THOMASTON POLICE FILED CHARGES AGAINST A MAN WHO ACCIDENTLY SHOT HIS THUMB OFF AT SOUTHERN FORD DEALERSHIP ON 19 NORTH FRIDAY.
68 YEAR OLD BOBBY DEAN OF CREST HIGHWAY, OWNER OF THE FORMER HIGHTOWER ESTATE, WAS TRANSFERING ITEMS FROM ONE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER INCLUDING SEVERAL GUNS AND HE WAS SHOWING A DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEE A 357 REVOLVER. HE STARTED PLAYING AROUND WITH IT AND IT DISCHARGED AND DETACHED HIS THUMB.
THE REPORT SAID DEAN, A WEALTHY NURSING HOME BUSINESSMAN FROM LOUISIANA, PLACED THE GUN IN A VEHICLE AND THEN LEFT THE SCENE WITH HIS WIFE.
POLICE WERE INFORMED THAT DEAN STARTED ARGUING WITH HIS WIFE AND SHE WAS FRIGHTENED BECAUSE HE HAS SO MANY FIREARMS SO UPSON DEPUTIES WERE DISPATCHED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE REPORT SAID HIS WIFE WAS CONCERNED ABOUT HIS SAFETY BECAUSE HIS HAND WAS BLEEDING UNCONTROLLABLY BUT HE REFUSED EMS TREATMENT AND ORDERED DEPUTIES OFF HIS PROPERTY. THE UPSON COUNTY JAIL REFUSED TO BOOK HIM BECAUSE HE DID NOT HAVE MEDICAL CLEARANCE.
DEAN WAS CHARGED WITH RECKLESS CONDUCT, FIRING A WEAPON NEAR A PUBLIC ROAD AND FIRING A GUN ON ANOTHER'S PROPERTY.
South Metro's News Leader
Monday, March 7, 2022
Sunday, March 6, 2022
Governor In Town
The Governor recounted what he had accomplished in his first term and explained his position on the Election Integrity Act that he signed into law last year.
Local officials praised Kemp for the cooperation and availability that he and his office have provided.
Governor Kemp was presented a gift basket at the conclusion of the event by the sponsors.
The Governor was accompanied by his wife Marty and daughter.
Landscaping Plan For Courthouse
UNDER A LANDSCAPING PLAN VIEWED BY THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, ONCE THE NEW CLOCK TOWER, SCHEDULED TO BE INSTALLED NEXT MONTH, IS UP AND RUNNING, THE TWO MAGNOLIA TREES WILL BE REMOVED AND TWO SMALLER TREES COULD REPLACE THEM.
HOWEVER, COMMISSIONER JAMES ELLINGTON HAS SOME MISGIVINGS ABOUT NEW TREES BECAUSE THEIR ROOT SYSTEMS COULD CREATE THE SAME PROBEMS BLAMED ON THE MAGNOLIA'S.
SOME MOMUMENTS ON THE COURTHOUSE GROUNDS MIGHT BE RELOCATED WHILE LANDSCAPING IS UNDERWAY, BUT THEY WILL BE PLACED BACK WHERE THEY ARE NOW WHEN THE WORK IS FINISHED.
HOWEVER, COMMISSIONER JAMES ELLINGTON HAS SOME MISGIVINGS ABOUT NEW TREES BECAUSE THEIR ROOT SYSTEMS COULD CREATE THE SAME PROBEMS BLAMED ON THE MAGNOLIA'S.
SOME MOMUMENTS ON THE COURTHOUSE GROUNDS MIGHT BE RELOCATED WHILE LANDSCAPING IS UNDERWAY, BUT THEY WILL BE PLACED BACK WHERE THEY ARE NOW WHEN THE WORK IS FINISHED.
Saturday, March 5, 2022
Travon Walker At NFL Combine
Former Upson-Lee and Georgia defensive end Travon Walker has been displaying his athletic ability in front of NFL scouts and general managers this week at the annual NFL Combine.
Travon ran a 4.51 forty and likely solidified himself as a top 10 pick.
Travon ran a 4.51 forty and likely solidified himself as a top 10 pick.
Walker met with the media on Friday.
Upson County Teachers Of The Year
Teachers of the Year for 2022-23 have been selected, and the winners are:
Mrs. Tricia Blakely was selected as the 2022-23 Teacher of the Year at Upson-Lee Primary School. Mrs. Blakely teaches 1st grade.
Dr. Taylor Hickmon (participating in Read Across America “Crazy Hair Day”) was selected as the 2022-23 Teacher of the Year at Upson-Lee Elementary School. Dr. Hickmon teaches 3rd grade Math and Science.
