The Griffin Spalding County School System will be closed for students  for Tuesday. All Staff is asked to report to work on Tuesday from 10:00 am – 3:00pm. There will be no athletics or extra curricular activities on Tuesday.

First Baptist Church of Griffin has announced that First Baptist weekday education will be closed Tuesday.

Griffin Area Resource Center will be closed for those that they support for Monday and Tuesday as well.

Pike County School System closed Monday and Tuesday to students.

Upson County School System closed Monday and Tuesday to students.

Lamar County School System will be closed Tuesday to students.

Flint River Academy will be closed  Tuesday.

First United Methodist Church Preschool closed  Tuesday.

Faith Christin Academy Tuesday.

Business Closings:

Internal Medicine of Griffin closed Tuesday.

The City of Griffin has announced changes to garbage pick up due to the extreme cold that has moved into Griffin.

The City of Griffin has announced there will be no garbage collection on Tuesday. Garbage collection for the remainder of the week will be pushed back by one day. Tuesday service has been pushed back to Wednesday. Wednesday service has been pushed back to Thursday, and Thursday service pushed back to Friday.

Residents are encouraged not to put cans out early due to the heavy winds.

Because of the strong winds that are forecast for the Griffin area, some residents may experience power outages. If you experience a power outage call 770-229-6406. City Power crews will be standing by, waiting to respond.

For water customers issues may arise from frozen pipes as the ice thaws. The cold temperatures may expand water in pipes and create leaks once the ice thaws. Leaks will be addressed in order of severity, and not on a first come, first serve basis. Some leaks may not be immediately addressed due to the need to locate other service lines including gas and electric. Leaks in service lines from the main line to individual houses may be the responsibility of the homeowner depending on the location of the leak.

In addition to changes in services, the City of Griffin advises residents to do the following:

1.) Stay Warm. For those who need shelter, First Baptist of Griffin will be accepting guests in their Family Life Center starting at 6:00pm on Monday.

2.) Keep water running overnight. The flow of water in pipes helps prevent your pipes from freezing.

3.) Keep in mind fire hazards and carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything remotely combustible. If you have a fire in your fireplace, be sure to extinguish fires thoroughly before going to sleep. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, ensure proper ventilation in your house. If lighting a fire, have proper ventilation as well.

4.) Stay hydrated. Since you don’t sweat as much in the winter, it is harder to tell when you are dehydrated. Dehydration is just as dangerous in the winter as it is in the summer.

In case of an emergency call 911, for other non-emergency numbers:

Customer Service 770-229-6403

Police Department Non-Emergency 770-229-6450

Power Outage 770-229-6406

Trash Pick-up 770-229-6421

Water outage 770-229-6603

Spalding County Deputy Sheriff Mathew Joseph Meeks, age 28 of 720 South Center Street, Thomaston, Georgia was arrested Saturday, January 4, 2014, and charged with violation of oath of office and furnishing items prohibited for possession by inmates. The arrest was a result of an investigation conducted by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Division. The investigation revealed Deputy Meeks was receiving payment for providing and distributing cigarettes to inmates at the Spalding County Jail. Deputy Meeks was arrested while on duty Saturday, January 4, 2014. He was terminated immediately as an employee of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Meeks was released on a $7,006.00 bond. The former deputy had been employed with the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office for 2-1/2 years.

Thomas

Starcevich-Haas

On January 5, 2014, as result of an ongoing investigation. the Griffin Police Department arrested Mitchell Thomas and Micah Starcevich-Haas of Meriwether St. in Griffin for entering an auto as well as loitering and prowling. They were taken to the Spalding County jail where they are still being held.

Shortly after 2:00 a.m. on January 5, 2014 officers from the Griffin Police Department responded to 911 calls in reference to suspicious persons walking in the area of E. College St. and Terracedale Court. Officer Brandon Walden and Cpl. Bryan Jones, who were already in the area due to a rash of entering autos complaints in the area, responded and located the two subjects coming out of a yard on Terracedale Court. They were later identified as Thomas and Starcevich-Haas. After a brief investigative stop it was discovered that Thomas was in possession of stolen property that was linked back to one of the previous entering auto cases that occurred in the area several days prior. Both suspects were detained at that time and transported to the Police Department.

