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The Lamar County Sheriffs Office is sponsoring a Night out Against Crime.
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The Spalding County Commissioners met Monday night at the courthouse annex.
SPALDING COMMISSIONERS MEETING
During the meeting the commissioners approved a proclamation recognizing the Griffin-Spalding Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. who celebrated their 40 th Anniversary on June 27, 2015.
Approved a contract with Revenue Discovery System for business license audit. RDS specializes in recouping lost revenue for municipalities in the form of businesses that are operating without a license. They will locate the business, cross reference against the county database, notify the business and invoice them for payment to the county. RDS will charge a fee that is based on 40% of the license fee for all businesses found to be operating without proper licenses.
Approved an agreement with Tyler Technologies for Software as a Service and Professional Services Agreement for ODYSSEY CASE Manager Licensed Software for the Superior, State and Magistrate Court Clerk and Odyssey Attorney Manager & Check Manager for the State Court Solicitor. This 2015 SPLOST project and reimbursement resolution was approved at the July 20 meeting. Total cost is $671,382. After installation the yearly maintenance cost is $98,000. The anual maintenance cost for the old system that will be discontinued in December 2015 is $125,000.
Approved a contract with New Horizon Consulting to provide audit services for the Spalding County Correctional Institute. The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003, require that qualifying detention facilities be audited on a periodic basis to determine compliance with PREA standards. Estimated cost is $3,400 every three years and was included in the FY 2016 budget..
Approved a resolution authorizing the execution and delivery of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Cities of Griffin, Orchard Hill and Sunny Side for allocations of a proposed 2015 SPLOST. If approved by the voters the sales and use tax will be imposed for a period of 24 consecutive calendar quarters beginning on April 1, 2016.
Approved a Resolution authorizing the 2015 SPLOST Referendum to be included on the November 3, 2015 ballot.
Approved a Community Services Block Grant Amendment as recommended by the CSBG Advisory Board. Carryover funding in the amount of $54,127.65 was discussed at the CSBG Advisory Committee meeting on July 24, 2015 and must be expended on or before September 30, 2015. Recommended allocations are: Spalding CSBG Meals Program budget increase by $13,008.65; SCC Nutrition Program increase by $5,000; Youth & Family development by $26,000; Emergency Assistance Program increase by $2000; Three Rivers Regional Commission increase by $8,119.
The Commissioners Tabled placing on first reading an ordinance to amend the Spalding County Animal Control Ordinance which would add a new “Sterilization Requirement”. Any person owning, keeping, harboring, or having custody of any dog or cats six (6) months of age or older is required to have said animal surgically sterilized.
The Commissioners tabled placing on first reading an amendment to the Spalding County Animal Control Ordinance which would add a new section ” Unaltered Animal Permit”. Animal owners who wish to maintain an un-neutered animal must apply for an unaltered animal permit with Spalding County. Spalding County Animal Control will issue a permit if the owner complies with the requirements set forth in this amendment and pays the permit fee established by the Board of Commissioners. A certificate will be issued identifying the animal as a permitted unaltered animal and must be made available for inspection at all times.
The Commissioners Established 9:00 AM August 17 th as the time and date for a workshop to finalize the Substandard Housing Ordinance, and discuss Tax Allocation Districts, and Purchasing Cards, a standardized purchasing system with cost saving rebates.
The Commissioners Canceled the September 7 th Board of Commissioner’s meeting as Monday September 7 th is Labor Day Holiday. All County offices will be closed for the day.
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Griffin Police Officer Terminated pending Internal Investigation.
WKEU has received notification from a reliable source that Officer Keith Dryden of the Griffin Police Department has been terminated pending a complete internal affairs investigating. The investigation started a few weeks ago. Public Information Officer Mike Natel said that the formal press release has not been completed as the investigation is on going. More information is expected to be released later by the Griffin Police Department.
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Griffin Police Officers respond to an alleged rape call at the North Expressway and Ellis Road.
Griffin Police Investigators, and Spalding Regional EMS were called to the North Expressway and Ellis road late Monday night to a alleged rape incident. Griffin Public Information Officer LT. Mike Natel said that the the alleged rape incident remains under investigation and more information is expected to be released in the next few days by the Griffin Police Department.
