City Of Thomaston Agenda

CITY OF THOMASTON

MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

AUGUST 1, 2023 – 7:00 P.M.

CITY-COUNTY MEETING ROOM – MAIN FLOOR

THOMASTON-UPSON GOVERNMENT COMPLEX

AGENDA

 

A.         Call Meeting to Order / Invocation / Pledge of Allegiance

 

B.         Approval of Minutes for July 18, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting 

 

C.         Adoption of Agenda    

 

D.         City Attorney’s Report

 

E.         City Clerk’s Report 

 

F.          City Engineer’s Report

            

G.        City Manager’s Report

 

1.     Discussion and Potential of Urban Camping & Improper Use of Public Areas Ordinance

2.   Discussion and Potential Adoption of Alcohol Renewal Ordinance Amendment 

3.   Discussion and Potential Approval of Architectural Design Proposal for The Multi-use Facility / Farmer’s Market  

 

H.          Other Business

            

I.           Executive Session / Discussion / Potential Action

 

J.          Adjournment

 

GRIFFIN JUV ARRESTED FOR 84 CAR BREAK-INS

 On July 26th 2023 Griffin Police made an arrest of a 12 year old juvenile in reference to a string of entering autos. Over the past month several businesses in the N Expressway Corridor had reported the thefts and were able to assist with camera footage leading to the identification of the suspect. The male has been charged with 84 counts of entering auto and 5 counts of criminal trespass with more charges forthcoming. Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Griffin Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 770.229.6452.

T-U IDA DIRECTOR KYLE FLETCHER HAS RESIGNED

WTGA  NEWS  HAS  LEARNED  THOMASTON-UPSON  IDA  DIRECTOR  KYLE  FLETCHER  HAS  RESIGNED,  EFFECTIVE  SEPTEMBER  22.  SHE  REPORTEDLY  SUBMITTED  A  LETTER  OF  RESIGNATION  TO  IDA  CHAIR  STEVE  RUSH,  WEDNESDAY,  JULY 26, 2023.

T-U BOE ANNOUNCES A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

 The Thomaston-Upson School Board of Education today announces its intentions to increase the 2023 property taxes it will levy this year by 13.62 percent over the rollback millage rate.

O.C.G.A 20.2-165 (9)(c) states that [effective July 1, 2019] a school district must maintain a millage rate or an equivalent millage rate of 14 mills to qualify for Georgia’s equalization grant funds. In 2022, the School Board voted to set the millage rate of 14.010 mills to ensure that the Thomaston-Upson School District does not lose equalization grant funds, which totaled $4.1 million in FY23 and $4.3 million in FY24. The Board of Education is proposing that the current mill rate of 14.010 mills remains in place, which will protect equalization funding from the State of Georgia.

When the total digest of taxable property is prepared, Georgia law requires a rollback millage rate be computed that will produce the same total revenue on the current year’s digest that last year’s millage rate would have produced had no reassessment occurred.

The budget tentatively adopted by the Thomaston-Upson School Board of Education requires a millage rate higher than the rollback millage rate; therefore, before the Thomaston-Upson County Board of Education may finalize the tentative budget and set a final millage rate, Georgia law requires three public hearings to be held to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on the increase.

All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax increase to be held at the Board of Education Office, 205 Civic Center Dr., Thomaston, GA on Thursday August 10, 2023 at 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and on Thursday August 17, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

CONGRESSMAN DREW FERGUSON REPORTS

 

Ferguson Requests Review of IT Investment Practices at the Social Security Administration   WASHINGTON, DC – House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Chairman Drew Ferguson (GA-03) today sent a letter to Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), requesting a review on how the Social Security Administration (SSA) manages and oversees billions of dollars in information technology (IT) investments. The letter follows an audit report of the SSA released on July 21, 2023, by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) that determined a lack of monitoring nation-wide data on automation enhancements   In part, Chairman Ferguson wrote, “The need for these systems to maintain operations and stay up to date is not only critical for Social Security beneficiaries, but for every worker and business in America. Over the past decade, the SSA has spent over $16 billion on IT and cybersecurity and has budgeted an additional $2.1 billion for IT in fiscal year 2023.  Despite these sizable IT investments, upgrades to the SSA’s systems continue to be delayed to the detriment of Americans seeking services from the agency.”   “The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that IT investments by the federal government, including the SSA, have too frequently failed to deliver capabilities in a timely manner. They also incur cost overruns or schedule slippages while contributing little to mission-related outcomes. These investments often lack disciplined and effective management in such areas as project planning, investment management, and program oversight and governance.

