New News Page

Fun 101 has put a new local news page online, it should be simpler to use and load much quicker. You have an option to become a follower of the page and to leave comments after a story. Comments will be pre-screened by Fun 101 staff to be certain they do not contain offensive language.

The local news link on the left should take you to the new page, be sure to bookmark it after it loads if you go directly to the page. If it doesn't load, click the following link.

http://fun101fm.blogspot.com/

Extreme Heat Warning

An Extreme Heat Advisory has been issued through Sunday night at 8 pm for the entire Fun 101 listening area.

The excessive heat will push temps above 100 with a heat index of 110 to 115 degrees.

Drink lots of fluids, stay out of the heat, especially from noon to 8 pm, keep a check on your elderly neighbors, the very young and those with cardiac conditions.

Make sure pets have plenty of water available, older pets may need to be brought inside.

Check NWS ATL website for further details.

http://www.weather.gov/view/prodsByState.php?state=GA&prodtype=special

Westmoreland Visit

Congressman Lynn Westmoreland will be in Thomaston on Monday, August 2nd at the Thomaston - Upson Chamber of Commerce from 2 until 3 pm.

Westmoreland will be at the Pike County Chamber of Commerce at 3:30 pm.

Pike Tax Hike Hearings

The Pike County Commissioners held two public hearings Wednesday to allow input on a proposed increase in the tax millage rate of .118 mills.

At the morning hearing, businessman Howard Rawlings urged the board to cut another 10% from the budget to avoid a tax hike. Merritt Speir who volunteered to help prepare the budget with former county manager Tommy Burnsed, had a presentation and indicated they went through two rounds of budget cuts before they arrived at the current numbers. He and Burnsed have called it a bare bones budget.

At the night hearing commissioner Tommy Powers said, "We skin it back as far as we could and still survive next year. At Tuesday's regular meeting the commissioners were told there's only $9000 in the general fund, $10,000 in cash reserves, the fire fund has $118,000 and E-911 $73,000. The commissioners have approved a line of credit for $800,000 to cover county operations till the end of the year, a tax anticipation note.

Upson Tax News

The Thomaston City Council adopted the 2010 tax millage at a called meeting Thursday, the rate of 3.62 mills is the same as last year. Mayor Hays Arnold thanked City Manager Patrick Comiskey and city department heads and employees for working hard to hold down operating cost.

The County Commissioners and Board of Education set their millage rates Tuesday, there was no change.

Upson County Water Super Hired by SouthWest

Upson County Commission Chairman Maurice Raines says the county water superintendent, Chet Ward, is leaving in two weeks. He's been hired by SouthWest Water, the City of Thomaston's water operations consultant. Chairman Raines stated, "Chet has done a great job and I hate to see him go, but he's getting a pay boost." The chairman said the county has personnel who can step in and carry on, but the board will advertise the post.

The commissioners are also taking applications for tax assessor following the resignation of Emily Oxford last week, one application has already been received.

Chairman Raines said the Department of Family and Childrens Services has rejected the old Georgia Department of Transportation building because there is no elevator and limited parking out front. He urged the board to look for tenants.

Upson Commissioners Meeting

At the July 27th meeting of the Upson County Commissioners, a beer and wine pour license was approved for Tony Nicholson at the Ridge Golf Course.

Susan Hill, Executive Secretary for the Thomaston-Upson Development Authority was recognized as employee of the month.

Commissioner Steve Hudson said the work is starting on a culvert at Reeves Creek on Old Alabama Road. For four weeks motorists must detour to Roland Road and Fork Drive.

The commissioners have a work session, Tuesday, August 3rd at 8:00 A.M.

School Board Selects New Fine Arts Location

At Tuesday's meeting the Thomaston Upson Board of Education selected the site for the new Fine Arts Center. The site is located between the high school and South Elementary on property the school system already owns. The location will eliminate land costs and it will be within easy walking distance for all schools except the middle school.

The board appointed an advisory committee to work with the architect on planning.

Community appointees: Juliette Hightower, Eddie Rogers and Jay Eubanks.

