TRAVON WALKER ARRIVES IN JACKSONVILLE

MEDIA  REPORTS   CONFIRM  THAT  TRAVON  SIGNED A  MULTI-YEAR      CONTRACT  OF  $37.3  MILLION  WHICH  INCLUDES  A  SIGNING  BONUS  OF  $24.3  MILLION  GUARANTEED.

BIG DAY FOR UGA NFL DRAFT

 LAS VEGAS – Highlighted by defensive lineman Travon Walker going first overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the University of Georgia football team saw a program-record five players selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft Thursday evening at the Linq Promenade.

 

After Walker’s selection, defensive lineman Jordan Davis was selected 13^th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles, followed by linebacker Quay Walker and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt both being chosen by the Green Bay Packers with the 22^nd and 29^th picks. The selections closed with safety Lewis Cine going to the Minnesota Vikings with the 32^nd pick. The selection of five defensive players in the opening round broke a record set by Miami in 2004 and Florida State in 2006.

 

The five players chosen led all schools in the first round and broke the previous program record of three selected in 2018 (Roquan Smith, Isaiah Wynn, Sony Michel). With Walker, Davis, and Wyatt being selected, Georgia joined Clemson in 2019 as the only program to have three defensive linemen selected in the same first round in the Common Draft Era (1967-present).

 

Walker is the fifth Georgia football player to be selected first overall in the NFL Draft and the first since Matthew Stafford was picked first by the Detroit Lions in 2009. With the pick, Georgia ties Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and USC for the most first-overall picks by one institution at five. It is also the earliest selection for a Georgia defensive player in the Common Draft Era, besting the No. 6 picks previously used on Richard Seymour (2001) and Johnathan Sullivan (2003).

 

Walker is the 16^th defensive lineman to be selected first in the draft, the third-most of any position behind quarterback and running back in the event’s 87-year history. He is also the third defensive lineman to go first in the past decade, joining fellow SEC products Jadeveon Clowney (Houston Texans, 2014) and Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns, 2017). Additionally, he is the fifth Bulldog to be chosen by Jacksonville, following former teammate Tyson Campbell, who was selected 33^rd overall last year.

 

The Thomaston native started at defensive tackle in all 15 games last season for the Bulldogs, tallying 37 total tackles, six sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, and a team-high 36 quarterback hurries. Walker closed out his Georgia tenure with a career-best seven pressures in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Alabama. In 2019, he was named to the Freshman All-SEC Team, helping Georgia clinch the SEC East title at Auburn on a fourth-down sack of Bo Nix.

 

Davis, the Outland Trophy and Bednarik Award winner, started 14 games for the Bulldogs in 2021, racking up 32 tackles, 5.5 stops for loss, and two sacks. The Charlotte, North Carolina native also scored a rushing touchdown in the home finale against Charleston Southern. Among his many plaudits in his senior campaign, he was named to the First Team All-SEC and was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Lott IMPACT Trophy.

 

Davis is the first Bulldog selected by Philadelphia since Brandon Boykin was drafted 123^rd overall in 2012. He is also the 22^nd Georgia player chosen by the Eagles, the most of any NFL franchise.

 

Walker started all 15 games in 2021, finishing the season with 67 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. In the national title game, the Cordele native led the Bulldogs with eight tackles, along with six quarterback pressures. During the regular season, he notched 13 tackles against Florida and nine against Kentucky. In his junior season, he helped lead the Bulldog defense against Cincinnati in the Peach Bowl with seven tackles and a key fourth-quarter sack.

 

Wyatt, a First Team All-SEC selection by the league’s coaches, started in 14 games last season, leading all interior linemen with 39 tackles. The Decatur native earned SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors following a six-tackle performance against Arkansas, adding in 1.5 sacks and three pressures. He also stifled Kentucky with a blocked field goal to close out the third quarter.

 

By selecting Walker and Wyatt, Green Bay has selected three consecutive Georgia players in the first round, following the pick of defensive back Eric Stokes last year.

 

Cine, a First Team All-SEC selection by the Associated Press, led the Bulldogs last season with 73 tackles and nine pass breakups. The Cedar Hill, Texas native was named Defensive MVP of the national championship with seven tackles and a breakup. In the season-opening victory over Clemson, Cine led the team with nine tackles.

 

Cine is only the sixth Bulldog selected by the Vikings and the first since kicker Blair Walsh was picked 175^th overall in 2012.

 

The NFL Draft continues Friday with rounds 2-3 starting at 7 p.m., followed by the final four rounds beginning Saturday at noon.

