UPSON BOC CALLED MEETING 9/3/25

 . NEW BUSINESS 1. Discussion and potential consideration to hire a County Manager 2. Discussion on the Records Advisory Board Bylaws 3. Presentation from Oakbridge on Employee Health Insurance 4. Update on Road Safety Grants 5. Discussion on the Pobiddy Road Bridge 6. Update on Thurston Well 7. Discussion on the Beer and Wine Ordinance 8. Discussion on a Master Plan for the Baseball Fields

SHOOTING AT SKIPSTONE ACADEMY IN GRIFFIN

 SPALDING  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DARRELL  DIX  REPORTS  A  15  YEAR  OLD MALE  STUDENT  AT  SKIPSTONE  ACADEMY  ON  BAPTIST  CAMP  ROAD     FIRED  A  SHOT  IN  A   RESTROOM  AT  THE  SCHOOL  THURSDAY  AND  LEFT  A  SUICIDE  NOTE--AFTER  REPORTEDLY  BEING  REJECTED  BY  A  FEMALE.  SHERIFF  DIX  SAID    DEPUTIES  RESPONDED  AND  SEIZED  A  PISTOL  AND  TOOK  THE  STUDENT  INTO  CUSTODY.  HE  WAS  TRANSPORTED  TO    A    HOSPITAL  FOR  OBSERVATION.

N0  STUDENTS  WERE  INJURED  IN  THE  SHOOTING  BUT  CLASSES  WERE  CANCELLED  THURSDAY  AND  FRIDAY  AND  FRIDAY  NITE'S  FOOTBALL  GAME    AT    FLINT  RIVER  ACADEMY  HAS  BEEN  CANCELLED. 

PIKE COUNTY NATIVE SERVING IN U.S. NAVY

MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas Morton, a native of Zebulon, Georgia, serves aboard USS Billings, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Mayport, Florida.

Morton graduated from Pike County High School in 2018.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Zebulon.

“I learned the importance of working hard and to always be honest,” Morton said.

Morton joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Morton serves as an electronics technician.

“My granddad was in the Navy, and he talked about his experiences all the time,” Morton said.

A Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), USS Billings is a fast and agile warship designed to operate in near-shore environments to counter 21st-century threats. Crews aboard the ship can operate unmanned aerial systems and unmanned underwater vehicles. These ships can operate independently or in high-threat scenarios as part of a networked battle force that includes larger, multi-mission surface combatants such as cruisers and destroyers.

UPSON BOC PASSES IGA

 THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  UNANIMOUSLY  APPROVED  AN  INTERGOVERNMENTAL  AGREEMENT  AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING   DRAFTED  BY  THE  COUNTY  ATTORNEY   AND  IT  WAS  HANDED OFF  TO    THE  CITY  OF  THOMASTON    WEDNESDAY    MORNING--SOMETHING  REQUIRED  FOR  A  VOTE  TO  BE  HELD  ON A   $5  MILLION  DOLLAR  FLOST  SALES  TAX    FOR  PROPERTY TAX  RELIEF.   TALKS  BETWEEN  THE  TWO GOVERNMENTS  HAVE  STALLED  BUT  BOTH  OF  UPSON  COUNTY'S  LEGISLATORS  VOTED    FOR    THE   FLOST  BILL    AND   UPSON'S  EX-HOUSE  MEMBER  BETH  CAMP  WAS   A  CO-SPONSOR  .   CITY  HALL  WANTS  40%  BUT  CHAIRMAN  DAN  BRUE  SAID  AT   26% CITY  TAX  PAYERS  GET  A  GREAT  DEAL  BECAUSE  THEIR  TAXES  ARE ELIMINATED.  THE  IGA  MUST  BE SIGNED  BY  THOMASTON'S  MAYOR  J.D. STALLINGS  AFTER  AUTHORIZATION  BY  THE  CITY  COUNCIL   FOR   THE  FLOST  VOTE  TO  BE  ON  THE  NOVEMBER  BALLOT,  BUT  THE  IGA   MUST  BE SIGNED  BY  THE  END OF  NEXT  WEEK  TO  GET  IT  DONE

THOMASTON MAN KILLED

 UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  REPORTS  A  THOMASTON  MAN  DIED OF  ELECTROUTION  WHILE  REPAIRING  AN  AN  A/C  DUCT   FOR  THE  OWNER  AT  6209  INDIAN  TRAIL.  THE  VICTIM  --47  YEAR  OLD BRYAN  CLIFF LEDFORD  OF 705  SHERRI  ST. AUGUST  20TH. 

