OCCUPATION TAX PAYMENT TIME IN UPSON CO

 BUSINESSES IN UNINCORPORATED UPSON COUNTY ARE REMINDED IT’S OCCUPATION TAX PAYMENT TIME

Copies of Business Property Tax Payment Receipts and Professional Licenses Required; E-Verify System Status Must Be Reported ByAll Businesses

Thomaston, Georgia – November30, 2022 – The Upson County Building and Zoning Department continues to mail out the 2023 occupation tax renewal notices to all registered businesses in the unincorporated area of the County. Anyone with their business located in unincorporated Upson County who has not previously applied for their tax certificates must come to the Building and Zoning Department to pick up the paperwork. Currently registered businesses are requested to provide updated information, where necessary. Proof of up-to-date professional licenses, permits, bonds and other regulatory documents must also be provided. Receipts showing that the business location property taxes and equipment and inventory taxes have been paid for 2022 are required to be submitted. Every renewing business must report its E-Verify status on the declaration form included in the mailing. The Upson County Building and Zoning Department is located at 305 S. Hightower Street, Suite D-100 in the Drake Building in Thomaston. The office can be contacted at 706/647-1297.

State of Georgia-required immigration-related affidavits must be submitted by new businesses. The completed and notarized affidavits and I.D. copies, as well as occupation taxes, may be submitted by mail or in person. New business affidavits may be notarized by any Georgia-licensed Notary. A Notary Public will be available in the Building and Zoning Department 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, to assist owners completing their paperwork.

Business owners are encouraged to submit their paperwork and tax payments as soon as possible before the January 1, 2023 deadline; however, no late fees or interest will be charged until after March 31, 2023. The completed 2023 Occupation Tax Certificates will

UPSON COUNTY BUILDING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT DRAKE BUILDING 305 S. HIGHTOWER STREET, SUITE D-100 THOMASTON, GA 30286-4170 (706) 647-1297 FAX (706) 647-2693

be provided immediately, when possible or they may be mailed by the Building and Zoning Department, if requested.

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If you would like more information about this topic or to schedule an interview with Guadalupe Aragon or Doug Currier II, Director, please call 706/647-1297 or email Guadalupe at GAragon@upsoncountyga.org.

Three juveniles and two adults arrested in Talbot County shooting

Three juveniles and two men were arrested in connection to the Talbotton, Georgia, shooting on Nov. 21, according to the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office.

 

Talbot County Sheriff’s Office investigating shooting near Leonard’s Funeral Home

The sheriff’s office says Trecursion Favors and Markevious Warrior were arrested along with three juveniles.

 

The shooting originally happened on Culpepper Drive and Clarke Street near Leonard’s Funeral Home.

 

There is no additional information at this time. 

 

Anyone with any information should contact Talbot County Sheriff’s Office.

GIVING TUESDAY

 Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving to charities and nonprofits held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This year Giving Tuesday could have a major impact on nonprofits that have seen a drop in donations, likely because of the economy.

CORRECTION ON UPSON CO COYOTE ATTACK

 UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  HAS  OFFERED  A   CORRECTION  ON  A  STORY  ABOUT  A  14  YEAR  OLD   WHITE  MALE  JUVENILE  WHO  WAS  BITTEN  BY  A  COYOTE ON  HIS  LEFT  HAND--THAT  REQUIRED  TREATMENT  FOR  RABIES.

ACCORDING  TO  THE  SHERIFF,  THE  COYOTE  BIT  DOWN   ON  THE  YOUTH'S  HAND OUTSIDE  THE  GARAGE   AND  HIS  FATHER  HELPED  TO  PRY IT  LOOSE.  THE  FATHER     USED  A  PIPE  TO  KNOCK  OUT  THE  COYOTE  THEN   RAN  IN  THE  HOUSE,  GRABBED   A   357  PISTOL  AND   THE  FATHER   SHOT  THE ANIMAL IN  THE  HEAD    ON  SANDY  BROOK  CIRCLE IN  WESTERN  UPSON  CO.

THE  SHERIFF  DID   NOT  IDENTIFY  THE  JUVENILE  OR  HIS  FATHER.

EARLY VOTING IN GA. FOR THE U.S. SENATE UNDERWAY THROUGH FRIDAY

 UPSON  COUNTY  VOTER  REGISTRAR  KELLY  KING  TELLS   101  NEWS,  UPSON  VOTERS  ARE  PASSIONATE  ABOUT  VOTING  IN  THE  DEC.  6TH  RUNOFF  FOR  U.S.  SENATE.   THERE  WAS  A  LINE  AT  THE  CIVIC  CENTER   AT  8;30AM  MONDAY,  --THE  FIRST  DAY  OF  ADVANCE  VOTING--BUT  THE  WAIT  TIME  WAS  ONLY   3  MINUTES.  EARLY  VOTING  IS  LIMITED  TO  THIS  WEEK  THROUGH  FRIDAY  AT  THE  CIVIC  CENTER.

