Upson County Commissioners Option Two Properties For New Judicial Center

The Upson County Board of Commissioners heard from several distinguished officials at the Board meeting on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. 

Superior Court Chief Judge Fletcher Sams, District Attorney Marie Broder, Sheriff Dan Kilgore, Superior Court Clerk Teresa Harper and Probate Judge Danielle McRae each addressed their concerns and issues regarding the existing county courthouse related. Judge Stephen Ott, Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court, provided the board with a letter addressing his opinion on the challenges his court faces in the existing courthouse. 

After executive session the Board voted to authorize Chairman Allen to execute several options to purchase property for consideration.

The options to purchase include two properties that include property owned by Charles E. Daniel and Charles F. Daniel, approximately 27 acres bordered by West Main and West Walker Streets offered at $550,000. The other property is owned by Chad Murphy, approximately 30 acres located off Hwy 19 South offered at $583,000. The due diligence period for both is 90 days from execution during which time the county will conduct due diligence to determine the best site for construction of the new court facility.

Most of the funding for the purchase for the property will come from the proceeds of surplus property sales, monies that the Board had set aside for this specific purpose. Citizens will have the opportunity to decide on whether funding from the new SPLOST will be used to pay bond indebtedness in this November’s referendum.

Discussions on a new facility began before many of the Board members ever took office and has been an item the current board has worked on for some time. 

Chairman Allen stated, “Addressing the public safety needs of our community is one of our primary responsibilities and for years we have heard the concerns of those people serving in our public safety and justice system of the problems with our current situation. As we continue to review our options, I encourage citizens to offer their suggestions and to reach out to the other elected officials if they would like to learn more about the specific needs and challenges.” 

Woman Saved From Burning Car In Pike County

According to the Pike County Sheriff's Office, a woman was saved from her burning car after a wreck Thursday morning on Reidsboro Road.

According to the PCSO, Shelby Hatchett wrecked when she swerved to avoid a deer, causing her to leave the roadway and hit a brick sign.

As the car caught on fire, she was unable to get out.

Two Pike County residents, George Smith and Ronald Boes, happened on the accident scene and were able to get her out of the car.

Hatchett was transported to the hospital for treatment of her injuries.

"If not for the heroic actions of these two men this incident could have had a devastating outcome," a statement from PCSO read.

JUNE JAM DOWNTOWN GRIFFIN

We're bringing the beach to Downtown Griffin- sand included! 

Join us Saturday, June 12 as we celebrate 2nd Saturday and June Jam all in one day. 2nd Saturday will kick off at 10AM, with June Jam starting at 6PM on Solomon Street. 

Shop, dine, and explore all that Downtown Griffin has to offer before hitting the sand with your beach chair to enjoy some live music! That's right, 60+ tons of sand will be dumped on Solomon Street, in front of Imperial Theatre Park, with a volleyball net, food trucks, steel drums, and a hot party band. 

This is a FREE all day event. However, you can purchase a VIP table for June Jam, which includes linens and reserved seating for eight from 6-11PM.

PIKE/SPALDING SO ARREST ATM THIEF

SPALDING COUNTY AND PIKE COUNTY DEPUTIES COMBINED EFFORTS TO ARREST A SUSPECT FOR DRIVING THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR OF H&R GROCERY ON MACON ROAD IN SPALDING COUNTY AND STEALING AN ATM--EARLY MONDAY.

59 YEAR OLD RODNEY DODSON WAS ARRESTED WALKING AWAY FROM AN ABANDONED VEHICLE NEAR COUNTY LINE ROAD AND HIGHWAY 41 IN PIKE CO. LAWMEN VIEWED A VIDEO OF THE CRIME AND RECOGNIZED DODSON. THE ATM WAS INTACT IN THE CAR.

Questions For The Next School Term Thomaston-Upson Schools

BACK TO SCHOOL 2021-22 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will temperature checks be required to enter school buildings and buses? 

No. Temperature checks will not be required to enter buildings or buses. 

