Wednesday, March 27, 2024

PIKE CO 12TH IN WEALTH GROWTH IN GA.

 PIKE  COUNTY  RANKED  #12  IN  THE  STATE OF  GA.  IN WEALTH  GROWTH  IN   2023  ACCORDING  TO  A  NATIONAL   COMPANY  THAT  RECORDS  FINANCIAL  DATA.  PIKE COUNTY'S  RAW  MEDIAN  HOUSEHOLD  VALUE  INCREASED $181,000,  INCOME  JUMPED $22,000  AND INTEREST  INCOME  WENT  UP $12,000. PIKE  RANKED  208TH  IN  THE U.S.  IN  WEALTH  GROWTH  LAST  YEAR.


UPSON  COUNTY  RANKED 108TH    OF   GEORGIA'S  159  COUNTIES  WITH  RAW MEDIAN  HOME  VALUES  INCREASING  $98,000, MEDIAN  INCOME UP  $6000  AND  INTEREST INCOME UP $6000.


LAMAR  COUNTY  RANKED 52ND IN  THE  STATE  WITH  RAW HOME  VALUES  UP $165,000, MEDIAN  INCOME  UP $12,700  AND INTEREST  INCOME UP $12,700.


SPALDING  COUNTY  AND  CRAWFORD  COUNTY  HAD  NO  MEASURABLE  GROWTH  IN   2023, THE  COMPANY SAID.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

JUDGE COKER SENTENCES IN CHILD MOLESTATION CASE

 A Spalding County Jury heard the case of the State of Georgia vs. Chad Kendall Mangham on March 4, 2024. Mangham was charged in a 15 count indictment to include Child Molestation, Rape and Aggravated Sodomy. The Case was tried in the Superior Court of Spalding County by the Honorable Judge Ben Coker. Chief Assistant District Attorney David Studdard and Assistant District Attorney Kevin Ofchus tried the case for the State. The State presented evidence at trial that Mangham began molesting the victim, a minor, in 2012 and continued molesting her until 2017. The assaults took place at various locations in Spalding County. During the week long trial, the jury heard evidence of the horrific acts perpetrated upon the victim by Mangham and returned a verdict on March 9, 2024. Judge Ben Coker sentenced Mangham to 8 consecutive terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole. “My office will never stop working hard to keep predators like Mangham away from children,” Broder said. “My thanks to my staff and the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office and Griffin Police Department. This was a true team effort.”

D.A. MARIE BRODER ON SHOOTING DEATH TRIAL

 Earlier this month, a Spalding County jury has convicted James Lee Evans, Jr. in the death of four year old Mason Piercy. The verdict followed a week long trial in which the State presented evidence that Evans, along with Mason’s mother, Jamacia Lyons, allowed Mason and his two year old brother, Chance, to play in an area at the foot of the bed knowing an AR-15 was pointing in his direction. The jury heard evidence that Evans called Mason up onto the bed and as he climbed down, he was shot in the hand and the abdomen.

In the moments after Mason was shot, Evans fled the scene with the AR-15 and ran down a well traveled path behind the Appleton Apartment complex located at 1110 West Poplar Street in Griffin and hid the AR-15 under a mattress and box spring on the path, still loaded and the safety still in the off position. Evans a known member of the Rollin 20’s Neighborhood Bloods Zoo Krew, an active and violent subset of the criminal street gang, told officers that Mason was the victim of a drive-by shooting in which Evans was the likely target. Evans sent law enforcement on a wild goose chase all over the local area in an intense search for non-existent shooters, even going so far as to name specific Crips from the east side of Griffin as potential suspects.

Evans later confessed that the shooting happened inside of the apartment he shared with his mother and told police he where he had hidden the gun. Officers later recovered the gun and determined that it was stolen in a burglary in September 2021. Ballistics testing confirmed that not only was it the weapon that killed Mason, but it had been used in multiple gang related drive by shootings in the Griffin area in the months prior to Mason’s death.

