AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE IN THOMASTON WED.

 G-DOT  BLOOD  DRIVE   IN  THOMASTON  6/1/22  10AM-3PM  AT  DOT  HEADQUARTERS  IN  NORTHSIDE.

The Goat Man Documentary Showing In Zebulon

The J. Joel Edwards Public Library in Zebulon, will be showing the documentary Goat Man, the Life & Times of Ches McCartney, this Thursday, June 2, at 5:30. 

(from the DVD cover): “This movie is the most complete, most factual, and the only movie that has ever been authorized by Mr. Ches McCartney, The Goat Man. “Over three years and thousands of miles went into the making of this story of one of America’s last folk heroes. From his home in Iowa, where he was thought of as an embarrassment, to his final home that was in a Macon Nursing home, where he had come to be known as one of the great legends of the open road, Ches McCartney, the Goat Man, lived his life as many of us secretly wish . . . his way.” 

The documentary was filmed in 2000 in Molena by Jimmy Hammett of JCH Entertainment. 

In July the library will show Part 2 of this series: Goat Man 2: More Stories of the American Folklore Legend. These viewings are free and open to the public. For more information on this and other library events, contact the J. Joel Edwards Public Library at 770-567-2014.

Update: Grad Party Shooting

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON SAYS THE INVESTIGATION INTO A FATAL SHOOTING EARLY SATURDAY AT A GRADUATION PARTY AT THE PARK LANE MAIN EVENT VENUE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 

AT LAST REPORT NO ARRESTS HAVE BEEN MADE INVOLVING THE THREE VICTIMS, INCLUDING A RECENT MANCHESTER GRADUATE AND FOOTBALL PLAYER, 18 YEAR OLD AKEEM ELLISON WHO WAS FOUND INSIDE THE BUILDING WITH NO PULSE.

ACCORDING TO THE P.D. INCIDENT REPORT, ELLISON HAD 3 TO 5 GUNSHOT WOUNDS TO THE BACK AND ONE WOUND TO THE UPPER CHEST. NEAR-BY, ANOTHER MANCHESTER TEEN, ELIJUAN WRIGHT, AGE 17 HAD A GUNSHOT WOUND TO THE LEFT HIP AND CHIEF RICHARDSON SAID WRIGHT WAS AIR FLIGHTED OUT OF TOWN FOR TREATMENT. OUTSIDE THE BUILDING A THOMASTON JUVENILE, RODRICK THOMAS HAD A GUNSHOT WOUND AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE E.R

WITNESSES TOLD POLICE THE SHOOTING APPARENTLY WAS THE RESULT OF AN ARGUMENT OVER A FEMALE, A FIGHT BROKE OUT, GUNSHOTS RANG OUT AND THE CROWD SCATTERED.

AROUND 200 ATTENDED THE PARTY, MOSTLY JUVENILES AND WHEN POLICE ARRIVED NUMEROUS VEHICLES WERE LEAVING THE SCENE AND OVER A 100 PEOPLE WERE IN THE YARD.

ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHOOTING SHOULD CONTACT POLICE CAPTAIN MONICE SNIPES AT 706-741-1899.

One Killed In Grad Party Shooting

Saturday night at approximately 12:52a.m. officers were dispatched to 205 Park Lane “Main Event” in reference to three male subjects that had been wounded by gunfire. 

One of the victims identified as Akeem Ellison age 18 of Manchester, was pronounced deceased at Upson Regional Medical Center. The second victim identified as Elijuan Wright age 17 of Manchester, was airlifted to an undisclosed location for treatment. The third victim identified as a 15 year old juvenile from Thomaston was also treated at an undisclosed location for his injuries. 

The shooting occurred at a graduation party where at least 200 people were in attendance of which many were juveniles. Apparently some type of altercation took place inside the event center and the gunfire started.

The Thomaston Police Department Criminal Investigations Division is actively investigating this case. Anyone with information related to the shooting or the event please contact Captain Monica Snipes at 706-741-1899 or by email at msnipescityofthomaston.com.

Missing Person

Monroe County Deputies located an abandoned vehicle on Hwy. 341 near Billy Harris Road. 

The vehicle was last occupied by Edward Knight. Mr. Knight is a missing person out of Gwinnett County and has medical problems including Dementia. 

He was last seen wearing a green long sleeve button down shirt, with black or blue sweatpants and blue tennis shoes. 

If you have seen him, given him a ride or know of his whereabouts, please contact the Monroe County Sheriff's Office at 487-994-7010 or call 911.