Will wearing masks and/or face shields in buildings and buses be mandated next year? 

No. There will not be a mask mandate. Individuals may continue to wear masks if they chose to do so. 

Will transportation staff continue to spray/sanitize every bus each day? 

Yes. The TU Transportation Department will continue to thoroughly sanitize and disinfect buses at the end of the school day. 

Will custodians continue to spray/fog/sanitize every classroom each day? 

Yes. TU Custodians will continue to thoroughly sanitize and disinfect classrooms at the end of the school day. 

Will schools require 6 ft. social distancing when possible? 

No. Social distancing will not be mandated. 

If a student/staff has been vaccinated, will he/she be required to quarantine if exposure occurs? 

No. Individuals who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 DO NOT have to quarantine after exposure. 

If a student/staff tests positive for COVID-19, is a quarantine period required? 

TU Schools will adhere to guidance provided by DPH and the CDC. 

Will Thomaston-Upson Schools require students and/or staff to be vaccinated for COVID-19? 

No. Vaccination for COVID-19 will not be required by the school system. 

Will students be allowed to sit at tables and work collaboratively in groups? 

Yes. Students will be allowed to sit at tables and work collaboratively in small groups. 

Will field trips be allowed? If so, will parents be allowed to attend? 

Yes. Field trips will resume. Parent attendance will be determined by the school. 

Will special events such as Open House, Grandparents Day, school dances, etc. resume next year? 

Yes. Special events will resume as scheduled by the school principal. 

Will the Upson-Lee Fine Arts Center (FAC) reopen for school and community use? 

Yes. The FAC will be open for events beginning in July 2021. 

Will PTO programs resume? 

Yes. PTO programs will resume as planned by the school principal. 

Will parents be allowed to walk their children into the buildings? 

Parents escorting their children into the building will resume with principal discretion and district guidance. 

Will students eat in the cafeteria? 

Yes. Students will return to the cafeterias for breakfast and lunch service under direction of the school principal. 

Will parents be allowed to eat with students (PK-5)? 

Parent participation in breakfast and lunch will resume with principal discretion and district guidance. 

The health and safety of Thomaston-Upson Schools’ students and staff are always top priorities. These guidelines are subject to change based on information from the GA Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and local health officials.

RV Wreck In Upson County

UPSON COUNTY EMERGENCY UNITS RESPONDED TO US 19 SOUTH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AFTER AN RV FLIPPED ON A BRIDGE BETWEEN BIRDSONG ROAD AND LOGTOWN ROAD. 

THE NORTHBOUND LANES WERE BLOCKED FOR A WHILE.

City Of Thomaston Flow Test

The City of Thomaston’s water department will be conducting pressure and flow tests on hydrants in the following areas on Wednesday, May 26th and Thursday, May 27th. We apologize for any temporary inconvenience this may cause. A few hydrants will be left open at low flow to assist with clearing out any dirty water that the testing may cause. 

Please see the below proposed schedules and call The City of Thomaston's water and wastewater department at (706) 646-8031 with any questions.

Wednesday – Maps 5 & 6

Pearless Rd
Edgewood Ave
Pine St
N. & S. Main St
2nd & 3rd Ave
N. Bethel St./A. St between S. Main St and E. Goodrich Ave.
4th/5th/6th Ave
B/Double C/D St.

Thursday – Maps 7 & 8

E. Goodrich Ave.
B/C/D/E/F/G St
10th/11th/12th Ave
Deluxe Cir

Upson County Manager Elected to ACC Board of Managers

Upson County Manager Jason Tinsley was recently elected to serve as County Managers/Administrators Representative on the 2021-2022 Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG or Georgia’s County Association) Board of Managers. 

“The Board of Managers, newly installed, represents the resiliency and competency of county officials throughout Georgia,” stated Executive Director Dave Wills. 

