MASTERS TOURNAMENT REPORTS ON FUN 101

 FUN101 FM  WILL   FEATURE  MASTERS  TOURNAMENT  COVERAGE  WED-SUN WITH  HISTORICAL  NOTES  FROM  KATIE  HILL SMITH--WHOSE  FATHER  WAS  AN ORIGINAL  VENDOR  AND  DOUG  AND  RUSS  HEAD  ON  MASTERS  AMATEUR  BILLY  JOE  PATTON.

REPORTS  BEGIN  WEDNESDAY  IN  THE   8AM  HOUR.

AJC REPORTS PERMANENTLY NIXED ON ATLANTIC STANDARD TIME BY GA. SOLONS

 The clock ran out on a bill aimed at moving Georgia to a new time zone, ending supporters’ hopes of abolishing the chore of changing the clocks twice per year.

House Bill 154 would have sought permission from the Trump administration to let Georgia leave the Eastern time zone, putting the state permanently on Atlantic Standard Time. The effect would have been to keep Georgia on daylight saving time year-round.

GA. GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON PROPERTY TAXES

 After pinging back and forth between the House and Senate, lawmakers ultimately approved a scaled-back version of a property tax rewrite on Thursday night.

The bill lets counties and some cities offset homeowner property taxes with a new 1% local sales tax, while also tightening rules for when local governments and school districts can collect more property tax revenue without voter approval.

The measure failed in the Senate Thursday night, just before the legislature was set to adjourn for the session. But soon after senators voted down House Bill 1116, they stripped Senate Bill 33, legislation pertaining to synthetic THC, and replaced it with language reflecting HB 1116.

The revised SB 33 passed the Senate and headed back over to the House, where it also passed. The full bill text is not yet available.

HONOREES FROM BARNESVILLE-LAMAR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BANQUET-4/2/26

 Farmer of the Year - Luke and Allie Andrews

Business Person of the Year - Thomas Boswell

Careerwoman of the Year - Kelly Page

Britton Cauthen Firefighter of the Year - Tanner Patterson

Police Officer of the Year - Patrick Saunders

Volunteer of the Year - Duane Davenport

Outstanding Citizen of the Year - Kathryn Green

Youth Leadership Award - Daylin Caslin

Star Student: 

Lamar County High School - William Hatch Woodall

Rock Springs High School - Tekay Trongthien Voong

St. George's High School - Robert Otis Hancher

UPSON COUNTY ZONING ORDIANCE CHANGES WILL WAIT UNTIL A NEW PLANNING DIRECTOR IS ON SITE

 COUNTY   ATTORNEY  HEATH  ENGLISH  TOLD  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  AT  THE APRIL IST   WORK  SESSION  WORK  ON  CHANGES  TO THE   ZONING  ORDIANCE  SHOULD  BE  DELAYED UNTIL  THE  NEW  PLANNING  AND  ZONING  DIRECTOR  JEREMY  GILBERT  IS  ONBOARD  LATER  THIS  MONTH.   THE  ZONING  ORDIANCE  CONTAINS  OVER  150  PAGES  BUT  THE  ATTORNEY  SAID  IT  APPEARS  ONLY  ABOUT 20  PAGES  WILL  NEED  CHANGING.  THE  PLANNING  COMMISSION  AND  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  HAVE  BEEN  DELIBRATING   ZONING  ORDIANCE  CHANGES  FOR  MONTHS  AND  MONTHS

ANNUAL FDR LECTURE AT GORDON STATE

   What: Gordon State College will host the 13th Annual Roosevelt Lecture Series, featuring a discussion on public health policy in Georgia and its connection to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. The event will include a keynote lecture by William J. Todd of the Georgia Institute of Technology, followed by a panel discussion with Gordon State College faculty and Joseph W. Evans, a member of the Cadence Bank board of directors. When: Thursday, April 9, 2026 6 p.m. Where: Gordon State College Russell Hall, Room 211 419 College Drive Barnesville, Ga. 30204 Who: Gordon State College; featured speaker William J. Todd; panelists Samantha Bishop and Joe Evans. Why: To provide students and the community with an opportunity to engage in discussion on the historical and modern impact of public health policy. Admission: FREE and OPEN to the public

PIKE COUNTY TIMES. COM/ FATALITY FROM THOMASTON

 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

WRECK IN DOWNTOWN THOMASTON

 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.

UPSON BOC RECOGNIZES 4H'ers 03/24/2026 WITH EXTENSION AGENT HAILEY PARTAIN & PROGRAM COORDINATOR ASHLEE LINDSEY

 

                                                          Photo Courtesy Cherie Spillers

PIKE COUNTY JOURNAL-REPORTER ON THE FLINT RIVER

 

Pike County Journal-Reporter

16h ·

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).

https://pikecountygeorgia.com/molena-reservoir-flint.../

T-U BOE CALLED MEETING 3/26/26

 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.

UPSON BOC 3/24/26

 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 NIGHT AT THE BRAVES

 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. 

ULHS Soccer Team vs Whitewater 03.20.2026

Photos Courtesy of Cherie Spillers

THOMASTON POLICE BEAT

 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. 

LADY DAWGS LOST IN OT

 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

GORDON STATE AWARDED BIG GRANT

 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. KEMP SUSPENDS GAS TAX

 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.

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL 3/17/26

 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.  

INP. DROPS OUT OF SPALDING COUNTY COMMISSION DIST 5 RACE

 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 CO STORM DAMAGE

 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 CO MANAGER LONNIE JOYCE HAS NAMED JEREMY GILBERT NEW PLANNING/ZONING DIR.

 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

T-U SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH

 NEWS RELEASE

THOMASTON-UPSON COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
March 13, 2026

Thomaston-Upson Board of Education Moves Forward with Superintendent Search

The Thomaston-Upson County Board of Education continues to move forward in the process of selecting the district’s next Superintendent of Schools. Planning for the search began in February 2026, with the Board partnering with Georgia Leadership Associates to assist with the process.

The superintendent position was officially advertised, with applications accepted through March 12, 2026. As part of the search process, the Board also conducted an online survey to gather feedback from the community and school district staff. A total of 501 responses were received.

The Board of Education greatly values the input shared through this survey and will carefully review the feedback as part of the selection process.

Board members will now begin reviewing applicant materials and planning the interview phase of the search. The first round of interviews is expected to begin later this month.

Additional updates will be shared with the community as the process continues.

CITY OF THOMASTON'S EMP CELEBRATION WILL NOT CHANGE

 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.

NO FLOST FOR SPALDING COUNTY 2026

 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.  

UPSON-LEE VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN

 CONGRATULATIONS  TO UPSON-LEE  CLASS   OF   2026 VALEDICTORIAN  AISHA  DERICO  AND  SARAH KATE BENNETT SALUTATORIAN.

U-L HEAD FOOTBALL COACH AND AD LEAVING

 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.

BLOOD DRIVE IN THOMASTON

 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 

UPSON PLANNING COMMISSION VOTES 3-0 TO RECOMMEND WATER PROJECT OFF CREST HIGHWAY

 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.

T-U IDA HAS 212 ACRES UNDER CONTRACT

 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 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.

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.

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.

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

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 3^rd, 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

kmcgee@cityofthomaston.com

 

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. 

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