Griffin Chief Of Police Placed On Administrative Leave

GRIFFIN CITY MANAGER’S STATEMENT

REGARDING POLICE CHIEF’S ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE OF ABSENCE

It is the City of Griffin’s strong preference not to comment publicly on personnel matters – particularly those that are ongoing. However, to avoid unfounded speculation and conjecture that could both cause or contribute to the spread misinformation throughout the community and result in unnecessary distraction or disruption to the administrative process, it has been determined that a limited statement at this time is in the best interests of all concerned.

As has previously been reported, Chief of Police Mike Yates was placed on a non-disciplinary, administrative leave of absence by the City Manager (April 28th) Friday afternoon. This action was taken in connection with the pending GBI investigation requested by District Attorney Marie Broder into the matter involving Sgt. D’Marquivius “DJ” King which – as also previously reported – led to Sgt. King’s placement on administrative leave in February. The City Manager wishes to emphasize that this action does not reflect any specific concerns relating to Chief Yates but was deemed prudent to avoid or minimize the possibility of any misunderstandings and to create an environment more conducive to the investigative process. At this point, the City intends to allow that process to run its course and does not anticipate commenting further on the matter unless or until any developments warrant.

GORDON STATE COLLEGE STUDENTS UPSON, PIKE, SPALDING ARE WINNERS

 BARNESVILLE, Ga. – On Friday, April 14, Gordon State College hosted its annual Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) in-person at the GSC Collaborative Learning Center in the Nursing, Health, and Natural Sciences (NAHS) building.

The annual symposium event invited the submission of scholarly papers in all disciplines. GSC student works of critical analysis, synthesis, evidence-based practice, original interpretation and primary research were eligible submission options. Chosen applicants presented their work in either a poster or podium presentation at a gathering of fellow students, faculty and family.

This year’s podium presentation winners included William Godat of Spalding County on his podium presentation titled, “Natural Parks in the Literature and Subconscious of the American Gilded and Progressive Ages,” and Riki Joiner-Rider of Upson County on her podium presentation titled, “Finding the Light.”

"I am incredibly honored to be one of the two winners of the 2023 Gordon State College Undergraduate Research Symposium. Everybody who presented research was amazing and I learned a lot from this experience,” Godat said. “My project was heavily influenced by my love of classic American literature and the American National Park System.”

Runners-up included Sarah Jones of Pike County on her podium presentation titled, “A Comparison of COVID-19 to the Spanish Flu Epidemic,” and Elizabeth R. Hill of Pike County on her podium presentation titled, “Return to Paradise: An Exploration of Eve as a Protagonist in British Literature

T-U BOE OPPOSED TO CHARTER SCHOOL

 TU BOE Opposes Charter School to Serve Upson & Bibb Counties

At the Tuesday, April 25, called meeting, the Thomaston-Upson Board of Education voted unanimously to deny the Charter School Application submitted by Utopian Academy for the Arts (UAFA): Macon-Bibb and to express their opposition to the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia (SCSC of GA). According to the charter application submitted by UAFA: Macon-Bibb, the school would be located in Upson County with proposed attendance zones to include Upson County and Bibb County. It would be an all-male, gender-based school environment serving young men in grades 6-8 and offering classes in the dramatic, media, and creative arts as a supplement to the core curriculum. According to the UAFA: Macon-Bibb charter application, the prospective address for the school is 100 McIntosh Parkway, Thomaston, GA.

The Thomaston-Upson School System’s denial of the request means that the decision to grant or deny a charter to Utopian Academy for the Arts: Macon-Bibb will be made by SCSC of GA. SCSC is Georgia’s state-level, independent charter school authorizing board, established in 2012 with the passage of HB 797. According to the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia’s website, SCSC “seeks to improve public education throughout the state by authorizing high-quality charter schools that provide students with better educational opportunities than they would otherwise receive in traditional district schools”. In the letter of opposition to be submitted to SCSC, Thomaston-Upson Schools bases its opposition to the charter school upon three crucial areas of concern: educational opportunities & academic evidence; community need & community support; and the unexplainable choices of physical location and attendance zones. The Thomaston-Upson School System writes in the letter, “It is our position that Utopian Academy for the Arts: Macon-Bibb would not provide Thomaston-Upson County students with ‘better educational opportunities’ than they currently receive at Upson-Lee Middle School.” The letter provides data and other information supporting this statement made by TU Schools.

(A copy of the letter of opposition is attached.)

Funding for state charter schools comes from the state. State charter school students earn Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula funding, like all Georgia public school students, and State Charter School Supplement funding.

THOMASTON TREE BOARD ARBOR DAY EVENT

 THE  THOMASTON  TREE  BOARD  WILL  HOLD  ARBOR  DAY  CEREMONIES  AT  THE  DOG  PARK  AT   HISTORIC  SILVERTOWN  BALL  PARK   FRIDAY  APRIL 28,  NATIONAL  ARBOR  DAY  ,   AT   11;30AM--PUBLIC  INVITED.