Local History Jack Pilkenton Turkey Farm, Molena

When you think of poultry, You usually think of Northeast Georgia, but this building near the historic West Georgia town of Molena, branded “Jack Pilkenton Turkey Farm”.  Mr. Pilkenton raised turkeys on this land, adjacent to the Whiskey Bonding Barn, which he bought and incorporated into the operation in 1951. 

Though the town’s website doesn’t mention it today, Molena for a time considered itself the “Turkey Capital of Georgia”. There was even a turkey queen to help promote this fact. It may not have been officially designated by the powers that be, but it was source of local pride and it employed a lot of people. 

Louis Lester McCrary, Sr., who began raising the birds on a small scale in 1932, was one of the first to see their business potential, and his family was one of the last to be involved in the business, which was gone from Molena by the 1980s. An article in the 23 July 1970 edition of the Atlanta Constitution noted that the McCrarys were raising as many as half a million birds per year. At least eight families were involved in the industry at some time or another between the 1930s and the 1980s.

Georgia fans have plenty to give thanks for

Georgia fans have plenty to give thanks for on this No. 1-ranked 2022 football team, starting with the head coach.

 

Kirby Smart is making his case for a place on the SEC football coaches’ Mount Rushmore alongside legends Paul “Bear” Bryant, Nick Saban and Steve Spurrier.

 

Smart and his Bulldogs recently became just the third program to go undefeated in back-to-back SEC seasons since the league split into division play in 1992.

 

UGA has also developed more NFL draft picks under Smart’s leadership than other collegiate programs over the past four NFL drafts, including last year’s record-breaking group:

 

Georgia 38

 

Alabama 36

 

Ohio State 35

 

LSU 32

 

Smart does not look back, however, and certainly not this week.

 

Georgia plays host to Georgia Tech at noon on Saturday.

 

The Bulldogs are a 35 1/2-point favorite, but UGA’s seventh-year head coach has been locked in on the Yellow Jackets, reminding everyone that “humility is always a week away” in football.

 

“Probability doesn’t equal reality,” Smart said. “Games aren’t played on paper, they are played on grass.”

 

Smart pointed to the close calls Michigan and Ohio State had last week, and how Florida and Tennessee lost as heavy favorites in games against Vanderbilt and South Carolina.

 

“Reality is what you do on the field, and you control that by how you prepare,” Smart said. “I’m a lot more worried about preparation than I am probability.”

 

The reality is also that it has taken a complete staff and team effort for Georgia to be on the verge of another championship run and a place atop the SEC, passing Alabama.

 

Several players have stepped up at different times, from the most famous ($1 million NIL earner Stetson Bennett), to perhaps the most anonymous (Australian freshman punter Brent Thorson).

 

SHERIFF DAN KILGORE REPORTS A SHOOTING IN UPSON CO

 On Monday, November 21, 2022 at 3:00 pm deputies responded to 1227 Solomon Street Thomaston Ga. in reference to a person shot. Upon arrival it was determined that a 35 year old man identified as Christopher Murchison had been shot in the neck with a 9mm handgun. Murchison was flown to Navicent Hospital in Macon where he remains in stable condition.

Carlos Xavier Miller, 34, of Thomaston has been arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault. He remains in the Upson County Jail.

This investigation is active and ongoing.

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

 PLEAS – JUDGE BEN J. MILLER, JR., GJC

November 21, 2022

 

1. 21R0077 CODY M. WEEMS CT. 1: BURGLARY IN THE 1 ST DEGREE: FIRST OFFENDER STATUS- 5 YEARS PROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE. CT. 2: KIDNAPPING: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: AGGRAVATED SEXUAL BATTERY: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 4: AGGRAVATED BATTERY: FIRST OFFENDER- 20 YEARS, THE FIRST 3 YEARS TO BE SERVED IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION CONCURRENT TO COUNT 1; $1,500 FINE. CT. 5: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 6: TERRORISTIC THREATS: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 7: BATTERY: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

2. 22R0118 STEPHEN R. GRUBER CT. 1: POSSESSION OF A SCHEDULE I CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE: CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE- 3 YEAR PROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $1,500 FINE. CT. 2: POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA LESS THAN 1 OZ: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: DISREGARDING TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE: 12 MONTHS PROBATION TO RUN CONCURRENT TO COUNT 1; $75 FINE. CT. 4: DRIVING WHOLE LICENSE SUSPENDED: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 5: CHILD SAFETY RESTRAINT VIOLATION: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

3. 22R0398 ABIEL VILLA CT. 1: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 2: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE: NOLLE PROSEQUI CT. 3: TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE OR AMPHETAMINE: 20 YEARS, THE FIRST 10 YEARS TO BE SERVED IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; $200,000 FINE.

