TWO ROCK HILL VOL DISCHARGED FROM ATLANTA HOSPITAL

GREAT  NEWS--THE  TWO  ROCK  HILL  VOLUNTEER  FIRE FIGHTERS  IN  A  FIRE  ENGINE  WRECK  ALMOST  FIVE  MONTHS  AGO  HAVE  BEEN   DISCHARGED  FROM  THE  SHEPARD  SPINAL  CENTER  IN  ATLANTA .  TIM  GORDY  TOLD   101  NEWS  TRISTA  CHEEKS  IS NOW IN  NORTH  CAROLINA  WITH  HER  FAMILY  AND  HIS  SON  LOGAN  WAS  SCHEDULED  TO  BE  RELEASED  FRIDAY.  THE  COUPLE  WAS  TO  BE  MARRIED  IN  OCTOBER   BUT    SUFFERED  SERIOUS  INJURIES  WHEN  THE  FIRE  TRUCK  SPUN  OUT  OF  CONTROL  ENROUTE TO  A  CALL NEAR  THE  ROCK.

TIM  SAID  LOGAN  WILL  UNDERGO  THERAPY  TWICE  A  WEEK   AT  THEIR  HOME.

GSCS Communications Department Wins Five State Awards

 The Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) Communications Department was awarded five Gold Awards of Excellence and one Best in Category Award in the Georgia School Public Relations Association (GSPRA) Annual Publications, Photography and Electronic Media Contest.

The annual GSPRA contest acknowledges school public relations professionals who have demonstrated exceptional communication skills by producing outstanding publications, photography, and electronic media. Publications are judged on design, skill and meeting the overall PR goals and objectives.

A Gold Award of Excellence and Best in Category, which is the highest honor, was awarded in the newsletter/newspaper/magazine category for the district’s quarterly e-newsletter, The GSCS Community Communicator. The goal of the Community Communicator is to inform the community of timely information, highlight school and district accomplishments, recognize our students and staff and increase community engagement.

In the Videography/Electronic media category, The GSCS Exceptional Alumni Video Series was awarded gold. The video series highlighted and celebrated the diversity and successes of our Exceptional Alumni.

The 2022-23 GSCS Education Celebration was awarded a gold award in the category of Special Event. The Goal of the Education Celebration is to bring all 1500+ staff together for a high-energy, inspirational, motivational kick-off to the school year. The event included: recognition of the 2022-23 GSCS Teachers of the Year, naming the district’s Teacher of the Year and surprising her with a car to drive for the school year, recognizing the 2022 GSCS Classified Employees of the Year, a comedy show from Comedian and Educator J. Cornelius George and a remarkable keynote speaker, Rennie Curran who is a leadership coach, author and former award-winning NFL Linebacker. The event was a success and helped prepare staff for a great school year.

The newly launched GSCS website and the 2023-2024 GSCS District Calendar also received gold awards.

GSCS Superintendent Dr. Keith Simmons stated, " Winning five gold level state-wide awards plus one best in category is a dynamic accomplishment for our communications department. I am proud of them and those they collaborated with to prepare award-winning content to share with our community. I am pleased that GSPRA saw the value of the work being done here in Griffin-Spalding." 

The GSPRA contest was judged by the members of the North Carolina School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA). All winning entries were produced during the 2022-23 school year.

 The GSCS Communications Department was recognized at the Board of Education meeting on December 5.  Pictured (L-R): GSCS Superintendent Dr. Keith Simmons, Board Member Barbara Jo Cook, Board Member Zachery Holmes, GSCS Executive Director of Communications Adam Pugh, Board Chairman R. Syntel Brown, GSCS Digital Communication Specialist Laura Beaber, Board Vice Chair Will Doss, Board Member Sue McDonald & GSCS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Donald Warren

Gordon State College Names New Executive Director of Advancement

BARNESVILLE, Ga., (Dec. 8, 2023) –Gordon State College names Natalie W. Rischbieter as Executive Director of Advancement where she returns to the Highlander community having previously served as Alumni Affairs and Annual Fund Administrator from 2011 to 2014.

In her new role, she will serve as the institution’s lead advancement officer, overseeing friend-and-fundraising initiatives, alumni programming, and constituent relations.

“We are excited to have Natalie return to Gordon State. Her experience in advancement and relationships in our community will serve the College well,” said GSC President, Donald J. Green.