 After further investigation Sgt. Karen Yancy with the Criminal Investigations Division was able to obtain a search warrant for the suspects’ residence at which time numerous items that were believed to be stolen were recovered. It is believed that the suspects could be linked to several other entering autos reported last week in the E. College St. area. Additional charges could be added pending further investigation. Anyone living in the E. College St. area that may have had items stolen but have not as yet reported it to authorities, please contact Sgt. Karen Yancy at (770) 229-6452, ext. 537.

Shelby

Holiday

On January 6, 2014, the Griffin Police Department arrested James Shelby and Tarig Holiday of Griffin, Georgia, charging each with one count of burglary. They were taken to the Spalding County jail where they are still being held as of this time.

Shortly after 2:30 a.m. on January 6, 2014 officers from the Griffin Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a burglary in progress at Pine Hill Apartments. As officers quickly arrived at the scene, Cpl. Bryan Jones made contact with the two suspects, later identified as Shelby and Holiday, coming out of an apartment. As Cpl. Jones approached them and asked them to stop they fled the scene on foot over a fence into a large area behind Pine Hill Apartments. Other officers who answered the initial 911 call were able to set up a perimeter, and due to the recent rains, Sgt. Daniel Jett, Cpl. Jones and Officer Fletcher were able to track the suspects direction of travel where they located them lying in a creek. The two were taken into custody without further incident.

 During the course of the pursuit, and afterward, the responding officers were able to locate items that were dropped by the suspects which included a book bag that contained burglary tools. As result of the investigation Shelby and Holiday were charged with burglary.

Spalding County Deputy Sheriff Mathew Joseph Meeks, age 28 of 720 South Center Street, Thomaston, Georgia was arrested Saturday, January 4, 2014, and charged with violation of oath of office and furnishing items prohibited for possession by inmates. The arrest was a result of an investigation conducted by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Division. The investigation revealed Deputy Meeks was receiving payment for providing and distributing cigarettes to inmates at the Spalding County Jail. Deputy Meeks was arrested while on duty Saturday, January 4, 2014. He was terminated immediately as an employee of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Meeks was released on a $7,006.00 bond. The former deputy had been employed with the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office for 2-1/2 years.

Units of the Spalding Sheriffs Department, and Spalding Fire Department responded to a large tractor trailer fire at Patterson Road close to Miner and School Roads about 7:00 Tuesday evening. Upon arrival the firefighters found the tractor fully involved and diesel fuel loaded on the trailer. The Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the cab of the vehicle, which was about 30 feet from a Barn and residence at that location. Some grass near the truck was also extinguished. There were no injuries to residents or firefighters at the incident.

The Spalding Fire Department was called to 114 Halifax Drive about 10:45 to a 2 story residence reporting a fire in the kitchen area at that location. 911 Dispatch advised responding Fire personnel that the residents of the home were vacating the house. Upon arrival firefighters fond smoke coming from the eve of the two story frame structure in two locations. Fire personnel found flame in the kitchen area and also inspected the attic for fire. The work of the Fire Department saved the structure, but power and gas was cut to the some for safety considerations, and the Family of four adults and three children were assisted by the red cross.

The Spalding Commissioners met Tuesday Night at the Courthouse annex during the meeting Board member Chipper Gardner elected 2014 Chairman of the Spalding County Board of Commissioners. And Commissioner Raymond Ray was elected vice-chairman.

The board presented a plaque to Commissioner Gwen Flowers Taylor for her service as the 2013 chairperson of the board of commissioners.

The commissioner made the following appointments for Calendar Year 2014.

William Wilson County Manager, and Clerk.

Kathy Gibson Ex-Officio County Clerk.

Jim Fortune County Attorney.

John Lowery County Human Resources Attorney.

Newton Galloway County Zoning Attorney.

The Commissioners also approved a request from the Chamber of Commerce for a letter stating that Spalding County has no objection to the State granting a one-day alcohol license for the Annual Business at the Tee fundraising Golf Tournament to be held on May 19, 2014 at Sun City Peachtree. The State requires organizations that wish to obtain a one day pouring permit to comply with any local regulations. The Chamber of Commerce needs a letter from the County stating that the County does not issue one day permits and to acknowledge the County’s support of the Chamber’s efforts.