The State initially charged Evans and Lyons with Homicide in the Second Degree, two counts of Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree, Reckless Conduct, and lying to police. Evans was also charged with various other charges related to his gang membership and the possession of the gun. Prior to trial, Lyons agreed to testify against Evans and entered a non-negotiated plea to the reduced charge of Involuntary Manslaughter. After trial, the jury found Evans guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter as well as other charges. In a hearing after the verdict,

Judge Scott Ballard sentenced Evans to ten years to serve in the Department of Corrections, followed by ten years on probation. In a separate sentencing hearing, Judge Ballard sentenced Jamacia Lyons to ten years probation under the First Offender Act.

Regarding the case, District Attorney Marie Broder expressed her deep sorrow over the senseless loss of Mason Piercy, a tragedy that was completely preventable with the flip of a simple safety switch. “The hardest part of this case was the unknown. Who would Mason have been? What would he have done? We’ll never know, because he never had the chance to show us.” She expressed her sincere thanks to those who fought for Mason, starting with emergency personnel on scene, law enforcement, and medical personnel.

This case was investigated by Investigator Anadia Ruiz of the Griffin Police Department and was prosecuted by Senior ADA Kathryn Lenhard and ADA Monique Harris. Mason’s story will stay with them long after Evans is released from prison.

GA. COUNTIES WEALTH GROWTH 2023 UPSON 108

 WTGA'S  DANNY  BISHOP  CRUNCHED  THE  NUMBERS  ON  AN  AJC  STORY  ABOUT  THE  GROWTH OF  WEALTH  IN  GEORGIA  COUNTIES  IN   2023  AND  DISCOVERED  COWETA  AND  PIKE  COUNTY  WERE JUST  OUTSIDE  THE  TOP  10. COWETA #11,  PIKE #12. UPSON  COUNTY  RANKED  108TH  IN  THE  STATE  WITH   MEDIAN  HOME  VALUES UP $98,000,  MEDIAN   INCOME  UP $7900,  AND  INVESTMENT  INCOME  UP $6000.  LAMAR  COUNTY  WAS  52ND  WITH  HOME  VALUES  UP $165,000,MEDIAN  INCOME  UP $12,700  AND  INVESTMENT  INCOME  UP   $6000.  MONROE  COUNTY  WAS  RANKED #32 IN  THE  STATE  WITH  MEDIAN  HOME  VALUES  UP $122,000,  MEDIAN  INCOME  UP  $18,500, INVESTMENT INCOME  UP  $6000. MERIWETHER  COUNTY  RANKED   94TH  WITH  MEDIAN  HOME   VALUES  UP $104,000, INCOME  UP $99,000,  INTEREST  INCOME  UP  $10,000.  FAYETTE  COUNTY  RANKED  22ND,  HOME  VALUES  UP  $237,000, INCOME  UP  $16,000, INTEREST INCOME  UP  $13,000.  BUTTS  COUNTY  RANKED  118TH IN  GA.  WITH  HOME  VALUES  UP $158,000,  INCOME  UP  $3800, INTEREST  INCOME  UP  $7000.  TALBOT  COUNTY  RANKED 110TH  WITH  HOME  VALUES  UP $77,000,  INCOME  UP $8200, INTEREST  INCOME  UP $9000. TAYLOR  COUNTY  HOME  VALUES  UP  $40,000,  INCOME  UP  $8800,  INTEREST INCOME  UP  $6000.  FORSYTH  COUNTY  WAS   #1  IN GA. WITH  HOME  VALUES  $307,000, INCOME  UP  $34,000  AND  INTEREST INCOME $7000. OCONEE  COUNTY  WAS  #2,  GREENE  COUNTY  #3  IN  WEALTH  GROWTH  IN  THE  STATE IN  2023.  SPALDING  COUNTY  AND  CRAWFORD  COUNTY  SHOWED  NO  MEASURABLE  GROWTH. 


