Gordon State College AAMI Revamped, Celebrates Black History Month in Partnership With Steve Harvey’s Legacy Ranch Manager

By Karolina Philmon, GSC Marketing Manager 

Gordon State College African American Male Initiative (AAMI) hosted a series of events in the month of February as a part of the group’s revamp initiative for AAMI and celebrated Black History Month including a partnership with Pastor Marlin “Mo” Lynch III of Steve Harvey’s Legacy Ranch in Upson County.

 

“Our prime purpose in life is to help others. And if we can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them,” Lynch said. “My goal is to leave the leaders of today at Gordon State College better than what I found them. I just want to put another tool in their life toolbox. We need each other to survive.”

 

GSC AAMI is led by a committee of faculty, staff, and community members. Its mission included an integrated program model of academic and social tools that supported students in adopting a positive mindset to successfully complete classes, elevate their cumulative GPAs and matriculate through each academic level and graduate.

“We hope that this will result in more opportunities for our young men,” said Joba Duke, GSC academic services assistant and GSC ’22 alumna. “We are enthusiastic for what is to come for the GSC AAMI program.”

One of AAMI’s service projects included a visit to Lamar Co. Primary School on Feb. 17, where members read books to kindergarten classes including "Hair Love," by Matthew A. Cherry and "Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington," by Jabari Asim.

On Saturday, Feb. 18, AAMI members along with Mark Smith, assistant principal from Samuel E. Hubbard Elementary School in Monroe County, and Lynch visited Culloden City Cemetery and honored the legacy of civil rights leader, Jo Ann Gibson Robinson.

 

“The theme of the day was ‘Remembering the Past, Changing the Future.’ It’s the small victories and opportunities in life that we shouldn’t take for granted,” said Elijah Clemmons, GSC human services major. “One of those small victories will lead to a greater impact. And though the past may not have changed anything, we can remember from it and change the future.” 

 

Robinson played an integral role in the movement of civil rights by creating and organizing the distribution of thousands of leaflets that called for a one-day bus boycott on Dec. 5, 1955 following the arrest of Rosa Parks. She assisted with the carpools that took people to and from work during the boycott. Robinson worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout the movement until the desegregation of Montgomery’s buses in 1956.

 

GSC AAMI group met monthly and had topic-driven discussions hosted by guest professional speakers to enrich their life-learning and scholarship. The month of February focused on finances with a lecture titled, “Your Finances, Your Future.” Lynch hosted one of the two sessions while Aaron M. Brown, commercial and agricultural lending specialist and former GSC part-time instructor and AAMI program coordinator hosted the second session.

 

“If you can’t control your money, making more won’t help. A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. Have a plan for finances,” Lynch said.

 

AAMI’s mission and events blended with one of GSC’s core values in empowering and promoting academic rigor and personal growth that resulted in ethical and honest long-standing critical inquiry with a global perspective.

 

“Your legacy will outlive you. Don’t value what you leave to a person, but rather value what you leave in a person,” Lynch said. “That’s the measure of greatness and the new generational wealth of knowledge.”

Founded in 1852, GSC is a member of the University System of Georgia. The college has a distinctive legacy of excellent scholarship and service. GSC offers 11 four-year degrees and 11 associate-level degrees, which includes multiple baccalaureate pathways for students. With an enrollment of over 3,000 students, GSC offers an intimate academic setting in state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories. In this setting, students receive individualized attention that only a small college with dedicated faculty and staff can provide.

(L-R) Mark Smith, Pastor Marlin “Mo” Lynch III, Justin Valentine,
Joba Duke, Emily Owens, Elijah Clemmons

TWO UPSON MEN ARRESTED BY THE GBI

 Two men in Upson County are facing multiple charges connected to sex crimes against children.

In a media release, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation says they have arrested 19-year-old Joseph Carter, of The Rock, and 39-year-old Joseph Robinson, of Thomaston. Their arrests come after investigations into their internet activity following cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. It is believed their arrests are connected to child pornography.

Their charges include sexual exploitation of children and possession of sexual abuse material.

They are both in the Upson County jail.

THOMASTON MAN DIES IN WOODBURY

 ACCORDING  TO  WOODBURY  POLICE,  MAN  WHO  SOMETIMES  LIVED  IN  THOMASTON  WAS  RELEASED  FROM  THE  UPSON  COUNTY   JAIL,  SATURDAY  FEB.  18,  AND  WAS  STABBED  TO  DEATH  THE  NEXT  MONDAY  IN  WOODBURY.   THE  VICTIM,  30  YEAR  OLD JIMTAVIOUS  THOMPSON  OF  WOODBURY.  THE  SUSPECT,  FRANKIE  KING  OF  WOODBURY  IS  IN  THE  MERIWETHER  COUNTY   JAIL  ON  A  STATE  PROBATION  VIOLATION  WHILE   THE  GBI  CONDUCTS  AN  INVESTIGATION.

MORE  NEWS  ON  THE  STORY  ON   101  FM  NEWS.

