SLOW EXPOSURES IN PIKE CO YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOW

 2023 Young Photographers Show

Enter before the May 1st deadline!!!!

To photographers under the age of 18 (and their supporters!): Don't miss your chance to be a part of SlowExposures XX! The deadline is May 1st and we want to see what you have in mind when you think of the rural South. Pick out two of your favorites and enter. It's free. And, if your photo gets picked, visitors from all over the U.S. will see your work.

Our judges for 2023 are Dr. Dan Dunnahoo and Dr. Karen Lacey of Pike County, GA. There are three divisions: K-5, 6-8, and 9-12th grades. The selected photos will be exhibited during SlowExposures, September 15-17th in Pike County. The judges will award first, second, and third places in each grade category as well as a "Best in Show". And, we'll hold a reception for the photographers and families on Sunday, September 17th. We think it's a fitting conclusion to honor these photographers of the future!

CONGRESSMAN FERGUSON ANNOUNCED AS CHAIR SUBCOMMITTEE ON SS

 Ferguson Announced as Chairman of Subcommittee on Social Security

Receives Seat on Budget Committee and Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures

 

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-GA) today released the following statement on his assignment to the House Budget Committee, and House Ways and Means Subcommittee assignments as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Social Security, and member of the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures – also referred to as the Subcommittee on Tax.

 

“My focus in Congress has always been on creating jobs, building a strong economy, and eliminating bureaucratic barriers and waste,” Congressman Drew Ferguson said. “As a member of the Committee on Ways and Means and House Budget Committee, I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get our country back on track with responsible fiscal and pro-growth policies. For the last two years, the radical Left’s out-of-control, big government spending resulted in an economic crisis – causing hardworking Americans to suffer with record high inflation and putting our nation on the brink of a recession.

 

“We will reverse course and enact policies to maintain American competitiveness and innovation, economic growth, and fiscal responsibility. As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Social Security, I will be a leading voice for our nation’s seniors, and advance solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing our country today.”

 

Background:

The Committee on Ways and Means is the oldest committee of the United States Congress, and is the chief tax-writing committee in the House of Representatives with jurisdiction over all taxation, trade, tariffs and other revenue-raising measures.

 

The Subcommittee on Social Security is responsible for legislation and policy matters referred to the Committee on Ways and Means that relate to the Federal Old Age, Survivors’ and Disability Insurance System, the Railroad Retirement System, and payroll taxes and trust fund operations relating to those systems.

 

The House Budget Committee’s responsibilities include legislative oversight of the federal budget process, reviewing all bills and resolutions on the budget, and monitoring agencies and programs funded outside of the budgetary process.

 

A FATAL STABBING IN GRIFFIN

 On January 31^st 2023 shortly after 6am Griffin Police were called to the 100 block of W Tinsley in reference to a domestic related call. Upon arrival on scene a 47 year old male was found suffering from a stab wound. Fire and EMS personnel attempted life saving measures but were unable to revive the victim. A juvenile suspect and witness were transported from the scene to PD HQ for interviews. This is an ongoing and active investigation with updates to follow as they become available.

UPSON CO WRECK TUES AM

 UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  SAYS  A  MOTORIST  WAS  TRANSPORTED  TO  THE  E.R.  AFTER  HE    RAN   OFF  THE  ROAD  AT  DEL RAY  ROAD  AND  NORTH  DELRAY  JUST  BEFORE   7AM  TUESDAY MORNING.  THE  SHERIFF  SAID  THE  DRIVER  HAD  NON-LIFE-THREATENING  INJURIES  AND  HE  TURNED  THE  INVESTIGATION  OVER  TO  POST  26  GSP-THOMASTON. 

AT 3;30PM MONDAY ALL CLEAR ON HIGHWAY 36 E.

BREAKING NEWS--36 EAST BLOCKED FROM KNIGHT TRAIL TO TOM MCKINLEY ROAD

 101  TRAFFIC  ALERT--UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  REPORTS  HIGHWAY   36  EAST  IS  BLOCKED  FROM   KNIGHT  TRAIL  TO  TOM  MCKINLEY  ROAD  BY  TWO  18-WHEELERS.  ONE  OF  THEM WAS  TRYING  TO  MAKE  A  U  TURN  AND  GOT  STUCK  AND  ANOTHER  BIG  RIG  CAME  ALONG  AND  TRIED  TO  GO  AROUND  IT  AND  GOT  STUCK.  SHERIFF  KILGORE  SAID  IT  WILL  IMPACT  SCHOOL  TRAFFIC  IN  THE  AREA  SO  PARENTS  SHOULD  PLAN  ACCORDINGLY.

