Candler Field Museum will re-create the sights and sounds of the 1920s at the 5th Annual Vintage Day Festival on Saturday, June 7th. The Historic Candler Field Museum is part of the Peachstate Aerodrome located in the quiet outskirts of Williamson, GA. Admission will be requested as a $10 donation per car at the gate in order to offset expenses. The proceeds of which will be used to support the Youth Program that is part of the museum.

Activities are scheduled from 11am-7pm at this family-focused event that includes an invitation to dress-up in period costumes; see the display of old cars and vintage planes; and enjoy the old-fashioned food and music. This year’s event will be a music festival along with an airplane parade of flight. They currently have 4 musical guests scheduled to perform – Shoulderbone Creek Orchestra, the Bonnie Ridge Bluegrass group, The Coleman Family, and the Dixie Dulcimers.

Schedule of Events

11:00 – open with Parade of Flight
11:45 – music Coleman Family
12:30 – cake walk
1:00 PM – music Dixie Dulcimers
2:15 – cake walk
2:45 – music Shoulderbone Creek Orchestra
4:00 – cake walk
4:30 – Parade of Flight
5:30 – music Bonnie Ridge Bluegrass
6:45 – Raffle off shotgun and cash
7:00 – Flight of Curtiss Jenny

A wide variety of aircraft has been assembled and will be flown at different times in a Parade of Flight. Airplane rides will be available all day. Food and refreshments will be available all day including barbecue, hamburgers, brats, and a full menu at Barnstormer’s Grill.

Two raffles will be held – one for a cash prize of $1,000 and one for a 20 gauge shotgun donated by Autrey’s Armory located in Fayetteville. Raffle Tickets are $20 respectively and can be purchased ahead of time by calling 770-467-9490 or by visiting Barnstormers Grill.

The Museum plans to remind folks how the Baby Ruth Candy Company once used airplanes to drop free candy bars over Atlanta as a form of advertising. The Museum will recreate the candy

drop in remembrance of the pioneer pilots, like local pilot Doug Davis, who participated in those early promotions.

Vintage Day best represents the Museum’s continuing efforts to re-create the Original Atlanta Airport as it was in the 1920s. People who lived in the 1920s experienced a fascination with the emerging technology of both the Automobile and the Aeroplane. Barnstorming, air shows, and flying circus events were popular forms of entertainment for families before TV. Join them Saturday June 7th at Candler Field to step back in time.

Maracus Banks age 40

Barnesville police have issued a scam alert involving a Lamar County man. The individual identified as Marcus Banks a black male age 40 about six feet tall. He has approached several individuals stating that he works for a trucking company and is able to get items like alcohol and tobacco products and vegetables at discount prices.

Once cash given to him he never returns. Police said that if you are approached by Banks contact 911 or call you local law enforcement agency.

Chief Chuck Cagle of the Barnesville Police Department asks individuals that may have contact with Banks to call his investigators at 770-358-1246. A photo of banks is posted on our website wkeuradio.com.

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

UJPDATE:

UPDATE:

Griffin High School student was shot at a graduation party in Jackson on Friday night.

Cederrious Hastings a member of Griffin High football team was at a graduation party in Butts County on Levi Barnes Road near highway 36 in South Butts County.

                              HOUSE ON LEVI BARNES ROAD IN BUTTS COUNTY

He along with three other individuals from Griffin were shot. Hastings was transported to the Atlanta Medical Center where he died about 5 and a half hours later. The other three victims are in stable condition according to Butts County Sheriff Long however long said in a Monday Night Press Convergence that the female that was wounded, will have a lengthy recovery.

Lamar County High School Senior
Kodaidra Hamm wounded in  Saturday
morning shooting in Butts County.

Walter Geiger and the Barnesville Herald Gazette identified Kodaidra Hamm as the female subject wounded in the Saturday Morning shooting incident.  Photo Courtesy of Walter Geiger.

