Tidal Wave Honored

Inc. magazine today revealed that Tidal Wave Auto Spa has been named to its annual Inc. 5000 list for the second consecutive year. The Inc. 5000 list is the most prestigious ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. 

The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy's most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000. 

Tidal Wave Auto Spa is ranked at #1555 up from the previous year of #1657. Not only have the companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but the list shows staggering growth compared with prior lists as well. 

“We are honored to be named one of America’s Fastest Growing Companies for the second consecutive year. I am very proud of my Tidal Wave team, both on our sites and our home office in Thomaston, GA." CEO Scott Blackstock 

Tidal Wave is one of the fastest growing car wash chains in the country and is a recognized leader in the industry with 70+locations across 13 states and close to 1,000 employees nationwide. Tidal Wave Auto Spa's wave of success began in 2004 and is headquartered in Thomaston, GA. Tidal Wave Auto Spa is known by it's superb customer service, sparkling clean cars and the aesthetic of the structures and landscaping. The company aggressively pursues talented employees who are trained to provide top notch friendly service. Tidal Wave Auto Spa is redefining the car wash industry

Vietnam Veterans Honored

The 50th anniversary Vietnam Veterans Recognition Program was held Saturday morning at the First Baptist Church by the John Houston Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Veterans from each branch of service were recognized and given a certificate of appreciation along with a custom made lapel pin.

The Upson-Lee Naval Junior ROTC and the Boy Scouts of America also participated in the program.

A 40 foot long replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. was displayed in the parking lot, 13 Upson County service men were killed in action during the Vietnam War and are listed on "The Wall."

REPLICA OF THE VIETNAM WALL ON DISPLAY AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF THOMASTON, SAT.

IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE VIETNAM VETERANS PROGRAM AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF THOMASTON, SATURDAY, COLLEGE PARK AMERICAN LEGION POST 81 WILL HAVE A 40 FOOT LONG REPLICA OF THE VIETNAM WALL IN WASHINGTON D.C. ON DISPLAY IN THE CHURCH PARKING LOT, SATURDAY.

UPSON COUNTY APPROVES NEW PENSION PLAN

The County, effective, August 31, 2021 will close the existing defined benefit or pension plan. All current participants in the plan will retain their same benefits under the plan. No new employees or re-employed employees hired on and after September 1, 2021 will be allowed to participate in the pension plan. However, effective September 1, all new hires and re-hires of former employees will be automatically enrolled in the 401(a) defined contribution plan. Participation in the 401(a) Plan will be mandatory for these employees as well as a mandatory base level contribution of 2.0%. The County will match that contribution 100%. Participants may make voluntary or elective contributions above the 2.0% required minimum. The County will match 100% those additional contributions up to a max of 4.0%. In total, the County will match a maximum of 6.0% of an employees salary, which is a 100% match of an employees’ mandatory contribution and voluntary contribution, not to exceed 6.0%.

The closing of the pension plan and addition of the 401(a) Plan will ultimately save the County costs associated with funding a pension plan and provide a more portable option of pre-tax investing and matching for those employees under the 401(a) plan. The County makes the recommended contribution to the pension plan. Contributions to pension plans can fluctuate from year-to-year based on numerous factors. For 2020 and 2021 the County made slightly over $500,000 into the pension plan.

Services Today For U-L Senior

Funeral services will be held at the Thomaston-Upson County Civic Center today at 1:00 pm for 17 year old Elkanah Dixson, a senior at Upson-Lee High School. 

Dixson died Friday, August 20th, at Upson Regional Medical Center from complications of the COVID-19 virus.

BIG RIG OVERTURNED IN UPSON CO

UPSON COUNTY EMERGENCY UNITS RESPONDED TO AN OVERTURNED SAND TRUCK AT 19 NORTH AND JEFF DAVIS ROAD AROUND 12:30 TODAY NEAR CIRCLE K. 

THE BIG RIG APPARENTLY HIT A CAR AND SAND WAS SPILLED ON THE ROADWAY. 

GA. STATE PATROL AND UPSON COUNTY S.O. ON THE SCENE.

GA A.G. TO INVESTIGATE SPALDING CO ELECTION

State Representatives David Knight (R-Griffin) and Karen Mathiak (R-Griffin), members of the Spalding County Legislative Delegation, applaud the State Election Board’s recent decision to refer its investigation of the Spalding County Board of Elections and its elections supervisor to the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, where it will now be eligible for further action. 

