Booking photo courtesy of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The Griffin Police Department has arrested Justin Grubbs in connection with an alleged domestic violence incident.

Sgt. Tony Brown responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic assault at Grubb’s Brook Circle residence.

However, Brown reported that he responded to a secondary Brook Circle residence after he was flagged down by a resident who stated the alleged victim was inside his home.

“I made contact with her Mrs. Sherry Grubbs and she stated that her and her husband Grubbs, Justin had gotten into an argument and that it turned physical (sic all),” Brown reported.

Brown said Sherry Grubbs reported she had been at her husband’s office the previous day, where she saw what she described as inappropriate content on his computer. She declined to specify what she had discovered, saying it was too embarrassing, Brown said.

On the day of the alleged attack, she said she had moved her husband’s things downstairs, Brown said.

“Mrs. Grubbs stated that Mr. Grubbs became very angry and grabbed her by her hair and neck and threw her into the side table by the couch breaking the lamp and other items, and also threw her into the wall of the living room,” Brown reported. “Mrs. Grubbs stated that he then went into the bedroom with her and took his head and bashed his head onto the wood blinds causing a gash in his forehead. Mrs. Grubbs stated that he grabbed her and took his blood from his face and smeared it in her face.”

She said at that time, she attempted to call 911, but her husband grabbed her phone and threw it into the living room, Brown reported.

“Mrs. Grubbs stated that she then tried to get away from him and that he grabbed her again in the in her neighbors front yard and drug her through the grass (sic all),” Brown said, adding that Sherry Grubbs reported she was then able to get away from her husband and seek help at a neighbor’s home, where she called 911.

Brown and Sgt. Brandon Walden went to the Grubb’s residence, where they found the front door open.

They cleared the residence, but Justin Grubbs was not present.

Injuries to Sherry Grubbs’ face and hand were documented, her blood- and grass-stained sweater was collected and she was advised on where to seek assistance.

Justin Grubbs was subsequently arrested on warrants for battery under the Georgia Family Violence Act and obstructing an emergency telephone call.

Booking photo courtesy of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office

STAFF REPORT :::

A Griffin man, 59-year-old Richard Wayne Chestnut, has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault for allegedly attacking family members with a baseball bat.

Master Patrol Officer Geoffrey Zimbleman, of the Griffin Police Department, on Friday responded to a domestic dispute call on E. College Street, where he met with the complainant, 83-year-old Betty Hewitt, who stated she needed help with her son, Rickard “Dickie” Chestnut, whom she described as an alcoholic.

“She (Hewitt) stated that her step-daughter, Ms. Valerie Green, had come over to the house and an argument broke out. Ms. Hewitt tried to intervene and said that she was punched in the back of the head by her son, who then ran off into the woods,” Zimbleman reported, later adding that Green reported she had come over to check on her step-mother, and that when she arrived, she found Hewitt cleaning Chestnut’s bedroom and bathroom.

“Dickie arrived and walked upstairs, drunk and belligerent, cursing them both out. An argument ensued, and Dickie began to be increasingly aggressive. Ms. Green stated that she heard Mrs. Hewitt tell Dickie that he was no longer welcome in her house unless he got help for his drinking,” Zimbleman said. “Ms. Hewitt came downstairs to join Ms. Green in the kitchen where she had gone to get away from Mr. Chestnut, but Mr. Chestnut had already followed and punched her in the side of the head. Fearing for their safety, Ms. Hewitt grabbed a baseball bat she keeps in her room for protection, but Dickie took it from her in a drunken rage, cursing, and swinging it wildly. Ms. Green stated that it happened so fast, she ducked her head as Dickie swung the bat, she did not know if he punched her or hit her with the bat as well.”

According to Zimbleman, Green said she was uncertain if Chestnut had punched her or struck her with the bat.

Zimbleman reported observing and feeling golf ball-sized knots on the side and back of Hewitt’s and Green’s heads where they indicated they were struck.

As GPD officers were investigating this domestic violence report, they became aware that Chestnut had gotten back inside the residence and was upstairs in his bedroom, where he was taken into custody and transported to the Spalding County Jail.

Zimbleman obtained warrants against Chestnut for two counts aggravated assault and two counts of battery under the Georgia Family Violence Act – one count of each for Hewitt and Green.

Pictured from left are Clarence Nance, Everette Mack, Travis Bates, Reginald Smith, Andrew Davis, Terry Nicholson, Food Service Supervisor Mary Inman and Sheriff Darrell Dix. (Photo courtesy of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office)

STAFF REPORT :::

A second class of inmates has graduated from the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Serve-Safe Program.

This partnership between the SCSO and Aramark Food Services is designed to teach potential restaurant employees the skills needed to safely and properly prepare food in a commercial setting.

