MID-JULY COVID-19 UPSON UPDATE

Comparing the first half of July to the last half of June, Georgia logged significantly higher cases, hospitalizations, and test positivity rates. In contrast, Upson County held steady with low numbers across the board.

Upson’s new confirmed COVID cases were 4 the last half of June and again 4 the first half of July.

New hospitalizations were another repeat at 3 and 3.

Average 2-week test positivity declined to an all-time low of 1.1%.

And there have been no COVID deaths for Upson County since June 10th.

The story is much different in the counties surrounding Upson, where case numbers and test positivity rates are on the rise. Pike, Lamar, Monroe, and Crawford Counties all recorded new case numbers that are double or more than double the numbers recorded for the last half of June. And, while Upson boasts a low 1% test positivity, the surrounding counties are averaging 3 to 10%.

The rapid spread of new variants, especially the Delta variant, is a nationwide concern. Currently in Georgia the Alpha variant from the UK is the most prevalent at 62% of new cases, while the Delta variant from India accounts for 12%.

  

Upson County	New Cases	New Deaths	New Hosp	Avg 2-wk Test Pos	% Fully Vaccinated
Apr 16 – 30, 2020	77	13 (hi)
June 1 – 15	14	6	1
June 16 – 30	60	3	0 (lo)
July 16 – 31	78	0 (lo)	4
Nov 1 – 15	35	0 (lo)	1	6.0%
Nov 16 – 30	63	0 (lo)	6	10.9%
Dec 1 – 15	57	0 (lo)	4	11.7%
Jan 1 – 15, 2021	246 (hi)	2	14 (hi)	23.4% (hi)
Jan 16 – 31	162	12	10	18.7%
Feb 1 – 15	76	7	14 (hi)	12%
Feb 16 – 28	36	3	8	9.4%
Mar 1 – 15	40	6	6	8%
Mar 16 – 31	20	1	1	5.5%
Apr 1 – 15	26	3	4	5.3%	16%
Apr 16 – 30	19	1	3	5.3%	19%
May 1 – 15	15	0 (lo)	2	4.2%	23%
May 16 – 31	11	4	0 (lo)	3.4%	24%
June 1 – 15	2 (lo)	1	3	1.7%	25%
June 16 – 30	4	0 (lo)	3	1.9%	26%
July 1 – 15	4	0 (lo)	3	1.1% (lo)	27%
Sources: GA Dept of Public Health Daily Reports, and CDC Data Tracker

New COVID-19 Cases (2021)
County	June 15 - 30	July 1 - 15
Upson	4	4
Pike	5	12
Lamar	3	10
Monroe	9	18
Crawford	0	5
Taylor	3	3
Talbot	4	0
Meriwether	7	4
Spalding	27	22
Source: GA Dept of Public Health Daily Reports

SPALDING COUNTY HAS A NEW COUNTY MANAGER

THE SPALDING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HAVE HIRED STEVE LEDBETTER AS THE NEW COUNTY MANAGER TO SUCCEED WILLIAM WILSON JR. AT MONDAY'S MEETING COMMISSIONER GWEN FLOWERS TAYLOR CAST THE ONLY VOTE AGAINST HIRING LEDBETTER, THE MAYOR OF WOODBURY.

GBI ARRESTS A THOMASTON MAN

On Wednesday, July 14th, Eric Logan Brown, age 22, was arrested and charged with two counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children (Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material) by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes (CEACC) Unit. The GBI CEACC Unit began an investigation into Brown’s online activity after receiving a Cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding the online possession and distribution of images depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The investigation revealed that the distribution of the CSAM by Brown occurred within the confines of Franklin County, Georgia, and arrest warrants were taken in Franklin County for the Sexual Exploitation of Children. Once arrest warrants were obtained for Brown, he was taken into custody by the Thomaston Police Department where he was currently residing and was transferred to the Franklin County Jail. GBI was assisted in this investigation by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Thomaston Police Department.

This investigation is part of the ongoing effort by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, housed within the GBI’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit, to identify those involved in the child pornography trade. The ICAC Program, created by the U.S. Department of Justice, was developed in response to the increasing number of children and teenagers using the Internet, the proliferation of child pornography, and the heightened online activity by predators searching for unsupervised contact with underage victims.

Anyone with information about other cases of child exploitation is asked to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit at 404-270-8870. Tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

THOMASTON MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

CITY OF THOMASTON 
MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL 
JULY 20, 2021 – 7:00 P.M.