Reps. Knight and Mathiak have been working since December to highlight election failures that occurred in Spalding County after the November elections, including calling on Attorney General Chris Carr to investigate the official conduct of the Spalding County BOE and elections supervisor at that time

UPSON CO. COMMISSIONERS CHOOSE MURPHY PROPERTY

FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION, TUESDAY, THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS VOTED 4-1 TO EXERCISE AN OPTION ON THE CHAD MURPHY PROPERTY ON 19 SOUTH AS THE SITE OF A NEW JUSTICE CENTER. CHAIRMAN NORMAN ALLEN CAST THE NO VOTE, HE FAVORED THE DANIEL PROPERTY BECAUSE ITS CLOSER TO DOWNTOWN THOMASTON.

COMMISSIONER JAMES ELLINGTON SAID DEVELOPMENT COST ESTIMATES ARE MUCH LOWER FOR THE MURPHY PROPERTY AND ITS AN OPPORTUNITY TO REVITALIZE THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE COMMUNITY.

ONE CANDIDATE DROPS OUT THOMASTON MUNICIPAL ELECTION

MONEKIA IVEY OF POPLAR DRIVE, A CANDIDATE FOR CITY OF THOMASTON MAYOR PRO-TEM HAS DROPPED OUT OF THE RACE, JUST DAYS AFTER QUALIFING FOR THE NOV. 2ND MUNICIPAL ELECTION. 

CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON TOLD 101 NEWS HER QUALIFYING FEE WAS REFUNDED. IT LEAVES INCUMBENT DOUG HEAD, SHARON KING OF HERBERT STREET AND LORI LINDSAY OF AVALON ROAD IN THE RACE.

BOARD OF EDUCATION VOTES FOR MASK MANDATE

At the Monday, August 23rd, called BOE meeting, the Board voted unanimously to enact a temporary mask mandate at all Thomaston-Upson schools, effective Wednesday, August 25th, through Friday, October 8th.

Masks will be available at all schools for any student who needs one. The mask mandate will be enforced in all indoor/enclosed areas when social distancing is not possible.

In addition, upon Superintendent recommendation, the BOE voted to reopen the remote learning option for all K-12 students. The application window for remote learning will open on Wednesday, August 25th, and will close at midnight on Sunday, August 29th. (More information to come on this option.)

All Thomaston-Upson schools will be closed August 30th - September 3rd to prepare for the implementation of the remote learning option. (Teachers and staff will report to work.) The BOE will convene for a special work session on Tuesday, September 28th, to discuss the the termination or extension of the temporary mask mandate.

Griffin/Spaulding schools were already under a mask mandate and as of today Fayette County schools are under a mask mandate. Lamar County schools have taken a two week hiatus due to a rise in Covid Cases.

Pike Surpasses Lamar In Population

Pike County has surpassed Lamar County in population according to the 2020 Census data released this month by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Pike County increased by 1,020 residents (5.71%) and now has a population of 18,889 compared to Lamar County's 18,500. Lamar saw an increase of 183 residents (1%) over the past 10 years.

Upson County experienced a 2.01% growth, 547 residents and now has a population of 27,700.

Spalding County's percentage of growth, 5.05% was slightly smaller than Pike's 5.71% but the 3,233 increase makes Spalding larger than Upson, Pike and Lamar combined at 67,306 residents.

Fayette County's growth rate was again in double digits at 11.85% (12,627 residents) and now has a total population of 119,194. Coweta County saw the largest percentage of growth in the area at 14.8% (18,841 residents) and has a total of 146,158.

Meriwether, Talbot, Taylor and Crawford counties all saw a loss of population.

TRIUNE AVE DEATH RULED AN ACCIDENT BY THOMASTON PD

THOMASTON PD INVESTIGATORS HAVE CONCLUDED A DEATH AT 343 TRIUNE AVE. WAS ACCIDENTAL. 

MR. BENNIE FLOYD GATES IN HIS 80'S APPARENTLY FELL AND HIT HIS HEAD ON THE SIDE OF A CABINET. THE CORONER WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND AN INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED THAT RULED OUT FOUL PLAY.

