Thomaston Photojournalist Neil Bowen McGahee Has Died

Neil Bowen McGahee, age 73, passed away Friday, December 30 at Atrium Health-Navicent in Macon due to complications from pneumonia and congestive heart failure. 

Neil was born  in Thomaston, Georgia to the late Orine “Tippie” Bowen McGahee Windham and Emory Spears McGahee, 

Neil never met a stranger and kept in touch with friends from is early years of attending R. E. Lee in Thomaston.  He first developed an interest in photography while attending Georgia Southwestern College.  A 1971 History/Political Science graduate, he was named 2019 Outstanding GSW Alumni.  He also attended Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY and earned a Master of art/Mass Communication/Visual from Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia.

Neil began his newspaper photography career in the 1970’s at The Bradenton Herald where he met his wife of 42 years.  He had worked for the Minneapolis Star and Tribune, The Tampa Tribune and the Atlanta Journal and Constitution.  He was one of the early photographers to use only a Leica camera. In later years he transitioned to writing and editing for Georgia school publications at Reinhardt College, Kennesaw State University and Georgia Institute of Technology.

Over his forty-year career span, Neil reported on war, poverty, refugees, and famine, in Africa, Central America, the Middle East and Haiti.   McGahee wrote and photographed subjects such as homelessness, poverty, disabilities, AIDS, aging, and racial issue capturing ordinary everyday lives of people using black and white images to people and situations.

He received The Oskar Barnack Prize awarded by Leica Press Photo, considered to be the most prestigious award in journalism. The Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, the Nikon World Award and was twice nominated for a Pulitzer Price; runner-up in 1978. 

After retiring twice, Neil continued to photograph and report news locally for the Cartersville Daily Tribune and the Cordele Dispatch. During his leisure time, Neil enjoyed spending time in the outdoors hunting game, or fly-fishing as many rivers and streams as he could. “Eventually all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.”
 

Neil McGahee is survived by his wife, Sharon McGahee of Pinehurst, Georgia and his son, Zachary McGahee of Cartersville, Georgia.

The family will have a memorial service at 11am Wednesday, January 4th at Christ Episcopal Church in Cordele, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Christ Episcopal Church Memorial Fund.

Brannen-Nesmith Funeral Home of Vienna has charge of arrangements.

Long Time Thomaston Pharmacist Robert C. Bowles, Jr. Has Died

Mr. Robert C. Bowles, Jr., age 75, of Thomaston, GA, died Friday, December 30, 2022, at his residence.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 2, at 11:00 AM, at the First Baptist Church of Thomaston.  Rev. Ted Kandler will officiate, and interment will follow in South View Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 1, from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home and on Monday, January 2, from 10:00 until 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church.

Mr. Bowles was born in Thomaston on September 22, 1947, to the late Robert C. Bowles, Sr., and Mary Frances Bowles.  He was a 1965 graduate of R. E. Lee Institute, and he earned a BS degree in Pharmacy from the University of Georgia.  He was the owner and pharmacist at Big C Drugs of Thomaston until his retirement. He devoted his professional life to God, his customers, his community, and his family, and to both the GA Pharmacy Association and the National Community Pharmacy Association.  He was credentialed as a Certified Diabetes Manager where he initiated one of the first successful diabetic care programs in the community pharmacy area.  He was past president of the GA Pharmaceutical Association where he served diligently on practically every committee that existed.  He was the recipient of many state and national awards including, but not limited to, The Bowl of Hygieia for his lifetime of community service.  His most prestigious award was the Larry Braden Meritorious Service Award.  He advocated for his profession at the Capitol in Atlanta and in the halls of Congress in Washington for years.  He was admired, loved, and cherished by pharmacists across America.  After his Lewy Body diagnosis, he totally immersed his many talents into advocating for dementia.  He touched lives across the country with his passion for those affected by this supposedly death sentence and emphatically stated that there was life after diagnosis.  His passion and zeal in this endeavor was truly contagious and heart-warming.  Mr. Bowles was a member of the First Baptist Church of Thomaston and its Fellowship Sunday School Class.

Mr. Bowles is survived by his wife, Judy Shaver Bowles of Thomaston; two daughters: Kelli Owen of Jackson, GA, and Ashley (Jack) Reed of Thomaston; a son, Alex (Jillian) Bowles of St. Augustine, FL; a sister, Charlotte (Gary) Baker of Maryville, TN; and seven grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a research fund that is being established in Robert's name that will be spearheaded by his beloved neurologist, Dr. William Hu. The address for contributions will be posted as soon as the information is available.

 

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home of Thomaston is in charge of all arrangements.  Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Robert C. Bowles, Jr. please visit our Tribute Store.

SPALDING/GRIFFIN AGREE ON LOST

 AFTER  A  SERIES OF  BACK  AND  FORTH MEETINGS  THURSDAY  AND  FRIDAY  SPALDING  COUNTY  AND  THE C ITY  OF  GRIFFIN  REACHED  AN   11TH  HOUR   COMPROMISE  ON  KEEPING  THE   LOCAL  OPTION  SALES  TAX  FOR   10  YEARS.  IN   2023  THE  SPLIT  WILL  BE  60%  COUNTY,  40%  CITY  OF  GRIFFIN  FOR  THE  $13  MILLION  ANNUAL  LOST. 