CITY-COUNTY MEETING ROOM – MAIN FLOOR

THOMASTON-UPSON GOVERNMENT COMPLEX AGENDA

 

WATCH MEETING VIA CITY OF THOMASTON YOUTUBE PAGE

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRlF8V1o6j-67nNYbOysNwg

Amended Agenda

1. Opening of Meeting and Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes of June 26, 2021 (Regular), July 2,2021 (Special Called), July 16, 2021 (Work Session), and May 19, 2021 (Joint).
3. Adoption of Agenda 
4. City Attorney’s Report
5. City Clerk’s Report
6. City Engineer’s Report
7. Public Comment – Mr. Dennis Boyt 
8. GFL, Bobby Cunningham – Trash Discussion 
9. City Manager’s Report

1.     Approval of TSPLOST Additional Roads

2.     Compensation Adjustments for Electric Department 

3.     Authorization of Modification to City Electric Codes 

4.     Authorization and Execution of Hazard Mitigation Plan

5.     Authorization and Adoption of Façade Grant 

6.     Authorization and Execution of 2016 GEFA Modification

7.     Authorization of Alcohol Resolution for Distilled Spirits 

8.     Authorization of Broadband Comprehensive Plan Amendment 

1. City Councilmember, Don Greathouse – Homelessness in Thomaston 
2. Other Business
3. Adjournment

LORI LINDSEY TO QUALIFY FOR CITY OF THOMASTON MAYOR PRO TEM

My name is Lori Lindsey, well actually Loraine Lindsey but everyone knows me as Lori. I was born in Thomaston and lived here off and on until 1973 when my dad died and we moved back to Thomaston for good when I was 10. I went to Atwater School, Worthy and then graduated from R. E. Lee. I married young, raised a family (two children) and now have 6 grandchildren ranging from 5 to 21.. I lived in the county for 31 years until my divorce when I moved to the city in 2013, where I have lived for 8 years. Currently I live on Avalon Rd and have been here for 6 years.

I work full time, remotely for Piedmont Healthcare where I am the Manager of Oncology Analytics for 4 hospitals (we collect data on our cancer patients for research purposes). I have been in the Cancer Registry field for 30 years and with Piedmont for 15, having run my own contract/outsourcing company before that. I served on the American Cancer Society local board as President many years ago and actually co-chaired the very first Relay for Life held in Thomaston. I have also served in many roles, including President, Vice-President and Education Chair, for the Georgia Tumor Registrar Association.

Though this will be my initiation into local politics, I do have a passion for seeing our little town of Thomaston become the best it can be. By listening to the people in our community, I hope to bring some of the residents' concerns to the forefront and work to make improvements where we can. I am a very determined person, some call it stubborn but I like to say passionate and determined, and I would like a chance to play a role in Thomastons future. Most know me from the Save R E Lee campaign and yes I am passionate about that BUT I want you to know that it has nothing to do with Confederate history. Nothing at all. I want to save the history of our high school and a school that has stood for 150 years. Sure it has the name R E Lee but to me it is about the memories of our alma mater and all the thousands of folks who graduated from that school. It has to do with the teachers we had and the memories we made. And, more importantly, I feel that our time as a city government can be better spent dealing with so many other important issues other than a topic that state law prohibits anyway. We have a serious problem with homelessness here that has not been addressed and desperately needs to be. I'd like to see our downtown become more active in the evenings with things to do for people of all ages and backgrounds, bringing us all together as a community. Drugs and crime are increasing and root causes need to be determined and steps taken to put a stop to it before it becomes much worse. And, we need to clean up Thomaston and make it a town of which we can all be proud.

I hope to hear from the folks of Thomaston and hear what YOU think needs to be done for our city. After all, this position is to SERVE all of the city and that is what I hope to do.

NEW DOG KENNEL APPROVED FOR UPSON CO

THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS APPROVED A NEW DOG KENNEL AT 968 WINDSWEEP FARM ROAD FOR SYDNEY R. LONG AND MATTHEW R. YOUNG OF PIKE COUNTY, TUESDAY.

ON COMPLAINT DURING THE PUBLIC HEARING--A NEIGHBOR MARLENE GIBBS SAID SHE MOVED TO THE COUNTRY FOR PEACE AND QUIET NOT TO HEAR DOGS BARKING AT ALL HOURS.

IT WILL BE A DAYCARE AND OVERNIGHT FACILITY WITH 16 KENNELS, TWO PUPS PER KENNEL.

GRIFFIN-SPALDING SCHOOLS RETREAT

The Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) completed an administrative retreat that took place in the commons area at Griffin High School over two half-day sessions on Wednesday, July 14, and Thursday, July 15. Ninety-Five leaders from GSCS were present. The group included principals, assistant principals, directors, senior cabinet, executive officers, coordinators and department heads. Highlights from the retreat include a state of the system address by the superintendent and a leadership session featuring guest speaker Retired Lieutenant Colonel Jesse Pugh, former Griffin High School JROTC instructor. There were breakout sessions to provide professional development on what Superintendent Simmons calls his non-negotiables. They require that staff are professional, accountable and that they communicate effectively. The three non-negotiables make-up the acronym P.A.C.E. and the theme of the event was “Set the P.A.C.E.” New partner in education Atlanta Motor Speedway provided their pace car as a visual reminder and longtime partner in education Chick-fil-A on Taylor Street provided boxed lunches on the first day of the retreat.

