NEW MEETING HB 581 UPSON CO

 UPSON  COUNTY  TAX  COMMISSIONER  ANDY  CHASTAIN  HAS ANNOUNCED  A  3RD TOWN  HALL  MEETING  ON    HB 581  PROPERTY  TAX  MEASURE, HOW  IT  AFFECTS  PROPERTY  VALUES,  THE  FLOST  SALES  TAX  MEASURE  TO   POSSIBLY  BE  ON  THE  BALLOT  IN  NOVEMBER  AND A  Q&A SESSION.  HE  WILL  BE  JOINED  BY  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  DAN  BREU  AT    SALEM  BAPTIST  CHURCH  MAY 8TH  AT  6;30PM   AND  AT   OTHER  MEETINGS--APRIL   17TH  6;30PM  AT  FELLOWSHIP  BAPTIST  CHURCH  AND  AT  THURSTON  VOLUNTEER  FIRE  DEPARTMENT  MEETING  HALL  APRIL    24TH 6;30PM.

MAYOR STALLINGS BROKE TIE VOTE ON REZONING FOR APARTMENTS 74 EAST.

 THE  THOMASTON  CITY COUNCIL  APPROVED  TWO  REZONING  ISSUES  FOR  HOUSING BUT  MAYOR   J.D. STALLINGS  HAD  TO  BREAK  A  TIE  AND  DEFEAT  A  REZONING  FOR  A  CAIRO,GA  COMPANY  TO  BUILD  APARTMENTS  ON  74  EAST. ALSO AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING  COUNCIL  APPROVED  A  REZONING  FOR   CHARLIE  DANIEL'S  PROPERTY  NORTH  CHURCH/NOTTINGHAM  FOR  AN  ATLANTA METRO  HOME  BUILDER  TO  CONSTRUCT  UP  TO  100  SINGLE-FAMILY  HOMES  ON  THE ACREAGE.

REZONING  TO  ALLOW  4  APARTMENT  UNITS  AT 615  WEST  MAIN  WAS  APPROVED.

LAMAR COUNTY MAN WRECKS IN UPSON CO

 A  LAMAR  COUNTY  MOTORIST  LEFT  DEL  RAY  ROAD  AND    FLIPPED  OVER  SEVERAL  TIMES  SATURDAY  WHEN  HE  DOZED-OFF.  ACCORDING  TO  POST   26 GA.  STATE  PATROL--27  YEAR  OLD DARIUS HUDSON PENN OF EDGEWOOD CIRCLE-BARNESVILLE  WAS  LIFE  FLIGHTED  TO  A  MACON  TRAUMA  CENTER.  THE  HONDA  CIVIC  HE  WAS  DRIVING  HIT  AN  EMBANKMENT  AND  STARTED  FLIPPING--THEN  HIT  A  FENCE.

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVES GOLF CART ORDIANCE

 THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL  TABLED  TWO  BIDS  FOR  THE  PROPOSED  FARMERS MARKET  AT  EAST  GORDON/HIGHTOWER--LOW  MCELROY  COMPANY$2.6  MILLION  COGGINS  CONSTRUCTION  CO $2.64 MILLION--BOTH  EXCEED  THE  STATE    GRANT  AMOUNT  OF  $2.3 MILLION--BACK  TO  THE  DRAWING  BOARD  TO  WORK  THINGS  OUT.

THE  NEW  GOLF  CART  ORDIANCE  PASSED-- EFFECTIVE  MAY  IST--25 MPH SPEED  LIMIT --NO  TRAVELING  ON  STATE  ROUTES OR DOWNTOWN -- ALL  CARTS  MUST  BE  INSPECTED/APPROVED  BY  THE  PD .

UPSON CHAIRMAN SAYS VOTERS WILL APPROVE A SALES TAX MEASURE TO REDUCE PROPERTY TAXES

 UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  DAN  BREU  PRESENTED  HIS HB  851  GAME  PLAN  TO  THOMASTON  KIWANIS,  TUESDAY,  AND  SUGGESTED  THE  COUNTY  SPLIT   75-25 WITH  THE CITY  OF  THOMASTON  ON  A  $5.1  MILLION  SALES  TAX  FLOST  ALLOWED  BY  THE  BILL  TO  REDUCE PROPERTY  TAXES.   THE  BOC'S  COUNTY  MANAGER  HAS  ALREADY  REACHED  OUT  TO  THE  CITY  OF  THOMASTON  MANAGER  ON THE  ISSUE  AND  THE  CHAIRMAN  SAID  THE  SOONER  THE  BETTER TO  GET  THE  ISSUE  BEFORE  THE  VOTERS.   HIS PLAN  CALLS  FOR  AN  INTERGOVERNMENTAL  AGREEMENT  WITH  CITY  HALL  TO GET  THE  ITEM  ON  THE  BALLOT  IN  NOVEMBER.  SOME  OF  THE  SALES  TAX  COULD  BE  COLLECTED  AS  EARLY  AS 2026  WITH  THE  FULL COLLECTION  IN  2027. HE TOLD  101  NEWS  HE  IS  CONFIDENT  VOTERS  WILL  APPROVE  THE  FLOST  THAT  WOULD  SCRAP  PROPERTY  TAXES  IN  THE  CITY  OF  THOMASTON   AND  PROVIDE  NEEDED  PROPERTY  TAX  RELIEF  COUNTY  WIDE  INCLUDING  THOSE  WHO ARE  NOT  IN HOMESTEAD. 

THE  CHAIRMAN  TOLD  KIWANIS --  THOMASTON  IS  A  SHOPPING  HUB  FOR  THE  AREA  AND  THAT  RESULTS IN  SALES  TAX  DOLLARS  FROM  AREA  COUNTIES--MANY  CHOOSE  TO SHOP  IN  THOMASTON  RATHER  THAT  TRAVELING  TO  GRIFFIN  THAT OFFERS  THE  SAME  RETAILERS.  ONE  ESTIMATE  IS  35%  OF   SALES  TAX  DOLLARS  SPENT   IN  THOMASTON  ARE  FROM  SHOPPERS  OUTSIDE  THE  COUNTY. 

