SPALDING BOC DENIES REZONING FOR EVENT CENTER

 THE  SPALDING  COUNTY  BOARD OF  COMMISSIONERS  DENIED  A   REZONING  FOR  AN  EVENT  CENTER   AT 2160  ROCKY  CREEK ROAD  IN  NORTH  SPALDING  BY  A   4-1  VOTE,  MONDAY.  APPLICANT  IRIS  HERNANDEX  WANTED   REZONING  FOR    HER  30  ACRE  PROPERTY  BUT  NEIGHBORS  SPOKE  AGAINST  IT--CITING  TRAFFIC  AND NOISE CONCERNS.

COUNTY  MANAGER  STEVE  LEDBETTER  IS  A  FORMER  MAYOR  OF  WOODBURY  AND  SHERIFF  DARRELL  DIX  SAID WOODBURY  NEEDS    TWO  2014 DODGE  CHARGERS  WORTH  ABOUT   $5000  EACH--  FROM  THE  SO--  ONE  NEEDS $3500  WORK  ON  THE  ENGINE. COMMISSIONERS  AWARDED  THEM  TO  WOODBURY    AND  ALSO  APPROVED  9  NEW  DODGE  DURANGO  SUV  SHERIFF'S  PATROL  UNITS  FOR  SHERIFF  DIX.  THEY  WILL  BE  FINANCED  OVER  5  YEARS  THROUGH  A  GA.  ACCG  PLAN.

BRIGHTMARK DRAWS A CROWD FOR BREAKFAST AT THOMASTON HARDWARE

 BRIGHTMARK    CIRCULARITY  CENTER  LLC  CEO  BOB  POWELL  AND  STAFF  HELD  A   BREAKFAST    FOR  LOCALS  SATURDAY  AT  THOMASTON  HARDWARE      TO  CORRESPOND    WITH  THE  PUBLIC  ABOUT  THE PROPOSED  PLASTICS    PROJECT  PLANNED  AT  THE  BIZ-TECH  PARK  AT THE  AIRPORT. BOB  TOLD   101  NEWS  THE  PERMITTING PROCESS  INVOLVING  STATE  AND  FEDERAL  AGENCIES   IS  JUST  BEGINNING  AND  COULD  TAKE  SOME  TIME  BUT  HE IS  OPTIMISTIC   ABOUT   IT.  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  IDA  HAS  INDICATED  SUPPORT  WITH  A  REVENUE  BOND OF  ALMOST  $1 BILLION   WITH   200  HIGH  PAYING JOBS  BUT  CHAIRMAN  CHASE  FALLIN  SAYS  THE  COMPANY  WILL  HAVE  ITS  OWN  FINANCING    AND  TAXPAYERS  WILL  NOT  BE  ON  THE HOOK  FOR    FUNDING   IN  ANY  WAY.  

LINEMAN DEATH IN GRIFFIN

 On November 13th 2024 Griffin Fire, Police, and Wellstar EMS were called to Spalding and Little Streets in reference to a tragic accident. Two Griffin Linemen who were actively working on a power project were injured as a result of an equipment failure. Sadly one of the linemen succumbed to his injuries on scene. The workers names are not being released at this time pending notification of family. At this time the street in the area of the incident is closed to through traffic. Please keep the Griffin Linemen and their families in your prayers at this time. Those currently without power will remain without power until further notice. Thank you for your understanding

UPSON BOC TABLES CHANGES TO ZONING ORD

 AFTER  HEARING  FROM  ABOUT  A  DOZEN  CITIZENS  OPPOSED  TO  BIG  CHANGES  TO  THE  ZONING  ORDIANCE  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  VOTED  TO  TABLE  THE  CHANGES  AND  DROP  THE  MORATORIUM  ON  NEW  SUBDIVISIONS--AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING

WRECK DT THOMASTON TUES.

 CITY  OF  THOMASTON  FIRE  DEPARTMENT  REPORTS  A  FEMALE  MOTORIST  WAS  TRANSPORTED  TO  THE E.R.  BY AMERI-PRO  EMS  AFTER A  TWO  VEHICLE  ACCIDENT  AT  MAIN  AND  CENTER  INTERSECTION--AROUND  2;30  TUESDAY  AFTERNOON.  THE    VEHICLES  INVOLVED--A    CAR  AND   A  VAN  BOTH    HAD  FRONT  END  DAMAGE

WEEKEND WRECK DOWNTOWN THOMASTON

 THREE  PERSONS  TRANSPORTED  TO  THE  E.R.  FOR  OBSERVATION  AFTER  A  DOWNTOWN  THOMASTON  WEEKEND  WRECK  ON   THE  SQUARE  AT  CHURCH  AND GORDON  INTERSECTION. THOMASTON  POLICE/FIRE/  AND  AMERI-PRO  EMS  RESPONDED.

THOMASTON CITY HALL HEARS HOTEL PROPOSAL

 ED  WALL  AN  INVESTMENT  BANKER  RETAINED  BY  CITY  HALL   AS  FINANCIAL  ADVISOR   FOR  THE   PROPOSED   $20 MILLION  DOWNTOWN  HOTEL PROJECT  WAS  JOINED  BY JEREMY  EMMETT OF  RED  HILL  HOSPITALITY  COMPANY  OF  THOMASVILLE   IN  AN  IN-DEPTH   PRESENTATION  ON  THE   HOTEL  PROJECT.  CITY  MANAGER  RUSSELL  THOMPSON  LATER  TOLD   101  NEWS  IT  APPEARS  TO  BE  A  VIABLE PROJECT  BUT   THE  MAYOR  AND  COUNCIL  WANTS  MORE  INFORMATION  BEFORE  MOVING  FOWARD. 

RED  HILL OPERATES  A  NUMBER  OF  HOTELS/MOTELS  IN  GA.  AND   THE SOUTHEAST  AND  WAS  CHOSEN  TO  BE  THE  FRANCHISEE  OF  THE  MARRIOTT   FAIRFIELD  INN/SUITES  IN  THOMASTON.  BECAUSE  OF  THEIR  GREAT  TRACK  RECORD  MARRIOTT  HAS  CUT  THEIR  FRANCHISE  FEE  FOR  THE  THOMASTON  PROPERTY  FROM   $75,000  TO  $37,500. 

TALBOT CO SHERIFF LOSES BY 13 VOTES/AMENDMENT ONE PASSES STATEWIDE

 TALBOT  COUNTY  SHERIFF  JAKE  JOHNSON  LOST  BY  13  VOTES  TO  BOBBY  GATES  JR.--JOHNSON  BEAT   HIS  FATHER  BOBBY  GATES  SENIOR  TO  WIN  THE  POST.

IN  TAYLOR  COUNTY  BUBBA  SAWYER  WAS  ELECTED  SHERIFF   WITH  62%  OF  THE  VOTE  OVER  TOMMY  FOWLER.  SHERIFF  JEFF  WATSON IS  RETIRING.

CRAWFORD  COUNTY  SHERIFF   LEWIS  WALKER  WON  BIG.

STATE  REPRESENTATIVE  BETH  CAMP  SAID  AMENDMENT  ONE  PASSED  WITH   62%  OF  THE  VOTE  IN  GA.--IT  WAS  BASED  ON HER  HOUSE  BILL  TO  ADDRESS  PROPERTY  TAX  BILLS.

BRUE ELECTED CHAIRMAN UPSON BOC

 REPUBLICAN  DAN  BREU  WON  THE  VOTE  FOR  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  IN  TUESDAY'S  ELECTION  DEFEATING  DEMOCRAT  ED  SEARCY 65.41%  TO 34.59%--  BREU  WON  EVERY PRECINCT  EXCEPT  SALEM-- WITH A  TOTAL  TURNOUT  OF  13,710 VOTES--A  TURNOUT  OF  OVER  72%.  UPSON  COUNTY  APPROVED  CONSTITUTIONAL  AMENDMENT-ONE  BASED  ON  HOUSE  BILL  581, THE  SO-CALLED  FLOATING  TAX  ASSESSMENT AMENDMENT  62%  TO  37%.   AN  AMENDMENT  SUPPORTED  BY  STATE  REPRESENTIVE  BETH  CAMP  WHO  INTRODUCED  THE  BILL  AND  UPSON  TAX  COMMISSIONER  ANDY  CHASTAIN.   3RD DISTRICT  CONGRESS BRIAN  JACK  WON  OVER  DEMOCRAT  MAURA  KELLER  71%  TO  28% .  AMENDMENT  2   LOST  50 % TO  49  AND  QUESTION  A  WON 56%  TO  43%  IN  UPSON  COUNTY.

