GOV ANNOUNCED $2 MILLION GRANT TO T-U IDA

 GOVERNOR  BRIAN  KEMP  HAS  ANNOUNCED  A   $2  MILLION   RURAL  SITE  DEVELOPMENT  GRANT  FOR  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  DEVELOPMENT  AUTHORITY.  IT  WILL  BE  USED  TO  CONSTRUCT WATER,  SEWER,  AND   TRANSPORTATION  INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE GRAD-CERTIFIED  CENTRAL  GA.  BUSINESS  AND  TECHNOLOGY  PARK.  THE  TOTAL  PROJECT  COSTS  ARE  $2.3  MILLION. 

SPALDING CO COOLING STATIONS

 We have worked with partners to schedule a cooling center in Spalding County to escape the heat that we are already experiencing. Attached is the location and hours that is available beginning today (Monday June 29). The location is:

 

• Flint River Regional Library (800 Memorial Drive in Griffin):

• Monday and Thursday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

 

 

“The heat out there is getting oppressive,” said County Manager Dr. Steve Ledbetter, “and we want to provide relief for our citizens, specifically the most vulnerable. Please take advantage of these cooling centers if you’re feeling at risk.”

 

To assist residents in our community with coping with extreme heat, the Rotary Club of Griffin and the Rotary Club of Griffin Daybreak have partnered with Spalding County Emergency Management to provide fans to the community.

There is a limited amount of fans that will be available on a first come- first serve basis for Spalding County residents with one (1) fan per household.

This opportunity to offer fans to residents is a special project from both Rotary clubs and we appreciate the partnership as we assist those in our community, along with Walmart of Griffin that assisted in acquiring the fans for the clubs.

 

To request a fan, please visit the Spalding County Fire / Emergency Management Administration Complex located at 1005 Memorial Drive from 10a-2p on Wednesday 7/1 and Thursday 7/2, where fans will be available until all of the supply is depleted.

 

For more information, please contact Spalding County Office of Homeland Security / Emergency Management at 770-228-2129.

 

 

Please let us know if there is anything else that we can do for you.

 

Hope you have a great day!!

 

 

Glenn

 

Glenn Polk, MPA, CFO, CEM, GAFC, MiFireE, EMT-I, CCC, GA-PCEM

Fire Chief – Administration / Emergency Management, Spalding County Fire Department

Director, Spalding County Office of Homeland Security / Emergency Management

1005 Memorial Drive     Griffin, GA 30223

(O) 770-228-2129        (F) 770-467-4785

(C) 770-527-2855

gpolk@spaldingcounty.com

 

JULY 4TH THOMASTON FREEDOM FEST

 THE  9TH  ANNUAL CITY OF  THOMASTON  FREEDOM  FEST  JULY  THE  4TH 4PM  TILL  10PM AT  GREATEST  GENERATION  PARK CELEBRATING 250 YEARS  OF  USA  FREEDOM.   SILVERTOWN  PARADE  4PM, FUN ZONE 706- 3;30 TO  9PM,  UPSON  LINE  DANCERS 4;30  FOLLOWED  BY STUDIO  OF  DANCE  AND  UPSON LINE  DANCERS.  LIVE MUSIC FROM  MONTGOMERY PIKE AND  THE  FULL CIRCLE  BAND,  HOT  DOG AND  SUNDAE  EATING  CONTESTS,  CORNHOLE  TOURNAMENT, FIREWORKS  AT  9;30. THOMASTON  FREEDOM  FEST  JULY  4TH  WITH  A LIVE  FUN 101 RADIO  SHOW.

LACY CRAIN NEW UPSON CFO

 LACY    CRAIN  HAS  BEEN  NAMED  CHIEF  FINANCIAL  OFFICER  OF  UPSON  COUNTY.  COUNTY  MANAGER  LONNIE  JOYCE  ANNOUNCED  THE  PROMOTION  AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING.  MS.    CRAIN  WAS  TOP  LIEUTENANT  TO  FORMER CFO ALLEN  SALTER  WHO  ASSUMED  THE  SAME  ROLE  WITH  THE CITY OF LAGRANGE.  

TOBACCO/VAPE STORE NORTHSIDE THOMASTON IS CLOSED

 THE  TOBACCO/VAPE  STORE  IN  NORTHSIDE IS  CLOSED  FOLLOWING  A  DECISION   BY   THE  THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL TO  REVOKE  ITS  VAPE  PERMIT.  CITY  CLERK   TAYLOR  WHITE  SAYS  CITY  HALL  WILL  MEET  WITH  THE  STORE  OWNERSHIP  NEXT   WEEK  TO  DISCUSS  WHAT  CAN  AND  NOT  BE  SOLD  AT  THE  BUSINESS.