 

4. 20R0316V KENNETH D. PATTERSON CT. 1: VIOLATION OF THE RACKETTER AND INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATIONS ACT: 10 YEARS, THE FIRST 3 YEARS TO BE SERVED IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM, THE REMAINDER TO BE SERVED ON PROBATION; $1,500 FINE.

Upson County Superior Court Guiltry Pleas

PLEAS – JUDGE RHONDA B. KREUZIGER, GJC

 

NOVEMBER 18, 2022

 

1. 22R0426 CLARENCE C. JORDAN CT. 1: OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICER: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; THE FIRST 120 DAY TO BE SERVED IN THE COUNTY JAIL; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; BANNED FROM ALL WALMART STORES; 500 FINE.

 

2. 22R0436 JOSHUA M. MCMILLAN CT. 1: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE: 3 YEARS PROBATION UNDER CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $1,000 FINE. CT. 2: DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED OR REVOKED: NOLO CONTENDER; $500 FINE CT. 3: DRIVING WRONG WAY ON ONE WAY STREET: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 4: OPERATING VEHICLE WITHOUT VALID TAG: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 5: NO PROOF OF INSURANCE: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

3. 22R0320 STAN G. INGRAM CT. 1: POSSESSION AND USE OF DRUG RELATED OBJECTS: TIME SERVED. CT. 2: TAILLIGHT VIOLATIONS: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

4. 22R0469 JAMES M. FORTNER CT. 1: SIMPLE BATTERY: 12 MONTHS PROBATION TO RUN CURRENT WITH VOP #22R195; SERVE 90 DAYS IN THE COUNTY JAIL; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $500 FINE.

 

5. 22R0168 JENNRICE Q. MCDOWELL CT. 1: THEFT BY TAKING: 3 YEARS PROBATION; $1,000 FINE; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE. CT. 2: BATTERY- FAMILY VIOLENCE: 6 MONTHS TIME SERVED; CONCURRENT TO COUNT 1; CASE NUMBER 22R0169.

 

6. 22R0169 JENNRICE Q. MCDOWELL CT. 1: CRIMINAL TRESPASS: 6 MONTHS TO SERVE, TIME SERVED. CT. 2: BATTERY- FAMILY VIOLENCE: 6 MONTHS TO SERVE, TIME CONSIDERED SERVED; CONCURRENT TO COUNT 1 AND CASE #22R0168 AND LAMAR COUNTY VOP.

Monroe County Man arrested for human trafficking and gang activity

Eight people, most from metro Atlanta, are in custody after an investigation into human trafficking and gang activity, state officials announced Friday.

Warrants were obtained Oct. 11 for Sean Curry, 33, of Gwinnett County; Bobby Downing, 40, of DeKalb County; Brianna Adames-Joe, 26, of Gwinnett; Tyreek Lee, 26, of Monroe County; Hilton Dobbins, 33, of Fulton County; Eric Johnson, 46, of DeKalb; Jayda Veronica Wilson, 24, of Gwinnett; and Sean Harvey, 35, of Gwinnett. The arrests were made by the Gwinnett sheriff’s office and all eight were booked into jail throughout the first half of the week, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said.

 

The investigation led to four women, including one minor, being rescued from alleged human trafficking, Carr said.

 

Curry faces the most charges, including three counts of trafficking for sexual servitude, three counts of aggravated assault, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

 

When the warrants were issued, Carr said Curry was already in custody and had been indicted Oct. 19 with trafficking of persons for sexual servitude. He is accused of selling a woman for sex at various locations in Gwinnett between January and August of this year, Carr previously said. Curry is also alleged to have trafficked the woman by using coercion, including hitting her with his hands and threatening more violence.

 

No details were released on what led to the most recent charges, but Carr said the new arrests are a continuation of the previous investigation involving Curry.

 

Man indicted on charge of trafficking 25-year-old woman in Gwinnett

“Sadly, we continue to see a connection between criminal street gangs and human trafficking, and those who engage in this violent and illegal activity must be stopped,” Carr said. “We are working to protect our most vulnerable and pursuing those who would put them in danger. This case is just the latest example that by working together across all levels of law enforcement, we can produce better outcomes that ultimately lead to a safer Georgia.”