Also a the 7:30 meeting Monday Night at the Butts County Sheriff’s Department WKEU news was assisted by Rikki Kolaus of WSBTV Channel 2, and we were told that the investigation is widening the search for two additional shooters in addition to the two previously arrested Germarious “Gee” O’ Neal and Christopher “Ray-Ray” Walker. Sheriff Long also said that his investigators believe that the other two shooters are form Griffin.  There were 28 shell casings recovered at the scene by investigators.

On Monday afternoon WKEU received the following press release from the Butts County Sheriff’s Department.

ARRESTS MADE IN GRADUATION PARTY SHOOTING

On May 21, 2016 at approximately 12:30 am, Butts County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to persons shot at a residence on Levi Barnes Road. Upon arrival deputies discovered 4 victims that had been struck. Three of the victims are stable at this time. One of the victims is deceased. All four victims are from Griffin, GA.

Butts County Investigators have worked tirelessly since the incident and as of today, May 23, 2016, two suspects have been arrested and are being held at the Butts County Jail on charges of Murder, Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm during the commission of a crime. Suspects are Gemarious “Gee” O’neal, 19 year old black male from Griffin, GA and Christopher “Ray Ray” Walker, 19 year old black male from Flovilla, GA.

As the investigation continues, we expect more arrests to follow. I want to personally thank District Attorney Richard Milam and his staff, Chief James Morgan and the Jackson Police Department, Chief Mike Yates and the Griffin Police Department, Sheriff Wendall Beam and the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office along with the citizens of Butts and Spalding Counties for their assistance in the Investigation.  I commend my Deputies and Investigators for their determination in identifying and arresting those responsible. 

My Office has received questions about this shooting being gang related.  Our Investigation has revealed this shooting was NOT gang related.  This was student athletes from Jackson and Griffin fighting when the shots were fired unfortunately striking the four victims.  I ask everyone to keep the families affected by this senseless act of violence in your thoughts and prayers.

WKEU News has learned that a Griffin High School student was shot at a party in Jackson on Friday night and died of his injuries Saturday.

CEDERRIUS HASTINGS

Cederrius Hastings, a member of the Griffin High Bears football team, was at a graduation party in Butts County on Levi Barnes Road, just off Highway 36, when he was shot along with three other individuals also from Griffin. Hastings was transported to the Atlanta Medical Center where he died Saturday morning. The other three unidentified gunshot victims are in stable condition at this time according to Sheriff Gary Long. Butts County Corner Ralph Wilson has sent Hastings body to the Georgia State Crime Lab to determine the exact cause of death. The investigation is currently ongoing and additional information is expected to be released later by the Butts County Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff Long said that his department had received several calls in relation to the Saturday night graduation and said, “I can assure you that the Butts County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson Police Department, and the School Board are doing everything in our power to secure the safety of the 2016 graduates and everyone that will be in attendance. There have been no viable threats made against the graduation ceremony, however all precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of all in attendance.”

If anyone has any information relating to the shooting, you are asked to please contact the Butts County Sheriff’s Office at 770-775-8216

Hastings wore number 84 as a first year wide receiver for the Bears. He participated in the annual Green and Gold spring game on the night before he was gunned down. According to Griffin High School Head Coach Antonio Andrews, grief counselors will be made available to help students cope with the tragedy on Monday.

As a part of the Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, Griffin Fire-Rescue and the Georgia Fire Educators Association installed over 200 new smoke detectors and replaced over 50 batteries in homes across northeast Griffin. The event took place on Thursday, May 12, and included houses located between Lyndon Avenue and Broad Street and between Melrose Avenue and 15^th Street.

“Nearly two-thirds of all fire deaths happen in homes without smoke alarms or functioning units,” stated Griffin Fire Chief, Tommy Jones. “We selected this area to do the smoke detector blitz due to the recent fire deaths that have occurred in the area. We want to make sure we’re being proactive about saving lives.”

