News, Obituaries, & Sports

THE OWNER OF BRUSH STROKES PAINTING COMPANY RYAN GILL TOOK ISSUE WITH SUMMER PAINTING BIDS AT TUESDAY'S MEETING OF THE THOMASTON-UPSON BOARD OF EDUCATION. GILL CHARGED HE HAD THE LOW BID OF $114,000 COMPARED WITH MARTIE MURPHY CONTRACTING $121,000 BUT IT WAS OVER BUDGET SO IT WAS RE-BID AND MURPHY HAD THE LOW BID OF $76,000 COMPARED WITH GILL'S BID OF $84,000. GILL SPOKE TO THE BOARD AND TO 101

Mr. James "Foots" Michael Green, age 67 of Thomaston, Georgia, died Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Eternal Hope Hospice in Griffin. Mr. Green was born on November 21, 1958, in Macon, Georgia to the late John Sharpe Green Jr. and the late Nancy Brown Green. He worked in mobile home setup. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Johnny Green. Survivors include his wife, Catherine McKinley Green, daughter, Cassie (Sid) Faulk, Casity (Shane) Foster, Hail

BY UNANIMOUS VOTE THE UPSON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MONDAYVOTED TO RECOMMEND A REZONING FOR A NEW INDUSTRIAL PARK TO THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ON MUD BRIDGE ROAD AT RACE TRACK ROAD. THE PLANNING COMMISSION PLACED SEVERAL CONDITIONS ON THE REZONING OF 222 ACRES INCLUDING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT SHALL BE APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGARDING THE SITE PLAN AND ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS PRIOR TO ANY PERM

The Spalding County Fire Department said they are investigating a deadly mobile home fire that happened early Tuesday morning. Crews were called to a home located on Old Atlanta Road around 1:58 a.m. One person and a pet were found dead inside the home following the fire, according to fire officials. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, shortly after 10:00 p.m., the Griffin Police Department, Griffin Fire-Rescue, and Wellstar Spalding EMS responded to a reported shooting at Raymond Head Park, located at 800 Anne Street in Griffin. Upon arrival, officers located a 31 year old adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. The victim has been identified as Malcolm Freeling. The investigati

Mr. Ted Benson Bishop, age 64 of The Rock, GA, passed away on July 6th, 2026. Those who knew him well knew that Ted was no stranger to hard work. He was a man who knew what he wanted, how he wanted it done and why his way was the best way to do it. Debating with him was often a losing battle, but his stubbornness was born out of a genuine desire to see things done right and to protect the people he cared about. Underneath that famously gruff exterior was a heart of absolute g

UPSON COUNTY SO SAYS THE LOSS AT THE BUS BUSINESS AT 1385 BARNESVILLE HIGHWAY COULD BE $60 TO $70,000 AFTER SOMEONE APPARENTLY CUT THROUGH A FENCE AND STOLE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS OFF 30 BUSES. THE ITEMS CONTAIN EXPENSIVE METALS THAT MAKE THEM VALUABLE.

Mr. Billy Ray “Bill” Hattaway, age 88, passed away on July 7, 2026, at Pike Manor in Zebulon. Bill grew up in Atlanta and was the son of the late Robert Steve Hattaway and the late Bonita Bell Hattaway. He graduated from Brown High School, where he served as captain of the football team. Bill enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country and also played football. Following his honorable discharge, he began a career with Eastern Airlines, where he wor

Spalding County has taken swift and decisive action following criminal and internal investigations involving allegations of stalking, sexual harassment, and employee misconduct. The matter began when a county employee reported to the County Manager that a tracking device had been placed on her personal vehicle. Upon receiving the information, the County Manager immediately contacted the Spalding County Sheriff's Office and requested assistance. The Sheriff's Office promptly o

The Thomaston Police Department has arrested two juveniles, ages 12 and 15, in connection with the theft of a vehicle during the early morning hours of Monday, July 6, 2026. Charges are also pending against a third juvenile believed to be involved. At approximately 2:37 a.m., officers responded to the 300 block of 6th Avenue after a gray 2011 Kia Optima was reported stolen. A BOLO was immediately issued to surrounding law enforcement agencies. Just over an hour later, a Thoma

