EMS Call Turns Into Fire Response

The residence of Joseph Hammonds at 58 Windsweep Farm Road was extensively damaged by a fire Wednesday afternoon.

Upson EMS and first responders were treating the 86 year old Hammonds for an injury sustained from falling off a tractor when they became aware of the fire.

The Rock Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Yatesville VFD, Thurston VFD and off duty members of the Thomaston Fire Department responded to the fire and kept it from spreading to the entire structure. The fire apparently started in a storage room under the carport where the hot water heater was located.

A 2000 Buick Century was heavily damaged when it also caught fire.

Hammonds was transported to the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon by EMS as a result of his injury.

For more pictures click HERE.

Three Arrested For Forgery

The Upson County Sheriff’s Department has arrested Lindsey Kaye Moreau, 30, of 75 McGrath Street and Jack Daniel Phillips, 19, of 106 Griffin Avenue charging each with two counts of forgery in the first degree. Joseph Brandon Curry, 27, of 48 Ridgecrest Drive is charged with three counts of forgery in the first degree.

The case is a result of forged checks being passed at The Bank of Upson.

New Law Effective July 1st

Georgia’s new child seat belt law will become effective on Friday, July 1st, all children must remain in a booster seat up to age 8, except as noted below.

The new law does have a few exceptions. Overall, it requires all children under 8 to be in an appropriate restraint while travelling in a vehicle. The only exemption is if the child is 4’9” tall or above. A child under 8 years of age and weighing at least 40 pounds is NOT exempt from the law. However, they may use a lap belt only instead of a booster seat if the following conditions occur: The vehicle is not equipped with lap and shoulder belts; or excluding the driver’s seat, all seating positions with lap and shoulder belts are being used to restrain other children.

Upson EMS and the Upson County Health Department will both offer free inspections and instructions to assure that the seats are being used properly. Contact numbers are 706-647-7148 (UCHD) and 706-647-8111, x1540 (EMS).

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are still the leading cause of death for children from 3 to 14 years old.

• For the best possible protection, keep infants in the back seat in rear-facing child safety seats, as long as possible up to the height or weight limit of the particular seat. At a minimum, keep infants rear-facing until a minimum of age 1 and at least 20 pounds;
• When children outgrow their rear-facing seats (at a minimum age 1 and at least 20 pounds) they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds);
• Once children outgrow their forward-facing seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds), they should ride in booster seats, in the back seat, until the vehicle seat belts fit properly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall);
• When children outgrow their booster seats, (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall) they can use the adult seat belt in the back seat, if it fits properly (lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt across the chest).

All children under the age of 13 should ride in the backseat. The facts cannot be ignored—booster and child safety seats save lives. When used correctly in the second row, child safety seats are at least 60-percent effective in preventing fatalities! And restraint use for children transported by belted drivers continues to be higher than those driven by unbelted drivers.

The law will apply to passenger vehicles, vans and pickup trucks. Law enforcement will allow an education period for a short period of time before strictly enforcing the law. 

The first violation of the booster seat law will result in a fine of approximately $50. The second and subsequent convictions will result in $100 fines. The first conviction will add one point to a driver’s license, and the second and subsequent violations will add two points.

Gas Price Reduction

Walmart and Murphy Oil have announced a reduction in gas prices at the Thomaston store.

Effective today through September 30th, gas purchased on a Walmart reloadable card, a MoneyCard or a Walmart credit card will receive a ten cents per gallon discount. The previous discount was three cents per gallon on the reloadable cards. There are no restrictions or requirements to purchase anything else from Walmart. The current price of regular unleaded before the discount is 3.55 per gallon in Thomaston.

The discount is not available in every state, most notably for those traveling to Florida and Alabama from this area so be sure to fill the tank before crossing the state line.

The following states are participating:

Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan ,Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia

Accident Injures Three

A mid-day accident at the intersection of US 19 North and Harp Road injured three Upson County residents Tuesday.

Drexel Daniel, 64 of 118 Waller Road was life-flighted to the Atlanta Medical Center by air ambulance with a severe leg injury. Daniel underwent surgery this morning and was alert enough afterward to recognize family members, he was then placed in a medically induced coma to aid in his recovery and pain management.

