BIG HOUSE FIRE IN THOMASTON

Photo By Lisa Ryals

THOMASTON FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO A BIG HOUSE FIRE WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AROUND LUNCHTIME TIME AT NORTH CHURCH AND WALKER STREETS. 

A RESIDENCE TOTALLY INVOLVED WITH FLAMES SHOOTING 40 TO 50 FEET IN THE AIR AND SMOKE BILLOWING CLOSE TO 200 FEET. A WITNESS AT THE SCENE TOLD US IT COULD NOT BE SAVED.

FIRE CHIEF RENEE HARRIS SAID DUE TO THE STRENGTH OF THE BLAZE, HER DEPARTMENT TOOK A DEFENSIVE POSITION AND DIRECTED SEVERAL FIRE HOSES AT THE FLAMES.

ONE OF THE RESIDENTS, JESSICA O'NEAL WAS INSIDE WHEN IT STARTED AND TOLD FIREFIGHTERS SHE NOTICED SMOKE AT THE REAR OF THE HOUSE AND RETREATED WITH HER DOG. OTHER OCCUPANTS INCLUDE MICHAEL GARISH AND CODY ROGERS

THE HOUSE, VALUED AT $83,000 ON THE UPSON COUNTY TAX BOOKS, APPEARS TO BE A TOTAL LOSS. OWNER LISTED AS PLEDGER D. REEMS.

101 NEWS WAS TOLD THE RESIDENCE OF ROGER PINION, NEXT DOOR, WAS INTACT, IT HAD A SMOKEY SMELL BUT NO FIRE DAMAGE.

TRAFFIC WAS SLOWED IN THE AREA WHILE FIRE UNITS WORKED ON THE BLAZE. ONE WITNESS TOLD US HE HAD NEVER SEEN A BIGTIME HOUSE FIRE AND IT WAS QUITE A SPECTICLE. 

URMC COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC IN ZEBULON

UPSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER  IS OFFERING  FREE  COVID-19  VACCINE IN ZEBULON AT THE URMC  MEDICAL BUILDING AT 7171 19  SOUTH BEGINNING WEDNESDAY,  APRIL 7 FROM 12-5PM / ANYONE AGED 16+.  

CALL MONDAY-FRIDAY 9AM TO 4PM  TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT 706-646-5727

UPSON SO BURGLARY ARREST

On March 26, 2021 Ricky Andrew Ard, 37, of 55 Rosehill Drive was arrested by investigators and charged with 2 counts of Burglary. 

Between March 22nd and March 24th , Ard burglarized a residence on North Old Alabama on two different occasions taking power tools and hand tools. Investigators recovered most of the stolen property.

Ard remains in the Upson County Jail.

CONGRESSMAN FERGUSON TOURS STORM DAMAGE IN COWETA COUNTY

U.S. Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.) recently surveyed storm damage and met with state and local officials in Coweta County after a tornado tore through Newnan on Thursday evening and Friday morning. Ferguson and members of his staff also visited the Coweta County 911 Center and donated supplies to first responders.

“The damage to the Newnan community caused by the tornado is absolutely heartbreaking, and my prayers continue to be with our all those impacted by the devastation,” Rep. Ferguson said. “In the midst of the destruction, we are seeing the fortitude that exists here in Coweta County. People are shining through. Volunteers are coming to help this community recover, and I’m confident we can and will rebuild stronger than ever. We are very fortunate as Georgians to have incredible first responders, emergency management personnel, public safety, and local leaders who will go to bat for our state.”

Representative Ferguson, Governor Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, and Georgia Emergency Management Agency Director James Stallings receive a briefing on the tornado destruction in Newnan

Congressman Ferguson joins Coweta County Commission Chairman Bob Blackburn to learn about Newnan’s most damaged areas from Coweta County 911 Center Emergency Center Director Michael Terrell 

STATE OF SCTC 2020

Still Building Strong Students, Strong Careers and Strong Communities Even in the Pandemic State of the College Looking Back at Academic Year 2020. 

Reflecting back, it is certain that this past year has been one unlike any other we have experienced in our lifetime. Although much about this year looked very different from years past, Southern Crescent Technical College has continuously embraced change and stayed committed to our core values and our mission of workforce  development. We have proudly upheld our commitment to building strong communities by providing our citizens with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the workforce while assisting them as they pursue their educational, career, and personal goals. 