GSP THOMASTON INVESTIGATING A PEDESTRIAN INJURY

 THOMASTON  POLICE  CHIEF  MIKE  RICHARDSON  SAID  A  PEDESTRIAN  WAS  SERIOUSLY  INJURED   AND  LIFE FLIGHTED  TO  A  MACON  TRAUMA CENTER   JULY   20--  THE  INJURED PERSON,  TYRONE  DENNIS   WAS  STRUCK  BY  A  VEHICLE  ON  BETHEL  STREET.  POST   26  GA.  STATE PATROL  INVESTIGATING. 

DA MARIE BRODER REPORTS

 The Long Wait

I hope everyone out there is doing well. The last few months have been busy in the office, and I’ve also managed to spend a little time outside of the office with my family. While I still attend to necessary calls or crises as they arise when I am away, a few quiet moments on the beach with my family does wonders to renew my spirit.

As District Attorney, one of the most difficult adjustments has been watching others try a case. Before taking on a more “managerial role,” I rarely had time to go and observe someone else put together and try a case. Instead, I was the one picking the jury, putting on evidence, and making my arguments. Now I can observe and guide an excellent team of trial lawyers.

Even though I am not in the pressure cooker of presenting the case itself, there is one part of the trial where I feel their pain: waiting on a jury to render the verdict. I have said it before and will say it again, there is nothing worse than waiting around for 12 people to pass judgment on the case you have presented. If you win, you can embrace a victim or their family and know that the long road to peace can begin. If you lose, the weight of justice being denied is a heavy burden.

The verdict represents years of work by law enforcement, investigators, and attorneys. And that process often begins when an Assistant District Attorney is called out in the middle of the night to a crime scene to assist law enforcement in conducting an investigation that will hold up in the bright lights of a courtroom years down the road. To have the outcome of your blood, sweat, and tears distilled into a single moment is brutal. And it is even more brutal to have to wait minutes, days, and hours to hear the words “guilty” or “not guilty.”

A few weeks ago, Kate Lenhard, a prosecutor in my office who specializes in crimes against women and children, had to wait several days for a jury to return its verdict. The case involved child molestation, so I will not go into the details. But I will say that these cases most often rest on the credibility of a child who faces their accuser in a room full of strangers. Child victims of sexual abuse, rarely, if ever, act in ways we might expect. Some may be understandably hysterical, some may have a flat effect, and some may be so matter of fact as to sound flippant. The various ways that people cope with trauma, particularly children, is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Jurors, however, often seem to struggle with this issue, and it can lead to long deliberations. It takes a special prosecutor to effectively present these cases and that is why I am so thankful to have Mrs. Lenhard’s assistance.

As the jury in that case deliberated, they initially reported to the court that they were split. Some believed the defendant was guilty and some did not. At that moment, the terror sets in that the jury might hang and the case will need to be tried again. We waited even longer. Hours go by. The Judge continues to encourage the jurors to reach a unanimous verdict. Finally, these conscientious jurors carefully examined the evidence and ultimately found the defendant guilty. While it was nerve-wracking waiting for the jury to reach its result, they payoff—justice served---makes it all worth the while.

As everyone prepares for the end of summer and for school to start back (which is hard to believe), please be kind and take care of each other.

SPALDING ELECTIONS BOARD HEARS COMPLAINTS ABOUT DOMINION VOTING MACHINES

 IT  WAS  WAR  OF  THE  WORLDS  AT  MONDAY'S  MEETING  OF  THE  SPALDING  COUNTY  ELECTIONS  BOARD  WITH  A  PROPOSAL  ON THE  TABLE  TO  ELIMINATE  THE  USE  OF  DOMINION  VOTING  MACHINES  AND  RETURN  TO  PAPER  BALLOTS  IN  FUTURE  ELECTIONS.  HOWEVER,  COUNTY  ATTORNEY  STEPHANIE  WINDHAM    WARNED  THE  BOARD  IT  WOULD  LEAD  TO  A  LAW  SUIT  FROM  STATE  GOVERNMENT,  AS  THE  SECRETARY  OF  STATE'S  OFFICE  HAS  CERTIFIED  THE  DOMINION  MACHINES  FOR  ALL  ELECTIONS  IN  GEORGIA.  ALMOST  TWO  DOZEN  CITIZENS  FROM  ALL  OVER  THE  STATE  TESTIFIED ALL    BUT  ONE   IN  FAVOR  OF  GOING  BACK  TO  PAPER  BALLOTS.

THE  MOVE  TO  PAPER  BALLOTS  CAUGHT  FANCY  WHEN  DONALD  TRUMP  LOST  THE  STATE  OF  GA.  IN  THE   2020  ELECTION  AND  TRUMPERS    CLAIMED  IT  WAS  BECAUSE  OF  FRAUDULANT  VOTES  AND  BLAMED  IT  ON  THE  MACHINES.