#11  COWETA  COUNTY  RANKED 184TH  IN  THE  U.S.,  PIKE  COUNTY 208TH--THE  TWO  HIGHEST  GROWTH  OF  WEALTH  IN  2023  IN  THE  SOUTH  METRO--AND  PIKE  COUNTY  THE  HIGHEST  GROWTH  ON  THE  U.S.  19  CORRIDOR.   THE  AJC  BASED  THE  NUMBERS ON   INFORMATION    FROM  SMART  ASSET , A  COMPANY  THAT  TRACKS    DATA  USED  BY  FINANCIAL   PLANNERS AND  ADVISORS.

J. Thomas Lundy Scholarship Awarded to Jason Tinsley

Jason Tinsley, a County Manager for Upson County, GA, has been awarded the J Thomas Lundy Scholarship by the National Association of County Administrators (NACA). The scholarship, made possible by MissionSquare Retirement, recognizes Jason’s current leadership role and desire for continuous learning where he can bring these experiences and skills directly back to his community and organization. 

For 20 years, Jason Tinsley has provided quality local government management solutions for communities in Georgia and Florida. 

In 2018, Jason joined the Upson County Board of Commissioners to serve as their County Manager. In his current role, Tinsley is responsible for managing and coordinating all county government operations and other activities as specified by federal, state, and local law, and as directed by the Board of County Commissioners to provide innovative, effective, and fiscally responsible government services.

Previous roles include Senior Management and Budget Analyst for Leon County (FL), Assistant County Manager and Finance Director for Habersham County (GA), County Administrator for Wayne County (GA), City Manager for the City of Jefferson (GA) and County Manager for Marion County (GA). In his former positions, Tinsley gained significant experience in local government finance, policy analysis, economic development, and human resource management.

Jason has served as a consultant to the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government to develop an online government finance course for revenue administration used by local government managers throughout the state. Tinsley is active with the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG), having served as a member of the ACCG Board of Managers and as the President of the Geargia Association of County Managers and Administrators (GACMA). Jason is also a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the Georgia City/County Management Association (GCCMA). 

Jason and his wife, Kaylyn, reside in Thomaston, Georgia with their four children, Jackson (19), Joel (17), Jensen (15) and Anne (4). Jason enjoys spending his spare time coaching youth sports, running and spending time on the Georgia coast with his family. Tinsley holds his bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master of City Management degree from East Tennessee State University.

Congratulations, Jason!

NACA and MissionSquare Retirement congratulate Jason on his achievements and his passion for county administration.

Friday, March 22, 2024

SPALDING COUNTY COUPLE INDICTED ABUSE PERSONAL CARE HOME

 A Spalding County couple have been indicted for allegedly running an unlicensed personal care home and abusing residents, according to Georgia’s attorney general.

Curtis Bankston and Sophia Simm-Bankston are charged with operating an unlicensed personal care home, unreasonable confinement of a disabled adult and unreasonable confinement of a resident, according to AG Chris Carr, Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Marie M. Broder and Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia Executive Director Pete Skandalakis. The case is being investigated by the offices of Carr and Skandalakis.

 From the Upson County Utility Office:

Due to inconsistencies with the US Postal Service deliveries in our area, all late fees and reconnect fees will be waived for the current billing cycle. Any fees that have already been paid will be credited to next month’s bill. Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you are a customer with questions, please contact us at 706-647-3513 or visit our website at upsoncountyga.org/.

Griffin police officer indicted in Spalding County

From the GRIP: Former Griffin Police Department Officer D’Marquivius ”D.J.” King has been indicted by a Spalding County grand jury.King faces one count of violating his oath of office, a felony.

The indictment stems from a Georgia Bureau of Investigation case requested by Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Marie Broder.

Broder requested the GBI investigation after The GRIP published a series of investigative articles related to King’s purported concealment of his brother, Damon Beck’s, alleged involvement in the May 9, 2021, murder of Javarreis Reid.

