ACCIDENT IN THOMASTON

 101  NEWS  WAS  TOLD, FOLLOWING  A  SCOOTER  ACCIDENT  ON  NORTH MAIN  STREET,  SUNDAY  AFTERNOON,  THE  THOMASTON  FIRE  DEPARTMENT  SET  UP  A  LANDING  ZONE  FOR  AN  AIR  AMBULANCE  ON  THE   MATTEWS  FIELD  PARK  LOT.  THE  INJURED  SCOOTER  RIDER  WAS  TRANSPORTED  TO  A  TRAUMA  CENTER.

T-U BOE APPROVES 13% TAX HIKE

 THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  BOARD  OF  EDUCATION  APPROVED   THE   2023   MILLAGE  RATE  WITH  A   13%  TAX  INCREASE  AT  A  PUBLIC  HEARING,  THURSDAY,  BUT  NOT  BEFORE  HEARING  FROM  OVER  HALF  A  DOZEN  CITIZENS  WHO  QUESTIONED  IT.  BOE  MEMBER  SHELIA  HALL  CAST  THE  ONLY   N0   VOTE  AGAINST  THE  MILLAGE  RATE.

AMONG  THE  CITIZENS  WHO  CHALLENGED  THE  BOE  FINANCIES--PASTOR  CLAUDE  TURNER,  TERESA  COMPTON,  MALCOLM  NEAL,  ERIC  BERGMAN,  TODD  WILLIS,  WENDY  FALLIN,  AND  RAYMOND GALLOWAY  WHO  HAD    ATTENDED  ALL  THREE  PUBLIC  HEARINGS.

GUILTY PLEA IN AN UPSON MURDER CASE

 IN  UPSON  SUPERIOR  COURT,  THURSDAY,   CODY  HARSHBARGER,  AGE 25,  ENTERED  AN  ALFORD  PLEA  TO   FELONY  MURDER  AND  WAS  SENTENCED  TO  LIFE  WITH  THE  POSSIBILITY  OF  PAROLE.

HARSHBARGER  WAS  CHARGED  WITH THE  DEATH  OF  A  COLUMBUS  WOMAN,  JULIE  MILNER,  AGE  63    AFTER  HE   RAN  OVER  HER  WITH  HER  CAR ,  ON  MANLEY  ROAD   AND  SHE  DIED   17  DAYS  LATER.  ASSISTANT  D.A.  ASHTON  JORDAN  SAID   HARSHBARGER  STRANGLED  MILNER'S  COMPANION  CHRISTA  CLARK,  AGE  41  WHO HAD  CONTACTED  HIM   ON  HIS  PHONE   ABOUT  SEX  FOR  HIRE. HOWEVER,  HARSHBARGER  PLANNED  TO  ROB  THEM,  STOLE    THEIR  CAR  AND  FLED  TO  PIKE  COUNTY,  CRASHED  THE  CAR  AND  WAS  ARRESTED  MONTHS  LATER  IN  GWINNETT  COUNTY.  THE  TRIO  WAS  DESCRIBED  AS  SMOKING  CRACK  COCAINE  WHILE  THE  EVENT  UNFOLDED  IN  A  SHED  BEHIND  A  MOBILE HOME.

A.D. JORDAN TOLD  US   IN  AN  ALFORD  PLEA,  CALLED  A  BEST  INTEREST  PLEA,  THE  DEFENDANT  DOES  NOT  ADMIT  GUILT  BUT  KNOWLEDGES   HE   WOULD  HAVE  BEEN  CONVICTED AT  TRIAL.  

TPD SEZ SUSPECT APPARENTLY LIVING IN A STORAGE UNIT

 On August 16, 2023 at 0839 hours patrol was dispatched to Pack Rat Storage @ 113 Crawley St, in reference to someone staying in one of the empty storage units. Upon arrival they made contact with the property manager, the manager then showed them Unit #78. This unit had numerous amounts of miscellaneous items scattered around the unit and it appeared that someone had been staying in the unit due to open food and bags of trash in the unit. The property manager advised patrol units that another renter called her that morning stating he had seen a white male sitting in a chair in the unit smoking a cigarette.

