REV. TEAL MOVING TO A NEW TIME ON FUN 101FM

 NEW  PROGRAMMING  COMING  TO  FUN  101 FM  THIS  SUNDAY  AND  A  LONG-TIME  PROGRAM  AT  A  NEW  TIME. THE   REVEREND  J.B. TEAL  IS  MOVING  TO   10;30AM  SUNDAYS  FOLLOWING  THE  FIRST  BAPTIST  CHURCH  SUNDAY  SCHOOL  CLASS  AND  A  NEW  PROGRAM  WILL  AIR  AT  8AM  TILL  8;30--CHIEF  RONALD  JACKSON--THE  POLICE  CHIEF  OF  SYLVESTER, GA. FROM  TAYLOR  COUNTY  WILL   FEATURE  HIS  BLACK  GOSPEL  MUSIC  LABEL  ARTISTS.

BRIGHTMARK EXERCISES ITS FIRST EXTENSION

 AT  MONDAY'S  APRIL  MEETING  OF  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  IDA--BRIGHTMARK EXERCISED ITS  FIRST  EXTENSION ON  THE  DEVELOPMENT  PERIOD.  BRIGHTMARK   NOTIFIED  SLADE  GULLEDGE  EXECUTIVE  DIRECTOR  OF  THE   IDA   VIA  EMAIL  AND  FEDEX  IT  WIRED   THE  EXCROW  AGENT $125,000     APRIL  4TH   AND  ACCORDING  TO  ITS  CONTRACT WITH THE  IDA    IN   6  MONTHS $62,500  WILL  BE  DUE. THE  LETTER  IS  IN  REGARD   TO  THE  PURCHASE  AND  SALE  AGREEMENT  DATED  APRIL   22,2024 BETWEEN  BRIGHTMARK  AND  THE   DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. ACCORDING  TO   SHAKIL  RAHMAN  OF  THE  BRIGHTMARK  CIRCULARITY  CENTER  LLC -- THE  NOTICE  AND  PAYMENT  WAS MADE MORE  THAN 15  DAYS  PRIOR  TO  THE  EXPIRATION  OF  THE  INITIAL DEVELOPMENT  PERIOD.  THE  CONTRACT  STIPULATES  FOUR  ADDITIONAL  EXTENSIONS  OF   $62,500 ARE   DUE  AT 6  MONTH  INCREMENTS  AND  ARE  NON-REFUNDABLE  AND  SHALL  BE   CONSIDERED  PART  OF  THE  EARNEST MONEY  APPLIED  TO  THE  PURCHASE  PRICE  AT  CLOSING.   FOUR  PERSONS AT THE  MEETING  APPARENTLY OPPOSED    THE  PLASTICS  RECYCLING  PROJECT--BUT  THE  IDA  HAS  NO PUBLIC  COMMENT  ON  ITS  AGENDAS.  GWEN FULLER  OF  DELRAY   ROAD  TOLD 101  NEWS  OUTSIDE  THE  MEETING  SHE   AND  NONE  OF  HER  NEIGHBORS  WANT  IT

                   )

CHURCH YARD SALE IN THOMASTON

 Calvary's Lighthouse Church 2635 Hwy 19 North will be having a yard sale Sat .May 3rd from 8am until 1. Furniture, clothes, household items and much more will be available .All proceeds go to our youth for summer camp. Please stop by and check us out. If you don't find anything to purchase you may still make a donation for youth camp. thank you everyone and we hope to see you there!

DISNEY AT UPSON-LEE MIDDLE SCHOOL

 Disney's "Alice in Wonderland Jr.", presented by the Upson-Lee Middle School Stage Knights opens this Friday night, May 2, at the Upson-Lee Fine Arts Center. Performances are Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3, at 7 PM and Sunday, May 4, at 3 PM. Admission for Thomaston-Upson School System employees is FREE with a school/district ID. Ticket prices for others are - Adults $10, Students $5, Children 5 years and under Free. See you at the FAC!

FUN 101 LOOKING FOR THE WORLD'S BEST MOM

FUN  101  IS  LOOKING  FOR  THE  WORLD'S  BEST MOM  OF  2025.  CHECK  OUR  WEBSITE  AND  ENTER  YOUR   MOM   FOR  OUR

MOTHER'S  DAY  GIVEWAY    WITH  GIFTS  FROM   AREA  MERCHANTS--BE  SURE TO  INCLUDE  ALL  CONTACT INFORMATION.  SUNDAY MAY  14TH  IS  MOTHERS  DAY. 