Approved  a resolution setting qualifying fees for publication for each County office to be filled in the upcoming General Primary and General Election: County Commissioners Districts 2 and 5 $360; Solicitor General $1,380; Board of Education Member $250.68. The fees are based on three percent of the salary position.

A request from the Spalding County Animal Care and Control Advisory Board was approved to enact a pre-adoption spay and neuter policy.

Approved a Memorandum of Agreement with Southern Crescent Technical College to allow students in the Paramedic and Firefighter programs to train with County employees at County facilities. It is hoped that students who successfully complete these programs will seek employment with Spalding County.

The commissioners made the following appointments:

Daa’ood Amin and John Picklesimer were reappointed to the Board of Appeals and Adjustments Unsafe Building Abatement Code for a four year term ending December 31, 2017.

David M. Luckie was re-appointed to the Butts, Henry, Lamar & Spalding County Development Authority for a 3 year term to end December 31, 2016.

Commissioner Rita Johnson and County Manager William Wilson to the Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for a one year term ending December 31, 2014.

Commissioner Bart Miller, Fire Chief Kenny West, Commissioner Chipper Gardner, Eddie Freeman, Chad Jacobs, County Manager William Wilson, and Sheriff Wendell beam, were re-appointed to the Griffin-Spalding County Area Transportation Committee for a one year term ending December 31, 2014.

The Commissioners appointed to the Griffin-Spalding County Development Authority Commissioner Chipper Gardner for a one year term ending December 31, 2014 and Johnny Goodrum for a three year term ending December 31, 2016.

The Commissioners re-appointed to the Griffin-Spalding County Hospital Authority Commissioner Raymond Ray for a one year term ending December 31, 2014 and Charles Reliford for a four year term ending December 31, 2017.

Magen Oliver was appointed to the McIntosh Trail Community Service Board for a three year term ending December 31, 2016 to succeed Susan Thaxton.

Trudy McDevitt was re- appointed to the Region IV Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council for a two year term to expire December 31, 2015.

Brent Foster, Kimberly Search, Vickie Hennessey and Daryl Williams were re-appointed to the Spalding County Animal Care & Control Advisory Board for a one year term ending December 31, 2014.

To the Spalding County Collaborative Authority for Families & Children Jewel Walker-Harps was re-appointed for a two year term ending December 31, 2015, and Irma Lewis (Law Enforcement Representative) was re-appointed for a one year term ending December 31, 2014.

Cherryl Gilbert was re-appointed to the Spalding County Department of Family and Children Services Board for a five year term ending December 31, 2018.

Commissioner Gwen Flowers-Taylor was re-appointed to the Spalding County Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission for a one year term.

Larry Fears from District 1, David Dodd from District 2, Zachery Holmes from District 3, Tony Rakestraw from District 4, and Ernest Wimbush from District 5, were re-appointed to the Spalding County Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission for a two year term.

Tootsie Powere was re-appointed to the Spalding County Personnel Appeals Board for a three year term.

Lisa Waller was appointed to the Spalding county Personnel Appeals Board for a three year term to succeed Doug Taylor.

To the Spalding County Water & Sewerage Facilities Authority Commissioner Gwen Flowers-Taylor was re-appointed for a one year term and James Brooks and Johnny Goodrum were re-appointed for a six year term.

Commissioner Raymond Ray and Charles Jones were re-appointed to the Council of the Three Rivers Regional Commission for a one year term.

Commissioner Rita Johnson was re-appointed to the Griffin Downtown Council-Main Street Advisory Board for a one year term.

Commissioner Raymond Ray was re-appointed to the Spalding County Board of Health for a one year term.

Dr. Spencer Price of Thomaston announced his campaign organization in State Senate District 18. He is the first candidate to announce this level of organization.

“As an outsider and essentially a one-man campaign last time, not many people gave our campaign any credibility, and yet we came within 200 votes of taking out a well-entrenched, better-funded, career politician,” said Price of his 2012 challenge of incumbent Cecil Staton.

“Now that people see it’s actually possible to improve our current representation, support has been coming out of the woodworks,” Price continued. “People of middle Georgia are hungry for leadership that doesn’t kowtow to Atlanta special interests and we’re excited to offer that kind of fresh leadership.”