BARNESVILLE POLICE OFFICER INJURED BY SUSPECT

 A  BARNESVILLE  POLICE  OFFICER  IS  RECOVERING  AFTER  HE  WAS  HIT  AND  DRAGGED  BY  A  MAN  WANTED  IN  HENRY  COUNTY,  LATE  SATURDAY   NIGHT.  BPD  SGT. MICHAEL  RAINER  MADE A  ROUTINE  TRAFFIC  STOP  ON  THE  SUSPECT,   CALEB  HOOVER  WHO  HAD  OUTSTANDING  WARRANTS  IN  METRO  ATLANTA.  HOOVER  JUMPED  BACK IN  HIS  CAR,  DRAGGING  THE  OFFICER  A   SHORT  DISTANCE.   THE  CAR WAS  LATER  FOUND  ABANDONED  ON  TURNER  BRIDGE  ROAD  AND  HOOVER  WAS  ARRESTED IN  SPALDING  COUN

GRIFFIN PD OFFICER ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

 CITY  OF  GRIFFIN  POLICE  SGT.  D'MARQUIVIUS  D.J. KING  HAS  BEEN  PLACED  ON  ADMINISTRATIVE  LEAVE  AFTER  ALLEGATIONS  HE  CONCEALED  HIS   HALF- BROTHERS  ROLE   IN  THE  MURDER  OF  JAVARREIS  REID.  HIS  HALF- BROTHER  DAMON  MARQUES  BECK,  AGE  22,    WAS  ARRESTED  FOR  THE  MURDER  AND  DISTRICT  ATTORNEY  MARIE  BRODER   HAS  CONTACTED  THE  GBI  TO  CONDUCT  AN  INVESTIGATION  INTO  THE  CASE.

SYMPOSIUM ON SUICIDE UGA GRIFFIN

 

IDEA Symposium   “Suicide: When the Pain of Living is Greater than the Fear of Dying.”   In recent years, there has been a significant increase in suicides in the US, particularly among 15 – 24 year olds, for whom suicide is now the 3rd leading cause of death. Thus, our inaugural IDEA Symposium, a professional learning conference presented by the University of Georgia’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at the UGA Griffin Campus, will focus on the theme “Suicide: When the Pain of Living is Greater than the Fear of Dying.”   The IDEA Symposium, which will be held on Friday, April 14th, 8:00 AM – 12:45 PM, will feature presentations on topics such as suicide in the military, in the African American community, and in farming communities and the aftermath of suicide.   The symposium is free and open to the public, but registration for the symposium is REQUIRED as space is limited.    Further details and a link to register for the IDEA Symposium are available through this link: https://www.griffin.uga.edu/node/1504

Murder In Thomaston Saturday

According To Thomaston Police Chief Mike Richardson, on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at approximately 1:56 p.m., Thomaston Police Department officers responded to a "shots fired" call on Avenue G near G Circle. Upon their arrival, officers located a male victim with what appeared to be two gunshot wounds. The victim identified Delonzo Allen, 21 of Thomaston was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. 

Samuel Simms Jr.

Samuel Simms Jr. of Thomaston has been arrested and charged with the homicide of Delonzo Allen. He is currently being held at the Upson County jail. Charges include Malice Murder and Criminal Street Gang Activity. Additional charges pending further investigation.

 

If anyone has information related to this case, please call 911 or Sgt. Matt Allen at (706) 741-6034.

Newly Renovated Historic Silvertown Ballpark

UPSON JURORS DO NOT HAVE TO REPORT FEB. 21

 CLERK  OF  UPSON  SUPERIOR  COURT   TERESA  MEIER  HAS  ANNOUNCED  JURORS  SUMMONED  TO  REPORT  TUESDAY,  FEB. 21,  DO   NOT   HAVE  TO  REPORT.  ALL  JURY  CASES  HAVE  BEEN  RESOLVED.

Congratulation to the Upson Lee 2023 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Upson-Lee High School Principal Mr. Ricky English has announced the Class of 2023 Top 2 Seniors. Janie René Kilby is the 2023 Valedictorian and Elizabeth Anne English is Salutatorian. Valedictorian is the senior with the highest overall numeric average who has also completed four Honors, Dual Enrollment, and/or Advanced Placement courses in each of the core content areas (ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies). Three of the above-mentioned courses must be Advanced Placement and/or Dual Enrollment courses in at least three different content areas. Student must have been enrolled at ULHS in the junior year before the 2nd 9 weeks began and the entire senior year to be considered for this honor. Salutatorian is the student with the second highest overall numeric average who has completed the same courses described for eligibility of the Valedictorian.

Pictured l-r: Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico, 2023 Valedictorian Janie René Kilby, 2023 Salutatorian Elizabeth Anne English, and ULHS Principal Mr. Ricky English

HEADMASTER AT FLINT RIVER ACADEMY PASSED AWAY

 DR.  KEN  HARTLEY,  AGE  51,  HEADMASTER  OF  FLINT  RIVER  ACADEMY  IN  WOODBURY  PASSED  AWAY    EARLY  FRIDAY.   FUNERAL  SERVICES  WILL  BE  SUNDAY  AT   2PM  AT  THE   UNION  UNITED  METHODIST  CHURCH IN  BUTLER,  VISITATION  SATURDAY   5  TO  7PM  AT  MCLEIGHTON  FUNERAL  SERVICES  IN  CHARGE  OF  ARRANGEMENTS.