UPSON CO. OPEN HOUSES ON ZONING ORDIANCE CHANGES

 Thomaston, Georgia – November 4, 2024 – Following adoption of the Forward Upson Joint Comprehensive Plan in 2023, Upson County is now considering significant changes to the County’s Zoning Ordinance and to the Subdivision Ordinance. Two additional Open Housesfor the public will be held to answer questions about the proposed changes. The third Open House will be held Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 4:30 pm to 5:45 pm, prior to the Board of Commissioners meeting, which includes a public hearing on the proposed amendments. The fourth Open House will be held Monday, November 18, 2024 from 3:30-5:30 prior to the Upson County Planning Commission meeting which also includes a continued public hearing on the amendments. Both Open Houses will be held in the R.E. Lee Building lobby and Room 140 of the Thomaston/Upson County City/County Government Complex, 106 E. Lee Street. County staff and the County’s planning consultant, WSP, will be available to talk about the changes and answer questions. Some of the amendments being considered include a major increase in the minimum lot size in the A-R zoning district, addition of a Rural Estate residential zoning district, lot width to length ratios and provision for conservation subdivisions. The public may request emailed copies of the draft changes. Copies are available for review in person at the Building and Zoning Department and the draft amendments are posted on Upson County’s website.

2025 BUDGET WORK SESSIONS THOMASTON CITY COUNTY/UPSON BOC

 THE  THOMASTON  MAYOR  AND  COUNCIL  WILL  HOLD  A  2025  BUDGET  WORK  SESSION TUESDAY  , NOV. 5,  5;30PM  IN  THE  CITY  MANAGERS  CONFERENCE  ROOM 2ND  FLOOR.   CHIEF FINANCIAL  OFFICER  LONNIE JOYCE  EXPLAINED  THE  FIRST  DRAFT  AT  LAST  WEEK'S  MEETING--A  BALANCED  BUDGET  WITH  NO  UTILITY INCREASES.

THE  UPSON  COUNTY  BOARD  OF  COMMISSIONERS    SECOND  WORK  SESSION  ON  THE  2025  BUDGET  WILL  BE  WEDNESDAY  , NOV.  6,  1PM  AT  THE  CITY-COUNTY  MEETING  ROOM. THE  FIRST  DRAFT  HAD  A  SLIGHT  TAX  MILLAGE  INCREASE    PROJECTION   BASED  ON  AUTO  INSURANCE  RATES  GOING  UP. 

NEWS FROM THOMASTON-UPSON SCHOOLS

 

1. English Chosen to State School Superintendent's Student Advisory Council

Landry English, a senior at Upson-Lee High School, has been selected to serve on State School Superintendent Richard Woods' 2024-2025 Student Advisory Council. Landry and 73 other students from across the state were chosen from 1,550 applicants. Throughout the 2024-25 school year, these 74 students will meet with Superintendent Woods to provide feedback on the impact of state policies in the classroom, discuss education-related issues, serve as the Superintendent’s ambassadors to their respective schools, and participate in service projects to benefit schools and students.

“I am thrilled to welcome this new group of students to our 2024-2025 Student Advisory Council," Superintendent Woods said. "These young leaders represent the future of Georgia, and their voices are crucial as we continue to shape the direction of education in our state. I look forward to hearing their ideas, insights, and perspectives as we work together to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed."

Each year, Georgia public school students in grades 10-12 may apply for the State School Superintendent's Student Advisory Council. The application is accompanied by an essay, allowing students to share their ideas for public education. The first 2024-2025 Student Advisory Council meeting will be held in November at the Georgia Department of Education’s offices.

Pictured l-r: Landry English and ULHS Principal Mr. Ricky English

2. Flier attached with info about the groundbreaking for the ULMS Baseball & Softball Complex on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 2 PM. Public is invited. 
3. TU School Nutrition Receives GA Farm To School Award
   
   

   The Georgia Department of Education in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, University of Georgia Extension, and Georgia Department of Public Health presented the Georgia Farm to School Awards for the 2023-2024 school year at the Georgia School Nutrition Directors Conference held in Athens on October 23, 2024. The GA Farm to School Award recognizes school nutrition programs for featuring locally grown items in school meals, doing farm to school promotions and marketing throughout their school environments, having edible gardens in their schools, and having farm to school language adopted in policies or procedures. Congratulations to the Thomaston-Upson School Nutrition Program for being a recipient of this award.
   Photo attached: Pictured Left to Right: LaToya Osmani, WIC Director, Georgia Department of Public Health; Richard Woods, Georgia State School Superintendent; Dr. Cristina Cunningham, Thomaston-Upson Schools Director of School Nutrition; Dr. Linette Dodson, Georgia State School Nutrition Director; Dr. Fred Rayfield, Farm to School Director, Georgia Department of Agriculture

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UPSON CO COMMISSIONERS FIRST 2025 BUDGET WORK SESSION

 THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  HELD  THEIR  FIRST  2025  BUDGET  WORK  SESSION  LAST  WEDNESDAY  AND SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  WAS  THE  ONLY  CONSTITUTIONAL  OFFICER  TO  APPEAR.  THE  OTHERS  WILL  APPEAR  IN  A  COUPLE OF  WEEKS  IN  BUDGET  WORK  SESSIONS.  DURING  PUBLIC  HEARINGS  ON  A  TAX  MILLAGE  INCREASE  THE  COMMISSIONERS  URGED  THE  COMPLAINING  PUBLIC  TO  ATTEND  BUDGET  WORK  SESSIONS--  WHEN  ANNUAL  FINANCIAL  DECISONS  ARE  MADE--BUT NONE  WERE  PRESENT  EXCEPT  ED  SEARCY  AND  DAN  BREU  ,  THE  TWO  CANDIDATES  FOR  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN. 

COUNTY  MANAGER  JASON  TINSLEY  SAID  AUTO  INSURANCE  RATES  ARE  THE  MAIN  DRIVER  OF  A  BUDGET  INCREASE  OF  JUST  UNDER  ONE  MILL,  BUT  THE  BOARD HAS JUST  STARTED  THE  BUDGET  PROCESS  AND  ARE  AIMING  TO  TRIM  IT   DOWNWARD. 

UPSON SO MAKES ARREST IN CARPORT DAMAGE

 UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN KILGORE      REPORTED    32  YEAR  OLD  LEONARD  KAWAN  WATSON  OF  WALTON  STREET  WAS  ARRESTED  FOR  CRIMINAL  DAMAGE  TO  PROPERTY  FOR  HEAVY  DAMAGE  TO  HIS  AUNT'S  CARS  AND  CARPORT  IN  LINCOLN PARK.  THE  SO  REPORT  SAID  WATSON  ASKED  TO  BORROW  MONEY  FROM  HIS  AUNT  TO  GIVE  TO  HIS  GIRLFRIEND  AND  WHEN  SHE  DECLINED  HE  DROVE  HIS C-1500  TRUCK  INTO  HER  CARPORT.  HE  RAMMED  A  2015  LEXUS  AND A  CAR  PARKED  IN  FRONT  OF  IT  A 1985  CADILLAC WAS  DAMAGED.    ALSO  DAMAGED  WAS  BRICK  WALL,  BRICK  COLUMNS,  THAT  CAUSED  THE  BACK  OF  THE  CARPORT  TO  SAG.  WALTON  THEN  LEFT ON  FOOT-A  DEPUTY  SAID.

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL AND UPSON'S CHIEF APPRAISER

 TUESDAY'S  MEETING  OF  THE  THOMASTON  MAYOR  AND  COUNCIL  WITH  A  PRESENTATION  FROM  UPSON  COUNTY'S  CHIEF  APPRAISER   CHARLES  MCKEEHAN   IS  NOT  GETTING  HIGH MARKS  FROM  ATTENDEES. CITY  OFFICIALS  WANTED  INFORMATION  ABOUT  THE  PROCESS  OF  DETERMINING  PROPERTY  VALUES  BUT MOST  OF  THE  DIALOGUE  BETWEEN  THE  CITY  MANAGER,  MAYOR  AND  COUNCIL  AND  MCKEEHAN  WAS  A  BIT  POINTED--ESPECIALLY  INVOLVING  COMMERCIAL  PROPERTY  ASSESSMENTS,  CITY  HALL  THOUGHT LOW.  MCKEEHAN  MADE IT  CLEAR  HE  ALWAYS  WANTS  ASSESSMENTS  TO  BE  AS  LOW  AS  POSSIBLE. ITS A  COMPLICATED  PROCESS,  AS  THE  ASSESSORS      GRIFFIN  ATTORNEY  STEPHANIE  WINDHAM  TOLD  COUNCIL  AND  STATED      THE  BOARD  HAS  TO  FOLLOW  STATE  GUIDELINES.