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Two Vehicle accident on Tuesday afternoon resulted in one individual being sent to Spalding Regional for Treatment.
A Two vehicle accident on Hill Street and West Poplar Street resulted in one individual being sent to Spalding Regional for treatment. Griffin Police, and Spalding Regional EMS responded to a two vehicle accident on Hill Street and west poplar Tuesday morning. Griffin Traffic Division is investigating the incident. Traffic at the intersection was tie up until debris could be removed and normal traffic flow restored to the area.
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Central Georgia Electric Membership Corporation held its 78th Annual Meeting of Members at the Central Georgia EMC Annex Courtyard in Butts County, Georgia at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2015.
Central Georgia Electric Membership Corporation held its 78th Annual Meeting of Members at the Central Georgia EMC Annex Courtyard in Butts County, Georgia at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2015. Registration began at 8:15 a.m.
Mr. D. T. Hamil, Chairman of the Board, called the meeting to order and announced that six hundred and twenty nine (629) members were registered at this time. Mr. Hamil thanked the entertainment Mr. Joshua Jacobson. The invocation for the meeting was provided by Reverend Stephen Soulen, the pastor of Stark United Methodist Church.
Mr. Hamil introduced the Board of Directors. Mr. Weaver recognized the special guests in attendance.
Mr. Weaver presented the President’s Report.
Mr. Hamil announced registration was closed and a total of six hundred and forty four (644) members registered.
Mr. Randy Nichols, CPA, affirmed that Central Georgia EMC was a strong financial organization with total assets of over $208.4 million in 2014. The corporation’s total equity was over $77.1 million. In 2014, over $1.7 million was returned to the members in the form of capital credits. The financial position of CGEMC remains solid.
Mr. J. O. Colwell representing Butts County; Mr. Phillip B. Ham, Jr. representing Monroe and Bibb Counties; and Mr. D. T. Hamil representing Spalding, Lamar, and Pike Counties, each of whom were unopposed, and all were re-elected by acclamation for a three-year term.
The meeting was adjourned and members participated in the drawing of prizes, a picnic lunch of grilled hot dogs, potato chips, ice cream sandwiches, and soft drinks.
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Thursday, August 13, 2015 Beginning at 9:00 a.m. At: Trice Farm Racetrack Road The Rock, Georgia
On Thursday, August 13, 2015 Beginning at 9:00 a.m. At: Trice Farm Racetrack Road The Rock, Georgia 30285 The UGA Extension Offices of Spalding, Upson and Lamar counties combined are hosting a Small Acreage Grain Production field day on Thursday, August 13, 2015 from 9:00 AM until noon at Trice Farm on Racetrack Road in The Rock, GA. 30285. This field day will focus on small acreage grain production of corn, soybeans and grain sorghum. Also discussed will be new tool on nitrogen availability on cover crops from the UGA Soil Test Lab. There is no fee for this event however, pre-registration is required no later than noon on Monday, August 10, 2015. Visit to view the event agenda http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/spalding/anr/index.html. Register online at http://t.uga.edu/1Dq. If you do not have computer access, you can call our office for registration or with any questions at 770-467-4225.
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Spalding County Extension will present a Beekeepers Short Course on Saturday, August 29, 2015 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Spalding County Extension office.
Spalding County UGA Extension and the Potato Creek Beekeepers are presenting a Beekeepers Short Course on Saturday, August 29, 2015 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Spalding County Extension office. It is a wonderful hobby for the whole family. The course is recommended for beginning beekeepers. The agenda includes: honey bee & colony biology, necessary equipment and its assembly, information on where to get bees, smoker lighting, hive manipulation, honey extraction, and issues facing beekeepers as well as general questions and answers. Course completion includes a Potato Creek Beekeeper membership. The cost of the course is $25.00 for those that pre-register and $30.00 for those that register the day of the program. Children under 18 are free with a registered adult. Space is limited so pre-register as soon as possible. If questions contact Spalding County Extension at 770-467-4225 or visit us at: 835 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223.
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School Bus and passenger vehicle collide Wednestay Morning at East Mcintosh and at 9th Street.
School bus and passenger vehicle was involved in a collision at 9 th street and East McIntosh Road early Wednesday Morning. Units of the Spalding Sheriffs Department, Spalding Regional EMS, and Spalding Fire Department resounded. There were no students on the bus and only 1 driver that complied of minor back pain. The incident was investigated by the Griffin Post of the Griffin Post of the Georgia State Patrol which is standard procedure for a government vehicle involved in a accident.