TORNADO TROUP CO EARLY FRIDAY

 THE  NATIONAL  WEATHER  SERVICE  SAYS  ANOTHER  TORNADO  HIT  LAGRANGE  AROUND  4;30AM  FRIDAY  THAT  TORE  OFF  PART  OF  THE  ROOF  OF  THE  COUNTY   HEALTH  DEPARTMENT  BUILDING  AND  DAMAGED  THE  ROOF  OF  A  BREWERY  ACROSS  THE  STREET.  DAMAGE  ALSO  REPORTED  AT  LAGRANGE  COLLEGE  AND  CALLAWAY  STADIUM.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

 Presbyterian Women, of The First Presbyterian Church of Thomaston, GA will host the annual World Day of Prayer on Friday, March 3rd. Brunch will be served at 9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. The program will begin at 10:00 am.

Our speaker will be Bobbi Starr, Executive Director, of Micah’s Promise, a newly built facility in Columbus, GA to serve the Central Georgia area. Micah’s Promise exists to restore stolen childhoods to minors (girls ages 12-17), who have been the victims of domestic minor sex trafficking, and to build a supportive community for reintegration.

The offering will go to Micah’s Promise. Please make checks out to Micah’s Promise.

All are invited to attend! Please RSVP by February 24th by calling the church office at 706-647-5914, or Shirley Boldenow at 706-647-8282. We will need to know how many seats to have available.

Mark your calendar for this important event!! Come hear about one way we can provide justice to victims of extreme injustice in our community!

DISTRICT ATTORNEY MARIE BRODER REPORTS

 GANGS IN OUR BACKYARD

One of the more disturbing trends that has worsened during my time as a prosecutor is gang member recruitment of young children. Gangs now target children as young as ten years old. We often see this begin in Juvenile Court. As the focus of Juvenile Court is on rehabilitation and redirection, incarceration is the exception, rather than the rule. Consequently, young children seeking approval from gang members are encouraged to commit crimes (entering unlocked automobiles, etc.), because they face less serious consequences than an adult committing the same crime. The proceeds from these crimes either go towards enriching older gang members or improving the status of the child with the gang. As you might imagine, the severity of the crimes only escalate—and they often culminate in violence. A common violent crime committed by gangs is armed robbery. As its name implies, armed robbery is a crime where a person intends to commit theft and takes someone’s property by using a weapon (or something that appears to be a weapon). Our offices tend to take a harsh stand against armed robberies, as the difference between the loss of someone’s possessions and the loss of their life is a trigger pull away. Our office saw that awful result, yet again, in the murder of a young father and devoted fiancé, Jeffery Ryan Deluca.

On July 24, 2020, Mr. Deluca, was attacked in his home while his fiancée and children were present. His attackers, members and associates of the Rollings 20s Neighborhood Bloods, shot him in the back of the head. Mr. Deluca was targeted as part of a plot to commit an armed robbery. A Spalding County jury convicted two of Mr. Deluca’s murderers, Robert Freeman III and Xavier Carter, with Felony Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, Three Counts of Aggravated Assault, and Violation of the Criminal Street Gang Act. The Honorable Scott Ballard sentenced these Defendants to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 20 years for the Street Gang Act Violation. An additional conspirator and attacker, Damarion Sinkfield, previously pleaded guilty to Felony Murder and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Senior Assistant District Attorney Ashton Jordan and Assistant District Attorney Holly MacDonald tried this case for the State.

Evidence at trial indicated that the armed robbery plot was tied to initiating one of the Defendants into the Rolling 20s Neighborhood Bloods.

So, what can be done to stop gangs from poisoning the children in our community and dooming them to a life of violence, death, or incarceration? The District Attorneys’ Office is by its nature a reactive body. We can only prosecute those who have already committed crimes and try to bring peace to a victim who has already been wounded. However, recent proposed changes to our laws regarding criminal gang activity could make recruitment of new gang members a serious crime. Proposed legislation that would impose stiff mandatory sentences with no chance for the possibility of parole for those convicted of recruiting new gang members is one way to reduce the presence and impact of gangs in our community. This new legislation would be in addition to the prohibition against engaging in crimes to further criminal street gang activity, which my office regularly applies in prosecutions to further increase the chance that gang members are taken off the streets and away from our children. Let us hope and pray that this legislation passes.

JOE GAZAFY OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY DONATES $6000 TO THE UPSON BOC FOR THE ARCHIVES BUDGET

 

TPD RELEASES PHOTO OF THOMASTON PRESCRIPTION BURGLARY

 

THOMASTON  POLICE  HAVE  RELEASED  A  SECURITY  VIDEO  OF  A  SUSPECT  IN  THE  FEB. 1,2023  BURGLARY  OF  THOMASTON  PRESCRIPTION  SHOP ON  WEST  GORDON  STREET.  ANYONE  WITH  INFORMATION  ABOUT  THE   CASE  CONTACT  SGT. MATT  ALLEN,  TPD, AT  706-741-6034.

EMERGENCY AT SPALDING CO ANIMAL SHELTER

 SPALDING  COUNTY  ANIMAL  SHELTER  ON  WILLIAMSON  ROAD    IS  WAY  OVER  STOCKED  WITH  DOGS  AND  CATS  ABANDONED  AFTER  THE  TORNADOES. YOU  CAN  ADOPT  FOR  ONLY  $35  MONDAY THRU  FRIDAY  10A  TO  4;45P  AND  SATURDAY  10A  TO  2PM.  IF  YOU  CAN'T  ADOPT YOU   CAN  FOSTER  CARE  FOR  A  PET   FOR  A  FEW  WEEKS.  THE  SHELTER ALSO  NEEDS  VOLUNTEERS  TO  WALK THE  DOGS.

