Mr. Richard C. Cartledge 
July 27, 1946 – January 3, 2015

The Griffin Community was saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Richard Carl Cartledge, age 68 of Griffin. He passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at The Medical Center of Central Georgia.

WKEU’s Bill Taylor a lifelong friend of Richard said “I remember when we were both in elementary school at Forth Ward. Richard was a student of history especially in the area of World War II and his Fathers service of which he was so proud. Mr. Carl was a member of the 101 Air Borne Division and jumped into D-Day. He had a very distinguished career and was a Commissioned Officer. Richard and I went through the Griffin School System and Graduated together. Richard attended the University of Georgia when he   home from Athens his mustang was involved in an accident that left him paralyzed and wheel chair bound the rest of his life. But even this injury did not slow Richard down, He spent a career with the Georgia State Patrol and was recognized as one of the premier radio dispatch officers in the State. Upon his retirement from the State Patrol, he became a recognized author well recognized and respected by the NRA, Major Auction Houses and the Gun Collecting Fraternity with his work on his book about the Gun that made the 20′s roar “The Thompson Machine Gun. His book is recognized as “The premier work and authority on the history of the Thompson Machine Gun. The book was dedicated to Richards Father, Carl Cartledge and was dedicated to his father who carried a Thomson military model during his days of service in World War II with the 10 1st Airborne. Richard was also a renowned authority on several documentaries filmed for the History Channel. Richards’s insight into the Gangsters of the 1920′s and 1930′s and especially Bonnie and Clyde, a subject which again returned him to TV prominence with the documentary for the History Channel. Richard remained dedicated to the collection of the Thompson and weapons prior to World War II that had made history and the historical value of those weapons made from the hands of the inventor to those manufacturers that contracted to manufacture the Pompons Machine gun, Colt 1911 45 military issue, and the military weapons of both the allies and German forces of World War I and World War II.

For years Richard and I stayed in contact especially when I was away in the Army. When I retired and returned to Griffin and purchased WKEU he would come by and visit from time to time and he would also visit with my dad Leland Taylor, who owned and operated Taylor Police Supply in Griffin, a major firearms Law Enforcement Distributor for Ruger, Winchester, Colt, Remington and may other lines of police issue type weapons, ammunition, and law enforcement supplies for Georgia, South Carolina and North Florida.

My father before his death remarked that Richard was a waling history of Law Enforcement Machine guns has was a major help to my dad with his class III ATF license to trade in police firearms to get the departments a more modern model for their departments when they world trade in older model machine guns.

To say Richard was my friend is an understatement I had the pleasure to know him from the time we were both about 4 years old until his untimely death.

He was my confidant, advisor, and most of all my Dear Friend. I will miss him so very much.”

A funeral service for Mr. Richard C. Cartledge will be conducted on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. Dr. Bruce Morgan will officiate.

Please join the family in honoring the life of Richard C. Cartledge by visiting www.conner-westburyfuneralhome.com and posting your tributes and memories.

Conner-Westbury Funeral Home, 1891 West McIntosh Road, Griffin, GA. www.conner-westburyfuneralhome.com

GRIFFIN LIONS CLUB

The Griffin Lions Club is holding its 3^rd Annual Mardi Gras Ball “A Sweetheart of an Occasion” on Saturday evening, February 14, 2014 from 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm at the Kiwanis Building 1025 S. Hill Street, Griffin.

There will be Authentic New Orleans Cuisine; dancing to music by a DJ,  50/50 Cash Drawing, table decorating and costume contest, a valentine flower will be given to all single men and women, a cash bar, and lots of fun.

All precedes benefits the Griffin Lions Club, including programs for the sight and hearing impaired residents and the programs for youth ages 6-18..

Platinum and Gold table sponsorships are available.  Platinum sponsorship is $400.00 and Gold is $350.00 for a table of eight.  Corporate sponsors will be acknowledged by special recognition at the Ball and in the local newspaper.

Individual tickets for dinner and dance is $40.00, for those who would like to attend with no dinner, tickets for dance only is $20.00.

For additional information and tickets call 404-451-8430 or 678-603-1112.

