News, Obituaries, & Sports

David Daniel Corn, born November 18, 1971, third son of Derrell and Jimmie Hicks Corn of Gainesville, passed suddenly at home on the morning of November 30, 2025, surrounded by his wife and older children. He leaves behind his wife, Catherine (Fowler) Corn, and his children, Elijah (20), Emily (18), and Sophia (11), all of Griffin, Georgia. He was a loving and devoted husband, and an adored and steadfast father to his children. David's last 13 years (2012–2025) were spent as

A special elections been set for January 20th to fill the 18th district state Senate seat of John Kennedy who resigned to focus on his run for Lieutenant governor among candidates are ex Forsyth Mayor Eric Wilson Macon  attorney Stephen McNeil former Senator Lauren Daniel and Eugene Allison from Thomaston, the election dates for Upson county January 20th special election December 29 th ,  8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and on Saturdays 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM January 3rd through January 10th

Now that our Christmas celebrations have come to an end, the City of Thomaston is requesting that residents donate Christmas trees to Lakeside Park to “give your tree a new life”… between Dec. 25, 2024, and Jan. 31, 2026, a sign will be in the parking lot of the park to show where trees can be placed… trees will be accepted from dawn to dusk, seven days per week… Lakeside Park is located at 800 County Road in Thomaston… for more information, call 706-647-7144.

Mrs. Elizabeth "Nikki" Beverly Bergmeier, age 42 of Thomaston, Georgia, died Friday, December 26, 2025, at Piedmont Henry Hospital. Mrs. Bergmeier was born on September 3, 1983, in Thomaston, Georgia to Marion Fred Beverly and Deborah Chapman Beverly.  She worked for Alacrity Solutions as an Auditing Manager and was of the Baptist Faith. Survivors include her husband, Matt Bergmeier of Thomaston, daughter, Adley Delane Bergmeier of Thomaston, sons, Leland Scott Bergmeier of T

Robert Gibbins, Sr., age 47, of Zebulon, passed away December 26, 2025, at his home. Robert grew up in Zebulon. He worked for Blalock Heating & Air for the last three years as a service Technician.  Music was a deep joy for Robert. He especially loved playing the piano, often finding peace and expression through music. He cherished time with his family and especially loved being a father. His children meant everything to him, and despite his struggles, he never stopped trying

Merrell Dwayne Padgett, age 61, of Meansville, passed away December 27, 2025, at his home. Dwayne grew up in Atlanta, son of the late Lamar Padgett and the late Joyce Brooks Padgett. For many years, Dwayne worked with his father as a brick mason. When his son, Keith, was young, he coached him in baseball. Dwayne was an excellent artist and enjoyed drawing. He was an animal lover and sports fan. The Atlanta Braves and Falcons were his favorite teams.  Dwayne was an amazing coo

Mr. Brian Thornton Chancellor age 85, of Meansville, Georgia died Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Sunny Grove Assisted Living after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.  Mr. Chancellor was born September 4, 1940, in Tampa, Florida to the late Lomax Chancellor and the late Ella Margaret Thornton Chancellor.  He actively served his country in the US. Marines and the US Marine Corps Reserves and later retired as an auto mechanic.  He was a member of Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran

Karen R. Cress, age 62, of Milledgeville, passed away December 23, 2025, at her home. Karen was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, daughter of the late Lowell Cross and Velma Germann Payne. She devoted many years to caring for her mother until her passing. Karen worked for several years as a cashier and in her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting.  Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, David Cress and Jeff Cress. She is survived by her step-father: Jame

Mrs. Linda Gilbert Haldeman age 80 of Griffin Ga, died Wednesday December 24, 2025 at Brightmoor Hospice. Mrs. Haldeman was born on July 15, 1945 in Thomaston Ga, to the late Carson Gilbert and the late Norma Stephens Gilbert. She worked as an accountant for many years and was of the Baptist faith. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband Robert Haldeman and son Chadwick Haldeman. Survivors include her sisters Mrs. Sandra Passmore, Mrs. Elizabeth Als

