U-L PRIMARY STUDENTS RAISED FUNDS FOR UKRAINE

THE DEADLINE ENDED THURSDAY AND MS. CRISTA STUBBS FIRST GRADE CLASS AT U-L PRIMARY RAISED $4500 TO BE SENT TO UKRAINE REFUGEES. A PORTION OF THE STUDENTS INTERVIEW CONDUCTED ON FUN 101FM WAS AIRED ON 11-ALIVE TV THIS WEEK.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THOSE STUDENTS FOR THEIR EFFORTS.

Forest Fire At Upson-Pike Line

FIRE DEPARTMENTS FROM UPSON, PIKE AND THE GA. FORESTRY SERVICE RESPONDED TO A WOODS FIRE WEDNESDAY EVENING NEAR VICKERY ROAD AT THE MOUNTAIN.

STRONG WINDS BLEW OVER A TREE ONTO POWER LINES, STARTED A FIRE AND KNOCKED-OUT UPSON EMC SERVICE IN THE AREA.

URMC Covid Booster Shots

 

Timeline For New Cupula At Courthouse

Tentative Timeline Upson County Courthouse

Monday, April 4th – Arrive to the jobsite in the afternoon with 2-3 loads and start unloading.

Tuesday, April 5th – 8:00 AM. 3-4 additional loads will arrive to the staging area. A small crane and manlift will be required to unload and upright steel. We will begin installing the removables and the bell.

Wednesday, April 6th – 8:00 AM we will continue installing the columns, the trim on window section, and begin assembly of the lower skirt. Please note that (2) 30’ clear areas are required for all prep, staging and reassembly work.

Thursday, April 7th – Continuation of assembly

Friday, April 8th - Continuation of assembly

Saturday, April 9th - Continuation of assembly

Monday, April 11th – The dome section will arrive in the afternoon consisting of 2-3 loads.

Tuesday, April 12th – A small crane will be required to start the dome assembly with rail. Assembly will continue on the window section.

Wednesday, April 13th – Work will continue on assembly, cleaning and caulking.

Thursday, April 14th – Continuation of assembly along with cleaning and caulking as required. Large crane and man-basket required. We will begin installation of the skirt and window section.

Friday, April 15th – Begin installation of the dome and finial. Large crane and man-basket required. Complete all tie-in work on lower skirt, apply trim band if required and clean jobsite area.

Hunter Strickland Signs With The Reds

PIKE COUNTY'S HUNTER STRICKLAND HAS SIGNED A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT AS A RELIEVER FOR THE CINNCINNATTI REDS, $1.825 MILLION WITH AN ADDITIONAL $750,000 AS PERFORMANCE BONUSES AND WOULD GET A $250,000 ASSIGNMENT BONUS IF TRADED. 

STRICKLAND, AGE 33 HAS A 3.11 ERA IN 8 MAJOR LEAGUE SEASONS, WITH 7 TEAMS.

5 Month Old Child Hospitalized In Atlanta

THOMASTON POLICE AND DEFACS INVESTIGATING A CHILD CRUELTY CASE AT 111 WORTHY DRIVE, A 5 MONTH OLD FEMALE AT SCOTTISH RITE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IN ATLANTA WITH AN UNEXPLAINED RIGHT ARM FRACTURE AND A BRAIN BLEED. THE PD REPORT SAID THE INFANT IS SUFFERING SEIZURES. HER MOTHER HAS CUSTODY OF THE CHILD.

AGGREVATED ASSAULT CHARGES FILED AGAINST A FEMALE, 32 YEAR OLD LADASHA D. EISON AT 100 ANN ARMS APARTMENTS. POLICE SAID SHE WAS CHASING ANOTHER FEMALE WITH A KITCHEN KNIFE AFTER HITTING HER WITH A BROOM AND THROWING A GRILL AT HER.

A WOMAN REPORTED TO THOMASTON P.D. THAT SOMEONE HAS STOLEN HER UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS OF $27,000 SINCE APRIL OF 2019. THE SUSPECT COULD BE A WOMAN FROM GRIFFIN WHO MIGHT HAVE OBTAINED HER SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.

STUDENTS AT UL PRIMARY RAISING FUNDS FOR UKRAINE

SEVERAL STUDENTS OF MS. CRISTA STUBBS FIRST GRADE CLASS AT UL PRIMARY WERE ON THE BILL BAILEY MORNING SHOW ON FUN 101, MONDAY RAISING FUNDS FOR CHILDREN FLEEING UKRAINE DUE TO RUSSIA'S WAR.

THE STUDENTS, XAVIER DENNIS, HANNAH HASLEY, REAGAN LEGG, ELIZABETH HURT, GREYSON BEDFORD AND KULLEN PENNY - URGE THE PUBLIC TO CONTRIBUTE BY DROPPING DONATIONS BY UL PRIMARY SCHOOL

WE ARE WORKING TO INTERVIEW GRIFFIN NATIVE COLEMAN BAILEY WHO IS IN UKRAINE HELPING ORPHANS ESCAPE TO POLAND--AND PLAN TO AIR THAT INTERVIEW TUESDAY IN THE 8AM HOUR. HE WORKS WITH ORPHANS IN AFRICA, BUT LEFT TO HELP OUT IN UKRAINE.

TPD: TWO HOMICIDE SUSPECTS ARRESTED

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON SAID TWO BROTHERS, SUSPECTS IN A HOMICIDE EARLIER THIS MONTH AT FARVIEW APARTMENTS, AVE. F. WERE ARRESTED , AFTER A TRAFFIC STOP IN CARROLLTON, GA., SUNDAY.

THE TWO SUSPECTS HAD BEEN ON THE RUN FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS, 20 YEAR OLD MICHAEL ANTHONY JACKSON AND 22 YEAR OLD RYAN ARMON LEWIS, BOTH CHARGED WITH AGGREVATED ASSAULT FOR A SHOOTING AT THE APARTMENT COMPLEX PRIOR TO THE SHOOTING THAT LEFT 28 YEAR OLD LA QUAN SMITH DEAD OF MULTIPLE GUN SHOT WOUNDS.

THE MOTHER OF THE TWO BROTHERS, MELANYE JACKSON HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH TWO COUNTS OF OBSTRUCTION AND TWO COUNTS OF HINDERING APPREHENSION OF A FUGITIVE.

CHIEF RICHARDSON SAID THE SHOOTING DEATH OF SMITH APPEARS TO BE A DISPUTE OVER MONEY.

MOTORCYCLE CHASE

UPSON COUNTY, PIKE COUNTY, SPALDING COUNTY DEPUTIES AND GRIFFIN POLICE CHASED A MOTORCYCLE DUDE THROUGH GRIFFIN THURSDAY EVENING BUT LOST HIM SOMEWHERE IN SPALDING COUNTY.

THE CHASE STARTED IN UPSON COUNTY WHEN A MALE SUBJECT CALLED 911 ABOUT A MAN ON A MOTORCYCLE WHO SHOWED UP HARASSING OCCUPANTS OF A JEFF DAVIS ROAD RESIDENCE OVER A FORMER RELATIONSHIP WITH A FEMALE.

AN UPSON DEPUTY STOPPED THE BIKER AT COMMUNITY SUPERETTE BUT WHILE CHECKING HIS REGISTRATION--THE MAN FLED AND SPED UP 19 INTO PIKE, THEN INTO SPALDING, AND INTO DOWNTOWN GRIFFIN ON SOUTH HILL STREET.

Art Contest Winners

Pictured l-r: Cynthia Douglas of UCFB,
Highland Roberts, Madason Clarke,
Gracie Self, Amarah Wilson,
Ms. Alex Garrard, ULHS art teacher

Upson-Lee High School senior Highland Roberts has won 1st place in the Upson County Farm Bureau art contest. 

