Spalding County Jail Fire

Friday July 8th, there was a small fire that was contained to a laundry cart in the sallyport area of one of the housing units at the Spalding County Jail. The fire was contained by staff, and the Spalding County Fire Department responded to ventilate the housing unit area. 

The inmates in the affected unit were moved to their recreation yard while the smoke was being exhausted. There was no danger to any inmates during the incident and there was no disruption of jail functions. According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, “Great work by our staff to extinguish the fire and by the Spalding County Fire Department for their quick response and assistance.

Near-by Home Owners In Griffin Still Wary Of New Housing Development

About 50 concerned residents met at 6pm Thurs at Griffin's 1st Methodist church to hear about a proposed new home community from the Geosam development group from Nova Scotia Canada. They are proposing to put in 203 homes and 80 condo units on 158 acres of land across the street from the Meth church- and bordering Maddox Road and Maple Drive. The area is zoned LDRB which means they could build 197 homes on half acre lots. They will ask for PRD zoning.

They want to put 4 homes on an acre in some places, and leave green spaces along with walking trails. Their proposal and a vote will come before city commissioners on their July 27th meeting. The zoning board will first hear the proposal on July 19th.

There will only be 2 street entrances to the property, plus 1 more running through the Coldwater Creek subdivision. 1 will be on a sharp curve on Wesley Drive. The other on a curve on Maddox Road. That had many people very upset since it is a dangerous area to have an extra 600-700 cars coming and going from every day.

They said they will build 1600 to 1800 square foot homes in the $275,000 price range. Some homes may be as large as 3200 square feet. The condos will sell for $220,000 to $240,000. The project is expected to take 3 to 5 years to build out.

Patrick Brooks from Geosam said that Griffin schools are only about 75% full so bringing in extra kids should not be a problem for the area school system. That was 1 concern for residents. The other is the already over crowded streets in the area. Adding 600+ more cars daily will make getting around on the south side of Griffin impossible.

Citizens were quite outspoken and most were very displeased with the plans. City development director Chad Jacobs is working with the group to find a compromise. As one resident said "These folks have bought the land and are going to develop some thing. It's just a matter of whether we want to see 197 homes on half acre lots, or 283 homes bunched up with some green space left."

Feds Providing $ To Improve Forsyth's Water/Wastewater Systems

Sens. Reverend Warnock, Ossoff, Rep. Austin Scott Announce Major Federal Investment to Improve City of Forsyth’s Water System

The City of Forsyth will receive nearly $3 million in grants and over $27 million in federal loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to update, improve local water and wastewater systems

The two projects set to benefit nearly 4,000 Georgians by improving water treatment facility, water quality, and addressing water demand.

Griffin PD Working Shootout Incident

On Wednesday July 7th, at approximately 4:45 pm, officers with the City of Griffin Police Department were dispatched to North 6th Street at West Cherry Street. Callers to the 911 Center reported shots fired in the area. Officers were in the area and soon arrived on the scene. 

Upon arrival they located a Black 2010 Mazda CX9 that had struck tree disabling the vehicle. As officers approached the car they discovered that there were no occupants. Investigation revealed that the disabled vehicle had been struck by numerous projectiles and that there was blood present in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Spent shell casings, firearms and marijuana were also located in the vehicle. Officers also located a semi-automatic rifle in the roadway near the wrecked vehicle. 

Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms arrived on scene with the Griffin Police department CAGE Unit to assist in the investigation. As the investigation developed it was determined that two sperate vehicles were involved in an active gunfight which resulted in a gunshot wound to one of the combatants. The individual who received the gunshot wound was located and identified while seeking treatment and it appears that the individual shot himself in the leg while attempting engage in the gun battle. 

Investigators are currently following leads, interviewing witnesses, and gathering evidence as the investigation is still active and ongoing. If anyone has any information that would assist investigators please call the City of Griffin Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at (770)-229-6450. The Griffin Police Department will release additional details as the investigation progresses and when appropriate to do so without jeopardizing the investigation.

National Weather Service Significant Weather Advisory

National Weather Service doppler radar showed a tropical rain band along a line extending from near Lake Tobesofkee to Roberta, Butler, Buena Vista and Preston, moving northwest at 35 mph. 