 

Inv. Katherine Farr responded to the call along with patrol units on this date due to other open cases regarding units being broken into at Pack Rat Storage. Upon viewing Unit #78 Inv. Farr was able to identify some of the items in the unit as being possible stolen items that had been reported.

 

While patrol assisted the property manager in checking other vacant units, a white male was found occupying vacant unit #147. The white male was identified as Brian House. Mr. House was previously criminally trespassed from this property and had no reason to be there. Mr. House was placed under arrest pending charges and was transported to Upson County Detention Center. Upon Investigations processing unit #147 items were found that appeared to be the same type of items from Unit #78 as well as tools that could be used to commit the crime of burglary.

 

Investigations processed both units #78 and #147, upon doing so numerous items were able to be confirmed as stolen items from other storage units on the property. This case is still open and ongoing with the number of items in unit #78 we are still trying to locate owners of items.

 

Brian House has currently been charged with Criminal Trespass, Burglary 2nd Degree and Possession of tools for commission of a crime.

 

 

Inv. Pete Spahn

Criminal Investigations Division

Thomaston Police Department

(706) 741-0926

pspahn@cityofthomaston.com

 

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

PLEAS – JUDGE BEN J. MILLER JR., GJC

AUGUST 17, 2023

1. 22R0104 CODY HARSHBARGER CT. 1: FELONY MURDER: ALFORD PLEA- LIFE  WITH POSSIBSILTY OF PAROLE. CT. 2: FELONY MURDER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: HIJACKING A MOTOR VEHICLE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 4: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 5: CRIMINAL ATTEMPT TO COMMIT A FELONY: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 6: AGGRAVATED BATTERY: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 7: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 8: KIDNAPPING: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 9: THEFT BY TAKING: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 10: THEFT BY TAKING: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 11: THEFT BY TAKING: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

GRIFFIN FIRST UNITED METHODISTS VOTE TO DISAFFILIATE WITH N. GA. CONFERENCE

 GRIFFIN  FIRST  UNITED  METHODIST  CHURCH  COULD  LEARN  AT  THE  ANNUAL  CONFERENCE OF  UNITED  METHODISTS  IN  NOVEMBER  IF  IT  CAN  DISAFFILIATE  FROM   THE  CONFERENCE.  BY  A  5  VOTE  MARGIN  THE   MEMBERSHIP  VOTED  TO  DISAFFILIATE  WITH  440  MEMBERS  VOTING,  TUESDAY.

THE  ANNUAL  CONFERENCE  WILL  BE  HELD  AT  THE  ATHENS  CIVIC  CENTER  NOVEMBER 18TH  AND  GRIFFIN  FIRST  WILL  HAVE  3  VOTING  DELEGATES.  AN  80  YEAR  MEMBER  OF  THE  CHURCH,  RAY  BARRON  TOLD   101  NEWS,  IF  THE  VOTE  GOES  IN  THE  CHURCHES  FAVOR  IT  WILL  OWE  IN  EXCESS  OF   $300,000  TO   THE  CONFERENCE TO  COVER  THE  RETIRED  PASTORS  PENSIONS  BUT   SHOULD  RETAIN  THEIR  $17  MILLION  CAMPUS  CURRENTLY  DEEDED  TO  THE  CONFERENCE.

CLEAR  OF  CONFERENCE  OBLIGATIONS,  GRIFFIN  FIRST  UNITED  METHODIST  COULD  BECOME  AN  INDEPENDANT  CHURCH  OR  MANY  CONSERVATIVE  CONGREGATIONS    HAVE   JOINED  THE    GLOBAL  METHODIST CHURCHES.  

