WKEU Radio – The Rock – 88.9 FM / 1450 AM – Griffin, Georgia

Spalding Sheriff Wendell Beam has reported the arrest in Spalding County of a man wanted by the Lamar County Sheriffs Department for Armed Robbery.   Antonio Travis Goddard, wanted in relation to a armed robbery on January 11 in Lamar County at the B&L Convenience Store. The Arrest was made on Thursday Morning January 26, 2012 without incidnet in Spalding County .  Goddard has been transferred to the custody of the Lamar County Sheriffs Department.

Tuesday Evening Spalding County Sherriffs Deputies, Spalding County Fire Department, Spalding Regional E.M.S., and Troopers from the Griffin Post of the Georgia State Patrol all responded to a vehicle accident at Everee Inn Road and Zebulon Road. 

A Mitsubishi Montro Sport being operated by Amber Willis of Griffin was traveling south on Zebulon Road, when she left the roadway, crossed the intersection with Everee Inn Road, and overturned several times. The vehicle went over a creek and landed upright on the embankment. Spalding County Deputy Sheriff Gene Clark witnessed the wreck from a nearby parking lot, and immediately came to aid Willis.  When Deputy Clark arrived at the scene he discovered that one passenger was in the vehicle with Mrs. Willis, her 8 year old son. Both Willis and her son were transported to Spalding Regional Medical Center for treatment and later released. Willis has been charged with driving too fast for conditions by Investigators of the Griffin Post of the Georgia State Patrol.

At the Griffin City Commissioners meeting January 24th 2012 the commissioners:

Recognized several individuals as they presented a plaque to Mike Blackmon of the Electric Department for 30 years of service to the City of Griffin. They also recognized Judy Flournoy of the City Manager’s Office as 2011’s “Strongest Link” Award recipient. The annual “Strongest Link” award is given to a deserving employee who embodies the City’s standards for excellence. The recognized employee receives two days off with pay, a $100 American Express gift card, and a “Strongest Link” plaque. The commissioners also recognized the GIS Department awards for 1 st and 2 nd Place in Map Production by the Surveying and Mapping Society of Georgia. Brian Haynaew received 1st Place GIS Maps for the Tornado of 2012 in Spalding County, and Jeff Stanley received 2nd Place GIS Maps for AMI Deployment.

Also recognized were Firefighters Daniel Cowles, Ryan Beavers and Lt. Scott Collins for rescuing a citizen trapped in a structure fire December 30, 2011. Each firefighter was presented a “Promp To The Rescue” Plaque.

Fire Chief Tommy Jones gave the Commissioners an update on the formation of the Institute of Homeland Security & Emergency Management at the University of Georgia, Griffin Campus. The program started Monday with 17 members in class. The program is designed for professionals to be better equipped in times of bad weather, fire, and accidents. It is a certificate program but it is hoped it will become a degree program at a graduate level.

The commissioners approved several issues and issued a resolution to amend the City of Griffin’s Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Operating Budget in the amount of $30,000. The Streets Department and Cemetery Operations incurred unanticipated repairs.

They also approved a resolution to amend the City of Griffin’s Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Storm water Operating Budget for the purchase of a Multiprobe and associated equipment in the amount of $9,100 to conduct water quality sampling.

Approved the purchase of F150 Pick Up Truck from Mall of Georgia Ford in the amount of $20,370 for Shoal Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Approved the purchase of F250 Pick Up Truck from Mall of Georgia Ford in the amount of $22,200 for the Water Distribution Division.

Approved the purchase of F350 one ton Crew Cab Dump Truck from Mall of Georgia Ford in the amount of $35,740 for the Street Department.

Approved the reconstruction of the City of Griffin Municipal Golf Course greens by Champion Turf Farms for an amount not to exceed $81,000; approved a Resolution to amend the budget accordingly; and approved the transfer of funds to the Golf Course Operating account from the Golf Course Escrow account. The current escrow balance is $163,986.

