ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET GRIFFIN-SPALDING CHAMBER

 Brightmoor Hospice was the presenting sponsor of the 111th annual Griffin-Spalding county Chamber of Commerce awards banquet last night. They reported having 105 new members join the Chamber in the past year, bringing their total to over 900 members, with 52 ribbon cuttings.

MC for the dinner and awards was Ryan Peaveyhouse.

Awards:

Member of Year- Roxanne Brown

Community Inspiration award- Beck, Owen, & Murray law firm

Game Changer- Dillon Blassingame

Beautification award- Brian Miller

Legacy award- Bonnie Pfrogner

New General Griffin for 2025- Randy Peters- former Pres of So Crecent Tech college

New 2025 Chamber Board chairman- Janie Clark, from Brightmoor Hospice

The meeting was held at the Williamson Airport event center.

GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS IN UPSON SUPERIOR COURT MURDER TRIAL

 IN  THE FIRST JURY  TRIAL IN  THE NEW  UPSON  COUNTY JUSTICE  CENTER  DEFENDANT SAMUEL JAMES  SIMS,  AGE  19  OF POPULAR DRIVE  WAS  FOUND  GUILTY  ON  ALL  COUNTS  OF  THE  MURDER  OF DELONZO DESHUN ALLEN  AND  WAS  SENTENCED  TO  LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE  PLUS  25  YEARS IN  STATE PRISON BY SUPERIOR  COURT JUDGE  FLETCHER  SAMS, THURSDAY.

SIMS  WAS FOUND GUILTY OF  SHOOTING  ALLEN  WITH  A  RIFLE  ON  AVE. G.  IN  THOMASTON ON  FEB.  18TH 2023.

UPSON CO NEEDS APPS

 THE UPSON BOC IS  TAKING APPLICATIONS  FOR  THE IDA  AND  PLANNING  COMMISSION.  FORMER CHAIRMAN  NORMAN  ALLEN  WAS  APPOINTED TO THE IDA  AT THE CLOSE OF  2024  BUT HE LATER DECLINED THE APPOINTMENT. CHAIR ALISHA MCKINLEY  AND  JOHNNY  DAWSON  WERE  REPLACED  ON THE PLANNING  COMMISSION  BY MARTIE MURPHEY AND  STEVE RUSH LAST MONTH  AND JOEL PITTS  RESIGNED SO  THERE IS A  VACANCY.

SRO AT TUESDAY'S UPSON BOC MEETING

 FORMER UPSON COUNTY  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  RUSTY BLACKSTON  PRESENTED  A  PETITION  WITH   OVER  600  SIGNATURES OPPOSED  TO  THE NEW PROPOSED BRIGHTMARK PLASTICS  RECYCLING  PLANT NEAR THE AIRPORT AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING  OF  THE   COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. COMMISSION CHAIRMAN DAN BREU SAID BLACKSTON'S NAME ON  THE  AGENDA  WAS AN ERROR--BUT  HE  WAS ALLOWED  TO  SPEAK DURING PUBLIC  COMMENTS. THERE WAS A  STANDING ROOM  ONLY CROWD AT THE  MEETING, MOST  THERE IN  SUPPORT OF  BLACKSTON,  BUT  CHAIRMAN  BREU SAID THE BOC  HAD NO  ROLL  IN  THE  BRIGHTMARK  PLANT , THERE  WILL BE FUTURE PUBLIC  HEARINGS ON  THE  ISSUE.

BLACKSTON TOOK  ISSUE WITH  THE CHAIRMAN AND SAID  THE COMMISSIONERS  SHOULD BE  ALLOWED  TO VOICE THEIR OPINION ON  BRIGHTMARK,  BUT IT DID NOT HAPPEN.

GRIFFIN PD ARREST

 On January 29th 2025, the Griffin Police Department Criminal Investigations Division,the Traffic Unit, as well as the SWAT Unit, and with the assistance of GBI, executed a search warrant in the 200 block of North 5th Street. Credible intelligence obtained by investigators advised that a 15 year old female runaway was at the location, who was victimized by sexual activities, as well as narcotics usage. Upon execution of the search warrant, the female was located and is in stable condition at this time. In addition to the victim, two adults were also located in the home. It is an active investigation and charges are forthcoming.