“Those who have already been in service on the Board, and those who are joining for their first year of service, will continue to help Georgia and its counties navigate turbulent political and economic waters created by the pandemic and other factors. I am looking forward to working with the Board of Managers as we begin the return to economic and operational normalcy as ACCG continues its mission of advancing the interests of Georgia’s counties and the people they serve.” 

In his role on the Board of Managers, Jason will serve as a liaison between ACCG and Georgia’s county managers and administrators. He will also serve on the Association’s Policy Council to help drive decisions and policies county officials will undertake before the Georgia General Assembly. Jason joined the Upson County Board of Commissioners to serve as their County Manager in 2018. His previous roles include, Assistant County Manager and Finance Director for Habersham County (GA), County Administrator for Wayne County (GA), City Manager for the City of Jefferson (GA) and County Manager for Marion County (GA). 

Earlier in his career he served in local government management roles in Virginia and Florida. Tinsley holds his bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master of City Management degree from East Tennessee State University. 

Jason and his wife, Kaylyn, currently reside in Columbus, GA with their four children, Jackson (16), Joel (15), Jensen (12) and Anne (2). They are planning a relocation to Thomaston, GA this summer. 

“We are grateful that Jason was elected to serve in this capacity,” remarked Upson County Commission Chairman Norman Allen. 

“Jason has been recognized by his peers and by our association as being exceptional in his role as a local government professional. We are thankful to have him as the chief of our management team and that he will be representing Upson County as a member of the ACCG Board of Managers.” 

City Of Thomaston Conducting Pressure Flow Test

The City of Thomaston’s water department will be conducting pressure and flow tests on hydrants in the following areas on Monday, May 24th and Tuesday, May 25th. We apologize for any temporary inconvenience this may cause. A few hydrants will be left open at low flow to assist with clearing out any dirty water that the testing may cause. 

Please see the below proposed schedules and call The City of Thomaston's water and wastewater department at (706) 646-8031 with any questions.

Monday, May 24th Includes the Following:

N. Hightower St. between E. Thompson St. and E. Walker St.
N. Bethel St. between E. Thompson St. and E. Walker St.
E. Walker St. between N. Hightower St. and Washington St.
Jones Ave.
Sharman St.
Kings Ave.
College St.

Tuesday, May 25th Includes the Following:

N. Hightower St. between Daniel St and Joe White St
N. Bethel St. between Daniel St. and Joe White St.
Joe White St Between N. Bethel St and Washington St.
Park St.
Cunningham Ave
Daniel St
Jenkins St
Washington St.
Park Ln
Pearless Rd
Worthy Dr
Munford Way

Drugs and Stolen Cars Seized In Monroe County

Over the past several months, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office has received information from several individuals about stolen vehicles, individuals with outstanding warrants, and a large quantity of drugs being kept at a home on Shady Dale Drive. 

On Sunday, May 23rd, at approximately 3:00 pm, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at the home. During the execution of the warrant, Investigators recovered two stolen vehicles, seized approximately 329 grams of Methamphetamine, 206 grams of Xanax and approximately $7,700 in US currency. 

Investigators arrested Lonnie Hicks on scene and Hicks will be charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, Theft by Receiving Stolen Property (x2), and Possession of Drug Related Objects.

Update On Murder/Suicide

According to Thomaston police chief Mike Richardson, at approximately 3 pm this afternoon Thomaston Police Officers were dispatched to 110 Thurston Avenue in reference to a welfare check. While enroute they were advised via dispatch that someone had possibly been shot in the residence. 

Upon arrival the officers had to make a forced entry at which time they found the deceased victim near the back of the residence with what appeared to be gunshot wounds. The victim was identified as a black female, Rosanna Smith, 32 years of age and resident of 110 Thurston Avenue. There was no one else located in the residence at that time.

After further investigation it was determined that the victim’s ex-boyfriend who is the father of her infant child had come to the residence to return the victims vehicle. He was identified as John Bussey, 42 years of age from Thomaston. While at the residence some type of dispute occurred and evidence indicates Bussey shot the victim and fled the scene in the victims Ford Edge. A BOLO for Bussey and the vehicle was issued to surrounding jurisdictions. Additional information indicated that Bussey was possibly in the south Atlanta area.