GORDON STATE'S ECONOMIC IMPACT

 BARNESVILLE, Ga. - On Tuesday, Aug. 8, the University System of Georgia (USG) released a report that listed Gordon State College as having contributed more than $120 million to the regional economy and provided 990 jobs in fiscal year (FY) 2022. GSC enrolled more than 3,100 students in FY22. Due to the strategic initiatives embarked upon at Highlander Nation, GSC created 274 on-campus jobs and 716 off-campus jobs. “Gordon State College has strategically invested in the success of our Highlanders by advancing them toward graduation and ultimately leading to their thriving futures. We understand the significant impact our graduates and education partners have on our community and surrounding counties,” said GSC Interim President Donald J. Green. “Both are an invaluable driver of the economy, and their talents will benefit our local region.”

REVIVAL BARNESVILLE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

 Please join us for revival with Rev. Jeremiah Bolich on Sunday, August 20th at 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Monday, August 21st, Tuesday the 22nd, and Wednesday the 23rd at 7 p.m. each night at Barnesville Church of the Nazarene.

Jeremiah Bolich was discharged from the US Marine Corps in June of 1995 and experienced a life-changing encounter with Jesus at a Billy Graham crusade in southern California. He now lives In Watertown, Tennessee and is a traveling evangelist.

Barnesville Church of the Nazarene located at 744 Veterans Parkway in Barnesville. Check out our FB page for more information!

 

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

PLEAS – JUDGE BEN J. MILLER JR., GJC

AUGUST 16, 2023

 

1. 21R0072 SCOTTY ZELLNER CT. 1: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 2: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE: 10 YEARS, 4 YEARS TO SERVE IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $1,000 FINE.

 

2. 21R0122 DUSTIN KENNEDY CT. 1: FAILURE TO REGISTER AS SEX OFFENDER: 5 YEARS, SERVE 3 YEARS IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; $500 FINE; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE.

 

3. 22R0443 BRANDON SCOTT CT. 1: SALE OF COCAINE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 2: POSSESSION OF COCAINE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE: 15 YEARS, SERVE 5 YEARS IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; $1,500 FINE. CT. 3: POSSESSION OF COCAINE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 4: POSSESSION OF COCAINE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 5: DANGEROUS DRUGS- SALE, DISTRIBUTION, POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

4. 23R0129 WENDY BURGESS CT. 1: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE: CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE- 8 YEARS PROBATION; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $2,000 FINE. CT. 2: POSSESSION OF DRUG RELATED OBJECTS: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 4: USE OF LICENSE PPLATE TO CONCEAL IDENTITY: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

5. 23R0117 JOANNE DENSON CT. 1: THEFT BY SHOPLIFTING: 12 MONTHS, SERVE 30 DAYS IN THE COUNTY JAIL, FOLLOWED BY THE  REMAINDER ON PROBATION; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE.

 

6. 20R0316L JUAN GOMEZ-PENALOZA CT.1: VIOLATION OF RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATION ACT: 20 YEARS, 10 YEARS TO SERVE IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM; FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; BANISHMENT FROM THE GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT; $2,000 FINE. CT. 2: VIOLATION OF RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATION ACT: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

7. 23R0258B SCOTTY ZELLNER CT. 1: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETMINE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE: REDUCED- POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE: 6 YEARS, 4 YEARS TO SERVE IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION TO RUN CONCURRENT WITH CASE #21R0072; $1,000 FINE; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE.

Marie Broder, District Attorney Griffin Judicial Circuit Monthly Column

 Making a Federal Case Out of it

People often ask my opinion about charges someone is facing in Federal Court. And often times, I do not have much of an opinion. The reason is that my job and my expertise are limited to prosecuting people who commit acts that are prohibited by the Georgia legislature in the four counties of Fayette, Spalding, Pike, and Upson. State criminal law casts a wide net in that it prohibits “minor” crimes like shoplifting, all the way up to major crimes like rape and murder. In between, you have criminal laws aimed at stopping drug possession, theft, or child abuse. Federal law, on the other hand, is more narrowly focused and typically requires there to be some element of the crime that crosses state lines. Typical federal prosecutions involve the transport of drugs from one state to another or using the internet or a phone system to defraud someone. Failing to pay your taxes is another crime that can find you in federal court. My foil at the federal level is known as the United States Attorney—a position appointed (not elected) by the President.