Other winners from ULHS Include Madason Clarke, 2nd place; Gracie Self, 3rd place; Amarah Wilson, 5th place. 

The contest was open to all public, private, and homeschool students in grades 9-12. The theme for this year’s contest was Agriculture in Georgia. 

Students’ artwork was judged on 

• How well it represented modern agriculture 
• Artistic merit. Highland’s artwork will advance to the district contest 

Homestead Exemption Bills Move To Senate

STATE REPRESENTATIVE BETH CAMP REPORTS FROM THE GOLD DOME THAT THE 6 HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION BILLS REQUESTED BY THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HAVE PASSED THE GA. HOUSE AND HAVE BEEN TRANSMITTED TO THE SENATE. WRANGLING BETWEEN THE GOP AND DEMS HAD DELAYED THEM.

THE MEASURES AIMED AT REDUCTING PROPERTY TAX BURDENS, IF APPROVED BY BOTH HOUSES, WILL BE ON THE NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT.

Severe Weather Potential

The risk for a few strong to severe storms exists across all of north & central Georgia later tonight through Wednesday. Be prepared for strong to damaging winds and heavy rain that could lead to localized flash flooding. A brief tornado is possible as well.

New Courthouse Cupola To Be Installed

Campbellsville Industries in Campbellsville, Kentucky has been restoring the Upson County Courthouse cupola since November of 2020. The project is nearing an end, the new cupola is scheduled to be delivered and installed next month.

Campbellsville Industries pioneered the prefabricated cupola and steeple over 50 years ago, earning the industry nickname: "The Steeple People." They specialize in historic cupola replications, having cupolas on many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The reinstallation of the cupola will begin on April 4th and will take a couple of weeks to complete. SRS Construction in Griffin is the general contractor on the project.

Bridge Closed Indefinitely

The Upson County Board of Commissioners has been informed by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Bridge Inspection Office, that the bridge located on Hannah’s Mill Road over Potato Creek has been closed until further notice.

The Upson County Board of Commissioners has been working on the replacement of the bridge for quite some time and hopes to have more information for the public as soon as possible. 

Travelers in Upson County should expect detours and delays, currently drivers coming from the city limits will detour down Goodrich Avenue to Highway 19 and drivers coming from Jeff Davis Road headed south on Hannah’s Mill will have to detour down West County Road to Highway 19. Please make plans accordingly. 

“We apologize for any inconvenience that this bridge closure may cause the citizens of Upson County. The board of commissioners and GDOT have been working together to get the project to replace the bridge on Hannah’s Mill Road over Potato Creek completed as quickly as possible, while maintaining public safety. I look forward to being able to share more details as they develop.” commented Upson County Commission Chairman, Norman Allen. 

More details will be shared as they become available on the Upson County website at upsoncountyga.org and on the county’s official social media platforms.

Rain Moving In

Rain is in the forecast from Tuesday to Thursday. Some areas could get up to 1.5". 

Keep an eye out on the potential for severe weather across south and central Georgia, stay alert to the forecast.

Memorial Wall At New Fire House

AT A FRIDAY WORK SESSION, THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL SETTLED ON ERECTING A LIGHTED MEMORIAL WALL AT THE NEW FIRE STATION, WITH LOVED ONES OF FORMER MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT TO COVER THE COST OF PLACING NAMES ON THE WALL.

STEVE ELLERBEE HAD APPROACHED CITY HALL ABOUT FURNISHING AMERICAN FLAGS AT THE FIRE HOUSE FOR A MEMORIAL. COUNCILMAN RYAN TUCKER SAID HE AND THE CITY MANAGER HAD MET WITH HIM AND ELLERBEE APPROVED OF A MEMORIAL WALL.

AN AMERICAN FLAG WILL FLY AT THE FIRE STATION, BUT IT WILL BE FUNISHED BY CITY HALL.

Blown Transformer Causes Power Outage

A transformer on West Gordon Street caught fire Saturday evening around 6:00 pm causing a power outage in a portion of downtown Thomaston. City electrical crews were able to pull another line across West Gordon and get power restored.

The Thomaston Fire Department sent two trucks to the scene and Thomaston PD blocked the street while the crews worked.

Gas Price Rollback Or Price Gouging?

2:00 pm 3/19/22

Friday afternoon, Governor Brian Kemp signed into law a bill that will temporarily suspend Georgia's gas tax until the end of May.

The current gas tax in Georgia is 28.7 cents per gallon. 

Locally, the Murphy USA station located in front of Walmart was $3.999 at 5:00 pm when the law became effective. Saturday afternoon they had lowered their price 20 cents a gallon to $3.799. 

The legislature did not put any penalties in the law for retailers that do not comply and refuse to lower their prices, but the state attorney general's office has advised that if gas stations do not pass along the savings to customers, they could face prosecution for price gouging.

Violators of Georgia’s price gouging statutes may be fined up to $5,000 per violation. Consumers can report suspected price gouging by calling 404-651-8600 or 1-800-869-1123 (outside metro Atlanta) or completing the online complaint form on CPD's website HERE.

Griffin Student Arrested

A 17 year old female has been arrested by Griffin police and charged with production and distribution of child pornography. She is currently held at the Spalding County Jail.

According to police, administrators notified a school resource officer at Griffin High School that an explicit video had been AirDropped in the lunchroom. Investigators recovered the iPhone and discovered that the person in the video was a 15-year-old student. The 17 year old that made the video was a classmate.

Names are being withheld due to the ages of those involved and the nature of the charges.

English Appointed ULHS Principal

At the Friday, March 18th, called board meeting, the Thomaston-Upson Board of Education approved Mr. Ricky English as Principal of Upson-Lee High School, as recommended by Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico. 

Mr. English currently serves as Assistant Principal and Director of Career, Technical, and Agriculture Education (CTAE) at ULHS and is completing his seventh year at the school. He holds an Educational Specialist's Degree in Educational Leadership and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Columbus State University and a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Health/Physical Education from the University of Georgia. 

Prior to moving to ULHS in 2015, Mr. English served as Assistant Principal at Upson-Lee Middle School for two years. He also worked as a health/physical education teacher, graduation coach, and assistant principal in the Griffin-Spalding school system prior to returning home to work in the Thomaston-Upson School System. 

He is a graduate of the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement and currently represents ULHS and Georgia’s Central Region on the CTAE Directors State Advisory Committee. 

He and his wife Shay were members of the first graduating class at Upson-Lee High School in 1993. They have two children who attend Upson-Lee High School. Mr. English will take over the position of ULHS Principal following the completion of the current school year. Congratulations to Mr. English! We wish him much success as he steps into this fundamental role within the Thomaston-Upson School System.

Also at the meeting, the Thomaston-Upson Board of Education approved Mr. Matt Bentley as Director of Technology, as recommended by Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico. 

Mr. Bentley currently serves as Assistant Principal at Upson-Lee High School. He will transition to the Central Office upon the completion of this school year. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Bentley as he moves into this very important leadership position within the Thomaston-Upson School System.

Grand Jury Returns True Bills

The Pike County Grand Jury returned the following true bills on Thursday, Judge Ben Miller, Jr. presiding.

