Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

EDITORS NOTE: This is the first of a four part series looking back at the year 2020 in Troup County.

Jan. 4

Loeffler visits Kia

Just a few days before she was sworn in as a U.S. senator, Kelly Loeffler visited Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. “I have to say this was a really impressive tour, not just the innovation and technology but the people and the culture,” Loeffler said. Loeffler is currently in a run-off with Raphael Warnock to try to hold on to her U.S. senate seat.

Jan. 8

Hogansville receives largest grant 

to date

The Callaway Foundation presented the city of Hogansville with a $250,000 check to renovate the Royal Theatre, which currently houses City Hall. 

Jan. 11

First event at new Troup High gym

The first basketball game was held in Troup High’s brand new athletic facility in early January, as the Tigers took on crosstown rival LaGrange. A ribbon cutting was held for the gym a few days later.

Jan. 17

TCSS votes to provide tax

relief for seniors

The Troup County School Board passed a resolution that put a tax relief vote on the ballot for senior citizens. The measure, which appeared on the ballot in November, eventually passed by overwhelming margin. Residents 65 and older, with an income of $40,000 or lower will pay nothing in school-related property taxes.

Jan. 29

LaGrange College students get experience at Super Bowl

Students in Dr. Preston James IV’s class at LaGrange College got to help with the Super Bowl in Miami, Florida. It was the third year James’ sports management program students had a chance to participate.

Feb. 1

Tilley named Visit LaGrange CFO

Kathy Tilley, who at the time was the interim president of the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce, was named the president and CEO of Visit LaGrange.

Feb. 2  

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.

Feb. 14

Pat’s corner store shooting

On Valentine’s Day, Pat’s Corner Store owner Patricia Underwood, 78 was killed by a stray bullet in her store on Union Street. Andreco Darnell Parham was charged with murder and other charges. Ronald Turner, 42, was also injured in the shooting. A candlelight vigil was held for Underwood at Calumet Park.

March 6

TRACER presents candidates

Four candidates endorsed by Tax Relief and Comprehensive Education Reform  announced their candidacy for Troup County School System. The anti-tax group was ultimately unsuccessful in all four races.

March 12

Woman saves man’s life 

Kendall Anderson was recognized by the Red Cross for saving a man’s life with CPR at a strawberry farm.

March 13

Schools suspended, block party canceled, Great 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 Downtown LaGrange annual St. Patrick’s Day block party was canceled and several churches began to close.

March 15

First case in Troup 

The first case of COVID-19 in Troup County was confirmed. The person was hospitalized.

March 17

LaGrange, Troup declare state of emergency 

The LaGrange City Council declared a state of emergency and banned public gatherings on city property. Troup County also declared a state of emergency.

March 17

Commissioners pass gun sanctuary resolution

At the request of Sheriff James Woodruff, county commissioners approved a “Second Amendment Sanctuary” resolution, prohibiting law enforcement from enforcing measures like universal background checks, assault weapon bans and red flag laws.

March 19

KMMG halts production 

Just a day after saying they would continue production, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia temporarily halted production due to supply chain issues caused by the pandemic.  

March 15 

Judge Baldwin dies

Longtime judge and former state Senator Asbury Quillian Baldwin, Jr. died at the age of 77.

March 23

Kemp orders shelter-in-place  

Gov. Brian Kemp signed several executive orders, ordering people with increased risk to shelter in place and closing bars and nightclubs.

March 24

City closes businesses

The LaGrange City Council voted to close dining rooms, gyms, bowling alleys, theaters, barbershops, tattoo parlors, massage parlors, pool halls and other facilities in the city limits.

March 26

First death in Troup 

District 4 Public Health confirmed the first death from COVID-19 in Troup, a 61-year-old woman who had underlying health conditions.

March 26

Mother charged with murdering her daughter 

Caroline Riley Propes, 19, of Newnan, was arrested by the Troup County Sheriff’s Office for second-degree murder of her daughter. The baby was found dead in a cooler on the side of Boy Scout Road in January of 2019. A lengthy investigation followed that included DNA testing. Propes reportedly told TCSO she panicked and left the baby on the side of the road hoping someone would pick it up.