School system appointees: Band Director Jeremy Stanley, Choral Director  Jeremy Rooks and Drama Director Josh Sermones.

School board members: Keith Rowling and Angeline McGill along with Mike Majors from the central office.

The school board passed a resolution allowing the use of general funds for the project to be re-paid when the SPLOST begins in August. The total maximum amount allocated for the project is seven million dollars.

Riggins Granted Bond

In Upson Superior Court Friday, Judge Tommy Hankinson granted bond to Robert Ryan Riggins on a child molestation charge. The bond is $125,000 and Riggins will spend nights and weekends in jail. Other stipulations include paying a weekly jail fee of $100, adhere to a child protective order and have weekly drug and alcohol testing. 

Assistant District Attorney Alana Gernade opposed the bond because Riggins has a new charge of vehicular homicide relating to the death of a a female motorcycle rider May 22nd. Prosecutor Gernade said the child molestation case will be presented to the August Upson County Grand Jury but evidence in the vehicular homicide case is not ready.

Superior Court Pleas

A defendant charged with child molestation entered a guilty plea and was sentenced by Judge Tommy Hankinson in Upson Superior Court. Juan Marquez Lyons, 10 years, serve 5 and $2,500 fine.

Casey Melinda Taylor, two counts of forgery, 3 years to serve.

These cases fine and probation:

Balind Bakhtiar Salith, criminal trespass and interference with custody

Morgan Shawn Key, theft by conversion

Austin Ray Odom, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana

Berry B. Harrington, possession of drug related object.

Bank Teller Arrested

According to Thomaston Police, a bank teller was arrested for theft by deception Monday. Nina Armstrong of East Moore’s Crossing Road was terminated from West Central Georgia Bank downtown branch. Cash was allegedly taken from the bank over a period of time.

Caldwell To Play For UGA

Greenville High School's Kentavious Caldwell ended his recruiting Saturday and UGA picked up two new football recruits the same day, click HERE for the stories.

Tax Millage Rates in Upson

Upson County Tax Commissioner Berry Cook says according to the information he has received, all tax-levying bodies will keep their tax millage rate the same  in 2010. The Thomaston Upson board of Education expected to set it's millage rate at 14.30 mills on July 27th. The Upson County Commissioners 12.72 mills on that same date and Thomaston City Council, a tax millage rate of 3.62 mills on July 29th. The total tax millage in unicorporated Upson County 27.27 mills and in the City of Thomaston 30.89 mills.

Griffin Board of Commissioners Member Owes over $50,000 in Back Taxes

According to the Griffin Daily News, a partnership involving Griffin Board of Commissioners member Dick Morrow owes more than $50,000 in property taxes. According to Spalding County tax records, a partnership consisiting of Morrow and Michael H. Jackson of Hampton owes $54,054.84 in property at 1140 Cowan Road. The amount is recorded on the 2009 tax bill: the 2008 tax bill lists $36,138.45 in taxes owed for that year, $17, 049.20 of which are back taxes owed from 2007. Morrow desribed the laese as a "Triple Net," meaning that the lessee, Carlos Miller, pays the property taxes and maintenance and insurance. It was Miller's job to pay the taxes himself. Morrow said he first heard about the taxes not being paid last fall but was told an arrangement hade been made to deal with the situation. It was only in the spring that he learned the payments had still not been made. Since the tenant has not paid the taxes, it is up to Morrow and Jackson to do this. He said he has spoken with his attorney and the bank and the bank has agreed to pay the back taxes and add it to the mortgage. He said he was embarrassed by the situation but the taxes will be paid, with penalties and interest, within the next three weeks.

County Manager Bill Sawyer Reports Finances

At Wednesday's meeting Pike County's County Manager Bill Sawyer reported on county finances. $254,000 was in the general fund and $151,000 was spent on accounts payable, leaving a balance of $104,000. The County Manager told 101 News a tax anticipation note of $800,000 will be needed in the next 30 days to cover shortfalls caused by the economy. Ha says local governments all over the state  have the same problem. Local governments get a special interest rate when they use a tans to borrow money to operate. Something the County Manager says he does not want to do. The meeting was the shortest in memory, 12 minutes.

