GROUND BREAKIING ULHS ATHLETIC COMPLEX

 breaking ground on the ULHS Athletic Complex on Friday, March 7, at 10 AM. This will be our final groundbreaking for the athletic projects included in the $25 million ESPLOST & Bond Referendum approved by Upson County voters in March 2023. This will be a short, ceremonial event to mark the start of construction of the complex. Members of the ULHS Track Teams will serve as our official groundbreakers. We will also host a Community Ribbon Cutting & Open House once the facility is complete.

NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH GRIFFIN HIGH

 Griffin, GA – At a board meeting on February 25, the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) Board of Education voted to appoint Bernard Goodrum as the head football coach of Griffin High School (GHS). Goodrum returns to GSCS from serving as the head football coach for Business Engineering Science Technology (BEST) Academy in Atlanta since 2022. Prior to that role, he served as assistant coach for Jones County High School, defensive coordinator for Faulkner University in Alabama, assistant coach at Copiah Lincoln Community College in Mississippi and graduation assistant at Troy University in Alabama. Goodrum began his career in education in 2012 right here in GSCS. He has served as a math teacher at Kennedy Road Middle and an assistant basketball and football coach at Spalding High School.

NEW THOMASTON HOUSING N. CHURCH AT RR REZONING

 A  REZONING REQUEST HAS BEEN  FILED  AT THOMASTON CITY HALL  FOR  A  34 ACRE SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ON  THE DANIEL/OLD ELLIOT PROPERTY AT NORTH  CHURCH  AT THE  TRACKS--ONCE CONSIDERED  AS A  SITE  FOR  THE  NEW JUSTICE CENTER.

4-1 VOTE BY UPSON BOC AGAINST THE CHAIRMAN

 THE  UPSON COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS TURNED DOWN A  REQUEST  BY  CHAIRMAN    DAN  BREU TUESDAY TO REINSTATE  THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT POSITION TO OVERSEE UPKEEP OF  THE  COUNTY'S  WEBSITE--A  4-1  VOTE AS COMMISSIONER  PAUL JONES  WHO MADE THE MOTION AGAINST  -- SAID    THERE IS  NO FUNDING  AVAILABLE FOR THE POST

TPD POSTED $2000 REWARD FOR BANK ROBBERY SUSPECT

 THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON TOLD  101  NEWS TUESDAY A  $2000 REWARD IS  BEING OFFERED FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST/CONVICTION OF  THE BANK  ROBBERY SUSPECT LAST THURSDAY AT UNITED BANK NORTHSIDE.A LIGHT-SKINNED BLACK MALE HANDED A FEMALE TELLER AN I-PAD WITH A  THREATENING NOTE AND DEMANDED CASH WHICH HE RECEIVED AND  FLED ON FOOT.

T-U BOE OPTS-OUT HB 581

 IT  CAME  AS NO  SURPRISE WHEN  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  BOARD OF  EDUCATION  VOTED UNANIMOUSLY  MONDAY   TO OPT-OUT OF  HOUSE  BILL  581--LEGISLATION PROPOSED TO  LIMIT  THE  INCREASE IN  TAX ASSESSMENTS  ON PROPERTY OF  HOMESTEADERS. THERE  WAS  A  BIG  CROWD  AT THE  CALLED  MEETING,  BUT THERE  WAS  NO TESTIMONY  AS  THE  MEETING  WAS  LIMITED TO A  BOE  VOTE. PRIOR  TO  HIS  RECOMMENDATION,  SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT DR. LARRY DERICO EXPLAINED  THAT  THE SCHOOL SYSTEM HAS  MAINTAINED ONE OF LOWEST  TAX MILLAGE  RATES  IN  THE  STATE AND LAST  YEAR ROLLED-BACK THE MILLAGE  RATE FROM 14.01  TO  13.59.