TRAFFIC DEATH UPSON CO

 ACCORDING  TO  POST   26  GA.  STATE  PATROL THOMASTON ,   FRIDAY  MORNING   JUST  AFTER  7AM--   A  MOTORIST  WAS  KILLED  AND  TWO  CHILDREN  TRANSPORTED  TO  A  MACON  TRAUMA  CENTER  AFTER A  ONE-VEHICLE  ACCIDENT  ON  POBIDDY    ROAD  JUST  SOUTH OF  ADAMS  FERRY  ROAD.  THE  FEMALE  DRIVER  IDENTIFIED  AS   33-YEAR  OLD  IVESHIA  DOZIER  OF  TALBOTTON,GA.  WAS  DECEASED AT  THE  SCENE  AND  TWO CHILDREN  AGES   12  A  MALE AND   A  FEMALE  AGED  9  WERE  TRANSPORTED   TO  A  MACON  HOSPITAL  WITH  NON-LIFE  THREATENING  INJURIES. 

STATE TROOPER DAVID JOSEPH SUTTON  SAID  THE   2017  FORD  FUSION  DRIVEN  BY  MS.  DOZIER  FAILED  TO  MAINTAIN  LANE--  LEFT  THE  ROADWAY  AND  OVER  CORRECTED--CROSSED  BOTH LANES-RAN  DOWN  AN  EMBANKMENT  AND  SLAMMED  INTO  A  TREE.  MS.  DOZIER  WAS  PRONOUNCED  DECEASED  BY  PIKE  COUNTY  DEPUTY  CORONER GLENN  WHITE  AT 8;28AM.

UPSON/MERIWETHER UNDER TORNADO WARNING

 THE  NATIONAL  WEATHER  SERVICE  ISSUED   A  TORNADO  WARNING  FOR  SOUTHWESTERN  UPSON  AND  MERIWETHER  COUNTIES  THURSDAY  AT  6;34PM  UNTIL   7PM.  EMERGENCY  SIRENS  WERE  DISCHARGED  IN  UPSON  COUNTY.  AT  7;42PM TORNADO  WARNING  EXTENDED  UNTIL  8;15  FOR  SOUTH WESTERN  UPSON COUNTY  NEAR  THE  SALEM  COMMUNITY.  PASTOR  MAURICE  RAINES OF  SALEM  BAPTIST  CHURCH  TOLD   101  NEWS  FRIDAY  MORNING  THERE  WERE  NO  REPORTS  OF  A  TORNADO  TOUCHDOWN   OR  DAMAGE   IN  HIS  COMMUNITY--ONLY  ABOUT  8  MINUTES  OF  45  MILE  PER  HOUR  WINDS.

THERE  WAS  A  REPORT  OF  STRAIGHT  LINE  WINDS  OF  60  MILES  PER  HOUR  IN  THE  MILNER, GA.  AREA.

FIRE REPORTED AT SPEEDWAY FOR GRIFFIN THURSDAY

 A  FIRE  REPORTED   IN  THE  SHOP  AREA  AT  SPEEDWAY  FORD  IN  GRIFFIN  THIS  (THURSDAY)  AFTERNOON.  UNCONFIRMED  REPORTS  A  BATTERY  MIGHT  HAVE  EXPLODED.

CITY OF THOMASTON POWER BILLS GOING UP

 THOMASTON'S  CITY  MANAGER  RUSSELL  THOMPSON    TOLD  CITY  COUNCIL  TUESDAY  A   SHORTFALL  OF   $350,000  COULD

  IMPACT  THE  CITY  HALL  BUDGET  OVER  INCREASED  COSTS  AND COUNCIL  APPROVED  A  RESOLUTION  TO   INCREASE  THE POWER  COST  ADJUSTMENT.  EFFECTIVE WITH  THE  JUNE  BILLING  THE  AVERAGE  ELECTRIC  BILL  FOR  CITY  CUSTOMERS  WILL  BE  $10.

  

THOMASTON COUNCIL ACTION ON TOBACCO VAPE STORE

 CITY  OF  THOMASTON  ATTORNEY  JOHNNIE  CALDWELL  TOLD  101  NEWS  WEDNESDAY   THE  CITY  MANAGER  WILL  DRAFT  A  LETTER  TO  THE  TOBACCO/VAPE  SHOP    AT  1091  19  NORTH     INFORMING  THE  BUSINESS   IT   IS  NO  LONGER  LAWFUL  TO  SELL THC-TYPE  PRODUCTS  BECAUSE  THEIR  SPECIAL  USE  PERMIT ISSUED  BY  CITY  HALL  WAS  REVOKED  BY  ACTION  OF  THE  CITY  COUNCIL  AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING.  A  VIOLATION  OF  SPECIAL  CONDITIONS  SET  BY  COUNCIL.

ATTORNEY  CALDWELL  TOLD  US   THE  BUSINESS  CAN  REMAIN  OPEN  BUT  CAN'T  SELL  ANY  THC-TYPE  PRODUCTS  PROHIBITED  BY  THE  COUNCILS  SPECIAL  CONDITIONS.  A  SPOKESMAN FOR  THE  STORE  TOLD  THE  THOMASTON    ZONING  COMMISSION  MONDAY  THE  STORE  WILL  CONCENTRATE  ON  TOBACCO-TYPE PRODUCTS    AND  SELL  NO  HEMP-TYPE   PRODUCTS   IF  CITY  FATHERS  ALLOW  IT  TO  REMAIN  OPEN. 

