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House fire damages home on Ginny Lane Tuesday afternoon.

May 21, 2019, 6:16 pm
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About 5:20 Tuesday units of the Spalding Fire Department, Spalding Sheriffs Department, and Spalding Regional EMS were called to 225 Ginny Lane to a double wide home that had smoke showing.  Upon arrival Fire Department personnel found smoke sowing from the residence.

Spalding Fire Chief Jamie Clark said that one of the occupants had suffered smoke inhalation and was treated at the scene.  In all there were 4 adults and 3 children in the home at the time of the blaze. Chief Clark said that the Red Cross was called to the scene to assist the family as the front of the home was heavily damaged.

WKEU would like to thank all of our first responders for what they do every day to assist the residents of Griffin and Spalding County.

 

 

 

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Griffin and Spalding fire fighters respond to a small business shop fire.

May 26, 2019, 9:15 pm
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On Saturday afternoon May 25th units of the Griffin and Spalding Fire Departments responded to the scene of a Fire at the corner of Parish and Searcy Avenue about 2:37 pm.  Upon arrival by Fire Department personnel heavy smoke was showing at a business believed to be a small antique shop, or bargain shop.  The individuals that called in the fire had fled from the scene and the fire was extinguished a short time later.  The building was damaged and the incident remains under investigation.

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Sheriff Jimmy Thomas of Pike County has advised two individuals were shot in Concord.

May 26, 2019, 9:22 pm
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Pike County Sheriff Jimmy Thomas has reported that his Deputies responded to a call at 7:47 PM Sunday evening of two people that had been shot at 349 Bates Road in Concord. One person has been life lifted by helicopter air ambulance, based at the Griffin Spalding Airport,  to Atlanta for additional treatment, and the other was transported to Macon for additional medical treatment. The investigation is underway and more details will be released as they become available.

Sheriff Thomas also said that the Sheriff’s Office has no reason to believe that any citizens in the area are in danger and it is believed that both people that are injured are the only ones involved in this incident.

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One Dead, Another Wounded in Pike County Shooting

May 28, 2019, 5:30 am
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Pike County Sheriff’s Investigators have been working through the night to piece together the shooting that occurred at 349 Bates Road. The homeowner , Roger Prater, and his adult son , Nathan Prater, saw an an individual unknown to them on their property.
They walked over to speak with the person to inquire what he was doing on the property. The person , later identified as Darrell Brown, 45 years of age, stated that he was looking for a way off of Mr. Prater’s land. No explanation was given by Brown as to why he was at the location. When Brown was shown a gate that he could leave through he pulled out a handgun and shot at Nathan Prater multiple times striking him once.
Nathan Prater did have a rifle with him and was able to return fire on Brown. He was hit and collapsed a short distance away after trying to run away from the area. It appears that one shot was fired by Mr. Prater.
Both people were transported for medical treatment. Brown later died of his injuries at the hospital. Nathan Prater’s injuries were non-life threatening. An autopsy will be performed by the GBI medical examiner on Brown.
Through the investigation it was determined that Brown had been visiting a residence in the area prior to this incident. Brown had shown another person the handgun he had with him. The witness told investigators that he knew Brown was a convicted felon and shouldn’t have it. It was at his time for an unknown reason that Brown walked away from the witnesses house and ended up on the Prater property. It does not appear as either party knew each other.
A vehicle driven by Brown was recovered by investigators from the witnesses home. An additional firearm was taken into evidence from this vehicle. It was also discovered that the U.S. Marshals office had an active arrest warrant for Brown in regards to a probation violation.
Once completed the investigative case file will forwarded to the District Attorney’s office for review. At this time it is believed that Mr. Prater acted in self defense to protect himself and other family members.

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A person riding on the hood from a moving vehicle at City Park was injured when the individual fell from the vehicle.

May 28, 2019, 9:15 pm
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Tuesday night about 8:15 units of the Griffin Police, Griffin Fire Rescue, Spalding Regional EMS, responded to the scene of an accident at City Park.  A individual was reportedly sitting on the hood of a moving vehicle near the baseball fields when the individual fell from the hood onto the paved roadway.  The caller to 911 indicated that the individual had head injuries, and road rash from skidding on the pavement.  Emory Air Flight was placed on standby, but the individual was treated at the scene and then transported to Spalding Regional for further treatment. It was not believed initially that the individual had life threatening injuries.