DR.DERICO WENT ON  TO AIR HIS  CONCERNS ABOUT  581--NO  SUNSET PROVISION ATTACHED TO THE  BILL,  NO OPTION FOR  A  SALES  TAX REFERENDUM AS CITY  AND COUNTY GOVERNMENTS WILL HAVE TO COVER LOST REVENUE, AND NO  SUNSET PROVISION WITH THE  BILL. DR.DERICO ADDED ITS  UNDETERMINED WHO  WOULD CONTROL  THE  ANNUAL  INFLATION  RATE OR IF  ANY  RATE  WOULD BE  YEAR  TO  YEAR--AN  INFLATION  RATE  EXPECTED TO BE AROUND  3%. MANY  SMALL  SCHOOL  SYSTEMS  IN  THE  STATE  HAVE VOTED  TO  OPT-OUT  OF  5

UPSON SO CHILD MOLESTATION ARREST

 UPSON COUNTY  SHERIFF DAN KILGORE REPORTS AN  ARREST FOR  TWO COUNTS OF  AGGREVATED CHILD MOLESTATION.  THE  SUSPECT--DANNY  RAY GOLDEN, AGE 43    OF 931  MICA ROAD-  BEING HELD WITHOUT BOND. SHERIFF KILGORE SAID GOLDEN CONFESSED TO THE CRIMES.

UPSON'S COUNTY MANAGER JASON TINSLEY ON JEFF MIDDLEBROOKS LAW SUIT

 “I am pleased to inform the public that the Court of Appeals of Georgia has affirmed the trial court's order dismissing the plaintiff's claims. As indicated in the attached order, the Court issued its decision without an accompanying opinion. According to counsel, this procedural choice is typically reserved for cases where the outcome is deemed unequivocally clear, obviating the need for further explanation.”

 

“I extend my gratitude to Andrew Kim, Michael Freed and Heath English, who skillfully represented Upson County in this matter. This decision reinforces my trust and respect for our legal system in Georgia and represents a significant victory for the taxpayers of Upson County.”

2 VEHICLE WRECK 19 NORTH AND W.CO ROAD-FRI IN THOMASTON

 THOMASTON POLICE AND  FIRE  AND  EMS   DISPATCHED   TO A   TWO VEHICLE  ACCIDENT AT  19  NORTH AND  WEST COUNTY  ROAD  FRIDAY AROUND  12;30PM. AN  SUV  AND ANOTHER  CAR  INVOLVED.

GOV APPOINTS SHERIFF KILGORE TO GA. SHERIFF'S RETIREMENT BD OF COMMISSIONERS

 Dan Kilgore is the elected Sheriff of Upson County, a position he has held since January 2013. With over 40 years of experience in law enforcement, Kilgore's career has spanned a variety of roles, including serving as a sheriff's deputy, city police officer, county police officer, and district attorney’s investigator. Prior to his election as Sheriff, he dedicated more than 21 years of service as the chief deputy sheriff of Upson County. Kilgore is deeply involved in the law enforcement community and holds several leadership positions. He serves as vice chairman on the Board of the Peace Officer’s Annuity and Benefit Fund and is an advisory member of the Georgia POST Council. Additionally, he is the Georgia Sheriff’s Association Area 4 regional vice president. In 2023, he earned his certification as a retirement plan fiduciary, awarded by the Georgia Association of Public Pension Trustees. Outside of his professional endeavor

GORDON STATE FINANCIAL AID AWARENESS MONTH

 BARNESVILLE, Ga., – As Financial Aid Awareness Month concludes, Gordon State College continues to support students and families in navigating college costs. A key effort was Scholarship Saturday, where more than 500 registrants received hands-on financial aid guidance from GSC experts and partners from the University System of Georgia (USG) and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG).

The event helped students and families navigate FAFSA, HOPE, loan options, and college preparation.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support and collaboration of our local school systems,” said Kristy Riggs, GSC assistant director of financial aid. “Our goal is to be a trusted resource year-round for students, families, and high school partners as they navigate the transition from high school to their next steps. We look forward to making this an annual event!”

Attendees also gained insights on Georgia’s evolving job market from keynote speaker Chris Clarke, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Clarke emphasized the importance of lifelong learning in an era of rapid technological change, encouraging students to pursue adaptable skills for future careers.

“Over the next five years, AI will replace many low-skill, entry-level jobs in Georgia. These jobs won’t be coming back,” Clarke said. “It’s critical to focus on developing adaptable skills for the future. Lifelong learning isn’t optional; it’s essential for staying competitive in an evolving workforce.”

Other partners on hand included experts from Griffin Regional College & Career Academy, the Army National Guard, Marines, Georgia Transfer, GAFutures.org, and Southern Crescent Technical College as well as high school guidance counselors from Pike, Lamar, Griffin-Spalding, Upson, Butts, and Monroe counties.

Scholarship Saturday’s impact extended beyond the event as two student attendees were awarded $500 scholarships to support their college expenses. Emily Waddell, a dual enrollment senior at

Rock Springs Christian Academy in Lamar County, received the Dual Enrollment to Freshman Scholarship, which will be applied to her fall 2025 tuition. She has reapplied to Highlander Nation and plans to enroll after graduation.

