VETERANS JOB FAIR

 

Over 45 companies are primed to hire at the upcoming Atlanta Veterans Job Fair organized by DAV & RecruitMilitary. This vital event supports veterans transitioning to civilian careers, highlighting their unmatched skills and dedication.   The job fair is scheduled for Thursday, June 5th at Georgia International Convention Center from 11am to 3pm Eastern. Offering free registration to transitioning military personnel, veterans, and their families

GUILTY PLEA IN UPSON FATAL WRECK

 A  MOTORIST  CHARGED   WITH  A  MISDEMEANOR HOMICIDE  BY  VEHICLE  AT  74  EAST  AND  TRINITY  ROAD,  TEDRIANNA  MIMS,  ENTERED  A  GUILTY PLEA  IN  THE  DEATH  OF  17-YEAR  OLD JERMYA  ELEBY-AUGUST  OF  2023,  AND  SENTENCED  BY  JUDGE  FLETCHER  SAMS,  IN  UPSON  SUPERIOR  COURT,  THURSDAY. ACCORDING  TO  SENIOR ASSISTANT  DISTRICT  ATTORNEY  AUDREY D.  HOLLIDAY-MS. MIMS ENTERED  AN  ALFORD  PLEA  ON  TWO  COUNTS--FAILURE  TO  YIELD  FOR  A  STOP  SIGN  AND  WAS  SENTENCED  TO 12  MONTHS PROBATION  AND  THE  2ND  COUNT-HOMICIDE BY  VEHICLE  IN  THE  2ND  DEGREE--SENTENCED  TO 12  MONTHS  PROBATION  TO  RUN  CONSECUTIVE  TO  COUNT 1,  A $500  FINE,  40  HOURS  OF  COMMUNITY  SERVICE.

SENIOR  ADA  HOLLIDAY  TOLD   101  NEWS,  THE  CASE  WAS  A  MISDEMEANOR  BECAUSE  MS. MIMS  DID  HALT  AT  THE  STOP SIGN,  THEN  PROCEEDED  AND  MS. ELEBY  TOPPED  THE  HILL,  TRIED  TO  AVOID  THE  OTHER  VEHICLE  AND  CAME  TO  REST  IN  A  CREEK.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE IN THOMASTON

The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive in Auditorium C at the District Three Thomaston Office on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Please see below for more information.

 

Schedule you blood donation appointment today!

NEWS FROM D.A. MARIE BRODER

 On May 21st, 2025, a Fayette County jury convicted Shane McCall of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary 1st, and three counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. The Tyrone Police Department investigated the case. Senior Assistant District Attorney Monique Harris and Assistant District Attorney Rebecca Dehbozorgi represented the State at trial with the assistance of Investigator Ed Mashburn, Victim-Advocate Cassie Murrell, and legal assistant Carly Morgan.

The evidence showed that on April 15th, 2024, at approximately 4:30AM, Corporal Hammock responded to a welfare check at 437 Senoia Road, Tyrone, GA after receiving a 911 call from an individual making painful moaning sounds. Upon approaching the home, Corporal Hammock continued to hear the sounds from outside the door and entry was made into the home. Corporal Hammock observed a male later identified as Kenneth Collins lying on the floor surrounded by a large amount of blood. Collins stated that he had been shot by the Defendant. He stated the Defendant entered the home and struck him with an AR-style rifle. The defendant made statements related to looking for a female that he had once had a relationship with. Collins was able to grab the rifle, and a struggle ensued. Collins told Defendant that the female was not at the home although she was hiding in the bedroom. The Defendant then pulled out a handgun and fired one shot, striking Collins in the face. The Defendant then fled the scene, and Collins was able to call 911. Corporal Hammock spoke to the female who stated she heard the Defendant come into the house asking for her. She stated she was afraid, so she grabbed a gun and hid under the bed. At trial, the State presented text messages which showed numerous death threats from the Defendant towards her, Kenneth, and her family just days prior to the incident. Her relationship with Defendant involved physical abuse and she was residing at the home in part to get away from Defendant. Detective Johnson was able to speak to the homeowner and obtain additional statements as well as video evidence that showed Defendant, who did not reside in the area, present within the area during the time of the assault. Thankfully, Collins survived the assault but sustained serious injuries including having his jaw wired shut for several weeks.

The Honorable Chief Judge Scott Ballard presided over the case and sentenced Defendant to the maximum time allowed, 50 years to serve in prison

DOWNTOWN THOMASTON NEW MURAL

 THE  THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL    AS  PART  OF  THE  BICENNTENIAL CELEBRATION,   HAS  VOTED  TO  SPEND  UP  TO   $30,000  FOR  A   MURAL  FEATURING    THE  LATE  SHOWMAN  WAYNE   COCHRAN  AND  NFL  FOOTBALL  STAR  TRAVON  WALKER. PLANS    PLACE IT   ON   THE  BUILDING  AT  THE  PUBLIC  PARKING  LOT  ON  EAST  LEE  ACROSS  FROM  BIG  CHIC UPTOWN. 

