Ex-Thomaston Woman Arrested For Lewd Behavior

A FORMER THOMASTON RESIDENT NOW LIVING IN LAGRANGE, 30 YEAR OLD KYLIE STRICKLAND HAS BEEN ARRESTED IN PIKE COUNTY AFTER ALLEGEDLY EXPOSING HER TOP TO TWO MINOR MALES AT A PRIVATE SWIMMING POOL WHILE ON LIVE VIDEO ON THE TIKTOK APP.

THE CASE WAS ORIGINALLY REPORTED IN TROUP COUNTY BUT MOVED TO PIKE COUNTY WHERE IT APPARENTLY HAPPENED. PIKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAID STRICKLAND WAS ARRESTED ON A WARRANT FOR COMPUTER OR ELECTRONIC PORNOGRAPHY AND CHILD EXPLOITATION, WHICH IS A FELONY IN GEORGIA.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT IN LAMAR CO

A WITNESS CALLED IN A REPORT OF A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IN LAMAR COUNTY NEAR THE HOT SPOT AT 341 AND THE 36 TRUCK ROUTE AROUND 5PM THURSDAY. A MOTORCYCLE APPARENTLY HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE RIDER WAS THROWN OFF THE BIKE AND WAS LYING IN THE ROAD.

MOTORISTS SHOULD BE PREPARED TO YIELD TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES.

URMC 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, July 6^th from 9 a.m. until noon in the URMC Auditorium.

The August class will be on August 3^rd from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the URMC Auditorium.

Call 706-647-8111 ext. 1165 to register.

Bob Dean Jr. More Legal Troubles

THE LEGAL HITS JUST KEEP ON COMING FOR THOMASTONIAN BOB DEAN JR. WHO BUILT HIS WEALTH WITH SEVERAL NURSING HOMES IN LOUISIANA. DEAN WAS ARRESTED ON ORDERS OF LOUISIANA'S ATTORNEY GENERAL LAST WEEK ON CHARGES OF SENDING ALMOST 1000 NURSING HOME RESIDENTS TO A SWELTERING WAREHOUSE FOLLOWING HURRICANE IDA IN BATON ROGUE.

HE POSTED BOND OF $350,000 AND WAS RELEASED BACK TO GEORGIA WEARING AN ANKLE BRACELET.

28 OF DEAN'S VINTAGE CAR COLLECTION WENT TO AUCTION LAST SATURDAY IN BIRMINGHAM AND HENDERSON AUCTIONS TOLD 101 NEWS THERE WAS LOTS OF INTEREST FROM IN PERSON AND ON LINE BUYERS.

EARLIER THIS MONTH, UPSON COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE BENJAMIN COKER FOUND DEAN IN CONTEMPT FOR NO-SHOWING A COURT HEARING TO PUT UP FURTHER COLLATERAL ON A $10 MILLION LOAN FROM A LOUISIANA FINANCIAL FIRM ON HIS CAR COLLECTION. UPSON COUNTY DEPUTIES STOPPED AN SUV WITH DEAN INSIDE TO SERVE A WARRANT OVER THE MATTER, BUT HE REFUSED TO EXIT AND FOUGHT DEPUTIES RESULTING IN A FELONY OBSTRUCTION CHARGE.

DEAN'S ATTORNEYS CLAIM HE SUFFERS FROM DEMENTIA AND CAN'T REPORT TO COURT.

Two Females Busted For Drugs

On Monday, Monroe County Drug Investigators received a tip in reference to individuals staying at a hotel located in Forsyth. The tipster stated these individuals had active warrants and illegal narcotics located inside the hotel room.

Drug investigators initiated an investigation and located two female individuals, Amy Chason of Hephzibah and Gabrielle Murphy of Augusta. Amy Chason was wanted out of Richmond County for dangerous drugs and Gabrielle Murphy was wanted out of Warrenville, South Carolina for dangerous drugs.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for the hotel room and located approximately 22 grams of Methamphetamine.

Both females were transported to The Monroe County Jail due to their active warrants and Amy Chason was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

D.A. Marie Broder On Guilty Plea

On Monday, Johnny Edwards, IV entered a plea of guilty but mentally ill to two counts of Malice Murder. He pled guilty to Count 1: Malice Murder, receiving a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, Count 3: Malice Murder, life in prison without the possibility of parole concurrent to count 1; and Count 5 Feticide, life in prison concurrent to count 3. Senior Judge Arch McGarity accepted the negotiated guilty plea. This sentence means he will never be released from prison. District Attorney Marie Broder handled the case along with Senior Assistant District Attorney Dan Hiatt and Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Warren Sellers. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

On December 7, 2019, at 2:29 pm, the Defendant called 911 and advised that he had killed his mother and wife and would be waiting for law enforcement outside the family home. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office responded. The Defendant came out the front door of the home. He had blood on his ears, neck, arms, hands, pants and sandals. Upstairs in a bedroom to the right the defendant’s pregnant wife, Venus Quanteh, was located lying on the floor near the doorway in a pool of blood. Kathy Edwards, the defendant’s mother, was lying on the floor in a pool of blood near the bed. Venus had a fractured skull, cuts to her head, a stab wound to her cheek, a stab wound to her left shoulder and cuts to her fingers. Kathy had a fractured skull, cuts on her scalp, a cut on her nose and stab wounds to her neck. A blood covered wooden baseball bat was located between Venus and Kathy. A blood covered steak knife was located on the bathroom floor of the bathroom in that bedroom.

