Griffin Woman Murdered

On July 30th at 11:23 am, the City of Griffin Police Department, Uniform Patrol Division officers responded to 623 E. Solomon Street, apartment 4 in reference to a person shot. 

Officers arrived on scene and located an unresponsive female with what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. Preliminary reports indicate that a dispute between neighbors turned from a verbal altercation to violence. 

JaDestiny Lee a 24 year old female succumbed to gunshot wounds on scene despite the efforts of emergency medical personnel. Devin Simpson has been arrested and charged with murder with other charges pending. This investigation is still active and ongoing. Anyone with information that would assist investigators in this case are encouraged to contact Inv. Richard Powell at 470-771-3097 or rpowell@cityofgriffin.com.

Shelia Hall Has Resigned From The City Of Thomaston Community Affairs Committee

ACCORDING TO CITY OF THOMASTON MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON, SHELIA HALL HAS INFORMED HIM SHE IS RESIGNING FROM THE CITY'S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE. 

MS. HALL AND JACK GRUBB WERE THE TWO WHITE CITIZENS APPOINTED TO THE COMMITTEE AND NOW BOTH HAVE LEFT, WITH THREE MINORITY MEMBERS REMAINING. 

MS. HALL, A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, CAST THE ONLY VOTE AGAINST A MOTION AT THE LAST MEETING TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT CITY HALL MOVE OUT OF THE GOVERNMENT COMPLEX IN THE FORMER R.E. LEE INSTITUTE BUILDING, BECAUSE OF CONFEDERATE IMAGERY THERE.

Griffin-Spalding Schools Statement On Fundamentals In Equity

In an effort to keep everyone in the community informed of Griffin-Spalding County School System’s (GSCS) beliefs and goals, we issue this statement to provide clarity, and eliminate any confusion about GSCS efforts regarding the education of our students. 

It is important to know that more than 70 percent of our students live at or below the poverty line. Equally as important, we strive to meet the needs of all of our students – both academic and nonacademic. We strive to serve all students and our mission is to prepare them all to graduate college and/or career ready. 

Last fall (2020), the Board of Education began discussing inputs and outcomes relative to the new long-term strategic plan. Recognizing the need to address some persistent performance and achievement disparities, the Board began an effort to better understand the concept of equity. Subsequently, this led to a presentation by the National School Board Association (NSBA). The NSBA provided a virtual presentation entitled “Fundamentals in Equity.”  

None of the training elements from that presentation have been adopted by GSCS. The training consisted of demographic data on our district and offered ideas and perspective on the meaning of equity in education. Contrary to information that has circulated in the community (mostly via social media), there has been no formal adoption of any “Fundamentals In Equity” (FIE). There is no program or policy entitled “Griffin-Spalding County School System Foundations in Equity.” 

It is important to know that the presentation made to the Board by NSBA was just that – a presentation. Please note – Equity transcends race. It addresses learning outcomes, poverty, gender, students, staff, facilities, etc. 

Another example of inaccurate information that has been asserted on social media is that parents and stakeholders are not able to access or review what is being taught in our classrooms. Examples of performance tasks, learning standards and learning resources can be accessed and viewed by anyone, as this information is posted on our website. 

To reiterate Superintendent Simmons statement on June 15, 2021, “The Griffin-Spalding County School System does not teach critical race theory. We have not taught and do not intend to teach critical race theory. We teach the Georgia Standards of Excellence. This is the curriculum provided to us by the state board of education and the Georgia Department of Education.”

BENEFIT IN WILLIAMSON

 

Griffin PD Make Arrest In Shooting

On Monday the Griffin Police Department Uniform Patrol Division was dispatched to 1100 West College Street Extension. Officers were notified that a person with gunshot injuries was in the area of the “J” building.

When officers arrived on the scene, they located a male who was suffering from two apparent gunshot wounds. The male identified as Charles Redding was transported to Atlanta Medical Center by air ambulance due to the severity of his injuries.

