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.
South Metro's News Leader
Friday, March 6, 2026
LAMAR COUNTY QUALIFERS
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
SPALDING CO QUALIFERS MAY PRIMARY
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
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 CO MAY PRIMARY
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.
Thursday, March 5, 2026
TPD WORKS WRECK AT GORDON AND HIGHTOWER
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.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
U-L MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCCER
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.
Boys team won 3-0 against Jones with 8th grader Memphis Releford, 11, 6th grader Finn Smith, 02, and 8th grader Jordan Stoll, 08 scoring. I have attached a photo of Memphis, Finn celebrating and Jordan celebrating.
BOIL WATER NOTICE IN THOMASTON
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
TPD CHIEF ON EMANCIPATION CELEBRATION
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.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
PIKE COUNTY'S TRISTIN ENGLISH WAS AT FIRST MONDAY FOR THE BRAVES
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.
UPDATE ON PIKE COUNTY GROUP IN ISRAEL
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.
WINNERS IN THOMASTON KIWANIS CLUB-RAFFLE
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
Monday, March 2, 2026
THOMASTON PD TO U-L PRIMARY
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
CITY OF THOMASTON PUBLIC WORKS INFO
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
SUNDAY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ACCORDING UPSON CO SHERIFF
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.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
U-L BOYS BASKETBALL CAN'T PLAY IN STATE PLAY-OFFS
Thomaston-Upson County Schools would like to clarify the situation regarding the Upson-Lee High School boys’ basketball team and the GHSA State Tournament.
Tournament qualification is determined by power rankings calculated through a formula established by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). Initial rankings indicated that Upson-Lee would compete in the first round based on a reported 12–12 record.
An administrative review later identified that two game results had not been entered into the GHSA MIS system by the Upson-Lee Athletic Department. After the missing scores were submitted, the team’s official record changed to 13–13. Once the GHSA recalculated the power rankings using the complete record, Upson-Lee did not rank within the top 32 teams and therefore did not qualify for the state tournament.
We are deeply disappointed for our student-athletes, coaches, and fans who worked hard throughout the season. Thomaston-Upson County Schools is currently reviewing internal procedures and implementing safeguards to ensure this situation does not occur again.
We appreciate the community’s understanding and continued support of Upson-Lee athletics.
David Eubanks
Director of Public Relations
Thomaston-Upson County Schools
205 Civic Center Drive
Thomaston, Georgia 30286
706-647-9621
CITY OF GRIFFIN TO SPEND $100,000 DUE TO JET FUEL SPILL IN FLINT RIVER
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
PIKE CO. COMMISSIONERS 2/24/26
|
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
THOMASTON KIWANIS ANNOUNCES U-L STAR STUDENT/TEACHER
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.
Monday, February 23, 2026
THOMASTON WOMAN SCAMMED $14,500
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.
Saturday, February 21, 2026
THOMASTON'S MAYOR VETO
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
Friday, February 20, 2026
JURY SCAM IN UPSON CO.
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.
SHERIFF KILGORE-FATAL SHOOTING IN THOMASTON
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.
UPDATE ON FATAL SHOOTING FROM SHERIFF KILGORE
Update to NEWS RELEASE
The fourteen year old male involved in this investigation has been referred to Juvenile Court on charges of Reckless Conduct and Involuntary Manslaughter. Under Ga law both of these charges are classified as misdemeanors.
Our investigation has shown that at the time of the shooting three young males were at the incident location on Wiley Street. Walker, the deceased, had a AR15 style rifle with him that belonged to him. The 14 year old charged in the incident was handling the gun without clearing the chamber when it discharged while pointed in the direction of Walker resulting in Walker being shot. The third male present at the scene witnessed the incident and confirmed the series of events. Evidence at the scene supports the witnesses statements.
The juvenile will be detained at RYDC pending a hearing scheduled for Monday February 23
Thursday, February 19, 2026
NEW SCHOOLING IN UPSON CO.
As of July 1st, 2026, Crestside Christian Academy will be official. After eight years of being Skipstone Academy, we will be home grown and operated. Paula Walters will remain principal, and Maggie Pritchett will be the assistant principal. We will maintain our current staff of highly qualified teachers. We will be accredited with distinction by the Georgia Accrediting Commission. Dual enrollment through colleges and technical schools will still be offered. We plan to continue to offer sports and fine arts. We will accept the GA Promise Scholarship; most Upson County students will qualify, and many surrounding counties, as well. Our commitment to educating and teaching Jesus to our students continues to be our primary goals.
We will hold a community meeting Tuesday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m. The location has been changed to NorthRidge Church.
Interested families can go to our website www.crestsidechristian.org or contact Paula Walters at 706-573-3631.
Blessings,
Paula Walters
NO WATER SERVICE IN THOMASTON?
CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON IS URGING PROPERTY OWNERS SOUTH OF 12TH AVE. IN EAST THOMASTON ON B. STREET--E AND F STREETS TO AGREE TO A TIE-IN OF CITY UTILITIES OR THE LINES TO THE PROPERTY WILL BE CAPPED AND THERE WILL BE NO WATER SERVICE. CITY HALL HAS SENT 2 LETTERS ALEADY WITH A 3RD UPCOMING TO PROPERTY OWNERS TO BE SIGNED AND RETURNED FOR THIS FREE TIE-IN VIA THE CBG GRANT. COUNCIL HAS ALREADY HEARD FROM ONE PROPERTY OWNER WHO IS BALKING ON THE AGREEMENT. THE MANAGER STRESSED TO COUNCIL TUESDAY--IF THE PROPERTY OWNER DOES NOT AGREE THERE WILL BE NO WATER SERVICE.
COUNCIL APPROVED A CHANGE ORDER FOR $267,000 BENEFITING STREET PAVING IN FAIR OAKS SUBDIVISON OFF PEACHBELT ROAD. THE FUNDING IS CHANGING FROM PARK LANE BECAUSE THE STREET WILL BE TORN-UP FOR THE NEW EAST THOMASTON SCHOOL RENOVATION FOR SENIORS APARTMENTS.
COUNCIL HAS ACCEPTED A $2.5 MILLION STATE GRANT FOR THE SMITH-DOUGLAS COMPANY FOR 90 HOUSES OFF NORTH CHURCH AND WEST GORDON. CITY UTILTY UPGRADES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULED OUT TO BID NEXT MONTH. SMITH-DOUGLAS OFFICIALS TOLD COUNCIL THEY PLAN TO CONTRUCT 17 HOMES PER MONTH.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
UPSON COUNTY WENT BIG FOR MCNEEL FOR STATE SENATE
UPSON WENT BIG FOR REPUBLICAN STEVEN MCNEEL IN TUESDAY'S RUN-OFF FOR DISTRICT 18 STATE SENATE WITH ALMOST 13% TURN-OUT. MCNEEL A MACON ATTORNEY GOT OVER 66% OF THE VOTE OVER DEMOCRAT LEMARIO BROWN WITH ALMOST 33%. A TOTAL OF 2682 VOTES CAST TO REPLACE JOHN KENNEDY WHO RESIGNED TO RUN FOR LT. GOVERNOR.
UPSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Our next meeting is Monday, Feb. 23rd, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Senior Center. Our speaker will be Chris Madrid with the Georgia World War II Heritage Trail. The Pettigrew-White-Stamps House Museum is currently on the trail. Be sure and come hear about the trail and see how Thomaston-Upson County was instrumental in the war effort
SKIPPER BURNS IS GENERAL GRIFFIN 2026
THE GRIFFIN-SPALDING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HELD ITS 112TH ANNUAL MEETING LAST WEEK WITH BRIGHTMOOR HOSPICE AS PRESENTING SPONSOR. SKIPPER BURNS HONORED AS THE 44TH AND 2026 GENERAL GRIFFIN.
THE MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD-JOSH HEINISH AND SUZANNE CUMMINGS, THE COMMUNITY INSPIRATION AWARD TO OLIVIA ESPINOZA OF HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS. GAME CHANGER AWARD TO DREW PAYNE, COMMUNITY HERO AWARD JENNIFER STEWERT OF VIE GROUP,BEAUTIFICATION AWARD-- SOUTHERN SOCIAL, AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR KENNY SMITH, THE LEGACY AWARD TO GRIFFN MAYOR DOUG HOLBERG, AND THE 2026 CHAMBER CHAIRMAN JOSH HEINISH.
CITY OF THOMASTON PAVING
ACCORDING TO THE CITY OF THOMASTON -- LEE STREET FROM SOUTH CHURCH TO SOUTH GREEN BESIDE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH-- IS BLOCKED OFF TO TRAFFIC FOR MCLEROY TO PAVE THE STREET FOR G-DOT. A FLAG-MAN IS ON SOUTH GREEN.
Sunday, February 15, 2026
FATAL WRECK IN UPSON CO
ACCORDING TO GA. STATE PATROL HEADQUARTERS IN ATLANTA, A 30 YEAR OLD UPSON COUNTY MOTHER WAS KILLED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ON TRICE CEMETERY ROAD FRIDAY NIGHT--LESLIE LACHELLE CRAVEN. THE OTHER MOTORIST INVOLVED IDENTIFIED AS ALEX RYAN EVANS, AGE 24 WAS CHARGED WITH HOMICIDE BY VEHICLE, DUI, AND SEVERAL OTHER MISDEMEANOR CHARGES.
THE GSP SAID JUST AFTER 10PM ON FEB. 13TH--A FORD F-450 WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON TRICE CEMETERY ROAD AND A CHEVROLET TAHOE WAS TRAVELING SOUTH. THE DRIVER OF THE FORD F-450, EVANS, FAILED TO MAINTAIN HIS LANE OF TRAVEL, WHILE NEGOTIATING A CURVE, AND STRUCK THE TAHOE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT. MS. CRAVEN WAS PRONOUNCED DECEASED ON-SCENE BY THE UPSON COUNTY CORONER.