Edwards was 34 at the time of the murders, he was a star football player in 2003 at Starr’s Mill High School in Fayette County and was one of the top rated players in the state, he went on to play as a defensive back at Wake Forest University.

District Attorney Broder said at the plea hearing, “this case is truly heartbreaking and horrific. The family members in this case lost a mother, a grandchild, a wife, and so much more. This is a just sentence for such a heinous crime, as the defendant can not hurt anyone else.” District Attorney Broder added, “I would like to thank the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. Without their thorough investigation, this plea would not have been possible.

U-L GOLF COACH WINS WITH U.S. TEAM

UPSON-LEE GOLF COACH BRIAN OGLESBE WAS A MEMBER OF THE U.S. GOLF TEAM THAT DEFEATED CANADA IN THE ANNUAL RYDER CUP OF BLIND GOLF, RECENTLY, IN OHIO. 

IN MATCH PLAN COMPETITION, BRIAN WON HIS MATCH UP 6 HOLES WITH 5 TO PLAY TO LEAD THE U.S. TEAM. 

JASON HOGAN IS HIS GOLF COACH.

GBI Investigating Former Marshall Smart Web

On June 14th, Spalding County Marshal Smart Web was engaged in an incident where he discharged his firearm, killing a dog, while on a call at 153 Maloy Circle in Griffin, Spalding County. Because a weapon was discharged, the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office responded a Crime Scene Investigator as well a Criminal Investigator to document the scene and begin finding facts about the incident.

Sheriff Darrell Dix, “On the morning of Monday June 20, 2022, I instructed Major Mike Morris, head of Spalding County Criminal Investigations, to begin an investigation into the incident. Later that afternoon, after being briefed by Major Morris, I found cause to revoke Marshal Web’s Deputization. He subsequently submitted his resignation from his position as Spalding County Marshal to his supervisors at the Spalding County Courthouse Annex.”

“On June 22, 2022, while conducting interviews, other areas of concern, and new allegations were made that appeared to be further criminal in nature. Based on the information presented to me, I ordered Major Morris to halt his investigation into the matter, and conduct no further interviews or fact gathering efforts pending my request to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for assistance. I met with Dr. Steve Ledbetter, who was Web’s immediate supervisor during his employment with Spalding County, informed him of the new allegations, and my intentions of requesting the GBI. He concurred that the allegations covered more than the June 14th incident.”

“That same afternoon, I spoke with Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Marie Broder by phone, briefed her on the status of the investigation, and the additional allegations that had been made against Smart Web. After briefing Ms. Broder, I voiced to her that it was my belief that the allegations of criminal acts were broader in scope than the June 14, 2022, incident involving the shooting of the dog on Maloy Circle, and that I had serious questions regarding possible criminal and Constitutional violations during this, and other incidents. Ms. Broder concurred, fully supported the decision, and added that she would also forward a letter to the GBI, or that a joint request from her office and the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office combined could be made.

“This afternoon, on behalf of Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Marie Broder, and in my compacity as Spalding County Sheriff, I requested that the GBI investigate former Spalding County Marshal Smart for his actions on June 14th, 2022, as well as other allegations of criminal conduct while acting in his official compacity as Spalding County Marshal. Since submitting the request, I have been contacted by GBI Region 2 Special Agent In Charge, Fred Wimberly, and an Agent has been assigned to this case.”

“Since this incident occurred, there has been a great deal of inaccurate information and rumors circulated across our community. I have said repeatedly that there is more to this incident, including evidence, interviews, facts, and context, than video in and of itself can relate. There is no cover-up as has been alleged, no giant rug to sweep things under as has been alleged, and no good ol’ boy system in this investigation as has been alleged. When this investigation runs its course and lawfully concludes, the information contained in it, just like in any other case from the Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, Georgia Bureau Of Investigations, or the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, will be made public including photographs, body camera footage, and other information

Local Resident Arrested In Louisiana

Bob Glynn Dean Jr.

The owner of the former Julian Hightower estate on Hwy 74 west of Thomaston was arrested Wednesday and charged with fraud and cruelty charges arising from conditions in a warehouse used to shelter residents during Hurricane Ida last year. 

Bob Glynn Dean Jr., 68 is the owner of seven Louisiana nursing homes that sent 800 elderly residents to the warehouse. Dean had already lost state licenses and federal funding for crowding residents in a facility in Independence, LA, about 70 miles northwest of New Orleans.

Authorities reported ill and elderly bedridden residents crying for help while lying on mattresses on a wet floor, some lying in their own waste. Doctors reported that some of the residents had arrived without their medicine. Court records indicated that the ceiling leaked, toilets overflowed and there was little food and water at the facility.

Dean was taken into custody in Tangipahoa Parish charged with Medicaid fraud, cruelty to the infirm and obstruction of justice. He was informed of the warrant against him earlier this week and flew from Georgia to Louisiana where he turned himself in and was released on a $350,000 bond.

