Flint Riverkeeper, Victory

 On Tuesday, Flint Riverkeeper and our allies in the fight for fishing rights on Georgia Rivers received word Governor Kemp had signed SB 115 into law, cementing the right to fish in navigable waterways. For almost 12 months the Flint River has been the epicenter of this fight. Property owners alongside Yellow Jacket Shoals have long sought to restrict fishing by the public on this section of the Flint. “No Fishing” signs have periodically come and gone along the banks and islands in the shoals. 

When “Fishing by Permit Only” signage began to appear at public canoe launches along the river last spring, the river community reached its boiling point and began asking for protection. This was quickly followed by the Colonel of GA DNR’s Law Enforcement Section stating the Upper Flint was considered navigable and therefore fishing could not be restricted by landowners. The landowners responded with a lawsuit against the state, claiming “right of soil” based upon a 1988 GA Supreme Court case supporting their fishing rights claim and linked to an ostensible state land grant of the river bottom. You can read the 1988 court case HERE and the landowners’ suit HERE. 

This area of Georgia’s law is vague, murky, cloudy, and open for manipulation. It has seen little update from the English Common Law adopted by Georgia at the time of statehood and modified at times such as in the 1863 property code. It appeared that the state had ample and excellent arguments to defend the case and defend angler rights. You can read the state’s response to the landowner complaint HERE, and the state’s motion to dismiss the case HERE. But, just days before the scheduled court hearing GA DNR, who last summer sided with the Georgia’s anglers and made excellent initial response to the case, issued a surprise settlement in the lawsuit in favor of the landowners. You can read the case settlement order HERE.

Acting quickly on the last day of the legislative session the Governor’s office, the Georgia Wildlife Federation, the Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation, the Southern Environmental Law Center, Altamaha Riverkeeper, and Flint Riverkeeper stripped a Senate bill of its original language with the permission of the author, and replaced it with language that codifies anglers’ rights on navigable waterways, even when a river bottom is granted by the government. You can read the text of the bill HERE.

Then, on the 2nd of May, Governor Kemp signed the bill. You can read his signing statement HERE. This signing makes law out of the language in SB 115. 

We are extremely grateful to the Governor, his staff, Representative David Knight, Senator Josh McLaurin, House Rules Chairman Richard Smith, Speaker of the House Jon Burns, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, Mike Worley of the Georgia Wildflife Federation, William Woodall, lobbyist for the Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation and the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), April Lipscomb of the SELC, and Fletcher Sams of Altamaha Riverkeeper for the roles they played. Gordon Rogers, Flint Riverkeeper, said, “I’ve never seen a finer team produce such an excellent product in such a short period of time. True professionals, they are, each and every one of them a friend of Georgia anglers and other river users.”

What happens now? ….

There have been many concerns expressed by some about SB 115 and the new law . . . . On the same day that the Georiga General Assembly passed SB 115 the House also passed HR 519 to establish a study committee on the topic of fishing rights. You can read the text of the bill establishing the committee HERE. There are quite a few topics that the study committee could take up. One of the most interesting and important will be which of Georgia’s fresh waters are navigable and which or not, and/or methods of determination. Once Speaker Burns constitutes the committee and they establish an agenda and schedule we will keep you updated, Several things are certain: SB 115 does NOT apply to Georgia’s non-navigable waters, a concern of many who opposed the bill, and it does not redefine navigable/non-navigable. Neither does it have any bearing on state or federal pollution or wetlands-fill laws, another concern raised the day it was passed and during the time prior to the Governor signing the bill. The bill bears on public rights on Georgia’s navigable rivers, only.

We celebrate this great victory with our conservation partners and all Georgia anglers, and we repeat our gratitude to Governor Kemp and the many others who made it happen.

THOMASTON'S RUSS HEAD HAS WRITTEN A NEW BOOK

 RUSS  HEAD  OF  THE  TRAVEL  CONNECTION  HAS  WRITTEN  A  NEW  BOOK  "SCHOLAR  GYPSY--A  CHRISTIAN  JOURNEY  DOWN  THE  ROAD  LESS  TRAVELED "-- NOW  AVAILABLE  ON  AMAZON.  HE  TOLD  THE  BILL  BAILEY  MORNING  SHOW  ON  FUN   101  THE  BOOK  IS  MEANT  TO  MENTOR  THE  READER  IN  THE  SAME  WAY BOOKS  HAVE  MENTORED  HIM.  IT  TRACKS  HIS  YOUNGER  DAYS  AND  SEES  IT  AS  A   HANDBOOK  FOR  LIFE.

