School Supplies Purchased With CARES Act Funds

The Thomaston-Upson School System has received federal funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and has made the decision to use these funds to purchase school supplies for all PK-12 Thomaston-Upson students for the 2021-22 school year. 

The school system is aware that the pandemic has created financial hardships for some of our families, and this is one way that we can help. All Thomaston-Upson students will receive their school supplies on the first day of school. (Parents will be responsible for providing a bookbag for their student, if needed.)

Two Arrested For Car Break-Ins In Griffin

Investigators with the City of Griffin Police Department have vigorously followed leads and other information concerning the entering auto cases that have taken place throughout the city. That, along with aggressive patrols and observation, has led to the arrest of two individuals. 

The suspects are identified as: Bendarious Dewberry, age 19 of Griffin, and Jamariae Henley, age 17 of Griffin. Dewberry and Henley have been arrested on charges relating to entering auto, theft of a motor vehicle, theft by receiving stolen property, and possession of a weapon by a person under twenty-one years of age. 

Investigators are still aggressively investigating these cases, and more arrests and charges against these two suspects and other suspects are expected. The case is still active and ongoing as investigators sort through the large amount of information and evidence in this case. 

If you have information that you feel may be helpful in these investigations, call the Criminal Investigation Division of the City of Griffin Police Department at 770-229-6450. We welcome all information. A full list of charges and a list of other suspects will be released once the case is complete and all warrants have been secured on all suspects.

Shop Fire In Warm Springs

Firefighters in Warm Springs spent more than one hour battling flames at a business on Tuesday evening. Officials said the fire was at 55 Broad Street in Warm Springs, which matches the address of Mountain Crafts, a gift shop.

One firefighter was injured from smoke inhalation and was hospitalized.

Firefighters responded to the structure fire at 7:30 p.m. and the fire was under control by 9 p.m. Officials said about 30 firefighters were on scene, including units from Manchester and Flint Hill. Officials said Mountain Crafts sustained heavy fire and smoke inside. Buildings on either side of the shop did not sustain any damage.

UPSON CO DRUG ARREST

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT MADE A TRAFFIC STOP ON ROSECREEK DRIVE AND MADE A DRUG ARREST.

43 YEAR OLD JANS WAYNE ARD OF ROCKY BOTTOM ROAD BOOKED FOR POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA THC OIL, A VAP PEN  AND SEVERAL SUSPECTED OXYCODONE PILLS. ARD HAD AN OUTSTANDING WARRANT FOR FAILURE TO APPEAR. 

A STERO SYSTEM FOUND IN HIS CAR COULD BE STOLEN ACCORDING TO THE S.O. REPORT.

Thomaston Mayor And Council Agenda 6/29/21

 CITY OF THOMASTON

MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL – AGENDA

JUNE 29, 2021 – 7:00 P.M.

CITY-COUNTY MEETING ROOM – MAIN FLOOR
THOMASTON-UPSON GOVERNMENT COMPLEX

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

Amended Agenda

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

B. Approval of Minutes of June 1, 2021 (Regular), Minutes of June 11, 2021 (Special Called)

C. Adoption of Agenda

D. Introduction of New Economic Development Coordinator – Mr. Taylor Smith

E. Public Hearing - Annexation Request on 1070 Highway 19 N – Mr. Robert Fallin

F. Public Comment

G. City Attorney’s Report

H. City Clerk’s Report

I. City Engineer’s Report

J. City Manager’s Report

     1. Discussion / Approval of Juneteenth Holiday

     2. Discussion / Approval of MEAG Power Solar Project

     3. Discussion / Approval of Silver Town Tank Verizon Wireless Agreement (Amendment 4)

     4. Authorization for Execution of GEFA Loan # CW2020033

     5. Discussion of 2021 Tax Digest and Millage Rate

K. Other Business

1. Set Work Session Date (Proposed Friday, July 16th at 9am)

L. Executive Session / Discussion/Potential Action

TWO ARRESTED AFTER THOMASTON PD CHASE

TWO ARRESTS AFTER A BRIEF CHASE INVOLVING THOMASTON POLICE, THAT STARTED AT NORTH CHURCH AND WEST WALKER, AND ENDED WITH A WRECK NEAR CRAWLEY STREET THURSDAY EVENING.

THE FLEEING DRIVER, 29 YEAR OLD DAMIEN CORTEZ KENDALL OF 108 G. LOOP FACES 13 CHARGES INCLUDING FLEEING FROM POLICE, POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA AND POSSESSION OF A KNIFE AND HANDGUN DURING A CRIME. HE ALSO HAD AN OUTSTANDING WARRANT FOR PROBATION VIOLATION.