UPSONIAN LT. RAINES PROMOTED GSP

 UPSONIAN  LT. MAURICE  RAINES-GA  STATE PATROL HAS BEEN  APPOINTED  DEPUTY  DIRECTOR OF  THE GOVERNOR'S  OFFICE OF  HIGHWAY  SAFETY BY GOVERNOR  BRIAN KEMP.  IN  THE POSITION LT. RAINES  WILL SERVE  IN  THE DIRECTOR'S ABSENCE. WITH  A  BUDGET OF  $41  MILLION  THE DEPARTMENT AIDS STATE AGENCIES,  LOCAL SHERIFF'S,  POLICE  CHIEFS  AND  NON-PROFITS TO IMPLEMENT PROGRAMS AIMED  AT HIGHWAY  AND  PEDESTRIAN  SAFETY.

WARNER ROBINS FEMALE SHOT IN UPSON CO

 A  FEMALE  FROM WARNER  ROBINS  SUFFERED  GUNSHOT  WOUNDS  IN  BOTH  LEGS  EARLY  SATURDAY  AT  500 STEWART  ROAD AND  HER  BROTHER- IN -LAW  HAS  BEEN  CHARGED IN  THE  CASE.  UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN KILGORE SAID DEPUTIES  RESPONDED TO  THE ER  AT  URMC AND QUESTIONED THE  VICTIM, DEONNA  THOMPSON  WHO TOLD THEM  THERE  WAS AN  ALTERCATION AT THE RESIDENCE  AND HER BROTHER-IN-LAW,  ANTWON  SHINGLES  AGE  34,   FIRED NUMEROUS  SHOTS   INSIDE AND  OUTSIDE THE  HOUSE  FROM A   40 CALIBER PISTOL AND SHE  WAS WOUNDED IN  BOTH LEGS--BUT MANAGED TO DRIVE-HERSELF TO  THE HOSPITAL. SHERIFF KILGORE SAID THE SO  GOT THE  CALL SHORTLY  AFTER 1AM SATURDAY AND  BOOKED  SHINGLES   INTO  THE UPSON COUNTY JAIL  ON  TWO COUNTS OF  AGGREVATED ASSAULT. 

MAKE-UP MEETING THOMASTON MAYOR/COUNCIL

 CITY OF THOMASTON

MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

JANUARY 27, 2025 – 7:00 P.M.

CITY-COUNTY MEETING ROOM – MAIN FLOOR

THOMASTON-UPSON GOVERNMENT COMPLEX

AGENDA

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

B. Approval of Minutes for the January 7, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting

C. Adoption of Agenda

D. City Attorney’s Report

E. City Clerk’s Report

F. City Manager’s Report

1. Discussion of House Bill 581 - Charles McKeehan

2. Discussion and Potential Approval of Police Department Vehicle Expenditure

3. Discussion of Potential Action of Sub-Committee Appointments

4. Discussion and Potential Approval of Plat for 220 East Lee Street

5. Discussion and Potential Approval of Plat for 105 Yamaha Parkway

6. Discussion and Potential Execution of 2025 MEAG Off-System Sales Election Form

7. Update and Discussion of Downtown Hotel Project

8. Discussion and Potential Action of Shredding Documents

G. Other Business

H. Executive Session and Discussion for Potential Litigation, Personnel, and Real Estate

UPSON SO ARREST PIKE CO MAN FOR CHILD MOLESTATION

 UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  REPORTS  A  PIKE  COUNTY  MAN  HAS  BEEN  ARRESTED  ON  TWO  COUNTS OF  AGGREVATED  CHILD MOLESTATION--28   YEAR  OLD  CURTIS  WAYNE  JONES JR  IS  BEING  HELD WITHOUT  BOND  IN  THE  UPSON COUNTY JAIL.

THE SHERIFF  SAID  THE  ALLEGED OFFENSES  INVOLVING  A  YOUNG  CHILD  HAPPENED  FROM JULY  2022  TO APRIL 2024.

