South Metro's News Leader
ZEBULON - On Saturday, March 28, a head on collision occurred on Hwy 19 near Oliver Road. A Ford F150 was traveling south on Hwy 19 driven by Edward Alverson of Thomaston. The F150 crossed into oncoming traffic striking a Honda Acura driven by Kristina Miller of Thomaston.
It is unknown at this time why the vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic. Ms. Miller was deceased at the scene. Mr. Alverson was transported to a hospital by air ambulance. The accident occurred around 8:56 p.m
THOMASTON POLICE/FIRE AND EMS RESPONDED TO A TWO PICK-UP WRECK AT MAIN AND CENTER STREETS AROUND 10'30AM FRIDAY--A CITY OF THOMASTON PUBLIC WORKS PICK-UP AND ANOTHER PICK-UP INVOLVED--NO ONE TRANSPORTED. AT AVE. L. AND BARNESVILLE STREET ANOTHER MISHAP AND THOMASTON FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED AN ADULT FEMALE AND A CHILD TRANSPORTED TO THE ER BY EMS.
Water from the Flint River and Molena reservoir will supply a Hampton data center after an agreement with the City of Griffin to provide 5 million gallons per day (after three years of 750,000 gallons per day). The deadline for public comment is March 27 (the link to officially comment is in the story).
THE THOMASTON-UPSON BOARD OF EDUCATION CALLED MEETING THURSDAY (TODAY) 4PM AT THE SOUTH TEL BUILDING 205 EAST GORDON STREET TO BEGIN THE INTERVIEW PROCESS FOR A HIRING A NEW SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT. THE APPLICATION WINDOW HAS CLOSED AND THERE'S REPORTEDLY 10 APPLICATIONS.
THE UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OKED EXPANSION TO THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE RENOVATIONS AT TUESDAY'S MEETING ADDING JUST UNDER $100,00 FOR NEW FLOORING--THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT WAS ABOUT $100,000 FOR THE BUILDING WITH PAINTING AND FURNISHINGS AS THE BUILDING IS SHOWING ITS AGE.
COMMISSIONERS APPROVED A PERMIT FOR AN A-R SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR DENNIS RAUTH OF MILTON, FLORIDA FOR A REC VEHICLE TEMPORARY HOUSING FOR 12 MONTHS DURING CONSTRUCTION OF HIS HOME AT 185 ROLAND ROAD.
THE BOC RECOGNIZED UPSON EXTENSION 4-H STUDENTS DURING GA. AG WEEK FOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2026 AND IT WAS STATED 1000 STUDENTS ARE INVOLVED IN 4-H.
COUNTY MANAGER LONNIE JOYCE SAID NEW FENCING HAS BEEN INSTALLED AT THE ANIMAL SHELTER . AND COMMISSIONER CHRIS BIGGS WISHED A SPEEDING RECOVERY TO CONSTITUENT ALLEN HILL HOSPITALIZED AT THE SHEPARD CENTER IN ATLANTA FOLLOWING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.
COMMISSIONER JAMES ELLINGTON ASKED THE COUNTY MANAGER ABOUT PAVING PROJECTS UNDERWAY AND SAID HE NO LONGER WILL RESPOND TO THE PUBLIC ON SOCIAL MEDIA--BUT HE CAN BE REACHED ANY OTHER WAY.
THOMASTON NITE AT THE ATLANTA BRAVES IS SATURDAY APRIL 11TH--AIR TIME 6PM ON FUN 101 7;15 FIRST PITCH--TIX ARE ON SALE AT CITY HALL UPSTAIRS IN THE GOVERNMENT COMPLEX $20 EACH.
ON THE THOMASTON POLICE BEAT--A VEHICLE RAN INTO THE SIDE OF THE BUILDING CAUSING DAMAGE INSIDE AND OUT 1030 BARNESVILLE STREET--VALERO EASY STOP. 63 YEAR OLD MICHAEL WATTS CHARGED WITH DAMAGE TO PROPERTY--AFTER HE SAID HIS BRAKES FAILED AND HE HIT THE SIDE OF THE BUILDING CAUSING DAMAGE.