Mrs. Tiffany Peoples was selected as the 2022-23 Teacher of the Year at Upson-Lee Middle School. Mrs. Peoples teaches special education.
Mrs. Karen Blevins was selected as the 2022-23 Teacher of the Year at Upson-Lee High School. Mrs. Blevins is a special education teacher.
Pictured l-r: ULPS Assistant Principal Michael Kirby, TU Assistant Superintendent Dr. Amy Miller, Teacher of the Year Tricia Blakely, ULPS Principal Tracy Wainwright, TU Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico, and ULPS Assistant Principal Haley Rechtorovic.
Pictured l-r: ULES Principal Mr. Shad Seymour, Teacher of the Year Dr. Taylor Hickmon, TU Assistant Superintendent Dr. Amy Miller, and TU Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico.
Pictured l-r: ULMS Assistant Principal Jeff Wheeless, ULMS Principal Rhonda Gulley, Teacher of the Year Tiffany Peoples, TU Assistant Superintendent Dr. Amy Miller, and TU Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico.
Pictured l-r: ULHS Principal Dr. Jarvis Price, Teacher of the Year Karen Blevins, TU Assistant Superintendent Dr. Amy Miller, TU Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico
Teachers of the Year are selected by certified staff within each school. School Teachers of the Year advance to the System Teacher of the Year competition, where teachers are scored on a written application packet, a personal interview, and a classroom teaching observation. The 2022-23 Thomaston-Upson School System Teacher of the Year will be selected in the spring, and the winner will represent T-U Schools in the state competition.
Thomaston-Upson Recreation Easter Sportstravaganza
This Easter parents and children will compete against one another in games of kickball, tee ball, baseball, soccer, and flag football. Open to ages 3-18. Times are separated based on age group. The losing team will get slimed? Who will win? The Parents or the children?
Glow in the dark egg hunt at dark
Register online!
Glow in the dark egg hunt at dark
Register online!
Friday, March 4, 2022
Guilty Pleas
Judge Rhonda B. Kreuziger
Friday, March 4, 2022
1. Nicholas W. Bridges Ct. 1: Aggravated Assault: 10 years probation concurrent with 22R0066; 80 hours community service.
2. Nicholas W. Bridges Ct. 1: Theft of lost or mislaid property: 5 years probation concurrent with 22R0065.
3. Zackery P. Brown Ct. 1: Terroristic threats: 5 years probation consecutive to 22R0067.
4. Zackery P. Brown Ct. 1: Burglary in the second: 5 years, serve the 2 years in prison, followed by the remainder on probation. Ct. 2: Entering an Automobile: 5 years probation consecutive to ct. 1; 80 hours community service. Banishment from GJC while on probation.
5. Drell D. Goodman Ct. 1: Possession of methamphetamine: 2 years to serve in prison to run concurrent with Parole Violation.
6. Shirley D. Green Ct. 1: Theft by taking: 12 months probation.
7. Charles L. Davis Ct. 1: Possession of methamphetamine: 3 years probation, enter and successfully complete Mighty Man Ministries; 80 hours community service.
8. Bailey S. Coker Ct. 1: Battery Family Violence: 12 months to serve in prison. Ct. 2: Simple Battery: 12 months probation consecutive to ct. 1; $500 fine.
9. Kevin R. Hunnicutt Ct. 1: Failure to register as a sex offender: 7 years probation and 60- 120 days in a Probation Detention Center to run concurrent with VOP 15R0237; $1,000 fine; 80 hours community service.
Friday, March 4, 2022
1. Nicholas W. Bridges Ct. 1: Aggravated Assault: 10 years probation concurrent with 22R0066; 80 hours community service.
2. Nicholas W. Bridges Ct. 1: Theft of lost or mislaid property: 5 years probation concurrent with 22R0065.
3. Zackery P. Brown Ct. 1: Terroristic threats: 5 years probation consecutive to 22R0067.
4. Zackery P. Brown Ct. 1: Burglary in the second: 5 years, serve the 2 years in prison, followed by the remainder on probation. Ct. 2: Entering an Automobile: 5 years probation consecutive to ct. 1; 80 hours community service. Banishment from GJC while on probation.
5. Drell D. Goodman Ct. 1: Possession of methamphetamine: 2 years to serve in prison to run concurrent with Parole Violation.
6. Shirley D. Green Ct. 1: Theft by taking: 12 months probation.
7. Charles L. Davis Ct. 1: Possession of methamphetamine: 3 years probation, enter and successfully complete Mighty Man Ministries; 80 hours community service.