ACCORDING TO POST 26 GA. STATE PATROL-THOMASTON--A LAMAR COUNTY MOTORIST WAS LIFE-FLIGHTED TO A TRUMA CENTER AFTER HE WENT TO SLEEP AND FLIPPED OVER SEVERAL TIMES ON DEL RAY ROAD NEAR ROCKY BOTTOM ROAD-- SAT. MARCH 29TH. THE DRIVER OF A HONDA CIVIC, 27 YEAR OLD DARIUS PENN OF EDGEWOOD CIRCLE, BARNESVILLE HIT AN EMBANKMENT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO OVERTURN SEVERAL TIMES AND HIT A FENCE.

 THOMASTON NATIVE  DEMOCRAT   GAY  GILLESPIE  VALIMONT  LOST  THE  DISTRICT ONE  CONGRESSIONAL RACE   IN FLORIDA  TUESDAY   57%   TO  42.2 %  BUT   MANAGED  TO  CUT  HER  PREVIOUS  LOSS IN  HALF.  GAY  WON  ONE COUNTY  OUT  OF  FOUR IN ESCAMBIA  COUNTY  THE  PENSACOLA AREA  HOME  BASE  OF  THE  BLUE   ANGELS. THE  OTHER FLORIDA  CONGRESSIONAL  DISTRICT  ALSO  WAS WON  BY  A  REPUBLICAN.

GORDON STATE HAS A NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

 BARNESVILLE, Ga., – Gordon State College has named Omar ‘Quiz’ Quisenberry as head football coach, marking his second year coaching at the collegiate level with the Highlanders.

Before joining Highlander Nation, Quisenberry spent more than a decade developing athletes and leading successful teams at various levels of football. His expertise in line play, play calling, and special teams coordination was shaped through years of coaching in his local community.

“I believe coaching is about more than just the scoreboard. It's about helping young men develop into disciplined, confident leaders,” Quisenberry said. “My coaching style is rooted in grit, accountability, and a focus on the details. I set high standards for my players and provide them with the tools to succeed both on the field and in life.”

In 2024, he joined GSC as the assistant head coach and defensive line coach before stepping in as interim head coach midseason. Under his leadership, the Highlanders' defense closed out the year ranked in the top three nationally in the NCFA.

Quisenberry will lead the Highlanders into their first full season as a member of the National South Athletic Conference (NSAC).

“We're building a legacy founded on hard work, trust, and a solid commitment to improvement. As we step into the NSAC and begin our inaugural conference campaign, I'm honored to lead this team into the next chapter of Highlander football,” Quisenberry said.

Throughout his coaching career, Quisenberry has helped athletes earn scholarships to play at top-tier institutions, including Division II, Division III, and NAIA programs. Known for his strategic approach to coaching, Quisenberry has built competitive teams and fostered player growth, contributing to the development of both individual athletes and successful football units.

 

###

SHOTS FIRED AT BOATER ON FLINT RIVER

 A  41  YEAR OLD   MAN  SAID    A  WHITE MALE    SHOT  AT  HIM  AS  THE  FLOATED  THE  FLINT  RIVER  NEAR  PASLEY  SHOALS  ON   MARCH  29TH.  HE  SAID  THE   MAN     DISPLAYED  A   PISTOL  AND  FIRED  3  TO  4  SHOTS  IN  FRONT   OF  HIS  KAYAK.   THE  MAN  WITH  THE  GUN  HAD  TWO  YOUNG CHILDREN  WITH  HIM  AND  A  BLACK  AND  GREEN  ATV.  UPSON  SO  IS  INVESTIGATING  THE  COMPLAINT.)

UPSON EMANCIPATION COMMITTEE SELLING T-SHIRTS APRIL 5

The emancipation committee of Upson County will be selling T-shirts on Saturday, April 5 at fast stop in Lincoln Park from 10 to 2. Shirts are also available for sale at Ryan’s print. The Youth Alive will have their pancake breakfast at Chili’s on April 19 from 8 to 1030 tickets are seven dollars. You can see any member of the emancipation for tickets 

UPSON SO INVESTIGATES LIFE-LIKE FEMALE DOLL

 UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  REPORTS  AN  AN ANATOMICALLY  CORRECT  HUMAN-TYPE  FEMALE  DOLL  WAS   FOUND  WRAPPED  IN  A  TARP  MONDAY  MORNING  AT  OLD  TALBOTTON  ROAD  AT  PO  BIDY  ROAD.  COUNTY  CREWS  WERE  CLEANING  UP  SOME  DEBRIS     ON  THE  SIDE OF  THE  ROAD  WHEN  THEY  UNWRAPPED  THE  TARP  AND  DISCOVERED  A  HEADLESS  DOLL  AND  NOTIFIED  THE  SO. 

BAD WRECK SAT IN UPSON

 POST  26  GA.  STATE  PATROL  THOMASTON  WORKED  A  WRECK SATURDAY  ON DEL  RAY  ROAD  WITH  THE  MOTORIST  APPAENTLY  GOING  TO  SLEEP  AT  THE  WHEEL  AND  FLIPPING OVER--LIFE FLIGHTED  TO  AN  OUT  OF  TOWN  TRAUMA  CENTER

SPALDING HIGH EX-HEAD FOOTBALL COACH CHARGED WITH MURDER

  

THE   FORMER HEAD  FOOTBALL  COACH  AT  SPALDING  COUNTY  HIGH  HAS  ENTERED  A  GUILTY  PLEA  TO  MURDER  CHARGES  IN  MARYLAND  FOR  THE  CHOKING  DEATH  OF  38  YEAR  OLD  PATRICIA  BEST.  COACH  CARL  KEARNEY  WILL  BE  SENTENCED  JUNE   2ND  FOR  THE  FEB.   2024  MURDER.

FEMALE MOTORIST FELL IN WELL AND DIED IN CULLODEN

 A  FEMALE  MOTORIST  FELL  IN  A  WELL  IN  CULLODEN,  SATURDAY,  IN  MONROE  COUNTY.  THE  VICTIM 67-YEAR  OLD SHIRLEY OBERT  WAS  INVOLVED  IN  A  CAR  ACCIDENT  NEAR  ABERCROMBIE  AND  OXFORD  ROAD   IN  CULLODEN.  MONROE  COUNTY  SO  SAID  SHE  APPEARED  TO  BE  LOOKING  FOR  HELP   AND  THE  WELL  WAS    SURROUNDED  BY VERY  THICK  BRUSH  NEAR  WHERE  THE  CAR  WAS  FOUND.