NO CAR SHOW IN UPSON CO

 UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  URGES  THE  PUBLIC  TO  DISREGARD  SOCIAL  MEDIA  INFO  THAT  A  BIG   MUSCLE   CAR  SHOW  IS  SCHEDULED  FOR  THE  FORMER  ROCK  RANCH  THIS  SATURDAY--NOW  STEVE  HARVEY'S  LEGACY  RANCH. THE   SHERIFF  SAYS  HE  HAS   SPOKEN  WITH  THE  ATLANTA  PROMOTER   WITH  CONCERNS  ABOUT  TRAFFIC  CONTROL--AND  HAS  CONTACTED  THE  LEGACY  RANCH  AND  THEY  ARE  UNAWARE  OF  THE  EVENT.  SHERIFF KILGORE  SAID  THIS  CAR  SHOW  OUTFIT  HELD  A  SHOW    IN  TAYLOR  COUNTY  LAST  YEAR  AND  THEIR  APPROACH  IS  TO  WITHHOLD  THE  LOCATION  UNTIL  A  DAY  BEFORE  THE  SHOW   THEN  SHOW  UP--BUT  SHERIFF  KILGORE  TOLD   101  NEWS  HE  ADVISED  AGAINST  IT,  AS  SUCH  AN  EVENT  NEEDS  MAJOR PLANNING  FROM  LAW  ENFORCEMENT.

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

PLEAS – JUDGE RHONDA B. KREUZIGER, GJC

April 21, 2023

 

1. 23R0068 MICHAEL TURNER CT. 1: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICERS: 180 DAYS TO SERVE  IN THE COUNTY JAIL CT. 2: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICERS: 180 DAYS T.   SERVE IN THE COUNTY JAIL CONCURRENT TO COUNT 1. 

 

2. 23R0113 MICHAEL TURNER CT. 1: THEFT BY TAKING: 5 YEARS PROBATION TO RUN CONSECUTIVE TO CASE VOP#18R0052; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $1,000 FINE.

 

3. 22R0379 JOSHUA NEESE CT. 1: FALSE IMPRISONMENT: 5 YEARS, SERVE 1 YEAR IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM, FOLLOWED BY THE REAINDER ON PROBATION; $1,000 FINE; COMPLETE FAMILY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAM; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE. CT. 2: FALSE IMPRISONMENT: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: FALSE IMPRISONMENT: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 4: CRUELTY TO CHILDREN THIRD DEGREE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 5: CRUELTY TO CHILDREN THIRD DEGREE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 6: SIMPLE BATTERY, FAMILY VIOLENCE: 12 MONTHS TO SERVE IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM CONCURRENT TO COUNT 1. CT. 7: TERRORISTIC THREATS: 5 YEARS PROBATION TO RUN CONCURRENT TO COUNT 1.

 

4. 20R0239 CORINTHIAN MCGHEE CT. 1: UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF LESS THAN 20 OZ OF LOW THC OIL: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; DRUG EVALUATION AND TREATMENT; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $500 FINE.

 

5. 21R0014 JUSTIN WRYE CT. 1: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: 10 YEARS, SERVE 2 YEARS IN JAIL, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE. CT. 2: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICERS: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

6. 22R0493 DEVIN WARNER CT. 1: FINANCIAL TRANSACTION CARD FRAUD: FIRST OFFENDER: 3 YEARS PROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $1,000 FINE. CT. 2: FINANCIAL TRANSACTION CARD FRAUD: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: FINANCIAL TRANSACTION CARD FRAUD: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 4: FINANCIAL TRANSACTION CARD FRAUD: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

GBI REPORTS ON GANG INDICTMENTS SPALDING CO

 Operation Krack the Ice" – 34 Indicted on Gang, RICO, and Drug Charges in Gang Task Force Case in Spalding County

 

Griffin, GA (April 20, 2023) – The Spalding County District Attorney’s Office has indicted 34 men and women in “Operation Krack the Ice.” This operation is a multi-agency investigation involving gangs, drugs, and organized crime, plaguing communities across the State of Georgia, including but not limited to Spalding, Butts, Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Rockdale, Newton, Troup, and Tattnall Counties.

 

The 34 people are charged with the following:

• 68 Defendant Counts of Violations of the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act
• 24 Defendant Counts of Violations of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
• 9 Defendant Counts of Trafficking-Methamphetamine
• 1 Defendant Count of Terroristic Threats
• 1 Defendant Count of Possession of Firearm During Commission of a Felony
• 1 Defendant Count of Possession of a Knife During Commission of a Felony

 

In late 2020, the GBI Gang Task Force, along with the Georgia Department of Corrections and Homeland Security Investigations-Atlanta Gangs Division, determined Ghostface Gangster Chad Ashley Allen, serving a life sentence for murder at Georgia State Prison in Tattnall County, was, in coordination with Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTOs), members of the Ghostface Gangsters, Gangster Disciples, Sureños, and Bloods criminal street gangs, operating a drug trafficking enterprise from the prison.

 

The investigation showed that between April 2014 and September 2022, the men and women who have been indicted participated in a pattern of racketeering activity. The organization spans from Mexico and throughout Georgia, distributing methamphetamine, alprazolam, fentanyl, and heroin, in coordination with criminal street gang members and associates in and outside of prison. This is organized crime operating at the highest level.