Thursday, February 12, 2026
IN THE PIPELINE-THEY PLAYED THE SUPER BOWL IS DAVE'S HOME TOWN
THEY PLAYED THE SUPER BOWL IN MY HOME TOWN (SORTA-OF AT LEAST FOR ONE SUMMER), SANTA CLARA, CA. RIGHT SMACK DAB IN THE SILICON VALLEY WITH SUNNYVALE AND SAN JOSE. ITS ALWAYS BEEN MY BUSINESS CAREER PROBLEM--I ARRIVED IN THE SILICON VALLEY DECADES TOO EARLY--SENT TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ONE SUMMER TO SELL FRUIT CAKE AS A FUND RAISER FOR CIVIC CLUBS AND CHURCHES FOR THE BENSON BAKERY IN ATHENS. IT WAS A DREAMBOAT OF A GIG FOR A COLLEGE DUDE WITH A CHANCE TO SAMPLE A NEW WEST COAST RADIO FORMAT CALLED THE DRAKE FORMAT, ESTABLISHED BY AN OLE ATLANTA D.J.
I HIT LA (NOT IN MY TERRITORY ) HIGH AS A KITE BECAUSE OF AN UNEXPECTED RUSH IN LAS VEGAS. AS I DROVE DOWN THE STRIP THERE ON THE MARQUE OF THE FRONTIER CASINO--WAYNE COCHRAN AND THE CC RIDERS. WAYNE COMP ME ON HIS SHOW AND WHAT A SHOW IT WAS. A COP WOKE ME AT 3AM BY KNOCKING ON MY CAR WINDOW AT A CLOSED LA BURGER JOINT AND TOLD ME TO MOVE ON--BECAUSE SOMEONE JUST GOT THEIR THROAT CUT IN THE SAME SPOT, RECENTLY.
NORTHWARD HO AND INTO SAN JOSE WHERE I FOUND LODGING AT AN OLD HOTEL IN NEIGHBORING LOS GATOS (THE CATS). SAN JOSE IS THE CENTERPIECE OF THE SILICONE VALLEY AND NEAR-BY SUNNYVALE(WHERE STEVE JOBS GRADUATED H.S.) AND SANTA CLARA THE HOME OF THE 49ERS FOOTBALL STADIUM. THE SUPER BOWL BROADCAST KEPT SHOWING THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE IN SAN FRANCISCO BUT THE STADIUM IN SANTA CLARA IS ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF SOUTH. LIKE THE BRAVES THE 9-ERS MOVED WHERE THE $ IS. BUT ALMOST IN THE SHADOW OF THE GOLDEN GATE IS SAUSALITO, A COASTAL PARADISE IF THERE EVER WAS ONE AND WHERE OTIS REDDING MOVED TO FROM MACON WHEN HE HIT IT BIG WITH DOCK OF THE BAY. JUST ACROSS THE WAY IS ALCATRAZ , THE FAMOUS PRISON. BEEN THERE TWICE BUT ONLY ONCE IN HANDCUFFS (JUST JOSHING).
IN LATER YEARS ,VISITING SAN FRANCISO MY BIG BRO AND I FOCUSED ON JOGGING THE GOLDEN GATE(BUT WHY IS IT ORANGE?) ITS IMPOSING ALL OVER DOWNTOWN AND APPEARS TO BE A BLOCK OR TWO AWAY--BUT WAS ACTUALLY MILES AWAY FROM OUR HOTEL. JIM WAS A DISTANCE RUNNER AND MADE IT THE 1.7 MILES ACROSS AND BACK WHILE I STOPPED HALF WAY , DREADING THE JOG BACK TO THE ROOM. HIGH ON A HILL IS A TONY DEVELOPMENT CALLED TRIBURON WHERE I CALLED ON A CIVIC CLUBBER I LATER THOUGHT I RECOGNIZED BEING INTERVIEWED BY LESLIE STAHL ON 60 MINUTES. THIS GENTLEMAN HAD JUST TAKEN DELIVERY OF THE WORLD'S B IGGEST YACHT AFTER FIRING CEO CARLY FIORINA AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF HEWLETT-PACKARD-A MOVE THAT SHOOK WALL STREET. TOM PERKINS WAS CALLED THE GODFATHER OF THE SILICON VALLEY.
LODI -- WAS NOT THE BIGGEST HIT CREEDANCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL EVER RELEASED, BUT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER IT BECAUSE OF LODI, CALIFORNIA. ONE OF THE FIRST BENCHMARKS I SEARCHED OUT WHEN I ARRIVED AT A NEW TOWN WAS THE AMERICAN LEGION AND SOMETIMES I COULD GET AN ORDER. THE MEMBERS WERE ALWAYS HELPFUL IN POINTING OUT WHERE I NEEDED TO GO. EXCEPT IN LODI WHEN I ANNOUNCED I WAS THERE SELLING BENSON'S FRUIT CAKE AS A FUND RAISER THE MEMBERS BALKED . THEY SCOLDED ME SAID THEY SOLD THE SOUTH GEORGIA BRAND -- CLAXTON FRUIT CAKES, AND ORDERED ME OUT OF TOWN . FACED WITH SEVERAL BRAWNY VETERANS--I SCURRIED FOR THE CITY LIMITS.
