MAURICE RAINES FOR UPSON BOC CHAIR?

 EX-COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  MAURICE  RAINES   TOLD   101  NEWS  WEDNESDAY  MORNING  HE  HAS  RECEIVED  PHONE  CALLS,  EMAILS  AND  TEXTS  URGING  HIM  TO  RUN  AGAIN  FOR  CHAIRMAN  AND  HE  WILL  HAVE  AN  ANNOUNCEMENT  SOON  ON  HIS  INTENTIONS.  HE  SERVED  AS  CHAIRMAN  FROM  2009  TO 2012.     CAPTAIN   RAINES   OF  THE  GA.  STATE PATROL   IS  CURRENTLY  DEPUTY    DIRECTOR    OF  THE  GOVERNOR'S  OFFICE OF  HIGHWAY  SAFETY.

SPECIAL ELECTION FOR UPSON BOC CHAIR

VICE-CHAIR  CHRIS  BIGGS  WILL  APPARENTLY   WILL   PRESIDE    UNTIL  MARCH  2027  WHEN  A  SPECIAL  ELECTION  CAN  BE  HELD  FOR  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN.   COUNTY  ATTORNEY  HEATH ENGLISH  ADVISED  ITS  TOO  LATE  TO  GET  THE  POSITION   ON  THE  NOVEMBER  BALLOT. CHAIRMAN BRUE  HAS  REPORTEDLY  TURNED-IN   ALL  HIS  COUNTY  PROPERTY  AND  REPORTED  FOR  DUTY  AT     HOME  DEPOT.

JAMES  ELLINGTON,  2ND  DISTRICT  COMMISSIONER   TOLD   101  NEWS  AFTER  WEDNESDAY'S   PUBLIC   HEARING  ON  THE  TAX  MILLAGE  RATE,  HE  IS   CONSIDERING  THE  RACE   FOR  CHAIRMAN.  THE  PUBLIC   WAS  A   NO  SHOW  AT  THE  8;30AM  PUBLIC  HEARING  AND  VICE-CHAIR  CHRIS  BIGGS   PRESIDED.

UPSON BOC CHAIR BRUE TO RESIGN

 IT  HAD  BEEN  RUMORED  FOR  SOME  TIME--BUT   UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN  DAN  BRUE  ANNOUNCED  AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING  HE   HAS  SENT  A   LETTER  TO  GOVERNOR  BRIAN  KEMP  INDICATING  HE  WILL  RESIGN   AT  THE  END  OF  THE  MONTH.  WITHOUT  MENTIONING  HOME  DEPOT  BY  NAME  THE  CHAIRMAN  INDICATED  HE  HAS  A  GREAT  OPPORUNITY  IN  FRONT  OF  HIM,  ONE  HE   PASSED  OVER  ONCE  BEFORE,  AND  WITH  FAMILY  CONSIDERATIONS  HE  SHOULD  ACCEPT  IT  AT  THIS  TIME.  THE  CHAIRMAN  WORKS  AT  ONE   OF  HOME  DEPOTS  FACILILTIES IN HENRY  COUNTY .

UPSON BOC PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX MILLAGE

 THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  WILL  CONDUCT  A  PUBLIC  HEARING  ON  THE  2026  TAX MILLAGE  RATE  AT  8;30AM   AND  5PM WEDNESDAY   AUGUST  26  AT  THE  GOVERNMENT  COMPLEX. THE  COMMISSIONERS    HAVE  PROPOSED  A  SLIGHT  TAX  MILLAGE  RATE  INCREASE  DUE  TO  HEALTH  INSURANCE  AND  EMPLOYEE PAYROLL  EXPENSES.

THOMASTON-UPSON BOE PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX MILLAGE

 THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  BOARD OF  EDUCATION  WILL  HOLD  TWO  PUBLIC  HEARINGS    ON  THE  2026  TAX MILLAGE  RATE  TUESDAY,  AUGUST 26TH  AT  7;30AM  AND  6PM.   THE  BOE  HAS  SET  A  TENATIVE  TWO-MILL   TAX   INCREASE  IN  ORDER  TO  BALANCE  THE  BUDGET.    ONE  CITIZEN COMPLAINED  THAT   THE   7;30AM  PUBLIC  HEARING  IS  TOO  EARLY  BECAUSE IT  CONFLICTS  WITH  TRAFFIC  AT  THE  MIDDLE  SCHOOL

UPSON CO REPUBLICAN PARTY MEETING

 When: Thursday, August 27, 2026, 6:00 pm

Where:  Upson GOP meeting room at 103 S. Hightower Street

Guest Speaker: A Representative from the Rick Jackson for Governor Campaign.