STATE WIDE WINNERS IN TUESDAY'S RUNOFF

 WITH  THE  FINAL  TALLY  FOR  TUESDAY'S  RUNOFF  RICK  JACKSON REPUBLICAN  WILL  FACE   DEMOCRAT   KEESHA  LANCE  BOTTOMS   FOR  GOVERNOR  IN  NOVEMBER.  FOR  LT.  GOVERNOR GREG DOLEZAL  REPUBLICAN  WILL  FACE    DEMOCRAT    JOSH  MCLAURIN  FOR  LT.  GOVERNOR.  INCUMBENT  RICHARD  BROOKS  DEFEATED  DR.  BUBBA  LONG LONGGREAR  FOR  STATE  SCHOOL  SUPERINTENDANT.

UPSON CO ELECTION RETURNS

 IN  TUESDAY'S  RUNOFF  ELECTION  IN  UPSON  COUNTY    RICK  JACKSON  OUT   POLLED  BURT  JONES  FOR  GOP  GOVERNOR 1352  TO  1209. MIKE  COLLINS  EDGED  DEREK  DOOLEY 1493  TO 1051   FOR  GOP  U.S.  SENATE, JOHN KENNEDY  WON  OVER  GREG DOLEZAL 1535  TO 1001 FOR  THE  REPUBLICAN  NOMINATION  AND NABILAN  PARKES  WON  OVER  JOSH  MCLAURIN 285  TO 246  FOR  THE  DEMOCRAT  NOMINATION  FOR  LT.  GOVERNOR.

FOR  STATE  SCHOOL  SUPERINTENDANT  BUBBA  LONGGREAR OUTPOLLED  INCUMBENT  RICHARD  WOODS 1633  TO 853.

Guilty Pleas Upson Superior Court

 

THOMASTON ZONING COMMISSION TO FOLLOW CITY COUNCIL DECISION

 

  THE  THOMASTON  ZONING  COMMISSION PASSED  A   MOTION  MONDAY      TO  RECOMMEND  THE    DECISION  OF  THE   THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL  REGARDING  REVOKING  A  SPECIAL  USE  PERMIT  FOR  A  TOBACCO  AND  VAPE  STORE  AT 1091  19  NORTH.  THE  STORE    IS    CHARGED  WITH  SELLING  THC-TYPE  PRODUCTS  TO  AN  UNDERCOVER   THOMASTON    POLICE  OFFICER,  A  MINOR,   IN VIOLATION  OF  THEIR  PERMITS  AND   ZONING   CONDITIONS.  ACTION  BY  THE  CITY  COUNCIL  AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING  COULD  CLOSE  THE  BUSINESS.

  

  THE  ZONINIG  COMMISSION  INDICATED  THEY  NEEDED   MORE  INFORMATION  ABOUT  THE  MATTER  BEFORE  STIPULATING  ANY  ENFORCEMENT  ACTION.

  

  A  SPOKESMAN  FOR  THE  STORE  ADDRESSED  THE  ZONING  COMMISSION AND  STATED  ITS  THE  FIRST   TIME  ITS  BEEN  IN  TROUBLE  WITH  THE  LAW.

UPSON CO SHERIFF DAN KILGORE ON SHOOTING ARREST

  

On Thursday night, June 11, 2026 at 11:15pm deputies attempted to serve an Aggravated Assault arrest warrant at 220 Weems Road in northern Upson County. The warrant was for Jacey T. Posy, 18, of that address and was related to a shooting incident occurring in the City of Thomaston on the preceding day. Upon law enforcement encountering Posy in a bedroom inside the residence he produced a 9mm handgun and pointed it at his head and refused to surrender to deputies. Additional units responded and efforts to convince Posey to surrender were unsuccessful. Four family members were removed from the residence and relocated on the property. Prolonged negotiations continued and were unsuccessful A SWAT team from the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist. A negotiator from that unit was also unsuccessful in convincing Posey to surrender. Posey demonstrated irrational behavior and held the gun to his head throughout the entire encounter. Posey ceased communication at around 4:30am on Friday morning and the SWAT team deployed chemical agents into the residence. As deputies were preparing to breach the doorway for entry  Posey  broke and climbed through a window and immediately reentered the window. He ultimately surrendered through the front door of the residence after being affected by the chemical agents.

EMS was on the scene and evaluated Posey before he was transported to the Upson County Jail.

Posey remains incarcerated and additional charges will be filed in relation to this incident.

We appreciate the efforts of all law enforcement on the scene. Special thanks to Sheriff Dix and Spalding SO’s SWAT team for their response.