Approved the New 2012 Toilet Rebate Program for Water Conservation Plan for City of Griffin. In 2009 the City initiated a toilet rebate program as part of the State Water Conservation plan. Since then only 35 residents have utilized the program. The new 2012 rebate plan would: Increase from $50 a unit to $75 and the home owners can install themselves. The city staff will inspect for compliance. The credit will be available to commercial customers, which is new. The program will cap each year at 250 units. A waiting list will be established if over 250 units are applied for in any given year. This credit applies to retrofit only.

Approved a Task Order Form in accordance with the Master Services Agreement with Paragon Consulting Group in the amount of $10,185.00 for civil engineering design, surveying, bid documents and construction management for 425 feet of 16” water main located at Coke Water Tank and E. Poplar Street.

Approved a Resolution to amend the City of Griffin’s General Fund Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Cemetery Operating Budget in the amount of $8,000 for monument restoration.

They also approved an assignment Agreement between the City of Griffin and the City of Brinson, Georgia, transferring to Brinson output and services on Griffin’s Combined Cycle Project in the amount of $17,949.02, a one-time payment from Brinson.

Approved the rebuild of a 2003 bucket truck, by Terex Utilities in the amount of $32,230.63. The unit is past its recommended rebuild period of 7 years.

Approved the withdrawal of $300,000 from the MEAG Competitive Trust, Short Term Portfolio for payment to SmartSynch per payment schedule for AMI meters.

Approved the purchase of a six-yard container from EnviroWaste Equipment, Inc., the sole source provider of the container at a cost of $11,840.00, for use in the Residential Solid Waste Division.

Approved the purchase of two 4-yard stationary compactors from NuLife Environmental, the lowest and most responsive bidder, for use in the Solid Waste Commercial Collection Division at a total cost of $27,156.00 and amend the budget accordingly.

Approved a resolution to submit the 2012 Community Development Block Grant application for $500,000 to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to make public infrastructure improvements in the North Griffin low-income area (Zone 4).

Approved a joint resolution between the City of Griffin and Spalding County recommending legislation forming The Griffin – Spalding County Airport Authority to be transmitted to the local legislative delegation for its introduction and passage in the Georgia General Assembly.

Approved a lease with Law Offices of G. Alan Dodson, LLC, for 1283 rental square feet of space located at 100 South Hill Street, Suite 405, One Griffin Center for $1218.42 per month.

The commissioners voted to deny the request from Spalding County to jointly fund a contract with Joe Tanner & Associates to provide consulting services to Spalding County with respect to the proposal of the United States EPA to include Spalding County in the new Atlanta ozone nonattaiment area.

Kenneth Earle Bryant

Kenneth V. Stephens

On January 13, 2012 the Spalding County Sheriff’s Department Special Operations Division executed a search warrant at 301 Springview Drive Griffin, Georgia. As a result of the search warrant Kenneth Vernard Stephens, 30 years old of 301 Springview Drive was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute.

On January 18, 2012, William Earle Bryant 50 years old of 453 Hammond Drive Griffin, Georgia was arrested by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Department Special Operations Division. Bryant was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine.

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Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office conducted Business inspections of the businesses that sell alcohol in the County. The inspection was conducted on Friday January 20, 2012.  Sheriff Wendell Beam told WKEU news that 25 businesses were inspected and investigators arrested four violators.  The following businesses sold alcohol to a minor;

Petro Station 1639 N. Hill Street; Arrested 47 year old Suryant Muljibhal Patel of Lilburn, Georgia

Northside Package 1303 N. Hill Street; 46 year old Ho Lee Lawrenceville, Georgia

Coles Corner 7051 Newnan Road; 31 year old Lillian Melinda Evans Griffin, Georgia

Shell Station 1701 Williamson Road: 25 year old Chitrang Naginbai Patel Griffin, Georgia

Super Speed Zone 678 N. Expressway; Arrest is pending

Sheriff Beam stated that the arrest were made from the businesses that violated the law with one exception the clerk/owner of the Super Speed Zone was off work before investigators arrived to make the arrest. All persons arrested have been charged with Selling alcohol to a person under 21 year of age and all were brought to the Detention Center and have since been released on bond.

The information from the investigation will also be turned over to the City and County Commissioners that could affect the business license of each business.

Attendance was small in number but citizen concerns were high over some of the items on the agenda at the Spalding County Commissioners meeting Monday evening January 23, 2012.