Attorney General Jeff Landry said the criminal charges stem from allegations that Dean billed Medicaid for dates his residents were not receiving proper care at the warehouse “and engaged in conduct intended to intimidate or obstruct public health officials and law enforcement.” Dean is appealing the state license revocations and would be reinstated for the federal programs if the appeals are successful. 

Dean was in the news recently when he shot his thumb off while showing a weapon at a local car dealer.

Fatal Shooting In Griffin

James Riley Williams IV

Early Thursday, at approximately 2:51 am Griffin Police Officers responded to Vineyard Village Apartments 1547 Hwy 16 West, Apartment C, regarding a person with gunshot wounds. 

Upon arrival responding officers encountered an adult male, James Riley Williams, (53), with multiple gunshot wounds to his extremities and abdomen who was conscious and able to speak. 

Officers also encountered a female victim, Lisa Blanton, (52), who was deceased on the scene due to a gunshot wound. 

A third person was encountered at the residence, James Riley Williams IV, the son of the male gunshot victim. This individual was arrested and taken into custody as he was in possession of marijuana and a handgun at the time of the encounter. Further investigation led to his identification as the shooter responsible for the both victims’ injuries as well as the death of Lisa Blanton. James Riley Williams IV is facing a malice murder charge and weapons charges as the investigation continues. 

James Riley Williams is in stable condition at Atlanta Medical Center. Lisa Blanton’s family has been notified of her death. This act of violence appears to be a domestic related incident.

Officer Involved Fatal Shooting

Wednesday night at 10:48 pm deputies responded to 102 North Street Thomaston to a call of an intoxicated man creating a disturbance with a handgun. 

Upon arrival they encountered Timothy Charles “Chuck” Gravitt, 49, at the residence. He lives at the address with his wife. Gravitt had fired two rounds prior to the deputies arrival. Gravitt was behind the house and had a Glock 9mm handgun in his possession. He placed the gun in his mouth. Deputies engaged him and asked him to put the gun down. Gravitt pointed the gun in the direction of the deputies as they sought cover and asked him again to put the gun down. He refused and pointed the gun at one deputy who returned fire wounding Gravitt. Gravitt was taken to Upson Regional Medical Center where he was later pronounced deceased.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called and the scene was released to them for investigation.

This is the 61st officer involved shooting the GBI has been requested to investigate in 2022.

TPD Chief Richardson Updates Grad Party Shooting

The investigation pertaining to the death of the 18-year-old Akeem Ellison that occurred at the Main Event Center located at 205 Park Lane within the City of Thomaston on May 28th, remains active with Thomaston Police Department Criminal Investigation Division. 

The victim was shot multiple times during a short physical altercation between two groups while on the dance floor of the event center. Many individuals involved in the altercation are not from Thomaston to include the victim. Multiple individuals who attended the free graduation party have cooperated with the criminal investigation and all developed leads are being investigated. However, at this time we are asking for the public’s assistance in this case. 

If anyone has information pertaining to the murder of Akeem Ellison, please contact Captain M. Snipes at 706-647-5455 or 706-741-1899 or by email msnipes@cityofthomaston.com.

Democratic Runoff Results - Upson County

Tuesday's Democratic Party runoff totals: 2.02% voter turnout

Election Day              192

Advanced Voting        106

Absentee                    64

Total Votes Cast         362

Races

Lieutenant Governor

Charlie Bailey            208

Kwanza Hall                 150

Secretary of State

Dee Dawkins-Haigler          87

Bee Nguyen                    272

Commissioner of Insurance

Raphael Baker                         165

Janice Laws Robinson           183

Commissioner of Labor

William "Will" Boddie, Jr.        250

Nicole Horn                                103 

Web Resigns Marshall's Office Following Investigation

Spalding County has confirmed that Smart Web is no longer a county employee, resigning after Sheriff Darrell Dix removed his deputization on Monday, June 20th. His last workday was Monday and his resignation is effective today, June 21st. 

Sheriff Dix took action after his team’s initial investigation of a June 14th incident in which Web shot a dog on a Spalding County resident’s property. Web was on the premises responding to a complaint. 

A more thorough investigation is ongoing. 

“As I stated during Monday night’s Board of Commissioners meeting, the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office is interviewing everyone involved, reviewing bodycam footage and meticulously documenting their findings. We will make more information available when that investigation is complete,” said Spalding County Manager Dr. Steve Ledbetter.

Freedom Fest July 4th

Lamar County's C J Allen Commits To UGA

Lamar county's C J Allen has committed to play his college football at the University of Georgia.

Photo Courtesy of On3.com

The 6-1, 215 pound linebacker is rated as the 60th player in the country by 247Sports. Allen was named the Region 3-AA Player Of The Year in 2021 after making 91 tackles and three interceptions on defense while rushing for 1,080 yards and 16 touchdowns on offense.

Allen also played basketball averaging 7.7 points as a junior.

In track, he qualified in the 2A regionals with a 11.16 100 meters along with a 23.58 200-meter. Allen set a personal record when he qualified for state with a 45'6" shot put.

Allen picked Georgia over offers from Auburn, Tennessee and Florida.