 

Downing faces three counts of trafficking for sexual servitude, violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and conspiracy to violate the RICO Act. Adames-Joe faces charges of trafficking for sexual servitude, violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and conspiracy to violate the RICO Act. Harvey is facing charges of pimping, four counts of trafficking for sexual servitude, and violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.

 

Lee and Dobbins are facing charges of pimping, violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and conspiracy to violate the RICO Act. Johnson is facing charges of transferring a firearm to a convicted felon, violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and conspiracy to violate the RICO Act. Wilson is charged with conspiracy to violate the RICO Act.

 

In 2019, the statewide “Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit” was created. According to the Attorney General’s Office, the unit initiated 25 cases, prosecuted 51 defendants, made nine arrests and rescued 107 victims last year. The “Gang Prosecution Unit” was created in July 1 of this year, and since Oct. 4 it has secured 14 indictments charging 49 people across the state.

JAMES F. FORTNER CASE IN PIKE CO. FRIDAY

   A    HEARING   LASTED  MOST  ALL  DAY    FRIDAY  AT  THE  PIKE  COUNTY  COURTHOUSE    ON  A    CIVIL  COMPLAINT  FILED  BY  JAMES  F.  FORTNER/JFM  TOWING  AGAINST  UPSON  COUNTY  PLANNING  DIRECTOR  DOUG  CURRIER--AND  101  NEWS  WAS  TOLD  IT   COULD  BE  MID-FEBRUARY  BEFORE  THE  JUDGE'S  DECISION COMES  DOWN.  THE    CASE    HAD  BEEN  DELAYED  TWO  YEARS  DUE  TO  COVID. MORE ON  FUN  101FM.

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations and S.T.I.N.G made a series of arrests

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations and S.T.I.N.G. Units, working in cooperation with the GBI West Metro Regional Drug Office, GBI Gang Task Force, District Attorney Marie Broder’s Office, and, Atlanta HIDTA-DEA, have made a series of arrests in connection with narcotics trafficking and distribution in Griffin and Spalding County.

These arrests and seizures come on the heels of a Spalding County Special Operations Unit investigation into methamphetamine, GHB, and ecstasy trafficking, violations of the Georgia Rico Act, and possible violations of the Georgia Criminal Street Gang Act.

 

According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, “A total of 17 people have arrested, and 4 more are still being sought. A total of 10.9 pounds of methamphetamine was seized along with 21 firearms, approximately 250 prescription pills of various types, 2 pounds of marijuana, 20 ounces of GHB, and small amounts of THC products that are outside of the parameters of legality. Four vehicles were also seized along with $17,096.17 in currency.”

 

“When Special Operations Agents began digging, they found that this organization was tied to a source in the metro Atlanta area who was responsible for pound quantities of methamphetamine coming into Griffin and Spalding County and surrounding counties on a weekly basis. Because this target lived and operated outside of Spalding County, we reached out to the GBI West Metro Regional Drug Office for assistance. As the investigation grew, we reached out to other agencies for assistance with surveillance, and operations.”

 

“We take pride in our ability to work cooperatively with local, state, and federal agencies during investigations. In this case, there were a lot of moving parts over a broad area that led to these arrests, seizures, and the end to this organization. We are still looking at possible criminal street gang affiliations and if they meet the criteria of the Georgia statute those charges will be added”.g

 

We appreciate the support of Sheriff Barry Babb and Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Gary Long and the Butts County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Dan Kilgore and the Upson County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Brad White and the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Jimmy Thomas and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force (Macon) and the Georgia State Patrol.

 

“The folks we arrested are not kids; they have been around the cell block a time or two and knew exactly what they were doing. Many of them have previous convictions. They are dealers and traffickers, and none of them were dealing to provide for their families. They were dealing out of greed and for money. They should have been thinking about their own families and the position their arrests have put their loved ones in. They should have been thinking about their own families while they were dealing to other people’s family members and children, but they weren’t. They methed around and found out.” 

Upson County Grand Jury True Bills

 2022 SEPTEMBER TERM GRAND JURY

 

NOVEMBER 16, 2022

 

TRUE BILL

 

1.) DONTAVIOUS RASHARD MAYES CT. 1: ROBBERY BY INTIMIDATION CT. 2: GIVING FALSE INFORMATION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CT. 3: GIVING FALSE INFORMATION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

 

2.) QUONTRAVIOUS TYREK BLAND CT. 1: TRAFFICKING IN ILLEGAL DRUGS CT. 2: POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF A FELONY CT. 3: POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF A FELONY CT. 4: ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE WITHIN 1000 FT OF HOUSING PROJECT

 

3.) LAURA BETH MATHIS CT. 1: TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE OR AMPHETAMINE CT. 2: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE