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Spalding Fire Department called to a barn fire at Old Jackson Road, and West McIntosh Road Wednesday afternoon.
About 2:30 Wednesday afternoon units of the Spalding Fire Department resounded to the scene of a 911 fire call at old Jackson Road and McIntosh Road to a barn storage building at the location. There was damage to the out building and some contents. But the Fire department indicated that the incident did not cause any threat nearby homes. WKEU would like to thank the Spalding and Griffin Fire Departments for what the do each day for our Citizens to keep them safe.
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Rene Aveldanez, 21, of Forest Park faces multiple charges in connection with a fatal High Falls Park Road accident July 25.
A 21-year-old man faces multiple charges in connection with a fatal High Falls Park Road accident July 25.
Rene Aveldenez
Rene Aveldanez, 21, of Forest Park was picked up from the Macon Medical Center by state troopers July 28 and taken to the Lamar County jail.
He is charged with first degree vehicular homicide, DUI, passing in a no passing zone and driving on a suspended license.
The 10 p.m accident occurred after an event at a local agricultural center. The accident took the life of a Forest Park man, 40-year-old Rafael Sandoval-Morales.
The GSP reports Aveldanez was at the wheel of a Dodge Charger when he tried to pass a truck pulling a horse trailer on a double yellow line approaching a hill and sharp curve. The Charger hit a PT Cruiser driven by Selene Martinez of College Park headon.
Sandoval-Morales, a back seat passenger in the PT Cruiser, died at the scene. Multiple other injured patients were taken from the scene to area hospitals.
Aveldanez was in Lamar magistrate court July 31 for a first appearance hearing and was denied bond. The accident remains under investigation.
He is charged with first degree vehicular homicide, DUI, passing in a no passing zone and driving on a suspended license.
The 10 p.m accident occurred after an event at a local agricultural center. The accident took the life of a Forest Park man, 40-year-old Rafael Sandoval-Morales.
The GSP reports Aveldanez was at the wheel of a Dodge Charger when he tried to pass a truck pulling a horse trailer on a double yellow line approaching a hill and sharp curve. The Charger hit a PT Cruiser driven by Selene Martinez of College Park headon.
Sandoval-Morales, a back seat passenger in the PT Cruiser, died at the scene. Multiple other injured patients were taken from the scene to area hospitals.
Aveldanez was in Lamar magistrate court July 31 for a first appearance hearing and was denied bond. The accident remains under investigation.
WKEU would like to thank Walter Geiger and the Barnesville Herald Gazette for their assistance in this news story.
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Shooting Suspect Arrested by Griffin Police.
On Friday August 7, 2015 at approximately 2039 hours, members of the Griffin Police Department responded to Spalding Regional Hospital in reference to a shooting victim. Officers spoke with the victim, Derrick Smith of Griffin. Mr. Smith advised that he was walking on E. Wall St. (700 block) when a black male by the name of Jamal Foster drove by him in a Chevy Impala and as he passed him he began shooting at him. The victim was struck in the chest. The victim drove himself to the Emergency Room where he was treated and then transported to Atlanta Medical Center where is in ICU in critical condition. The suspect was brought to the Police Department where he turned himself in. Jamal Foster was charged with one count of Aggravated Assault, one count of Cruelty to Children 3rd degree, and one count of Possession of a Firearm during the commission of a crime. He was transported to the Spalding County Jail.
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Aggravated Assault Suspect Arrested.
The Griffin Police Department was called to 513 Belle St. on Sunday 8-9-15 in reference to an Aggravated Assault. There were 2 victims, a Tyrone Hughley and Acquilla McGhee that were both cut with some type of box cutter by an ex-girlfriend Lashonda Miller. Miller is in custody at the Spalding County jail charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of aggravated battery. Both victims received medical attention at Spalding Regional Hospital and were subsequently released.
