THOMASTON UPSON SCHOOLS MASK MANDATE

Effective Monday, January 3, Thomaston-Upson Schools will be enacting a temporary mask mandate for all students and staff. 

The mask mandate will remain in place until the Board of Education has the opportunity to meet on Tuesday, January 11, to review and discuss data regarding positive COVID rates within Upson County. On January 11, the BOE will vote to either extend or end the mask mandate. 

Positive COVID cases have continued to increase substantially over the holidays, and the temporary mask mandate will allow the BOE and district and school officials time to monitor positivity rates following the holiday break. As always, the health and safety of TU students and staff is at the forefront of all decisions. We look forward to welcoming staff back on Monday, January 3, and to welcoming students back on Wednesday, January 5. 

Happy New Year to our students, staff, and their families!!! We wish you happiness, good health, and prosperity throughout 2022!!!

Griffin PD Asking For Help

On Friday, December 31st, 2021, at approximately 2:00 am, the Griffin Police Department responded to the 400 block of N 9th St regarding a report of a person shot. Once on scene, a male was found with a gunshot wound to his leg. 

Investigators were summoned to the location and began their investigation. EMS personnel transported to male to the Atlanta Medical Center in Atlanta, where he succumbed to his injury. 

At this time, investigators seek the public’s assistance in identifying the vehicle in the photo below. The victim entered the car at the incident location, and the vehicle departed the area. The victim was then located at a nearby residence. Investigators have identified the vehicle as a 2010 to 2012 Ford Fusion, SE. 

This investigation is active and ongoing, and investigators are actively following leads. Please contact Inv. Powell, if you have information that would help identify the vehicle. Inv R. B. Powell can be reached at 470.771.3097 or by email at rpowell@cityofgriffin.com. 

The victim is Paris Bernard Thompson, age 18, of Griffin. Family members have been notified.

UPSON EMA DIRECTOR ON TORNADO WARNING THURSDAY PM

UPSON, TAYLOR, AND CRAWFORD COUNTIES WERE UNDER A TORNADO WARNING ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE, THURSDAY AFTERNOON AROUND 4PM TO 4:45PM. 

UPSON EMA DIRECTOR MARTHA ANNE MCCARTY SAID A SURVEY OF SOUTHERN UPSON COULD NOT LOCATE A TOUCHDOWN, SO APPARENTLY IT WAS A RADAR-DETECTED STORM ONLY.

BAND DIRECTOR AT MARY PERSONS ARRESTED

On December 30, 2021, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Investigators arrested Bryant Miles Benson on felony warrants for Sexual Exploitation of Children and Sexual Conduct by Person with Supervisory Authority.

A complaint was reported to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office of sexually explicit material transmitted between Mr. Benson and a juvenile, who was previously his student at Mary Persons High School.

Mr. Benson is the band director and coach at Mary Persons High School. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is working in conjunction with the Monroe County Board of Education and The Monroe County District Attorney’s Office with this ongoing investigation. We are unable to release any more details of this investigation at this time, as it is still an active investigation.

If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact Investigator Marilynne Fitts at 478-994-7287.

COVID-19 SURGE IN UPSON

The COVID-19 surge that is sweeping the country hit Upson County on December 21st when 9 new cases were reported. Before that day new cases in the month of December were averaging only 1 a day.

Since then, cases have been averaging 12 per day, with the highest single day at 26 new cases reported on Wednesday.

Two-week test positivity in Upson County had been less than 1% in mid-December. On Wednesday, that rate was up to 24%. Hospitalizations at Upson Regional, which had been at zero on December 1st, began to show a rise on Christmas Eve, and the COVID census is now up to 8 patients.

The new Omicron variant is now estimated to account for 58% of cases in the United States. In the Southeast Region which includes Georgia, Omicron is more rampant and accounts for 78% of cases, with the remainder still Delta.

WCGB's KERRY CARSON RETIRES

Kerry Carson is retiring December 31, 2021. 

Kerry has been with West Central Georgia Bank for 16 years beginning his career at WCGB on 10/3/2005. He started out as a loan officer and was later named a Vice President and became the branch manager of our downtown branch. 

 He grew up in our community graduating from R E Lee High School and Tift College. He worked several years in the textile industry before joining WCGB in 2005.

He is married to Gina Carson, has 2 children and 2 grandchildren.

Zac Hendrix - Taeden Johnson To Be Featured On GameDay

The story of how Zac Hendrix and Taeden Johnson met and became more than a mentor and a young boy needing someone in his life will be featured on ESPN's GameDay Friday morning.

Five years ago, Zac was an undergraduate at the University of Georgia, he and Taeden were matched in the Clarke County Mentor Program, which pairs UGA students with elementary and secondary public school students.

At the time, Zac was 20, Taeden was 8.

Last January, Taeden lost his mother, grandmother and sister when their home burned in the middle of the night.

Zac has been there for Taeden through the tragedy, starting a GoFundMe page that has raised over $250,000, the two were guest of the NFL at the Super Bowl in February.

The segment is currently set to air at 9:30 am but could change based on ESPN's schedule.

Upson County Contracts With Ameripro EMS

This morning, Commission Chairman Norman Allen and Executive Vice President of Ameripro EMS, Larry Richardson signed a contract that will allow Upson County to apply for a county EMS license. 

If the license is awarded, Upson County can submit a proposal to the Region 4 EMS Council to acquire the zone for 911/EMS coverage. 