APRIL MEETING UPSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

 Monday, April 28th @ 7:00pm, at the Upson Senior Center. The Upson Historical Society will be hosting a Free program with special speaker,  Mr Jeff Sanders, a local retired fireman who will tell historical fire stories that blazed through Thomaston and the beginnings of how the Upson Fire department originated.

Don’t miss it!

FUN 101 WANTS ENTRIES FOR WORLD'S BEST MOM

 FUN  101  IS  LOOKING  FOR  THE  WORLD'S  BEST  MOM  OF   2025.  ENTER  YOUR  MOM  FOR  OUR  MOTHERS  DAY  GIVEAWAY--  BE  SURE  TO  INCLUDE  CONTACT  INFORMATION.  SUNDAY  MAY  11TH  IS  MOTHER'S  DAY

SPALDING CO BOC BAIN PROCTOR LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD

 THE  SENIOR PASTOR  OF  CITY  CHURCH--JOSH  ABERNATHY  WAS   PRESENTED  THE  BAIN PROCTOR  LIFETIME  SERVICE  AWARD  AT  MONDAY'S  MEETING  OF  THE  SPALDING  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS.   THE  COUNTY'S LEISURE  SERVICES  DIRECTOR KELLY  CARMICHAEL  SAID  PASTOR  ABERNATHY  HAS  ORGANIZED  OTHERS  TO  VOLUNTEER  THEIR SERVICE  TO  IMPROVE  THE  LIVES  OF  OTHERS.  THE  AWARD  NAMED  FOR  UPSON COUNTY  NATIVE  BAIN  PROCTOR  IS  PRESENTED  ANNUALLY  DURING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER  WEEK.

TRAVON WALKER KEEPS GIVING BACK TO THOMASTON

  THOMASTON'S   AND  NFL  JAGS--  TRAVON  WALKER FOUNDATION   FUN  FEST  FOR     YOUTH  AND  FAMILIES  --  TWO      SPECIAL  EVENTS  SAT.  JUNE  14TH  AT  MATTEWS  FIELD.   4  TO  9PM  FAMILIES  AND  FRIENDS  INVITED  FOR  BOUNCE  HOUSES.  FACE  PAINTING,  FOOD  TRUCKS   AND  MORE --   PLUS  CURRENT    UGA  FOOTBALL  PLAYERS WITH  A  ONE  HOUR  PHOTO  SESSION. ALSO    A  FREE YOUTH  FOOTBALL  CAMP 6;30  TO  9PM  BOYS  AND  GIRLS  AGES  11  TO  18-REGISTRATION  REQUIRED.

UPSON BOC PUBLIC HEARING ON UPSCALE SERENITY SB

  DEVELOPERS  OF  THE PROPOSED  UPSCALE   SERENITY   LAKE  SUBDIVISION  ON  OLD  ALABAMA  ROAD  IN  WESTERN  UPSON  COUNTY  HUDDLED WITH   THEIR   GRIFFIN   ZONING  ATTORNEY  NEWTON  GALLOWAY  OUTSIDE  THE  GOVERNMENT  COMPLEX  AFTER  THE  UPSON COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  DECLINED  TO  REZONE  THE  266  ACRES   WITH  124  SINGLE  FAMILY  LOTS  BY  A   4-1  VOTE--TUESDAY.   THE  PLANNING  COMMISSION  ALSO  VOTED  UNANIMOUSLY  NOT  TO  RECOMMEND IT  TO  THE  BOC-BUT  PLANNING  DIRECTOR  DOUG  CURRIER RECOMMENDED  APPROVAL  WITH  CONDITIONS.  CHAIRMAN   DAN  BREU  MADE  A  MOTION  TO  APPROVE  BUT  IT  FAILED  TO  GET  A   2ND  AND  COMMISSIONER  JAMES  ELLINGTON   FOLLOWED  WITH   A    MOTION  THAT  PASSED. NEIGHBORS  WHO  SPOKE  AGAINST  WHAT  WOULD  BE  THE  LARGEST  SUBDIVISION  IN  COUNTY  HISTORY -- LOUDLY  APPLAUDED.  THE  COMMISSIONERS  HAD  SEVERAL  QUESTIONS  FOR    DEVELOPER  DAN  SPRINGETTI  ABOUT  WATER SERVICE  FOR  THE  SUBDIVISION--WHICH  COULD  BE  INDIVIDUAL  WELLS  FOR  EACH  HOUSEHOLD--HE  SAID.  AND  THE  COMMISSIONERS  QUESTIONED  IF   ADDED   CUSTOMERS  WOULD  AFFECT  WATER PRESSURE  IN  THE  AREA.

