Friday, May 17, 2024
2024 U-L HIGH COMMENCEMENT
The Upson-Lee High School Class of 2024 Commencement Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 24, at 8 p.m. at Matthews Field. This is a private ceremony, and all guests must have a ticket to attend. While our hope is for a beautiful evening, please note our plans for inclement weather:
FORMER U-L STAR HEADED FOR ATHENS
FORMER UPSON-LEE PITCHER LOGAN SPIVEY HAS ANNOUNCED HE WILL TRANSFER FROM GA. HIGHLANDS COLLEGE TO PLAY BASEBALL FOR UGA FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
UPSON PLANNING COMMISSION DELAYS CHURCH PROJECT ON MCCARD ROAD
THERE WAS NO MOTION TO MOVE FOWARD BY THE UPSON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION, MONDAY, ON APPROVING REZONING FOR A NEW CHURCH CAMPUS FOR HOPE OF THE GENERATIONS CHURCH. VICE CHAIR JOHNNY DAWSON PRESIDED IN THE ABSENCE OF CHAIR ELISHA MCKINLEY--AND JOEL PITTS, PHILLIP FALLIN, AND JEFF HINTON INDICATED THEY HAD NUMEROUS QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROJECT ON JUST OVER.
50 ACRES. THE BOARD WILL CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT THE JUNE MEETING
PASTOR SCOTT HARPER AND CIVIL ENGINEER CHAD LAMBETH OUTLINED PLANS FOR A NEW SANCTUARY, OFFICES, CABINS, AND RECREATION AREA, BUT THE PLANNING COMMISSION HEARD FROM HALF A DOZEN NEIGHBORS WHO OPPOSE THE PLANS. STANLEY ELLIOTT SAID HE LIVES WITHIN EARSHOT OF THE PROPOSED CAMPUS AND DOES NOT OBJECT TO A CHURCH BUT THIS REZONING PRESENTS TOO MANY ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AND NEEDS MORE THOUGHT-- CITING DRAINAGE AND WATER AND SEWER ISSUES. THERE IS NOT ENOUGH WATER IN THE AREA NOW HE SAID. THE CHURCH CALLED A NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING LAST WEEK TO EXPLAIN THE PROJECT, BUT ONLY HALF A DOZEN SHOWED--PASTOR HARPER TESTIFIED
U-L SCHOOL DISTRICT EXPLAINS 6 NEW TENNIS COURTS INSTEAD OF 8
When the bids came in for the construction of the Upson-Lee Softball & Tennis Complex, they were much higher than originally anticipated. In an effort to ensure fiscal responsibility, Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico and Director of Operations Mr. Marc Ellington began working with Parrish Construction Group to modify the design in order to control costs and realize significant savings. After checking with the GA High School Association, it was determined that eight courts were not required in order to host regional and state tournaments, so the number of tennis courts was reduced to six. By making this and some other design changes, the Thomaston-Upson School System was able to reduce the Upson-Lee Softball & Tennis Complex GMP to $8.3 million.
Monday, May 13, 2024
FLINT RIVER ACADEMY IN STATE FINALS
The Flint River Academy Wildcats baseball team won the final four series at home Saturday against David Emanuel Academy and advanced to the GISA state championship series Thursday through Saturday at Luther Williams field in Macon.
Coach Chris Callahan “We are very proud of these guys, especially these seniors, we have been knocked out of the playoffs in the semi-finals the last three years and to finally make it to the state championship game is exciting “Friday, May 10, 2024
In The Pipeline
Is it the first time Thomaston has ever been mentioned in a national best seller?
This month a tv series is running on Netflix staring Jeff Daniels as Atlanta real estate broker Charlie Croker. Based on the book “A Man In Full,” Charlie faces bankruptcy when political and businesses interest collide as he defends his empire from those attempting to capitalize on his fall from grace.