THEY  HAVE  NOT  HEARD  FROM   UPSON  COUNTY  ELECTION  SUPERINTENDANT  ROBERT HANEY  WHO  SAYS  THE  DOMINION  VOTING  MACHINES    ARE  NOT  ON  THE  INTERNET  AND  TO  CHANGE  VOTES  YOU  WOULD  NEED  THE  CODE  TO  ENTER  EACH  INDIVIDUAL  MACHINE  ,  PLUS  PAPER  BALLOTS  COUNTED  BY  HAND  ARE  FRAUGHT  WITH  HUMAN  ERROR.  ELECTION  OFFICIALS   IN  COFFEE  COUNTY     ARE  UNDER  GBI  INVESTIGATION  FOR  TAMPERING  WITH  DOMINION  VOTING  MACHINES  AFTER  THE  2020  ELECTION.

AFTER  HEARING  FROM  LOCALS  AND  CITIZENS  FROM  GAINESVILLE ,  ATLANTA,  MACON,  PEACHTREE CITY,  NEWNAN  AND  MORE -- SUPPORTING  DUMPING  DOMINION  MACHINES,  THE  BOARD  PASSED   A  MOTION  ON  A  3-1  VOTE.       BOARD  MEMBER JAMES  NEWLAND  MADE  THE  MOTION  THAT    AFTER  THE  VOTING,  HAND  COUNT  BALLOTS  AND  IF  THERE  IS ANY  DIFFERENCE  AT  ALL, DECLARE  THE  SPALDING  COUNTY  VOTES  UNCERTIFIABLE. DEMOCRAT  DEXTER  WIMBUSH     ,  CAST  THE  NO  VOTE.

  GRIFFIN  RESIDENT    DR. YOSHUNDA  JONES  WAS  THE  ONLY PERSON  TO  TESTIFY  TO  KEEP  DOMINION  VOTING  MACHINES.  THE  FOX  NEWS  NETWORK  ACCUSED  BY  DOMINION OF  BAD MOUTHING  THEIR  VOTING  MACHINES   JUST  SETTLED  A  LAW  SUIT   BY  PAYING  DOMINION    $800  MILLION  DOLLARS.

MEMBERS  OF  THE  SPALDING  ELECTIONS  BOARD  ARE  JAMES  NEWLAND,  BEN  JOHNSON,  DEXTER  WIMBUSH,  ROY  MCCLAIN,  AND  JAMES  O'BRIEN.

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

 PLEAS – JUDGE BEN J. MILLER JR., GJC

JULY 25, 2023

 

1. 22R0404 THOMAS WINTERS Ct 1.) INTERFERENCE WITH GOVERNMENT PROPERTY: 5 YEARS PROBATION CONSECUTIVE TO COUNT 2; $500 FINE. Ct 2.) FLEEING/ATTEMPTING ELUDE AN OFFICER: 5 YEARS SERVE 1 YEAR IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION. Ct 3.) FLEEING/ATTEMPTING ELUDE AN OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. Ct 4.) FLEEING/ATTEMPTING ELUDE AN OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. Ct 6.) OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE: 12 MONTHS PROBATION CONCURRENT TO COUNT 2; $250 FINE. Ct 7.) OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. Ct 8.) FAILURE TO STOP FOR STOP SIGN: 12 MONTHS PROBATION CONCURRENT TO COUNT 2; $250 FINE. Ct 9.) FAILURE TO STOP FOR STOP SIGN: NOLLE PROSEQUI. Ct 10.) FAILURE TO STOP FOR STOP SIGN: NOLLE PROSEQUI. Ct 11.) DRIVING ON SUSPENDED, CANCALED, OR REVOKED REGISTRATION: NOLLE PROSEQUI. Count 12.) DRIVING WITHOUT LICENSE: 12 MONTHS TO SERVE IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM TO RUN CONCURRENT TO COUNT 2. Ct 13.) OPERATING VEHICLE WITHOUT VALID TAG: NOLLE PROSEQUI. Ct 14.) VIOLATING INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR MOTORCYCLES: NOLLE PROSEQUI. Ct 15.) RECKLESS DRIVING: 12 MONTHS TO SERVE IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM TO RUN CONCURRENT TO COUNT 2.

 

2. 23R0145 TAYLOR HUCKABY CT. 1: THEFT BY SHOPLIFTING: 12 MONTHS TO SERVE. CT. 2: CRIMINAL TRESPASS: 12 MONTHS TO SERVE.  CT. 3: POSSESSION OF DRUG RELATED OBJECT: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

3. 23R0240 RYAL TEAL CT. 1: THEFT BY SHOPLIFTING: 12 MONTHS TO SERVE.