At approximately 6:30 pm members of the Georgia State Patrol spotted the suspect vehicle in south Atlanta near Ponce De Leon Ave. They attempted to make a traffic stop at which time the suspect vehicle fled. After a brief vehicle pursuit, the suspect vehicle wrecked at the intersection of Ponce De Leon Ave. and Boulevard NE in Atlanta. Immediately after the wreck the suspect, Mr. Bussey, was found deceased in the vehicle with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The scene in Atlanta is currently being investigated by GSP and the GBI. Thomaston PD with the assistance of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit is still on the scene of the homicide in Thomaston. The case is under active investigations. We have no reason to believe at this time that there are any other victims or suspects associated with this case in Thomaston.

Upson County To Vote On $23 Million SPLOST In November

UPSON COUNTY AND THE CITIES OF THOMASTON AND YATESVILLE HAVE DECIDED THE SPLIT FOR CONTINUATION OF THE SPLOST TO BE VOTED ON IN NOVEMBER.

OF THE ANTICIPATED $23 MILLION TO BE COLLECTED-UPSON COUNTY TO RECEIVE $14.9 MILLION, THOMASTON $8.1 MILLION AND CITY OF YATESVILLE $233,000. YATESVILLE PROJECTS LIST INCLUDES $172,000 FOR ITS WATER SYSTEM AND $85,000 FOR A PAVILION AT THE WALKING TRACK TO INCLUDE RESTROOMS.

THOMASTON'S CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON SAID IT WILL CONTINUE TO SPEND MOST OF ITS SPLOST ON WATER AND SEWER PROJECTS BUT HE ADVISED COUNCIL TO APPROVE BROAD WORDAGE ON THE BALLOT.

FEMALE STABBED IN PIKE CO FRIDAY

Pike County deputies responded to a call from a citizen this morning at a house under construction on Tanyard Road. The complainant had observed an unknown person inside the house on his surveillance system. 

Lydell Holmes was located in the attic with a female that was injured. Holmes also lit a blanket on fire, for an unknown reason, while inside the home. After Holmes was taken into custody the extent of the female victim’s injuries became more apparent and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene. Several stab wounds were treated by EMS personnel and the victim was air lifted to Atlanta Medical Center. The victim also made statements to deputies that Holmes had forced her to leave her own residence with him while at knifepoint.

Holmes and the victim are familiar with one another due to an on going relationship between the two of them. Investigators are still working on this case and criminal charges maybe updated due to the findings. Holmes is currently charged with aggravated assault, burglary , possession of a knife during commission of a crime, and arson.

Burglary Arrest In Spalding

On Wednesday May 19th, marked units from the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office responded to a burglary in progress at a residence on Yamacraw Road. 

Hannah Sikes

Sheriff Darrell Dix, “The homeowner, who was away from home, was alerted when the security cameras at her residence detected motion. The system sent pictures to her phone and when she saw the 2 suspects in the pictures she immediately called the Spalding County 911 Center. As units arrived on scene they began to set up a perimeter to try to contain the suspects. We deployed one of our HAWK drones along with one of our K-9 units in the area to begin a ground search. At the same time, we were able to distribute photos of the suspects that had been provided to us by the homeowner on social media.” 

“Shortly after the photos hit social media, we received a tip that the female suspect in the picture was Hannah Sikes (W/F 29 years of age) and that she lived at an unknown address on Tomochichi Road. Based on that information and in-house records searches, Investigators were able to obtain information that linked the suspect to the address of 753 Tomochichi Road. When investigators and uniform deputies arrived at the residence they located Sikes and the male suspect from the photos and identified him as Lonnie Harper (W/M 39 years of age). They recovered the clothes that they were wearing in the pictures.” 

Lonnie Harper

“Both were taken into custody and are currently being housed in the Spalding County Jail. They have been charged with burglary and are awaiting their first appearance hearing.” 