MURDER CHARGES IN THOMASTON

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON TOLD 101 NEWS THERE WAS AN APPARENT HOMICIDE SUNDAY NIGHT DURING A FIGHT BETWEEN TWO SUBJECTS AT HANDY MART CONVIENCE STORE ON EAST WALKER STREET.

THE VICTIM IDENTIFIED AS MARLON SMITH WHO WAS PRONOUNCED DECEASED AT THE E.R. THE SUSPECTED SHOOTER CHAUNCEY RENARD POWELL OF WORTHY DRIVE FLED THE SCENE AND TWO HOURS LATER WAS PULLED OVER BY PIKE COUNTY DEPUTIES AND TAKEN INTO CUSTODY. POWELL IS BEING HELD IN THE UPSON COUNTY JAIL WITHOUT BOND ON MURDER CHARGES. CHIEF RICHARDSON SAID POWELL WAS NOT INTERVIEWED WHEN HE WAS ARRESTED BECAUSE HE WAS INTOXICATED. THE INVESTIGATION IS ACTIVE--THE CHIEF TOLD US.

COVID-19 Spikes Nearly 60% In Children

The Georgia Department of Health is reporting that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in school-age children has risen almost 60% in just one week.

Nearly 8,000 new cases of COVID-19 among children ages 17 and under was reported the week of August 13th, up from 5,095 cases last week.

On August 18th, children 17 and under accounted for 13.6% of all emergency room visits. A total of 1,314 children ages 17 and younger have been admitted to Georgia hospitals since the start of the pandemic.

This week, 6,539 of the cases reported were among children ages 5 to 17 years old and 1,187 cases were reported among 0 to 4 year old's. That’s an increase of 59.2% among ages 5 to 17 and 20.3% in kids ages 0 to 4.

More children have been diagnosed with the virus this month than at any other time during the pandemic. The previous high was in January when the state recorded the highest seven-day case average in children ages 0 to 17 at 868 daily cases.

Friday’s daily average in the 0 to 17 age group was nearly double that, at 1,633 cases. Children ages 10 to 17 made up the majority of those cases.

GUILTY PLEAS UPSON SUPERIOR COURT

Pleas – Judge Scott L. Ballard August 18, 2021

1. Shane E. Samples 

Ct. 1: Aggravated Stalking: 10 years; Serve 1 in prison; $2,500 fine; no Contact with victim or victim’s family

2. Richard A. Moncrief
Ct. 1: Possession of Meth WITD: Nolle Prosequi; Ct. 2: Possession of Meth: 5 years to serve credit for time served; Ct. 3: Possession of firearm/ knife During crime/attempt: 5 years to serve credit for time served Concurrent to count 2.; Ct. 4: Criminal use of Article with Altered ID: 5 years to serve concurrent To count 3, 2.; Ct. 5: Driving while license suspended Or revoked: 12 months to serve in the jail concurrent to count 4, 3,2.; Ct. 6: No Proof of Insurance: Nolle Prosequi; Ct. 7: No Helmet: Nolle Prosequi; Ct. 8: Operating Vehicle without valid Tag: Nolle Prosequi

BARS IN DOWNTOWN THOMASTON?

THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL IS STUDYING A PROPOSED REWRITE OF THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE ORDIANCE THAT WOULD ALLOW BARS IN DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT. IT WOULD ALSO CREATE A DESIGNATED RESTAURANT DISTRICT TO ALLOW PATRONS TO WALK THE STREETS WITH AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE.

THE ORDIANCE OVERHAUL WOULD PLACE NEW RESTRICTIONS ON SOME BUSINSSES THAT SELL BEER AND WINE BUT THEY WOULD HAVE A YEAR TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW MEASURES.

TORNADO TOUCHES DOWN IN MERIWETHER COUNTY

An early morning tornado blew through Meriwether County early Tuesday morning. The event happened around 4:45 a.m. The tornado warning included the northern edge of Troup County as well. The confirmed report of the tornado also included reports of several large trees down across Coleman Creek Circle.

Rainbow Over Eastern Upson County Saturday

UPSON CO COURTHOUSE CUPULA DELAYED

IT WILL BE OCTOBER BEFORE THE NEW CLOCK TOWER FOR THE UPSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE WILL BE DELIVERED. 