THE  TAX  ASSESSORS  BOARD  HIRES  THE  CHIEF  APPRAISER, AN  INDEPENDANT  BODY  FROM  THE  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS, ALTHOUGH  THE  BOC  DOES  FUND  THE  DEPARTMENT.  ONE  COUNTY   COMMISSIONER   101  NEWS  SPOKE  WITH   FROWNED  ON  THE  CITY  MEETING  WITH  THE  CHIEF  APPRAISER. ITS  THE  FIRST  TIME  IN  MEMORY  A  GOVERNMENT  BODY  HAS  CALLED  ON  THE CHIEF APPRAISER  TO  ANSWER  QUESTIONS, BUT  COUNCILMAN  RYAN  TUCKER  TOLD  MCKEEHAN  CONSTITUENTS  WANT  ANSWERS  ABOUT  THEIR  TAX  BILLS.

$800 SCAM IN T-TOWN

 A  THOMASTON  FEMALE  WAS  SCAMMED  OUT  OF  $800  IN  APPLE  GIFT  CARDS THOMASTON  POLICE  REPORTED     AFTER  SHE  ENTERED  A   CONTEST  ON YOUTUBE  AND  WAS  INFORMED  SHE  HAD  WON  A  TESLA  AUTO  AND  $500  IN  CASH.  SHE  RECEIVED  A  PHONE  CALL  FROM  SOMEONE  IDENTIFIED    AS  DWAYNA  ROCK  JOHNSON  AND  HE  TOLD  HER  THE  FEDEX  TRUCK  BRINGING   HER  THE  MONEY  WAS  STOPPED  BY  POLICE  AND  SHE  WOULD  NEED  TO  SEND  ANOTHER  $300  GIFT  CARD  TO  GET  IT.  THE PD  REPORT  SAID   THAT'S  WHEN  SHE  REALIZED  SHE  HAD  BEEN  SCAMMED.

UPSON BOC FIRST PUBLIC HEARING ON ZONING ORD CHANGES

 TUESDAY'S  FIRST  PUBLIC  HEARING   BY  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  ON  TEXT  AMENDMENTS  TO  THE  ZONING  ORDIANCE  WAS  A  ROUSER.  THE  MAJOR  CHANGE  PROPOSED  IS  A  CHANGE  IN  THE  MINIMUM  LOT  SIZE  IN  AN  A-R  ZONE   FROM  2  ACRES  TO   12  ACRES  AS  ITS  BEEN  SINCE  UPSON COUNTY  ADOPTED   ZONING  IN   1995.  THE  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  CONTEND  WITH    THE  GROWTH  IN  THE  COUNTY   THE  ORIGINAL  ZONING  NO  LONGER WORKS FOR  THE  FUTURE  OF  THE  COUNTY  TO MAINTAIN  ITS  RURAL  NATURE.

OVER  HALF  A  DOZEN  CITIZENS  SPOKE  DURING  THE  HEARING   ALL  WERE  OPPOSED  TO  THE  CHANGES  INCLUDING  AGRI-BUSINESSMAN    MARCUS  SOUTH , EX-COMMISSION  CHAIR  RUSTY  BLACKSTON,  AND  COMMISSION  CHAIR  CANDIDATE  DAN  BREU.

COUNTY  COMMISSION  CHAIR  NORMAN  ALLEN  SAID    12  ACRES  IS  NOT  CARVED  IN  STONE  AND  THE  BOARD  SEEKS    PUBLIC  INPUT.  BUT  HE  SAID  THE  COUNTY  MUST  DEAL  WITH  GROWTH--AS  NOW  YOU  CAN'T  EVEN  TURN  LEFT  OUT OF  WAL  MART WITHOUT  THE  TRAFFIC  LIGHT. COMMISSIONER JAMES  ELLINGTON  TOLD  THE  CROWD  THINGS  CAN'T  STAY  THE  WAY  THEY  ARE  WITH  THE  GROWTH  OF  THE  COUNTY  AND  URGED  PUBLIC  INPUT.  CALL  OR  CONTACT  ME  AND  WE  WILL  TALK IT OUT--ELLINGTON  SAID.

THOMASTON ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDS JMF TOWING

 THE    THOMASTON  ZONING  COMMISSION  HAS  UNANIMOUSLY  RECOMMENDED  TO  THE  CITY  COUNCIL  A  SPECIAL  USE  PERMIT    FOR  7.45  ACRES  AT  105 YAMAHA  PARKWAY  IN  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON INDUSTRIAL  PARK  FOR  JMF  TOWING  AND   RECOVERY  WRECKER  SERVICES.  DURING  A  PUBLIC  HEARING  MONDAY,  NEWTON  GALLOWAY,  GRIFFIN  ZONING  ATTORNEY , PRESENTED  THE  CASE FOR  OWNER  JAMES  " BUBBA"-- FORTNER.  GALLOWAY  HAS  PREVIOUSLY  PRESENTED   THE  JMF  TOWING  STORY  TO  THE  IDA  WHICH    AGREED  TO  SELL  THE  PROPERTY  TO  FORTNER  FOR   $175,000  IF  IT  CLEARS  ALL  THE   CITY  HALL   LEGAL  HURDLES.

JMF  IS  CURRENTLY  LOCATED  ON  COUNTY  ROAD  BUT  LOST  A  LAW  SUIT AGAINST  UPSON  COUNTY  AND  MUST  RELOCATE.  FORTNER'S  COMPANY  HAD  TWO  OPTIONS  ON  THE  ZONING  COMMISSION  AGENDA,  THE  2ND, CALLED  PLAN  B.  BY  GALLOWAY  IS  PROPERTY  AT  904  NORTH  HIGHTOWER  OWNED  BY  CHARLES  AND  AMY  HARRIS.  ATTORNEY  GALLOWAY  SAID  THE  INDUSTRIAL  PARK  TRACT IS  MORE  DESIRABLE  BECAUSE  ITS  FURTHER  AWAY  FROM  RESIDENTIAL SITES.

ATTORNEY  GALLOWAY  DESCRIBED  JMF  TOWING  AS  A  VALUABLE  BUSINESS  TO  THE  COMMUNITY  WITH   7  FULL-TIME  EMPLOYEES  WITH  AN  ANNUAL  PAYROLL  OF   $550,000.  EMPLOYEES  ARE  ON  CALL   24/7  AS  THE  COMPANY  TOWS  BIG  RIGS  OFF  INTERSTATES  IN  GA.,  SOUTH  CAROLINA,  AND  FLORIDA.  APPARENTLY,  THE  COMPANY   WILL  BE  ALLOWED  TO  KEEP  WRECKAGE  ON  SITE  FOR  60   WHILE  ITS  REPAIRED  BY  JMF AND  CAN  TAKE  OWNERSHIP  AFTER   45  DAYS.

DONALD TRUMP IN ZEBULON WED.

 THOMASTON  MAYOR  J.D.  STALLINGS  HAS  CONFIRMED  DONALD  TRUMP  WILL  BE  AT  CHRIST  CHAPEL   IN  ZEBULON  WED. AT  3PM  FOR  A  FAITH-BASED  EVENT.  PASTOR  BILLY  SMITH  REACHED  OUT  TO  101  NEWS    MONDAY    MORNING AND  TOLD  US  THIS  EVENT  IS  NOT  AN  ENDORSEMENT OF  THE  TRUMP  CAMPAIGN,  THE  CHURCH  BUILDING IS  BEING  LEASE  OUT  FOR  THE  EVENT.  TICKET  INFORMATION  FOR  THE  PUBLIC  IS  ON  OUR  WEBSITE.

IN UPSON COUNTY WALLER ROAD HAS REOPENED

 IN  

T-U REC DIRECTOR SPEAKS TO KIWANIS

 SPEAKING  TO  THOMASTON  KIWANIS  TUESDAY,  BRYAN  KELLY DIRECTOR OF  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  RECREATION  DEPARTMENT  SAID  PARTICPATION  IS  UP  POST-COVID.  THE  TWO MILLION  DOLLAR  SPLOST   PROJECT  TO  UPGRADE  THE  FOUR  BALLFIELDS IS  AIMED  AT  ELIMINATING  DRAINAGE  PROBLEMS,  CONSTRUCT  A  NEW  CONCESSION  STAND  AND  ADD  RESTROOMS  INCLUDING  HANDI-CAPPED  FACILITIES.