After approving the Financial Statements for the five month period ended November 30, 2011, the meeting was opened to Citizen Comment where speakers must sign up prior to the meeting and provide their names, addresses and topic in which they will speak on. Speakers must direct all comments to the Board only. Speakers will be allotted three (3) minutes to speak on their chosen topics and relate to matters pertinent to the jurisdiction of the Board of the Commissioners. No questions will be asked by any of the commissioners during citizen comments.

At the December 05, 2011 Board meeting, with Commissioner Flowers-Taylor & Freeman opposing, the commissioners adopted the 25 acreage requirement for property to be placed in the land conservation plan. The change went into effect January 01. 2012.

Gerald Bailey, a small property owner for about 30 years, expressed his concerns with the changes to the land conservation plan. His main concern was refinancing cost incurred to add a new property of less then 25 acres with existing properties that were already in the plan.

Jack Moore expressed his concerns with the land conservation changes. He said he moved to Spalding county 11 or 12 years ago, fixed up his property and the county raised his taxes and now they want to change the rule on land conservation. He asked if you have less than 25 acres why can’t you be grandfathered in?

Bobby Peurfoy expressed his concerns with the proposed Airport Authority. He asked what percentage of Spalding County residents use the current airport? Why do we need a new airport when the current airport loses money?

Reverend Charles Lovette who lives in the Kendell Subdivision, asked the commissioner for help on a problem not on the agenda. He has a problem with noise from motorbikes and cycles. Big bikes and small bikes, weekdays and especially weekends on acreage close to his home. He asked if the county had a noise ordinance? At the end of the meeting commissioner Gwen Flowers-Taylor asked County Manager William Wilson to see what could be done to help Reverend Lovette.

On the consent agenda the commissioners:

Approved: on second reading a resolution amending the Spalding County Code of Ordinances relating to animal control: The approved ordinance goes into effect in 90 days.

A: to clarify in section 12-1002-C the definition of an abused animal.

B: to eliminate sections 12-1005 thru 12-1009 and replace them with a revised section 12-1005 pertaining to restraint districts, restraint of dangerous animals, and restraint of certain animals.

C: to clarify in section 12-1002 the definition of proper enclosures.

D: to clarify in section 12-1002-J the definition of an animal under restraint.

The commissioners:

Approved: the appointment of Larry Johnson to the Griffin-Spalding Airport Advisory Board to fill the expired term of William Wilson. Johnson’s term will expire 12/31/13.

The commissioners then discussed the establishment of the 25 acreage requirement for conservation use exemption as approved by the Board December 05, 2011. There is still some differences on the board but they took no action as under state statute any additional provisions made by the Board will not go into effect until January 2013.

The commissioners:

Approved: the adoption of the FY 2013 Budget Calendar. It was noted by County Manager William Wilson that the county is on track for this time of the year, and they monitor it daily.

Approved: an increase in the cost for covering abandoned wells in Spalding County from $50 to $150. The $50 fee was set in 1994. Open wells are a danger to the public. Eight wells were covered in Spalding County in 2011. Thirty two abandoned wells have been covered in the last five years.

Approved: the following resolutions for GEMA to allow for additional funding in the event of a disaster:

Adoption of the 2012 Donated Goods Warehouse Operations Plan,

Adoption of the 2012 Volunteer Coordination Plan,

Adoption of the 2012 Debris Management Plan,

Adoption of the 2012 Point of Distribution Plan for Emergency Commodities and Supplies.

Once adopted Spalding county will be eligible to receive an extra 02..5% in funds from GEMA that we would not receive otherwise.

Dave Lanb, Chairman of the County Water Seqage Authority addressed the board with his concerns about the future of the Authority. Spalding has acquired Springs waste water treatment plant which has high potential for growth into the county. He said Griffin and Spalding have an agreement. He asked about the new proposed airport. He asked what will happen to the County Water & sewage Authority when the current contract with the city ends in 2020?

