ACCORDING TO UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE, ROBERT FOLKS, AGE 58 OF HIGHWAY 74, CULLODEN, HAS POSTED BOND OF $65,000 AND HAS BEEN RELEASED FOR CHARGES OF VEHICULAR HOMICIDE AND DUI FOR THE TRAFFIC DEATH OF 49-YEAR OLD JOHN STEVEN TALMADGE OF 552 TOM MCKINLEY ROAD, THOMASTON, FEB. 18TH ON DEL RAY ROAD.
FOLKS ALSO BOOKED FOR FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LANE AFTER THE GSP SAID HE WAS TRAVELING AT EXCESSIVE SPEED, CROSSED THE CENTER LINE ON WET PAVEMENT AND HIS FORD TRUCK HIT TALMADGE'S GMC SONOMA HEAD-ON NEAR DEL RAY AND EAST MOORE'S CROSSING.
South Metro's News Leader
Friday, February 26, 2021
WTGA/Fun 101 News Page Exceeds 3 Million Views
On July 31st, 2010, WTGA/Fun 101 launched this web page for Local News. There were eight news articles posted that first day.
Now 10 years, 6 months and 26 days later the news site has recorded more than 3 million views and is currently averaging over 60,000 a month, at that rate, the next million will only take a little over 16 months. The total number of news stories published as of this morning is 3,313.
The most viewed story since the site launched was on March 9, 2017 following the tragic death of two employees of a private company doing consulting work for Upson Regional Medical Center in an accident in Pike county. The story was viewed over 19,900 times.
UPDATE - FATAL FIRE IN THOMASTON
CITY OF THOMASTON FIRE CHIEF RENEE HARRIS ADVISES A FATAL HOUSE FIRE AT 202 Ave. L. EARLY WEDNESDAY APPARENTLY STARTED IN THE KITCHEN.
JOSEPH LAWSON A QUAD GRAPHICS EMPL0YEE, IN HIS 40'S PERISHED IN THE FIRE AND HIS WIFE CORINA SAID THEY AWOKE TO HEAVY SMOKE IN THE HOUSE AND THERE WAS HEAVY FIRE IN THE KITCHEN.
CHIEF HARRIS SAID ARSON IS NOT SUSPECTED BUT THE STATE FIRE MARSHALL IS INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE.
JOSEPH LAWSON A QUAD GRAPHICS EMPL0YEE, IN HIS 40'S PERISHED IN THE FIRE AND HIS WIFE CORINA SAID THEY AWOKE TO HEAVY SMOKE IN THE HOUSE AND THERE WAS HEAVY FIRE IN THE KITCHEN.
CHIEF HARRIS SAID ARSON IS NOT SUSPECTED BUT THE STATE FIRE MARSHALL IS INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE.
UNBEATEN UL LADY KNIGHTS PLAY FRIDAY ON FUN 101 FM
THE UNBEATEN UL LADY KNIGHTS PLAY MORGAN COUNTY FRIDAY NIGHT, 6 PM AT THE UPSON LEE CASTLE IN THE STATE PLAY-OFFS.
AIR TIME 5:15 ON FUN 101 FM.
Boggs Awarded Navy National Scholarship
Upson-Lee High School Navy JROTC Battalion Commander Nathan Boggs has been awarded the Navy National Scholarship, valued at $180,000.
The presentation was made by district Navy recruiters from the Griffin office, LT Daily and Petty Officer Duffin, at Upson-Lee High School on Wednesday, February 24, 2021. After graduating from Upson-Lee High School in May, Nathan will attend Auburn University and major in aeronautical engineering. Upon graduating from Auburn, Nathan will be commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy. In addition to receiving the prestigious and highly competitive Navy National Scholarship, Nathan has also been awarded Auburn University's Academic Charter Scholarship , valued at $44,000. Nathan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Boggs.
(Photo attached: l-r Senior Chief Petty Officer Shane Waller, Mrs. Beth Boggs, Cadet Commander Nathan Boggs, Mr. Edward Boggs, and Commander James Jarvis.