 

This criminal enterprise committed numerous crimes, including drug trafficking, assaults, and firearms offenses. The conspiracy involves a pattern of criminal coordination where Allen sourced illegal drugs from Mexico from the Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations. Allen then recruits a system of street level distributors (criminal street gang members and associates) to fulfill requests for enormous amounts of methamphetamine and other drugs. They did this by using contraband cell phones that were smuggled into the prison. These contraband cell phones were used to coordinate with co-conspirators, both incarcerated and civilian, in exchange for considerable amounts of illicit earnings laundered through mobile banking apps. The analysis of records recovered from these contraband cell phones, social media platforms, and infiltration of the criminal enterprise by undercover law enforcement officers was vital to the success of this investigation. The investigation revealed a conspiracy to traffic vast amounts of methamphetamine and resulted in the recovery of six firearms, including one “ghost gun.”

 

Agencies that provided substantial assistance in this investigation include the Georgia Department of Corrections, Homeland Security Investigations-Atlanta Gangs Division, Spalding County District Attorney’s Office, GBI West Metro Regional Drug Enforcement Office, Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, Griffin Police Department, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, Butts County Sheriff’s Office, and Troup County Sheriff’s Office.

 

GANG DRAGNET ANNOUNCED BY SPALDING SHERIFF DIX

 GEORGIA'S  ATTORNEY  GENERAL  CHRIS  CARR,  GBI  DIRECTOR  MIKE  REGISTER  AND  DISTRICT  ATTORNEY  MARIE  BRODER  JOINED  SPALDING  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DARRELL  DIX  AT  A  NEWS   CONFERENCE  THURSDAY  ANNOUNCING  THE  ARREST   OF  57  GANG  MEMBERS  IN  OPERATION    BLOODCLOT --UNDERWAY  FOR  OVER  A  YEAR.    SHERIFF  DIX  SAID  ABOUT   20  OTHERS  ARE  STILL  AT  LARGE  BUT  ARE  THE  BEING  SOUGHT  BY  THE  LAW   .   GANG LEADERS      IN  PRISON  WHO  CONTINUE  TO  OVERSEE  CRIMES  ARE  TARGETED  BY " OPERATION KRACK  THE  ICE."    THE  SHERIFF URGED PARENTS  TO  KEEP  UP  WITH  THEIR  KIDS--AND  HE  TOLD  GANG  MEMBERS-"-YOU  BETTER  GET  OUT  OF  TOWN."

D.A.  BRODER  SAID  ELEMENTARY  SCHOOL  STUDENTS  ARE  BEING  GIVEN GUNS  BY  GANG LEADERS  AND  COERCED INTO  BECOMING  GANG MEMBERS--FINDING  ATTENTION  AND  RECOGNITION THEY   DON'T  GET  AT HOME--AND    GETTING MORE  VIOLENT.  SHERIFF  DIX  COMMENTED  THAT    JAN.  TO    MARCH OF  2023--35 SHOOTINGS  HAVE  BEEN  RECORDED  IN  SPALDING  COUNTY--  HALF  GANG  ACTIVITY

TPD SHOOTING ARREST

• Dave Piper

Wed 4/19/2023 4:04 PM

PRESS RELEASE:

On Tuesday April 18, 2023 at approximately 8:30 am  TPD Patrol officers were dispatched to Upson Regional Medical Center in reference to a gunshot victim.  The victim was identified as Ervin Brazier of 401 Poplar Drive, Thomaston, Georgia.  Our Investigators determined that the victim had solicited illegal escort services from a local female and when she arrived at his residence there was an unknown male with her.  The male brandished a 9mm pistol and the two of them demanded money from the victim.  He in return gave them counterfeit US currency and upon realizing this, the male subject fired at the victim striking him twice in the leg as he attempted to flee the scene.  The two offenders then fled the scene in a burgundy Jeep according to witnesses.  During the course of the investigation investigators were able to identify the female as Samantha Dickerson, age 28 , of Thomaston, Georgia, and the unknown male as Steven Harris, Jr., age 23, of Thomaston, Georgia. 

 

At approximately 5pm, Sgt. Matt Allen, the lead investigator, was contacted by an ATF Task Force Agent in Turner County, Georgia.  He advised that they had two subjects stopped in Turner County for a traffic violation who were from Thomaston.  He stated they had counterfeit US currency and two stolen firearms in their possession.   The individuals were identified as Dickerson and Harris.  Both subjects were detained and held at the Turner County jail.   Our investigators immediately traveled to Turned County and interviewed both suspects.  As result of those interviews and the evidence located in their possession, both Samantha Dickerson and Steven Harris, Jr. were charged with armed robbery and aggravated assault.  They are currently being held at the Turner County jail and will later be transported to the Upson County jail.   This is still an active investigation that may result in additional charges.  

THOMASTON PD UNIT TOTALED

A  THOMASTON  POLICE  CAR  WAS  TOTALED  EARLY  MONDAY  ON  SOUTH  GREEN  ST/36  WEST  AFTER  A  BOX  TRUCK  SMASHED  INTO  THE  REAR  END  OF  IT.  THE   SQUAD   CAR  WAS  UNOCCUPIED  ON  THE  SIDE OF  THE  ROAD    BUT  THE  BLUE LIGHTS  WERE  ACTIVATED  AS  OFFICERS  WERE  SEARCHING  FOR  A NURSING  HOME  RESIDENT  WHO  HAD  WANDERED OFF.

UPON IMPACT, THE POLICE UNIT WAS KNOCKED UPSIDE DOWN!