OVER  HALF A  DOZEN     SPOKE  AGAINST  THE  PLAN   INCLUDING  ANN  CAROL  DANIEL  WHO  OWNS  A  FAMILY  FARM  NEAR-BY,  WHO  COMPARED  HER   NEIGHBORHOOD  WITH   "MAYBERRY."

COMMISSIONER  ELLINGTON    WHO  SERVES  THE  DISTRICT   STATED  EARLY  IN  THE  MEETING--HIS  CONSTITUENTS  EXPECT  HIM  TO  REPRESENT  THEM  AND  HE  IS  COMMITTED  TO  DOING  IT.  LATER , STATING   OBJECTIONS    ELLINGTON  SAID  THE    PROPOSED  REZONING  FROM   A-R  TO  P-M   PLANNED MIXED  USE  IS  SPOT  ZONING AND  IT  DOES  NOT  JIVE  WITH  THE  COUNTY'S  COMPREHENSIVE  PLAN  AS  A   LOW  DENSITY  PROJECT. 

REZONING FAILS FOR NEW UPSCALE SUBDIVISION IN WESTERN UPSON

  

FOLLOWING   A  PUBLIC  HEARING  APPROACHING      TWO   HOURS  TUESDAY  --THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  VOTED  TO  DENY  A  REZONING  FOR  A  GATED  UPSCALE  SUBDIVISON  ON  OLD  ALABAMA  ROAD  BY  A  4-1  VOTE.  CHAIRMAN  DAN  BREU  MADE  A  MOTION  TO  APPROVE  THE  REZONING  BUT  IT  FAILED  TO  GET A   2ND.  COMMISSIONER  JAMES  ELLINGTON  WHO  REPRESENTS  THAT  DISTRICT   MADE  THE  MOTION  THAT  PASSED.

DELAY IN UPSON TAX ASSESSMENT NOTICES

 THERE  IS  A   DELAY  IN  UPSON  COUNTY  TAX  ASSESSMENT NOTICES--ACCORDING  TO  CHIEF  APPRAISER  CHARLES  MCKEEHAN.  CHARLES  SAYS  THE  VENDOR   HAS  SOME  UPDATING  ISSUES  AND  NOTICES  SCHEDULED  TO  BE  MAILED  ON  APRIL 25TH  WILL  INSTEAD  BE  POSTPONED  UNTIL  THE  UPDATES  ARE CORRECTED.  THE  COUNTY  TAX    ASSESSORS  OFFICE  IS HOPEFUL  NOTICES  WILL  STILL  GO  OUT   BEFORE  MAY  IST

ATTENTION SENIORS - APPLY FOR THE DR. KEITH B. HUCKABY-TUAC SCHOLARSHIP GRANT 2025

 ATTENTION ‘25 SENIORS!

You are invited to apply for The Dr. Keith B. Huckaby - TUAC Scholarship Grant for 2025.

Simply go by the TUAC Gallery at 201 South Center Street to pick up an application. Deadline for returning your application is Friday, May 2, 2025 by 5pm. No submissions will be accepted after this date.

* Scholarship grant is for $1,000.00.

* If, in the opinion of the scholarship committee, there are two or more equally qualified students, the grant may be divided.

* The grant is for students who have demonstrated an interest in and dedication to music, visual, performing or other fine arts, or to the technical aspects of theater arts. The student does not have to be studying one of these areas at the next level.

* The grant is to be used for tuition, course materials, gas, housing, etc. related to the costs of college or technical school.

For more information call 706-647-1605

UPSON-LEE HIGH NJROTC AWARDS NIGHT

 2025 NJROTC Awards Night to Honor Excellence in Cadet Leadership and Achievement The Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) program of Upson-Lee High School will host its annual Awards Night on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., at the Upson-Lee Fine Arts Center. Parents, faculty, military representatives, and local community leaders are invited to attend and celebrate the achievements of these young leaders.