UPSON BOC DENIES PACKAGE LICENSE

THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DENIED A BEER AND WINE PACKAGE LICENSE FOR VMR FOOD MART, 1998 19 NORTH. 

PAUL JONES WHO MADE THE MOTION TO DENY SAID THERE'S ALREADY TOO MANY SMALL BEER STORES IN THE COUNTY AND ONE NEAR-BY

GORDON SARGENT TOP COLLEGE GOLFER IN THE U.S. INTERVIEWED ON FUN 101FM

GORDON SARGENT OF THE VANDY GOLF TEAM, WHO HAS FAMILY IN THOMASTON, WON THE NCAA GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP RECENTLY AND HAS A BUSY YEAR AHEAD. 

THIS WEEK IN PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND FOR THE NORTHEAST AMATEUR, THEN TO GENEVA , SWITZERLAND FOR THE ARNOLD PALMER CUP, THEN THE WESTERN AM IN CHICAGO THE FIRST WEEK IN AUGUST, THEN THE US AMATEUR IN NEW JERSEY, THEN BACK TO SCHOOL THIS FALL, PLAYING AT THE FREDERICA CUP AT ST. SIMONS, THEN THE COLONIAL NATIONAL INVITE IN FT. WORTH, SEC MATCH PLAY IN BIRMINGHAM IN OCTOBER, AND THEN THE EAST LAKE CUP AT EAST LAKE IN ATLANTA IN NOVEMBER.

GORDON TOLD 101 SPORTS HE'S PROUD TO HAVE THE INDIVIDUAL TITLE, BUT HE'S DISAPPOINTED HIS GOLF TEAM DID NOT WIN THE NATIONAL TITLE.

Pike County Baseball Players That Made The All-Region Team

             L-R Zane Axelberg, Mason Trucks, Trevor Bagwell, 

                Braden Osbolt, Josh Buffington and Caden Swift 

Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 Upson County Chamber Poker Float!

Photos Courtesy 

of The Upson Beacon. 

       Robyn Stone won first place and a

       Brand new FeelFree Moken Kayak!

   3rd Place of $150 was Ally Phillips

2nd Place of $250 was Dan Hamrick

Dr. John H. Carter Donates His Book To The Upson Historical Society

Dr. John H. Carter donated a copy of his book, Hold My Mule: There is no such word as “Can’t to Ms. Jamesan Gramme, Director, the Thomaston-Upson Archives.

Dr. John H. Carter, a native of Thomaston and the first Black graduate of the Robert E. Lee Institute, is donating a copy of his first book to the Upson Historical Society. In 2010, Dr. Carter established a collection in the society’s library to preserve his family’s history. 

This book documents the first fifty years of his life, which began in Upson County. "Hold My Mule - There is No Such Word as Can’t" is more than the life story of a man who rose to success from a humble beginning. It is a guidebook on navigating the complex world where race, education, ambition, religion, the desire to make a change, and the maze of corporate America all collide. “Hold My Mule” details the experiences of Dr. John H. Carter. He reflects on the miracles in his life that led him from his lowly circumstance to managing a nearly billion-dollar budget for one of the nation's largest communications companies. He was a confidant to some of the most influential leaders in the country and served as project manager for the $120 million memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Carter said, “I am proud to present this book to the institution that has been preserving the history of the Thomaston and Upson County community since 1968. It is the town that taught me how to turn obstacles into opportunities.”

John is available for book signings, school visits, and other public appearances. To learn how to obtain your copy of the book, please visit www.johnhcarter.info or the Upson Historical Society at Thomaston-Upson Archives at 301 S. Center St., Thomaston, GA 30286.

About Dr. John H. Carter

Dr. John H. Carter, a Thomaston native, is a retired Vice President of AT&T (formerly BellSouth Corporation). He also managed the Human Resources and Corporate Services $900 Million-dollar budget and coordinated the corporation’s $34 Million contingency fund for environmental remediation. After retirement from the Bell System, he managed a successful consulting firm, Carter & Carter, LLC, which offered management consulting, facilitation, and executive coaching for ten years. He also served as an adjunct professor at Strayer University

T-U BOE TO RESTART BUDGET PROCESS

THE THOMASTON-UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION PLANS TO RESTART THE FY 23 BUDGET PROCESS AFTER THE TENATIVE BUDGET OF $44 MILLION WAS VOTED DOWN 4-3 LAST TUESDAY. 

IT REPORTEDLY WILL REQUIRE A ONE MILL TAX INCREASE TO FUND. 

DURING A CALLED MEETING THURSDAY, BOARD VICE-CHAIR JAYE EUBANKS ASKED THE BOARD TO SUBMIT THEIR SUGGESTIONS FOR THE BUDGET BY FRIDAY, JUNE 24 AND IT WILL BE RESET AND PLACED ON THE SCHOOL SYSTEM WEBSITE FOR PUBLIC REVIEW, WITH TWO ADDITONAL PUBLIC HEARINGS. EUBANKS EXPRESSED FRUSTRATION THAT THE PUBLIC NEVER SHOWS FOR BUDGET PUBLIC HEARINGS.

BOE MEMBERS BRIAN SALTER, SHELIA HALL, SCOTT ROBERTS AND STEVE SADLER VOTED AGAINST THE BUDGET.