In the book by Tom Wolfe, page 75, Charlie is jetting to his plantation in south Georgia and someone on the plane looks out into the dark and says “Those lights down there must be Thomaston,” it’s impressive that Tom Wolf did the research to know that T-Town was in the flight path.The acetate disc was still warm when the engineer from Capricorn Records walked into the Athens FM station where I was gearing up for my 10 pm to midnight album rock show. It was hot off the Allman Brothers session in Macon and I was told it was seven minutes or so long, an instrumental written by Dickey Betts. Capricorn loved us because they loved the college music market, and we were able to help them launch a lot of product. The engineer was an Athens boy who loved his mama’s biscuits, so he shared lots of breaking grooves with us and was able to make his mom’s breakfast.
Years later, that Athens FM was sold, moved to Atlanta and is now 104.7fm, the pop Christian station “The Fish.” After all the zany stuff we said on that frequency as college rock jocks, it needed to be washed in the blood.
It is the first time I have ever seen someone in person one week and the next week their character turns up in a comedy sketch on “Saturday Night Live.” Who is ex-presidential candidate/U.S. Senator from South Carolina, Tim Scott. He was stocking up on Master’s merchandise in the pro shop at Augusta National.
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Gordon State College Names New Director of Admissions
Gordon State College has named Jacqueline Lewis Williams as Director of Admissions in enrollment services and marketing effective May 1, 2024.
“I believe in the transformative power of education and strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment for students as they pursue their goals,” Williams said. “I understand the challenges of balancing professional and personal obligations and am dedicated to assisting students in creating an educational plan that aligns with their individual circumstances and aspirations.”
Williams’ career in higher education includes roles in admissions at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, Clayton State University, and Georgia State University. She also worked in banking, capital management, and retail after she earned her undergraduate degree.
A native of Philadelphia, Williams began her postsecondary education at Georgia Southwestern University where she earned her Bachelor of Business degree in administration. She holds a Master of Education in higher education administration from Georgia Southern University and is currently pursuing a doctorate in student affairs leadership at the University of Georgia (UGA). In addition, Williams earned a certificate in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt at UGA, equipping her with the skills to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency.
“We are excited to have Ms. Williams join our enrollment services team,” said Melissa Johnson, GSC vice president of enrollment services and marketing. “Her demonstrated skills in and knowledge of enrollment management are a perfect complement to the College’s strategic plans and initiatives. I personally appreciate her enthusiasm for serving students and commitment to fostering success for her team and peers.”
Friday, May 3, 2024
Burn Ban In Effect
Beginning May 1, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) open burning ban will be in effect for 54 Georgia counties. The ban, which has been in place every summer since 2005, affects many of the counties in north and central Georgia (a full list is shown below).
The burn ban prohibits citizens and businesses from burning yard and land-clearing debris during the summer ozone season, which runs from May 1 through September 30. This is in addition to the year-round, statewide prohibition against burning household garbage in Georgia. Recreational activities such as campfires and grilling are exempt from the open burning ban.
According to James Boylan, Chief of the EPD Air Protection Branch, “Smoke from open burning includes small particles and gaseous air pollutants that can form ground-level ozone. Particulate pollution can cause chronic heart diseases and ground-level ozone can cause inflammation of the lungs, especially in children and people with asthma.” When open burning creates smoky conditions, reducing exposure is important for everyone’s health. Things you can do to reduce your exposure to smoke are listed at https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2021-07/protect-yourself-from-ash-factsheet.pdf.
Citizens can access more information on the open burning ban by visiting https://epd.georgia.gov/air-protection-branch/open-burning-rules-georgia, or by calling the EPD District Office serving their area.
Counties included in the ban and contact information for the corresponding EPD District Office are as follows:
· West Central District Office (Macon): 478-751-6612 Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Lamar, Monroe, Peach, Pike, Twiggs, Upson, Meriwether, and Troup counties
· Mountain District Office (Atlanta): 404-362-2671 Carroll, Clayton, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Henry, Rockdale, and Spalding counties.
· Northeast District Office (Athens): 706-369-6376 Banks, Barrow, Butts, Clarke, Hall, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Putnam, and Walton counties.
· East Central District Office (Augusta): 706-667-4343 Columbia and Richmond counties.