Dasmin Deonte Gibson  -  Ct 1: *Special Presentment* Fleeing Or Attempting To Elude A Police Officer; Ct 2: *Special Presentment* Theft By Receiving Stolen Property; Ct 3: *Special Presentment* Possession Of Marijuana, Less Than One Once; Ct 4: *Special Presentment* Open Container; Ct 5: *Special Presentment* Possession Of A Firearm By Convicted Felon; Ct 6: *Special Presentment* Driving Under The Influence; Ct 7: *Special Presentment* Speeding; Ct 8: *Special Presentment* Reckless Driving; Ct 9: *Special Presentment* Giving False Information To A Law Enforcement Officer; Ct 10: *Special Presentment* Expired Tag; Ct 11: *Special Presentment* Driving While License Suspended

Whitney Houston Agnew  -  Ct 1: Theft By Receiving Stolen Property; Ct 2: Possession Of Marijuana, Less Than An Ounce; Ct 3: Open Container

Joseph Tyler Alexander  -  9 Counts Of Cruelty To Children In The First Degree; 9 Counts Of Aggravated Battery

Tarilyn Allie Lester  -  9 Counts Of Cruelty To Children In The First Degree; 9 Counts Of Aggravated Battery

Roy Fred Newmon  -  2 Counts Of Burglary In The Second Degree

Jamayain Rashad Mays  -  Ct 1: Aggravated Assault; Ct 2: Possession Of Firearm During Commission Of A Felony

Jackson Lee Hatchet  -  Ct 1: Aggravated Child Molestation

Darius Lee Rollins  -  Ct 1: Possession Of Firearm By Convicted Felon; Ct 2: Possession Of Illegal Weapon; Ct 3: Criminal Use Of An Article With An Altered Identification Mark; Ct 4: Driving Under The Influence (Less Safe) (Alcohol); Ct 5: Criminal Trespass, Family Violence; Ct 6: Expired Tag; Ct 7: Operating A Vehicle Without Insurance

Jeremy Gavin Wooten  -  Ct 1: Possession Of A Schedule 1 Controlled Substance With Intent To Distribute; Ct 2: Possession Of Marijuana With Intent To Distribute; Ct 3: Possession Of Firearm During Commission Of A Felony; Ct 4: Possession Of Drug Related Object

Zatorian Rashad Jester, Jr.  -  Ct 1: Possession Of Marijuana, More Than An Ounce; Ct 2: Possession Of Marijuana With Intent To Distribute; Ct 3: Possession Of Firearm During Commission Of A Felony; Ct 4: Window Tint Violation; Ct 5: Violation Of Instruction Permit; Ct 6: Improper Headlights

Robert Jason Howard  -  Ct 1: Terroristic Threats

James Tyler Woods  -  Ct 1: Terroristic Threats

Kendravious Darnell Web  -  Ct 1: Fleeing Or Attempting To Elude A Police Officer; Ct 2: Failure To Maintain Lane; Ct 3: Too Fast For Conditions; Ct 4: Driving With Wrong Class Of License; Ct 5: Reckless Driving

Calvin Glenn Guy  -  Ct 1: Obstruction Of An Officer; Ct 2: Obstruction Of An Officer; Ct 3: Disorderly Conduct; Ct 4: Improper Headlights

Lamar County Commissioner's Home Damaged By Fire

LAMAR COUNTY COMMISSIONER ROBERT HEINEY'S HOME IN DISTRICT TWO CAUGHT FIRE FROM A LIGHTNING STRIKE FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND HE REPORTEDLY TOLD COUNTY OFFICIALS ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THE HOUSE IS DAMAGED.

Spring Cub Scout Sign Up

On Monday night, there will be a Cub Scout spring sign up for youth ages 5-10 at the Upson County Civic Center in Thomaston

Kids, bring your parents and sign up for an adventure full of shooting sports, camping, hiking, fishing and more! Parents-this is a great opportunity to get involved in a morally sound, enriching, life changing, family program. Monday (March 21, 2022) night at the Civic center at 6pm. 

Steve Harvey To Develop The Rock Ranch

Steve Harvey announced on a podcast Tuesday that he was in the process of buying The Rock Ranch from the Cathy family's Trust. Harvey talked about his plans for the ranch that included developing housing and athletic venues on the site.

Harvey will involve a number of other celebrities on the project, among them: Tyler Perry, Shaquille O'Neal and Floyd Mayweather. The NFL and NBA will also be asked to participate.

The Rock Ranch discussion begins at about the 2:13:00 mark and runs to about 2:18:28.

MISTRIAL DECLARED IN PIKE CO

ACCORDING TO DISTRICT ATTORNEY MARIE BRODER IN PIKE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT, THURSDAY, HONORABLE BEN J. MILLER JR. DECLARED A MISTRIAL IN A BANK ROBBERY CASE BECAUSE THE JURY COULD NOT REACH A VERDICT.

THE DEFENDANT HOWATDRICK JONES WAS CHARGED WITH ROBBING THE FIRST BANK OF PIKE IN CONCORD SEPTEMBER 18TH 2020.

D.A. BRODER SAID SHE WILL CONSULT WITH STAFF BEFORE DECIDING IF THE CASE WILL BE RETRIED, BUT TOLD US SHE HAD FULL CONFIDENCE IN THE EVIDENCE AND WITNESSES PRESENTED AT TRIAL.

Gas Price Relief A Signature Away

Not many bills pass through the Georgia Legislature unanimously but the Georgia Senate just passed the gas tax suspension bill with a 55-0 vote after the House had passed it last week by a 155-0 margin.

The bill will now head to Gov. Brian Kemp, who said he would sign it immediately.

Georgia’s gas tax is listed as 29.1 cents per gallon. Once it is signed, the tax will be suspended through May 31.

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock has been advocating for the federal government to suspend collection of it's gas tax that would reduce the price by another 18.4 cents.

The state tax on diesel is 32.6 cents while the federal tax is 24.4 cents per gallon.

Kemp previously said suspension of the gas tax will not effect his proposed tax refund, which he has promised will give $200 to each Georgian.

Spalding Cold Case Body Identified

On June 4, 2018, Spalding County Investigators, Spalding County Coroner Sonny Foster, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation responded to the area of 5745 Jackson Road where unidentified skeletal remains had been found by a couple riding 4-wheeleres in the area. The couple were trail riding when they made the discovery. They immediately notified authorities who responded to investigate the scene. 

On February 21, 2022, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab notified current Spalding County Coroner Michael Pryor that the remains had been identified as those of Alphonso Reese. Reese had been reported missing on August 28, of 2017 after being dropped off in the area. 

According to Spalding County Coroner Michael Pryor, “The GBI Crime Lab was able to obtain DNA from the remains, and were able to match it with DNA from the Georgia Department of Corrections database. Their examination of the body showed that there were no signs foul play or trauma, however the cause of death is undetermined due to the condition of the remains.” 

“Working jointly with the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, and Muscogee County Coroner’s Office, we had been trying to locate any of Mr. Reese’s relatives or next of kin. We were finally able to contact his sister yesterday and make the notification. At this point I am working with her on arrangements for cremation, and I will transport his remains to her personally and do all I can do to help the family.” 

Sheriff Darrell Dix, “Cooperation between everyone involved and coordinated through Spalding County Coroner Michael Pryor’s Office allowed closure for Mr. Reese’s family. This is a sad situation all the way around, but everyone involved worked hard to identify Mr. Reese and provide his family with as many answers as possible.”

Four Arrested For Meth In Thomaston

On March 11th, a search warrant was executed at the residence of Robert Arthur Marks, age 56, located at 2904 Barnesville Highway in Thomaston for Methamphetamine. 

During the search Marks was found to be in unlawful possession of 152.7 grams which is 5.4 ounces of Methamphetamine along with numerous baggies and a digital scale. He was arrested and charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine and Possession of Methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He is being held at the Upson County Sheriff’s Office Jail Division without bond.

On March 16, 2022 a traffic stop was conducted on the person of Jennifer Glass, age 37, of 219 Sheila Circle Thomaston, on Highway 19 North. During the traffic stop, Glass was found to be in unlawful possession of Methamphetamine after a positive alert was given on the vehicle by the K9 unit. She was arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and is in custody at the Upson County Sheriff’s Office Jail Division awaiting bond.