This year more than ever, we take great pride in building strong students, strong careers, and strong communities. 

BUILDING STRONG STUDENTS 

Our commitment to student success has never been greater. Even with the pandemic, Southern Crescent Technical College has again experienced another banner year. Enrollment in Academic Year 2020 was 7,647, up 7.1% compared to the previous year and our retention rate for students was at 72.8%. Our enrollment remains strong as the sixth largest technical college. We also graduated 2,301 students making us the third largest producer of graduates in the Technical College System of Georgia. 

With the support of faculty and staff during our internal campaign, we raised $37,947 for scholarships. Moreover, the Southern Crescent Technical College Foundation raised $480,439 to support our students and programs. With this generous support we were able to award 130 scholarships to deserving students. 

BUILDING STRONG CAREERS 

As in previous years the College continued to provide cutting-edge programs that meet the workforce demands of our local business and industry partners. True to our workforce development mission the job placement rate for Academic Year 2020 rose slightly to 99% and the in-field placement rate rose to 88.2%, an increase of 0.6% over last year. We take great pride in assuring that the necessary elements are in place to serve the diverse education and training needs of our community. Whether our students are traditional credit students, dual enrollment students, or adult learners seeking their high school equivalency or continuing education opportunities, Southern Crescent Technical College delivers the knowledge and skills needed to make a successful and swift transition into the workforce. 

BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES 

Throughout this past academic year, our business and community partners have been more supportive than ever. Before the pandemic hit, we hosted our annual Red Carpet Gala as well as the inaugural Tech Connect event at the Henry County Center. It was during the Tech Connect event that we unveiled the new Piedmont Henry Healthcare Wing to celebrate our partnership and commitment to workforce development in this region. Responding quickly to the demand for healthcare workers, we expanded the Registered Nursing program at the Flint River Campus with help from Upson Regional Medical Center and other community partners and donors. 

The College also completed plans for the one-stop shop for students on the Griffin Campus. Although the pandemic brought many changes for the College, each of our programs and departments found new ways to thrive and give back to the community. Offering assistance and support to the local medical community and front-line workers, we donated critical medical equipment, supplies, and protective personnel to our community partners. 

Like many other colleges, we adjusted our general admissions requirements and waived the application fee to make matriculation easier for incoming students. We supported classroom instruction with new software and technology. And, to support students in online learning, we began the Laptop Loaner Program with generous support from the Southern Crescent Technical College Foundation and Technical College System of Georgia Foundation. 

I am extremely proud of the way our faculty, staff, and students responded to the many changes brought on by the pandemic. Our instructors and students quickly transitioned to virtual learning platforms and staff adjusted our delivery methods to best accommodate our students. Southern Crescent Technical College not only adapted to the challenges with which we were faced but also responded with great poise and compassion. 

Through it all, our students continued to excel both in and out of the classroom. As you can see, our efforts remain focused on building strong students, strong careers, and strong communities in everything that we do. Our considerable accomplishments over this past year have been made possible by the commitment and dedication of our students, faculty, staff, Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, and elected officials as well as our business, educational, and community partners. 

I consider it an honor and a privilege to serve alongside the Southern Crescent Technical College community. I invite you to view the following links for our latest Annual Report and State of the College address. 

Alvetta Peterman Thomas, Ed.D. President Southern Crescent Technical College

GRIFFIN-SPALDING SCHOOLS GRADUATION

The Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) offers the following details pertaining to high school graduation ceremonies.

Griffin High School (GHS) Graduation will be held at Memorial Stadium on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 7 p.m. Each student will receive eight (8) tickets for family members to attend the graduation ceremony. Griffin High Baccalaureate will be held at First Assembly of God Church on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Senior Walk will be Friday, May 21, at 10 a.m. and GHS Senior Honors Night will be Tuesday May 18 at 6 p.m.

Spalding High School (SHS) Graduation will be held at Memorial Stadium on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 7 p.m. Each student will receive eight (8) tickets for family members to attend. SHS Baccalaureate will be held at Oak Hill Church on Monday, May 24 at 6 p.m. The SHS Senior Parade will be Friday, May 21, 2021 at 6 p.m. and SHS Senior Honors Night is Wednesday, May 19, at 6 p.m.