8. Bailey S. Coker Ct. 1: Battery Family Violence: 12 months to serve in prison. Ct. 2: Simple Battery: 12 months probation consecutive to ct. 1; $500 fine.
9. Kevin R. Hunnicutt Ct. 1: Failure to register as a sex offender: 7 years probation and 60- 120 days in a Probation Detention Center to run concurrent with VOP 15R0237; $1,000 fine; 80 hours community service.
Brown Is Media Specialist of the Year
Carver Road Middle School (CAMS) Media Specialist Holly Brown is Griffin-Spalding County School System’s (GSCS) 2022 Library Media Specialist of the Year (LMSOTY). The LMSOTY is awarded for individual excellence in the library media field through service to students, teachers and community at the K-12 level.
Brown, nominated by her principal Naja Douglas and CAMS staff, received the highest score on her application by the judging committee and was identified as the school system’s LMSOTY.
Brown’s application stated, “Although Ms. Brown has a passion for reading, her true passion is sharing her love for learning with students. She works tirelessly every day to create a safe and fun environment for students to explore their world through books and crafts. Through events and themed activities, she encourages students to come to the media center, which provides many students with a sense of belonging. Ms. Brown is more than a media specialist. She is also a technician, therapist, social media maven, poster-making magician and the list goes on. She is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. She is beloved by students and staff alike.
Brown, nominated by her principal Naja Douglas and CAMS staff, received the highest score on her application by the judging committee and was identified as the school system’s LMSOTY.
Brown’s application stated, “Although Ms. Brown has a passion for reading, her true passion is sharing her love for learning with students. She works tirelessly every day to create a safe and fun environment for students to explore their world through books and crafts. Through events and themed activities, she encourages students to come to the media center, which provides many students with a sense of belonging. Ms. Brown is more than a media specialist. She is also a technician, therapist, social media maven, poster-making magician and the list goes on. She is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. She is beloved by students and staff alike.
Thursday, March 3, 2022
COVID 19 Update
For Upson County, February 2022 was the deadliest month on record for lives lost to COVID-19.
· 21 Upson residents died from COVID in the month of February, surpassing the previous record of 18 set in April 2020.
· Currently Upson County has the #6 highest death rate among Georgia’s 159 counties. Upson’s death rate has consistently ranked in the top 10 highest since the year 2020.
· Upson’s mortality rate at the end of February was 4%, much higher than Georgia’s rate of 1.6%.
|
UPSON COUNTY
|
New |
New |
New |
Avg 2-wk |
% Total Pop. Fully Vax |
|
Sept
2021 |
324 |
12 |
15 |
23.3% |
34% |
|
Oct
2021 |
49 |
12 |
12 |
6.9% |
37% |
|
Nov
2021 |
28 |
4 |
5 |
2.9% |
38% |
|
Dec
2021 |
219 |
0 |
8 |
7.2% |
38% |
|
Jan 2022 |
962 (hi) |
5 |
34 (hi) |
36.1% (hi) |
44% |
|
Feb
2022 |
201 |
21 (hi) |
28 |
18.3% |
45% |
|
Sources: GA Dept of Public Health Daily
Reports, and CDC Data Tracker |
|||||
Upson County Guilty Pleas
Pleas – Judge Ben J. Miller, Jr.
March 2, 2022
Carlos G. Rosser - Ct. 1: Obstruction of Officer: 5 years’ probation; serve the first 40 days in the county jail; 80 hours community service; $250 fine. Ct. 2: Interference with government property: Nolle Prosequi. Ct. 3: Disorderly Conduct: Nolle Prosequi.
Carlos G. Rosser - Ct. 1: Obstruction of an officer: 12 months’ probation concurrent to 20R0334; $250 fine. Ct. 2: Battery: 12 months’ probation concurrent to count 1. Ct. 3: Criminal Trespass: Nolle Prosequi.
Chelsea Walthall - Ct. 1: Theft by taking: 5 years’ probation serve the first 90 days in the county jail; 80 hours community service; $1500 fine.
Jackie D. Taunton -Ct. 1: Possession of Meth with intent to distribute: Alford Plea: 10 years’ probation, the first two months to be served in jail with credit for time served; 80 hours community service; $1,000 fine. Ct. 2: Driving while license suspended: 12 months’ probation concurrent to count 1; $250 fine. Ct. 3: No tag: Nolle prosequi. Ct. 4: Improper use of turn signal: Nolle prosequi. Ct. 5: Obstruction of officer: 12 months’ probation concurrent with counts 1 & 2; $500 fine.