Talbot County Sheriff’s Office captures 2 wanted suspects

Two suspects wanted for several charges were taken into custody, say Talbot County Sheriff’s Office.

According to authorities, Shawn Varnado and Justin Crouch were both wanted by Talbot County officials.

 

Varnado faces the following charges, Aggravated assault, Exploitation elder abuse, Battery

2nd-degree, criminal damage to property, Pointing a pistol at another

 

Crouch is charged with failure to register as a sex offender and probation violation.

 

Both men were taken to the Talbot County Jail.

STATE FIRE MARSHALL'S OFFICE INVESTIGATES MONDAY THOMASTON HOUSE FIRE

 THE  STATE  FIRE  MARSHALL'S  OFFICE   REPORTS     A  HOUSE  FIRE  MONDAY  AT  THE  RESIDENCE OF  ONE-TIME   THOMASTON    CITY COUNCIL  MEMBER  ROBERT  COCHRAN  STARTED  FROM  A  CLOTHES  DRYER  THAT  WAS  OPERATING  IN  A  UTILITY  ROOM NEAR  THE  CARPORT  AT  706  GREENWOOD  ROAD.  

ACCORDING  TO  CAPTAN  LEE  BROWN  OF  THE  THOMASTON  FIRE  DEPARTMENT,  THE  STATE  FIRE MARSHALL'S  OFFICE  INVESTIGATED  THE  CAUSE  OF THE  BLAZE,  WEDNESDAY  AND   INDICATIONS  ARE  IT  STARTED  FROM  THE  CLOTHES  DRYER.

MR.  COCHRAN  AND  HIS   DAUGHTER  SUSAN  WERE  AT  HOME  AT  THE  TIME  AND  HEARD  A   LOUD  EXPLOSION,  THE  HOUSE  FILLED  WITH  SMOKE  AND  FLAMES  WENT  TO  THE  ROOF,  DESTROYING  THE  RESIDENCE  OCCUPIED  IN  1957,  AND  TORCHING  TWO  VEHICLES  PARKED  IN  THE  CARPORT. 

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

PLEAS – JUDGE RHONDA B. KREUZIGER, GJC

DECEMBER 28, 2022

 

1. 22R0495 MISTI M. CRAVEN CT. 1: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE: REDUCED TO POSSESSION OF DRUG RELATED OBJECT: 12 MONTHS, SERVE 60 DAYS IN THE COUNTY JAIL, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; $500 FINE.

 

2. 22R0444 CLIFFORD J. GILES CT. 1: DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED: TIME SERVED. CT. 2: SPEEDING: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: FAILURE TO REGISTER VEHICLE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 4: TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

3. 22R0447B STANLEY L. WEAVER CT. 2: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE: 8 YEARS SERVE 150 DAYS IN THE COUNTY JAIL, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $1,000 FINE. CT. 3: CROSSING THE GUARDLINES WITH DRUGS: 5 YEARS PROBATION CONCURRENT TO COUNT 1.

 

4. 22R0494 STANLEY L. WEAVER CT. 1: THEFT OF SERVICES: 5 YEARS PROBATION TO RUN CONCURRENT WITH CAS #22R0447B; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE.

Monroe County Chase Ends In Multiple County Fugitive Arrest

On Tuesday, December 27th, 2022, at 9:09 PM a Monroe County Deputy was patrolling GA 87 in the area of Dames Ferry Campground when he checked a sports bike traveling south a high rate of speed. The Deputy checked the motorcycle speeding at 89 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone.

The Deputy attempted to stop the motorcycle which began to flee from the Deputy. The Deputy engaged in a vehicle pursuit with the motorcycle. After approximately 14 miles the driver abandoned the motorcycle and began fleeing on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, the suspect identified as Devan G Cormican from Lizella, Georgia was apprehended at the intersection of Mercer University and Pio Nono Avenue.

A search of Cormican’s persons rendered a 9mm handgun which was in his front jacket pocket. The firearm’s serial number had been removed from the handgun. Cormican was also in possession of a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine. The motorcycle’s vehicle identification number was located and checked. The motorcycle was reported stolen out of Bibb County on February 1st, 2022.

 

Cormican was transported to the Monroe County Jail where he faces charges of Felony Fleeing and Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Criminal Use of an Article with an Altered Identification mark, D.U.I Refusal and numerous traffic citations. In addition, Cormican is wanted out of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office for Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Kidnapping, Elder Abuse and Forgery as well as the Houston County Sheriff’s Office for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Monroe County Deputies investigating fatal crash

On Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at 3:24am, Officers with the Forsyth Police Department were dispatched to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 75 South at mile marker 186. Upon arrival, Officers discovered a deceased male and called for Monroe County Deputies to be in route to investigate the fatal crash.

Deputies arrived on scene and began investigating the crash. Preliminary investigation shows the male driver ran off the roadway and struck the median wall. The driver was identified as Hateram Lachhman of Tampa, Florida. A female passenger was transported to Navicent Health.

 

Monroe County Deputies are still investigating the crash.