 

Our office usually interacts with federal law in one of a few ways. First, we may have a person who is facing charges in our office for one crime and facing charges in federal court for something else. Consider someone who caught with illegal drugs but who had also been stealing identities to help launder the proceeds from selling drugs. The drug possession would typically be handled in State Court while the identity theft charges could be in Federal Court.

 

These scenarios present two challenges. One is logistics — which Court should try the defendant first. Second, with limited prosecutorial and judicial resources, would justice be better served by trying the Defendant in both jurisdictions or allowing the strongest case to proceed? A certain amount of negotiation between our office and the U.S. Attorneys’ Office is needed to answer these questions.

 

The second way that our office interacts with federal law is when the underlying conduct violates both State and Federal laws. A typical example would be possession of child pornography which is barred by State and Federal law and can carry differing punishments. In these scenarios, the U.S. Attorney’s Office may be more selective in which cases they chose to bring to Federal Court.

 

At the end of the day, however, the ultimate decision to proceed with charges in State Court rests with my Office. I cannot tell the Federal government what to do nor can they direct me to do anything when it comes to presenting cases. This separation of powers between the Federal and State Governments ensures that you, the citizen, have control over the criminal justice system in your own community.

 

Needless to say, understanding the nuance of which Court has jurisdiction over what laws is a topic better suited for a law school class. However, I hope this offers a bit more clarity about when somebody makes a “federal case” out of something.

 

On a lighter note, Summer is officially over, and I hope all the students and teachers have a great year!

Thomaston Upson 2023 School Mill Rate Q&A

This document provides answers to questions asked at the Thomaston-Upson Board of Education hearings for the setting of the 2023 school millage rate. Many of these questions are also answered in the FAQ document provided by the T-U School District on their website. That document may be accessed from the homepage at www.upson.k12.ga.us or from the following direct link: https://resource.echalk.com/sr/J0rbiicu .

August 10, 2023, 7:30 AM Hearing – Those asking questions or making statements included Mr. Cooter Waller, Mrs. Kim Wells, Dr. B. Waine Kong, and Mr. Andrew Carroll 

1. QUESTION: How are budget priorities determined?
   ANSWER: Budget priorities are determined based on the district and schools’ strategic and continuous improvement plans, the district’s 5-year facilities plan, and daily/yearly operational needs at both the schools and district levels. 
2. QUESTION: What are our reading and math scores?
   ANSWER: Test data may be found on the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement website at https://gaawards.gosa.ga.gov/analytics/saw.dll?dashboard. Use the drop- down menu at the top of the page to view Thomaston-Upson data by school. The following is an excerpt from the press release sent to WTGA Fun 101 radio and The Upson Beacon relating to 2023 End-of-Grade and End-of-Course Georgia Milestones Results: 

Substantial focus, professional learning, and resources have been applied toward improving student literacy, one of three district goals of school Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico. Reading status, reading on grade level or above, increased in grades 4 and 7 when compared to last year’s 4th and 7th grade students. Students also showed increased proficiency in reading as they progressed from one grade to another, especially in grades 4th to 5th, 6th to 7th, and 7th to 8th. Grade 8 ELA scores increased above the 2019 pre- pandemic weighted performance scores. The percentage of students scoring Proficient and/or Distinguished on the English-Language Arts EOG in grades 4 and 7 also increased in 2023. 

Thomaston-Upson County students showed growth in mathematics in grade 4 when compared to 2022 4th grade. Math EOG results for grades 4, 5, and 7 ranked third in the Griffin RESA district, which includes surrounding counties. Gains in student achievement were also noted in 8th Grade Science, 8thGrade Georgia History, and Biology EOC. Scores for ULHS students taking a Biology EOC ranked third in the Griffin RESA district of surrounding counties. 