JACKSONVILLE JAGS AND TRAVON WALKER HAVE A NEW HEAD COACH

 THOMASTON'S  TRAVON  WALKER  AND THE JACKSONVILLE  JAGS  HAVE A  NEW HEAD COACH--TAMPA BAY OFFENSIVE  COORDINATOR LIAM  COEN--WHO  RECONSIDERED  THE  JOB  AFTER  THE JAGS FIRED  THEIR  GENERAL  MANAGER. THE  TEAM WON ONLY  4  GAMES  THIS SEASON  AND FIRED HEAD COACH DOUG PEDERSON.

UPDATE-REST HAVEN ROAD GOLF CART WRECK IN UPSON

 ACCORDING  TO  POST  26  GA.  STATE PATROL-THOMASTON--TWO  PERSONS LIFE-FLIGHTED TO  TRAUMA  CENTERS WEDNESDAY  AFTER  THEY  WERE  EJECTED  FROM A  GOLF  CART AFTER A  COLLISION WITH  A  PICK-UP  ON  REST  HAVEN ROAD.  THE  DRIVER OF THE GOLF  CART--ANSLEY  ROSE WHEELER  OF  GREEN  FOREST  ROAD,  AGE   21  AND A  PASSENGER   BRANDON  EATMON  OF  ROCKY  CREEK  ROAD,  AGE  25.  THE  DRIVER  OF  THE   CHEVROLET  SILVERADO  WAS   NOT  INJURED--DEVIN ADAMS   AGE  30   OF TURNER  BRIDGE ROAD-MEANSVILLE.

UPSON SO REPORTS GOLF CART WRECK

 January 22, 2025, at approximately 0930 hrs. on Rest Haven Road, north of Boyt Road in Upson County, GA.  An EZ-GO golf cart was traveling north on Rest Haven Road carrying a female driver (21 YOA) and a male passenger (25 YOA). A Chevrolet Silverado was traveling north on Rest Haven Road, behind the golf cart.  The driver of the golf cart attempted to make a “U-Turn” and was struck in the driver’s side of the golf cart with the front end of the Chevrolet Silverado.  Both driver and passenger were ejected from the golf cart and sustained injuries as a result from the crash. The driver and passenger of the golf cart were transported to Upson Regional Medical Center by ambulance.  The driver was then flown to Navicent Health Medical Center in Macon, GA. The passenger was flown to Grady Memorial in Atlanta, GA.

NEW DATE FOR REGISTRATION UPSON SO TRIP TO WASHINGTON DC

 UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN KILGORE   HAS POSTPONED  REGISTRATION  SET  FOR  TODAY  FOR  THE   JR. DEPUTY  6TH  GRADE  WASHINGTON D.C. TRIP.  REGISTRATION WILL BE  HELD   TUESDAY JAN.  28TH  4-6PM  AT  THE  SHERIFF'S  OFFICE.

REVIVAL POSTPONED IN UPSON CO

 Due to the inclement weather expected tonight in our county, the MLK Youth Revival at Salem Baptist Church has been postponed. It will now take place next week, from Monday, January 27, through Wednesday, January 29. The same speakers are scheduled to participate throughout the week. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but look forward to a great and uplifting time together next week.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE BETH CAMP ANNOUNCES A NEW WRINKLE ON HB 581

 STATE LEGISLATOR  BETH CAMP REPORTED FRIDAY  THERE APPEARS TO  BE  NO  SUNSET PROVISION  ON  HOUSE BILL  581 THAT COULD IMPACT  SCHOOL BOARDS IN  THE  STATE. THE  T-U BOARD OF EDUCATION  HELD  TWO  HEARINGS ON  THE BILL JAN. 14TH. MORE  ON  101.1  FM NEWS.