SPECIAL ELECTION FOR PROBATE JUDGE COULD BE ON THE NOV. BALLOT

ELECTION  OFFICIALS  IN  UPSON  COUNTY  HAVE  TOLD   101  NEWS  THAT  ITS LIKELY  THAT  THE  SPECIAL  ELECTION  FOR  PROBATE  JUDGE  WILL   BE  IN  NOVEMBER.  IT  WOULD  COST  UP  TO   $10,000  TO  HOLD  A  SPECIAL  ELECTION  BY ITSELF,  BUT   CITY  AND  COUNTY  GOVERNMENTS  HAVE  INDICATED  THEY  WANT  A   $5  MILLION  FLOST--SALES  TAX  MEASURE   ON  THE  BALLOT--BASED  ON  HOUSE  BILL   581  FOR  PROPERTY  TAX  RELIEF. QUALIFYING  WOULD  BE  IN  AUGUST  FOR  THE  OFFICE  OF PROBATE  JUDGE,  A  CONSTITUTIONAL  OFFICER 

FALSE ALARM LOCKDOWN UPSON-LEE HIGH-WED.

 ACCORDING  TO   KAREN  TRUESDALE--SPOKES-PERSON  FOR  THE   THOMASTON-UPSON  COUNTY  SCHOOLS  --  THE  HIGH  SCHOOL   WAS   PLACED  IN  LOCKDOWN    WED.   BY  MISTAKE.  THERE  WAS  NO  EMERGENCY  AND  NO   TEACHERS  OR  STUDENTS  WERE   HARMED

THOMASTON MAN SUSPECTED IN AN ALA. SHOOTING FOUND DEAD

 A  THOMASTON  MAN  HAS  APPARENTLY  TAKEN  HIS  OWN  LIFE  AFTER  POLICE  IN  MILLPORT,  ALABAMA  SAY   RODNEY  RAINES   WAS  THE  SUSPECT  IN  THE  SHOOTING  OF  TWO PEOPLE  AT  A  DWELLING  IN    MILLPORT   MAY  12TH.  RAINES  BODY  WAS  FOUND  SUNDAY  EVENING   IN  A  WOODED  AREA  ALONG  COUNTY  ROAD 49.

THE  SHOOTING  VICTIMS  WERE  HOSPITALIZED.  NO  DETAILS  ON  A  MOTIVE.

THOMASTON MAYOR SPEAKS TO KIWANIS CLUBN

 CITY OF  THOMASTON  MAYOR  J.D. STALLINGS TOLD  THOMASTON  KIWANIS,  TUESDAY,  A  USDA  GRANT  OF   $900,000    TO  HELP   FUND  THE  NEW  FARMER'S  MARKET  AT  EAST  GORDON  AND  HIGHTOWER  WAS  A  BUDGET  CUTTING  VICTIM BY  THE  FEDS , LAST WEEK.   WHEN     BIDS   WERE  OPENED  SEVERAL  WEEKS  AGO   THEY   EXCEEDED  THE  GRANTS    APPROVED  TO  FUND  THE  MULTI-USE  FACILITY--SO  THE  CITY  COUNCIL   ORDERED A   RE-BID.  THE  MAYOR  AND  COUNCIL  WILL  HOLD  A MEETING  FOR  BID  APPROVAL  TUESDAY  MAY 27TH--6PM  IN  THE  CITY  MANAGER'S  CONFERENCE  ROOM  ON  THE  2ND FLOOR OF  THE  GOVERNMENT  COMPLEX. 

THE  MAYOR   ADDED  PARTS  OF  A  MESSAGE  THE  CITY  MANAGER PUT  ON  THE   CITY  HALL  FACEBOOK  PAGE  THIS  WEEK--THAT  THE  PERMIT  ISSUED  FOR  THE DOWNTOWN FAMILY  FUN  FEST  EVENT  ASSOCIATED WITH  THE  EMANCIPATION  CELEBRATION  --EXPIRES  AT  8PM--  MAY   24TH  --EARLIER  THAN  USUAL--AS  A  SAFETY   PRECAUTION.  TWO   RECENT  GANG  RELATED  INCIDENTS   ARE THE   REASON--ACCORDING  TO THE  POST.  PATRONS  CAN  CONTINUE  ACTIVITIES  ON  PRIVATE  PROPERTY  BUT  THE  STREETS  AT  BETHEL  AND  DANIEL  WILL  BE  CLEARED  AND  OPENED  TO  TRAFFIC. 