TWO ARREST IN JUNE 4TH THOMASTON SHOOTING

 THOMASTON  POLICE HAVE  ARRESTED  TWO  SUSPECTS  IN  A  SHOOTING  JUNE  4  IN  THE  400  BLOCK  OF  NORTH  MAIN  STREET  .  A  JUVENILE  IS  BEING  HELD  IN  YDC MACON  AND  A  2ND  SUSPECT, KORIEN  THOMAS  OF  THOMASTON  IN  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  JAIL.  THE  VICTIM  HAS  BEEN  DISCHARGED  FROM  THE  HOSPITAL.

SHOOTER ARRESTED IN UPSON CO

 THE  SHOOTER  AT  A  LATE  NIGHT         INCIDENT  THIS  WEEK    IN  THE  PARKING  LOT  IN  FRONT  OF PLANET  FITNESS  HAS  BEEN  ARRESTED--ACCORDING  TO  CAPTAIN  BRIAN  HAMMOCK  OF  THE  THOMASTON  POLICE  DEPARTMENT.  THE  SHOOTER  IDENTIFIED  AS  18  YEAR  OLD  JACEY  POSEY  WHO  WAS  ARRESTED  BY  UPSON COUNTY  DEPUTIES  IN  THE COUNTY  THURSDAY  NIGHT .  THE  SPALDING  COUNTY     SWAT  TEAM  HAD  TO BE  DISPATCHED   TO  ASSIST  AT     220  WEEMS  ROAD  TO   TAKE   HIM   INTO  CUSTODY.  THE  VICTIM   IDENTIFIED  AS CADEN  WELLMAKER  OF  THOMASTON  WHO  LEFT  THE  SCENE    AFTER  BEING  SHOT   IN  THE  LEG  AND  TRANSPORTED HIMSELF  TO  THE  E.R.

POLICE  CHIEF  MIKE  RICHARDSON  SAID  THE  SHOOTING  RESULTED     FROM    AN  ONGOING  DISPUTE  BETWEEN   AN  INDIVIDUAL  RIDING  A  BICYCLE  AND  SEVERAL  OCCUPANTS  IN  A  WHITE  VEHICLE.

IT  WAS  THE  2ND  SHOOTING  IN  A  WEEK IN  THE  CITY OF  THOMASTON.

IN THE PIPELINE-DAVE WILL NEVER BE A JEDI

 I'LL  NEVER  BE  A  JEDI   BUT  I  ADMIT  I  HAD   NEVER  HEARD  OF  ONE  AS  RBLACK  AND I  HURLED  TOWARD  LA  VIA  A  DELTA  JET. "STAR  WARS" THE  MOVIE  WAS  UNHEARD-OF  BUT  IT  WAS  ON  THE  COVER OF  TIME  AND  NEWSWEEK    THAT  WAS  BEING PASSED  AROUND  IN  FIRST  CLASS.  RBLACK   WAS  WORKING  THE  FLIGHT  SO  I  GOT  BUMPED-UP WITH  THE  HIGH  ROLLERS. ONCE  IN  THE CITY OF  THE  ANGELS WE  MADE  A  B-LINE  FOR  A   MOVIE  HOUSE  ON  WILSHIRE  BLVD. AND  THERE  WERE  SO  MANY  PEOPLE  TO  SEE  THE  FLICK  THEY  HAD  TO  MARCH  US    TO  A  PARKING  LOT DOWN  THE  STREET  FROM  THE  MULTIPLEX , THEN  MARCH  US  INSIDE.    I  HAD  NEVER   SEEN  A   MOVIE  HOUSE  WITH  MULTIPLE  SCREENS   BUT  THEY  WERE  ALL  SHOWING  "STAR  WARS".

WHEN  THE OPENING  CREDITS  ROLLED  IT  WAS  OBVIOUS THIS  WAS  SOMETHING  SPECIAL   AND  SO  I  REFLECT  BACK  ON IT  WITH  A  NEW  "STAR WARS"  DEBUTING  THIS  MONTH.

THE  CLEAN-UP  CREW  AT  THE  HOLLYWOOD  BOWL  DIDN'T  SEEM  TO  MIND  AS  WE  WONDERED IN  AND  TOOK  TO  THE  STAGE  JUST  LIKE WILLIE  AT   90 .  YES,    I  HAVE  BEEN  ON  STAGE  AT THE  HOLLYWOOD  BOWL. COULDN'T  LOCATE  OUR  VEHICLE   IN  THE  ENDLESS  PARKING  LOT  AT  DISNEYLAND  AND  AND  SAW  THE  LA ANGELS  LOSE  ONE  IN  THE  9TH.

BACK  IN  THE  DAY  THE  DELTA  AIRLINES  CREW  LODGED   AT  A  HOTEL   ON  SANTA  MONICA  BLVD  BUT  IT  DOUBLED  AS  THE  HOODS  HIDEOUT IN  A  MOVIE  STARING  LEE MARVIN  "THE KILLERS". OF  INTEREST  BECAUSE  A  B-ACTOR   NAMED  RONALD  REAGAN  DROVE  THE  GET  AWAY  CAR.