FORGERY CASE AT A LOCAL BANK AFTER THE SUSPECT TRIED TO PASS A FORGED CHECK FOR $2265 FROM RUSSELL WALTERS TO 44 YEAR OLD JAMARR D. EVANS WHO FACES A WARRANT FOR FORGERY. BANK OFFICIALS SAID THEY HAD RECEIVED OTHER FORGED CHECKS FROM EVANS.
POLICE SAID 61 YEAR OLD THOMAS DUNN WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY FOR A COWETA COUNTY WARRANT FOR STALKING AT 315 NORTH CHURCH.
TPD AND EMS RESPONDED TO 98 AVE.G. AFTER A MALE SUBJECT FELL DOWN SOME STEPS WHILE DRUNK AND RECEIVED A DEEP LACARATION TO THIS HEAD--TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R. FROM THE BLOODY SCENE.
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Despite 27 points from sophomore forward Mia Woolfolk, the No. 7 seed Georgia Lady Bulldog basketball team lost an overtime battle against No. 10 seed Virginia, 82-73, Saturday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Carver-Hawkeye Arena
BARNESVILLE, Ga., – Gordon State College has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce to expand and strengthen its nursing and health care programs, addressing the growing demand for qualified professionals across the state.
This investment will strengthen Georgia’s health care pipeline by expanding educational capacity, enhancing training quality and addressing the state’s nursing shortage.
“This investment will enhance our nursing program, expand access for students, and prepare highly skilled, compassionate health care professionals to address the growing needs of communities across Georgia,” said Natalie Rischbieter, GSC executive director of advancement.
Key components of the initiative include hiring an additional nursing faculty member, replacing outdated medical manikins, upgrading seven simulation vox stations, and implementing advanced AI-assisted simulation management and electronic health record training systems.
“It is essential that students train in environments that reflect the complexity of modern clinical settings,” said Dr. Samantha Bishop, GSC interim dean of the School of Nursing, Health and STEM. “High-fidelity simulation will allow students to safely practice critical decision-making and clinical skills, ultimately improving patient safety and outcomes.”
This grant will expand program capacity to 275 students, with the potential to reach 300 through continued strategic investment. The funding will also enhance faculty support, improve student retention, and strengthen clinical preparedness in high-demand areas such as pediatrics and adult acute care.
The impact of this funding extends across the surrounding community. Approximately 70% of GSC nursing students live within the college’s immediate service area, and many graduates remain local to serve as health care professionals.
Gov. Brian Kemp on Friday suspended Georgia’s gas tax for 60 days, making the Republican-led state among the first to respond to surging fuel prices after the Trump administration’s military strikes on Iran.
The suspension will save drivers 33 cents per gallon on gas and 37 cents per gallon on diesel — costing the state up to $200 million a month. Georgia has billions of dollars in reserve it can use to cover the lost revenue.
AT THE MARCH 17THE MEETING OF THE THOMASTON MAYOR AND COUNCIL THEY GOT A PITCH FROM LAINE DUPREE OF AIREVAC LIFETEAM AIR AMBULANCE TO COVER EMPLOYEES FOR LIFE-FLIGHT SERVICES. CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON SAID CITY HALL EMPLOYS ABOUT 90 EMPLOYEES AND COUNCIL WAS TOLD THE MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM WOULD COST $6.25 PER FAMILY ANNUALLY --SOMETHING MOST INSURANCE DOES NOT FULLY COVER.. COUNCIL TOOK IT UNDER ADVISEMENT.
IN OTHER ACTION , COUNCIL LIFTED THE MORATORIUM ON VARIANCES EXCEPT FOR SIGNAGE. THE MANAGER SAID SEVERAL BUSINESSES WISH TO OPEN AND THE MORTORIUM HAS PREVENTED IT.
COUNCIL AGREED TO ISSUE EMANCIPATION CELEBRATION SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS, ONE FOR THE PARADE SATURDAY AT 11AM AND ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE FUN FEST AT BETHEL AND DANIEL STREETS, BUT POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON SAYS THE PD IS ENLISTING THE HELP OF PATRONS OF THE EVENT TO HELP CLEAR THE CROWD ONCE THE EVENT ENDS AT 9PM--A BIG PROBLEM LAST MAY.