UPSON COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE ON TESTING
District 4 Public Health continues to offer free COVID-19 drive-through testing every Wednesday at Upson Regional from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the lower level of the parking deck. Testing at the drive-through in February has drastically declined since the huge numbers seen in December and January. December set the record at a total of 652 tests and a weekly average of 123. In stark contrast, February’s total was only 159 with a weekly average of 40.
Positivity rates for all testing done in Upson County have also declined in February but not enough to get Upson out of the Red Zone. Average 2-week positivity for February is currently 11%, lower than the record 21% in January, but still much higher than October’s 5%. Upson’s average is right in line with the State’s 11% average so far in February.
In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Orders and the Department of Public Health Administrative Orders, nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Red Zone counties must follow the guidelines for Phase 1 Reopening, the most restrictive phase. Visitation in Phase 1 is restricted to window visits only, except for essential medical personnel. Any resident trips outside the facility are to be avoided unless medically necessary. Entry of beauticians or barbers is prohibited. Upson County has been in the Red Zone since the first week of December.
Sources: Georgia Department of Public Health (https://dph.georgia.gov/ ),
District 4 Public Health (https://www.district4health.org/), and Georgia’s Office of the Governor (https://gov.georgia.gov/)
Positivity rates for all testing done in Upson County have also declined in February but not enough to get Upson out of the Red Zone. Average 2-week positivity for February is currently 11%, lower than the record 21% in January, but still much higher than October’s 5%. Upson’s average is right in line with the State’s 11% average so far in February.
In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Orders and the Department of Public Health Administrative Orders, nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Red Zone counties must follow the guidelines for Phase 1 Reopening, the most restrictive phase. Visitation in Phase 1 is restricted to window visits only, except for essential medical personnel. Any resident trips outside the facility are to be avoided unless medically necessary. Entry of beauticians or barbers is prohibited. Upson County has been in the Red Zone since the first week of December.
Sources: Georgia Department of Public Health (https://dph.georgia.gov/ ),
District 4 Public Health (https://www.district4health.org/), and Georgia’s Office of the Governor (https://gov.georgia.gov/)
District 4 Drive-Thru Testing at Upson Regional | All Upson | ||
Month | Total Specimens | Daily Average | Avg 2-wk % Pos |
Aug 2020 | 352 | 88 | |
Sept 2020 | 276 | 55 | |
Oct 2020 | 144 | 36 | 5.4% |
Nov 2020 | 136 | 45 | 8.4% |
Dec 2020 | 652 | 130 | 13.7% |
Jan 2021 | 491 | 123 | 21.0% |
Feb 2021 | 159 | 40 | 11.3% |
Thursday, February 25, 2021
TRIUNE MILL ROAD· CLOSURE AND DETOUR
Beginning Monday, March 1, 2021, Triune Mill Road will be closed between Walter Street and Habitat Court. The City of Thomaston is replacing the culvert under Triune Mill Road and repairing the headwalls. The City anticipates that Triune Mill Road will be closed for four ( 4) days to accommodate construction, but could be closed longer depending on weather impacts to the project.
The recreation drive that provides access to the soccer fields will temporarily be converted to a two-way route ( currently one way) and will be utilized as a detour for east bound traffic traveling on Triune Mill Rd to route motorists to State Route 74. Motorists are urged to use caution while utilizing the detour and traveling through recreational facilities.
The recreation drive that provides access to the soccer fields will temporarily be converted to a two-way route ( currently one way) and will be utilized as a detour for east bound traffic traveling on Triune Mill Rd to route motorists to State Route 74. Motorists are urged to use caution while utilizing the detour and traveling through recreational facilities.
GDOT DIST. 3 DISTRICT ENG MICHAEL PRESLEY RETIRING
After 27 years of dedicated service at the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT), District 3/West Central Georgia region District Engineer Michael Presley is retiring from the department. His retirement is effective as of Monday, March 1, 2021.
Presley, a native of Locust Grove and longtime Meansville resident, graduated from Southern College of Technology in 1992 and is a licensed Professional Engineer in both Georgia and Alabama. In his time at Georgia DOT, he has served in a number of positions, including planning engineer for the NaviGAtor system during the 1996 Olympic Games and District 3 traffic operations manager. He was named the district engineer for the West Central region in 2015.