UPDATE: GRIFFIN POWER OUTAGE

CITY OF GRIFFIN OFFICIALS HOPE TO HAVE ALL POWER RESTORED BY MIDNIGHT AFTER A SEVERE STORM WITH A POSSIBLE DOWNBURST KNOCKED DOWN 13 OAK TREES AND 10 POWER POLES WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

AT ONE TIME 4000 CUSTOMERS WERE WITHOUT ELECTRICITY, THE 3RD WARD / SOUTHSIDE AREA ESPECIALLY HIT HARD.

4 APPS SUBMITTED FOR THOMASTON PACKAGE STORES

THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR ONE OF TWO LIQUOR PACKAGE STORES IN THE CITY OF THOMASTON ENDED AT 3 PM THURSDAY AND FOUR APPLICATIONS WERE SUBMITTED. A REVIEW PERIOD NOW BEGINS UNTIL JULY 18.

THOSE WHO SUBMITTED APPLICATIONS; NITIN PATEL OF THOMASTON, OWNER OF COOK'S MARKET. SONIYABEN DODHIA WHO OWNS A PACKAGE STORE WITH HER HUSBAND IN PEACHTREE CITY, STEVE DUKE OF THOMASTON, REP FOR A LIQUOR DISTRIBUTOR, AND RAVINDER SINGH, ASSOCIATED WITH MR. B'S ON SOUTH CHURCH.

ONCE APPLICANTS ARE APPROVED FOR THE LOTTERY DRAWING, A DATE FOR THE DRAWING WILL BE ESTABLISHED.

PARTS OF GRIFFIN W/O POWER AFTER STORMS

CITY OF GRIFFIN POWER CREWS ARE WORKING TO RESTORE ELECTRICAL SERVICE TO OVER 400 CUSTOMERS AFTER STORMS KNOCKED OUT SERVICE AROUND 8 PM WEDNESDAY. 

CRESCENT ROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IS OPEN FOR RESIDENTS AS A COOLING STATION. PARTS OF SOUTH GRIFFIN WERE WITHOUT POWER FOR ALMOST 5 HOURS WEDNESDAY EVENING.

Rechtorovic Approved As Principal

At the Tuesday, June 14, board meeting, the Thomaston-Upson Board of Education approved Mr. Erik Rechtorovic as Principal of Upson-Lee Alternative School, as recommended by Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico. 

Mr. Rechtorovic has served as Assistant Principal of ULMS since 2016 and has been with the Thomaston-Upson School System for eighteen years of his twenty-seven-year career in public education. He holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Troy State University and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Bridgewater College. He has been married to Hayley Fowler Rechtorovic for 23 years and they have two children, Ty (20), who is an upcoming junior at Gardner-Webb University, and Elyn (16), who is an upcoming junior at Upson-Lee High School. Congratulations to Mr. Rechtorovic! We wish him much success as he steps into this fundamental role within the Thomaston-Upson School System.

BURGLARY U-L HIGH SCHOOL

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAYS AN ARREST HAS BEEN MADE FOR A $5000 BURGLARY AT UPSON-LEE HIGH SCHOOL JUNE 3RD. 

41 YEAR OLD JASON W. SHANNON OF 567 TOM MCKINLEY ROAD ALLEGEDLY ENTERED A CONSTRUCTION AREA INSIDE THE SCHOOL AND TOOK SEVERAL ITEMS. SECURITY VIDEO SHOWED A WHITE MALE ENTERING THE SCHOOL 7:45 PM, POSSIBLY THROUGH AN UNLOCKED DOOR AND STAYED INSIDE SEVERAL HOURS, REMOVING SEVERAL ITEMS. BOND SET AT $10,000 AT THE UPSON COUNTY JAIL.

T-U BOE REJECTS BUDGET

THE THOMASTON-UPSON BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS A CALLED MEETING THURSDAY 6PM FOR DISCUSSION AND TENATIVE ADOPTION OF THE FY 23 BUDGET AFTER THE BOARD VOTED 4-3 TO REJECT IT DURING A PUBLIC HEARING AT TUESDAY'S MEETING. IT WAS THE 2ND PUBLIC HEARING ON THE BUDGET, THE FIRST WAS HELD AT 7:30 IN THE MORNING, JUNE 6TH AND NO ONE SHOWED AT EITHER.

THE PROPOSED $44 MILLION BUDGET CONTAINS A TAX MILLAGE INCREASE OF ABOUT ONE MILL OF TAX. THE BOE MEMBERS VOTING AGAINST APPROVAL TUESDAY, STEVE SADLER, BRIAN SALTER, SHELIA HALL AND SCOTT ROBERTS. A BUDGET WITH A $2.3 MILLION INCREASE.

REPORTEDLY EMBEDDED IN THE BUDGET IS A PROPOSED $6000 PAY INCREASE EMBEDDED IN THE BUDGET FOR CENTRAL OFFICE PERSONNEL.

Murder Victim's Body Recovered

The remains of Stanley Steverson of Thomaston have been recovered in the southeast portion of Upson County off Pleasant Grove Road. The remains were located deep in the woods in a small creek with an extremely steep bank.