 

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THOMASTON'S TRAVON WALKER #1 IN THE NFL DRAFT

 THOMASTON'S  TRAVON  WALKER  OF  THE  GA.  BULLDOGS  WAS  THE  #1  PICK  BY  JACKSONVILLE  THURSDAY   IN  THE NFL  DRAFT--THAT  SHOULD  NET HIM A  MULTI-YEAR    CONTRACT  IN  THE  RANGE OF  $35  MILLION--   AND  TRAVON  AND HIS PARENTS  SONIA  AND  STEED  WERE  ON "  GOOD MORNING  AMERICA " FRIDAY  MORNING,  FROM   THE  OMNI HOTEL  TRUIST  PARK    WHERE  FUN   101  AIRED  A  6  HOUR  SPECIAL  ON  TRAVON,THURSDAY. 

TRAVON  IS  THE  FIFTH  GEORGIA  FOOTBALL  PLAYER  TO  BE  SELECTED  FIRST OVERALL  IN  THE  NFL  DRAFT  AND  THE  FIRST  SINCE  MATTEW  STAFFORD  WAS  PICKED  FIRST  BY  DETROIT   IN   2009.

GENERAL  MANAGER  TRENT  BAALKE OF  THE  JAGS  SAID  HE   HAD  BEEN  LEANING  TOWARD TRAVON  FOR  MONTHS  AND  INSISTED NEW  COACH  DOUG  PEDERSON  WAS  TOTALLY  IN  AGREEMENT  ON  SELECTING  THE  FORMER  BULLDOG.  THEY  SEE HIM  AS  A  MORE  VERSATILE  PLAYER  WHO  LOGGED  SNAPS  AT  DEFENSIVE END,  D  TACKLE  AND  OUTSIDE  LINEBACKER. " HE'S  AN  ATHLETIC  FREAK" THE  GM  SAID.

ROAD RAGE INCIDENT PIKE CO

 Pike County Sheriff's deputies responded to a road rage incident this afternoon at 5:00 p.m. The victim called 911 reporting that an individual in another vehicle was acting aggressive towards them. During the 911 call the offender , Donald Banner , 32 years of age from Lithonia , discharged a firearm. 911 operators could hear the shot as it was fired and relayed this information to deputies. Within minutes the offender was located by deputies and taken into custody following a traffic stop on Highway 18 near Harrison Road. 

Banner is currently in the Pike County jail charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during commission of a crime. Deputies did recover two handguns from the vehicle that Banner was operating.

D.A. MARIE BRODER REPORTS

 The High Price of Armed Robbery

I hope everyone enjoyed the past few weekends of Spring. I was fortunate to spend some time with my family as we celebrated the Easter Holiday together with worship, a feast, and an Easter egg hunt. I am blessed to have a grandmother that hosts this family tradition. I relish her stories about her life and her memories of those that have passed. These are borrowed moments that I don’t take for granted. I hope y’all enjoy them, too. In a world that seems to have lost its mind, it’s nice to have beautiful moments with family.

While I hope many of you were enjoying the Spring season, my office was hard at work tackling serious crimes in the courtroom. Two recent jury trials involved a common charge: armed robbery. Armed robbery is when a person, with the intent to commit theft, takes property from another person by use of an “offensive weapon.” An offensive weapon is typically a knife or a gun, but the law also treats replicas that are designed to look like knives or guns as sufficient to be armed robbery.

The minimum punishment for this crime is ten years and the maximum is life with the possibility of parole. Under the maximum sentence, a defendant can be eligible for parole after thirty years. Armed robbery carries serious consequences for good reason. Citizens and their communities cannot thrive where people have no sense of security in their lives, their homes, and in their possessions. Armed robbery also leads to violence and death. In this Circuit, over the past month, we prosecuted armed robberies that resulted in both violence and death. A Fayette County jury and Spalding County jury had the courage to hold these criminals to account.

On April 14, 2022, a Fayette County jury convicted Joseph Huggins for armed robbery and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. The victim in that case was helping his family move to Tyrone, Georgia, when some temporary workers were assigned to help him with the move. After entering a vehicle with the defendants, they pointed a gun at him and took everything in his possession, including: money, identification, a phone, credit cards, and his Bluetooth earbuds. The defendants then kicked him out of the car and left him on the side of the road. The victim had to walk home before calling law enforcement. The Honorable Scott L. Ballard sentenced Huggins him to 15 years for Armed Robbery and 5 years for the firearm charge. Huggins’ co-defendant will be tried later.

Despite being terrorized with weapons, stripped of his possessions, and left on the side of the road, Mr. Huggins’ victim’s life was spared. In another case charged as armed robbery, the pull of a trigger left Mr. Anthony Reid with a much more horrible fate. On August 31, 2020, Sonya Fuller called her son, Joshua Fuller, to her hotel room at the Quality Inn and Suites in Griffin. Anthony Reid, a 52-year old man from Griffin was in that hotel room. Joshua Fuller, who is a resident of Riverdale, entered the hotel room and shot and killed Mr. Reid. The jury also heard evidence that money had been taken from Mr. Reid.

