Editor’s Note: This is the first in a four-part series that looks back at 2020 in Troup County.
January 4th
Loeffler visits Kia
Just days before she was sworn in as a U.S. Senator, Kelly Loeffler visited Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. “I have to say that this was a really impressive tour, not just the innovation and technology, but also the people and the culture,” said Loeffler. Loeffler is currently in a runoff election with Raphael Warnock to try to hold onto her seat in the US Senate.
January 8th
Hogansville receives the largest grant
to date
The Callaway Foundation presented the City of Hogansville with a check for US $ 250,000 to renovate the Royal Theater, which currently houses City Hall.
11th January
First event in the new Troup High Gym
The first basketball game took place at Troup High’s brand new sports complex in early January, when the Tigers faced rival LaGrange from Crosstown. A few days later a tape cut was done for the gym.
January 17th
TCSS votes for the provision of taxes
Relief for seniors
Troup County’s Schools Board passed a resolution voting on senior tax breaks. The measure, which was on the ballot in November, was finally passed by an overwhelming majority. Residents 65 and older with an income of $ 40,000 or less do not pay school-related property taxes.
January 29th
LaGrange college students gain experience in the Super Bowl
Students of Dr. Preston James IV at LaGrange College helped out at the Super Bowl in Miami, Florida. It was the third year that James’ students in the Sports Management program had the opportunity to attend.
February 1st
Tilley named Visit LaGrange’s CFO
Kathy Tilley, then Interim President of the LaGrange-Troup County’s Chamber of Commerce, has been named President and CEO of Visit LaGrange.
February 2nd
House fire on Reeves Street kills mother and daughter
Tatiana McFarland, 29, and her one-year-old daughter Mynova Satterwhite died in a house fire on Reeves Street in LaGrange.
14th of February
Pat’s corner shop
On Valentine’s Day, Pat’s Corner store owner Patricia Underwood, 78, was killed by a stray ball in her Union Street store. Andreco Darnell Parham has been charged with murder and other charges. 42-year-old Ronald Turner was also injured in the shooting. A candlelight vigil was held for Underwood in Calumet Park.
6th March
TRACER presents candidates
Four candidates who have been approved by tax breaks and major educational reform announced her candidacy for the Troup County School System. The anti-tax group was ultimately unsuccessful in all four races.
March 12th
Woman saves man’s life
Kendall Anderson was recognized by the Red Cross for saving the life of a man with CPR on a strawberry farm.
March 13th
Schools suspended, block party canceled, Big Wolf closes
The TCSS Board of Education voted to close schools for two weeks due to COVID-19 concerns. At the same time, Great Wolf Lodge closed its doors, the annual St. Patrick’s Day block party in Downtown LaGrange was canceled, and several churches were closed.
March, 15
First case in Troup
Troup County’s first case of COVID-19 has been confirmed. The person was admitted to the hospital.
17. March
LaGrange, Troup declares a state of emergency
LaGrange City Council declared a state of emergency and banned public gatherings on the city’s property. Troup County also declared a state of emergency.
17. March
Commissioners pass resolution on weapons sanctuary
At the request of Sheriff James Woodruff, the County Commissioners approved a Second Amendment Sanctuary resolution preventing law enforcement from enforcing measures such as universal background checks, bans on offensive weapons and red flag laws.
19th March
KMMG stops production
Just a day after announcing it would resume production, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia temporarily halted production amid supply chain issues due to the pandemic.
March, 15
Judge Baldwin dies
Longtime judge and former Senator Asbury Quillian Baldwin Jr. died at the age of 77.
March 23
Kemp orders protection on site
Governor Brian Kemp signed several executive orders, ordering people at increased risk to seek refuge and closing bars and nightclubs.
March 24th
City closes business
LaGrange city council approved the closure of dining rooms, gyms, bowling alleys, theaters, barbershop, tattoo parlors, massage parlors, pool halls and other facilities within the city limits.
26th of March
First death in troup
District 4 Public Health confirmed first death from COVID-19 in Troup, a 61-year-old woman with health problems.
26th of March
Mother charged with the murder of her daughter
Caroline Riley Propes, 19, of Newnan, was arrested by the Troup County Sheriff’s Office for the murder of her second degree daughter. The baby was found dead in a cooler on the side of Boy Scout Street in January 2019. This was followed by a lengthy investigation that included DNA testing. Propes allegedly told TCSO that she panicked and left the baby on the side of the road in hopes that someone would pick it up.