The commissioners:

Approved: an amended joint resolution authorizing recommending the formation of the Griffin-Spalding Airport Authority and authorizing introduction of Local Legislation to create such authority. The resolution was amended by striking the portion that said, “and have agreed that if constructed the location of said new Airport will be annexed into the City”

Approved: a 60-day extension of the Dispatch Communication Services agreement with Tenet Health System Spalding, Inc. The current contract expires January 26, 2012. County and hospital staff need additional time to negotiate a new agreement to present to the Board.

Approved: an agreement for consultation and support services with Joe Tanner & Associates, Inc. for assistance in removal from the proposed Atlanta air quality ozone nonattainment area.

City, County, Industrial Authority staff and elected officials met with representatives from Joe Tanner & Associates on Thursday, January 19, 2012 to discuss how proposed inclusion in the Metropolitan Atlanta nonattainment area would affect the City, County, and the Development Authority. Inclusion would extremely inhibit future industrial prospects from looking at location in Spalding County.

The Regular Meeting of the Griffin City commissioners will be Tuesday Night at 6 pm in the meeting Room on South Hill Street at the City Offices. During the meeting the board will Recognize Mike Blackmon of the Electric Department for 30 years of service to the City of Griffin. Director of Electric Bill Bosch will address.zzzz

Recognize Judy Flournoy of the City Manager’s Office as 2011’s “Strongest Link” Award recipient. City Manager Kenny Smith will address.

Recognize the GIS Department awards for 1st and 2nd Place in Map Production by Surveying and Mapping Society of Georgia (SAMSOG). Director of Public Works and Utilities Dr. Brant Keller will address.

Consider approval of Minutes of the Regular Scheduled Meeting on January 10, 2012.

The Regular Agenda includes items on which the Commission will individually consider and possibly take action.

Consider a Resolution to amend the City of Griffin’s Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Operating Budget in the amount of $30,000.00. Director of Administrative Services Markus Schwab will address.

Consider a Resolution to amend the City of Griffin’s Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Stormwater Operating Budget for the purchase of a Multiprobe and associated equipment in the amount of $9,100.00. Director of Public Works and Utilities Dr. Brant Keller will address.

Consider purchase of F150 Pick Up Truck from Mall of Georgia Ford in the amount of $20,370.00 for Shoal Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. Director of Public Works and Utilities Dr. Brant Keller will address.

Consider purchase of F250 Pick Up Truck from Mall of Georgia Ford in the amount of $22,200.00 for the Water Distribution Division. Director of Public Works and Utilities Dr. Brant Keller will address.

Consider purchase of F350 one ton Crew Cab Dump Truck from Mall of Georgia Ford in the amount of $35,740.00 for the Street Department. Director of Public Works and Utilities Dr. Brant Keller will address.

Consider the reconstruction of the City of Griffin Municipal Golf Course greens by Champion Turf Farms for an amount not to exceed $81,000.00; approve a Resolution to amend the budget accordingly; and approve the transfer of funds to the Golf Course Operating account from the Golf Course Escrow account. Director of Public Works and Utilities Dr. Brant Keller will address.

Consider the New 2012 Toilet Rebate Program for Water Conservation Plan for City of Griffin. Director of Public Works and Utilities Dr. Brant Keller will address.

Consider a Task Order Form in accordance with the Master Services Agreement with Paragon Consulting Group in the amount of $10,185.00 for civil engineering design, surveying, bid documents and construction management for 425 feet of 16” water main located at Coke Water Tank and E. Poplar Street. Director of Public Works and Utilities Dr. Brant Keller will address.

Consider a Resolution to amend the City of Griffin’s General Fund Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Cemetery Operating Budget in the amount of $8,000.00 for monument restoration. Director of Public Works and Utilities Dr. Brant Keller will address.

Consider an Assignment Agreement between the City of Griffin and the City of Brinson, Georgia, transferring to Brinson .0020% of the output and services on Griffin’s Combined Cycle Project in the amount of $17,949.02, a one-time payment from Brinson. Director of Electric Bill Bosch will address.

Consider the rebuild of Unit #716, a 2003 Terex bucket truck, by Terex Utilities in the amount of $32,230.63. Director of Electric Bill Bosch will address.

Consider approval to distribute 50% of the Electric Cities of Georgia 2011 year-end settlement to the newly formed ECG Budget Stabilization Reserve. Director of Electric Bill Bosch will address.