AN INDEPENDENT RUNNING FOR DISTRICT 5 SPALDING COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DAN HUNT, DROPPED OUT OF THE
RACE TUESDAY. CHAIRMAN CLAY DAVIS IS THE INCUMBENT AND HE IS CHALLENGED BY HARVEY CLARK ALSO A REPUBLICAN AND RANDY HAMILTON A DEMOCRAT.
UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAID ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGE CONTINUES AFTER MONDAY'S EARLY MORNING STORM. TREES FELL ON A HOUSE AND A CAR ON GOODEN ROAD, AND ROOF DAMAGE TO HOUSES ON DEL RAY ROAD, RU AL MAIN AND MAYNARD STREET IN LINCOLN PARK AFTER TREES FELL ON THEM.
Upson County Press Release
Upson County Manager Names Jeremy Gilbert as New Planning and Zoning
Director
Upson County Manager has announced the hiring of Jeremy Gilbert as the county’s
new Planning and Zoning Director, effective April 6, 2026.
Mr. Gilbert brings more than 20 years of experience in planning and zoning to Upson
County. His professional background includes positions in Henry County and most
recently Pike County. Gilbert has extensive experience in drafting and modifying zoning
codes and comprehensive plans. In addition to his planning and zoning work, Jeremy
also serves as the Building Official for Pike County.
During the search for a new Planning and Zoning Director, the county’s goal was to
identify a leader who could bring stakeholders together and help align community goals
with county laws to support a strong future for Upson County.
County leadership believes Jeremy Gilbert is the right candidate for this role and looks
forward to working with him as he begins this important work for the county.
Lonnie Joyce,
County Manager
NEWS RELEASE
THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON TOLD 101 NEWS THE FUN FEST AT BETHEL AND DANIEL STREETS IS ON FOR SATURDAY NIGHT OF THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION CELEBRATION BUT A FRIDAY NIGHT EVENT DOWNTOWN IS OUT BECAUSE OF LOGISTICS AND PD MANPOWER. THE CHIEF MET WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CELEBRATION ON THURSDAY AND HE NOTED THE TRADITIONAL SATURDAY PARADE IS ON FOR 11AM.
THERE HAD BEEN A PERMIT REQUEST FOR A FRIDAY NIGHT EVENT DOWNTOWN BUT THAT'S THE RAIN DATE FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION PLUS THE CHIEF SAID IT DEMANDS TOO MUCH OF HIS OFFICERS FOR THREE WEEKEND EVENTS. EX-CITY COUNCILMAN WILLIAM HUGHLEY HAS CONDUCTED THE FUN FEST AT BETHEL AND DANIEL FOR YEARS BUT CHIEF RICHARDSON SAID LAST YEAR THERE WAS A PROBLEM GETTING THE CROWD TO DISPURSE AFTER IT ENDED AT 9PM BUT ADMITTED THE PD PROBABLY COULD HAVE DONE A BETTER JOB.
THERE WILL BE NO FLOATING SALES TAX MEASURE FOR PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ON THE BALLOT IN SPALDING COUNTY IN 2026--DESPITE EFFORTS BY COUNTY COMMISSIONER JAMES DUTTON AT A CALLED MEETING OF COMMISSIONERS, GRIFFIN CITY OFFICIALS AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION--WEDNESDAY. DUTTON WAS THE ONLY COUNTY COMMISSIONER WHO VOTED IN FAVOR--BUT A FLOST MUST HAVE AT LEAST CITY OF GRIFFIN SUPPORT TO GET IT ON THE BALLOT--AS THE VOTERS IN THE COUNTY OF UPSON AND CITY OF THOMASTON PASSED LAST YEAR. THE SPALDING COUNTY BOC OPTED-OUT OF HOUSE BILL 581 LAST YEAR AND DID NOT HAVE A FLOST VOTE.
DUTTON WHO IS OPPOSED BY TWO OTHER CANDIDATES IN THE MAY PRIMARY WAS IN A RUSH TO GET OTHER OFFICIALS ON BOARD BECAUSE MONDAY IS THE DEADLINE TO GET SUCH BALLOTS APPROVED IN LOCAL LEGISLATION BY THE GA. GENERAL ASSEMBLY. DUTTON REPORTEDLY GOT BAD REVIEWS FROM THE OTHER BODIES FOR HIS LAST DITCH EFFORT.
