Friday, January 29, 2021

GORDON STATE PRESIDENT ANNUAL STATE OF THE COLLEGE ADDRESS

Gordon State College president Dr. Kirk A. Nooks delivered the institution’s Second Annual State of the College address January 29, 2021, a program which also included the introduction of the GSC Scholarship recipient Elijah Clemmons and the introduction of President Nooks by Presidential Fellow Harrison Bishton, a Coweta County resident and veteran who was part of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command. Appointed in June 2018, Nooks is the fourth president of the institution since it joined the University System of Georgia in 1972.

Gordon State College currently offers 16 associate-level degrees as well as the 11 bachelor’s degree programs. The Board of Regents of the USG recently gave GSC the green light to begin the process of offering two new degrees; a Nexus Degree in Film Production and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice through the University System of Georgia’s eMajor. Gordon hopes to start offering classes for the new degrees pending approval by the Gordon State Faculty Senate and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. In addition, Nooks shared the college has just received official accreditation for the Health Information Management program, only the second institution within the USG to receive this accreditation.

Nooks provided 2020 highlights and accomplishments in a virtual presentation featuring the college’s progress toward achieving the goals of the five-year Strategic Plan: “Building The Power of WE,” initiated in 2019. “We are seeing the benefits of our collaboration with partnerships within our region,” said President Nooks, as he shared the college ranking in the top 20 leading regional state colleges in the nation for three consecutive years as reported by U.S. News and World Report, and seventh best nursing school in Georgia. “We know our graduates leave Gordon equipped with The Highlander EDGE, [Engaged Innovators, Dedicated Scholars, Gifted Communicators and Ethical Leaders,] noted qualities that set Gordon graduates apart. These qualities give them a noted advantage in the workforce,” he said.

Nooks commended EDGE leaders including among others, Hannah Norwood, a junior history major, who was recently named the recipient of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs highly competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship and the first student to receive this award and biology major Amber Fraley, who plans on volunteering in local pharmacies and other health related organizations in order to gain experience for her future career as a pharmacist of biochemist.

GSC’s African-American Male Initiative (AAMI) program received full funding from the USG this year in the amount of $15,000 in sponsored funds to collaboratively carry out the mission and singular focus of

the program to develop stellar scholars of today into extraordinary leaders of tomorrow. The college also established the inaugural Presidential Fellows Program, allowing students to grow their leadership experiences and serve as ambassadors for the Office of the President and the college.

In Fall 2020, Gordon enrolled 3,200. It saw a 13 percent increase in student enrollment from the past summer, resulting in a record high enrollment of more than 1,000 students. GSC had the highest retention rate for first-time, full time freshmen, with more than 61 percent of students returning after their first year. One hundred percent of faculty received an online accreditation to teach courses virtually, as the college had to pivot to deliver classes remotely in March due to the pandemic.

In its virtual spring commencement ceremony, the college awarded 125 baccalaureate degrees and 144 associate degrees to graduating students. 81 percent of whom hailed from 13 of the college’s 14-county service area. Fifty-three percent of the graduating class earned their associate degree while the other 47 percent earned their baccalaureate degree.

Another virtual commencement ceremony, held in December 2020, added another 69 associate degree and 105 baccalaureate degree candidates who ranged in age from 17 to 65. Thirty-eight percent of graduates were adult learners, 46 were first generation college students and 13 percent of them graduated with honors. “This is outstanding news, and a tribute to the collaborative efforts of our faculty and staff.

2/2/21 MEETING THOMASTON MAYOR AND COUNCIL

CITY OF THOMASTON
MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 2, 2021 – 7:00 P.M.
CITY-COUNTY MEETING ROOM – MAIN FLOOR
THOMASTON-UPSON GOVERNMENT COMPLEX

VIRTUAL MEETING VIA CITY OF THOMASTON YOUTUBE PAGE LINK: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR1F8V1o6j-67nNYbOysNwg 