UPSON SO RESPONDS TO MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT IN MEDICAL DISTRESS

 On Thursday, February 16, 2023 shortly after 11:00 am SRO Sgt Denson responded to a call to assist of a  student in medical distress at the middle school. Sgt. Denson responded to a restroom area within the school and located an 8^th grade female student suffering from the negative effects of a vape pen. The pen had a marijuana leaf imprinted on it and contained an unknown substance. The student was transported to Upson Regional Medical Center for treatment. Deputies responded to the student’s residence and located the original packaging for the vape pen. The pen apparently originated from California and was marked CBD.

This investigation is active and continuing

Spalding County Home Invasion

On February 13, 2023, at approximately 6:50am, uniformed officers from the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on High Falls Road regarding a burglary. While interviewing the 71-year-old female victim, she told the responding deputies that she had been awakened by an armed intruder who had gained entry by throwing a concrete paver through a window of her residence. The intruder demanded money then forced her to give him her car keys and her debit card. The victim was then taken at gunpoint, in her own car, to a local bank where he used her debit card to withdraw money from her account. After withdrawing the money, the armed intruder returned the victim to her residence and then fled the area in her vehicle.

Spalding County investigators and crime scene personnel responded to the residence and began following leads, processing the crime scene, and they issued a statewide lookout for the stolen vehicle. Additionally, crime scene investigators found what appeared to be drops of blood inside the residence in the area of the broken glass.

 

According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, “My Investigators were able to locate video surveillance footage of the stolen vehicle, and footage from the ATM withdrawal was provided to them by the bank the victim was forced to go to. While reviewing the video they were able to isolate a pretty clear photograph of the intruder with the victim in the background.”

 

At approximately 2:55pm, troopers assigned to the Georgia State Patrol Criminal Interdiction Unit located the stolen vehicle in an Atlanta area parking lot and arrested two people that were with it. The suspect taken into custody for the robbery has been identified as Bryan Deundre Overton, 29, of Griffin. The second person, Christon Overton, 31, of Riverdale, was taken into custody on non-related charges.

 

“The shirt that appeared to be the one worn in the bank video as a mask, and money was recovered. Bryan Overton had the debit card that belonged to the victim in his pocket, and a fresh cut on his hand that he had attempted to bandage to control bleeding. Troopers also located the gun that fit the very unique description of the one described by the victim, that in the end turned out to be a toy gun.”

 

“The initial responding deputies, investigators, and crime scene investigators did an excellent job on this case. The bank provided us with the video evidence as soon as requested, and the Georgia State Patrol was able to take them into custody without incident.” 

 

“The victim in this incident is blessed to be alive and safe. Realistically, most crimes like this do not end as well as this one did, and the victim is usually injured or killed. Other times the perpetrator makes the mistake of invading the residence of an armed citizen and ends up a shot or dead perpetrator. Whether it be prison or dead, bad choices equal bad results.”

Bryan Overton: Home Invasion (1st Degree), Burglary (1st Degree), Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Theft by Taking Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Crossing a Guard Line with a Controlled Substance

Christon Overton: Possession of a Controlled Substance, Crossing a Guard Line with a Controlled Substance.

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

 JUDGE BEN J. MILLER, JR., GJC

 February 16, 2023

 

1. 23R0054 ZACKERY KELLY CT. 1: THEFT BY SHOPLIFTING: 8 MONTHS TO SERVE IN TH ECOUNTY JAIL TO RUN CONCURRENT WITH CASE #23R0055; 21R0333; 22R0302; 21R0283B.

 

2. 23R0055 ZACKERY KELLY CT. 1: DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED: 12 MONTHS PROBATION TO RUN CONCURRENT WITH CASE #23R0054; 21R0333; 22R0302; 21R0283B; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $1,000 FINE. CT. 2: GIVING FALSE INFORMATION TO A LAW ENFORCEMENT ODDICER: 12 MONTHS PROBATION TO RUN CONSECUTIVE TO COUNT 1. CT. 3: THEFT BY SHOPLIFTING: 12 MONTHS PROBATION TO RUN CONSECUTIVE TO COUNTS 1 & 2; $1,000 FINE; STAY AWAY FROM WALMART. CT. 4: FAILURE TO STOP AT STOP SIGN: NOLLE PROSEUI. CT. 5: DRIVING ON SUSPENDED, CANCELED OR REVOKED REGISTRATION: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

LAMAR COUNTY RADIO STATION IN FCC VIOLATION

 BARNESVILLE'S  RADIO  STATION  IN  FCC  VIOLATION.  THE  FEDERAL  COMMUNICATIONS  COMMISSION  IN  WASHINGTON  D.C.  HAS  ISSUED  A   NOTICE  OF  VIOLATION  FOR  PLOENER  RADIO  GROUP  OF  BARNESVILLE  WBAF,  1090-AM  FOR  OPERATING  ITS  FM  TRANSLATOR 104.9-FM WITHOUT  THE  AM  STATION,  1090- AM  BEING  ON  THE  AIR.  THE  FCC NOTED  THAT  ON  JULY  26,2022  THAT  THEIR  ENFORCEMENT  AGENTS  CAUGHT  THAT  WHILE  WBAF  IS  A  CLASS D  DAYTIMER  AND  THE  TRANSLATOR  CAN  ORIGINATE  PROGRAMMING  WHEN  THE  AM  STATION  IS  NOT OPERATING  AT  NIGHT,  THE  FM  TRANSLATOR WAS  OPERATING  IN  THE  DAYTIME  WHILE   WBAF 1090-AM  WAS  OFF  THE  AIR.