Working smoke alarms reduce the chances of dying in a fire by nearly 50 percent. They are a critical first step for staying safe, but in order to be effective, they have to be working properly. Griffin Fire-Rescue would like to remind everyone to install smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside every sleeping area and in each bedroom.  Use Daylight Savings Time as a reminder to check your smoke alarms. Replace conventional batteries at least once a year, even if alarms are wired directly into your home’s electrical system.  Use these and other fire safety tips to ensure that your home is well prepared in case of fire.

SPALDING  COMMISSIONERS

The Association of County Commissioners of Georgia presented certificates to lifelong learning graduates that included Spalding County Commissioner Don Hawbaker.

Commissioner Donald Hawbaker was one of many county officials honored for earning the designation of Certified County Commissioner. The training certificates were presented during the 2016 ACCG Annual Conference at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center.

Commissioners were presented with certificates for completing the core curriculum and specialty track requirements in the Lifelong Learning Academy. Many Commissioners in the past have stated that “The training provided by the ACCG and Carl Vinson Institute of Government was exceptional. As a Certified Commissioner, the training has greatly enhanced graduates to better serve Spalding County residents.”

Three-fatality accident on Interstate 75 in Monroe County:

Early this morning at approximately 02:06 AM, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to an auto accident on Interstate 75 South near mile marker 195. Two vehicles were involved in a head on collision, and both drivers were killed. A 7 year old girl was seriously injured and transported to a Macon hospital, where she remained until she passed away.

Just before the accident, the Sheriff’s Office received a call that a car was heading the wrong way on Interstate 75. Deputies were unable to reach the vehicle before the accident occurred. The vehicle, a 2008 Honda Accord driven by David Fryar, Jr. of Forsyth, Georgia (32 y/o), was traveling north bound in the lanes of Interstate 75 South. The Honda Accord then collided head-on with a 2006 Nissan Murano, driven by Monserrat Godinez of College Park, Georgia (29 y/o), who was in the car with her 7 year old daughter Alai Gondinez near mile marker 195.

Candler Field Museum will re-create The Sights and Sounds of the 1920s at the Annual VINTAGE DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL on Saturday, June 4th. The airfield and museum is located just off Hwy 362 in Williamson GA. Activities are scheduled from 11 am – 5 pm at this family-focused event that includes an invitation to dress-up in period costumes; see the display of old cars and vintage planes; and enjoy the old-fashioned food and music. This year’s event will be a music festival along with an airplane parade of flight. Admission fee is $10 per car with all proceeds going to support the Candler Field Museum Youth Program.

This year we will start off the afternoon with the Freedom Belles who will arrive on the DC-3.

This singing group will present WWII era music at the airplane and then move into the hangar to continue their songs. They will entertain again during the afternoon along with the Bonnie Ridge Blue Grass group.

A Parade of Flight will begin promptly at 1 PM. This will consist of a continuous parade of aircraft that will pass by the audience while the announcer explains the significance of each airplane.

VINTAGE DAY best represents the Museum’s continuing efforts to re- create the Original Atlanta Airport as it was in the 1920s. People who lived in the 1920s experienced a fascination with the emerging technology of both the Automobile and the Aeroplane. Barnstorming, air shows, and flying circus events were popular forms of entertainment for families before TV. Food and refreshments will be available all day including Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Brats, and a 1920’s Blue Plate special along with a full menu at Barnstormers Grill. Airplane rides in our vintage Waco biplane will be available all day.

This year we will conduct a raffle of a 1928 Colt .380 automatic nickel plated pistol with tickets priced at $20 each. We will also raffle off a handmade aviation related quilt with tickets priced at $5 each. Raffle Tickets can be purchased by visiting Barnstormers Grill or by calling the museum office at 770-467-8318.

The raffle drawing will be held at 4:15 PM, and the day will end with the flying of a 1917 Curtiss Jenny. This Jenny is one of only 6 remaining in the world.   The Jenny will drop candy bars attached to parachutes for the kids to pick up. This is a reenactment of the early days at the original Candler Field when Doug Davis would drop candy bars from his airplane.