AGENDA

A. Call Meeting to Order / Invocation / Pledge of Allegiance. 

B. Approval of Minutes of January 19, 2021. 

C. Adoption of Agenda. 

D. Kyle Fletcher – Thomaston-Upson Industrial Development Authority. 

E. City Attorney’s Report. 

F. City Clerk’s Report. 

G. City Engineer’s Report. 

H. City Manager’s Report.
1. Approval of Appointments to City Committees:
    Historic Preservation Commission
    Thomaston Tree Board
2. Approval of IT Agreement (Information Technology).
3. Approval of Compact Track Loader
4. Approval of 2020-2021 F350 Pick Up Truck
5. Approval of Downtown Master Plan /
    Downtown Market Analysis      
6. Authorization for Purchase of Furniture
7. Creation on New Community Committee Relations
8. Authorization Award Sidewalk Project
9. Authorization Demo Water Department
10. Discussion of Passive Use of Lake Thomaston 

I. Other Business. 

J. Executive Session. 
 Discussion/Potential Action

Thursday, January 28, 2021

MCINTOSH TRAIL EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, INC. HAS BEGUN TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FOR EARLY HEAD START, HEAD START, AND PRE-K PROGRAMS FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR

As we continue to go through the COVID-19 pandemic, please know that health and safety comes 1st when serving low-income children and families (Since COVID began children are virtual learning).

Our Early Head Start program is for expectant mothers and children ages 8 weeks to 3 years old. 

Expectant mothers and pregnant teens are highly encouraged to apply. 

The Head Start program is for children who have or will turn 3 or 4 years of age by September 1, 2021. Pre-K is for children who have turned 4 by September 1, 2021. 

CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, FOSTER CHILDREN, AND HOMELESS FAMILIES ARE GIVEN PRIORITY.

Head Start and Early Head Start are free programs and require everyone to meet Federal Guidelines. Our program offers a variety of services which include Nutrition, Health, Mental Health, Education, Social Services, and Parent Engagement. Pre-Kindergarten is a free program with no income guidelines.

Applications may be completed online at www.MTECDC2020.org. We offer Head Start and Early Head Start in Butts, Henry, Lamar, Newton, Pike, Spalding, and Upson Counties. Pre-K is available only in Henry, Spalding, and Newton Counties.

Applications are required to have the following information included when completed and turned in:

*Income verification (1040, paystub, W2, etc.)

*Immunization Certificate (form 3231)

*Birth Certificate

*Medical Card (Medicaid, Peachcare, or Private Insurance)

You may contact Andrea Brownlee or Tonya Blackmon at 706-648-4391 at the Upson county Early Head Start/Head Start/Pre-K program.

McIntosh Trail ECDC, Inc. does not discriminate against race, creed, sex, color, natural origin or religious preference.

Serving: Butts, Henry, Lamar, Newton, Pike, Spalding, and Upson Counties

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

UPSON JR. DEPUTY TRIP TO DC CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19 ACCORDING TO SHERIFF DAN KILGORE

It is with great sadness that I announce the Junior Deputy Trip to Washington DC for the 2020-2021 school year has been cancelled. Many of the sites normally visited each year are not open due to covid-19 and have no projected date for re-opening. The virus continues to threaten the health of our nation. The safety of our Junior Deputies is paramount. Because of current conditions, we don’t feel that we can safely make the Washington trip during this school year.

Refunds for all fees paid will be issued. Checks will be mailed on Monday February 1, 2021 to the person making the original payment at the address used at registration. For inquiries or address updates, please call Ms. Dawson at 706-646-7902.

We appreciate your interest in the Washington DC Field Trip. This is a wonderful program and we plan to continue offering this opportunity to sixth graders in the next school year.

Georgia 2021 Football Schedule Released

The Southeastern Conference released the 2021 football schedules today, the Georgia Bulldogs are slated to open against Clemson in Charlotte to kickoff the season.

September 4: Clemson (Charlotte, N.C.)
September 11: UAB (Athens, Ga.)
September 18: South Carolina (Athens, Ga.)
September 25: at Vanderbilt (Nashville, Tenn.)
October 2: Arkansas (Athens, Ga.)
October 9: at Auburn (Auburn, Ala.)
October 16: Kentucky (Athens, Ga.)
October 23: OPEN
October 30 Florida (Jacksonville, Fla.)
November 6: Missouri (Athens, Ga.)
November 13: at Tennessee (Knoxville, Tenn.)
November 20: Charleston Southern (Athens, Ga.)
November 27: at Georgia Tech (Atlanta, Ga.

Georgia also announced the hiring of Jahmile Addae to coach defensive backs, for the entire press release on Addae, click HERE.