 

4. 23R0219 TIFFANY LOVE CT. 1: DUI ALCOHOL: 12 MONTHS, SERVE 30 DAYS IN THE COUNTY JAIL, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; $750 FINE; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE. CT. 2: RECKLESS CONDUCT: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

T-U IDA Director Kyle Fletcher Reports

I was on vacation the week of July 3-7, 2023.

 

7/10/2023

 

I met with Johnnie Caldwell to review the status of the following projects: Holiday Inn Express, Project Keeper, Curry Contract and Platform Strategies Consulting. We worked to revise some documents that need to go before the board for approval.

 

I reached out to the city in regards to the potential hotel/motel tax reimbursement for McLeRoy. Russell Thompson sent it to the City Attorney and I’ve asked for them to explain how that would “look” moving forward.

 

The proposed PILOT schedule for the Holiday Inn Express project has been sent to the city, county and school system for review and approval.

 

7/11

 

I hosted five members of the Project Keeper team. We toured the community, discussed demographics, assets and quality of life.

 

7/12/2023

 

I sent Bart Gobeil, Platform Strategies, the agreement the board approved for his services.

 

A & B Heating/Cooling owner, Donnie Basilici is interested in acreage in the CGB&T Park for his air conditioning business. He will be attending our July 24th meeting to make a presentation.

 

7/13/2023

 

Amanda Fields, Region Project Manager for the GDEcD, spent the day in Thomaston. We visited with Allen Oakley and Daneca Norris of Standard Textile who reported they are running three shifts five days a week and ordering new equipment. They have also made safety upgrades at the facility at the request of the employees safety committee.

 

James Addision is purchasing the Standard Textile distribution building. He intends to have a presence in the southeast for his distribution company. Specific information on his business will be coming soon!

 

I met with Dr. Derico regarding a PILOT schedule for a prospect. When formulating a bond, we want to get the three tax levying entities to approve: city, county and school.

 

7/17/2023

 

I met with Mr. Caldwell about Project Keeper as well as the hotel PILOT schedule.

 

7/19

 

Longhorn received their second and final incentive payment ($25,000) for meeting their performance based incentive.

 

7/19

 

I attended a Region 4 GEDA meeting in West Point and toured the KIA plant with 8 Economic Developers, 9 State Project Managers and 11 state Utility partners for a luncheon. Each community was given a chance to share community highlights and assets with the project managers.

 

7/20/2023

 

We received an RFI for Project Supernova which is due 7/25.

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

PLEAS – JUDGE RHONDA B. KREUZIGER, GJC

JULY 24, 2023

 

1. 22R0478 JEREMY BRITT CT. 1: POSSESSION OF A SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE: 5 YEARS PROBATION; SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE SPALDING COUNTY DRUG COURT PROGRAM. CT. 2: DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF MULTIPLE SUBSTANCES: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

Upson Regional Medical Center Receives Stroke Recognition

Upson Regional Medical Center is happy to share that it hasachieved Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Rural Bronze recognition from the American HeartAssociation.

 

People who reside in rural communities live an average of three years fewer than those who live in urban areas and face a 30% increased risk for stroke mortality — a frightening statistic that has grown over the past two decades. Upson Regional Medical Center is dedicated to implementing strategies and practices to decrease that risk.

 

Upson Regional Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines ® - Stroke Rural Recognition Bronze award in recognition of the efforts put forth by staff and providers to improve stroke care and eliminate rural health disparities.

 

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, recognizes that people in rural areas face a unique set of challenges to accessing health care and that rural hospitals must work with varied patient care dynamics. For that reason, all rural hospitals participating in Get With The Guidelines ® - Stroke are eligible to receive award recognition focused on a unique set of performance metrics.

 

“Our team at Upson Regional Medical Center strives each day to improve the lives of those who live in Upson and surrounding counties and are affected by stroke, with the goal of providing them with the best possible chance of recovery and survival,” said Upson Regional Medical Center Stroke Coordinator Katie Lance. “We know that our rural community has unique needs and we take pride in working to meet those needs and improve health outcomes.”

 

Learn more about this recognition at heart.org/ruralrecognition and to access more information about Upson Regional Medical Center and the services offered, visit, urmc.org and follow Upson Regional Medical Center on Facebook and Instagram. 