UPSON CO. UTILITY DEPART. MEMO FOR SUNNYSIDE COMMUNITY

 UPSON  COUNTY'S  UTILITY  SUPERINTENDENT    BEN  BERRYHALL  ALERTS  THE  PUBLIC  TO    A  TEMPORARY  INTERRUPTION  IN  WATER  SERVICE,  WEDNESDAY,  MAY  21ST  9AM  FOR  AROUND  TWO  HOURS  DUE TO  SYSTEM  UPGRADES.  CUSTOMERS  MAY  EXPERIENCE LOW  WATER  PRESSURE.       COUNTY   GOVERNMENT   APOLOGIZES  FOR  ANY  INCONVENIENCE.

4TH CASE OF MEASLES IN GA. 2025

 DPH Confirms Fourth Measles Case in Georgia in 2025 MMR Vaccine is Safe and Effective in Preventing Measles ATLANTA—The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated Greater Atlanta resident. The individual acquired the virus while traveling internationally. DPH is working to identify any persons who may have been exposed through contact with the individual between May 10 and May 18, when they were infectious. Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room. Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus, typically including high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then, a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent measles a

UPSON'S COUNTY MANAGER IS LEAVING

 UPSON COUNTY'S   MANAGER  JASON  TINSLEY  HAS  ACCEPTED   THE      NEWLY  CREATED   POSITION    OF    ASSISTANT  COUNTY  ADMINISTRATOR  OF  FAYETTE  COUNTY   AFTER  SERVING  UPSON  COUNTY  FOR   7  YEARS.   SPEAKING  WITH   101  NEWS,  JASON  THANKED  THE  COMMISSIONERS  WHO  HIRED  HIM  AND  SAID   LEAVING    HAS  NOTHING  TO  DO  WITH  THE  NEW  ADMINISTRATION  IN  COUNTY  GOVERNMENT. TINSLEY   RECALLED  WHAT  HE  SAID  WERE  THE  MANY  ACCOMPLISHMENTS  OF  COUNTY  GOVERNMENT  DURING  HIS  SERVICE,  BUT  ADDED  IT  WAS  A  TEAM  EFFORT.  HE  NOTED  THESE  DAYS,  7  YEARS  IS  QUITE  A  LONG  TIME  TO  SERVE  A  LOCAL  GOVERNMENT   AND  HE  LOOKS  FOWARD  TO  NEW  CHALLENGES  IN FAYETTE  COUNTY.    JASON   SAID     HIS  FAMILY  PLANS  TO  CONTINUE  TO   LIVE  IN  UPSON  COUNTY,  FOR  NOW. 

UPSON COUNTY 29TH OF MAY CELEBRATION

 Get ready, Upson County! The 29th of May Celebration — also known as the Emancipation Celebration of Upson — is coming your way!

Join us on Saturday, May 24th for a full day of community pride, culture, and celebration.
The 29th of May Parade kicks off at 900 N. Hightower Street in the old Thomaston Mills parking lot.
It travels down North Bethel Street, turns right on Thompson Street near Jump 4 Fun GA, then left onto South Church Street near Alfa Insurance and the 5 Tower Events Center, and ends at 500 S. Center Street, near Southside BP.

🎉 After the parade, the celebration continues in Lincoln Park (235 MLK Drive) with an afternoon full of live music, food vendors, giveaways, a Kids’ Zone, community speakers, and more! Bring your family and enjoy the fun all day long!

Then join us again on Thursday, May 29th for the elegant 29th of May Heritage Awards Banquet, as we honor individuals making a lasting impact in our community.

Celebrate freedom. Celebrate unity. Celebrate with us.
For more info, visit upsonemancipation.org or call 770-648-4753. 

EX-DOLLAR GENERAL MANAGER WANTED BY TPD

THOMASTON  POLICE  CID  INVESTIGATING  AN  ALLEGED  STOLEN  BANK  DEPOSIT  OF $2984  FROM  A  FORMER  STORE  MANAGER  AT  DOLLAR  GENERAL  19 SOUTH.   THE  NAME  OF   38  YEAR  OLD  SHERI  IVEY OF  THE  FT.  VALLEY/ROBERTA  AREA  WAS  ENTERED  ON  THE  NATIONAL  CRIME  INFORMATION  CENTER.  TPD   REPORT  INDICATED       MS. IVEY  SAID  SHE  COULD  NOT  RETURN  TO  WORK  AT  DOLLAR  GENERAL  DUE  TO  PERSONAL  REASONS

CITY OF THOMASTON/SRE UPDATE ON OUTAGES

 SOUTHERN  RIVERS  ENERGY  BASED  IN  LAMAR  COUNTY  REPORTED 850  OUTAGES  SUNDAY  BUT  ALL  WERE  RESOLVED  IN  3-4  HOURS. 