The graduation ceremony for A.Z. Kelsey Academy (AZK) will be held in the Griffin Auditorium on Wednesday, May 26, at 9:30 a.m. This graduation ceremony features a small number of graduates. Each graduate will receive 14 tickets for family and friends. Baccalaureate for AZK will be Wednesday, May 19, at 7 p.m. at First Assembly of God and Senior Awards Ceremony will be Friday, May 21, at 9 a.m.

There will be a Powder Puff Football Game at Memorial Stadium featuring the senior girls of GHS vs. SHS. Students from A.Z. Kelsey Academy will be invited to play as well.

This event will be held on Friday, May 14, at 6 p.m. Admission is $2.00 per spectator and concessions will be sold.

Additional senior activities will be announced in days to come. 

There will be no prom this year for Griffin High School nor Spalding High School.

Newnan Tornado Captured On Camera

Thursday night's tornado was captured by a resident's doorbell camera as the storm came right through the middle of town and left extensive damage in it's path.

Newnan High School and an elementary school sustained damage as well as dozens of homes.  

The National Weather Service has rated the tornado as an EF-4 and at least one fatality has been reported. The governor has declared Coweta County a disaster area.

PIKE CO BASEBALL TEAM HELPING NEWNAN RECOVER

THE PIKE COUNTY BASEBALL TEAM WILL BE TAKING DONATIONS TO HELP NEWNAN AFTER FRIDAY'S TORNADO AT BOTH HOME GAMES, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, BOTH GAMES ON FUN 101FM.

Tornado Emergency Declared In Coweta And Fayette Counties

An overnight tornado has left a path of destruction through Coweta and Fayette counties.

The tornado was reported on the ground in Randolph county Alabama before moving through Heard county and into Newnan just after midnight where extensive damage occurred.

Coweta County officials are now confirming a fatality from the tornado.

The Coweta County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who has a chainsaw and wants to help clear trees to meet at Newnan High School.

“Significant storm damage throughout Coweta County. Most roads are impassable. Sheriffs Office phones lines are down,” the Sheriff’s Office wrote. “911 phones lines are working. Please stay off roads to allow emergency vehicles access.”

The tornado passed just north of the National Weather Service office in Peachtree City with damage reported in Fayette county.

Multiple tornados in Alabama killed at least 5 people with one of the storms tracking more than 200 miles.

Teacher Bonuses Approved By State BOE

Georgia's state Board of Education has approved a plan to pay $1,000 bonuses to teachers and most other education employees, using $240 million in federal coronavirus relief money.

The payments will go to teachers, paraprofessionals, school counselors, school psychologists, school nurses, custodians, bus drivers, school nutrition staff, media specialists, clerical staff and administrative assistants, school principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches, therapists, and long-term substitutes.

State officials followed up by saying they would also pay $1,000 bonuses to preschool teachers, state employees and public university employees, all financed directly or indirectly by federal aid.

WRECK IN PIKE CO. THURSDAY

A MOTORCYCLE RIDER APPEARED TO HAVE SERIOUS INJURIES IN A WRECK WITH A PICK-UP TRUCK NORTH OF ZEBULON ON U.S. 19 NEAR FRESHWAY, THURSDAY AFTERNOON. 

THE BIKER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE ER BY EMS AND A WITNESS TOLD 101 NEWS HE APPEARED TO BE UNRESPONSIVE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS MANGLED AND A GA. POWER PICK-UP APPEARED TO BE INVOLVED IN THE MISHAP WHICH SLOWED NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC.

UPSON CO RANKS #2 IN THE STATE ON COVID JABS

DURING TUESDAY'S MEETING OF THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, COUNTY MANAGER JASON TINSLEY REPORTED ON THE WEEKLY CONFERENCE CALL ON COVID-19 IN THE COMMUNITY. 

HE SAID UPSON COUNTY RANKS #2 OF 159 GEORGIA COUNTIES FOR VACCINATIONS PER CAPITA, URMC REPORTS ZERO COVID-19 RELATED PATIENTS, AND THE HOSPITAL'S TESTING IS CURRENTLY AT A 5% POSITIVITY RATE, AND URMC ESTIMATES 83 TO 84% OF UPSON SENIOR CITIZENS HAVE BEEN VACCINATED.