As district engineer, Presley was responsible for 522 personnel across 31 counties. Under his leadership, District 3 administered and has produced several highly impactful projects including the I-75 Express Lanes in Henry County, the implementation of the Fall Line Freeway and the I-16/I-75 interchange in Bibb County. Presley directed District 3 to be the first region to install and administer a traffic management center outside of Atlanta. He is well-known for his support of innovative intersections and improved signal operations, which have made West Central Georgia a model for other regions and municipalities across the state.
Presley is known for his forward-focused, innovative programs and projects. He authored several white papers and presented at multiple conferences for industry organizations including the Intelligent Transportation Society of America and the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) World Congress. In 2020 he was honored with the Carl Bevins Distinguished Service Award from the Georgia Institute of Transportation Engineers for his support of progressive traffic operations throughout his career.
"It's an honor to have served as district engineer," says Michael Presley. "It wasn't just a career for me, it was a calling. Now that I'm retiring, I'm following another calling. I'll never stop being proud of the team we built at District 3 and their potential as they continue to move forward."
As district engineer, Presley was responsible for 522 personnel across 31 counties. Under his leadership, District 3 administered and has produced several highly impactful projects including the I-75 Express Lanes in Henry County, the implementation of the Fall Line Freeway and the I-16/I-75 interchange in Bibb County. Presley directed District 3 to be the first region to install and administer a traffic management center outside of Atlanta. He is well-known for his support of innovative intersections and improved signal operations, which have made West Central Georgia a model for other regions and municipalities across the state.
Presley is known for his forward-focused, innovative programs and projects. He authored several white papers and presented at multiple conferences for industry organizations including the Intelligent Transportation Society of America and the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) World Congress. In 2020 he was honored with the Carl Bevins Distinguished Service Award from the Georgia Institute of Transportation Engineers for his support of progressive traffic operations throughout his career.
"It's an honor to have served as district engineer," says Michael Presley. "It wasn't just a career for me, it was a calling. Now that I'm retiring, I'm following another calling. I'll never stop being proud of the team we built at District 3 and their potential as they continue to move forward."
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
HOUSE FIRE FATALITY IN CITY OF THOMASTON EARLY WED.
THE DECEASED, JOSEPH LAWSON, IN HIS 40'S WAS EMPLOYED AT QUAD GRAPHICS.
THOMASTON FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AT 1;20AM BUT THE STRUCTURE WAS HEAVILY INVOLVED.THE FIRE CHIEF SAID LAWSON AND HIS WIFE AWOKE TO THE SMELL OF SMOKE AND BOTH EXITED THE HOUSE, THEN MR. LAWSON WENT BACK INSIDE TO GET THE CAR KEYS TO MOVE HIS VEHICLE AND HE APPARENTLY WAS TRAPPED. HIS BODY WAS LOCATED IN A BEDROOM AT THE FRONT OF THE RENTAL HOUSE.
THE GMC SUV WAS ALSO A TOTAL LOSS. A NEIGHBORING HOUSE HAD SIDING DAMAGE DUE TO THE FIRE. THOMASTON FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ON THE SCENE UNTIL 11AM WEDNESDAY MORNING.
THE BODY WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE GBI CRIME LAB FOR AUTOPSY TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF DEATH.
THE BODY WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE GBI CRIME LAB FOR AUTOPSY TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF DEATH.
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| Photos By Mickey Thrasher |
ZEBULON NATIVE RECEIVES THE COVID-19 VACCINE ABOARD NAVY WARSHIP
By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. - A Zebulon, Georgia, native is serving aboard USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship conducting training in Norfolk, Virginia.
Petty Officer Third Class Kaitlyn Dublin is a 2015 Pike County High School graduate. Today, Dublin serves as a hospital corpsman.
Twitter: @NavyOutreach
Instagram: @US_Navy_Outreach
Megan Brown
Navy Office of Community Outreach
Media Outreach Department
Millington, Tenn.
www.outreach.navy.mil
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
CAR BREAK-IN ARREST BY UPSON CO
Between February 2nd and February 3rd, 2021 four vehicles were broken into while parked in the Quad Graphics employee parking lot at The Rock Plant.