Price, 49, is an emergency physician and director of emergency medicine at a central Georgia hospital. He is also a lieutenant colonel in the Georgia Army National Guard and completed a combat rotation in Iraq in 2005 and in Afghanistan in 2009. LTC Price has participated in humanitarian relief missions overseas and disaster relief missions here in Georgia. He is a 1999 recipient of the U.S. Army’s General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award naming him among the top company grade officers in the nation. Dr. Price is also a former member of the NASA Space Operations Medical Support Team for the Space Shuttle Program.

Price is the former chairman of the Middle Flint Friends of the NRA and also a member of the Mid-Georgia Cattlemen’s Association. He and his wife Erin reside in Upson County with their son Parker.

Jessica Casteel

Jessica Amanda Casteel of Williamson, the last un sentenced codefendant in the Ryan Lovick overdose case, in Lamar county has entered a plea of guilty to one count of abandonment of a dead body in Lamar superior court Jan. 8.

Casteel’s case was not on the court calendar but was pushed through because her attorney, Johnnie Caldwell Jr., must report to the state legislature this week. Judge Bill Fears sentenced Casteel to three years probation under the first offender act. She can petition to end her probation after one year and, if she avoids other arrests, her record will be clean after she serves the probationary period. 

Judge Fears did not sentence Casteel, 20, to drug court where her codefendants, Elbert Tyler Horton and Katherine Noelle Nordan, were sent. “The judge did not think she was a candidate for drug court and he was correct according to the evidence we had,” district attorney Richard Milam said.

The victim’s mother, Susan Lovick, was called to court on short notice for the sentencing.

“Nothing will bring my son back. One day, all three of them will have to stand before God and answer for their lack of action. (Casteel’s) testimony was she was not drinking or using illegal drugs that night. With that said, she would have been the clear minded one there and should have made the call for help but chose not to.

According to prosecutors, the four young people partied at the Lovick home on Hwy. 36 East on Jan. 15-16, 2013 while Mrs. Lovick was out of town on a business trip. Ryan Lovick, Horton and Nordan mixed Gatorade with methadone and drank it. Ryan Lovick also drank alcohol and smoked marijuana. 

His body was found in bed by his mother when she returned home at about 4 p.m. Jan. 16.

has entered a plea of guilty to one count of abandonment of a dead body in Lamar superior court Jan. 8.

Casteel’s case was not on the court calendar but was pushed through because her attorney, Johnnie Caldwell Jr., must report to the state legislature this week. Judge Bill Fears sentenced Casteel to three years probation under the first offender act. She can petition to end her probation after one year and, if she avoids other arrests, her record will be clean after she serves the probationary period.

Judge Fears did not sentence Casteel, 20, to drug court where her codefendants, Elbert Tyler Horton and Katherine Noelle Nordan, were sent. “The judge did not think she was a candidate for drug court and he was correct according to the evidence we had,” district attorney Richard Milam said.

The victim’s mother, Susan Lovick, was called to court on short notice for the sentencing.

“Nothing will bring my son back. One day, all three of them will have to stand before God and answer for their lack of action. (Casteel’s) testimony was she was not drinking or using illegal drugs that night. With that said, she would have been the clear minded one there and should have made the call for help but chose not to.

According to prosecutors, the four young people partied at the Lovick home on Hwy. 36 East on Jan. 15-16, 2013 while Mrs. Lovick was out of town on a business trip. Ryan Lovick, Horton and Nordan mixed Gatorade with methadone and drank it. Ryan Lovick also drank alcohol and smoked marijuana.

His body was found in bed by his mother when she returned home at about 4 p.m. Jan. 16.  WKEU would like to thank Walter Geiger and the Barnesville Herald Gazette for thier assistance in this news story.  You can subscribe to the Herald Gazette on line at Barnesville.com

Spalding County Sheriff Wendell Beam has advised WKEU news that on Wednesday January 15, 2014 the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 157 Poplar Street Griffin, Georgia. During the execution of the search warrant a stolen vehicle that was reported stolen on December 24, 2013 was located in a barn at the residence.

