PIKE CO TRAFFIC DEATH FRIDAY

 Pike County Sheriff's deputies responded to a motor vehicle accident on Highway 109 at Kings Road at 1:00 a.m. last night. Two vehicles were involved in the crash that claimed the life of Alcala Rodriguez, 31 years of age. The investigation has revealed that a Toyota passenger car and a Lincoln Navigator were traveling at a high rate of speed on Kings Road when both vehicles failed to stop for a stop sign at the intersection of Highway 109. Upon striking several trees Rodriguez was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the Toyota , Elvis Requena , 35 years of age, was arrested after receiving medical treatment. Alcohol and excessive speed were determined to be contributing factors to this incident. Requena has been charged with driving under the influence, vehicular homicide, driving without a license and several other traffic offenses. Yohan Medina was the driver of the Lincoln Navigator and he was transported to Spalding Regional hospital for treatment of his injuries. 

Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.

BAD WRECK REPORT AT INGLES/GRIFFIN

 LAW  ENFORCEMENT/FIRST  RESPONDERS    AT   THE  SCENE  OF  A  REPORTED  BAD  WRECK  ON U.S. 19/341  INTERSECTION  AREA  OF  INGLES--IN  GRIFFIN,   FRIDAY  AFTERNOON  AROUND  4PM. 

UPSON BOC CHAIR AND THOMASTON MAYOR EXCHANGE LETTERS ON JOINT PROJECTS

 UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  NORMAN  ALLEN  AND  THOMASTON  MAYOR  J.D.  STALLINGS  HAVE  EXCHANGED  LETTERS  EXPLAINING  THEIR  POSITION  ON  JOINT  PROJECTS--AFTER  DISCUSSIONS  BROKE  DOWN  RECENTLY  ON  FUNDING   ITEMS, ESPECIALLY  RECREATION.  

 MAYOR  STALLINGS  AGREES  WITH  CHAIRMAN  ALLEN  THE  IDA  IS  EXCLUDED  FROM  AREAS OF  CONTENTION  AND  CITY  STAFF  WILL  WORK  WITH  COUNTY  STAFF   TO  FORMULATE  ADJUSTED  SPENDING  TO  COMPENSATE FOR  THE  REDUCED  REVENUES  ATTRIBUTED  TO  THE  PREVIOUS  YEARS  AVERAGE  BUDGETS.  RECREATION  IS A  SORE  SPOT  FOR  CITY  HALL--WITH  THE  MAYOR  RAISING  QUESTIONS  ABOUT   ALLEGATIONS   OF   REC  DIRECTOR   ABSENTISM  ON  THE  JOB  ,  HER  WORK  FROM  HOME,  AND  HER   OFFICE   PRACTICES    AT  THE  CIVIC  CENTER.   THE  MAYOR  ADDED  HE  HAS  HEARD  CONCERNS  THAT  WE  ARE  PAYING HER AS  A  DEPARTMENTAL  DIRECTOR  TO  WORK  WITH  THE  HIGH  SCHOOL  TRACK  TEAM.  THE  MAYOR  GOES  ON--THAT  RECREATION  IS  A  JOINT  PROJECT  AND  NOT  SOLELY  A  FUNCTION  OF  COUNTY  GOVERNMENT  AND  HOPES  SOME OF THIS  PUBLIC  FEEDBACK  IS  JUST   HEARSAY. 

THE  MAYOR  SAID  HE'S  BEEN  TOLD  BY  JOINT PROJECT  PERSONNEL  THEY  WERE  INSTRUCTED  BY  THE  COUNTY  MANAGER  NOT  TO  SPEAK  TO  CITY  STAFF OR  OFFICIALS  ABOUT  DEPARTMENTAL OPERATIONS--AND  ADDS  REGARDING  PERSONNEL  MATTERS--  JOINT  PROJECT  ORDIANCES  ALLOWS   FOR  INQUIRY  AND  INVESTIGATION  BY  BOTH  GOVERNMENTS.

  IN  HIS  LETTER,  MAYOR  STALLINGS  WELCOMES  COUNTY  OVERTURES  FOR  THE  NEW  FARMER'S  MARKET  TO  BE  A  JOINT  EFFORT. 

UPSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNOUNCES RIBBON CUTTING

 RIBBON  CUTTING  TIMES  HAVE  BEEN  ANNOUNCED   FOR    THE  UPSON  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY'S  GRAND  OPENING  OF  THE  WORLD  WAR TWO  ON  THE  HOMEFRONT    EXHIBITION  AT    TWO  LOCATIONS ,    SATURDAY,  MARCH   18TH  1  TO  4PM.  RIBBON  CUTTING  AT  THE  T-U  ARCHIVES  2PM,  PETTIGREW-WHITE STAMPS  HOUSE  AT  3PM--FEATURING  THE  ULHS  COLOR  GUARD  AND   A  TUAC  CHORUS  PERFORMING  THE  ANDREWS  SISTERS  BUGLE  BOY. 