VANDALISM AT RAINTREE GOLF CLUB

 VANDALISM  DAMAGE  AT  RAINTREE  GOLF   CLUB     ON   19  SOUTH  COULD  TOTAL  $10,000 , ACCORDING  TO  TPD.  SOMEONE  SET  A  SPRINKLER   MODULE  ON  FIRE  AND  IT  WAS  TOTALLY   DESTROYED,   SUNDAY NIGHT  JULY 16TH. 

UGA THANKS THOMASTON'S TRAVON WALKER

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UGA Sports Communications

Monday, July 24, 2023

 

Travon Walker’s TW Foundation Donates To UGA Athletics

 

ATHENS, Ga. — Former Georgia Bulldog Travon Walker, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has donated $44,000 to UGA Athletic Association via the Travon Walker Foundation.

 

“The University of Georgia has made a major impact on my career in many ways,” Walker said. “Without the University of Georgia, to be honest, I really don’t know where I would be at this point. I’m truly grateful that I went to the University of Georgia, which helped instill me with leadership, integrity and discipline. One of the main things that made me contribute and give back to the University of Georgia was just the simple fact that the university poured so much into me. UGA helped provide me with the opportunity to continue my journey and do things that I like to do, which are to play football and go to school to get a great education. Those factors played a major role in my decision to attend the University of Georgia, and I’m extremely thankful about that decision.”

 

Walker’s gift is part of the Foundation’s #BlessUp44 campaign. The initiative will annually donate $4,400 44 times, synonymous with the jersey No. 44 Walker has worn throughout his football career. The donation to UGA represents 10 of those offerings for 2023.

 

The Walker Foundation’s donation has been specifically ear-marked for UGA Athletics’ Sports Medicine program and the purchase of specific equipment to assist in both rehab and training.

 

“We greatly appreciate Travon’s generous donation through the Travon Walker Foundation,” said Ron Courson, the UGA Athletic Association’s Executive Association Athletic Director for Sports Medicine. “Travon represented the University of Georgia extremely well both on and off the field and continues to make positive impacts now through his play in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars and in the community through his foundation. The funds will be used to purchase a Kineo Intelligent Load system. Kineo is a new generation robotic machine from Italy designed for both rehabilitation and training. It offers a wide variety of testing and training capabilities and is the first unit that can test with both open chain and closed chain. This gives us outstanding functional training capabilities and will greatly benefit our student-athletes.”

 

Walker was a standout at Upson-Lee High School in Thomaston, Ga., where he was named first-team all-state in football and second-team all-state in basketball as a senior. He was ranked among the nation’s top-10 defensive line prospects in the Class of 2019 by every major recruiting services.

 

Walker blossomed at Georgia and started at defensive tackle in all 15 games during the Bulldogs’ 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship season. As a junior, he tallied 37 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss and a team-high 36 quarterback pressures, closing out his Georgia tenure with a career-best seven pressures in the national title win over Alabama. Walker was named SEC All-Freshman in balloting of league coaches in 2019 after recording 15 tackles, with 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. He helped clinch the SEC East title with a fourth-down sack at Auburn.

 

Walker became the fifth Georgia player to be selected first overall in the NFL Draft when he was chosen by the Jacksonville Jaguars. With the pick, Georgia tied Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and USC for the most first-overall picks by one institution at five. In his rookie season, Walker started 14 of 15 games played and recorded 49 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one interception, two passes defended and one forced fumble while helping the Jaguars reach the Playoffs for the first time since 2017.

 

About the Travon Walker Foundation

The Travon Walker Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to helping the youth of today be where their feet are. We show young people how to use their strengths to identify, plan, and pursue their passions. The Travon Walker Foundation aims to inspire the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders. The foundation’s focus areas include job creation in Thomaston, Ga., (Travon’s hometown); business and financial literacy for youth; youth sports facility & equipment improvements; and community development in Thomaston.

TPD ARRESTS IN NORTHSIDE GUN FIGHT

 On Tuesday, July 18^th at approximately 1130 p.m., Christopher Janiszeski (21) and Adam Barrow (21) met in the back parking lot of West Valley Apartments (320 Veterans Dr) to fight each other over a girl. This fight was mutually agreed upon and encouraged by Christopher and Adam’s friends who were also on scene. When the fistfight started, Christopher’s friends and Adam’s friends jumped in to the fight. At some point, Leann Chatfield fired a gun into the air to break up the fight. This sparked a gunfight between several subjects involved in the fistfight during which Leann was shot in the chest. TPD officers arrived to process the scene and interview witnesses, suspects, and victims. Christopher Janiszeski, Beau Ingram (19), and Preston Nichols (21) were later arrested on charges related to affray, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Charges are pending on Leann Chatfield (22), Adam Barrow, and Nicolas Gossett (22).