The Jury found Joshua Fuller guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault, and other charges related to possession of a firearm. Fuller’s mother was found to be a party to the crime and also convicted of Felony Murder, and Aggravated Assault. The Honorable Judge W. Fletcher Sams sentenced both defendants to the maximum sentence for felony murder---life without parole. The love of Mr. Reid’s family was on full display during the sentencing phase of the trial. I hope that the end of this trial allows them to begin the long, difficult process of healing when someone’s loved one is killed in a violent ac

CITY OF THOMASTON ARTS & SOUL FESTIVAL

 

UPSON BOC NATIONAL NURSES MONTH

 

PRESS RELEASE T-U SCHOOL SYSTEM

 At the Tuesday, April 26, board meeting, the Thomaston-Upson Board of Education approved Mr. Wayne Puckett, Mrs. Angie Hausman, and Dr. Sharon Johnson as Assistant Principals of Upson-Lee High School, as recommended by Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico. Mr. Puckett currently serves as Athletic Director at ULHS and is completing his 27th year working in the Thomaston-Upson School System. Mrs. Hausman currently serves as Special Education Lead Teacher and has worked the last nine years at ULHS. Dr. Johnson currently teaches at Shaw High School in Muscogee County where she has taught literature for the last five years. Congratulations to Mr. Puckett, Mrs. Hausman, and Dr. Johnson! 

TPD/UPSON SO CHASE WITH SPEEDS TO 130

 THOMASTON  POLICE  AND  UPSON   S.O.     WERE  INVOLVED IN  A  HIGH  SPEED  CHASE  SUNDAY  NIGHT   WITH  SPEEDS  UP  TO   130  OUT  74  EAST--AND  THE  MOTORIST , 21  YEAR  OLD  AMANI  ROSS OF  140 AVE.  G.  WAS  ARRESTED  AFTER  HE  WRECKED  ON  KENDALL  ROAD ,  RAN OFF   AND    DEPUTIES     LET  THE  DOGS  OUT.

HIS  SISTER,  23  YEAR  OLD  ANTONEE  ROSS  WAS  CHARGED  WITH  OBSTRUCTION  AFTER  SHE  REFUSED  TO  LEAVE  THE   AREA  WHERE  AN  HOUR  AND  A  HALF  SEARCH  WAS  CONDUCTED.

AMANI  ROSS  WAS  CAPTURED  HIDING    BEHIND  A  HOUSE  AT 147  KENDALL  ROAD.  DURING  THE  CHASE-- HE  WAS  DRIVING A  2022  CHEVY  CAMARO  THAT  RAN  TO  COLLEGE  ST.  IN  YATESVILLE,    TO  PLEASANT  GROVE  ROAD,  THEN  OUT  LOGTOWN  ROAD  TO  KENDALL  ROAD  WHERE   HE  WRECKED  IN  A  DITCH--JUMPED  OUT  AND  RAN  TO  A  WOOD  LINE.      K-9  OFFICERS  DUKO AND  MILLIE TRACKED  ROSS   TO  HIS    LOCATION. 

MOTORCYCLE WRECK IN UPSON CO SAT

 A  WHITE MALE  BIKER  WAS  AIR-FLIGHTED  TO  A   MACON  HOSPITAL  SATURDAY  AFTERNOON  IN  UPSON  COUNTY    AFTER  HE  CRASHED  HIS  MOTORCYCLE    AT  WAYMANVILLE  ROAD  AND  NEW  HARMONY  CHURCH  ROAD.

ROCK  HILL  FIRE  DEPARTMENT,  UPSON  SO,   POST   26   GSP  AND  EMS  RESPONDED.

MURDER CONVICTIONS IN GRIFFIN

ACCORDING TO GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY MARIE BRODER--A MOTHER AND SON WERE CONVICTED OF MURDER, FRIDAY AND SENTENCED TO LIFE IN SPALDING COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT.

THE HONORABLE CHIEF JUDGE FLETCHER SAMS SENTENCED JOSHUA RAY FULLER AND SONYA REYLENE FULLER TO LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT PAROLE FOR THE SHOOTING DEATH OF 52 YEAR OLD ANTHONY REID AT QUALITY INN IN GRIFFIN AUGUST 31ST,2020.

THE STATE CLAIMS ROBBERY WAS THE MOTIVE FOR REID'S MURDER, BUT THE JURY DID NOT CONVICT ON THAT COUNT.

CHIEF A.D.A. DAVID STUDDARD WHO PROSECUTED THE CASE --TOLD 101 NEWS AFTER SENTENCING, "THIS VERDICT SIGNALS TO THE COMMUNTY THAT THIS TYPE OF LAWLESSNESS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED."