THOMASTON'S  CITY  MANAGER  RUSSELL  THOMPSON  SAYS  SILVERTOWN  BEHIND  GG  PARK  REGAINED  SERVICE  AROUND 8PM  SUNDAY.  MALLORY  STREET  STILL  WITHOUT POWER  10AM  MONDAY.

OUTAGE UPDATE FROM UPSON EMC

 We currently have 956 meters without power and it’s widespread. Below are how many meters in each county we have out:

Upson  392

Talbot   360

Crawford 135

Meriwether 35

Taylor 30

Pike 2

 

We’re grateful to have support from Central Georgia EMC, Snapping Shoals EMC and High Voltage Utilities crews to help with restoration efforts.

 

At the peak of the outages, we had around 4,600 meters without power. So far we’ve found 11 broken poles that need to be replaced.

DP

NOW U CAN SEE THE TUNE PLAYING ON FUN 101FM

 FUN  101  FM  NOW  DISPLAYING THE  ARTIST  AND  SONG  TITLE  FOR  ALL  TUNES--ON  YOUR  VEHICLE  SCREEN  AND  ON  OUR WEBSITE.

MUFFIN GIBSON SWORN-IN AS INTERIM UPSON CO PROBATE JUDGE

 UPSON  COUNTY'S  ASSOCIATE  PROBATE  JUDGE,  MUFFIN  GIBSON  WAS  SWORN-IN AS  INTERIM  PROBATE  JUDGE  TUESDAY  IN  FAYETTEVILLE  BY  THE  CHIEF JUDGE OF  THE  GRIFFIN  JUDICIAL  CIRCUIT--THE  HONORABLE  SCOTT  BALLARD--ACCORDING TO   COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  DAN  BRUE .  SHE  WILL  SERVE  UNTIL  A  SPECIAL  ELECTION  CAN  BE  HELD  FOR  THE  JUDGESHIP.    PROBATE  JUDGE  DANIELLE MCRAE  RESIGNED  LAST  FRIDAY   OVER   ALLEGATIONS  INVOLVING  FINANCES   BY  THE   JUDICIAL QUALIFICATIONS  COMMISSION  AND  SIGNED  DOCUMENTS  THAT  SHE  WOULD  NEVER  SEEK A  JUDICIAL  POST  AGAIN.  THE  GBI  HAS  LAUNCHED    AN  INVESTIGATION   INTO    CHARGES  SHE  VIOLATED  THE  LAW    USING  HER  COUNTY-ISSUED  CREDIT  CARD  AND OTHER  CHARGES.

PROBATE  JUDGES  IN  GA. HANDLE  WILLS,  ESTATE  MATTERS,  MARRIAGE  LICENSING,  GUARDIANSHIPS  AND  OTHER  CASES.  MCRAE IS  THE  4TH  GA.  JUDGE  TO  RESIGN  THIS  YEAR  WHILE  UNDER  INVESTIGATION  BY  THE  JQC. 

WEST CENTRAL BANK DONATES TO URMC

 Thomaston, GA, May 13, 2025– West Central Georgia Bank has donated $30,000 to Upson Regional Medical Center through the Georgia HEART Hospital Program.

The Georgia HEART Hospital Program helps rural and critical access hospitals take advantage of an exciting opportunity to increase their funding and their ability to provide for the health care needs of thousands of Georgians. The State of Georgia uniquely empowers its citizens with the opportunity pay their state income taxes – an expenditure that they are required to make anyway – through contributing to eligible rural hospitals to improve the financial condition and patient offerings in Georgia’s rural communities. Upson Regional Medical Center is one of fifty hospitals eligible to receive donations through the Georgia HEART Hospital Program.

“We sincerely appreciate the generous donation West Central Georgia Bank has made to Upson Regional Medical Center,” shared URMC CEO Dan Owens. “Support from businesses and individuals through the Georgia HEART Hospital Program helps us fund vital capital equipment and key projects that enhance our ability to provide the high-quality care our patients need and deserve. We take pride in providing excellent care, close to home, and donations through the Georgia HEART Hospital Program allow Upson Regional to continue to expand our service offerings.”

During 2023, Upson Regional Medical Center completed over $4.7M in capital equipment purchases and projects. Georgia HEART funds received in 2023 were used to offset approximately 31% of these costs. In 2024, URMC utilized funds contributed through the Georgia HEART Hospital Program to upgrade four operating rooms with the Stryker Endoscopic System.

