GRIFFIN COMMISSIONERS FACE ANGRY MINORITY CITIZENS

 THE  CITY  OF  GRIFFIN  BOARD  OF  COMMISSIONERS  WERE  CONFRONTED  WITH  SOME  ANGRY  AFRICAN-AMERICAN  CITIZENS  TUESDAY  OVER  THE  LACK OF  BLACK  DEPARTMENT  HEADS.  DURING  PUBLIC  COMMENT,  RAY    HOSFORD  TOLD  THE  BOARD   BLACKS MAKE  UP   54%  OF  THE   CITY'S  POPULATION  AND   OF  THE   11  DEPARTMENT  HEADS  IN  THE  CITY OF  GRIFFIN--NONE  ARE  MINORITY.    HOSFORD  RESORTED  TO  SCREAMING  AT  THE  COMMISSIONERS  AND  THREATENED  THAT  RIOTS   MAY  BECOME  THE  VOICE OF  THE  PEOPLE.

DR. SHONDRA JONES  INFORMED  THE  BOARD OF  COMMISSIONERS--PLANS  ARE  TO  CONTACT  THE  STATE  TO  ASK  THAT  GRIFFIN  NOT  BE  GIVEN  DIVERSITY  CERTIFICATION--AND  ADDED  CITY  HALL  DISREGARDS MINORITIES  WHEN  APPOINTING  BOARDS.

WANDA  ZELLER    SAID  SHE  DOES   NOT  UNDERSTAND  WHY   VETERAN  POLICE  OFFICER   CAPTAIN  HOMER  DANIEL  WAS  NOT  APPOINTED  AS  THE NEW  CHIEF--INTERIM  CHIEF  CONNIE  SAMPSON,  A MINORITY  WAS  APPOINTED,  RECENTLY.

IN  OTHER  ACTION  MAYOR  DOUG  HOLLBERG  APPOINTED  CYNTHIA  WARD  AS  VICE-CHAIR  FOR   2024 AND  THE  COMMISSIONERS  INCREASED  THE  BUDGET  OF  HAZEN  &  SAWYER  $520,000  FOR  THE  HEADS  CREEK  DAM  PROJECT. 

T-TOWN'S TRAVON WALKER UPPED HIS GAME THIS SEASON

 THOMASTON'S  TRAVON  WALKER  SHOWED  MORE IMPROVEMENT  THIS  SEASON  THAN  HIS  TEAM  THE  JACKSONVILLE  JAGS--WINNING  ONLY  1  OF  THE  FINAL  6  GAMES.  TRAVON  RECORDED  10  SACKS  COMPARED  WITH  3  AND A  HALF  LAST SEASON--20 SOLO  TACKLES  AND   24  ASSISTS--THIS  SEASON.

Thomaston Pedestrian Passes Away

Upson County Coroner Craig Stubbs has identified the pedestrian who was struck Friday afternoon on North Center Street, by a vehicle and died of his injuries Friday night as Danny Kenneth Boyt Jr of 115 Herbert street, Thomaston.

22 Year Old Woman Creates Chaos On The Roads

Chaos  unfolded on the roads of Butts County on Friday as a routine law enforcement operation took a dramatic turn, resulting in a crash, the theft of a patrol vehicle, and the subsequent arrest of the suspect.

The series of events began earlier in the day when Pike County issued a "be on the lookout" (BOLO) alert for a vehicle and its occupant identified as 22-year-old Destiny Mytess Daniel. Lamar County encountered a vehicle matching the BOLO description and attempted to make a stop. However, Daniel initiated a pursuit that was later discontinued by the deputy due to her reckless driving behavior.

At 11:47 a.m., Butts County Sheriff’s Office received a dispatch about a crash at the intersection of 3rd Street and McDonough Rd in Jackson. 

Upon arrival, the deputy was informed by a male witness that Daniel had left the crash scene, walked to a nearby gas station, and stolen his Chevrolet truck with an attached trailer. The stolen vehicle was reportedly heading west on Highway 16.

The deputy immediately gave chase, but Daniel refused to stop. The pursuit took a dangerous turn when the stolen vehicle collided with a Chevrolet Camaro, ejecting multiple lawnmowers and gas cans onto the roadway, subsequently striking a Hyundai and a Suburban. Despite the chaos, Daniel continued with the trailer fishtailing, eventually coming to a controlled final rest in a ditch.

As the deputy approached Daniel, who had exited the stolen vehicle and initially complied by lying face down on the ground, the situation took a bizarre turn. During the process of conducting a felony stop, Daniel suddenly refused to comply, re-entered the patrol vehicle, and fled the scene.