· Mountain District Office (Cartersville): 770-387-4900 Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Dawson, Floyd, Forsyth, Gordon, Haralson, Lumpkin, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, and Walker counties.
For more information about alternatives to burning, such as composting and chipping, please visit https://epd.georgia.gov/air-protection-branch/open-burning-rules-georgia/alternatives-burning.
Debris can also be hauled to a commercial processing/grinding/composting operation or to an inert or construction and demolition landfill. For a list of landfills in your area, please call EPD’s Solid Waste Management Program at 404-362-2692 and/or visit the Land Protection Branch website for more details: http://epd.georgia.gov/land-protection-branch.
Some Georgia counties and cities have burning restrictions that are more stringent than the EPD open burning ban. EPD recommends that citizens check with their local Fire Marshall before conducting any burning.
Open Burning After the Burn Ban Ends
For citizens seeking to burn hand-piled, natural vegetation collected onsite (e.g., yard debris and leaf piles) after the EPD open burning ban concludes, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) no longer requires permits for this activity. Instead, the following five safety precautions are required:
1. Burn location must be no less than 25 feet from any woodlands, forestland or field that contains brush, grass, or other flammable material.
2. Burn location must be no less than 50 feet from structures, which includes homes, outbuildings, sheds, and barns.
3. Burning must take place between sunrise and sunset.
4. Person responsible must attend burning at all times until the fire is completely extinguished and there is no risk for burning to escape control.
5. Person responsible must take reasonable and necessary precautions to prevent fire escape or spread from the original location.
GFC Permits for any other types of burning (e.g., silviculture, agriculture, and land-clearing) should be obtained by contacting your county GFC office. You can find your county GFC office here: https://gatrees.org/about/county-contacts/.
NEW T-U REC DIRECTOR HIRED
Chairman Norman Allen and the Upson County Board of Commissioners are pleased to announce the recent selection of Bryan Kelley as Director of the Thomaston-Upson County Recreation Department. “We eagerly anticipate Bryan’s leadership as he assumes the role of team leader at the Thomaston-Upson County Recreation Department,” stated County Manager W. Jason Tinsley. “Following a thorough search process, it became evident that his engaging demeanor, extensive management background, and forwardthinking approach to developing innovative programs and strategies will greatly benefit our community as we embark on the next phase of our program evolution.” The selection of Mr. Kelley to head the department was the culmination of a local search involving the review of over 15 candidates and it reflects Upson County’s desire to instill a fresh approach in its continued efforts to continually enhance the quality of County services. Tinsley, along with Upson County Human Resources Director, Cherie Spillers, would like to offer a special thanks to the following people who assisted with the recruitment effort: • City of Thomaston Human Resources Director, Danielle Jefferson • City of Thomaston Manager, Russell Thompson • Upson County Clerk, Jessica Jones • Upson County Extension Agent, Hailey Robinson • Upson County Planning & Zoning Director, Douglas Currier • Upson County Utilities Superintendent, Ben Berryhill Page 2 of 2 BRYAN KELLEY With a deep passion and love for an active lifestyle in the outdoors, Mr. Kelley brings both personal and professional expertise to his new leadership role with the county. Currently serving as a Field Marketing Manager for OOFOS Footwear, Bryan also has experience leading teams with Medalist Sports, Vertical Runner and Progressive Insurance. Bryan brings a wealth of knowledge to the department with extensive experience in organizational management, event planning, project management, and strategic marketing. He will work to create impactful programs that are transparent and readily available to all people in the community. Kelley, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, attended The Ohio State University where he was captain of the Baseball Club. He graduated Cum Laude from Cleveland State University with a degree focusing on Communications. Kelley is a Thomaston resident and is looking forward to serving the community he has grown to love. “I’m excited to step into this leadership role with an intent to learn from the community and make impactful changes that will help grow and develop our youth”, states Kelley
Daycare Worker Arrested
A Monroe County woman is in jail on Monday after she was seen on video hitting two children in a daycare center, according to an incident report from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
The report says on Friday around 10 a.m. a deputy was sent to Little Angels Daycare after a caller reported child abuse at the daycare.
When the deputy arrived, he spoke with the center director about the report of abuse.