REID WAS SHOT TWICE IN THE THIGH AND WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE HOSPITAL.

Zebulon PD Drug Bust

On April 20, 2022, at approximately 1145 p.m., the Zebulon Police Department was involved in a vehicle pursuit, which ended in the apprehension of Donketrus Colquitt.

While on Patrol in the area of Hwy 19 S and Old Zebulon Rd., one our officers noticed a vehicle traveling south on Hwy 19, the vehicle in question had multiple equipment violations. The officer conducted a traffic stop, while speaking to the driver, later identified as Mr. Colquitt of Hampton GA. Mr Colquitt fled from the Officer. During the pursuit, the driver swerved into the north bound lanes of Hwy 19 while traveling southbound, as well as driving directly toward other citizen vehicles and striking multiple citizens vehicles and crashing in Pike County. Mr. Colquitt then fled the scene on foot.

The Pike County Sheriff’s Office, which was assisting as back up for the Zebulon officer, was able to take the suspect into custody.

 

A search of the vehicle revealed a large quantity of illegal narcotics, (3.6lbs of Ecstasy, 1.1 lbs of Marijuana,20 Lora tab pills, 16 THC infused Nerd rope candies, 11 grams of powder cocaine, 5 grams of Crack Cocaine, 3 grams of Heroin, 1 gram of Methamphetamine, a stolen firearm, and $2460 in US Currency).

The driver of the vehicle, Mr. Colbert was charged with multiple counts of drug related charges, fleeing and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and Theft by receiving. Mr. Colquitt is being held in the Pike County Jail.

The victims who were struck by Mr. Colquitt, were checked by EMS and thankfully cleared with no injuries.

As the accident was an officer involved event, the Georgia State Patrol was contacted to conduct the accident investigation.

UPSON CO COURTHOUSE CUPOLA

Upson County Manager, Jason Tinsley and Facilities Director, Phil Ellerbee met with representatives from SRS Construction and Precision Planning, Inc. to complete the punch list walk through of the new cupola on the Upson County Courthouse this afternoon.  

This project was funded by voter approved 2011 SPLOST.  The clock will be programmed within the next few days to reflect the correct time.  We would like to thank everyone involved in this project, including Campbellsville Industries, Inc.

SPEED CAMERAS ARE ON IN GRIFFIN-SPALDING SCHOOLS

On April 18, the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office began issuing warnings throughout Griffin-Spalding County to vehicle owners whose vehicles illegally pass school buses when their stop arms are extended. During the 30-day warning period no fines will be assessed however beginning on May 18, vehicle owners, whose vehicles are observed passing the school bus while students are entering or exiting the bus, will receive a violation in the mail.

“Our goal is to educate and awaken drivers to the dangers of illegally passing school buses,” said Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education Chairperson Sue McDonald. “Many drivers need education on school bus stop laws. When a school bus has the stop-arm deployed, you must stop. This program will help us change driver behavior in a positive way to protect the lives of our students.”

More than 7000 students in the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) are transported to and from school on buses every day. As part of the county’s partnership with Verra Mobility, all GSCS buses, a total of 115, will be equipped with school bus stop arm safety cameras.

In 2011, the Georgia Legislature passed legislation to permit schools to equip their buses with camera technology to catch drivers who illegally drive by school buses when they stop to pick up or drop off students. The penalty for a stop-arm violation will warrant the vehicle’s owner a $250 fine.

The School Bus Stop Arm Program will be administered through the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office and the Griffin-Spalding Board of Education. Ultimately, a Spalding County Officer will review each warning and violation before issuance.

Verra Mobility’s CrossingGuard® school bus arm safety solution provides state-of-the-art stop-arm safety technology including DVR and storage devices, internal cameras, GPS, telemetry and LTE connectivity. When the stop arm is deployed, the camera automatically detects a vehicle illegally passing the stop arm in either direction and captures video of the violation and still images of a vehicle’s license plate. The violation video and license plate images are then reviewed by law enforcement for approval prior to a warning being issued.

OPEN HOUSE NEW CITY OF THOMASTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

 PUBLIC  INVITED  TO  THE  RIBBON  CUTTING  OF  THE  CITY  OF  THOMASTON'S  NEW   $2,8  MILLION   FIRE  DEPARTMENT  ON  NORTH  CHURCH  ST.  WEDNESDAY  AT   10AM.  PRIOR  TO  THE  EVENT  FORMER MEMBERS OF  THE  DEPARTMENT  INVITED  TO  THE  FORMER  FIRE  HOUSE  FOR  A  DECOMMISSIONING  CEREMONY.  