This is an important step towards putting a reliable long-term EMS service in place.

MARIE G. BRODER DISTRICT ATTORNEY GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT YEAR IN REVIEW 2021

GRIFFIN-SPALDING SCHOOLS MANDATING MASKS

Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) is making an adjustment to its mask policy for the beginning of the upcoming semester based on the current community transmission rate of COVID-19. 

Effective January 3, 2022, GSCS will implement the following mask policy change based on the community transmission rate. 

• Transmission Rate refers to a county’s rate of new COVID-19 infections, reported over the past 7 days, and the past 14 days. The number is reported per every 100,000 residents. 

• Masks will be required in all GSCS facilities as long as the community transmission rate remains at high levels. 

• The current community transmission rate for Griffin-Spalding County based on Department of Public Health Data released December 27, 2021, is: 

➢ 14-day transmission rate of 320 cases per 100,000 people 

➢ 7-day transmission rate of 260 cases per 100,000 people 

• Once the community transmission rate is lower, GSCS will revisit the mandatory mask policy. 

• The GSCS mask mandate on buses will remain in compliance with federal mandates. 

Low transmission rate = 0 to 9.99 cases per 100,000 Moderate transmission rate = 10 to 49.99 cases per 100,000 Substantial transmission rate = 50 to 99.99 cases per 100,000 High transmission rate = more than 100 cases per 100,000 Masks are one COVID mitigation tool available to help slow the spread of COVID19. GSCS will continue to use all mitigation strategies available to maintain a safe school environment. 

Families are encouraged to monitor their children. Students and staff who are sick or who have been in close contact with sick people will also continue to quarantine. The health and safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. Another mitigation tool is vaccination. 

For those that have not yet been vaccinated please consider this option.

URMC VISITATION POLICY

NO VISITATION POLICY AT UPSON REGIONAL

Last Monday, December 20th, Upson Regional Medical Center had just relaxed its Visitation Level to Green, allowing two visitors per patient. 

This Monday, December 27th, the Level was changed to Yellow, allowing only one visitor per patient. 

One day later, today, the Level has already been changed to Red, which means no visitors are allowed except in very special circumstances. 

Visitation Levels are based on the COVID positivity rate in the community which, in one week, has rapidly changed from Low to Elevated to High. Upson Regional, on its Facebook page, urges people to “Please remain vigilant about wearing your masks and socially distancing!” https://urmc.org/covid-19-updates

URMC TUESDAY COVID REPORT

Today's Upson Regional daily COVID report has just changed to include number of patients!

Total of 8 patients: 7 unvaccinated, 1 vaccinated.

A FATAL CRASH IN SPALDING CO

On December 27, 2021, at approximately 3:00am, Spalding County deputies responded to a single car accident at the entrance to Sun City Peachtree. When they arrived they found that a vehicle had struck the gate attendant’s building located just inside the main entrance to the neighborhood.

According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, “The Sun City night attendant identified as 60-year-old Ebenezer Sowunmi was at his post inside the building when it was struck. He was pronounced dead on the scene by Spalding County Coroner Michael Pryor, who was also able to contact his family members to make them aware of Mr. Sowunmi’s tragic passing.”

The driver of the vehicle, identified as 41-year-old David Glosson, left the scene on foot and went to his father’s house on Firefly Court in Sun City. “When his father found out about the accident, he took his son back to the crash scene, saw what had happened, called the Spalding County 911 Center, and kept his son on the scene until deputies and other first responders arrived. The crash is currently being investigated by troopers from Georgia State Patrol Post 1 in Griffin and troopers assigned to the Georgia State Patrol’s SCRT Team that specialize in fatality accident reconstruction. They will be on the scene reconstructing the accident until later this afternoon.”

Glosson has been charged with vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, and failure to maintain lane. He is currently housed in the Spalding County Jail without bond. It appears that Glosson has a previous criminal history and had recently been released from jail in California.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Sowunmi’s family as they go through this horrible loss especially at this time of the year. It took a great deal of courage to do what Glosson’s father did by taking his son back to the scene and keeping him their until we arrived. He did the right thing and made sure his son was held accountable for his actions. It’s also a tragedy for that family as well and they are also in our thoughts and pray

SPALDING CO WATER OUTAGE

 Please be advised, the Spalding County Water & Sewerage Facilities Authority will be shutting off the water in your area on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, beginning at 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. This outage will affect the following areas: High Falls Road beginning at the intersection of Bucksnort Road to the Butts County line. Water will be restored as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you have any questions, please call (770) 467- 4208.

Christmas Spirit Alive In Mayfield

Following a week long collection effort, a group of nine volunteers from the area delivered a large U-Haul truck load, two pickups and a trailer full of supplies, food, toys and clothes to Mayfield, Kentucky on Monday.

As we were collecting items at the Greatest Generation Park in Silvertown, a man pulled up with toys and food items in his pickup. He began to unload the truck while his daughter climbed down from her car seat, she looked to be between 3 and 4 years old. The little girl came over to the U-Haul with a teddy bear in her arms, lookup at me, then kissed the teddy bear and handed it to me. All I could do was stand there as she climbed back into the truck with a big smile on her little face, her dad told me that it was her teddy bear and that she had decided to give it to someone in Kentucky on her own.