GSC continues to offer financial aid assistance and is waiving application fees throughout March.

Prospective students can connect with the GSC Financial Aid Office at Finaid@gordonstate.edu for FAFSA support and learn more about applying at www.gordonstate.edu.

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Founded in 1852, GSC is a member of the University System of Georgia. The college has a distinct legacy of excellent scholarship and service. GSC offers nearly 30 degrees, which includes numerous concentrations, pathways, and certificate programs for students. With an enrollment of over 3,100 students, GSC provides an intimate academic setting with state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories. In this setting, students receive individualized attention that only a small college with dedicated faculty and staff can provide.

TPD REPORTS BANK ROBBERY NORTHSIDE UNITED BANK

 THOMASTON  POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON  REPORTS  A  BANK ROBBERY THURSDAY AT 4;10PM  AT  UNITED  BANK  IN  NORTHSIDE. THE SUSPECT  DESCRIBED  AS  A LIGHT SKINNED  BLACK MALE WHO FLED ON FOOT  UP GARNER STREET-- BUT THE CHIEF SAID ITS BELIEVED HE HAD A VEHICLE PARKED NEAR-BY.

THE PD PRESS RELEASE  SAID  THE MALE SUSPECT CAME IN THE  BANK, WALKED UP TO THE TELLER AND  HANDED HER  AN IPAD THAT HAD A NOTE DEMANDING MONEY OR  HE  WOULD  SHOOT.  HE NEVER DISPLAYED A  WEAPON AND NO ONE  WAS HURT. THE TELLER HANDED  HIM  MONEY  IN  THE DRAWER AND  THE SUSPECT FLED  THE BANK.

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL TO HOLD GOLF CART TOWN HALL

 THE  THOMASTON CITY  COUNCIL  IS PLANNING  A  TOWN  HALL MEETING  ON GOLF CARTS   TO GAIN  PUBLIC INPUT  ON  AN ORDIANCE  THAT WOULD LEGALIZE  GOLF CARTS ON  CITY  STREETS. A NEW ORDIANCE WOULD  SET  THE GUIDELINES  ON   THEIR USE--HOWEVER, MANY TRAVEL CITY  STREETS NOW.  POLICE CHIEF MIKE  RICHARDSON TOLD  101  NEWS AFTER THE  TUESDAY'S  MEETING  HE IS NOT IN FAVOR OF  GOLF  CARTS  -- BUT IF APPROVED   THERE NEEDS TO BE SAFEGUARDS. THE CHIEF  SAYS   OFFICERS HAVE NOT  BEEN CITING OPERATORS   IF  THEY  ARE DRIVING PROPERLY -- ALTHOUGH  THEY  ARE  TECHNICALLY ILLEGAL.   MAJOR SIDNEY  CORLEY ASKED COUNCIL IF  THEY  WOULD HAVE  THE PD'S  BACKS WHEN  THEY  HAVE  TO  IMPOUND  GOLF  CARTS FOR  DRIVING IN  THE  DOWNTOWN  AREA--THEY MUST  TRAVEL IN   RESTRICTED AREAS--  RESIDENTIAL STREETS--ONLY.

COUNCIL  MENTIONED  REQUIREMENTS  TO DRIVE  A  GOLF-CART IN THE CITY LIMITS--  EACH  WOULD HAVE TO   BE INSPECTED  BY   THE PD  AND ISSUED A  DECAL OF COMPLANCE--WITH  SEAT  BELTS AND SUCH. A  FACTION OF  CITIZENS WITH  GOLF CARTS HAVE BEEN URGING COUNCIL  TO APPROVE  THEM. 

ASSOCIATED WITH THE GOLF  CARTS  IS AN ORDIANCE THAT  WAS  APPROVED  SETTING  THE  SPEED  LIMIT ON  RESIDENTIAL STREETS  AT  25MPH.  IT NOW   GOES  TO G-DOT FOR APPROVAL. 

THOMASTON'S MAYOR PRO TEM RESIGNING

 THE CITY OF  THOMASTON'S  MAYOR PRO TEM DOUG HEAD ANNOUNCED AT  TUESDAY'S  COUNCIL MEETING HE PLANS  TO RESIGN HIS POST AT THE LAST MEETING IN APRIL--AND WILL JOIN HIS  BROTHER'S TOURING BUSINESS. THE CITY-WIDE  POST IS ON  THE NOVEMBER BALLOT.