A  STATION  AGENT  CLAIMED  THE  FOLLOWING  WEEK  THAT  THE  LOCATION  OF OPERATIONAL  LOGS  FOR  WBAF  WERE  UNKNOWN.  NEITHER  WBAF 1090-AM  NOR  THEIR  TRANSLATOR 104.9-FM  OFFER LOCAL PROGRAMMING.  THE  STATION  IS  WITHOUT  A  DAILY  STAFF  AND  ITS  PROGRAMMING  IS  RELAYED  TO  THE  STATION  FROM  ANOTHER  GEORGIA  CITY.

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

JUDGE RHONDA B. KREUZIGER, GJC

February 14, 2023

 

1. 23R0048 CLIFFORD MONTGOMERY CT. 1: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE: 3 YEARS SERVE 1, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; BANISHMENT FROM THE GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $1,000 FINE. CT. 2: POSSESSION AND USE OF DRUG RELATED OBJECTS: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

2. 23R0024 TAYRON KENDALL CT. 1: SIMPLE ASSAULT: 12 MONTHS TO SERVE. CT. 2:DISORDERLY CONDUCT: 12 MONTHS PROBATION CONSECUTIVE TO COUNT 1; TO RUN CONCURRENT WITH VOP #21R0276.

 

3. 22R0159 RODREGUEZ ROGERS *RESENTENCE*  CT. 1: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: 20 YEARS, 7 YEARS TO SERVE, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; $1,000 FINE; BANISHMENT FROM THE GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT. CT. 2: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: 20 YEARS, 7 YEARS TO SERVE, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION CONCURRENT TO COUNT 1; $1,000 FINE. CT. 3: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: 20 YEARS, 7 YEARS TO SERVE, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION CONCURRENT TO COUNT 1. CT. 4: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 5: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 6: POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF A FELONY: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 7: POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF A FELONY: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 8: POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF A FELONY: NOLLE PROSEQUI.  CT. 9: POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF A FELONY: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 10: POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF A FELONY: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

POWER OUTAGE SAT NITE/THOMASTON

 THOMASTON'S  CITY  MANAGER  RUSSELL   THOMPSON  SAID   A  PART  OF  THE  CITY  EXPERIENCED  A  POWER OUTAGE  SATURDAY  NIGHT  WHEN  A  TREE  BLEW  DOWN  OVER  ELECTRICAL  LINES  AT  THE  FIRST  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH  .   POWER  WAS  RESTORED  TO  NEIGHBORHOODS  IN  THE  AREA   SATURDAY  NIGHT   BUT  CREWS  HAD  TO  RETURN  SUNDAY  MORNING  AND  REPLACE  A  POWER  POLE  TO   RESTORE  SERVICE  TO  THE  CHURCH.

UPSON, PIKE, LAMAR, SPALDING SEVERE STORMS SBA LOANS

 More than $2 million in disaster loans have been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for businesses and residents with losses resulting from the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred Jan. 12. As of Feb. 10, the SBA has approved 70 disaster loans for a total of $2,179,200 for businesses, homeowners, and renters.

 

“The SBA encourages anyone who has not applied to take action right away. Our mission is to help businesses and residents rebuild and resume their normal lives as quickly as possible,” said Kem Fleming, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta.

The disaster declaration includes Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Spalding and Troup counties in Georgia, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Clayton, Coweta, DeKalb, Fayette, Harris, Heard, Jones, Lamar, Monroe, Morgan, Pike, Putnam, Rockdale, Talbot, Upson, and Walton in Georgia; and Chambers and Randolph in Alabama.

If you have questions, please contact Terrell Perry, the Public Affairs Lead for GA 17761, at 404-387-8716 (cell) or terrell.perry@sba.gov.

Thomaston Police Department Drug Bust

On Monday, 02/06/2023, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the Thomaston Special Response Team (SRT) executed a search warrant at Thomaston Gardens Apartments (109 W County Rd) Apartment 3-D and arrested three subjects for gun, drug, and gang-related charges.

This search warrant was obtained as part of an Upson County Multi-Jurisdictional Narcotics Task Force (NTF) investigation into drug and gang related activity occurring at Thomaston Gardens Apartments.

 

Over the past few weeks, NTF Sergeant Matt Allen had received numerous citizen complaints about suspected gang members hanging around Apartment 3-D brandishing firearms, selling drugs, flashing gang signs, and threatening violence towards other Thomaston Gardens residents. Sgt. Allen was also notified by other Thomaston Police personnel of the suspected drug and gang activity at the apartment complex. On Monday, 02/06/2023, Sgt. Allen obtained enough evidence of drug and gang activity to secure a search warrant for apartment 3-D.

 

The search warrant yielded three arrests, over a pound of marijuana as well as packaging material used for sales, a stolen Glock pistol, and a Draco AK-47.

 

The Thomaston Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of its residents. This investigation is ongoing and more arrests may be pending. If you have any information about drug or gang-related activity in the Thomaston area, please contact Sgt. Matt Allen at the Upson County Narcotics Task Force (706) 741-6034.