Rischbieter currently holds the position of director of alumni relations and annual giving at Middle Georgia State University (MGSU). In this role, she acts as liaison between MGSU’s five campuses and over 43,000 alumni and community leaders. With an extensive career spanning two decades, Rischbieter has held positions in sales, advertising and advancement that built expertise in strategic marketing and communications, donor cultivation, and community engagement.

"I am extremely humbled and excited to take on this important role for Gordon State College,” Rischbieter said. “It's a bit like coming home, as I reside in Barnesville and started my Advancement career at Gordon State 13 years ago. I am looking forward to working with President Green, faculty, staff, alumni and donors to continue the good work that has already been started."

A native of Pensacola, Florida, Rischbieter holds a Bachelor of Science in social services and social work from Troy University and completed fundraising coursework through Indiana University, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She is a member of the Georgia Education Advancement Council (GEAC) and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). She is also active in her local community, a 2012 graduate of Leadership Lamar, and is a Paul Harris Fellow of Macon North Rotary.

Rischbieter will assume her new position on Jan. 2, 2024.

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 16 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 with 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.

BAD WRECK INVOLVING A FIRE TRUCK IN GRIFFIN

Spalding County Fire Department's Engine four was dispatched to a call regarding a motor vehicle collision on Hwy 19/41 South Bound, just North of Birdie Rd. While firefighters were assisting WellStar EMS at the scene, a commercial bucket truck collided with the rear of Engine 4, causing significant damage to the back of the vehicle.

 

During the incident, none of the Spalding County Fire Department members were inside the truck, and none of the responding firefighters sustained injuries. However, the driver of the commercial truck became trapped and required extrication. After the successful rescue operation, the individual was transported to a hospital in the Atlanta Area for further medical attention.

SPALDING SO DONATES TO LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

 Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Makes Donation to Local Organizations On November 29th, the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office had the opportunity to give back to our community with donations to several groups. This year’s local recipients were The Divine Women of Faith, Christian Women’s Center, Griffin Men of Action, Griffin Waypoint, Impact Racing Ministries, Rushton’s Hope, Urban Outreach Association, Men of Standards, Manna From Above, The Quez Foundation, Camelot Theater, Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes, and the Spalding County Jr. Deputy Program. According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, “Each year we use the proceeds from our annual Sheriff Darrell Dix Golf Tournament held at the Sun City Peachtree Golf Course to not just help the Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes(georgiasheriffsyouth.org) and Spalding County Jr. Deputy Program (spaldingjrdeputyprogram.weebly.com),but support multiple local 501 (C)3 organizations that work with the youth, veterans, domestic violence victims, and the arts, in our community. The funds raised also help us with our annual Santa Sheriff event and various community outreach efforts held throughout the year.” “We are blessed with the fact that the citizens of Spalding County and the City of Griffin show an incredible amount of appreciation and support for us not just with monetary donations, but with friendly greetings, handshakes, thank yous, prayers, and all kinds of small gestures that in this day and age make a huge difference to those in our profession. Because of that continued support it has been a part of our mission to prioritize giving back as much as we can. Including this year’s recipients, our 6-year total of giving back to our community has reached $226,819.00. Our ability to do this is made possible because of the huge hearts, support, and caring this community has continued to demonstrate. Thank you to all of our donors, helpers, our community, and Sheriff’s Office employees who support us and work tirelessly on these projects.” See Attached - Photo 1: Kay Perdue and Capt. Frank Clark receive a donation from Sheriff Darrell Dix for the Spalding County Jr. Deputy Program. Photo 2: Capt. Frank Clark receives a donation from Sheriff Darrell Dix for the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Program. Photo 3: Sheriff Darrell Dix with representatives from 501(C)3 organizations who received Spalding County Sheriff’s Office donations.

SANTA COMING TO THOMASTON SATURDAY

 SANTA  CLAUS  WILL  BE  ARRIVING  ON  A  FIRE  TRUCK   AT  CHRISTMAS  LANE/R.  STREET   IN  THE  CITY  OF  THOMASTON  AT  6PM  SATURDAY.  BRING  YOUR  CAMERA  IF  YOU  WANT  PHOTOS.  THE  CHRISTMAS LANE  MARKET   HAS  BEEN  CANCELLED.  

TUAC CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

 TUAC  PRESENTS  THE  SOUNDS  OF  THE  SEASON  CHRISTMAS  SPECTACULAR  MONDAY,  DECEMBER  4TH  AT  7PM  AT  THE  U-L  FINE  ARTS  CENTER.