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A Three vehicle collision Monday afternoon on Highwy 92 at Birdie road closes all lanes of traffic. One driver Air lifted to Atlnta Mecial Center, 1 to Spalidng Regional
Emory Air Flight
Units of the Spalding Sheriffs Department, Spalding Fire Department, Spalding Reginald EMS, Emory Air Flight Helicopter Air Ambulance based at then Griffin Spalding airport, and Troopers from Post number 1 of the Georgia State Patrol in Griffin responded to the scene of a massive 3 vehicle collision at Highway 92 close to Birdie Road. Two vehicles a passenger car and a pickup truck struck head on and a 18 wheeler over turned at the scene. The diver of one of the passenger vehicles had to be airlifted by Helicopter Ambulance to the Atlanta Medial Center. A landing Zone was established at the Perkle Campground and Highway 92. Emory Air flight based at the Griffin Spalding Airport transported the diver to the Atlanta Medial center in critical condition. The Driver of the 18 heeler was taken by Ground Ambulance to Spalding Regional for further treatment. Highway 92 was closed to traffic until the scene could be cleared and the investigation, debris removed.
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City Commissioners met Tuesday night
The Griffin City Commissioners met Tuesday Night August 11 th at 6 pm in the meeting room at 100 South Hill Street.
During the meeting the Commissioners recognized Angela Thompson, Budget Analyst with the Finance Department, as the July 2015 “Strongest Link” award The “Strongest Link” Award is given monthly to a deserving employee who has demonstrated excellent performance and productivity, loyalty, professional pride, and other noteworthy accomplishments.
The Commissioners approved on second reading an Ordinance repealing regulations pertaining to taxicabs in the City of Griffin. The new law passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor preempts all local administration and regulation of vehicles for hire, including taxicabs, and places regulation exclusively in the Department of Public Safety, effective July 1, 2015. The City loses the right to regulate taxicabs and the regulatory fees and charges imposed thereon.
The Commissioners approved the renewal of an annual agreement for tree trimming and removal work at the same rates as last year.
3 man crew: Straight Time – $94.24 per hour; Overtime – $141.36 per hour.
2 man crew: Straight Time – $69.21 per hour; Overtime – $103.82 per hour.
Also approved was a work contract to P.F. Moon and Company, Inc., lowest and best bid, for the replacement construction of the Flint River Pump Station in the amount of $6.5 million for the Water and Wastewater Department. This project replaces the 1929 pump station.
Also approved declaring outdated and unused city Information Technology equipment surplus and sell the items through GovDeals.com online auction service.
The Commissioners discussed the 2015 Tax Digest and proposed millage rate. There was some concern of what would happen if collections were less than the 95% projection. After much discussion the majority of the board decided to proceed with proper advertising and future adoption of the rollback millage rate of 7.889.
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Lamar County Sheriffs Units, Barnesville PD, and Department of Corrections officers are combing a wooded area near Barnesville for an escaped inmate.
Eric Kenneth Coe, A inmate of the Department of Corrections walked away from a work detail in Barnesville Wednesday afternoon about 3:pm.
ERIC COE
A search was conducted in the area of McCollum and Perdue roads. Later he was spotted by a citizen who said that a white male dressed all in white was seen near a wood line, several search units moved to the area of Pine, Poplar Streets and Memorial Drive in Barnesville to search as of 10:25 p.m. Wednesday evening.
A GSP helicopter was also searching the area which centers around the wetlands trail area. As of late Wednesday a cap worn by the escapee was found. Department of Corrections Bloodhounds were on the scene until the late evening hours searching for the escapee.
Sheriff Brad White and Barnesville Police Chief Chuck Keadle have suggested residents keep home and vehicle doors and windows secured.
Chief Chuck Keadle said the search would continue through the night until the Department of Corrections called it off.
Again, the escapee, Eric Kenneth Coe, he was incarcerated for violating his probation on theft charges. He is not thought to be violent but all precautions should be taken anytime an inmate is on the run according to Sheriff White..
Lamar residents are asked if they see suspicious activity to immediately call the 911 center.
Chief Chuck Keadle said the search would continue through the night until the Department of Corrections called it off.
Again, the escapee, Eric Kenneth Coe, he was incarcerated for violating his probation on theft charges. He is not thought to be violent but all precautions should be taken anytime an inmate is on the run according to Sheriff White..
Lamar residents are asked if they see suspicious activity to immediately call the 911 center.
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School Bus and passenger vehicle collide Wednestay Morning at East Mcintosh and at 9th Street.