Investigators and Crime Scene Investigators were summoned to the incident location and began gathering evidence and following leads. Investigators were able to determine that Mr. Redding had been the victim of a robbery as well as being wounded. Investigators have conducted many interviews and followed many leads and were able to develop a suspect. That suspect was taken into custody today and is being held in the Spalding County Jail. He is identified as Xzavia Thomas, age 29 of Griffin. Thomas is charged with Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Female Told Upson SO She Was High On Meth

A YOUNG FEMALE TOLD UPSON COUNTY DEPUTIES SHE WAS ZAPPED-OUT ON METH AND XANAX WHEN SHE WENT ROAMING THROUGH THE COUNTRY VILLAGE COMMUNITY RIPPING UP PLANTS AND SOLAR LIGHTS THAT ENDED-UP IN A DITCH. 

 27 YEAR OLD ALI MARIE PITTS OF MCCORKLE'S CURVE ROAD WAS ARRESTED FOR THEFT AND CRIMINAL TRESPASS AFTER SHE WAS CAPTURED ON DOOR BELL VIDEO BY A RESIDENT IN THE DOGWOOD DRIVE, MULBERRY STREET, SHADY DRIVE NEIGHBORHOOD. 

MS. PITTS FACES 7 CRIMINAL WARRANTS IN THE CASE. SHE TOLD LAWMEN SHE WAS IN THE AREA BECAUSE HER BOYFRIEND WRECKED HIS CAR.

Arson Arrest In Pike County

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that April Jordan, 43, was arrested for Arson in the 1st Degree. The arrest stemmed from a July 11th incident in which a fire was set on the right side of Ms. Jordan’s residence near the laundry room.

“Upon questioning, the occupant confessed to deputies that she had started the fire,” said Commissioner King. “I commend the work and investigative skills of my staff and local law enforcement officials that led to the detainment of this suspect.”

Commissioner King’s Fire Investigations Unit assisted the Pike County Sheriff’s Office with this investigation.

FREE COVID TESTING

Free Drive Thru COVID-19 Testing In Upson County

Upson County Health Department
314 East Lee Street

Pre-registration Strongly Recommended

Every Wednesday Until Further Notice

2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

(8/18/21 only 10:00 am - 2:00 pm)

Please visit covid19.dph.ga.gov/ to register

THANKS MR. INTERN

After a busy summer with the Upson County Building and Zoning Department, intern Akeenan Bridges is about to take his practical experience back to the classrooms of Alabama A&M (Huntsville) where he is beginning his second year as a Master’s candidate in Urban and Regional Planning. A native of Manchester, Georgia, Akeenan is the 30 year old son of Angela and Byron Stevenson and a graduate of Dawson Street Christian Academy in Newnan, Georgia. In this next year, he’s looking forward to classes like Environmental Law and Studio I and maybe a second internship with a private company.

While working for Upson County, Akeenan worked on special exception cases; drafted new ordinances; assisted in day-today zoning, code enforcement, occupation tax and building permit functions; supported the Planning Commission; coordinated projects with the County’s planning consultant Wood E&I and several other projects. His experiences in learning how new ordinances are written and the courtroom-like nature of presenting cases before the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners were an education different from the classroom. Dealing with the public was very face-to-face at times.

According to Deputy Clerk, Tammy Buchanan, “It was encouraging to work with someone as young as Akeenan, who was willing to learn and wanted to be involved in all aspects of the department’s work. He just jumped in there.”

Akeenan sees himself working as an environmental planner, working on land use-related issues in his career. He’s open to working in the public or private sector, though he somewhat favors the public sector.

 

Akeenan’s interest in the Urban and Regional Planning degrees (He already has a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Planning from AA&M) started with conversations with his classmates about majors. He likes the involvement with and being able to help the people and places of his community. Akeenan knew very little about Upson County prior to his internship other than attending Flint Tech and passing through on his way to Gordon College classes.