DID  I  TELL  YOUR  ABOUT  THE  RED  EYE  FLIGHT  WE  MADE  TO  PHILLY?  STAY  TUNED    AS  I  REFLECT  ON  A  BEST  BUD

RBLACK.

NEW PRESIDENT NAMED AT GORDON STATE-BARNESVILLE

 THE  BOARD  OF   REGENTS OF  THE  UNIVERSITY SYSTEM  OF  GA.  HAS  NAMED  DR.   RUSSELL  CRUTCHFIELD, CURRENTLY  CHIEF  OPERATING  OFFICER FOR  GOV.  BRIAN  KEMP  AS  THE  NEW  PRESIDENT OF  GORDON  STATE  COLLEGE  IN  BARNESVILLE, EFFECTIVE  AUG. IST.   HE PREVIOUSLY SERVED  AS  CHIEF  OF  STAFF  AND  ASSOCIATE  VICE  PRESIDENT  AT  THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  WEST  GA.

UGA SCHEDULE IN COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

 BROADCAST SCHEDULE:

Saturday, June 13^th – Baseball vs Texas – 7:40 PM ET Air Time

 

*Monday, June 15^th – Baseball vs Alabama/Oklahoma Loser – 1:40 PM ET Air Time *if UGA loses on Friday

*Monday, June 15^th – Baseball vs Alabama/Oklahoma Winner – 6:40 PM ET Air Time *if UGA wins on Friday

 

*Tuesday, June 16^th – Baseball vs TBD – 7:40 PM ET Air Time *if UGA splits their first 2 games

 

*Wednesday June 17^th – Baseball vs TBD – 6:40 PM ET Air Time - *if UGA goes 2-0 or 2-1

UPDATE ON THURSDAY SHOOTING IN THOMASTON

 THOMASTON  POLICE  CHIEF  MIKE  RICHARDSON  SAYS  HIS  INVESTIGATORS  GAVE A  ROUND  THE  CLOCK  PROBE  OF  A  SHOOTING   DURING  THE  WEEKEND--THAT HAPPENED   THURSDAY  NIGHT   IN  THE   400  BLOCK  OF  NORTH  MAIN  STREET.  ACCORDING  TO  A  POLICE  REPORT  THE  VICTIM, ZION  ALSOBROOKS  WAS  WOUNDED  IN  THE  FOREARM  AND  THIGH  AND  TRANSPORTED  TO  THE  E.R.  AT  LAST  REPORT  ALSOBROOKS  WAS  IN  STABLE CONDITION.  POLICE  SAID  THE  WEAPON  USED  IN  THE  SHOOTING  WAS  A  MODIFIED AR-15  REPORTED  STOLEN MAY  19TH. 

THE  VICTIM  SAID  HE  DID  NOT KNOW  THE  SHOOTER  BUT   THE  OWNER OF  THE  RIFLE  SAID  THE  SHOOTER  TRIED  TO SHOOT    HIM.

UPSON CO LOG TRUCK WRECK

UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  REPORTS  AN  EASTBOUND  LOG  TRUCK  FLIPPED  OVER    AT  74  WEST  NEAR   PICKARD  ROAD , LOST ITS LOGS  AND  CAUGHT  FIRE  AROUND  2PM  FRIDAY.  THE  DRIVER  SUSTAINED  ONLY  MINOR INJURIES , BUT   TRAFFIC  WAS  BLOCKED  IN  BOTH  DIRECTIONS.  THE  DRIVER  SAID   HIS  LOAD  SHIFTED  IN  A  CURVE      AND  HE  LOST  CONTROL.  COUNTY  VOLUNTEER  FIRE  DEPARTMENTS  PUT  THE  FIRE  OUT   AND    GA.  DOT  WAS  ON  THE  SCENE  SUPERVISING  THE  LOG   CLEAN-UP   AND  MAKING  SURE  THE  ROADWAY  WAS  NOT  DAMAGED.

SHERIFF KILGORE  TURNED  THE  ACCIDENT  INVESTIGATION  OVER  TO  POST   26  GSP.

PEANUT HAS REPORTEDLY BEEN FOUND

 THE  PIKE  COUNTY  GOLDEN DOODLE--CASH--HAS  BEEN  ADOPTED    AFTER OWNER   ROBBIE  ALBRITTON   BROUGHT  IT  TO  THE  UPSON  ANIMAL  SHELTER. AND NOW  REPORTEDLY     PEANUT  THE  ORIGINAL  LABRADOOLE  IN  THE  STORY  HAS  BEEN  FOUND  ON  POBIDDY  ROAD.  PEANUT  HAD  BEEN  AT  LARGE  FOR  SEVERAL DAYS  AFTER  LEAVING  HOME.

BIG EVENTS IN THOMASTON-UPSON REC THIS WEEKEND

 Thomaston, let's show up and show out!