Consider approval of the withdrawal of $300,000.00 from the MEAG Competitive Trust, Short Term Portfolio for payment to SmartSynch per our payment schedule for AMI meters. Director of Electric Bill Bosch will address.

Consider the purchase of one Par Kan six-yard container from EnviroWaste Equipment, Inc., the sole source provider, at a cost of $11,840.00, for use in the Residential Solid Waste Division. Director of Central Services Phill Francis will address.

Consider the purchase of two (2) 4-yard stationary compactors from NuLife Environmental, the lowest and most responsive bidder, for use in the Solid Waste Commercial Collection Division at a total cost of $27,156.00 ($13,578.00 each), and amend the budget accordingly. Director of Central Services Phill Francis will address.

Consider approval of a Resolution to submit the 2012 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for $500,000.00 to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to make public infrastructure improvements in the North Griffin low-income area (Zone 4). Director of Planning and Development Services Frederick Gardiner will address.

Consider approval of a Joint Resolution between the City of Griffin and Spalding County recommending legislation forming The Griffin – Spalding County Airport Authority to be transmitted to the local legislative delegation for its introduction and passage in the Georgia General Assembly. City Manager Kenny Smith will address.

Consider lease with Law Offices of G. Alan Dodson, LLC, for 1283 rental square feet of space located at 100 South Hill Street, Suite 405, One Griffin Center. City Manager Kenny Smith will address.

The Annual Power Partners EXPO will be Thursday January 26th at Southern Crescent Technical College of Griffin. 

On Thursday, January 26, 2012, the LEAF/Small Business Committee of the Griffin – Spalding Chamber of Commerce and Southern Crescent Technical College will be hosting the Annual Power Partners Expo.

The Expo is an opportunity for entrepreneurs and small business owners to explore innovation solutions for existing and start-up business needs. This event is open to the public.

The Power Packed Session begins at 10:30 a.m. in the auditorium at the college. Panel participants will share their experiences and answer questions. The panel includes: Michelle Richardson of Bag Lady Unique Boutiques; Hunt Slade of Safehouse Coffee & Tea; John Blaine from Maxi Lube; Neal Baldwin from Griffin Glass Center and Margo Zanbaka from Margo’s Restaurant.

Starting at 11:30 a.m. attendees will have an opportunity to visit with representatives from: Clayton State Small Business Development Center; Erwin & Branton CPA’s; First National Bank; Georgia Department of Labor; Georgia Power; Greer Insurance Group; Griffin Web Design; Inventor Associates of Georgia; Main Street/Downtown Council; Sam’s Club; SCORE; South Metro Microenterprise Coalition—SMMC; Spalding County & City of Griffin Economic Development; UGA Griffin Campus; United Bank; Wells Fargo and the area Chambers of Commerce from Butts, Pike and Spalding Counties.

The Chick-fil-A Dwarf House also partners with the Chamber and Southern Crescent Technical College in presenting this program.

Thursday, Jan. 26th 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Power Packed Session and 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Vendor Entrepreneur Expo.

For additional information please contact the Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce at 770-228-8200.

The Griffin Spalding County School System officials will be asking voters to extend a sales tax in March. The extension of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, includes renovations, maintenance updates, repairs due to the recent tornadoes, and modifications at seven schools as well as at the Enrichment Center and administrative buildings. It also includes a system wide technology upgrade with an estimated cost of $3,638,400 out of the anticipated $25,200,000 over three years, according to a school system press release.

The extension will be a pay-as-you-go program with no bond debt, according to the school system. The largest part will be renovation and modification of existing facilities, which totals $19,030,050.

On January 3rd, 2012 The United States Department of Defense announced that The Chief of The National Guard Bureau in Washington, will now be a statutory member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff effective December 31, when President Barack Obama signed the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act.

National Guard Associations Nation Wide, and the Director of the Guard Bureau General Craig R. McKinley said that they are very grateful for the efforts the executive and legislative bodies that have taken this step in placing the chief of the National Guard Bureau on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. We look forward to working alongside the other Joint Chiefs to provide our nation’s senior leaders with a fuller picture of the non federalized National Guard as it serves in support of The United States, Homeland Defense and State Civil Support missions. And its on going Nation Wide Youth Challenge Programs. Georgia was the first program in the Nation and has to date graduated more than 10,000 students ages 16 to 18 that were at risk. The 2012 National Defense Authorization Act provides $670 billion in spending for Defense Department programs and Energy Department nuclear weapons programs.