SOUTHERN RIVERS ENERGY REPORTS SUNDAY AFTERNOON

 Southern Rivers Energy suffered significant system damage from this morning’s severe storms that knocked out power to more than 10,000 meters across all nine counties in its service area. Additional EMC crews from Sumter, Grady, and Excelsior EMCs are now helping with restoration efforts along with contract crews from Sumter Utilities, Utilicon Services, and Harper’s Tree Service.

 

As of 3:00 PM, crews have restored power to more than 3165 meters and identified at least 10 broken poles and large amounts of line torn down by fallen trees and limbs. A total of 95 separate outages affecting 5316 meters remain, and an extensive amount of tree damage must be cleared before crews can access and repair damaged infrastructure. They are making progress, but due to the extent of the damage, some areas may not be restored until tomorrow evening.

 

The areas identified as the hardest hit include:

Monroe County/Culloden – Hwy 341 South

Pike County – Blanton Mill Road, Turner Road, Hollonville Road, Wood Creek, and Patton Road

Meriwether County – Flat Shoals Road, Gay Road, 109 Spur, Cleggs Ferry, Primrose Road, and Roosevelt Hwy.

 

SRE members living in any of these areas are encouraged to prepare to be without power until tomorrow evening. Crews will continue working steadily and hope to make quicker progress with the help of additional crews, but it is currently a slow process. Report outages using the Outage Hotline at 866-244-4890 and remember to stay away from downed power lines. Follow SRE on Facebook and X for updates.”    

 

You can find previous updates and photos on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/southernriversenergy

UPSON EMC REPORTS AT 10;30AM MONDAY

 We still have over 300 meters without power. These are mostly in Talbot and Upson counties. We have a few in Pike too. The storm that came through on Sunday morning had toppled trees onto our lines which caused multiple broke poles.

STORM DAMAGE IN UPSON, PIKE, SPALDING

 CITY  OF  THOMASTON  ELECTRIC CREWS SPENT  SEVERAL HOURS AT  CHEROKEE  ROAD AND  KINGSTON  ROAD  EARLY  SUNDAY   AFTER  DOWNED  TREE DEBRIS  BLOCKED  THE  INTERSECTION  AND LINES  WERE DOWN IN  THE  AFTERMATH OF THE STORM. TWO  BUCKET TRUCKS WORKED  THE  SCENE  AFTER THE  THOMASTON FIRE DEPARTMENT BLOCKED-OFF  CHEROKEE  ROAD  FROM  SOUTH GREEN  TO GREENWOOD ROAD. THE  TFD REPORTED A  TREE DOWN AT MILL  RACE  ROAD AND EMA DIRECTOR RICHARD HICKMON REPORTED  TREES DOWN ON  ROADWAYS ON TRIUNE MILL  ROAD, HICKMON FORK ROAD, AND  LAWRENCE  ROAD. POWER OUTAGES REPORTED IN  THE CITY OF  THOMASTON.

PIKE  COUNTY  EMA REPORTED  TREES DOWN ON  SEVERAL HOUSES IN  THE NORTHERN END  OF THE COUNTY. ONE ON KINGS BRIDGE ROAD.  SOME POWER OUTAGES REPORTED.  SPALDING  COUNTY  EMA REPORTED A  HOUSE  WAS  DAMAGED  IN THE  STORM WITH  TREES AND POWER LINES DOWN.

MISSING MAN IN UPSON SUNDAY FOUND

MISSING  MAN  FOUND  IN  UPSON COUNTY  SUNDAY. MR. JAMES BECKHAM,  74  OF  871  SKELTON  ROAD WAS LAST SEEN  SUNDAY  4AM  ON  FOOT. HE  WALKED UP  TO  A  RESIDENCE ON  MILL  RACE ROAD. SHERIFF  DAN KILGORE SAID  HE  WAS  CHECKED OUT  AT  THE E.R.  AND  FOUND  TO  BE O.K.

STORM DAMAGE IN UPSON EARLY THURSDAY

 UPSON COUNTY  EMA DIRECTOR  RICHARD HICKMON REPORTED  TWO  TREES DOWN IN  THURSDAY  COMMUNITY, ONE IN YATESVILLE--BUT  CREWS  OPENED  THE  ROADS QUICKLY AFTER THURSDAY'S  EARLY  MORNING STORM. NO  OTHER REPORTS  OF  DAMAGE-OTHERWISE.