After delivering everything except some fruit and vegetables that was donated by vendors at the Atlanta Farmers Market, we went to Catalyst of Mayfield, another distribution center, to drop off those items. While there we met a family picking up some clothes. Jinger Roberts of Jinger's Showcase in northside had put together 26 Christmas stockings Sunday night with candy, some small toys and a card with a $100 bill inside for children impacted by the tornado. We gave the two little girls a stocking each as they sat in the back of the pickup. A couple of minutes later, the door flew open and one of the girls shouted, "Did you mean to give me a hundred dollars?" The girls climbed out of the truck and began to jump up and down, it was obvious that neither of them had ever had that much money of their own. The parents, the girls and everyone standing around were drying tears as the girls just stared at the money.

A very special thank you to all the churches and hundreds of local residents that made it possible to bring a little hope to an area devastated by the worst tornado in Kentucky history. 

To Jinger Roberts, her family and staff at Jinger's Showcase for the inspiration to make the effort so successful, Shane Phillips at Adams-Harvey Realty for getting the truck from U-Haul, McLeroy Construction in Zebulon for funding the gas needed to make the trip and everyone that cared enough to give.

Thank you!

THOMASTON COMMUNITY WIDE CHRISTMAS DINNER

CHRISTMAS EVE BY ACTS OUTREACH AND NORTHSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH.

TO GO PLATES 11AM TILL 2PM OR WHEN PLATES ARE GONE.

IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO NEEDS A MEAL CONTACT TIM GORDY AT 706-975-0532.

NORTHSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH LOCATED 423 EAST COUNTY ROAD. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER OR DONATE CONTACT TIM GORDY.

Aid To Kentucky Tornado Victims Delivered On Monday

A group from Thomaston delivered food, supplies and cash donated last week to Mayfield, Kentucky on Monday.

Jinger Roberts at Jinger's Showcase in northside spearheaded the effort that collected the items from Thomaston and Upson County, Zebulon and Pike County as well as Griffin and Spalding County.

The first stop was at River Valley Ag Credit and the Mayfield First Baptist Church where the first supplies were dropped off. The majority of the items were delivered to Community Fellowship Baptist Church since they are serving as a distribution center for the entire area.

The destruction in downtown Mayfield left the area almost unrecognizable, 22 lives were lost and a memorial has been set up outside of what remains of the courthouse.

Workers are busy clearing the streets and setting up temporary traffic lights, National Guard troops are securing the area and assisting local law enforcement. One police officer told us that he had worked 138 hours from the Friday the storm hit until last Friday.

The focus has turned to obtaining locations to store the vast donations that the area is receiving. The recovery is going to take many months to clear the debris and begin rebuilding the homes and businesses.

LAMAR CO ON BOARD WITH UPSON ON EMS

THE LAMAR COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS APPROVED A PARTNERSHIP WITH UPSON COUNTY FOR EMS SERVICE FROM AMERI PRO EMS. LAMAR COUNTY WILL PAY $494,000 ANNUALLY, UPSON COUNTY WILL PAY $950,000 OR A TOTAL OF $1.4 MILLION.

UPSON COUNTY WILL GET 3-AMBULANCES FULL TIME, LAMAR COUNTY 2 PLUS A FULL TIME EMS SUPERVISOR.

POST 26 GSP FATALITY INVESTIGATION

POST 26 GA. STATE PATROL RECORDED A TRAFFIC FATALITY IN A RAIN STORM ON 36 EAST SATURDAY NEAR ROCK HILL SCHOOL ROAD WITH 3 VEHICLES INVOLVED.

STATE TROOPER NATHAN TRUITT IDENTIFIED THE FATALITY AS 23 YEAR OLD DIAMANTE T. MOSS OF ROCK HILL SCHOOL ROAD. MOSS WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE MACON MEDICAL CENTER WITH HEAD AND BODY TRAUMA AND PASSED AWAY.

THE PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION SHOWS THE DRIVER OF A 2013 CADILLAC COULD BE AT FAULT, 81 YEAR OLD MARGARET KARAFA OF MORGAN ROAD, YATESVILLE. SHE WAS EAST BOUND ON 36 AND MOSS WAS TRAVELING WEST, MS. KARAFA SAID IT WAS POURING RAIN AND SHE COULD NOT SEE WHERE SHE WAS GOING. THE REPORT INDICATED SHE CROSSED THE CENTER LINE AND SIDE SWIPED THE HONDA DRIVEN BY MOSS. THAT CAR STARTED SPINNING AND HIT THE FRONT END OF THE 3RD VEHICLE A DODGE RAM PICK-UP DRIVEN BY JUSTIN DAVIS BAKER OF SHERRI STREET. BAKER WENT TO THE E.R. BY PRIVATE VEHICLE.

TROOPER TRUITT SAID THE GSP ACCIDENT SKIRT TEAM IS INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION.

ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS UPSON CO COM

The following board appointments were made on December 14, 2021.

Thomaston Upson County Industrial Development Authority

• Charles Rush (re-appointment)

Thomaston-Upson Office Building Authority

• Commissioner James Ellington (re-appointment

Thomaston-Upson County Records Advisory Board

• Frances Trice (re-appointment

Upson County Planning Commission

• Alicia McKinley (re-appointment)
• Johnny Dawson (re-appointment)

Upson County Board of Assessors

• David Callaway (re-appointment)

Upson County Board of Elections

• Jessica Jones (Re-Appointment)
• Brenda Dawson
• Moneika Ivey

DFCS Board

• Ruth Hatchett (re-appointment)

Three Rivers Regional Council Non-Public Member

• Adrienne Shales

Jack Liao and Steve Keadle were submitted for the Hospital Authority.