Other provisions that affect the National Guard include re-establishing the position of vice chief of the National Guard Bureau at the three-star Lieutenant General level while rescinding the two-star position of director of the bureau’s joint staff. The new law also requires that National Guard General Officers be considered for command of U.S. Army North and U.S. Air Force North, and it authorizes funding for the National Guards State Partnership Program.

Spalding County Board of Commissioners met Monday Night at 6:00 PM.  The first order of business was the election of a Chairperson and Vice Chair.  Commissioners Gwen Flowers-Taylor was elected as Chairperson and Chipper Gardner as Vice-Chairman for calendar year 2012. 

The commissioners then presented a plaque to outgoing Chairman Eddie Freeman for his service to the board and to Spalding County. 

The commissioners then made the following appointments for calendar year 2012. 

William P. Wilson, Jr. County Manager.

William P. Wilson, Jr. County Clerk

James R. Fortune, Jr. County Attorney

Ricky L. Clark, Jr. Ex-Officio County Clerk

Commissioner Raymond Ray ACCG County Legislative Coordinator. 

During the citizen comment portion of the agenda, Bart Miller, 3259 Williamson Road, voiced his concerns about the recent changes to the land conservation program. The commissioners agreed to review the changes to see if they were causing any hardships. On December 05, 2011 the commissioners approved establishing minimum acreage requirements of 25 acres per parcel for conservation use exemption as recommended by the Board of Assessors. The change became effective January 01, 2012. 

The commissioners Approved: on second reading a change to the zoning ordinance for a new district classification to be called a Tri County Crossroad District. 

Approved: on second reading to amend the zoning ordinance procedures for review of construction plans for commercial/industrial development.

Approved: on second reading of resolution to amend Spalding County Animal Control Ordinance for animals that are being euthanized. If the Shelter goes out and picks up the animal there will be a $25 trip fee and an additional $100 charge per animal that is transported by Spalding County. Any person who delivers any animal to the Spalding Count animal shelter to be euthanized shall be charged a fee of $100 per animal. 

The commissioners approved do amend the county code to delete the position as Deputy county manager. A Deputy County Manager was added to the County personnel structure as a Board-appointed position by ordinance in 2009. The Board decided not to renew the contract with the current Deputy County Manager, electing instead to eliminate the position. Subsequently, funding for the position after January 1, 2012 was eliminated from the County’’ budget. 

The commissioners set January 23rd as the date for a Public Hearing to establish a street lighting district for Sun City Peachtree – Pod 31 A. 

After some discussion the commissioners approved several changes to the county wide animal control ordinance. Some sections that were in conflict were removed. Some sections were changed for clarification.

  The commissioners approved: a resolution setting qualifying fees for publication for each County office to be filled in the upcoming General Primary and General Election for: County Commissioners Districts 1,3, and 4; Probate Judge; Clerk of Superior Court; Tax Commissioner; Sheriff; State Court Judge; Coroner; Chief Magistrate; and Board of Education Member. 

Approved: to provide notice to Spalding Regional Medical Center of intent to cancel Professional Services Agreement, effective February 9, 2012. The new sate law HB 197 makes the county eligible to receive Medicaid pricing which is cheaper. 

Approved: of an agreement for Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) negotiating consultant services with Sutton Consulting, LLC not to exceed $19,000. 

The commissioners approved the following annual appointments to Spalding County boards, authorities, and commissions. 