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Jessica Jones Announces Candidacy for Upson Superior Court Clerk

I am Jessica Harper Jones and I am honored and humbled to announce my candidacy to become your next Superior Court Clerk for Upson County. I am a lifelong resident of Upson County and I attend Logtown Bethel Church, where I currently serve as the Church Secretary.

For the last 10 years, I have served as your County Clerk. I’m a Georgia Certified Clerk through the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government, where I also received a certificate in the Clerks Masters Education Management Development Program. In 2023, I completed a rigorous 300-hour program to receive a Public Manager Certificate. I have also previously served on the Board of Elections for five years.

If elected as your next Superior Court Clerk, my goal is to maintain accurate county records, transparency of the office and maintain good relationships with all community stakeholders and all who utilize the Clerk’s Office. Being a public servant is my core, and I would like to continue serving as your next Superior Court Clerk for Upson County.

I humbly ask for your support and to vote Jessica Harper Jones as Superior Court Clerk for Upson County on May 21, 2024.

URMC Celebrates Certified Nurses Day

Thomaston, GA, March 20, 2024 – Upson Regional Medical Center celebrated Certified Nurses Day on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Certified Nurses Day is an annual day of recognition for and by health care professionals dedicated to nursing professionalism, excellence, and service to publicly acknowledge nurses who earn and maintain credentials in their specialty. Upson Regional Medical Center has 26 certified nurses on staff, four of which hold two certifications and two of which hold three certifications. Leadership at URMC encourages and recognizes those team members who strive to enhance their skill sets through continued education and training. URMC’s certified nurses are:

Amber Andrews, RN, ASN, Certified Lactation Counselor

Hannah Baucom, RN, BSN, Certified Critical Care Nurse

Lou Brown, RN, ASN Certified Inpatient Obstetric Nurse

Samantha Cato, RN, ASN, Certified Maternal Newborn Nurse, Certified Lactation Counselor

Sharon Carnell, RN, BSN, Certified Emergency Nurse

Cymberlee Cleveland, RN, BSN, Certified in Electronic Fetal Monitoring, Certified Inpatient

Obstetric Nurse

McKenna Conley, Rn, MSN, Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Rebecca Crane, RN, ASN, Certified Lactation Counselor

Manuella Daniel, RN, BSN, Certified Lactation Counselor

Stephanie Davis, RN, BSN, Certified Critical Care Nurse

Ginger Edmonson, RN, BSN, Certified Inpatient Obstetric Nurse

Brandy Ellington, RN, BSN, Certified Inpatient Obstetric Nurse

Lindsay Hill, RN, BSN, Certified Wound Care Associate

Brandie Kilcrease, RN, MSN, Certified Nurse Manager and Leader, Certified Neonatal Intensive

Care Nurse, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant

Catherine Lance, RN, ASN, Stroke Certified Registered Nurse

Cynthia Lockhart, RN, ASN, Certified Critical Care Nurse

Ashley McKneely, RN, BSN, Certified Critical Care Nurse

Michelle Mincey, RN, BSN, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant

Richarda Moss, RN, ASN, Certified Lactation Counselor, Certified Inpatient Obstetric Nurse

Kelli Pitts, RN, BSN, National Certification Board Peri-Operative Nursing

Lauren Reynolds, RN, MSN, Certified Pediatric Nurse, Certified Nurse Manager and Leader

San Short, RN, BSN, Certified Diabetes Educator

April Stevens, RN, ASN, Certified Lymphedema and Wound Therapist

Suzanne Streetman, RN, MSN, Certified Professional in Health Care Risk Management,

Certified in Healthcare Compliance, Certified Professional Inpatient Safety

Stacey White, RN, BSN, Certified Medical/ Surgical Registered Nurse

Alan Williams, RN, ASN, Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

These nurses were honored at a breakfast and awarded certificates and pins recognizing their

status as a certified nurse.