The first order of business at the Griffin City Commissioners meeting Tuesday January 13^th  

The commissioners: Elected Doug Hollberg Chairperson for year 2015.. Chairman Hollberg appointed Commissioner Dick Morrow Vice-Chairperson for year 2015.

The commissioners:

Recognized Chairperson Ryan McLemore for his service as Mayor of the City of Griffin for calendar year 2014 and presented him with a plaque.

The commissioners:

Recognized Nellie Parsons, Accountant with the Accounting Department, as the December 2014 “Strongest Link” award recipient. — Nellie has been with the City of Griffin since April of 2002 where she started as a temporary employee in the Accounting Department. She became the accounts payable clerk in 2005. In March of 2008 she was promoted to Accounting Technician and later to Accountant II. Nellie has taken a leadership role in this position. She handles her job duties in a professional manner and shows a positive attitude to co-workers and customers alike. Nellie has pursed and achieved the UGA/CVIOG status of Certified Government Officer Level I. She is currently studying for the Level II certification.

  The commissioners made the following six appointments:

Drew Whalen    to the office of City Attorney.

Bill Johnston    to the office of Judge of Municipal Court.

Jessica Oconner to the Office of Municipal Court Solicitor.

Yolonda Walker to the office of Municipal Court Clerk.

Teresa Watkins to the office of Municipal Registrar.

The commissioners: Approved:  Appointing  Teresa Watson, Executive Secretary to the City Manager, as Assistant Secretary to the Commission and also approved accepting the resignation of Judy Flournoy as an Assistant Open Records Officer and designating Teresa Watson as an Assistant Open Records Officer.

The Commissioners tabled to a workshop:  a request to amend the Unified Development Code, of the City of Griffin, “Historic Character Signs”. and approved  a revision to the 2014 policy “Naming of Facilities and Erecting Plaques, Monuments and Markers” adding a section that excludes said policy’s applicability to City cemeteries.  Since the adoption of this policy in March 2014, it has been recognized that it could be construed to apply to cemeteries who by their nature, include monuments, markers, etc. The City cemetery includes commemorative bricks, benches, monuments and other like tributes. The added paragraph will clarify the exception and clearly state that this policy does not apply to tributes located within, or a part of, City cemeteries.

Approved:  amending the boundary to the Downtown Development Authority district. The two areas include: (A)The first area is bounded on the north by E. Solomon Street, east by 3rd Street, south by E. Taylor Street, and west by 4th Street; and (B) The second area is bounded on the north by East Central, east by 2nd Street, south by E. Broadway Street, and west by 6th Street.

Approved:   on first reading, of an amendment to the Alcohol Ordinance to include the requirements for the installation of security cameras at those businesses licensed to sell alcohol by the package for off premises consumption.    The requirement of the security systems will assist in the resolution of crimes committed at businesses that are licensed to sell alcohol by the package.  The camera system will also assist businesses with internal theft and be a deterrent to would be criminals.  On December 16, 2014, a meeting was held with 19 business owners/operators who would be affected by the proposed changes in the ordinance.  After a brief presentation, staff asked owners about any concerns they might have with the ordinance.  There were very few questions about the required technology.  None of the attendees indicated a dissatisfaction or objection with the proposed ordinance.

Approved:  to accept a donation of $10,155.50 from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and amend the budget accordingly for the purchase of a Thermal Imaging Camera. Thermal imaging cameras allow firefighters to locate victims in smoke-filled environments and locate ‘hot-spots’ after fires are extinguished. 

Approved:   directing MEAG Power to deposit 100% of the City’s Off-System sales margins into the City’s Flexible Operating Account, Short Term Portfolio for the Power Supply Year 2015.

This is consistent with what has been done in the past.

Approved:  directing MEAG Power to add $209,776 per month to the MEAG bill, and deposit $136,354.40 per month to the New Generation and Capacity Funding Account/Intermediate Extended Maturity Portfolio, and $73,411.60 to the MEAG Competitive Trust, Short Term Portfolio beginning in January, 2015.