SPALDING COUNTY'S LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION WAS INFORMED OF THE CALLED MEETING BUT THE ISSUE REQUIRES ACTION BY LOCAL OFFICIALS.
CONGRATULATIONS TO UPSON-LEE CLASS OF 2026 VALEDICTORIAN AISHA DERICO AND SARAH KATE BENNETT SALUTATORIAN.
APPARENTLY CHANGES ARE A-COMING IN THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT AT UPSON-LEE HIGH SCHOOL.
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH JUSTIN ELDER HAS REPORTEDLY BEEN HIRED IN MONROE COUNTY FOR A MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHING POSITION--HE WAS HEAD COACH FOR 9 SEASONS WITH A RECORD OF 51-WINS 48 LOSSES. U-L ATHLETIC DIRECTOR CHRIS KIRKSEY HAS REPORTEDLY ACCEPTED A COACHING POSITION AT SMITH STATION, ALABAMA AND HEAD BOYS BASKETBALL COACH DARRELL LOCKHART HAS TOLD 101 SPORTS HE IS RETIRING AFTER WINNING TWO STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS AT UPSON-LEE.
THE GA. HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION HAS ANNOUNCED U-L'S MATTEWS FIELD WILL BE THE SITE OF STATE SOCCER PLAY-OFFS IN MAY.
The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive in Auditorium C at the District Three Thomaston Office Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 10:00am – 2:00pm.
Please see below for more information.
Schedule you blood donation appointment today!
Please visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: gadot to schedule an appointment or use
WITH ABOUT A DOZEN PROPERTY OWNERS IN WESTERN UPSON COUNTY SPEAKING AGAINST-- MONDAY -- THE UPSON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO RECOMMEND WITH CONDITIONS TO THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR A REZONING FOR 22 ACRES OFF CREST HIGHWAY FOR A DEVELOPMENT REQUESTED BY APPLICANT RONALD ELLINGTON REGISTERED AGENT FOR AN ILLINOIS COMPANY FOR HARVESTING, LOADING, AND TRANSPORTING WATER TO A NEWNAN BOTTLING FIRM.
PLANNING COMMISSION CHAIRMAN PHILLIP FALLIN RECUSED HIMSELF AND VICE-CHAIR STEVE RUSH, JACKLYN LEWIS, AND MARTIE MURPHY CAST VOTES TO RECOMMEND. ATTORNEY JEFF ELLINGTON EXPLAINED THE PROJECT DURING THE MEETING.
THOMASTON-UPSON IDA HAS 212 ACRES UNDER CONTRACT ON RACE TRACK ROAD NEAR MUD BRIDGE ROAD BUT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SLADE GULLEDGE TOLD 101 NEWS ITS STILL IN THE DUE DILIGENCE PERIOD-- FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT -- NO SPECIFIC INDUSTRY OR INDUSTRY SECTOR HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED.
Lamar County
Qualified Candidates for the May 19, 2026 General
Primary/Nonpartisan Election
County Commissioner Chairman (Incumbent: Ryran Traylor)
Ryran Traylor Party: Republican
142 Brothers Court Occupation: Education
Barnesville, GA 30204 Qualified Date: 03/02/2026
Phone Number: (678) 603-8491 Fee Paid: $126.00
County Commissioner, District 1 (Incumbent: Jarrod B. Fletcher)
Jarrod B. Fletcher Party: Democratic
Post Office Box 922 Occupation: Educator
Barnesville, GA 30204 Qualified Date: 03/02/2026
Phone Number: (678) 544-0119 Fee Paid: $108.00
County Commissioner, District 2 (Incumbent: Jason Lovett)
Jason Lovett Party: Republican
1198 Brown Road Occupation: Retired
Griffin, GA 30224 Qualified Date: 03/02/2026
Phone Number: (678) 234-3621 Fee Paid: $108.00
Robert Neal Devane Party: Republican
103 Lambdin Circle Occupation: Vending Operator
Barnesville, GA 30204 Qualified Date: 03/05/2026
Phone Number: (770) 363-0700 Fee Paid: $108.00
Board of Education, District 2 (Incumbent: Robyn Roache)
Robyn Roache Party: Republican
714 Community House Road Occupation: Secretary
Barnesville, GA 30204 Qualified Date: 03/02/2026
Phone Number: (678) 588-0479 Fee Paid: $198.00
Darrell Thomas Party: Democratic
126 Huntsman Drive Occupation: Senior VP, Lending
Griffin, GA 30224 Qualified Date: 03/06/2026
Phone Number: (678) 502-6207 Fee Paid: $198.00
Page 2 of 2
Board of Education, District 4 (Incumbent: Ronald “Ron” Smith)
Ronald “Ron” Smith Party: Republican
428 Grove Street Occupation: Retired
Barnesville, GA 30204 Qualified Date: 03/02/2026
Phone Number: (770) 358-0699 Fee Paid: $198.00
Board of Education, At Large (Incumbent: Danny R. Turner)
Danny R. Turner Party: Republican
164 Murphey Avenue Occupation: Real Estate
Barnesville, GA 30204 Date Qualified: 03/02/2026
Phone Number: (770) 550-0529 Fee Paid: $198.00
This 6th day of March, 2026.