James H. Blount - Ct. 1: Public Indecency- 3rd offence: 1 to serve followed by 4 years’ probation; 80 hours community service; $250 fine.
Samuel Fontanez - Ct. 1: Interference with custody: 6 months to serve in the county jail.
Zackary J. Melton - Ct. 1: Possession of controlled substance: 3 years’ probation; the first 6 months to be served in the county jail; 80 hours community service; $1000 fine.
Mitchell D. Pattillo - Ct. 1: Possession of methamphetamine: Nolle Prosequi. Ct. 2: Possession of drug related object: 12 months’ probation; serve the first 30 days in the county jail; 40 hours community service.
Joseph H. Pence - Ct. 1: Battery- Family Violence: 12 months’ probation; the first 15 days to serve in the county jail; 40 hours community service.
Timothy Maddox - Ct. 1: Theft by shoplifting: 12 months’ probation; 40 hours community service; $250 fine. Ct. 2: Driving while license suspended: 12 months’ probation concurrent to count 1; $250 fine.
Carlos G. Rosser - Ct. 1: Obstruction of Officer: 5 years’ probation; serve the first 40 days in the county jail; 80 hours community service; $250 fine. Ct. 2: Interference with government property: Nolle Prosequi. Ct. 3: Disorderly Conduct: Nolle Prosequi.
Carlos G. Rosser - Ct. 1: Obstruction of an officer: 12 months’ probation concurrent to 20R0334; $250 fine. Ct. 2: Battery: 12 months’ probation concurrent to count 1. Ct. 3: Criminal Trespass: Nolle Prosequi.
Chelsea Walthall - Ct. 1: Theft by taking: 5 years’ probation serve the first 90 days in the county jail; 80 hours community service; $1500 fine.
Jackie D. Taunton -Ct. 1: Possession of Meth with intent to distribute: Alford Plea: 10 years’ probation, the first two months to be served in jail with credit for time served; 80 hours community service; $1,000 fine. Ct. 2: Driving while license suspended: 12 months’ probation concurrent to count 1; $250 fine. Ct. 3: No tag: Nolle prosequi. Ct. 4: Improper use of turn signal: Nolle prosequi. Ct. 5: Obstruction of officer: 12 months’ probation concurrent with counts 1 & 2; $500 fine.
James H. Blount - Ct. 1: Public Indecency- 3rd offence: 1 to serve followed by 4 years’ probation; 80 hours community service; $250 fine.
Samuel Fontanez - Ct. 1: Interference with custody: 6 months to serve in the county jail.
Zackary J. Melton - Ct. 1: Possession of controlled substance: 3 years’ probation; the first 6 months to be served in the county jail; 80 hours community service; $1000 fine.
Mitchell D. Pattillo - Ct. 1: Possession of methamphetamine: Nolle Prosequi. Ct. 2: Possession of drug related object: 12 months’ probation; serve the first 30 days in the county jail; 40 hours community service.
Joseph H. Pence - Ct. 1: Battery- Family Violence: 12 months’ probation; the first 15 days to serve in the county jail; 40 hours community service.
Timothy Maddox - Ct. 1: Theft by shoplifting: 12 months’ probation; 40 hours community service; $250 fine. Ct. 2: Driving while license suspended: 12 months’ probation concurrent to count 1; $250 fine.
Griffin / Spalding Star Students
The 2022 STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) Students and Teachers for the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) were announced at the Kiwanis Club of Griffin luncheon today. They are:
Griffin High School
Kaylee Collins – STAR Student Jada Ingram -STAR Teacher
Spalding High School
Jhaycee Barnes- STAR Student Dr. Jhondee Barnes - STAR Teacher
To be named a STAR student, a high school senior must have the highest score on any single test date of the SAT taken through the November test date of their senior year and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average. The STAR teacher is selected by the declared high school STAR student for making the most significant contribution to their academic development.
Griffin High School STAR Student Kaylee Collins plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania to major in Nursing. Collins chose her business communication teacher Jada Ingram as her STAR Teacher. Collins said, “Ms. Ingram is a very compassionate educator. She supports her students and is passionate about them being successful.”
Spalding High School STAR Student Jhaycee Barnes plans to attend college to major in Economics-Political Science. Barnes chose her fifth-grade gifted teacher and mother Dr. Jhondee Barnes as her STAR Teacher. Barnes said, “I chose my mom because she has been the biggest teacher in my life both academically and morally.”
The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) serves as the state coordinator of the STAR Program. The program is now in its 65th year and has honored more than 26,500 students and their teachers.