THE OTHER SUSPECT, 29 YEAR OLD DESMOND WALKER OF POTEMKIN VILLAGE WAY WAS IN A SEPERATE TRUCK , BUT STOPPED AND ATTEMPTED TO TAKE A BAG OF MARIJUANA FROM KENDALL'S VEHICLE AFTER KENDALL, DROVE INTO A FIELD, HIT A DITCH, WRECKED AND FLED ON FOOT BUT WAS CAPTURED. WALKER WAS BOOKED FOR OBSTRUCTION, POSSESSION MARIJUNA AND A WEAPONS CHARGE.

ANOTHER BAG OF WEED WAS FOUND IN THE FLOORBOARD OF KENDALL'S 2002 DODGE RAM PICKUP ALONG WITH  A 9 MILLIMETER HANDGUN.

THE CHASE STARTED AFTER OFFICER MORGAN PROSSER TRIED TO STOP KENDALL FOR NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT AND HE SPED TO CRAWLEY STREET , HIT A PARKED CHEVY PICK-UP AND WIPED-OUT A STOP SIGN, BEFORE CRASHING.

CONGRESSMAN DREW FERGUSON REACTS TO DOJ LAW SUIT ON GA ELECTIONS LAW

U.S. Representative Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.) released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s federal lawsuit in opposition to Georgia’s Election Integrity Act (S.B. 202):

“It is simply astonishing how far the Biden Administration will go to push a false narrative about Georgia’s Election Integrity Act,” Ferguson said. “After Senate Democrats failed to pass Biden’s radical – and unconstitutional – bill to federalize our elections, this is nothing but a brazen attempt by the Department of Justice to seize powers intentionally delegated to states and increase the federal government’s already outsized influence in our democracy. Georgia’s Election Integrity Act goes a long way toward achieving both voter access and voter integrity, and I will continue to fight against these “woke” misinformation campaigns that seek to undermine the authority of states to administer their own elections.”

SPALDING CO S.O. NEW WEBSITE

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office has launched our official website. www.spaldingsheriff.org. 

Sheriff Darrell Dix, “We have been very proactive in the various forms of communication that we use to get information out to the public. We launched our free Nixle alert service in 2017 to keep the public informed of traffic alerts, weather situations, lookouts, and other important information. The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page currently has over 22,000 followers, and our website will continue those efforts by making it even easier for the public to get information about the agency, our role, and the community we serve.”

 “The website includes information about every division in the agency along with a brief description of their duties and responsibilities. Links are included that enable citizens to look up incidents, view community crime mapping, daily activity reports, see who is in jail along with their charges and bond amounts, view wanted persons, missing persons, find answers to frequently asked questions, contact information about local state and federal agencies, a calendar of upcoming events, community outreach, employment opportunities, and more.”

 “Our team, led by Deputy William Brock, worked hard to make the website very user friendly so it would appeal to the largest group of users possible. Please check us out at www.spaldingsheriff.org.” 

To subscribe to our free Nixle alerts, text 30223 or 30224 to 888777 so you can stay informed via text messages about Spalding County Sheriff’s Office activity, information, and severe weather notifications in the Spalding County area. You can also look us up and follow us on Facebook by going to the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Accident On The Square In Thomaston

An accident at the intersection of South Center Street and Gordon Street left both vehicles damaged but no injuries,

The collision between a Dodge Charger and a tractor trailer rig occurred at 2 pm Tuesday with the Charger suffering substantial damage to the front.

Thomaston Police Department is investigating.

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Photos By Rico Andrews

GBI ARRESTS FORMER CITY OF GRIFFIN EMPLOYEES

On September 30, 2020, the GBI Region 2 Field Office was requested by the Griffin Police Department to assist in investigating allegations of the theft of City of Griffin property by city employees after an internal audit was conducted by the City of Griffin Central Services Department revealing several large items of equipment and vehicles were missing.

The GBI has arrested Gary Phillip Francis, 62, of Griffin, GA on five counts of felony theft by taking, and Stevie Raymond Williams, 65, of Griffin, GA on two counts of felony theft by taking. Warrants have been issued for Terry Eugene Lewis, 57, of Griffin, GA on one count of felony theft by taking, and Jason Eugene Abercrombie, 42, of Mansfield, GA on one count of felony theft by taking. Francis and Williams were booked into the Spalding County Jail.