LAMAR COUNTY MAN ARRESTED FOR TERRORISTIC THREATS

JONES COUNTY SHERIFF BUTCH REESE HAS ANNOUNCED THE ARREST OF A LAMAR COUNTY MAN, TRAVIS LEROY BALL, AGE 54 ON CHARGES OF TERRIORISTIC THREATS FOR MAILING LETTERS CLAIMING ANTHRAX WAS ENCLOSED TO THE JONES COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, AND THE JONES COUNTY OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT, THREATENING TO BLOW UP BUILDINGS AND KILL COUNTY DEPUTIES AND OFFICIALS.

BALL WHO WAS CONVICTED OF ARSON IN UPSON COUNTY SOME YEARS BACK, ALSO DID PRISON TIME FOR MAILING SIMILAR LETTERS IN 2013 TO THE BARNESVILLE-HERALD GAZETTE NEWSPAPER, THE AJC NEWSPAPER, AND THE MORMAN CHURCH.

THE LAMAR COUNTY AND BUTTS COUNTY S.O. AND U.S. MARSHALL'S SERVICE ASSISTED WITH THE ARREST OF BALL AT HIS RESIDENCE IN BARNESVILLE TUESDAY AND DISCOVERED SEVERAL OTHER LETTERS THAT HAD NOT BEEN MAILED.

ARRESTS IN MONROE COUNTY FOR THEFT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has been investigating multiple cases of the theft of catalytic converters and as a result, multiple arrests have been made. 

On Monday, March 8th, investigators received information regarding the thefts of catalytic converters that led to solving three theft of catalytic converters cases in Bibb County (with one of those cases not yet being reported), one case in Jones County and one theft of two catalytic converters in the city of Forsyth. 

Monroe County Investigators passed along the information to the respected jurisdictions where warrants would be obtained for Shawn Allen Grant. 

Grant has been charged with Felony Theft by Taking (x2) and Misdemeanor Theft by Taking. 

On Monday, March 15th, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding multiple catalytic converters that had been stolen from a home on Teagle Road. 

On Friday, March 19th, investigators arrested Victor Shawn Bowen for the theft of seven catalytic converters. Bowen was charged with Felony Theft by Taking, Misdemeanor Theft by Taking (x3). 

On Tuesday, March 16th, investigators arrested Branden Wilson as a result of an undercover sting operation conducted by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. 

Wilson has been charges with one count of unlawful purchase of secondary metals and one count of purchase by recycler of secondary metals without proper registration.

UGA STAR RECEIVER HAS AN ACL

George Pickens, a junior wide receiver from Hoover, AL, injured his right knee in spring football practice on a non-contact play on Tuesday afternoon. MRI confirmed an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which will require surgery. He has already started his pre-op rehabilitation program under the supervision of the UGAAA sports medicine staff and a full recovery is anticipated.

“The good news is that the MRI showed it to be an isolated injury with no other structures involved,” said UGA head coach Kirby Smart. “George is a hard worker. I know he will bring the same work ethic to rehab that he shows in practice every day.”

OUTRAGE AT TUESDAY'S MEETING CITY OF GRIFFIN COMMISSIONERS

CITIZEN OUTRAGE AT TUESDAY'S MEETING OF THE CITY OF GRIFFIN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OVER A ZONING/ANNEXATION MEASURE INVOLVING 30 ACRES FOR 150 APARTMENTS ON WILLIAMSON ROAD. 

CITY FATHERS HEARD FROM ABOUT 20 WHO TESTIFIED THAT MANY NEAR-BY HOMEOWNERS SAID THEY DON'T WANT IT AND THE COMMISSIONERS VOTED TO TABLE IT.

GRIFFIN HOMEBUILDER HARVEY PILKENTON PROPOSES TO JOIN WITH AN ATLANTA DEVELOPER TO BUILDOUT 2, 3 AND 4 BEDROOM APARTMENTS RENTING $695 TO $925 PER MONTH, BUT MAYOR DOUG HOLBERG TOLD THEM HE'S OPPOSED TO IT AND THREE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TESTIFIED AGAINST IT AND COUNTY MANAGER WILLIAM WILSON JR. SENT A LETTER URGING DENIAL.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER JAMES DUTTON WAS MOST VOCAL, WARNING THESE APARTMENTS COULD TURN INTO SECTION 8 HOUSING UP THE ROAD, NO MATTER WHAT IS BEING PROMISED. HOMEOWNERS CITED INCREASED TRAFFIC, SCHOOL IMPACT, AND WATER AND SEWER ISSUES IN THEIR TESTIMONIALS TO REJECT IT.