NEW MD FOR UPSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER OB GYN

Upson Regional Medical Center is pleased to welcome Sherida Lynn Williams, M.D. to Upson OB/GYN in the Thomaston and Barnesville locations beginning February 1st.

Dr. Williams has over 15 years of practice experience in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Williams earned her bachelor’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and she completed her residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Williams is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She most recently practiced in Atlantis, Florida at JFK Medical Center as part of the OB Hospitalist Group. She practiced for over seven years with OB/GYN Specialists of the Palm Beaches at Lakeside Medical Center in Belle Glade, Florida where she also served in the leadership role as the Service Chief of OB/GYN for several years. Dr. Williams also has many years of clinical research experience and has participated in many community speaking engagements.

Dr. Williams is excited to be a part of the Upson community. “I feel as though Thomaston chose me from the moment I first visited the community. I was in search of an area that I could become a part of the community I would be serving. Upson OB/GYN is in a rebuilding phase and there was one missing piece...me. I say this with great humility and understanding of the honor it is to become a part of the Upson and Thomaston communities. There is a need for another provider in the Upson practice that would bring the expertise to provide excellent medical care; both passionately and with great compassion. So, I look with honor and privilege to become part of the office and hospital staff that I view as an inheritance of family and community,” said Dr. Williams.

CEO Jeff Tarrant said “We are so pleased that Dr. Sherida Williams has chosen to establish her practice with Upson Regional alongside Dr. James Zubernis and Dr. Jessica W. Castleberry. She is well experienced in obstetrics and women’s healthcare and is committed to providing exceptional patient experiences.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Williams, call Upson OB/GYN at 706-647-9627.

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

FUND RAISER IN CITY OF YATESVILLE SAT. JAN. 30

MAYOR JIM MADDOX SAYS YATESVILLE IS HOLDING A FUND RAISER FOR CHESTER REEVES WHO RECENTLY SUFFERED A STROKE.

THIS SATURDAY, JAN. 30TH HALF-A-CHICKEN PLATES WILL BE ON SALE FOR $8 -- 7AM TILL 12 NOON AT YATESVILLE CITY HALL.

INFO SPECIAL ELECTION FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY

UPSON COUNTY
OFFICE OF VOTER REGISTRATION

Election Supervisor - Pam W. Releford
Chief Registrar - Kelly King

ELECTION DATES
Special election for District Attorney

LAST DAY TO REGISTER

January 11, 2021

EARLY VOTING
THOMASTON - UPSON CIVIC CENTER
101 CIVIC CENTER DR

JANUARY 19, 2021 – JANUARY 22, 2021
JANUARY 25, 2021 – JANUARY 29, 2021
FEBRUARY 1, 2021 – FEBRUARY 5, 2021

ELECTION DAY

FEBRUARY 9, 2021

LAST DAY TO MAIL OUT BALLOTS

FEBRUARY 5, 2021

LAST DAY TO RETURN BALLOTS

FEBRUARY 9, 2021

GORDON STATE BASEBALL PHIL NIEKRO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Gordon State College head coach Kent Rollins represented the Highlanders baseball program during a virtual banquet hosted by the Atlanta 400 Baseball Fan Club and accepted a $1,500 Phil Niekro Memorial Scholarship Award

The Atlanta 400 Baseball Fan Club, formerly known as the Braves 400 Fan Club, annually presents two scholarship awards to college baseball programs in the state of Georgia and Gordon State College and the University of West Georgia were selected for 2021.

“We are extremely grateful and humble to be chosen by the Atlanta 400 Baseball Fan Club to receive the prestigious Phil Niekro Memorial Scholarship,” Rollins said. “With this scholarship, we’re able to offer the opportunity to play college baseball to a future Highlander who embodies the same characteristics that made ‘Knucksie’ so special.”

Niekro, inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997, was one of baseball’s most-renowned pitchers for his signature knuckleball during a career spanned 24 seasons, primarily in Milwaukee and Atlanta. Niekro passed away on December 27, 2020 after a long battle with cancer.

“We are thrilled that Wayne Coleman and the Atlanta 400 Baseball Fan Club thought enough of Gordon State College’s baseball program to award this scholarship to us,” said Steve Argo, director of athletics. “Baseball is so popular in the state of Georgia and I want to say ‘thank you’ to everyone affiliated with the Atlanta 400 Baseball Fan Club. This gift will benefit a student-athlete at GSC who is striving to achieve academically and athletically.”