THEY PLAYED THE SUPER BOWL IN MY HOME TOWN (SORTA-OF AT LEAST FOR ONE SUMMER), SANTA CLARA, CA. RIGHT SMACK DAB IN THE SILICON VALLEY WITH SUNNYVALE AND SAN JOSE. ITS ALWAYS BEEN MY BUSINESS CAREER PROBLEM--I ARRIVED IN THE SILICON VALLEY DECADES TOO EARLY--SENT TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ONE SUMMER TO SELL FRUIT CAKE AS A FUND RAISER FOR CIVIC CLUBS AND CHURCHES FOR THE BENSON BAKERY IN ATHENS. IT WAS A DREAMBOAT OF A GIG FOR A COLLEGE DUDE WITH A CHANCE TO SAMPLE A NEW WEST COAST RADIO FORMAT CALLED THE DRAKE FORMAT, ESTABLISHED BY AN OLE ATLANTA D.J.
I HIT LA (NOT IN MY TERRITORY ) HIGH AS A KITE BECAUSE OF AN UNEXPECTED RUSH IN LAS VEGAS. AS I DROVE DOWN THE STRIP THERE ON THE MARQUE OF THE FRONTIER CASINO--WAYNE COCHRAN AND THE CC RIDERS. WAYNE COMP ME ON HIS SHOW AND WHAT A SHOW IT WAS. A COP WOKE ME AT 3AM BY KNOCKING ON MY CAR WINDOW AT A CLOSED LA BURGER JOINT AND TOLD ME TO MOVE ON--BECAUSE SOMEONE JUST GOT THEIR THROAT CUT IN THE SAME SPOT, RECENTLY.
NORTHWARD HO AND INTO SAN JOSE WHERE I FOUND LODGING AT AN OLD HOTEL IN NEIGHBORING LOS GATOS (THE CATS). SAN JOSE IS THE CENTERPIECE OF THE SILICONE VALLEY AND NEAR-BY SUNNYVALE(WHERE STEVE JOBS GRADUATED H.S.) AND SANTA CLARA THE HOME OF THE 49ERS FOOTBALL STADIUM. THE SUPER BOWL BROADCAST KEPT SHOWING THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE IN SAN FRANCISCO BUT THE STADIUM IN SANTA CLARA IS ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF SOUTH. LIKE THE BRAVES THE 9-ERS MOVED WHERE THE $ IS. BUT ALMOST IN THE SHADOW OF THE GOLDEN GATE IS SAUSALITO, A COASTAL PARADISE IF THERE EVER WAS ONE AND WHERE OTIS REDDING MOVED TO FROM MACON WHEN HE HIT IT BIG WITH DOCK OF THE BAY. JUST ACROSS THE WAY IS ALCATRAZ , THE FAMOUS PRISON. BEEN THERE TWICE BUT ONLY ONCE IN HANDCUFFS (JUST JOSHING).
IN LATER YEARS ,VISITING SAN FRANCISO MY BIG BRO AND I FOCUSED ON JOGGING THE GOLDEN GATE(BUT WHY IS IT ORANGE?) ITS IMPOSING ALL OVER DOWNTOWN AND APPEARS TO BE A BLOCK OR TWO AWAY--BUT WAS ACTUALLY MILES AWAY FROM OUR HOTEL. JIM WAS A DISTANCE RUNNER AND MADE IT THE 1.7 MILES ACROSS AND BACK WHILE I STOPPED HALF WAY , DREADING THE JOG BACK TO THE ROOM. HIGH ON A HILL IS A TONY DEVELOPMENT CALLED TRIBURON WHERE I CALLED ON A CIVIC CLUBBER I LATER THOUGHT I RECOGNIZED BEING INTERVIEWED BY LESLIE STAHL ON 60 MINUTES. THIS GENTLEMAN HAD JUST TAKEN DELIVERY OF THE WORLD'S B IGGEST YACHT AFTER FIRING CEO CARLY FIORINA AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF HEWLETT-PACKARD-A MOVE THAT SHOOK WALL STREET. TOM PERKINS WAS CALLED THE GODFATHER OF THE SILICON VALLEY.
LODI -- WAS NOT THE BIGGEST HIT CREEDANCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL EVER RELEASED, BUT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER IT BECAUSE OF LODI, CALIFORNIA. ONE OF THE FIRST BENCHMARKS I SEARCHED OUT WHEN I ARRIVED AT A NEW TOWN WAS THE AMERICAN LEGION AND SOMETIMES I COULD GET AN ORDER. THE MEMBERS WERE ALWAYS HELPFUL IN POINTING OUT WHERE I NEEDED TO GO. EXCEPT IN LODI WHEN I ANNOUNCED I WAS THERE SELLING BENSON'S FRUIT CAKE AS A FUND RAISER THE MEMBERS BALKED . THEY SCOLDED ME SAID THEY SOLD THE SOUTH GEORGIA BRAND -- CLAXTON FRUIT CAKES, AND ORDERED ME OUT OF TOWN . FACED WITH SEVERAL BRAWNY VETERANS--I SCURRIED FOR THE CITY LIMITS.