3. QUESTION: Is this tax money actually getting to the students?
   ANSWER: According to the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, the Thomaston- Upson County Schools’ 2021-22 per pupil expenditures (PPE) were $11,392.49. State PPE average for 2021-22 was $12,106.64. (2022-23 data has not been released.) 
4. QUESTION: Has the amount of taxes levied risen 51% since 2018?
   ANSWER: While the amount of taxes levied has risen 51% since 2018, this amount is a direct correlation to the increase in the property tax digest. The net digest has increased 54.5% since 2018. In 2018, the net value of a mill equaled $599,231. In 2024, the value of a mill equates to $925,779. 

5. QUESTION: Why could you not take $2 million out of the fund balance and give a rebate to senior citizens?
   ANSWER: Since 1992, the school district has offered senior tax exemptions of $15,000. The 2023 tax digest projects more than $166 million in “tax exemptions.” Overall exemptions, including senior exemptions increased 34.7% from 2022 to 2023. Since 2018, exemptions, have increased 49.1%. Property owners should verify with the Upson County Tax Assessors board that they are receiving all the tax exemptions they may be qualified to receive. The Thomaston-Upson School System is in the process of evaluating the current senior citizen school tax exemption to determine the fiscal impact of any proposed changes for eligible senior citizens. This process requires careful consideration as exemptions for one group of property owners can place an increased tax burden on all other property owners.
6. QUESTION: How do our students’ academic scores compare with state and other county scores? 

ANSWER: The Governor’s Office of Student Achievement provides public information on academic achievement within all school districts in Georgia. This data may be accessed at https://gaawards.gosa.ga.gov/analytics/saw.dll?dashboard. Use the drop-down menu at the top of the page to view Thomaston-Upson data as well as data from any school district you would like to use for comparisons. Other available data on this website includes Accountability, Demographic, and Personnel & Finance for each school system in Georgia. 

August 10, 2023, 6 PM Hearing – Those asking questions or making statements included Mr. Cooter Waller, Mr. Norman Allen, Mr. Bill Mayer, and Mrs. Susan Galloway 

1. QUESTION: What is the district’s fund balance total?
ANSWER: Currently, the Thomaston-Upson School System’s unrestricted fund balance is $11.5 million (unaudited). 

2. QUESTION: Why does the district have a fund balance?
ANSWER: A fund balance is necessary to adequately serve the children of our community both short term and long term against any type of disruption. The general fund balance is used to compensate for the delay in the flow of property tax revenue from July to October and provides a way to set money aside for scheduled, unforeseen or unscheduled expenses, or near catastrophic events. Without a general fund balance, districts may have to borrow funds to meet insufficient cash reserves. The establishment of sufficient and stable fund balance reserves is considered a prudent business practice and demonstrates solid financial planning, sound fiscal management, and a strong fiscal position to remain solvent. According to the GA Department of Audits & Accounts, the Thomaston-Upson School System has a “Positive” fiscal health rating with an operating reserve of 19.7%, which falls within the “Normal” category. Less than a 12% operating reserve falls within the “Cautionary” category and less than 6% operating reserve is within the “Critical” category. 

3. QUESTION: How does our current fund balance compare to the past 5 years’ fund 

balances?
ANSWER: Unrestricted Fund Balance data - June 30, 2023: $11.5 million (unaudited); June 30, 2022: 11.3 million; June 30, 2021: $12.7 million; June 30, 2020: $11.6 Million; 2019: $9.3 million 

4. QUESTION: If the district had to utilize the fund balance to operate, how long before that balance is depleted?
   ANSWER: If the Thomaston-Upson School System had no revenue from any additional sources, the current fund balance would be depleted in 3.5 months. It is also important to note that from March through October, the school system receives very little property tax revenue. The fund balance sustains system operations during these months and prevents us from having to borrow money. 
5. QUESTION: How does the T-U School System mill rate compare to that of other counties? 