On February 23rd, Tyler Alan Cawthon, 31, of Mud Bridge Road in The Rock was charged with four counts of Entering an Auto in relation to the thefts.
Numerous items were stolen including money, tools and a handgun.
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| Tyler Alan Cawthon |
Some of the stolen property has been recovered. Cawthon is in the Coweta County Jail on unrelated charges and will be brought to Upson County upon his release.
This case remains active and under investigation.
This case remains active and under investigation.
Monday, February 22, 2021
U-L FFA GIVING AWAY A BASKET OF GOODIES
THE UPSON-LEE FFA CHAPTER IS CELEBRATING NATIONAL FFA WEEK BY GIVING AWAY A BASKET OF LOCAL GOODIES INCLUDING A $100 GEN-5 MEAT BOX.
REGISTER TO WIN ON THE UL FAA FACEBOOK PAGE. DRAWING FRIDAY, FEB. 26TH.
Friday, February 19, 2021
THERE IS A CLOUD OVER THE STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
THERE IS A CLOUD OVER THE STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT AFTER THE BEACH AND SAVANNAH HIGH GIRLS GOT IN A FIGHT AFTER A GAME THURSDAY NIGHT AND BASED ON GHSA BYLAWS THEIR SEASONS ARE OVER.
UPSON-LEE HEAD COACH STEPHANIE RAINES TOLD 101 NEWS SHE IS UNSURE WHO THE LADY KNIGHTS WILL PLAY ON TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY AFTER THOSE TWO TEAMS HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED. BEACH WON THE GAME AND WAS TO PLAY JOHNSON FRIDAY NIGHT. THE SAVANNAH HIGH COACH TOLD 101 NEWS FRIDAY--HE IS UNDER A GAG ORDER ISSUED BY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND CANNOT COMMENT.
UPSON-LEE HEAD COACH STEPHANIE RAINES TOLD 101 NEWS SHE IS UNSURE WHO THE LADY KNIGHTS WILL PLAY ON TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY AFTER THOSE TWO TEAMS HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED. BEACH WON THE GAME AND WAS TO PLAY JOHNSON FRIDAY NIGHT. THE SAVANNAH HIGH COACH TOLD 101 NEWS FRIDAY--HE IS UNDER A GAG ORDER ISSUED BY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND CANNOT COMMENT.
UPSON CO TAX COMMISSIONER ANDY CHASTAIN ON TAX LIENS
Announcement from Tax Commissioners Office:
Fifas (tax liens) will be issued March 1st for any 2020 unpaid property taxes.
Delinquent taxpayers are encouraged to come in before March 1st to settle your account. Payments can be made at the tax office or online on the Upson County website under Office of the Tax Commissioner.Upson County Georgia
GOV. KEMP ANNOUNCES RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR LANDLORDS AND TENANATS
Today, Governor Kemp announced that the State of Georgia has received more than $552 million in stimulus funds through the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Congress appropriated $25 billion to provide relief to landlords and tenants who are behind on rent and utility payments due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The effects of COVID-19 have hit many Georgians hard financially,” Governor Brian Kemp said. “In addition to protecting lives, we have to protect livelihoods so that Georgians can continue to have economic opportunity. I am pleased to be able to provide this rental relief to renters and landlords who have been impacted the most.”
The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) will administer the State of Georgia Rental Assistance (GRA) program, which will be subject to US Treasury guidelines (which are still under development). The payment will be made directly to the landlords and utility providers. Payments generally may not exceed 12 months, but some households may qualify for a total of 15 months under certain circumstances.
In general, households meeting all following criteria will be eligible:
▪ Qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID-19; and
▪ Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
▪ Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), with priority given to: 1) households below 50 percent of the AMI, or 2) households with one or more individuals who have been unemployed 90 days or longer at the time of application
The CDC Eviction Moratorium has been extended until March 31, meaning that no one should be evicted solely for non-payment of rent until that date. Visit GeorgiaLegalAid.org for more information.