WHALEN REMAINS CITY OF GRIFFIN ATTORNEY

 THE  GRIFFIN CITY  COMMISSION  HELD A  CALLED MEETING  FRIDAY MORNING  WITH  AN ATTORNEY  FROM  THE  GA. MUNICIPAL  ASSOCIATION--AFTER  A   4-3  VOTE TUESDAY  TO DISMISS LONG-TIME  CITY  ATTORNEY  DREW WHALEN. FOLLOWING  A CLOSED  DOOR SESSION  THE  BOARD  VOTED  5-2 TO NAME  WHALEN CITY ATTORNEY AS HE HAS  AN ADDITONAL YEAR ON  HIS  CONTRACT. THE  TWO NEW  COMMISSIONERS BRAD WRIGHT  AND ROSE CURTIS  VOTED AGAINST.

GRASS FIRE AT UPSON JUSTICE CENTER

 UPSON COUNTY  SHERIFF DAN KILGORE  REPORTS  A SMALL  GRASS FIRE THURSDAY AFTERNOON AT THE NEW JUSTICE  CENTER--BUT  THOMASTON  FIRE DEPARTMENT  RESPONDED  AND  HAD  IT  OUT QUICKLY. LOTS OF  SMOKE  GENERATED NEAR THE DRAINAGE  AREA ON  THE  SITE.

THOMASTON POLICE BLOCKED  OFF LEE  STREET NEXT TO BIG CHIC UPTOWN  THURSDAY AFTERNOON AFTER A BIG TRUCK KNOCKED DOWN  A  PHONE LINE  CONNECTED TO  THE  BUSINESS THAT ENDED UP IN  THE  STREET.

PIKE CO ECONOMIC SUMMIT

 TIX  ARE ON SALE  FOR THE PIKE COUNTY  CHAMBER OF  COMMERCE 2025  ECONOMIC DEVEOPMENT  SUMMIT  FEATURING  WILLIAM J. SMITH  FROM  THE UNIVERSITY OF  WEST GA. ITS THURSDAY, JAN.  30TH AT  11;30 AT CHRIST CHAPEL-ZEBULON.

UPSON CO COMMISSIONERS TUESDAY MEETING

 DURING  PUBLIC  COMMENT  AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING OF  THE  UPSON COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS,  EX-CHAIRMAN RUSTY BLACKSTON  AND PASTOR  CLAUDE TURNER  URGED  THE  BOARD  TO RESCIND  THE APPOINTENTS MADE LAST YEAR  CLAIMING  THEY  REEKED OF  NEPOTISM.  RUSTY SAID REPLACING  ALICA MCKINLEY  AND  JOHNNY DAWSON ON  THE PLANNING  COMMISSION  WAS A MISTAKE  BECAUSE THEY ALREADY HAVE THE  TRAINING  NEW MEMBERS WILL NEED. HE ADDED THE  RESIGNATION OF JOEL PITTS  WAS AN INJUSTICE. AS PER POLICY  THE COMMISSIONERS OFFERED NO  COMMENT  ON THE ISSUE. 

A  RETIRED AIR  FORCE  FIRST  LIEUTENANT --  CATHY HEALY  TOOK ISSUE WITH  BRINGING  THE BRIGHTMARK CIRCULATORY  CENTER  TO THE COMMUNITY--STATING ADVANCED  OR CHEMICAL  RECYCLING OF PLASTICS WON'T WORK AND ACTUALLY  RISKS LIVES.

COMMISSIONER  JAMES  ELLINGTON MOVED  THAT ONE AGENDA ITEM  BE POSTPONED--USE OF SPLOST FUNDS TO  PURCHASE  VEHICLES  FOR  THE  SHERIFF'S  OFFICE- . IT WILL BE DELT WITH  AT A FUTURE MEETING. NEW CHAIRMAN DAN BREU HAS MENTIONED  THE LAGRANGE POLICE DEPARTMENT LEASES ITS UNITS  AND GETS NEW VEHICLES ON  A  REGULAR  BASIS.

BEN  WATSON  WAS  ELECTED  VICE-CHAIRMAN  FOR  2025.

DR. JESSICA WATSON LONE FINALIST LAMAR SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT

 THE LAMAR COUNTY  BOARD OF  EDUCATION  HAS  NAMED  DR.  JESSICA  WATSON  AS THE  LONE  FINALIST  FOR  SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT. DR. WATSON SPENT  18  YEARS IN THE  THOMASTON-UPSON SCHOOLS.