“These arrests were made possible by the camera system the homeowner used that gave her the ability to quickly notify us that someone was at her residence then forward us very clear pictures of the suspects. This allowed us to get marked units and investigators on scene and in the area quickly, and accurate information out to the public via social media. These facts, coupled with citizens and deputies working together led to the tip that resulted in the arrest of both suspects. Great work by everyone involved.” 

If you do not have access to social media but want to stay informed of what is going on in Spalding County you can subscribe to receive our Nixle alerts by texting Spalding to 888-777. You will receive lookouts, traffic crash information, and severe weather alerts. There are no adds or junk texts. This is a free service provided by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office.

THOMASTON-UPSON SCHOOL SYSTEM NAMED A 2020 VISION DISTRICT

l-r DeShon Brown, Dian Banister,
Pattie Ogletree, Karen Puckett,
Sherry Maddox, Lisa Melton,
Rachel Wild.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the T-U School Nutrition Department. 

Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico recently congratulated School Nutrition Director Karen Puckett and the entire T-U School Nutrition Department for excellence in meeting the 2020 Vision for School Nutrition – to include Georgia Grown foods in at least 20 percent of each school meal. 

Thomaston-Upson Schools has been recognized as having a School Nutrition Program that is committed to the vision of regularly serving fresh, local foods grown right here in Upson County and around the state of Georgia.

TU School Nutrition Director Karen Puckett and
Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico

UPSON-LEE HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS

Upson-Lee High School held their annual Honors Night recently, seven seniors received music scholarships.

Addison Dowdy received the Patrick S. Gilmore Award

Paige Taylor received the John Gillespie Memorial Scholarship

Amani Watson received the John Philip Sousa Award

Gavin Hoppe received the Jeffrey Hicks Memorial Scholarship

Lauren McDaniel received the Upson-Lee Auxiliary Scholarship

Zachary Taylor received the Medcalf Music Scholarship

Lindsey Norris received the Glenn Van Houten Memorial Scholarship

MID-MAY COVID-19 UPDATE

Since the last half of April, Upson County’s cases, deaths and hospitalizations have continued in a steady downward trend. New cases dropped from 19 to 15, and new hospitalizations dropped from 3 to 1. There have been zero new deaths. Average 2-week test positivity is at a record low of 4.2%, which is less than the State’s 4.8% average. The Community Transmission Level is down from Substantial to Moderate.

Upson County	New Cases	New Deaths	New Hosp	Avg 2-wk Test Pos
Apr 16 – 30, 2020	77	13 (hi)
June 1 – 15	14 (lo)	6	1
June 16 – 30	60	3	0 (lo)
July 16 – 31	78	0 (lo)	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%
Jan 1 – 15, 2021	246 (hi)	2	14 (hi)	23.4% (hi)
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%
Mar 16 – 31	20	1	1	5.5%
Apr 1 – 15	26	3	4	5.3%
Apr 16 – 30	19	1	3	5.3%
May 1 – 15	15	0 (lo)	1	4.2% (lo)
Source: Daily Reports from GA Department of Public Health

UPSON-LEE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT COLLAPSES

An Upson-Lee Middle School student remained in the hospital Wednesday evening after she collapsed during a field day event. This happened Tuesday morning on the school’s track field. Several school employees and educators are being hailed heroes in rushing to her aid.

"We have some basic running events and the student is a cross country runner and so she eagerly participated in the running event and had not been running long and pretty much collapsed," said Rhonda Gulley, Upson-Lee Middle School Principal.

Principal Rhonda Gulley told FOX5, one of their 7th graders, named Audrey, went into full cardiac arrest. That’s when she said, the P.E. teacher, school nurse, and physical therapist ran to help.

"There was no pulse," said Gulley.

She said one began CPR while another ran to get a defibrillator.

"What we are hearing is that the fast response time is what helped in this case," said Gulley.

Within minutes of EMS arriving, she was airlifted to Children’s Hospital Atlanta at Scottish Rite. The school shared a picture on social media saying it’s great to see Audrey’s smile.