THEY PLAYED THE SUPER BOWL IN MY HOME TOWN (SORTA-OF AT LEAST FOR ONE SUMMER), SANTA CLARA, CA. RIGHT SMACK DAB IN THE SILICON VALLEY WITH SUNNYVALE AND SAN JOSE. ITS ALWAYS BEEN MY BUSINESS CAREER PROBLEM--I ARRIVED IN THE SILICON VALLEY DECADES TOO EARLY--SENT TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ONE SUMMER TO SELL FRUIT CAKE AS A FUND RAISER FOR CIVIC CLUBS AND CHURCHES FOR THE BENSON BAKERY IN ATHENS. IT WAS A DREAMBOAT OF A GIG FOR A COLLEGE DUDE WITH A CHANCE TO SAMPLE A NEW WEST COAST RADIO FORMAT CALLED THE DRAKE FORMAT, ESTABLISHED BY AN OLE ATLANTA D.J.
I HIT LA (NOT IN MY TERRITORY ) HIGH AS A KITE BECAUSE OF AN UNEXPECTED RUSH IN LAS VEGAS. AS I DROVE DOWN THE STRIP THERE ON THE MARQUE OF THE FRONTIER CASINO--WAYNE COCHRAN AND THE CC RIDERS. WAYNE COMP ME ON HIS SHOW AND WHAT A SHOW IT WAS. A COP WOKE ME AT 3AM BY KNOCKING ON MY CAR WINDOW AT A CLOSED LA BURGER JOINT AND TOLD ME TO MOVE ON--BECAUSE SOMEONE JUST GOT THEIR THROAT CUT IN THE SAME SPOT, RECENTLY.
NORTHWARD HO AND INTO SAN JOSE WHERE I FOUND LODGING AT AN OLD HOTEL IN NEIGHBORING LOS GATOS (THE CATS). SAN JOSE IS THE CENTERPIECE OF THE SILICONE VALLEY AND NEAR-BY SUNNYVALE(WHERE STEVE JOBS GRADUATED H.S.) AND SANTA CLARA THE HOME OF THE 49ERS FOOTBALL STADIUM. THE SUPER BOWL BROADCAST KEPT SHOWING THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE IN SAN FRANCISCO BUT THE STADIUM IN SANTA CLARA IS ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF SOUTH. LIKE THE BRAVES THE 9-ERS MOVED WHERE THE $ IS. BUT ALMOST IN THE SHADOW OF THE GOLDEN GATE IS SAUSALITO, A COASTAL PARADISE IF THERE EVER WAS ONE AND WHERE OTIS REDDING MOVED TO FROM MACON WHEN HE HIT IT BIG WITH DOCK OF THE BAY. JUST ACROSS THE WAY IS ALCATRAZ , THE FAMOUS PRISON. BEEN THERE TWICE BUT ONLY ONCE IN HANDCUFFS (JUST JOSHING).
IN LATER YEARS ,VISITING SAN FRANCISO MY BIG BRO AND I FOCUSED ON JOGGING THE GOLDEN GATE(BUT WHY IS IT ORANGE?) ITS IMPOSING ALL OVER DOWNTOWN AND APPEARS TO BE A BLOCK OR TWO AWAY--BUT WAS ACTUALLY MILES AWAY FROM OUR HOTEL. JIM WAS A DISTANCE RUNNER AND MADE IT THE 1.7 MILES ACROSS AND BACK WHILE I STOPPED HALF WAY , DREADING THE JOG BACK TO THE ROOM. HIGH ON A HILL IS A TONY DEVELOPMENT CALLED TRIBURON WHERE I CALLED ON A CIVIC CLUBBER I LATER THOUGHT I RECOGNIZED BEING INTERVIEWED BY LESLIE STAHL ON 60 MINUTES. THIS GENTLEMAN HAD JUST TAKEN DELIVERY OF THE WORLD'S B IGGEST YACHT AFTER FIRING CEO CARLY FIORINA AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF HEWLETT-PACKARD-A MOVE THAT SHOOK WALL STREET. TOM PERKINS WAS CALLED THE GODFATHER OF THE SILICON VALLEY.
LODI -- WAS NOT THE BIGGEST HIT CREEDANCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL EVER RELEASED, BUT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER IT BECAUSE OF LODI, CALIFORNIA. ONE OF THE FIRST BENCHMARKS I SEARCHED OUT WHEN I ARRIVED AT A NEW TOWN WAS THE AMERICAN LEGION AND SOMETIMES I COULD GET AN ORDER. THE MEMBERS WERE ALWAYS HELPFUL IN POINTING OUT WHERE I NEEDED TO GO. EXCEPT IN LODI WHEN I ANNOUNCED I WAS THERE SELLING BENSON'S FRUIT CAKE AS A FUND RAISER THE MEMBERS BALKED . THEY SCOLDED ME SAID THEY SOLD THE SOUTH GEORGIA BRAND -- CLAXTON FRUIT CAKES, AND ORDERED ME OUT OF TOWN . FACED WITH SEVERAL BRAWNY VETERANS--I SCURRIED FOR THE CITY LIMITS.