SHOOTING VICTIM IN THOMASTON

 On Tuesday April 18, 2023 at approximately 0830 patrol was dispatched to Upson Reginal Medical Center in reference to a gun shot victim Irvin Brazier. Upon speaking to the victim he stated that he walked out to his garage and noticed a young male subject wearing  a ski mask once confronted the unknown male drew a gun and chased Mr. Brazier to the house. The shooter then discharged two rounds into the house striking Mr. Brazier in the leg. The shooter is described a young, light skinned possibly mixed, between 507 and 509, 160-175 pounds, and wearing dark clothing. This investigation is still active and further details are pending.

TEACHER ARRESTED IN GRIFFIN

On April 13, 2023, the SRO at Kennedy Road Middle School was notified by the school nurse, who is a mandatory reporter, that a 6th grade student had been brought to her alleging that she had been struck in the face by a teacher. When the SRO saw the child, he noted redness on the child’s face as though she had been struck.

According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, “School Administrators, who are also mandatory reporters, did not notify the SRO of the allegation that had been made, or that the child appeared to have been struck. When the SRO located the Principal, he was told that the teacher had already been interviewed by school staff, admitted she struck the child, and sent home.

 

Sheriff Darrell Dix further states, “The SRO was not notified of the incident by the Principal or school staff, nor was he asked to be present during the interview before the teacher was sent home. Fortunately, one of my staff members knows the teacher and was able to arrange for her to be interviewed by the SRO and Investigators. Video of the incident has been reviewed, and she also has admitted to us that she struck the child. There was a delay in arresting the teacher because we, along with the District Attorney’s Office, had to gather information about the teacher’s diplomatic status. Once we were able to verify that information, she was notified of the warrant, and she turned herself in this morning.”

 

Arrested was Sowjayna Ballikurva I/F 44. She has been charged with 1 count of Simple Battery.

 

“We’re glad that the nurse did her duty, stepped forward, and spoke to the SRO or we may not have found out about it. This isn’t the first time this type of situation has happened, and we have brought this to the attention of school system administration on several previous occasions. Given the fact that we often have to play catch-up, it turned out as well as it could.”

Body recovered after an accident on Jackson Lake

 

A man’s body was recovered by a dive team after an accident on Jackson Lake Saturday.

Butts County Sheriff officials said authorities received reports of a drowning in the area of Kersey Bridge on Jackson Lake.

When the Butts County dive team arrived, they located 48-year-old Torey Antonio Domineck of Palmetto. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

According to the investigation, Domineck and his friends were tubing on the lake when he fell off his tube. He was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.

 

“Jackson Lake is a very busy place this time of year,” Sheriff Gary Long said. “As much as we want everyone to have fun and enjoy the lake, if you are going to be in the water, please make sure you have a life jacket on regardless of what type of swimmer you may be.”

Long added that deputies will be patrolling the lake along with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to ensure boating laws are being followed to ensure a safe and fun season on the lake.

BOIL WATER ADVISORY LIFTED UPSON CO

 UPSON  COUNTY  WATER  DEPARTMENT  LIFTED  A  BOIL  WATER  ADVISORY  SATURDAY  EVENING.    COUNTY  MANAGER   JASON  TINSLEY  TOLD   101  NEWS  THE  WATER  SYSTEM  HAD  A  WATER  LINE  BREAK   IN  SUNNYSIDE   AT   2AM  FRIDAY   THAT  AFFECTED  SEVERAL  STREETS. 

WRECK WITH INJURIES SAT IN THOMASTON - Details on Fun101FM

THOMASTON  POLICE  CHIEF MIKE  RICHARDSON  SAYS  TWO  PERSONS  REPORTEDLY  WERE  AIR-FLIGHTED   TO  OUT  OF  TOWN  HOSPITALS  AFTER  A  WRECK  ON  HANNAH'S  MILL  ROAD, SATURDAY,  NEAR  COGGINS  FUNERAL  HOME.  THE  ACCIDENT  INVESTIGATION  WAS  TURNED OVER  TO  POST  26  GA.  STATE  PATROL. 

HIGH SPEED CHASE UPSON TO PIKE

 UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  SAID  SO DEPUTIES  AND  THOMASTON  PD  CHASED  A  STOLEN  CAR  SUSPECT   FROM  ATHENS    INTO  PIKE  COUNTY  BEFORE  HE  WAS  ARRESTED.  DETAILS  ON  FUN   101 FM.

CALL FOR ENTRIES PIKE CO SLOW EXPOSURES 2023

 