FREE OPEN HOUSE GRIFFIN-SPALDING AIRPORT SUNDAY

 PUBLIC  INVITED  TO  A  FLY-IN   OPEN  HOUSE     AT  THE  GRIFFIN-SPALDING  AIRPORT,  THIS  SUNDAY  APRIL 24TH,  11AM  TO   3PM.

ITS  FREE  AND   ALL  SORTS  OF  AIRCRAFT  ON  SITE  FOR  VIEWING.  FOOD  TRUCKS   AND  LIVE  MUSIC  FROM  THE  BUCKEYE  BAND.  PARKING  AT  FAIRGROUND  LOT  ON  SOUTH  HILL  ST.

MEMO FROM PIKE CO PUBLIC WORKS

 Public Works has repairs for the cross drain culvert on Williamson/Zebulon Road between Highway 362 and Old Fayetteville Road near Dollar General scheduled for tomorrow April 20,2022 between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:00 pm. This will require the road to be closed for the repairs. We will be detouring traffic through Old Fayetteville Road. We will have signs and barricades indicating the detour at Highway 362 and also at Williamson/Zebulon Road. If you have any questions or concerns please let me know. Public Works should be able to complete this in one day.

THOMASTON PD ENDS A PARTY OF HUNDREDS

 THOMASTON  POLICE  CHIEF MIKE  RICHARDSON  SAID  IT  TOOK  AN  ADDITIONAL   8  OFFICERS  CALLED-IN  TO  DUTY ,  12  ON  DUTY  OFFICERS,  4  DEPUTIES  AND  A  GSP  TROOPER  TO  SHUT  DOWN  A  PARTY  SUNDAY NIGHT  AT  301  PARK  STREET--WITH    LOUD  MUSIC  AND  HUNDREDS  IN  THE  STREET.

THE  CHIEF  SAID  HE  RECEIVED  A  CALL  FROM  THE  CITY  MANAGER  LATE  SUNDAY NIGHT  THAT  THE  PARTY  OF  3  TO 400  WAS  OUT  OF  CONTROL    SO   HE PERSONALLY  SHOWED-UP  TO  END  THE   GIG   THAT  HAD  BLOCKED   THE  STREET. 

     MONDAY--POLICE    CHARGED  THE  RESIDENT,  RENADA  HOBBS  WITH  OPERATING  A  DISORDERLY  HOUSE  AND  TWO  OTHER  MOTORISTS  WERE  CITED  FOR  SHOWING-OUT  IN  THEIR  VEHICLES.

THE  CHIEF  NOTED--THEY  WERE  APPARENTLY  EXPECTING  A  BIG  CROWD  BECAUSE  THEY  HAD  A  PORTA  POTTY  STATIONED  IN  THE  FRONT  YARD.

SPALDING  COUNTY  CHIEF  MARSHALL  SMART  WEBB  CALLED   911  AND    REPORTED  SEVERAL  CARS  PARKED  ON  HIS  MOTHER'S  PROPERTY    BLOCKING  HER  DRIVE-WAY.  AFTER  THAT  CALL  AROUND   8PM  OFFICERS  RETURNED 2  TO  3  TIMES    TO  WARN  THE  RESIDENT  TO  TURN  DOWN  THE  MUSIC  AND  GET    THE  PARTY  UNDER  CONTROL.

Tidal Wave Announces 100th Location

Tidal Wave Auto Spa announced it has opened it's 100th location and expands to a new region opening a wash in Maplewood, MN. 

Scott Blackstock, CEO of Tidal Wave, comments “It’s a momentous occasion for the Tidal Wave team as we celebrate our growth to 100 locations. We are so proud to offer employment opportunities here in Thomaston and across the nation. Our team members are offered long term leadership careers and take pride in providing excellence in customer service. ” 

Tidal Wave is excited to reach 100 washes and is proud to be based right here in the great community of Thomaston. 

About Tidal Wave Auto Spa 

Tidal Wave Auto Spa has been washing cars since 2004 and is one of the fastest growing car wash chains in the United States. Tidal Wave partnered with Golden Gate Capital in December of 2020 to further accelerate its rapid growth. Golden Gate Capital is a San Francisco-based private equity investment firm with over $19 billion of committed capital. The Tidal Wave Auto Spa home office is headquartered in Thomaston which staffs and supports all Tidal Wave operations. For more information, visit www.tidalwaveautospa.com.

NEW UPSON CO COURTHOUSE CUPULA IN PLACE

WORKMAN HAVE REVIEWED THE  PUNCH  LIST FOR THE NEW  CUPULA  ATOP THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COURTHOUSE THAT HAS BEEN INSTALLED, A  PROJECT  DELAYED  DUE  TO  COVID-19  ISSUES  AT  CAMPBELLSVILLE  INDUSTRIES  IN  KENTUCKY. ONE  OF  THE  COMPANY'S  WORKMAN  WAS  DANGLING  HIS  FEET  OUTSIDE  THE BASKET  HOISTED  BY THE  GIANT BOOM CRANE,  THURSDAY  AFTERNOON AND USED  THEM TO PLACE THE  ORIGINAL COURTHOUSE WEATHERVANE IN PLACE.

