News, Obituaries, & Sports

AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING  THE  UPSON COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  DENIED  AN  APPEAL  FROM  10  ACRES  LAKE  LLC  ON  ROLAND  ROAD   FOR  A  DECISION  BY  THE PLANNING  COMMISSION  ON  A  PRELIMINARY  PLAT  FOR  A  SUBDIVISON  PLAN. THE  COMMISSIONERS  ALSO  APPROVED  THE 2026  BUDGET  AT   THEIR  LAST  SCHEDULED  MEETING  OF  THE  YEAR.  COUNTY  MANAGER  LONNIE JOYCE  TOLD   101  NEWS  NO  PROPERTY  TAX  INCREASE  ANTICIPATED  IN  THE 26  BUDGET  BUT  SOLID  WASTE  COLLECTION  RATES

GRIFF IN, GA –  The Board of Education has named two finalists for the position of Superintendent of Schools for the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS). The finalists are GSCS Interim Superintendent Dr. Donald Warren and Dr. Stephanie Johnson, current Georgia Department of Education Office of School and District Improvement Deputy Superintendent/Chief Turnaround Officer. A town hall meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 6, from 6-8 p.m. in the Griffin Auditorium

State Senator John F. Kennedy Macon, GA –  Today, State Senator John F. Kennedy (SD-18) announced that he will be resigning his seat in the Georgia State Senate, effective immediately.  “It has been an incredible honor to serve and represent the 18th District in the Georgia State Senate these past 11 years,”  said Senator John F. Kennedy.  “I want to thank the people of Crawford, Monroe, Peach, Upson, Bibb and Houston counties for their trust and support as we’ve worked toget

Mr. Harold L. Waterman age 83 of The Rock Ga, died Friday December 5, 2025, at Atrium Health Navicent the Medical Center. Mr. Waterman was born on February 9, 1942, in Westwego Louisiana to the late Bob Waterman and the late Velma Breaux Waterman. He worked as a welder for Avondale Shipyard and Griffin Custom Trailers for many years. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Phyllis Wilson Waterman, son Donald Wayne Eastwood, brother Lawrence Waterman, s

Mr. Albert “Al” Levi Lucas, age 58, of Jackson, passed away December 3, 2025, at his home. Al was born in East Point Ga., son of James Lucas and the late Betty Terrell Lucas. For most of his working life, he was a carpenter. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his children, grandchildren and family. Along with his mother he was preceded in death by his grandparents James Levi and Edna Pearl Terrell. He is survived by a longtime companion and best friend: Sheri Blevins.

John Wesley Henderson, Jr., age 81, of Griffin, passed away December 7, 2025, at Brightmoor Hospice. He was born on August 8, 1944, in Atlanta, to the late John Wesley Henderson, Sr. and the late Doris Henderson.  Wesley’s uniquely spirited, delightfully unconventional ways—equal parts endearing and unpredictably entertaining—filled our lives with stories we’ll be telling for decades. His one-of-a-kind presence brought warmth, laughter, and just the right amount of gentle cha

Evis Jennean Thompson, age 74, of McDonough, passed away December 8, 2025, at Brightmoor Hospice. She was born on August 11, 1951, in Rome, Georgia, to the late RB Waddell and the late Dorothy Childress. Jennean was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. She was hardworking, selflessly taking on her legacy Dot’s Crafts -N- Things. Very Independent, kind, and dedicated to serving her Lord Jesus Christ in every decision she made. She loved reading, playing scrabble, cleanin

Paisley Ivey Duck was born into the arms of Jesus on December 3rd, 2025. She is preceded in death by her great-great grandfather: Robert Peugh; great-great grandmother: Barbara Ivey. She is survived by her parents: Jessey Leann Duck, T.J. Bennett; sisters: Kinsley Hodge, Ari Duck; aunts and uncles: Robert (Dana) Hodge, Carl, Donna, Carly and Clint Williamson; grandparents: Chris (Kayla) Bates, Brandon (Crystal) Williamson; great grandmothers: Sue Williamson, Joy Peugh and man

Mr. Harold L. Waterman age 83 of The Rock Ga, died Friday December 5, 2025 at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center. Mr. Waterman was born on February 9, 1942 in Westwego Louisiana to the late Bob Waterman and the late Velma Breaux Waterman. He worked as a welder for Avondale Shipyard and Griffin Custom Trailers for many years. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife Phyllis Wilson Waterman, son Donald Wayne Eastwood, brother Lawrence Waterman, sist