SANTA IS COMING TO FUN 101 FM

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO SEE US. SANTA WILL BE INTERVIEWED ON FUN 101 FM CHRISTMAS EVE 12 NOON TO 1PM.

TUNE IN TO GET THE LATEST ON CHRISTMAS.

THOMASTON'S TRAVON WALKER OF UGA TALKS MICHIGAN GAME

Travon Walker, Junior, Defensive Lineman

On if he has noticed any changes in practices since the announcement of the new defensive coordinators…

“I mean it is all the same because the guys and the coaches we are all still bought in. We are still on the same mission that we were on at the beginning of the year which is to win a National Championship. Now we have Michigan in our way so there is no change, everything is still the same really, just got to keep moving forward.”

On if playing few four-quarter games affected their performance…

“I can say that some of the time that some of the guys probably did get a little winded and that did play a small part in the loss. But overall I think it is just things that we have to fix on our own.”

On making a statement against Michigan…

“We just have to go out there and play our ball, our type ball. That is just being the most physical team on the field and not wanting anybody to run all over us or do whatever they do. We just want to go out there and play our ball.”

Santa and City Manager Thompson

UPSON BOC CHOOSE AMERI PRO EMS SERVICE

AT A CALLED MEETING MONDAY, THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS APPROVED PARTNERING WITH AMERI PRO EMS SERVICE OF DUNWOODY, GA. TO APPLY FOR THE ZONE EMS LICENSE NOW HELD BY COMMUNITY AMBULANCE, GIVING UP EMS SERVICE IN UPSON AND LAMAR COUNTY FEB. 13TH.

ITS PROPOSED UPSON PARTNER WITH LAMAR COUNTY FOR A TOTAL COST OF $1.4 MILLION, WITH UPSON PAYING $950,000, LAMAR CO $494,000 ANNUALLY FOR THE SERVICE WITH 3 FULL TIME AMBULANCES IN UPSON, 2 IN LAMAR. THE CITY OF THOMASTON WOULD FUND 35% OF UPSON'S TOTAL AS A JOINT PROJECT.

THE LAMAR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HOLD A REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY EVENING AND COULD ACT ON THE ITEM.

FATAL SHOOTING IN ZEBULON

GRIFFIN CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY MARIE BRODER MET WITH ZEBULON POLICE CHIEF JONATHAN HEMPHILL MONDAY ABOUT A THURSDAY NIGHT FATAL SHOOTING AT CIRCLE K CONVIENCE STORE WITH A MALE GUNSHOT VICTIM. A 2ND VICTIM WAS TREATED AND RELEASED AT THE HOSPITAL FOR A HEAD WOUND.

THE D.A. SAID THERE HAVE BEEN NO ARRESTS IN THE CASE BUT CHIEF HEMPHILL AND HIS DEPARTMENT IS WORKING WITH ASSISTANT D.A. MICHAEL ROGERS AS THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES. THE CHIEF SAID THE SHOOTING HAPPENED DURING AN INCIDENT BETWEEN THE DECEASED SUBJECT AND A 2ND MALE.

CHIEF HEMPHILL SAID ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE CASE CONTACT ZEBULON PD AT 770-567-8441.

D.A. BRODER ANNOUNCES A CONVICTION

On Sunday, December 19th, a Fayette County jury convicted Sean Allen, a 20-year-old male from Jonesboro, Georgia, of Felony Murder and Aggravated Assault. Allen was convicted after a weeklong trial and two days of deliberation. The State was represented by Assistant District Attorney Monique Harris and Assistant District Attorney Dan Hiatt. The Honorable Benjamin D. Coker sentenced the defendant to Life in prison after the jury announced its verdict. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

The case stemmed from a shooting at Kenwood Park in Fayetteville, Georgia. Daquan Gillett, an 18-year-old senior at Riverdale High School was there with his brother and friends to participate in a water gun fight in celebration of graduation. As they were playing with their water guns, a group of males led by Sean Allen walked down from the basketball court and engaged in a verbal confrontation with the twin brothers. Sean Allen and another one of his friends were both illegally carrying loaded firearms at the time. The verbal confrontation led to a physical altercation which resulted in Sean Allen dropping his firearm. That fight concluded and Sean Allen retrieved his firearm from the ground prior to initiating a second physical altercation with the victim. During the second altercation, Sean Allen again dropped his firearm which led to a scramble to pick up the firearm. The victim picked up the firearm and retreated from the altercation. Subsequently, Sean Allen grabbed the second firearm and ran towards the victim firing multiple shots in his direction. The victim sustained two fatal gunshot wounds, one in the back of his leg and the other in the back of his head. The defendant and his friends fled the scene while the victim’s twin brother and friends attempted to render aid as they awaited the arrival of EMS. The incident was captured on the park surveillance video system which helped to secure the convictions against the defendant for Felony Murder and Aggravated Assault.