EAST THOMPSON/HIGHTOWER TO BE 4-WAY STOP

 THE  THOMASTON  POLICE  DEPARTMENT   HAS  POSTED  NOTICE  EFFECTIVE  JAN. 10TH  THE  INTERSECTION  OF  EAST  THOMPSON  AND  HIGHTOWER  NEAR  THE  POST  OFFICE  WILL  BECOME  A   FOUR  WAY  STOP  AND  THE  TRAFFIC  SIGNAL  WILL  BE  REMOVED.    POLICE  CHIEF MIKE  RICHARDSON  ALSO  GOT  PERMISSION  FROM  THE  MAYOR  AND  COUNCIL  TO  PETITION  G-DOT  TO  ALLOW  THE  INTERSECTIONS  OF  HIGHTOWER  AND  EAST  MAIN  AND  HIGHTOWER  AND  EAST  GORDON  TO  BECOME  FOUR-WAY  STOPS.  G-DOT  MUST  GRANT  PERMISSION  BECAUSE  THOSE  ARE  36  AND   74--STATE  ROUTES.

NEW YEAR'S SCHEDULE UPSON CO TAG OFFICE

 Upson County Tag Office will be closed this Friday, Dec. 30^th & next Monday, Jan. 2^nd in observance of the New Year’s holidays. We will re-open Tuesday, Jan. 3^rd at 8:00 am.

Christmas Day Domestic Altercation Lands Monroe County Deputy In Jail

On December 25, 2022, Monroe County Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in the Abercrombie Road area around 9:30 PM.

Deputies arrived on scene and made contact with the female caller who stated she and her husband had been involved in a physical altercation. After interviewing the two subjects involved and witnesses, a male subject identified as Charlie Bryson, age 54, was arrested on scene.

 

Bryson was transported to the Monroe County Jail where he was charged with Simple Battery Family Violence.

 

Bryson has been a Deputy Sheriff with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office since 2020. Bryson has been placed on administrative leave.

CITY OF THOMASTON LOW WATER PRESSURE

 THE  CITY  OF  THOMASTON  HAS  BEEN  EXPERIENCING   LOW  WATER PRESSURE    THAT  MAYOR  J.D.  STALLINGS  SAID  STARTED  SATURDAY   MORNING  WITH  A  POWER  FAILURE  AT  THE  PLANT.   THE  MAYOR  TOLD  101  NEWS  IT  COULD  BE  A  1000  LITTLE  LEAKS  OR  ONE  MAJOR  ONE.

RESIDENCE OF RETIRED BANKER BOB COCHRAN DESTROYED BY FIRE

THE  THOMASTON  FIRE  DEPARTMENT  RESPONDED  TO  THE  RESIDENCE OF   RETIRED  BANKER  BOB  COCHRAN  AT  706  GREENWOOD  ROAD  EARLY  MONDAY AFTERNOON  BUT A  FIRE    QUICKLY  SPREAD  AND  DESTROYED  THE  HOUSE  AND  TWO  VEHICLES  IN  THE CARPORT.  CAPTAIN LEE  BROWN  SAID  MR.  COCHRAN  AND  HIS  DAUGHTER  SUSAN  WERE  IN  THE  HOME  AND  HEARD  A  POP  IN  THE  CARPORT  AREA  BUT  MANAGED  TO  ESCAPE  THE  FLAMES.

UPSON SO DRUG BUST

 SOMEONE  WAS  PLANNING  A MERRY   HOLIDAY    WITH  LOTS  OF  WEED  IN  THEIR  CHRISTMAS  STOCKING,  BUT  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF'S  DEPARTMENT  HAD   OTHER  IDEAS.  ACCORDING  TO  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  TUESDAY  AFTERNOON JOHNNY  BENNIE  WILSON  JR.  AGE  49 OF  MORROW  AND  THOMASTON  WAS  ARRESTED  WITH  1.4  POUNDS OF MARIJUANA  ,  ECTASY,  AND  SEVERAL  PRESCRIPTION  PILLS.

WILSON  WAS  TRAVELING  ON  ZORN  SREET  INTO LINCOLN  PARK  WHEN  HE  RAN  OFF  THE  ROAD. A  DEPUTY      STOPPED    HIM    AND  HIS  VEHICLE  SMELLED  OF MARIJUANA. WILSON  FLED  ON FOOT  BUT  DEPUTY RIDGE  O'NEILL  CAUGHT  HIM.   WILSON    HAD  AN OPEN CONTAINER OF  BEER  IN  THE  VEHICLE   AND  HE  TRIED  TO  GIVE   DEPUTIES   HIS  BROTHER'S  NAME  BUT  HE  WAS  RECOGNIZED.

  SHERIFF  KILGORE  SAID  WILSON  IS  BEING  HELD  IN  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  JAIL   WITHOUT  BOND--CHARGED  WITH  A  PROBATION  VIOLATION,  POSSESSION  MARIJUANA  WITH  INTENT  TO  DISTRIBUTE,  POSSESSION   OF   A  SCHEDULE  DRUG AND  A   9  MILLIMETER  PISTOL  WAS  FOUND  IN  THE  CAR--SO  HE  WAS  BOOKED FOR  POSSESSION  OF  A  FIREARM  BY  A  CONVICTED  FELON ,  NO  LICENSE,  AND  WEAVING  IN THE  ROADWAY.