SlowExposures 2023 CALL FOR ENTRIES is Open! SlowExposures 2023 September 14-17 The 20th Annual Juried Exhibition Celebrating Photography of the Rural South     We don't want to miss you in 2023! SlowE has always been a "be there" experience. It's a weekend filled with incredible photography, one-of-a-kind, serendipitous meetings and conversations that can inspire you--and propel your art forward. We are fond of channeling famous hockey player Wayne Gretzky when he said: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." Take your shot.    Your entry will be seen by our esteemed jurors Aline Smithson and Alexa Dilworth. Juried-in, or not-this-time, your entry is your invitation to join us as honored guests at the private Soiree on Friday night at Split Oak Farm where conversation, contacts, and collaborations happen every year. The selections for the Main Exhibition will highlight a weekend of over a dozen satellite shows, portfolio reviews, seminars, and career-changing networking opportunities. Your entry in the "Big Show" will also mean a discount on the entry fee for the PopUp Tour curated by Jerry Atnip--that Call will be released in the coming month.         It all happens in the rural countryside of west central Georgia--but only an hour away from Atlanta. SlowExposures will present four days of amazing photography--all displayed in historic, late-19th century buildings throughout Pike County. Our 2023 dates are September 14-17th. After the SlowE weekend, we'll move the show for a month to the Cochran Gallery in LaGrange, Georgia.           We invite photographers to submit work that captures the diversity, contradictions, and complexity of the contemporary rural American South.          Your participation in 2023 starts by entering up to six images of work taken in the rural regions of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Go for it.     ENTER  by midnight, Sunday, June 18th

ARMED ROBBERY ARRESTS IN SPALDING CO

 On April 13, 2023, at approximately 10:00pm, Deputy Logan Smith and his K-9 partner “Rambo” were on patrol on 19/41 near Birdie Road. While passing the Valero Gas Station located at 2995 North Expressway, Smith noticed two males come from the nearby wood line and quickly enter the store. Seeing this, he turned around and decided to check the business. Sheriff Darrell Dix, “As he neared the building, Deputy Smith could see that the store was being robbed, and saw a customer on his knees with his hands on his head. As Smith was notifying other units of the situation, both armed males ran from the building. Deputy Smith hit his K-9 auto-eject and Rambo exited the marked unit to pursue one of the males while Deputy Smith pursued the other.” “Deputy Smith caught the suspect he was chasing, was able to subdue him after a brief struggle, and took him into custody. Rambo chased and tackled the suspect he was after and because the suspect chose to try and fight him, he bit the suspect multiple times. The suspect lost that fight, and received multiple scrapes, bruises, and stitches for his efforts.” Both suspects had thrown their weapons during the foot pursuit, however they were recovered near where they were captured. Arrested was Andy Darrell Flournoy, W/M 29 years of age of Barnesville and Benjamin Keith Lester W/M 20 of Griffin. Both are facing a list of charges including armed robbery. “Deputy Smith did an outstanding job of reacting to what he saw when he rode by the store. He went back to check, discovered the robbery in progress, and handled the entire situation exactly as he should have. He and his K-9 partner Rambo, just like all SCSO K-9’s and their handlers, continuously train to respond to this type of situation and many other scenarios they may encounter as they patrol. Their training paid off last night.

THE OLD CLINIC BUILDING AT FIRST BAPTIST THOMASTON IS COMING DOWN

 THE  OLD  CLINIC  BUILDING  OWNED  BY  FIRST  BAPTIST  CHURCH OF  THOMASTON AT  LEE  AND  GREEN  STREETS  IS  BEING  DEMOLISHED.  PHIL  LAWSON,  CHAIRMAN  OF  THE  BOARD  OF  DECONS  TOLD   101  NEWS  THE  BUILDING  WAS  IN  POOR  REPAIR  AND  A  DANGER  TO  OCCUPY.  BEFORE  THOMASTON  HAD  A  HOSPITAL , THE  BUILDING  WAS  A  MEDICAL  CLINIC  AND   MANY    THOMASTONIANS    WERE  BORN  THERE.  DEACON  LAWSON  SAID   IT  COST   $1000  MORE  TO  REMOVE  THE  ASBESTOS  THAN  THE  DEMOLITION  COST.  FIRST  BAPTIST  HAD  TORN  DOWN  A  HOUSE  IT  OWNED  ACROSS  THE  STREET  MONTHS  AGO    BUT    FOR  NOW  BOTH  SITES  WILL  NOT  HOUSE  A  BUILDING. 

WRECK DT THOMASTON THURSDAY

 THOMASTON  POLICE  AND  FIRE  RESPONDED  TO  A  THREE-VEHICLE  ACCIDENT  AT  LUNCHTIME ON  THE   SQUARE  AT  CHURCH  AND  GORDON  INTERSECTION--TWO  CARS  AND  A  TRUCK  INVOLVED.   DAMAGE  TO  ALL  THREE  VEHICLES-- NO  WORD  ON  INJURIES.

Train collided with an automobile

A train and car collided in Monroe County Wednesday at the Estes Road crossing off Highway 41, according to Monroe County EMA Director and Fire Chief Matthew Jackson.

 

Jackson said the train was moving at a low rate of speed at the time of the crash.

 

 He said there were minor injuries to the driver of the car. The person refused medical treatment.

 

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office is working the accident. The railroad crossing is blocked until further notice.

UPSON CO MANAGER JASON TINSLEY RESPONDS TO MIDDLEBROOKS LAW SUIT

  

The county is in receipt of a civil suit from Mr. Middlebrooks.  Upon review of the documents, I am confident that many of claims made in suit are false. I look forward to presenting our position as this case proceeds.