Additional highlights were discussion by the superintendent about the three pillars of success. These are a distinctive brand, strong leaders and great schools. The official unveiling of the new district logo was another highlight and there was much discussion about plans for the return to schools. In the discussion about back-to-school plans, the superintendent announced that, “The use of masks by GSCS staff and students will be optional in the upcoming 2021-2022 school year.” Some mitigation protocols will remain in effect as suggested by the Department of Public Health, CDC and the governor’s office. These include three-foot social distancing to the extent possible and sanitizing of large spaces.

GSCS has installed needlepoint bipolar ionization filtration units on the HVAC systems of many of the schools over the summer. The remaining schools are still in the process of having the additional filtration installed. GSCS has also ordered touchless water fountains with bottle filling stations for all schools. Installations are ongoing.

Open House is July 29 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at all schools. Superintendent Simmons said, “We look forward to reconnecting with our students and families. I encourage families to participate in the open house activities as we will be providing resources and information to ensure a smooth start to the school year.”

Interstate 16 Closed South Of Macon

A major Georgia interstate is shut down after a truck caused a bridge to shift six feet.

The Georgia Department of Transportation said Interstate 16 is completely closed from Exit 71 to Exit 78 in Treutlen County.

Westbound drivers can take Exit 78, turn right onto Highway 221 North, left onto US 80 West, go through the town of Adrian, left onto State Route 15 and re-enter I-16 at Exit 71.

Eastbound drivers can take Exit 71, turn right onto Highway 15 through Soperton, left onto State Route 46, left onto State Route 56 and re-enter I-16 at Exit 78.

GRIFFIN POLICE MAKES CAR BREAK-IN ARRESTS

This morning at 2:15 am, officers of the City of Griffin Police Department were dispatched to a location on W. Poplar Street about an incident of entering autos. The person who called for assistance observed the suspects on a video surveillance camera and called and requested an officer respond to the location. 

When the officers arrived in the area, they observed a black vehicle leaving the site traveling west on W. Poplar Street. The car was on the roadway without headlights. Officers executed a traffic stop and discovered that the car's occupants could be the perpetrators of the reported entering autos. 

As a result, investigators responded to the scene for additional investigation and evidence collection by crime scene investigators. 

Additionally, a search warrant was executed at an apartment at 717 Anne Street. Based on the investigators' findings, four individuals have been charged with five counts of entering auto. 

Below are the names of those arrested today: 

Jonathan Miguel Whitfield, age 25. 

Dwayne F'elite Scott, age 24. 

Nigel Demarcus Wilkerson, age 25. 

And a sixteen-year-old male. 

All suspects, in this case, reside in Griffin. The adults are being held at the Spalding County Detention Center. Investigators inquired to officials concerning detaining the sixteen-year-old male but were advised to release him to his mother. Investigators are still following leads, and the case is very much active. . If you have any information that you feel might benefit investigators, please call the Criminal Investigation Division at 770-229-6450. The Griffin Police Department would like to thank the citizens of Griffin for their continued involvement and partnership with us to keep our city safe. The Griffin Police Department works to continue strengthening the bond with the community.

THOMASTON BUSINESSMAN SPEAKS TO COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD

To share my opinion of this confederate statue discussion here in Thomaston, it is my feeling that a one board member is attempting to divide our community. Does this female have the right to speak for me? Does this female have a right to be biased and speak for the District 3 community? Is the war over? Are we still fighting the Civil War? I know we are still fighting for our civil rights! Is this female continuing to fight for The Lost Cause? A cause that was immoral to begin with. Does this female community relations leader in District 3 realize what the definition to community defines? Is it not time to remove this prejudiced voice of the District 3 people?

Since this District 3 subjective opinion female person, is speaking for my district, I do not want this to be a part of my voice or my opinion! I shout REMOVAL! Do not speak for me! Have you petitioned the District 3 residents? Is this District 3 female representing ALL the people or assuming she may take ownership for the voice of ALL the people. This District 3 female reminds me of Rip Van Winkle falling asleep, and waking up thinking, all is still the same.

Rip Van Winkle

He trusted the Dwarfs (as we as citizens of the US Government trusted our leaders) only to discover, once we finally wake up, that after the surface is scratched, the bigotry, racism and Jim Crow exists in the shadows. Twenty years is the same as 200 years. A proclamation of Emancipation with 40 feet statues that embellish, sustain and support decades of slavery is no way to move forward with peace in the world! Rip Van Winkle was an amicable man and he was betrayed by the Dwarfs. Once he woke up, they were nowhere to be found, but, the remnants of their betrayal were rampant!