UPSON CO MLK DAY CELEBRATION

 UPSON  COUNTY  MLK  DAY CELEBRATION  2025, MONDAY JAN.  20TH  PRESENTED BY  THE  EMANCIPATION  COMMITTE OF UPSON'S  YOUTH ALIVE.    SCHEDULE  OF  EVENTS 10;30AM--MEET AT THE  COURTHOUSE, 10;45  WREATH-LAYING  CEREMONY, 11AM  MARCH TO  ULMS  AND  12 NOON  THE  CELEBRATION PROGRAM AT  THE MIDDLE  SCHOOL  AFTER THE MARCH. 

KEYNOTE SPEAKER  PASTOR  MO--MARLIN LYNCH THE  THIRD.

A WEEK REVIVAL  FOLLOWS  TUESDAY  JAN 21ST, WEDNESDAY  JAN.  22ND  AND  THURSDAY  JAN.  23RD  AT  SALEM  BAPTIST  CHURCH  1349 U.S. HIGHWAY  80, CULLODEN,GA. AT  7PM.

TUESDAY--GUEST SPEAKER  PASTOR  RONKEITHVILES   RESPRESS, WEDNESDAY  MINISTER MIKE SMITH  AND  THURSDAY  REV. MAURICE  RAINES.

THE THEME; MISSION POSSIBLE: PROTECTING  FREEDOM, JUSTICE & DEMOCRACY IN  THE  SPIRIT OF NONVIOLENCE. 

 

 

UPSON BOC NO OPT OUT ON HB 581

 NO OPT OUT  ON  HOUSE BILL  581 FROM  THE  UPSON COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS--THAT  WAS  THE MESSAGE  TO  101  NEWS    FROM  NEW CHAIRMAN DAN  BREU AND  COUNTY  MANAGER JASON TINSLEY FOLLOWING  TUESDAY'S FIRST VOTING MEETING OF  THE  YEAR. COUNTY OFFICIALS  ATTENDED A MEETING MONDAY  IN MACON INVOLVING  THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF  REVENUE. ACCG  AND OTHER  AGENCIES  AND COUNTY MANAGER TINSLEY  SAID IT  APPEARS HOMESTEADERS IN  UPSON COUNTY  WOULD  BE  ELIGIBLE FOR LOCAL  AND  STATE EXEMPTIONS.

THOMASTON-UPSON SCHOOLS CLOSED FRIDAY

 All Thomaston-Upson Schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday, January 10. After evaluating the potential risks of rain, sleet, and snow in the morning and possible wind gusts of up to 20 mph in the afternoon, we have determined that school closure is the best solution to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

CITY OF THOMASTON TO DELAY OPENING FRIDAY 1/10

 THE CITY OF  THOMASTON WILL DELAY OPENING UNTIL  11AM  FRIDAY  DUE  TO WEATHER CONCERNS.

UPSON BOC MOVING TO ONE MEETING A MONTH

 BIG CHANGE FOR  THE  UPSON  COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AT  WEDNESDAY'S  FIRST  WORK  SESSION OF  2025 WITH  NEW COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  DAN  BREU AND FIRST DISTRICT COMMISSIONER CHRIS  BIGGS--THE  COMMISSIONERS WILL HOLD ONLY ONE  VOTING MEETING A  MONTH--THE  4TH TUESDAY PLUS  THE  FIRST WEDNESDAY  WORK  SESSION AT THE AIRPORT. REGULAR MEETINGS WILL BE HELD  AT  THE  GOVERNMENT COMPLEX.

A FIRST FOR A WORK SESSION--CHAIRMAN BREU RECORDED IT  AND PLANS TO POST IT ON HIS  FACEBOOK PAGE FOR  PUBLIC VIEWING, SHORTLY. 

SNOW COMING TO UPSON AREA FRIDAY?