THOMASTON MAN ARRESTED FOR MURDER

A  THOMASTON   MAN  HAS  BEEN  ARRESTED  FOR  MURDER  AND  ARMED  ROBBERY  AT  THE  PLEEZING  FOOD  STORE  ON  HIGHWAY   80  IN  CRAWFORD  COUNTY.  UPSON  COUNTY  DEPUTIES  FOUND  THE  SUSPECT,  22-YEAR  OLD  RYAN  LEE  TEAL  OF  THOMASTON  WALKING  ON  HIGHWAY   80  TUESDAY  NIGHT  AND  TOOK  HIM  INTO  CUSTODY. 

THE    STORE CLERK  ,  40-YEAR  OLD  PRISHANDA  GEMISHA  COLBERT  WAS  FOUND  OUTSIDE  THE  STORE  AROUND  5;45PM  MONDAY.  THE  BODY WAS  SENT  TO  THE  STATE  CRIME  LAB   TO  DETERMINE  CAUSE OF  DEATH.

JOINT STATEMENT FROM CAMP AND KNIGHT ON NEW DISTRICT MAP

 Statements from Reps. Beth Camp and David Knight on Proposed Remedial House Districts and Map

 

ATLANTA – State Representatives Beth Camp (R-Concord) and David Knight (R-Griffin) today released the following joint statement:

 

“The chairman of the Georgia House Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee released a proposed House map today in accordance with a federal judge’s court order requiring the legislature to draw a remedial map with five additional majority minority districts. While we do not agree with the ruling and an appeal to a high court has been filed, the Georgia General Assembly must take action to comply with the deadline to complete the maps or the maps will be drawn by the court. As a result of complying with the order, a new District 135 has been created, pairing Representatives Beth Camp and David Knight as incumbents for the 2024 election cycle. Both representatives are committed to representing their constituents at the highest level possible and look forward to the upcoming 2024 session.” 

 

“I have the utmost respect for Representative Knight and appreciate our working relationship,” added Rep. Camp. “This is an unfortunate situation, but I have faith that the best interests of all citizens of Lamar, Pike and Spalding will be served. It is my honor to represent my constituents.”

 

“I am saddened by the outcome of the new map which places me, along with my friend and trusted colleague Representative Beth Camp, together in the new District 135,” added Rep. Knight. “No matter the future outcome of elections, I know the constituents of Spalding, Pike, and Lamar will be well represented.”

 

Representative Beth Camp represents the citizens of District 135, which includes portions of Lamar, Pike and Upson counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 and currently serves as Chairman of the Intragovernmental Coordination Committee. She also serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Juvenile Justice, State Planning & Community Affairs and Ways & Means committees.

 

Representative David Knight represents the citizens of District 134, which includes portions of Lamar, Monroe and Spalding counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2004 and currently serves as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education. He also serves on the Banks & Banking, Game, Fish & Parks, Health, Higher Education, Rules, Small Business Development and Ways & Means committees.

 

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CAMP LOSES UPSON IN NEW HOUSE MAP

 THE  SPECIAL  SESSION  OF  THE  GA.  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY  OPENED  WEDNESDAY     AND  A    PROPOSED  REDRAWN  HOUSE  MAP  DROPS  UPSON  COUNTY  FROM  THE  DISTRICT  OF  REPRESENTATIVE  BETH  CAMP  AND  PUTS  HER  IN  THE  SAME   DISTRICT  WITH  DAVID  KNIGHT  OF  GRIFFIN--A  NEW  DISTRICT  135   OF  LAMAR,  PIKE,  AND  SPALDING  COUNTY.  IN  A   JOINT   PRESS  RELEASE  FROM  BOTH    REPUBLICAN   REPRESENTATIVES  --THEY  INDICATE  DISMAY  WITH  THE  NEW  DISTRICT  BUT  THEY  PLAN  TO  RUN  AGAINST  EACH  OTHER  IN  THE  MAY  2024  PRIMARY.