If you or your organization would like to speak at one of the Upson County Republican Party meetings, you may contact us at upsonrepublicans@gmail.com or through our FACEBOOK page: Upson County Republican Party.

8/14/26 WHEELCHAIR ACCIDENT IN THOMASTON

 POST  26  GA.  STATE  PATROL  HAS  RELEASED  THE  ACCIDENT  REPORT  AUGUST 14TH AFTER  A  VEHICLE  STRUCK  A  64  YEAR OLD  MAN  IN  A  MOTORIZED  WHEEL  CHAIR    AT  NORTH  CENTER  AND  DAVIS-THOMASTON     AND  THE  VICTIM--JOHN MELENDEZ   OF  WOODLAND  ROAD  WAS  LIFE-FLIGHTED  TO  AN  OUT  OF  TOWN  TRAUMA  CENTER.

THE  MOTORIST- CANDACE  STREETMAN  OF BROOKFOREST  DR. TOLD  THE  GSP  SHE DIDN'T  SEE  THE  MAN  WHO   FAILED  TO  YIELD  AND  SHE  TRIED  TO  AVOID HITTING  HIM.

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL 8/18/26

 AT  THE  AUGUST  18TH  MEETING  THE  THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL  APPROVED  $135,000   SPLOST  PROJECT   FOR  A  DEMO   CAMERA  SYSTEM  FOR  WATER  LINES  NEEDED  TO  LOCATE  ROOTS  AND OTHER    OBSTRUCTIONS.

APPROVED  $11,300  SPLOST PROJECT    FOR  AUDIO  EQUIPMENT  WITH  COUNTY GOVERNMENT  FOR  THE  MEETING  CHAMBER  IN  THE  GOVERNMENT  COMPLEX.  APPROVED  A   MORATORIUM  ON   MEDICAL   MARIJUANA  SHOPS  UNTIL  ZONING  IS  ESTABLISHED,  DONATE  A  SLIVER OF  LAND  ON  HANNAH'S  MILL  ROAD  RIGHT OF  WAY   TO  G-DOT  FOR  NEW  CREEK  BRIDGE  AND  APPROVED  PLAT  AT 327 &  331  NORTH  BETHEL  TO   A-JOIN   LOTS  FOR  HOUSING.

CITY OF THOMASTON / COUNTY OF UPSON JOINT MEETING

 AT  TUESDAY'S   JOINT  MEETING  OF  THE  THOMASTON  MAYOR  COUNCIL/UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  THE  BOARDS  SEEMED  TO  APPROVE OF       A  SUGGESTION  BY  COMMISSIONER  JAMES  ELLINGTON  TO  APPOINT  A   COMMITTEE   OF CITY  AND  COUNTY  OFFICIALS  TO EVALUATE  JOINT  FACILITIES  AT  THE  CITY-COUNTY  GOVERNMENT  COMPLEX. CITY  MANAGER  RUSSELL  THOMPSON    POINTED  TO  THE  LEE  AUDITORIUM'S  LIMITED  USE  AS   A  TUAC  VENUE  AND  SUGGESTED  IT  HAVE  OTHER  ROLES. CITY  COUNCILMAN JEFF  MIDDLEBROOKS  WAS  QUICK  TO  RESPOND  THAT    ALL  THE  CONFEDERACY   ARTIFACTS   NEED  TO  BE  REMOVED  IF   ITS  OPEN  TO  EVERYONE.

CITY  MANAGER  THOMPSON  SUGGESTED  SOME-TYPE  OF  CABINETY  THAT  COULD  BE  PLACED  OVER  THE  TWO  CONFEDERATE  PORTRAITS  TO  COVER  THEM  IN  CASE OF    EVENTS SUCH  AS  CLASS  REUNIONS AND  SUCH. 

ARCHIVES  ROOF  REPAIRS  WAS   DISCUSSED  BY  COUNTY  MANAGER  LONNIE JOYCE  WHO  SAID BIDS  WILL  BE  SOUGHT  TO  USE  FIBERGLASS  SINGLES  THE  LOWER  COST OPTION.

EDWARD SEARCY TOPS KIWANIS IN GA.