Daniel was driving a 1966 Oldsmobile 442 northbound on US 19 when he apparently ran the red light and collided with a 2011 Toyota Camry driven by Henry Avery Herring, 73, of 983 Daniel Road.

Herring was attempting to make a left turn from Harp Road onto US 19 when his vehicle was struck in the driver’s door. Herring and his wife Sandra Franklin Herring were both transported to the Upson Regional Medical Center by EMS.

Trooper First Class Brad Thompson investigated for Post 26, GSP.

Commissioners Make Appointment

David McDonald was reappointed to the Pine Mountain Library Board at Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Upson County Commissioners.

The commission tabled the appointment to the Thomaston-Upson County Transportation Committee at the request of County Manager Kyle Hood, applications are still being considered.

Hood advised the commission of a change in county policy regarding the publication of scheduled projects. The county’s policy has been to announced when projects were finished, but will start in July announcing the projects that are scheduled to start.

Commissioner Sandra Trice requested a work session for the week following the Fourth of July holiday to discuss the county’s personnel policy. All county offices will be closed on Monday the 4th and will reopen on Tuesday.

Commission Chairman Maurice Raines announced that Solo Cup would have 155 employees by September and that the number would rise to over 200 in 2012.

Chairman Raines mentioned that the recent hike in garbage collection fees was a result of a 58% increase in fuel cost experienced by Veolia since the contract was signed in 2009.

Commissioner Rusty Blackston stated that he could not support the increase since the company that finished second in the bidding had included a guaranteed no increase clause in their bid.

As announced in last week’s Town Hall Meeting, the commissioners entered into an executive session following Tuesday night’s meeting to discuss the potential purchase of property being considered for the new county sports complex.

Commission Recognizes Employee Of The Month

The Upson County Commission recognized Gerald “Brim” Howell as the June Employee Of The Month at Tuesday’s regular meeting. County Manager Kyle Hood presented Howell with a certificate.

Danny Johnson, Superintendent of the county water department attended the presentation and praised Howell’s job performance, he released the following statement.

Gerald “Brim” Howell became a member of Team Upson in August of 2009 from the City of Thomaston Water Department where he had been employed for eleven years. Gerald’s experience in distribution repair impressed me but it was his eagerness to accept more responsibility that set him apart. Brim asked if he could learn to take samples and treat water and within a month of this request he was performing these duties.

Brim has continued to learn and accept more responsibility. He now regularly collects samples for bacteria test as well as other microbiological test. Brim has become familiar with the automated water system and his knowledge of our water system is impressive. Recently, Brim has accepted the role of Water Department Safety Coordinator.

While Brim continues to learn and grow as a water department employee, the one constant thing is his personality. Brim’s constant smile, humor and his big heart make it a pleasure to not only work around him but call him a friend.

Funds Solicitation Arrest

Thomaston police have arrested a 28 year old resident of the Virgin Islands and charged him with solicitation of funds without a permit.

Troy Nigel Francois of St. Croix, Virgin Islands was identified as the leader of a group of teenagers that ranged from 16 to 19 years in age. They had traveled to Thomaston in a leased Champagne colored van with Florida license plates. The teens were from Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina and one had a Georgia address.

Several members of the group were soliciting funds last Thursday in the Walmart parking lot while others were in the Northside area. They were asking for donations to a student scholarship fund in the name of Home Health Education Services of Decatur, Georgia and were accepting cash, credit cards and checks that were deposited into a Bank of America account. Francois told investigators that the group averaged about $2,000 a day in donations.

Francois was booked into the Upson County jail, his bond has been set at $365.50. The teens parents were notified and the group was allowed to return to their homes in the van.

Residents are urged to notify authorities if the group returns to Upson County and attempts to solicit funds for this program or any other that they may claim to support.

Drug Arrests

Charges of drug possession have been filed against two Upson County men, 37 year old Sylvester King of 618 Pobiddy Road was arrested on Prater Street after deputies discovered a bag containing crack cocaine in his pocket.

Dillon Coogler, 17 of 211 D Street was charged with possession of less than an ounce of marijuana during a traffic stop on Highway 74 east.

Severe Weather Potential

Instability in the upper atmosphere will be conducive to isolated severe thunderstorms this afternoon and tonight.