 

 

 

 

 

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Senior Probate Judge DeWitt Simonton passesaway Wednesday

May 29, 2019, 2:24 pm
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This entire area of Georgia and indeed the State were saddened to hear of the passing of retired Probate Judge Dewitt Simonton.  The WKEU staff in particular feels this great loss as our hearts are more than saddened, by this great loss of a Huge Griffin and area Supporter, public servant, and dear friend. Bill Taylor said that he knew and respected “Dee” Simonton as a extended family member, and mentor.  Dewitt was a great friend of my Mother and Dad said Taylor. Many times they traveled to Florida for vacations.  He was more than a friend he was my brother I never had, and was always at our house for many occasions to talk, and to have dinner.
He was a huge help to guide me when I started in Broadcasting in 1959 when in high school. Dee and Bobby Chappell were my closest friends and the corner stone of my learning years, and my later life.
Dewitt was a veteran having served in the United States Air Force stationed in Germany in the 1950’s.  He had great respect for the German people and made life long friends there in his tour of duty.
He worked at WKEU for Mr. Allen Marshall Jr., and for Mr. James Rawls at Pittman-Rawls funeral home after his return home from his military service in the late 1950’s until the 1970’s, then he made the decision to run for Spalding County Coroner.  He won that race and served with distinction until he made the decision to run for Probate Judge a position he held for years before his final retirement.
Spalding county has indeed lost a great supporter, a wonderful public servant, and thousands of individuals throughout the area have felt his friendship and professionalism, as he helped them in times of need with probate matters.
I stayed in touch with Dee when I was in service, and valued his help, as being a great mentor, and dear friend. He was there for me when my children was born and all three of my sons feel the loss of a great uncle, that they trusted, respected and loved.
He was a huge member of the WKEU Family as well. A rare individual that was one of the most honest, caring, and dedicated to his duties as Probate Judge, friends, citizens as well.
The prayers of the Taylor family and our WKEU family go out to Tom Simonton Dewitt’s brother, and his family.  We will all miss him Greatly.  A huge void is felt in Griffin, Spalding County, and our State.
The memorial service for the Judge will be Friday May 31, 2019 at 11:00 am at The First Baptist Church of Griffin, Dr. Bill Hardee, and Reverend Jim Patterson will officiate.  In lieu of flowers the family  request contributions be made to Ministry Support at First Baptist Church of Griffin, 106 West Taylor St, Griffin, Georgia 30223

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8 individuals sent to Spalding Regional with non-life threatening injuries Thursday following a two vehicle accident on the North Expressway

May 30, 2019, 6:11 pm
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About 4:20 Thursday afternoon units of the Spalding Fire Department, Spalding Deputies, and ambulances from Spalding Regional EMS responded to the North Expressway, the North bound lanes, where two vehicles collided. The accident occurred close to Griffin Skate Inn. There were 8 individuals transported to Spalding Regional with non-life threatening injuries. Chief Jamie Clark said that there were 6 Individuals riding in one vehicle and 2 in the other. Traffic at the intersection was tied up until the preliminary investigation was complete.

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May 31, 2019, 8:33 pm
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Friday afternoon about 4:10 units of the Spalding Fire Department were called to the scene of an overturned vehicle on Jackson Road. Chief Jamie Clark said that one individual was transported to Spalding Regional for treatment. The injuries were not thought to be life threatening.

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Fire severely damages a building at 111 Big Horn Road.

June 4, 2019, 11:12 pm
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UNITS OF THE SPALDING FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE CALLED TO A LARGE FIRE AT 111 BIG HORN ROAD ABOUT MONDAY JUNE 3RD ABOUT 8:18.  THE FIRE SEVERELY BURNED A BUILDING AT THAT LOCATION G AT THAT LOCATION.  AN INVESTIGATION IS CONTINUING AS TO THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FIRE.

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An old vacant house off 19/41 near vineyard road destroyed by fire.