ANSWER: For 2022, Thomaston-Upson Schools had the lowest school millage rate from among Butts, Fayette, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Monroe, Newton, Pike, and Griffin- Spalding school districts. Currently, school districts are in the process of setting school mill rates, and preliminary reports show that Upson will the 3rd lowest within this 10- county group with the following tentative mill rates: Butts: 13.175 mills; Fayette: 19.25 mills; Henry: 20.0 mills; Lamar: 14.0 mills; Meriwether: 17.281 mills; Monroe: 15.3 mills; Newton: 16.788 mills; Pike: 17.03 mills; Griffin-Spalding: 19.47 mills; Thomaston-Upson: 14.01 mills. 

6. QUESTION: What is the student:teacher ratio?
   ANSWER: 14:1 (According to Public School Review, the approximate average in Georgia is 15:1.) 
7. QUESTION: Why did the district not rebid a project that received only one bid rather than award a contract to the sole bidder?
   ANSWER: When only one bid was received for the Construction Manager at Risk for upcoming athletic facilities improvements, the Board requested that the Director of Operations, Mr. Marc Ellington, put it out for rebid, and he did. During the rebid process, 4 companies requested the scope of work, but we still only received 2 bids during the second round of bidding. 
8. QUESTION: How do our students’ academic performances compare with those of surrounding counties?
   ANSWER: The Governor’s Office of Student Achievement provides public information on academic achievement within all school districts in Georgia. This data may be accessed at https://gaawards.gosa.ga.gov/analytics/saw.dll?dashboard. Use the drop-down menu at the top of the page to view Thomaston-Upson data as well as data from any school district in Georgia. 
9. QUESTION: Why has the district not changed the Homestead Exemption for senior citizens? 

ANSWER: Since 1992, the school district has offered senior tax exemptions of $15,000. The 2023 tax digest projects more than $166 million in “tax exemptions.” Overall exemptions, including senior exemptions, increased 34.7% from 2022 to 2023. Since 2018, exemptions, have increased 49.1%. Property owners should verify with the Upson County Tax Assessors board that they are receiving all the tax exemptions they may be qualified to receive. The Thomaston-Upson School System is in the process of evaluating the current senior citizen school tax exemption to determine the fiscal impact of any proposed changes for eligible senior citizens. This process requires careful consideration as exemptions for one group of property owners can place an increased tax burden on all other property owners. 

10.  QUESTION: Why does the school district collect more in taxes than the city and the county? 

ANSWER: If you view the county tax digests throughout the state, you will find that this is true of most school districts. Georgia expects school districts to contribute revenue to the funding of public schools. The amount each district is expected to raise for its education costs is based on its property values: Each district is expected to contribute at least $5.00 for every $1,000 of taxable local property wealth (minus certain exempted property) for the purpose of funding its schools. Georgia sets a floor for local property tax rates, as well as a level above which voter approval is required. School districts are required to raise at least $5.00 for every $1,000 of taxable local property wealth and may not levy more than $20.00 for every $1,000 of taxable local property wealth without voter approval. School districts in Georgia may receive local revenue from property taxes and from local sales taxes. 

STRUCTURE FIRE UPSON CO

 A  DWELLING  WAS  A  TOTAL  LOSS  TO  FIRE  AT   103 REEVES  STREET, SUNDAY. ALL  OCCUPANTS  AND  THEIR  DOG  MANAGED   TO  ESCAPE  THE  FLAMES. JESSICA  O'NEAL TOLD  DEPUTIES   SHE  ARRIVED  HOME  AROUND  MIDNIGHT  AND  SMELLED  SOMETHING  BURNING  BUT  COULD NOT  LOCATE  IT.  SUDDENLY,  SHE  HEARD  A  LOUD  POP  AND  SMOKE  BILLOWED    ABOVE    THE  STOVE  IN  THE  KITCHEN.  THE  OTHER  OCCUPANTS  WERE  ADAM LEE  HALLMAN  AND  MARY  CHAMBERS.