On March 16th, a search warrant was executed at the residence of Teresa Evans, age 61, and Stephanie Mason, age 40, located at 118 Ru Almaine Circle in Thomaston for Methamphetamine. During the execution of the search warrant Evans was seen flushing a quantity of Methamphetamine down the toilet in the bathroom of the residence. The septic tank was dug up and a bag containing Methamphetamine was found inside the septic tank. While searching the interior of the residence, Mason was found to be in unlawful possession of Methamphetamine. 

Evans was arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Tampering with Evidence and Mason was arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine. Both are in custody at the Upson County Sheriff’s Office Jail Division awaiting bond.

Heartland Virus Found In Georgia

Emory University researchers reported yesterday in Emerging Infectious Diseases, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publication that test samples revealed some lone star ticks in Georgia had picked up the Heartland virus, 

“We want to bring awareness rather than panic,” said Gonzalo M. Vazquez-Prokopec, a co-author of the study and an associate professor of environmental sciences at Emory. “People tend to go out more in the spring and they might get exposed to ticks, which are increasing rapidly, particularly in the South, this time of year.”

Not much is yet known about the Heartland virus, which when transmitted to a person by a tick bite can cause fever, fatigue, decreased appetite, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and muscle or joint pain. It's unclear if other ticks can also spread the virus or if people can be infected in other ways, the CDC said.

The Heartland virus was discovered in 2009 in northwest Missouri after two men were hospitalized with symptoms including high fevers, diarrhea and muscle pains. The virus has been reported in lone star ticks from Missouri, Alabama, Illinois, Kansas, and New York, although it’s unknown if the virus has spread to other areas of the U.S., according to the CDC.

While there have only been a small number of Heartland virus cases reported, a CDC blood bank study in 2019 found that 1 percent of the donor samples contained antibodies to the virus, Vazquez-Prokopec said.

“This indicates that the actual burden and impact may be much greater than the reported cases,” he said.

Chase On I-75

Monroe County Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Interstate 75 near mile marker 185 Southbound today at 3:39 pm. The vehicle fled and the deputies began pursuing him. 

Near mile marker 181 both the deputy and 33-year-old Juan Boone from Americus, wrecked. Boone fled the area on foot but was soon apprehended and transported to the Monroe County Jail. He is currently being held at the jail with multiple pending charges, including felony Fleeing and Eluding an Officer, he also has outstanding warrants from another agency. 

One deputy and K-9 Gustav were injured as a result of the auto collision. The deputy was transported to the hospital and K-9 Gustav was transported to the vet for the injuries.

Additional Funding For EMS Approved

THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AN INCREASE IN FUNDING FOR AMERI PRO THE NEW EMS SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY, AT A JOINT MEETING WEDNESDAY.

THE CITY AND COUNTY WILL PAY AN ADDITIONAL $19,000 PER MONTH WITH THE COUNTY PAYING $12,350 AND THE CITY PROVIDING $6,650. THE NEW ANNUAL TOTAL IS $1.2 MILLION. 

AMERI PRO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT LARRY RICHARDSON MADE A PRESENTATION TO THE GOVERNING BODIES AND EXPLAINED UNFORSEEN COSTS FOR COMMUNICATIONS GEAR, PERSONNEL, AND HOUSING THE AMBULANCE SERVICE CAUSED BY THE SHORT TIME FRAME OF THE BID PROCESS.

LAMAR COUNTY, A PARTNER IN THE EMS SERVICE HAD ALREADY APPROVED A $28,000 MONTHLY INCREASE TO $796,000 ANNUALLY.

BOTH COUNCIL MEMBERS AND COMMISSIONERS INDICATED THEY ARE PLEASED WITH THE SERVICE.

Lockhart Returns To Upson-Lee

Upson-Lee High School Principal Dr. Jarvis Price announced Darrell Lockhart’s return to Upson-Lee High School today as the head coach of the Upson-Lee boys basketball team. 

Coach Lockhart previously served as head coach at Upson-Lee High School for 14 years, amassing 294 wins and back-to-back Georgia Class 4A state championships in 2017 and 2018.

For the past three seasons, Coach Lockhart has served as the head coach of the boys' basketball program at Valdosta High School where he won two region championships, advanced in the GHSA state playoffs, and earned his 300th win.

Free Diabetes Class

Do you have diabetes, pre-diabetes, or a family history of diabetes? 

Take advantage of Upson Regional Medical Center’s free diabetes education class! 

Taught by experienced providers… a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and a Registered Dietitian… you can learn to manage diabetes. The next class will be on Wednesday, March 23rd from 9 a.m. until noon in the URMC Auditorium. There will also be a class at the URMC Barnesville Medical Office Building on March 31st from 9 a.m. until noon. Call 706-647-8111 ext. 1165 to register

Upson County Road Closures

Monroe County Drug Bust Nets 32 Arrest

Over the past several months The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received a large number of complaints from concerned citizens. The complaints received were in reference to a high level of traffic, and unusual activities coming and going from multiple locations throughout the City and County.

Investigators initiated an investigation into multiple complaint and began to identify locations and individuals involved. During the investigation, Investigators learned multiple locations and individuals were linked to the same complaints. Investigators learned quickly these individuals and locations were involved in illegal drug sales as well as other crimes. Other locations outside of the County were identified as well

After a very lengthy investigations, Monroe County Drug Investigators and Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Drug Investigators executed several search warrants, obtained multiple arrest warrants for individuals involved, and intercepted and seized a large quantity of drugs.

Drugs Intercepted and seized during this Investigation:

• Approximately 830 Grams of Crack Cocaine
• Approximately 1000 Grams of Powder Cocaine
• Approximately 300 Grams of Marijuana
• Approximately 20 Grams of Synthetic Marijuana
• Approximately 35 Grams of Ecstasy

Firearms Seized in the commission of a felony (Drug transactions):

9 Firearms

The following individuals have been arrested and charged:

Quincy Brantley    (2 Counts) Trafficking Cocaine

Derek Watts    Trafficking Cocaine; Fleeing Attempting to Elude; Abandonment of dangerous Drugs; (11 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Christopher Battle    (22 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction; Possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute; Possession of Synthetic Marijuana with intent to distribute; Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; V.G.C.S.A (Crack Cocaine); Possession of drug related objects

Keith Green    Possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute; Possession of Synthetic Marijuana with intent to distribute; Possession of drug related objects

Decouris Brown    Possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute; Possession of Synthetic Marijuana with intent to distribute; Possession of drug related objects; 

Mactavius Basley    Possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute; Possession of Synthetic Marijuana with intent to distribute; Possession of drug related objects

Shywood Hughley    (2 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction; Possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute; Possession of drug related objects

Horace Wise    Trafficking Ecstasy; Possession of Marijuana with Intent; V.G.C.S.A(Hydrocodone); Pills not in original container; Possession of drug related objects

Ann Hendrix    Disorderly House; Possession of a controlled substance; Pills not in original container

Antron Hendrix    Possession of Synthetic Marijuana

Kayla Barfield    Possession of Synthetic Marijuana

Antonio Brantley    (1 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Marcia Banks    (3 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Joshua Hicks    (3 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Jamie Talmadge    (13 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

John T Grier    (1 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Kendreith Bowden    (17 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Maurice Mills    (9 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

John D Jakes    (1 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Dave Brantley    (1 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Rodriqus Warren    (1 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Sheddrick Threatt    (1 Count) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Bennie Frank Watson    (4 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Sonia Mays    (4 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Alben Dupree    (2 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Berry Virden    (3 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Gordon Sherard Dewberry    (2 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Bobby Webb    (2 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Timothy Wade Padgett    (4 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Dwayne Jones    (2 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Darren Pryor    (4 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Lewis Mays    (7 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Warrants Outstanding

James Mathis    (19 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Antonio D Searcy    (4 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Leonard Walker    (5 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

Keith Perkins    V.G.C.S.A (Crack Cocaine); Driving while license suspended

Adam Dudley    (5 Counts) Use of a communication facility in committing or facilitating a drug transaction

WIN A SHOTGUN FROM THOMASTON KIWANIS

THOMASTON KIWANIS CLUB RAFFLE FUNDRAISER FOR YOUTH PROJECTS. IST PRIZE A WINCHESTER 12 GAUGE SPEED PUMP MODEL 1300 SHOTGUN FROM CASH KING GUN AND PAWN. WINNER MUST BE ABLE TO PASS A BACKGROUND CHECK.