"Seeing her yesterday and seeing her today, we were so thankful for that sweet smile," said Gulley.

Principal Gulley said they are still praying for Audrey while she remains in the hospital. But many believe it’s the heroic efforts that took place that kept her alive.

"We are truly thankful to have the right people at the right place at the right time and truly save this sweet child’s life," said Gulley.

SUICIDE INTERVENTION TRAINING

Community Wide Suicide Intervention Training Opportunity!

Accept the Challenge!

Be Part of the Movement!

19,000 people nationwide have taken the challenge!

WHEN: June 9, 2021 9 am - 2:30 pm

WHERE: Church of Joy. 3080 Highway 362 West, Williamson, GA 30292

Registration Is Open - 770-227-1671

Thomaston PD Has Arrested All Suspects In A Shooting Death

The following subjects were charged in the case involving the death of Michael Gates on December 01, 2020 at approximately 10:22 p.m. at the victim’s residence located at 121 Wellington Drive, Thomaston GA.

Jordan Marquez Jones, Age: 19
Thomaston Native
Arrested on 12/08/2020
Charges: Felony Murder, Home Invasion

Jakari Di’Jon Daniel, Age: 26
Thomaston Native
Arrested on 03/10/2021
Charges: Felony Murder, Home Invasion

Chaz Searcy, Age: 21
Thomaston Native
Arrested On 04/14/2021
Charges: Felony Murder

Nytia JeJuane Smith, Age: 24
Thomaston Native
Arrested On 05/11/2021
Charges: Felony Murder, Home Invasion

OUTSTANDING WARRANTS ON THE FOLLOWING SUSPECT

Deandre Rashad Tennyson, Age: 27
Atlanta Resident
Charges: Felony Murder, Home Invasion

Currently Mr. Tennyson is in custody in the Fulton County Jail on unrelated charges. He will be transported to Upson County Jail when he is released from Fulton Co.

All subjects associated with the home invasion and murder of Michael Gates have been arrested and or charged.

RUSSELL EASOM NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH GRIFFIN HIGH

The Griffin-Spalding County School System Board of Education voted 4-0 (board member Cook absent) to approve the recommendation of Russell Easom as head football coach of Griffin High School during a board work session on May 18th.

Easom has been the head football coach, athletic director and defensive coordinator for East Coweta High School since 2014. Prior to East Coweta High School, Coach Easom served Griffin High School as special team coordinator, defensive coordinator, algebra lead teacher and math lead teacher from 2004-2013.

During his time at GHS, Easom received numerous recognitions including Teacher of the Month, Teacher of the Year, awarded the Golden Star and helped lead the GHS football team to be state champions in 2013.

Coach Easom holds a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Math and Science from Columbus State University, a Masters of Education in Post-Secondary Education from Troy University and a Specialists of Education in Coaching Pedagogy from Valdosta State University. 

“We are very excited to have Coach Easom back with the Griffin High School Football Program,” said GSCS Superintendent Keith Simmons. “I am confident he will continue to build on the rich history and continue the legacy of Griffin High School football.” Board Chairman Zack Holmes said, “I trust the superintendent and our newly appointed principal of Griffin High School, Herbert Chambers.”

UGA-CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Georgia and Clemson will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 4, in the Duke’s Mayo Classic in Charlotte, NC, according to an announcement Tuesday by ESPN.

The game will be televised on ABC and will be part of a five-game early season schedule featuring SEC teams against non-conference opponents.

The early season schedule announced Tuesday involving SEC teams include:

Sept. 4:

3:30 p.m. ABC, Alabama vs. Miami in Chick-fil-A Kickoff

7:30 pm. ABC, Georgia vs. Clemson in Duke’s Mayo Classic

Sept. 6:

8:00 p.m. ESPN, Louisville vs. Ole Miss in Chick-fil-A Kickoff

Sept. 11:

7:00 p.m. ESPN, Texas at Arkansas

Sept. 18:

7:30 p.m. ABC, Auburn at Penn State.