This weekend, Thomaston-Upson Recreation is proud to host the first-ever Training Legends All-Stars Warm Up Series right here at our Baseball Complex. Nineteen All-Star teams will travel to Thomaston for two days of competitive baseball, including our very own 8U National All-Stars and 12U All-Stars.

Games start at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $12, and kids 12 and under get in free.

Bring your lawn chair, wear your team colors, grab some concessions, and let's give these young athletes a hometown crowd they'll remember. We can't wait to see you at the fields!

RILEY'S LIGHT CAR SHOW ON FUN 101FM

 FUN 101FM  LIVE  FROM  RILEY'S  LIGHT  CAR  SHOW SATURDAY  JUNE  13TH  AT  CHRIST  CHAPEL  IN  ZEBULON 10AM  TO  2PM-- TO  REMEMBER  RILEY,   A  YOUNG  MAN  WHO  DIED  IN  A  TRAGIC  ACCIDENT.  BOUNCIE HOUSE,  FOOD  TRUCKS,  ARTS  AND  CRAFTS  VENDORS  AND  LIVE MUSIC--JOIN  US. 

TOBBIE ALBRITTON OWNER OF THE LABRADOODLE SPEAKS TO 101 NEWS

 THE  PIKE  COUNTY  OWNER  OF  THE  LABRADOODLE  NAMED  CASH  NOT  PEANUT,  TOBBIE  ALBRITTON,  SPOKE  WITH   101  NEWS  THURSDAY  AND  EXPLAINED  HE  BROUGHT   CASH  TO  HIS  MOM'S ON  FRANKLINDALE  ROAD  IN  UPSON  COUNTY  SO  HE  COULD  GET IT  ADOPTED.  HE  TOLD  US  HE  KNEW   CASH  WOULD  FIND  A  GOOD  HOME  IN  UPSON  COUNTY,  BUT  THE  PUP  HAD  BECOME UNRULY  AND  HE  COULD  NOT  KEEP  IT. THEY TURNED  THE  DOG  INTO  THE  UPSON  ANIMAL  SHELTER  MAY 26TH  AND  IT  WAS  ADOPTED.  HE  TOLD  US  HE  REGRETS  ANY  DISHONESTY  AND IF  THERE  ARE  ANY  REPERCUSSIONS  HE  WILL  FACE  THEM. 

UGA IN THE BASEBALL SUPER REGIONALS ON FUN 101 FM

 THE  GA.  BULLDOGS  PLAY  MISSISSIPPI  STATE  IN  THE  SUPER  REGIONALS  IN  ATHENS  THIS  WEEKEND--FUN  101 FM   WILL  AIR  SATURDAY'S  GAME  STARTING  AT  10;40AM.  THE  DAWGS  PLAY  SUNDAY  AT  NOON   AND  IF  A  3RD  GAME IS  NECESSARY  IT  WILL  BE  MONDAY.

SPALDING COUNTY BAIN PROCTOR LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD

 AT   THE  SPALDING  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  JUNE  2ND  MEETING--ROSALYN  PAYNE-HILL  FOUNDER  OF  THE  GRIFFIN-SPALDING  BLACK  HERITAGE  FESTIVAL  WAS  NAMED  THE   23RD  RECIPIENT  OF  THE  BAIN  PROCTOR  LIFETIME  SERVICE  AWARD.   THE  LATE   MR.  PROCTOR, AN  UPSON  COUNTY  NATIVE  WHO  SERVED  ON  THE  CITY  AND  COUNTY  COMMISSIONS    IN  GRIFFIN-- MADE  MAJOR  CONTRIBUTIONS  TO  THE  GRIFFIN-SPALDING  COMMUNITY.

PEANUT GOT HIS 15 MINUTES OF FAME IN UPSON CO

 WHEN  SOMEONE  IN  AUTHORITY   BLASTS  SOCIAL  MEDIA -- HEED  THAT  INFORMATION--AS  SOCIAL   MEDIA  SOMETIMES  RIDES  OFF  INTO  THE  UNKNOWN--JUST  AS   PEANUT  THE  LABRADOODLE.   PEGGY  FARRELL  OF  THE  UPSON  HUMANE SOCIETY  HAS  PROVIDED  SOME  INSIGHT  INTO  WHAT'S  SPUN  AROUND  IN  THE  PAST  FEW  DAYS  ABOUT  PEANUT. HERE'S  THE  LATEST--  PEGGY  SAYS  THERE  NEVER  WAS   A  PEANUT  IN  THIS  STORY    --THE  THREE  YEAR  OLD  LABRADOOLE  NAMED        CASH  OR KASH  WAS  A  PIKE COUNTY  PUP  AND  THE  OWNER  BROUGHT  IT  TO   A  RELATIVE  ON  FRANKLINDALE  ROAD  IN  UPSON  COUNTY   AND     IT  ENDED  UP  IN  THE  UPSON  ANIMAL  SHELTER-- SOMEONE  ADOPTED  THE  PET--END  OF  STORY.GARY  GILL --A  VOLUNTEER  WITH  THE  HUMANE  SOCIETY   TOLD  101  NEWS HE  WITNESSED  THE   PIKE COUNTY   ORIGINAL   OWNER  OF  THE  DOG   AT   THE  ANIMAL  SHELTER   WEDNESDAY    AND   THE  MAN       SET  THE  RECORD  STRAIGHT , DUE  TO  THREATS THAT  HAD  BEEN  POSTED  ON  SOCIAL  MEDIA. LATE  WORD--WE  ARE  TOLD  THERE  IS  A  LABRADOODLE    NAMED  PEANUT  IN  UPSON  COUNTY   THAT  HAS  BEEN  MISSING  FOR  SEVERAL  DAYS.