The deputy quickly radioed the development to additional responding units, reporting the theft of his patrol vehicle. Another deputy sighted the stolen patrol car traveling west on Highway 16 and executed a PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique) maneuver to terminate the pursuit. Despite the maneuver, Daniel exited the moving patrol vehicle, which eventually came to an uncontrolled stop on the side of the roadway.

Undeterred, Daniel then attempted to steal another vehicle from a stopped motorist but was promptly apprehended by the vigilant deputy.

PEDESTRIAN HIT BY A VEHICLE N. CENTER THOMASTON

 A  PEDESTRIAN  STRUCK  BY  A  VEHICLE  FRIDAY  AROUND  5PM  ON  NORTH  CENTER  STREET IN  THOMASTON IN  FRONT  OF  THE  DAIRY  QUEEN.  A  MALE  SUBJECT  REPORTEDLY  ATTEMPTING  TO  CROSS  THE  STREET  WAS  STRUCK  BY  WHAT  APPEARED  TO  BE  A  WHITE  FORD    F-450  4  BY  4  DUALIE   PICK-UP  AND  HE  WAS  TRANSPORTED  TO  THE  E.R.  BY  AMERI PRO  EMS.  101  NEWS   AT  THE  SCENE   WAS  TOLD  THE  VICTIM  HAD  SERIOUS INJURIES .   THE  THOMASTON  POLICE  DEPARTMENT  TURNED  THE  ACCIDENT  INVESTIGATION  OVER  TO  POST   26  GA.  STATE  PATROL. 

NEW POLICE CHIEF IN GRIFFIN

City Manager Jessica O’Connor has hired Chief Connie Sampson as Chief of Police of the Griffin, Georgia Police Department. Chief Sampson accepted the job before the new year, taking office on January 1, 2024. Chief Sampson was hired as Interim Chief in July of 2023 to fill in during the absence of Mike Yates, former Chief of Police. Yates submitted his notice for retirement in October 2023, following his administrative leave for the ongoing investigation into the handling of the 2021 murder investigation of Javarreis Reid. Chief Sampson has spent the last six months as an aid in the hiring and transitioning process of the Griffin Police Department. “I have worked in several different communities and demonstrated success by guiding and directing different groups within the community to achieve a common goal of heightened safety and security for the entire community,” said Chief Sampson back in July 2023 when she took the job as Interim Chief. “Serving the citizens of Griffin and working with the fine men and women of the Griffin Police Department was something I looked forward to when I began this process. I have now grown to love and admire the vision, mission, and values of the City of Griffin- the highest ideals of honor and integrity to merit the respect, trust, and confidence of the citizens- that I feel compelled to continue my journey to ensure those who live, work, visit, or otherwise come in contact with our City feel we are a model of excellence- a safe, well-planned community with equal opportunity for all.” Chief Sampson is a thirty-year law enforcement veteran with extensive knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations as it relates to law enforcement. She has guided and directed accreditation and certification processes in her previous employment that led to achieving the “Triple Crown of Professionalism.” In 2017, Chief Sampson retired from Georgia State University as an Associate Vice President for Critical Infrastructure, Building Security, and Safety, after beginning her career with the university as Police Chief in 1996. Chief Sampson has served in an interim capacity throughout the Southeast at Maryville College, Young Harris College, and Forsyth Tech. She is a University of Georgia graduate and holds Masters Degrees in Criminal Justice and Public Administration from Brenau University and Georgia State University. “Chief Sampson’s experience, leadership, communication skills, and dedication to training make her ideally suited to serve all the citizens of Griffin. I am confident that Chief Sampson’s vast experience and knowledge will allow us to fulfill one of the goals of the City of Griffin to improve the quality of life,” said Jessica O’Connor, City Manager when she first hired Chief Sampson as Interim Chief. Since then, the Griffin-Spalding community has experienced devasting heartbreak with multiple acts of violence that were senseless- a Griffin teenager who lost his life at the Griffin vs. Spalding football game and fallen Spalding County Deputy Sgt. Marc McIntyre, who was tragically killed last week, risking his life in the line of duty. “I watched as our police department faced these senseless acts as one, honoring our organizational principles with integrity and dedication to provide a high level of service efficiently and responsively, a direct reflection of the leadership and experience Chief Sampson has brought to the Griffin Police Department.” The Chief of Police is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Police Department and the management and direction of a workforce of 83 sworn officers and 17 civilian personnel. In 2024, the Griffin Police Department will work to engage the community, particularly the youth in our community, through relationship building with the department to reduce violent crime in the City of Griffin and protect and serve our citizens with the leadership and support of Chief Sampson. “Neither of us, Chief Sampson or myself, felt our short-term partnership that started in July of 2023 would lead to this. However, I am pleased she accepted the opportunity to stay and continue contributing to the ongoing efforts in shaping the Griffin Police Department.” In partnership with our community, the mission of the City of Griffin is to protect and enhance the quality of life by providing a high level of service in an efficient and responsive manner for all citizens.