TFD BOOT DRIVE FOR LOGAN AND TRISTA A BIG SUCCESS

 CITY  OF  THOMASTON  FIRE  CHIEF  RENEE  HARRIS  REPORTED  FRIDAY  AT   5PM  OVER  700  HAD  DONATED  TO  A  BOOT  DRIVE  FOR LOGAN  GORDY  AND  TRISTA  CHEEKS,  ROCK  HILL  FIREFIGHTERS  INJURED  IN  A  FIRE  TRUCK  WRECK.

THE  TOTAL  REPORTED  WAS   $8700.   SEVERAL  OTHER  FUND  RAISING  EFFORTS  ARE  UNDERWAY  IN  THE  COMMUNITY.

Arson Arrest 113 S Church

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that Nexus Christian, 50, of Durant, Oklahoma, has been arrested in connection with a July 4th commercial structure fire.

Earlier this month, our office issued a press release asking the public to help identify the culprit behind a structure fire on South Church Street in downtown Thomaston. Local surveillance footage captured a single vehicle pulling into the parking lot of the structure and speeding away shortly before the blaze began.

 

With help from the Upson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Thomaston Police and Fire Departments, investigators were able to identify both the driver and vehicle involved in this incident. The identifying information led agents to Texas and Oklahoma in search of the suspect.

 

Our agents were assisted in Texas by the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Collin County Fire Investigation Unit, and the US Secret Service. Our agents were further assisted in Oklahoma by the Pittsburgh County Sheriff’s Office and the McKalister Fire Department.

 

“On Wednesday, July 19th, the Pittsburgh County Sheriff’s Office took Mr. Christian into custody on several charges, including Arson, Fraudulent Insurance Claims, Criminal Damage to Property, and Obstruction,” said Commissioner King. “The suspect will be transported back to Georgia by the State Fire Marshal’s Fire Investigations Unit and placed in the Upson County Sheriff’s Office detention facility where he will remain until his first court appearance. I would like to thank each agency who took part in this multi-state coordinated effort to bring Mr. Christian to justice.”

 

This case is part of an ongoing investigation with fires in other jurisdictions throughout the southern and western United states.

NEW PROGRAM FROM ZEBULON PD

 Chief Jonathan Hemphill (C.O.P.S.) On July 17, 2023, Chief Jonathan Hemphill kicked off the new Community Oriented Policing Services program. This program is set in place to help proactively combat criminal activity from entering our community. The Zebulon Police Department will be visiting our local businesses and speaking with our business owners, employees and patrons alike. We will be keeping our business owners and patrons abreast of any precautions they may need to take, as well as how to combat becoming a victim of crimes of opportunity.

T-U BOE VOTES TO KEEP SAME MILLAGE RATE

 IN  A  BRIEF  CALLED  MEETING  THURSDAY,  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  BOARD  OF  EDUCATION  VOTED  TO   SET  THE  TENATIVE    2023  TAX  MILLAGE  RATE  AT  THE  SAME   14-ZERO -ONE  MILLS.    THAT  WOULD  REQUIRE     THREE      TAX  INCREASE PUBLIC  HEARINGS.  SCHOOL  OFFICIALS  HAVE  SAID  IN  THE  PAST  IF  THEY  DON'T  LEVY  AT  LEAST   14  MILLS  THEY  LOSE  MILLIONS  IN  STATE  FUNDS. 

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL LOOKS AT ADDING MORE PICKLEBALL COURTS

 AT  THE  CLOSE  OF  TUESDAY'S  MEETING,  THE  THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL  DISCUSSED  BUT  TOOK  NO  VOTE  ON  CONVERTING  THE  SILVERTOWN  TENNIS  COURTS   AT  GREATEST  GENERATION  MEMORIAL  PARK   TO   SIX  PICKLEBALL  COURTS.  CITY  MANAGER  RUSSELL  THOMPSON  SAID  IT  COULD  COST  UP  TO   $40,000.  PICKLEBALLERS  HAVE  BEEN  CALLING  FOR  MORE  COURTS. CITY  COUNCILMAN  RYAN  TUCKER  INTRODUCED  THE  IDEA,  NOTING  THERE'S  A  WAIT  TO  PLAY  AT  THE  COURTS.

TFD BOOT DRIVE FOR LOGAN AND TRISTA

 THOMASTON  FIRE  DEPARTMENT  IS  HOLDING  A  BOOT  DRIVE  FOR  LOGAN  AND  TRISTA.  COME  HELP  SUPPORT  OUR  LOCAL  VOLUNTEER  FIREFIGHTERS  ON  FRIDAY  JULY  21,  AT  WAL MART,  INGLES,  TRACTOR  SUPPLY,  AND  PIGGLY  WIGGLY 9AM  UNTIL. 