The total amount to be returned to the City from the MCT is projected to be $27,961,255. The amount to be returned in 2015 is $2,517,317 by depositing funds in the New Generation  and Capacity Funding Account.  This plan would restrict $20,248,000 for use in offsetting the cost of new power supply projects like the Plant Vogle expansion and future peaking units, while making $7,713,252 available for implementing Automatic Meter Reading and making future system improvements. This action would result in no additional increase of the overall MEAG bill.

Approved   the Expedited Enforcement Compliance Order from GAEPD for unpermitted discharges from the City of Griffin and effluent violations. Entry into consent and pay settlement in amount of $2,195.00 for the Water and Wastewater Department of the Public Works and Utilities Department. The nature of the unpermitted discharge of 2,400 gallons of wastewater from the Vineyard Ridge Drive to an unnamed tributary to Shoal Creek on October 8, 2014 was due to a grease blockage in collector line. The nature of violations in the Cabin Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant for Ammonia Nitrogen weekly average and Monthly average Concentration Permit Effluent Limits violation for the months of August and September 2014 was the Trickling filter was down and currently schedule to be repaired.

The commissioners:

Approved:   of a Resolution, in accordance with the Georgia Election Code and State Election Board, to call for a Municipal Election for Districts 2, 4 and At-Large, on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, and to establish a qualifying fee in the amount of $403.20.

The commissioners made the following appointments:

Commissioner Dick Morrow to the Board of Health and to the Griffin Spalding Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Otis Blake, III,  Daniel Searcy,  Daa’ood Amin, and  Joey Scanlon  to the Downtown Development Authority.

Melissa Jober, B. Frank Harris, and Bettye Bogue Jones to the Environmental Council

Commissioner Doug Hollberg to the Griffin Downtown Council.

Ron Alexander to the Post 9 member position to Griffin-Spalding Airport Authority.

Commissioner Hollberg, Alton Knight, and Chuck Copeland to the Griffin-Spalding Development Authority.

Commissioner Cora Flowers to the Griffin-Spalding E-911 Board.

Ex-Officio Commission member Rodney McCord and Teresa Buchannan to the Griffin-Spalding Hospital Authority.

Doug Krepps and Jim Ogletree to the Historic Preservation Commission.

Commissioner Cynthia Reid Ward, Jean Miller, and Karen McIntosh to the Griffin Housing Authority.

Commissioner Cynthia Reid Ward and Christy Brooks to the Griffin Main Street Advisory Board.

The commissioners also appointed Commissioner Hollberg to the Pension Committee and Connie Hendrix employee representative and David Weldon retiree representative.

The commissioners appointed David Brock (District 4),  Jim Hill (District 5) and Neal Baldwin (City at-large) to the Planning and Zoning Board and appointed  Commissioner Ward, Morris Pike and Eula Redding  to the Spalding County Collaborative Authority for Families and Children.

Appointed Commissioner Ward to the Three Rivers Board of Directors. This is a rotating appointment (between City and County).

The board tabled two new appointments to the Three Rivers Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council.

Appointed: Commissioners  Morrow and Hollberg, Neal Bonds, Michelle Cannon, Ex-Officio Fire Chief designee Mitchell Cardell , and Ex-Officio Police Chief designee Donald Britt to the Griffin-Spalding Area Transportation Committee.

Appointed Hollberg to the Workforce Investment Council.

The commissioners went into executive session for the purpose of deliberating or discussing the acquisition of real estate.

SPALDNG COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Board of Commissioners of Spalding County Work Session January 16, 2015 9:00 AM in the Meeting Room 108, of the Courthouse Annex

During the Work Session the Commissioners will:
1. Consider establishing a policy for the use of Spalding County Board of Commissioners Official Letterhead
Stationary.

2. Chairman Johnson requests authorization of funding of the University of Georgia Archways Program as
discussed at the Intergovernmental Retreat.

3. Discussion of North Hill Street/Northside Drive/Tuskegee Avenue and North Hill Street/East McIntosh
Road Intersection Improvement Projects.

Coach Eddie Payne joins Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) as the system’s part-time athletic director. He has over 37 years of experience in high school athletics.