“Thomaston, Upson County and the surrounding communities are fortunate to have access to quality healthcare at Upson Regional Medical Center” shared Eddie Rogers, President and Chairman of the Board of West Central Georgia Bank. “We are proud to be able to support Upson Regional Medical Center and its employees by participating in the Georgia HEART Hospital Program. We feel like through this program, small businesses like West Central Georgia Bank can participate by helping provide funds that make a difference in healthcare in our community.”

All citizens of the state of Georgia can decide how their tax dollars are spent. When donating through the Georgia HEART Hospital Program, Georgia taxpayers receive a state income tax credit for 100% of the amount they contribute up to certain limits depending on filing status. To learn more about the Georgia HEART Hospital Program, please visit georgiaheart.org.

THE AJC REPORTS ON THE RESIGNATION OF UPSON PROBATE JUDGE

 

THE  AJC  REPORTS  UPSON  COUNTY  PROBATE  JUDGE  DANIELLE  MCRAE  ABRUPTLY  RESIGNED  LATE  FRIDAY  SAYING  SHE  HAD  NO  CHOICE  AMID  A  MISCONDUCT  INVESTIGATION-- A   POSITION   SHE'S HELD  SINCE  2012. MCRAE WAS  UNDER  INVESTIGATION BY  THE  GA.  JUDICIAL  QUALIFICATIONS  COMMISSION AND  IS  NOW  THE  SUBJECT   OF  A  GBI  PROBE FOR  ACCUSATIONS OF MISUSING  COUNTY  FUNDS  AND  HAVING  IMPROPER  DISCUSSIONS  ABOUT  CASES,  AMONG  OTHER  THINGS. THE  AJC  REPORTED   MCRAE  WAS  ACCUSED  IN  PART  OF  VOIDING  PAYMENTS  MADE  TO  THE  COURT  ON  TRAFFIC  CITATIONS  AND  USING  HER  COUNTY-ISSUED  PURCHASING  CARD  TO  PAY  FOR  A  PERSONAL   TRIP  AND  LODGING.  SHE  ALSO  FAILED  TO  TELL  INVESTIGATORS  THE  TRUTH,  ACCORDING  TO  THE  REPORT.

GOVERNOR  BRIAN  KEMP  ACCEPTED  MCRAE'S  RESIGNATION  EFFECTIVE  IMMEDIATELY,  ACCORDING  TO  A   LETTER  SHARED  BY  HIS  OFFICE AND KEVIN  HOLDER,   THE  GA.  COUNCIL OF  PROBATE  JUDGE'S  EXECUTIVE  DIRECTOR  SAID  HE  RECEIVED  A  TEXT  MESSAGE  MONDAY  FROM  MCRAE  ADDRESSING  HER  RESIGNATION.  MCRAE  TOLD  HOLDER" BOTTOM  LINE  IS, I  HAVE  VIOLATED  A COUPLE  OF  CANNONS.  NO  MATTER  WHAT  I  DO  AT  THIS  POINT  I'M F----,  I  HAVE  NO  CHOICE  BUT  TO  RESIGN." HER MESSAGE  SAID   SOME  OF  THE  JQC ALLEGATIONS   ARE  "VEHEMENTLY"  DENIED,  WHILE OTHERS  CAN'T  BE  DENIED. IT  SAYS  SIGNED  SENTENCE  AGREEMENTS  SHOW " THE  APPEARANCE  OF  IMPROPRIETY"

THE  AJC  ADDS, HOLDER  SAID  MCRAE WAS ALSO  ACCUSED OF  HAVING  IMPROPER  COMMUNICATIONS  WITH  AN  ATTORNEY  ABOUT  COURT  CASES  AND  BEING  CHRONICALLY  ABSENT.  HE  SAID  UPSON  COUNTY'S ASSOCIATE  PROBATE JUDGE MUFFIN  GIBSON  WILL  TAKE  OVER MCRAE'S  ROLE  UNTIL  A  SPECIAL  ELECTION IS  HELD.

UPSON CO CHAIRMAN DAN BRUE REQUESTED A PERFORMANCE REVIEW OF THE TAX ASSESSORS OFFICE

 Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 48-5-295.1(a), the State Revenue Commissioner, Frank O’Connell, has appointed an independent review board to execute a performance review investigation of the Upson County Board of Tax Assessors as requested by the Upson County Board of Commissioners on March 25, 2025.  The members appointed to the Upson County Performance Review Board are:

 

Nathan Evans - Compliance Specialist II, Local Government Services Georgia Department of Revenue

 

Jeannie Haddock - Chief Appraiser, Lamar County Board of Assessors

 

Jason Sapp - Chief Appraiser, Taylor County Board of Assessors

 

Mr. Evans will serve as Chairman of the Performance Review Board.  The Upson County Performance Review Board will make a request for documents and will set a schedule for interviews and site views in the coming weeks. The tentative schedule to be onsite is mid-July.  Once the review is complete, the Performance Review Board will issue a written report of its findings.