2ND PRIZE A YETI BACKPACK 24 COOLER FROM THOMASTON HARDWARE AND 3RD PRIZE ONE YEAR FREE CAR WASHES FROM TIDAL WAVE FROM SCOTT BLACKSTOCK.

$5 PER TICKET OR 5 FOR $20. DRAWING MAY 10,2022 AT THE KIWANIS MEETING. FOR TICKETS CONTACT DR. MARK COTNEY OR ANY KIWANIS CLUB MEMBER.

UPDATE: THOMASTON'S IST HOMICIDE OF 2022

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON HAS UPDATED AN EARLY MORNING HOMICIDE SATURDAY AT FARVIEW APARTMENTS, AVE. F. INVOLVING THE SHOOTING DEATH OF 28 YEAR OLD LAQUAN SMITH OF THOMASTON, SHOT MULTIPLE TIMES.

THE CHIEF TOLD 101 NEWS, CRIMINAL WARRANTS FOR AGGREVATED ASSAULT HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR TWO BROTHERS FOR AN EARLIER SHOOTING AT THE APARTMENT COMPLEX WITH NO VICTIM FOUND.

20 YEAR OLD MICHAEL ANTHONY JACKSON AND 22 YEAR OLD RYAN ARMON LEWIS. ONLY SHELL CASINGS WERE DISCOVERED AT THE SITE. THEIR MOTHER, 39 YEAR OLD MELANYE JACKSON HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH TWO COUNTS OF OBSTRUCTION AND TWO COUNTS OF HINDERING APPREHENSION OF A FUGITIVE.

CHIEF RICHARDSON WOULD NOT CONFIRM JACKSON AND LEWIS ARE SUSPECTS IN THE MURDER BUT ADDED FURTHER CHARGES COULD BE FILED. THE P.D. THINKS THE TWO HAVE SKIPPED TOWN. 

THE SMITH VICTIM WAS FOUND FACE DOWN, SHIRTLESS IN FRONT OF BUILDING H. AT FARVIEW IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF SATURDAY. HE HAD GUNSHOT WOUNDS TO THE ARM, LOWER BACK, SHOULDERS, AND TWO GUNSHOTS TO THE NECK. TWO NEARBY VEHICLES HAD DAMAGE FROM THE SHOOTING, A GRAY BMW AND A RED CHEVROLET.

CHIEF RICHARDSON SAYS THE MOTIVE FOR SMITH'S KILLING APPEARS TO BE A DISPUTE OVER MONEY.

Fire At Griffin's Recycling Center

THE CITY OF GRIFFIN RECYCLING CENTER AT CARVER ROAD, CAUGHT FIRE MONDAY AFTERNOON, BUT IT WAS STILL ABLE TO DO BUSINESS WHILE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ON THE SCENE.

Report From Griffin Circuit DA Marie Broder

A Trial and Plea

We have been busy across the Circuit these past few weeks! As mentioned before, the main ways criminal cases resolve is in one of three ways: a plea, a trial, or a dismissal. I would like to bring to your attention two cases that have been resolved over the past few weeks, both through a trial and a plea.

In Spalding County, a jury convicted Malik Yarbrough of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. The Defendant shot Mr. Robert Donnel Brown in the back three times, killing him. At trial, Mr. Yarbrough claimed his actions were in self-defense. In every case, to obtain a conviction, my office has to prove that the Defendant committed the crimes charged beyond a reasonable doubt. The attorneys who handled this case: Elizabeth Presley and Adelle Petersen, did just that through testimony and evidence.

After four days of trial, the jury returned a verdict against the Defendant on all counts in less than thirty minutes. The brevity of the jury’s deliberation offers additional comfort to me about the state of our jury system. I believe this jury’s speedy answer to the question of this Defendant’s guilt shows a desire in our community for the violence to stop. The defendant mercilessly and callously took the life of another human being. The jury sent a bold statement that it would not be tolerated. I appreciate the hard work of the investigators with the Griffin Police Department, the witnesses who told the truth despite threats against them, and the members of my office who diligently worked to bring the truth to light. Together, with you, the community, we can stop violent crime.

The other notable case to resolve this past week involved a rape that took place in March of 1998. Joe Louis Arnold pled guilty to one count of Rape and one county of False Imprisonment. He received 30 years to serve for his crimes. Arnold pled guilty to entering the home of the victim, beating her with a baseball bat, and raping her in her own kitchen. The case was unsolved until November 18, 2020 when the Defendant was arrested. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office never let go of the case and in 2020 requested that the DNA from the rape kit undergo familial DNA analysis. A familial DNA search can help identify potential relatives of a suspect. After more hard work by law enforcement, including assistance from the FBI, and the GBI, the Defendant was found to be a match from the rape kit collected over twenty years ago. It was amazing to see how advances in technology and diligent investigations can help bring closure to a victim whose attacker evaded justice for so many years.

I personally handled this case with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. We met with the victim and her family, and a decision was made that a plea to the maximum for the count of Rape (in 1998 the maximum was 20 years) and False Imprisonment (in 1998 the maximum was 10 years) would be offered. The defendant accepted the offer and was sentenced to 30 years in the Department of Corrections. He is 46 years old. I am in awe of the victim’s strength in this case. She and her family are a true testament to tenacity…to never giving up hope.

So much of what I see in this job breaks my heart, but last week, I was able to look into the eyes of two families that were torn apart by violence, and see the beginning of peace. For that, I am thankful. Until next time, stay safe and please be kind to one another.

Taylor County Couple Charged In Capitol Riot

A Taylor County couple charged in last year’s January 6th insurrection on the U.S. Capitol Building faced a federal magistrate in Columbus on Friday. 

Charles Hand III, 35, and Mandy Robinson-Hand, 46, of Butler, have been charged with four federal misdemeanors related to the riot that disrupted Congress as it tried to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. 

Brought to court in handcuffs, they were there only long enough for Magistrate Stephen Hyles to read the charges against them and release each on a $5,000 bond. Hyles told them they would not have to pay the bond or use any property to secure their release, only sign documents pledging to return to court when summoned. 

The couple face the following charges: 

• Entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds. 
• Disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds 
• Disorderly conduct in a capitol building. 
• Parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a capitol building. 

The first two counts are federal Class A misdemeanors that carry a penalty of up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

According to federal court documents, phone records show that phone numbers associated with Charles Hand, III and Mandy Robinson-Hand were inside and around the U.S. Capitol at the time of the riots.

Before entering the Capitol, Hand was captured on surveillance camera breaking off a piece of metal fencing and placing it in his back pocket.

Hand and Robinson-Hand were later seen on surveillance camera entering the Capitol through a doorway at the Senate Wing. Robinson-Hand was holding up a cell phone in her hand as they entered.