UPSON COUNTY MANAGER JASON TINSLEY AND ARCHIVES DIRECTOR JAMESON GRAMME GOT A GUEST FLIGHT FROM THE COMPANY TO TAYLOR COUNTY, KENTUCKY ON TUESDAY TO VIEW THE CONSTRUCTION.

        

COVID-19 VACCINE CLINICS

Upson Regional Medical Center

In the auditorium, Tuesdays and Fridays

7:30 am – 11:30 am and 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Upson County Health Department

314 East Lee Street, Monday through Friday

9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Both the vaccines are free!!

No appointment is needed. 

Anyone 12 years of age or older is eligible.

T-U PLANNING COMMISSION NIXES CITY OF REFUGE REZONING

THE THOMASTON-UPSON PLANNING COMMISSION VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO RECOMMEND DENIAL FOR A REQUESTED REZONING BY THE CITY OF REFUGE FOR AN 89 ACRE TRACT BEHIND ZAXBY'S AND WAL MART, THURSDAY. 

THOMASTON MAYOR J.D. STALLINGS SAID THE ISSUE NOW GOES BEFORE THE THOMASTON ZONING COMMISSION AND THEN TO THE CITY COUNCIL. 

CITY OF REFUGE HAS SAID IT WANTS TO BUILD A RANCH TO MINISTER TO YOUTH AND MILITARY VETERANS WITH ISSUES IN THIS 5 COUNTY AREA.

Monken Talks About Georgia Offense

Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach Todd Monken met with the media via Zoom Thursday afternoon to discuss fall camp and the upcoming 2021 season.

To read the entire transcript click HERE.

Spalding SO Has An Accused Russian Drug Dealer In Custody

On August 4th, Jonathan Vandekerkhoff, aka” The Russian”, was taken into custody by the United States Marshal Service on outstanding warrants stemming from an investigation into a major drug trafficking organization that effected the Griffin-Spalding County area. 

The investigation was led by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s West Metro Drug Enforcement Unit, the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations and CAGE units, and the AtlantaCarolinas HIDTA DEA Task Force. 

According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, “In the early part of 2020, Investigators with the Spalding County Special Operations Unit began receiving bits of information about a major source of methamphetamine distribution that supplied a number of dealers in middle Georgia including Spalding County and the city of Griffin. During their initial investigation, it was learned that the source known to his clients as “The Russian”, was living in Atlanta while coordinating deliveries of methamphetamine, heroin and GHB across the state. Additional information was received about “The Russian” that led us to believe that he was also tied to fentanyl distribution, weapons, and violent crimes. Because of the broad area he was supplying, we contacted the GBI’s West-Metro Drug Enforcement Office and asked them to partner with us and take the lead in the investigation.” 

“As the investigation grew, the DEA came to the table with more information and additional resources regarding Vandekerkhoff. Because of the combined effort between the GBI, the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, and the DEA-HIDTA Team, we were able to disrupt and begin dismantling his operation. During the course of this investigation and the execution of various search warrants, we recovered over 16 pounds of methamphetamine, trafficking amounts of heroin, and approximately 21 firearms.” 

“Without our strong working relationships with the GBI, HIDTA, the United States Marshal Service, and others, this operation would have been very difficult to pull off. Because everyone involved worked together and put in a tremendous amount of time and effort, we were able to shut “The Russian” down and stop his threat to our local community and many other jurisdictions. Right now we are continuing to track down leads and search through records to locate more people that were involved in his network, gather more evidence, and try to determine if the substances he was distributing are tied to any fentanyl related deaths or overdoses that we and other agencies have encountered.” 

“In addition to the Agencies already mentioned, we also assisted and supported by the Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Marie Broder and her staff, Sheriff Gary Long and the Butts County Sheriff’s Office, the Riverdale Police Department, the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, Sheriff Stacy Nicholson and the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, the Atlanta Police Department, Sheriff Pat Lebat and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, the DEA Special Response Team, and the Georgia State Patrol. Each one of these agencies were able to bring essential resources to the investigation and we all worked together to stop a main source of illegal narcotics to the area.” 

“Reaching out and working jointly with the GBI, DEA, and other agencies was the key to the success of this operation. These folks were willing to assist when asked, and the citizens of Spalding County should be proud of the teamwork that led to this arrest. I am thankful that our friends and colleagues were willing to help when we called, and we look forward to helping them and other agencies across the state of Georgia when needed or when their investigations lead them in our direction.” 