Vaccine Available To All Adults

Governor Kemp announced this afternoon that effective Thursday, all Georgians 16 or older will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Confirm your spot in line as quickly as possible,” said Kemp, who added that he will get his vaccination on Friday. “This is our ticket back to normal, and we’re getting closer to that point every day.”

About 10% of the states population is fully vaccinated and another 20% have received their first dose.

Lady Dogs Win Opening Round Game

Georgia's Lady Dogs defeated the Drexel Dragons 67-53 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament in San Antonio, Texas.

Jenna Staiti scored 19, Que Morrison added 11 along with 12 rebounds.

The No. 3 seed Lady Dogs will play the No. 6 seed Oregon Ducks at 3 p.m. ET Wednesday in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Thomaston Physician Passes Away

Dr. David Paul Fieseler age 72 of Thomaston Ga., passed away Monday March 22, 2021 at his residence.

Dr. Fieseler was born on January 13, 1949 in Columbus Ga., to the late L.D. Fieseler and the late Sarah Fieseler. He attended Mountain View Baptist Church. Dr. Fieseler served his community for many years owning and operating his medical practice.

Graveside Services will be held on Wednesday March 24, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. from Crystal Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Coggins Funeral Home on Tuesday March 23, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Click HERE for the complete obituary.

Former Yatesville City Councilman Passes Away

Mr. James E. Ellington, Sr., age 82, of Yatesville, died on Sunday evening, March 21st at his residence.

Funeral services for Mr. Ellington will be held Wednesday, March 24, at 11:00 AM, at Yatesville United Methodist Church with Rev. Howard Gossett officiating. Interment will follow the service in Yatesville United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 23, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home.

Click HERE for the full obituary notice.

STING OPERATION CONDUCTED BY THE THOMASTON POLICE DEPARTMENT AND NARCOTICS TASK FORCE.

On February 12, 2021 Officers from the Thomaston Police Department with assistance from the Narcotics Task Force conducted an undercover operation throughout the City of Thomaston involving the sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 21. 

The operation consisted of an undercover officer who was under the age of 21 attempting to purchase alcohol at convenience stores throughout the City. Of the 21 convenience stores visited 14 stores sold to the undercover officer without asking for proper ID in violation of Georgia Law. The clerks that violated and sold to the undercover officer were issued citations. 

The following 14 stores are the ones that sold alcohol to the under age undercover officer:

• Shamrock Food Mart 1100 Highway 19 North, 
• 7/11 Food Mart Mart 204 Barnesville St.
• Raceway Gas Station Station 1088 Highway 19 North
• Quick Stop 517 North Center St.
• Best Value Food Mart 350 South Church St., 
• North Creek Shell Station1078 Hwy 19 North
• Lotto Paradise Station 209 North Church St.
• M$M Food Mart 603 South Church St.
• Express Ford 610 Triune Mill Rd, 
• Southside BP Gas 500 South Center St. 
• Mr B’s 401N. Center Street.
• Fast Stop Gas Station 1104 S. Church Street 
• Mike’s Mart 213 A ST. 
• Handy Mart Gas 204 E. Walker St. 

Loyola Chicago Eliminates Tech

The Georgia Tech men's basketball season came to an end with a 71-60 first round loss to Loyola Chicago in the NCAA Basketball Tournament Friday Night.

The ACC Champion Jackets had won 8 straight to earn their first appearance in the tournament in 11 years.

URMC ANNOUNCES NEW COVID VACCINE ELIGIBILITY GUIDLINES

Upson Regional Medical Center has announced the new guidelines for receiving your FREE COVID-19 vaccination.

The age group 55 and over is now eligible along with all of the prior categories.

Call 706-646-5727 or 770-872-5015 Monday thru Friday from 9 am till 4 pm for an appointment at URMC in Thomaston or Barnesville.

URMC WELCOMES ALMOIS MOHAMAD, M.D. TO UPSON CARDIOLOGY

Upson Regional Medical Center is proud to welcome cardiologist Almois Mohamad, M.D., to Upson Cardiology beginning March 22.

Dr. Mohamad comes to Upson from Merit Health River Oaks Hospital in Jackson, MS. Dr. Mohamad is also an Adjunct Professor at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS. He is board certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, internal medicine and nuclear cardiology. Dr. Mohamad specializes in a wide variety of non-invasive testing and minimally invasive procedures to treat heart and vascular disease.