LEDFORD  AND  ANOTHER  MAN RICKY  LOWEE  WERE  IN  THE  ATTIC OF  THE  RESIDENCE  AND  THE  REPORT  SAID  LEDFORD  WAS  WEARING  A LOOSE NECKLACE  AND  SOME  OF IT  FELL  INTO  A  230 AMP  OPEN  ELECTRICAL  JUNCTION  BOX  AND  HE  YELLED--IT  GOT  ME.

LOWEE  TRIED  TO  PULL  LEDFORD  AWAY   FROM  THE  BOX   BUT   HE   GOT  SHOCKED.  HE  MANAGED  TO  KICK LEDFORD  AWAY  FROM  THE  ELECTRIC  BOX AND  911 WAS   DISPATCHED  BUT  LEDFORD  WAS  DECEASED.

CHEMICAL TANKER TRUCK WRECKED IN UPSON CO.

 ACCORDING  TO  UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  A  CREW FROM  NORTH  CAROLINA    WAS  ON  THE  SCENE       WEDNESDAY   TO OFF-LOAD  SOME  TYPE OF  WOOD-TREATING  CHEMICAL  AFTER  A  TANKER  TRUCK  FLIPPED  OVER  IN  A  DITCH  AT  36 EAST  AND  SHARP  ROAD  TUESDAY  EVENING. NO  INJURIES  REPORTED  BUT EPD  UNITS   FROM   THE  GA.  DEPARTMENT OF  NATURAL  RESOURCES   RESPONDED  TO  THE  SCENE   AS  A  PRECAUTION.    THE  SHERIFF  TOLD   101  NEWS   THRU--  TRUCK TRAFFIC  IS      NOT  ALLOWED  ON  SHARP  ROAD  AND  BIG  TRUCKS    OFTEN  GET  STUCK  ON  IT.

SHERIFF  KILGORE  SAID   THERE  WAS  JUST  A  SMALL  AMOUNT OF  LEAKAGE OF  CHEMICALS  BUT  THE   TANKER  TRUCK  IS PROBABLY  A  TOTAL LOSS.   PERSONNEL    FROM  THE  TRUCKING  COMPANY  STAYED  ON  THE  SCENE  ALL  NIGHT  AND   PUMPED  THE  CHEMICALS  FROM  THE  WRECKAGE  INTO  ANOTHER  TANKER  TRUCK.  POST  26  GA.  STATE  PATROL  IN  THOMASTON  IS  INVESTIGATING  THE  ACCIDENT.

UPSON BOC CALLED MEETING ON TAX MILLAGE

 The Upson County Board of Commissioners has tentatively adopted a 2025 millage rate which will require an increase in property tax by 5.22%. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on the tax increase to be held at the Thomaston-Upson Government Complex, 106 E. Lee St., Suite 120, Thomaston, GA on Tuesday, August 19 th, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase are at the ThomastonUpson Government Complex, 106 E. Lee St., Suite 120, Thomaston, GA on Tuesday, August 26 th, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 9.460 mills, an increase of 0.469 mills. Without this tentative increase, the millage rate will be no more than 8.991 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market of $200,000 is approximately $32.54 and the proposed tax increase for non-homestead property with a fair market value of $125,000 is approximately $23.45

T-U SCHOOLS GA. MILESTONES SCORES

 Thomaston-Upson County Schools See Continued Growth in Georgia Milestones Scores!!

This morning, the GaDOE released the Georgia Milestones Assessment System (Milestones)

results for the 2024-2025 school year. The Georgia Milestones Assessment System meets the

federal requirement that states test students in math and English language arts (ELA) in grades

3-8 (EOG) and once in high school (EOC). Students in grade 5 take the science EOG, 8th

graders take the EOG assessment in science and social studies, and students enrolled in

state-tested high school courses take the Milestones EOC for each course.

The Thomaston-Upson County Schools continues to demonstrate steady academic growth, with

2025 Georgia Milestones results showing notable gains in reading, math, science, and social

studies.

Reading scores showed positive momentum in multiple grade levels, with Grades 3, 4, 6, 7, and

American Literature all experiencing an increase in the percentage of students reading at or

above grade level. Sixth grade led the way with a 13 percentage point increase in reading status

from the previous year.

Math performance remained strong, with several grades holding steady from 2024 and others

posting gains. Fifth and sixth grades both improved, with sixth-grade math increasing by eight

percentage points compared to last year.

In science, fifth-grade students posted a 6 percentage point increase in scoring proficient,

marking one of the largest single-subject jumps across the district. U.S. History also recorded

gains, contributing to the district’s overall upward trend in student achievement.

Students in grades 3, 5, and 8 for English Language Arts, and grades 5 and 8 for Math, have

the opportunity to retest if they did not meet the required score. The data released at this time

does not reflect retest results, which will be published at a later date.