 

4.) BERNARD ONEAL WATSON CT. 1: TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINEOR AMPHETAMINE CT. 2: POSSESSION OF FIREARM BY CONVICTED FELON

 

5.) LISA MICHELLE CALLAHAN CT. 1: BURGLARY IN THE FIRST DEGREE

 

6.) HALEY NICOLE ROBERTS CT. 1: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

 

7.) JOSHUA WARD SPARKS CT. 1: TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE OR AMPHETAMINE CT. 2: POSSESSION OF DRUG RELATED OBJECTS

 

8.) ANTHONY JUSTIN HUNNICUTT CT. 1: TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE OR AMPHETAMINE CT. 2: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE CT. 3: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE CT. 4: POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF A FELONY

 

9.) CIERRA SHUNTORRIA QUILLER CT. 1: CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY IN THE SECOND DEGREE

 

10.) CHAD JUSTIN WALKER CT. 1: DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED CT. 2: MAKING A FALSE STATEMENT

 

11.) JOHNNY CLARENCE ALFORD CT. 1: INTERFERENCE WITH GOVERNMENT PROPERTY CT. 2: OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICER CT. 3: IMPEDING TRAFFIC FLOW CT. 4: FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LANE CT. 5: DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED

 

TRAVON'S ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY

JACKSONVILLE   JAGS  STAR  TRAVON  WALKER'S  FOUNDATION  IS   GIVING  BACK  TO  THE     THOMASTON  COMMUNITY  WITH  TRAVON'S  ANNUAL  TURKEY  AND  TRIMMING  GIVEWAY, FRIDAY  NOV. 18TH  5  TO  7PM  AT  MATTEWS  FIELD.  OVER  200  TURKEYS / LIMIT  ONE  PER  CAR/UPSON  COUNTY  RESIDENTS  ONLY-ID  REQUIRED. 

Meriwether County 2-month-old infant dies from illegal narcotics, mother found to be in possession of 17 grams of meth

On May 18, 2022, the Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office and the Meriwether County EMS responded to the 1000 block of River Road about a report of an unresponsive 2-month-old child.

EMS transported the child to a local area hospital, where the child was pronounced dead.

 

The Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations division responded to the scene for a death investigation, which lead investigators to learn that the Department of Family and Children Services held an open case regarding the matter.

 

The child was sent to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The crime lab results revealed that the child tested positive for illegal narcotics.

 

Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office investigators later obtained arrest warrants for the mother and caretaker of the infant, Kathryn Nicole Spiegel, 34, of Warm Springs, Georgia.

 

Spiegel was charged with Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree and Murder in the Second Degree. On Oct. 19, 2022, Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office personnel located Spiegel operating a red Pontiac on Charlie Hatchett Road near its intersection with Raleigh Road.

 

A traffic stop lead to Meriwether County authorities discovering Spiegel in possession of nearly 17 grams of Methamphetamine. A passenger in the vehicle, which authorities identified as Ricky Marshawn Williams, 41, of Warm Springs, Georgia, was also wanted by Spaulding County Sheriff’s Office.

 

Meriwether County authorities took Williams into custody and returned him to Spalding County.

 

Following the traffic stop, authorities also charged Spiegel with V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Spiegel was transported to the Meriwether County Jail. According to Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office, Spiegel is being held without bond.

Thomaston’s Thorne Strom serves aboard USS George H.W. Bush

ADRIATIC SEA

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)  

221111-N-ET093-1015 ADRIATIC SEA (Nov. 11, 2022) Machinery Repairman 3rd Class Thorne Strom, from Thomaston, Georgia, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), fabricates a sounding cap, Nov. 11, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

   (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Curtis Burdick)

Four victims found in drive-by shooting, may be gang-related, Griffin police say

On Monday, Griffin police discovered a car of four victims involved in a drive-by shooting. Two of those victims were shot multiple times, according to officials.

Nehemiah Casey, Raekwon Parks, Cedarias Harden and Donell Casey were in a white 2014 Mercedes on E Tinsley Street in Griffin when the incident happened.

 

Police didn't specify which two of the four men had been shot, but said they were taken to a local trauma hospital for treatment.

 

Upon an investigation, officials said they also found a stolen firearm in the vehicle and now believe the incident was gang-related.

 

If you know anything about this shooting, please contact Investigator J. Spears at 470-771-3112 to leave a tip.

Officers Hurt in SWAT Standoff in Jackson

An all night standoff is over after arrest by SWAT. 

Two Georgia police officers were injured during a shooting and SWAT standoff at a Butts County home.