The director then showed the deputy a video from Monday where an employee, 19-year-old Alyssa Barrett, was seen hitting two children. The director says Barrett was fired and parents were notified but it was not reported to law enforcement at the time.
During the video, Barrett was seen grabbing a three-year-old girl by her left arm and forcefully pulling her up from the floor. The report says the girl was lifted about two to three feet off the floor.
The child got up and ran across the room. She then sat down and cried while rubbing her arm. Barrett was also seen walking by the girl and hitting her.
A short time later, the report says Barrett was walking by a four-year-old boy lying on the floor on his back. The video shows Barrett hitting him on what appeared to be his lower chest area with an open hand.
MANCHESTER CITY COUNCILWOMAN ARRESTED BY GBI
GBI Arrests Manchester City Councilwoman for Making False Statements
Manchester, Meriwether County, GA (April 30, 2024) – The GBI has arrested and charged Tameka Lowe, age 46, of Manchester, Meriwether County, Georgia, with two counts of False Swearing and one count of Violation of Oath by Public Officer.
On February 8, 2024, the Manchester Police Department asked the GBI to investigate allegations that a City Councilwoman falsified her criminal history record information on election paperwork. Lowe provided false information on a Notice of Candidacy and Affidavit when she applied to run for a vacant Manchester City Council position. She then falsely swore to the City of Manchester Oath of Public Officer after being elected to the City Council position.
Lowe was booked into the Meriwether County Jail.
This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI regional investigative office in Columbus at 706-565-7888. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Meriwether County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
BRIGHTMARK OPEN HOUSE HELD THURSDAY
UPSON SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE BENJAMIN D. COKER HAS SET A HEARING FOR MAY 20TH 9AM FOR A BOND HEARING OF $879 MILLION FOR AN INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BOND ISSUED BY THE THOMASTON-UPSON INDUSTRIAL AUTHORITY TO FUND THE NEW BRIGHTMARK PLASTICS RECYCLING/REPURPOSING PLANT AT THE BIZ/TECH PARK AT THE AIRPORT.
IDA ATTORNEY JOHNNIE CALDWELL TOLD 101 NEWS THE HEARING IS JUST A FORMALITY THAT IS REQUIRED BY STATE LAW WHICH REQUIRES DISTRICT ATTORNEY MARIE BRODER TO SIGN-OFF ON THE BOND PROCESS. ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, THE IDA IS ONLY A CONDUIT FOR THE FUNDING AND ALONG WITH CITY AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT IS NOT AT RISK.
BRIGHTMARK OFFICIALS WERE IN THOMASTON FOR AN OPEN HOUSE, THURSDAY EVENING, AND CEO BOB POWELL TOLD US HE WAS GRADIFIED WITH THE TURN-OUT AND EXPLAINED THE CHALLENGES OF MOVING FOWARD WITH THE NEW INDUSTRY
THOMASTON KIWANIS CELBRATES 100 YEARS
INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT OF KIWANIS, KATRINA BARANKO WAS GUEST SPEAKER AT THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THOMASTON KIWANIS AT FIRST METHODIST CHURCH, THURSDAY. ON BEHALF OF THE CLUB, THOMASTON ARTIST ANGIE MOORE PRESENTED PRESIDENT BARANKO WITH A RENDERING OF SEVERAL COMMUNITY SCENES.
NO ALARM FRIDAY AT U-L MIDDLE SCHOOL
CAREER DAY FRIDAY AT U-L MIDDLE SCHOOL GENERATED CALLS OF CONCERN TO SCHOOL OFFICIALS. GBI UNITS, POLICE/SO / FIRE DEPARTMENT UNITS, AND IST RESPONDERS WERE AT THE SCHOOL FOR SHOW AND TELL ON THEIR MISSIONS.