CITY OF THOMASTON FARMERS MARKET PROJECT TO BE REBID

THE  THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL  DECIDED  TO RE-BID  THE  PROPOSED  FARMERS  MARKET  PROJECT  AT    THE  VACANT  LOT   AT   EAST  GORDON  AND  HIGHTOWER--AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING.   THE LOW  BID FROM  QUALITY  CONSTRUCTION  BY  MCLEROY OF  ZEBULON  AT $2.6   MILLION  AND  COGGINS  CONSTRUCTION  CO   OF  THOMASTON   THE HIGH  BID  AT $2.64  MILLION.  BOTH  BIDS  EXCEEDED  THE  STATE  GRANT  AMOUNT  OF   $2.3  MILLION 

GRIFFIN YOUTH SHOT IN THE HEAD

 On April 16nd 2025 shortly after 9pm Griffin Police were called to the 100 block of Georgia Avenue in reference to shots fired. A canvas of the area led officers to find a male juvenile suffering from a gunshot wound to his temple. The victim was flown to an area trauma hospital to be treated for his injuries and is in stable condition. Updates will be given as they become available. Griffin Police Criminal Investigations Division is actively investigating this case at this time. Anyone who has information is asked to contact Griffin Police at 770.229.6452 or jspears@cityofgriffin.com

RABIES CASE IN PIKE CO

 PIKE   COUNTY  TIMES .  COM  REPORTS  THE  FIRST  RABIES  CASE OF  THE  YEAR  IN  PIKE COUNTY. A  RACCOON  THAT  TESTED  POSITIVE  FOR  RABIES    CAME IN  CONTACT  WITH  A  CAT  NEAR   1300 BLOCK OF  COUNTY FARM  ROAD,  ACROSS  FROM  THE  BALL  FIELDS.

GORDON STATE NEWS

 BARNESVILLE, Ga., – Gordon State College education students hosted a group of seventh graders from Lamar County Middle School for a series of Socratic seminars on building positive student-teacher relationships, followed by a Q&A session and campus tour on Tuesday, April 8.

This marks the third year of the event, which began as a collaboration between Dr. Julie Little, GSC associate professor of education, and Heather Davison, LCMS 7th grade science teacher.

“These events provide younger students with the opportunity to not only explore a college campus but also engage with current college students in a meaningful way,” Little said. “Meanwhile, my [GSC] students gain valuable insight into the perspectives and needs of the students they will one day teach.”

Little and Davison taught together at LCMS for several years, with Davison introducing Little to Socratic seminars, a method now integral to all of Little’s courses. A few years ago, they decided to bring the seventh graders and Little’s teacher education students together for a seminar, with the middle school students compiling a list of topics for the education students to choose from.

“The [LCMS] students were incredible during the seminars. I particularly enjoyed watching and listening to my [GSC] students during the Q&A, as they offered advice on the importance of performing well in school now and how to navigate college in the future,” Little said. “It was as though they were speaking to their younger selves or to their younger siblings.”

Dr. Jessica Watson, superintendent of Lamar County Schools, also visited to observe the seminars, which were held simultaneously in three separate classrooms. Little said some of the middle school students were initially apprehensive but soon became comfortable and engaged in sharing their experiences with the [GSC] students.

“I value the opportunity for my education students, who will soon be teachers, to engage in meaningful conversations with students outside the classroom. It allows them to gain valuable insight into the perspectives of the younger generation on school and life,” Little said.

PIKE COUNTY STRUCTURE FIRE UNDER INVESTIGATION BY STATE FIRE MARSHALL

 THE  STATE  FIRE  MARSHALL'S  OFFICE IS  INVESTIGATING  A  STRUCTURE   FIRE  THAT  RESULTED  IN  THE  DEATH  OF  A  FORMER   THOMASTONIAN  IN  PIKE  COUNTY.   IN  THE  EARLY  MORNING  HOURS  OF APRIL 5TH,  MAXINE  BAILEY CIRINO, AGE  77  PERISHED IN  AN  EARLY  MORNING  FIRE  AT  478  LIFSEY  SPRINGS.

UPSON PLANNING COMMISSION THUMBS DOWN ON SERINITY LAKE SUBDIVISION

 )THE  UPSON  COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION   UNANIMOUSLY   DENIED  TO  RECOMMEND  TO  THE  UPSON COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS THE PROPOSED   REZONING  FROM   A-R  TO P-M   OF   SERINITY  LAKE  SUBDIVISION  AT  OLD  ALABAMA  AND  WILLIAMS  ROADS--AT  MONDAY'S  APRIL MEETING.  THE   124  LOT  RESIDENTIAL  SUBDIVISION  FROM  10  ACRES  LAKE  LLC WAS  PROPOSED  ON 266  ACRES  .  PLANNING  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  PHILLIP  FALLIN  SAID  THE    PROJECT  DOES  NOT  COMPLY  WITH  THE  COUNTY  COMPREHENSIVE  PLAN  FOR  LOW  DENSITY  HOUSING--ITS  A  HIGH  DENSITY PROJECT.