 PASTOR  ED  SEARCY  OF  THOMASTON  KIWANIS  WAS  INDUCTED  AS  GOVERNOR-ELECT  OF   THE  GA.  DISTRICT  AT  THE  ANNUAL  STATE  CONVENTION  IN  PEACHTREE  CITY SATURDAY.   ED  WILL  OFFICIALY  TAKE  OFFICE  OCT.  IST  AND  SERVE  IN  THE  STATE'S  HIGHEST  KIWANIS  OFFICE  FOR  THE  NEXT   YEAR.

HONOR FOR U-L MIDDLE SCHOOL

 Upson-Lee Middle School Named a 2026

AMLE School of Distinction

August 17, 2026

Upson-Lee Middle School has been named a 2026 School of Distinction by the Association for

Middle Level Education (AMLE), earning national recognition for its commitment to excellence in

middle grades education and continuous school improvement.

Upson-Lee Middle School is one of just 39 schools recognized worldwide as a 2026 AMLE

School of Distinction. The honorees include schools from across the United States as well as

Canada and Israel.

The recognition is especially significant for Upson-Lee Middle School, which was previously

named an AMLE School of Distinction in 2022. AMLE recognition is awarded on a four-year

cycle, requiring schools to reapply to maintain their School of Distinction status and demonstrate

an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.

"This recognition is a tremendous honor for Upson-Lee Middle School and reflects the hard

work taking place throughout the school each day," said ULMS Principal Rhonda Gulley. "Our

teachers and staff are committed to creating an environment where our students feel supported,

challenged, and connected. Being recognized again as an AMLE School of Distinction validates

that commitment and the work of our entire school community."

The AMLE Schools of Distinction program is both a recognition and continuous improvement

initiative for schools serving students ages 10–15. The program recognizes schools committed

to the middle grades best practices outlined in AMLE's foundational text, The Successful Middle

School: This We Believe. Schools also participate in self-assessment and strategic

vision-setting designed to support continued growth and success.

According to AMLE, schools are selected through a rigorous review process focused on the

characteristics of successful middle grades schools and their commitment to continuous

improvement. As part of the 2026 selection process, schools demonstrated excellence in

implementing middle grades best practices and continuous improvement plans, with the

evaluation supported by stakeholder interviews involving staff, students, and families.

"The 2026 Schools of Distinction once again remind us that great middle schools do not happen

by accident, they are built through intentional practices, strong leadership, and a deep

understanding of young adolescents," said Chris Woodside, AMLE CEO, in announcing this

year's recipients. "These 39 schools are leading the wa

COOLING CENTERS IN GRIFFN

 COOLING  CENTERS  FOR  GRIFFIN/SPALDING  COUNTY.  FAIRMONT  COMMUNITY  CENTER-BLANTON  ST.  CITY PARK  COMMUNITY  CENTER,  FLINT  RIVER  REGIONAL  LIBRARY.

FUN 101 FM HAS THE FOOTBALL OPENERS FOR GT AND UGA

  FUN  101FM KICKS  OFF  THE  COLLEGE  FOOTBALL  SEASON  THURSDAY  NIGHT  SEPTEMBER 3  WITH  GA.  TECH  AND  COLORADO. AIR  TIME   6PM  WITH  AN  8PM  KICK AT  THE   BOBBY  DODD IN  ATLANTA.

THE  GA.  BULLDOGS  OPEN  WITH  TENNESSE  STATE  SATURDAY,  SEPTEMBER  5  IN  ATHENS  ,  A  3;15PM  KICK, 11AM  AIR  TIME  ON  FUN 101 FM.  REMEMBER  THE  RADIO  BROADCAST IS  REAL  TIME,  THE  TV  BROADCAST  IS  A  REPLAY  OF  THE PLAY  THAT HAS  ALREADY  HAPPENED.    

PUBLIC SPEAKS TO UPSON BOC

 TWO  CITIZENS  SPOKE  TO  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  DURING  THE  AUGUST 11TH  REGULAR  MEETING--MIKE  BIRDSONG  OF  JOHN  B.  GORDON  ROAD SPUR  AND  WILLIAM  RUSSELL  OF JO  ANN  DRIVE. BIRDSONG  REQUESTED  SPEED  BUMPS  FOR  HIS  SMALL  ROAD  BECAUSE OF  SPEEDING  TRAFFIC.   RUSSELL  WANTED  THE  COMMISSIONERS  TO  DO  SOMETHING  ABOUT  DAMAGE  TO  HIS PRIVATE  PROPERTY  BY  A  FLORIDA  COMPANY  PARKING HEAVY DIESEL  TRUCKS  ON  HIS   LAND   TO  LAY  INTERNET  CABLE.  RUSSELL    SAID    HE  RUNS  AN   ORGANIC   MEAT, FRUIT AND  VEGEABLE  GROWING, SELLING   AND  TEACHING  OPERATION WITH  THOUSANDS  OF  PUPILS  ON  TIC  TOK.  HE  ESTIMATES  THE  BIG  TRUCKS  DID  DAMAGE  TO HIS  SOIL  TOTALING OVER  $10,000.