These results reflect all the hard work of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the

support of our families. Thomaston-Upson County Schools remain committed to building on this

momentum through targeted instructional strategies, ongoing professional learning, and strong

partnerships between schools and the community.

You can find the full data release on the Georgia Department of Education website

at:https://gadoe.org/contact/press-releas

GA. PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICTS

 THE  GA. PROMISE  SCHOLARSHIP,  A  SCHOOL  CHOICE  VOUCHER PROGRAM  EFFECTIVE  THIS  SCHOOL  YEAR, OFFERING  FAMILIES  IN  THE  STATE'S LOWEST PERFORMING  SCHOOLS  UP  TO   $6500  TO  ATTEND  A  PRIVATE  SCHOOL OR  BEGIN  HOME-SCHOOLING.  AS  OF  JULY  22ND   65  HAD  APPLIED  IN  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  COUNTY  SCHOOLS, 213 IN  THE  GRIFFIN-SPALDING  SCHOOL DISTRICT,  48  IN  THE  LAMAR  COUNTY  SCHOOLS, 42  IN CRAWFORD  COUNTY, 75  IN  MERIWETHER  COUNTY,  790  IN  HENRY  COUNTY,  40  IN  BUTTS  COUNTY, 8  IN  THE  MONROE COUNTY  SCHOOLS,  7  IN  TAYLOR  COUNTY,  11  IN  TALBOT  COUNTY  AND  6  IN  THE FAYETTE  COUNTY  SCHOOLS.

EX-UPSON-LEE PLAYER RETIRING AS HEAD COACH

 MACON, Ga. — The upcoming high school football season will be the final one for a Macon coaching legend. Westside High School Head Football Coach Shedrick “Spoon” Risper is calling it “The Last Lap.”

After 17 years as head coach — and 28 years total with the program — Risper says the time has come to step away from the game he’s dedicated his life to.

DA MARIE BRODER REPORTS SENTENCE ON A GANG MEMBER CHARGED WITH MURDER

 ATLANTA, GA – Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Marie G. Broder, and Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix today announced that Kionta Parks, 23, of Griffin, has been sentenced to life in prison plus five years for the murder of 11-year-old Asijah Jones, who was shot and killed while asleep in her bed.

The defendant was sentenced on Aug. 5, 2025, after pleading guilty to all counts of the indictment brought against him, including Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Domestic Terrorism, and Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.  

“Kionta Parks is exactly what we’re fighting against each day – someone who would so carelessly take a life, destroy a family, and terrorize a community without fear or remorse,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “No parent should have to worry about their child making it through the night because gang violence is right outside their door. They deserve to feel safe – just like Asijah deserved to be safe. While nothing can erase the pain caused by this defendant’s senseless actions, we hope there’s comfort in knowing that justice has been served and Asijah’s memory will never be forgotten.” 

“Asijah was an innocent and beautiful soul whose life was extinguished by the evils of gang violence,” said District Attorney Marie G. Broder. “I want to thank Attorney General Chris Carr, as well as Senior Assistant Attorney General Cara Convery and Assistant Attorney General Ashton Jordan, for standing with my office and law enforcement in bringing justice for Asijah. Her senseless murder has deeply affected everyone who helped bring this case to a close. For her, and the many others impacted by gang activity, we will continue the fight.”  

“When Kionta Parks pled today, he stood in front of a Judge, Asijah's parents, friends, and family. He admitted to everyone in that courtroom that he killed an 11-year-old child who had her whole life ahead of her, while his whole life has been a complete failure and waste. Now, he will waste the rest of what time he has left sitting in a prison cell,” said Sheriff Darrell Dix. “My Deputies on scene that night, my Criminal Investigators, Special Ops Team, and District Attorney Marie Broder's Office did an incredible job to piece this puzzle together and get justice for Asijah and her family. They are strong people who will never stop mourning her loss and what could have been her life story.” 

Case Summary 

Parks is a member of Zoo Krew, a criminal street gang with ties to the Rollin 20s Neighborhood Bloods. He lived in Northside Hills Apartments (Spalding Heights) in Griffin – a known stronghold for Zoo Krew. Parks was often seen “patrolling the heights” while carrying firearms and was engaged in an ongoing conflict with younger members of the gang.  

On March 13, 2023, Parks targeted one of those young members in a shooting – opening fire on his vehicle as he was turning into Spalding Heights with a three-year-old in the car.   

One of those rounds entered into a nearby apartment – traveling through the thin wall of a bedroom where 11-year-old Asijah Jones was asleep next to her nine-year-old sister. Asijah was struck by one of the rifle rounds and pronounced dead at the scene as a result of her injuries. Her mother and brother were also in the apartment at the time of the shooting.  