SUSPECTED CHILD KILLER ARRESTED IN GRIFFIN

 On April 12, 2023, Spalding County Criminal Investigators, Special Operations and STING Agents, Fugitive Apprehension Unit, SWAT Team, working in partnership with Griffin Police Department investigators and Uniform Patrol Officers, arrested Kionta Parks for his role in the March 14, 2023, murder of 11-year-old Asijah Love Jones. Also arrested was Natasha Beckham. She has been charged with hindering the apprehension or punishment of a fugitive. On March 14, 2023, at approximately 1:00am, a vehicle occupied by an adult male and a 3-year-old child was ambushed in Spalding Heights, located at 615 Northside Drive. The intended target was not hit. One of the multiple rounds that was fired at the vehicle and its occupants passed through the bedroom window of a nearby apartment, striking and killing the child as she was laying on her bed with her sister. Warrants were obtained for Parks who is a self-professed, well-known, and documented criminal street gang member, charging him with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Cruelty to Children, Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Crime, Violation of Georgia Criminal Street Gang Terrorism Act, and Violation of The Georgia Domestic Terrorism Statute. He also had additional outstanding warrants stemming from his involvement in another shooting incident. According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, “Late yesterday, we received information from Griffin P.D. Investigator Gene Clark that furthered our hunt for Parks, and corroborated information my investigators had gathered since the night of the murder. The information allowed us to zero in on an area Parks may have been in, and we deployed surveillance and arrest teams.” “One of the surveillance teams spotted Parks in a vehicle travelling south on North 13th Street, and followed it until it could be stopped. As the vehicle turned into the parking lot of the Liberty Gas Station on West Taylor Street, Parks exited and fled on foot toward 14th Street. What Parks didn’t know is that he was running into a group of about 30 SCSO Deputies and GPD Officers, SWAT Team members, and 2 K-9’s, with lighting provided by our STAR Air Unit. Once he saw what he was facing, he made the best choice and surrendered. We immediately notified the Jones family of his arrest, and that we were one step closer to getting justice for Angel.” “Beckham, who was the driver of the car, admitted that she knew that Parks was wanted for the child’s murder but chose to help him anyway. That’s why she went to jail, and anyone else we can find that helped him, housed him, or hid him will go to jail too.” “This was a long day that ended in the best way possible. I can’t say enough about the work and dedication my entire staff of Administrators, Investigators, Agents, and Deputies, have put into this case. They came in early and stayed late after their shifts ended to be there and see this conclusion. Many of those that responded to the scene the night of the murder were parents or grandparents themselves, and they showed that they could do their jobs with empathy, compassion, and professionalism. Last night, Investigator Clark, along with Lt. Chip Johns’ shift from Griffin P.D. stopped everything they were doing and teamed with us to get Parks into custody. Everyone did their best and it came out well.”

MIDDLEBROOKS TAKING REC DIR AND UPSON BOC TO COURT

   AS  HE  TOLD  US  HE  WOULD--  THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL  MEMBER  JEFF MIDDLEBROOKS  HAS  FILED  A  LAW  SUIT   IN  UPSON  SUPERIOR  COURT   AGAINST  RECREATION  DIRECTOR  SHAKA   JOHNSON  AND  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  SEEKING  MONETARY   DAMAGES  FOR  HIS  FIRING  AS  ATHLETIC  SUPERINTENDANT   FEB.  8TH  AFTER  33  YEARS  WORKING  FOR  THE REC  DEPARTMENT.    HE  IS  NOT  SEEKING  HIS  JOB  BACK  IN  THE  COMPLAINT   FILED  BY  ATLANTA  ATTORNEY    MICHAEL  MONDY . MIDDLEBOOKS  HAS  SAID  HE  WAS  TOLD  BY   R.D.  JOHNSON  THAT  HE  WAS NOT  A  TEAM  PLAYER,  THE  DAY OF  HIS  DISMISSAL.

DURING  A   THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL   TOWN  HALL  MEETING  ON  REC  ISSUES LAST  WEEK,   KYLE DUDLEY  TESTIFIED  THAT  HE  CAUSED  MIDDLEBROOKS  FIRING  BY  CALLING  THE  COUNTY  MANAGER  TO  COMPLAIN  HE  COULD  NOT  ARRANGE  A  MEETING  WITH  MS.  JOHNSON  ABOUT  TRAVELING  BASEBALL.  MIDDLEBROOKS   TOLD   101  NEWS  HE  HAD  CONTACTED  MAYOR J.D. STALLINGS  ABOUT    REC   ISSUES  HIS  DISTRICT    HAD  BROUGHT  TO  HIS  ATTENTION  ABOUT  THE  RECREATION  PROGRAM,  A  JOINT  PROJECT  OF  CITY  AND  COUNTY  OPERATED BY  THE  COUNTY.  BUT  MAYOR  STALLINGS  SAYS CITY  HALL  HAS  SOME  SAY-SO IN  HOW  THINGS  ARE  CARRIED  OUT.

DURING  THAT  PACKED   TOWN  HALL  LAST  WEEK,  CITIZENS  HAD  LITTLE  POSITIVE  TO  SAY  ABOUT  THE  REC  DEPARTMENTS  CURRENT  OPERATION.

UPSON COUNTY'S FIRST BILLION DOLLAR TAX DIGEST ?