Prosecutors say the married couple walked into the Crypt and then down a stairway into the Capitol Visitors Center. They eventually made their way toward Emancipation Hall.

At one point, several people got into an altercation with law enforcement. Hand can be seen on video advancing towards them, but Robinson-Hand holds him back.

The couple then went back upstairs. It’s unclear when they left the building.

After the riots, Hand posted on his Facebook page that he was “an eye witness of the storming of the United States Capitol on 1-6-2021.″

He continued on in a lengthy post to say that he was “on the scene from 1:30pm to 4:00pm” and that he “saw makeshift fencing that had been torn down,” a crowd of people “rushing the Capitol Police,” and that “tear gas, rubber bullets, mace and etc wasn’t stopping them...Thousands upon thousands of angry Americans marching onto the Capitol to protest and stop the certification of what I personally believe to be an election stolen from the American people.”

Prosecutors also add that Robinson-Hand made several since-deleted Facebook posts that read in part: “We’re in the capital. Taking our house back...We’ve been tear gassed etc.”

The next step is a preliminary hearing to be held in federal court in Washington, D.C., which has jurisdiction over cases related to the riot. 

SPECIAL ELECTION SPALDING CO FOR DIST. 5 BOC

THE SPALDING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HAVE APPROVED THE CALL FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION MAY 24TH TO FILL THE REMAINDER OF THE TERM OF DISTRICT 5 COMMISSIONER DON HAWBAKER WHO LOST HIS SEAT DUE TO A CRIMINAL CONVICTION FROM A SHOOT-OUT WITH SPALDING DEPUTIES. 

ACCORDING TO KIMBERLY SLAUGHTER, SPALDING COUNTY ELECTION SUPERVISOR, QUALIFYING OPENED MONDAY, MARCH 14th, AND CLOSES WEDNESDAY AT NOON FOR THE SPECIAL ELECTION FOR DISTRICT 5 TO SERVE FROM JUNE 1ST TO DECEMBER 31ST OF 2022. THE SPECIAL ELECTION WILL BE ON A SEPERATE BALLOT FROM THE PRIMARY BALLOT WITH TWO SIGN-INS FROM VOTERS REQUIRED.

GOVERNOR BRIAN KEMP APPOINTED CLAY DAVIS TO FILL HAWBAKER'S SEAT

BUT UNDER STATE LAW THAT APPOINTMENT ENDED MARCH 7TH WHEN HAWBAKER'S CONVICTION BECAME OFFICIAL.

LAST WEEK DAVIS, REPUBLICAN, QUALIFIED IN THE MAY 24TH PRIMARY FOR THE TERM TO RUN FROM JAN. IST 2023 THRU 2026. AN INDEPENDANT ALSO QUALIFIED, MICHELLE MARI DRUGACZ BUT ACCORDING TO STATE LAW TO GET ON THE BALLOT SHE MUST SUBMIT A PETITION WITH SIGNATURES OF 5% OF QUALIFIED REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE LAST ELECTION.

City Council Agenda

 CITY OF THOMASTON MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
March 15, 2022 – 7:00 P.M.

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

 WATCH THE MEETING LIVE VIA CITY OF THOMASTON YOUTUBE PAGE LINK: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRlF8V1o6j-67nNYbOysNwg 

AGENDA 

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

B. Approval of Minutes for March 1st Regular Meeting and February 22nd Work          Session Meeting 

 C. Adoption of Agenda 

D. Public Comment – Mr. Fred Piper regarding the trash ordinance. 

E. City Attorney’s Report 

F. City Clerk’s Report 

G. City Engineer’s Report 

 H. City Manager’s Report 

1. Discussion and Potential Appointments for Various City and Joint Committees / Boards
2. Discussion and Potential Authorization of FY2022 CDBG Resolution
3. Discussion and Potential Authorization of Modifications to Elected Official Pension
4. Discussion and Potential Authorization of Police Department Vehicle Expenditures 

 I. Other Business 

 J. Executive Session / Discussion / Potential Action 

K. Adjournment

New Georgia Basketball Coach

In a very surprising move late Sunday, the University of Georgia hired Florida basketball coach Mike White.

Josh Brooks, UGA’s J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics, announced White’s hiring on Sunday. “We are extremely excited to welcome Mike White and his family to Athens. We have witnessed Coach White to be a leader of men, as well as a proven winner with an impressive postseason body of work. We want to compete for national success in all 21 of our sports, and we believe that he is the coach that can build Georgia Basketball to a consistent winner on the collegiate basketball landscape.”

In a hastily called press conference, White said, “To the Georgia Basketball family, friends and fans, I’m ready to get to work. Go Dawgs!”

12th Defendant Convicted in Dog-Fighting, Drug Distribution Ring

A Macon resident pleaded guilty to federal charges resulting from a lengthy investigation into a significant multi-state dog fighting and cocaine trafficking network.

Shelley Johnson aka Gold Mouth, 40, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III. Johnson faces a maximum five years of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 7. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, law enforcement investigated a criminal organization involved in both cocaine distribution and organized dog fighting based out of Roberta, Georgia, which extended into North Georgia, Florida and Alabama from May 2019 until Feb. 2020. In Feb. 2020, law enforcement executed 15 residential search warrants and seized more than 150 dogs that were being used for organized dog-fighting. A 136-count indictment was unsealed on Jan. 29, 2021, charging 11 individuals with various criminal activities. Three other individuals, including Johnson, were charged by criminal information.

During this time period, Johnson communicated with co-conspirator Jarvis Lockett about fighting and breeding dogs, dogs mauled and killed as a result of fighting, sharpening a dog’s teeth for fighting purposes, cash prizes for fights, and various topics detailing the business and the brutality of dog-fighting. Johnson attended a dog fight and participated as a handler inside the ring during the dog fight. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Johnson’s Macon residence on Feb. 26, 2020, recovering 13 pit bull terrier type dogs with scarring consistent with dog-fighting. In addition, agents found evidence of dog fighting activities including a digital scale, weighted collars, heavy chains, ground stakes and a variety of medical supplies to treat animals for injuries sustained from dog fighting activities.

The following co-conspirators have been convicted and sentenced in this case:

Lekey Davis aka Kee Boo, 46, of Talbotton, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 210 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base;

Christopher Raines aka Binky, 51, of Talbotton, was sentenced to serve 135 months of imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release and pay a $10,000 fine after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base;

Jarvis Lockett aka J-Rock, 41, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and cocaine distribution;

Derrick Owens aka Doomie, 38, of Woodland, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine;

Jason Carter, 39, of Phoenix City, Alabama, was sentenced to serve 97 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine;

Vernon Vegas, 50, of Suwanee, Georgia, was sentenced to serve the maximum 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and pay a $10,000 fine after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture;

Shaquille Bentley, 27, of Roberta, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 48 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to use of a communication facility;

Rodrick Walton aka Rodrie Walton, 42, of Shiloh, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 24 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture;

Reginald Crimes, 39, of Preston, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 24 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture;

Lee Benney, 55, of Reynolds, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 21 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture; and,

Bryanna Holmes, 25, of Fort Valley, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 36 months of probation after pleading guilty to use of a communication facility.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General (USDA-OIG), the U.S. Marshals Service, the Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division (DOJ-ENRD), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the Merriweather County Sheriff’s Office, the Peach County Sheriff’s Office, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the Byron Police Department, and the Fort Valley Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Banu Rangarajan with the Department of Justice, Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the case.

Homicide In Thomaston

Thomaston PD responded to a shots fired call around 3:30 am Saturday morning at Farview Apartments. 

According to police chief Mike Richardson, officers were unable to locate a suspect or anyone that had witnessed someone shooting, but did recover a few shell casings in front of Building J.