Payne will be responsible for providing all GSCS coaches with professional development to ensure compliance with county, state and national regulations. He will oversee athletic policies and procedures and serve as a liaison to the Georgia High School Association and Georgia Department of Education.  Additional responsibilities include representing GSCS at athletic events, responding to public athletic concerns, coordinating the system’s athletic budget and assisting with transportation for athletic competitions.

Coach Payne began his career in athletics in 1976. He was a teacher in Madison, Georgia, a physical education teacher and defensive coordinator for Griffin High School and served as head football coach and athletic director in the Heard County School System. For the past 14 years, Payne has been serving as the athletic director and administrator for the Thomaston-Upson County School System.

Griffin-Spalding County School System Superintendent, Dr. Curtis L. Jones Jr., said, “We are glad to have Coach Payne back at GSCS. His investment in incorporating character building programs in athletics makes him a great fit for GSCS. I know his extensive experience and success will greatly assist and enhance our system’s athletic programs. “

Susan Egan to Perform at the Auditorium in Griffin, Ga. on February 5, 2015

Live On Stage, Inc. and the Griffin Area Concert Association announce “high-voltage performer”  as part of their 2014 – 2015 Concert Season. 

Susan Egan has been nicknamed “the Belle of Broadway” for her renowned performance as Belle in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Described as “dynamic, irresistible” and “a beacon of enchantment” (The Cleveland Plain Dealer), Egan will present a program of smash hits and amusing anecdotes from the Great White Way at the Griffin Auditorium, Griffin, Georgia, on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Single tickets for this performance are $20.00; children are admitted free with an adult ticketholder. A group rate of $15.00 per ticket is available for parties of ten or more.

Tickets may be purchased at the door beginning at 7:00 p.m., online at www.brownpapertickets.com, and locally at Griffin-Spalding County Chamber of Commerce, FNB Main, Zebulon branches, and A Novel Experience Bookstore in Zebulon. For more information visit www.griffinconcerts.org or call 770-228-3229 or email at GACA1958@yahoo.com 

Susan Egan has earned acclaim in theatre, film, television and music.  Her success on Broadway is legendary: she earned both Tony Award and Drama Desk nominations for “Best Actress” as Belle in “Beauty and the Beast;” she appeared in the starring role of “Thoroughly Modern Millie;” and played Broadway’s longest-running Sally Bowles in “Cabaret.”  Egan has appeared with Carol Burnett (“Putting It Together”) and Tommy Tune (“Bye, Bye Birdie”).  Film credits include the voice of Meg in Disney’s “Hercules” and television appearances span from “House” and “NUMB3RS,” to “All My Children” and PBS “Great Performances.” She concertizes regularly in intimate vocal/piano duo performances, with symphonies, including the Los Angeles and Hong Kong orchestra, and special events at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.   Egan has over 40 recording credits for Disney, and six solo CDs. Her 2004 album “Coffee House” was awarded “Best Vocalist” by www.TalkingBroadway.com.  Follow this link to view a video featuring Susan Egan.

The Griffin Area Concert Association has been presenting nationally acclaimed performers to the community since 1958.  This all-volunteer nonprofit organization is committed to enriching the cultural life of the Griffin-Spalding County area through live performances.  Thanks to the generosity of Patrons and Sponsors, these concerts can be offered at affordable, family friendly prices.

Live On Stage, Inc. provides excellent, affordable, entertainment attractions and support services to an American community of concert presenters.  View a video about Live On Stage.

The Griffin Police Department is seeking your help in identifying the above suspect.  On January 12, 2014 at approximately 10:45pm the above pictured suspect entered the Shell Gas station located at the intersection of Williamson Rd. and Pine Hill Rd. armed with a large framed silver revolver. He then demanded money and after getting a large amount of cash the suspect shot the clerk and fled the scene on foot.  The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect please contact Sgt. Sommer Bales with the Criminal Investigations Division of the Griffin Police Department at 770-229-6450, ext. 507 or 911

At 12:17 Friday afternoon Griffin Police Department Officers were dispatched to Amin’s Food Mart located at 837 Experiment Street in reference to an armed robbery in progress.  Two black male suspects, one armed with a silver semi-automatic pistol entered the store and demanded money. They robbed the clerk and a customer that was in the store then fled the scene on foot.   A witness followed suspects and gave a good direction of travel and description.  Multiple units responded to include K-9 units and a large number of Spalding County Sheriff units to establish a perimeter.  At approximately 12:35pm Officers spotted the suspects working their way down the power lines near Willow Street in the County.  Units closed in quickly and were able to take both suspects into custody without incident in a wooded area just southeast of Willow Street at 12:41pm.  The money and weapon used during the robbery were recovered.