Dr. Mohamad earned his medical degree at the University of Khartoum in Khartoum, Sudan. He completed his cardiology fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA and his interventional cardiology fellowship at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA.

Dr. Mohamad is excited to join the Upson Cardiology team alongside Dr. Ryan Macwar and nurse practitioner Candice Young. “I am excited to be joining the Upson team and the experienced providers at Upson Cardiology. I look forward to making an impact on patients’ lives throughout our community,” he said.

Upson Regional Medical Center’s Director of Cardiology and Imaging Services Sue Mangum said, “We are looking forward to working with Dr. Mohamad in continuing this new and exciting treatment for our community. His additional expertise will be of great benefit—we know Upson Regional Medical Center’s interventional cardiology program will continue to improve health and save lives throughout middle Georgia.” Upson Cardiology is located at 612 W. Gordon St. (Suite C). For appointments, call 706-646-5712.

UPSON SHERIFF DAN KILGORE ANNOUNCES A FOOD DISTRIBUTION EVENT

The Upson County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a food distribution event on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 10:30am. We are partnering with F.A.T. Ministries of Bolingbroke Ga., the Farmer’s to Families Food Box Program and the Society of St. Andrew (endhunger.org) of Macon Georgia as well as our local church partners.

We will distribute 1100 boxes of food, weighing 25-30 pounds per box, on a first come first served basis. The boxes will contain meat, vegetables and dairy.

Distribution will begin at 10:30 at the Thomaston-Upson Soccer Complex located behind the Civic Center in Thomaston. The address is 101 Civic Center Drive. Participants should drive to the rear of the civic center and follow the signs to the distribution point located at the soccer field concession stand.

Volunteers from local churches will load the boxes into your vehicle in a drive-thru format.

This is a "Rain or Shine Event"

We are honored to participate in this much needed event in our community.

Dan Kilgore, Sheriff

Tornado Watch Issued

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Upson, Talbot, Taylor, Crawford and Monroe counties until 9 am this morning.

NO SCHOOL IN PIKE CO AND GRIFFIN-SPALDING BUT STAFF REPORTS THURSDAY

Due to anticipated severe weather in our area, tomorrow, March 18, will be an asynchronous learning day. No students will attend school buildings and all after school activities are canceled. 

GSCS staff should report at 10:30 a.m.

GA. TECH, PIKE CO/UPSON-LEE FRIDAY ON FUN 101FM

FUN 101FM HAS A BIG SPORTS DOUBLE-HEADER FRIDAY, GA. TECH-LOYOLA OF CHICAGO MARCH MADNESS BASKETBALL AT 3:30 AND PIKE COUNTY-UPSON LEE BASEBALL IN ZEBULON AT 5:55.

WE WILL AIR THE GA. TECH GAME ON FUN 101FM RADIO, AND START THE P.C.-U.L. BASEBALL GAME ON LIVE STREAM AT FUN 101 FM.COM, THEN AFTER BASKETBALL WE'LL JOIN THE PIRATES AND KNIGHTS ON FUN 101FM.

WEATHER ALERT-UPSON EMA DIRECTOR MARTHA ANNE MCCARTY

Expect some storms to develop this afternoon. Numerous severe storms have already "popped" up in AL in just the last hour.

Our main threat for the tornadic activity will come in the early morning hours, in the forecasted time frame of 5AM - 11AM. Forecasters are confident enough that they have increased their threat level for damaging winds and tornados to impact west-central GA. The cool air wedge you feel right now will dissipate and allow the front to gain momentum and head this way.

UPDATE - MONDAY FATAL STABBING IN THOMASTON

  

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF INVESTIGATOR MONICA SNIPES SAYS A SUSPECT IN A FATAL STABBING MONDAY NIGHT TURNED HIMSELF IN AT THE P.D. TUESDAY AFTERNOON AT 5PM, 64 YEAR OLD JOHNNY MCFARLIN OF NORTH MAIN STREET.

POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON TOLD 101 NEWS, THE VICTIM, 23 YEAR OLD LAZARION DIXON WAS STABBED SEVERAL TIMES AT 161 G. CIRCLE AND DIED A SHORT TIME LATER, AFTER AN ARGUMENT APPARENTLY OVER A STOLEN VOLLEYBALL NET. DIXON'S SISTER, TAMEZEI DIXON WAS ALSO STABBED IN THE LEG DURING THE BRAWL, AND SHE AND ANOTHER WOMAN, MCFARLIN'S GIRL FRIEND, KIMBERLY JOHNSON, HAVE BEEN ARRESTED FOR PARTY TO THE CRIME OF MURDER.