June 4, 2019, 11:14 pm
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HIGHWAY 1941 WAS SHUT DOWN CLOSE TO VINEYARD ROAD INTERCHANGE ON MONDAY DUE TO A LARGE HOUSE FIRE. ABOUT 7:03 AM.  SPALDING FIRE CHIEF JAMIE CLARK SAID THE HOME WAS ABANDONED AND FIRE TRUCKS HAD TO USE 1941 TO FIGHT THE BLAZE AS THE HOME WAS VACANT AND ABANDONED IN THE WOODS WITH NO ENTRANCE.  A SEARCH OF THE AREA WAS ALSO CONDUCTED AS CLARK SAID THAT IT APPEARED THE BUILDING WAS BEING USED BY HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS. A INVESTIGATION IS CONTINUING INTO THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE AT THE LOCATION. AND MORE INFORMATION IS EXPECTED TO BE RELEASED LATER.

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SPALDING COUNTY CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE HOLDS 2019 GRADUATION CEREMONY

June 10, 2019, 11:46 am
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The Spalding County Correctional Institute held it’s 2019 Graduation Ceremony on May 29th, 2019. Approximately 30 inmates completed program requirements in a number of areas making this the largest graduating group in several years. This number of graduates proves that the facility has a strong commitment to academic and vocational development, and to assistance in preparing inmates return to society.
Eight inmates received certificates of completion in a rigorous welding course taught by Southern Crescent Technical College. Skill tests in four different types of welding were given and passed by all participants
Sixteen inmates received GED diplomas. The GED classes are taught by instructors from Southern Crescent Technical College and the GED exams are given once a month. The CI has had 20 inmates complete the GED in FY 2019.
Twelve inmates received certificates in several areas for “on the job” training programs taught by their detail Supervisors and facilitated by the Spalding County Correctional Institute Counseling Department. Certificates were awarded in groundskeeping, custodial maintenance, baking, cook’s apprentice and painting.
The speaker for the graduation ceremony was Mr. Mark Andrews, Vice President of Southern Crescent Technical College. Guests included representatives from the Inmate Services Division of the Department of Corrections, program instructors and members of the inmates’ families.

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12 Year Old Griffin Native Dies In Car Accident

June 10, 2019, 11:55 am
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On Sunday, June 9, 2019, Henry County First Responders were dispatched to an accident with injuries involving a wrong way driver on Hwy 19/41 just North of Circle Drive in Hampton. The accident involved three vehicles and resulted in one fatality. Preliminary investigation has revealed that a White Ford F-150 traveling the wrong way northbound in the southbound lanes of travel of Hwy 19/41 collided with two southbound vehicles, being a red Mitsubishi Galant and a Black Chevy Suburban. All three drivers of the vehicles and three passengers of the Chevy Suburban were transported to area hospitals. 

JACIE WEBB AGE 12

Jacie Webb, 12 years of age, Griffin Georgia, died as a result of her injuries.  Jacie was a second row passenger in the Suburban. We cannot release specific details but this case is being investigated as possible DUI accident. The at fault driver of the pickup  is being treated at an area hospital and has not been charged as this time.

 

WKEU NEWS would like to thank 11 alive news and Paul Powers for this assistance in this news story. 

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SPALDING COUNTY CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION EMPLOYEE RECEIVES GPWA SCHOLARSHIP

June 12, 2019, 5:40 am
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Cpl. Eli Caldwell of the Spalding County Correctional Institution was awarded the Georgia Prison Warden’s Association Scholarship for 2019. Each year the Georgia Prison Warden’s Association (GPWA) awards thirty (30) $1,500 scholarships to Department of Corrections, County Prison employees or family members who are actively pursuing college degrees in the Criminal Justice field.
Cpl. Caldwell is currently enrolled at South Crescent Technical College and is working on dual degrees in Criminal Justice and Forensic Science. Cpl. Caldwell began his career with the Spalding County Correctional Institution in August of 2016 and was promoted to Corporal in May of 2018.

 

Caldwell

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City of Griffin Board of Commissioners Met Tuesday Night

June 12, 2019, 5:41 am
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The City of Griffin Board of Commissioners met for their regular scheduled meeting on Tuesday night. After receiving no comments in a public hearing regarding the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, the board unanimously approved that budget.

