Honestly, if you've been driving through Thomaston lately, you've probably noticed it. Things are shifting. It isn't just the usual small-town gossip at the local diner; there is a tangible sense of transition in the air.
Most people think of Upson County as a quiet pocket of Middle Georgia where nothing ever happens. That’s a mistake. Between the recent 2026 budget showdowns and the sudden security scares at our schools, the "quiet life" is getting a lot more complicated.
The Budget Tug-of-War in Thomaston
Money is always a touchy subject. Right now, it's the biggest headline in upson county ga news. Just this past December, the Thomaston City Council had a real nail-biter of a meeting. Mayor J.D. Stallings actually had to step in and break a 2-2 tie just to get the 2026 budget approved. Think about that for a second. Half the council wasn't on board.
Council members Jeff Middlebrooks and Lakethia Reeves voted against it. Why? It usually comes down to where every single penny is going. On the county side, things look slightly different. County Manager Lonnie Joyce has been vocal about the fact that there shouldn’t be a property tax increase for 2026. That is huge news for homeowners.
But there’s a catch.
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While your property taxes might stay flat, your solid waste collection rates are likely going up. It’s that classic "give and take" of local government. They keep the big number steady while the smaller, monthly fees creep up to cover the rising costs of literally everything.
Security Shakes Up Upson-Lee High School
We can't talk about local news without mentioning the scare at Upson-Lee High School on January 12. A 16-year-old student was taken into custody after a Ruger .380 caliber pistol was found in his backpack.
The scary part? The gun was reported "lost" out of Atlanta.
The silver lining here is the technology. The school’s OpenGate detection system caught it during the morning arrival. It’s a sobering reminder of why those security measures exist, even if they feel like a hassle when you're just trying to get your kid to class on time. Sheriff Dan Kilgore’s office handled it fast, and thankfully, nobody was hurt.
But it leaves parents wondering: how did a lost gun from Atlanta end up in a teenager's bag in Thomaston? That investigation is still wide open.
A Community in Mourning
It hasn't all been policy and police reports. The community took a heavy hit recently with the loss of a 6th grader from Upson-Lee Middle School. A wreck on Highway 74 West near the Pike County line claimed the young boy's life and left his brother, football standout Jayden Skelton, with serious injuries.
When something like this happens, the "news" feels a lot less like a headline and a lot more like a family tragedy. You see the "Upson Strong" stickers and the GoFundMe pages, and you realize how tight-knit this place actually is.
The 2026 Special Election: Who is Eugene Allison?
If you’ve seen more political signs than usual, there’s a reason. John Kennedy resigned his State Senate seat for District 18 to run for Lieutenant Governor. That has triggered a special election set for January 20, 2026.
Early voting is already happening. We’ve got a mix of outside names and local faces:
- Eugene Allison is the hometown candidate from Thomaston.
- Eric Wilson, the former Mayor of Forsyth.
- Stephen McNeil, an attorney from Macon.
- Lauren Daniel, a former Senator.
Locals are watching this closely. Having a representative who actually lives in Upson County could change the leverage we have in Atlanta. If you haven't looked at the ballot yet, you probably should before Tuesday.
Development and the Roland Road Dispute
Growth is a double-edged sword. Everyone wants better stores and jobs, but nobody wants a subdivision in their backyard. The Upson County Board of Commissioners recently denied an appeal from 10 Acres Lake LLC. They wanted to put a subdivision on Roland Road, but the Planning Commission said no, and the Commissioners backed them up.
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There’s currently a moratorium on new subdivisions in certain parts of the county. Why? Because our infrastructure—specifically water and roads—needs to catch up. The Commissioners have been granting some exemptions on places like Willingham Spring Road and Jeff Davis Road, but they are being very picky.
Basically, they are trying to prevent Upson from turning into a congested suburb of Atlanta. It's a hard line to walk.
Education and Excellence
On a brighter note, the Thomaston-Upson School System just released some impressive numbers. The Class of 2025 hit a 100% graduation rate in Advanced Academics and Fine Arts. That is a massive win for Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico and the teachers who were just honored as "Teachers of the Year."
2026 Teacher of the Year Honorees:
- Amanda Miller (Upson-Lee High School & District-wide winner)
- Clover Harris (Upson-Lee Primary)
- Niki Dunn (Upson-Lee Elementary)
- Dr. Callie Kendrick (Upson-Lee Middle)
What You Should Actually Do Now
If you live here or own property in Upson, don't just read the news—interact with it. The decisions made in those 3-2 tie-breaker votes affect your wallet more than anything happening in Washington D.C.
First, check your voter registration. The January 20th special election is literally days away. If we want Upson's voice heard in the State Senate, the turnout needs to be higher than the usual dismal special election numbers.
Second, keep an eye on your utility bills. With the new budget in place, those solid waste fee adjustments will be hitting soon. If you’re a business owner, look into the "Rural Zone" tax credits. The state just designated several new communities for these, and they offer massive credits for rehabilitating old buildings in downtown areas.
Finally, if you've got a live Christmas tree still sitting on your porch, take it to Lakeside Park at 800 County Road. They’re accepting them through January 31 for recycling. It's a small thing, but it keeps the county clean.
Upson County is changing. Whether it's for the better depends on who shows up to the meetings and the polls. Stay sharp.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Locate your polling place for the January 20 Special Election for State Senate District 18.
- Review the 2026 Budget documents on the Upson County official website to see how the waste collection rate changes impact your household.
- Attend the next Board of Commissioners meeting at 106 East Lee Street to voice your opinion on the ongoing subdivision moratorium.