“He thought he was untouchable, well, he just got touched. He was well-known in this part of the state, we want it to be well known that he is over, and he is being held in the Spalding County Jail without bond. He is now facing the possibility of Federal indictment. When they come for him, he won’t be hard to find, he’ll be right here.

Upson-Lee Scrimmage Cancelled

Due to an increase in COVID cases, quarantines and injuries, the Upson-Lee / Lamar County scrimmage scheduled for Trojan Field in Barnesville Friday night has been cancelled.

The Knights will open their season on Thursday night the 19th at Callaway Stadium in LaGrange against the Grangers in a non-region contest.

Hear all the action on FUN 101 FM!

Miller Named Assistant Superintendent For Curriculum

At the August 10th meeting, the Thomaston-Upson Board of Education approved Dr. Amy Miller as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. 

Dr. Miller, who is in her 26th year with TU Schools, currently serves as Director of Exceptional Children Services and School Improvement Specialist for the district.

SPALDING CO ANNOUNCES NEW CO MANAGER

The Spalding County Board of Commissioners is excited to announce the hiring of Steve Ledbetter, PhD as the new County Manager. 

Dr. Ledbetter holds a Bachelor of Science from Liberty University, a Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University and a PhD (Leading Organizations) from Regent University. The title of Dr. Ledbetter’s doctoral dissertation is “Law Enforcement Leaders and Servant Leadership: A reliability Study of the Organizational Leadership Assessment”. 

Dr. Ledbetter is currently the elected Mayor and Chief Executive Officer of the City of Woodbury and has held that office since January 2018. While leading the City of Woodbury, Dr. Ledbetter and Woodbury were recognized by Georgia Trend Magazine with a Visionary City Award for their efforts to bring high-speed internet to the community. He is also the Chief Operations Officer for Korban Partners, LLC, a management consulting firm that partners with clients to determine their highest-value opportunities while addressing their most critical challenges. Prior to that he worked for Evolve Partners, LLP and RLG Defense, LLC, in the private sector. He also worked for the City of Fayetteville Police Department where he started as a Police Officer and worked his way up to Major. Dr. Ledbetter currently lives in Meriwether County and plans to move to Spalding County. He has previously lived in Spalding County, so he is no stranger to our wonderful county. 

Dr. Ledbetter’s official first day of work begins on August 16, 2021. The community will have a chance to meet Dr. Ledbetter at a meet-and-greet on August 27 from 3:00 – 6:00 pm at the Senior Center.

Lanning Talks Georgia Defense & Travon Walker

Defensive Coordinator Dan Lanning met with the media via Zoom Tuesday morning and offered the following comments regarding fall camp and the upcoming 2021 season.

Click HERE to read the entire transcript.

TWO EMERGENCY TESTS WEDNESDAY

UPSON COUNTY EMA DIRECTOR MARTHA ANN MCCARTY ALERTS THE PUBLIC TO A NATIONWIDE TEST OF THE EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM AND WIRELESS EMERGENCY ALERTS ON WEDNESDAY AT 2:20 PM CONDUCTED BY THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY AND THE FCC.

THE NATIONAL TEST WILL CONSIST OF TWO PORTIONS AND THE WEA TEST WILL BE DIRECTED TO CELL PHONES WHERE THE SUBSCRIBER HAS OPTED-IN TO RECEIVE WEA MESSAGES. THE EAS PORTION WILL BE CONDUCTED ON BROADCAST OUTLETS IN THE U.S.

Talbot County Schools Closed

The Talbot County school system has closed all schools at least until Thursday, August 12th as it faces a high level threat from the COVID-19 virus. The board shut down classes last Friday and superintendent Dr. James Catrett stated, "At this stage of the game, first week of school, we hated that it shut down but again, safety is our number one issue."

Catrett said the school district has begun contact tracing within the system and depending on how many students were exposed, the return to school may be extended. He said that 90% of the staff is vaccinated and a mask mandate is in effect.

Central High School has also cancelled the first football game of the season

PIKE SO ARREST

Pike County Sheriff’s investigators have been looking into several entering autos that were reported in the area of Buffington Road. The investigation has resulted in the arrest of two suspects. Anthony Hernandez, 20 years of age, and Jeremiah Hartsell, 23 years of age. 