PASTOR JOHN A BIG WINNER IN COLUMBUS

 CONGRATULATIONS  TO PASTOR  JOHN  HALLEY OF  THOMASTON  FIRST METHODIST  CHURCH--HE  FINISHED  FIRST   PLACE IN  THE  MASTERS  DIVISION OF  THE HEROS OF  AMERICA  MARATHON  LAST SATURDAY  IN  COLUMBUS  WITH  A  TIME   OF   2-HOURS 49-MINUTES  8-SECONDS  FOR  26-POINT 2 MILES.  HE   PLACED  2ND  OVERALL. 

TOWN HALL FROM UPSON CO TAX COMMISSIONER ANDY CHASTAIN

  Two town hall meetings have been scheduled in April to inform and discuss with taxpayers what can be expected for this year’s property tax valuations due to House Bill 581 and the effects of local governing bodies opting in or opting out. We’ll also be discussing changes in tax assessment notices that are due to come out in a few weeks, state legislation that will affect local property taxes should it pass this year, the Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) that can be used to offset property taxes should citizens vote for approval of that measure, school taxes, and there will also be a question/answer session. In order to be more informed and to better understand these important tax issues, all citizens are encouraged to attend one of these meetings.

The first meeting will be at Fellowship Bapt. Church in their fellowship hall on April 17th at 6:30 pm and the second meeting will be at Thurston Volunteer Fire Dept meeting hall on April 24th at 6:30 pm.

IN THE PIPELINE/DAVE IN PARIS NEXT TO GENE HACKMAN

 YES, PARIS--THE CITY OF  LIGHTS/ON  THE  ROAD  WITH  RUSS  JUST  AFTER  LADY   DIANA  WAS KILLED.  I  QUIZZED  THE  FEMALE  CLERK  AT  THE JEWELRY  STORE  NEXT  TO  THE HOTEL  WHERE DODI BOUGHT  HER  THE  RING--BUT  SHE  WOULD NOT  ADMIT  SHE  WAS THE  ONE  WHO  SOLD  IT  TO  HIM. LODGING  AT THE  HISTORIC  TIMHOTEL.  HISTORIC  BECAUSE  THERE  WAS  STILL   WW II   SHRAPNEL LODGED  IN  THE  LOBBY  WALLS.

FRANCE , THE  CULINARY  CAPITAL  OF  THE  GLOBE--SO  WHY   WAS  THE  WORST MEAL I  EVER   HAD  WAS  IN  FRANCE? ON  THE MENU FOR  THE  DINNER  CRUISE  ON  THE SEINE  WAS  GOOSE  GIZZARD ABOUT  $150  A  POP. DIDN'T ORDER  IT.

YEAH,  THAT  GUY  STANDING  NEXT  TO  ME  IN  THE PARIS  ART  MUSEUM  WAS  THE  ACTOR  GENE HACKMAN  WITH  HIS  WIFE. DIDN'T  SPEAK  TO  HIM  ALTHOUGH I  LONGED  TO   YELL OUT   HIS  GREAT  LINE  IN  THE  MOVIE "THE FRENCH  CONNECTION".  AS  NYC  NARCOTICS   COP  POPEYE  DOYLE HE  WALKS INTO  A  DRUGGIE  BAR  AND  STARTS ACCUSING  THE PATRONS  OF   PICKING  THEIR  FEET  IN  POUGHKEEPSIE. THAT'S  HOW  THEY  HIDE  THEIR   SHOOT-UP  DRUG  MARKS  ON  THEIR  ARMS  BY  SHOOTING-UP  BETWEEN  THEIR  TOES. HE  ROUGH-HOUSES  THE  GUYS  IN  THE  BAR  AS  THEY  DROP  ALL  THEIR STASHES  ON  THE  FLOOR.  THAT  FLICK  HAS  ONE  OF  THE  ALL  TIME  GREAT  CHASE  SCENES  AS   POPEYE  CHASES  DOWN  A  BAD  DUDE ON  THE  SUBWAY AND  PUTS   HIM  AWAY.  ANOTHER  GREAT  ROLE  FOR  HACKMAN  WAS   LITTLE  BILL   IN THE  CLINT  EASTWOOD  MOVIE  "  UNFORGIVEN."  CLINT   TAKES  CARE  OF  HIM,TOO.

I  PREVIOUSLY  NOTED  I  HAD  A  FRIENDLY  EXCHANGE  WITH  YOKO ONO  ON  THE  STREETS OF PARIS, SO  THAT  WAS  TWO  CELEB ENCOUNTERS  IN  ONE  TRIP.  THIS  BREAKING  STORY  JUST IN.  THE  LIZARD KING  FRONTMAN   OF  THE  DOORS,  JIM  MORRISON IS  BURIED  IN  A  PARIS  CEMETERY--WE  THOUGHT -- WHEN  WE  VISITED  THE  GRAVESITE.   A   REPORT  JUST  BROKE  THAT  MORRISON  FAKED  HIS  DEATH  AND  HAS  BEEN  LIVING  IN  WISCONSIN  WORKING  AS  A  SCHOOL  JANITOR FOR  DECADES.

SCTC CAREER FAIR 4/16/25

 Southern Crescent Technical College will be hosting a Career Fair on Wednesday, April 16 and SCTC alumni, students and the community are invited!  Over 40 employers will be attending including Piedmont Fayette Hospital, Atlanta Gas Light, Dart Container Corporation, Delta Airlines, Upson Regional Medical Center, and Thomaston Police Department.  The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office will also be on hand as part of the Georgia Governor’s Highway Safety Community Event promoting exciting career opportunities and advocating for driver safety and seatbelt use.  Bring your resume, dress for success, and be ready to interview at this exciting event.  See you at the Southern Crescent Technical College Career Fair on April 16 at our Griffin Campus at 501 Varsity Road from 11am to 2pm!