An hour later, a second shots fired call was received from the same location and officers found a black male lying on the ground in front of Building H with multiple gunshot wounds. 

Officers attempted to revive the man but were unsuccessful, the coroner was notified and the scene was secured for investigators. The victim's identity will be released once the family has been notified.

Two people have been detained for questioning, the investigation is still active and more information will be available later.

Hard Freeze Warning

Unseasonably cold air will settle across the entire area by Saturday night with low temperatures dropping into the teens to mid 20s. Combined with the expected gusty winds, wind chill values will drop into the single digits (above zero) and teens areawide.

Protect pets and sensitive vegetation, temperatures are expected to drop below freezing from around 8pm Saturday until 10am Sunday morning.  

Please continue to pay close attention to the latest weather forecasts over the next 24 hours as new information becomes available, and prepare for potentially high-impact weather across north and central Georgia. You can visit the NWS Peachtree City/ Atlanta web page at: weather.gov/ffc

Upson-Lee Player Charged In Monroe County

A SENIOR ON THE UPSON-LEE LADY KNIGHTS BASKETBALL TEAM HAS BEEN CHARGED BY THE MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, WITH THROWING A FIST AT A JACKSON CHEERLEADER AFTER LOSING IN THE REGION TOURNAMENT AT MARY PERSONS LAST MONTH.

ACCORDING TO A FRONT PAGE STORY OF THE MONROE COUNTY ADVERTISER NEWSPAPER, 17 YEAR OLD AZIYAH TAILA PERRY TURNED HERSELF IN TO MONROE COUNTY S.O. FEBRUARY 28TH FOR A MISDEMEANOR CHARGE OF AFFRAY. MS. PERRY'S PHOTO IS ON THE FRONT PAGE.

DEPUTIES RESPONDED TO THE FIGHT AND THE S.O. HAD ORIGINALLY PLANNED TO ALLOW THE TWO SCHOOLS TO HANDLE DISCIPLINE BUT GREW CONCERNED THEY MIGHT HANDLE IT DIFFERENTLY, SO CHARGES WERE FILED. SHERIFF BRAD FREEMAN WAS QUOTED IN THE ARTICLE AS SAYING U-L PLAYERS COMPLAINED THAT THE JACKSON CHEERLEADERS " STIRRED THEM UP" DURING THE GAME, BUT THE SHERIFF DISMISSED THAT DEFENSE.

101 NEWS RECEIVED A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE MONROE S.O. RIGHT AFTER THE FIGHT, BUT AT THE TIME IT WAS JUST UNDER INVESTIGATION. WE THEN QUESTIONED U-L SCHOOL OFFICIALS ABOUT THE INCIDENT AT LEAST TWICE, BUT THEY OFFERED NO COMMENT.

Two County BOC and Two BOE Members Opposed

QUALIFYING ENDED FRIDAY FOR THE MAY 24TH PRIMARY AND NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION.

IN UPSON COUNTY

INCUMBENT COUNTY COMMISSIONER PAUL JONES IS OPPOSED BY BILL MAHER IN THE MAY REPUBLICAN PRIMARY. COMMISSIONER BEN WATSON , A REPUBLICAN WILL MEET DEMOCRAT AARON S. DAWSON IN NOVEMBER.

TWO MEMBERS OF THE T-U BOARD OF EDUCATION HAVE CHALLENGERS

INCUMBENT BRIAN SALTER OPPOSED BY FORMER BOARD MEMBER KEITH ROHLING AND INCUMBENT STEVE SADLER OPPOSED BY ALBERT A. HINSON JR, CURRENT BOARD CHAIR JACQUELINE K. HOLLIS UNOPPOSED. SCHOOL BOARD A NON-PARTISN RACE.

Board Of Appeals Meeting Monday

CITY OF THOMASTON

MEETING OF THE THOMASTON BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS 

CITY-COUNTY MEETING ROOM

THOMASTON-UPSON GOVERNMENT COMPLEX 

Monday, March 14, 2022 10:00 A.M.

Agenda

1. Opening of Meeting and Call to Order
   
   
2. Appeal Request of Building Permit Fee – Mr. Allen Harris has requested to appeal the building permit cost for work being completed at his property located at 95 Hugo Starling Drive, Thomaston, GA 30286. 
   
   
3. Other Business 
   
   
4. Adjournment

 

Guilty Plea In 24 Year Old Rape Case

Today, Joe Louis Arnold, a 46 year old man from McDonough, entered a guilty plea to one count of Rape and one count of False Imprisonment. He was sentenced to 30 years to serve in the Georgia Department of Corrections. District Attorney Broder handled the case and presented the plea to the Honorable Rhonda Kreuziger, who accepted it. The victim and her family were present at the plea and addressed the Court in a victim impact statement.

Arnold pled guilty to entering the home of the victim on March 24, 1998, beating her with a baseball bat, and raping her in her kitchen. The case went unsolved until November 18, 2020 when the defendant was arrested. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office in 2020 requested that the DNA from the rape kit undergo familial DNA analysis. After that analysis, the defendant’s profile emerged as a match to the profile from the rape kit. A confirmation test was performed at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the defendant’s DNA was indeed a match to the DNA in the rape kit. After the confirmation, the defendant was arrested.

District Attorney Broder said of the plea: “this was truly a team effort between my office and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. I cannot say thank you enough to the Sheriff’s Office and the work they did on this case. I am so proud of the victim and the strength she displayed throughout this case. She is a remarkable person, and I am honored to know her. This plea is a testament to tenacity and a refusal to give up on the part of all involved.”

Upson Historical Society March Program

The UHS March program will be presented by Kaye Lanning Minchew, a historian and archivist, on her newest book, Jimmy Carter, Citizen of the South, which was published by the University of Georgia Press in spring, 2021. 

Her book, A President in Our Midst: Franklin Delano Roosevelt in Georgia was published by the University of Georgia Press in May 2016. A one-hour documentary based on the book aired on Georgia Public Television on September 21st. The documentary won awards for best documentary and people’s choice at the Southern Film Festival in August 2021, a copy of this documentary is available for viewing through the T-U Archives and the UHS upon request. 

Kaye received the Georgia Author of the Year Award for History in 2017. Another book, Managing Local Government Archives was published by Rowman and Littlefield and received the Christine Zanotti Award from ARMA International. She served as Executive Director of the Troup County Historical Society from 1985 until 2015 and has degrees from University of North Carolina at Asheville and UNC Chapel Hill. She has received many archival honors and testified before Congress about the National Historical Records and Publications Commission in 2010.

UHS officer elections will also be held at the March program, and those in attendance will be able to make nominations for two-year term positions. Before nominating someone, please be sure that they understand the requirements of the position and are willing and able to serve.

Commissioner Jones Has A Challenger

DISTRICT 3 UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER PAUL JONES HAS OPPOSITION IN THE MAY REPUBLICAN PRIMARY, WILLIAM R. "BILL" MAHER QUALIFIED THURSDAY. 

 AT LAST REPORT DISTRICT 4 COMMISSIONER BEN WATSON WAS UNOPPOSED.

Yarbrough Convicted For Murder

Yesterday, a Spalding County jury convicted Malik Yarbrough of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. The jury deliberated for 25 minutes before delivering it’s verdict. Senior Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Presley and Assistant District Attorney Adelle Petersen tried the case for the State. Griffin Police Department investigated the murder.

Yarbrough, an 18 year old man from Griffin, was convicted of shooting Robert Donnel Brown in the back 3 times, killing him. The defendant claimed self-defense, but the jury rejected that defense with its verdict. Yarbrough murdered Brown on July 14, 2020 in the yard of a home on Melrose Avenue in Griffin.