Investigator’s arrested Michael Edward Maxon, age 48 of 157 Poplar Street Griffin. Maxon has been charged with Theft by Receiving Stolen Property a felony charge and also Operating a Chop Shop which is also a felon.. Maxon was charged with operating a Chop Shop due to the vehicle that was recovered had been dismantled and the roof cut off. Maxon is currently lodged in the Spalding county Jail.

The Griffin City Commissioners met Tuesday night and elected Ryan McLemore new City Commission Chairman and Mayor of Griffin. And Doug Hollberg, Jr. Vice- Chairman.

The commissioners recognized Commissioner Joanne Todd for her service as Mayor of the City of Griffin for calendar year 2013 and presented her with a proclamation that recognized some of her many accomplishments as a private citizen and as an elected official since she came to Griffin.

The Commissioners:

Approved: the employment contract between the Board of Commissioners and the City Manager. The Contract proposal was provided during closed session evaluation on November 26, 2013 and has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.

The Commissioners:

Re-appointed: Current Municipal Registrar Judy Flournoy to the office of Municipal Registrar and approved compensation for that position budgeted at $754.00 annually in addition to regular salary.

Re-appointed: Current City Attorney Andrew J. Whalen to the office of City Attorney and approved compensation for said position. Attorney Andrew J. Whalen, III presented a service agreement to cover calendar years 2014 and 2015. City Attorney’s position is currently budgeted at $112,000 for FY 13-14.

Re-appointed Current Municipal Court Judge William G Johnston, III to the office of Judge of Municipal Court and approved compensation for said position. Municipal Court Judge’s position is budgeted for $20,000 for FY 13-14.

Re-appointed: Reid Turner to the Office of Municipal Court Solicitor and approved compensation for said position. City Solicitor’s position is budgeted at $20,000 for FY 13-14.

Re-appointed: Yolanda Walker to the office of Municipal Court Clerk and approved compensation for said position. Municipal Court Clerk’s position is for the annual salary of $38,417.60.

The Commissioners:

Approved: the 2014 City of Griffin Board of Commission meeting schedule. Per the City Charter, Regular Meetings shall be held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

The Commissioners:

Approved: to purchase four (4) new Ford Explorer SUV vehicles from Alan Vigil Ford for $23,989.00 each. ( total cost of $95,956.00) Trans-Comm will equip all four (4) vehicles, including in-car camera systems, for $8,291.50 each. (total cost of $33,166.00) Sign Craft will mark the vehicles at $425.00 each. (total cost of $1,700.00) Total expenditure for four (4) equipped vehicles is $130.822.00;these are budgeted items. And the commissioners approved to declare as surplus three (3) 2008 Dodge Durango SUV’s for sale on govdeals.com.

Approved: the purchase of a 289 Caterpillar Compact Track Loader from Yancey Brothers, the best evaluated quote, in the amount of $57,000.00 for use in the Stormwater Division.

Approved: an agreement with Manley Acquisition Services, LLC for Phase V of an eight phase project for the acquisition , relocation and rights-of-ways for the Community Development Block Grant Water and Sewer Improvements 2013 Thomaston Mill Village.

Approved: emergency repair for Checker’s sewer service line by TLC Contracting in the amount of $19,380.00, and amend the budget accordingly. December 10 the City of Griffin had to replace the cast iron sewer service to Checkers on Ga Hwy 16. The old service line bottom had deteriorated. Three emergency quotes were received and lowest and best price was accepted to complete the renewal.

Approved: the purchase off State Contract a F 250 Ford pickup truck from Allan Vigil Ford in the amount of $23,791.00 for the Blanton Mill Land Application System; and declare a 2003 Dodge 2500 as surplus and advertise for sale on GovDeals.com. This is a budgeted item.

Approved: the purchase of a John Deere Utility Tractor from John Deere Company off State Contract in the amount of $29,685.85 for the Blanton Mill Land Application System; and declare surplus a 2004 Ford New Holland TC45A Tractor with over 4,000 hours and advertise on Gov.Deals.com for sale.

Approved: the purchase of F 150 Pick Up Truck from Allan Vigil Ford off State Contract in the amount of $18,835.00 for the Potato Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant; and declare as surplus, a 1998 GMC Pickup and advertise for sale on GovDeals.com.