PIKE CHAMBER MONKEY JOCKEYS ON RACE DOGS FRIDAY

THE  PIKE  COUNTY  CHAMBER  OF  COMMERCE  PRESENTS  THE  BANANA  DERBY  FRIDAY,  MAY  5  AT  CHESTNUT  OAK  ARENA JUST OFF  HIGHWAY   19--PROFESSIONALLY  TRAINED  MONKEY  JOCKEYS  ON  RACE  DOGS.  A  BLUE GRASS  SHOW  FOLLOWS.  SHOWS  AT   6  AND   7  PM.  FIVE  DOLLARS  PER  PERSON.  FOOD  TRUCKS  AND  BOUNCY   HOUSES  FOR  THE  KIDS.

ONE  OF  THE  MONKEYS,  GILLIGAN , WAS  A  GUEST  ON  THE  BILL  BAILEY  MORNING  SHOW , FRIDAY.

TPD FOILS BANK SCAM

 On 05/02/2023 at approximately 2:50 p.m., TPD Sgt. Johnson, Cpl. Tisdale, Ptl. Reinagel, and Ptl. Robbins responded quickly to Colony Bank in reference to a fraudulent transaction and detained three men in a vehicle as they attempted to flee the area. The suspects inside the vehicle were later identified as Terry Craig (27) of Ellenwood, GA, Lance Loney (27) of Atlanta, GA, and Bradley Richards (40) of Gillsville, GA. It was later determined that they had fraudulently withdrawn thousands of dollars from the account of a Colony Bank customer using a fake ID and other information, and had attempted a similar transaction at a Colony Bank in Meriwether, GA earlier that day. Numerous fake driver’s licenses, debit cards, personal information (social security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, etc.), and a firearm were recovered from the vehicle. All three men were arrested on charges related to identity fraud, theft by deception, and multiple counts of possession of fake driver’s licenses. This investigation is still ongoing and additional charges related to identity fraud are expected.

Griffin Man Convicted of Murder

An accused gang member was convicted of murder more than two years after a man was found dead near a golf course in Spalding County, prosecutors said Wednesday.

On Saturday, a jury found Cedravious Wilkerson guilty of several charges in the death of 20-year-old Parrish Pierce, whose body was found by a golfer in the woods near the 17th tee box at the City of Griffin Golf Course on Dec. 9, 2020, according to Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Marie Broder.

 

Pierce, of Locust Grove, was found with several gunshot wounds, Griffin police spokeswoman Laurie Littlejohn said at the time. He had been lying there for “ several days ” after his death, Littlejohn added.

 

Following an investigation, police determined that Wilkerson was the last person to be with the victim. The suspect was arrested and taken to the Spalding jail.

 

Pierce and Wilkerson, who was 17 at the time, were both believed to be affiliated with “Sex Murder Money,” a subset of the Bloods street gang, Griffin police said.

 

“Gang violence devastates families across our community,” Broder said of the verdict. “I thank my team, law enforcement, and the jury for their work on this case. We must continue to come together to fight gang violence and prevent gangs from extinguishing one more life.”

 

Wilkerson, of Griffin, was convicted of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, theft by taking a firearm, possession of a pistol under the age of 18, and violation of the street gang terrorism and prevention act. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 16.

 

The case was delayed several times due to the coronavirus pandemic, prosecutors said.

Gordon State College Appoints New Dean of Students

Gordon State College names LaToya Stackhouse, Ed.D. as the institution’s new Dean of Students effective May 1, 2023.

Stackhouse’s career in higher education spans for 20 years where she began her experience in intercollegiate athletics than transitioned over several areas of student affairs such as admissions, Federal TRIO programs and academic advising. Her recent endeavors provided her the opportunity to work with residence life, student activities, Greek life, recreation and wellness as well as student leadership. Stackhouse also has experience at the K12 level as a middle grade educator and sports coach.