NEW PRINCIPAL AT GRIFFIN-SPALDING SCHOOLS

 Dr. Stephanie Nash Named Principal of Jordan Hill Elementary

Griffin, GA – On May 26, the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) Board of 

Education approved the superintendent’s recommendation to appoint Dr. Stephanie Nash 

as the 2026-27 principal of Jordan Hill Elementary School.

Dr. Nash has been in public education for nearly three decades. She joins GSCS from Lamar 

County Schools where she served as the assistant principal and pre-k director of Lamar 

County Primary School for 10 years. Before that role, Dr. Nash served as an assistant 

principal for Crisp and Morgan County Schools. She also served as an elementary school 

teacher and after-school program site coordinator.

Dr. Nash earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Mercer 

University, her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southwestern 

University, and her specialist and doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and 

Administration from Argosy University.

Dr. Nash stated, “It is truly an honor and a blessing to serve as the Principal of Jordan Hill 

Elementary. I am excited to join a school community that is deeply committed to student 

success and dedicated to creating meaningful partnerships with families."

“Dr. Stephanie Nash joins us with the necessary talent, leadership skills and experience to 

benefit Jordan Hill and keep it on an upward track. I look forward to her impact and 

continued success,” stated GSCS Interim Superintendent Dr. Donald Warren.

UPSON'S EX-SENATOR URGES CHANGES TO MARTA SECURITY PATROL AFTER RECENT MURDER

 

No images? Click here   For Immediate Release Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Republican John F. Kennedy Issues Urgent  Call for Immediate Change to MARTA Security Protocol Macon, GA –  Following the murder of an innocent Atlanta grandmother at a MARTA station, Lieutenant Governor candidate John F. Kennedy called for immediate action to strengthen security across the transit system in the below statement: “This is a horrendous tragedy. The decision by MARTA to leave the station gates wide open places an enormous burden on local law enforcement and undermines the safety and security of Georgians who rely on this form of transportation. If any gates are still open, they need to be closed immediately.”   A lifelong Georgian from the small town of Adrian, Kennedy served 11 years in the Georgia State Senate and 3 years as President Pro Tempore. During his time in office, he worked alongside Governor Brian Kemp to pass historic tort reform, sponsored legislation to combat chronic absenteeism in Georgia’s schools, and fought to cut taxes, expand school choice, and support law enforcement. For more information on Kennedy’s vision for the future of Georgia, visit www.jfkforgeorgia.com

T-U BOE NAMES MRS. HAYLEY RECHTOROVIC PRINCIPAL OF U-L PRIMARY SCHOOL

 Thomaston-Upson County Schools Names Mrs. Hayley Rechtorovic Principal of Upson-Lee Primary School

Thomaston-Upson County Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Hayley Rechtorovic as the new Principal of Upson-Lee Primary School. The appointment was approved by the Board of Education during its meeting on Tuesday evening.

Mrs. Rechtorovic brings 24 years of educational experience to the position, all of which have been spent serving the students, families, and staff of Thomaston-Upson County Schools. Her deep roots within the district and extensive experience at Upson-Lee Primary School make her uniquely qualified to lead the school into its next chapter.

Mrs. Rechtorovic began her career in education in 2002 at Upson-Lee Primary School as a kindergarten teacher. During her 14 years in the classroom, she was dedicated to building strong foundations for young learners and fostering a love of learning among her students.

She later transitioned into the role of Instructional Coach for English Language Arts and Social Studies, where she spent three years supporting teachers and helping strengthen instructional practices. For the past seven years, Mrs. Rechtorovic has served as Assistant Principal at Upson-Lee Primary School, working closely with students, staff, and families to promote academic excellence and a positive school culture.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Rechtorovic has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success, instructional excellence, and building meaningful relationships with families and the community. Her experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the educational process and the needs of young learners.

Thomaston-Upson County Schools is excited to welcome Mrs. Rechtorovic into this leadership role and looks forward to the vision, dedication, and enthusiasm she will bring to Upson-Lee Primary School. Her leadership will help continue the school's tradition of academic excellence while fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment for students and staff.