___________________________________
Anita Reid, Elections Supervisor
Lamar County Board of Elections and Registratio
Board of Elections and Voter Registration
Qualified Local Candidates as of 12:00 Noon 3/06/2026
Non-Partisan
Spalding County Board of Education District 1 Syntel Brown (Incumbent)
Spalding County Board of Education District 1 M. Michael Kendall
Spalding County Board of Education District 3 Rosie Glover
Spalding County Board of Education District 3 Zachery "Spanky" Holmes (Incumbent)
Spalding County Board of Education District 5 Sue McDonald (Incumbent)
Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor Region IV Stephen Noble (Incumbent)
(This contest will only appear on the November General Ballot)
Partisan
Spalding County Board of Commission District 2 Todd Johnson Republican
Spalding County Board of Commission District 2 Bryan Hayes Republican
Spalding County Board of Commission District 2 James R. Dutton (Incumbent) Republican
Spalding County Board of Commission District 5 Clay Davis (Incumbent) Republican
Spalding County Board of Commission District 5 Harvey Clark Republican
Spalding County Board of Commission District 5 Randy Hamilton Democrat
Solicitor General, State Court Tommy Ison Republican
Solicitor General, State Court Audrey D. Holliday Republican
Independent *
Spalding County Board of Commission District 5 Dan Hunt Independent
* Please note that an individual qualifying as an Independent Candidate will only appear on the November
ballot upon receipt and approval of required number of voter names via a Nomination petition
which can be received by our office between June 22, 2026 through July 14, 2026 at 12:00 Noon
PIKE COUNTY CONTESTED RACES MAY PRIMARY--COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT ONE-INCUMBENT TIM DANIEL, MICHELLE GRAVITT.
DISTRICT TWO-INCUMBENT TIM GUY, CHRIS CHILDRESS.
CONTESTED RACES-UPSON COUNTY IN THE MAY PRIMARY. COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 3 INCUMBENT PAUL JONES, BRIAN "BUD" JOHNSTON, BILL MAHER--ALL REPUBLICANS.
DISTRICT TWO BOARD OF EDUCATION, INCUMBENT JACQUELINE HOLLIS- EVAY WALKER.
CAPTAIN BRIAN HAMMOCK TPD REPORTS A TWO VEHICLE ACCIDENT AT GORDON AND HIGHTOWER THURSDAY MORNING INVOLVING A G-DOT DUMP TRUCK. A FEMALE MOTORIST HIT THE BACK OF A TRAILER THE DUMPER WAS PULLING--NO INJURIES OR SERIOUS DAMAGE REPORTED.
Girls team won 1-0 against Jones with Chloe Hendrix, 03, scoring the goal. Celebratory photo attached along with an action shot of 6th grader Kate Creamer, 16.
Boil Water Notice
Inframark
309 Veterans Dr.
Thomaston, GA 30286
(706) 646-8031
Wednesday March 4, 2026
Dear Water Customer,
Your residence is currently under a “Boil Water” notice. The affected area includes the 100 Block of both B and C St in East Silvertown. We recommend that water that is to be used for human consumption be boiled before use. This is due to loss of water pressure from the water main break in this area. If you have any questions, please call us at 706-646-8031. We will notify you as soon as the notice is lifted.