 

Jackson Police Chief James Morgan said that the incident began around 3 p.m. after responders received a 911 call about a man screaming at a home in the Fox Hollow neighborhood.

 

When officers got to the home, police say they found the door open. The officer went inside to see what was going on. That's when the situation became dangerous.

 

"While they were inside the residence, shots were fired at the officers. They retreated," Morgan said.

 

The injured officers tried to go back into the home, but police say the gunman barricaded himself inside and disappeared.

 

The encounter left one male officer with broken wrist and a female officer with a large cut over her left eye.

 

Officers think the suspect lived in the home, which is owned by a relative. They have not released the man's identity.

 

Morgan is just glad his officers weren't hit by the bullets that came flying at them.

 

"We just want to pray for the families - both families - and pray for the community," he said.

Molena house fire claims the life Two Children

A community is in mourning after the deaths of two children in a Pike County house fire in Molena.

Fire crews were called to a house fire on Short Cut Road Sunday morning around 3:25 that was "quickly extinguished.", according to the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.

 The family was in the process of planning a birthday party for the “sweet babies,” according to a GoFundMe started by Logan Bennett, who identified herself as their sister. She said her siblings just turned 1 year old on Saturday, Nov. 12.

On a social media post the Pike County Sheriff’s office stated, “We are saddened at the loss of two young lives. Sheriff Thomas, and the staff, would like to convey our thoughts and prayers for the family during this difficult time. We are also thankful for all of the emergency personnel that responded to this incident and the efforts put forth by them during this tragic event,” a news release stated.

 

Officials are not releasing the children’s names.

 

The State Fire Marshall’s office was called to the scene to investigate what started the fire.

 

“Preliminary findings are that the fire is accidental. Of course, that is pending autopsy and a full investigative report via the State Fire Marshals Office,” according to Major David Neal with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.

CITY OF THOMASTON ZONING HEARING CANCELLED

 THE  CITY  OF  THOMASTON   HAS  CANCELLED  A  REZONING    HEARING    BEFORE  THE  ZONING  COMMISSION  SET  FOR  MONDAY    REGARDING    200   CHEROKEE    ROAD  FOR  THREE    BUSINESSES, SPLIT  ENDS  SALON  OWNED  BY  LISA  RYALS, THE  SANCTUARY  SALON OWNED  BY  DEB  SINGLETON  AND  PEACH  STATE  ASTHETICS,  A  BOTOX  INJECTIONS  BUSINESS  OWNED  BY   CORY  AND   MEGHAN  FOSSILL.  ITS  EXPECTED  TO  BE  RESCHEDULED.

EMS REPORTS NO STORM DAMAGE IN UPSON CO

 UPSON  EMA  DIRECTOR  MARTHA  ANNE  MCCARTY  TOLD   101  NEWS  SHE  HAS  RECEIVED NO  REPORTS  OF  STORM  DAMAGE  OVERNIGHT  INTO  FRIDAY.  SHE  RECORDED  OVER  TWO  INCHES OF  RAIN  AND  EXPECTS  UP  TO  THREE  INCHES  BEFORE  THE  SYSTEM  PASSES.  RECORDED       WINDS  OF  10  TO  15  MILES  PER  HOUR,  GUSTS  TO   25.

Accident in Downtown Thomaston with Minor Injuries

According to Thomaston Police Chief Mike Richardson, minor injuries in a two-vehicle accident on the north side of courthouse square, at the Main and Center Intersection Thursday about dark. 101 News was told, there was moderate damage to the two vehicles when a motorist ran the red light.

 

One of the garden club lamps next to Day Reality was knocked down and traffic was blocked off on The north side of the square during the investigation.

 

PIKE CO LOOKING FOR CLINTON REAGAN

MAJOR  DAVID  NEAL  SAYS  PIKE  COUNTY  SHERIFF'S  OFFICE  IS  LOOKING  FOR   A  MAN  IN  A  DOMESTIC  VIOLENCE  CASE--CLINTON  REAGAN,  WHO  HAS  TIES  TO  PIKE, UPSON,  AND  MERIWETHER  COUNTY.  REAGAN ALLEGEDLY  BEATUP  A  FEMALE  IN  PIKE  COUNTY  AND  HE  IS  WANTED  FOR  AGGREVATED  ASSAULT.  ANYONE  WHO  KNOWS  THE  WHERE-ABOUTS  OF  CLINTON  REAGAN  SHOULD  CONTACT  PIKE  SO  AT  770-567-8431.