HAZARD...Up to 40 mph isolated wind gusts and heavy rain. A brief tornado cannot be ruled out, though the threat is low. 

IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of light, unsecured objects. Heavy rain will cause temporary street flooding, especially in poor drainage areas. 

Some locations in the path of these storms include Macon, Thomaston, Lumpkin, Buena Vista, Butler, Talbotton, Cusseta, Preston, Manchester, Richland, Waverly Hall, Woodland, Yatesville, Junction City, Culloden, Geneva, Sunset Village, Fort Benning/Lawson Army Air Field, North Fort Benning and Weston.

UPDATE: Gunplay On MLK That Left One Man Dead

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAID HIS INVESTIGATORS ARE TRYING TO DETERMINE WHO DID WHAT IN AN EARLY MORNING SHOOTOUT MONDAY AT 340 MLK JR. DRIVE THAT LEFT ONE MAN DEAD AND THREE OTHERS WOUNDED.

32 YEAR OLD KEVIN JERMAINE JONES DIED SEVERAL HOURS AFTER HE WAS SHOT AT LEAST FOUR TIMES AND THE SHERIFF SAID THE FATAL WOUND WAS TO THE GROIN CLIPPING THAT MAJOR ARTERY.

NONE OF THE SURVIVORS HAVE BEEN CHARGED. THE SHERIFF TOLD US THAT 18 YEAR OLD JAMES M. FORTNER WAS SHOT IN THE ARM, 19 YEAR OLD SAVALAS EVERETT SHOT IN THE HAND AND 33 YEAR OLD JERCEDES JONES WOUNDED IN THE LEG.

AN ARGUMENT EARLIER IN THE EVENING IS WHAT APPARENTLY SPARKED THE GUNPLAY. THE DECEASED MAN LEFT THE SCENE, GOT A REVOLVER, RETURNED AND STARTED SHOOTING AS HE EXITED HIS VEHICLE. FORTNER AND OTHERS RETURNED FIRE.

SHERIFF KILGORE SAID ITS UNCLEAR HOW MANY SHOTS WERE FIRED BUT HE CONFIRMED THE DECEASED MAN HAD A PRISON RECORD.

Georgia Takes Over SEC Network Wednesday, July 7th

For the seventh consecutive year, SEC Network is turning over the keys to the network, as the SEC Network Takeover returns this summer to present all 14 Southeastern Conference schools a dedicated day of network programming for a two-week stretch this month.

GEORGIA SEC Network takeover day is Wednesday, July 7th.

Public Meeting Thursday For Maple Drive Housing Development In Griffin

THE CANADIAN GROUP GEO-SAM IS PLANNING A MAJOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN GRIFFIN IN THE MAPLE DRIVE, WESLEY DRIVE, MADDOX ROAD AREA  AND WILL HOLD ITS 2ND PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING AT THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF GRIFFIN, THURSDAY AT 6 PM.

A REZONING REQUEST IS SCHEDULED TO COME BEFORE THE CITY OF GRIFFIN COMMISSIONERS TUESDAY, JULY 27th WITH A REQUEST TO ALLOW 203 SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGS AND 80 CONDO UNITS. CURRENT ZONING ONLY ALLOWS 197, 1300 SQUARE FOOT HOMES ON THE 158 ACRE PROPERTY.

THE DEVELOPMENT HAS BEEN NAMED " HOLLIDAY SPRINGS", APPARENTLY IN REFERENCE TO GRIFFIN'S FAMOUS DOC HOLLIDAY.

One Man Killed During Shootout In Thomaston

On July 5th at approximately 1:45 a.m. deputies responded to a disturbance call at 340 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Thomaston. Upon arrival it was determined that three individuals had been shot and were transported to the hospital by private vehicle before law enforcement arrived on scene. An investigation revealed that Kevin Jermaine Jones, 32, of Thomaston came to the location and began firing a handgun as he exited his vehicle. Jones had been to the location earlier in the night. Jones was involved in an argument and made threatening statements to individuals at that location before leaving and returning with a gun. As Jones began firing, he was met with return fire from James M. Fortner, 18, of Thomaston. Witnesses on the scene advised several other individuals also fired weapons during the disturbance.