Akeenan’s Supervisor, Doug Currier II, Director of the Building and Zoning Department, praised Akeenan’s interpersonal skills, “In an office where issues can often be adversarial and heated, Akeenan’s advanced customer service skills, putting people at ease, were major assets to the department.

Akeenan Bridges’ last day with the Building and Zoning Department will be Friday, July 30, 2021

Boating Accident On Lake Tobesofkee Leaves One Dead

A boating accident early Saturday morning on Lake Tobesofkee killed one and injured six. The incident occurred around 2 am when a cigarette boat with two people on board collided with a pontoon boat being operated by employees of The Fish and Pig. 

William Childs the 22 year old assistant manager of the popular restaurant died from blunt force head trauma and a 20 year old female is reportedly in a hospital on a ventilator in critical condition with a skull fracture. The other employees are in stable condition and are recovering at home.

The individuals in the cigarette boat fled the scene and were located some time later at a residence.

Officials with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources believe the accident was alcohol related and will announce any charges filed following their investigation that could take two or three months.

SPALDING CO BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS

On July 21st the Georgia Department of Revenue granted the Spalding County Board of Assessors an additional 180 days to respond to appeals filed for assessment year 2021. The total assessments for 2021 under appeal exceeded 3% of the property in Spalding County and the additional time is necessary to hear the appeals. 

If you have any questions or concerns please go to:http://www.qpublic.net/ga/spalding or call the Tax Assessors Office at 770-467-4240.

Delta Variant Causing Concerns

As of July 20th, the CDC Data Tracker shows the United States with 49% of its residents fully vaccinated and Georgia at 38%. Locally Upson County is at the top with 27%, followed by Talbot County at 21%, Taylor at 20%, Meriwether 17%, Crawford 12%, Spalding 9%, Pike 8%, Lamar 7%, and Monroe at the bottom with only 6%.

The highly contagious Delta variant accounted for 50% of all new cases in the United States on July 3rd; two weeks later, on July 17 it had jumped to 83%. In Georgia, a week ago, Delta only accounted for 12% of new cases; this week it’s 37%. The CDC Director has issued warnings that this new coronavirus surge is quickly becoming the “pandemic of the unvaccinated” and she urges all Americans who have not been vaccinated to roll up their sleeves and get the shot.

NEW ELECTIONS SUPERVISOR IN SPALDING CO

Spalding County Board of Elections and Voter Registration Announces Sole Finalist for Elections Supervisor Position The Spalding County Board of Elections and Voter Registration announces a sole finalist for the position of Elections Supervisor. 

The finalist is Ms. Kimberly Slaughter. Ms. Slaughter has previously worked in the Spalding County Elections Department as the Registrar and Voter Registration Clerk. The appointment of Ms. Slaughter is expected to be approved on or after August 5, 2021 at a Special Called meeting.

GFL NEW ROUTES IN THOMASTON

We at GFL Environmental would like to take a moment to thank you for your business. As part of an effort to increase efficiencies and reduce fuel consumption, we are rerouting the city of Thomaston. This reroute will result in changing days of service for some community members. The routing changes will begin the week of August 23rd and individual notifications will be sent to all customers whose service day changes, to notify them of their new day of service. We appreciate your help and consideration as we strive to bring the best possible service to our customers.

New Judge Appointed For Griffin Judicial Circuit

Governor Brian P. Kemp also announced his appointment of Judge Rhonda Kreuziger to fill the Superior Court vacancy in the Griffin Judicial Circuit. Kreuziger will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable Chris Edwards. The Griffin Judicial Circuit is comprised of Spalding, Pike, Fayette, and Upson Counties.