Doug Krepps Board of Appeals & Adjustments Unsafe Bldg. Abatement Code

William Wilson Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Gerry Bilbro Griffin-Spalding County Airport Advisory Commission

William Wilson, Chad Jacobs, Wendell Beam, Kenny West, Danny Kendrick, Lamar Smith,

Griffin Spalding Area Transportation Committee

Robert Parker and Tom Gardner Griffin-Spalding County Development Authority

Dr Jesse Bradley Griffin-Spalding County Hospital Authority

Neal Bonds, Brenda Goolsby, Barbara King, Jummy Passmore, Keep Griffin/Spalding Beautiful

Scott Ballard, Marvin Brooks, William Wilson, Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Advisory Commission

Brent Foster, Christine Greene, Kelly Palmatier, Vickie Henessey Jan McPhail, Kimberly Searcy

Spalding County Animal Care & Control Advisory Board

Thomas B. Weidman, Bill Norris, Spalding County Board of Tax Assessors

Lee Beckham, Alicia Stratton, Cheryl Walker, Virginia Church, Nancy Gresham,

Spalding Co. Library Board of Trustees

Robin Davies, Jessie Griffith, Beth Horn Spalding County Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

James Campbell, Charles Perdue Spalding County Personnel Appeals

Fred Edwards, David Lamb, Robert McIntyre Spalding County Water & Sewerage Facilities Authority

William Wilson Three Rivers Regional Commission Board

William Wilson Two Rivers RC&D

Kay Harper Spalding County Department of Family & Children Services

Chipper Gardner Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors

Bob Gilreath Griffin Downtown Council-Main Street Advisory Board

Eddie Freeman, Chipper Gardner Griffin-Spalding Area Transportation Committee (G-SATC)

Eddie Freeman Griffin-Spalding County Airport Advisory Commission, Ex-Officio

Eddie Freeman Griffin-Spalding County Development Authority

Raymond Ray Griffin-Spalding County Hospital Authority

Eddie Freeman Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Advisory Commission

Raymond Ray South Metro Microenterprise Coalition

Raymond Ray Spalding County Board of Health

Gwen Barnes Spalding County Collaborative Auth. For Families and Children, Inc.

Gwen Flowers-Taylor Spalding County Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

Gwen Flowers-Taylor Spalding County Water & Sewerage Facilities Authority

Eddie Freeman Two Rivers R C & D Council

Eddie Freeman West Central Georgia Workforce Investment Board

The Spalding County Sheriffs Department on Wednesday 01/04/2012, arrested James Christopher Vickers age 23, of 2150 Patton Road, Pike County,  According to Sheriff Wendell Beam Vickers was arrested following a vehicle chase which at time exceeded 100 miles per hour. The pursuit ended at the intersection of Georgia Hwy 16 and Hollonville Road. Vickers attempted to flee on foot after his vehicle collided with the patrol car resulting in minor damage to the patrol car. Vickers was arrested, transported to the Spalding County Detention Center and charged with the following: Driving on Suspended License; Failure to maintain Lane; Reckless Driving; Felony fleeing attempting to elude Law Enforcement Officers; Possession of Drug related objects; Possession of Methamphetamine; Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer.

On Saturday January 7 th, at 1208 p.m. Sheriffs Deputies arrested Samuel Mosely, age 29, of Jacksonville, Florida. Mosely was arrested for driving on a suspended license. A Search of the vehicle revealed $10,000.00 in cash. A K-9 unit alerted to the odor of drugs on the money. Mosely did not own the vehicle and denied any knowledge of the money. The Sheriffs Department Special Operations unit seized the money due to no owner being identified and the presence of the drug odor on it. The investigation is continuing and more information is expected to be released as the owner of the vehicle and money are located and identified.

Investigators with the Spalding County Sheriff’s Department are currently looking into a shooting incident that happened on Saturday. Sheriff Wendell Beam said deputies were dispatched to the Spalding Regional Medical Center reference to a 10 year old child being shot. The 10 year old was rushed to the hospital by his father from a residence on Caldwell Road. The father stated that his son was playing outside when he came into the residence and told his father that he thought he had been shot. The father looked at the injury and rushed his son to the hospital. According to Sheriff Beam the 10 year old was treated and released from the hospital the same day. Investigators arrived at the residence and began an investigation into how the 10 year old had been injured. Sheriff Beam stated that the information supplied from the 10 year old indicated that no one was around at the time that he got shot, which was an indication that the bullet could have come from many different locations. The Sheriff stated that investigators are continuing to search the area and if anyone has any information pertaining to this incident are asked to contact Investigator Paige Holmes at 770-467-4282 ext 229.