Upson Regional Medical Center’s Chief Nursing Officer shared, “We are fortunate to have

nurses at URMC that are passionate about quality patient care. Our certified nurses are experts

in their specialty areas of nursing and exemplify the top-notch care that we are proud to provide

each and every day.”

To learn more about Upson Regional Medical Center, visit urmc.org or visit our pages on

Facebook and Instagram.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Upson County March Term Grand Jury

MARCH 19, 2024

TRUE BILL LIST


1. TOMAS PHENEL GRESHAM CT. 1: IMPERSONATING AN OFFICER CT. 2: DISTRACTED DRIVING CT. 3: DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED

2. JOE LEE HARRIS, IV CT. 1: BURGLARY IN THE FIRST DEGREE

3. CHRISTOPHER PERRY HOLLAND CT. 1: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CT. 2: POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF A FELONY CT. 3: SIMPLE ASSAULT

4. KHANDICE LESHAUN JONES CT. 1: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICER CT. 2: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICER

5. JOSEPH JAMES MCGUIRE CT. 1: BATTERY, FAMILY VIOLENCE CT. 2: HINDERING EMERGENCY TELEPHONE CALL CT. 3: TERRORISTIC THREATS

6. JOSEPH MONROE POPE CT. 1: CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY IN THE SECOND DEGREE

7. RHANDEL BOAZ WATTS CT. 1: ENTERING AN AUTOMOBILE CT. 2: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

8. EDWARD VASCO PEPPERS CT. 1: DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (LESS SAFE) (DRUGS) CT. 2: ENDANGERING A CHILD WHILE DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE CT. 3: POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA, MORE THAN AN OUNCE CT. 4: POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF A FELONY CT. 5: POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF A FELONY CT. 6: IMPROPER HEADLIGHTS

9. DEANDRE RASHARD TENNYSON CT. 1: TERRORISTIC THREATS

10. MARTEZ DEMOND TERRY CT. 1: TERRORISTIC THREATS CT. 2: AGGRAVATED STALKING

11. JOSHUA JAMES YORK CT. 1: TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE OR AMPHETAMINE CT. 2: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE CT. 3: POSSESSION OF A SCHEDULE I CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CT. 4: FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LANE

 


 

Monday, March 18, 2024

GHSA Headquartered in Thomaston Announces Sole Finalist for Position of Executive Director

THOMASTON, GA (March 18, 2024) -- The Board of Trustees of the Georgia High School Association has announced that Dr. Timothy David Scott is the Sole Finalist for the position of Executive Director of the GHSA. 

Scott, currently the Superintendent of Dalton Public Schools, will join the GHSA on July 1, 2024, succeeding Dr. Robin Hines when he retires. Hines has served as the Executive Director of the GHSA since 2017. 

Scott, who holds degrees from Georgia College, Troy State University and ARGOSY University, has an extensive background as a coach and administrator in Georgia. 

Scott began his career in 1987 at Northside High School in Warner Robins where he was head wrestling coach and assistant football coach. He moved to Warner Robins High School as Assistant Principal in 1997 before returning to Northside as Principal in 2001. 

Scott also served as Principal at Dublin High School and Douglas County High School before joining the Dalton Public School System as Assistant Superintendent for District Operations in 2015. He became Superintendent of the Dalton system in 2018. 

Scott says that a common thread throughout his career “has been and is the collaboration of all stakeholders to share best practices and ideas for the success of every student and our organization.” 

Throughout his career, Scott has worked with the Georgia High School Association on numerous occasions, overseeing the hosting of many GHSA events, including a state championship football game. 

Scott also has been recognized on multiple occasions by the Georgia School Board Association for his exemplary work. He is a member of the National Association of School Superintendents, the Georgia Association of Educational Leadership, and the Professional Association of Georgia Educations, among other organizations. 

“We are excited about Dr. Tim Scott being named sole finalist for the Executive Director position,” said GHSA President Dr. Jim Finch. “Dr. Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the association. It was clear during the search and interview process, Dr. Scott was able to articulate a plan and vision to move the GHSA forward. We look forward to his leadership and are confident he can continue to provide a positive and enriching experience for our student athletes." 