RR MAINTENANCE IN TAYLOR CO PER G-DOT

 

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For Immediate Release: Tuesday, November 8, 2022 Contact: Gina Snider 706.646.7532 District Three Communications Officer

Taylor County... Railroad Maintenance at State Route 90 Crossing in Mauk, GA November 15-18, Detour to be Installed   Taylor County: CSX Railroad has notified the Georgia DOT that it plans to perform maintenance at the railroad crossing on the State Route crossing in Mauk on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 through November 18, weather permitting. While the crews are working at the site, there will be a full closure at the railroad crossing.  A detour will be installed and signage will be posted around and along the route in advance of the work. The detour will utilize Woodland Drive to take southbound traffic to the northbound lanes of SR 90, which at that point will be split for the duration of the projec

Guilty Pleas Upson Superior Court

PLEAS – JUDGE BEN J. MILLER, JR., GJC

November 7, 2022

1. 21R0224 JOSHUA H. ROGERS CT. 1: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE: 3 YEARS; SERVE THE FIRST 90 DAYS IN JAIL, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; $500 FINE; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE.

 

2. 22R0122 JOSHUA H. ROGERS CT. 1: CRIMINAL TRESPASS: 12 MONTHS PROBATION TO RUN CONCURRENT WITH CASE 21R0224; $1,000 FINE; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE.

 

3. 21R0171 THOMAS P. SALTER CT. 1: POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE: 10 YEARS, SERVE FIRST YEAR IN JAIL; FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; $1,000 FINE; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE. CT. POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA MORE THAN 1 OUNCE: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

4. 22R0391 THOMAS P. SALTER CT.1: ESCAPE (MISD): 12 MONTHS TO SERVE TO RUN CONCURRENT WITH CASE 21R0171. CT. 2: OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICER: 5 YEARS, SERVE THE FIRST YEAR IN PRISON; FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION TO RUN CONCURRENT WITH COUNT 1; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE. CT. 3: OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

5. 20R0316H ABRAHAM CROXTON CT. 1: VIOLATION OF RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATIONS ACT: 15 YEARS; SERVE THE FIRST 2 YEARS IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM, FOLLOWED BY 13 YEARS ON PROBATION; GANG CONDITIONS; $1,000 FINE. CT. 2: VIOLATION OF RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATIONS ACT: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

KENNEDY, KEMP, WALKER, FERGUSON, JONES WIN BIG IN UPSON CO

 UPSON  COUNTY,   STATE  SENATOR JOHN  KENNEDY 7081  CHRIS  BENTON    2905 

,  U.S.  CONGRESS  3RD  DISTRICT   INCUMBENT   DREW  FERGUSON  7135  VAL  ALMONORD 2863.

U.S.  SENATE  HERSCHEL  WALKER  6684-  INCUMBENT  WARNCOCK   3171,  GOVERNOR  BRIAN KEMP  7094,  ABRAMS 2967

LT.  GOVERNOR -- BURT  JONES  6932  CHARLIE  BAILEY  2886,  SECRETARY  OF  STATE -- BRAD  RAFFFENSPERGER 6883,  BEE  GWEN 2763,  ATTORNEY  GENERAL  CHRIS  CARR  6940  JEN  JORDAN 2947.

WATSON WINS UPSON BOC RACE

 DISTRICT  FOUR  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSION  INCUMBENT  BEN  WATSON  WON  REELECTION  TUESDAY  BY  DEFEATING  DEMOCRAT  AARON  DAWSON  1268  TO  930.  THE  SIX HOMESTEAD  EXEMPTION  MEASURES  ON  THE  BALLOT  TO  PROVIDE  TAX  RELIEF  FOR  PROPERTY  OWNERS  ALL  PASSED  BIG  TIME.

Winning numbers for $2.04B Powerball drawn after delay

(AP) The numbers for a record-breaking $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot were drawn Tuesday morning after a nearly 10-hour delay and now players will have to wait a bit longer to find out if anyone has won the massive prize.

 

The numbers for the drawing held at the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee were: white balls 10, 33, 41, 47 and 56, and the red Powerball was 10.

Manchester Man charged with felony murder and multiple other charges

The Newnan Times Harold is reporting: Four years after the brutal murder of a local teenager, the shooter is now heading to prison.

Denarvious Kizavion Carter of Manchester, Georgia, pleaded guilty in the Dec. 30, 2018, murder of Aubria “Bria” Foster.

 

On Monday, Carter was charged with felony murder, six counts of aggravated assault with deadly weapon, one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and four counts of the violation of the Georgia Street Gang Act.

 

In a negotiated plea, Superior Court Judge Emory Palmer sentenced Carter to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

 

Foster, 19, was killed in a drive-by shooting while visiting a friend on Savannah Street in Newnan.

 

Foster was alive when police arrived at the scene, and officers performed CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived. Foster was transported to Piedmont Newnan Hospital, where she later died.