Dr. Derico recognized the 2026 Teacher of theYear recipients from each school, as well as the district Teacher of the Year. The honorees included Mrs. Clover Harris, Upson-Lee Primary School; Mrs. Niki Dunn, Upson-Lee Elementary School; Dr. Callie Kendrick, Upson-Lee Middle School; and Mrs. Amanda Miller, Upson-Lee High School, who was also named the Thomaston-Upson County Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Cynthia L. Boswell Fortner, age 72 of Thomaston, Georgia, died Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Navicent Health Medical Center in Macon. Mrs. Fortner was born on November 11, 1953, in Thomaston, Georgia, to the late Norman Boswell and the late Margaret Dawson Boswell.  She was a homemaker.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Gary Fortner, and daughter Mary Stephanie Fortner. Survivors include her daughter Jessica (Brandon) Adams, and sister

Mr. Milton Dwight Jordan, age 69, of Meansville, passed away December 18, 2025. Dwight grew up in the Grant Park area of Atlanta and in Centerville, Georgia, and was the son of the late Willie Milton Jordan and Edith Henson Jordan. For most of his working life, he was employed in the commercial refrigeration and HVAC industry. Dwight was gifted with his hands. He could build or fix just about anything. He especially enjoyed riding and repairing motorcycles, was an accomplishe

Mrs. Deborah “Debbie” Jean Priest Presley, age 74, of Thomaston, passed away December 19, 2025.  Debbie grew up in Griffin. She was an excellent musician and could play the piano by ear.  She wrote and performed many gospel songs and was the pianist for over 10 different churches during her lifetime. Most recently, she attended Pine Mountain Church of the Nazarene in Meansville. Debbie loved her cats, and she enjoyed traveling with her husband, Phillip. She had an wonderful s

Mrs. Lorraine Clemmons Wood, age 90, of Griffin, passed away December 19, 2025, at her home.  Lorraine grew up in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, daughter of the late George Clemmons and the late Nellie Warren Clemmons.  She moved from there to Griffin in 1980. Lorraine worked in the textile industry for many years. Her last job was at Dundee Mills/Springs Industries where she retired. She enjoyed gardening and traveling with her husband, Bert. She loved the Lord and was a de

Mr. Dwain Warren Penn age 70 of Thomaston Ga, died Tuesday December 16, 2025 at Upson Regional Medical Center. No services are planned at this time.

Two homes in Spalding County appeared to be completely destroyed by fire two others badly damaged.   Spalding County Fire and Griffin Fire and Rescue responded to the fire at 114 Pecan Dr. which sits across the street from Cowan middle school Saturday around 4:30   Officials say the two adjacent homes at 112 and 116 Pecan Dr. sustained heavy damage and a fourth home experienced minor damage to its vinyl siding    No injuries reported but five adults and one child were displac

Officers and investigators with the Thomason Police Department executed a search warrant this afternoon at 236 Peachbelt Road, Thomaston, Georgia, in reference to an ongoing investigation into an alleged investment fraud scheme involving a business operating under the name Walter Douglas Investments. The investigation began after a victim reported being induced to wire $250,000 on April 11, 2025, for what was represented as a legitimate investment opportunity. The individual

CITY  OF  THOMASTON  MAYOR  J.D. STALLINGS  HAD  TO  BREAK  A  2-2  TIE  TO  APPROVE  THE 2026  BUDGET  AT  A  BUDGET MEETING    THURSDAY- A   3-2  VOTE.  COUNCIL MEMBERS  JEFF MIDDLEBROOKS  AND  LAKETHIA  REEVES  VOTED  AGAINST  THE  MOTION  BY  MAYOR  PRO TEM  TROY  CHANEY  TO  APPROVE. COUNCILMAN  MIDDLEBROOKS  STATED  HE  OPPOSES  THE  UTILITY  INCREASES  IN  THE  BUDGET    AND    HIS  CONSTITUENTS  ARE   PAYING  FOR  SERVICES  THEY  DON'T  NEED WITH  GARABAGE  COLLECTION

Quad Media Statement Facility Closure Announcement December 16, 2025 Quad announced today that it has made the difficult decision to permanently close its printing  facility in The Rock, Georgia, in March 2026. This decision reflects ongoing industry declines in long-run print categories—like weekly magazines the plant was built to produce—driven by frequent postal rate hikes, which have exceeded inflation, as well as persistent U.S. Postal Service delivery delays.“Making dec

Mrs. Elizabeth Dianne Peters Armistead, known to many as Mom, Granny, Dooney and Friend, age 80, of Williamson, passed away December 15, 2025.  Dianne grew up in Silvertown and graduated from R. E. Lee Institute in Thomaston.  She was a hardworking woman who was committed to her career for many years before retirement. After retirement, she found joy in church activities, Red Hat Society, and traveling with friends. Most importantly, she always enjoyed spending time with fami