THEY PLAYED THE SUPER BOWL IN MY HOME TOWN (SORTA-OF AT LEAST FOR ONE SUMMER), SANTA CLARA, CA. RIGHT SMACK DAB IN THE SILICON VALLEY WITH SUNNYVALE AND SAN JOSE. ITS ALWAYS BEEN MY BUSINESS CAREER PROBLEM--I ARRIVED IN THE SILICON VALLEY DECADES TOO EARLY--SENT TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ONE SUMMER TO SELL FRUIT CAKE AS A FUND RAISER FOR CIVIC CLUBS AND CHURCHES FOR THE BENSON BAKERY IN ATHENS. IT WAS A DREAMBOAT OF A GIG FOR A COLLEGE DUDE WITH A CHANCE TO SAMPLE A NEW WEST COAST RADIO FORMAT CALLED THE DRAKE FORMAT, ESTABLISHED BY AN OLE ATLANTA D.J.
I HIT LA (NOT IN MY TERRITORY ) HIGH AS A KITE BECAUSE OF AN UNEXPECTED RUSH IN LAS VEGAS. AS I DROVE DOWN THE STRIP THERE ON THE MARQUE OF THE FRONTIER CASINO--WAYNE COCHRAN AND THE CC RIDERS. WAYNE COMP ME ON HIS SHOW AND WHAT A SHOW IT WAS. A COP WOKE ME AT 3AM BY KNOCKING ON MY CAR WINDOW AT A CLOSED LA BURGER JOINT AND TOLD ME TO MOVE ON--BECAUSE SOMEONE JUST GOT THEIR THROAT CUT IN THE SAME SPOT, RECENTLY.
NORTHWARD HO AND INTO SAN JOSE WHERE I FOUND LODGING AT AN OLD HOTEL IN NEIGHBORING LOS GATOS (THE CATS). SAN JOSE IS THE CENTERPIECE OF THE SILICONE VALLEY AND NEAR-BY SUNNYVALE(WHERE STEVE JOBS GRADUATED H.S.) AND SANTA CLARA THE HOME OF THE 49ERS FOOTBALL STADIUM. THE SUPER BOWL BROADCAST KEPT SHOWING THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE IN SAN FRANCISCO BUT THE STADIUM IN SANTA CLARA IS ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF SOUTH. LIKE THE BRAVES THE 9-ERS MOVED WHERE THE $ IS. BUT ALMOST IN THE SHADOW OF THE GOLDEN GATE IS SAUSALITO, A COASTAL PARADISE IF THERE EVER WAS ONE AND WHERE OTIS REDDING MOVED TO FROM MACON WHEN HE HIT IT BIG WITH DOCK OF THE BAY. JUST ACROSS THE WAY IS ALCATRAZ , THE FAMOUS PRISON. BEEN THERE TWICE BUT ONLY ONCE IN HANDCUFFS (JUST JOSHING).
IN LATER YEARS ,VISITING SAN FRANCISO MY BIG BRO AND I FOCUSED ON JOGGING THE GOLDEN GATE(BUT WHY IS IT ORANGE?) ITS IMPOSING ALL OVER DOWNTOWN AND APPEARS TO BE A BLOCK OR TWO AWAY--BUT WAS ACTUALLY MILES AWAY FROM OUR HOTEL. JIM WAS A DISTANCE RUNNER AND MADE IT THE 1.7 MILES ACROSS AND BACK WHILE I STOPPED HALF WAY , DREADING THE JOG BACK TO THE ROOM. HIGH ON A HILL IS A TONY DEVELOPMENT CALLED TRIBURON WHERE I CALLED ON A CIVIC CLUBBER I LATER THOUGHT I RECOGNIZED BEING INTERVIEWED BY LESLIE STAHL ON 60 MINUTES. THIS GENTLEMAN HAD JUST TAKEN DELIVERY OF THE WORLD'S B IGGEST YACHT AFTER FIRING CEO CARLY FIORINA AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF HEWLETT-PACKARD-A MOVE THAT SHOOK WALL STREET. TOM PERKINS WAS CALLED THE GODFATHER OF THE SILICON VALLEY.
LODI -- WAS NOT THE BIGGEST HIT CREEDANCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL EVER RELEASED, BUT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER IT BECAUSE OF LODI, CALIFORNIA. ONE OF THE FIRST BENCHMARKS I SEARCHED OUT WHEN I ARRIVED AT A NEW TOWN WAS THE AMERICAN LEGION AND SOMETIMES I COULD GET AN ORDER. THE MEMBERS WERE ALWAYS HELPFUL IN POINTING OUT WHERE I NEEDED TO GO. EXCEPT IN LODI WHEN I ANNOUNCED I WAS THERE SELLING BENSON'S FRUIT CAKE AS A FUND RAISER THE MEMBERS BALKED . THEY SCOLDED ME SAID THEY SOLD THE SOUTH GEORGIA BRAND -- CLAXTON FRUIT CAKES, AND ORDERED ME OUT OF TOWN . FACED WITH SEVERAL BRAWNY VETERANS--I SCURRIED FOR THE CITY LIMITS.