To say that RE Lee is just a name, how absurd! The leaders of most of the Jim Crow people and some of the government have glorified RE Lee and other Slave supporters. To believe it’s just a name is just ridiculous. The female person that sits on the Community Relations Board should never be the voice for ALL the people. One voice, does not a community make. And to see that this one female person’s voice is leading our community, it frightens me of the future of possible accelerated riots, protests and the fall of Thomaston as a community.

The State of Georgia with its laws to protect these images of slavery is the proof that government is biased. To be equal, erect a 40 statue directly alongside every confederate commemoration and etch in stone the rest of the story!

It’s the state law! Then change the state laws. We have amendments to the constitution. Think about it!

Wake Up District 3 Community Relations person!

Joseph “JB” Burke

The Thomaston Experience / Proprietor

Upson County Offices Closing Early Friday July 16th

UPSON COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL CLOSE FRIDAY, JULY 16TH AT 11:45 AM FOR THE ANNUAL EMPLOYEES PICNIC. 

REOPENING MONDAY JULY 19TH.

Arson Suspected In Pike House Fire

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that a Pike County residential fire was intentionally set. The fire occurred at approximately 10:33 a.m. on July 11th on Garland Street in Molena and significantly damaged the 113-year-old, 1210-square-foot house.

“Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire was intentionally set and originated on the right side of the structure in a rear laundry room,” said Commissioner King.

“Anyone with information about this Pike County fire is invited to call my Fire Investigations Unit at 1-800-282-5804.”

Commissioner King’s Fire Investigations Unit is assisting the Pike County Fire Department and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office with this investigation.

In coordination with the State Fire Investigations Unit, a reward of up to $10,000 is offered by Georgia Arson Control for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for arson.

Pike County Times has confirmed that Charles Darden from Lansing, Kansas is the owner of the home.

Thomaston Community Affairs Committee Makes Recommendation On R E Lee Building

ON A 3-1 VOTE MONDAY, THE THOMASTON COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED CITY HALL MOVE OUT OF THE GOVERNMENT COMPLEX TO ANOTHER LOCATION BECAUSE THE CONFEDERATE IMAGERY IN THE OLD LEE SCHOOL BUILDING HONORS AND GLORIFIES SUPPORT FOR SLAVERY.

THE ONLY WHITE MEMBER OF THE PANEL, BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBER SHELIA HALL VOTED AGAINST THE RECOMMENDATION, SHE SAID ITS NOT THE COMMITTEE'S DECISION.

COMMITTEE MEMBER PRISCELLA MCCOY DRAFTED THE RECOMMENDATION THAT CHARGED THE REPUBLICAN CONTROLLED GA. GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND GOVERNOR BRIAN KEMP WITH ADVISEMENT FROM MANY CONFEDERATE ORGANIZATIONS PASSED A LAW HANDCUFFING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FROM REMOVING CONFEDERATE IMAGERY, OF WHICH SHE SAID REMOVAL WOULD BE " RIGHT, MORAL AND JUST."

MORE ON THIS STORY AT FUN 101 FM.

SKYDIVING ACCIDENT T-U AIRPORT

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE INVESTIGATING A SKYDIVING ACCIDENT DURING THE WEEKEND AT THE THOMASTON-UPSON AIRPORT.

THE VICTIM, 25 YEAR OLD IAN BROWN OF COLUMBUS SUFFERED A FRACTURED OR DISLOCATED ANKLE. BROWN TOLD A DEPUTY HE OVERSHOT THE GRASS LANDING AND LANDED ON THE ASPHAULT APRON. HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R. BY COMMUNITY AMBULANCE.

Municipal Election - City Of Thomaston

Notice to the Public City of Thomaston Municipal General Election 

The public is hereby notified that the Municipal Election for the City of Thomaston will be held at the Civic Center. 

Early Voting will begin on October 12, 2021 from 8:30 am- 5:00 pm, and will extend for a three week period followed by Election Day on November 2, 2021 from 7:00 am- 7:00pm.

For the following seats: 

• Mayor Pro Tem (Councilmember at-large) for a term of four years 
• Councilmember District 3 for a term of four years 
• Councilmember District 4 for a term of four years 

Qualifications for said election will open on Monday August 16, 2021 at 8:30am and will end on Friday August 20, 2021 at 4:30pm. The hours for qualifying each day will be from 8:30am- 1:00pm and resume from 2:00pm until 4:30pm. 

Qualifying fees are as follows: 

• Mayor Pro Tem- $243.00 
• Councilmember of Districts- $216.00 

City of Thomaston Election Qualifying Officer