Sheriff Kilgore stated, "The recovery was difficult due to the terrain and required the use of an excavator to gain access. The agencies involved in the recovery were Upson County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Upson Rescue Department and the Upson County Water Department. I wish to thank all who assisted with today’s recovery."

Mr. Steverson’s body has been sent to the GBI Crime lab for further investigation.

Christopher Lamar Green

Christopher Lamar Green, 36, of Jackson Avenue in Thomaston has been arrested on charges of concealing a Death. He is held in the Upson County Jail.

This case remains active and ongoing.

Steverson was reported missing on June 8th when he did not show up at his job. His truck was located in northern Upson County on the same day and impounded by Upson County Deputies. 

Evidence gathered during the investigation led officers to suspect that Demonte Terrell Davis was involved in the death of Mr. Steverson at a location on Rose Hill Road in Upson County. A warrant was obtained charging Davis with Murder. 

Davis was escorted to Ingles at the intersection of US19 & US 41 in Spalding county by family members and exited a vehicle at approximately 4:50 pm. He placed a handgun to his head firing one self inflicted gunshot. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

No officers fired their weapons or were injured in the incident.

Amber Smith Davis

Amber Smith Davis, wife of Terrell Davis is charged with concealing a Death and is incarcerated in the Upson County Jail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Upson County Sheriffs Office at 706-646- 7903.

Murder Suspect Kills Himself

Stanley Steverson

On Wednesday June 8th, Stanley Steverson of Thomaston was reported as a missing person to the Thomaston Police Department. His truck was located in northern Upson County on the same day and impounded by Upson County Deputies. 

Sheriff Dan Kilgore issued the following statement: 

"We conducted a joint investigation with assistance from Thomaston PD and GBI revealing evidence that Mr. Steverson had been the victim of a homicide occurring on Rose Hill Drive in Upson County."

"We determined that Demonte Terrell Davis was involved in the death of Mr. Steverson. A warrant was obtained charging Davis with Murder. Davis has been at large since committing the crime."

"We established telephone contact with Davis on June 12th and he was to surrender to law enforcement at the Ingles grocery store in Griffin. We coordinated efforts with Thomaston PD and Spalding County SO to safely effect his surrender. Davis was escorted to Ingles by family members and exited a vehicle at approximately 4:50 pm. He placed a handgun to his head firing one self inflicted gunshot. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is handling this stage of the investigation. No officers fired their weapons or were injured in this incident."

Amber Smith Davis

Mr. Steverson’s body has not been recovered.

A second individual, Amber Smith Davis, wife of Terrell Davis is charged with concealing a Death and is incarcerated in the Upson County Jail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Upson County Sheriffs Office at 706-646- 7903.

Pike Counties Callista Clark Rock's The CMA Festival

In a Facebook post by Nick Clark, Callista's father, Mr Clark said: Callista slayed her first CMA Fest! Her efforts included performing on the Riverfront Stage (seen from back stage), performing at Big Machine Distillery, and performing on SiriusXM The Highway’s Happy Hour with Storme and Macy. Pretty solid day. Proud of you Baby!

Wreck On 74 West

Post 26, Georgia State Patrol investigated an accident Friday afternoon shortly after 5:00 pm on Hwy 74 west of Thomaston. The single vehicle crash occurred about a 1/4 of a mile east of Sunnyside Road.

A late model Nissan driven by a male left the road on the east bound side, struck a culvert and went airborne before landing on it's right side.

The driver was wearing a seat belt and had to be taken out of the vehicle through the sunroof, he was transported to Upson Regional Medical Center with what appeared to be minor injuries. The drivers side airbags deployed and rescue personnel cut the seat belt to extricate the man.

The vehicle contained an Upson-Lee staff credential and has an Upson County plate.

GSP will release additional information once the investigation is complete.

GBI ARRESTS A POLICE OFFICER

THE GBI HAS ARRESTED A GREENVILLE POLICE OFFICER IN MERIWETHER COUNTY, 54 YEAR OLD RORY HAYNES FOR CHECKING UP ON AN EX-WIFE AND EX-GIRL FRIENDS USING THE STATE CRIME COMPUTER.

HAYNES HAD BEEN WITH GREENVILLE PD SINCE AUGUST 2019 AND THE GBI SAYS THE G.C.I.C. TERMINAL WAS USED 45 TIMES WITHOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT PURPOSE AND HAYNES HAS BEEN BOOKED INTO THE MERIWETHER COUNTY JAIL.

UPDATE: MISSING THOMASTON MAN

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE TOLD 101 NEWS FRIDAY MORNING THE GBI IS NOW INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION OF A MISSING THOMASTON MAN, 44 YEAR OLD STANLEY STEVERSON. 

WORK CONTINUES IN THE CASE, THE SHERIFF TOLD US.

MISSING PERSON THOMASTON

On 06/08/2022 at approximately 3 p.m., Mr. Stanley Steverson of Thomaston, Georgia was reported missing by his family.

Mr. Steverson was last seen on 06/07/22 at Walmart at approximately 8:30 p.m. at which time he was driving his blue 2012 Ford pickup truck. This vehicle had GA tag TAF9720 displayed on the back and large white magnets on each door. The magnets were for Mr. Steverson's part time car detailing business, "Fresh and Clean Detailing".