School bus and passenger vehicle was involved in a collision at 9 th street and East McIntosh Road early Wednesday Morning. Units of the Spalding Sheriffs Department, Spalding Regional EMS, and Spalding Fire Department resounded. There were no students on the bus and only 1 driver that complied of minor back pain. The incident was investigated by the Griffin Post of the Griffin Post of the Georgia State Patrol which is standard procedure for a government vehicle involved in a accident.
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Spalding Fire Department called to a barn fire at Old Jackson Road, and West McIntosh Road Wednesday afternoon.
About 2:30 Wednesday afternoon units of the Spalding Fire Department resounded to the scene of a 911 fire call at old Jackson Road and McIntosh Road to a barn storage building at the location. There was damage to the out building and some contents. But the Fire department indicated that the incident did not cause any threat nearby homes. WKEU would like to thank the Spalding and Griffin Fire Departments for what the do each day for our Citizens to keep them safe.
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Four Teachers named to the Griffin Spalding Hall fo Fame.
Lemuel (Lem) Watkins (deceased) was an educator for almost 40 years. He began teaching Industrial Arts at Griffin High School in 1958. Lem Watkins changed the focus of vocational education from general skills to teaching marketable skills for success regardless of career choice. Through his instruction, education gained value and drop-out rates declined. Students gained a sense of pride in their projects, their expectations increased and their career options were expanded. He also successfully chartered the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA), which unified vocational youth
Lem Watkins was a dear friend. I was honored to have him guide me when I was in his classes and it was even more an honor to represent the Griffin Spalding School System in the then DCT State speech contest that was held at Jekyll Island Georgia. I was working at WKEU while in High School. Through his and Mrs. Julia Elliott’s guidance we won the state contest that year. Lem was a dear friend, my advisor, and mentor until his untimely death. He and Mrs. Julia Elliott have very special paces in my heart. They were great teachers and always had students first in their daily work, and thoughts. Teachers of this caliber are solely missed today.
Nancy Gresham taught at Griffin High School (GHS) for over 30 years. During that time, she made tremendous contributions to the school, received numerous awards and recognitions and influenced the lives of hundreds of students. Nancy was named GHS Teacher of the Year, STAR teacher in 1974 and 2004, Who’s Who Among American Educators and received the Golden Apple Award twice. Nancy Gresham taught AP English with a 100% passing rate. In addition, she served as the fine arts department head, literary coordinator and on the graduation committee. She also introduced the television journalism course to GHS which allowed students to broadcast a daily news show to the entire school.
Margery King taught elementary school at GSCS for almost 40 years. She was named Third Ward Elementary Teacher of the Year. Margery chaired the student support team, produced the school’s annual play or musical, judged the geography and spelling bees and assisted in writing the fourth grade science curriculum for the system.
For 35 years, Juliette McCann contributed to the education of students in various capacities. She served in a leadership role as the department head for Griffin High Language Arts and also taught standardized test preparation classes. She also served as a judge for Governors Honors, Y-Club advisor, African American History Club advisor and on the graduation committee.
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Spalding County Sheriff Beram reported to WKEU news that 3 individuals arrested on felony charges.
Sheriff Wendell Beam has advised WKEU news that on Wednesday, August 10, 2015, the following individuals were arrested on a felony charge of Entering an Automobile.
Chad Timothy Brown, W/M, Age 19
12465 Highway 109 West
Meansville, Georgia
Bond amount $5703.00, bonded out
Derik Webster, W/M, Age 18
32 Meadowlark Road
Griffin, Georgia
Bond amount $5703.00, still incarcerated
Nathaniel Kaide Jewan Johnson, Age 18
1861 Carver Road
Griffin, Georgia
Bond amount $5703.00, bonded out
The arrests were the results of members of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office and the Griffin Police Department working together. On Wednesday, August 10, 2015, at approximately 4:00 AM Deputies responded to Laurel Street regarding a report of Entering an Automobile. When they arrived they received information on a vehicle that had been seen near the crime location. As a result of this information the vehicle was located by members of the Griffin Police Department and the arrests were made. The Griffin Police Department and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office are conducting investigations of Entering an Automobiles in their jurisdictions which may be related to these arrests. I want to thank the members of the Griffin Police Department Patrol Division who assisted in this investigation.
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