Upson County Man Found Dead In Macon

A body was found in downtown Macon's Washington Park on Tuesday, Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones said. 

Now, Jones is asking for help finding the man's next of kin. He believes he is from Upson County, but he is having trouble finding his family.

According to Jones, the body was found on Magnolia Avenue right by College Street and Poplar Street. The park is also right next to the Washington Memorial Library and the downtown Macon Post Office.

On Wednesday, Jones said that the man is 40-year-old Christopher Ronald Ard, and they believe he is from Upson County.

Ard was found face down by a passerby. Jones says the man looked to his right and saw the body. After getting closer and noticing it wasn't moving, Jones says the man called the police.

Ard had an autopsy today at the GBI crime lab, but he says that the cause of death is still under investigation. 

If you know how to contact Ard's family, you can call the Bibb County Coroner's Office at  478-256-6716.

Manchester police arrest suspect on multiple firearm charges

The Manchester Police Department arrested a man on multiple firearm charges after a shooting investigation was conducted on Indianola Drive in Manchester.

According to officials, on Sunday, March 3 officers were dispatched to the area of 522 Indianola Dr. in reference to shots being fired. Officials say Aundrez Murrah was identified as the suspect upon arrival.

During the investigation, officers found Murrah at 618 Oconee Street, and Murrah was taken into custody without incident.

Murrah was charged with Reckless Conduct, Discharging a Firearm near a Highway or Roadway and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime

Upson County Qualified Candidates as of March 5th

 Norman Allen (R) – BOC Chairman (Incumbent)

 Edward J. Searcy II (D) – BOC Chairman

 

Dan Brue (R) – BOC Chairman

 

Christopher Biggs (D) – Dist. 1 County Commissioner

 

Dominic Terry – (D) – Dist. 1 County Commissioner

 

George Carriker (D) – Dist. 1 County Commissioner

 

James Ellington (R) – Dist. 2 County Commissioner

 

William Hughley (NP) – Chief Magistrate Judge

 

Cecil Hutchins (NP) – Chief Magistrate Judge

 

Dan Kilgore (R) – Sheriff (Incumbent)

 

K. Craig Stubbs (R) – Coroner (Incumbent)

 

Teresa Meier (R) – Clerk of Superior Court (Incumbent)

 

Danielle McRae (NP) – Probate Judge (Incumbent)

 

David “Andy” Chastain (R) – Tax Commissioner (Incumbent)

 

Heather Rush (R) – Tax Commissioner

 

Angeline McGill (NP) – School Board Dist. 1 (Incumbent)

 

Ken Whaley (NP) – School Board Dist. 1

 

Brent King (NP) – School Board Dist. 3

 

Scott Roberts (NP) – School Board Dist. 5

 

Steven South (NP) – School Board Dist. 7

Pike County Qualifying

Below are the Offices up for the March 21st Primary and further down you will find Stats for Early Voting for the Presidential Primary.
In no specific order:
Sheriff
Probate Judge
Magistrate Judge
Clerk of Superior Court
Tax Commissioner
Coroner
Chairman of Board of Commissioners
Commission District 3
Commission District 4
Board of Education District 3
Board of Education District 4
Board of Education District 5
2024 Qualifying Fees
Position	Qualify Fee
County Commissioner Chairman	$424.08
County Commissioner	$385.53
Tax Commissioner	$1,660.34
Clerk of Superior Court	$1,660.34
Probate Court Judge	$1,660.34
Magistrate Judge	$1,693.55
Sheriff	$1,927.66
Coroner	$367.53
County Board of Education District 3	$61.50
County Board of Education District 4	$84.00
County Board of Education District 5	$57.48
As of the end of Yesterday.
We have had 568 Advanced In Person Voters.
We have had issued 77 Absentee  Ballots and have received back 42.
Our overall turnout is 4%...
Below are the Offices up for the March 21st Primary and further down you will find Stats for Early Voting for the Presidential Primary.