THOMASTON-UPSON BOE MEETING 2/11/25

 Board Recognition

1.        Ronik Patel, a senior at Upson-Lee High School, has been named 2025 PAGE STAR Student for the Thomaston-Upson School System. Ronik is the son of Mr. Jayesh Patel and Dr. Saroj Patel. Patel selected Thomaston-Upson School System’s English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher Mrs. Renae Kilgore as the 2025 STAR Teacher. STAR Student is the student with the highest score in one sitting of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) taken through the November test date of his or her senior year. STAR Student must also be in the top 10 percent of his or her class based on grade point average. STAR Teacher, chosen by the STAR Student, is the teacher who has made the most significant contribution to the student’s scholastic development.

2.        Congratulations to ULHS Science Olympiad team members David Eppinger and Logan Slaughter for winning FIRST PLACE this weekend in a regional competition at Berry College. Eppinger and Slaughter secured the first-place finish in the Air Trajectory event by designing and building a compressed-air-powered device capable of launching projectiles with precision to hit targets at varying heights and distances.

3.        Upson-Lee High School and West Central Georgia Bank, a Partner In Education with the Thomaston-Upson School System, have proudly recognized 212 students as GOAL Card recipients. These students earned a grade of “A” at ULHS in every course during the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year and will receive free admission to all regular season athletic events during this second semester. The West Central Georgia Bank GOAL Card program is in its 33rd year, making this the oldest partnership program within the Thomaston-Upson School System. We want to thank West Central Georgia Bank for continuing to recognize excellence in our school system. 

4.        Congratulations to Upson-Lee High School Cafeteria Manager, Cindy Railey, and the ULHS Cafeteria Team for winning FIRST PLACE in the dessert category for the GA School Nutrition Association's 6th District. The Upson-Lee High School dessert now advances to the state competition.

5.        Congratulations and good luck to the ULHS  girls and boys basketball teams, which will be competing in the region tournament this week. 

6.        Congratulations and good luck to the NJROTC Rifle Team, which will be competing in the Navy Nationals in Anniston, Alabama, starting February 16th.

7.        Congratulations and good luck to the following members of the ULHS Wrestling Team who qualified for the state wrestling tournament and will be traveling to Macon on Thursday for the state competition: John Adams, Cason Waddell, Trevor Young, Cleveland Nicholas, Jordan Little, Chestin Howard, Connor Walker, and Cooper White

Board Action Items

1. The Board approved the $6.8 million GMP for Phase III Sports Facility Upgrades. Phase III includes the new Athletic Complex behind Upson-Lee High School.
2. The Board approved 2 surplus requests - 1 for a 2005 Toshiba Printer that no longer works and 1 for an ice maker at ULHS that is beyond repair.  

NEW T-U IDA MEMBER

 AG ED  AND FFA  ADVISOR AT U-L  HIGH SCHOOL--JOSH  RABALAIS WAS APPOINTED  TO THE IDA AT TUESDAY'S  MEETING  OF  THE UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. IT WAS  MENTIONED THAT HE  WOULD BE AN IDEAL GO-BETWEEN  FOR   THE  DEVELOPMENT  AUTHORITY  AND SCHOOL  SYSTEM. 

CITY OF ZEBULON EASTSIDE DRAINAGE UPGRADES

 Zebulon, GA – February 6, 2025 – The City of Zebulon is pleased to announce that the 2023 CDBG Flooding, Street and Drainage Improvements (Eastside Drainage Improvements) project is out for bid. The bids will be due on Monday March 10, 2025, at 1:00PM and will be opened at that time and place. The City anticipates awarding the bid on March 20, 2025 at a called meeting and construction should start by this May. Construction should take approximately six months and will involve some temporary street closures. The City of Zebulon was awarded $1,000,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the State of Georgia in October 2023 to address flooding problems in the Beckham Street/Ralph McCrary Blvd (Old Jackson St.) and MLK Circle neighborhoods. The City has completed all of the preliminary work and has obtained the necessary approvals to install new pipes, drainage structures, curb and gutter and other improvements. The city is contributing $187,000 in SPLOST dollars towards the project. Councilmember Claude Hollis brought this matter to City Council in 2021 and worked hard with the other Council members to collect income surveys needed for the project. According to Mayor Joe Walter, “the residents in these two neighborhoods have been very patient with the City as we worked with the engineer to get the plans prepared and permitted. Every time it rains, I think about the folks who have water running under their houses. It is important that we take care of these issues for the folks that do not have the means to address the flooding by themselves.” Mayor Walter also added, “we are using SPLOST funds to address flooding in the Head, Gwyn and Franklin Street neighborhood and that project will be going out to bid later this spring. We are thankful that we have SPLOST funds to use towards these projects and appreciate the community

UPSON CO. GUILTY PLEAS

 PLEA LIST – JUDGE BEN J. MILLER, JR., GJC

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

1. 25R0037 TODD TOLBERT CT. 1: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE:

CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE: 3 YEARS, SERVE 120 DAYS IN CONFINEMENT, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $1,000 FINE.