The banquet paid tribute to Niekro, honored local high school and college players as well as naming outstanding performances in the Braves minor league system. Everyone attending the banquet also paused to remember Hall of Famer Don Sutton, who passed away on January 18.

GSC will open its season on February 2 when the Highlanders travel to Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Phenix City, Ala.

Friday, January 22, 2021

Thomaston Man Wanted By PD For Homicide

TPD Case number:
20-12-00056
Thomaston Police Department is currently investigating a Homicide that occurred at the Wellington Place Apartments, in Thomaston. 

During a home invasion on the evening of December 1st, 2020, two men entered a residence on Wellington Dr. to commit a robbery at which time they shot and killed the victim, Michael Gates. 

Jakari Daniel, aka “Byrd”, is wanted in connection with this Homicide and is considered armed and dangerous. Daniel is a 26-year-old black male, approximately 160 lbs., between the height of 5’08 and 5’09. Daniel has facial tattoos to include a cross in the middle of his forehead. 

If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Jakari Daniel, we strongly urge you to contact the Thomaston Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 706-647-5455 immediately.

Representative Beth Camp Receives Committee Assignments

State Representative Beth Camp
(R-Concord) was sworn into office as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives on Monday, January 11, 2021, which was the first day of the 2021-2022 legislative term. In addition to being officially sworn in, the Georgia House of Representatives’ Committee on Assignments named Rep. Camp to the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications and State Planning & Community Affairs committees.

“It is my great honor to serve the wonderful citizens of Lamar, Pike and Upson counties,” said Rep. Camp. “One of the most powerful and humbling moments of my life was taking the oath of office. I am appreciative of the responsiveness of the House leadership in assigning me to committees that directly impact House District 131. Agriculture is vital for our local economy as food and fiber provide valuable jobs and use of the bountiful land, and I stand with farmers and producers. Access to rural broadband and rural economic development are priorities to improve the lives of hardworking citizens in these counties. My committee assignments will facilitate moving these important objectives forward.”

The House Committee on Assignments, chaired by House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge), is charged with making all House committee assignments for the members of the Georgia House of Representatives.

For more information about the Committee on Assignments and a complete list of all House Committee assignments, please click here.

Braves Legend Hank Aaron Has Died

 Atlanta Braves legend and former home run king Hank Aaron has died at the age of 86.

Aaron came to Atlanta in 1966 when the Braves moved from Milwaukee and on April 8, 1974 broke Babe Ruth's home run record with his 715th homer.

Aaron worked in the Braves front office after his playing career as well as owning several auto dealerships.

A cause of death has not been announced.

Thursday, January 21, 2021

REZONING REQUEST CITY OF REFUGE DENIED

ON A 5-1 VOTE THURSDAY, THE THOMASTON-UPSON PLANNING COMMISSION VOTED TO RECOMMEND DENIAL TO A REZONING BY CITY OF REFUGE ON GOODRICH AVE. 

IT NOW GOES TO THE THOMASTON ZONING COMMISSION AND THEN TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR A PUBLIC HEARING.

SPALDING CO HEALTH DEPARTMENT COVID-19 VACCINE CLINICS

Spalding County Health Department will offer COVID-19 vaccine to phase 1A individuals every Friday by appointment only. 

To receive an appointment, call 762-888-8180

Vaccines will be administered at the POD located at: 898 East Solomon Street 

Phase 1 A includes: 

• Healthcare workers in clinical settings (e.g., nurses, physicians, EMS, laboratory technicians, environmental services) 

• Staff and residents of long-term care facilities 

• All law enforcement and fire personnel (including volunteer departments) 

• Adults aged 65 and older (and their caregivers as applicable) Please bring identification to show proof of age. 

Wear short sleeves or loose-fitting sleeves that can be rolled up and plan to wait in line. It is recommended that everyone receiving a vaccine wait a minimum of 15 minutes afterwards to monitor for adverse reactions. 

Appointments for second doses are being made at the time of the first dose. Individuals who received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine will receive a second dose however, it may not be exactly 3 weeks or one month later. Per CDC, you should receive your second dose as close to the 3 week or one month interval as possible but there is no maximum interval between doses for Pfizer or Moderna. 