THOMASTON-UPSON IDA MEETING 3/24/25

 THE  CHAIRMAN  OF  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  INDUSTRIAL  AUTHORITY  CHASE  FALLIN   TOLD  MARK  WOODALL  OF  THE SIERRA  CLUB AT MONDAY'S  MARCH  MEETING,  THE  IDA  DOES  NOT  PROVIDE  A  PUBLIC  COMMENT SECTION ON  ITS  AGENDA--BUT   THE  PUBLIC  IS    WELCOME  TO  CONTACT  MEMBERS  TO  SHARE   THEIR    VIEWS.  WOODALL  WHO  HAS  ATTENDED   PREVIOUS  IDA  MEETINGS  WITH  CONCERNS   ABOUT  THE  BRIGHTMARK  PLASTIC  RECYCLING PROJECT--HE  OPPOSES -- WAS  JOINED  BY  MIKE  GREENMAN  OF  THE  ROCK  WHO   WAS  GIVEN  CONTACT  INFO  OF  THE  IDA MEMBERS.

COUNTY  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  DAN  BREU  TOOK  ISSUE  WITH  A  PROPOSAL  FOR  A  POSSIBLE  OUT  OF  TOWN  RETREAT WITH A  CONSULTANT/FACILITOR POSSIBLY  IN  SAVANNAH.  THE  CHAIRMAN  SAID  IT  NEEDS  TO   STAY   IN  THOMASTON  SO  THE  PUBLIC  CAN  SEE  WHAT  THE  IDA IS  DOING.  BREU  ALSO  SUGGESTED  POLLING  CITIZENS  ON  WHAT  TYPE  INDUSTRY  THEY  WANT  THE  DEVELOPMENT  AUTHORITY  TO  PURSUE.

THE  IDA  HAS  CLOSED ON  10.629 ACRES OF  EXCESS PROPERTY  FROM  GOLDEN  STAR  IN  THE  BIZ/TECH  PARK  AT  THE AIRPORT.  THE  PURCHASE TOTAL WAS  $90,346  AND  INCREASES ACREAGE  IN  THE  EASTERN  SIDE OF  THE PARK  TO  33-PLUS  ACRES.

ON  MARCH  18TH EXECUTIVE  DIRECTOR  SLADE GULLEDGE  CELEBRATED  ONE  YEAR  WITH  THE  IDA  AND  TOLD  THE  BOARD YOU  ARE  ALL SUCH  A  CRITICAL PART OF  THIS  WORK  AND THANKED  THE  MEMBERS  FOR  ENTRUSTING HIM  WITH   THIS  ROLE.

AGENDA UPSON BOC 3/25/25

UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Regular Commission Meeting March 25 . CALL TO ORDER Chairman Dan Brue II.  APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA V. PUBLIC HEARING Special Exception - The SPX2025-01 owners and applicants, Jason & Walt Patterson of Upson County, Georgia, have requested that Upson County permit a family cemetery at 957 Jugtown Road. The cemetery use is listed under the Special Exceptions section of the A-R zoning district, Section 504.B..15, Upson County Zoning Ordinance. The property is zoned A-R with 112.5-acres, with a proposed cemetery area of 200 ft x 200 ft (.9 acres) and is further identified as tax parcel 053 001. Public Hearing for a Beer and Wine Package Sales License. An application is on file in the Commission Office from Karim Dodhia on the behalf of “Morning Group LLC/dba Sunnyside Country Store” located at 3108 Crest Highway, Thomaston, GA 30286. VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS - Speakers must state their names and address, and must direct all comments to the Board Chair. Any questions must be put in writing and submitted to the Clerk or the Commissioner over your jurisdiction VII. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of the, March 11, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes Upson County is committed to providing equal access to all of its programs, services and activities regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability or age. Any individual who needs an accommodation because of disability should contact the Board of Commissioners Office at (706) 647-7012 by 12:00 p.m. the day before the meeting. VIII. NEW BUSINESS b. Discussion and Consideration on increasing the number of board members for the Board of Assessors c. Discussion and Consideration of Resolution13.2025 Requesting a Performance Review of the Upson County Board of Tax Assessors Pursuant to OCGA § 48-5- 295.1 d. County Manager, Commissioners, and County Attorney Comments

SPALDING CO COMMISSIONERS VOTE 3-2 TO APPROVE A HUGE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

 SPALDING  COUNTY  LIKE  UPSON  COUNTY   SEEMS  TO  BE    HAVING  SOME  GROWING  PAINS   FOR  NEW  HOUSING.  .FOLLOWING  MONTHS  OF DISCUSSIONS  AND  PUBLIC HEARINGS, THE  REZONING FOR  THE  NORTH  TOW-WA-LAGA VILLAGE NODE, A   HUGE 563-ACRE   MASTER PLAN OF  NEW HOUSING  ON HIGHWAY 155/NORTH MCDONOUGH  ROAD  WAS APPROVED  BY  THE   SPALDING  COUNTY   COMMISSIONERS   BY  A  3-2  VOTE   AT A  CALLED  MEETING  MARCH  19TH.  THE  APPLICANT  WAS  THE FAMILY  OF  FORMER  COUNTY  MANAGER  WILLIAM  WILSON--THE  WILSON  FAMILY  FARM  TARGETED  FOR   BY  DEVELOPMENT BY MINERVA  HOMES  WITH    1137 SINGLE  FAMILY DETACHED CLUSTER  HOMES, MANY  DESIGNED FOR  SENIORS  , A  250-UNIT SENIOR   LIVING  FACILITY  AND   10  ACRES OF  COMMERCIAL PROPERTY.

OVER  20  SPALDING  COUNTY  RESIDENTS  SPOKE  AT  PUBLIC  HEARINGS--MOST  OPPOSED CLAIMING  IT  DOES NOT  MATCH  THE  RURAL NATURE OF  THAT PART  OF THE  COUNTY  ,  THE PRIVATE WASTE WATER FACILITY  AT  SUN CITY PEACHTREE  MAY  NOT  BE  ABLE TO HANDLE  THE LOAD  AND   THE  TRAFFIC  GENERATED  WILL BE  EXCESSIVE.

COMMISSIONERS DUTTON  AND   BOWLDEN  WERE   OPPOSED--DUTTON  SAID  HE  COULD  NOT  SUPPORT  IT  UNTIL  ZONING  ORDIANCES  WERE  UPDATED--SOMETHING  THE  UPSON COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  ARE  WORKING  ON--RECENTLY ESTABLISHING   A 100-DAY  MORATORIUM ON  SUBDIVISION  PLATS  AND  FLAG LOTS  IN  THE COUNTY.