DCA anticipates launching the public application portal in March, and additional program details will be available soon.
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“The effects of COVID-19 have hit many Georgians hard financially,” Governor Brian Kemp said. “In addition to protecting lives, we have to protect livelihoods so that Georgians can continue to have economic opportunity. I am pleased to be able to provide this rental relief to renters and landlords who have been impacted the most.”
The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) will administer the State of Georgia Rental Assistance (GRA) program, which will be subject to US Treasury guidelines (which are still under development). The payment will be made directly to the landlords and utility providers. Payments generally may not exceed 12 months, but some households may qualify for a total of 15 months under certain circumstances.
In general, households meeting all following criteria will be eligible:
▪ Qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID-19; and
▪ Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
▪ Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), with priority given to: 1) households below 50 percent of the AMI, or 2) households with one or more individuals who have been unemployed 90 days or longer at the time of application
The CDC Eviction Moratorium has been extended until March 31, meaning that no one should be evicted solely for non-payment of rent until that date. Visit GeorgiaLegalAid.org for more information.
DCA anticipates launching the public application portal in March, and additional program details will be available soon.
UPSON COUNTY NURSING HOMES COVID-19 UPDATE
At the end of January, HARBORVIEW and RIVERSIDE Nursing Homes had zero COVID-positive residents, but there were 2 positive residents at PROVIDENCE. Those 2 residents have now recovered and Providence has reported no new cases. None of the nursing homes have reported any new positive staff cases in February. All 3 nursing homes are now COVID-free!
Harborview | Providence | Riverside | Totals | ||
2/16/21 | Total Positive Residents | 92 | 67 | 59 | 218 |
Resident Deaths | 21 | 15 | 17 | 53 | |
Residents Recovered | 71 | 52 | 42 | 165 | |
Total Positive Staff | 34 | 34 | 30 | 98 | |
Active Resident Cases | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Mortality Rate | 23% | 22% | 29% | 24% | |
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Harborview | Providence | Riverside | Totals | ||
1/31/21 | Total Positive Residents | 67 | 59 | 218 | |
Resident Deaths | 15 | 17 | 53 | ||
Residents Recovered | 50 | 42 | 163 | ||
Total Positive Staff | 34 | 30 | 98 | ||
Active Resident Cases | 2 | 0 | 2 | ||
Mortality Rate | 22% | 29% | 24% |
Thursday, February 18, 2021
SPALDING CO. DEPUTY INJURED IN PIKE WRECK
SPALDING COUNTY DEPUTY JESSE DUNN IS EXPECTED TO MAKE A FULL RECOVERY AFTER BEING INJURED A TWO-VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY 41 FOUR-LANE IN PIKE COUNTY.
DEPUTY DUNN WHO WORKS COURT SERVICES FOR THE S.O. WAS IN HIS PRIVATE VEHICLE, CROSSING THE 4-LANE WHEN HE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER CAR.
UGA Releases G Day Information
The University of Georgia released the attendance details for the G Day game in April.
Click HERE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SKULL SESSION IN THOMASTON
THE MOVERS AND SHAKERS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THOMASTON/UPSON WERE HOSTED BY UPSON EMC, WEDNESDAY FOR A DAY-LONG SESSION FACILITATED BY CONSULTANT MIKE GRELLA OF WHITE PLAINS,NEW YORK--RETAINED BY THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD O F COMMISSIONERS AND THE EMC BOARD. IN MARCH OF 2012 HE WAS HIRED BY AMAZON DOT COM TO BUILD AND LEAD ITS GLOBAL ECONOMIC TEAM FROM THE GROUND UP IN SEATTLE.
IN AN INTERVIEW WITH 101 NEWS, MIKE TOLD US HE WANTED TO GET THE IDA, CITY AND COUNTY OFFICIALS, AND THE EMC BOARD IN ONE ROOM TO CONCENTRATE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FROM A TO Z. THE MEETING INCLUDED TWO OTHER CONSULTANTS ON ZOOM, MARKETING EXPERT DANIEL NEIDORF AND CARL NELSON A SITE SELECTION GURU.