NEW INDUSTRY FOR THOMASTON

 UPSON COUNTY, Ga. — Governor Brian P. Kemp announced on Friday a manufacturing company is building their new headquarters in Thomaston. 

A press release says the company Green Georgia LLC, a sustainable building materials manufacturing company, will create over 170 jobs at the company’s new headquarters and invest $59 million in the facility.

“In Georgia, companies have all the resources they need to thrive, from reliable infrastructure to a highly skilled workforce,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “As we continue to bring quality jobs to every corner of our state, we're working hard to connect Georgians with the opportunities they need to succeed in these careers.”

Green Georgia LLC will design and manufacture low-carbon materials used to create prefabricated buildings for a variety of structures, including sustainable factories, the release says. 

John Wolfington, Principal of Green Georgia says they are excited to come to Upson County. 

“Green Georgia is an Eco-friendly building solutions company that is going to transform the way we build today. By building in a controlled environment, our products can be produced at a much lower cost and quicker than traditional construction without producing the waste that comes with traditional construction," he said. 

Green Georgia LLC says they have committed to using local contractors and suppliers for the construction of its more than 300,000-square-foot, manufacturing facility at the Thomaston-Upson Industrial Park. 

"We believe their product and mission to provide sustainable materials furthers our community’s mission to attract innovative and forward-thinking companies to our region. An investment of this size proves that companies are looking for what smaller communities in rural Georgia can offer: a robust workforce, opportunity for growth with small-town charm, and a tight-knit community. Georgia is the best state in which to do business, and this project represents a win for Thomaston, Upson County, and our middle Georgia community," Kyle Fletcher, Executive Director of the Thomaston-Upson County Industrial Development Authority said.

Operations are expected to begin by early 2024, and the company will be hiring for positions in sales, administration, engineering, and production.

GORDON STATE ANNUAL STATE OF THE COLLEGE ADDRESS

 BARNESVILLE, Ga. – On Tuesday, Jan. 31, Gordon State College President, Dr. Kirk A. Nooks will present the institution’s annual State of the College address at 9 a.m. in the GSC Student Activity and Recreation Center (SARC).

President Nooks will focus on providing an overview of the highlights and milestones from the past year and elaborate on where GSC currently stands as well as what is in the horizon for the year ahead.

“Gordon State College had incredible triumphs since implementing our five-year strategic plan in 2018. There’s much to catch up on since last year and there’s thrilling news to be shared of what’s to come in the near future,” Nooks said. “I’m proud of the commitment and collaboration among faculty, staff, and students that led us to where we currently are today. Our Highlander Nation embraced ‘The Power of We’ and for that we have many successes to communicate.”

Some topics will include the progress for GSC to leverage its institution’s strategic plan, “The Power of We,” that has materialized in its fifth year by developing degree programs to ensure maximum transferability to higher education partners and alignment to regional workforce needs. Another discussion will include how GSC, with continuous efforts, has uniquely created an institutional framework that supported and continues to champion evolving strategic priorities.

The event will also be open to the community. 

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 11 four-year degrees and 16 associate-level degrees, which includes multiple baccalaureate pathways for students. With an enrollment of over 3,000 students, GSC offers an intimate academic setting in 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.

GRIFFIN-SPALDING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARD WINNERS

 Annual awards banquet winners-

Member of Year- Conner West

Community Inspiration award- Brightmoor Hospice

Game Changer- Ariel Holloway

Beautification award- Myrtle Plot

Ambassador of Year-  David Johnson    and   Josh Hineish

General Griffin for 2023- Tom Gardner

Pike County man sentenced to 35 years for armed robbery

 (ANF) A man has been sentenced to 35 years for the armed robbery of a gas station in March 2020.

Corey Criswell robbed the Texaco on Highway 42 in Locust Grove Mar. 9, 2020. He rushed into the store with a gun just as it was closing. The cashier and another person attempted to block Criswell from entering the store. Criswell fired the gun and struck the cashier in the face while demanding the cashier give him cash before fleeing the store with the cash.

