Spalding County Deputy Chief’s Jamie Clark and Glenn Polk announced the promotion of Firefighter James Odom to Lieutenant. The promotion testing and panel style interview process was conducted with Odom being named to the position.
Lieutenant Odom began his career with Spalding County in 1989 as a Detention Officer at the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office. He then transferred to the Spalding County Fire Department in January 2001 as a Firefighter. During his career, Lieutenant Odom has worked to obtain certifications, while being an active member of the Spalding County Office of Homeland Security Rescue Team and the Spalding County Fire Department Honor Guard.
Lieutenant Odom was born and raised in Spalding County and prior to accepting a position at Spalding County, he proudly served our country as a Marine. Lieutenant Odom and his wife of 21 years are the parents of three girls, Jamesa, Jamaya and Janae and they reside in Spalding County.
For more information, contact Spalding County Fire Department at (770)228-2129.

On Friday evening April 13th at approximately 8:45 p.m., the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was notified about a missing 16 year old female for Forsyth.

ALYSSA COLE AGE 16

The female, Alyssa Cole had left a message to her parents that both she and her boyfriend,

STEVEN MEYER AGE 19

Steven Meyer (19) also of Forsyth, Georgia, are going to Arkansas.

Upon further investigation, it was realized that a 9mm Beretta pistol was missing from the interior of Cole’s residence. The two were last seen in Monroe County at approximately 2:00 p.m. on Friday afternoon April 13th. . Meyer is known to  drive a dark gray 2003 GMC Yukon with a Georgia Tag of ALW 3567,

2003 GMC YUKON

FRONT VIEW OF 2003 YUKON

and the vehicle also does not have a hood over the engine compartment.  Monroe County Sheriff’s Office investigators are now asking for the public’s assistance in locating Alyssa Cole, and asked to call 478-994-7010 if they may know the whereabouts of this couple.

DELTA GOLDEN WINGS

Proudly Announces Its

FIFTH ANNUAL FLY-IN / DRIVE-IN

May 16, 2018 – 10AM

*Rain or Shine*

The 2018 FLY-IN/DRIVE-IN is sponsored by Delta Golden Wings along with the Candler Field Museum to foster the camaraderie of Delta pilots, Clipped Wings, Pioneers, and friends. Fly or drive your airplane or special car and we will place it on display for all to admire. But you don’t need an airplane or special car to participate…just come and join the fun! Guests are welcome! Mingle with old friends, visit the museum, or admire the cars and planes. Plan to stay for the day. We hope to see you!

Location:

Candler Field Museum
349 Jonathan’s Roost Road
Williamson, GA 30292

If flying, please review Alexander Memorial airport operations http://www.peachstateaero.com/index.php/airport-operations/

A $5.00 donation is requested to “Help Youth Achieve Their Dreams.” The Youth Program will have a burger lunch line as a fund raiser. All proceeds from the event will support the Candler Field Youth Mentor-ship Program where young people learn to restore, maintain and fly airplanes.

Directions from Atlanta, GA

South on Interstate 75 to Highway 19-41 exit to Griffin, GA – Proceed south to Griffin. Continue through Griffin downtown and stay on US 19-41 – Go to Williamson, GA exit Highway 362 – Proceed on Highway 362 to Williamson – continue 1 mile west to Jonathan Roost Road – Turn right and go 1/2 mile to the museum.

Directions from Fayetteville/Peachtree City area

Go south on GA 85 to GA 16. Go east on GA 16 to Hollonville Road. There is a convenience store at the intersection. Take the Hollonville Road to GA 362. Go about 7-8 miles until you are almost to Williamson. Just prior to reaching Williamson you will see a sign on the left that says “Barnstormers Grill”. Turn left on Jonathans Roost Road and go ½ mile to the museum.

*SAVE THE DATE* 

The sixth annual DGW FLY-IN/DRIVE-IN will be held 

MAY 15, 2019

On April 16, 2018, Monroe County deputies and investigators served a search warrant on Old Union Gin Road in northern Monroe County. They were able to recover 10 county road signs, 14 stop signs, and 23 sign posts valued at approximately $4,000.00. An arrest has been made related to the investigation,

Frank W. Breeding age 39.