UPSON COUNTY TAX COMMISSIONER YEAR END REPORT

Tax Revenue Distributions Countywide (County, School, City of Thomaston)

Includes Property Tax, TAVT (Title Ad-Valorem Tax), and Tag Revenue.

2019 Gross Tax Digest = 715,625,78 - Current Collection %--99.7

Property Tax = $18,263,567 (County-$8,370,542; School-$$8,067,515; City-$1,825,510)

TAVT = $2,248,471 (County-$1,045,956; School-$1,020,761; City-$181,754)

 Tag= $467,098 (County-$270,427; School-$175,422; City-$21,229)

 Total= $20,979,136 (County-$9,686,925; School-$9,263,718; City-$2,028,493)

County Millage= 30.66                 City Millage= 31.78

 

2020 Gross Tax Digest = 757,106,315 - Current Collection %--99.8

Property Tax = $20,236,489 (County-$9,154,190; School-$9,147,356; City-$1,934,943)

 TAVT= $2,468,322 (County-$1,098,607; School-$1,205,638; City-$164,077)

 Tag= $448,335 (County-$265,692; School-$164-253; City-$18,390)

 Total=$23,153,146 (County-$10,518,489; School-$10,517,247; City-$2,117,410)  

County Millage= 28.21                 City Millage= 30.462

 

2021 Gross Tax Digest = 811,908,465 - Current Collection %--99.9

Property Tax = $19,157,028 (County-$8,487,183; School-$8,972,031; City-$1,697,814)

TAVT= $3,018,772 (County-$1,232,260; School-$1,470,521; City-$315,991)

 Tag = $409,031 (County-$245,929; School-$148,122; City-$14,980)

 Total=$22,584,831 (County-$9,965,372; School-$10,590,674; City-$2,028,785)

County Millage= 26.35                 City Millage= 28.51

 

2022 Gross Tax Digest = 892,075,842 - Current Collection %--99.9

Property Tax = $20,264,340 (County-$8,810,648; School-$9,830,401; City-$1,623,291)

 TAVT= $2,890,036 (County-$1,245,054; School-$1,416,589; City-$228,393)

 Tag= $393,655   (County-$233,499; School-$146,536; City-$13,620)

 Total=$23,548,031 (County-$10,289,201; School-$11,393,526; City-$1,865,304

County Millage= 27.73                 City Millage= 27.816

 

2023 Gross Tax Digest = 1,092,251,387 - Current Collection %--92.4

Property Tax = $24,692,339 (County-$8,761,059; School-$14,172,180; City-$1,759,100)

TAVT= $3,221,124 (County-$1,398,373; School-$1,576,424; City-$246,327

Tag= $438,043 (County-$265,258; School-$166,261; City-$6,524)

Total$28,351,506 (County-$10,424,690; School-$15,914,865; City-$2,011,951)

County Millage= 25.92                    City Millage= 26.192

NEW DEGREE PROGRAM GORDON STATE

 BARNESVILLE, Ga., (Jan. 4, 2024) –Gordon State College is starting the new year with the launch of a new degree program, the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership eMajor.

“The organizational leadership degree will give students from any background an opportunity to focus on developing their leadership skills and abilities to advance to management positions and beyond,” said Dr. Ric Calhoun, GSC AVP of innovative education and strategic initiatives. “The degree has a lot of flexibility with students having the choice of concentrations in health care, public administration, office administration and social justice. We hope this degree will help students from many different disciplines advance in their careers.”

Students enrolled in the organizational leadership program gain knowledge in areas such as management, administration, human resources, and technology, which are essential for navigating the intricacies of modern-day organizations across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The ORGL e-Major degree has successfully paved the way for graduates to secure jobs in diverse sectors, such as training and development, higher education administration, as well as inside and outside sales.

The ORGL e-Major program offers a convenient and efficient route to earning a bachelor's degree, making it an ideal choice for individuals looking to expedite their educational journey. This program is well-suited for working professionals, military personnel, and current students who wish to explore an alternative pathway. Tuition is only $199 per credit hour and is the same for students regardless of residency.

SACSCOC-accredited institutions of the University System of Georgia (USG) offer fully online, eMajor degrees with support from USG eCampus. The 8-week accelerated format enables students to progress through the program quicker than on a traditional semester schedule. These programs combine the strengths and knowledge of various USG institutions to provide degrees that equip students for the job market in Georgia and beyond.