Further investigation revealed that after the retirement of then Central Services Director Phil Francis in September 2020, City officials performed a routine audit of the department’s heavy equipment. This audit resulted in several pieces of large equipment being unaccounted for in departmental records. The results of the audit were then given to the Griffin Police Department (GPD) for further investigation. During its initial investigation, GPD quickly uncovered that this matter spanned multiple jurisdictions outside of the City Limits of Griffin. Given this information, Griffin Police Chief Mike Yates and then City Manager, Kenny Smith, requested that the GBI assume the investigation.

At the conclusion of an 8-month GBI investigation, it was determined that Lewis, Abercrombie, Francis, and Williams committed felony theft by taking in reference to a 2007 International roll-off truck, a 2002 Polaris UTV, a 2005 Polaris Ranger, a 2006 Peterbilt 320 garbage truck, a Caterpillar skid steer, a 2004 Ford Super Duty truck, and a Grasshopper 322D lawnmower.

This investigation is ongoing and will be turned over to the Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Anyone with information regarding this investigation may contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Region 2 Field Office at (706) 565-7888. Tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

LOCAL RETIRED DOCTOR AND WIFE KILLED IN COLORADO PLANE CRASH

An orthopedic surgeon who practiced many years in Griffin and his wife were killed Wednesday afternoon when their single-engine plane crashed in Colorado.

The Douglas County Colorado Coroner’s Office says 65-year-old Kathleen Velazco and 73-year-old Antenor Velazco were killed when their single-engine propeller plane struck an electrical line on approach to Centennial Airport and crashed in a large field on Wednesday.

The Denver Gazette reports that Antenor Velazco was a private pilot certified by the Federal Aviation Administration and an orthopedic surgeon. He is believed to have been flying the plane at the time of the crash.

Velazco practiced orthopedics for over 20 years and had offices in Griffin prior to his retirement in March. Hartney-Velazco practiced anesthesiology with Capitol Anesthesiology in Clayton County.

The Federal Aviation Administration says the single-engine Lancair Evolution had taken off from Neosho, Missouri, earlier in the day. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident.

THOMASTON CITY HALL OFFICES CLOSED MONDAY, JUNE 21

CITY OF THOMASTON OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, JUNE 21 IN OBSERVANCE OF JUNETEENTH, DECLARED A NATIONAL HOLIDAY BY PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN.

FEMALE ARRESTED FOR CAR THEFT

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON SAYS A FEMALE WAS ARRESTED IN A STOLEN CAR CASE, THURSDAY. 

THE SUSPECT, LILLIAN MCKINLEY, 32 CHARGED IN THE MISSING GOLD 2000 CHEVY MALIBU TAKEN FROM BEHIND MAIN STREET BILLIARDS AND RECOVERED AT 211 DANIEL ROAD. 

DETECTIVES LEARNED TWO INDIVIDUALS ON GRIFFIN AVE. IN THOMASTON WERE SEEN WITH THE CAR EARLIER IN THE DAY. THE CHIEF TOLD US, MCKINLEY WAS BOOKED FOR CAR THEFT, THE OTHER SUBJECT WAS RELEASED WITHOUT CHARGES.

Finalist Named For Spalding County Manager

Two finalists have been announced for the position of Spalding County manager to replace William Wilson, who will retire at the end of June after 35 years of service.

The Spalding County Board of Commissioners on Monday conducted interviews with candidates and the two finalists have been identified as Jarvis Sims and Steve Ledbetter.

Sims was most recently the deputy administrator for Augusta-Richmond County where he also served as interim administrator in 2019 and 2020, he has a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University and a master’s degree from Mercer University.

Ledbetter is currently the mayor/chief executive officer for the city of Woodbury and is the chief operations officer for Korban Partners LLC, he has a master’s degree from Columbus State University and a doctorate from Regent University.

Wilson’s successor will be named on or after July 1st.

Mid-June COVID-19 Update

Since the end of May, Upson County has only recorded 2 new COVID cases, the lowest half-month number on record. Average 2-week test positivity is also at a record low, dropping from 3.4% to 1.7%, which is even lower than the State average of 2.2%.

Deaths dropped from 4 to 1, but new hospitalizations took an upward turn from 0 to 3.

25% of Upson’s total population is now fully vaccinated, compared to 34% for the State.

 

Upson County	New Cases	New Deaths	New Hosp	Avg 2-wk Test Pos	% Fully Vaccinated
Apr 16 – 30, 2020	77	13 (hi)
June 1 – 15	14	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%	16%
Apr 16 – 30	19	1	3	5.3%	19%
May 1 – 15	15	0 (lo)	2	4.2%	23%
May 16 – 31	11	4	0	3.4%	24%
June 1 – 15	2 (lo)	1	3	1.7% (lo)	25%
Source: Daily Reports from GA Department of Public Health

Griffin Shooting And Robbery

On June 15th at approximately 2:00 pm, a Griffin Police officer was on patrol near 403 W. Taylor Street. The officer observed what appeared to be an altercation between several males which included an exchange of gunfire. Before the officer could stop and contact the individuals, all parties fled the area in their respective vehicles. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop which led to a brief pursuit. The pursuit ended shortly near the intersection of N 12th St and W. Solomon Street after the officer lost contact with the vehicle/s due to heavy traffic on the roadway. 