SBA HELP FOR MERIWETHER, SPALDING, BUTTS, HENRY

 More than $2 million in disaster loans have been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for businesses and residents with losses resulting from the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred Jan. 12. As of Feb. 10, the SBA has approved 70 disaster loans for a total of $2,179,200 for businesses, homeowners, and renters.

 

“The SBA encourages anyone who has not applied to take action right away. Our mission is to help businesses and residents rebuild and resume their normal lives as quickly as possible,” said Kem Fleming, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta.

The disaster declaration includes Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Spalding and Troup counties in Georgia, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Clayton, Coweta, DeKalb, Fayette, Harris, Heard, Jones, Lamar, Monroe, Morgan, Pike, Putnam, Rockdale, Talbot, Upson, and Walton in Georgia; and Chambers and Randolph in Alabama.

If you have questions, please contact Terrell Perry, the Public Affairs Lead for GA 17761, at 404-387-8716 (cell) or terrell.perry@sba.g

GBI Arrests Former Griffin Police Department Officer

The GBI has arrested and charged Asia Jones, age 26, of Hampton, GA, with one count of misdemeanor theft by deception and one count of violation of oath by public officer. On June 17, 2022, the Griffin Police Department asked the GBI to investigate allegations that Jones, a Griffin Police Department officer, was falsifying timecard information pertaining to a part-time job. Jones was booked at the Spalding County Jail.

Preliminary information indicates that Jones, while employed as a Griffin Police Department officer, was scheduled to work a part-time law enforcement job with an apartment complex in Griffin. Jones submitted timecard information claiming hours worked that Jones had not worked. Jones resigned from the Griffin Police Department following an internal investigation into these allegations in June 2022. 

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Columbus Field Office at 706-565-7888. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

AUTH RESIGNS FROM SENIOR CENTER, MIDDLEBROOKS GONE FROM REC

101  NEWS  HAS  LEARNED,  THE  LONGTIME  DIRECTOR  OF  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  SENIOR  CENTER,  DONNA  AUTH,  RESIGNED  WEDNESDAY.  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE    SAID  HE  WAS  ASKED  BY  THE  COUNTY  MANAGER  TO  CONTACT  THE  GBI AFTER  INCONSISTANCIES  IN  AUDIT  TRANSACTIONS    DISCOVERED  IN  THE  PURCHASE  OF  FOOD   PRODUCTS  FOR  SENIOR'S MEALS.  SHERIFF  KILGORE  TOLD  US  ITS  HIS  UNDERSTANDING  THE  GBI  INVESTIGATION  WILL  FOCUS  ON  THE  PROCESS OF  PURCHASING  FOOD  ITEMS  AND NOT  ON A  SPECIFIC  INDIVIDUAL.  THE  SYSCO  FOOD  DISTRIBUTOR  IS  UNDER  CONTRACT  TO  PROVIDE  THE  PROVISIONS  FOR  THE  SENIOR  CENTER.

A  COUNTY  OFFICIAL NOTED MS.  AUTH  IS  MUCH  BELOVED  BY  THE  SENIORS  AND  UNDER  HER  GUIDANCE  THE  SENIOR  CENTER  HAS  CONTINUED  TO  EXPAND  ITS  PROGRAM  OFFERINGS.

THE  SENIOR  CENTER  IS  A  JOINT  PROJECT  OF  THE CITY  AND COUNTY,  BUT  IS  SUPERVISED  AND  OPERATED  BY  UPSON  COUNTY  GOVERNMENT, AS  IS  THE  RECREATION  DEPARTMENT  THAT  PARTED  WAYS  WITH  ATHLETIC  SUPERINTENDANT  AND  CITY  COUNCIL  MEMBER  JEFF  MIDDLEBROOKS,  WEDNESDAY.

COUNCILMAN  MIDDLEBROOKS  HAD  A  CHALLENGING  POSITION,  SITTING  ON  THE  CITY  COUNCIL  WHICH PROVIDES  A  PORTION  OF  THE  FUNDING FOR  REC,  THAT  EMPLOYS  HIM,  VIA  JOINT  PROJECTS,  BUT  THE  CITY  MANAGER  TOLD  US,  JEFF  TYPICALLY ABSTAINED  FROM  VOTING  ON  SUCH  ISSUES.  WITH  COUNCIL  AND  REC  DUTIES,  MIDDLEBROOKS  EXPLAINED  HE  HAS  AN  OBLIGATION  TO  HEAR  OUT  HIS  CONSTITUENTS ON  REC  ISSUES  AND  RESPOND  TO  THEM.

MIDDLEBROOKS ADDED  HE  WAS  APPROACHED  ON  THE  JOB  WEDNESDAY  AFTERNOON  BY  THE  REC DIRECTOR  AND  H.R . AND  WAS  TOLD  HE  COULD  RESIGN  OR  BE  TERMINATED.  HE  CHOSE  TO  BE  DISMISSED.  JEFF  SAYS  HE  IS  RETAININNG  AN  ATTORNEY  TO  APPEAL  HIS  FIRING  AND  PLANS  TO  SEEK  REELECTION  IN  THE  NOVEMBER  ELECTION.  