A search warrant was conducted at their residence on Planation Road. Several items that had been taken during the thefts were recovered. Additionally, a marijuana grow was discovered concealed in a storage building. Both subjects have been arrested and are currently in the Pike County Jail awaiting a bond hearing.

Both individuals have been charged with four counts of entering auto, manufacturing marijuana, and possession of a firearm during commission of a crime. Hartsell is also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He has a previous court conviction for burglary in the state of Texas.

HOUSE A TOTAL LOSS IN UPSON CO

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS A DWELLING WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE SUNDAY AT 672 SMYRNA CHURCH ROAD, THE RESIDENCE OF LACEY PARKER. 

SHE TOLD DEPUTIES SHE FOUND A FIRE IN THE BACK ROOM AND EXITED THE RESIDENCE WITH HER 3 CHILDREN. IT APPARENTLY STARTED FROM ELECTRICAL WIRING IN THE WALLS. THE RED CROSS WAS DISPATCHED TO AID THE FAMILY.

GUILTY PLEAS UPSON SUPERIOR COURT

Pleas – Judge Scott L. Ballard August 5,2021

1. Joseph Gassett
    Ct. 1: Possession of Meth: 3years to serve concurrent
    Ct. 1: Battery (FV): 12 months to serve concurrent
    Ct. 1: Battery (FV): 12 months to serve
    Ct. 1: Aggravated Assault: 10years Serve 3 followed by 7years on probation

2. Joshua Shurett
    Ct.1: Trafficking Meth: 20 years serve 12 followed by 8 years’ probation; $200,000 fine; banishment from the Griffin Judicial Circuit.
    Ct. 2: Possession of Meth WITD: NP Ct. 3: Failure to Maintain Lane: 12 Month’s to serve.
    Ct. 4: Window Tint Violation: NP

3. Michael l. Smith
    Ct. 1: Theft by Shoplifting: 60days to Serve with credit for time served

4. Christopher T. Bennett
    Ct. 1: Violation of GA Code16-4-1 (RICCO): 10 years serve 5 in prison; Followed by 5 years probation concurrent with the Spalding County case; $5,000 fine; banished from the Griffin Judicial Circuit.
    Ct. 2: Violation of GA Code 164-1 (RICCO):Nolle Prosequi

5. Destiny Oglesby
    Ct. 1: Aggravated Assault: REDUCED TO RECKLESS CONDUCT: 12 months’ Probation; $500 fine; 40 hours Community service
    Ct. 2: Aggravated Assault: Nolle Prosequi

6. John C. Pennamon
    Ct. 1: Aggravated Assault: 5 years’ Probation; $1,500 fine; 80 hours Community service.
    Ct. 2: Discharge of firearms on property Of another aggravated assault: Nolle prosequi

7. Ashley Dawson
    Ct. 1 Financial transaction card fraud: Nolle Prosequi
    Ct. 2: Interference with Government Property- Nolle Prosequi
    Ct. 3: Obstruction of Officer- 12months Probation; $1,000 fine; complete an Ethics Course

8. Kelvin Willis
    Ct. 1: Driving while license suspended or Revoked: 12 months; serve 48 hours in the county jail
    and the remainder on Probation;$500 fine; 40 hours Community service
    Ct. 2: Giving false name, address, Birthday to law enforcement: 12months Probation consecutive with Ct. 1; $500 Fine; 40 hours community service

9. Nicholas Quiller
    Ct. 1: Possession of Cocaine: 3years Probation consecutive to ct. 2 credit for time served.$1,500 fine; 80 hours community service
    Ct. 2: Driving while license suspended or Revoked: 12 months serve 48 hours in jail The balance on probation; $500 fine; 40 Hours community service

10. Malcolm Atwater
     Ct. 1: Aggravated Battery: 10years Probation; $2,500 fine; 80hours Community service;
     must complete The Family Violence Intervention Program Course.

11. Ronald Lowe
     Ct. 1: Cruelty to children in the 3rddegree: 12 months’ probation; $1,000 fine
     Ct. 2: Cruelty to children in the 3rd degree: 12 months’ probation; $1,000 fine
     Ct. 3: Battery FV: 12 months’ probation Ct. 4: Aggravated Assault: 10 years Probation; $5,000 fine; 80 hours Community service.