ADMISSION  IS  FREE  WITH  FOOD  AND  ENTERTAINMENT.

City Of Thomaston Employee of Month Joe Marston

UPSON SUPERIOR COURT MURDER CASE

 IN  UPSON  SUPERIOR  COURT, MONDAY,  A  THOMASTON MAN,  CHAUNCEY  POWELL  ENTERED A  GUILTY  PLEA TO  THE  MURDER  OF   MARLON  SMITH  AT  HANDY  MART  ON  EAST  WALKER  STREET,  AUGUST  22ND,  2021,  AND  WAS  SENTENCED  TO  LIFE  IN  PRISON  WITH  POSSIBILITY OF  PAROLE  BY  THE  HONORABLE  RHONDA B.   KREUZIGER.

POWELL, 44  AT  THE  TIME  OF  THE  SHOOTING ,   ENTERED A  PLEA  TO FELONY  MURDER  FOR  SHOOTING    SMITH ,  48 ,   ONCE  IN  THE  CHEST  WHILE  POWELL   AND     POWELL'S   GIRL  FRIEND  WERE  IN  AN  ARGUMENT  IN  THE  PARKING LOT.  THOMASTON   POLICE    CAPTAIN  BRIAN  HAMMOCK  WHO  INVESTIGATED  THE  SHOOTING  SAID  THE  MOTIVE  IN  THE  HOMICIDE  WAS  NEVER  CLEAR,  BUT  POWELL  MIGHT  HAVE  THOUGHT  SMITH  WAS  BEING  NOSEY.

MORE   ON  THE  STORY  ON  FUN  101FM

FRA WILDCATS WIN AGAIN

 Flint River Academy Wildcats defeated their region rival Harvester Christian Academy in Douglasville 11-0 Tuesday night to bring their record to 4-2.  Hunter Normandeau took the mound for FRA allowing no hits and no runs for two innings.  Senior Cole Perkins came in out of the bullpen and continued the shutout.  The Wildcats offense racked up 9 hits with Ethan Newman and Lucas Martin each having multiple hits and crossing the plate 3 times each. Bode Chaney and Brack Spangler both finished the game with 3 RBI's.  Flint River Academy plays Rock Springs Christian Academy Friday night in Milner

TPD RESPONDS TO SUICIDAL CALL AT URMC

 THOMASTON  POLICE  ARE  BEING  COMMENDED  FOR  THE   PROFESSIONAL  WAY  THEY  HANDLED  A  SUICIDAL  CALL TO  THE  HELIPAD  AT  UPSON REGIONAL  MEDICAL  CENTER,  FEB.  27TH--A  WHITE  MALE  DESPONDANT  OVER  HIS  MEDICAL  CONDITION,  SITTING  AT  THE  EDGE, THREATENING  TO  JUMP OFF  THE  UPPER  DECK, WITH   HORRIFIED   HOSPITAL  STAFF  AND  MEMBERS OF  THE  PUBLIC,  OBSERVING.

SGT.  STEPHANIE  ALLEN  SAID  IN  HER  REPORT, OFFICERS  ASSURED,  JACK  RIX,  AGE  61,  HE  WAS  NOT  IN  ANY  TROUBLE,  BUT  HE WAS  GOING  TO  HARM  MORE  PEOPLE  IF  HE  CHOSE  TO  LEAP.  RIX  WARNED  OFFICERS  TO  STAY   AWAY, BUT THEY  CONTINUED  TO  SPEAK  WITH  HIM  AND  INCH  CLOSER  AND  WHEN  HE  DROPPED  HIS  HEAD, SGT.  ALLEN,  CORPORAL  BRANDON  DIX,  AND  PATROL  OFFICER  DEKODA  RIDDICK,  PULLED  HIM  AWAY  FROM  THE  EDGE  OF  THE  HELIPAD.

A  COMPANION SAID  RIX  HAD  BEEN  IN  GREAT  PAIN  AND  COULD GET NO  RELIEF.  HE  WAS  TURNED OVER  TO  HOSPITAL  STAFF  AND 101 NEWS  WAS  TOLD  HE  WAS   TRANSPORTED  TO  ANOTHER  FACILITY  FOR  EVALUATION. 

DA Broder Report

March is Women’s History Month!

On August 18, 1920, the 19^th amendment was ratified which granted women the right to vote. It is hard for me to fathom that just over 100 years ago, women could not legally vote in this country. Now, not only do we vote, but I am proud to serve as the first female District Attorney for the Griffin Judicial Circuit. Women across America are running Fortune 500 companies, holding positions of power, educating children, performing surgeries, and so much more. In 100 years, we have come such a long way, but we still have so much work to do.