A few minutes later, Spalding WellStar Hospital reported that someone had brought a male to the emergency room with a gunshot wound. Investigation revealed that the male with the gunshot wound was involved in the altercation observed on West Taylor Street. Investigative activity and video obtained from a business in the area led to the recovery of the vehicle involved and the identity of all individuals. 

Those arrested and charged as follows: 

Deangelo Johnson, age 32 of Griffin, was arrested for Robbery by Sudden Snatching, Battery, Affray, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and Participation in Criminal Gang Activity. Investigation revealed that Johnson had just recently been released from prison, having served time for Armed Robbery. 

Delshon Pearson, who is also the shooting victim, age 29 of Griffin, has been charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching, Battery, Affray, and Participation in Criminal Gang Activity. Pearson was out of jail “On Bond” at the time of the shooting for Aggravated Assault and Cruelty to Children. 

Jamarcus Prather, age 32 of Griffin, has been charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault, Affray, Criminal Damage to Property, Reckless Conduct, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime. 

Warrants are pending for a fourth suspect: 

Jamaurius Ponder, age 25, who is still at large. At the time of the shooting incident, Ponder was out of jail “On Bond” for gang-related charges.

Griffin-Spalding Schools Statement On Critical Race Theory

On Tuesday, June 15, Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) Superintendent Keith Simmons made a public statement at the end of the Board of Education work session. He stated to the board, those in attendance and to the public audience watching virtually, “I want to be clear. In the Griffin-Spalding County School System, we do not teach critical race theory. We have not taught critical race theory and we do not intend to teach critical race theory. We teach the Georgia Standards of Excellence. Those are the standards that are provided to us by the state board of education and the Georgia Department of Education. Critical race theory is not a curriculum, nor is it a set of standards. While it is my effort and my intention to continue to lead with an equity lens as I have done since 2010, for me, for this school system, as your superintendent, ‘equity’ means ensuring a system and structures that are supportive of the academic, social and emotional needs of every child in this organization while also ensuring that resource allocation afforded to our schools provides the highest quality education for our students. So, again, we do not teach critical race theory.” 

Superintendent Simmons added, “I regret that I have to make such a public statement but I am not above doing so, and, if I may, I must admit that it is somewhat disheartening to think that there would be one or more who would wonder or question the integrity of the educators in this school system, regardless of your position relative to critical race theory. What we strive to do every day is act justly, show mercy and walk humbly. Thank you.” 

The mission statement of the Griffin-Spalding County School System is empowering students to graduate college and career ready.

UPDATE - Amber Alert Issued By Carroll County SO

Cassidy Curtis was located overnight in Grand Blanc, Michigan and is currently being reunited with her family, she was not harmed. Grand Blanc is located 750 miles north of Villa Rica on I-75 just south of Flint, Michigan.

The Carroll County Sheriff's Department has put out an Amber Alert for a 15 year old female last seen around 5:30 pm on 06/14/2021 in the 200 block of Lost Lake Way Villa Rica, GA.

CASSIDY CURTIS AGE 15, W/F 5’4, 120 lbs., brownish blond hair with green eyes

Cassidy was last seen wearing a red Coke shirt, Blue jeans, and a pair of black and white Vans shoes.

A witness in the area said they observed Cassidy carrying two bags and get into a dark in color mini van at the corner Lost Lake Drive at Lost Lake Trail. The van was described as a Chrysler or Dodge van.

Investigators are working with Cassidy’s family to gather more information, please share and contact Investigator Sam Hack at 770-830-5916 or by email at shack@carrollsheriff.com with any information that will lead to her whereabouts.

NEW TRAFFIC SIGNAL APPROVED

AT A CALLED MEETING FRIDAY, THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVED THE LOW BID FOR A HAWK TRAFFIC SIGNAL ON NORTH CHURCH STREET TO STOP TRAFFIC IN BOTH DIRECTIONS WHEN FIRE TRUCKS ARE DISPATCHED FROM THE SITE OF THE NEW FIRE STATION UNDER CONSTRUCTION. 

THE LOW BID $79,500 FROM A DOUGLASVILLE, GA. COMPANY.