District Attorney Broder said of the verdict: “Robert Brown lost his life in a senseless act of violence. He was gunned down and executed by a man who did not have any regard for his life. Yesterday, a Spalding County jury sent a clear message to those like Yarbrough who commit violent crimes in our community…these acts will not be tolerated. I am proud of my office who worked so hard to bring this case to a jury. For those in this community who insist on continuing to bring violence to Spalding County, know this, my office is staffed and ready to continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute you.”

The Honorable Scott Ballard will sentence Yarbrough on March 24th.

Homestead Exemption Deadline Approaching

DATES TO NOTE CONCERNING TAX OFFICE AND TAX EXEMPTIONS FINAL DAY FOR FILING FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR THE 2022 TAX YEAR IS APRIL 1ST, 2022. 

HOMEOWNERS THAT TURNED 62 OR 65 IN 2021 MAY ALSO BE ELIGIBLE FOR ADDITIONAL TAX EXEMPTIONS IN 2022.

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS MAY BE APPLIED FOR IN THE TAX ASSESSOR’S OFFICE LOCATED UPSTAIRS IN THE COURTHOUSE ANNEX. 

2022 MOBILE HOME TAX BILLS ARE DUE ON APRIL 1ST. TAX LIENS WERE ISSUED MARCH 4TH ON ANY UNPAID 2021 PROPERTY TAX AND UPSON COUNTY’S NEXT DELINQUENT TAX SALE WILL BE AUGUST 2ND, 2022

Thomaston Fire Department In New Building

THE CITY OF THOMASTON FIRE DEPARTMENT IS BEING DISPATCHED FROM THE NEW FIRE HOUSE ON NORTH CHURCH STREET AS OF WEDNESDAY.

FIRE CHIEF RENEE HARRIS SAYS A RIBBON CUTTING WILL BE SCHEDULED IN APRIL JUST AFTER THE DECOMMISSIONING OF THE OLD FIRE HOUSE WHEN THE AMERICAN FLAG IS TAKEN DOWN. THE CHIEF TOLD 101 NEWS PLANS ARE TO HAVE FORMER MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT TO RIDE FIRE ENGINES TO THE RIBBON CUTTING AFTER THE DECOMMISSIONING CEMEMONY.

MOTORISTS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR THE EMERGENCY TRAFFIC LIGHTS THAT WILL ACTIVATE WHEN UNITS LEAVE THE NEW STATION.

TRAFFIC IN BOTH DIRECTIONS ON NORTH CHURCH ARE REQUIRED TO STOP

    

 

Postal Service Reform Act Passes

Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock applauded the passage of the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act, which passed the Senate 79-19. The legislation, which Senator Reverend Warnock supported, will improve the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) financial position. It also improves transparency and accountability, including requiring six-day delivery.

“Georgians rely on the U.S. Postal Service to get their medicine, social security checks, tax documents, their ballot and so much more,” Said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I’m pleased we were able to finally get this commonsense legislation done, and that it will soon become law. And, I’m proud that all Georgians, especially seniors, voters, and workers, will benefit from these much needed improvements to USPS.”

The Postal Service Reform Act includes the following provisions:

Six-Day Delivery: The Postal Service Reform Act would permanently require the Postal Service to maintain its standard of delivering at least six days a week.
Service Performance Transparency: The Postal Service Reform Act would require the Postal Service to develop a public-facing, online dashboard with national and local level service performance data updated each week to provide additional transparency and promote compliance with on-time delivery of mail.

Medicare Integration: The Postal Service Reform Act would require future Postal Service retirees, who have been paying into Medicare their entire careers, to enroll in Medicare, which the Postal Service estimates could save approximately $22.7 billion over 10 years.

Eliminating the Burdensome Prefunding Requirement: The Postal Service Reform Act would eliminate the onerous prefunding requirement for retiree healthcare imposed in 2006 that has hurt the Postal Service financially and added billions in liabilities to the Postal Service’s balance sheet. The Postal Service estimates this provision would drastically reduce its prefunding liability and allow it to save roughly $27 billion over 10 years.

Non-Postal Services: The Postal Service Reform Act would allow the Postal Service to partner with State, local, and tribal governments to offer non-postal services (for non-commercial purposes) that provide enhanced value to the public, as long as they do not detract from core postal services and provided the agreements cover their costs.

In addition, the bill will require:

• Regular reporting to Congress on Postal Service operations and financial performance to enable accountability of stated cost savings, revenue, and infrastructure investment goals;
• A Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) review of cost attribution guidelines to ensure cost and pricing accuracy;
• A study on operational inefficiencies in the Postal Service’s handling of flats such as catalogs and magazines;
• Adjustments to the considerations the Postal Service must make when deciding which mode of transportation to use to deliver mail in order to ensure consistency and reliability;
• The expansion of special rates for local newspaper distribution to promote local news organizations;
• Increased funding control for the PRC to support its mission of regulating the Postal Service;
• The consolidation of the PRC’s small Inspector General Office into the more robust Postal Service Office of Inspector General.

Qualifying In Upson County

Non Partisan

School Board District 2 – Jacqueline Hollis - Incumbent

School Board District 4 - Timothy Brian Salter- Incumbent

Republican

County Commissioner District 3 – Paul Jones Incumbent

Partain Named 2021 Cattlewoman Of The Year

At the Georgia Cattlemen's Convention held on February 17, 2022, University of Georgia Agriculture and Natural Resources Upson/Lamar County Extension Agent, Hailey Partain was named 2021 Cattlewoman of the Year.

Hailey became involved in showing animals and rodeoing at a young age, which lead to her obtaining her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Tarleton State University in Texas. She even taught meat science courses and helped run the custom slaughter facility while completing her studies.

It is no surprise that Hailey quickly emersed herself in the community when she moved to Upson County four years ago to take on the role she currently holds. Hailey also oversees the local 4H Programs and supervises key staff members who implement programs and educate the youth in the nearby community and schools.

The title of Cattlewoman of the year is awarded to a member who has gone above and beyond. As a member of the Cattlewomen's Association, Hailey has been able to shine a light on how the roles of women on the farm have changed. She participates in Farm Days in local and surrounding regions and was instrumental in implementing the first Kids Cattle Camp in the area. She is proactive in reaching out to local farmers to ensure the proper soil and water samples have been taken, and she provides support and resources to farmers throughout the year. Hailey worked with other members and as of February 2022, cattlewomen are now voting members of the Cattlemen's Association.

When asked what she enjoys most about being a member of the Cattlewomen's Association and supervising the local 4H programs, Hailey shared, " I am happy to be able to give a voice to women in the agricultural business and teach and guide them in an industry that has been historically male driven. When it comes to 4H, I take pride in educating our youth in fun and innovative ways."

You can find out more about Hailey and this award by watching the video at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fzK1jHDo88.

Kindergarten Registration Next Week

Registration for children entering kindergarten in the Thomaston-Upson County School System for the 2022-2023 school year begins March 14th. Children who will be five years of age on or before September 1, 2022, qualify for next year’s kindergarten program. Parents may choose to wait another year to register a child with a summer birthday, which is an acceptable parental choice. 

Kindergarten registration directions for qualifying children who attend UL Pre-K, Lu’s Learning Center, AJ’s Mini School, Rays of Hope, Small World, Headstart, Noah’s Ark, Tender Years & Tender Tech will be sent home with the children. 

Kindergarten registration for all other children in Upson County will be held on the following dates from 8:30-2:30: March 14th and 15th at Upson-Lee Primary, March 29th and 30th at Thomaston Housing Authority, and April 20th at Stone Well Worship Center. 

Parents must contact the school at 706-647-7540 to schedule an appointment for one of these dates. The parent must bring the child and all required documentation to the registration appointment.