 

March is Women’s History Month. Throughout my career, women and men have mentored me and championed me. I am blessed to be supported by so many wonderful people that believe in me and the work that we do in the District Attorney’s Office. I am a huge advocate for women in all aspects of life. For most of my career, I have been a prosecutor for crimes against women and children. I have the faces of women who were violently murdered and the faces of the precious children who were abused or molested forever etched in my memory. These crimes are extremely difficult, but it has been an honor to give these women and children a voice and to fight for them. 

 

People will often ask about how being a woman in this position affects my job.  Ultimately, it does not.  The job of District Attorney is a difficult one, period, no matter your gender.  You are expected to make tough choices that affect victims, defendants, and the public.  These are decisions that deeply affect the men and women in my offices. These are decisions that affected those in this job before me. I am proud of my team and the passion with which they do their job.

 

I do believe that I have a duty to mentor young women, and I spend a good bit of time doing it. I try to set an example for these girls by just waking up in the morning, and trying to do the right thing. I also explain to them, that we all have the capability to change the world, one person at a time. If we all focused on doing the right thing, and trying to improve the life of one person at a time, what a powerful force we could be!

 

As the mother of a young daughter, I am pleased to see more and more opportunities open up for women and girls, and I am proud to play my small part in helping to open some of those doors.  I want to end by thanking the women and men who are supporting women who made and are making history. Thank you to so many of you out there that believed in me and supported me over the years. Thank you to my staff for all that you do. Thank you to my husband, who is my biggest champion. Thank you to the women in my life that inspire me every day, and thank you all for giving me the opportunity to serve. Be kind to one another, and I will have an update on trials across the Circuit in my next column.

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

PLEAS – JUDGE BEN J. MILLER, JR., GJC

March 3, 2023

 

1. 20R0316AJ LARRIS SUTTON CT.1: VIOLATION OF RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATION ACT: ALFORD PLEA- 20 YEARS, 1 YEAR TO SERV; FOLLOWED BY 19 YEARS PROBATION; BANISHMENT FROM THE GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT; $2,500 FINE. CT. 2: VIOLATION OF RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATION ACT: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

2. 22R0145 WILLIAM COOTS CT. 1: DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED:  NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 2: OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: SPEEDING: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; $1,000 FINE. CT. 4: LICENSE TO BE CARRIED AND EXHIBITED ON DEMAND: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

DR. DERICO FEATURED IN VIDEO ON T-U SCHOOLS WEBSITE

 SUPERINTENDANT  OF  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  SCHOOLS,  DR.  LARRY  DERICO  WILL  BE  OUTLINING  THE  MARCH 21ST  REFERENDUM  ON  THE  EDUCATION  SPLOST   ON  THE  SCHOOL  WEBSITE,  MONDAY. EARLY  VOTING  CONTINUES  THRU MARCH  17TH.   SATURDAY  VOTING  MARCH 4  AND  11.  89  VOTES  CAST  THROUGH   THURSDAY.

NEW PASTOR FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH THOMASTON

 FIRST  BAPTIST  CHURCH  OF  THOMASTON  HAS  CALLED   A  NEW  PASTOR,  REV.  BRYAN  MCPHERSON,  AGE  43,  A  NATIVE  OF  AMERICUS,  GA.  WHO  HAS  BEEN  PASTORING  IN  SOUTH GEORGIA.  THE  MCPHERSON'S  HAVE  THREE  CHILDREN  AND   HIS  FATHER  WAS  A  BI-VOCATIONAL  PASTOR.  THE  MCPHERSON  FAMILY  REPORTS   SUNDAY  MARCH  26TH. 

Honey Boo Boo and boyfriend led Monroe County deputies on chase

17-year-old Alana Thompson, also known as “Honey Boo Boo”, was the passenger in a car that fled Monroe County deputies on Tuesday.

According to Monroe County Lt. John Thompson the driver and Alana Thompson's boyfriend, 21-year-old Dralin Carswell, was arrested and charged with a DUI after being caught by deputies.

 

Lt. Thompson says around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday a deputy ran the tag of a Dodge Charger in front of the Shell station on Highway 42. 

 

The car’s owner came back as wanted so the deputy tried to make a traffic stop. 

 

The driver sped north on Highway 42 and the deputy went after the car in a case that continued for about 3 miles. 

 

The deputy used a PIT maneuver to spin the car and stop it near Hickman Road.

 

Carswell was charged with DUI, drug possession, following too close and had a misdemeanor traffic charge out of Wilkinson County.

 

Alana Thompson was not charged and is only a witness in the case.

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

PLEAS – JUDGE BEN J. MILLER, JR., GJC

March 2, 2023

 

1. 22R0499 TAMMIE MCKINLEY CT.1: SEXUAL BATTERY: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; $500 FINE; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE.  