District Attorney Marie Broder said of the case: “This case is a reflection of a growing trend in this Circuit and across the State where altercations turn deadly because of the unlawful use of a firearm. The results for the young people involved in this case were tragic. The results for the young people involved in this case were tragic. This past week, my office worked incredibly hard to present this case, and I am exceptionally proud of their efforts. I would also like to extend my thanks for the incredible work of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office in its investigation. My prayers go out to the family of the victim. To those who inflict tragic and senseless gun violence in my Circuit, know this, the agencies within this Circuit and my office will use all our resources to prosecute you and keep this Circuit a safe place to be. May this case be a message to you that we will do everything we can to make sure our parks remain safe for our children.”

UPSON SHERIFF KILGORE REPORTS A FATAL SHOOTING SUNDAY

On Sunday morning December 19, 2021 at approximately 10:00am Deputies responded to 35 Rest Haven Road in eastern Upson County to a call of a person shot . Upson arrival Samuel Jackson Flournoy, 58, of that address was found unresponsive inside the residence. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Preliminary investigation determined that Flournoy, his wife and his 23 year old son had been involved in a domestic dispute. Allegations are that Flournoy was attempting to assault the son during the altercation and the son fired two rounds from a 9mm handgun striking Flournoy. The GBI was called to process the scene. We have consulted with District Attorney Marie Broder and this case remains under investigation. Both the son and the mother have cooperated with our investigation. There have been no charges filed in this incident. This case remains active and ongoing.

UPSON SO JAILER ARRESTED

 UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAYS A JAILER WAS ARRESTED FRIDAY FOR SMUGGLING DRUGS INTO THE CELL BLOCK TO SELL TO INMATES. 

THE SHERIFF SAID TALA RATTRAY, AGE 23, HIRED IN SEPTEMBER OF THIS YEAR, IS BEING HELD IN THE LAMAR COUNTY JAIL WITHOUT BOND, ON CHARGES INCLUDING VIOLATION OATH OF OFFICE AND POSSESSION OF METH AND MARIJUANA WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE.

THE SHERIFF SAID HIS OFFICE WAS SUSPICIOUS OF RATTRAY'S ACTIVITIES WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN REPEATED PREVIOUSLY. THE SHERIFF TOLD 101 NEWS ITS DISCOURAGING TO HAVE A STAFF MEMBER COMPROMISING A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICE, ITS THE WORSE THING THEY CAN DO AND HE WILL INSIST RATTRAY IS PROSECUTED TO THE MAX.

Kentucky Relief On The Way

Thomaston Collection Sites For Kentucky Tornado Relief

Jinger’s Showcase, US 19 north and Fun 101FM are accepting items to be taken to Kentucky for tornado relief. We will be departing Sunday to personally deliver these items. If you would like to donate, please drop off your donations at Jinger’s Showcase 9-6 Monday through Friday or at the Greatest Generation Park from 8 am to 6 pm Thursday through Saturday. 

(If unable to drop off, we will come pick them up)

To volunteer to help at the collection site at Greatest Generation Park, please contact Danny Bishop at the number listed below.  

Items needed include:

• new clothing, coats, gloves, socks, underwear, shoes
• children's clothing, coats, gloves, socks, shoes
• toys for all ages
• water
• paper products
• baby items
• diapers & baby wipes
• baby food
• can foods 
• manual can openers
• boxed foods
• cash
• toiletries & personal hygiene products
• towels & wash clothes
• blankets & pillows
• tarps
• pet food

Message Jinger for cashapp or Venmo

For more information, please call 706-975-2797 or Danny Bishop at 850-624-0500

Fill The Truck Up

Final day of Kentucky tornado relief drive at Jinger's Showcase on Hwy 19 North and at The Greatest Generation Park.

Let's fill the truck up!

URMC 25,000 JABS OF COVID-19 VACCINE

UPSON  REGIONAL  MEDICAL  CENTER  HAS  RECORDED    25,000  DOSES  OF  PHIZER  COVID-19  VACCINE.  62  YEAR OLD  TAMMY  BARROW  OF  THOMASTON   GOT  HER  BOOSTER  SHOT  FRIDAY  MORNING . 

CONVOY OF US VETERNS IN THOMASTON

A LONG CONVOY OF U.S. VETERANS TRAVELED THRU THOMASTON, FRIDAY MORNING ENROUTE TO THE NATIONAL VETERANS CEMETERY AT ANDERSONVILLE, ESCORTED BY UPSON COUNTY DEPUTIES AND THOMASTON POLICE.

SATURDAY IS NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY HELD EACH DECEMBER; TO REMEMBER, HONOR, AND TEACH WITH COORDINATED WREATH-LAYING CEREMONIES AT MORE THAN 2500 LOCATIONS IN THE STATES, AT SEA AND ABROAD.

TPD WILL BLOCK OFF THE NORTHSIDE OF THE COURTHOUSE SQUARE

ATTENTION MOTORISTS--THE THOMASTON PD WILL BE BLOCKING OFF THE NORTHSIDE OF THE COURTHOUSE SQUARE AT 2:30 FOR CHRISTMAS EVENTS .

MORE ITEMS NEEDED FOR KENTUCKY TORNADO VICTIMS

AUTHORITIES IN MAYFIELD, KENTUCKY ARE STRESSING THE NEED FOR TWO ITEMS, WORK GLOVES AND NAILS TO SECURE TARPS. 

TRUCKS FOR DONATIONS ARE LOCATED AT GREATEST GENERATION PARK AND JINGER'S SHOWCASE IN NORTHSIDE THOMASTON.