THE  SPALDING  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  WENT  ON  TO  PLACE  A   90  DAY  MORATORIUM  ON  THE  DEVELOPMENT OF FUTURE  VILLAGE  NODES  WITH  A  UNANIMOUS  VOTE. 

MORE  ON  THE  GRIFFIN  DAILY  NEWS  WEBSITE

DICKEY, CAMP, KENNEDY VOTE FOR GOV'S TORT REFORM BILL

 STATE  HOUSE   REPRESENTATIVE  FOR  UPSON/LAMAR/CRAWFORD  COUNTIES   ROBERT  DICKEY  TOLD   101  NEWS  HE  CAST  A  YES  VOTE  FOR  GOVERNOR  BRIAN KEMP'S  TORT  REFORM  BILL   AND  TOLD  US   THE  LEGISLATURE   PLANS  TO   CONTINUE  TO  WORK  TO  LOWER  INSURANCE  COSTS  FOR  GEORGIA  BUSINESSES.  THE  BILL  PASSED  THE  GA. SENATE-ALSO  AND  AWAITS  THE  SIGNATURE OF  GOVERNOR  BRIAN  KEMP.  STATE  HOUSE MEMBER  BETH CAMP  ALS0 TOLD  US   SHE    VOTED  FOR THE  BILL  .  UNDER  REDISTRICTING  CAMP  NO  LONGER  REPRESENTS  UPSON COUNTY BUT HER  DISTRICT  INCLUDES  ALL  OF  PIKE COUNTY  AND PORTIONS  OF SPALDING  AND  LAMAR  COUNTIES.  STATE  SENATE   PRO TEM  JOHN  KENNEDY WHO  REPRESENTS  UPSON/MONROE/BIBB  PUSHED  THE  BILL  THROUGH  THE  SENATE  FOR  THE GOVERNOR.

LEGISLATORS  SAY  THE  BILL  NOT  ONLY HELPS  WITH  EXCESSIVE LAWSUITS  BUT  ALSO  LOWERS  INSURANCE  RATES--ALTHOUGH  DEMOCRATS  SAY  A  SIMILAR  BILL  IN  FLORIDA  DID NOT .

HENRY CO RAPPER PLEADS GUILTY FOR POSSESSING MACHINEGUN AT HOSPITAL

 Henry County Resident Pleads Guilty to Possessing Machinegun at Hospital

Defendant, a Rap Musician Known as Quez 2RR, Had Stolen Weapon in Labor and Delivery; Federal Case Linked to Ongoing Metro Atlanta Shooting Investigation

 

MACON, Ga. – A Henry County man who had a stolen Glock 9mm handgun with a loaded 30-round extended magazine capable of converting to a fully automatic weapon while at the Labor and Delivery unit of a hospital has pleaded guilty to possessing a machinegun.

 

Terrell Monquez Searcy, 21, of McDonough, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a machinegun before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self on March 20. Sentencing is scheduled for June 4, 2025, in Athens. There is no parole in the federal system.

 

“All those found in possession of machineguns and with illegal conversion devices in the Middle District of Georgia will be held accountable for breaking federal law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “This case exemplifies how law enforcement effectively engages to remove illegal firearms from the streets and hold criminals accountable as we work together to make our communities safer.”

 

“Machinegun conversion devices enable a conventional semi-automatic pistol to function as a fully automatic firearm which is illegal,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “Anyone possessing these illegal machinegun conversion devices will be facing felony charges.  ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to keep them off our streets.”

 

According to court documents, the stipulation of facts and other statements made in Court, Monroe Police Department officers were dispatched to Piedmont Walton Hospital on Aug. 17, 2023, after a nurse observed Searcy in a Labor and Delivery room with a handgun, which is prohibited in the hospital. When hospital security came to the room, Searcy admitted he did have a handgun and that he put it under the couch cushion. He gave the firearm—a Glock Model 17 9mm handgun with a loaded 30-round extended magazine—to security and remained in the room. Hospital security noticed that a full auto sear pin appeared to have been attached to the rear of the slide, making the firearm a machinegun, prompting the call by hospital security to police. Police ran the serial number on the firearm and found out it was reported stolen from Walton County, Georgia. Searcy was taken into custody.

 

ATF agents tested the firearm and confirmed it did function as a machinegun. Further investigation revealed that Searcy, a rapper known as Quez 2RR, had showcased a pistol with what appeared to be a machinegun conversion device in music videos on a YouTube channel. In a music video titled “Traffic,” Searcy rapped, “I pop out a switch on the back of my Glock” and “I put a switch on the back of my Glock, just to clean up the street when it’s time for that action.” At one point in the video, Searcy’s holding a pistol in his waistband with what appears to be a machinegun conversion device attached to the back.

 

Following the federal indictment charging Searcy with possessing a machine gun in August 2024, agents located Instagram messages between Searcy and a female law enforcement officer with the Clayton County Police Department. Between January and March 2023, Searcy asked the police officer to run his information to see if there were any warrants for his arrest. The police officer also provided information to Searcy regarding an active homicide investigation. During an interview with Clayton County Police Department detectives, the officer admitted to providing Searcy with information on an active homicide investigation and advising Searcy when she located active warrants for his arrest.

 

On Feb. 11, 2025, members of the ATF, McDonough Police Department and Henry County Sheriff’s Office executed a federal search warrant at Searcy’s residence in McDonough, Georgia. Searcy and two other men were in the home along with several firearms. The defendant told agents that he had been living at the residence for a couple of months, that he slept with a Draco firearm under his bed and that the Glock 17 found in the living room belonged to him. ATF agents submitted test fires from both firearms to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to determine if either firearm had been used in other crimes. The Micro Draco recovered from Searcy’s bedroom returned with several NIBIN leads, including two from the DeKalb County Police Department. Both DeKalb County incidents indicated that the Micro Draco was used in a drive-by shooting in DeKalb County where four people, including two juveniles, were shot inside their homes. Each shooting occurred within just days of Searcy receiving information from the Clayton County police officer on the active Clayton County homicide where his friend was shot and killed.

 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case, with assistance from the City of Monroe Police Department, Clayton County Police Department, McDonough Police Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Dekalb County Police Department and the Piedmont Walton Hospital Security Department.