PIKE CO OFFICES CLOSED FRIDAY MAY 21

Pike County offices will be closed from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 21st in observance of Employee Appreciation Day.

GUNSHOT VICTIM DIES IN GRIFFIN

On Sunday, May 9th at approximately 1:40 am, on duty patrol officers heard gunshots in the area of Chappell and Tinsley and responded to the area in an attempt to pinpoint the area where the shots originated. Before officers could determine the location, officers were dispatched to the area of N. 5th Street where they observed a male lying in the roadway. Officers attempted to render aid to the victim but determined the male had been shot and had succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators and Crimes scene personnel were summoned to the area and began processing the scene, interviewing witnesses and following leads. The victim has been identified as Javarreis Demonta Reid, age 25 of Griffin. Mr. Reid’s family have been notified. 

Investigators are still following leads and gathering information pertinent to this investigation. This case is active and ongoing and additional details will be released when appropriate and when doing so would not jeopardize the investigation. 

Anyone with information, please contact Inv. D. J. King at 770-229-6450, ext. 164. 

GRIFFIN PD ARREST IN ARMED ROBBERY

On Wednesday, May 5th at approximately 6:15 pm, officers with the Uniform Patrol Division of the City of Griffin Police Department responded to a call of an armed robbery at Louise’s Cafeteria at 426 East Solomon Street. 

As officers arrived on scene, witnesses reported that a black male wearing jeans, a dark shirt and an American flag mask entered the building though a back door and walked in to the office. The male, who was armed with a knife, threatened the cafeteria manger, holding her at knife point and took cash from the office. 

The Griffin Police Department Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Unit arrived on scene, and after further interviews with witnesses, they were able to determine the suspect was a former employee. The suspect was identified as Curtis Dowell, age 51 of Griffin. Warrants were issued for Dowell and he was arrested today. 

A social media post on the City of Griffin Police Department Facebook page on Friday asked for assistance in locating Sage and Violet Dowell. There was concern for the children’s safety if they were in Mr. Dowell’s presence when and if he were confronted by law enforcement regarding the warrants against him. Dowell was taken in to the custody without incident and the children are safe. Thank you to everyone who called, emailed or left tips on the children’s whereabouts. The children are safe due to caring citizens and our supporters. 

The Griffin Police Department would like to thank the citizens of Griffin for their continued involvement and partnership with us in an effort to keep our city safe. The Griffin Police Department works to continue strengthening the bond with the community

CITY OF THOMASTON OPEN RECORDS REQUEST INFO

To submit an open records request, you will need to submit a letter with the information you are requesting to the appropriate office identified below:

Oasis Nichols, in her capacity as Deputy Gty Clerk of the City of Thomaston, is appointed to serve as the open records officer for all Open Records Requests directed to or pertaining to the City of Thomaston.

Address: 

Oasis Nichols 
City of Thomaston
Post Office Box 672
106 E. Lee Street, Ste 260
Thomaston, GA 30286

Alternate Open Records Officer:

Jennifer Sanz, in her capacity as Human Resources Director of the City of Thomaston, is appointed to serve as the open records officer for Open Records Requests directed to or pertaining to the City of Thomaston.

Address:

Jennifer Sanz
City of Thomaston Human Resources Department
Post Office Box 672
106 E. Lee Street
Thomaston, GA 30286

PIKE'S GOT TALENT WINNER

PIKE'S GOT TALENT AND FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, A MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT, MILLIE SMITH, WON GRAND CHAMPION AT THE ANNUAL TALENT CONTEST, FRIDAY. 

MILLIE ALSO WON THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD PLUS THE MIDDLE SCHOOL TALENT COMPETITION, PERFORMING A TUNE FROM THE BROADWAY SHOW-HAMILTON.

FUN 101'S BILL BAILEY WAS ON THE PANEL OF JUDGES.