Scott’s hiring must be ratified by the GHSA State Executive Committee at its annual Fall Meeting on April 15, 2024 in Macon. Scott would be the seventh Executive Director in the history of the GHSA, following Sam Burke (1939-76), Bill Fordham (1976-91), Tommy Guillebeau (1991-2001), Ralph Swearngin (2001-14), Gary Phillips (2014-17) and Hines (2017-24).

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

PIKE/LAMAR PRIMARY TOTALS

 IN  PIKE  COUNTY-2632  REPUBLICAN  VOTES  CAST--DONALD  TRUMP  GOT   2475,  HALEY 121, DESANTIS 23.  PRESIDENT  BIDEN  GOT  252  OF 276  CAST.    IN  LAMAR  COUNTY  TRUMP  TALLIED 1573,  BIDEN  418.

TRUMP AND BIDEN WIN BIG IN UPSON TUES

 NO  SURPRISES  IN  TUESDAY'S  PRESIDENTIAL  PRIMARY  IN  UPSON  COUNTY,  PRESIDENT  JOE  BIDEN  WON  ON  THE  DEMOCRAT  BALLOT  WITH  610  VOTES  OF 639 VOTES  CAST--  DONALD  TRUMP  ON  THE  REPUBLICAN  BALLOT  WITH 2246  OF   2421  VOTES  CAST.


ON  THE  REPUBLICAN  BALLOT,  NIKKI  HALEY  RECEIVED  145  VOTES,  RON DESANTIS  16.  ON  THE  DEMOCRAT  BALLOT  MARIANNE  WILLIAMSON  GOT  15  VOTES,  DEAN  PHILLIPS  14.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

T-U IDA HIRES A NEW DIRECTOR

 AT  A  CALLED MEETING,  TUESDAY,  THE  CHAIRMAN  OF  THE  THOMASTON-UPSON  IDA,  CHASE  FALLIN  ANNOUNCED  THE  BOARD  HAS  HIRED  A  NEW  DIRECTOR,  SLADE  GULLEDGE, TO  BE  ON  BOARD  MARCH  18.  CHAIRMAN  FALLIN  SAID  MR.    GULLEDGE   WAS  WITH  THE  COBB  CHAMBER OF  COMMERCE   FOR   17  YEARS   AND  MOST  RECENT  TENURE  AS  VICE PRESIDENT  OF  ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT FOR  THE  FORSYTH  COUNTY  CHAMBER  OF  COMMERCE.  SLADE  STATED "THOMASTON-UPSON  IS  ABSOLUTELY  BRIMMING  WITH OPPORTUNITY."  HE  ADDED  "  ONE KEY  ASPECT OF  A  SUCCESSFUL  COMMUNITY  IS  QUALITY  LEADERSHIP  AND  THOMASTON-UPSON HAS  THAT IN  ABUNDANCE."

GEORGE E. CARRIKER CANDIDATE DIST. ONE UPSON BOC

 From :  George E.  Carriker

             Candidate for District 1 Commissioner

             100 Edna Circle

             Thomaston, GA 30286

              706-741-0248

We would like to announce that we are a Democratic candidate for Upson County Commission for District 1.

We look for to meeting with constituents of the district to discuss issues that are relevant to the community at large and District 1 particularly. 

Our campaign will officially kick off on May 29, 2024.

Our slogan is:  Real Change

If you want to be a member of TEAM CARRIKER please contact us by email at george.carriker@hotmaill.com or text your name and “I’M IN” to 706-741-0248.  Our plan is to set up campaign related social media accounts for all campaign related information.

As the campaign season progresses, we will announce specific issues that we intend to address.

So, stay tuned for more info in the coming months.

All aboard the CARRIKER Train.

Respectfully

George E Carriker, 100 Edna Circle, Thomaston, GA 30286