 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Peach is prosecuting the case for the Government.

 

 

###

G-DOT BLOOD DRIVE, THOMASTON

 The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive in Auditorium C at the District Three Thomaston Office on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Please see below for more information.

 

Schedule you blood donation appointment today!

CITIZEN SCIENTISTS WANTED BY FLINT RIVERKEEPER

 

Citizen Scientists are crucial to the success of Flint Riverkeeper and we need YOU! The 1-day training is free and provided by Flint Riverkeeper, as well as all needed equipment. Our citizen scientists monitor the health of the watershed in their neighborhood at least 1 day per month and report their data. It is a great activity for families or anyone who enjoys science! The watershed is large and our staff can't be everywhere at once. The data you collect will let us know if there's a problem needing our attention. Many of our major water victories were built on the data collected by volunteers like you! FRk's Watershed Specialist RJ Gipaya is hosting a free training March 29th at the Flint Riverkeeper office in Albany, GA. For more information, or to sign up, contact RJ at robert@flintriverkeeper.org

U-L HIGH THEATRE PRESENTS

 Upson-Lee High School theatre presents "The SpongeBob Musical" April 17th and 18th at 6:30 PM and April 19th at 2 PM at the Upson-Lee Fine Arts Center. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Adults: $10 and students $5. Children 5 years and younger and Thomaston-Upson School System employees (with ID) are free.  

Synopsis: When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world! "The SpongeBob Musical" is based on the animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg.

BRIGHTMARK FULL SPEED AHEAD ON THOMASTON PLANT

 BRIGHTMARK,   PLANNING    TO  LOCATE   A  BILLION  DOLLAR  PLASTICS  RECYCLING   PLANT   AT   THE  BIZ/PARK  AT  THE THOMASTON-UPSON    AIRPORT HAS  FILED  FOR  BANKRUPTCY AT  ITS  INDUSTRY  IN   ASHLEY,  INDIANA  BUT  FOUNDER AND  CEO  BOB POWELL  IT WILL  NOT  IMPACT  PLANS  FOR  THE  THOMASTON  PLANT. POWELL SAID  THE  FILING  WILL  ALLOW  THE  COMPANY  TO TAKE  CONTROL OF  THE  FUTURE.  IN  A  STATEMENT  ON THE  BRIGHTMARK  WEBSITE, POWELL  SAID "THIS  STRATEGIC  MOVE  IS  DESIGNED  TO  ENSURE THE  LONG-TERM VIABILITY  OF  THE  ASHLEY  FACILITY  AND  ENABLES  US TO GROW  OUR BUSINESS SUSTAINABLY. WE  ARE  EXCITED ABOUT  THE FUTURE  OF  OUR PLASTICS  BUSINESS AND  OUR  COMMITMENT  TO  IT AND  THE  ASHLEY COMMUNITY  IS UNWAVERING."

POWELL  WENT  ON  TO  SAY BRIGHTMARK CONTINUES TO MAKE  PROGRESS ON  THE  DEVELOPMENT OF  THE  RECYCLING FACILITY  IN  THOMASTON, AND  BLOOMBERG  NEWS  REPORTED BRIGHTMARK HAS  HIRED SSG ADVISORS,LLC,  TO SELL  THE  INDIANA  PLANT.

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL 2ND PUBLIC HEARING ON 3-REZONING APPS

 HISTORICAL  THOMASTON  ACTIVIST  JANE  BURDETTE   TESTIFIED  LAST  TUESDAY   AT  THE  2ND     PUBLIC  HEARING ON  A  REZONING   FOR    33  ACRES  OF  THE  CHARLIE  DANIEL PROPERTY  AT  NORTH  CHURCH/WEST  MAIN/NOTTINGHAM  FOR   80  TO  100  NEW  HOUSES  ON  CONCRETE  SLABS.  SHE  TOLD COUNCIL  SHE  IS  NEITHER   FOR  OR  AGAINST  THE  REZONING--BUT   THE  WOODSTOCK,GA.  COMPANY ENLISTED   AS  BULDER HAS  MENTIONED  THEY  WANT  A   NEIGHBORHOOD   LIKE   SILVERTOWN.  MS. BURKETTE   COMMENDED     THE  WORKMANSHIP  OF  SILVERTOWN HOUSES  AND  URGED  SMITH-DOUGLAS-HOMES  TO  USE    CONSTRUCTION     WITH  SOLID  FOUNDATIONS  NOT  SLABS.

 

 MS. BURDETTE  ALSO  TESTIFIED  IN FAVOR  OF  A  NEW  APARTMENT  DEVELOPMENT  ON  74  EAST--A  REVISION  PLAN  FROM  A  CAIRO,GA  COMPANY  THAT  EARLIER  BACKED-OUT  ON   144-APARTMENTS  AS  NOT  FINANCIALLY  FEASIBLE WITH  REQUIREMENT  AS  A  GATED  COMMUNITY. THE  THOMASTON   ZONING  COMMISSION  RECOMMENDED  THE  CITY  COUNCIL  REVIEW  THE  NEW  PROPOSAL--  AND  CONSIDER  DROPPING   SOME  CONDITIONS--NOTING  THE  DIRE  NEED  FOR  MORE  HOUSING OPTIONS IN  THE  COMMUNITY. 

 

 THE  THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL  WILL   VOTE  ON  THREE  REZONINGS  AT  THE NEXT  REGULAR  MEETING.   INCLUDING    A  BIG  TIME  RE-DO OF  A  BUILDING  AT 615 WEST MAIN  STREET -- A  ONE-TIME   ASSISTED   LIVING   FACILITY         INTO   4 APARTMENTS  PROPOSED  BY  CASEY  GRAHAM. A  NEIGHBOR  SUPPORTED  THE  IDEA.