Approved: the purchase of a Tricorr Touch Correlator from Match Point in the amount of $40,500.00 for the Water Distribution System for the Public Works and Utilities Department. Match Point is the sole source distributor for the FCS Tricorr Touch Correlator. This device is utilized to detect leaks in the water distribution system.

Approved: a Task Order Form from ARCADIS for the Bid Documents and Construction Management of Heads Creek Wingwall repair in the amount of $40,100.00 for the Public Works and Utilities Department. Bid documents to be created now and the construction to be determined when Still Branch Upgrade is completed in the fall of 2014.

Approved: the purchase of one 2014 F 250 Crew Cab V 8 Short Bed 4 x 2 (3/4 ton) pickup for NJPA State-Wide Contract Price of $27,974.00 from Allan Vigil Ford, for use at the Griffin-Spalding County Airport, and declare surplus one 1984 Chevrolet Blazer, and amend the budget accordingly. The old 1984 military surplus Chevrolet Blazer, is beyond its useful life cycle and ongoing repair costs exceed the value of the vehicle. Funding for the purchase will come from FAA/GDOT approved remaining funds ($29,000.00) from the 2008 Airport Road Widening Project. This will leave $1,000.00 remaining for FAA/GDOT approved projects.

Approved: to award RFP for Banking Services to Sun Trust as best evaluated proposal. The current agreement with BB&T lapsed with no renewals remaining. Improving banking services, automating lock box payment process, and providing automated vault deposit will improve payment and processing times in Customer Service and Accounting Departments. Sun Trust tentatively waived fees for banking services for the life of the contract terms and provided a written affirmation and clarification. The City and Sun Trust will mutually benefit from this business partnership.

Approved: to direct MEAG Power to add $295,390 per month to the MEAG bill, and deposit $103,386 in the Meag Competitive Trust Flexible Operating Account, Short Term Portfolio, and to deposit $192,004 per month in the New Generation and Capacity Funding Account, Intermediate Extended Maturity Portfolio. The City will receive a refund from the MEAG COMPETITIVE TRUST in the amount of $3,544,690 during calendar year 2014. The deposits will offset this refund by $3,544,680, with the remaining $10 applied as a credit to the MEAG bill.

Approved: to award low and best bid to Altec Industries, for a 60-foot material.

handler bucket truck in the amount of $213,093, transfer $13,100 to Electric Operating Account from Electric Capital Improvement (Scrap Metal Sales) Cash Account, and amend the budget accordingly. The Electric Department received approval in FY 2013-2014 to replace this 21-year old bucket truck that has far exceeded its life expectancy and is the only unit in the fleet with the boom reach necessary to maintain some field equipment.

Approved: to direct Electric Cities of Georgia to issue a check in the amount of $51,867.98 for Griffin’s share of the 2013 ECG Year End Settlement, with the funds to be deposited in the Electric Department’s operating account. This will provide $51,867.98 to the Electric Dept. revenue.

Approved: to designate 100% of Off-system energy sales margins for 2014 to be deposited in Griffin’s Flexible Operating Account, Short Term Portfolio. This will increase the amount on the short term portfolio, based on the amount of revenue the City receives from any off-system energy sales made by MEAG Power on the City’s behalf.

Approved: adoption of the City of Griffin Comprehensive Plan Update 2014-2034. The purpose of the update is to provide a guide to everyday decision making for use by local government officials and other community leaders. This update will ensure that the city maintains state compliance and its Qualified Local Government status.

Approved: to replace the Public Works Water Department Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Server and upgrade the software in the amount of $53,824.49. The SCADA system monitors and controls the Still Branch Reservoir water facility. The SCADA server and software is nearing end of life cycle. To stay current with technology and software support the server and software must be upgraded.

The commissioners took no action until they have a workshop and fully understand the proposed ordinance amending the Code of Griffin to adopt the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2012 edition. The Board of the Department of Community Affairs, pursuant to the Uniform Codes Act (1991), has now made the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ICC), 2012 edition with State amendments, available as an optional code for local government adoption and enforcement, effective January 1, 2014.