Top Ten Corporate Taxpayers - Thomaston

 TOP TEN CORPORATE TAXPAYERS FOR CITY OF THOMASTON -- 2021

NAME                        ASSESSMENT     CITY TAX BILL   %TOTAL LEVY

West GA Generating                  26,456,852                     $185,727                                10.9

WAL-MART                                     6,476,698                    $45,466                                     2.66

STANDARD TEXTILES                     5,019,204                    $34,244                                     2.00

GEORGIA POWER                         15,314,631                   $33,799                                     1.98

HOME DEPOT                                  3,934,910                   $27,623                                     1.61

INGLES                                              2,631,803                   $18,475                                     1.08

Pacific Management                      2,080,000                   $14,602                                        .85
(Northcreek Shopping Cntr)

HARBORVIEW                                  2,057,012                   $14,440                                       .84

Thomaston Prop. Holdings           2,008,370                    $14,099                                       .82
(Providence Healthcare)

Advantage Relocation, Inc.           1,825,523                    $12,816                                      .75

Top Ten Corporate Taxpayers For Upson County

TOP TEN CORPORATE TAXPAYERS FOR UPSON COUNTY - 2021 TAX YEAR

NAME                        ASSESSMENT        COUNTY BILL AMT            % TOTAL LEVY

Southern Natural Gas             22,474,813                            $297,649                                              3.66

Quad-Graphics                         17,210,719                           $238,804                                              2.83

Solo Cup                                    19,222,882                           $229,497                                              2.82

West GA Generating                26,456,852                           $219,063                                              2.70

Georgia Power                          15,314,631                           $177,835                                              2.19

Southern Mills                          15,284,628                           $91,395                                                1.12

Interfor                                        6,972,325                            $79,800                                                 .98

Ranew’s                                      5,428,126                             $69,881                                                 .86

Wal-Mart                                    6,476,698                             $53,627                                                 .66

Upson EMC                                3,469,636                             $43,333                                                 .53

UPDATE JUVENILE SHOOTING 3RD ST.

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON SAYS THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE SHOOTING OF A 15 YEAR OLD MALE JUVENILE ON 3RD STREET, SATURDAY NIGHT IS ON-GOING BUT THERE'S LITTLE NEW INFORMATION. 

 ACCORDING TO THE CHIEF THE YOUTH IS UNDER SEDATION AT THE MACON MEDICAL CENTER AFTER HE WAS SHOT IN THE ARM AND THE ROUND ENTERED HIS SIDE. 

INVESTIGATIONS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO INTERVIEW HIM AND A COMPANION HAS ADDED LITTLE, 0NLY THAT THEY WERE IN THE STREET WHEN A MASKED MAN WALKED UP AND SHOT HIM.

UPSON SO GETS 15% PAY RAISE

UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS APPROVED THE 2022 BUDGET, TUESDAY THAT INCLUDED A 15% PAY RAISE FOR UPSON COUNTY S.O.

TWO SHOOTINGS IN THOMASTON IN THE PAST WEEK

TWO SHOOTINGS IN THE CITY OF THOMASTON IN THE PAST WEEK WITH ONE ARREST IN A SHOOTING DEC. 6 AT FARVIEW APARTMENTS, AHEM BUTLER, AGE 36, OF OLD TALBOTTON ROAD BOOKED ON TWO COUNTS AGGREVATED ASSAULT, A VICTIM SHOT IN THE LEG.

POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON SAID OFFICERS ARE INVESTIGATING ANOTHER SHOOTING SATURDAY NIGHTY ON 3RD STREET, THE VICTIM A 15 YEAR OLD JUVENILE, NO ARRESTS IN THAT CASE.

U.S. SENATE CANDIDATE GARY BLACK IN THOMASTON WED.

STATE AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER GARY BLACK, REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR U.S SENATE, WILL HAVE A MEET AND GREET THIS WEDNESDAY AT THE TASTY SHOP ON EAST MAIN IN THOMASTON AT 7:30 AM .

PIKE CO GOP MEETS TUES DEC 14

PIKE CO REPUBLICAN PARTY MEETS TUESDAY, DEC 14TH 6 PM AT THE RF STRICKLAND BUILDING IN CONCORD.

STATE LEGISLATORS MARTY HARBIN AND BETH CAMP WILL UPDATE REDISTRICTING . SPECIAL GUESTS, STATE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT RICHARD WOODS AND GOP CANDIDATE FOR U.S. SENATE KELVIN KING.

BAD WRECK 74 EAST FRIDAY

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE REPORTS A HEAD ON COLLISION 0N HIGHWAY 74 EAST OF JEFF DAVIS ROAD EARLY FRIDAY AROUND 4 AM.

A MALE MOTORIST WAS TRAPPED IN THE WRECKAGE, SO ENTRAPPED IT TOOK 45 MINUTES FOR THURSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT TO FREE HIM WITH THE JAWS OF LIFE CUTTING TOOL.

SHERIFF KILGORE THANKED THURSTON VOLUNTEERS AND TOLD US THE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN TURNED OVER TO POST 26 GA, STATE PATROL.

Weather Alert

A line of storms will affect the area today. A few storms may be strong to severe. 