THE CHIEF SAID A DAYLONG SPAT ON SOCIAL MEDIA ESCALATED INTO A CONFRONTATION AT JOHNSON'S RESIDENCE AND THE STABBINGS RESULTED.

CHIEF INVESTIGATOR SNIPES SAID A KNIFE HAS BEEN SENT TO THE GBI CRIME LAB FOR PROCESSING.

GA DOT TO RECEIVE $277 MILLION IN FED CORONAVIRUS FUNDING

On Monday, Mar. 15, 2021, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) would receive $277 million in federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act 2021 (CRRSAA) funds to fill in projected revenue gaps caused by the effects of COVID-19. 

Governor Kemp's plans for the funds include allocations toward six rural infrastructure projects including one located in Upson County, a project to upgrade four intersections in downtown Thomaston along Georgia 74/Georgia 36, including the reconfiguration of an existing five-legged intersection at Main Street/Bethels Street/Barnesville Highway.

The additional federal funds allow the Georgia DOT the flexibility to advance these strategic transportation improvements in predominantly rural areas of the state where roadway corridors play a vital role in moving agricultural commodities, manufacturing inputs and consumer goods within the state's freight network. The projects were previously in Georgia DOT's outer-year delivery plans but will begin construction earlier than anticipated, advancing the safety and efficiency of freight movement throughout Georgia. The other five projects are located in Jefferson County, Jasper County, Putnam County and Barrow County.

The estimated cost of construction for the Upson County project is $3.3 million, in a total investment package of $ 6 million. The new federal funding will accelerate the project from an anticipated construction start date in late 2023 to late 2021.

“Even during a global pandemic, Georgia DOT remains committed to delivering on our obligation to the citizens and businesses of Georgia,” said Mr. Rudy Bowen, Chair of the State Transportation Board. “The supplemental COVID response funds will help ensure our ability to maintain and grow the country’s tenth-largest transportation network. We are grateful to Governor Kemp and our nation’s leaders for helping ensure Georgia DOT has the resources it needs to deliver on our commitment.”

The remainder of the CRRSAA funding will be used for capital resurfacing and rehabilitation projects on Georgia's state routes and interstates, replacing state monies that were previously budgeted.

STUDENT HOLIDAY/STAFF PL DELAYED START - THURSDAY, MARCH 18

Due to the risk of severe weather overnight and into tomorrow morning, Thursday, March 18, will be a student holiday for Thomaston-Upson students. 

According to the National Weather Service, Upson County is at a high risk for damaging winds, heavy rain/flooding, and possible tornadoes early Thursday. 

As a result, early morning travel for our students and staff could be extremely unsafe. Current plans are for T-U staff to report at 10 AM for a professional learning day. If these plans change, then staff will be notified tomorrow morning. Students will return to school on Friday, March 19.

MID-MARCH COVID-19 UPDATE

While the State’s case numbers have shown a dramatic decrease, Upson County’s case numbers have increased from 36 the last half of February to 40 the first half of March.

The death count for Upson County was 3 the last half of February and that number has doubled to 6 for the first half of March, which is the 5th highest half-month death toll on record. Of the 159 counties in Georgia, Upson ranks #8 for highest deaths per 100,000 population. Upson’s overall COVID-19 mortality rate is 5.6%, compared to the State’s 1.9%.

On the bright side, new hospitalizations have declined slightly from 8 to 6, and the average 2-week test positivity has decreased from 9.4% to 8%. The State average is 6.2%.

Looking at the records over the past year, Upson County’s current cases, deaths, hospitalizations and positivity rates are all showing a downward trend since January’s peak, but the numbers are all still higher than they have been in months past. So, while there may be signs that there is light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel, we’re not out of the tunnel yet.

Upson County	New Cases	New Deaths	New Hosp	Avg 2-wk Test Pos
Mar 15 - 31, 2020	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	0 (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%
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%
Feb 16 – 28	36	3	8	9.4%
Mar 1 – 15	40	6	6	8%
Source: Daily Reports from GA Department of Public Health