Kevin Jones died from his injuries later in the morning of July 5th. He was shot at least four times. The three other individuals who were shot received superficial wounds. Savalas Everett, 19, of Thomaston was shot in the hand. Jercedes Jones, 33, of Thomaston was shot in the leg. Fortner was shot in the arm but did not seek medical attention.

This investigation remains active and ongoing.

COVID-19 UPDATE FOR JUNE

Upson County set new record lows in June as confirmed COVID cases plummeted from May’s record of 26 down to only 6 cases for the month of June. Average 2-week test positivity also showed a significant drop from May’s record low of 3.8% down to 1.8% for June. The CDC’s Community Transmission Level for Upson was Substantial in April, went down to Moderate in May, and hit Low for the very first time by the end of June.

Upson’s confirmed COVID deaths were 4 in May and declined to only 1 in June, but still not down to the zero deaths we saw in November of 2020. New hospitalizations are surprisingly on the rise, increasing from 2 in May to 6 in June.

According to the CDC Data Tracker for vaccinations, 26% of Upson County’s population is fully vaccinated, compared to Georgia with 37% and the United States with 47%.

UPSON COUNTY	New Cases	New Deaths	New Hospitaliz.	Avg 2-wk Test Pos	% Fully Vaccinated
Mar 2020	5	0
Apr 2020	211	18 (hi)
May 2020	65	16
June 2020	74	9	1 (lo)
July 2020	116	2	9
Aug 2020	190	10	14
Sept 2020	138	7	14
Oct 2020	45	9	17	5.4%
Nov 2020	98	0 (lo)	7	8.4%
Dec 2020	246	1	12	13.7%
Jan 2021	405 (hi)	14	24 (hi)	21% (hi)
Feb 2021	112	10	22	10.8%
Mar 2021	60	7	7	6.7%
Apr 2021	45	4	7	5.3%	19%
May 2021	26	4	2	3.8%	24%
June 2021	6 (lo)	1	6	1.8% (lo)	26%
Sources: GA Dept of Public Health Daily Reports, and CDC Data Tracker

Suspended Spalding County Commissioner Sentenced To Prison

This morning at 9:00 am, suspended Spalding County Commissioner Don Hawbaker entered a guilty plea in front of Griffin Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Scott Ballard stemming from his February 2020 arrest. Hawbaker was sentenced to a total of twenty (20) years with ten (10) to serve in prison followed by ten (10) years on probation. 

Sheriff Darrell Dix, “Hawbaker has been in custody in the Spalding County Jail without bond since the February 4, 2020, incident occurred. When he entered his plea Hawbaker admitted to the accusations and accepted responsibility for his actions. He apologized to my deputies that he fired shots at that day.” 

“I think Judge Ballard said it best when he addressed Hawbaker and told him that he was elected by the people of this county to represent them and work to make Spalding County better. You failed them and endangered the lives of those who protect us every day.” 

“It is my understanding that early release via parole is highly unlikely based on the severity of the crimes he admitted to in court this morning. If we are notified about the possibility of an early release or hearing, we will fight to ensure that it is not granted until his full term is served. He will get credit for the time he has already spent in the Spalding County Jail and may be transferred to the state prison system as early as today.” 

“This conclusion and plea was because of the hard work put in on this case by Towaliga Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Presley, The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, my investigators, deputies, and SWAT team members. Great work by a great bunch of folks."

Seven Year Old Drowning Victim Revived In Barnesville

ACCORDING TO BARNESVILLE POLICE A POSSIBLE DROWNING AT 312 COLLIER ROAD, THE BLACK CHATEAU BED AND BREAKFAST, A 7 YEAR OLD BOY WHO WAS REVIVED BY EMS AND FIRST RESPONDERS THURSDAY AROUND 9 PM. HE WAS AIR FLIGHTED TO AN ATLANTA HOSPITAL IN CRITICAL CONDITION.

THE P.D. REPORT SAID THE CHILD WAS SWIMMING IN THE DEEP END OF THE POOL, APPARENTLY INGESTED WATER, STRUGGLED AND WENT UNDER. THE B&B HAS AN INDOOR POOL.

Zebulon's Callista Clark Featured On People.com

People.com, the on-line edition of People Magazine has released a feature article on Zebulon's Callista Clark.

A 'Life-Changing' YouTube Video Put Callista Clark, 17, on a Star Trajectory: 'I Do Have a Lot to Say' is the title of the article and it details a weekend spent with Callista and how she finds herself on the doorstep of a huge country music career.