 

UPSON CO PROBATE JUDGE RESIGNING

 101 NEWS  SPOKE  WITH  THE  CHIEF  JUDGE  OF  THE  GRIFFIN JUDICIAL  CIRCUIT  THE  HONORABLE  SCOTT  BALLARD-- MONDAY  REGARDING  UPSON  COUNTY PROBATE  JUDGE  DANIELLE  MCRAE  TENDERING  HER  RESIGNATION  TO  GOVERNOR  BRIAN KEMP. CHIEF  JUDGE  BALLARD  SAID  STATE  JUDICIAL   INVESTIGATORS  ARE  LOOKING  INTO  ACCUSATIONS  THAT  INVOLVE  MONEY. JUDGE  BALLARD  ADDED--AT  THIS  POINT  THESE  ARE  ONLY  ALLEGATIONS. JUDGE  BALLARD  SAID  THE  LAW  ON  FILLING  THE  POSITION  CALLS  FOR  THE  ASSOCIATE  PROBATE  JUDGE  TO  ASSUME  THE  POST OF    PROBATE JUDGE   UNTIL  A  SPECIAL  ELECTION  CAN  BE HELD.

COUNTY  OFFICIALS TOLD  US PERSONNEL  FROM  THE  STATE  JQC  ESCORTED  JUDGE  MCRAE  FROM  HER  OFFICE,  FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND  SHE  TENDERED  HER  RESIGNATION   TO  GOVERNOR  KEMP   LATE  FRIDAY.  WE  WERE  TOLD  EMS  RESPONDED  TO  THE PROBATE JUDGE'S  OFFICE  AT THE  JUSTICE  CENTER,  FRIDAY AFTER A   MEMBER  OF  THE  OFFICE  WAS  REPORTEDLY  HAVING A   PANIC  ATTACK  WITH  THE  DEVELOPMENTS  AT THE OFFICE. 

UPSON CO PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA 5/12/25

. Presentation by Slade Gulledge, IDA Director and Jason Tinsley, County Manager 2. Commission Discussion B. Moratorium Issues – Flag Lots, Internal Access, Serial Lot Splitting - Materials Provided - Commission Discussion

GOV SIGNS CAMP BILL INTO LAW

 DISTRICT 135  STATE  HOUSE  MEMBER  BETH  CAMP  WAS  CHIEF  SPONSOR  OF HB 331 SIGNED  BY  GOVERNOR  KEMP  TO  COMBAT ILLICIT  PET  SALES   ACROSS  GA.  THE  BEST FRIENDS  ANIMAL  SOCIETY  COMMENDED  REPRESENTATIVE   CAMP  ON  THIS  SIGNIFICANT  VICTORY.  CAMP  NOW  REPRESENTS  ALL  OF  PIKE,  AND  PORTIONS OF  SPALDING  AND  LAMAR. 

TERESA MEIER CLERK OF UPSON SUPERIOR COURT OUTLINES FANS

 Upson County Superior Court Clerk’s office in

conjunction with the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’

Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) is pleased to offer the

Filing Activity Notification System, FANS, providing

Georgia citizens with tools to monitor activity regarding

their property and records.

FANS is a free, voluntary, opt-in program that can be

used to send electronic notifications of filing activity to

individuals who create notifications in the system. The

notifications generated by this system are not

guaranteed to be accurate or complete, and use of

the system is subject to an acknowledgment of these

conditions.

To get started, go to https://fans.gsccca.org and follow

the prompts. If you have any questions or concerns

regarding the FANS, please contact the Georgia

Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority customer

support at 1-800-304-5174 or help@gsccca.org.

We hope you find this service to be beneficial as Upson

County Superior Court Clerk’s office continues to

explore and implement new ways to improve services

delivered to the citizens of Upson Count

CHANEY SELECTED CITY OF THOMASTON MAYOR PRO TEM

 TROY  CHANEY  WAS  SELECTED  CITY  OF  THOMASTON  MAYOR  PRO  TEM  AT  TUESDAY'S  CITY  COUNCIL  MEETING  ON  A   3-1  VOTE. COUNCILMAN  RYAN  TUCKER  VOTED  AGAINST  THE  MOTION  BY  JEFF  MIDDLEBROOKS.  CHANEY  WAS  ADMINISTERED  THE  OATH  OF  OFFICE    BY  CITY  ATTORNEY  DEANNE  WHEELER  AND  WAS  THEN  SEATED  AND  PARTICIPATED  IN  THE  MEETING.  VETERAN  MAYOR  PRO  TEM  DOUG  HEAD  RESIGNED  EFFECTIVE  AT  THE  END  OF  APRIL

NEWS FROM GORDON STATE-BARNESVILLE

 BARNESVILLE, Ga., – Gordon State College hosted its annual Scholarship Luncheon on April 18 at the Barnesville campus, thanking donors whose support helped the GSC Foundation award more than $332,000 in scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year.