Mr. Steverson failed to report to his full-time job later that night in McDonough, Georgia, and neither his wife or family members have had any contact with him since.

Mr. Steverson's pickup truck was located abandoned near a pond on Willingham Springs Rd on the morning of 06/08/22. The vehicle's GA tag and the business magnets had been removed.

An exhaustive search of that area was conducted by the Thomaston Police Department, Upson County Sheriff's Office, and GA K9 SAR teams, but Mr. Steverson was not located. These agencies are continuing to investigate leads in the search for Mr. Steverson. Assistance is also being provided by the GBI. At this time, Mr. Steverson has been missing for approximately 36 hours under what is believed to be suspicious circumstances. Mr. Steverson is described as a 44-year-old black male, 5' 11" tall, 155 lbs. He is known to wear a silver chain with a cross pendant. His clothing is unknown.

The Thomaston Police Department is seeking any information regarding Mr. Steverson or his whereabouts. If you have any information, please call 911 or the case agent, Inv. Pete Spahn at 706-741-0926 or email pspahn@cityopfthomaston.com.

180 APARTMENTS PROPOSED ON VETERANS DRIVE GETS PUSHBACK

 DAVID PFOTZER  OF   PFOTZER   PROPERTIES  MARIETTA,  GA.    GOT  LOTS  OF  PUSH  BACK  ABOUT  A  REZONING  REQUEST  ON  VETERANS  DRIVE  FOR   180  UPSCALE  APARTMENTS  AT  MONDAY'S  MEETING OF  THE  THOMASTON  ZONING  COMMISSION.  A  VOTE  WAS  DELAYED  UNTIL  AUGUST  BUT   MEMBERS  ROBERT  CHATMAN  AND  TROY  WOODARD    VOICED    RESERVATIONS  ABOUT  THE  PROJECT AND  BUSINESSMAN   BOB    FLETCHER   WAS  AMONG  NEAR-BY  HOMEOWNERS  OPPOSED  AND TOLD  HIM--HE'S  MAKING  A  MARKETING  MISTAKE.

COUNTY  COMMISSIONER  BEN  WATSON  WHO  LIVES  ON  HILL  STREET  SAID  WE  NEED  HOUSING  IN  THE  COMMUNITY   BUT  NOT AT  THIS  LOCATION.

CITY OF THOMASTON PROPOSES TAX MILLAGE HIKE

 FACED  WITH  FUNDING  REQUIREMENTS  FOR  THE  NEW  FIRE  STATION  BOND  AND  EMS  SERVICE  THE  CITY  OF  THOMASTON  IS   PROPOSING    A  TWO  AND  A HALF   MILL  TAX    INCREASE  IN  THE  FALL  TO  COVER   NEW  COSTS  OF  $658,000  IN  2023,

  AFTER  THE  PRESENTATION  BY  FINANCE  DIRECTOR LONNIE  JOYCE  AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING  OF  THE  MAYOR  AND  COUNCIL -- CITY  MANAGER  RUSSELL  THOMPSON  SAID  THE   ITEM  WILL  BE  ON   EVERY  MEETING   AGENDA  MOVING  FOWARD  TO  ALLOW  THE  PUBLIC  TO  HAVE   INPUT  INTO  THE  TAX  HIKE

National Golf Champ Has Thomaston Connections

THE 2022 NCAA DIVISION ONE NATIONAL GOLF CHAMPION, GORDON SARGENT, OF THE VANDERBILT GOLF TEAM, HAS THOMASTON CONNECTIONS.

HIS FATHER, SETH SARGENT, WAS A MEMBER OF THE 1987 RE LEE FOOTBALL TEAM AND HE IS THE GRAND NEPHEW OF DR. MARK AND SHIRLEY ANN COTNEY OF THOMASTON. HIS GRANDFATHER, DICK SARGENT, WAS A LONG TIME THOMASTON MILLS EXECUTIVE.

GORDON WON A 4-MAN PLAYOFF LAST WEEK IN SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA TO TAKE THE NATIONAL TITLE AND HAS BEEN NAMED RECEIPIENT OF THE PHIL MICKELSON AWARD FOR THE BEST FRESHMAN GOLFER IN THE U.S.

HE IS A PING FIRST TEAM ALL- AMERICAN AND FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR IN THE SEC.

MAY MADNESS AT THE DA OFFICE

May Madness

Our offices deemed last month “May Madness.” Why? Because our collective offices tried multiple serious cases in four weeks. To kick things off, in Fayette County, Chief Deputy Warren Sellers obtained a conviction for child molestation in a somewhat unusual case where the victim was male, and the abuser was female. Judge W. Fletcher Sams sentenced the defendant to twenty years with eighteen to serve.

I was back in saddle trying a murder case in Spalding County. In that case, a jury convicted a serial domestic violence abuser of murder. I tried this case with the assistance of Assistant District Attorney Holly MacDonald. Judge Ballard sentenced the defendant to life without parole.

The next week, a Spalding County jury convicted a drug trafficker for distributing car-fentanyl, a super deadly drug that can cause death upon mere contact. Chief Assistant District Attorney David Studdard and Assistant District Attorney Holly MacDonald presented an excellent case involving witnesses as far away as Maryland. Judge Ballard sentenced that defendant to forty years to serve. 