DIRECTOR  KELLY  PROMOTED  THE  TRUNK   OR   TREAT  EVENT  FOR  HALLOWEEN,  AND  THE  CIVIC  CENTER'S  NEW  MERCHANDISE  STORE.  THE FORMER  RACKETBALL  COURT  IS  IN  BAD  SHAPE--A  SPORT THAT HAS LOST  INTEREST   AND  TARGETED  TO  BE  REPURPOSED.  THE  SAME  FOR  THE  SKATE  PARK  NOW  CLOSED  BUT IT  COULD  BECOME  AN  ADAPTIVE  PLAYGROUND.  HE  SAID  THERE'S  LOTS  OF  WRESTLING INTEREST  SO  THE  CIVIC  CENTER   IS  FORMING     A   WRESTLING  CLUB.  PARENTS  NOW  HAVE  TO  TRANSPORT  WRESTLERS  TO  BARNESVILLE  TO COMPETE. 

UPSON SETS NEW RECORD EARLY VOTING

 ACCORDING   TO  UPSON  COUNTY  ELECTION  SUPERINTENDANT  PAM  RELEFORD  A  NEW  RECORD  FOR  EARLY  VOTING  WAS  SET  TUESDAY  WITH  1289  VOTES  CAST.  THE  STATE  OF  GA.  ALSO  SET  A  NEW  VOTING  RECORD.  POLL  WORKERS  TOLD  US  WHEN  THEY  OPENED  FOR  VOTING  TUESDAY  AROUND  20  PEOPLE  WERE  IN  LINE  TO  VOTE AT  THE  CIVIC  CENTER.   THERE  WERE  LINES  MOST  OF  THE  DAY  BUT   THEY MOVED SMOOTHLY.

UPSON BOC REVERSED TWO PLANNING COMMISSION DENIALS

 THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  REVERSED  TWO  SPECIAL  EXCEPTION  APPLICATIONS  THE PLANNING  COMMISSION  RECOMMENDED  DENIAL AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING.  MATT  SMITH  APPROVED  FOR MINI WAREHOUSES  ON   74  WEST  NEAR  THE  ENTRANCE TO SPREWELL  BLUFF PARK  AND  PASTOR  DONALD  HAMILTON  FOR  A  NEW  CHURCH  BUILDING  ON   19  SOUTH  NEAR  MARTIN  CHURCH  ROAD. 

DETAILS  ON  101.1  LOCAL  NEWS  AT 6;45AM, 7;45AM, 8;45AM,  12  NOON,  1PM  AND  5PM. 

GSP INVESTIGATING PEDESTRIAN FATALITY IN THOMASTON

 ACCORDING  TO  POST  26  GA.  STATE PATROL  THE  FEMALE  PEDESTRIAN  FATALITY  SUNDAY NIGHT  ON  TRIUNE  MILL  ROAD   IN  THOMASTON   WAS   30-YEAR OLD  MELISSA  HILL OF  274  TRIUNE  AVE.  A   ONE-YEAR  OLD  CHILD  WALKING  WITH  HER  WAS  INJURED  AND  LIFE FLIGHTED  TO  ARTHUR  BLANK  CHILDREN'S  HOSPITAL OF  ATLANTA  AND  IS  LISTED  IN  STABLE  CONDITION.

SGT. NATHAN  TRUITT, GSP , TOLD   101  NEWS  THE  MOTORIST  WAS  DAVID  ANDERSON  OF  TRIUNE  MILL  ROAD   DRIVING    A   2013  JEEP PATRIOT  SPORT  SUV. SGT. TRUITT  SAID   MS.  HILL  AND  THE  CHILD  WERE  THREE  FEET  IN  THE   ROADWAY  WALKING  IN  THE  SAME  DIRECTION  AS  THE VEHICLE,  NEAR   DALLAS  DRIVE AT 10.42 PM.  HE  SAID  THE  INVESTIGATION  CONTINUES,  BUT  AT  THIS  TIME  NO  CHARGES  HAVE  BEEN  FILED  AGAINST  THE  DRIVER. 

UPSON CO DONATES OVER $200,000 IN GOODS TO HELENE VICTIMS

 FORMER UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  RUSTY  BLACKSTON   TOLD  101  NEWS   VOLUNTEERS  DELIVERED  OVER   $200,000  WORTH OF  RELIEF  SUPPLIES  TO  HELENE  VICTIMS  IN  ECHOLS  COUNTY  IN  SOUTH  GEORGIA ,  SUNDAY-- COLLECTED  FROM  A    53  FOOT  TRAILER    THAT  HAD  BEEN  PARKED  AT  THOMASTON  WAL MART.  RUSTY  SAID  THE  TRAILER  WAS   90% FULL  AND  A  FARMER IN  STATENVILLE,GA.  VOLUNTEERED  HIS  MIGRANT  LABOR  TO  UNLOAD  IT.

THE  ECHOLS COUNTY  SHERIFF WAS  INVOLVED  IN  THE  EFFORT  IN  A  COUNTY  WHERE    MANY   SECTIONS    ARE  STILL WITHOUT  POWER -- BUT  POWER  CREWS  WERE  EVERYWHERE  AT  WORK.    ONE  LADY  WHO  FINALLY  GOT  POWER  TOLD  RUSTY  SHE   GOT  HER      FIRST  HOT  BATH  IN   9  DAYS.  HE DESCRIBED  THE  DEVASTATION TO  THAT  AREA   AS  UNBELIEVABLE.

RUSTY  WENT  ON  TO  THANK  ALL  THE  THOMASTON  CHURCHES,  VOLUNTEERS,  AND THOSE  WHO  DONATED  SUPPLIES.

UPSON TAX COMMISSIONER FAVORS HB 581

 Shedding light on HB 581:

HB 581, an amendment to property tax legislation, will be on the ballot in November’s election. It’s also known as the “Save Our Homes Act” and it addresses longstanding issues with local property taxes and would go into effect on Jan. 1st, 2025 should it pass. It’s part of an effort to lower property tax costs for Georgia families in response to the major increase in property values we saw in 2022 & 2023. It will particularly help homestead property owners by limiting increases in home value to 3% each year. Want to emphasize, this applies to homestead property only. However, the County & City governing authorities have a one- time opt-out clause in this amendment which they will have choose to do so by March 1st of next year. Why would they choose to do so? Because the 3% limit increase on homestead property value would cut into property tax revenue for their budget needs which could possibly result in a millage increase to make up for the loss of tax revenue. But another major component of this bill will give the governing authorities an option of not having to go up on the millage rate to make up for that loss. It will give them the opportunity to add a 1 cent sales tax for the purposes of rolling back on property tax, which in my opinion is a great thing. Last year, we rolled off just over $5 million between the County & City in sales tax revenue for property tax purposes. As it’s been explained to me, this would benefit all taxpayers that own any property here in Upson County whether it’s real or personal property. Adding the additional sales tax would require the governing authorities to approve it through referendum which most likely would take all of next year to do and taxpayers would not see the benefit of this relief until 2026 at the earliest. The only concern is that we need leadership in place that would not use this extra revenue as a reason to spend more and not use it for it’s intended purpose of helping the taxpayers. Regardless of your opinion on this bill, it’s important you let your local governing authorities know your feelings about this legislation. There are several other components in this bill that aid in simplifying local tax legislation and they all serve to better help our taxpayers. More detailed info about this bill may be found online at: HB 581 Summary and Guidance – accg.org Andy Chastain Upson County Tax Commissioner

CITY OF THOMASTON BUDGET WORK SESSION MEETINGS

 The City of Thomaston will be holding three City budget work session meetings. The meetings are open to the public and will be held on the following dates: Friday, October 25, 2024, at 9:30 p.m. Friday, November 1, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. And Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. All meetings will be held in the City Manager’s Conference room on the second floor of the Thomaston-Upson Government Complex (106 E Lee Street, Thomaston, Georgia 30286). Should you have any questions or need additional information, please call the City Manager’s Office at 706-647-4242 Ext. 4.