The district invites students, staff, families, and community members to join in congratulating Mrs. Rechtorovic on her appointment as Principal of Upson-Lee Primary School.

T-U-T

CITY OF THOMASTON NEW HOUSING BID APPROVAL

 BID  OPENING  WAS  HELD  FOR  THE  RWH/ELLIOTT'S  CROSSING    HOUSING   PROJECT  OFF  NORTH  CHURCH   AND  CHARLIE  BRIDGES  OF   ESG   THE  CITY OF  THOMASTON'S  ENGINEERING  FIRM    GOT  APPROVAL OF  THE  BID  AT  TUESDAY'S  CITY  COUNCIL    MEETING.   SEVEN  BIDS  WERE  SUBMITTED-- THE  LOW  BID      MARK TURNER  COMPANY   OF  THE  METRO  AREA  AT  $2.4  MILLION  JUST  UNDER  THE   $2.5  MILLION  STATE  GRANT.  WORK  COULD  BEGIN  IN   ABOUT   A  MONTH  FOLLOWING  A  PRE-CONSTRUCTION  MEETING.  90  SINGLE-FAMILY  HOUSES  ARE  PLANNED  AT  THE  SITE.

THIEVES TARGET KIA'S IN THOMASTON

 THOMASTON  POLICE  CHIEF  MIKE  RICHARDSON    REPORTS    POSSIBLY   A  DOZEN   BREAK-INS  OF  KIA  AUTOMOBILES  HAPPENED  LAST  WEEK--AND  TWO  WERE  STOLEN.  THE  CHIEF  SAYS  A  VIDEO  ON  TIC  TOK  REVEALED   HOW  TO  ENTER  KIA'S  AND  THE  THIEVES  APPARENTLY  USED  THAT  TECHNIQUE   FOR THE  BREAK-INS.

THOSE  CASES  ARE   UNDER  INVESTIGATION  AND  THE  CHIEF  EXPECTS  ARRESTS  WILL  BE  FORTHCOMING.

LAMAR CO MAN FACES FED DRUG CHARGES

 Lamar County Man Faces a Max of Life in Prison for Armed Drug Distribution Deputies Found Firearms, Ammunition, Drugs in Defendant’s Barnesville, Georgia, Apartment MACON, Ga. – A Lamar County resident set for trial this week admitted that he possessed firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking at a plea hearing Monday and is facing up to life in prison for his crime. Gregory Alexander Twymon, 35, of Barnesville, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime before U.S. District Judge C Ashley Royal on June 1. Twymon faces a mandatory minimum of five years up to a maximum of life in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system. “Armed drug traffickers will be brought to justice in the Middle District of Georgia," said U.S. Attorney William R. "Will" Keyes. "We thank the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office and ATF for helping us hold the defendant accountable and for their ongoing work to uphold the law and make our communities safer for everyone.”

GUILTY PLEA FAYETTE CO

 DAVID STUDDARD

ACTING DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Griffin Judicial Circuit

6/2/26

Press Release

For Immediate Release

On June 2nd, 2026, the State called the case of The State of Georgia v. Jefferson Thurmond to trial in front of the Honorable Scott L. Ballard. The State was represented by Administrative Chief Assistant District Attorney Monique Harris. The case was investigated by Detective Anna Lieff of the Peachtree City Police Department. Prior to the jury being questioned and selected, Thurmond entered a guilty plea to two counts of Child Molestation and one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child and was sentenced to 60 years to serve 40 years in custody with the balance on probation.

Had this case proceeded with trial, the State was prepared to present evidence showing that the victim in this case reported that about 10 years ago, while she was a minor, she was sexually assaulted by the Defendant, her mother’s boyfriend at the time. These acts occurred while at her home in Peachtree City, GA and again at a home in Coweta County, GA. The victim was motivated to come forward after finding out the Defendant had recently started sharing a room with his minor granddaughter, which caused her concern for the safety of that child. A few weeks ago, prior to the plea in Fayette County, the Defendant was found guilty by a Coweta County jury for the acts he committed there against this victim and other minors. The State was prepared to present evidence of those crimes in the trial here in Fayette County. While the defense requested that the State not proceed with the Fayette County charges, given his conviction and sentence in Coweta County, it was important to the State and victims that he be held accountable for each of his actions and the years of abuse he inflicted upon the victim here as well.

Acting District Attorney David Studdard said after sentencing, “I am very proud of my office for their dedication to victims of these horrific crimes. I am equally proud of the victim in this case, a very courageous young women who was brave enough to come forward and ensured that this predator met with justice.”

UPSON CO SHERIFF DAN KILGORE REPORTS A WEEKEND BIKER WRECK

 A  HARRIS  COUNTY  MOTORCYCIST  HIT  A  DEER  ON 74  EAST  NEAR  TRINITY  ROAD  AROUND  4AM  SUNDAY  AND    HE   WAS  TRANSPORTED  BY  EMS  TO  A  MACON  TRAUMA  CENTER.