Rhonda Kreuziger holds her Bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University and a law degree from the John Marshall Law School. She has served as an Associate Juvenile Court Judge since August 2020. She previously served as Chief Judge of the City of Fayetteville Municipal Court from July 2018 to August 2020. From June 2006 to August 2020, she was a Criminal Law, Family Law, and General Civil Litigation Attorney at the Kreuziger Law Firm. She was an Assistant District Attorney for the Griffin Judicial Circuit from September 2002 to October 2003, and again from June 2004 to June 2006. Judge Kreuziger lives in Fayetteville.

T-SPLOST MEETING SCHEDULED IN LAMAR CO

THE LAMAR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND CITIES IN THE COUNTY WILL HOLD A CALLED JOINT MEETING TO DISCUSS A TRANSPORTATION SALES TAX REFERENDUM, WED. AT 10AM AT THE BARNESVILLE CIVIC CENTER. THE MEETING WILL BE AVAILABLE ON ZOOM.

TPD WORKING A BUSINESS BURGLARY

THOMASTON POLICE INVESTIGATING A SMASH AND GRAB BURGLARY EARLY SUNDAY AT WIRELESS CONNECTIONS 101 12TH AVE. SECURITY VIDEO SHOWED TWO BLACK MALES USING A HAMMER TO SMASH THE FRONT GLASS DOOR AND ENTER. SEVERAL DEVICES ARE MISSING.

MID-JULY COVID-19 UPSON UPDATE

Comparing the first half of July to the last half of June, Georgia logged significantly higher cases, hospitalizations, and test positivity rates. In contrast, Upson County held steady with low numbers across the board.

Upson’s new confirmed COVID cases were 4 the last half of June and again 4 the first half of July.

New hospitalizations were another repeat at 3 and 3.

Average 2-week test positivity declined to an all-time low of 1.1%.

And there have been no COVID deaths for Upson County since June 10th.

The story is much different in the counties surrounding Upson, where case numbers and test positivity rates are on the rise. Pike, Lamar, Monroe, and Crawford Counties all recorded new case numbers that are double or more than double the numbers recorded for the last half of June. And, while Upson boasts a low 1% test positivity, the surrounding counties are averaging 3 to 10%.

The rapid spread of new variants, especially the Delta variant, is a nationwide concern. Currently in Georgia the Alpha variant from the UK is the most prevalent at 62% of new cases, while the Delta variant from India accounts for 12%.

  

Upson County	New Cases	New Deaths	New Hosp	Avg 2-wk Test Pos	% Fully Vaccinated
Apr 16 – 30, 2020	77	13 (hi)
June 1 – 15	14	6	1
June 16 – 30	60	3	0 (lo)
July 16 – 31	78	0 (lo)	4
Nov 1 – 15	35	0 (lo)	1	6.0%
Nov 16 – 30	63	0 (lo)	6	10.9%
Dec 1 – 15	57	0 (lo)	4	11.7%
Jan 1 – 15, 2021	246 (hi)	2	14 (hi)	23.4% (hi)
Jan 16 – 31	162	12	10	18.7%
Feb 1 – 15	76	7	14 (hi)	12%
Feb 16 – 28	36	3	8	9.4%
Mar 1 – 15	40	6	6	8%
Mar 16 – 31	20	1	1	5.5%
Apr 1 – 15	26	3	4	5.3%	16%
Apr 16 – 30	19	1	3	5.3%	19%
May 1 – 15	15	0 (lo)	2	4.2%	23%
May 16 – 31	11	4	0 (lo)	3.4%	24%
June 1 – 15	2 (lo)	1	3	1.7%	25%
June 16 – 30	4	0 (lo)	3	1.9%	26%
July 1 – 15	4	0 (lo)	3	1.1% (lo)	27%
Sources: GA Dept of Public Health Daily Reports, and CDC Data Tracker

New COVID-19 Cases (2021)
County	June 15 - 30	July 1 - 15
Upson	4	4
Pike	5	12
Lamar	3	10
Monroe	9	18
Crawford	0	5
Taylor	3	3
Talbot	4	0
Meriwether	7	4
Spalding	27	22
Source: GA Dept of Public Health Daily Reports