A number of presentations were made at the meeting. Claire Haulk, the Cogsdale Billing Agent with the Electric Department, was recognized as the May 2019 Strongest Link Award Recipient. Marketing Operations Manager Jennifer Freeman praised Haulk’s understanding of the complex billing system, and claimed that Haulk has “revolutionized” the way the system works. The graduates of the 2019 Citizens Fire Academy were recognized, receiving diplomas and t-shirts for their efforts. The board also presented a proclamation declaring June 17, 2019 to be Solid Waste Professionals Day in the City of Griffin. A large team of local solid waste professionals were present to receive the proclamation. Central Services Director Phill Francis praised his team for the hard and sometimes dangerous work they do, making a total of 17,000 garbage pick-up stops per week.

In addition to approving the funding of a host of items pertaining to the public works and utilities department, the board added one item to the agenda – emergency repair of damaged storm water pipes on 18th street. The repair work was approved unanimously.

City Manager Kenny Smith noted that this will be the only meeting for the month of June due to forthcoming Georgia Municipal Association meeting later this month. Commissioner Doug Hollberg reminded local citizens that the Concert in the Park series is starting soon, and Commissioner Rodney McCord thanked everyone who worked on the budget for their hard work.

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Individual shot at the 1200 block of Ethridge Mill Road about 3:38 Tuesday afternoon.

June 12, 2019, 6:16 pm
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At approximately 3:38 p.m., Spalding County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a person shot at 1224 Ethridge Mill Road. Deputies were assisted by Spalding Fire, Spalding Regional EMS, and Griffin Police.
Upon their arrival, officers located a victim with a single gunshot wound to the head. The victim was identified as 34-year-old Amanda Moore. The victim was stabilized and airlifted to Atlanta Medical Center where her condition is listed as stable. A 16-year-old has been arrested in connection with the shooting.
According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, “Amanda Moore is a Spalding County Detention Officer. Her father is Sergeant Larry Martin who also works with us. Preliminary indications are that the shooting was a result of a domestic dispute between Moore and her 16-year-old stepdaughter. Moore, who was off duty, has been employed by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office for approximately one year.”
Sheriff Dix further states that, “This is a difficult time for everyone involved and we are asking for prayers of healing and strength for this family in the coming days.”

 

 

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Backpack Food for Kids program delivers a total of 7, 124 bags for children in the Griffin Spalding School System.

June 12, 2019, 6:29 pm
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Kathy Rhodes Coordinator of the Backpack Food for Kids Program has announced they were able to pack and deliver a total of 7,124 bags for children in the Griffin Spalding County School System.
She also advised WKEU News that the program will be in a different location next year. The Food Pantry has been such a blessing to the program, but they desperately need the space. It has been an exhaustive search, but we think we have found a place. Hopefully everything will be finalized next week.
WKEU AM-FM and The Rock 88.9 Fm is proud to assist the great program and urge everyone in Spalidng County to take part to assist our school children. 

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A Florida man has pleaded not guilty in Fayette County Superior Court to two counts vehicular homicide, driving under the influence and other traffic offenses in connection with the March death of a Griffin man. 

June 12, 2019, 6:40 pm
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FAYETTE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT

 

A Florida man has pleaded not guilty in Fayette County Superior Court to two counts vehicular homicide, driving under the influence and other traffic offenses in connection with the March death of a Griffin man. 
The defendant, Fernando da Silva of Margate, Florida, appeared before Judge Christoper Edwards at an arraignment hearing. Da Silva is facing two counts of vehicular homicide, DUI, driving on the wrong side of the road and reckless driving in connection with a traffic accident that resulted in the death of Bobby Broski of Griffin on March 3. 
According to reports, Fayette County 911 dispatch received numerous calls concerning a driver weaving from lane to lane on Highway 92 near Woolsey early in the evening of Sunday, March 3. The Ford F-250 da Silva was allegedly driving swerved into the northbound lane and collided with a Chevrolet Malibu being driven by Broski. Broski was transported to Piedmont Fayette Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Da Silva was taken to Grady Hospital in Atlanta for treatment for superficial injuries and was subsequently taken into custody upon his release. He was released from Fayette County jail after posting a bond of $30,000. 
The defendant was ordered at the arraignment to surrender his passport and undergo random drug testing. No trial date has yet to be set but the case is expected to be heard sometime in late summer or early fall. 