U-L SOFTBALL/TENNIS COMPLEX RIBBON CUTTING
Hi everyone! We hope that you can join us for the ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of the Upson-Lee Softball & Tennis Complex next Friday, May 10, at 9 AM.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
THOMASTON'S KAY HIGHTOWER HONORED
THOMASTON'S KAY HIGHTOWER, BOARD CHAIR EMERITUS OF THE GA. HISTORICAL SOCIETY HAS BEEN HONORED WITH THE 2024 JOHN MACPHERSON BERRIEN AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT ACCORDING TO THE SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE OF "GEORGIA HISTORY TODAY" MAGAZINE. KAY WAS APPOINTED TO THE GEORGIA COUNCIL OF THE ARTS BY GOVERNOR JOE FRANK HARRIS AND SERVED AS BOARD CHAIR.
Monday, April 29, 2024
CITY OF THOMASTON KIDS FISHING DERBY
2024 Fishing Derby Winners
First Fish Caught
Connor Roberts
LARGEST FISH CAUGHT (1 fish only)
Ages 3-6
1St Place: Liam Tindle
2nd Place: Liam Tindle
Ages 7-10
1St Place: Hunter Lloyd
2nd Place: Maycie Tindle
Ages 11-15
1St Place: Beppe Rude
2nd Place: Brandon Tomlinson
LARGEST TOTAL WEIGHT CAUGHT (5 fish only)
Ages 3-6
1St Place: Liam Tindle
2nd Place: Liam Tindle
Ages 7-10
1St Place: Hunter Lloyd
2nd Place: Bentley Ross
Ages 11-15
1St Place: Beppe Rude
2nd Place: Brandon Tomlinson
Casting Contest
Ages 3-6
1St Place: Heath Lloyd Jr.
2nd Place: Maddie Casteel
Ages 7-10
1St Place: Tyson Roberts
2nd Place: Hunter Lloyd
Ages 11-15
1St Place: Beppe Rude
2nd Place: Warren Matthews
Friday, April 26, 2024
Community Enterprise Inc Donates $15,000 Through Kiwanis Of Thomaston
Community Enterprise Inc donated $15,000 through Kiwanis of Thomaston for one of Kiwanis signature projects received by Pastor Ed and Janice Searcy of JOY CDP (Justifying Our Youth Community Development Program).
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
MUNICIPAL CLERK OASIS NICHOLS TO BE RECOGNIZED BY THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL
Municipal Clerks throughout the United States, Canada and 15 other countries will celebrate the 55th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week on May 5 through 11, 2024.
In 19-84 and in 19-94, Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, respectively, signed a Proclamation officially declaring Professional Municipal Clerks Week the first full week of May and recognizing the essential role Municipal Clerks play in local government.
Although it is one of the oldest positions in local government, few people realize the vital services Municipal and Deputy Clerks perform for their community. Primarily, they act as the cornerstone of their council. They also prepare the council agendas, record and index minutes and maintain the council’s ordinance and resolutions files. Other responsibilities include keeping the official records of the city, conducting the local qualifying process for elections and handling all city zoning requests. Many serve as operational officers of the city, in some municipalities, may act as chief administrative officers.The International Institute of Municipal Clerks (I-I-M-C) sponsors Professional Municipal Clerks Week! Founded in 19-47, I-I-M-C is the professional association of 16,000 City, Town, Township, Village, Borough, Deputy and County Clerks. I-I-M-C is dedicated to improving the professionalism of the Clerk and increasing the productivity of local government.
Monday, April 15, 2024
C.J. ALLEN TOPS ON D SAT. IN ATHENS
NOT MUCH WAS IMPRESSIVE IN THE GA. BULLDOGS G-DAY GAME SATURDAY IN ATHENS, BUT LAMAR COUNTY'S C.J. ALLEN WAS THE MAN ON DEFENSE. C.J. HAD 5 SOLO TACKLES AND INTERCEPTED A PASS FROM QB CARSON BECK LATE IN THE FIRST HALF. BECK APPARENTLY DID NOT SEE ALLEN IN THE MIDDLE AROUND THE 50.
FUN 101 SPORTS SPOKE WITH DAWG NATION'S MIKE GRIFFITH AFTER THE GAME ABOUT C.J. ALLEN'S PERFOMANCE.