12. Travis Pavlekovich
     Ct. 1: Battery: 12 months’ probation; $1,000 fine; 40 hours community service.

13. Jennifer Pittman
     Ct. 1: Possession of Meth: 2 years’ Probation; $1,500 fine; 80 hours Community service

MASKS NOW REQUIRED GRIFFIN-SPALDING SCHOOLS

Due to an increase in positive COVID-19 cases for students and staff over the weekend, the Griffin Spalding County School System (GSCS) is requiring all students and staff to wear face coverings on school campuses and in district offices. 

This change is a necessary effort to ensure that schools can remain open for in-person instruction and learning. Superintendent Simmons said, “I realize that not everyone will be happy with this change in our face-covering policy. However, this is an effort to keep schools open and do our best to keep students and staff safe. We will continue to apply existing mitigation practices such as cleaning and sanitizing high traffic surfaces, encouraging frequent hand washing, and social distancing where possible. We hope this is a short-term action in our pursuit of a long-term goal. We will continue to monitor COVID-19 in our schools weekly, and when the infection and transmission rates improve, we will revisit our face-covering policy.” 

Again, students and staff must wear face coverings in schools and on buses beginning tomorrow, Monday, August 8, and continue to do so until further notice. 

Visit www.spalding.k12.ga.us

NO VISITORS AT URMC

UPSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER'S VISITATION STATUS IS LEVEL RED, NO CAREGIVERS AND VISITORS PERMITTED DUE TO THE HIGH COVID-19 COMMUNITY POSITIVITY RATE. 

THE URMC FREE VACCINE CLINIC IS AVAILABLE TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS FROM 7;30AM -11AM AND 1;30PM-4;30PM. WALK-INS ACCEPTED FOR AGED 12 AND UP IN THE URMC AUDITORIUM.

ANTI-COVID 19 RALLY AT WELLSTART SPALDING REGIONAL

AN ANTI-COVID-19 Vaccine RALLY IS SCHEDULED AT WELLSTAR SPALDING REGIONAL HOSPITAL IN GRIFFIN WEDNESDAY AT 12;30 PM.

THE RALLY IS TO  OPPOSE MANDATES FOR STAFF TO GET THE VACCINE. SOME STAFF MEMBERS HAVE TOLD 101 NEWS THE HOSPITAL IS ALREADY UNDERSTAFFED AND RATHER THAN TAKE THE VACCINE SOME NURSES NEAR RETIREMENT WILL LEAVE RATHER THAN TAKE THE SHOTS OR SEEK EMPLOYMENT AT HOSPITALS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE IT. THERE IS CONCERN THTHE AT THE FDA HAS NOT YET CERTIFIED THE VACCINES.

Dawgs Open Fall Camp

The Dawgs opened fall camp this afternoon, Coach Smart and several players met with the media prior to practice.

Click HERE to read their comments.

Downtown Road Closure In Thomaston Today

There will be a temporary road closure of West Main Street between South Center Street and South Church Street today from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Traffic will be re-routed to Railroad Street located between Piggly Wiggly and United Bank.

For any questions, please contact the City of Thomaston at 706-647-4242.

Georgia Power Energy Assistance Programs

With temperatures across the state reaching well above 90 degrees recently and hot days expected next week, Georgia Power is reminding customers that the company offers energy assistance programs to those in need of help paying or reducing their monthly energy bill.

Assistance when you need it

Georgia Power offers energy assistance programs in communities across Georgia and has established partnerships with nonprofits, community and faith-based organizations to assist income-qualifying customers with their energy costs. The company’s programs are offered to help meet the changing needs of customers across the state and proactively identify solutions to meet their specific needs and help determine eligibility for utility assistance and programs:

• Georgia Power’s Income-Qualified Senior Citizen Discount – Georgia Power customers 65 years of age or older who meet the income requirements for eligibility can receive up to $24 a month off their bill.
  
  
• Home Energy Efficiency Assistance Program (HEEAP) – Georgia Power customers have the opportunity to contribute funds to help make energy efficiency improvements for income-qualifying residents in their own community that will be added to funding provided by Georgia Power. These upgrades may include air sealing of gaps, cracks and leaks, sealing of heating and air delivery ducts, attic insulation, HVAC service and repair, LED light bulbs, smart/ wi-fi thermostat, and electric water heater blanket and pipe wrap. Customers can donate on a statewide level, or focus giving to a specific region of the state at www.georgiapower.com/HEEAPDonor.
  