CHAIRMAN  FALLIN   ANNOUNCED    THE  BOARD  WOULD  NOT  HEAR  ANY  TESTIMONY DURING  THE  MEETING  --ALTHOUGH  WISCONSIN  DEVELOPER  DAN  SPRINGETTI  AND  ONE  OF  THE PROPERTY  OWNERS  AUDRA FAULKNER  OF  THOMASTON  HAD  SIGNED-UP  TO  PROVIDE  TESTIMONY  IN  FAVOR OF  THE  PROJECT.

THE    ITEM   NOW    GOES  TO  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  APRIL   22ND  VOTING  MEETING  FOR  A  PUBLIC  HEARING .

BARNESVILLE'S MAYOR QUOTED IN GA. TREND MAG

 IN  THE  LATEST ISSUE OF  GEORGIA'S  BUSINESS  MAGAZINE--GEORGIA  TREND--   CHECK  PAGE 51 FOR    A   PHOTO  OF  CITY  OF  BARNESVILLE  MAYOR  KELLY HUGHES  TALKING  UP  LAMAR  COUNTY'S  COUNTY  SEAT. MAYOR  HUGHES SEZ-I  RECOGNIZE GROWTH  IS   INEVITABLE  AND  WE  NEED IT--BUT  I   WANT  TO  DO  IT  THE  PROPER  WAY AND  TO  MAINTAIN  OUR  SMALL  TOWN  ATMOSPHERE.  HER  HONOR  GOES  ON  TO   SAY--I'M  GLAD OUR  BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT   PARTNERS ARE  IN  LOCKSTEP WITH  THAT  PHILOSOPHY. 

STORM IN UPSON 4/11/12 BLEW DOWN TREES

 UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  REPORTS  THE  OVERNITE  THURSDAY    STORM  BLEW  DOWN  SOME  TREES  THAT  BLOCKED  WILLIS  ROAD  OFF  36 EAST  AND  BARNESVILLE-YATESVILLE  ROAD. IT  RESULTED IN  SOME  POWER  OUTAGES  IN  THAT  AREA.

TFD HOUSE FIRE MONDAY/GAS LEAK TUE

 BUSY  TWO  DAYS  FOR  THE  CITY  OF  THOMASTON  FIRE  DEPARTMENT--FIRE  CHIEF  JEREMY  WALKER  REPORTS   PARTIAL  LOSS  DURING  A  HOUSE  FIRE  MONDAY  AT  513  MATTEWS  AVE.  UNITS  RESPONDED  AT  6;35PM  FAMILY  MEMBERS  ESCAPED WITHOUT  HARM  BUT  TWO  PUPS  PERISHED IN  THE  FIRE. CHIEF WALKER  SAID MCLEROY  COMPANY  HIT  A  GAS  LINE   WHILE  DIGGING   AT  THE  5-WAY  ROUND-A-BOUT   PROJECT   TUESDAY  MORNING  AND   FIRE  UNITS  RESPONDED--GAS  COMPANY  PERSONNEL  DISPATCHED  TO  SEAL  THE  LEAK. 

DAVE RECALLS WHEN FINALFOURSVILLE AND T-TOWN WERE TIGHT/IN THE PIPELINE

 ALTHOUGH  IT  SEEMS  THEY  BLEW  THROUGH  THOMASTON  LIKE  THE  NANCY  HANKS  IT  WAS  A  FRUITFUL  RELATIONSHOP  WHILE  IT  LASTED.  I  SPEAK  OF  BIG OIL  BEHEMOTH VALERO  OIL  OF  SAN  ANTONIO,  TEXAS   WHO    HAD  AN  INVESTMENT  AT A  PLANT  ON   36  EAST  FOR  A   TIME.  ITS  AN  INDUSTRY  I'LL  NEVER  FORGET  BECAUSE  THEY  CAME  BEARING  TOP  OF  THE  LINE  GOLF  SHIRTS  WITH  THEIR LOGO.  THEIR  PR   GUY  GAVE   ME  A  COUPLE  AND  I  REQUESTED  ANOTHER  AND  HE  OBLIGED.   NOW,  EVER  TIME  I  PASS  A  VALERO  GAS  STATION  I  GET  A  WARM  AND  FUZZY--YO  FILLER-UP  AT  MR.  BILL'S  ON SOUTH CHURCH.