IN AN INTERVIEW WITH 101 NEWS, MIKE TOLD US HE WANTED TO GET THE IDA, CITY AND COUNTY OFFICIALS, AND THE EMC BOARD IN ONE ROOM TO CONCENTRATE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FROM A TO Z. THE MEETING INCLUDED TWO OTHER CONSULTANTS ON ZOOM, MARKETING EXPERT DANIEL NEIDORF AND CARL NELSON A SITE SELECTION GURU.
CITY OF THOMASTON'S CITY CLERK TO RETIRE
CITY OF THOMASTON'S CITY CLERK GAIL HAMMOCK HAS ANNOUNCED HER RETIREMENT AT THE END OF APRIL. GAIL HAS WORKED IN ADMINISTRATION AT CITY HALL FOR 42 YEARS .
THE LATE BILL THOMAS WAS MAYOR WHEN SHE WAS FIRST EMPLOYED, AND SHE HAS WORKED WITH 7 MAYORS INCLUDING CURRENT MAYOR J.D. STALLINGS, 6 CITY MANAGERS AND 29 CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS.
THE LATE BILL THOMAS WAS MAYOR WHEN SHE WAS FIRST EMPLOYED, AND SHE HAS WORKED WITH 7 MAYORS INCLUDING CURRENT MAYOR J.D. STALLINGS, 6 CITY MANAGERS AND 29 CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS.
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
SALTER RETURNING TO UPSON CO. AS DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Chairman Norman Allen and the Upson County Board of Commissioners are pleased to announce the recent selection of Allen Salter to fill the position of Director of Finance & Special Projects.
“We are looking forward to having Allen return to the County as a member of the Board of Commissioner’s Executive Team,” said County Manager W. Jason Tinsley. “After a lengthy and thorough search, it is evident that Allen’s experiences in executive management and finance are a natural fit to our organization.”
Allen Salter is a native of Thomaston and a 1983 graduate of Upson County High School. Allen and his wife Lisa, also from Thomaston, have two sons and two granddaughters. Salter served honorably in the United States Air Force for 12 years and separated in 1996 while serving as an Air Force recruiter in Oxford, Mississippi.
After his military service, Allen attended The University of Mississippi where he earned his Bachelor and Master degrees of Accountancy from the Patterson School of Accountancy. Salter began his career in public accounting and earned his CPA in 2001. In total, Salter has nearly 22 years of finance, accounting and financial reporting experience in the public and private sectors. Throughout his career, Salter held positions in public accounting as an auditor and consultant and in the private sector as manager of financial reporting, controller and Chief Financial Officer.
Salter’s governmental experience includes serving as manager in the finance department with the Upson County Board of Commissioners and most recently with the University System of Georgia as Assistant Vice President and Controller for Fort Valley State University
BODY OF LAMAR CO FEMALE SENT TO GBI CRIME LAB
THE BODY OF A 35 YEAR OLD LAMAR COUNTY WOMAN HAS BEEN SENT TO THE GBI CRIME LAB FOR AUTOPSY TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF DEATH AFTER HER BOYFRIEND SAID SHE WAS ASLEEP THURSDAY NIGHT AND FRIDAY MORNING BUT HE DROVE HER TO UPSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER FRIDAY AFTERNOON WHERE SHE WAS PRONOUNCED DECEASED.
LAMAR COUNTY S.O. INVESTIGATORS SAID MEGAN MCNAIR, 35 OF 246 OLD ALABAMA ROAD, MILNER WAS IN THE CAB OF A PICK-UP WITH HER BOYFRIEND, 53-YEAR OLD JERRY SPIRES AND WAS ASLEEP WHEN THEY PULLED UP AT THEIR RESIDENCE THURSDAY NIGHT.
LAMAR COUNTY S.O. INVESTIGATORS SAID MEGAN MCNAIR, 35 OF 246 OLD ALABAMA ROAD, MILNER WAS IN THE CAB OF A PICK-UP WITH HER BOYFRIEND, 53-YEAR OLD JERRY SPIRES AND WAS ASLEEP WHEN THEY PULLED UP AT THEIR RESIDENCE THURSDAY NIGHT.