GUNFIGHT IN UPSON CO

 A  LOVERS  QUARRELL  RESULTED  IN  A  GUN  FIGHT  EARLY  MONDAY     AT  1168  SOLOMON  STREET  IN  LINCOLN  PARK  BUT  NO  ONE  WAS  WOUNDED.  DISPATCH  COULD  HEAR  GUNSHOTS   OVER THE  PHONE   DURING  THE  REPORT  OF  THE   UNWANTED  PERSONS  CALL.

UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  SAID    THE   TWO   SHOOTERS  WERE  ARRESTED,  44  YEAR  OLD  NICOLE  YETTE HARDY  OF  WEST  COLLEGE ST.  GRIFFIN   AND  THE  RESIDENT,   46  YEAR   OLD TRAMMIN  O'NEAL  ELLERBEE. 

LOTTERY MILLIONAIRE IN SPALDING COUNTY

While no one took home the massive jackpot during the latest Powerball drawing on Monday, someone who bought a ticket in Georgia is now a millionaire.

A ticket purchased in Spalding County matched the white balls 5, 8, 9, 17, 41, earning the lucky person $2 million with Power Play included. Their numbers didn’t have the red Powerball 21 and the prize amount was $1 million before the bonus.

The winning ticket was purchased from H & R Groceries located at 3118 Macon Road in the community of Orchard Hill 

BENEFIT RIDE SCHEDULED FOR LOGAN AND TRISTA

 A   BENEFIT     RIDE   IS  SCHEDULED   SATURDAY  JULY   29TH   FOR  LOGAN  GORDY  AND  TRISTA  CHEEKS,  ROCK  HILL  FIRE FIGHTERS  INJURED  IN A  SATURDAY  FIRE   TRUCK    WRECK.  REGISTRATION    WILL  BEGIN  AT   9AM  AT  THE  ROCK  HILL  VOLUNTEER  FIRE  DEPARTMENT. KICK  STANDS   UP   AT  11;30AM  HEADING  TO   XTREAM  IN   WARM  SPRINGS  FOR A  RAFFLE.

CHECKS/MONEY  ORDERS  SHOULD  BE  PAYABLE  TO  LOGAN  GORDY   AND  DROPPED  OFF   AT  REGISTRATION.  SINGLE  RIDERS  $20 WITH PASSENGERS   $10  CARS AND  TRUCKS   $20.   ANY  GIFT  CARDS  OR  RAFFLE  ITEMS  SHOULD  BE  GIVEN  TO     HAYLIE  MOORE  AT   706-427-3526.

Rock Hill Fire Truck Wreck

Two firefighters from Rock Hill Fire Department were injured while on duty Upson County Saturday.

The Georgia State Patrol confirmed just after 4 p.m. Saturday, their troopers were called to the wreck on Mud Bridge Road about a mile south of Rocky Bottom Road in Upson County. GSP Investigators say the fire truck flipped when trying to navigate through a curve and the driver lost control. Both firefighters had serious injuries after being thrown from the truck when it flipped and were life-flighted to Grady Memorial Hospital.

Upson County Sheriff Dan Kilgore identified the firefighters as  Logan Gordy and Trista Cheeks, both of Thomaston.

Investigators say the firefighters were responding to a wreck on Rocky Bottom Road when their crash happened.

Thomastonian - New GBI Director

Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced the appointment of Chris Hosey to serve as Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), following a unanimous vote by the Board of Public Safety to approve his nomination. Hosey’s appointment will take effect August 1.

 

“Chris has dedicated his career to protecting the people of our state as a proud member of law enforcement,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “With over 35 years of experience at the GBI, he brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and skill to this role. I’m confident he will bring the same level of commitment to the job that he has shown throughout his years of service.”

 

Governor and First Lady Kemp also expressed their appreciation to Mike Register for his service.

 

Christopher “Chris” Hosey currently serves as Assistant Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, overseeing the Investigative Division – the largest component of the agency. He began his career in 1987 as a Narcotics Agent with the Local Violators Squad and worked throughout the state in various positions as his career progressed.

In 2001, Hosey was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge of a multijurisdictional drug task force. He also helped to create the GBI’s first state/local regional drug enforcement office. In 2012, Hosey was promoted to Inspector, overseeing drug operations, various general investigative offices, and the GBI’s Training Unit. In 2020, former GBI Director Vic Reynolds appointed him to the position of Deputy Director of Investigations.

 

Hosey received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Georgia Southwestern State University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbus State University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Manhunt After 4 Killed in Hampton

At least four people have been shot and killed as Georgia police search for 'active shooter in his 50s who is on the run' after four people were gunned down and killed in Hampton Georgia. 