Main risks:

• Damaging wind gusts 
• Locally heavy rainfall 
• An isolated brief tornado 

Griffin PD Makes Meth Bust

On Wednesday, December 8th, The City of Griffin Police Department Criminal Apprehension and Gang Enforcement (CAGE) Units conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle and driver for a traffic violation. 

After stopping the car and speaking with the occupants, probable cause was established and the vehicle was searched. Officers found two ounces of methamphetamine on the driver during that search. 

Linda Bash, age 44, of Barnesville, Georgia, was arrested and charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine, Failure to Use Turn Signal, and Obstructed Tag. Bash is being held at the Spalding County Detention Center.

TUAC Features Mistletoe Market

The Mistletoe Market, located at the Thomaston Upson Arts Council (TUAC) Gallery on the square in Downtown Thomaston, now thru December 31st. Featuring beautiful one of a kind artwork and crafts including paintings, sculptures, wooden bowls, cross stitch, photography, stained glass and crocheted items. 

You’ll be sure to find something unique for that special someone while supporting local artists!

Mistletoe Market is open weekdays T-Fri (10-5pm) and Sat (12-6pm). 

Call 706-647-1605 for more information.

Accident On The Square

A two vehicle accident on the square in Thomaston Thursday sent a woman to the ER.

The incident happened around 5:15 at the intersection of Center and Main Streets. A Chrysler 300 and Kia SUV both appear to be total losses, the injuries were not life threatening.

The accident is still under investigation.

Upson County Has Enhanced It's Social Media Presence

Upson County now has official Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages. 

Please be sure to follow Upson County Government on all social media outlets to keep up with the latest happenings with Upson County local government. 

                        

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upsoncountygovernment 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upson_county_government/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/upson-county-government/ 

Upson County Commissioners Meeting

The Upson County Commissioners held a special called meeting at 4:00 pm on Monday, December 6, 2021.

To see the entire meeting click HERE.

UPSON CO OFFICIAL TABBED

Upson County Human Resources Coordinator, Cherie Spillers has been nominated and unanimously approved to serve as the Media Coordinator/ Board Member for the Georgia Local Government Personnel Association (GLGPA). 

Founded in 1975, the Georgia Local Government Personnel Association is a professional organization that focuses on setting reasonable practices throughout local government in Georgia. The GLGPA is a nonprofit organization that operates independently under the guidance of a twelve-member Board of Directors who are elected by its members. The GLGPA is the foremost association in Georgia for local government Human Resources educational content, ongoing instruction on recent trends and events in Human Resources, as well as legal updates concerning local government employers throughout Georgia. 

The role of Media Coordinator is appointed, this officer serves in a non-voting role at the pleasure of the President of GLGPA. Some of the many duties of the Media Coordinator include, keeping social media outlets updated with photos, newsletters, etc., as well as ensuring the membership is regularly updated. 

Cherie Spillers has been Upson County’s Human Resource Coordinator since October 2016 and became a member of GLGPA in January 2017. In November 2020, she received the Certified Human Resources Manager certificate from the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. She will fulfill the role of Media Coordinator/Board Member for GLGPA on an ongoing basis

T-U SCHOOL SYSTEM REPORT ON BUS ACCIDENT

On Monday, December 6th, the bus running the 03-1 route had an accident on Pobiddy Road while taking students home from school. All students complaining of injuries were transported to Upson Regional Medical Center. None of the injuries were life threatening, and students were transported to the hospital out of an abundance of caution. 

School and district officials were at the hospital to answer parent questions or to address any parent concerns.

SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT IN UPSON CO

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAID A THOMASTON-UPSON COUNTY SCHOOL BUS SLID OFF THE ROAD AND INTO A DITCH ON A DIRT ROAD, SOUTH OLD TALBOTTON ROAD, MONDAY AFTERNOON. 13 STUDENTS WERE ON THE BUS, ONE REPORTEDLY TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R. FOR EVALUATION.

TRAFFIC FATALITY IN UPSON CO

POST 26 GA. STATE PATROL-THOMASTON HAS IDENTIFIED THE FATALITY IN A WRECK EARLY MONDAY MORNING ON MCCRARY ROAD NEAR THE UPSON-PIKE LINE.

THE GSP SAID 32 YEAR OLD RYAN RICHMOND OF MOLENA WAS DECEASED AT THE SCENE AFTER APPARENTLY BEING EJECTED FROM AN F-250 PICK-UP THAT FLIPPED OVER.

WE WERE TOLD RICHMOND WAS SCHEDULED TO JOIN A WORK CREW AT 7AM BUT WHEN HE DID NOT REPORT FELLOW EMPLOYEES BECAME CONCERNED AND BEGAN CALLING AROUND TO LOCATE HIM. UPSON S.O. RESPONDED TO THE WRECK SCENE AROUND 7:30. THE ACCIDENT REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

MOTOR VEHICLES SYSTEM TO BE UPGRADED

Upson County in Partnership with the Georgia Department of Revenue will upgrade its GeorgiaDRIVES Motor Vehicles System Beginning Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 7 pm.

The Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) will begin a system upgrade to the state’s DRIVES system (Driver Record and Integrated Vehicle Enterprise System) to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. The upgrade will require vehicle registrations and titling services, including e-Services and tag renewal kiosks, to be unavailable Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 7 pm through Monday, January 3, 2022. Vehicle owners with expiration dates in late December and early January are encouraged to renew prior to December 30, 2021 at 7 pm to avoid delays. 