Flash flood warnings have already been issued for sections of north Alabama as the system moves through that area. The potential for severe thunderstorms will increase as the front moves south into Georgia later this evening.

More on weather link.

Police Beat

A burglar alarm thwarted an attempted break-in at the Quick Stop on the corner of Mallory Street and South Center overnight. A window air conditioner unit was damaged as it was removed in an effort to gain entry into the building.

Thomaston police arrested Steve Epps, Russell McBerry and Shanton Lowery. The three are charged with burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary. Bond was set for Epps at $15,000.

A contractor working on a job site at 3748 Barnesville Highway has reported a Takeuchi skid steer (similar to the one pictured) stolen. Patmac Contractors of Grayson, Georgia had rented several pieces of equipment from H & E Equipment Service in Decatur and was not aware that the $50,000 tractor had not already been picked up by H & E until contacted by them last week. Patmac is not certain when the theft actually occurred.

The Crest Side Grill at 5016 Highway 74 west reported that a breaker box for their air conditioner unit had been removed and a residence at 245 Apple Drive had their A/C unit dismantled in an apparent effort to remove the copper. Two antique guitars valued at $50 and three John Deere Tractors for children valued at $90 were take from 1718 Yatesville Highway.

Thomaston police officers have arrested Thomas Dale Mercer, 31, of 101 Avenue J and charged him with the theft of a large pack of bacon from the West Village Retirement Home on West Goodrich Avenue. Mercer was spotted sitting under a gazebo at the Greatest Generation Park and told officers he took the bacon because he was hungry.

Investigators are also working cases involving the theft of lawn equipment valued at $250 at 116 Griffin Avenue and a window air conditioner valued at $160 taken at 112 G Loop.

Celebrate America

Although the crowd was slightly smaller than the past couple of years, the 4,000 plus in attendance for the annual Celebrate America event at The Rock Ranch enjoyed one of the best fireworks shows in the south.

Melissa Booker of Jackson will also be enjoying Chick-fil-A for the next 12 months, she won a years worth of meals.

The new Cow-A-Bunga zip-line was a tremendous hit, the lines were some of the longest on the ranch for the opportunity to zip across the lake 60 feet in the air.

Entertainment was provided by Thomaston’s Due South bluegrass group and the Cow Chip Band from Griffin.

The pictures tell the story, click HERE for the slideshow and set it on 3 seconds due to the number of pictures.

Town Hall Meeting

The Upson County commissioners held a town hall meeting Thursday evening at 7 pm in the old R.E. Lee auditorium. The commissioners are charged with spending about 14 million dollars a year of Upson county residents taxes. One of two things became very obvious in the meeting, either nearly everyone is satisfied or nobody cares.

Other than county staff and media.

Eleven people attended the meeting.

Commissioners Frank Spraggins, Rusty Blackston, Sandra Trice and Chairman Maurice Raines were present. Commissioner Steve Hudson was attending another meeting on county business and could not attend.

Chairman Raines announced that the location of the county recreation complex approved by the recent SPLOST has been narrowed down to two locations, one owned by the county and the other a privately held tract that would have to be purchased by the county. The commission expects to make a decision in July between the two.

The 2005 SPLOST that was approved for the highway 36 widening project between Thomaston and Interstate 75 has expired and the unused funds will be returned to the taxpayers in the form of a tax millage reduction for one year. A new regional transportation improvement SPLOST, known as a TSPLOST, will be presented to voters in a ten county region to fund the revived project. The Georgia Department of Transportation has stated that the earliest the project could become active again is in 2013. The next meeting of the regional representatives will be held in Turin, Georgia on July 21st.

Commissioner Raines announced that the new Narcotics Task Force building should be completed by August.

Commissioner Blackston polled the audience concerning their interest in a county-wide fire department consisting of five stations manned by full time personnel. He has personally paid to have an assessment of the need and potential advantages of a county department completed by an outside consultant. One member of the audience stated that he was involved with the formation of the Thurston Volunteer Fire Department and was satisfied with the current protection but that he had no objection to improving the situation if it would save residents money.

A small group of residents on Pallet Mill Road asked for assistance in resolving a trash collection issue.