Thursday, April 11, 2024
URMC Awards Chelsea Casteel, RN with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses
Upson Regional Medical Center recognized Chelsea Casteel, RN with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Chelsea is a nurse in Upson Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department.
A common theme of Chelsea’s genuine care and kindness emerged in the numerous nominations received from patients.
One nomination expressed, “I was impressed by how well she took care of me. She spoke kindly to me as if we were friends, as opposed to just another patient. My concerns were handled with respect, quickly and sweetly. Her personality and professionalism gave me a sense of security. My entire experience with Upson was pleasant, however, I was even more impressed by her excellence!”
Upson Regional Medical Center CNO Brandie Kilcrease shared, “Chelsea is a great example of the positive attitude and expert level of care that Upson Regional Medical Center’s nurses provide to our patients. We are grateful to Chelsea, and all of our wonderful nurses for the dedication that they put into caring for the patients in our community”
Nominations for the DAISY Award can be submitted online at urmc.org, or in person at Upson Regional Medical Center.
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Columbus Police Apprehend Talbot County Fugitive
Columbus Police announced through a press release that a man was arrested on Thursday for multiple warrants charging him with offenses against minor(s).
CPD says
around 6 a.m., the police department’s fugitive unit was contacted by the
Talbot County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) about Dakota Hattaway having several
warrants in Talbot County.
In response,
the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office, CPD Fugitive Unit, and Sergeant Ada
Johnson’s patrol squad mobilized to the location where Hattaway was believed to
be hiding. Without any resistance, Hattaway was apprehended and taken into
custody.
The warrants
against Hattaway included charges of rape, aggravated child molestation, and
cruelty to children 1st degree.
Sunday, April 7, 2024
Gordon State College To Show Partial Solar Eclipse
Dr. Schmude, professor of chemistry at Gordon State College, will hold a special gathering for curious spectators to witness the partial solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. Attendees will be able to view the eclipsed sun through a special sun spotter in front of the Barnesville campus Instructional Complex building.
The sun spotter, an instrument utilizing lenses and mirrors, projects a 3.5-inch image of the sun, enabling safe observation. It eliminates the necessity for purchasing eclipse glasses. However, Schmude emphasizes the importance of never looking directly at the sun without certified eclipse glasses.Across Middle Georgia, a partial solar eclipse is expected to be visible from approximately 1:45 p.m. to around 4:22 p.m., with over 70% of the sun blocked by the moon at around 3 p.m. Schmude will have the sun spotter set up and ready at 1:40 p.m., and it will remain available, weather permitting, until 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Gordon State College Welcomes New Chief of Police
Gordon State College officially welcomed Benjamin Scott as its new Chief of Police who was sworn in during a special ceremony on Wednesday, April 3.
Guests from across the state filled the Collaborative Learning Center in the Nursing, Health, and Natural Sciences (NAHS) building on the Barnesville campus. Attendees included current and former law enforcement officers, local community leaders, and representatives from the University System of Georgia (USG).
“Law enforcement members uphold and communicate the rule of law, crucial for campus order. Chief Scott's extensive experience, impressive pedigree, and resume make Gordon fortunate to have him,” said Dr. Donald J. Green, GSC president.
Scott’s career in law enforcement spans over 27 years, encompassing leadership, organizational management, agency accreditation, and community relations roles. Before joining GSC, Scott worked as a police inspector for the Georgia Board of Regents Police Department. In this role, he oversaw executive protection for the Chancellor and Board of Regents and provided internal affairs support within the USG. Additionally, he served as a police lieutenant at the Columbus State University Police Department.
“I love working in higher education and believe it’s the foundation for a better society,” Scott said. “Gordon State College operates in a world-class university system. It is my goal to take my lifetime of education, training, and experience and provide servant leadership along with good stewardship to Gordon State College.”
Having held positions as an administrator, manager, and supervisor in both municipal and university police organizations, Scott has acquired a comprehensive understanding of the community-oriented policing philosophy.
“Better relationships lead to a better environment which will make the community an even more desirable place to live, learn, and work,” Scott said.