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVES JOINT PROJECTS CONTRACT

 THE  THOMASTON  CITY COUNCIL  APPROVED  A  NEW   TEN  YEAR  CONTRACT  FOR  JOINT PROJECTS  WITH  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  BOARD  OF  COMMISSIONERS,  TUESDAY,  BUT  DID  NOT  APPROVE  THE  JOINT  PROJECTS  BUDGET.  COUNTY  MANAGER   JASON  TINSLEY  TOLD   101  NEWS,  WEDNESDAY,  JOINT  PROJECTS  WILL  CONTINUE  AS  THEY  HAVE  BEEN  WITH  NO  INTERRUPTION OF  SERVICES  THE  PUBLIC  EXPECTS.  CITY  HALL  IS  EXPECTED  TO  FOWARD  AN  OFFICIAL  LETTER  TO  THE  COUNTY  EXPLAINING  ITS  ACTIONS.

THE  CITY  COUNCIL  WAS  SEEKING  A  $98,000 CREDIT  FROM  THE  COUNTY  IN  THE  CONTRACT,  CLAIMING  JOINT  PROJECTS     EMPLOYEES  ENJOY  BETTER  COUNTY   BENEFITS  THAN   CITY  EMPLOYEES.  THE  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  HAD  APPROVED  THE  CONTRACT  LAST  WEEK.

ROADS UPDATE GA DOT

 ATLANTA, GA – With frigid temperatures expected to hit parts of north Georgia and metro Atlanta this week, the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is actively preparing and coordinating brine operations and staffing plans in an effort to respond to the pending threat of icy conditions. Brine operations are underway in northwest Georgia, and will begin in metro Atlanta and Northeast Georgia at 7 a.m. Thursday. Brine operations will continue all day Thursday and into Friday as needed, with the likelihood that most routes will be treated at least twice. Crews will begin salting metro Atlanta interstates and state routes Thursday evening into Friday morning as needed based on conditions. Crews will work 12-hour shifts and will prioritize treating interstates, state routes, bridges and overpasses, with priority routes including the entirety of I-20, I-85 and I-75 north of metro Atlanta, I-75 south of metro Atlanta to Macon, and I-85 south of Atlanta to Columbus. An estimated 635,000 gallons of brine will be used to treat more than 21,000 lane miles in the affected areas. 

Georgia DOT will be closing all Georgia Express Lanes at midnight Thursday into Friday. As the weather system evolves, Georgia DOT will continue to monitor conditions and will reopen the Express Lanes as conditions allow. 

Motorists in affected areas are asked to plan now to limit travel Thursday into Friday morning. If you must venture out during this time, please give GDOT crews room and space on the roads to help ensure they can safely do their jobs. Please be aware of the brine trucks and know they must travel 40 mph to properly apply the treatment. Please pay attention and stay back at least 100 feet.

Precipitation is not the only threat to Georgia roads this weekend. Georgia DOT reminds you to turn off sprinkler systems with automatic timers set to run overnight and be sure to drain the system of water to prevent them from freezing and expanding, which can result in burst pipes. Sprinkler systems operating near a highway or road can create hazardous icy spots for motorists the next morning during a winter freeze. Drivers are cautioned to be on the lookout for icy patches or black ice in the early morning hours. Black ice is a thin, often invisible sheet of ice that forms on the roadway, especially on bridges, overpasses and low lying areas. It can appear at any time when temperatures drop below freezing and there is any form of moisture, from sprinklers, run-off or precipitation on the roadway. Motorists are advised that if a road looks wet, they should assume it is ice and drive accordingly – or better yet, stay home if at all possible. 

Additionally, with strong winds expected, there is possibility for fallen trees and downed power lines. If you come across either, do not cross them and report them to your local authorities or 911. Turn around and take an alternative route. 

UPSON EMA WEATHER ALERT

 A WIND CHILL WATCH has been issued for all of north and central GA that will begin after midnight / Thursday night and run through Saturday morning

A decision will be made sometime in the next 24 hours or so on the upgrade to a Wind Chill WARNING  (for wind chills of -10 degrees or colder) or ADVISORY (values of +5 to -9 degrees) for much of the area

HIGH confidence remains in seeing UNSEASONABLY COLD temperatures impacting all of north & central Georgia by Friday morning (12/23)

o Temps expected to be 20-35F degrees below normal

o Coldest air in 5-8 years (Jan 2015 / 2018)

o A prolonged period (48-72+ hours) of sub-freezing temperatures can be expected

· A quick shot of wintry precipitation -- rain changing to snow -- (mainly northwest and far north GA) is expected late Thursday night into Friday morning.

o Any snow accumulations expected to be < 1/2 inch at this time

o The BIGGER CONCERN will be the potential to see a flash freeze/patchy black ice (late Thursday night/Friday morning) across all of north & central GA from any residual water or snow on the roads as temperatures drop very quickly (20-30F degrees in < 6 hours)

Human Remains Found In Meriwether County

Meriwether County Sheriff Chuck Smith reported that his agency is currently investigating human remains that have been found and recovered in Meriwether County, Ga.

“Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office Investigators acting on a tip responded to a rural portion of Meriwether County, Ga. regarding information related to possible human remains. Once our personnel arrived in the area and began a search, they were able to locate human remains based on the tip provided. At that time, we contacted the GBI Crime Scene Unit to assist with the recovery and the processing of the scene. The body has been sent to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy. Our personnel assisted by our local FBI Field Office and the GBI are actively working this case investigation. If anyone has any information related to this discovery, contact the Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 672-6651, main office number (706) 672-4489 or the FBI tip line at 770-216-3000. Our agency will provide additional information related to this investigation once we have verifiable identification at the appropriate time.” Sheriff Chuck Smith said.

T-U ARCHIVES/UPSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY PROJECT

 The Thomaston-Upson Archives along with the Upson Historical Society have embarked on an exciting new collaborative project to upgrade each of their respective exhibit spaces. Through the guided assistance of a professional curator, the two sites will make a number of improvements including: reconfiguring their exhibition areas, painting the existing display cases as well as lining them with contrasting fabric, adding informative banners and kiosks, and introducing several re-usable lollipop stands, a mainstay in modern museum equipment. Coming Spring 2023, the upgrades will be revealed along with a massive exhibition which will be hosted by the two repositories in a joint grand-opening event.

The exhibition will expand on the recently created World War II displays held at each site. The Upson Historical Society’s Pettigrew-White-Stamps Home will expand on their representation of life on the Homefront. Stories of loss and sacrifice will be told through the families who endured the unthinkable.

A major goal of the exhibition project will be to add Thomaston to Georgia’s WWII Heritage Trail, which currently features 10 historic sites across the state. Having a place on the trail will quite literally put Thomaston on the map, with added exposure and publicity as one of the partnering sites, thereby increasing tourism. Thomaston’s role as a leading textile manufacturer for wartime products will also fill a gap currently missing on the trail.

The project will help both repositories update their spaces in line with more professional standards seen in museums and historical sites across the country.

Funding for this project has been secured for the Thomaston-Upson Archives, through previously donated funds. The Upson Historical Society, a 501c3 non-profit tax-deductible organization, will be seeking donations and grants to fund their portion. For additional information, please contact either the Thomaston-Upson Archives (706) 646-2437 or the Upson Historical Society (706) 601 3610.

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LAMAR CO MAN GETS LIFE

  

Man pleads guilty to killing ex-girlfriend at Independence Day barbecue 

 

MCDONOUGH, GA – A Barnesville man will spend life in prison for shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend at an Independence Day barbecue. 

Raphael Kelley, 22, entered a guilty plea Monday in Henry County Superior Court to charges of malice murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. 

As part of the negotiated plea, Kelley was sentenced to life plus five years in prison. 

“We are grateful to bring justice to the family of Ms. Moss without having to put them through the difficulty of testifying at trial,” District Attorney Darius Pattillo said. 

Kelley shot and killed his ex-girlfriend, Laci Moss, 23, following a disagreement at a barbecue at a home on Lobolly Ridge in Locust Grove on July 4, 2021. Kelley got into a disagreement with Moss and left the party. He later returned to the home and shot Moss six times in front of her mother and friends. 

“I hope you see her face every day that you live out the rest of your life and think about what you’ve done,” Superior Court Judge Pandora E. Palmer told the defendant during sentencing. “If you had just walked away, we would not be here.” 

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Sybil Price.

T-U BOE MOVING FOWARD WITH E-SPLOST

 THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  BOARD  OF  EDUCATION  PASSED  A  RESOLUTION-TUESDAY--  FOR  A  CONTINUATION  OF  THE  CURRENT  E-SPLOST  ,  A  MARCH  ELECTION  TO  FUND  ATHLETIC  FACILITIES  AND  SCHOOL  SAFETY. THE  SCHOOL  BOARD  WILL  ASK  THE  BOARD  OF  ELECTIONS  TO  CALL  FOR   A  REFERENDUM  MARCH  23RD,   2023  FOR  UP  TO  $28  MILLION  WITH  UP  TO  $25  MILLION  TO  BE  BONDED  SO  THE  BOARD  CAN   PROCEED  WITH PROJECTS  WITHOUT  WAITING  ON  THE  MONEY  TO  BEGIN.  AMONG  THE  PROJECTS,  A  NEW  TRACK  FOR  THE  HIGH  SCHOOL  AND  UPGRADES  TO  MATTEWS  FIELD  AND  SAFETY  EQUIPMENT  FOR  SCHOOL  BUILDINGS.

NO TO APARTMENTS IN ZEBULON

 ACCORDING  TO  CITY  ADMINISTRATOR  LARRY  MITCHUM,  THE  ZEBULON  CITY  COUNCIL  VOTED  UNANIMOUSLY  TO  DENY  A  REZONING  FOR   120  GARDEN  STYLE  APARTMENTS,   AT  A  CALLED  MEETING   THURSDAY.  A  BIG  CROWD OPPOSED  TO  THE  REZONING  ATTENDED   WITH  OVER   A  DOZEN  CITIZENS  SPEAKING    AGAINST  THE  REZONING  ON  U.S.  19  BETWEEN RUTH'S  RESTURANT  AND  THE  ANIMAL  CLINIC.