THOMASTON ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDS TO CITY COUNCIL

 THE  THOMASTON  ZONING  COMMISSION  SPENT  MOST OF  MONDAY  AFTERNOON  ON  PUBLIC  HEARINGS  FOR  THREE REZONING  REQUESTS  THAT   ALL INVOLVED  HOUSING--AND  TWO WERE APPROVED  BY  UNANIMOUS  VOTE.  A   3RD  WHERE  A  CAIRO,GA  COMPANY  HAD PROPOSED A  144-UNIT  APARTMENT  COMPLEX   ON  74  EAST   WAS  SENT  TO THE  MAYOR  AND COUNCIL  ASKING  THEM  TO  TAKE  ANOTHER   LOOK  AT  A  NEW  PROPOSED  DEVELOPMENT  CALLED  WINDSOR  THOMASTON --  ABOUT   80-  MOSTLY  ONE-BEDROOM  APARTMENTS.  THE  COMPANY  SAID  THEIR ORIGINIAL  PLANS  DID NOT  WORK  FINANCIALLY- AFTER  TOPGRAPHY  ISSUES  WERE  EXPLORED -A  GATED  COMMUNITY WITH  AMEMITIES  THAT  THE  FIRM  USUALLY DOES NOT  HAVE  IN THEIR 600  UNITS  AROUND  THE  STATE. THE CITY OF  THOMASTON  BUILDING  DEPARTMENT  OPPOSED  THE  PROJECT.  BETH  TRICE  TESTIFIED  SHE  IS  OPPOSED  TO  THE  DEVELOPMENT  BECAUSE  THERE'S  TOO  MANY  APARTMENTS  IN  THAT  SECTION  OF  THE  COMMUNITY--CLOSE  TO  THE  SCHOOLS  COMPLEX AND  APARTMENTS  USUALLY  COME  WITH   A  HIGHTER  CRIME  RATE.

THE  ZONING  COMMISSION  VOTED  TO  RECOMMEND  TO CITY  COUNCIL  REZONING  FROM   M-1 LIGHT  MANUFACTURING  TO PD PLANNED  DEVELOPMENT  ON    33.5  ACRES  OWNED  BY  BUSINESSMAN  CHARLIE  DANIEL  THE   FORMER  ELLIOT  PROPERTY  AT  NORTH  CHURCH,  WEST  MAIN, EAST  WALKER ,  CURRENTLY  UNDER  CONTRACT  BY SMITH  DOUGLAS  HOMES OF  WOODSTOCK, GA.  USING   A  DCA GRANT  OF  $2.5  MILLION TO  BUILD  100  HOMES  IN  THE  RANGE OF $170  TO  $250,000. COMPANY  SPOKESMAN  SAID  THEY  PROPOSE SINGLE-FAMILY HOME  OWNERSHIP  WITH NO RENTALS,  AFFORDABLE  HOUSING  THAT IS  IN SHORT  SUPPLY  IN  THOMASTON.

THE  ZONING  COMMISSION  VOTED TO  RECOMMEND TO  CITY  COUNCIL  A  REZONING AT  615 WEST MAIN  STREET  FROM  P-1  PROFESSIONAL  TO   M-R  MULTI-FAMILY  REQUESTED  BY CASEY  GRAHAM WHO  RELOCATED  TO  THOMASTON  FROM NORTH  CAROLINA  AND  FOUND   NUMEROUS OPPORTUNTIES  TO  RE-DO  DELAPIDATED  HOUSING  INTO  WHOLESOME  APARTMENTS. HE PLANS  TO  SPEND UP  TO  $160,00  TO  DEVELOP   4  APARTMENT  UNITS FOR  ELDERLY  AND    COUPLES  LOOKING  TO  DOWNSIZE  AND  TESTIFIED  THERE  WAS  SO  MUCH  INTEREST  IN  HIS PROJECT PROSPECTIVE  TENANTS  HAVE  BEEN  TRYING  TO  OUTBID  EACH OTHER  FOR OCCUPANCY IN  WHAT  WAS ONCE  AN  ASSISTED LIVING  FACILITY. HE HAS  SEVERAL  HOUSING  REDEVELOPMENT  PROJECTS  UNDERWAY.  THE CITY  OF  THOMASTON  BUILDING OFFICER RECOMMENDED  BOTH  THE  DANIEL  PROPERTY  AND  GRAHAM  REZONING. 

PIT BULL ATTACK IN THOMASTON

 THOMASTON POLICE  CHIEF MIKE  RICHARDSON  TOLD   101  NEWS  A   10-YEAR  OLD  JUVENILE MALE  WAS  AIRFLIGHTED  TO  AN  OUT  OF  TOWN  TRAUMA  CENTER  LATE  FRIDAY  AFTERNOON  AFTER HE  WAS  ATTACKED  BY  A  PIT BULL  CANINE  AT  102 B. STREET. CHIEF  RICHARDSON  SAID  THE  CHILD  HIT  THE  DOG  WITH  A  STICK  AFTER   THE  DOG    CHEWED  UP  A  TOY AND  THE  DOG  JUMPED  ON HIM  ,  BIT  HIS  EAR  OFF  AND  WOUNDED HIS NECK. THE  BOY'S  MOTHER  BRITTANY KELLY  TRIED TO  PULL  THE  PIT  OFF  HER  SON  AND  SHE  WAS  INJURED WHEN  THE DOG  TURNED  ON  HER  AND  A  FRIEND  ANDREW  HAND                                                     CAME  TO  THE  MOTHER'S  RESCUE  AND  MANAGED TO  SEPERATE  THE  PIT  BULL  FROM THE  TWO.

A LANDING  ZONE  FOR A   MEDI-VAC  CHOPPER   WAS  SET UP  IN  THE FIELD  NEXT  TO  WEST  CENTRAL GA. BANK ON  NORTH CHURCH  AND  THE  BOY  WAS  TRANSPORTED  TO  THE  ARTHUR  BLANK CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF  ATLANTA.  ANIMAL  CONTROL  PLACED  THE  DOG  IN  QUARANTINE AND  THE  MOTHER  REFUSED  TRANSFER  TO  THE  E.R. SO  SHE  COULD  TRAVEL  WITH  HER  SON  TO  ATLANTA

UPSON COUNTY TAX COMMISSIONER TAX LIENS

  Tax liens will be recorded on April 1st this year for any unpaid 2024 property taxes. Delinquent taxpayers are encouraged to come in and settle your account in order to prevent a tax lien against your property. Payments can also be made online by going to Upson County website - Office of Tax Commissioner - Quick Links, or by phone.