FUN 101.1 FM will have Election Results

Fun 101.1 FM will have election results starting at 7:00 PM and will be available on the web at www.upsoncountyga.org .

Lost Dog Found in Triune Mill Road Area

White pitbull looking dog was found in the Triune Mill Road area and they are looking to give the dog back to the owner. Contact FUN 101.1 FM for infomation.

Pike Sheriff Deputies Find a Mobile Meth Lab

Pike County Sheriff's Deputies discovered a mobile methamphetamine lab yesterday during a traffic stop. Duane Armistead, 40 years of age, and Bryant Sheriff, 38 years of age, were arrested after a Sheriff's Office K-9 unit alerted Deputies to the presence of illegal drugs in their vehicle. A small quanity of methamphetamine and marijuana was also discovered with the suspects. The methamphetamine lab was dismantled and disposed of with a hazardous materials crew. Both suspects are currently in Pike ounty Jail awaiting a bond hearing.

Judge issued an Order to Recind a Reconsidered Bond

Upson County Magistrate Judge William Hughly has issued an order recinding a reconsidered bond for Robert Ryan Riggins for child molestation. In his order Judge Hughly said his decision to reset bond for Riggins was based on facts that have been called into question. Riggins was bound over to the August Upson County Grand Jury on charges of vehicular homicide during a preliminary hearing on those charges, Wednesday morning. Riggins was free on bond for child molestation until an accident that killed a motorcycle rider May 22nd, 2010, on 74 West. Judge Hughly revoked bond following that mishap. Wednesday, Judge Hughly went into chambers with Riggins attorney Jeff Ellington and Assistant District Attorney Alana Gernade, after Ellington told him DEFACS had closed the case on the child molestation, and defense attorney claimed the state has major problems with the polygraph administered to his client. Judge Hughly exited and set bond at $100,000 with several stipulations. Judge Hughly reportedly confirred with DEFACS and the District Attorney's Office Wednesday afternoon about the status of the child molestation case and then issued the order revoking Riggins bond. According to testimony at the Wednesday hearing, Riggins had a bllod alcohol level over the legal limit when he allegedly hit Tanya McBride in his pick-up as she turned off 74 West. State Trooper Mitchell Day, who investigated the fatal accident was the lone witness called. He was questioned by Atlanta Attorney Michael Hawkins, a DUI expert. Trooper Day said Riggins at first refused a bllod test at the scene but after apparently talking with family members, agreed. The legal limit is .08, Riggins registered .116.

Commissioners Ponder over SPLOST

At Tuesday's meeting of the Upson County Commissioners, County Manager Kyle Hood reported on an upcoming SPlOST effort. He said letters will be going out to the City of Thomaston and City of Yatesville about planning for a continuation of the current SPLOST that ends in March 2011, a 6 year, $18 million SPLOST. The referendum could be in March of next year. The commissioners awarded a contract to Sunbelt Structures, $71,000 in SPLOST funds for a culvert on Old Alabama Road at Reeves Creek. Blake Mechanical was retained to conduct an energy evaluation to see if savings can result in county facilities.

Lower Speed Limit at Dangerous Intersection

 If Spalding County agrees, the Pike County Commissioners want to reduce the speed limit 10 miles per hour at the intersection of Highway 362, Moreland and Rover-Zetella Roads. Allan McCallum was on the agenda at Wednesday's meeting seeking support from the board for a request to the GA DOT, to improve the safety of the intersection.

Thieves Pillage Old Walmart in Forsyth

The old Walmart building on North Lee Street had over $100,000 worth of copper stolen from it's air conditioning units last week.

Recognition for Memorial in Thomaston

A brief recognition ceremony from the Veteran's Committee of the Upson Historical Society honoring Mr. James C. Franklin for his partiotism in creating the Battle of the Bulge and World War II Memorial in Thomaston will be Saturday, July 17th, at 9:30 AM at the memorial just north of McDonalds on US 19 North and County Road.