Sincerely,
Inframark
City of Thomaston Water Dept
AFTER NUMEROUS VOICES EXPRESSED THEIR THOUGHTS ON PERMITS FOR THE EMANCIPATION CELEBRATION AT TUESDAY'S THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING--IT WAS DECIDED POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON WILL HUDDLE WITH MEMBERS OF THE EMANCIPATION COMMITTEE THAT REQUESTED A PERMIT FOR DOWNTOWN FRIDAY NIGHT AND WILLIAM HUGHLEY'S GROUP AT DANIEL AND BETHEL AND FIND A SOLUTION. THE CHIEF SAID THE FRIDAY NITE PERMIT REQUEST DOWNTOWN WOULD NOT WORK BECAUSE ITS THE RAIN DATE FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION--AND THE PD HAS MANPOWER ISSUES. SATURDAY NIGHT DOWNTOWN DID NOT GET MUCH SUPPORT BUT THE PARADE IS PERMITTED AT 11 AM SATURDAY.
A FEMALE RESIDENT OF THE DANIEL AND BETHEL STREET AREA TOLD COUNCIL--LAST YEAR WAS CHAOS DURING THE EVENT AND YOU COULDN'T DRIVE IN OR OUT--AND CHIEF RICHARDSON SAID THE BIG PROBLEM WAS GETTING THE CROWD TO DISPURSE--MANY FROM OUT OF TOWN-THAT KEPT OFFICERS ON DUTY TILL 2AM. MARKEY SMITH POINTED TO CRUISING AS A TRADITION-AND HAS IDEAS TO MAKE A LOOP SO IT CAN CONTINUE. CHIEF RICHARDSON ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH ALL THE MARIJUANA SMOKING AROUND KIDS DURING THE EVENT--BUT EXPLAINED HE IS ON BOARD WITH ANY WORKABLE IDEA FOR A PERMIT FOR THE DANIEL/BETHEL STREET CELEBRATION .
UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE TOLD 101 NEWS THE ORIGINAL EMANCIPATION COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS EVENT SATURDAY AS USUAL AT THE LINCOLN PARK SPEAKING GROUNDS AND HE COMMENDED THE COMMITTEE FOR ITS DILIGENCE.
CPA CHRIS DANIEL WAS AT THE ATLANTA BRAVES SPRING GAME MONDAY IN LAKELAND, FLORIDA AND PIKE COUNTY'S TRISTIN ENGLISH WAS AT FIRST BASE PLAYING THE TIGERS. TRISTIN HAS SIGNED A TRIPLE-A CONTRACT WITH THE BRAVES.
SEVERAL PIKE COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE TRAPPED IN ISRAEL ON A TOUR WITH FORMER PASTOR OF FIRST BAPTIST IN ZEBULON DR. ED HOARD AND HIS SON CHARLES HOARD. AMONG THOSE CHRIS AND CARA COOK, BRIAN AND ELLEN CARDIN AND STEPHANIE ELDER OF CHRIST CHAPEL ZEBULON WAS ON A DIFFERENT TOUR OF ISRAEL AND SHE SAID SHE HOPES TO BE HOME BY FRIDAY VIA FRANCE.
PASTOR MATT HEINZLEY OF ZEBULON FIRST BAPTIST TOLD 101 NEWS HE HAS BEEN IN TOUCH WITH DR. HOARD AND HE SAYS THEY ARE SAFE IN THE DEAD SEA AREA OF ISRAEL , BUT THEY HAVE HEARD SIRENS AND GONE INTO BOMB SHELTERS. MORE ON THIS STORY ON 101.1FM.
SCOTT DECKER WINNER OF BERETTA SHOTGUN-DONATED BY COGGINS FUNERAL HOME/BOONE'S OUTDOOR.
TYLER PEEK WINNER OF YETI BACKPACK COOLER DONATED BY FLETCHER DAY FUNERAL HOME/THOMASTON HARDWARE.