“Thank you to everyone who has given to support these students. Your generosity goes beyond helping them through courses or semesters, you’re shaping their futures,” said Donald J. Green, GSC president. “I was once a scholarship recipient myself. As a first-generation student, I know firsthand how transformative that support can be. Your support is creating a legacy that impacts generations, just as it did for my children and me.”

During the 2024-25 academic year, a total of 245 students received scholarships. At the luncheon, two scholarship recipients shared their testimonies, speaking about the profound impact of their scholarships. They expressed their gratitude directly to the donors whose generosity made their educational journeys possible.

Maelee Hendrix, a management and administration major at GSC and recipient of the Gordon Alumni Scholarship, expressed her gratitude to the donors for investing in the futures of the next generation of leaders, educators, doctors, business professionals, and “all who walk onto [GSC’s] campus.”

“When I chose to continue my education, I knew Gordon State was the right choice due to its financial advantages,” Hendrix said. “As the youngest of four children who’ve all graduated from GSC, I’m responsible for funding my own education. Your support lifts the financial burden, allowing students like me to focus on our futures.”

Honorable Kelly Hughes, Barnesville mayor, alumna, and GSC Foundation Board member spoke about the importance of giving back and the “profound impact it has on both the recipient and the giver.” She said that in a world filled with challenges, the act of giving holds a special and meaningful place.

“At the heart of giving is a sense of purpose and fulfillment. As a non-traditional student, Gordon was a lifesaver for me, allowing me to pursue my degree through night classes on campus and courses at Gordon’s off-site location,” Hughes said. “I’m thrilled to be part of this celebration.”

HB 581 INFO FROM UPSON TAX COMMISSIONERS ANDY CHASTAIN

 AN AMENDMENT TO HOUSE BILL 581, RECENTLY PASSED THE STATE LEGISLATURE AND WAS SIGNED OFF ON BY GOVERNOR KEMP LAST APRIL. PART OF THIS AMENDMENT PROVIDES AN ADDITIONAL 45 DAYS TO APPLY FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR THE 2025 TAX YEAR. THE 45 DAY EXTENSION BEGINS MAY 9TH AND ENDS JUNE 23RD . AS A RESULT OF HB-581, THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR THOSE WHO HAVE PURCHASED HOMES IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS AND DIDN’T GET A CHANCE TO FILE FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION BEFORE APRIL 1ST , AND ALSO TO THOSE WHO DO NOT ALREADY HAVE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION ON THEIR PRIMARY RESIDENCE. PRELIMINARY DIGEST NUMBERS SHOW AN INCREASE IN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY ANYWHERE FROM 3 TO 10% FOR TAX YEAR 2025. FOR COUNTY AND CITY TAX PURPOSES, HB-581 FREEZES ALL HOMESTEADED PROPERTY AT 2024 VALUES FOR TAX YEAR 2025. THIS WILL BE A HOME’S BASE VALUE AND THIS VALUE WILL BE ADJUSTED BY A SET INFLATION RATE YEARLY BEGINNING IN 2026. WE STRONGLY URGE HOMEOWNERS TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION ON THEIR PRIMARY RESIDENCE BEFORE JUNE 23RD .

TRIBUTE TO PRINCE DOWNTOWN THOMASTON CHAMBER EVENT 5/10/25

 GET  YOUR  TIX  NOW  FOR  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  CHAMBER  OF  COMMERCE  TRIBUTE  TO  PRINCE  WITH  THE  COVER  BAND--PURPLE  EXPERIENCE -- SAT.  MAY   10  5-9 PM  DOWNTOWN  THOMASTON  AND  THE  SOUTHSIDE OF  THE  COURTHOUSE  SQUARE.  OUTSIDE  FOOD IS  ALLOWED  BUT  NO OUTSIDE  BEVERAGES OR  PETS PERMITTED.  TICKETS  ARE  $20  IN  ADVANCE, $25 DAY OF  EVENT--AGES  10  AND  UNDER  ADMITTED  FREE.  GATES  OPEN  AT  5PM , MUSIC  BEGINS  AT  6PM.