Four tractor-trailers were involved in a series of crashes early Thursday morning in Monroe County.

 At approximately 4 a.m., Monroe County deputies were dispatched to Interstate 75 in reference to a jackknifed tractor-trailer.

According to the sheriff’s office, the truck hydroplaned, blocking one lane of traffic.

 

While deputies were headed to the scene of the single-truck crash, another tractor-trailer struck the first trailer that was blocking a lane.

 

The second tractor-trailer stopped in the middle lane.

 

Two other tractor-trailers struck those trucks blocking I-75, causing one of the trucks to overturn.

 

Three of the four drivers were taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

 

According to the sheriff’s office, more than 300 gallons of diesel fuel were spilled onto the interstate.

 

Cleanup took several hours.

 

Once the fuel was cleaned up and the trucks removed, all lanes were reopened by 8 a.m.

Ecstasy trafficking bust in Monroe County traffic stop

On Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at approximately 5:37am, a Monroe County Deputy observed a Nissan, Altima traveling south, which was equipped with what appeared to be a fraudulent temporary Florida license plate. The Deputy confirmed the tag was indeed fraudulent and was registered to another vehicle.

The Deputy conducted a traffic stop on the ve
hicle and made contact with the driver Soleita Gamboa, from Tampa, Florida. While speaking with Gamboa the Deputy smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle.

 

A search of the vehicle was performed with resulted in the seizure of over 4 and a half pounds of Ecstasy pills and marijuana. The approximate value of the Ecstasy is $70,000. Gamboa was arrested on scene and transported to the Monroe County Jail.

 

Gamboa is charged with Unlawful Use of a License Plate to Conceal or Misrepresent the Identity, Operating an Unregistered Vehicle, Window Tint, Possession Less Than One Ounce of Marijuana and Trafficking Ecstasy.

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

PLEAS – JUDGE BEN J. MILLER, JR., GJC

December 14, 2022

1. 22R0269 TRISTAN DURHAM CT. 1: BATTERY- FAMILY VIOLENCE: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; $500 FINE; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE. CT. 2: BATTERY- FAMILY VIOLENCE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: CRIMINAL TRESPASS: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 4: CRIMINAL TRESPASS: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 5: CRUELTY TO CHOLDREN IN THE THIRD DEGREE: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

2. 22R0004 RICHARD FINCHER CT. 1: DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED: PLEA UNDER NOLO- 4 MONTHS TO SERVE IN THE COUNTY JAIL.

ZEBULON CITY COUNCIL TAKES ACTION AGAINST POLICE CHIEF

 THE  ZEBULON  CITY  COUNCIL  GOT  THE  RESULTS  OF  AN  INDEPENDANT  INVESTIGATION,  TUESDAY,  INTO  A  RUN-IN  POLICE  CHIEF  JONATHAN  HEMPHILL  HAD  WITH MOLENA  POLICE  WHEN  HE  WAS  PULLED  OVER.  COUNCIL  PASSED  A  MOTION  TO  GIVE  THE  CHIEF  AN  ORAL   REPRIMAND  AND  HE  MUST  ATTEND  POST  ANGER  AND  DE-ESCALATION  TRAINING  AND  CITY  HALL  WILL  REVIEW  HIS  PROGRESS  IN  SIX  MONTHS.

Missing juvenile justice official found dead in Peachtree City

WSB TV Reporting, The body of a missing Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice official has been found more than a week after he vanished, according to police.

Peachtree City Police Lt. Chris Hyatt confirmed to Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Mark Winne that the body of Victor Roberts was found early Tuesday morning in his SUV.

 

Roberts, 59, was the deputy commissioner of Georgia’s Juvenile Justice Department.

 

Police said the cause of Roberts’ death is still under investigation by Peachtree City police with the help of Cobb County police, who were the lead agency in the search for Roberts.

 

Cobb police said the SUV was last spotted on a license plate reader camera in Senoia on Monday around 2:46 p.m.

 

Authorities were concerned about the possibility of Roberts’ having a medical problem. Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Commissioner Tyrone Oliver said Roberts’ wife indicated he had recently suffered from some memory loss.

 

Hyatt said there was no indication of foul play in Roberts’ death.

Barnesville woman charged in crash that killed Jackson couple

An arrest has been made in connection with the Oct. 14 automobile accident that killed Jackson couple Kevin Sims and Christain ”Cece” Webb Sims. The accident occurred on Ga. Highway 36 East in Lamar County.

 

Faith Alexis Hill, 22, of Barnesville has been charged with two counts of second degree vehicular homicide. Hill was taken into custody on Nov. 28 and released later that day on a $7,000 bond. Second degree vehicular homicide is a misdemeanor charge. 

Drugstore Burglary in Thomaston

Thomaston Police Department investigating a smash and grab burglary attempt at the Thomaston prescription shop on West Gordon.

In the early morning hours, a suspect captured on video tried to smash into the store through the drive through window.  He appeared to be a white male wearing a hoodie and mask who triggered the burglar alarm.