The Candler Field Museum is a living museum located in rural Williamson GA where old aeroplanes still fly, antique cars still drive and the sights and sounds of the 1920s era come to life every day. For more information about the museum or VINTAGE DAY, visit www.candlerfield.com.

First responders attend to an injured victim behind the cars involved in a Memorial Day crash on Hwy. 36 at Liberty Hill Rd. that sent seven people to hospitals. (Photo: Walter Geiger)

Lamar County Sheriffs Officials, and the Barnesville Herald Gazette responded a Memorial Day crash on Hwy. 36 at the intersection with Liberty Hill Road.  The accident sent seven people to the hospital, including one airlifted by Emory Air Flight  to the Atlanta Medical Center trauma center.

The Associagtion of Georgia’s County Commissioners, recognized several county officials for completing core and specialty certification levels in the ACCG Lifelong Learning Academy, the education and training program offered to Georgia’s county commissioners. Commissioner Tim Guy was one of many county officials honored for earning the designation of Certified County Commissioner. The training certificates were presented during the 2016 ACCG Annual Conference at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center.
“ACCG and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia work collaboratively to provide yearlong training opportunities to Georgia’s county officials as well as county staff members,” said ACCG Executive Director Ross King. “ACCG is fortunate to have a valued working relationship with such reputable and credible adult learning experts to provide educational opportunities to our county officials.”
Commissioners were presented with certificates for completing the core curriculum and specialty track requirements in the Lifelong Learning Academy. Those who received certificates for completing a specialty track have undertaken specific topics of interest in local government such as public safety, intergovernmental relations, and citizen engagement among others.
Commissioner Tim Guy stated “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Pike County citizens for your support during my time thus far as your commissioner. I have learned a great deal through the ACCG training, and look forward to continuing my education, in order to better serve our county. Thank you also to the commissioner’s office employees, who work diligently to assist me during my time as commissioner. I believe the citizens, county employees, and the commissioner board, make a great team, and I look forward to working with you in the future. Let’s continue to work together, in order to make Pike an even better community”.

SPALDING COMMISSIONERS

During the meeting the Commissioner will consider approval of Proclamation honoring the Griffin Exchange Club’s “2015 Man of The Year” Mr. John “Steve” Crouch, Sr.

Consider approval on second reading an ordinance establishing a Hotel/Motel Excise Tax in the amount of 8% with an effective date of July 1, 2016.

Conduct Public Hearing on the proposed FY 2017 Budget.

Consider request from Brian W. Lassetter for refund of a portion of his 2015 property taxes attributable to Department of Veterans Affairs designation of 100% VA Disability.

The Honor Our KIA group would like to update the Board of Commissioners on the how the funding allocated in 2015 has been utilized and to request an allocation from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund for 2016.

Consider approval of Health Reimbursement Arrangement Plan for County employees. Consider approval of Addendum to the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program. Memorandum of Understanding for FY 2017.

Consider on first reading Ordinance 2016-005 amending striking subparagraph “d” in its entirety and inserting a new section regarding penalties for failure to remit payment on a timely basis of alcoholic beverage taxes.

Consider approval of contract with the State of Georgia, Department of Human Resources for Spalding County to provide Janitorial Services for the Department of Family and Children Services Offices Located at 411 East Solomon Street, Griffin, Georgia.

Consider approval of a contract with Three Rivers Regional Commission to coordinate the 2017 Public Transportation Program with the Department of Transportation for Spalding County.

Consider approval of FY 2017 Recreation Fee Schedule as recommended by the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission.

Consider approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Georgia Department of Corrections for the contracted care and custody of State Offenders at the Correctional Institute in Spalding County for FY 2017.

Consider approval on first reading an Ordinance amending the FY 2016 Budget Ordinance to provide for establishment of the Senior Nutrition Fund, the Capital Projects 2016 SPLOST Fund, the 2016 SPLOST Debt Service Fund and yearend adjustments.

Consider appointments to the Griffin-Spalding Business and Tourism Association, Inc.

Consider cancellation of the July 4, 2016 Board of Commissioner’s meeting due to observance of the Independence Day holiday.