COUNCIL WAS TOLD IT COULD BE FUNDED BY THE BOND FINANCING THE FIRE STATION OR BY FEDERAL COVID-19 RELIEF DOLLARS.

MISSING THOMASTON MAN FOUND DECEASED

THOMASTON POLICE  CHIEF  MIKE  RICHARDSON  SAYS  THE  SEARCH  FOR  A  MISSING  ELDERLY  MAN  HAS  A  TRAGIC  ENDING.  

 MR.  HENRY WALKER,   AGE  75,   OF  109  M.  STREET,  WENT  MISSING,  MONDAY  EVENING.

HIS  BODY   WAS  FOUND  IN  A  POND  NEAR  SILVERTOWN  TUESDAY  AFTERNOON.

UPSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER UPDATES COVID SAFE VISITOR RESTRICTIONS

As the number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases decrease in Georgia and following careful review of its policies and local COVID-19 data, URMC has chosen to modify certain portions of its visitation policy. The visitation policy is used to protect patients, visitors and caregivers from the threat of COVID-19. These changes are effective Monday, June 14th and only visitors described below will be permitted into URMC.

Visitors include those who are visiting/accompanying the following patients:

· Visitation hours will be held 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily.

· All inpatients may have two (2) visitors excluding COVID-19 patients. See special considerations.

· Two (2) visitors are allowed at the bedside at a time.

· The two (2) designated visitors must stay the same per 24 hour period.

· All patients in outpatient and ambulatory care setting may have two (2) visitors excluding COVID-19 patients.

· Visitors under the age of 18 are not permitted, including for the birth of a sibling.

Special consideration are made for the following and detailed below:

o Minor patients under the age of 18

o Patients in labor and delivery

o Patients in intensive care (non COVID-19)

o Patients at end of life and/or in hospice/palliative care

o Patients who need a healthcare decision maker or visitor to help with communication and/or mobility

Special Considerations

· Visitors are asked to stay no longer than two (2) hours per visit, except for patients/guardians, and hospice/palliative/end of life patients.

· Minor patients under the age of 18 may have two (2) visitors/guardians at any time.

· Patients in Labor and Delivery (active labor, before delivery) may have two (2) visitors. Both may be present at the bedside during visiting hours. One (1) visitor may remain overnight. Special arm band required, provided at Unit.

· Patients in Mother/Baby Unit (after delivery) may have two visitors at a time at the bedside. One (1) visitor may remain overnight. Special arm band required, provided at Unit.

· Patients in hospice or palliative care may have two (2) visitors at a time at the bedside.

· Patients in ICU (non COVID-19) may have two (2) visitors at a time at the bedside.

· COVID-19 patients- may be special circumstances as approved by Hospital administration.

Visitors must continue to adhere to the following guidelines:

· Visitation is limited to two (2) visitors per day.

· Visitors must remain in patient room at all times.

· The two (2) designated visitors must stay the same per 24 hour period.

· Waiting rooms remain closed.

· Essential visitors may change out daily.

· Visitation hours will be held from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

SilverCare Unit Visitation Guidelines

Only one visitor is allowed at a time per patient. Visitors may rotate in allowing for multiple visitors for each visitation. Children under the age of 18 are restricted.

Visiting hours for Silvercare are as follows.

· Monday - Friday: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

· Saturday – Sunday: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

URMC may be accessed through the main lobby and/or Emergency Department. Individuals with cough, fever, shortness of breath or other flu-like symptoms are asked to refrain from visiting. Greeters at public entrances will continue to ask basic screening questions and temperature monitoring, guiding those seeking treatment to the appropriate location while assisting visitors as needed.

URMC recognizes that interacting with loved ones can be helpful to the healing process and strongly encourage everyone to utilize other forms of support for their loved ones, including phone calls and video chats on cell phones or other mobile devices. Patients have access to Wi-Fi to assist with mobile communication.

The health of our patients and the community is the highest concern at URMC. Our policies and actions are designated to safeguard our community. We appreciate the community’s cooperation and understanding with our efforts to mitigate the threat of COVID-19.

URMC reserves the right to update the visitation policy at any time, based on current COVID-19 conditions and CDC recommendations.

WRECK DOWNTOWN THOMASTON

IN DOWNTOWN THOMASTON

A FEMALE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R. AFTER THE CHEVY PICK-UP SHE OCCUPIED CAME TO REST UPSIDE DOWN AFTER BEING STRUCK BY A JEEP AT THE INTERSECTION OF GORDON AND CENTER STREET SUNDAY AROUND 1 PM.

THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN FRONT OF THE MURAL AT THE INTERSECTION. 

THOMASTON P.D. INVESTIGATING.