What to Expect: Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 7 pm through January 3, 2022: 

• County Tag Offices and the Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division will be unable to process transactions. 

• All online motor vehicle related services, including online tag renewal services, will be unavailable. 

• Motor Vehicle Self Service Kiosks will be unavailable. 

How will this impact Georgia motor vehicle owners and drivers? 

• Customers and dealers seeking to conduct any title transactions should complete their business at a county tag office prior to Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 4:45 p.m. 

• Dealers will be able to initiate electronic title and registration (ETR) transactions and issue emergency temporary operating permits (TOPs) over New Year’s weekend. 

• Law enforcement will still have access to motor vehicle records. 

Please note that Upson County will be closed on Dec. 24th & 27th in observance of the Christmas holiday and on Dec. 31st in observance of the New Year’s holiday. Upson County tag office will be available to process tag & title transactions after these upgrades on January 4th, 2022.

U-L's Travon Walker In Hype Trailer

Upson-Lee's Travon Walker makes an appearance in the Dawgs Championship Game Trailer narrated by College Hall Of Fame member David Pollock.

Let These Dawgs Bite!!!!!

Click HERE to watch the trailer.

TUESDAY SHOOTING IN THOMASTON

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON SAYS THE SUSPECT IN A CAR BREAK-IN WHO WAS SHOT MULTIPLE TIMES BY THE SUV OWNER IS EXPECTED TO SURVIVE.

28 YEAR OLD RANDALL WATTS OF TOM MCKINLEY ROAD WAS LIFE FLIGHTED TO A MACON HOSPITAL AFTER BEING TREATED AT THE E.R.

P.D. OFFICERS RESPONDED TO A 3RD STREET ADDRESS AT 3 AM TUESDAY AND FOUND WATTS WOUNDED OUTSIDE THE RESIDENCE. CHIEF RICHARDSON SAID IT APPEARS WATTS WAS ATTEMPTING TO BREAK INTO A CHEVY TAHOE PARKED AT THE HOME WHEN A RESIDENT CONFRONTED WATTS OUTSIDE AND THEY EXCHANGED GUNFIRE.

POLICE RECOVERED A 9 MM PISTOL REPORTEDLY OWNED BY WATTS AND THE CHIEF SAID THE RESIDENT INVOLVED IN THE SHOOTING IS COOPERATING WITH INVESTIGATORS.

Dawgs In Town

While the Dawgs are hard at work this week preparing to play Alabama in the Southeastern Conference Championship game Saturday in Atlanta, last week was a chance to relax and get a few days off. 

Travon Walker came home for the holiday and brought a couple of teammates with him.

Quay Walker and Nolan Smith enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner with Travon at his parent's house.

LOG TRUCK ACCIDENT DOWNTOWN THOMASTON

THOMASTON POLICE RESPONDED TO A LOG TRUCK/BOX TRUCK ACCIDENT AT THE INTERSECTION OF CENTER AND GORDON JUST BEFORE 5PM WEDNESDAY, A COLLISION THAT SHEARED OFF THE ENTIRE SIDE OF THE BOX TRUCK.

THE LOG TRUCK OWNED BY DAVIS TRUCKING OF FORSYTH CAME TO REST IN THE INTERSECTION AND THE BOX TRUCK FURTHER NORTH OF THE ACCIDENT SITE.

POLICE OFFICERS TOLD 101 NEWS AT THE SCENE NO ONE WAS INJURED.

Christmas Lane Opens Saturday At Dark On R Street

CHRISTMAS LANE AND CANDY LAND OPENS THIS SATURDAY AT DARK ON R STREET IN THOMASTON.  

GET DETAILS ON 101 NEWS THIS FRIDAY.

THOMASTON MAN ARRESTED FOR CHILD PORN

Photo courtesy of Pike County SO

Pike County Sheriff’s Office investigators have arrested Kenneth Lee Trice, 36 years of age, for possession of child pornography. 

This arrest concludes a two month long investigation into the activities of Trice. He is a former resident of Pike County and currently lives in Thomaston. A search warrant was conducted at his current residence, 319 East Gordon Street, today in an effort to recover any further electronic evidence. As of now, over forty thousand illicit images have been recovered during this investigation. 

An initial bond has been denied by the Pike County Superior Court for Trice. Additional charges are possible as new evidence is sorted through from the search warrant that was served today.

The assistance received from the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and Thomaston Police Department was much appreciated during this investigation.

Travon Walker Meets With Media

Upson-Lee's Travon Walker met with the media on Tuesday to discuss preparations for the Southeastern Conference Championship game Saturday.

To read the entire interview click HERE.

UPDATE ON CITY OF THOMASTON BUSINESS/ICE SKATING RINK

UPDATE ON CITY OF THOMASTON BUSINESS ACCORDING TO TAYLOR SMITH DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR, POPEYE'S CHICKEN DELAYED OPENING TILL JANUARY WHILE WAITING ON EQUIPMENT DELIVERY AND THE BIG YELLOW BARN ON 19 NORTH IS SET FOR DEMOLITION NEXT WEEK, THE SITE OF A NEW HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS.

THE PORTAL IS NOW OPEN AT THE CIVIC CENTER WEBSITE FOR RESERVATIONS FOR THE ICE SKATING RINK TO BE LOCATED AT THE GREATEST GENERATION MEMORIAL PARK STARTING DEC. 10TH.