GORDON STATE AT SUMMER CONFERENCE

 BARNESVILLE, Ga. –Gordon State College was represented at the 2023 American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Academic Affairs Summer Meeting conference in Baltimore. Several faculty and staff along with representatives from Wright State University in Ohio served on a panel and discussed the topic of innovative mentoring practices and how these practices provide key elements of the student success ecosystem.

The panel consisted of GSC’s Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Joanne Ardovini; Associate Professor of History, Dr. Scott M. Shubitz; and Interim Dean of the School of Education, History, Math, and Applied Sciences, Dr. Stephen A. Raynie. In their session, each panelist described their innovative use of mentor practices and initiatives on building cultures that support student success.

“At Gordon State College, we want our students not just to graduate, but to thrive once they graduate; our EDGE paradigm for student development is transformational and developmental: Engaged Innovators, Dedicated Scholars, Gifted Communicators, and Ethical Leaders,” Raynie said. “Mentoring is one method we can use to fuel that development.”

GSC’s faculty mentor program pairs first-year students with faculty who offer professional and academic guidance as well as connect students with on-campus resources. The program is a part of a larger psycho-social student success ecosystem that specifically addresses the problem of limited resources at small higher education institutions.

Ardovini, who was named to the AASCU Academy for New Provosts (ANP) in November of 2022, feels that “once the student is put at the center of the training, everything would fall into place.” At GSC, she said, the student is put first, second and always.

The conference, held on July 19-21, offered sessions that were anchored in AASCU’s commitment to advancing equitable student success and key considerations including mindsets, policies, structures and practices of a student-centered enterprise.

Founded in 1852, GSC is a member of the University System of Georgia. The college has a distinctive legacy of excellent scholarship and service. GSC offers 12 four-year degrees and 11 associate-level degrees, which includes multiple baccalaureate pathways for students. With an enrollment of over 3,100 students, GSC offers an intimate academic setting with state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories. In this setting, students receive individualized attention that only a small college with dedicated faculty and staff can provide.

UPSON CO TAX COMMISSIONER TAX MEETINGS

 he second of three town hall meetings concerning the Homestead Tax Relief Grant will be held Thursday evening at 6:30 at Salem Bapt. Church, Hwy 80 in Culloden.

Also there will be presentations covering the new County tax exemptions for 2023, how to qualify for tax exemptions, and a question/answer session

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

 PLEAS – JUDGE RHONDA B. KREUZIGER, GJC

AUGUST 11, 2023

 

1. 23R0248 BENJAMIN WALKER, JR. CT. 1: BATTERY, FAMILY VIOLENCE: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; COMPLETE A FAMILY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAM; $500 FINE.

 

2. 23R0001 SCOTTY O’NEAL CT. 1:THEFT BY TAKING:12 MONTHS  PROBATION; $500 fine.

PLANE CRASH IN TALBOT CO

 THE  PILOT  OF  A  SMALL  AIRCRAFT  KILLED IN  A    CRASH  IN  TALBOT COUNTY  THURSDAY MORNING  WAS  A HANGAR  TENANT AT THE THOMASTON-UPSON  AIRPORT,  ACCORDING  TO  AIRPORT  AUTHORITY  CHAIRMAN  GEORGE  HIGHTOWER.  THE NAME  OF  THE  PILOT  WHO  LEFT SARASOTA  INTERNATIONAL  AIRPORT  AT   8AM  IS  BEING  WITHHELD  PENDING  NOTIFICATION OF  NEXT  OF  KIN.  THE  CRASH  SITE  WAS  LOCATED  ABOUT 10  MILES  EAST  OF  TALBOTTON  IN  A  WOODED  AREA,  BUT  IT  WAS  HEADED  FOR  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  AIRPORT. STAY  WITH   101FM  NEWS  FOR  THE  LATEST  INFORMATION  ABOUT  THE  CRASH.