WALLER RD CLOSED IN UPSON CO

 UPSON  COUNTY HAS  ANNOUNCED  WALLER  ROAD  WILL  BE  CLOSED  FROM  HIGHWAY   19  NORTH  TO  HARRELL  ROAD  UNTIL  FURTHER  NOTICE.  NO  THRU  TRAFFIC.  RESIDENTS  WILL  HAVE  ACCESS  TO  THEIR  HOMES

UPSON CO COLLECTION POINTS FOR HELENE VICTIMS

 FORMER    UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  RUSTY  BLACKSTON  HAD  AN  UPDATE   ON  COLLECTION  OF  GOODS  FOR     HELENE  VICTIMS  LATE THURSDAY  AFTERNOON--THE  BIG  RIG  PARKED  AT  THOMASTON  WAL MART  WAS ABOUT   25%  FULL. VOLUNTEERS  ARE  NEEDED  TO   SORT  THROUGH  COLLECTIONS  AND  SATURDAY  IS  THE  TARGET  DATE  TO  TRANSPORT  THE  ITEMS  TO  SOUTH  GA.

ANOTHER  UPSON COUNTY  COLLECTION  POINT  IS  THE  KINETIC  FACILITY  IN  NORTHSIDE NEXT  TO  THOMASTON  PEST  CONTROL.

UPSON EMC AND SRE HELPING ANOTHER EMC

 UPSON  EMC  AND  SOUTHERN  RIVERS  ENERGY    DISPATCHED  CREWS  TO  HELP  RESTORE  POWER  TO  CUSTOMERS  OF  LITTLE  OCMULGEE EMC  BASED  IN  EASTMAN, GA.  UPSON  EMC  SENT  4  LINEMEN  AND  SRE  HAS  SENT  TWO  FOUR  MAN  CREWS.

UPSON SUPERIOR COURT JURY TRIAL

 IN  A  JURY  TRIAL   IN  UPSON  SUPERIOR  COURT    THAT  STARTED  SEPTEMBER  23RD  AND    CONTINUED  UNTIL  MONDAY  DUE  TO  HURRICANE  HELENE-- THE  DEFENDANT,  BRYAN  ADRIAN  CALHOUN WAS  FOUND  GUILTY      OF  CRUELTY  TO  CHILDREN  IN  THE  FIRST  DEGREE  AND  JUDGE  RHONDA B.  KREUZIGER  SENTENCED  CALHOUN  TO   40   YEARS  ,  SERVE   10  YEARS  IN  PRISON  --REMAINDER  ON  PROBATION. 

JOB POSTING UPSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

 Upson Historical Society

Part Time Position Available

Job Description:

• 16 Hours per Week Total, 12 Hours On-Site

• Update the Membership, Donations, and Gift Shop

• Inform Treasurer of Income and Expenses

• Learning about WWII Homelife in Thomaston and Upson County

• Give Tours to Visitors

• Write the Newsletter, email or mail to members

Preferable:

• Interest in History and Education

• Background in Non-Profits

REWARD FOR MISSING DOGS INCLUDING BROWN LAB NAMED BO

 They went missing Thursday, 9/26/24, near Trice Road and Knight Trail area

2024 UPSON CO TAX BILLS

 2024  UPSON  COUNTY  TAX  BILLS  ARE  IN  THE  MAIL  WITH  A  DUE  DATE OF  NOVEMBER  25,  2024. 

HURRICANE HELENE RAINFALL IN UPSON

 EDDIE  EDENFIELD  UGA  GRIFFIN  BROADCAST  METEOROLGIST  MEASURED 8.86  INCHS  OF  RAINFALL  FROM  HURRICANE  HELENE   THURSDAY AND  FRIDAY,  2.9  INCHES  FRIDAY.

UPSON AREA DODGED A BULLET ON HURRICANE HELENE

 UPSON  EMC  PRESIDENT/CEO  KEN  SIMMONS  SAYS  THIS  AREA  OF  GA.  DODGED  A  BULLET  AND  HIS  SYSTEM  WAS  BLESSED ,   WHEN   HURRICANE  HELENE  TOOK  A  TURN  AWAY  FROM  US.  AS  OF  LATE  FRIDAY  AFTERNOON,  UPSON  EMC  HAD  300  SCATTERED  POWER  OUTAGES  ON   ITS  SYSTEM  FOLLOWING  A   PEAK  OF   AROUND   2000. 

UPSON   EMA  DIRECTOR  RICHARD  HICKMON  REPORTED  THERE  WAS  LIMITED  DAMAGE  IN  THE  COUNTY,  WITH  TREES  DOWN  ON  SEVERAL  ROADS ,  BUT  ALL  WAS  CLEAR  BY  EARLY  IN  THE  AFTERNOON.  HE  SAID  THE  BIG  ISSUE  WAS  A  TREE  DOWN  AT  THE  GA POWER SUB-STATION  2  ON  VETERANS  DRIVE  AND  THAT  LEAD  TO  ONE  OF THE  LONGEST  ELECTRICAL  OUTAGES  IN  RECENT  HISTORY,  11  HOURS.  FUN   101  RADIO  WENT  OFF  THE  AIR  AT  5;30AM  AND  POWER  WAS  RESTORED  AT  6;30  IN  TIME  FOR  THE  PRE-GAME  SHOW  FOR  UPSON-LEE  AND  MARY PERSONS.

AS  OF  7AM  FRIDAY  CITY  MANAGER  RUSSELL  THOMPSON  REPORTED  THESE  KNOWN  OUTAGES--PEACHBELT  ROAD,  NELSON  DRIVE,  MALLORY  STREET ,  ALL  OF  JOHNSTON  HEIGHTS, AND  THE  SOUTHWEST  PART  OF  THE  SQUARE. GA.  POWER  UNITS  HAD  TO  BE  DISPATCHED  FROM  MANCHESTER.

THREE  TRAFFIC  LIGHTS  WERE  OUT IN  DOWNTOWN  THOMASTON--CHURCH AT  GORDON  AND  THE  TWO  ON  LEE  STREET  AT  CENTER  AND  CHURCH. POWER  WAS  ON  NORTH OF  THE  COURTHOUSE  SQUARE  BUT  SLICES  PIZZERIA,  THE MEXICAN  RESTAURANT  NEXT  DOOR    AND  BIG  CHIC  UPTOWN  HAD  NO  POWER  AND  COULD  NOT  OPEN  FOR  BUSINESS.    

MONROE CO NEWSPAPER REPORTS MARY PERSONS MUST FORFEIT GAMES

 Mary Persons' football team is having to forfeit its first four games this season after the GHSA determined the Bulldogs used an ineligible player who had transferred from Upson-Lee, this Friday’s homecoming opponent.

Mary Persons announced on Wednesday, after the newspaper went to press, that it would have to forfeit its first four games of 2024 and pay a $1,500 fine for the violation. The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) determined that MP failed to submit proper paperwork and failed to determine the player’s academic eligibility before letting him play. A scan of the roster shows that sophomore receiver Chauncey Powell transferred to MP from Upson-Lee this past year. Powell has 5 catches for 87 yards and 2 touchdowns so far this year.

MR. AND MISS U-L

Upson-Lee High School Principal Mr. Ricky English has announced Mr. and Miss Upson-Lee for the Class of 2025.Congratulations to Miss Upson-Lee High School, Kennedi Prater, and to Mr. Upson-Lee High School, Nytraevion “Trae” Jones. Mr. and Miss Upson-Lee High School are nominated and selected by their peers. 

Nominees must meet election/selection criteria detailed in the ULHS Student Handbook. 

Pictured l-r:ULHS Principal Mr.Ricky English,Mr.Upson-Lee High School,Trae Jones,
Miss Upson-Lee High School, Kennedi Prater, and Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico.

CARJACKING AT TACO BELL THOMASTON

 THOMASTON  POLICE  ARRESTED  A  SUSPECT  FOR  CARJACKING  AT  TACO  BELL,  FRIDAY---25  YEAR   OLD  FREDRICK NAPIER  OF  212  JEFFERSON AVE--WHO  WAS  IMPERSONATING  A  POLICE  OFFICER. THE  PD  REPORT  SAID THE  VICTIM,  A  27  YEAR OLD  MALE  FROM  SHILOH, GA , JUSTIN  RODEN,  WAS  SITTING  IN  HIS  TRUCK  WAITING  FOR  HIS  WIFE  TO  GET  THEIR  ORDER  FROM  THE  DRIVE-THRU.  HE  TOLD  POLICE  NAPIER  APPRACHED  HIS  VEHICLE  AND  STATED  HE  WAS  AN  UNDERCOVER  COP AND  CHARGED  THE  VICTIM  HAD  JUST  BOUGHT  DRUGS  FROM  ONE  OF  HIS " BOYS.'  THE  VICTIM  ASKED  TO  SEE  A  BADGE  BUT NAPIER  THEN  GOT  AGGRESSIVE  WITH  HIM AND   INSTRUCTED  HIM  TO  PUT  HIS HANDS  BEHIND  HIS   BACK.  THE  SUSPECT   WALKED  AWAY  AND  FLED  WHEN RODEN'S  WIFE  WALKED-UP.