SPIRES TOLD DEPUTIES HE PUT A BLANKET OVER HER, LEFT HER IN THE TRUCK AND CHECKED ON HER FRIDAY MORNING BEFORE HE WENT TO WORK. WHEN HE RETURNED FROM HIS WORKDAY--SHE WAS STILL IN THE TRUCK, AND HE COULD NOT WAKE HER, SO HE DROVE HER TO URMC WHERE SHE WAS PRONOUNCED DECEASED.
THOMASTON POLICE WERE NOTIFIED AND CONTACTED THE OFFICE OF LAMAR COUNTY SHERIFF BRAD WHITE. THE CASE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION.
SNOW IN UPSON CO TUESDAY
IT WAS SNOWING IN UPSON COUNTY THIS MORNING. TRAVIS WHEELESS SENT US A VIDEO OF A SNOWFALL IN THE CREST COMMUNITY IN WESTERN UPSON COUNTY.
MID-FEBRUARY COVID-19 UPDATE
February 15, 2021
From the Georgia Department of Public Health
https://www.district4health.org/
For middle Georgia’s District 4 Public Health, February has brought a significant decline in positive case numberssince the record-setting highs in December and January; however, cases are still much higher than they were in all the previous months of the pandemic with the exception of the summer peak in late July to early August. Hospitalizations and deaths and across the District remain extremely high.
Upson County reported 76 new cases for the first half of February, a dramatic decline since the huge surges during the last half of December and the whole month of January. For the combined area including Upson and its bordering counties, 476 positive cases were reported, also a dramatic decline since December. The lowest case numbers for both Upson and its bordering counties were seen in May, June, September, October, and November of last year.
There were 7 new deaths reported for Upson County, a decline since the 12 deaths reported the last half of January, but an increase over all the other previous half months since last April and May. For the 8-county area there were a total of 29 deaths, less than January’s 34 deaths, but still the 3rd highest death toll on record.
Meriwether County reported the most new cases at 115, followed by Monroe at 92, and Upson at 76. Taylor and Talbot Counties had the fewest cases at 21 and 19.
Meriwether County also reported the most new deaths at 13, and Upson County had the next highest death toll at 7. Pike, Lamar, Monroe, Crawford, Taylor and Talbot Counties only had 1 or 2 deaths each.
Upson County | New Cases | New Deaths | New Hosp | Avg 2-wk |
March 1-31, 2020 | 5 | 0 |
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April 1 – 15 | 134 | 5 |
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April 16 – 30 | 77 | 13 (hi) |
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May 1 – 15 | 41 | 10 |
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May 16 – 31 | 24 | 6 |
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June 1 – 15 | 14 (lo) | 6 | 1 |
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June 16 – 30 | 60 | 3 | 0 (lo) |
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July 1 – 15 | 38 | 2 | 5 |
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July 16 – 31 | 78 | 0 (lo) | 4 |
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Aug 1 – 15 | 153 | 4 | 9 |
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Aug 16 – 31 | 37 | 6 | 5 |
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Sept 1 – 15 | 65 | 4 | 7 |
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Sept 16 – 30 | 73 | 3 | 7 |
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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% |
Dec 16 – 31 | 189 | 1 | 8 | 15.6% |
Jan 1-15, 2021 | 246 (hi) | 2 | 14 (hi) | 23.4% |
Jan 16 – 31 | 162 | 12 | 10 | 18.7% |
Feb 1 – 15 | 76 | 7 | 14 (hi) | 12% |
Source: Daily Reports from GA Department of Public | ||||
FEBRUARY 1 – 15, 2021 | |||
County | New Cases | New Deaths | Zone |
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Upson | 76 | 7 | Red |
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Pike | 69 | 2 | Red |
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Lamar | 56 | 1 | Yellow |
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Monroe | 92 | 2 | Red |
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Crawford | 28 | 1 | Yellow |
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Taylor | 21 | 1 | Yellow |
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Talbot | 19 | 2 | Yellow |
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Meriwether | 115 | 13 | Red |
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8-County Totals | 476 | 29 |
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Source: Daily Reports from GA Dept of Public Health | |||