For more information on GSC’s Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership program and how to apply, contact Dr. Calhoun at Ricc@gordonstate.edu or visit emajor.usg.edu/ORGL.

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR SLAIN SPALDING DEPUTY

 UPSON  SO,  THOMASTON PD  AND  LAW ENFORCEMENT  UNITS  FROM  PIKE, LAMAR  AND  FROM  ALL  OVER  THE  STATE  WILL  DEPART  ATLANTA  MOTOR  SPEEDWAY    FRIDAY   AT  11;30AM     AS  THE  LAW  ENFORCEMENT  PROCESSIONAL MAKES ITS  WAY  TO THE  ONE  O'CLOCK  MEMORIAL  SERVICE  FOR  SLAIN  SPALDING  COUNTY  DEPUTY  SGT.  MARC  MCINTYRE  AT  GRIFFIN  FIRST  ASSEMBLY  OF  GOD  CHURCH  ON  WEST  MCINTOSH  ROAD  IN  GRIFFIN. VISITATION  PRIOR  TO  THE  SERVICE  AT  THE  CHURCH.

GOVERNOR  BRIAN KEMP  HAS  ORDERED  ALL  FLAGS   IN  THE  STATE   TO FLY  AT  HALF-MAST    TO   HONOR   SGT. MCINTYRE.  DONATIONS  TO  HONOR  THE  DEPUTY  ARE  BEING  ACCEPTED  AT  ANY  UNITED  BANK  BRANCH.

Thomaston City Council Appointments

The City of Thomaston proudly announces the appointment of Lieutenant Foster as the new Fire Chief of the Thomaston Fire Department. This pivotal decision was unanimously confirmed by the City Council on January 2, 2024, reflecting the city's confidence in Chief Foster's capabilities, dedication, and vision for the future of fire and emergency services within our community.

Chief Foster, a stalwart member of the Thomaston Fire Department for the past 15 years, has exemplified unwavering commitment, leadership, and expertise throughout his tenure. His experience, coupled with a deep-rooted passion for public safety and community welfare, uniquely positions him to lead the department into its next chapter of excellence.

The official transition will take place on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, following the retirement of Chief Harris, a revered figure who has dutifully served the Thomaston community for 39 years. As Chief Foster assumes his new role, the City of Thomaston expresses profound gratitude to Chief Harris for her invaluable contributions, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of Thomaston's residents.

In his new capacity, Chief Foster is poised to build upon the department's legacy of exceptional service, innovation, and community engagement. His strategic vision encompasses enhancing training programs, fostering collaborative partnerships with neighboring jurisdictions, and implementing cutting-edge technologies to optimize emergency response capabilities.

 "I am deeply honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as the Fire Chief of the Thomaston Fire Department," said Chief Foster. "I am committed to upholding our department's esteemed traditions while fostering innovation, resilience, and community trust. Together, with the dedicated men and women of the Thomaston Fire Department, we will continue to prioritize public safety, enhance emergency preparedness, and strengthen our community relationships."

Mayor Stallings stated, "Chief Foster's promotion is a testament to his exemplary service, leadership qualities, and unwavering dedication to the Thomaston community. We are confident that under his stewardship, the Thomaston Fire Department will continue to thrive, innovate, and provide unparalleled service to our residents."

The City of Thomaston invites community members, stakeholders, and media representatives to join us in congratulating Chief Foster on his well-deserved appointment.

Together, let us usher in a new era of leadership, innovation, and excellence as we continue to prioritize the safety, resilience, and prosperity of the City of Thomaston.

And, Thomaston Has a new Assistant City Managers.

TRAFFIC FATALITY PIKE CO

 PIKE  COUNTY SHERIFF'S  OFFICE  INVESTIGATED  A   TRAFFIC  ACCIDENT  AT  PIKE  PLAZA  U.S. 19  NEW  YEAR'S  DAY  WITH  A  FATALITY.   ACCORDING  TO  PIKE  COUNTY  TIMES  .  COM   THE  SO  SAID     A  SUSPECTED  DUI  DRIVER   56-YEAR  OLD  RONALD EARL  ARD  RAN  A  STOP  SIGN  ATTEMPTING  TO  ENTER  THE   4-LANE   AT  4;48PM   AND    COLLIDED  WITH  A  SOUTHBOUND   VAN--AND  A  VAN   PASSENGER  47  YEAR  OLD  BRENT  JONES  DIED  OF  HIS  INJURIES.