NEW SPEED LIMIT DT THOMASTON

 SLOW  DOWN  IN  DOWNTOWN  THOMASTON--THERE'S  A  NEW  SPEED  LIMIT  FOR  THE  THREE  BLOCKS  NEAREST  THE  SQUARE,  25  MPH.  THERE'S  A   30  DAY  GRACE PERIOD   FROM  THE  PD   WITH  WARNINGS  BUT  THEN  MOTORISTS  COULD  BE  CITED.  GA.  DOT  HAD  TO  APPROVE  THE  NEW  SPEED  LIMIT   AFTER  A  REQUEST  BY  THE CITY  COUNCIL    SINCE  74, 36 AND HIGHWAY  19  ARE  IN  ITS  JURISDICTION. 

Upson Historical Society’s February Program

An Oral History How-to by Jonathan Coulis

Monday February 26, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at the Thomaston-Upson Archives, 301 S Center St. Thomaston, GA

Jonathan Coulis is the Emory Oral History Program Coordinator at the Stewart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Books Library at Emory University. Mr. Coulis will present an oral history how-to program which will discuss conducting oral histories, how they can be used, and why they are important.  This program relates to oral history accounts of local veterans from WWII that will be featured in the upcoming exhibition Thomaston Goes to War…On the Home Front.Programs are free, family friendly, and open to the public.

 

This project is supported by Georgia Humanities, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, through funding from the Georgia General Assembly.   

Thomaston-Upson Proposed ESPLOST

 

GRIFFIN SHOOTING DEATH

 On Monday February 6^th 2023 Griffin Police were called to Spalding Regional Hospital near the Emergency Room regarding a male who had been shot. The investigation determined the male had a self-inflicted gun-shot to the chest which caused his death. There is no immediate danger to the public and the scene has been released at this time. The investigation is on-going and there is no additional information subject to release at this time as we attempt to make sure next of kin are aware of this tragic incident.

UPSON SO ARRESTED 4 FOR FIGHT AFTER U-L/MP GAME

 UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE   SAID    FOUR    MALES   FROM  THOMASTON    WERE  ARRESTED  FOR  FIGHTING  IN  THE  PARKING  LOT   AFTER    THE  UPSON-LEE/MARY  PERSONS   BASKETBALL GAME   AT  THE  KNIGHTS  GYM   DURING  THE  WEEKEND.   AT  LEAST  ONE  OF  THOSE  CHARGED  WAS  OF  AGE  AND    OUT  OF  SCHOOL,  AND  THE  OTHERS  WERE  STUDENTS,  ONE  A  JUVENILE.  THE  SHERIFF  SAID  HIS  OFFICE  HAD  SECURITY  AT  THE  GAME,  AND    ABOUT   100  PEOPLE  GATHERED  IN  THE  PARKING  LOT  DURING  THE  FIGHT  WHICH  SLOWED  DEPUTIES  ON  BREAKING  UP  THE  FRAY.

UPSON-LEE NJROTC RIFLE TEAM 2ND IN THE NATION

Pictured:  (l-r) Bailey Lifsey, Kinsey Mayer, Chuck Meyerriecks
(Coach), William Lane, and Kinsley Riggins (Team Captain).

The Upson-Lee NJROTC Precision Rifle Team finished in 2nd place at the Navy National Championships February 2-4 in Sandy, Utah. Upson-Lee shooters scored 4,612 points out of 4,800. There were 74 total individuals who participated in the precision category and Upson-Lee had three individuals who finished in the TOP 10. Bailey Lifsey finished 5th in the nation as an individual; William Lane finished 8th, and Kinsley Riggins finished 9th. UL's fourth shooter, Kinsey Mayer, finished 18th as an individual. With their 2nd place finish, the Upson-Lee NJROTC Precision Rifle Team will now travel to Camp Perry, Ohio, March 22-26 for the All-Service Nationals, where the top 5 Navy teams will compete against the top 5 teams from the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. 

RESCUE ME MARKET DOWNTOWN THOMASTON IS CLOSING/ A NEW BIZ COMING

 IN  A  FACEBOOK  POST,  RESCUE  ME  MARKET    ON  THE  DOWNTOWN  THOMASTON  SQUARE   THAT  ONCE  HOUSED  O.W.  JONES &  SON   HARDWARE,   HAS  ANNOUNCED  ITS  CLOSING   ITS  DOORS  FEB. 18,    BUT   PIVOTING  IN  A  NEW  DIRECTION  AND   OPENING  UPPER  KRUST  KITCHEN  AND  TABLE TOP    ON  THE  NORTH  SIDE  OF  THE  SQUARE WITH  COFFEE  AND  16  FLAVORS    OF   SCOOPED     ICE  CREAM ,  GOURMET  PROVISIONS  AND  MORE. 

DA MARIE BRODER ON GUILTY VERDICTS

 PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On Tuesday, January 31st, after week-long trial, a Spalding County jury convicted Robert Freeman III, and Xavier Carter of Felony Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, Three Counts of Aggravated Assault, and Violation of Criminal Street Gang Act. Xavier Carter was also convicted of Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony. Senior Assistant District Attorney Ashton Fallin and Assistant District Attorney Holly MacDonald presented the case for the State.