YEARS PASSED  AND DUE  TO  SPOUSAL  OBLIGATION THERE   I  WAS  IN  SAN-AN-TONE   WITH  PRESS  CREDENTIALS  TO  DALLAS  COWBOYS   NFL   PRE-SEASON  CAMP AT  THE  ALAMO  DOME-  SITE OF  THIS  YEAR'S  FINAL  FOUR  . NOW , THE  ALAMO  DOME IS  NOT QUITE  AS  APPOINTED  AS  MOST  OF  THE OTHER  DOMES  AROUND  THE  COUNTRY, BUT  I  UNDERSTAND  THEY  HAVE  PAINTED  HER  UP  AND  PRIMED  HER  UP  FOR  THE FINALS OF  THE  MARCH MADNESS  AND  RUMORS  CONTINUE  THAT  AN  NFL  TEAM IS  HEADED  THERE.  I  GOT LUCKY--THE  ASSISTANT  EQUIPMENT  MANAGER  OF  THE  COWBOYS  HAD  PREVIOUSLY  WORKED  IN  COLLEGE  ATHLETICS  IN AUGUSTA  ,   KNEW  MY   MENTOR  IN  THE  BIZ,  BOBBY POPE  AD  AT MERCER--SO I  QUICKLY  HAD   THE  RUN OF  THE  PLACE.  JERRY  JONES  HAD  HELD  PRE-SEASON  DRILLS  IN  LA  FOR  YEARS,  BUT  WHEN  HOUSTON  GOT  AN  NFL  FRANCHISE  HE  MOVED  DRILLS  TO  SAN  ANTONE  TO   PROTECT   HIS  MARKET  SHARE  IN  TEXAS. WORD  WAS  HE  PAID  A  MILLION  DOLLARS  TO  PUT  DOWN      TIRE- TYPE  TURF  ON  THE  FLOOR OF  THE ALAMO  DOME JUST  FOR  PRESEASON  DRILLS.   

JERRY IS  A PERSONABLE-TYPE  HE  WILL  TALK WITH  ANYONE  ESPECIALLY  IF THEY  HAVE A  TAPE  RECORDER IN THEIR HAND  AND  WAS  DELIGHTED  TO  HEAR  THAT  THE  NEW  OWNER OF  THE  FALCONS  CONSIDERED HIM  AN NFL  OWNER    TO  EMULATE. DID YA  KNOW   OZZY  OSBOURNE  AND  BLACK  SABBATH  PLAYED  THE  TEXAS  CITY IN FEB.  OF  1982  AND  OZZY   LOST IT  AND  RELIEVED  HIMSELF  ON  A  MONUMENT  IN  FRONT OF  THE  ALAMO  AND  GOT  ARRESTED.  HE POSTED   BOND  AND  WAS  RELEASED  BUT   WAS   BANNED  FROM  THE CITY.  HE  RETURNED  YEARS  LATER,  APOLOGIZED,  AND  DONATED  $10,000  TO  THE  ORGANIZATION  THAT  PERSERVES  ALAMO  HISTORY.

THE  FINAL  FOUR  HAS  COME  A  LONG  WAY  SINCE  CBS  PROMOTED IT  INTO  MARCH  MADNESS.  EVEN  AN  OLE   SPORTS JUNKIE  LIKE  ME  WAS  NOT  EVEN  AWARE  THE  1982  COLLEGE  BASKETBALL  CHAMPIONSHIP  WAS BEING  PLAYED  IN  NEW  ORLEANS BETWEEN  NORTH  CAROLINA  AND  GEORGETOWN WHEN  ME   AND  MY   HOMIE  RICHARD  BLACK  DINED  AT CLYDE'S  GRILL  IN GEORGETOWN  ,D.C.  I  ALWAYS  TOOK  R.  BLACK  ALONG  WHEN  I  ATTENDED  THE  NATIONAL  BROADCASTING  CONVENTION--SOMETHING  ABOUT  A  BUDDY  PASS  AND  DELTA'S  LODGING  DISCOUNT. CLYDE'S  WAS  SET-UP  FOR  THE  GAME--A  ROW OF  CHAIRS  IN  A  BIG  CONFERENCE  ROOM  AND A   19  INCH  TV  TO  FOLLOW  THE  ACTION. IT  WAS  A GOOD  ONE -- DEAN  SMITH  WON 63-62  AND  DID  I  MENTION  THE  TAR  HEELS  HAD  A  FRESHMAN  NAMED MICHAEL JORDAN.DAVED 

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.

 

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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.)