TWO GANG KINGPINS FOUND GUILTY IN UPSON CO

 May 26, 2022, an Upson County jury convicted Andre Denard Noble, a 37-year-old male from Griffin, and Myrrin Kendrell Watson, a 43-year-old man from Griffin, for violation of two counts of Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO). Assistant District Attorney, Ashton Fallin, along with Assistant District Attorney, Audrey Holliday, tried the case for the State. The Honorable Ben Miller, Jr. sentenced each defendant to 40 years in prison. Both defendants had lengthy criminal histories.

Myrrin Kendrell Watson

Andre Denard Noble

Both defendants were found to be leaders of the Rollin 20s Neighborhood Bloods Zoo Krew. They were found guilty of participating in a conspiracy to further the gang’s interests through criminal activity involving themselves and other co-conspirators. Those criminal activities include armed robbery, aggravated assault, drug trafficking, delivering contraband to inmates within the Georgia Department of Corrections, obtaining and selling contraband within the Georgia Department of Corrections, and Small Business Administration loan fraud. 

They were also found to further the gang’s interest by posting gang activity on social media and sending people into Upson County to commit crimes and recruit new members.

District Attorney Broder said, “I am so proud of my team, and this jury. This verdict sends a strong message that gang activity will not be tolerated in Upson County or in the Griffin Judicial Circuit. This jury

and this sentence sends a message to other gang leaders seeking to recruit and commit crimes here…stay out of Upson

UPSON CO ON BOARD WITH LOST RENEGOTIATION

 THE  UPSON   COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  APPROVED  A   RESOLUTION  ON  RENEGOTIATION  OF   THE  LOCAL  OPTION  SALES  TAX   WITH  CITY  OF  THOMASTON -- THEY  PASSED  ON LAST  MEETING. EACH  GOVERNMENT  WILL  PROVIDE   A  SMALL  TEAM  FOR  THE  EFFORT AND  THE  TWO  MANAGERS  WILL  DECIDE  ON  A  MEDIATOR  IF  ISSUES  CANNOT  BE  RESOLVED.

IPG Incorporated presented their concept and design plan for the Upson County Judicial Center

Representatives from IPG shared details about how they drew inspiration from the historic buildings in Upson County and created design options that pull distinct elements from these buildings, resulting in unique options that were specifically designed for the citizens of Upson County.  Some of the aspects that IPG incorporated into the design concepts for the new building include the symmetry of the Martha Mill building, the masonry work, emphasis of entry , and light-colored brick of the Upson County Courthouse, and the elegance, material variety, and shifting planes of Hotel Upson. 

Based on feedback from the board of commissioners and county staff, IPG focused on providing a concept with wide public spaces, clean and simple design, and an abundance of natural light.  The space will promote flexibility, with large, shared spaces that are multifunctional.  IPG noted that they feel the design of the building will honor Upson County’s past, while also allowing for future growth.  IPG described their concept as “historically rooted but forward looking.”

The board of commissioners unanimously approved IPG’s concept and design plan so that the process can continue moving forward.  The commissioners are hopeful that the project can be completed in time to celebrate Upson County’s Bicentennial in 2024.

D.A. MARIE BRODER ANNOUNCES A CONVICTION

 On May 20, 2022, after a week-long trial, a Fayette County jury found Brittany Shyanne Barber, a 27-year-old female from Newnan, Georgia, guilty of child molestation. The Honorable W. Fletcher Sams sentenced the Defendant to a total of 20 years, with 18 years to serve in prison followed by 2 years of probation. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Warren Sellers.

Barber was convicted of having sexual intercourse with a minor victim. The victim did testify at trial. The evidence at trial showed that the Defendant lived with the victim’s father who allowed Barber to function as the child’s step mother while he was away at work. The Defendant took advantage of this trust to begin and continue an inappropriate relationship with the child. When the victim tried to avoid her, the Defendant would make sure to cause his father to unjustifiably discipline the child.

Chief ADA Sellers said of the trial, “the courage of the victim in reliving the painful details of the abuse through his testimony and the skillful investigative work of Det. Stephen Stoyell of the Peachtree City Police Department resulted in the successful prosecution of the case.”

At sentencing, Judge Sams noted that the Defendant’s actions had damaged the victim to such an extent that it would likely take years of

counseling to unravel the resulting internal conflict.

District Attorney Broder said of the conviction, “I’m proud of my team who fought so hard to ensure that this defendant will never harm another child. My office will never tolerate these crimes and will continue to fight hard to protect the children of this Circuit.”