THEY PLAYED THE SUPER BOWL IN MY HOME TOWN (SORTA-OF AT LEAST FOR ONE SUMMER), SANTA CLARA, CA. RIGHT SMACK DAB IN THE SILICON VALLEY WITH SUNNYVALE AND SAN JOSE. ITS ALWAYS BEEN MY BUSINESS CAREER PROBLEM--I ARRIVED IN THE SILICON VALLEY DECADES TOO EARLY--SENT TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ONE SUMMER TO SELL FRUIT CAKE AS A FUND RAISER FOR CIVIC CLUBS AND CHURCHES FOR THE BENSON BAKERY IN ATHENS. IT WAS A DREAMBOAT OF A GIG FOR A COLLEGE DUDE WITH A CHANCE TO SAMPLE A NEW WEST COAST RADIO FORMAT CALLED THE DRAKE FORMAT, ESTABLISHED BY AN OLE ATLANTA D.J.
I HIT LA (NOT IN MY TERRITORY ) HIGH AS A KITE BECAUSE OF AN UNEXPECTED RUSH IN LAS VEGAS. AS I DROVE DOWN THE STRIP THERE ON THE MARQUE OF THE FRONTIER CASINO--WAYNE COCHRAN AND THE CC RIDERS. WAYNE COMP ME ON HIS SHOW AND WHAT A SHOW IT WAS. A COP WOKE ME AT 3AM BY KNOCKING ON MY CAR WINDOW AT A CLOSED LA BURGER JOINT AND TOLD ME TO MOVE ON--BECAUSE SOMEONE JUST GOT THEIR THROAT CUT IN THE SAME SPOT, RECENTLY.
NORTHWARD HO AND INTO SAN JOSE WHERE I FOUND LODGING AT AN OLD HOTEL IN NEIGHBORING LOS GATOS (THE CATS). SAN JOSE IS THE CENTERPIECE OF THE SILICONE VALLEY AND NEAR-BY SUNNYVALE(WHERE STEVE JOBS GRADUATED H.S.) AND SANTA CLARA THE HOME OF THE 49ERS FOOTBALL STADIUM. THE SUPER BOWL BROADCAST KEPT SHOWING THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE IN SAN FRANCISCO BUT THE STADIUM IN SANTA CLARA IS ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF SOUTH. LIKE THE BRAVES THE 9-ERS MOVED WHERE THE $ IS. BUT ALMOST IN THE SHADOW OF THE GOLDEN GATE IS SAUSALITO, A COASTAL PARADISE IF THERE EVER WAS ONE AND WHERE OTIS REDDING MOVED TO FROM MACON WHEN HE HIT IT BIG WITH DOCK OF THE BAY. JUST ACROSS THE WAY IS ALCATRAZ , THE FAMOUS PRISON. BEEN THERE TWICE BUT ONLY ONCE IN HANDCUFFS (JUST JOSHING).
IN LATER YEARS ,VISITING SAN FRANCISO MY BIG BRO AND I FOCUSED ON JOGGING THE GOLDEN GATE(BUT WHY IS IT ORANGE?) ITS IMPOSING ALL OVER DOWNTOWN AND APPEARS TO BE A BLOCK OR TWO AWAY--BUT WAS ACTUALLY MILES AWAY FROM OUR HOTEL. JIM WAS A DISTANCE RUNNER AND MADE IT THE 1.7 MILES ACROSS AND BACK WHILE I STOPPED HALF WAY , DREADING THE JOG BACK TO THE ROOM. HIGH ON A HILL IS A TONY DEVELOPMENT CALLED TRIBURON WHERE I CALLED ON A CIVIC CLUBBER I LATER THOUGHT I RECOGNIZED BEING INTERVIEWED BY LESLIE STAHL ON 60 MINUTES. THIS GENTLEMAN HAD JUST TAKEN DELIVERY OF THE WORLD'S B IGGEST YACHT AFTER FIRING CEO CARLY FIORINA AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF HEWLETT-PACKARD-A MOVE THAT SHOOK WALL STREET. TOM PERKINS WAS CALLED THE GODFATHER OF THE SILICON VALLEY.
LODI -- WAS NOT THE BIGGEST HIT CREEDANCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL EVER RELEASED, BUT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER IT BECAUSE OF LODI, CALIFORNIA. ONE OF THE FIRST BENCHMARKS I SEARCHED OUT WHEN I ARRIVED AT A NEW TOWN WAS THE AMERICAN LEGION AND SOMETIMES I COULD GET AN ORDER. THE MEMBERS WERE ALWAYS HELPFUL IN POINTING OUT WHERE I NEEDED TO GO. EXCEPT IN LODI WHEN I ANNOUNCED I WAS THERE SELLING BENSON'S FRUIT CAKE AS A FUND RAISER THE MEMBERS BALKED . THEY SCOLDED ME SAID THEY SOLD THE SOUTH GEORGIA BRAND -- CLAXTON FRUIT CAKES, AND ORDERED ME OUT OF TOWN . FACED WITH SEVERAL BRAWNY VETERANS--I SCURRIED FOR THE CITY LIMITS.