Parks ultimately fired 28 rounds that evening, with 23 rifle casings and five 9mm casings found at the scene. The 9mm casings matched those found on Feb. 13, 2023, when another younger member of Zoo Krew was also targeted and shot in the arm at Spalding Heights. The victim refused to identify his shooter. 

Parks used violence and threats of violence to create fear among residents, who were then hesitant to come forward or share information with law enforcement. He was also captured by surveillance cameras carrying a rifle and engaging in drug sales throughout the community.   

All of the charges to which Parks has pleaded guilty are included below:  

• 1 count of Felony Murder
• 2 counts of Aggravated Assault
• 1 count of Domestic Terrorism
• 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
• 1 count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony  

This case was investigated by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office. It was jointly prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Gang Prosecution Unit and the Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, with Senior Assistant Attorney General Cara Convery and Assistant Attorney General Ashton Jordan representing the State. 

About the Attorney General’s Gang Prosecution Unit

In 2022, with the support of Governor Brian Kemp and members of the General Assembly, Attorney General Chris Carr created Georgia’s first statewide Gang Prosecution Unit.

Since it began its historic work on July 1, 2022, the Gang Prosecution Unit has secured nearly 115 convictions across the state. 

Carr’s Gang Prosecution Unit is based in Atlanta, with regional, satellite prosecutors and investigators in Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Macon and Southeast Georgia. This Unit is also set to expand to Savannah, with funding provided in the state’s FY 26 budget. 

The Gang Prosecution Unit is housed in the Attorney General’s Prosecution Division, which also includes Carr’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, his White Collar and Cyber Crime Unit, and his Organized Retail Crime Unit.

Contact

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVES EV CHARGERS

 SOON  YOU  CAN  FILLER-UP  WITH  CITY OF THOMASTON POWER  AFTER  THE  CITY  COUNCIL  TUESDAY  APPROVED 4  EV  VEHICLE  CHARGERS--TWO  LEVEL 2  CHARGERS  AND  2  LEVEL 3  CHARGERS  AT  GREATEST  GENERATION  MEMORIAL PARK  AND  2  LEVEL 2   CHARGERS  AT  THE  NEW  MULTI-USE  FACILITY AT  GORDON  AND  HIGHTOWER.   THE  TOTAL  INVESTMENT  IS  APPROXIMATELY $96,000  BUT  COUNCIL  APPROVED  UP  TO  $100,000.  SOME  OF  THE  UNITS  CAN  CHARGE-UP  AN  EV  IN  20  MINUTES--ACCORDING  TO  COMMENTS.

CITY OF THOMASTON ROAD CLOSURE

 NOTICE: Road Closure on Avenue N

The City of Thomaston will be conducting repairs to a stormwater culvert on Avenue N, approximately 300 feet southeast of Barnesville Street. As a result, this section of the road will be closed to through traffic until further notice.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Public Works Department at 706-647-7144

UPSON CO SHERIFF KILGORE WARNS OF A SCAM

 UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  SAYS  SCAMMERS  ARE  WORKING  THE  PHONES  AGAIN--ATTEMPTING  TO  GET  CITIZENS  TO  PAY-UP  BECAUSE  THEY  CLAIM  THE  CITIZENS   MISSED  JURY  DUTY. SHERIFF  KILGORE   EXPLAINS   ITS  A  SCAM  THAT  SURFACES  EVERY  SO OFTEN  AND  REMINDS  THE  PUBLIC  THE  SHERIFF'S  OFFICE  NEVER ASKS  FOR  MONEY  IN  THIS  METHOD. THE  BOCUS  CALLERS  ASK  FOR  $100  OR  MORE  USING  SOME  TYPE  OF  CREDIT  CARD  OR DIGITAL PAYMENT.   SHERIFF  KILGORE  TOLD   101  NEWS  IF  YOU  GET  SUCH  A  CALL  HANG-UP  AND  PHONE  THE  SHERIFF'S  OFFICE  AT  706-647-7411  AND  REPORT  IT. 

UPSON CO JEFF DAVIS ROAD BRIDGE OPENING POSTPONED

 Upson County...

Road opening will be postponed on the Jeff Davis Bridge over Ten Mile Creek until November 2025 for a bridge replacement project

Thomaston, GA—The opening of the Jeff Davis bridge has been postponed until November due to unforeseen challenges encountered by the contractor. During the drilling process, they encountered more rock than initially anticipated, which necessitated additional drilling efforts. This unexpected geological situation has led to a delay in the project timeline, resulting in the adjusted date for opening the bridge to traffic.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to ensure the bridge is completed safely and effectively. Further updates will be provided as we move closer to the new opening date.