Wreck On 74 West

A two vehicle accident involving a full size Ford pickup and a Honda Odyssey van occurred on US 74 just west of Hightower curve. There were no injuries reported.

 

 

The pickup struck the van in the rear causing substantial damage to both vehicles. The accident occurred around 5:30 pm during Thursday afternoon’s rain.

Lamar Officials Discuss Tornado Impact

Upson county emergency management personnel met with a delegation of Lamar county officials Thursday afternoon to discuss issues they confronted during and after the tornado of April 28th.

Lamar county emergency management director Billy Campbell told the group that the tornado was the most overwhelming experience of his career and that the entire county is still dealing with a number of issues.

The most difficult problem was access to the impacted areas, emergency personnel were unable to reach all of the victims due to the large volume of debris blocking the streets. The importance of having more than one individual trained in certain positions became critical when personnel either suffered a direct hit by the storm or were unable to cross the line of damage.

Damage assessment, coordinating volunteers, debris removal and communications presented challenges immediately after the storm.

County commissioner Charles Glass stated that the storm had an economic impact of about $500,000 on the county and that with state and federal assistance the final cost to Lamar county may be lowered to around $125,000. The county had no contingency fund for storm related expenses and will have to budget for them.

Fire chief Steve Andrews expressed how critical the management of manpower is following a disaster. Relief personnel for firefighters, EMT’s, law enforcement and volunteers must be planned for in advance, along with locations for relief and rehabilitation stations. Lighter uniforms for firefighters and rescue personnel is needed, the heavy equipment used to fight a fire is very physically taxing in a rescue operation and reduces the amount of time that an individual can work.

Lamar county has 38 members on their Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT) that were instrumental in both the initial response and during the extended recovery effort. Coordination of phone banks, food and supply donations, aid distribution, assistance requests and temporary computer centers to give internet accessibility to affected households were handled by several of the CERT members.

Campbell urged local officials to identify potential locations for FEMA and state response teams prior to a disaster. He stated that mobile first aid units and temporary lighting was needed where victims had no access to transportation. Hospital and school disaster plans are also incorporated into the overall response.

Upson county officials will now evaluate local policies and procedures to determine any improvements that may need to be incorporated into the county’s disaster response program.

To The Rock Ranch…..And Beyond!

The Rock Ranch has announced a partnership with NASA that will make the ranch one of seven Space Farms in the country this fall. The other locations will be in Texas, California, Utah, Nebraska, New York and the Washington DC area.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of man’s first space flight and to celebrate the occasion, this years corn maze will have a space theme. NASA will have a mobile classroom set up at the ranch as part of their goal to educate at least one million children nationwide about the space program.

In addition to the classroom, NASA will have an actual astronaut at the ranch in October along with a moon rock.

NASA’s involvement will attract national media attention to the Upson county area and The Rock Ranch is preparing for the largest crowds since the property was purchased by Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy in 1989.

The addition of a dining hall capable of handling over 300 guest at a time has made the ranch a group tour destination.

The 50 Years of Space Exploration Corn Maze will kick off the Fall Family Fun Days on September 24th.

For additional information, contact The Rock Ranch at (706) 647-6374 or visit them online at www.therockranch.com

Operation Dry Water

Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Rangers will participate in Operation Dry Water June 24-26 looking for boaters whose blood alcohol content exceeds the state limit of .10 percent.

Operation Dry Water will include concentrated patrols in certain areas and checkpoints around the lakes and rivers to catch drunken boaters. In Georgia, penalties can include jail time along with high fines and the loss of your privilege to operate any vessel in the state of Georgia.

“We will be doing concentrated safety patrols and checks while trying to educate as many boaters as possible about the hazards of Boating Under the Influence (BUI),” says Capt. Mike England.

A boat operator or passenger with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit runs a significantly increased risk of being involved in a boating accident. When impaired by alcohol, boating accidents are more likely to happen and more deadly for both passengers and boat operators, many of whom capsize their vessel or simply fall overboard.

BUI is a primary contributing factor in nearly 1 in 5 boating fatalities nationwide and Georgia has gotten tougher in recent years in enforcing laws against this high-risk behavior. Boaters found operating a recreational vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of .10 percent or higher will find their voyage terminated and may have their vessel impounded.