 

Before joining Highlander Nation, Stackhouse served as the director of student affairs at Florida State University-Panama City (FSUPC) which directly reported to the assistant vice president (AVP) of student affairs at the Tallahassee campus. Her department consisted of orientation, student activities, accessibility services, student Engagement, counseling services and student conduct. She worked collaboratively with her team and provided an active and engaging campus experience for the FSUPC community.

 

“I am elated for the opportunity to serve Gordon State College. I was attracted to GSC’s core values which focus on students, life-long learning, and collaboration. I find that these areas align with my own values and how I work with students, colleagues, and my team,” Stackhouse said.

 

During her tenure at FSUPC, Stackhouse played an integral role in revamping new student orientation, securing FSUPC’s associate membership in the Peach Belt Conference’s E-Sports League, and created new staff and student leadership positions on campus. She also served as an adjunct faculty member teaching the first-year introductory course.

 

Before heading to Florida, Stackhouse was the director of residential and campus life at Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW). She worked in the division of student engagement and success and supervised areas of student activities, Greek life and leadership, residential living, and recreation and wellness programs. While at GSW, she was awarded the GSW Athletics Hurricane Hero for Women’s Soccer (2020), the Oris Bryant, Jr. Staff Member of the Year Award (2019) and the Excellence in Advising for Outstanding Student Advisement (2018).

 

A native of Thomaston, Georgia, Stackhouse began her postsecondary education at Georgia Southern University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in sport management.

 

Stackhouse holds a Doctor of Education degree in curriculum studies as well as a Master of Education degree in higher education administration from Georgia Southern University. She also attained a Master of Business Administration degree from GSW.

 

Currently, Stackhouse serves on the Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice’s (JSARP) New Professional and Graduate Student (NPGS) Editorial Board. She also serves as a core content creator for NOBA. She is a member of several professional associations including NASPA, ACPA, NOBA, and NACA.

 

Stackhouse’s passion includes working with students and assisting them in the transition into higher education.

 

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 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 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.

PUBLIC INVITED TO GRAND OPENING U-L AG CENTER

 the grand opening of the Upson-Lee Agriculture Center, a beautiful 18,848 sq. ft. facility with a show arena and seating, animal holding pens, student project housing, restrooms, dressing rooms, and concessions. We hope you will be able to join us for this exciting event on May 19 at 10 AM! 

PIKE CO OFFICES CLOSING 5/12/23

 Pike County offices will be closing at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 12, 2023 in observance of Employee Appreciation Day. Offices will reopen for regular business hours on Monday, May 15, 2023

SHERIFF KILGORE LISTS CHARGES IN CHILD MOLESTATION CASE

 NEWS RELEASE

On May 1, 2023 Upson Sheriff’s Investigators arrested Daniel Alfred Peterson, 28, of 2260 Cook Street, Thomaston charging him with two counts of Aggravated Child Molestation. A report was made to the Sheriff’s Office on April 27, 2023 alleging these incidents occurred between November 2019 and November 2022. Through investigative efforts evidence was gathered to indicate Peterson committed these acts against two different victims under the age of sixteen. This investigation is active and ongoing. Peterson is held without bond in the Upson County Jail.

Dan Kilgore, Sheriff

May 2, 2023

 

D.A. MARIE BRODER ANNOUNCES GUILTY PLEA

 April 26, 2023

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On April 13, 2023, in Fayette County Superior Court, Christopher Anthony Smith pled guilty to Aggravated Child Molestation, Child Molestation, False Imprisonment, Aggravated Assault and Sexual Exploitation of Children in the Superior Court of Fayette County. The Honorable W. Fletcher Sams sentenced Smith to life imprisonment followed by 20 years of probation. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Warren Sellers.

Had the case gone to trial, the State was prepared to show that during September, October and early November of 2022, a mother and her 9-year-old daughter were living with the Defendant in Fayetteville, Fayette County, Georgia. On the morning of November 6, 2022, the mother came home from work to find the Defendant in bed with the 9-year-old child. Both were naked. The child was frightened. When the mother went to call 911, the Defendant became angry and took her phone away. She left the residence, and he went outside and forced her back inside. He then grabbed a knife and lunged toward her with it. She moved but received a puncture wound in the arm. Deputy Sheriffs of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office responded to the neighbor’s call. Upon their arrival, the mother begged them to help her, and her daughter, get away from the Defendant. The child then came to the door shaking in fear. Both

mother and her daughter exited the residence.