 UPSON  EMA DIRECTOR  RICHARD HICKMON IN  TOUCH WITH  THE  NATIONAL  WEATHER SERVICE  SEZ   THE POSSIBILITY  OF  A MIX OF FREEZING  RAIN  AND  SNOW  BEGINNING  FRIDAY 4  TO  10AM WITH  HIGH WINDS DEVELOPING INTO  SATURDAY AND COLD  WEATHER TILL SUNDAY. STAY WITH  FUN 101FM  FOR THE  LATEST UPDATES.

ARSON GUILTY PLEA IN THOMASTON OFFICE BUILDING FIRE

 THE SUSPECT  IN  THE   ARSON  CASE  INVOLVING THE  OFFICE  BUILDING/SOUTH  CHURCH  NEAR BIG CHIC UPTOWN ENTERED A  GUILTY PLEA IN  UPSON SUPERIOR  COURT, MONDAY.   THE  DEFENDANT, NEXUS  CHRISTIAN  WAS  SENTENCED TO  20  YEARS--3  YEARS TO  SERVE  IN  CONFINEMENT , REMAINDER ON PROBATION, $5000 FINE, 80  HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND  BANISHED FROM THE  GRIFFIN  JUDICIAL  CIRCUIT--BY  JUDGE FLETCHER SAMS.  THE FIRE TOTALLY  DESTROYED  THE  VACANT OFFICE  BUILDING  IN  THE  EARLY  MORNING  HOURS OF  JULY  THE  4TH  2023.

TPD BLOTTER

 THOMASTON POLICE  INVOLVED IN  TWO  COCAINE  ARRESTS--ONE  AT  LAKESIDE  PARK  800  COUNTY  ROAD WHILE THE PARK  WAS  CLOSED.  THE  FEMALE  DRIVER OF  THE  JEEP WRANGLER  WAS ARRESTED  26  YEAR  OLD   HALEY M. JONES  AND  A MALE  PASSENGER  WAS LET  GO   BECAUSE HIS KIDS NEEDED THEIR  FATHER.   OFFICERS  DETECTED MARIJUANA ODOR  AND    FOUND  CUT-UP  DRINKING  STRAWS  CONTAINING  SUSPECTED  COKE  POWDER AND MS. JONES HAD IRRITAGED NOSTRILS. INSURANCE ON  THE  VEHICLE HAD  BEEN CANCELLED--THE PD  REPORT SAID.

THE PD  ASSISTED  TROOPER JONES  GSP  IN  A  SPEEDING   TRAFFIC STOP AT  19 SOUTH  AND MAULDIN  ROAD AND ARRESTED THE  FEMALE DRIVER FOR POSSESSION  COCAINE--28  YEAR OLD TARRELL PEEPLES. THERE  WAS A  FAINT ODOR OF MARIJUANA  IN  THE  NISSAN VEHICLE SO IT  WAS  SEARCHED  AND  WHITE POWDER WAS FOUND.   TWO  JUVENILES WERE PASSENGERS AND  RELATIVES  WERE  CONTACTED TO TAKE CHARGE OF  THEM WHILE MS. PEEPLES WAS TRANSPORTED TO  THE  UPSON  COUNTY JAIL.  

A  FEMALE  WHO THOUGHT  SHE WAS  APPLYING  FOR  A JOB ON LINE  GOT  SCAMMED  FOR   $1465. IN THE APPLICATION  SHE  WAS DIRECTED TO  PURCHASE GIFT CARDS TO  SEND  TO HER  SUPPOSED NEW  BOSS  AND SHE  COMPLIED.

A BURGLARY  REPORT  AT MIMBS TAXI  SERVICE  120  WEST THOMPSON STREET WITH FORCED ENTRY.   

SPALDING CO WARMING STATIONS

 SPALDING COUNTY OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY:

PREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHER

With the winter months upon us, the need for winter weather preparations are imperative. To assist, Spalding County has announced that there are locations that will assist in being warming centers during regular operating hours EFFECTIVE MONDAY 1/6/25, including:

Flint River Regional Library

800 Memorial Drive

Hours: Monday and Thursday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 am-6 pm

ON A DAY BY DAY BASIS AND EVALAUTION OF WEATHER CONDITIONS:

City Park Community Center

601 Camp Northern Road

EFFECTIVE MONDAY 1/6/25- SUNDAY 1/12/25, THE FOLLOWING OPERATING HOURS FOR CITY PARK DUE TO THE FORECASTED TEMPERATURES FOR THIS TIME PERIOD:

Beginning Monday 1/6/25 - opens at 10pm nightly through the next day and closes at 3pm

Warming center will close on Sunday 1/12/25 at 9am

This will be further evaluated, and additional openings will be advertised.