"There will be arrests this weekend, and some boaters will face the consequences of boating under the influence," England says. "We want recreational boaters to enjoy themselves, but there will be zero tolerance for BUI.”

Growth Questioned At Council Meeting

During Tuesday’s city council meeting, a group of concerned citizens questioned why Thomaston and Upson county has not seen the same type of growth that some of the surrounding areas have experienced.

Mayor Hays Arnold responded that, “In years past, we competed on a regional basis within the southeast, following NAFTA we begin competing with all of north America and today we compete on a global basis for manufacturing and industrial jobs.”

Mayor Arnold emphasized how important a community’s infrastructure is to attracting new companies and how limited funding has become to replace water and sewer lines as well as for resurfacing streets. He discussed how fortunate the city was to have an adequate water supply and that the reservoir provided a reserve of 200 days without additional pumping from Potato Creek.

Mayor Pro Tem Doug Head told the group that he was amazed the community has survived as well as it has, he stated that, “We must spend our money to keep the heart beating, we must rebuild the infrastructure.”

Mayor Arnold stated that the city has dealt with a sizeable reduction in revenue, yet still managed to maintained its favorable bond rating while being forced to reduce the size of it’s work force and it’s vehicle fleet. He said, “The city of Thomaston does not have the authority to place a SPLOST on the ballot and has relied on grants along with local tax dollars to fund projects.”

The mayor challenged any concerned citizen to come forward with ideas and solutions to help the local government and Industrial Development Authority recruit new jobs to the area.

City manager Patrick Comiskey mentioned that the Boy Scouts of America had invested over $3,000,000 in Camp Thunder and that the facility is being used throughout the year.

Mr. David Price, president of the local SCLC, questioned why there were no minority scout troops, councilman Wallace Rhodes asked him, “Why doesn’t the minority community recruit young boys and girls to form a Scout troop?” Price stated that it was something that the organization would look into.

Proposed Changes To City Voting Districts

The Thomaston City Council held a public hearing on the proposed changes to the election districts within the city during their regular meeting Tuesday evening. The council voted to approve the new boundaries as submitted. There will be two additional hearings and votes before the changes are final, the next meeting will be on July 19, 2011.

The release of the 2010 census triggers reapportionment and redistricting for Congressional seats, House and Senate, county commissioner and city council districts. This means that every county and city must carefully review the new census data to determine whether the districts meet constitutional guarantees or must be redrawn.

The districts are legally required to comply with the principal of “one person, one vote.” Districts must be drawn to have as nearly equal population as possible. Doing so ensures that the voting strength of citizens living in one district is not greater than the citizens living in another simply because of the population of the district.

The districts must also protect the voting strength of minority populations and comply with the federal Voting Rights Act.

Shaded areas on the map indicate the proposed changes.

For a larger view, click on the map.

The changes will affect four areas of the city, the first begins at the corner of Center and Main downtown, out West Main Street to Crawley Street, north to the old railroad bed then east to Center Street and back to the corner of Main Street. All of the area will move from district three to district one.

The second is the block bordered by Barnesville Street, Avenue K, 3rd Street and Avenue L. That block will move from district two to district one.

The third is the block bordered by Parkway Drive, U.S. 74 East, Glendale Road and East Gordon Street. The block will move from district four to district one.

The fourth change will involve residents in the area south of Triune Mill Road and west of Walter Street, this area will move from district one to district two.

The proposed changes bring the city into compliance with all federal requirements, the changes balance the population between the districts to within twenty residents.

Of the four districts within the city, district one will retain a minority ratio that is over 70% of the voters, district two has a 50% ratio.

Reverend J. T. McGill (right) and David Price, president of the local SCLC, addressed the council to express their concerns on the proposed changes.

In other business, city attorney Joel Bentley (left) gave the council an update on the $2,000,000 “Town Branch” sewer line replacement project and the council voted to continue using the public defender office for indigent defendants. The contract is for $48,600 and includes $8,600 for what are termed “conflict cases.”

Conflict cases are those involving multiple defendants being tried at the same time for a common offense, the public defenders office may represent only one of the individuals and must obtain outside counsel for all others.