The Defendant grabbed a butcher knife and threatened law enforcement that if anyone came inside they would be killed. The Defendant then barricaded himself in the home. After several hours, law enforcement officers were able to remove the knife from the Defendant and take him into custody.

Detective Taweyla Wilson of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. She searched the Defendant’s phone pursuant to a search warrant and discovered images which revealed that on several different occasions the Defendant had forced the child to perform oral sex.

Sellers said the following about the case, “the sentence was appropriate considering the Defendant’s violent attack on the mother and the child, his threat of attack on law enforcement officers and the fact that the child will most likely suffer the negative effects of the Defendant’s abuse for the rest of her life.”

DA Broder also stated, “my offices will continue to aggressively pursue those that pray on innocent children. Their deplorable behavior will not be tolerated.

PIKE PIRATES MOVE ON IN THE STATE PLAYOFFS

 THE  PIKE  PIRATES  HAVE  ADVANCED  TO  THE  ELITE 8  IN  THE  STATE  HIGH  SCHOOL  BASEBALL  PLAYOFFS.  PIKE  ELIMINATED  CALVARY  DAY  OF  SAVANNAH  WINNING  A  DOUBLE-HEADER  SATURDAY  ON  FUN   101FM,  10  TO  3   and  4  to  1.   THE  PIRATES  PLAY  FRANKLIN  COUNTY  IN  A  DOUBLE-HEADER    SATURDAY  IN  ZEBULON  AT  12;15  ON  FUN 101.  A  THIRD  GAME  IF  NECESSARY  WOULD  BE  PLAYED  NEXT  MONDAY. PIK

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL TOWN HALL 5/2/23

 THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL  TOWN  HALL  MEETING  TODAY  AT   6PM  PRIOR  TO  THE  REGULAR  MEETING  AT  7--FOR  PUBLIC INPUT  INTO  GARBAGE/DEBRIS  COLLECTION  BY  GFL--A  CONTRACT  COSTING  CITY  HALL  OVER  ONE  MILLION  DOLLARS  ANNUALLY.  GFL  OFFICIALS  MET  WITH  THE  MAYOR  AND  COUNCIL  SEVERAL  MONTHS  AGO  AND  HINTED  THE  NEXT  CONTRACT  COULD  DOUBLE  AS  INFLATION  AND  OPERATION  COSTS  HAVE  INCREASED  BIG  TIME. A   GFL  OFFICIAL  SAID  THE  COMPANY  IS  ESSENTIALLY  PAYING  THE CITY  TO  COLLECT  ITS  GARBAGE--SO  UTILITY  CUSTOMERS  COULD  BE  PAYING MORE  IN  THE  FUTURE.

    UNDER  A  NEW  CONTRACT,    CITY  OFFICIALS  MENTIONED    RAISING  PRICES ,   DECREASING  THE  LEVEL  OF  SERVICE  PLUS  MANDATING  SUCH  SERVICES  AS  BAGGING  ALL  LEAVES.

Man and woman subjects of interest in Zebulon Road burglary

Monroe County deputies ask for the public's help identifying a person of interest in relation to a burglary on Zebulon Road.

Deputies said on April 17, between 7:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., a burglary occurred in the Zebulon Road area.

 

Surveillance caught footage of a man riding in a blue Honda Accord. He is described as a black male with shoulder-length locks and brown eyes. 

 

Deputies said a woman was driving the vehicle and both subjects are now persons of interest.

 

Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator Yalonda Mercer at (478) 994-7043.

Griffin Chief Of Police Placed On Administrative Leave

GRIFFIN CITY MANAGER’S STATEMENT

REGARDING POLICE CHIEF’S ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE OF ABSENCE

It is the City of Griffin’s strong preference not to comment publicly on personnel matters – particularly those that are ongoing. However, to avoid unfounded speculation and conjecture that could both cause or contribute to the spread misinformation throughout the community and result in unnecessary distraction or disruption to the administrative process, it has been determined that a limited statement at this time is in the best interests of all concerned.