Frankie D. Breeding (39) of Forsyth, Georgia has been charged with Theft by Receiving Stolen Property and is currently being held at the Monroe County Jail on a $7500.00 bond.

AUBREY CARROLL

Sheriff Darrel Dix of Spalding county has advised WKEU news that a teen missing from Spalding County has been found alive and well

On Tuesday, the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office announced on Facebook that 17-year-old Aubrey Carroll has been found.

According Sheriff Dix Carroll was 15 years old when he went missing. A missing person report was issued after he didn’t return home from Spalding County High School on May 26, 2016. After more nearly two years of searching he was found alive and well.

In a video shared by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll can be seen waving, saying “I’m alright, I’m OK.” And “I’d like to thank y’all so much for all your prayers and looking out for my mama,” he said. “I appreciate y’all so much.”

Meanwhile, Carroll expressed that he is happy to be home. “I’ve been smiling, and y’all should do the same,” he said.

STATEMENT OF SHERIFF DIX AUDIO CLICK HERE

SPALDING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING

At their meeting on Monday, April 16, 2018, the Spalding County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance establishing a permitting system and standards governing Canvassing, Peddling and Door to Door Sales in unincorporated Spalding County with an effective date of May 1, 2018.

The Ordinance states that it is unlawful for any person to engage in business as a solicitor or canvasser, calling upon residences within the unincorporated areas of Spalding County for the purpose of soliciting orders, sales subscriptions or business of any kind, without first registering with the Spalding County Community Development office and paying the appropriate regulatory fee.
Spalding County will issue Identity Cards to registered companies and individuals and the cards will bear the name and photograph of the solicitor, the company name and the expiration date of the registration. Each solicitor must carry such identification card at all times while soliciting or canvassing within the county and shall display such card to each customer upon appearance at a residence or business establishment.

Soliciting or canvasing on public streets, areas, or parks within the County shall be conducted only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and Civil Dark and from house to house within unincorporated areas of the county from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Prior to solicitation of funds each canvasser or solicitor shall identify the organization they represent and inform each person solicited of any minimum payment, deposit or donation required for acceptance of any merchandise, wares, goods, or any similar items provided by each canvasser or solicitor prior to such acceptance by each person solicited.

A complete copy of the Ordinance may be obtained through the Spalding County Board of Commissioners Office, the Spalding County Community Development Office or on the Spalding County Website homepage the link is located just below the Citizen Comment box.

Megan M. Littelton

The Barnesville Police Department has announce that Megan M. Littelton, who was reported missing since April 8th, has been found safe. The announcement was made just before 1 pm on Wednesday when officers departed Barnesville to pick her up after being tracked to Danville, Georgia Monday by Cell Phone data.  She is reported safe and in good condition.  . More information is expected to be release later by the Barnesville Police Department.

WKEU news 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 on lne at barnesville.com

SPALDING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING

At their meeting on Monday, April 16, 2018, the Spalding County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance establishing a permitting system and standards governing Canvassing, Peddling and Door to Door Sales in unincorporated Spalding County with an effective date of May 1, 2018.

The Ordinance states that it is unlawful for any person to engage in business as a solicitor or canvasser, calling upon residences within the unincorporated areas of Spalding County for the purpose of soliciting orders, sales subscriptions or business of any kind, without first registering with the Spalding County Community Development office and paying the appropriate regulatory fee.

Spalding County will issue Identity Cards to registered companies and individuals and the cards will bear the name and photograph of the solicitor, the company name and the expiration date of the registration. Each solicitor must carry such identification card at all times while soliciting or canvassing within the county and shall display such card to each customer upon appearance at a residence or business establishment.

Soliciting or canvasing on public streets, areas, or parks within the County shall be conducted only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and Civil Dark and from house to house within unincorporated areas of the county from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Prior to solicitation of funds each canvasser or solicitor shall identify the organization they represent and inform each person solicited of any minimum payment, deposit or donation required for acceptance of any merchandise, wares, goods, or any similar items provided by each canvasser or solicitor prior to such acceptance by each person solicited.