 

THOMASTON'S ART AND SOUL FEST

THOMASTON'S ART AND SOUL FEST WILL BE HELD FRIDAY APRIL 22ND AND SATURDAY APRIL 23RD. 

ON FRIDAY DOWNTOWN EXHIBITION AROUND THE NEW ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT, ITS FREE TO EXHIBIT.

SATURDAY APRIL 23RD AT GREATEST GENERATION PARK, 10AM TO 4PM LOCAL ARTISTS, VENDORS, CHALK ART COMPETITION FOR KIDS AND ADULTS.

CASH PRIZES, FOOD TRUCKS AND LIVE PERFORMANCES. MORE ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK.

Child Porn In Barnesville

Marty Kinard

On 4/13/2022, Marty Kinard was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in Macon Georgia for the Production of Child Pornography, Distribution of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography. 

Marty Kinard will be turned over to federal authorities. Captain Al Moltrum provided testimony against Marty Kinard. 

On 6/6/2021 Marty Kinard was arrested and charged Sexual Exploitation of Children (Creation, distribution, and possession of child porn), Child Molestation, and Aggravated Child Molestation. The child molestation charges are still pending at state level, which cannot not be heard on a federal level.

Chief Craig Cooper states that the Barnesville Police Department with guidance from the local District Attorney's Office will seek the highest level of prosecution to any person who commits this magnitude of a crime.

Upson County Office Of Voter Registration

Notice is hereby given that the logic and accuracy testing and preparation of election voting equipment to be used in the May 24, 2022 General Primary Election will begin at 10:00 AM on Monday, April 25, 2022. 

Testing will continue from day to day until complete and members of the public are permitted to observe such testing, however the public shall not in any manner interfere with the preparation & testing of voting system components. 

Testing and preparation will be conducted at 713 Andrews Drive Thomaston, GA

UPSON COUNTY DESIGNATED AS “BROADBAND READY COMMUNITY”

The Upson County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that Upson County has been designated a “Broadband Ready Community” by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. This designation signifies that Upson County has taken actions to minimize obstacles to broadband infrastructure investment.

Local governments that have modified their comprehensive plan to include the advancement of the implementation of broadband services and have adopted a model ordinance are eligible to apply for a Broadband Ready Community Designation (O.C.G.A. §50-40-40).

Upson County recently revised their comprehensive plan to include details and language that illustrated the government’s intentions to focus on broadband accessibility. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs has developed and approved the rules for the new element required for a community to include in their comprehensive plan. Those rules were communicated to Upson County’s government and the Three Rivers Regional Commission, and they worked to make sure the comprehensive plan included the updates prior to applying for a Broadband Ready Community Designation. The Broadband Model Ordinance was also developed to show evidence that steps have been taken to remove barriers to broadband infrastructure investment.

Doug Currier, Director of the Upson County Building and Zoning Department, was integral in the revision of the comprehensive plan. He stated, “Anytime major state programs like this tie local infrastructure needs with funding opportunities, community planning and land use regulations, it is a recipe for success. Thank you to the Three Rivers Regional Commission staff for their help throughout the application process.”

Upson County’s receipt of the Broadband Ready Site Designation comes with many great advantages. Upson County will utilize this designation to promote the community to new businesses, educational platforms, healthcare facilities, government structures, and many other public services that will offer benefits to residents. The main goal is to encourage economic development and attract technology.

The designation comes shortly after Upson County was awarded over $4.4 million dollars for increasing broadband accessibility in the county, along with the formation of a partnership between Highline and Upson County to roll out the initial phases of broadband implementation in 2022.

“Establishing Upson County as a Broadband Ready Community Designation could not have happened at a better time. This designation aids in the recruitment of new industries, because not only do we have our Broadband Ready Community Designation, but we are implementing a project to deploy broadband throughout our county.” added Upson County Commissioner Benjamin Watson. “The recent grant award to fund the broadband project with our partners at Highline, will provide high speed internet options to all underserved areas of our county. Accessibility to high-speed internet for our constituents is a huge accomplishment that will span over the next two years as the project develops and lead to increased opportunities for education, work, entertainment, and so much more.”

Please visit www.upsoncountyga.org and follow Upson County Government on social media for more details regarding the Broadband Ready Community Designation and implementation of broadband accessibility.