 UPSON  COUNTY  TAX  COMMISSIONER  ANDY  CHASTAIN  SAYS  THE  COUNTY  IS  HEADED  FOR  ITS  FIRST  BILLION  DOLLAR  TAX  DIGEST   IN  2023.  THE  TAX  DIGEST  WAS  OVER  $800  MILLION  IN  2022  AND  PROJECTIONS  ARE  WITH  PROPERTY  ASSESSMENT  NOTICES  GOING  OUT  APRIL  17TH  MOST  PROPERTY  OWNERS  WILL  SEE  A  SIGNIFICANT   JUMP  IN  PROPERTY  VALUES.  THE  DIGEST  WAS  UP  $80  MILLION  IN   2022  AND  COMMISSIONER  CHASTAIN  ESTIMATES  THE  DIGEST  IN   2023  WILL  INCREASE   $170  MILLION  FOR   COMMERCIAL,  LAND,  AND  RESIDENTIAL  COMBINED.

IN  A   STATEMENT  ISSUED  THIS  WEEK,  TAX  COMMISSIONER  CHASTAIN  STATED   UPSON,  LIKE  MANY  COUNTIES  IN  THE  STATE  MUST  INCREASE  THE  ASSESSMENT  VALUE  ON   PROPERTIES  TO  MEET    GUIDELINES  SET  BY  THE  STATE  DEPARTMENT  OF  REVENUE--NOT  VALUES  SET  BY  LOCAL  OFFICIALS.

UPSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY APRIL PROGRAM

 Upson Historical Society April Program Preserving Family Records By David Owings Monday April 24, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. T-U Archives, 301 S Center St. Thomaston GA David Ownings is Head of Archives and Special Collections at Columbus State University. In addition to his duties at CSU, David currently serves on the executive boards of the Georgia Association of Historians as well as the editor ial board for Muscogiana: Journal of the Muscogee Genealogical Society. He is also currently serving on the Society of American Archivist Committee on Archival Facilities Guidelines. David holds a BA in History from Columbus State University as well as an MA in History with specialization in archival and museum studies from Auburn University. Prior to CSU, he served as archivist at the Alabama Labor Archives in Montgomery, AL. His research interests include the WWII era, the experiences of prisoners of war, and memory studies specifically the role archives, museums, and similar institutions play in the construction of memory. He is currently coauthoring new guidelines for Archival and Special Collections Facilities with the Society of American Archivists Archival Facilities Committee. Previous publications include Columbus, a pictorial history of Columbus, GA that chronicles the city’s past through vintage images, as well as several articles including “The Orphans of G. Gunby Jordan” in Muscogiana and “European Political Agendas Running Amuck in a New World South” in the Southern Writ Large. Mr. Owings will be discussing the preservation of family records for future generations which has been a critical aspect of the new exhibition “Thomaston Goes to War…on the Home Front” at the Thomaston-Upson Archives and Pettigrew-White-Stamps House Museum

MERIWETHER, UPSON, TPD , GBI JOINT OPERATION

 “On Thursday, April 6th, 2023, the Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Georgia State Patrol, inclusive of their K-9 and Aviation, the Newnan Police Department “CSU”, DNR K-9 unit, Upson Regional Narcotics Task Force, inclusive of the Upson County Sheriff’s Office and Thomaston Police Department, Department of Community Supervision, and the GBI West Metro Regional Drug Task Force conducted a concentrated patrol operation within Meriwether County. All agencies involved worked collaboratively in this crime suppression operation related to recent volatile criminal activity occurring in and around Meriwether County as well as surrounding jurisdictions. The operation resulted in 164 traffic stops, 138 traffics warnings, 26 traffic citations issued, 42 vehicle searches, 2 guns recovered, along with V.G.C.S.A. crack cocaine and methamphetamine seizures. There were 9 arrests made along with 1 driving under the influence charge filed. Additional charges are pending based on the operation results and evidence collected.” Sheriff Chuck Smith said. “I appreciate the work done by our personnel and all agencies involved. It was a collaborative effort in the success of this operation by all agencies listed and I want to thank them again for their help.” Sheriff Smith advised.

ARMIS BEDFORD WITH 2023 MASTERS CHAMP JON RAHM

THERE'S A THOMASTON CONNECTION TO 2023 MASTERS  CHAMPION, JON RAHM. ARMIS BEDFORD, GRANDDAUGHTER  OF  FORMER THOMASTON CITY COUNCILMAN GARY BEDFORD MET JON WHEN HE PLAYED IN THE  MEMPHIS OPEN  AND  VISITED  ST. JUDE'S CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL WHERE SHE WAS A PATIENT. ARMIS PASSED AWAY TWO YEARS AGO OF A BRAIN TUMOR.

IMPORTANT INFO FROM UPSON CO TAX COMMISSIONER ANDY CHASTAIN

 Property assessment notices will be sent out April 17th and most property owners will see a significant increase in property values again this year. This is mostly due to inflationary growth as a result of the real estate market boom from 2019 thru early 2022. Although home & land sales have slowed down recently due to higher interest rates, the amount homes & land are selling for has not dropped. Upson County, like many other counties statewide, is having to increase the assessment value on properties in order to be within the guidelines set by the Georgia Dept. of Revenue for property assessment purposes. These guidelines ARE NOT set by local officials. They’re required to abide by the guidelines given to them by the State. Your assessment notices will reflect the new 2023 value along with the 2022 tax millage rate, and in most instances, the estimated tax amount will be more than the actual 2022 tax bill was. Important note here: The estimated tax amount you will see on the notice is simply that; an estimate. It is not your 2023 tax bill and it does not mean your taxes will necessarily increase or decrease for 2023. That will be determined when all the governing authorities set their millage rates in August of this year. However, there will be a one-time property tax relief grant for all homestead properties this year. On March 13, 2023, Governor Kemp signed legislation that will reduce the assessed value of Georgia homesteads by $18,000. This property tax relief grant will apply to all millage rates except for bond and tax allocation district millage rates. Our tax millage rates here in Upson aren’t determined until August of each year so we won’t know the exact amount this relief will save on homestead property tax until all millage rates are determined, but based on our 2022 millage rates, that savings could be as much as $500 for homestead properties. This is great news in a year where we’ll be seeing record growth in our tax digest.