SHE IMMEDIATELY    CALLED  911  AND  NAPIER  WAS  BOOKED  INTO  JAIL  CLAIMING  HE  THOUGHT  RODEN  WAS  SOMEONE  HE  KNEW   NAMED  TYLER   AND  WAS PLAYING  A  JOKE ON HIM. NAPER  CHARGED  WITH  CARJACKING,  IMPERSONATING  AN  OFFICER  AND  FALSE  IMPRISONMENT.

TRAFFIC FATALITY IN UPSON FRIDAY

Upson county Sheriff Dan Kilgore reports a traffic fatality Friday afternoon on Waymanville Road. The sheriff told 101 News the male driver of a Honda Pilot passed away in an air ambulance enroute to Macon Medical Centers  Trauma Unit , Upson County Coroner Craig Stubbs identified the driver of the Honda as Michael Kenneth Stewart 61 of Thomaston. A passenger in the vehicle was transported to the ER at URMC for treatment of injuries.

Sheriff Kilgore said the vehicle went out of control near Hunt Road, hit a tree, trapping Stewart in the wreckage. He was freed with the jaws of life by volunteer fire units and the Thomaston Fire Department.

The investigation was over to post 26 Ga. State patrol.

GORDON STATE HOSTS REGIONAL GROWTH EVENT

 BARNESVILLE, Ga., – Gordon State College hosted its quarterly Regional Growth Roundtable on Sept. 9 at the Barnesville campus, bringing together local and regional stakeholders to discuss economic development opportunities.

“This is about bringing together people with ideas, resources, and a shared commitment to seeing this region thrive and move forward,” said Dr. Donald J. Green, GSC president. “It’s an opportunity to collaborate and drive meaningful growth in our communities.”

Zachary R. Westerfield, a Pike County resident and co-founder/managing partner of Southern Venture Partners, led the discussion with a presentation on the importance of revitalizing small towns. He highlighted his company's mission to address complex challenges and reposition assets to create value for investors.

“Part of our focus on partnering with local communities, especially in smaller towns, is to ensure we avoid the uncontrolled growth seen in larger areas. Events like this are crucial because they bring together people with diverse backgrounds to plan thoughtfully for the future,” Westerfield said. “Growth is inevitable, but now is the time to shape it into something vibrant. We view this as a way to give back, creating welcoming spaces that reflect the community’s vision for the next 10-20 years.”

In addition to Westerfield's presentation, the roundtable welcomed 40 attendees from across GSC’s 14-county service region. Notable participants included Barnesville Mayor Kelly Hughes, Development Authority of Monroe County Executive Director Joyce White, and NewTown Macon Business Consultant Ricardo Cordew.

“As a former state director of USDA Rural Development, I learned the value of a regional approach,” White said. “I came to network and stay informed about the region, with the hope that, together, we can secure a project that offers employment opportunities for local students. Collaboration is key to making it all work."

For more information on being a part of the next Regional Growth Roundtable discussion, contact GSC Executive Director of Advancement Natalie Rischbieter at Natalier@gordonstate.edu .

 

 

UPSON BOC OFFERING REWARD FOR ILLEGAL DUMPING TIRES

 “The Upson County Board of Commissioners is offering a $2500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for dumping tires into Kendall Branch Creek on Grays Chapel Road.   If you have any information, please contact Captain Hosley of the Upson County Sheriff’s Office at 706-646-7904.”

 

“This type of activity cannot be tolerated in our community and I trust that anyone with knowledge of this incident will step up and do the right thing and contact our Sheriff’s office.  We take this serious and will not stand for persons destroying or causing harm to our natural resources.”

 

EARLY VOTING IN UPSON CO/CIVIC CENTER

 Early Voting begins on Tuesday, Oct. 15^th due to State Holiday.

 

Early Voting is Oct. 15 – Nov. 1      8:30am – 5:00pm

Saturday, Oct. 19^th     9am – 5pm

Saturday, Oct. 26^th     9am – 5pm

 

Election Day is Nov. 5^th  7am – 7pm

CITY OF THOMASTON POWER OUTAGE FRIDAY AM

 ACCORDING  TO  CITY  MANAGER  RUSSELL  THOMPSON--THE  CITY  OF  THOMASTON  EXPERIENCED  A  30  MINUTE  POWER  OUTAGED  FRIDAY  AROUND  9AM  AFTER  A  TREE  FELL  ON  WEST  MAIN  STREET. THOMASTON  POLICE  AND  FIRE  AND  CITY  CREWS  RESPONDED.  ALL  TRAFFIC  LIGHTS  IN  THE  DOWNTOWN   AREA  WERE  OUT  AND  POLICE OFFICERS  HAD  TO  DIRECT  TRAFFIC  DURING  THE  OUTAGE.

UPSON TAX ASSESSORS DECLINE PUBLIC MEETING INVITE

 CITY  OF  THOMASTON  MAYOR  J.D. STALLINGS  SAYS  THE  UPSON COUNTY  BOARD OF  TAX  ASSESSORS  HAVE  DECLINED  AN  INVITATION  TO  HOLD  A  PUBLIC  MEETING  WITH  ALL  THREE  TAX  LEVEYING  BODIES,  CITY  COUNCIL,  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  AND  BOARD  OF  EDUCATION.  INSTEAD  THEY  HAVE  ISSUED  AN  INVITATION  TO  ATTEND  THE  NEXT  REGULAR  MEETING  OF  THE  TAX  ASSESSORS  BOARD.

MAYOR  STALLINGS  SAID  THE  FORMAT  OF  THE  PUBLIC    MEETING  WOULD  NOT  HAVE  ALLOWED   CITIZENS.    TO  ASK  QUESTIONS  OF  THE  TAX  ASSESSORS ONLY  MEMBERS  OF  THE  TAXING  BODIES. SINCE  PUBLIC  HEARINGS  ON  TAX  MILLAGE -- QUESTIONS  HAVE  SURFACED  ABOUT   RESIDENTIAL  AND  COMMERCIAL  TAX  ASSESSMENTS  AND  GOVERNMENT  AND  THE  PUBLIC  HAVE  BEEN CALLING  FOR  ANSWERS.

AT  TUESDAY'S   7PM  MEETING  THE  THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL  IS   SCHEDULED  TO  DISCUSS   THE  TAX  ASSESSORS  WRITTEN  RESPONSE  TO  THE  CITY'S  INVITATION  TO  A  PUBLIC  MEETING.

DOWNTOWN GRIFFIN SHOOTING FRIDAY

THE  SPALDING  COUNTY  MEDICAL  EXAMINER  CONFIRMS  44-YEAR  OLD  KRYSTAL  EVANS,  FORMALLY  KRYSTAL  MALLORY  WAS  SHOT  DEAD  FRIDAY  NEAR  THE  COURTHOUSE  AFTER  A  COURT  HEARING.  GRIFFIN  POLICE  ANNOUNCED  TOM  MALLORY  HER  EX-HUSBAND,  AS  THE  SUSPECT.  MALLORY  WAS  TRANSPORTED  TO  GRADY  MEMORIAL  HOSPITAL  AFTER  HE  SHOT  HIMSELF  IN  THE  HEAD,  FOLLOWING  THE  MURDER OF  HIS  EX-WIFE  ON  6TH  STREET.

SPALDING  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DARRELL  DIX  SHARED  DETAILS  OF  THE  SHOOTING  IN  A  LENGTHY  FACEBOOK POST.  HE  EXPLAINED  KRYSTAL  WALKED  OUT  OF  THE  COURTHOUSE  TO  HER  CAR.  MALLORY  SHOT  HER  SEVERAL  TIMES  FROM HIS  CAR  WINDOW  AND  SPED OFF,  THEN  SHOT  HIMSELF.  PRECIOUS  EVANS,  THE  VICTIM'S  DAUGHTER  BELIEVES  THE  MURDER  COULD  HAVE  BEEN  PREVENTED.  SHERIFF  DIX  SAID  DEPUTIES  HAD  RESPONDED  TO  SEVERAL  DOMESTIC  INCIDENTS INVOLVING  THE  COUPLE,  BUT  THEY  ALWAYS  BLAMED  EACH  OTHER  FOR  THEIR  TROUBLES.  SHERIFF  DIX  SAID  TOM  MALLORY  WAS  ARRESTED  ONCE, BUT  POSTED  BOND.