The Commissioners:

Appointed: Brian Upson and Ex-Officio commissioner Rodney McCord to the Griffin-Spalding Hospital Authority .

Appointed: Jim Ogletree and commissioner Ryan McLemore to the Griffin-Spalding Development Authority.

Appointed: Eula Redding, Gloria Pine, and Commissioner Cynthia Reid to the Griffin Housing Authority.

Appointed: Commissioner Dick Morrow; Commissioner Doug Hollberg; Neal Bonds; Michelle Cannon, James Clinkscales; and Capt. Donald Britt to the Griffin Spalding Area Transportation Committee.

Appointed: Commissioner Dick Morrow to the Board of Health.

Appointed: Commissioner Ryan McLemore to the Workforce Investment Council.

Appointed: Commissioner Doug Hollberg to the Griffin Downtown Council.

Appointed: Commissioner Dick Morrow to the Griffin Spalding Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

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

Appointed: Denise Eady to the Council on Aging.

Appointed: Employee Representative Connie Hendrix and Retiree Representative David Weldon To the Pension Committee.

Appointed : K D Fisher and Roger Miller to the Planning and Zoning Board.

Appointed: Amanda Slade to the Historic Preservation Commission.

Appointed: Commissioner Cynthia Reid Ward, John Carlisle, and Jean Brumagim to the Griffin Main Street Advisory Board.

Appointed Commissioner Ryan McLemore to serve on the Spalding Collaborative committee.

Appointed: Commissioner Doug Hollberg to serve on the Three Rivers Regional Commission.

In what is continuing to be a expanding problem, Lamar County Residents, as well as Spalding and other surrounding counties are beginning to have problems with Coyotes. Normally the animals affect cattle farmers and pets, however in Lamar County residents are being warned to stay on the lookout for a possibly a rabid coyote that attack and bit Ashley Oaks resident of Lamar county on Tuesday night.

Canine trainer Michelle Barker was also bitten as she was taking out her garbage, she was able to fend off the attacking animal with a garbage can lid. The coyote then fled across Highway 18 toward the Lamar County School campus between the Fine Arts Center and primary school.

All indications are the coyote is still on the loose, according to both the Barnesville police department and Lamar County sheriff’s office. Baker has sought medical care for her wound.

Area residents are urged to be on the look out in Lamar county for the Rabid Coyote. And some residents on the south side of Griffin have reportedly seen Coyotes near homes and streets around south Sixth Street. And Ethridge Mill road.

Monday night about 8:40 PM, units of the Griffin Police Department, Griffin Fire Rescue, Spalding Regional EMS, and Emory Air Flight responded to East Central Avenue and North Second Street to a report of a person being shot. Upon arrival officers found one individual lying in the street with multiple gunshots with wounds in the forearm and chest area. EMT personnel made the decision to airlift the suspect for treatment in Atlanta. Emory Air Flight based at the Griffin Spalding Airport was called to the scene and a landing area was established for the helicopter nearby. The victim was able to talk with responding medical personnel as he was being prepared for transport. The incident is still under investigation and more information is expected to be released later by the Griffin Police Department.

A massive home fire in Butts County Sunday destroyed the family home of Lisa Murphy and her family.  There were no injuries from the fire but the Jackson home was a total loss.

The community is helping the family to assist with replacing what items they can for Mrs. Murphy and her 12 children some of which were adopted.

Murphy told Channel 2 news that no one is prepared to lose everything. Now she is faced with rebuilding the home where she was raising 12 kids on her own.

Murphy has been in shock since she got a phone call at her church Sunday afternoon advising her that her home was on fire.

Several fire trucks lined the street at the home, which was a total loss.

Murphy is  raising  her three birth children, 10 adopted children and 4 grandchildren at the home. Twelve of them, ages 2-20, still lived at the home.

She does not own her home and. Four years ago she lost her husband to
cancer.

Murphy spent Monday sorting the debris and talking to insurance agents. The Jackson and Butts County community is already stepping up making donations, including the trailer they’re now living in. But the family needs financial donations so they can begin to rebuild.

She told WSB TV news on Monday “My kids are all safe so if it had happened at night I couldn’t have gotten them out. I’m just really grateful we were all in church and it was daytime.”