A native of Prattville, Alabama, Scott earned his Bachelor of Arts in history at Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama and his Master of Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia. Scott is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in public administration at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia. He also holds various law enforcement certifications and professional memberships in the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Georgia Police Accreditation Coalition, and Georgia Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors.
Scott's law enforcement career has been marked by several prestigious awards, including 2004 Officer of the Year for the Columbus Police Department and 2015 Medal of Valor from the Columbus State University Police Department.
T-U SCHOOLS WATER TESTS
The Thomaston-Upson School System has received the results from “Clean Water for Georgia Kids” testing at Upson-Lee Primary, Upson-Lee Elementary, Upson-Lee Middle School, and Upson-Lee High School. During this voluntary testing, all drinking and cooking taps in the schools were sampled and tested for levels of lead, and all results showed no lead levels over 1 part per billion (ppb), the limit recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Many results at Thomaston-Upson Schools revealed levels less than 0.1 ppb (the lowest amount detectable at RTI International’s testing facility) and equal to less than a drop in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico stated, “The safety and security of our students and staff is a top priority at Thomaston-Upson Schools. Using federal COVID-relief funds, our school system had already prioritized safe drinking water for students and staff by removing water fountains at all Thomaston-Upson schools and replacing them with filtered water bottle filling stations. These stations have waterways that are lead-free in materials and construction with filters for taste, odor, lead, and chlorine reduction. Each water filling station has a built-in micron strainer that stops particles before they enter the waterway.”
Upson-Lee Pre-K and Upson-Lee Alternative were not included in the original free-testing authorization received by the school district from the Georgia Department of Education, but T-U Director of Operations Mr. Marc Ellington stated that he is currently looking into testing for both of these schools. Results for ULPK and ULAS will be released once tests atr completed and results are received. According to Ellington, both ULPK and ULAS contain water filling stations for all drinking water and neither of the schools use water for cooking, as meals are delivered to the schools from Upson-Lee Primary (ULPK) and Upson-Lee High School (ULAS). “We’re very happy with these test results, but we still plan to ensure water safety at all Thomaston-Upson schools,” Ellington commented.
The Clean Water for Georgia Kids™ Program is a partnership between the Georgia Department of Education and RTI International. Its goal is to identify and get the lead out of drinking and cooking water where children learn and play across Georgia. Voluntary testing is available at no cost to public schools and childcare centers across Georgia courtesy of a federal Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) grant.
Full results can be viewed online at:
ULPS: https://5il.co/2hoe4
ULES: https://5il.co/2hodz
ULMS: https://5il.co/2hoe2
ULHS: https://5il.co/2hoe1
In addition, water safety test results for schools throughout the state of Georgia may be viewed on the Clean Water for Georgia Kids Public Map at: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/georgia/data
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
STABLE HOUSING INITIATIVE GRIFFIN/SPALDING
n the Griffin-Spalding county area, we have over 400 veterans and their families who are in need stable housing. The vision of the
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
NEW HOTEL FOR THOMASTON
AT TUESDAY'S MEETING--THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCED PLANS TO BUILD A $20 MILLION BUSINESS HOTEL ON AN ACRE OF PROPERTY DONATED BY THE BLACKSTOCK FAMILY FOUNDATION ON EAST MAIN ACROSS FROM DOLLAR GENERAL. A BOND ISSUE THROUGH THE IDA WILL FUND THE PROJECT--AND CITY HALL WILL ACCEPT PROPOSALS FROM MAJOR HOTEL CHAINS TO OPERATE THE LODGE.
U-L Teacher of the Year announcements
Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Amy Miller visited schools on Thursday, March 28, to assist principals with their 2024-25 Teacher of the Year announcements. Congratulations to the 2024-25 Teachers of the Year: Mrs. Amanda Gunnels, Upson-Lee Primary School; Ms. Donna Gravitt, Upson-Lee Elementary School; Mrs. Kristi Bosworth, Upson-Lee Middle School; and Mr. Charles Canady, Upson-Lee High School. Teachers of the Year are selected for this honor by their peers. School Teachers of the Year advance to the System contest where one teacher will be named Thomaston-Upson School System's 2024-25 Teacher of the Year.