LONNIE JOYCE WINNER-ONE YEAR FREE CAR WASHES AT TIDAL WAVE DONATED BY SCOTT AND HOPE BLACKSTOCK.
WILLIAM CAMPBELL WINNER-SAMSUNG 65' SMART TV-DONATED BY BRIGHTMARK
THOMASTON POLICE RESPONDED TO UPSON-LEE PRIMARY SCHOOL TO INVESTIGATE A REPORT OF A CHILD ABUSE INCIDENT. THE T-U SCHOOLS ISSUED THIS STATEMENT:
THOMASTON-UPSON SCHOOLS ARE UNABLE TO SHARE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS INCIDENT. THIS MATTER INVOLVES A MINOR AND IS PART OF AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Please be advised of a temporary change in your garbage collection service location. Construction is under way on the Lee St Parking Lot. The City and GFL are working together to ensure that your waste collection services remain uninterrupted. However, there will be a temporary change in the location of the dumpster. Beginning tomorrow, Tuesday March 3rd, the dumpster will be moved to a new location. See picture attached. GFL has agreed to provide each business with residential carts to help with transporting your garbage to the new dumpster location. If you need additional carts, please let us know.
This change could be in effect for up to 2 months.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this process.
Thanks,
Kyle McGee,
Public Works Director
City of Thomaston
303 Veterans Drive Thomaston, GA 30286
Office: 706-647-7144 Cell: 706-741-1021
UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE REPORTS A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT SUNDAY AFTERNOON ON 19 NORTH SOUTHBOUND AT THE DOLLAR GENERAL CURVE. THE SHERIFF TOLD 101 NEWS A HENRY COUNTY FEMALE PASSENGER ON BIKE FELL-OFF AND WAS LIFE-FLIGHTED TO AN OUT OF TOWN TRAUMA CENTER.
AFTER A 15,000 GALLON JET FUEL SPILL AT THE ATLANTA AIRPORT IN THE FLINT RIVER - GRIFFIN'S WATER SOURCE-- JAN. 20TH THE CITY OF GRIFFIN PLANS TO SPEND $100,000 ON NEW WATER CONTAMINAATION DETECTION EQUIPMENT. SOME RESIDENTS SAID THEIR WATER SMELLED LIKE WD-40 BUT THE EPD AND CITY HALL SAID IT WAS SAFE TO DRINK--THE AJC REPORTED. WHEN THE SPILL OCCURED THE CITY OF GRIFFIN ISSUED A DO NOT CONSUME ADVISORY AND SHUT-OFF ITS WATER INTAKE FROM THE FLINT BUT WHEN SAMPLES CAME BACK NEGATIVE FOR TOXINS -- THE ADVISORY WAS LIFTED.
THE FEDERAL EPA SAYS OVER 15,000 GALLONS OF JET FUEL HAS BEEN COLLECTED FROM THE FLINT AND AT THE AIRPORT AND OVER 80 CUBIC YARDS OF CONTAMINATED DEBRIS WAS RECOVERED. THE EPD INVESTIGATION IS ON-GOING.
GRIFFIN'S CITY MANAGER JESSICA O'CONNOR TOLD THE AJC CITY OFFICIALS ARE MEETING WITH ATTORNEYS TO SEE IF CITY HALL CAN SEEK COMPENSATION FOR THE SPILL
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THOMASTON KIWANIS HELD ITS ANNUAL STAR STUDENT /STAR TEACHER PROGRAM TUESDAY AND UPSON=LEE SENIOR HELI TARAK DAVE WAS ANNOUNCED AS STAR STUDENT AND MRS. REBEKAH BUSBY WAS SELECTED AS HER STAR TEACHER. HELI PLANS TO ATTEND GA. TECH MAJORING IN BIO MEDICAL ENGINEERING AND THEN ATTEND MEDICAL SCHOOL.