You can contact the City of Jackson or Jackson Fire Department for additional information if you would like to make a donation.

WKEU would like to thank our affiliate Channel 2 news in Atlanta for this update on this story

In a story that WKEU aired in late 2013 the Potato Creek in Lamar County had a mysterious fish kill from some type pollution that was threatening the water supply from potato creek that was part of the Thomaston, Georgia water supply.

The Barnesville Herald Gazette ran a story on Wednesday indicating that Jordan Forest Products located in the Lamar County and Barnesville Industrial park has been cited for the fish kill in Potato Creek and one of its tributaries that occurred last fall.

An EPD spokesman confirmed Tuesday afternoon that Jordan had been hit with a consent order, mandating it eliminate a storm water runoff issue that resulted in the fish kill.

The runoff entered an unnamed creek that runs under Five Points Road near Barnesville and  into Potato Creek.

Jordan has been fined for the fish kill.

The unnamed creek ran a dark brown color that smelled like pine at the time of the fish kill. More information is expected to be release later.

WKEU would like to thank Walter Geiger and the Barnesville Herald Gazette for their update on this news story. You can subscribe to the Herald Gazette on line at Barnesvile.com.

The annual Community Awards  Banquet, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce was held Jan. 23 at the Barnesville Civic Center. The Honorees for the year were:

Citizen of the Year: Kenny Roberts, Barnesville city manager

Businessperson of the Year: Bill and Susan Lindsey, attorney at law

Career Woman of the Year: Kelly Hughes, manager, Barnesville Lamar County Library

Volunteer of the Year: Rev. Jimmy Fambro, Hope Tree Foundation

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year: Maj. Craig Cooper, Barnesville Police Department.

Farmer of the Year: Kelly Haddock, a Lamar County poultry producer

Firefighter of the Year: Charlie Muise, volunteer firefighter

STAR student/teacher: Jesse Waters/ Jewel Filipovich

The individuals were honored at the chamber’s 31st annual Community Awards Banquet at the Barnesville Civic Center on Thursday.

WKEU would like to thank Walter Geiger and the Barnesville Herald Gazette for their assistance in this news story.  You can subscribe to the Herald Gazette at Barnesville.com

The Griffin City Commissioners will meet January 28 th 6 pm at 100 South Hill Street, during the meeting the Commissioners will:

Recognize Joseph Johnson, of the Public Works Water and Wastewater Department, and Todd Pratt, of the Information Technology Department as the December 2013 Strongest Ling Award recipients.

The commissioners will consider the purchase of 400 new 96 gallon residential refuse carts from Schaefer, Inc. for a total price of 49.00 each or a total of $20, 337.00

Consider approval of a consolidated (bulk) buy for the purchase of 27 vehicle rugged mobile data terminals, and Docking Stations for the Police Department from the Georgia State Contract. for a total of $67,392.54.

Consider approval of an Employee Lease Agreement between the City of Griffin and the Griffin Spalding Airport Authority. Also consider approval of an Intergovernmental Services Agreement between the City of Griffin and the Griffin-Spalding Airport Authority.

Consider approval of an agreement with Manley Acquisition Services LLC, for the acquisition of relocation and rights-of-ways for the 2008 SPLOST project for the intersection improvement of North Hill Street and North Sixth Street for the Public Works and Utilities Department.

Consider and Expedited Enforcement Compliance Order Agreement with Georgia Environmental Protection Division for four un-permitted discharges to waters of the State and pay the restitution of $2,500.00,for the Public Works and utilities Department.

Just as North Central Georgia was beginning to enjoy temperatures above freezing by Tuesday we will be experiencing a high of 33 and overnight low of 21 according to the 5 Day Forecast form Channel 2 weather center. Wednesday will also be at freezing with a high of 32 and over night temperatures of 13 degrees in metro Atlanta and possible single digits in Some southern portions of sough metro and northern counties. On Thursday we can expect a high of 41 with overnight low of 17. Keep this in mind for mid week and take precautions for those days that the temperature will be at freezing for a 24 hour period or more. Bring in all pets inside during the lower than freezing temperatures. There is a 20 percent chance of perception. If this should occur conditions on roadways may become very hazardous. WKEU will keep you informed and will be on the Air live if the situation requires