Contraindications to COVID-19 include: 

Known allergy to vaccine components. Anyone who has received any vaccine in the last 14 days. Persons with known current SARS-CoV-2 infection 

• Vaccination should be deferred until recovery from acute illness (if person had symptoms) and criteria have been met to discontinue isolation. 

• No minimal interval between infection and vaccination  

• However, current evidence suggests reinfection uncommon in the 90 days after initial infection and thus persons with documented acute infection in the preceding 90 days may defer vaccination until the end of this period, if desired. Persons who previously received passive antibody therapy for COVID-19 

• Vaccination should be deferred for at least 90 days to avoid interference of the treatment with vaccine-induced immune responses – Based on estimated halflife of therapies and evidence suggesting reinfection is uncommon within 90 days of initial infection. Persons with a known SARS-CoV-2 Exposure 

• Community or outpatient setting: – Defer vaccination until quarantine period has ended to avoid exposing healthcare personnel (HCP) or other persons during vaccination visit. 

District 4 Public Health will continue to provide updates on www.district4health.org letting the public know when vaccine becomes available. It is critical that even as vaccine becomes available to more people, all residents continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hands frequently. While the COVID-19 vaccine is 95% effective in preventing illness in the individual being vaccinated, it is not yet known if the vaccine fully prevents person-to person transmission or asymptomatic infections.

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

UPDATE DISTRICT FOUR PUBLIC HEALTH COVID-19 VACCINE CLINICS

DISTRICT FOUR GA PUBLIC HEALTH TOLD 101 NEWS WEDNESDAY COVID-19 VACCINE CLINICS IN UPSON, LAMAR, AND PIKE COUNTIES ARE ALL BOOKED FOR NOW BUT SPALDING COUNTY IS HAVING A CLINIC FRIDAY. 

THERE IS A NEW PHONE NUMBER TO CALL TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT, 762-888-8180 M-F 8AM TILL 5PM.

DISTRICT FOUR SAID THE FIRST ROUND OF APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING WAS NOT IDEAL AND WE URGE PATIENCE WHILE WE WORK TO IMPROVE THE PROCESS.

MID-MONTH COVID-19 UPDATE FOR JANUARY 15, 2021

 From the Georgia Department of Public Health

https://dph.georgia.gov

https://www.district4health.org/

 

December’s surge in COVID-19 case numbers, hospitalizations, and test positivity rates has continued into the first half of January; but the new year is now also bringing a steady rise in the number of deaths in middle Georgia’s District 4. 

 

Upson County reported 246 new cases and 14 new hospitalizations for the first half of January, the highest numbers since the beginning of the pandemic. After a 5-week run of zero deaths in November and early December, Upson reported 1 new death the last half of December, and now 2 new deaths the first half of January. Upson’s average 2-week test positivity, which had been as low as 4.4% the last half of October, is now 23.4% for the first half of January, compared to the State’s average of 19%. All 12 counties in District 4 are classified in the Red Zone for test positivity.

 

Upson County is part of middle Georgia’s Hospital Region F, which also includes hospitals in Spalding, Henry, Monroe, Bibb and Houston Counties. The percentage of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Region F has been steadily increasing, from 16% the first half of December, to 27% the last half of December, to 38% the first half of January. The 38% COVID patients in Region F compares to the State average of 32%.


 

Upson County

New Cases

New Deaths

New Hosp

Avg 2-wk
Test Pos

Region F
% COVID

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 1 – 31

5

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 1 – 15

134

5

 

 

 

April 16 – 30

77

13 (hi)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 1 – 15

41

10

 

 

 

May 16 – 31

24

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 1 – 15

14 (lo)

6

1

 

 

June 16 – 30

60

3

0 (lo)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 1 – 15

38

2

5

 

 

July 16 – 31

78

(lo)

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aug 1 – 15

153

4

9

 

 

Aug 16 – 31

37

6

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sept 1 – 15

65

4

7

 

 

Sept 16 – 30

73

3

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oct 1 – 15

29

6

10

6.6%

 

Oct 16 – 31

16

3

7

4.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nov 1 – 15

35

0 (lo)

1

6.0%

 

Nov 16 – 30

63

0 (lo)

6

10.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dec 1 – 15

57

0 (lo)

4

11.7%

15.8%

Dec 16 – 31

189 (hi)

1

8

15.6%

27.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jan 1 – 15

246 (hi)

2

14 (hi)

23.4%

38.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Daily Reports from GA Department of Public Health