And, last, but certainly not least, Assistant District Attorney Ashton Fallin and Audrey Holliday prosecuted top leadership of the “Zoo Krew” set of the Blood Gang in Upson County. This case was unique in that the defendants were charged under the Racketeer, Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. This is a statute that was enacted to allow prosecutors to target not only those who commit immediate crimes of violence or drug activity, but those who govern and direct them. My assistants gallantly proved to an Upson County jury that the two defendants were the ring leaders of drug distribution and violence in our community. Judge Ben Miller, Jr. sentenced these top gang leaders to 40 years to serve. Both were recidivists, which means they will serve every day of their sentence. This Upson County jury made a huge statement to gang leaders in this Circuit. We do not want gang crime here. My offices will continue to fight to bring down gangs in our community. I had many concerns about how juries would react to crime after the court shutdown during the pandemic. The clear message across Fayette, Spalding, Pike, and Upson Counties are that the good citizens of this community are sick and tired of violence in their communities, and I share in this feeling.

My heartfelt thanks go out to the law enforcement agencies who helped us bring these cases to a jury. We had agencies come from five states to testify in these May Madness trials. Together, with the law enforcement agencies across this Circuit, my offices will continue to work extremely hard to prosecute those committing crime in our communities. Until next time, please be good to each other.

Power Outage West Of Thomaston

The power was off for several hours Monday afternoon following a thunderstorm that triggered a microburst along Emmaus Church Road.

Three trees were blown over taking out the power lines, the road was closed by TPD as crews worked to clear the debris and restore power.

TPD INVESTIGATING ARMED ROBBERY

THOMASTON POLICE INVESTIGATING AN ARMED ROBBERY FRIDAY, JUNE 3RD AT FAMILY DOLLAR 532 NORTH CENTER, OVER $14,000 IN CASH WAS STOLEN. 

THE REPORT SAID A BLACK MALE, DRESSED IN ALL BLACK, WEARING A MASK POINTED A PISTOL AT THE FEMALE CLERK AND DEMANDED ALL THE MONEY. THE CLERK EMPTIED THE CASH REGISTER AND PUT THE CURRENCY IN A PLASTIC BAG.

SECURITY VIDEO SHOWED HE LEFT ON FOOT HEADED SOUTH. THE ROBBER DESCRIBED AS A BLACK MALE ABOUT 5-5 250 POUNDS.

Upson County 2022 Building Safety Month Poster Contest Winner

The 2022 Building Safety Month Poster Contest Winner is Luke Wilson.

Luke submitted a poster about disaster preparedness when a tornado has been spotted. His poster listed tips such as making a plan, having an emergency kit, and finding low cover. His drawing illustrated the safest place in the house to take cover during a tornado.

Luke just completed the 2nd grade and is looking forward to beginning the 3rd grade in the Fall. Luke enjoys spending time with his younger sister and teaching her about numbers. He also likes coding games and is looking forward to his upcoming birthday party in July.

Luke stopped by the Building & Zoning Office this morning and had his picture taken with Commissioner Wilder, Building Official, Thomas Keyt, and Building & Zoning Director, Doug Currier. He also collected his prize which included educational toys, Minecraft Legos, and a gift card to his favorite restaurant, McDonalds.

Package Alcohol Apps Begin In Thomaston

THE CITY OF THOMASTON WILL BEGIN TAKING APPLICATIONS THURSDAY JUNE 2 FOR TWO ALCOHOL PACKAGE STORES APPROVED BY VOTERS. 

CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON EXPECTS 5 TO 10 APPLICATIONS. THE APPLICATION FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE, $2000 AND THE LICENSE FEE IF GRANTED VIA A LOTTERY IS $5000 ANNUALLY.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED THROUGH JUNE 16.

NO VIRTUAL LEARNING OPTION T-U SCHOOLS

 The Thomaston-Upson School System has announced that they will not be offering the virtual learning option for the 2022-23 school year. All Thomaston-Upson students will be returning to the classrooms for traditional face-to-face instruction. The school system will continue with enhanced cleaning and sanitization efforts, and masks will be an option for students and staff. According to district administration, learning options could be subject to change based on state, regional, and/or local guidance and community conditions.

New Traffic Pattern For 19 North Thomaston

New Traffic Pattern for Widening of US 19 North Project: June 6th

GDOT contractors, CW Matthews will be shifting the traffic to the outside lanes on US 19 mainline on Sunday, June 5th, in order to switch to the next stage of the project plans. This traffic shift to the outside lanes will begin at 3 pm Sunday evening to eradicate conflicting striping, adjust signal configuration at Jeff Davis/Harp Road, and will install new pavement striping and roadway signage throughout the project. The work associated with this traffic shift will be completed by 7 am Monday morning June 6th. Message boards have been placed warning about the new traffic pattern.

This project widens the 4-lanes of US 19 to make them 12'. It also proposes to add a raised median. The project begins at the intersection of US 19 and County Road and ends at the intersection of US 19 and Atwater Road, approximately 2 miles north of Thomaston. Also, as part of this project, Delray road will be realigned to intersect with US 19 and Jimmerson Road. A signal will be added at this location.