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
UPSON BOC DENIES CHAIRMAN BRUE
THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS VOTED TO DENY THE APPEAL OF A VARIANCE SOUGHT BY CHAIRMAN DAN BRUE FOR A NEW ANIMAL ANIMAL ON FIRE TOWER ROAD AFTER A PUBLIC HEARING TUESDAY. THE BOARD DECLINED TO HEAR THE APPEAL OF A SPECIAL EXCEPTION ALSO FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION, AS IT WAS A MOOT ISSUE WITH THE VARIANCE DENIAL. COUNTY ATTORNEY HEALTH ENGLISH EXPLAINED THE BOC WAS ONLY CHARGED WITH DECIDING IF THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOLLOWED THE WORDAGE OF THE ORDIANCE AND COMMISSIONERS AGREED
COMMISSIONERS LEFT THE DOOR OPEN TO HEAR FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ON THE ISSUE BUT CHAIRMAN BRUE TOLD 101 NEWS AFTER THE MEETING THE LAW PROHIBITED HIM FROM HOLDING CONVERSATIONS WITH THE OTHER COMMISSIONERS SINCE THE PLANNING COMMISSION DENIAL AND HE APOLOGIZED TO THEM FOR IT.
A SPRINKLING OF PROPERTY OWNERS ON FIRE TOWER ROAD SPOKE THE ONLY OPPOSITION AND NOTED OF THE TWO DOZEN OR SO SPEAKING FOR THE ANIMAL HOSPITAL NONE LIVED ON FIRE TOWER ROAD
THOMASTON PD ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION 2/6/26
THOMASTON POLICE HAVE RELEASED THE ACCIDENT REPORT FOR A TWO-VEHICLE CRASH AT WEST GORDON AND SOUTH GREEN FEB. 6TH--THAT RESULTED-IN MOTORIST ALLISON RENEE MCCARTY OF SOUTH GREEN STREET SUFFERING A REPORTED BROKEN LEG. THE OTHER MOTORIST GREGORY K. HORD OF MILNER, GA. WAS NOT INJURED BUT WAS ISSUED TWO CITATIONS, FOR FAILURE TO OBEY A RED LIGHT AND NO LICENSE ON PERSON.
MS. MCCARTY WAS DRIVING A 2020 KIA SPORTAGE AND HORD OF A WELDON LAKE ROAD ADDRESS-- A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE TPD REPORT SAID MS. MCARTY WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON SOUTH GREEN AND AS SHE ENTERED THE INTERSECTION OF WEST GORDON STREET HER VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY HORD. ACCORDING TO THE PD--MS.MCARTY SUFFERED INJURIES TO HER LEG AND HEAD AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R. BY EMS.
Friday, February 6, 2026
UPSON PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
The Upson County Planning Commissions
Meeting for Monday, February 9, 2026 has
been canceled, due to lack of agenda items.
Thanks,
Lonnie Joyce
County Manage
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
CITY OF THOMASTON RECEIVING $3 MILLION FROM D.C.
AT THE START OF TUESDAY'S MEETING OF THE THOMASTON MAYOR AND COUNCIL , MAYOR J.D. STALLINGS ANNOUNCED CONGRESSMAN BRIAN JACK IS SENDING $3 MILLION TO CITY HALL FOR ITS PROPOSED DOWNTOWN PEDESTRIAN SAFETY PROGRAM--APPARENTLY THE LARGEST APPROPRIATION IN THE 3RD DISTRICT. THE MAYOR MENTIONED THAT THE CONGRESSMAN IS SENDING PIKE COUNTY SOME FUNDING ALSO WITH PASSAGE OF THE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL.
CITY HALL HAS BEEN WORKING WITH G-DOT AND THE UNIVERSITY OF GA. ON THE DOWNTOWN PEDESTRIAN SAFETY PROJECT AND THE MAYOR SAID HE SPOKE WITH CONGRESSMAN JACK TUESDAY AND LEARNED OF THE $3 MILLION COMING FROM WASHINGTON FOR THE PROJECT AND THANKED HIM FOR THE FUNDING. IT WAS MENTIONED DURING THE MEETING 16,000 VEHICLES CROSS THE DOWNTOWN SQUARE DAILY SO THE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY PROJECT HAS HIGH PRIORITY.
Friday, January 30, 2026
THREAT AT U-L ELEMENTARY FRIDAY
UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE REPORTS A THREAT FRIDAY MORNING AT UPSON-LEE NORTH ELEMENTARY. THE PHONE CALL CAME IN ON A SCHOOL LINE AND THE MALE CALLER SAID HE WAS IN A RESTROOM AND ARMED. UPSON DEPUTIES AND SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS RESPONDED--AND NO ONE WAS FOUND--THE SHERIFF TOLD 101 NEWS. HE ADDED ANYONE ENTERING THOMASTON--UPSON SCHOOLS MUST PASS THROUGH A METAL DETECTOR.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)