 

2. 23R0056 TAMMIE MCKINLEY CT. 1: DISORDERLY CONDUCT: 12 MONTHSPROBATION CONCURRENT TO CASE#22R0499; $500 FINE.

 

3. 22R0497 DAMIAN MCMULLIN CT. 1: POSSESSION OF COCAINE: FIRSTOFFENDER- 3 YEARSPROBATION; $1,000 FINE; 80 HOURSCOMMUNITY SERVICE.CT. 2: POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA LESS THAN1 OZ: NOLLE PROSEQUI.CT. 3: PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS: NOLLEPROSEQUI.CT. 4: OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICER: FIRSTOFFENDER- 12 MONTHS PROBATIONCONCURRENT TO COUNT 1; $250 FINE.CT. 5: THEFT BY SHOPLIFTING: FIRSTOFFENDER- 12 MONTHS PROBATIONCONCURRENT TO COUNTS 1 & 4;SERVE 10 DAYS IN THE COUNTY JAIL; $250 FINE.

 

4. 22R0400 ANDREW WELLMAKER CT. 1: THEFT BY TAKING: NOLLE PROSEQUI.CT. 2: BURGLARY IN THE SECOND- REDUCED-THEFT BY TAKING: 5 YEARS PROBATION; $1,000FINE; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE.CT. 3: BURGLARY IN THE SECOND DEGREE:NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

5. 22R0352B HOSIE RAGLAND CT. 1: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE:CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE- 3 YEARSPROBATION; $1,000 FINE; 80 HOURSCOMMUNITY SERVICE.CT. 2: POSSESSION OF DRUG RELATED OBJECTS:12 MONTHS PROBATION CONSECUTIVE TOCOUNT 1.CT. 3: POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURINGCOMMISSION OF A FELONY: NOLLEPROSEQUI.

 

6. 23R0007 CAMERON YOUNGBLOOD CT. 1: POSSESSION OF COCAINE: NOLLEPROSEQUI.CT. 2: POSSESSION OF A SCHEDULE ICONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITH INTENT TODISTRIBUTE- REDUCED- POSSESSION OF ASCHEDULE I CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE:CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE: 3 YEARSPROBATION; $1,500 FINE; 80 HOURSCOMMUNITY SERVICE.

ANNUAL PEACHES TO THE BEACHES YARD SALE

 THE  ANNUAL  PEACHES  TO  THE  BEACHES  YARD  SALE --    FROM  BARNESVILLE TO  BRUNSWICK-  STARTING  7  MILES   SOUTH  PAST  JOHN  DEERE  ON  HIGHWAY  341--THURSDAY  THRU  SUNDAY  MARCH  9TH,  10TH,  11TH.   ANTIQUES,  FURNITURE,  JEWELRY,  TOYS  AND  ANYTHING  ELSE  YOU  CAN  THINK  OF.

Two Brothers From Thomaston Busted For Coke In Griffin

On Sunday February 26th, 2023, Inv. Sheldon Mayfield of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office S.T.I.N.G. Unit conducted a traffic stop on a black 2021 Chevrolet Z71 pickup truck near Williamson Road and Hwy 19/41. During the traffic stop, the driver, who was identified as Kelcey Hammock, exited his vehicle and began speaking with the Inv. Mayfield. A passenger, later identified as Kenneth Hammock, remained seated in the truck.

According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, “While Inv. Mayfield and a City of Griffin Police Officer were talking to Kelcey Hammock, the passenger, Kenneth Hammock, decided he would get into the driver’s seat of the truck and flee the scene. Mayfield re-entered his marked unit and pursued the truck West bound on Williamson Road while the Griffin P.D. Officer detained the original driver.”

 

As the pursuit approached the intersection of South Pine Hill Road and Williamson Road, Kenneth Hammock lost control of the vehicle, crashed, then fled on foot behind the gas station carrying a bag in his hands. “When Inv. Mayfield caught him, Kenneth made the bad choice of wanting to fight him instead of stopping. Mayfield, along with Deputies, GPD Officers, and GSP Troopers responding to the scene and a member of the public took Kenneth Hammock into custody without further incident. The bag that he had in his hand when fled from the crash was found to contain 7.2 pounds of cocaine.”

 

“Both Hammocks made a bunch of bad choices Sunday that resulted in their arrests. Now they have no dope, no truck, and are going to have to explain to somebody, somewhere, how they lost someone’s 7.2 pounds of cocaine. They are currently being held in the Spalding County Jail and right about now I imagine that jail may be the safest place for them.”

 

Kelcey Hammock B/M 53, of Thomaston

-Possession of Cocaine

-Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute

-Trafficking Cocaine

-Traffic Offenses

 

Kenneth Hammock B/M 54, of Thomaston

-Possession of Cocaine

-Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute -Trafficking Cocaine

-Obstruction of Law Enforcement (4 Counts)/ Multiple Traffic Offenses