Mrs. Mary B. Pilkenton, age 83, of Molena, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Pike Manor Assisted Living. Mrs. Pilkenton was born April 8, 1942, in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Frank Baker and the late Ruth Callie Sparks Baker. She owned and operated Forget-Me-Not Florist for over 30 years. She was a devout member of Mount Olive Baptist Church. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Mrs. Pilkenton is survived by her gra

Mr. Paul Herman Vandiver, age 57, of Griffin, passed away December 3, 2025. Paul grew up in Fayetteville. He was an outdoorsman who loved dogs, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting guns and working on them. For 11 years, Paul owned The Gun Shop in Woodbury, a dream that he shared with his father.  He was a loyal and trusted friend who was always ready to help anyone in need. Paul was a member of The Cove Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his father, Scott Fleming

Ms. Brenda Joyce Owen Hampton, age 83, of Stockbridge, passed away December 3, 2025.  Brenda grew up in the Historic Grant Park community where she lived for 81 years. She attended Grant Park Elementary School and graduated from Roosevelt High School. Brenda began working as a switchboard operator for Southern Bell when she was young. It was during the time when operators wore roller skates to manage the switchboard. She worked at the downtown office on Ivy Street and the Eas

Mrs. Linda Jane (Allen) Miller, age 81 of Molena, went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 1, 2025.  Linda was born on January 18, 1944, in Maryville, TN. She was the daughter of the late Virgil Allen and the late Pauline (Toomy) Allen.  She worked as the secretary of Pike County Primary School for 21 years before retiring in the early 2000’s.  Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother J.L. Allen and her sister Phyllis (Allen) Stor

Mr. Charles Henry Fallin age 60 of Molena Ga, died Tuesday December 2, 2025, at his residence.  Mr. Fallin was born on October 3, 1965, in Upson County, Georgia to the late Henry Edmon Fallin and the late Thelma Marie Bennett Fallin.  He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, riding his bicycle and fast cars.  He was a member of Rehobeth Church of the Nazarene.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Edmon Lamar Fallin and sister, Karen Jeanette Wa

Mr. David Daniel “DD” Edwards, Sr., age 87, of Meansville, passed away December 2, 2025. David was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He lived for many years in Los Angeles, California before moving to Georgia. He worked for Western Airlines for 19 years as an aircraft technician and served as president of their gun club. After the merger with Delta Airlines, he continued his career for an additional eight years before retiring. David loved being on the water and owne

Ms. Mary Frances Appling Little, affectionally known as “GoGo”, age 91, of Williamson, passed away on November 28, 2025, at Upson Regional Medical Center in Thomaston. GoGo was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, daughter of the late William Henry Appling and the late Mary Alice Ferell Appling. For many years, she worked as a Title Abstractor, carefully researching and analyzing property records. She was an amazing cook, was deeply devoted to her family and loved spending time with

Bishop Road, from Jugtown Road to Highway 19, will be closed to through traffic until further notice, for the repair of drain pipes underneath the roadway according to officials.

INCUMBENT  MUFFIN  GIBSON  WAS  ELECTED   AS  UPSON  COUNTY  PROBATE  JUDGE  IN  TUESDAY'S    RUN-OFF  ELECTION.  JUDGE  GIBSON  POLLED   1508  VOTES   57  POINT 45% AND  CHALLENGER  DUSTIN  FORDHAM  RECEIVED  1117  VOTES 42 POINT 55%.  GIBSON  CARRIED  EVERY  PRECINCT  EXCEPT  SALEM    AND  SHE  CARRIED  THE  EARLY  VOTING. JUDGE  GIBSON  WAS  SERVING  AS  INTERIM  PROBATE JUDGE  AFTER  PREVIOUS  PROBATE  JUDGE  DANIELLE  MCRAE   RESIGNED.   Upson County Probate Judge Muffin

Allison Marie Donley, age 50, passed away on November 30, 2025. Allison was a kind-hearted person. She gave generously to anyone in need, often offering everything she had without ever expecting anything in return. She was especially loved by the Hispanic community, who deeply appreciated her help and support. She is survived by her sons: Justin Michael Donley, Dillon Ryan Donley and Austin Delaney Donley (Lexi Head); grandson: Cole Austin Donley; parents: Melinda and Roy Bel