Callista's new single, "It's Cause I Am," is about to break into the top 30 and her video has nearly 200,000 views.

Click Here to read the article.

4th Of July Safety Tips From Spalding County Fire Department

This weekend, as many families and individuals celebrate the Fourth of July, the Spalding County Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to practice safety in everything they do. In addition to barbeques and parades, many will choose to use legal fireworks as another form of entertainment. While we firmly believe that the safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a professional show, here we’ve outlined a few tips to help ensure that everyone remains safe and enjoys their holiday.

• Make sure the area is clear of people, houses and other combustible material 

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Older children should only use with adult supervision 

• Wear appropriate eye protection 

• Never light them indoors 

• Maintain a safe distance after lighting 

• Never attempt to reignite malfunctioning fireworks 

• Always have a means of extinguishing any unexpected fires (fire extinguisher, garden hose, etc.) 

• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water before discarding 

It’s also important to remember that sparklers may not always be as safe to use as they may seem. Modern sparklers burn at around 1000-1200 degrees and account for a high number of fireworks emergencies annually. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), children under the age of five accounted for nearly half the total number of injuries from misuse of these devices. To prevent these type incidents, we recommend considering using glowsticks instead as a fun, safe alternative that greatly reduces the risk of injury. 

Also, as mentioned earlier, many families will also be partaking in the great American pastime of outdoor grilling to celebrate the holiday as well. Below, we’ve listed a few tips to serve as guidelines for best practices when it comes to grilling safety. 

• Only use your grill outside. Keep it at least 3 feet from siding, deck rails and eaves. 

• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grill area 

• Keep your grill clean by removing excess grease or fat buildup both inside and outside of the grill 

• Never leave your grill unattended. 

• Always have a means of extinguishing any unexpected fires (fire extinguisher, garden hose, etc.) 

• If using charcoal, when you are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container. 

• If using a gas grill, always open the lid before lighting 

For more information and resources visit www.spaldingcounty.com or call the Spalding County Fire Department at 770-228-2129.

Upson Tax Commissioner Andy Chastain Releases Tax Digest Figures

Upson County’s tax digest has increased to a record high of $811,908,465 in 2021. The previous high was $789,677,033 in 2009. There was a drop of $140,000,000 from 2009 to 2016 mostly due to closures of local businesses and industries and a slumping real estate market during that period. But thanks mostly to a booming real estate market and new industries coming to our county, we have seen a growth of over $162,000,000 in only a 5-year period; with a growth of $54,000,000 since last year alone. 

What’s encouraging is that over half of this new growth since last year is real growth and not inflationary growth. And according to the number of new homes being built and more businesses coming to our county within the last year, both the tax digest and real growth will increase even more in 2022. One more positive note is that each governing authority (County, School, & City) continues to go with the millage rate rollback each year. There has not been an increase in millage rate since 2014 by any governing authority.

Upson BOC Approves Sewage Contract With City Of Thomaston

AT A CALLED MEETING THURSDAY MORNING, THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE LONG-AWAITED SEWAGE CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF THOMASTON. 

ITS PROVISIONS INCLUDE A $1.8 MILLION INVESTMENT IN THE CITY OF THOMASTON SEWAGE SYSTEM TO PROVIDE 150,000 GALLONS OF DAILY SEWER CAPACITY AT THE BIZ/TECH INDUSTRIAL PARK AT THE AIRPORT, SOMETHING CRUCIAL FOR RENEW COMPANY. 

THOMASTON CITY MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON TOLD 101 NEWS AFTER THE MEETING HE'S PLEASED WITH THE COUNTY'S ACTION AND THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL HAS A CALLED MEETING FRIDAY AT 9 AM TO RATIFY ITS END OF THE CONTRACT. HE SAID PAPERWORK IS BEING PREPARED TO MODIFY THE CITY'S EPD PERMIT TO ALLOW THE SYSTEM TO EXPAND RENEW'S DAILY SEWER SERVICE FROM 10,000 TO 25,000 GALLONS EFFECTIVE, FRIDAY AFTER THE COUNCIL MEETING. DUE TO CAPACITY LIMITATIONS THE COMPANY WAS HAVING TO HAUL OFF WASTE WATER.