GBI STALKING ARREST UPSON, PIKE, SPALDING

GBI Arrests Butts County Sheriff’s Office Deputy for Stalking

 

Zebulon, GA (December 10, 2022) – Butts County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Marlin Moultrie, 55, of Flovilla, GA, has been arrested and charged with three counts of misdemeanor stalking and three counts of misdemeanor harassing communications. On November 4, 2022, the Pike County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to investigate allegations that Moultrie was stalking and harassing an ex-girlfriend.

 

Preliminary information indicates that Moultrie had been in a relationship with a woman from Pike County. After the relationship ended, Moultrie began to stalk and harass the woman in three counties. Moultrie was booked at the Pike County, Upson County, and Spalding County Jails.

 

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Region 2/Columbus Field Office at 706-565-7888. Anonymous 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.

 

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

 

Thomaston Man Dead After Crash on Highway 74 in Monroe County

On Saturday, December 11th, 2022, at approximately 7:25 PM Monroe County Deputies were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on GA 74 at Oxford Road.

Upon arrival Deputies located a Ford F-150 and a Harley Davidson motorcycle in the west bound median. It was determined that the Ford F-150 was traveling east and left the roadway, struck a culvert, lost control, and struck the motorcycle head on in the west bound lane.

 

The driver of the motorcycle Harold Turner, age 58 from Thomaston, Georgia was pronounced deceased on scene.

 

The driver of the Ford F-150, Terry Warren, age 76 of Braselton, Georgia was treated on scene for minor injuries. Warren was transported to the Monroe County Jail where is being charged with Failure to Maintain Lane, Driving Under the Influence and Vehicular Homicide in the First Degree.

The crash is still under investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Congratulation Pike County State Championship Baseball Team

 Awards presented by the Georgia Dugout Club....This is for state wide AAA Classification

Blake Parrott.... Georgia Dugout Club Assistant Coach of the Year.
Brayden Osbolt....Player of the year.
Don Hanson....Coach of the year.

TWO TEENS SHOT IN GRIFFIN

 On Thursday December 8^th 2022 Griffin Police were called to the 1700 Block Of Carrington Drive in reference to a person shot call. Upon arriving on scene units made contact with a 15 year old male suffering from a gun shot wound to his abdomen as well as a grazing wound to the head. The male was treated and later transported for his injuries. While on scene a second 17 year old male was dropped off at Spalding Regional with a gun shot wound to his hand. At this point the preliminary investigation shows that this may be a drug transaction gone bad with narcotics and a stolen firearm recovered from the scene. The involved parties names are being withheld at this time and anyone with information is urged to contact Inv Clark atcclarkjr@cityofgriffin.com or 470.771.3122

UL , PIKE, AND MARY PERSONS PLAYERS MAKE ALL-REGION

 REGION 2-AAA

FOOTBALL TEAM

 

REGION COY: Chad Campbell - Peach County

REGION POY: Duke Watson, Jr. (MP)

OFF POY: Colter Ginn, Jr.. (Peach)

DEF POY: Skielar Mann, Sr. (Peach)

ACADEMIC: Logan Hickman, Sr.  (MP)

ATH OF THE YEAR: Carlos Barlow, Sr.  (Jackson)

 

OFFENSE FIRST TEAM: - QB: Logan Hickman, Sr. (MP) - RB: Jakilen King, Sr. (Pike) - RB: Chris McMillan, Sr. (Peach) - RB: Ja’Quan Bentley, Jr. (Upson-Lee) - OL: Demarkus Head, Sr. (MP) - OL: Jose Perez, Sr. (Peach) - OL: Andrew Cliett, Sr. (Peach) - OL: J’vyon Tatum, Jr. (MP) - OL: Averie Bennett, Sr. (Jackson) - OL: Logan Cagel, Sr. (Jackson) - OL: Luke Willis, Jr. (Upson-Lee) - OL: Jaylon El-Amin, Sr. (Peach) - WR: Kham Little, Sr. (MP) - WR: Isaiah Mitchell, So. (Peach) - WR: Chance Goddin, Sr. (Jackson) - WR: Dylan Johnson, Jr. (Peach) - ATH: Christian Martin, Sr. (Peach)

OFFENSE SECOND TEAM: - QB: Jeshua Hosford, Jr. (Jackson) - RB: Robert Jones, Sr. (Peach) - RB: Keyston Smith, Sr. (Upson-Lee) - TE: Carter Steele, Sr. (Pike) - OL: Peyton Joseph, So. (Peach) - OL: Andon Riley, Sr. (MP) - OL: Gavin Stewart, Jr. (Jackson) - OL: Campbell Hinson, Jr. (Upson-Lee) - OL: Joc Owens, Jr. (MP) - OL: Kevin Godwin, Sr. (Pike) - WR: Nemo Jones, So. (MP) - WR: Caleb Hampton, Sr. (Peach) - WR: Okemus Grier, Sr. (Jackson) - ATH: Gage Lee, Sr. (Pike)