 

Criswell was convicted of three counts of aggravated assault and one count each of armed robbery, criminal attempt to commit a felony, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

 

He was sentenced to 35 years, with the first 25 years spent in prison.

THOMASTON COMPANY GETS $80 MILLION FED GRANT

 A  BRAZILIAN  BIOTECHNOLOGY  FIRM  LOCATED  IN  THOMASTON,  HAS  RECEIVED  AN  $80  MILLION  GRANT  FROM  THE  U.S.  DEPARTMENT  OF  ENERGY  TO  TURN  WOOD  RESIDUE  INTO  JET  FUEL.   AVAPCO  LLC,   IN  BUSINESS  SINCE  2009,  IS    NOW A  SUBSIDIARY  OF  GRAN  BIO , A   BIOFUEL,  BIOCHEMICAL  AND  BIOMATERIALS  COMPANY  THAT  OPERATES  A  REFINERY  NEXT  TO  CHIEF  MANUFACTURING  HAS  RECEIVED  THE  LARGEST  BY  FAR  OF   17  PROJECTS  AWARDED  BY  THE  FEDS.

IN  2026, THE  COMPANY  RECEIVED  A  $4.7  MILLION  DOE  GRANT  FOR  A  PHASE  ONE  PILOT  DEMONSTRATING  ITS  METHOD  FOR  CONVERTING  WOODY  RESIDUE  FROM  SAWMILLS,  PAPER,  AND  PULP  PLANTS  INTO  AVIATION  FUEL.  PHASE  ONE  OF  THE  COMPANY'S  PRJECT  WAS  SUCESSSFUL,  THE  DOE  SAID,  SO  NEW  FEDERAL  MONEY  WILL  BE  USED  TO  FUND  CONSTRUCTION  OF  A  LARGER  PLANT  CAPABLE OF PRODUCING  1.2  MILLION  GALLONS OF  JET  FUEL  ANNUALLY,  PLUS  SUSTAINABLE  MATERIAL  FOR  THE  RUBBER  INDUSTRY.

KIM  NELSON,  AVAPCO'S  CHIEF  TECHNOLOGY  OFFICER,  SAID  THE  NEW  PLANT  IS  EXPECTED  TO  BE OPERATIONAL  BY  2026  AND  COULD  CREATE  35  NEW  JOBS.

CSM Thompson Speaks to the Thomaston Kiwanis Club

Command Sergeant Major Chuck Thompson recently spoke with the Thomaston Kiwanis Club. CSM Thompson entered the U.S. Army in 1977 and has a stellar career in serving our country. His accomplishments include serving as an Army Ranger (team leader, Squad Leader and Instructor), Special Forces and serving several tours in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Some of CSM Thompson’s awards, decorations and badges include: The Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star, NATO Medal, Saudi Kuwait Liberation medal, Army Valorous Unit Award. He also earned the Combat Infantry Badge, HALO Badge, Jumpmaster Badge, The Canadian, Greek and Australian parachute badges as well as the Central Intelligence Agency Directors Coin for Excellence.

Upson retirement from active duty after serving 28 years, CSM went back to work as a Federal Civilian serving as the Senior Civilian Deputy Director of the Intelligence Directorate for the Joint Special Operations Command at Ft. Bragg, NC where her served for 14 years. During this period, he was extremely honored to be inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame as well as the Special Operations Command Hall of Honor.

 

According to Kiwanian Andy Chastain who invited CSM Thompson to speak, “CSM Thompson is one of the most highly decorated, if not the most decorated service member to hail from Upson County. He went on to add that it’s an honor that we have someone of his caliber and reputation as one of  our citizens.

 

CSM Thompson currently resides on a small farm in his hometown of Thomaston, Georgia with his wife, Kathy.  

URMC's Jessica Orr Graduates from Leadership GHA

Jessica Orr

Thomaston, GA January 26, 2023 – Upson Regional Medical Center would like to recognize Director of Case Managment, Jessica Orr, RN, BSN for her recent graduation from Leadership GHA (Georgia Hospital Association).

Leadership GHA is a six-month intensive, hospital leadership development program that identifies, grows, and inspires new leaders in health care throughout the state of Georgia. The program offers professional workshops, conferences, panel discussions and field trips to a variety of hospitals and health systems. Participants in the program are given opportunities to expand their professional networks which adds value to their organizations through personal development.