CT. 2: TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

2. 25R0038 JESUS ROMERO CT. 1: BATTERY: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; $250 FINE.

CT. 2: CRUELTY TO CHILDREN IN THE 3RD DEGREE: 12

MONTHS PROBATION TO RUN CONCURRENT TO COUNT 1; $250 FINE.

3. 24R0303A STEPHEN KNIGHT CT. 1: FORGERY IN THE 4TH DEGREE: 12 MONTHS,

SERVE 60 DAYS IN CONFINEMENT, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; $500 FINE.

CT. 2: FORGERY IN THE 4TH DEGREE: 12 MONTHS PROBATION TO RUN CONSECUTIVE TO COUNT 1.

4. 25R0036 CRYSTAL SELPH CT. 1: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE: 3 YEARS

PROBATION; $500 FINE; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; COMPLETION OF THE DRC PROGRAM.

5. 24R0286 DONALD PITTMAN CT. 1: BURGLARY IN THE 1ST DEGREE: 10 YEARS, SERVE

1 YEAR IN CONFINEMENT, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; $250 FINE; 80 HOURSUPSO

DAVE'S NO DOME SUGAR BOWL

 A  GREAT  SEASON  WITH  MIKE CAVAN AT  QB EARNED AN INVITATION FOR  UGA  TO PLAY  IN THE  SUGAR  BOWL AT  DOMELESS TULANE  STADIUM AGAINST  ARKANSAS AND MOST  OF  THOMASTON  HEADED FOR NEW ORLEANS. GARY BEDFORD  HAD A  NEW CHEVY, SO  WITH BROOKSIE  PAULK AT THE WHEEL, GARY B., GARY PASLEY, BUDDY  COGGINS  AND  YOURS  TRULY  HEADED WEST.

I  WAS THE ONLY  ONE WITH LODGING PLANS, A  BOARDING   HOUSE  OWNED  BY  THE  AUNT OF  FONZO AND PAP BRITT, SO I  SETTLED  IN FOR  THE  NIGHT IN A  CHAIR. PURE  PANIC  THE NEXT  MORNING  WHEN I  DISCOVERED FONZO AND PAP  GONE AND I WAS NOT  PICKED-UP BY MY  CREW, WHICH MEANT I HAD NO  TICKET FOR THE  GAME.

HAILING A CAB, I HEADED FOR THE STADIUM, FOUND  A  SCALPER WITH A  FISTFUL OF  TICKETS HE WAS TRYING  TO SELL AND CONVINCED HIM  I COULD HELP FOR A TICKET IF I WORKED THE OTHER  SIDE OF THE STADIUM . ONCE INSIDE I  HAD GARY PAGED BUT WE NEVER MANAGED TO HOOK-UP. LUCK WAS WITH ME, I FOUND  THEM  AFTER THE GAME.

BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK  FOR THE  DAWGS , LOSING   16  TO  6 ,  ON  A FRIGID DAY , AND CAVAN  WAS  INJURED  AND   ON  CRUTCHES  .WE  SPENT  THE   NEXT DAY WITH MIKE AND HANK   ON  BOURBON STREET  THEN  WE  HEADED HOME. CLASSES  HAD  ALREADY  RESUMED AT  SCHOOL  SO I HAD TO VISIT THE DEAN AND  FALL ON MY SWORD FOR THE  ABSENCE, BUT  HE WAS A DAWG FAN AND UNDERSTOOD. THAT WAS MY FIRST SUGAR BOWL. STAY TUNED FOR MORE. 

T-U BOE TAKES HEAVY HEAT ON HB 581

 A WAR OF  WORDS  FROM  AN  S.R.O.   CROWD --DIRECTED AT THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  BOARD OF  EDUCATION  AT  THE  FINAL  PUBLIC  HEARING ON  HOUSE  BILL  581, THURSDAY. MOST  FELT  THE  BOARD PLANS  TO OPT-OUT OF  THE FLOATING  ASSESSMENT  LEGISLATION  THAT IS  AIMED  AT  TAX  RELIEF FOR  HOMESTEAD  PROPERTY  OWNERS. AND  THEY  REMINDED  THE  BOE UPSON COUNTY  VOTED  62%  IN  FAVOR OF IT.