Upson County property taxpayers can expect a due date of early to mid-December this year due to the new property tax legislation creating a delay in assessment notices being mailed out. The GA Dept. of Revenue did not give the green light for assessment notices to be mailed out until the 1st of June this year when typically, those notices are mailed out in April each year, therefore allowing the 45 day appeal period to be met well before the July 15th deadline of giving the t

Mr. Christopher “Chris” Brooks Wadford, age 46, of Zebulon, passed away on July 1, 2026. Chris grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. He had a wonderful sense of humor, never met a stranger, and had a gift for making others laugh. He was an avid Gamecocks fan who never turned down a pizza, good or bad. Above all, Chris loved his family dearly and was immensely proud of his children. No matter the circumstances he faced, Chris remained steadfast in his faith in Jesus Christ. He

UPSON COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE UNITS RESPONDED TO AN OVERTURNED SEMI AT 19 SOUTH AND HIGHWAY 80 MONDAY AFTERNOON AND THE DRIVER WAS AIR FLIGHTED TO AN OUT OF TOWN TRAUMA CENTER. 101 NEWS SPOKE WITH NORTHSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT CHIEF CHARLES SANDEFUR WHO TOLD US SALEM VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT CALLED FOR MUTUAL AID AND HIS CREW RESPONDED. WE WERE TOLD FIRE AND RESCUE UNITS HAD TO FREE THE TRAPPED TRUCK DRIVER

Mr. Walter “Raymond” Royal, Jr, 81 of Thomaston died Thursday July 2, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mr. Royal was born February 15, 1945 in Millen, GA to the late Walter Raymond Royal and the late Eunice Bassett Royal. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years Martha Goins Royal and nephew, Chance Royal. Survivors include his daughter, Monica Ann Bridges (Benji) of Thomaston, sisters, Judy Garvin of Millen, GA , June Carpen

THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND REGISTRATION IS WARNING THE PUBLIC ABOUT FRAUDLENT MAILINGS REGARDING VOTER REGISTRATION. YOU CAN ONLY REGISTER TO VOTE AT THE ELECTIONS OFFICE IN THE DRAKE ANNEX AT THE GOVERNMENT COMPLEX OR YOU CAN REGISTER TO VOTE ONLINE.

Mr. Gary Bruce Gordy age 80 of Thomaston Ga, died Saturday July 4, 2026 at Brightmoor Hospice. Mr. Gordy was born on April 19, 1946 in Thomaston Ga, to the late Paul Gordy and the late Cleone Daniel Gordy. He was formerly employed with the Georgia Department of Transportation where he worked in the Asphalt division for many years. Mr. Gordy served his country in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam aboard the USS Kitty Hawk and later served in the National Guard. He was a member of C

Mr. Benjamin Robert Maxedon, age 78, of Zebulon, passed away July 4, 2026. Ben was born in Martinsville, Illinois, son of the late Dean Richard Maxedon, Sr. and the late Delores June Shockey “Penny” Maxedon. Ben was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. He enlisted in the military on June 10, 1966, and served until April 1970, earning the National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. After being honorably discharged, Ben

Mrs. Betty Lou Hilton age 89 of Thomaston Ga, died Wednesday July 1, 2026, at Providence Health and Rehab. Mrs. Hilton was born on March 1, 1937, in Thomaston, Georgia, to the late Roger Blount, and the late Hattie Johnson Blount. She was a housekeeper and a member of Trinity Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Hilton. Survivors include her daughters, Debbie (Tony) Barnes of Thomaston, Vickey (Michael) McLendon of Tho

Forrest Dwight “Frosty” Davis, age 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Hampton, Georgia, on June 29, 2026. Forrest was born on February 3, 1948, in Washington State, to the late Otis and Marion Davis, and later moved to Aiken, South Carolina, where he spent his formative years. A standout athlete from a young age, he was recruited out of high school by the legendary Bobby Dodd to play football for Georgia Tech. During his distinguished collegiate athletic career, he was