 

Members of a Leadership GHA class must be nominated by their CEO, and are a mix of senior and mid-level professionals from hospitals of all sizes located in all geographic areas of Georgia. “I am grateful for the chance to participate in the GHA Leadership program. This experience allowed me to learn how to be a better leader through different hospital visits, seminars, classroom time, and networking events. It was a privilege to be nominated and to represent Upson Regional Medical Center.” Orr shared.

 

Orr attended five classes over the six-month program with most classes lasting three to four days. Classes were held in locations including, Young Harris, St. Simons, Atlanta, Macon, and Greensboro. She was one of eighteen total participants who graduated from the 2022-2023 class.

 

To learn more about Leadership GHA visit gha.org/LeadershipGHA and for more information about Upson Regional Medical Center visit, urmc.org and follow Upson Regional Medical Center on Facebook and Instagram.

McIntosh Trail Announces Early Head Start for the 2023-2024 school year.

McIntosh Trail Early Childhood Development Council, Inc. has begun to accept applications for Early Head Start, Head Start, and Pre-K programs for the 2023-2024 school year.

As we continue to go through the COVID-19 pandemic, please know that health and safety comes 1^st when serving low-income children and families (Since COVID began children are virtual learning).

Our Early Head Start program is for expectant mothers and children ages 8 weeks to 3 years old. Expectant mothers and pregnant teens are highly encouraged to apply. The Head Start program is for children who have or will turn 3 or 4 years of age by September 1, 2022.  Pre-K is for children who have turned 4 by September 1, 2022. CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, FOSTER CHILDREN, AND HOMELESS FAMILIES ARE GIVEN PRIORITY.

Head Start and Early Head Start are free programs and require everyone to meet Federal Guidelines.  Our program offers a variety of services which include Nutrition, Health, Mental Health, Education, Social Services, and Parent Engagement.  Pre-Kindergarten is a free program with no income guidelines.

 

*Income verification (1040, paystub, W2, etc.)  *Immunization Certificate (form 3231) 

*Birth Certificate  *Medical Card (Medicaid, Peachcare, or Private Insurance)

You may contact Tonya Blackmon/Kimberly Jackson at 770-648-4391 at the Upson County Early Head Start/Head Start/Pre-K program. 

McIntosh Trail ECDC, Inc. does not discriminate against race, creed, sex, color, natural origin or religious preference.

Serving: Butts, Henry, Lamar, Newton, Pike, Spalding, and Upson Counties 

PIKE SO ARRESTS TWO FOR THEFT

 Pike County Sheriff's investigators have arrested two suspects for a theft that occurred at Cadies convenience store on Highway 19. On January 23, it was reported by a store employee that a bank bag had been stolen from the store. Investigators determined that two suspects had worked together in order to distract the employee and steal the money. While one suspect gained the employees attention to the rear of the store , the other entered the store and took the money. Approximately $2000 was reported to have been taken by the suspects.

Investigators identified Austin Opry (26 years of age) and Jennifer Green (24 years of age) as the suspects involved in the theft. A search warrant was served at the residence that both individuals had been living at in Pike County. Evidence collected from the search warrant and at the theft location linked both suspects to the crime. Both are currently in the Pike County jail and are charged with felony theft by taking.

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

 PLEAS – JUDGE BEN J. MILLER, JR., GJC

January 25, 2023

 

1. 20R0316N SHAMUNE D. HARRIS CT. 1: VIOLATION OF THE RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATION: 8 YEARS, SERVE 2 YEARS IN JAIL; FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; $1,500 FINE; GANG CONDITIONS. CT. 2: VIOLATION OF THE RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATION: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

2. 23R0035 BILLY J. SELLARS CT. 1: GIVING FALSE INFORMATION TO A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: 12 MOLNTHS PROBATION; SERVE 60 DAYS IN THE COUNTY JAIL; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $500 FINE. CT. 2: GIVING FALSE INFORMATION TO A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: 12 MOLNTHS PROBATION; SERVE 60 DAYS IN THE COUNTY JAIL; $500 FINE. CT. 3: LOITERING OR PROWLING: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

3. 23R0003B JORDAN D. WILKINS CT. 1: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE: 3 YEARS, THE FIRST 6 MONTHS TO SERVE IN THE COUNTY JAIL; FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; $1,000 FINE. CT. 2: POSSESSION OF DRUG RELATED OBJECTS: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: CRIMINAL TRESPASS: NOLLE PROSEQUI.