 

During their initial investigation, detectives determined several gunshots were fired at the residence from outside.

 

One bullet entered through the exterior wall, striking Foster in the left upper back and shoulder area. Multiple shell casings were located in the street, along with multiple bullet holes in the residence.

GA. HOUSE TO ELECT NEW SPEAKER

 ATLANTA – Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge), 73^rd Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, announced today that he will not seek nomination for Speaker of the House for the 2023-2024 legislative session. He will serve the remainder of his current term as Speaker of the House which ends in January.

“Serving as Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives has been the honor of a lifetime, and I owe a heartfelt thank you to my colleagues for the trust and confidence they placed in me thirteen years ago,” said Speaker Ralston. “I need to take time to address a health challenge which has arisen recently, and the House needs a Speaker who can devote the necessary time and energy to the office. I love the House and want to see the honorable men and women who serve in it succeed. I will work the remainder of my term as Speaker to ensure a smooth transition for my successor.”

If re-elected by his constituents, Speaker Ralston intends to serve as State Representative for the 7^th House district for the 2023-2024 legislative session. Speaker Ralston is unopposed for that seat.

“I appreciate the continued support of my friends and neighbors in Fannin, Gilmer, and Dawson counties,” said Speaker Ralston. “I intend to serve out the next term as their state representative and fulfill the duties they have entrusted to me.”

Speaker Ralston was first elected to the House in 2002 and was first elected as Speaker of the House in 2010. He is the longest currently-serving state house speaker in the country.

A champion for job creation and economic development, Speaker Ralston has been a driving force behind many legislative accomplishments which have made Georgia the best state in the nation for business year after year, such as Georgia’s Transportation Funding Act of 2015 and the largest-ever income tax cut in state history.

Speaker Ralston has also worked with leaders in both parties to move Georgia forward through bipartisan legislation like Georgia’s comprehensive adoption reform in 2018 and the state’s first-ever paid parental leave policy for state employees and teachers in 2021.

In 2022, Speaker Ralston led the fight for historic reform of mental health care in Georgia. Georgia’s Mental Health Parity Act and accompanying funding transforms both access to and delivery of mental health services and treatment options throughout the state.

“I want to thank all the staff members who have assisted me throughout the years, particularly my Chief of Staff Spiro Amburn who has been by my side from the beginning,” said Speaker Ralston. “I could not have done all of this without the love and support of my family, particularly my wife, Sheree, and our children. They have been my rock, and I love them very much.”

The Speaker of the House is elected by and from the members of the House on the first day of each biennial legislative session. The Speaker serves as the House’s chief administrative officer. The Speaker also presides over House floor sessions, assigns bills to committees, and calls matters before the House for debate.

The House of Representatives will elect a new Speaker when the House convenes for the first day of the 2023-2024 legislative session on Monday, January 9, 2023

CITY OF THOMASTON PROPOSED 2023 BUDGET

 CITY  OF  THOMASTON     MANAGER  RUSSELL  THOMPSON  AND  FINANCE  OFFICER LONNIE  JOYCE   PRESENTED  THE   2023  PROPOSED  BUDGET, FRIDAY  AT  A   MAYOR  AND  COUNCIL    WORK  SESSION.  ITS  A  BALANCED  BUDGET   THAT   INCLUDES  AN  8.7%  PAY  INCREASE  FOR  EMPLOYEES --  AND  FINANCE  OFFICER  JOYCE  SAYS  IN  CASE  OF  A  STEEP    ECONOMY  DOWNTURN  THERE'S  UP  TO  $6  MILLION  IN  RESERVE.  THE  PROPOSED  $9  MILLION  GENERAL  FUND  DOES  NOT  INCLUDE  A  TAX  MILLAGE   INCREASE  NOR  RATE  HIKES  IN  UTILITIES  EXCEPT  FOR  A  DOLLAR  AND  CENTS  INCREASE  IN  ELECTRICAL  BILLS  TO   PAY    THE  DEBT  SERVICE  OF  OVER  $200  MILLION  OWED  ON  THE  PLANT  VOGTLE  NUCLEAR  PLANT  NEAR  AUGUSTA. 

T-U CHAMBER BANQUET AWARDS

 2022 Awards: 

Dedicated Chamber Member of the Year - The People’s Bank of Georgia 

Here’s Looking at You Award - The Upson Beacon 

New Business of the Year - Longhorn

Small Business of the Year - Sassy Flamingos 

Executive of the Year - Al Hinson 

Outstanding Community Service Award - Lori Smith 

Unity of the Community - Kyle McGee with City of Thomaston 

Lifetime Achievement Award - Richard Bishoff 

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