INCUMBENT TOTALS UPSON AND PIKE

 INCUMBENT  TOTALS  IN  UPSON  COUNTY  FOR  TUESDAY'S  PRIMARY,  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSION  DISTRICT  3  PAUL  JONES  840, BILL  MAHER  473.  BOARD OF  EDUCATION  STEVE  SADLER 511  AL  HINSON  JR. 363,  BRIAN  SALTER 362,  KEITH  ROHLING  213. UPSON  COUNTY  TURNOUT  WAS   23%. 

BETH  CAMP  REELECTED  TO  THE  STATE  HOUSE  WITH  80%  OF  THE  VOTE,  8366,  DAN  BREU  20%, 2135.

STATE  SENATOR  JOHN  KENNEDY  WON  THE  GOP  NOMINATION.  HIS  OPPONENT DIANE  VANN  WAS  DISQUALIFIED  BECAUSE  SHE  NO  LONGER  LIVES  IN  DISTRICT 18.

CONTINUATION  OF  THE  SPLOST  PASSED  IN  PIKE  COUNTY    2871-2111. BRIAN  HUBBARD  STAYS  ON  THE  SCHOOL  BOARD  IN  PIKE  532-318  OVER  MICHAEL  PIERCE.  PIKE'S  TURN  OUT  36%.

ALL INCUMBENTS WIN IN UPSON CO

 ALL  INCUMBENTS  WON  IN  UPSON  COUNTY  IN  TUESDAY'S  PRIMARY,  COUNTY  COMMISSIONER  PAUL  JONES  AND  BOARD  OF  EDUCATION  MEMBERS  STEVE  SADLER  AND  BRIAN  SALTER.

BETH  CAMP  WAS  POLLING  85%  IN  UPSON,  LAMAR,  AND  PIKE  COUNTIES  WITH  RETURNS  INCOMPLETE  IN  PIKE  AND  LAMAR  IN  THE  DISTRICT   135  STATE  HOUSE  RACE.

DA BRODER ANNOUNCES MURDER CONVICTION

 From Marie Broder, District Attorney On Monday, May 24, 2022, a Spalding County jury convicted Donald Eugene Colquitt, a 57-year-old male from Griffin, of Felony Murder, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Theft by Taking. I along with my Assistant District Attorney Holly MacDonald tried the case. The Honorable Scott L. Ballard sentenced the defendant to Life in Prison Without the Possibility of Parole on the Murder charge, 20 years for the Armed Robbery, and 5 years for the gun charge. Donald Colquitt shot Munteshia Brown in the chest in the parking lot of Macedonia Baptist Church on July 11, 2020. After shooting her, he stole her car, phone, purse, and identification and fled the scene. He was caught in Mississippi. Colquitt and Brown had a lengthy history of domestic violence, including a particularly brutal incident in September of 2019 when Colquitt stabbed Brown in a Henry County hotel room, placed a mattress over her, and left her to die. In that incident, he also stole her car, her purse, her phone, and her identification. She lived, only to be killed by him in Spalding County seven months later. The defendant testified and claimed that he shot the victim in self-defense. The jury rejected this argument with its verdict. The jury heard testimony over the course of five days. My team brought in witnesses from five different law enforcement departments across three states to testify in this trial. My heartfelt thanks go out to all of the witnesses who testified, and I offer my specific thanks to the lead agency in the case – the Spalding County Sheriff's Office. This case is tragic. Munteshia was on a path to redemption, changing her life, and severing ties with the defendant. She was a bright life who was so loved by her family. Because of her devotion to changing her life for the better, the defendant executed her in a church parking lot. Over the course of my career, I have tried too many cases where victims were murdered at hand of their abusers.I take these cases personally. I am tired of these violent deaths, and so are the citizens of Spalding County. Allow this verdict and sentence to be a message to those perpetrating domestic violence in my Circuit. I will use whatever resources necessary to ensure that you pay for your crimes. If you or someone you know is suffering in a domestic violence relationship, please seek help. It could literally save a life.

G-DOT UPDATE ON 19 NORTH WIDENING

GDOT contractors, CW Matthews will be shifting the traffic to the outside lanes on SR 3 mainline on Sunday, June 6th, 2022 in order to switch to the next stage of the plans which includes constructing the concrete median. This will take place at 7 pm Sunday night and go until 7 am Monday morning June 6, 2022. Message boards have been placed warning about the new traffic pattern.

This project widens the 4-lanes of US 19 to make them 12'. It also proposes to add a raised median. The project begins at the intersection of US 19 and County Road and ends at the intersection of US 19 and Atwater Road, approximately 2 miles north of Thomaston. Also, as part of this project, Delray road will be realigned to intersect with US 19 and Jimmerson Road. 