One suspect has been identified as 19 year old Derius Redding of Griffin, Georgia. The second suspect has been identified as a Juvenile. Redding will be held at the Spalding County Jail and the Juvenile will be transported to RYDC in Lovejoy.  No one was injured during the robbery or during the apprehension of the suspects.

SPALDNG COMMISSIONERS MEETING

There were three items on the agenda at the January 16^th Spalding County Commissioners Workshop.

The First item of consideration was establishing a policy for the use of Spalding County Board of Commissioners Official Letterhead Stationary.After a lengthy discussion it was decided no person shall use the official county stationary except The County Manager William Wilson. Each Commissioner will have their own letter head with their Name on it. This is the same as the other departments in the county.  It was decided when a commissioner sends a letter a copy is to be provided to the The County Manager.

Chairman Johnson requested authorization of funding of the University of Georgia Archways Program as discussed at the Intergovernmental Retreat.  The total cost is $60,000 per year from local sources. The Board of Education and the City of Griffin have committed $20,000 each to this project.  After lengthy discussion the by 3/2 vote the commissioners agreed to move forward with this project contingent upon others agreeing to proceed with the program and to support the UGA Archway program. 

The partnership provides a mechanism for grassroots needs assessment, planning, and the connecting of higher education resources that can be beneficial in helping the community achieve its goals and objectives. Archway communities have established a strong reputation for collaborative effort that is unprecedented.

Discussion of North Hill Street/Northside Drive/Tuskegee Avenue and North Hill Street/East McIntosh Road Intersection Improvement Projects. On the proposed changes at North Hill Street and Northside Drive/ Tuskegee Avenue the commissioners have approved a round about intersection. Today there was discussion about land acquisition of right of way with each property owner. Cross walks will be included in the project. 

Griffin PD Reports Lower Part 1 Crimes and Surpasses National Clearance Rates

An annual review of the Part 1 Crime Statistics for the city from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 revealed that Griffin experienced a 15.77% decrease in Part 1 Crimes from the same period in 2013.  For those Part 1 Crimes documented within the City of Griffin, the GPD’s clearance rate surpasses the National Clearance Rate in all areas.

Part 1 Crimes include; Murder, Forcible Rape, Aggravated Assault, Robbery, Burglary, Larceny, Motor Vehicle Theft and Arson.  Part 1 Crimes are identified and tracked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Uniform Crime Report (UCR).  The GPD additionally reports its clearance rate, a metric used to measure crimes solved or cleared from further action by the police department.

Based on statistics provided by the most recent Uniform Crime Report, the chart below shows the national clearance rates for Part I crimes as compared to the Griffin Police Department Part I clearance rates.  Arsons are not included in Griffin Police Department’s information because those investigations are turned over to the Griffin Fire Department for investigation.

Chief Steven Heaton indicated that even though the city has experienced a decrease in Part 1 Crimes this year, the department will continue to work to reduce those numbers in the future.  He is pleased to see that the clearance rates exceed the average national clearance rates.  Chief Heaton contributes the department’s success to the hard work of men and women at the police department and their continuous efforts to reduce crime and apprehend those responsible for committing those crimes.  The Chief also credited the community for their partnership in assisting the police department.

On Tuesday, February 10, 2015 Beginning at 6:30 p.m.  The Spalding County Extension 835 Memorial Drive will host rainwater harvesting and rain gardening class.

The class will present why and how to start a rainwater harvesting project, instructions on building one and points to consider before designing and installing a system. The benefits rain gardens provide in controlling drainage will also be discussed.

The class is free and open to the public but registration is required.

For more information or to register contact

Spalding County Extension at 770-467-4225,

Email: uge2255@uga.edu or visit http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/spalding/anr/index.html