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Lamar County Sheriff’s Office Responds To Multiple Murders on Thursday

June 13, 2019, 5:44 pm
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Lamar County Sheriff’s deputies responded to two separate crime scenes on Fredonia Church Road Thursday afternoon to multiple murders.
At approximately 1:57 Thursday afternoon Lamar County Deputies were dispatched to 159 Fredonia Church Roadin reference to an unresponsive male blocking the doorway. Captain Chris Webster responded to the scene and found Al Ogletree, 50, deceased. While investigators were working that scene at approximate 2:36 p.m. Lamar County Sheriff’s were dispatched to 234 Fredonia Church Road to an unresponsive male in a bed. Responding deputies found the man, 88 year old Charles Sutton and the body of a second victim, 54 year old Frenchie Fambro. Both victims in the home suffered severe head trauma. “At this point we don’t think the public is in any danger. We are working this as a double homicide/suicide.” stated Brad White Lamar County Sheriff.
During a press conference held Thursday evening, Sheriff Brad White stated that his suspicions is that Frenchie Fambro was the likely the shooter in a double murder and suicide earlier in the day on Fredonia Church Road.

Pending confirmation from GBI crime scene technicians, Sheriff White said it was likely Fambro, 55, shot Al Ogletree, 50, at his home at 159 Fredonia Church Road. Ogletree did not report for work Thursday morning and a relative checking on him found his body blocking the door. He had trauma to the head which was likely a gunshot wound.

Fambro is also thought to have shot his stepfather, 88-year-old Charlie Sutton, who was found dead in a bed in his home at 234 Fredonia Church Road. Fambro was also dead in a bed in that home from what is likely a self-inflicted gunsot wound to the head. Sutton’s wife Annie is currently a superior court bailiff for the sheriff’s department.

Fambro was invovled in another shooting here in 2011 but was one of the first people exonerated under Georgia’s Stand Your Ground law which was new at the time.

 

 

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A Spalding County Jury has convicted A Man of Aggravated Battery For Fracturing His Infant Daughter’s Ribs

June 14, 2019, 2:15 pm
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A Spalding County jury has convicted Versaches Evans of Aggravated Battery for fracturing his infant daughter’s ribs. His daughter was 12 weeks old when the injuries were discovered. He was charged with additional counts; however, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on those counts. On the Aggravated Battery, Senior Judge Matthew Simmons sentenced the defendant to 20 years with the first 12 years to be served in prison. Takiah Wilson, the biological mother was also charged with the crimes however the jury acquitted Wilson of the charges. Chief Assistant District Attorney Marie Broder and Assistant District Attorney Ashton Fallin tried the case for the State. The case was presented over 3 days and included testimony from law enforcement and medical doctors from local hospitals and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

District Attorney Ben Coker said, “child abuse cases are exceptionally difficult to prosecute and difficult for juries to consider. I respect the jury’s decision in this case. My heartfelt thanks goes out to law enforcement, Dr. Messner from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and my staff, especially Marie and Ashton, for their fight for this helpless victim.”

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Following a two vehicle accident Friday night about 9:15 one individual was air lifted to Atlanta, and one to Spalding Regional.

June 14, 2019, 8:24 pm
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About 9:15 Friday night units of the Spalding Sheriffs Department, Spalding Fire Department, Spalding EMS, and Emory Air Flight responded to North McDonough Road and Teamon Road to a two vehicle accident with injuries.
Upon arrival of Spalding Fire and Medical Personnel from Spalding Regional EMS the decision was made to air transport one of the injured to Atlanta for further treatment. The Female injured in the accident had head injuries and bruises.  Another injured individual as sent to Spalding Regional for treatment. 
A landing zone was established at a near by Church for the Helicopter Air Ambulance. The incident remains under investigation and more information is expected to be released later. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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