A signal will be added at this location.

GSP CHASE IN THOMASTON SUNDAY

 THOMASTON  POLICE  CHIEF MIKE  RICHARDSON  CREDITING  HIS  OFFICERS  FOR  DEFLECTING  A  CHASE  FROM  THE  DOWNTOWN  SQUARE  SUNDAY  EVENING  DURING  THE  HGTV  WATCH PARTY,  A  CHASE  THAT  ENDED  IN  A  CRASH  AND  TWO  INJURIES.   THE  GSP  WAS  CHASING  A  DODGE  RAM  PICK-UP    SPEEDING  UP    WEST  MAIN  DRIVEN  BY  18  YEAR  OLD AMON  CARMONA  OF  101  AVE.  E.   COPS  SET  UP  A  ROAD BLOCK  AT  THE  ACE  CLEANERS  INTERSECTION  AND  THE  CHASE  PROCEEDED  OUT  SOUTH  GREEN.

 ACCORDING  TO  TROOPER  CLAYTON  JONES  , AT  THE  OLD TALBOTTON  ROAD  INTERSECTION   CARMONA, LOST  IT,   SIDE-SWIPED  A  MUSTANG  DRIVEN  BY  JACKSON  O'NEAL  BUCHANAN  OF  SOUTH  GREEN, HIT  SHURBS  AND A  FLAG  POLE  AT  803 SOUTH  GREEN,   AND  SHRUBS  AT  813  SOUTH  GREEN,  FLIPPED  AND  CAME  TO  REST  IN  THE  BACK  YARD  OF  THE  BENNETT  RESIDENCE.

CARMONA  WAS  TRANSPORTED  TO  THE  E.R.  BY  EMS  WITH  COMPLAINT  OF   INJURIES--THE  OTHER  DRIVER  WAS  NOT   TRANSPORTED.

CARMONA  POSTED  BOND  OF  $11,670  AND  WAS  RELEASED  FROM  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  JAIL   FOR  CHARGES  INCLUDING  DUI,  ATTEMPTING TO  ELUDE,  HABITUAL  VIOLATOR,  SPEEDING,  RECKLESS  DRIVING  AND  SEVERAL  MORE  CITATIONS. 

PIKE COUNY PIRATES ARE STATE CHAMPS AGAIN

 THE  PIKE  COUNTY  PIRATES  WON  THE  STATE  BASEBALL   CHAMPIONSHIP  5-4  OVER  REDAN  OF  STONE  MOUNTAIN,  TUESDAY  AT  GWINNETT  COUNTY'S   COOL  RAY  FIELD    IN  BUFORD. TUNE  IN  FUN  101  FM  FOR  MORE  DETAILS  AND  WE  WILL  AIR  A  REPLAY  OF  THE  GAME   IN  THE  NEAR  FUTURE,

THE  PIRATES  ALSO  WON  THE  STATE  TITLE  IN  2019.

THOMASTON SHINES IN THE NATIONAL MEDIA

 THOMASTON  AND  UPSON  COUNTY  HAD  A  BIG  PAST   WEEK  IN  THE  NATIONAL  MEDIA  SPOTLIGHT.  LAST  THURSDAY,    GOVERNOR  BRIAN KEMP  BROUGHT  HIS  REELECTION  CAMPAIGN  TO  TOWN,  PHOTO  IN  THE  WALL  STREET  JOURNAL,  PLUS  SEVERAL  WHO  ATTENDED  THE  GOV'S  VISIT  WERE  QUOTED  IN  THE  NEW  YORK  TIMES.

SATURDAY,  TV  STAR  STEVE  HARVEY AND  HIS  WIFE  HELD  A  TOWN  HALL  TO  ANNOUNCE  THEY  HAVE  PURCHASED  THE  ROCK  RANCH,  AND  THEN  SUNDAY  HGTV  AIRED  A  PROGRAM  SHOWCASING   RE-DOS  IN  THE  COMMUNITY    AND  THE  CELEB'S  WHO   DID  THE   SHOW. BRIAN  AND  MIKA  KLEINSCHMIDT  RETURNED  TO  THOMASTON  TO  VIEW  THE SHOW  WITH  A  CROWD  AT   THE  RITZ  THEATRE.  AFTER  THE  SHOW   BRIAN  TOLD   101   NEWS  HE  CONSIDERS  HIMSELF  A  THOMASTONIAN,  NOW.

Thomaston Featured on HGTV's Hometown "KickStart"