ARD  WAS  DRIVING A  2020  FORD  RANGER  AND  CAUSED  THE  ACCIDENT  WITH  A  2005 CHRYSLER  TOWN  AND  COUNTRY  VAN--DEPUTIES  SAID.

BOND  FOR  ARD  WAS  SET  AT   $102,000  ON  CHARGES  OF    VEHICULAR HOMICIDE, SERIOUS  INJURY  BY  VEHICLE  ,  FAILURE  TO  YIELD,   AND  DUI. 

THOMASTON COUNCIL APPROVES APARTMENTS

 ON   A   3-2  VOTE,  TUESDAY,  THE  THOMASTON CITY  COUNCIL  VOTED  TO  ANNEX  PROPERTY INTO  THE  CITY  FOR  AN  APARTMENT  DEVELOPMENT  ON  74  EAST.  COUNCIL  MEMBERS  DON  GREATHOUSE  AND  RYAN  TUCKER, OPPOSED.

AN  ANNEXATION  FOR  TWO  OTHER  TRACTS ALSO  APPROVED.  TOWN  HOMES  IN  NORTHSIDE  AND  A  PARCEL  FOR A  NEW  ALDI  FOOD  STORE  NEAR  CHICK-FIL-A.

COUNCIL  ASKED  TO  CONSIDER  A  PROPOSAL  TO  BUILD  NEW  TENNIS  COURTS  AT  WEAVER PARK  AND  REPURPOSE  ALL  COURTS  AT  SILVERTOWN  FOR  PICKLEBALL.

SHANE  FOSTER  APPOINTED  NEW  FIRE  CHIEF  AND  CFO  LONNIE JOYCE  NAMED  TO  THE  NEWLY  CREATED  POST OF  ASSISTANT  CITY  MANAGER.

GBI Arrests Manchester Man in Murder Investigation

The GBI has arrested and charged A’darius Jashawn Williams, age 19, of Manchester, Meriwether County, Georgia with murder. On December 10, 2023, the Manchester Police Department asked the GBI to investigate the shooting death of Manchester High School student Brandon Smith, age 17. 

The investigation shows that Smith was last seen on Thursday, December 7, 2023, and was reported missing two days later.  On Sunday, December 10, 2023, a 911 caller reported a dead body behind a home on 3rd Avenue, Manchester, Georgia.  The body was determined to be Smith and police suspected foul play.  During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Williams shot and killed Smith following an argument in Manchester, Georgia.  Williams was booked into the Meriwether County Jail. 

 

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the regional investigative office in Columbus Field Office at 706-565-7888.  Anonymous 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. 

 

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Meriwether County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Funeral Services for SCSO Sargent Marc McIntyre

Memorial Services For

SCSO Sgt. Marc “Mac” McIntyre EOW: December 29, 2023

Memorial Service Date and Time:

Friday, January 5, 2024 1:00pm

Location:

Griffin First Assembly of God 2000 West McIntosh Rd. Griffin Ga. 30223

Visitation will begin at 10:30am and will continue until the time of service.

Law Enforcement Processional will start gathering at the Atlanta Motor Speedway at 10:00am and will depart promptly at 11:30am.

At The Family’s request, there will be no graveside service. Attendees will be dismissed from the church after honors are bestowed and the final call.

Note: Agency Heads and Dignitaries who will be attending are asked to contact Capt. Taylor Dix at (678) 603-5743

URMC's First Baby of 2024

Grayson Mathias McGlothlin born on 1/1/24 at 3:40 p.m.  He was 7 lbs 7 oz and 20 inches long. Parents are Jessica Johnson and Gary McGlothlin II. 

TPD SWATTING CALL DURING THE HOLIDAYIS

 SEVERAL  HIGH PROFILE  POLITICOS  IN  GEORGIA   WERE  THE  VICTIMS  OF  SWATTING  CALLS  OVER  THE  HOLIDAYS-A   PRANK  CALL   TO  SUMMON  POLICE  TO  A  RESIDENCE -AND  THOMASTON  POLICE    WAS  NOTIFIED  OF    ONE  DECEMBER   30TH  AT  103  BARNES  STREET  .    THE  CALLER  SAID  HE  HAD  COMMITTED  A HOMICIDE  AND  WAS  CONTEMPLATING  SUICIDE.   POLICE  CHIEF  MIKE  RICHARDSON  CHECKED IT  OUT  AND  FOUND   IT  TO  BE  A  HOAX.  THE  CALL  WAS  MADE  FROM  NORTHERN  CALIFORNIA  BY  SOMEONE  NAMED  TRAVIS  WALKER-- ITS  UNDER  INVESTIGATION.