AS POLICY  THE  COMMISSIONERS  DO  NOT  RESPOND  TO  PUBLIC  COMMENTS.

UPSET MAN WITH A GUN IN GRIFFIN

 A   DISTRAUGHT  MAN  WITH  A  GUN  WAS  TRANSPORTED  TO  THE  E.R.  IN  GRIFFIN   WEDNESDAY   AFTER   HE  WAS  IN  THE PARKING LOT  OF  BRIGHTMOOR  HEALTH  CARE  CENTER   ON  HIGHWAY   16--WITH  A  GUN  IN HIS  HAND THREATENING  SUICIDE .  SPALDING  SO  SAID  NO   ONE  WAS  INJURED  BUT  THE  MAN  AND  HIS  COMPANION  WERE   INVOLVED   IN  A  DOMESTIC  QUARREL  AND  THE  WOMAN  PULLED  INTO  THE  PARKING  LOT  TO  DEFUSE  THE  SITUATION.  THE  BRIGHTMOOR   FACILITY   WAS  SECURED ONCE  NOTIFIED OF  THE  SITUATION. 

DR. JEFF KELLY APPOINTED DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT T-U SCHOOLS

 Thomaston-Upson County Board of Education Appoints Dr. Walton Jeffrey

“Jeff” Kelly as Deputy Superintendent

The Thomaston-Upson County Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Dr.

Walton Jeffrey “Jeff” Kelly as Deputy Superintendent during its meeting on Tuesday evening. The

appointment was made upon the recommendation of Superintendent Dr. Tret Witherspoon.

A lifelong resident of Upson County, Dr. Kelly brings more than two decades of experience in

Georgia public education and a proven record of leadership, service, and dedication to student

success.

Dr. Kelly has served as Executive Director of Human Resources & Safety for Thomaston-Upson

County Schools, where he has provided districtwide leadership in personnel management, school

safety, compliance, strategic planning, and organizational effectiveness. Throughout his tenure, he

has worked closely with district and school leaders to strengthen operations, support employees,

and create safe, high-quality learning environments for students.

"I am deeply honored and humbled by the confidence that Dr. Witherspoon and the Board of

Education have placed in me," said Dr. Kelly. "Thomaston-Upson County Schools has always been

home, and it is a privilege to continue serving the community that has invested so much in me. I

look forward to working alongside our Board, Dr. Witherspoon, our dedicated employees, students,

families, and community partners as we continue building upon the great work already taking place

across our district."

Dr. Kelly's career reflects a progression of leadership roles, including teacher, instructional coach,

assistant principal, district administrator, and executive leadership. His broad experience provides

him with a comprehensive understanding of instructional leadership, school operations, personnel

management, and strategic district planning.

Prior to serving as Executive Director of Human Resources & Safety, Dr. Kelly served as Director of

Federal Programs & Safety and as an assistant principal at multiple middle schools, where he

focused on instructional improvement, student achievement, school climate, and leadership

development. He has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of West Georgia, helping

prepare future educational leaders.

Dr. Kelly holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership, along with advanced

degrees in educational leadership and middle grades education. His professional accomplishments

include being named National Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year and Georgia Assistant

Principal of the Year, honors that reflect his commitment to excellence and servant leadership.

Dr. Kelly and his wife, Amy Adams Kelly, have been married for 27 years and are the proud parents

of two children, Trey and Kate. His lifelong connection to Thomaston-Upson County continues to

shape his passion for serving the students, staff, and families of the community he proudly calls

home.

Dr. Kelly is an active member of Northridge Church, where he serves as a deacon and guitarist on

the worship team. He is also actively involved in the community through service on the Gordon

State College Educational Advisory Council and the Thomaston Hospice Foundation Board. His

leadership is rooted in a commitment to service, collaboration, and building strong relationships

that benefit students and the broader communit