS OF CHITLINGS WERE PURCHASED--ANOTHER SELL-OUT. THE HOEDOWN COMMITTEE HAD BEEN HAVING TROUBLE FINDING A SUPPLIER FOR 2020. THE DEXTER,GA. COMPANY THAT USUALLY SUPPLYS THEM WAS STILL LOOKING FOR A SOURCE.

TV STAR STEVE HARVEY AND KANYE WEST AT THE ROCK RANCH

CELEB SITING IN THE AREA--TV STAR STEVE HARVEY AND HIS PAL KANYE WEST WERE AT THE ROCK RANCH WEDNESDAY TO MEET WITH CHICK-FIL-A CEO DAN CATHY ABOUT EXPANDING HARVEY'S ANNUAL SUMMER CAMP FOR WAYWARD MALES AND HIS WIFE'S CAMP FOR FEMALE YOUTH--HELD EACH JUNE AT THE ROCK RANCH.

LATER THEY WERE SEEN IN LINE AT CHICK-FIL-A IN GRIFFIN.

THOMASTON-UPSON SCHOOLS COVID-19 REPORT

The Thomaston-Upson School System was informed of the following confirmed cases of COVID-19 among faculty and staff today, August 19, 2020. All Thomaston-Upson employees and students who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate at home for 10 days. They must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. Numbers reported are not cumulative. The health and well-being of all students, staff, and the greater community continue to be of primary importance. Feel free to contact your child’s school if you have questions.

Upson-Lee Middle School 

• 2 confirmed positive cases among faculty/staff
• 2 additional faculty/staff have been quarantined at home due to exposure/close contact
• 36 students will be monitored at home

Upson-Lee Primary School 

• 1 confirmed positive case among faculty/staff 
• 3 additional faculty/staff have been quarantined at home due to exposure/close contact
• 11 students have been quarantined at home.

Upson-Lee Elementary School

• No confirmed positive cases today
• 2 faculty/staff have been quarantined at home due to exposure/close contact

Upson-Lee High School

• No confirmed positive cases today
• 1 faculty/staff quarantined at home due to exposure/close contact

Georgia Football Ticket Allocation Announced

The University of Georgia has announced the ticket allocation and availability for the 2020 season.

To Read The Entire Announcement Click HERE

COVID 19 AREA MONTHLY NEW CASES

New Cases	Upson County	8-County Area	Georgia
March 1 – 31	5	24	4,114
April 1 – 15	134	235	11,146
April 16 – 30	77	170	11,004
May 1 – 15	41	102	10,508
May 16 – 31	24	164	10,291
June 1 – 15	14	112	11,351
June 15 – 30	60	239	22,877
July 1 – 15	38	348	46,543
July 16 – 31	78	516	58,518
Aug 1 – 15	153	532	102,744