DURING  TESTIMONY KIM  WELLS  CHARGED  THAT ADMINISTRATIVE SALARIES AT THE  T-U SCHOOLS EXCEEDS  THE  STATE  AVERAGE  BY  OVER   15%.

THE  FORMER VICE-CHAIR OF  THE  BOARD  JAYE EUBANKS SAID  THERE  SEEMS  TO  BE CONFUSION AT  THE  STATE LEVEL  ABOUT SPECIFICS  OF  THE  BILL  AND  HE  IS  WARY OF IT. TAX COMMISSIONER  ANDY  CHASTAIN  TESTIFIED  SCHOOL  BOARDS  ARE  BETWEEN  A  ROCK  AND A  HARD PLACE ON  THE  LEGISLATION.  THEY  STAND TO LOSE  REVENUE  BUT  CAN'T  LEVY  A  SALES  TAX  TO MAKE-UP  REVENUE AS  MUNICIPAL  AND  COUNTY GOVERNMENTS  ARE  ALLOWED UNDER THE  BILL.

CHUCK  THOMPSON   IS  OPPOSED TO AN OPT-OUT   AND  STATED  HIS ELDERLY MOTHER IS  STILL  SADDLED WITH SCHOOL  TAXES   THAT  ALSO    GRIPES MOST OF  THE RETIREES AT THE  MEETING.

FIREBRAND KEN WHATLEY SAID  THE  BOARD  HAS ALREADY  MADE UP ITS MIND  TO OPT-OUT AND "DON'T  GIVE  A  CRAP ABOUT  TAXPAYERS." . HB 581  WILL BE UP FOR A VOTE AT  TUESDAY'S REGULAR MEETING AT  6PM. MORE ON  THIS  STORY  ON    101 NEWS  AT 6;45AM, 7;45AM, 8;45AM, 12 NOON, 1PM  AND  5PM.   

NEW PICKEL BALL COURTS IN THOMASTON

 CITY  MANAGER  RUSSELL  THOMPSON  TOLD  THE  THOMASTON MAYOR AND  COUNCIL  TUESDAY--THE  6 NEW PICKLEBALL  COURTS  AT  GREATEST  GENERATION MEMORIAL PARK SHOULD  BE  ON LINE  BY  THE  END OF  SUMMER. 8  WERE ORIGINALLY  DESIGNED  BUT SOME  ISSUES  ELIMINATED  TWO--A  $600,000  SPLOST PROJECT.

COUNCIL  SPENT MUCH OF  THE  MEETING MAPPING A PROPOSED NEW  GOLF CART ORDIANCE--THAT COULD BE PASSED AT THE NEW MEETING.  IT  WILL LEGALIZE THE USE OF  GOLF CARTS IN  THE CITY OF  THOMASTON--BUT  THEY  HAVE  BEEN  IN  USE FOR  A  WHILE BUT POLICE DID NOT  MAKE  CASES UNLESS  A  MOTORIST  GOT  WAY OUT OF  LINE.  MAX SPEED WILL BE  25MPH.

CITY CLERK OASIS  NICHOLS IS  WORKING A NOTICE-SHE HAS  BEEN NAMED  ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER OF HOGANSVILLE.

COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN DAN BREU HAS  CALLED ON  CITY  HALL  TO  CANCEL THREE PUBLIC  HEARINGS ON  HOUSE BILL  581   AND  NOT  OPT-OUT-BUT  COUNCILMAN RYAN TUCKER SAID NO  DECISION HAS  BEEN  MADE.

MAYOR JD STALLINGS  SAID  HE JUST  WANTS TO HEAR WHAT THE PUBLIC THINKS.

RONIK PATEL U-L STAR STUDENT

 RONIK PATEL EARNS STAR STUDENT RECOGNITION

Ronik Jayesh Patel, a senior at Upson-Lee High School, has been named 2025 PAGE STAR Student for the Thomaston-Upson School System. The announcement was made Tuesday, February 4, at the Thomaston Kiwanis Club meeting. Thomaston Kiwanis is the local STAR program sponsor. Ronik is the son of Mr. Jayesh Patel and Dr. Saroj Patel.