Griffin High School
Kaylee Collins – STAR Student Jada Ingram -STAR Teacher
Spalding High School
Jhaycee Barnes- STAR Student Dr. Jhondee Barnes - STAR Teacher
To be named a STAR student, a high school senior must have the highest score on any single test date of the SAT taken through the November test date of their senior year and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average. The STAR teacher is selected by the declared high school STAR student for making the most significant contribution to their academic development.
Spalding High School STAR Student Jhaycee Barnes and her STAR Teacher Dr. Jhondee Barnes were announced as the county-wide district STAR Student and Teacher. The district STAR Student will compete for region-wide honors in the 12 STAR Regions. Region winners and their STAR Teachers then compete for the Georgia state STAR scholarships and awards.
The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) serves as the state coordinator of the STAR Program. The program is now in its 65th year and has honored more than 26,500 students and their teachers.
REVISED TESTING SITES COVID-19
REVISED FREE COVID-19 TESTING SITES
UPSON COUNTY - WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY 10 AM TO 3:30 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PARKING LOT.
LAMAR COUNTY - TUESDAY AND THURSDAY 10 A TO 3:30 AT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
PIKE COUNTY - FRIDAYS 1:30 TO 3:30 AT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT
SPALDING COUNTY - TUESDAYS 9 AM TO 11 AM AT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
LAMAR COUNTY - TUESDAY AND THURSDAY 10 A TO 3:30 AT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
PIKE COUNTY - FRIDAYS 1:30 TO 3:30 AT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT
SPALDING COUNTY - TUESDAYS 9 AM TO 11 AM AT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
GOV KEMP IN UPSON CO SATURDAY
PUBLIC INVITED TO A MEET AND GREET FOR GOVERNOR BRIAN KEMP AND DISTRICT 135 HOUSE MEMBER BETH CAMP IN UPSON COUNTY AT THE BARN AT HARPER PINES ON ROLAND ROAD, SAT. 9:30AM.
GOVERNOR KEMP IS SCHEDULED FOR AN APPEARANCE AT 11:30 AT THE OFFICES OF HIGHLINE/WAV COM IN WAVERLY HALL TO FOCUS ON BROADBAND.
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Joiner Serving Aboard USS Harry S. Truman
The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S., allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.
Jacob is the son of Brian and Kelly Joiner of Thomaston.
AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE MONDAY MARCH 7TH IN GRIFFIN AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH WEST TAYLOR ST. 1:30 TO 6:30.
LAMAR COUNTY FRIDAY MARCH 11TH AT BARNESVILLE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE VETERANS PARKWAY 1 TO 6 PM.
UPSON COUNTY TUESDAY MARCH 15TH AT THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT TRANSPORTATION OFFICE IN NORTHSIDE 10 AM TILL 5 PM AND THE THOMASTON-UPSON CIVIC CENTER 2:30 TILL 7:30.
LAMAR COUNTY FRIDAY MARCH 11TH AT BARNESVILLE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE VETERANS PARKWAY 1 TO 6 PM.
UPSON COUNTY TUESDAY MARCH 15TH AT THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT TRANSPORTATION OFFICE IN NORTHSIDE 10 AM TILL 5 PM AND THE THOMASTON-UPSON CIVIC CENTER 2:30 TILL 7:30.
City Council Agenda
CITY OF THOMASTON
MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL – AGENDA
MARCH 1, 2022 – 7:00 P.M.
CITY-COUNTY MEETING ROOM – MAIN FLOOR
THOMASTON-UPSON GOVERNMENT COMPLEX
WATCH THE MEETING LIVE VIA CITY OF THOMASTON YOUTUBE PAGE
Amended
B. Approval of Minutes for February 15th Regular Meeting
C. Adoption of Agenda
D. City Attorney’s Report
E. City Clerk’s Report
F. City Engineer’s Report
G. City Manager’s Report
1. Discussion of FY2022 Paving List
2. Discussion and Potential Authorization to Remove Two Glenwood Cemetery Gates
3. Discussion and Potential Appointments for Various City and Joint Committees / Boards
4. Discussion and Potential Authorization of Special Event Permit Modification
5. Discussion and Potential Authorization of Connected Resilient Communities Designation Resolution
6. Discussion and potential Action to Extend Moratorium
7. Discussion and Potential Action to Extend Time for Issuance of Alcohol Bar Licenses to Coincide with Ordinance
8. Discussion and Potential Authorization for Utility Relocation Agreement
H. Other Business
1. Tree City USA Designation – 34 years
2. Memory Marker and Donated Flags
I. Executive Session / Discussion / Potential Action
J. Adjournment
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