  
• The Salvation Army’s Project SHARE – Established in partnership with The Salvation Army, Georgia Power customers can provide assistance to residents in the same community for expenses, such as utility bills, housing, food and medical necessities. Customers can donate $1, 2, 5 or $10 on their monthly bill to support their neighbors in need. Georgia Power matches $1.50 for each dollar donated up to $1.5 million.

Customers can learn more about the company’s energy assistance programs and apply at www.GeorgiaPower.com/EnergyAssistance.

COVID-19 UPSON UPDATE FOR JULY 2021

The last half of July saw an alarming increase in new cases of COVID-19 in Upson and all of the surrounding counties.

Compared to the first half of July:

Upson jumped from 4 new cases to 33 new cases,

Pike from 12 to 48, 

Lamar from 10 to 56,

Monroe from 18 to 42, 

Crawford from 5 to 19,

Taylor from 3 to 6,

Talbot from 0 to 11,

Meriwether from 4 to 39,

and Spalding from 22 to 144.

 

Two-week test positivities have also skyrocketed with Upson at less than 2% the first of July, shooting up to 10% the last of July. All of the neighboring counties have soared to even higher rates. 

Crawford County had the highest test positivity, jumping from 5% on July 1 to 27% on July 31, 

Lamar County followed with a jump from 2% to 25%, 

Monroe was up from 5% to 22%, 

and Pike from 3% to 21%. 

 

The CDC ranks Upson and all of the surrounding counties at the Highest Level of Community Transmission with the exception of Taylor County which is at Substantial. It was just 31 days ago that Upson had been at the Lowest level.

New COVID-19 Cases (2021)
COUNTY	June 15 - 30	July 1 - 15	July 16 - 31
Upson	4	4	33
Pike	5	12	48
Lamar	3	10	56
Monroe	9	18	42
Crawford	0	5	19
Taylor	3	3	6
Talbot	4	0	11
Meriwether	7	4	39
Spalding	27	22	144
Source: GA Dept of Public Health Daily Reports

 

URMC 20,000 COVID-19 VACCINE JABS

Julious Mitchell of Upson County received the 20,000th dose of COVID-19 vaccine from Upson Regional Medical Center Tuesday.

URMC serves Upson, Pike and Lamar counties.

THOMASTON FORD UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

THOMASTON FORD IS UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP AND IT HAS A NEW NAME, SOUTHERN FORD. THE NEW OWNER BRIAN BEARDEN SPENT OVER 3 DECADES WITH THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN PERRY AND PLEDGES TO TAKE WHAT'S THERE ON 19 NORTH AND MAKE IT BETTER.

THE LATE JOHN AND JANE HARNESS BOUGHT THE DEALERSHIP IN 1984 AND IT STAYED UNDER THE SAME OWNERSHIP FOR 38 YEARS.

WARRANT ISSUED IN BARNESVILLE SHOOTING

BARNESVILLE POLICE INVESTIGATOR AL MOLTRUM SAYS A WARRANT HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR A SUSPECT IN THE SHOOTING BEHIND SAMMY'S CONVIENCE STORE NEAR MILL AND RAILROAD STREETS JULY 21ST. 

THE SUSPECTED SHOOTER IDENTIFIED AS CEDDRICK TURPIN IS STILL AT LARGE BUT FACES NUMEROUS CRIMINAL WARRANTS INCLUDING ARMED ROBBERY AND TWO COUNTS OF AGGREVATED ASSAULT FOR WOUNDING A BY-STANDER IN THE SHOULDER. TURPIN IS ALSO WANTED BY CAMILLA, GA POLICE FOR ARMED ROBBERY FOR STEALING A DODGE CHARGER. 

B.P.D. SAYS THERE ARE TWO OTHER PERSONS OF INTEREST IN THE CASE AS THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES.

DETECTIVE MOLTRUM SAYS THE SUSPECTS WERE SELLING CELL PHONES OUT OF THE STOLEN CHARGER WHEN THE SHOOTING HAPPENED, THEY FLED TO THOMASTON, ENCOUNTERED THOMASTON POLICE, THEN FLED OUT 36 WEST AND WRECKED IN TALBOT COUNTY, ESCAPING INTO SOME WOODS. THERE ARE INDICATIONS THE WANTED SUBJECTS ARE FROM COLUMBUS.