PRECIOUS  EVANS  SAYS  SHE  PLANS  A  RALLY  FOR  JUSTICE  AT  THE  SPALDING  COUNTY  COURTHOUSE  WEDNESDAY  AND A  VIGIL  FOR  HER   MOTHER  THURSDAY.  

T-U CHAMBER POLITICAL FORUM

Join us at The Ritz Theater on Monday, September 23rd at 7pm for a Political Candidate Forum for the Upson County Commissioner Chairman. Questions from the public can be submitted through September 18.

Submit a question here: https://www.thomastongachamber.com/political-candidate.../

UPSON PLANNING DENIES TWO SPECIAL EXCEPTION APPS

 THE  UPSON  COUNTY PLANNING  COMMISSION  VOTED  TO  DENY  RECOMMENDATION   TO THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS   ON  TWO  SPECIAL  EXCEPTION    APPLICATIONS    AT  THE  SEPTEMBER  MEETING,  MONDAY.   STAFF  RECOMMENDED  DENIAL  ON  BOTH--   MINI  WAREHOUSES  FOR  MATT  SMITH  AT  74  WEST  AND  OLD  ALABAMA  AND    FOR " VICTORY  IN   PRAISE  MINISTRIES"  ON  HIGHWAY   19 SOUTH  NEAR    MARTIN  CHURCH  ROAD  AND    BIRDSONG  ROAD--WHERE  THE  CONGREGATION  WANTS  TO  BUILD  A  NEW  CHURCH. PASTOR  DONALD  HAMILTON   TESTIFIED    THE  CHURCH  HAS  OUTGROWN  ITS  PRESENT  LOCATION  -BUT  COMMISSION  MEMBER  JOHNNY DAWSON  WARNED  THE  THREE  ACRE  SITE  WOULD  NOT  ALLOW  FOR  CHURCH  GROWTH.  DAWSON  SAID  HIS  CHURCH  HAD  A  DIFFICULT  TIME  EXPANDING  ITS  CAMPUS  WHEN  IT  STARTED  GROWING  AND  HE  DID NOT  WANT  TO  SEE  ANOTHER  CHURCH  GO  THROUGH    THOSE   CHALLENGES. P&Z  DIRECTOR  DOUG  CURRIER  RECOMMENDED  SEVERAL  OTHER  VACANT  CHURCH  BUILDINGS  IN  UPSON  COUNTY  THAT  COULD  HOUSE  THE  CONGREGATION. 

THE  PLANNING  COMMISSION  RECOMMENDED  A  REZONING  FOR  SARAH  ELLINGTON  AT   151  GRAY'S  CHAPEL  ROAD  NEAR  THE  YATESVILLE  CITY  LIMITS  FOR  A  COMMERCIAL  LIVESTOCK  PROCESSSING  OPERATION--SOMETHING  COMMISSION  MEMBER  JOEL  PITTS  SAID  IS  A  NEED  IN  UPSON  COUNTY. 

ANOTHER  SPECIAL  EXCEPTION  RECOMMENDED  FOR  AN  A-R  INDOOR-OUTDOOR  SPECIAL  EVENT  VENUE  FOR LORI  WEEKS  AT  534  LOGTOWN  ROAD. 

GSC NEW ALUMNI AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATOR

 BARNESVILLE, Ga., – Gordon State College has recently, in August, appointed Susan Hoffman as the new Alumni Affairs and Annual Fund Administrator in the advancement and alumni relations office.

Hoffman will take the lead on alumni affairs, focusing on event coordination, reunions, alumni research, and data organization. She will also be responsible for tracking dedications and memorandums, welcoming visitors at the Alumni House, and enhancing alumni engagement through the annual fund, campus campaigns, and social media outreach.

“I am excited to take on this inspiring challenge and am optimistic about Gordon’s growth in the near future, as well as my own,” Hoffman said. “Over the past few years, I’ve come to adore my Gordon family, and with a team this passionate and dedicated, I’m confident we’ll achieve great things together.”

An alumna of GSC, Hoffman spent about two years supporting the executive director of external affairs and strategic initiatives, as well as the director of athletics, in the Office of the President while pursuing a degree in business management and administration with a minor in English.

During her time as a student, Hoffman participated in the Presidential Fellows Program, welcoming guests such as Chancellor Sonny Perdue and refining her leadership skills. She also traveled extensively through the UK, France, and Ireland, experiences she plans to leverage as a campus ambassador in her new role.

More so, Hoffman contributed to the creation of the Tartan Journal, GSC’s campus magazine launched in 2023. She also led the team that achieved a 3rd place finish in the IREX Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge, where GSC students collaborated with peers from Duhok Polytechnic University in Iraq on a recycling initiative.

“We are thrilled to welcome Susan to our Advancement team at Gordon State College,” said Natalie Rischbieter, executive director of advancement. “In her new position, Susan will be instrumental in developing a vibrant alumni program for both current and future graduates. Her experience as a GSC alumna makes her an ideal fit for this role. We encourage you to stop by and introduce yourself.”

Prior to joining Highlander Nation in her new role, Hoffman co-owned a profitable all-natural bath and body apothecary shop for two years. She also assisted in setting up the Griffin Art Walk Second Saturday events and the Rue Colline Art Gallery.

A native of Metairie, Louisiana, Hoffman was raised in Douglas and Spalding, Georgia, and now resides in Barnesville. She earned her Associate of Science in business, Associate of Arts in common core, and her Bachelor of Science in business management with a minor in English, all from GSC.

Outside of her professional achievements, Hoffman enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, and her Rottweiler, Cooper, who shares her love for porch coffee. Her activities include painting detailed acrylics, exploring coffee varieties, and camping in the mountains.

MONROE CO SO ARREST ON SCHOOL THREATS

 SCHOOL  THREATS  ALL  OVER  GEORGIA  HAVE  ERUPTED  IN  THE  AFTERMATH  OF  A  SCHOOL  SHOOTING  IN  WINDER, GA  THAT  KILLED  4  AND  WOUNDED   9  OTHERS.  MONROE  COUNTY  SO  ARRESTED  A  JACKSON MAN,  CHRIS  COOPER,  26  FOR   A  FACEBOOK  POST  THAT  CONTAINED  AN  IMPLIED  THREAT AT  MARY PERSONS  HIGH  SCHOOL.   THE  SO  BOOSTED  SECURITY AHEAD OF  THE  SCHOOL  DAY.  ANYONE  WITH  INFORMATION  ABOUT  THIS  THREAT  OR   OTHERS  CONTACT  MONROE  COUNTY  SHERIFF'S  OFFICE. 

BADCOCK FURNITURE INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE

  THE  INVENTORY  REDUCTION  .    SALE  ROARS-ON  AT  BADCOCK  HOME  FURNITURE  IN  THOMASTON,  BARNESVILLE,  AND  MANCHESTER  .  SAVE  UP  TO   50%  AND  MORE  DURING  THIS  GIGANTIC  INVENTORY  LIQUIDATION SALE.   SAVE  BIG  TIME STORE-WIDE  AT  BADCOCK  FURNITURE,  THOMASTON,  MANCHESTER,  BARNESVILLE.  

GRIFFIN-SPALDING SCHOOLS ARE SAFE

 We have been working with local and state law enforcement since early this morning regarding rumors and social media posts. Their investigations have indicated that there is no credible threat in our community based on the information at this time. All schools are safe and operating per normal operating procedures. Parents should expect to see an increased law enforcement presence in and around schools out of an abundance of caution.

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL RAISES TAXES

 THE  THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL  APPROVED  A  46%  TAX  MILLAGE  INCREASE  ON  A   4-0  VOTE  AT  A  CALLED  MEETING,  THURSDAY,  BUT  IT  WOULD  NOT  HAVE  BEEN  UNANIMOUS  IF  COUNCILMAN  RYAN  TUCKER HAD  BEEN  PRESENT,  AS  HE  WAS  OPPOSED.  TUCKER  RELAYED  A  MESSAGE  TO  CITY  MANAGER   RUSSELL  THOMPSON  THAT  HE  WAS  NOT IN  FAVOR  DUE  TO  DISCRIPANCIES  IN  PROPERTY  VALUATIONS,  AND  CURRENT  ECONOMIC  FACTORS.  HIS  PREFERENCE  FOR THE  BUDGET  WAS  A  REVENUE  SOURCE  THAT  DID  NOT  FALL  SOLELY  ON  PROPERTY  OWNERS.  DURING  A  PREVIOUS  PUBLIC  HEARING  TUCKER SAID  HE  FAVORS A  CONSUMPTION-TYPE  FLAT  TAX--NOT PROPERTY  TAX.