URMC FREE COVID-19 VACCINE CLINICS

FREE COVID-19 VACCINE FROM
 UPSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

ANY GEORGIA RESIDENT
AGED 12 YEARS AND OVER IS ELIGIBLE.

CALL MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 9 AM TILL 4 PM
TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE VACCINE. 

FREE VACCINE CLINICS LOCATED IN

THOMASTON, ZEBULON AND BARNESVILLE. 

FOR THOMASTON & ZEBULON CALL 706-646-5727

FOR BARNESVILLE 770-872-5015 

Upson County Seniors Attend Braves Game

 

FY 2022 SPALDING COUNTY BUDGET MESSAGE FROM CO MANAGER WILLIAM WILSON JR.

County Manager William Wilson advised that he had forwarded the Budget Message and Revenue and Expense Summaries. The Budget does include a 2% Cost of Living and does not include a tax increase. 

It has some large expenditures in this budget that are needed at the Courthouse. The Courthouse elevators, the main two elevators in the back that you walk through to the Clerk of Court’s Office are 35-36 years old and they are in need of updating and modernizing. We can’t get parts for them anymore. That is a $370,000 expense built into this budget with more elevator updates in future budgets because in the courthouse there are 4 elevators, there is one in this building, there is one in the old post office which is older than any of the other’s and is still going and it is going to have to be replaced. The others can be modernized and put new control panels in. 

Also, next year, we must update our Comprehensive Plan, this is also in the Budget, 50% for this year and 50% for the next fiscal year. That is $125,000 per year. 

There are four full time positions recommended, one in the Board of Elections, a technician is being requested for the Voting Machines, in the Solicitors Office an Office Assistant, in Leisure Services a Center Supervisor/Curator for the Rosenwald Building and in Community Development a Senior Planner. There is one part time position that the Board had approved earlier this year for Probate Court. There were requests from a number of other departments for new positions, but those were not recommended. 

The Library, Land Bank Authority, DFCS, Veterans Services, Personal Growth Center, Health Department are all recommended at last year’s funding levels. Last year Mr. Wilson had recommended funding the Development Authority at 100% and the Board cut that back to 75%. We intimated that the Board would give them 100% this year, so that is in there. 

The total budget for FY 2021 was $90 million, the total budget for FY 2022 is $95 million. The largest increases are in the 2016 Capital Projects Fund because that is where we have most of the money coming in for Pay As You Go Projects. You will also see that we will be making the second payment on the SPLOST Bonds. 

Mr. Wilson stated that the General Fund increased a little less than $1.5 million. The salaries and benefits portion of this is about $800,000 so that leaves about $700,000 for increases. With the $400,000 for the elevators and $125,000 for the Comprehensive Plan which adds up to $525,000, so we are only about $175,000 as an operational increase in the General Fund. Mr. Wilson then stated that he had invited Miller Edwards to come and speak to the Board. Mr. Edwards is the Auditor in charge of Spalding County Audits and Commissioner Dutton wanted to talk about the Pension Fund and that is why he is here. 

The following Agenda Items were discussed over the two-day period and changes are made to the indicated budget line items. 2. Review of recommended General Fund Revenues 3. Review of recommended Executive Department Budget (Dept. 1300)

Georgia To Stop Federal Unemployment Supplement Next Month

Georgia will stop providing additional federal unemployment benefits that were passed by Congress to help people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The last week that the extra $300 will be paid is June 26th.

Business leaders have said the federal benefits have created a labor crisis across the state. Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber stated that, “Because workers aren’t coming back into these jobs, we had companies tell us they are turning down orders, they’re even looking at shutting down operations.”

There are currently around 250,000 jobs available on the Employ Georgia website.

The pool of workers who are eligible for unemployment benefits, many self-employed, gig workers and freelancers that typically don't qualify for state benefits will be entirely cut off from assistance.

It’s uncertain if the federal money will be redirected, Clark suggested Kemp use the federal unemployment benefits, of $300 a month, for new hires to get a signing bonus or to pay for job training.