PEDESTRIAN FATALITY IN UPSON

 A  PEDESTRIAN  FATALITY  IN  UPSON  COUNTY  BEFORE  DAYLIGHT  MONDAY  JEFF  DAVIS  ROAD  NEAR  SANDERS  STREET.  UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  SAID  A   49  YEAR  OLD  INDIAN  NATIONAL  WHO  HAD  ONLY  BEEN  IN   THE  U.S  FOR  A  FEW  DAYS  WAS  THE  VICTIM.  HE  WAS  WALKING  IN  THE  ROAD WITH  A  COMPANION  AND  WAS    WEARING  DARK  CLOTHING    WITH  HIS  BACK  TO  TRAFFIC  WHEN  HE  WAS  STRUCK  BY  A  SMALL  SUV  AND  WAS  DECEASED  AT  THE  SCENE.  DEPUTIES TURNED  THE  ACCIDENT  INVESTIGATION  OVER  TO  THE  GA.  STATE  PATROL.  

LAMAR CO CJ ALLEN FROSH OF WEEK--AGAIN

 FOR  THE   2ND  TIME  THIS  SEASON  LAMAR  COUNTY'S C.J. ALLEN  HAS  BEEN  NAMED  SEC  FRESHMAN  OF  THE  WEEK  FOR  HIS PLAY  AGAINST  GA.  TECH.  HE  RECEIVED  THE  HONOR  THE  FIRST  TIME  IN  THE  OLE  MISS  WIN.  IN  THE   TECH  GAME  C.J.  RECORDED  3  SOLO  TACKLES  AND  5  ASSIST  TACKLES.LAMAR'S  CJ  ALL

Murder Suspect Shot After Returning To Scene of The Crime

Dustin Allen Phillips

A nearly 24-hour manhunt in Coweta County has come to an end after deputies say the suspect they were looking for returned to the scene of the original crime.

Deputies say Dustin Allen Phillips, who was wanted for killing a woman at 150 Halo Trace on Tuesday, came back to the house late Wednesday night.

Moments after deputies arrived, the Coweta County Sheriff's Office says Phillips shot at them. They returned fire.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured in the shooting.

Officials say Phillips had an active warrant out for his arrest for felony murder. 

Venessa Phillips

Family members have identified the murder victim as Venessa Phillips.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said a full report on what happened would be released on Thursday.

FUN 101 TO AIR FLINT RIVER ACADEMY STATE TITLE GAME

 THE  UNDEFEATED  FLINT  RIVER  ACADEMY  WILDCATS   HAVE   MADE  THE  FINALS  OF  THE PLAY-OFFS      AND  FUN  101 FM  IS  MAKING PLANS  TO  AIR  THE      THOMASTON-BASED  GIAA   STATE  CHAMPIONSHIP  GAME    BETWEEN  FLINT  RIVER  AND  ROBERT  TOOMBS  CHRISTIAN  ACADEMY  OF LYONS, GA.  FRIDAY  DECEMBER  IST.

THE   STATE  TITLE  GAME  WILL  BE  PLAYED  AT   THE  MERCER  UNIVERSITY  FOOTBALL STADIUM  IN  MACON  WITH  A   2PM  KICK-OFF.  AIR  TIME  ON  FUN   101  WILL  BE  1 O'CLOCK.

Thomaston Man One of Four Georgia men arrested on exploitation charges by GBI

Over the past month, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes (CEACC) Unit has arrested four men from Georgia counties on exploitation charges, according to agency releases.

 

The first arrest took place on October 23, 2023, following an investigation into the online activity of a 37-year-old man as part of Operation Sneaky Peach. The suspect, Windford Griffin, initially lived in Thomaston, Upson County, but later relocated to Hinesville in Liberty County during the investigation. After a search warrant was executed at Griffin's home, he was arrested on ten counts of sexual exploitation of children and booked into the Liberty County Jail before being transported to the Upson County Jail.

 

Operation Sneaky Peach is a statewide, multi-jurisdictional operation targeting users involved in the possession and trading of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

 

On November 3, 18-year-old Marquavius Curtis was arrested by the United States Army Criminal Investigative Division at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, after the GBI CEACC issued warrants for him on two counts of sexual exploitation of children. An investigation into Curtis' online activity was initiated following a Cyber Tipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

 

Gerald Glen Fleming, a 74-year-old Oconee man, faces ten counts of charges after investigators found evidence of his possession and distribution of sexual abuse material during a search of his home. The investigation, prompted by a Cyber Tipline Report from the NCMEC, led to the search of Fleming's Oconee home on November 7.

 

Simultaneously, in Banks County, 22-year-old Damion Jackson McCluskey was charged and arrested on November 7 by the CEACC after a tip from the NCMEC. An investigation into McCluskey's online activity resulted in the discovery of evidence confirming his possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.