Tommy Sparrow, Jr. Update

On Sunday, May 29th, Tommy Sparrow, Jr. and his father Tommy, Sr. left home for a morning motorcycle ride. It was Memorial Day weekend and the weather was perfect as the two headed toward Sprewell Bluff on the Flint River.

As they traveled west on Old Alabama Road, about two miles past the intersection of Roland Road, the two started around a curve and were met head-on by a full size Chevrolet truck driven by 45 year old Marcus G. Moore of Kingsland, Georgia. Moore had been drinking and was traveling 58 miles per hour in a 45 zone, he lost control entering the curve and struck both the motorcycles. Tommy, Sr. was fatally injured and Tommy, Jr. was life-flighted to the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon.

Tommy, Jr. suffered two fractured vertebra, a severe bruise to his spinal column, his left leg was broken is several places, his right ankle had three broken bones and his left elbow was shattered. He has endured three surgeries and will have a fourth next Monday to repair the ankle. Tommy has not been out of bed since the accident and it is still uncertain if the back injuries will leave permanent damage.

Tommy has been moved from the critical care unit into a private room, his wife Lisa has been at his bedside during the entire ordeal. They have three grown children and had recently moved into their home on Tanyard Road in Pike county.

Tommy will be out of work for the foreseeable future, a fund has been established at United Bank for donations to help the family cover living expenses.

Farmer’s Market Open

The local farmers market is open at the old city hall location on North Church Street.

David Newman of Newman Farms grows all of his vegetables on his farm in the western part of Upson county. He has tomatoes, squash, eggplant, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes and will have corn for about another week.

In addition David has blackberries and cantaloupes along with peaches from Dickey Farms.

 

John Kendrick of Yatesville offers locally grown peaches, pears, tomatoes, okra, cucumbers, squash and potatoes. He also has corn, cantaloupes, watermelons and Vidalia onions.

The farmers market is open on Monday’s and Wednesday’s from 8 am to 5 pm.

Weekend Thefts

The Upson County Sheriff’s Department worked two theft cases over the weekend.

The first was on Race Track Road where 250 gallons of off road diesel fuel was stolen along with a 20 gallon air compressor, a 50 foot air hose and a grease gun. The diesel was valued at $962.50 and the other items at $400.00.

At 329 Dallas Drive an antique copper kettle valued at $2,000 was reported missing. A second kettle worth $250, a planter and lamp poles with a combined value of $60 were also taken.

The Sheriff’s Department solved a burglary that occurred on June 14th at 120 Roland Road. A battery charger, trolling motor and assorted fishing gear had been taken from a storage shed. Arrested Friday in that case was 36 year old Dwayne Kendrick of 2347 Roland Road and 20 year old Justin Thompson of 74 Clay Street in Thomaston.

Thomaston’s King Of The Blues

Chance Royal of Thomaston is competing in the Guitar Center's King of the Blues nation wide search for the next great undiscovered blues guitar player.

For more click HERE or our Living In link on the right.

Zac Shumate Benefit

The Zac Shumate benefit was held Saturday.

For more information, click HERE or our Living In link on the right.

For a slideshow of the activities, click HERE.

Sweet Corn Festival June 18 - 24

The Rock Ranch will celebrate the arrival of their homegrown sweet corn crop beginning Saturday, June 18th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bring the family for fun attractions, corn themed games, activities, special corn concession items and freshly picked sweet corn at the produce stand.

For more information click HERE or the link to our Living In page.

Upson Woman Injured In Fall

Amy Quinzon, 23, of Upson County was life-flighted to an area hospital around 6:30 pm Thursday evening after being thrown from a horse.

Upson EMS responded to the scene of the accident on Turkey Creek Road and transported her to an open field off of Hendricks Church Road where the Emory air ambulance was waiting.

First reports indicated that she had been knocked unconscious and struck a tree during the fall. Amy told Upson Today through a Facebook post on June 22nd, “I blacked out for a few seconds but was very alert and aware before the first responders even got to where I was and stayed that way the whole time. I broke my tailbone and 2 small bones in my back and am doing fine.”

The Thurston Fire Department also responded.

Ribbon Cutting At SCTC

Southern Crescent Technical College held a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday to officially dedicate the new Industrial Training Facility.