DEFENSE FIRST TEAM: - DL: T.J. Searcy, Sr. (UL) - DL: Kemari Lamar, Sr. (Jackson) - DL: Arlando Jester, Sr. (Jackson) - DL: Jadarious Morris, Sr. (Peach) - DL: Armard Davis, Sr. (Peach) - LB: Brandon Alford, Sr. (MP) - LB: Jacobi Jones, Jr. (MP) - LB: Nakeivean Lyons, Sr. (Jackson) - LB: Cedric Roberts, Jr. (Peach) - LB: Jaise Davis, So. (MP) - DB: Marcos Barlow, Sr. (Jackson) - DB: Jayden Parker, Sr. (Peach) - DB: Champ Brantley, Sr. (MP)

DEFENSE SECOND TEAM:  - DL: Camari Edwards, So. (Jackson) - DL: Gevone Sands, So. (MP) - DL: Broderick Henry Jr, Jr. (Peach) - DL: Dominique Freeman, Sr. (Upson-Lee) - LB: Shondarious Fambro, Jr. (Upson-Lee) - LB: Dwayne Coleman, Jr. (Peach) - LB: OJ Evans, Sr. (MP) - LB: Amari Fletcher, So. (Upson-Lee) - DB: Nic Arnold, So. (MP) - DB: Brandon Respress, Jr. (Peach) - DB: Bryce Sammons, So. (Pike) - DB: Bentavious Reviere, So. (Upson-Lee)

 

SPECIAL TEAMS: 

FIRST TEAM

P - 

K - Ryan Bankston, So. (MP)

 

 

HONORABLE MENTION: 

Mary Persons: Malaki Knight, Jr. / Timarion Grier, Sr. / DerMarian Davis, So. / 

                         R.J. Holder, Jr.

Upson-Lee: Ashton Howard, Jr. / Adonis Brazil, Jr. / Jaden Weems, Sr. / 

                    Jacob King, Jr

Peach: Jayvon Ivey, So. / Tywon Owens, Jr. / Jamari Wright, Jr. / 

            Jordan Miller-Horne, So.

Jackson: Liam Harland, Jr. / Khailin Sims, So. / Kagan Scott, So.

Pike:

Man hospitalized after train strikes vehicle in Monroe County

A 71-year-old man was hospitalized with minor injuries after his vehicle was struck by a train Thursday afternoon.

It happened around 2:15 at the railroad crossing at Tift College Drive, according to a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office news release, which said Forsyth Police officers and Monroe County deputies responded.

Deputies discovered a maroon Jeep in the east bound median with damage to the rear caused from being struck by a Norfolk Southern train.

The driver, identified as John William Charbonneau, said he couldn’t see the train due to the glare from the sun and that he never heard the train as he approached the crossing.

 

He was taken to Monroe County Hospital.

 

The sheriff’s office says it’s investigating the crash.

Crawford County Middle High School to have increased law enforcement presence Friday following rumor

"We are working closely with local law enforcement and have not uncovered any credible evidence at this time," Interim Superintendent Dr. Christopher Ridley wrote in a letter posted to the district's website.

Crawford County Middle High School will have an increased law enforcement presence Today, December 9, following a rumor circulating regarding a possible school shooting.

 

Interim Superintendent Dr. Christopher Ridley wrote in a letter posted on the district’s website that the administration and staff at the district’s schools take these threats seriously and investigate each rumor thoroughly.

 

“We are working closely with local law enforcement and have not uncovered any credible evidence at this time,” he wrote.

Even though there’s been no evidence of an actual threat, Ridley wrote, there will be an increased law enforcement presence on campus Friday.

“Our district takes the responsibility of the safety of our students and staff very seriously,” he continued. “Our goal is to be as transparent as possible where your children are involved.”

Ridley says parents should make sure their child’s school has the most current contact information in the system so they will receive all information sent by phone, email and mail.

If you have questions, contact the school at (478) 836-3126.

Mom, 37, son, 17, and girlfriend, 15, arrested in Peachtree City drug raid

A Peachtree City mother and son are facing drug charges following the Dec. 3 execution of search warrants at their Twiggs Corner residence.

Bradley E. Kantor, 17, was charged with felony counts for sale and distribution of oxycodone, fentanyl and THC oil, along with charges for marijuana possession, said Peachtree City Police Department spokesman Chris Hyatt, who added that a large amount of cash was also seized.

 

“There was a plethora of narcotics and evidence of sales,” Hyatt said.

 

Also charged in the Dec. 3 bust was Kantor’s mother, Ashley L. Kantor, 37, on one count of felony drug possession, drug-related objects, disorderly house and misdemeanor marijuana, said Hyatt.

 

Hyatt said leads in the case resulted in officers obtaining search warrants, with the house being entered at 4:35 a.m.

 

Along with the mother and son, there were two others in the house in the early hours of Saturday. One of those was an adult male who faced no charges and was released. The other was Bradley Kantor’s 15-year-old girlfriend, who was charged with drug offenses and released to her parents, Hyatt said.

 

The Dec. 3 incident was not the first time for drug charges filed against Bradley Kantor. Hyatt said the house was busted in 2021, and resulted in the young Kantor facing drug charges, though as a minor.

 

Today, Bradley Kantor will face felony drug charges as an adult.