 

All investigations are part of the ongoing effort by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, housed within the GBI’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit, to identify those involved in the trade of child sexual abuse material.

 

Several agencies, including the U.S. Army CID, Newton County Sheriff’s Office, Oconee Sheriff’s Office, Banks County Sheriff’s Office, Upson County Sheriff’s Office, Thomaston Police Department, and Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, assisted with each arrest and search.

McCluskey, Fleming, and Griffin Not pictured: CurtisPhoto byBanks County Sheriff's Office, Oconee Sheriff's Office and Liberty County Sheriff's Office

DEDICATION ANNOUNCED FOR HERITAGE MEMORIAL AT GGMP

 On Friday, December 1st, the City of Thomaston will hold a dedication for an event almost 20 years in the making. The Greatest Generation Heritage Memorial – namesake for the Greatest Generation Memorial Park – will be presented to the public. The event will begin at 11AM. All are welcome to attend. Back in 2004, City of Thomaston Mayor, Hays Arnold, began discussions for a community park to be constructed on the site of the former B.F. Goodrich property, along Highway 19. The park was to be dedicated to the men, women, and children who grew up in the Depression and weathered the many challenges brought on by the Second World War – our Greatest Generation, aptly named in Tom Brokaw’s 1998 book. The groundbreaking for the park was underway in August, 2009. A grand opening ceremony was held a year later in November, 2010. Park planning committee members like Mr. Albert Edmonson, a member of the Greatest Generation who was both a World War II Veteran and textile employee for the Martha Mills, was able to see years of careful planning finally come to fruition. With the park open, the committee knew a fitting tribute for the Greatest Generation would still need to be planned. On the day of groundbreaking, August 21, 2009, Mayor Arnold ardently spoke of the next phase for the park – the most important – The Memorial. “This phase will serve as a perpetual memorial to honor all our veterans, but especially those who fought on foreign shores in order that America could remain the bastion of hope for the entire free world. This Memorial phase will also serve as a memorial to honor our textile employees, without whom there would be no Thomaston as we know it. We would have remained mainly agrarian and a mule trading center. We certainly would not have appreciated the prosperity we have enjoyed as a result of Thomaston Mills setting the stage for industrial growth in our community.” Planning for this Memorial took shape when WLA Studio, a Landscape Architectural firm based in Athens, GA, was hired in September, 2020. Instead of planning a singular monument, the firm, led by Principal Landscape Architect Dale Jaeger, designed a Memorial Plaza filled with symbolic elements which honor Thomaston’s past as well as an interpretive exhibit which will feature historical narrative and photographs to remember the efforts of the local military and textile workforce. The memorial plaza is a celebration in local history. Symbolic features honor the story of our community as they endured the Second World War. Ornamental Peppermint Stick Peach trees link to the area’s past as peach orchards once occupied the present park grounds. The American Yellowwood trees are emblems reminiscent of families tying a yellow ribbon around an oak tree during times of war. The Chestnut Oak trees are large deciduous trees. These hardwood trees provide seating areas within the plaza with much needed shade in the summer. The block and linear benches feature art deco motifs, cast from architectural remnants which were rescued from the former Martha Mills. Four of the original artifacts are featured within the interpretive exhibit. The plaza serves as a haven for those seeking a quiet interlude to pause, reflect, and remember the sacrifices and great mettle of our Greatest Generation. There are many who made this Memorial possible. The City of Thomaston and Public Works Department were instrumental in their efforts to fund and build the plaza. Community Enterprises, Inc. has remained a strong supporter for the park, continuing with the Memorial, through a number of donations over the years. Special thanks also go to the Greatest Generation Memorial Park Planning Committee, WLA Studio, and the Thomaston-Upson Archives for assisting with historical narrative and photographs which will be displayed within the interpretive exhibit. The Greatest Generation Heritage Memorial will stand as a lasting tribute to the 3,000 locals who served in the armed forces during World War II, the thousands of textile employees of Thomaston Mills and Martha Mills who supplied the nation with desperately needed material in the form of tire cord and others, and every citizen who rationed, grew victory gardens, and sacrificed so our great country could help secure the Allied Victory in one of the most defining periods of history. Again, the dedication will be held at 11AM on Friday, December 1st at the Greatest Generation Memorial Park. Highway 19 at Goodrich Ave. in Thomaston.