News, Obituaries, & Sports

Rebecca Charlotte Reynolds Kierbow passed away peacefully at Eternal Hope Hospice on July 2, 2026 after a brief illness. She was born in Jackson, Georgia on June 24, 1941 to Marian Louise Rogers Reynolds and Wilbur Hugh Reynolds. Growing up in Jackson, her love for animals became apparent while helping her parents on their cattle ranch. She rescued many animals (and even some people) over her lifetime and taught her daughters that every life is precious and should be nurtured

Geraldine Kennedy Moon, affectionately known as “Maw Maw” age 77, of Thomaston, Georgia, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Geraldine was born on June 15, 1949, in Thomaston, Georgia, to the late Jesse Harvey Kennedy and Thelma Jewel Kennedy. She was the youngest of five children. A hardworking and devoted businesswoman, Geraldine was self-employed for most of her life as the owner and manager of Southside Grocery, affectionately kn

Gov. Brian Kemp announced Monday the appointment of Upson County native Michael H. Rogers as Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of former DA Marie Broder. GJC includes Upson, Fayette, Spalding, and Pike counties. Since 2010, Rogers has served as GJC senior assistant DA. As manager of the Pike County office, he has successfully prosecuted all misdemeanor cases and major felonies in superior, juvenile, magistrate, and prob

The NACDA Board of Directors has officially appointed Pennie Parker, Associate Vice President of Athletics at Rollins College, to serve as the Association's President for the 2026-27 academic year. Parker has served as a NACDA Officer since 2020 and was previously a NACDA Executive Committee member from 2015-19. Parker replaces Past President Sean T. Frazier, Vice President/Director of Athletics and Recreation at Northern Illinois University (NIU), whose tenure concluded afte

According to the Upson County Sheriff, deputies responded to a fatality accident at 10:38 p.m. on Friday on Liberty Chapel Road. After an investigation, deputies determined the 60-year-old Johnny Cheney, from Summerville, South Caroline, driving a black Chevrolet Sonic vehicle, was traveling north on Liberty Chapel Road when he failed to maintain his lane and left the roadway before fatally striking a ditch, per GSP. According to GSP, Cheney was transported to the Upson Regi

Mr. Johnny E. Cheney age 60 of Thomaston Ga, formerly of Summerville S.C., died Saturday July 18, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mr. Cheney was born on May 11, 1966 in Tupelo Ms, to Caroline Alfretta Comstock Cheney and the late John Edward Cheney. He worked as a certified mechanic and made covers for Gerber Knifes. Mr. Cheney served his country in the U.S. Army as a Military Police and later joined the National Guards. In addition to his father he is preceded in deat

Patricia Guild Robertson passed away at the age of 99, peacefully in her home on Thursday July 16, 2026. A first generation American, Robertson was born in Richmond, VA February 13, 1927, to Ion Roy and Iris Hill Guild who immigrated from the United Kingdom fleeing World War I. She was the fourth of five surviving children. Robertson had a passion for education and graduated at 20 from Westhampton College, now University of Richmond, to become a teacher. She later attended Ge

On July 17,2026 at just after 1:00 pm a World War II era vintage Vultee BT 13 A aircraft landed on Hwy 19 south near John B Gordon Road, inn Upson County. This location is approximately 5 1/2 miles south of Thomaston. The aircraft landed after experiencing mechanical problems. It was en route from Punta Gorda Florida to a vintage airshow in Oshkosh Wisconsin. There were no injuries and the aircraft was easily pushed out of the roadway by Deputy’s on the scene. A crew from Atl

James Arlie Ayers, went home to be with Jesus, after a brief unexpected illness, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on November 23, 1937, in Bremen, GA., he was the son of the late John Monroe Ayers and the late Mattie Brice Ayers. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife and soulmate, Shirley Mae Ayers, whom he married on July 26, 1958. He was also preceded in death by his son, Daniel Drury “Dan” Ayers, and his siblings - Hobert Ay

Miss Birklynn Avanell Nicholson, of Thomaston, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Miss Birklynn was born on June 28, 2026, in Thomaston, Georgia to Tanner Nicholson and Lillie Dudley. She is preceded in death by her grandmother, Hope Pippin, and great-grandmother, Mary Jean Joslin. Survivors include her parents, Tanner Nicholson and Lillie Dudley, grandparents, Tommy (Stephanie) Dudley, Jeff Nicholson, Robin (Keith) Flory,.

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