The City of Griffin Board of Commissioners meet April 24, 2018 at 6:00 PM.

During the meeting

1. Presentation of Proclamation declaring April 22-28, 2018 to be “Georgia Cities Week.”
2. Presentation of Proclamation honoring Joseph L. Young.
3. Recognize City of Griffin Finance Department for receiving Award for Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the 14th consecutive year; and Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for Popular Annual Financial Report for the 12th consecutive year.
4. Consider on second reading an ordinance amending Chapter 78,

STREETS, SIDEWALKS & PUBLIC PLACES of the Code of Griffin, GA, at Article III, PARADES, ASSEMBLIES & DEMONSTRATIONS, by repealing the current article and enacting a new Article III .

5. Consider approval of Lease Agreement between the city of Griffin and Portal Labs, LLC for Suite 403 at One Griffin Center in the amount of $4,300.32.
6. Consider approval of Lease Agreement between the City of Griffin and The Whalen Law Firm, LLC for Suite 524 of One Griffin Center in the amount of $8,126.70 annually.
7. Consider Lease Agreement between the City of Griffin and The Whalen Law Firm, LLC and Strategic Dimensions for Suite 520 of One Griffin Center in the amount of $3,378.40 per year.
8. Consider approval of an amendment to the Lease Agreement between the City of Griffin and Spalding Concrete for property located at 1120 North Hill Street.
9. Consider the purchase of SUPERION ONESolution CourtWare Citation Export Interface  for Municipal Court and amend the City of Griffin’s Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Operating and Capital Budget for the Court Technology Fund in the amount of $9,980.00.
10. Consider award to Absolute Construction to rebuild City Park Pavilion #1 in the amount of $26,350.00 for the Public Works Department and amend the budget accordingly.

To ensure the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) meets the educational needs of the community, GSCS is seeking stakeholder input. The district is inviting all GSCS families and community members to attend a stakeholder meeting on one of the following dates and times:

 Tuesday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m.
 Thursday, April 26 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday, May 8 at 3:30 p.m.
*All meetings will be held in the GSCS Board of Education Meeting Room located at 216 S. 6th Street.

Meeting participants will be asked to:
 Provide input on the District Comprehensive Needs Assessment
 Review and revise the District Parent and Family Engagement Policy
 Discuss the reservation of funds
 Provide input on building staff capacity
 Revise the District Improvement Plan

As part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), GSCS uses the Comprehensive Local Educational Agency Improvement Plan (CLIP), the Title II Needs Assessment/Equity Plan and the District Parent and Family Engagement Policy to provide a clear direction for our public school system. These documents are created by stakeholders representing schools, families and the community to include annual measurable objectives, specific strategies and frequent evaluations. The documents should reflect a strategic use of resources in order to provide the best educational opportunities for all students.

GSCS Family and Community Engagement Specialist Melinda Owens stated, “We need and value the input of our stakeholders! Stakeholder input on district plans and policies is a vital part of tailoring our school system to meet the needs of the families and community we serve. We would love to have all of our stakeholders, families, community members and businesses be a part of this important process.”
For more information please contact Melinda Owens at melinda.owens@gscs.org or (770) 229-3710 ext. 10363.

Early voting for the May 22 election, in Spalding County starts on Monday April 30th . As we have for the past 87 years WKEU will bring you forums, and complete election returns on the evening of the 22nd beginning about 7:30 on WKEU 1450 am, 102.3 FM, the Rock 88.9 FM, and WHIE 1320 am.

Early voting will be held at the voter registrars office adjacent to the Senior Citizens Center on Memorial Drive in Griffin.

Be sure and stay tuned as to our forum that will be  schedule for broadcast in May,

Sheriff J.C. Bittick of Monroe County has been confirmed by the Senate to serve as U.S. Marshals in Georgia.

U.S. MARSHALL J.C. BITTICK

It appears the televsion show “The Walking Dead” will remain filming in Senoia for the next three years. Fayette County newspaper “The Citizen” says the news was confirmed bu the city’s mayor, Jeff Fisher. The Senoia city Council was asked this week for permission to build a 55-foot tall windmill on the downtown development where filming is done. The windmill will require a height variance and be approved by the fire marshal. Location manager Mike Riley asked the city to keep the windmill there for three years, and to further extend “The Walking Dead”‘s production company’s permit for the closure of Morgan Street for those three years as well.