Dr. Randall Peters welcomed the large group to the Flint River Campus and praised those in attendance that were instrumental in the $8,000,000 addition. Peters said that Thomaston residents should be proud that they live in “a mill town too tough to go away when the mills did.”

The new 32,000 square foot building houses the Automotive, Diesel and Electronics Technology programs and has nine classrooms, five training laboratories, nine faculty offices and one administrative office. The total construction cost was $6,300,000 for the building and another $1,260,000 to furnish and equip the facility.

Ron Jackson, Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia, saluted the staffs of both the Griffin and Flint River campuses for their efforts during the merger of the two schools. Jackson told the crowd that “it doesn’t matter what the name is on the sign out front, this community will not be forgotten.”

Among those in attendance were Thomaston Mayor Hays Arnold, Upson County Commission Chairman Maurice Raines, State Senator George Hooks as well as State Representatives Robert Dickey and Billy Maddox.

For a slideshow of the ceremonies, click HERE or the photo link on the right.

Arrest In Copper Theft

The Thomaston Police Department responded to a report of a smoke odor on C Street Tuesday morning and discovered a transformer belonging to the City of Thomaston that had been stripped of copper and burned.

Officers located the resident at 110 C Street, 29 year old Jason Daniel Gish who admitted to taking the transformer and selling the stripped copper to Teal Recycling. Gish was arrested and charged with felony theft of government property. The transformer was valued at $1,100.00.

SCTC Ribbon Cutting

A ribbon cutting will be held at Southern Crescent Technical College Thursday at 1pm for the official dedication of building E that houses industrial training.

Ron Jackson, Commissioner of the the technical college system will be the guest speaker.

The Flint River Campus will hold an open house until 3pm.

Thomaston Texaco Country Showdown

The Thomaston Texaco Country Showdown was held Saturday night at the R. E. Lee auditorium featuring artist from Canton to Jacksonville.

Jennifer Allen of Thomaston won and will compete in the state finals later this year

The first runner-up was Thomaston’s Jay Eubanks, second runner-up was Ashley Helms from Atlanta and finishing fourth was Hanna-Claire Marks of Thomaston.

For a slideshow of more pictures, click HERE.

KIA Job Fair

Malone Staffing, the recruiting firm hired by Kia Motor Corporation, held a job fair at the Thomaston-Upson County Civic Center Wednesday.

Kia is expanding at it’s West Point, Georgia facility and will increase production to 360,000 new vehicles a year. The 20% increase will create nearly 1,000 new jobs.

The job fair attracted over 200 applicants that ranged in age from 16 to 60 with the majority of the group falling in the late 20’s to early 30’s range.

Malone will also be recruiting in the Newnan, Georgia and Wedowee, Alabama areas.

Wreck On Roland Road

An Upson County man was life-flighted to the Columbus Medical center following a single vehicle accident around 7 pm Saturday evening on Roland Road.

Jack Tonson McDonald, Jr. left the roadway on the right side of the road before crossing back over to the left side, taking out a section of fence and crashing into a large pine tree.

McDonald, of 816 Waynmanville Road, has been charged with DUI, open container, no seat belt and failure to maintain his lane.

Trooper Mitchell Day investigated the accident, the Thurston Fire Department and the Upson Sheriff’s Department also responded.

Deadly Friday Afternoon

The Upson County Sheriff’s Department answered two separate calls about five minutes apart Friday afternoon involving murder and suicide.

An apparent murder/suicide at 177 Harvey Street in the Sunnyside area, the bodies of 45 year old David Clayton Garrett and his uncle 75 year old Richard Earl Garrett were discovered by a paint contractor, both had been dead for approximately 24 hours. The GBI was called in to assist in the crime scene investigation and preliminary evidence indicates that Clayton Garrett was the shooter.

Earl Garrett lived in the main dwelling on the property and Clayton Garrett lived in a small renovated apartment behind the house.

Major Dan Kilgore told TGA news, “This appears to be a tragic ending to a family dispute and only the two deceased men were involved.”

Deputies were working on an unrelated suicide on Lawrence Road when the Harvey Street call was received. A 47 year old white male was pronounced dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.