Police said the shooting happened in the Dogwood Lakes subdivision of Hampton.

Authorities said  that they're looking for a shooter in the area of McDonough Street. Officials have not released details about the gunman's identity.They described the shooter as a man in his mid 50′s who is five feet, 10 inches, and was wearing a dark shirt with a red tone. He was last seen in a black 2017 GMC Arcadia with a tag number of DHF756

 

Henry County says the Hampton Police Department is leading the investigation with help from the Henry County Police Department, Henry County Sheriff's Department, Henry County Homeland Security and Henry County Crime Scene Unit. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has also been alerted.

 

Officials are asking residents to avoid the area if possible.

 

If you have any information about the shooting, call 911.

URMC Promotes Brandie Kilcrease to Chief Nursing Officer

Upson Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce the promotion of Brandie Kilcrease, RNC, MSN to Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). Brandie earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Georgia Baptist College of Nursing in 1993. She continued her education, completing her Masters of Science in Nursing from Walden University in 2019. Most recently, Brandie has achieved the title of Certified Nurse Manager Leader through the American Organization for Nursing Leadership.

Brandie has over thirty years of nursing experience, serving nineteen years at Upson Regional Medical Center. Her vast knowledge of the nursing profession spans across multiple disciplines, with the focus of her career being in Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care. She worked eleven years in the NICU setting. Brandie took on the position of Assistant CNO in July 2022, allowing her to train directly with previous Upson Regional Medical Center CNO Lane Harrington for almost a year before transitioning to the CNO position. This succession plan aided in preparing Brandie to become CNO by providing first-hand experience over a substantial advisory period.

 

“I am excited to take on the role of CNO. Upson Regional Medical Center has played a pivotal part in my career development, and the nurses and staff here are like family.” Shared Brandie, “I look forward to continuing to work closely with our clinical team and striving for excellence in providing top-notch patient care.”

 

Brandie has been married to her husband Michael for 30 years. They have three children and four grandchildren. West central Georgia is home to Brandie, as she grew up in Griffin and has lived in Pike County for 30 years.

 

To learn more about Upson Regional Medical and the services offered, please visit urmc.org or URMC’s social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

3RD DISTRICT CONGRESSMAN FERGUSON H.R. 2670

 WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.) today released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, which authorizes $886.3 billion for national defense discretionary programs – an increase of $28 billion over the Fiscal Year 2023 enacted level:

 

“This year’s National Defense Authorization Act hardens America’s industrial base and enhances military readiness to ensure that our modern warfighters are the best equipped and trained in the world”, said Congressman Drew Ferguson. “Along with giving our servicemembers a 5.2% pay raise, the legislation supports our servicemembers and their families, boosts oversight of the Biden Administration’s Department of Defense, and saves taxpayers $40 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons systems, and unnecessary and harmful Pentagon bureaucracy while still investing in a secure defense industrial base and innovative technologies to support our national defense. As threats continue to develop from our adversaries in China and Russia, the NDAA enhances U.S. deterrence and defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region, strengthens military cybersecurity, fully funds the modernization of our nuclear triad and missile defense priorities, accelerates the deployment of advanced radars to counter threats to our homeland, and reaffirms our support to the defense of Taiwan. As a Member of Congress, my most important duty is to provide for our national security, and I am proud to support this legislation that gives the brave men and women of our military the resources necessary to defend our freedom around the world.”

 

Highlights of the legislation:

 

• Supports a 5.2% increase in servicemember basic pay, the largest pay raise in over 20 years.
• Authorizes over $240 million to reduce servicemember out-of-pocket housing expenses and counteract the skyrocketing cost of rent.
• Provides assistance to the 8,000 servicemembers discharged for failing to take the COVID-19 vaccine and gives them a path back to service.
• Strengthens our nuclear posture, improves our missile defense, and accelerates the delivery of hypersonic technology to deter the rapidly expanding Chinese Communist Party and Russian nuclear and hypersonic arsenals.
• Supports rapidly deploying innovative new technologies our warfighters need to prevail on future battlefields.
• Prevents taxpayer dollars from paying for abortions, pushes back on the radical woke ideology being forced on our servicemen and women, and restores the focus of our military on lethality.

 

The bill passed the House by a vote of 219-210.

 

_____

 

Congressman Drew Ferguson represents the Third Congressional District of Georgia and serves on the Committee on Ways and Means, the House Budget Committee, and the Joint Economic Committee. On the House Ways and Means Committee, he serves as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Social Security, and is a member of the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures – also referred to as the Subcommittee on Tax.