BRIGHTMARK DEFAULTS ON BONDS

 BRIGHTMARK , THE  PLASTICS  RECYCLING  COMPANY PLANNING  TO  LOCATE  A  BILLION  DOLLAR  PLANT  AT  THE  BIZ/TECH  PARK  AT  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  AIRPORT  HAS  ISSUED  A  STATEMENT  AFTER BLOOMBERG  NEWS    REPORTED   AN    INDIANA PLASTICS  COMPANY  ASSOCIATED WITH  BRIGHTMARK  HAD     DEFAULTED ON  $170  MILLION OF MUNI  GREEN  BONDS.  IN  AN  EMAIL BRIGHTMARK  SPOKESPERSON CHRYSTAL  BOONE  TOLD   101  NEWS  THE  COMPANY  IS  AWARE  OF  THE  BOND   DEFAULT  ISSUE  IN  INDIANA   AND  IT   IS  SPECIFIC  TO  THE  ASHLEY  FACILITY  AND  DOES  NOT IMPACT  OTHER PARTS  OF   THE    BUSINESS  INCLUDING IN  THOMASTON. MS.  BOONE  SAID  BRIGHTMARK  WILL  HAVE  MORE  TO  SHARE  ABOUT  THIS  IN THE  NEXT  FEW  DAYS.  BRIGHTMARK  PLANS  TO  FUND  THE THOMASTON   PLANT  WITH  JUST UNDER  $1 BILLION  IN BONDS FROM  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  IDA.

BLOOMBERG  REPORTED BRIGHTMARK  PLASTICS RENEWAL  INDIANA LLC  DEFAULTED ON  A  MARCH  IST  PAYMENT ON  BONDS  ISSUED THROUGH THE  INDIANA FINANCE  AUTHORITY, ACCORDING  TO   A  SECURITIES  FILING. UMB  BANK, THE  TRUSTEE FOR  THE  BONDS, DECLARED THE  PRINCIPAL  AND ACCRUED INTEREST ON  THE  DEBT DUE  AND PAYABLE  IMMEDIATELY.

LOCATED IN  ASHLEY,  INDIANA,  THE  PLANT--WHICH  CONVERTS EVERYTHING FROM  BEVERAGE BOTTLES  TO  CAR  SEATS   INTO  FUEL  AND  WAX IS  A  FLAGSHIP  FACILITY OF  BRIGHTMARK ENERGY,  A  SAN  FRANCISCO-BASED WASTE-TO-ENERGY COMPANY.  THE COMPANY'S  BONDS LAST  TRADED AT  ABOUT   16  CENTS  ON  THE  DOLLAR  ON  FEB. 10.

ACCORDING  TO  BLOOMBERG  NEWS  REPORTER MARTIN BRAUN,  CONSTRUCTION  DELAYS, LOWER-THAN-EXPECTED  DEMAND  AND  BALLOONING  COSTS OF PRODUCTION DUE  TO  INFLATION HAVE  PLGUED  ALL   RECYCLING PROJECTS; ABOUT $1 BILLION OF  THE  $9.3 BILLION  IN  SO-CALLED GREEN  MUNICIPAL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT  BONDS ARE  IN  DEFAULT.

MANY OF  THE  COMPANIES ISSUED RISKY, UNRATED  BONDS IN  A  PERIOD  OF LOW  INTEREST  RATES THAT  SPARKED  STRONG  DEMAND FOR HIGHER-YIELDING ASSETS.  THE  BRIGHTMARK PLASTICS  BONDS WERE  ISSUED  IN LATE MARCH  2019.  HIGH  YIELD MUNI  BONDS  FINISHED THAT  YEAR WITH  A  RETURN  OF  10.7%, ACCORDING  TO  BLOOMBERG'S HIGH  YIELD MUNI INDEX, DRIVEN  BY  STRONG  FUND  FLOWS AND LOW  INTEREST  RATES.

RETURNS STOOD   AT  6.3%  IN  2024, COMPARED  TO  1.1% FOR  INVESTMENT GRADE MUNIS.

ALLIANCE/BERNSTEIN HOLDING LP FUNDS WAS  THE  LARGEST HOLDER OF  THE  BONDS, WITH ABOUT $56  MILLION AS OF  JAN.  31,  ACCORDING  TO  BLOOMBERG.  PACIFIC INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT  CO. HELD $50 MILLION AS OF  DEC.  31.

WINNERS IN THOMASTON KIWANIS RAFFLE

 Ethan Blackston won the Beretta Shotgun

Brad Adams (member) won the Yeti Cooler

Chad Kimbrough won the one year Tidal Wave Carwash

Jonathan Brown won the 65"  Smart T

THOMASTON POLICE ARRESTED A SUSPECT FOR THREAT TO CLERK AT RACEWAY

 Suspect Taken into Custody After Threatening Clerk at Raceway Gas Station

Thomaston, GA – 03/12/25 – On Wednesday, at approximately 5:00 AM, officers from the Thomaston Police Department (TPD) responded to a call about a suspect armed with a gun making threats at the Raceway Gas Station. Before law enforcement arrived on the scene, the suspect fled in a pickup truck.

A preliminary investigation, conducted in collaboration with Upson County Deputies, led to the identification of a possible suspect. Officers located the suspect’s vehicle behind a house on West Moore’s Crossing. The area was secured, and surveillance was set up until proper warrants could be obtained.

TPD Detectives swiftly responded and obtained both a search warrant for the property and an arrest warrant for the suspect, identified as Kelton Raines, a 28-year-old from Thomaston, Georgia. Due to concerns about the suspect being armed, the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team was notified and requested to provide assistance executing the warrants.

While the area was secured and surrounded, negotiators from the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office contacted the suspect via phone, convincing him to exit the residence unarmed. Raines complied and was taken into custody without further incident.

According to preliminary findings, the incident began with a dispute between Raines and the clerk at the Raceway Gas Station. After the argument, the suspect retrieved an assault rifle from his truck and returned to the store, making threats to the clerk, who fled in fear. Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the incident.

“We are grateful for the swift and coordinated efforts of our Police Department, the Upson County SO, along with assistance from the Spalding County SO SWAT Team, all of which ensured a peaceful and safe resolution to this situation,” said Police Chief Mike Richardson. “The teamwork and professionalism demonstrated by our officers and partners contributed to preventing any harm to the public.”

All reactions:

6

3 shares

Like

Comment