New Jobs In Griffin

Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that sustainability-focused Ecopol, a European leader in the production of biodegradable PVA film, will invest more than $38 million and create 130 new jobs at the company’s first North American facility in Spalding County.

“Georgia’s world-class connectivity to markets continues to draw in businesses from around the world,” said Governor Kemp. “I am excited for Ecopol to bring new opportunities to hardworking Georgians in Spalding County. I want to congratulate the teams in Spalding County who made this project possible by planning ahead and investing in future sites, and I look forward to seeing how Ecopol’s new facility will energize the local economy.”

Italy-based Ecopol was established in 2009 with the goal of helping to safeguard the unique landscape of Tuscany by reducing the utilization of plastics and carbon emissions. The company manufactures water-soluble and biodegradable film used to wrap everyday products such as detergents, agrochemicals, cosmetics, and other consumer goods.

“Our goal was to identify a suitable property with nearby interstate and international airport access, a favorable utility environment, a talented regional labor force, and an economic development team that would be supportive of this strategic project now and in the future,” said Mauro Carbone, CEO of Ecopol, highlighting what the company was looking for in a new community. “With the assistance of our location consultant, we performed a thorough analysis of numerous properties and communities in the southeastern U.S., and we are confident that we found a great home in The Lakes at Green Valley eco-industrial park in Griffin, Georgia.”

The Lakes at Green Valley eco-industrial park promotes clean, environmentally friendly manufacturing. Construction within The Lakes requires all projects to achieve a certain “eco” rating from the Griffin-Spalding Development Authority, which provides a standard rating system for environmentally sustainable construction. Ecopol will be hiring for positions in production, maintenance, management, and administration prior to the completion of construction. Interested applicants can learn more about the company at www.ecopol.com.

“Environmental sustainability was a key objective in the development of the Lakes at Green Valley,” said Chuck Copeland, Chair, Griffin-Spalding Development Authority. “We are very happy to welcome another international company to our park whose product and processes align with that vision.”

Project Manager Kasey Smith represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the Griffin- Spalding Development Authority, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Quick Start, and Georgia Power.

“Ecopol is an exciting addition to Georgia’s community of innovative companies dedicated to keeping unnecessary waste out of landfills, waterways, and the ocean using sustainable technology and solutions,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “The quality of our teams and their commitment to working with companies has made Georgia an attractive location for exciting and impactful projects like Ecopol, and we look forward to them joining the more than 90 Italian companies already in Georgia.”

Georgia is home to a large and active Italian business community, and Italy has maintained a consular presence in Georgia since 1899. In 2021, exports from Georgia to Italy increased more than 18% over the previous year ($557 million total exports in 2021). Commissioner Wilson led an economic development mission to Italy most recently in September 2020. The State of Georgia has maintained continuous representation in Europe since 1973.

About GDEcD

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts and location for film, music, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit www.georgia.org for more information.

About Ecopol

Eco pol’s products are used in many different applications, including packaging of household detergents and agrochemicals, and as releasing agent film for the production of agglomerate stones and solid surface material. Ecopol’s idea has always been the same: provide customers with a product that is easy to use, safe, and environmentally friendly. The company’s growth has been considerable over the last four years, with investments over the period reaching 35M€, enabling Ecopol to be the major producer of water-soluble film in Europe and second in the world. For more information visit www.ecopol.com.

BPD REPORTS A SHOOTING MONDAY

On 4/11/2022 approximately 1730, officers responded to a shooting that had occurred on Mill Street. The initial investigation found that Danarre McDowell had fired upon a vehicle travelling on Mill Street, hitting it twice. No one in the vehicle was injured. McDowell was taken into custody and the rifle was taken as evidence. The case is still under investigation trying to determine the cause for the incident.

GORDON STATE NURSING RANKED IN TOP 10

Gordon State College RN to BSN program has ranked fourth in annual list of best Bachelor of Science in nursing programs in Georgia for 2022.

According to a nursing advocacy organization, RegisteredNursing.org, GSC has been recognized as one of the best in the state for its highly respected online RN to BSN articulation program that allows working RNs to earn their degree in less time. The organization highlighted the RN to BSN program at GSC for its accommodating eight-week course formats, three start-dates per year and its affordable tuition for Georgia residents.

Clay Davis Elected Chair Spalding BOC

CLAY DAVIS CHAIRMAN OF THE SPALDING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS IN 2021 RETURNED TO THE BOARD MONDAY AND WAS ELECTED CHAIRMAN FOR 2022. NO ONE ELSE QUALIFIED FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION FOR DISTRICT 5, CAUSED BY EX-COMMISSIONER DON HAWBAKER'S CRIMINAL CONVICTION--SO DAVIS WILL SERVE TILL THE END OF THE YEAR--AND HE IS ON THE MAY 24TH PRIMARY BALLOT FOR THE UNEXPIRED TERM THAT BEGINS JAN. IST.