Crawford County SO and GBI Looking for Peach County woman

A Peach County woman is wanted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for identity theft and theft by taking.

Priscilla Parker is wanted for identity theft and theft by taking in connection with a “suspected theft” of an elderly woman in Crawford County in 2022. The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office requested the GBI’s help in solving the case. Parker is known to frequent Crawford, Peach, and Houston counties.

 

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Parker is asked to call the GBI Perry Office at 478-987-4545 or1-800-597-TIPS (8477).

Upson-Lee Elementary School student winners in The Garden Club of GA, Inc. Smokey Bear poster contest.

Congratulations to Upson-Lee Elementary School students Kate Creamer and Keaton Lonecke, who were both winners in The Garden Club of GA, Inc. Smokey Bear poster contest. Posters were to include Smokey Bear, his signature message, and a message encouraging children to take a personal role in preventing wildfires. Keaton Lonecke won 2nd Place in the 5th Grade state competition and Kate Creamer won 3rd Place in the 3rd Grade state competition. The students' entries were sponsored by Green Thumb Garden Club of Thomaston. Mrs. Angie Short of Green Thumb Garden Club presented the students with their awards. Gifted students in Mrs. Heather Lonecke's classes all participated in the contest.

L-R: Mrs. Angie Short, Green Thumb Garden Club; Kate Creamer;
Keaton Lonecke; Mrs. Heather Lonecke, ULES gifted teacher.

FATAL ACCIDENT IN PIKE CO TUES.

 At 10:13, this morning, Pike County deputies responded to a single vehicle accident on Highway 109 near Smyrna Church Road. A Dodge Charger had left the roadway while traveling westbound and struck a tree. The driver of the vehicle , Franklin Daniel, from Molena , was deceased at the scene. Sheriff's Office traffic investigators responded to the scene and began the task of reconstructing the events leading up to this collision. 

This incident remains under investigation.

JOB FAIR IN THOMASTON

 The Thomaston-Upson Development Authority, The Chamber of Commerce, and The Upson Beacon have partnered together to host a job fair.

The event will take place on May 11th from 10am-2pm at the Civic Center

UPSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE MAGNOLIA TREES ARE GONE

 THE  ALABAMA  COMPANY  HIRED  BY  THE  UPSON  COUNTY BOARD OF  COMMISSIONERS  FOR  A   MAJOR   LANDSCAPING  PROJECT  OF  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COURTHOUSE  GROUNDS  WORKED  THROUGH  THE  WEEKEND--AND  FELLED  THE  TWO  LARGE  MAGNOLIA  TREES  THAT  GRACED  THE  DOWNTOWN  AREA  FOR  DECADES.  THE  COMMISSIONERS  TOOK  THE  ACTION  AFTER  RECOMMENDATIONS  ON  HOW  BEST  TO  MAKE  THE  GROUNDS  MORE  ATTRACTIVE.

OLD MARTHA MILLS PROPERTY SOLD FOR ZERO DOLLARS?

 THOMASTON'S CITY  MANAGER  RUSSELL  THOMPSON  SAYS  CITY  HALL  PLANS  TO  RETURN  TO  UPSON  SUPERIOR  COURT  TO  GET  ANOTHER  COURT  ORDER  TO  INSPECT  THE  OLD  MARTHA  MILLS  PROPERTY  ON  GOODRICH  AVE.  THE  MANAGER  SAYS  THE  NEW  OWNER  SEAN  DRAINE  HAS  KICKED  OFF   CITY  HALL  AND  A  MACON  COMPANY  IT  RETAINED,  FOR  THE  SECOND  TIME.  THE  MACON  GEO  TECH   FIRM  WAS  DOING  TESTING  ON  THE  SITE  WHEN  ASKED  TO  LEAVE.  THOMPSON  SAYS  CITY  HALL   WANTS  TO  INSPECT  THE  PROPERTY    FOR  CLEAN UP.

DRAINE  TOLD   101  NEWS  HIS  INVESTMENT  GROUP .  MARTHA  MILLS  LLC ,  BOUGHT  THE  PROPERTY  FROM  GOODRICH  LUMBER LLC,  A  VIRGINIA  COMPANY,  BUT  THE  DEED  RECORDED  IN  UPSON  SUPERIOR  COURT  REFLECTS  A  ZERO  SELLING  PRICE.  THE  MARTHA MILLS  SITE  IS  LISTED  ON   THE  UPSON  COUNTY  TAX  BOOKS  WITH  A  VALUE  OF  OVER  ONE  MILLION  DOLLARS.