A 2ND TEEN ARRESTED FOR DEATH OF A MANCHESTER HIGH FOOTBALL PLAYER

 THE  GBI  SAYS  A  2ND  TEEN HAS  BEEN  ARRESTED  IN  CONNECTION  WITH  THE  DEATH  OF  MANCHESTER  HIGH  SCHOOL  FOOTBALL  PLAYER  BRANDON  SMITH,  AGE  17-WHO  WAS  FOUND  SHOT  AND  KILLED  ON THE  EVE  OF  MANCHESTER'S  STATE  TITLE  CHAMPIONSHIP  GAME  IN  DECEMBER OF   2023  AT THE  BENZ  IN  ATLANTA. 17  YEAR  OLD QUA'VION JAKWON  COOPER  HAS  BEEN  CHARGED  WITH MURDER  AS  A  PARTY  TO  THE  CRIME.  THE   GBI  SAYS  COOPER  AIDED  AND  ABETTED  19-YEAR  OLD  A'DARIOUS  JASHAWN  WILLIAMS,  WHO  PREVIOUSLY  WAS  CHARGED  WITH  SHOOTING  AND  KILLING  SMITH  FOLLOWING  AN  ARGUMENT  ON  DEC, 7,  2023.

SEASON OVER FOR U-L AND PIKE PIRATES

 THE  BASEBALL  SEASON  IS OVER  FOR  UPSON-LEE  AND  PIKE  COUNTY  PIRATES.  THE  KNIGHTS  DROPPED   BOTH  GAMES  OF A   STATE PLAY-OFF  DOUBLE-HEADER  AT  MARY  PERSONS,  THURSDAY, 13-2  AND   14-1.  PIKE COUNTY  LOST  TWO  AT  ROCKMART  7-5  AND  11-1  IN  THE  SECOND  ROUND  OF  THE  PLAY-OFFS. 

JUDGE COKER SENTENCES GRIFFIN COUPLE FOR CRUELTY TO CHILDREN

 A  GRIFFIN  COUPLE,  TYLER  AND  KRISTA SCHINDLEY HAVE  BEEN  SENTENCED  TO   40  YEARS  IN  PRISON  AND   20  YEARS  PROBATION  FOR  TRYING  TO  STARVE   A   FAMILY   BOY   BY   SPALDING  COUNTY   SUPERIOR  COURT  JUDGE  BENJAMIN  COKER.    THE  SCHINDLEY'S  ENTERED  GUILTY  PLEAS  THURSDAY  TO  ALL  THE  CHARGES  AGAINST  THEM  INCLUDING CRUELTY  TO  CHILDREN, FALSE  IMPRISONMENT  AND  MORE.  AUTHORITIES  SAY  THE  BOY, AGE  10  ,   WEIGHED  JUST  36  POUNDS WHEN  HE  WAS  FOUND WANDERING  THE  NEIGHBORHOOD.

SPALDING CO. SHERIFF DARRELL DIX FIRED A DEPUTY FOR DUI

 “Last night at approximately 7:15pm, I learned from Chief Deputy Tony Thomason that he had been notified that one of our Uniform Patrol Division Sergeants, Andrew Degler, had reported to work at 7:00pm and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. A shift Deputy brought it to the attention of their shift Lieutenant. A preliminary breath test was administered, and the results were positive for the presence of alcohol.” Degler was fired immediately, placed under arrest for DUI, read his implied consent warning, and had blood drawn to test for alcohol content. He was escorted into the jail and was booked in for DUI. He is currently in custody waiting to post bail. Degler had been with the SCSO for nearly 12 years.” “Each Deputy I hire, whether in enforcement or in detention, receives the same blunt talk from me when I swear them in, and part of that talk is that the badge you wear covers several square inches of your chest and none of your ass. I warn them not to do dumb stuff and think that their badge will get them out of it, because it won’t.” “When I spoke to the Lieutenant last night, I told him that both he and his shift had been put in very difficult situation by Degler’s actions and what happened was not their fault. They did the right thing, and I am proud of them for the way they stood up and handled the situation.” If you, a family member, a friend, or co-worker is struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, please get help. If you wait, it will be too late. 

JUNE 17 PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ELECTION

 Upcoming Election Calendar

Special Primary – Public Service Commissioner (Statewide)

Voter Registration Deadline Monday, May 19, 2025

Early Voting Begins 8:30-5 Tuesday, May 27, 2025

First Day to Mail Absentee Ballots Tuesday, May 27. 2025

Saturday Voting 9am-5pm Saturday, May 31, 2025

Last Day to Mail Absentee Ballots Friday, June 6, 2025

Saturday Voting 9am-5pm Saturday, June 7, 2025

Early Voting Ends 8:30-5 Friday, June 13, 2025

Election Day Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Early Voting is held at the Thomaston-Upson County Civic Cente