ACCORDING TO THOMASTON POLICE A FEMALE WAS SCAMMED OUT OF $14,500 IN CASH BY SCAMMERS CLAIMING TO WORK FOR A LOCAL BANK AND THE FDIC. SOMEONE CLAIMING TO BE JONATHAN, AN EMPLOYEE OF A LOCAL BANK ASKED ABOUT A PURCHASE IN FLORIDA FROM A CHASE ACCOUNT THEN SOMEONE CLAIMING TO BE FROM THE FDIC ORDERED THE WOMAN TO WITHDRAW $14,500 FROM HER BANK ACCOUNT SO THEY COULD CHECK HER MONEY. OUTSIDE THE BANK SHE MET A BLACK FEMALE WEARING A COVID MASK AND GAVE HER THE CASH. HER HUSBAND TOLD POLICE HE HAD BEEN CALLED ABOUT WITHDRAWING $7000 AND MAILING IT TO JONATHAN AT A MERIWETHER COUNTY POST OFFICE--BUT THEIR DAUGHTER PICKED-UP ON THE SCAM AND BROUGHT HER PARENTS TO THE PD.
A FEMALE WAS ARRESTED FOR HINDERING THOMASTON FIRE DEPARTMENT FROM FIGHTING A GRASS FIRE AT PEACHBELT ROAD AND WOODLAND ROAD. THE PD REPORT SAID 66-YEAR OLD KIMBERLY DAVIS WAS LIVID WITH FIRE-FIGHTERS AFTER A TREE FELL OVER POWER LINES AND STARTED THE GRASS FIRE. UNITS HAD TO WAIT FOR THE POWER COMPANY BEFORE THEY COULD GET TO WORK AND THE REPORT SAID THE FEMALE TOLD THEM THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT THEY WERE DOING AND CREATED A SCENE THAT HINTERED THEIR WORK.
AN EMPLOYEE OF A CONTRACTOR DOING WORK AT UPSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER WAS ARRESTED FOR STEALING SPOOLS OF WIRE FROM THE PROJECT. THE SUSPECT 26 YEAR OLD KALAEB BELL ALSO HAD SOME CABLE CONNECTORS IN HIS TRUCK THAT APPARENTLY CAME FROM THE WORK SITE.
CITY OF THOMASTON MAYOR J.D. STALLINGS HAS VETOED A MEASURE TO PAVE THE STREETS IN FAIR OAKS, THE UPSCALE SUBDIVISON OFF PEACHBELT ROAD. THE CITY COUNCIL VOTED 4-1 AT THE FEB. 17 MEETING TO APPROVE A CHANGE ORDER FOR ALMOST $300,000 TO PAVE THE STREETS WHERE COUNCILMAN JERRY ADAMS LIVES. COUNCILMAN JEFF MIDDLEBROOKS CAST THE ONLY NO VOTE, TELLING 101 NEWS THERE ARE OTHER STREETS WITH A HIGHER PRIORITY FOR PAVING.
THE FUNDING WAS ORIGINALLY TARGETED FOR PARK LANE, BUT CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON EXPLAINED IT CAN WAIT BECAUSE STREETS WILL BE IMPACTED BY THE RENOVATION OF THE EX-EAST THOMASTON SCHOOL HOUSE--THE FUTURE SITE OF SENIORS APARTMENTS.
IN CASTING A RARE VETO, MAYOR STALLINGS STATED--HE STRONGLY SUPPORTS IMPROVING THE CITY'S INFRASTRUCTURE BUT THIS PARTICULAR MEASURE REQUIRES FURTHER REVIEW
UPSON SO REPORTS MORE JURY SCAMS THIS PAST WEEK. THE CALLER CLAIMS YOU HAVE MISSED JURY DUTY AND MUST PAY A FINE OR BE JAILED--A FINE PAID VIA A GIFT CARD. THEY USE THE NAME OF AN SO DEPUTY TO ADD CLOUT TO THEIR SCAM. SHERIFF KILGORE URGES THE PUBLIC TO HANG-UP ON SUCH CALLERS--HE TOLD US HIS OFFICE DOES NOT OPERATE THAT WAY.
NEWS RELEASE
On Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 6:31pm deputies responded to a person shot call at 2030 Wiley Street in Thomaston. Upon arrival, Conner Wesley Walker, 19, of a Martin Luther King Drive address was located in an outbuilding at that location. Walker had been shot in the head with an AR15 style rifle. Walker is deceased.
A juvenile male, age 14, was located and is being held in connection with the shooting. Sheriff’s investigators are actively interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence in this case. The GBI responded to work the crime scene.