COUNCILMAN  DON  GREATHOUSE  TOOK  OWNERSHIP  OF  THE  50-50  FUNDING  FOR  THE  TAX  HIKE,  HALF  FROM  UTILITIES  AND  HALF  FROM  PROPERTY  TAXES.  HE  EXPLAINED  THIS  WAY  NON-PROFITS  THAT  DON'T  PAY  PROPERTY  TAXES  WILL  ALSO  PARTICIPATE  IN  THE  NEEDED  REVENUE  FOR  CITY  OPERATIONS.  DEBT  SERVICE  FOR  THE NEW  FIRE  STATION  WAS  THE  PRIMARY  NEED  FOR  THE  TAX  HIKE,  CITY  OFFICIALS  SAID. 

The Thomaston-Upson County School District announces appointment of Stewart Bowers

The Thomaston-Upson County School District is proud to announce the appointment of Stewart Bowers, MS, ATC, LAT, CEAS I, as the district’s new Athletic Trainer. With an impressive professional background and a steadfast commitment to the health and safety of student-athletes, Mr. Bowers is set to be an invaluable addition to the district’s athletic programs.

 

Mr. Bowers holds a Master of Science in Advanced Athletic Training from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science in Education specializing in Athletic Training from the University of Georgia.

 

In his previous role as Head Athletic Trainer at Wesleyan College, Mr. Bowers was instrumental in establishing emergency protocols, managing athlete medical records, and collaborating with local physicians to ensure top-tier care for student-athletes. Mr. Bowers brings experience in athletic training from high school, collegiate, and professional settings. Some of his prior roles include Clinical Athletic Trainer at Emory Orthopaedics in Atlanta, Head Athletic Trainer for Greenville Triumph Soccer Club in Greenville, S.C., and Athletic Trainer at Chapin High School and Cardinal Newman School in South Carolina. He also worked with the Atlanta Falcons in Flowery Branch from 2015-2017 as an Athletic Training Intern. 

 

Mr. Bowers holds the following certifications: Graston Technique Module One, CPR and First Aid, and Board of Certification for Athletic Training. His professional memberships reflect his ongoing dedication to the field of athletic training.

 

Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico stated, "We are very excited that Mr. Bowers has joined the UL team as the Thomaston-Upson School System’s District Athletic Trainer. His experience and commitment to the well-being of student-athletes make him an extraordinary asset to our school district and community."

Mr. Bowers and his wife, Destiny, have 2 fur kids, Captain and Olive. With a start date of September 3, 2024, Mr. Bowers will focus on the health and safety of student-athletes, collaborate with coaches and medical professionals, and continue to enhance protocols for athletic performance and injury prevention.

DAVES WEEK WITH BRADY AND BELICHICK

WATCHING   AN   OLD  JAMES  BOND  FLICK,  RECENTLY,  THAT  NATURALLY  HAD  A  CAR  CHASE  SCENE,  I  RECOGNIZED  A  SIDEWALK  CAFE  IN  PARIS  WHERE  I    ONCE  GREETED  YOKO  ONO, JOHN  LENNON'S  WIDOW. YOKO TURNED   91  THIS  PAST  FEBRUARY  AND  IN  JULY  WAS  RECOGNIZED  WITH  THE   2024  64TH  ANNUAL  EDWARD  MCDOWELL  MEDAL  FOR  OUTSTANDING  CONTRIBUTIONS  TO  THE  ARTS.  OUR  TOUR  GROUP  WAS  GATHERED  OUTSIDE  THE  CAFE  WHEN  LINDA  BEST  OUR  LEADER  CALLED  TO  ME,  "DAVE, DAVE, HERE  COMES   YOKO  ONO, SPEAK  TO  HER  DAVE."  ALWAYS  OBEDIENT  TO  LINDA  WHEN  ON  TOUR,  I  QUICKLY, MOVED  TO  THE HEAD OF  THE  GROUP  AND  SHOW  NUFF--COMING  UP  THE  STREET  WAS  YOKO. WHEN  SHE  GOT  DIRECTLY  IN  FRONT  OF  US    I    SPOKE  UP  AND  SAID  "HELLO,  YOKO"  AND  SHE  SMILED  AND  SAID  "HELLO,  DAVE". WELL,  SHE  DIDN'T REALLY MENTION ME  BY  NAME  BUT  SHE  DID  SAY  HELLO.

THE  RECENT  OLYMPICS  REMINDED  ME OF  THE WEEK  I  SPENT  IN  PARIS. NOT MY KINDA  TOWN.  AFTER  A  DINNER  CRUISE  ON  THE  SEINE  RIVER,  I  NOTICED IT  WAS  SORT-OF  MURKY,  SO   I  AGREE  WITH  ALL  THE JOCKS  WHO DIDN'T  WANT  TO  SWIM  IN  IT.  AND  ON  THAT  DINNER  CRUISE  ONE  ENTREE  WAS  GOOSE  GIZZARD  FOR   $135  A  POP. WE  ORDERED  SALMON. OH YEAH,  I  DON'T  LIKE  TO  PAY      TO  USE    PUBLIC  RESTROOMS  IN  PARIS. 

A  WEEK  IN  PRE-SEASON  CAMP  WITH  TOM  BRADY  AND   COACH  BILL BELICHICK , BEEN  THERE,  DONE  THAT.  I  BELIEVE  IT  WAS  AFTER  THEY  WON   THEIR  THIRD  SUPER  BOWL.  HOW  A  BEAT  REPORTER  CAN  DEVELOP  A  STORY  FROM  COACH  BELICHICK'S  DAILY  PRESSER, I  WILL  NEVER  KNOW.  HE  SELDOM  SPEAKS,  BUT  ONE  OF  THIS PLAYERS  MADE  UP  FOR  IT,  TEDY   BRUSCHI WHO  RETIRED  TO  ESPN.  ASK  TEDY  A  QUESTION AND  STAND-BY  FOR  A  30  MINUTE  ANSWER.  HE  AND  HIS  LOCKER  MATE,  HAD A  HUGE  BOX OF  HERSHEY'S     CHOCOLATE  BLOCKS  THEY  EXPLAINED  AS  INSTANT  ENERGY. WHILE  OTHERS  WERE  CONVENTIONING  IN  BOSTON  I  TOOK  THE  TRAIN  TO  FOXBORO, DAILY,  TO  CHECK  OUT  THE  PATS. A  TRAIN  THAT  TRAVELED  FOWARD  TO  FOXBORO  THEN  BACKED  UP  TO  GILLETTE  STADIUM.

THE  ANGELS  WERE  IN  BOSTON,  SO AT  NIGHT  I   ATTENDED  RED  SOX  GAMES,  THAT  WEEK.  RADIO  REPORTERES  WERE SECOND  CLASS  CITIZENS  IN  THE  FENWAY  PARK  PRESS  BOX.  WE  WERE  SEATED   ON  THE  THIRD  ROW  AND  HAD  TO  ACTUALLY  SEE  A  PITCHER  DELIVER  A  PITCH ,  BUT WE  HAD  TO  LOOK  UP  TO  THE  TV  MONITOR  TO  SEE IT  ARRIVE   AT  THE PLATE.  I  GOT  WISE  AFTER  THE  FIRST  GAME  AND  TOOK  THE  SEAT  ON  THE  FRONT  ROW  FOR  THE   PROVIDENCE  NEWSPAPER  BEAT  WRITER  WHO  WAS  ON  VACATION.  I  UNDERSTAND  THE  FENWAY  PRESS  BOX  HAS  BEEN  REMODELED,  AND  RADIO  REPORTERS  NOW  HAVE    A  BETTER  VIEW.  I  DON'T  UNDERSTAND  IT , I  HAVE  SEEN  SEVERAL  GAMES  AT  FENWAY  PARK,  BUT  NONE IN  YANKEE   STADIUM,  THE  YANKS  HAVE  ALWAYS  BEEN  ON  THE  ROAD  WHEN  I  HAVE  BEEN  IN  N.Y.

A  FOOTNOTE  ABOUT  QB  TOM  BRADY.  HE  FOLLOWED  BELICHICK DAILY  ON  THE  PODIUM  FOR  COMMENTS,  BUT  HE  CONFOUNDED  ME  ABOUT  HIS  ACCESSORIES.  HE  LEFT  THE  STADIUM  WITH A  SHE-HE  PURSE  OVER  HIS  SHOULDER,  THE  FIRST  TIME  I  HAD  EVER  SEEN  A  MAN   CARRY  ONE.