Please take advantage of these warming centers if you are feeling at risk. For more information, please contact Spalding County Office of Homeland Security / Emergency Management at 770-228-2129 or Spalding County Leisure Services at 770-467-4750

SPALDING CO/OFFICE HOMELAND SECURITY WINTER WEATHER UPDATE

 SPALDING COUNTY OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND GEORGIA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY PREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHER

Preparing for winter weather starts now for Spalding County residents. In partnership with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency’s Ready Georgia campaign, both agencies are encouraging citizens to take time to prepare for possible inclement weather emergencies this winter. Beginning next week, we will begin to see some of the coldest weather so far this winter.

“Now is a great time for Spalding County residents and businesses to prepare for all potential winter hazards,” said Glenn Polk, Director, Spalding County Office of Homeland Security / Emergency Management. “Since winter weather can be unpredictable, we’re hopeful these plans, and education will encourage residents to prepare for severe winter weather.”

From protecting yourself and pets from winter weather to protecting our homes and vehicles, preparedness begins now to be ready for whatever winter brings our way. Ready.ga offers winter weather preparation tips, along with winter weather driving and safety tips. Please always be weather ready and ensure that you have all your notification systems ready for alerts. Civic Ready is a great resource for early notifications and is free to Spalding County residents. Residents can sign up and tailor your alert preferences at spaldingcounty.com.

Residents are encouraged to visit gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for more information on winter weather preparedness tips or call the Spalding County Office of Homeland Security at 770-228-2129.

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As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency collaborates with local, state and federal governments in partnership with private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia website and preparedness campaign provides Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.

THOMASTON RETIRED BANKER A WITNESS TO NEW ORLEANS TERROR

 THOMASTON RETIRED  BANKER RANDY  FLANAGAN  WAS  STAYING  AT A  BOURBON STREET HOTEL NEAR  A  TERROR  ATTACK  EARLY WEDNESDAY  TO ATTEND THE  SUGAR  BOWL   AND  SPOKE  WITH  101  NEWS FROM NEW  ORLEANS. RANDY  TOLD  US  GUESTS  WERE ALARMED BY  THE  SOUND  OF  GUNFIRE IN  THE MIDDLE  OF  THE  NIGHT--SOME THAT  SOUNDED  LIKE MACHINE GUN FIRE. GUESTS ORIGINALLY  WERE  ORDERED  TO LEAVE  THEIR  ROOMS  AND  IN  THE LOBBY  FOUND  BLOODY TOWELS ALL  OVER  THE  FLOOR WHERE VICTIMS HAD APPARENTLY FLED  THE  CARNAGE.

LATER,  RANDY  TOLD   101  NEWS,  GUESTS WERE ORDERED TO SHELTER IN  PLACE IN  THEIR  ROOMS  BUT NOT BEFORE THEY  VIEWED TWISTED AND MANGLED  BODIES LYING  UNCOVERED IN  THE  STREET , AS  THE  FBI  AND  NEW  ORLEANS POLICE  STARTED EVIDENCE-GATHERING. ONE  FLORIDA FEMALE  UGA STUDENT   WAS INJURED  AND  AN  AUBURN  GRAD WAS  KILLED.

THE  FBI    SAID  THURSDAY THE TERRORIST APPARENTLY  ACTED ALONE.

UPSON CO BD OF ASSESSORS MEMO

 The Board of Assessors has mailed out personal property reporting forms to individuals and businesses who own boats, planes, or operate a business within the jurisdiction.

 

Recipients are urged to complete and return these forms to the Board of Assessors' office no later than April 1, 2025. Timely submission ensures accurate and efficient assessment of personal property values.

 

 

Charles McKeehan

Chief Appraiser-IV

Upson County BOA