THE BAIN PROCTOR VOLUNTERISM AWARD NAMED FOR THE NATIVE UPSONIAN---WAS PRESENTED TO ROY MCCLAIN FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

BONNIE PFROGNER RECEIVED A PROCLAMATION SALUTING HER AS A GOLDEN EAGLE AWARD WINNER GIVEN BY THE BOY SCOUTS--SHE WAS THE FIRST BAIN PROCTOR AWARD RECIPIENT.

Griffin Man Charged After Running Over Girlfriend

GRIFFN POLICE HAVE ARRESTED A MAN CHARGED WITH RUNNING OVER HIS GIRLFRIEND IN THE 200 BLOCK OF CHERRY STREET SUNDAY. 

THE VICTIM, 24 YEAR OLD COURTNEY PERRY WAS LIFE-FLIGHTED TO ATLANTA MEDICAL CENTER AND 45 YEAR OLD DURANT MARK WAS CHARGED WITH AGGREVATED ASSAULT .

World Champion Atlanta Braves Schedules Have Arrived At Fun 101

FANS HAVE BEEN ASKING ABOUT WORLD SERIES CHAMPION ATLANTA BRAVES 2022 SCHEDULES, THEY HAVE ARRIVED AND ARE AVAILABLE IN THE WTGA STUDIOS AT 208 SOUTH CENTER ST. THOMASTON. TAKE A FEW AND LEAVE SOME FOR OTHERS.

THE BRAVES OPEN THE SEASON THURSDAY AT 6:05 ON FUN 101 FM AT TRUIST PARK TAKING ON THE CINNCINNATI REDS

WITH JUST SIGNED THOMASTON NATIVE AND PIKE COUNTY'S HUNTER STRICKLAND IN THE BULLPEN.

GSC STATE OF THE COLLEGE ADDRESS

 On Thursday, March 31, Gordon State College President, Dr. Kirk A. Nooks delivered the institution’s third annual State of the College address at the Barnesville campus Student Activity and Recreation Center (SARC).

The event began with a welcome from GSC Student Government Association (SGA) President, Kierra Cooper-Williams followed by a recognition of guest grandees by GSC Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. C. Jeffery Knighton. GSC Vice President of Advancement, External Relations and Marketing, Mrs. Montrese Adger Fuller gave an introduction next of the GSC Scholarship recipient, Otiona Willis. Presidential Fellow and biology major from Spalding County, Aastha Jaiswal introduced President Nooks before he took the floor for his address.

Nooks first focused his address on providing updates and the progress of the institution’s five-year, 2019-2024 strategic plan, Building the Power of WE. Its initial imperative task included strengthening a collaborative culture among faculty, staff and students by increasing internal communication efforts, building institutional capacity in key areas such as human capital, financial, physical resources and celebrating excellence across campus.

“You should remember that because we focused on our local 14-county primary service footprint, our success and your success are one in the same, hence the birth of this notion called, The Power of WE,” Nooks said. “This phrase reminds us that you don’t have to go it alone, that two heads are better than one and we are in this together.”

This year, GSC continues to rank and remain one of the leading state colleges in the region and throughout the Georgia state. Regarding economic impact, GSC has contributed more than $129 million to the economy and provided over 1,088 jobs. In fall of 2021, GSC led the state college sector in dual enrollment with 541 students. Gordon has the largest dual enrollment population among the nine state colleges for fall and spring semesters. Gordon also reported the smallest enrollment decrease in the state college sector with only a -4 percent change.

“In an environment where 22 out of 26 institutions declined in enrollment, or a national landscape where over one million students decided to forgo higher education since the start of the pandemic, Gordon State College is holding its own,” Nooks said.

Mrs Crista Stubbs First Grade Class at ULPS Thanks The Community For Donation to Ukraine

 

New Principal At U-L Elementary School

At the Thursday, March 31st, called board meeting, the Thomaston-Upson Board of Education approved Mrs. Nesha Campbell as Principal of Upson-Lee Elementary School, as recommended by Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico. 

Mrs. Campbell currently serves as Assistant Principal at ULHS and is completing her third year at the school. She holds an Educational Specialist's Degree in Middle Grades Education from Columbus State University, a Master's in Reading Education from Georgia Southwestern University, and a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education from Fort Valley State University. 

Mrs. Campbell has worked in the Thomaston-Upson School System since 2004, serving as an ELA teacher at ULMS from 2004-2015 and an Instructional Coach, also at ULMS, from 2015-2019. She will take over the position of ULES Principal following the completion of the current school year. Congratulations to Mrs. Campbell! We wish her much success as she steps into this fundamental role within the Thomaston-Upson School System.