APRIL GAS PRICES — HIGHEST IN FOUR YEARS

TAMPA, Fla. (April 30, 2018) — Monday is the conclusion to what was the most expensive April for gas prices in four years.

April Gas Prices

• Nationally, gas prices averaged $2.72 per gallon in April, an increase of 33 cents from April 2017.
• Throughout the month, the national average rose a total of 15 cents.
• Georgia gas prices averaged $2.63 in April, an increase of 36 cents from April 2017.
• Throughout the month, the state average rose a total of 16 cents.

Georgia gas prices averaged $2.73 on Sunday. The state average stands at its highest daily average since September 2017. Click here to view today’s average.

Sunday’s state average is 7 cents more than last week, 16 cents more than a month ago, and 47 cents more than last year.

Sunday’s national average of $2.81 is 5 cents more than a week ago and the highest daily average in more than three years (November 2014).

• The most expensive gas price averages in Georgia are in Atlanta ($2.76), Brunswick ($2.75), and Athens ($2.75)
• The least expensive gas price averages in Georgia are in Augusta-Aiken ($2.63), Warner Robins ($2.64), and Columbus ($2.64)

“Although this was the most expensive April gas prices we’ve seen in years, fuel is still nearly a dollar less than what we paid in April 2014,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The higher prices at the pump are mainly a result of a tightening oil market, which leaves us prone to price hikes based on geopolitical tensions and supply shortage concerns. Crude prices are about 33 percent more expensive than they were this time last year. Expensive oil means expensive gasoline.”

Strong Fuel Exports Prevent Significant Supply Builds; Gasoline Demand Declines

Fuel prices rose even after crude oil and gasoline supplies increased last week. Oil stocks rose 0.1 percent and gasoline climbed 0.4 percent. However, these gains would have been more significant had the U.S. not exported a record amount of fuel. Crude oil exports surged to 2.3 million barrels per day, shattering the previous record of 2.175-million, according to the Energy Information Administration’s latest supply data. The main recipients of U.S. fuel exports were Central and South America, and firms in Europe and Asia. Despite U.S. oil production rates at 14 percent better than a year ago, inventory levels are down 10 percent.

Meanwhile, demand slipped last week, contributing to the growth in gasoline stocks. Gasoline demand sank to its lowest level in nearly two months, declining 8 percent from the previous week. Analysts are unsure whether this is a one-week quirk or if high gasoline prices are causing drivers to cutback.

Refinery maintenance season is not over yet, as evidenced by the latest EIA data dump. Crude runs fell by more than 300,000 barrels per day last week, dropping 4 percent below a year ago.

Gas Price Tools for Reporters/Consumers

• GasPrices.AAA.com – Daily national, state, and metro gas price averages
• AAA Mobile app – Free app that shows current prices at a gas station near you

                             CURRENT AND PAST PRICE AVERAGES

                                           Regular Unleaded Gasoline

	Sunday	Saturday	Week Ago	Month Ago	One Year Ago	Highest Price on Record
National	$2.808	$2.804	$2.761	$2.646	$2.387	$4.114 (7/17/2008)
Florida	$2.737	$2.739	$2.739	$2.639	$2.419	$4.079 (7/17/2008)
Georgia	$2.728	$2.727	$2.657	$2.565	$2.259	$4.164 (9/15/2008)
Tennessee	$2.589	$2.589	$2.553	$2.453	$2.153	$4.118 (9/15/2008)
Click here to view current gasoline price averages

Gas Price Survey Methodology
AAA updates fuel price averages daily at www.GasPrices.AAA.com. Every day up to 130,000 stations are surveyed based on credit card swipes and direct feeds in cooperation with the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) and Wright Express for unmatched statistical reliability. All average retail prices in this report are for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline.

About The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America.  ACG and its affiliates provide membership, insurance, financial services and travel offerings to over 9.5 million members across eleven states and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois and Minnesota; and a portion of Indiana.  ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 58 million members in the United States and Canada and whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.