DIRECTOR OF T-U REC DEPARTMENT LEAVING

THE  DIRECTOR  OF  THE THOMASTON-UPSON  RECREATION  DEPARTMENT--SHAKA  JOHNSON  HAS  SUBMITTED  HER  RESIGNATION .  MS. JOHNSON  REPORTEDLY  RECEIVED  ANOTHER   OFFER  IN  SPORTS  MANAGEMENT   SHE  TOLD  COLLEAGUES  SHE  COULD  NOT  PASS  UP.   HER  SERVICE  WAS  THE  SHORTEST OF  ANY  DIRECTOR  IN  THE  CIVIC  CENTER'S  HISTORY.  IT  WAS  MARRED  BY  CONTROVERSY  AFTER  THE  FIRING  OF  THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCILMAN  JEFF  MIDDLEBROOKS,  THE  LONG-TIME  ATHLETIC  DIRECTOR OF  THE  REC  DEPARTMENT.  MS.  JOHNSON'S  TENURE  WAS  CLOUDED  BY  CHARGES  FROM  THE  PUBLIC   THAT  SHE  WAS  DIFFICULT  TO  REACH  AND  NOT AVAILABLE  BY  PHONE  OR  IN  PERSON  AT  THE  CIVIC  CENTER

NO SUPER TUESDAY PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY 3/5 IN GA.

SOME  STATES  ARE   HOLDING  SUPER  TUESDAY  PRESIDENTIAL  PRIMARY     MARCH  5,    BUT  NOT  GA.  IT  VOTES  NEXT  WEEK,  TUESDAY  MARCH   12TH.  GA.  PULLED  OUT  IN  2020.

Ahman Kentezz Caldwell and Lazarus Ali Quiller Found Guilty!

MARIE G. BRODER

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Griffin Judicial Circuit

On Monday, March 4, 2024, after a five-day jury trial in Upson County, Ahman Kentezz Caldwell and Lazarus Ali Quiller were found guilty of several charges, including aggravated assault, reckless conduct, criminal damage to property in the second degree, violation of the street gang terrorism and prevention act, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The two were sentenced by the Honorable Ben J. Miller in the Upson County Superior Court, with each sentenced to serve 16 years in prison plus 28 years of supervised release. The State was represented by Senior Assistant District Attorney Ashton H. Jordan and Assistant District Attorney Jonathan P. Richardson. The Thomaston Police Department, led by Cpt. Monica Snipes, investigated this case.

The case stemmed from an ambush planned by Ahman Caldwell, Lazarus Quiller, and a third co-defendant whose charges remain pending. Just before 9:00PM on September 5, 2021, Lazarus Quiller, Ahman Caldwell, and their co-defendant arrived at the Park Street Playground. The 3 exited the car, each equipped with a firearm. Within minutes of their arrival, the basketball court cleared out, and the park surveillance cameras showed bystanders taking cover in the pavilion before quietly asking if others had heard about the planned shooting. At 9:02PM, a truck with two suspected passengers arrives, and the defendants opened fire with an unknown caliber handgun, an AR-15 assault rifle, and an AK-47 assault rifle. At least one of the truck occupants returns fire with a handgun, prompting the 3 defendants to flee on foot, towards the direction of Park Street. Several vehicles were damaged by bullets, but very fortunately, there were no reported injuries. Cpt. Snipes and her team immediately responded to the scene, securing evidence and gathering information from witnesses. After identifying the defendants, later investigation revealed the co-defendants to be associates of the Sex Money Murder G20 Henchman subset of the Bloods gang, with this shooting being gang-related.

 

“This trial was an all-hands-on-deck case, and was an example of an incredible team effort. I am grateful to the members of the Thomaston Police Department,

 

Senior ADA Jordan, Victim-Advocate Hannah Kennedy, Investigator Rick Reeves, and Katy Hurt of the District Attorney’s Office for all their hard work and long hours preparing this case for trial.” ADA Richardson stated. He continued by stating, “this community cannot tolerate the severe danger and risks brought by gang-affiliated individuals engaging in a gun fight in a public park, and the citizens of Upson County agreed when issuing their guilty verdicts.”

SPALDING BOC 3/4/24

 A  FORENSIC  AUDIT  WAS    NOT  MENTIONED  AT  MONDAY'S  MEETING  SPALDING  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS--SOMETHING  THAT  COULD  COST  A  MILLION  DOLLARS    FROM  THE  STATE  DEPARTMENT  OF  REVENUE/AUDITS. DURING  PUBLIC  COMMENT  RICK  TAYLOR  ASKED  THE  BOARD  ABOUT   $1.5  MILLION  AND   $5  MILLION  IN  FUNDS  THAT  WERE  REPORTED  TO  THE  BOARD  BY  THE  FINANCE  OFFICE  BACK  IN  THE  FALL. HE  URGED  THE  BOARD  TO FIND  OUT  WHERE  THE MONEY  IS.  TAYLOR IS  RUMORED  TO  BE  LOOKING  AT  A  COUNTY  COMMISSION  RACE--THE  POST  HELD  BY JAMES  DUTTON.