Patel selected Thomaston-Upson School System’s English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher Mrs. Renae Kilgore as the 2025 STAR Teacher. As the sole ESOL teacher for the school district, Kilgore works with PK - 12th grade students and their families. Kilgore began working with Patel when he entered school and says that he was special from the very beginning. She also acknowledged that she is honored that he chose her as his STAR Teacher. This is her first time being awarded this honor.

STAR Student is the student with the highest score in one sitting of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) taken through the November test date of his or her senior year. STAR Student must also be in the top 10 percent of his or her class based on grade point average. STAR Teacher, chosen by the STAR Student, is the teacher who has made the most significant contribution to the student’s scholastic development.

The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Program was created to focus public attention on Georgia's outstanding students and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development. It is administered and promoted by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation. Since its inception in 1958, the STAR Program has honored more than 29,500 high school seniors who have in turn chosen their STAR teachers to share in this recognition. Upson-Lee High School and the Thomaston-Upson School System are very appreciative of the support given to the local STAR program by the Thomaston Kiwanis Club.

Congratulations to Ronik Patel, 2025 STAR Student, and to Mrs. Renae Kilgore, 2025 STAR Teacher!!!

UPSON CO BOC CHAIRMAN DAN BREU ON HB 581

 There are a couple of things the Mayor and City Council really should consider before moving forward with their planned public hearings to opt out of HB 581.

 

First, HB 581 was passed by the people of Georgia and overwhelmingly in Thomaston and Upson County as a way to provide protection against rising home values for homesteaders and a way to provide property tax relief to every property owner.  We have elderly and disabled people in Thomaston and Upson County who have to take out loans to pay their property taxes and fear being taxed out of homes some have lived in their whole lives.  The City of Thomaston has an incredible opportunity to provide home owners in Thomaston tax relief by utilizing the Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) to essentially eliminate the City M&O tax.  The County can use the FLOST as well to reduce the County M&O tax for everyone in the county.  Limiting the rise in home values, eliminating the City M&O tax, and reducing the County M&O tax are three methods of tax relief for home owners in the City of Thomaston.  They will lose all of those if the City opts out of HB 581.

 

Second, the governing authorities throughout the State who have indicated they intend to opt out of HB 581 presented a reason or reasons to their constituents on why they thought they needed to opt out.  Whether you find those reasons valid or not, they gave their constituents a why.  The City of Thomaston has not provided a single reason why it should opt out.  This really runs contrary to the spirit of public hearings.  The home owners in the City of Thomaston do not know what they are supposed to be arguing against at these public hearings.  Rather they just have to argue for the tax relief that they already voted overwhelmingly for.  It just does not make sense.

 

I call on the Mayor and City Council to do the right thing for Thomaston and Upson County and cancel their planned public hearings and automatically opt in to HB 581 along with the County and give the property owners in Thomaston and Upson County the tax relief they already told us they wanted during the November election.

 

Best,

 

 

Dan R. Brue II

Chairman, Board of Commissioners | UPSON COUNTY

106 E. Lee St., Suite 110, Thomaston, GA  30286

Office: 706.647.7012

Cell: 706.601.9472

Email: dbrue@upsoncountyga.org

 

GRIFFIN PD SEXUAL BATTERY CASE

 In reference to the earlier press release issued on January 29th 2025, Griffin Police would like to update the community regarding the arrests made and the status of the victims. Tamarrius Lewis (32) and William White (42) were arrested for statutory rape, sodomy, possession with intent to distribute schedule 1 and 2 narcotics, cruelty to children, and hindering the apprehension of a felon. Shelithia Blackmon (38) was charged with cruelty to children, sexual battery, child molestation, possession with intent to distribute schedule 1 and 2 narcotics, and hindering the apprehension of a felon. Not in custody at this time is Tabias Lewis who has outstanding warrants for statutory rape, sodomy, cruelty to children, armed robbery and aggravated assault, as well as possession with intent to distribute schedule 1 and 2 narcotics. Additional charges are pending for all mentioned suspects, as this is still an active and ongoing investigation. Further, the Criminal Investigation Division is asking the community to help apprehend Lewis and is offering a reward of $1,500 for information leading to his arrest. Any information can be provided to Inv A. Ruiz at aruiz@cityofgriffin.com or Inv S. Amos at samos@cityofgriffin.com. At this time, the victims of this crime are back in their homes and recovering from this traumatic event. This is not a crime that any person should endure. If you suspect that someone is a victim of trafficking, please reach out to your local law enforcement agency or call the GA Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888. If you see something, say something.