On July 24, 2020, Xavier Carter planned to commit an armed robbery in order to be able to join the Rolling 20s Neighborhood Bloods. He and another co-defendant, Ryan Willis, drove to Spalding Heights and met up with Robert Freeman and a fourth co-defendant, Damarion Sinkfield. While at Spalding Heights, Freeman, Carter and Sinkfield planned the robbery while Ryan Willis remained in the car. Carter brought brass knuckles and a firearm with him while all four drove to Walden Pointe apartments. Carter, Freeman, and Sinkfield all went up to the third floor apartment of the victim, Jeffery Ryan Deluca. When the victim opened the door, he was immediately attacked. He was shot in the back of the head and killed. His fiancée and children were in the apartment at the time. All four co-defendants fled in the vehicle driven by Ryan Willis.

The Griffin Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.

Carter and Freeman were sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole on the Felony Murder, plus 20 years on the Street Gang Act to run consecutive. Carter received an additional 5 years consecutive for having the firearm. Willis is still awaiting trial and Sinkfield pled guilty to Felony Murder and was sentenced

to life with the possibility of parole.

“The victim’s fiancé presented a statement to the Honorable Scott Ballard during sentencing that was extremely powerful,” District Attorney Broder stated.

‘There is no sentence you can give them that will bring our sweet Ryan back, but we ask you to please take into consideration the safety of the community of Griffin, and surrounding counties, where these gangs are flourishing. Let’s not let Ryan die in vain. Let’s do what we can to prevent the suffering and evil criminal street gangs inflict on the community. These acts are depriving the community of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” – Taylor Lyons, fiancée of Jeffery Ryan DeLuca.

“Taylor’s words are so true.” DA Broder stated. “I am so proud of her and my team in continuing our fight against gang violence. Gang members, know this. We will not stop until our community is free from all gang violence.”

2/2/23 GROUNDHOG DAY

  FEB. 2  GROUNDHOG  DAY  AND  GEORGIA'S  FAMOUS  GROUNDHOG,  GENERAL  BEAUREGARD  LEE  HAS  MADE  HIS  WEATHER  FORECAST  FOR  2023.  OFFICIALS  AT  THE  DAUSET  TRAILS  NATURE  CENTER  IN  GWINNETT  NATURE  CENTER  ANNOUNCED  THE  GROUNDHOG  DID  NOT  SEE  HIS  SHADOW-MEANING  WE'RE  GOING  TO  HAVE  AN  EARLY  SPRING.

THE  GENERAL'S  PREDICTION  CONTRADICTS  FELLOW  GROUNDHOG  PUNXSUTWNEY  PHIL,  WHO  ANNOUNCED  THAT  THERE  WOULD  BE  SIX  MORE  WEEKS  OF  WINTER.

City of Thomaston Municipal General Election

The public is hereby notified that the Municipal Election for the City of Thomaston will be held at the Civic Center located at 101 Civic Center Drive, Thomaston, GA 30286. 

Early Voting will begin on Monday, October 16, 2023 from 8:30 am- 5:00 pm, and will extend for a three-week period, ending on Friday, November 3, 2023 followed by Election Day on November 7, 2023 from 7:00am- 7:00pm for the following seats:

 

Mayor for a term of four years, Councilmember District 1 for a term of four years, and Councilmember District 2 for a term of four years.  

 

Qualifications for said election will open on Monday August 21, 2023 at 8:30am and will end on Friday August 25, 2023 at 4:30pm. The hours for qualifying each day will be from 8:30am- 1:00pm and resume from 2:00pm until 4:30pm.

 

Qualifying fees are as follows:

 

Mayor - $324.00

Councilmember of Districts 1 and 2 - $216.00

 

Please contact the City Manager’s Office with questions regarding qualifying. 706-647-4242 Ext. 4

Arbor Day Foundation Names Thomaston a 2022 Tree City USA

LINCOLN, Nebraska (1/23/2023)- Thomaston was named a 2022 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation-to-horror its commitment to-effective urban forest management.

 

Thomaston achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

 

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

 

"Tree City USA communities see the positive effects of an urban forest firsthand," said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "The trees being planted and cared for by Thomaston are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy to a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education."

 

If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time. Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, energy use, and extreme heat and flooding. Thomaston is doing its part to address these challenges for residents both now and in the future.

 

More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.

 

About the Arbor Day Foundation

 

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership, organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters, and valued partners. Since 1972, almost 500 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival.

 

As one of the world's largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees. More information is available at arborday.org. 

NEW OWNERSHIP OF THE OLD MARTHA MILLS SITE IN THOMASTON

 THE  NEW  OWNER  OF  THE  OLD  MARTHA MILLS  PROPERTY  ON  GOORICH  AVE.  IN  THOMASTON--  SEAN  DRAIME  OF  DRAIME  ENTERPRISES , A     BUSINESS  ON  THE  SITE,  HEADS  UP   A  GROUP  CALLED  MARTHA  MILLS  LLC  THAT   HE  SAYS   PURCHASED  THE  ADDITIONAL   31 ACRES  ABOUT  A  WEEK  AGO  FROM  A  VIRGINIA  GROUP,  GOODRICH  LUMBER  LLC.

UPSON EMA SEVERE WEATHER TRAINING

  National Weather Service will be holding a Severe Weather spotter Training class on March 6 at 6 PM at Upson EMA. We are hosting neighboring counties Meriwether and Crawford first responders to join our folks for this bi-annual training. We’ll be offering a few seats to interested weather enthusiasts within our communities to join us, as well. Seating for those folks will be limited to 12 persons. They can register by sending an email to EMA@upsoncountyga.org. First come, First served basis.