ALSO  DURING  PUBLIC  COMMENT  MIKE MIDDLEBROOKS  QUIZZED  THE COMMISSIONERS  ABOUT  COMMENTS  PROPERTY  TAXES  COULD  BE  GOING  UP   19%--THE  TAX  OFFICE  REPORTEDLY  TOLD  HIM  THOSE  FIGURES  ARE  PREMATURE.

MORE  COMPLAINTS  ABOUT  THE  NEW  ANIMAL  SHELTER--EVEN  COMMISSIONER  GWEN FLOWERS- TAYLOR  SAID  THE  ANIMALS  ARE  BEING  TREATED  LIKE  PRISONERS--NOT  ALLOWED OUTSIDE FOR  EXERCISE.  COUNTY  MANAGER  STEVE  LEDBETTER  COUNTERED  THE  COUNTY  IS  BUILDING  THREE  NEW  RUNS  SO  THEY  CAN  GET  OUTSIDE  SOME.

THE  SPALDING  COMMISSIONERS  APPROVED  UP  TO   $80,000  TO UPGRADE  THE    WALKING  TRACK  AND  PLAY  GROUND  ON  AIRPORT  ROAD.

TREE ON POWER LINES CITY OF THOMASTON S. CENTER

 THOMASTON  FIRE  CHIEF  SHANE  FOSTER  REPORTS   A   TREE  FELL  ON  POWER  LINES  TUESDAY  AFTERNOON.  CITY  MANAGER  RUSSELL  THOMPSON  TOLD   101  NEWS  CUSTOMERS  WERE  IMPACTED  FROM  SPRINGDALE  TO  SOUTHSIDE  BP.  REPORTS  CREWS  WERE  WRAPPING-UP  WORK  AROUND  3PM.

T-U Schools New Website & Mobile App

On Monday, March 4, the Thomaston-Upson School System unveiled new websites for the district and all schools along with a new mobile app. The app will provide information for the district and all schools and can be customized to receive news, information, and notifications from the school or schools of your choice. A dining section is included for each school, which means parents will have their student's breakfast and lunch menus available to view anytime. The app is perfect for parents and guardians but is also great for any community members who want to know what's happening in the Thomaston-Upson School System. Get your Thomaston-Upson news and information quickly and easily on the TU Schools mobile app. It's everything Thomaston-Upson Schools, in your pocket. Download for Android https://bit.ly/3tLlM2j Download for iPhone https://apple.co/48F2Gd0

City of Thomaston Employee Recognition

January Employee of The Month
Horace Montfort

December Employee of the Month
Christian Williams

 

TWO DEFENDANTS HEADED FOR THE BIG HOUSE IN UPSON SUPERIOR COURT

 A  JURY  TRIAL  OF  TWO  DEFENDANTS  FOR  A  SHOOT-OUT  AT  THE  PARK  STREET PLAYGROUND  ENDED   MONDAY   WITH  GUILTY  ON  ALL  COUNTS--DEFENDANTS  AHMUN KENTEZZ  CALDWELL  AND  LAZARIUS  ALI  QUILLER.  UPSON  SUPERIOR  COURT  JUDGE  BEN  J. MILLER  JR.  SENTENCED  CALDWELL  AND  QUILLER  EACH  TO  35  YEARS--16  TO  SERVE  IN  PRISON. NO ONE  WAS  HURT  IN  THE  GUNFIGHT. 

A  3RD  DEFENDANT  IN  THE  CASE  SHUN  ALI  JR.  HAS  NOT  BEEN  TRIED-YET

UPSON TAX COMMISSIONER REMINDER

  PSA FROM THE TAX COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE REMINDER: THE DEADLINE FOR FILING FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS IS APRIL 1ST . HOMESTEAD TAXPAYERS WHO TURNED 62 0R 65 IN 2023 SHOULD APPLY FOR ADDITIONAL HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS AS WELL. HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS SHOULD BE APPLIED FOR IN THE TAX ASSESSOR’S OFFICE WHICH IS UPSTAIRS IN THE COURTHOUSE ANNEX.