As has previously been reported, Chief of Police Mike Yates was placed on a non-disciplinary, administrative leave of absence by the City Manager (April 28th) Friday afternoon. This action was taken in connection with the pending GBI investigation requested by District Attorney Marie Broder into the matter involving Sgt. D’Marquivius “DJ” King which – as also previously reported – led to Sgt. King’s placement on administrative leave in February. The City Manager wishes to emphasize that this action does not reflect any specific concerns relating to Chief Yates but was deemed prudent to avoid or minimize the possibility of any misunderstandings and to create an environment more conducive to the investigative process. At this point, the City intends to allow that process to run its course and does not anticipate commenting further on the matter unless or until any developments warrant.

GORDON STATE COLLEGE STUDENTS UPSON, PIKE, SPALDING ARE WINNERS

 BARNESVILLE, Ga. – On Friday, April 14, Gordon State College hosted its annual Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) in-person at the GSC Collaborative Learning Center in the Nursing, Health, and Natural Sciences (NAHS) building.

The annual symposium event invited the submission of scholarly papers in all disciplines. GSC student works of critical analysis, synthesis, evidence-based practice, original interpretation and primary research were eligible submission options. Chosen applicants presented their work in either a poster or podium presentation at a gathering of fellow students, faculty and family.

This year’s podium presentation winners included William Godat of Spalding County on his podium presentation titled, “Natural Parks in the Literature and Subconscious of the American Gilded and Progressive Ages,” and Riki Joiner-Rider of Upson County on her podium presentation titled, “Finding the Light.”

"I am incredibly honored to be one of the two winners of the 2023 Gordon State College Undergraduate Research Symposium. Everybody who presented research was amazing and I learned a lot from this experience,” Godat said. “My project was heavily influenced by my love of classic American literature and the American National Park System.”

Runners-up included Sarah Jones of Pike County on her podium presentation titled, “A Comparison of COVID-19 to the Spanish Flu Epidemic,” and Elizabeth R. Hill of Pike County on her podium presentation titled, “Return to Paradise: An Exploration of Eve as a Protagonist in British Literature

T-U BOE OPPOSED TO CHARTER SCHOOL

 TU BOE Opposes Charter School to Serve Upson & Bibb Counties

At the Tuesday, April 25, called meeting, the Thomaston-Upson Board of Education voted unanimously to deny the Charter School Application submitted by Utopian Academy for the Arts (UAFA): Macon-Bibb and to express their opposition to the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia (SCSC of GA). According to the charter application submitted by UAFA: Macon-Bibb, the school would be located in Upson County with proposed attendance zones to include Upson County and Bibb County. It would be an all-male, gender-based school environment serving young men in grades 6-8 and offering classes in the dramatic, media, and creative arts as a supplement to the core curriculum. According to the UAFA: Macon-Bibb charter application, the prospective address for the school is 100 McIntosh Parkway, Thomaston, GA.

The Thomaston-Upson School System’s denial of the request means that the decision to grant or deny a charter to Utopian Academy for the Arts: Macon-Bibb will be made by SCSC of GA. SCSC is Georgia’s state-level, independent charter school authorizing board, established in 2012 with the passage of HB 797. According to the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia’s website, SCSC “seeks to improve public education throughout the state by authorizing high-quality charter schools that provide students with better educational opportunities than they would otherwise receive in traditional district schools”. In the letter of opposition to be submitted to SCSC, Thomaston-Upson Schools bases its opposition to the charter school upon three crucial areas of concern: educational opportunities & academic evidence; community need & community support; and the unexplainable choices of physical location and attendance zones. The Thomaston-Upson School System writes in the letter, “It is our position that Utopian Academy for the Arts: Macon-Bibb would not provide Thomaston-Upson County students with ‘better educational opportunities’ than they currently receive at Upson-Lee Middle School.” The letter provides data and other information supporting this statement made by TU Schools.

(A copy of the letter of opposition is attached.)

Funding for state charter schools comes from the state. State charter school students earn Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula funding, like all Georgia public school students, and State Charter School Supplement funding.