SPALDING CO UPSON NATIVE BAIN PROCTOR VOLUNTEER AWARD

 GRIFFIN, Ga. (March 04, 2024) – Spalding County Leisure Services announced today that nominations are open for the 21st Annual Bain Proctor Lifetime Volunteer Service Award. The Bain Proctor Award was created by the Spalding County Board of Commissioners to recognize volunteers who have contributed to the growth, development and strengthening of the quality of services, programs, and activities for Spalding County citizens. Raakesh Patel was the 2023 winner. Nominees must be Spalding County residents who have volunteered his/her services for the betterment of our community, and Spalding County Leisure Services will accept submissions until Friday, March 29 at 5 p.m. Nominations should include: • A cover page with the nominee’s name and address, the name of the person submitting the nomination, contact information and the name of the nominating association or organization, if any. • A minimum of a one-page typed (12-point font, 1-inch margins) statement describing the nominee’s unpaid service and years of dedicated volunteerism to Spalding County residents. Please send nominations via email to tbowie@spaldingcounty.com or mail/deliver to Spalding County Leisure Services, 843 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223. For any inquiries about the award criteria, please call 770-467-4750 or visit the Facebook page at Spalding County Leisure Services. # #

MIKE DUGAN QUALIFIES FOR U.S. CONGRESS

 

ATLANTA, GA — Today, Mike Dugan, Veteran Army Ranger and former State Senator, qualified to appear on the ballot for Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District in the May 21st Republican primary.    Upon qualifying, Dugan issued the following statement:   “America is in trouble. The border is open, with communities and families in our state paying the price. It’s getting harder for people to pay grocery bills, medical expenses, and just keep the lights on. Threats are rising around the world because of weak leadership in Washington. I’m running for Congress to be part of the solution, and no candidate in this race has the experience I have when it comes to delivering results. I’ve served in the Army as a Ranger and Master Paratrooper, led major economic projects in the 3rd District, and helped make Georgia the best state in the country to do business with strong policy in the State Senate — while delivering major conservative victories.   What we need in Congress now are leaders who take action and focus on results, not news hits or social media clicks. That’s what I’m offering the 3rd District, and I’m ready to hit the ground running on day one. Let’s go.”

THOMASTON POLICE BLOTTER

    A  MALE  SHOPLIFTER  MADE  OFF  WITH  SEVERAL  PLAYSTATION  CONTROLLERS   AT  WAL  MART   ON  FEB. 18TH,  20TH  AND  22ND.  HE  HAD  A  NIKE  BACKPACK--ESCAPING ONE  TIME  THROUGH  THE  GARDEN  CENTER--LOSS  OVER  $500.

A  FEMALE  BOOKED  FOR  POSSESSION  SCHEDULE  DRUGS  AFTER  K-9 OFFICER  BEN-0  SNIFFED  OUT  SOME  NARCOTICS  FOLLOWING  A  TRAFFIC  STOP.  ARRESTED--45 YEAR   OLD  DAPHNE  ALSOBROOKS  WHO  ARGUED  WITH  OFFICERS  BUT  WAS  BOOKED FOR  METH   AND  POSSESSION  OF  OVER   200  SCHEDULE  PILLS.

A  PUP  SUFFERED  AN  OPEN  BELLY  WOUND  AND  THE  OWNER  GOT  BIT  ON  THE  HAND  WHILE  THEY  WERE  WALKING  NEAR 301  6TH AVE.  BOTH  GOT  MEDICAL  ATTENTION--AND  CITY  ANIMAL  CONTROL  DISPATCHED  TO  TWO  DOGS  RUNNING  FREE  WHO  ATTACKED  THE  WALKERS.

BURGLARY  REPORT  AT  303  THURSTON  AVE.--A  BIG  SCREEN  TV  AND  A  PLAYSTATION  MISSING.

A  MAN  WITH  A  KNIFE YELLING  AT   335  PARKWAY  DRIVE  WAS  CONFRONTED  BY  POLICE  AND  ORDERED  TO  THROW DOWN  THE KNIFE.  35  YEAR OLD  DANIEL  WILLIAMS  ARRESTED  AFTER  HE    TOLD  POLICE  HE  WAS  ON  METH  AND  HAD  A  SMOKING  PIPE  IN HIS POCKET.