“The program was sponsored by the Aramark Food Company and there was no cost to the inmates or the county for the training. Each of the inmates volunteered for the nine-week program that includes a testing process to graduate and obtain the certification. Yesterday we had a graduation ceremony where family, friends, Aramark representatives, and Sheriff’s Office employees could attend and taste some of the foods that were prepared by the graduates,” said Sheriff Darrell Dix. “These men worked hard and now have a marketable skill that will hopefully get them going in the right direction. Our hope is that they understand that no matter what they have done in their past, they can still do positive things today.”

Aramark Food Services Director Clarence Nance said it is a pleasure to provide this training program to SCSO inmates.

“We are pleased to partner with the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office in providing the Serve-safe program to inmates. The Aramark staff had the opportunity to teach the guys who went through this class and I am proud of each of them and their accomplishments. They worked very hard to obtain this goal,” Nance said.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The Griffin Police Department is investigating an aggravated assault that was reported in the parking lot of El Charro on North Expressway.

Officer Matthew Kerlin, on Saturday responded to a call reporting a person being struck by a vehicle that had then fled the scene.

Upon arrival, Kerlin spoke with Jeremiah Scoville, who reported he was “eating and cussing” when an older white man with a ponytail approached him, the officer said.

“Scoville and the male subject began to get into a verbal altercation which then led to the parking lot,” Kerlin reported. “Scoville advised me he was walking to his vehicle to get a phone charger and the subject then ran into him in a black two door BMW then fled the scene.”

A witness to the incident, Aubrey McFadden, said he was with his family in the parking lot when Scoville was struck.

“McFadden advised his saw Scoville approach the older male in the BMW in a aggressive manner, appeared agitated, and acted like he was getting ready for a physical altercation (sic all),” Kerlin said. “McFadden then stated the subject driving the BMW then pulled out of the parking spot and hit Scoville with the vehicle and fled the scene.”

Neither Scoville or McFadden were able to report the vehicle’s license plate number, but Scoville said there was an older female with the male driver, and McFadden said the BMW should show front end damage and a broken windshield.

Chief Mike Yates reports no arrests have been made in this incident, and the investigation is active and ongoing.

Anyone with information pertaining to this incident should contact the Griffin Police Department at 770.229.6450.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Griffin Mayoral candidate Daa’ood Amin has requested a recount in the Nov. 5 race in which the uncertified result shows he trailed his Republican opponent, Doug Hollberg, by 15 votes

“He (Amin) did request a recount,” said Spalding County Election Supervisor Marcia Ridley, who explained the requirements to initiate the process. “It (the result) has to be within a certain margin. In this case, it’s less than one percent between the two candidates.”

The results of the election, which have not yet been certified by the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, shows Hollberg leading with 1,374 votes to Amin’s 1,359. There were also five write-in votes.

Hollberg on Wednesday released a statement regarding the election and recount.

“I appreciate the support of my family, friends and the voters of the City of Griffin. I also want to express to Mr. Amin my blessings and praise for his positive campaign that focused on the opportunities, as well as the challenges our hometown faces as we continue to work together as the citizens expect and deserve. No matter the final outcome, we will continue to be friends and support the community we both love,” Hollberg said in a prepared statement. “As most are aware, the margin of victory was narrow and I do anticipate a recount prior to an official election certification. I look forward to a bright future for Griffin and will work hard to make Griffin a great place to live, work, play and retire. Again, thank you for your support and the opportunity to serve as your At-Large Commissioner the past 16 years.”

The recount will take place Friday.

“We’ll just rerun the memory cards the same way we did – recount everything,” Ridley said.

With the electronic voting machines used, there are no paper records of each ballot cast. That information is instead stored on a memory chip in each individual machine.

“And you have the certificate people sign when they come in – the check in process,” Ridley said.

In the Griffin Board of Commissioners District 2 race, incumbent Cora Flowers was reelected with 229 votes over her opponent, Ronnie Lowe, who garnered 203 votes. One write-in vote was also cast.

The District 4 incumbent, Commissioner Brock Turner, did not face opposition.

The Griffin-Spalding County School System ESPLOST referendum was approved with 3,819 voters – or 65.42 percent – in favor, and 2,019 voters – or 34.58 percent – opposing.

Of Spalding County’s 43,171 registered voters, 5,903 cast ballots in Tuesday’s municipal elections and Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) referendum, for a 13.67 percent turnout.

STAFF REPORT :::

Students from Griffin and Spalding high schools and the Griffin Regional College & Career Academy recently participated in the Central Georgia & Southern Crescent Workforce Development Alliance Skills Challenge held in Macon.

The Associated General Contractors of Georgia (AGC Georgia) joined forces with Sheridan Construction and Swofford Construction to host construction students from 19-area high schools for the competitions held Oct. 31, at the Macon Farmers Market.

Competitions were held in blueprint reading, carpentry, electrical, masonry, plumbing, roofing and welding.

“This is a great opportunity for high school students who are interested in the general contracting and construction industries to showcase what they’ve learned through a series of skills challenges,” said Mike Dunham, CEO of AGC Georgia. “Beyond inspiring the competitors, we hope to educate and engage students to understand the opportunities within construction and encourage them to consider our industry as a career path.”

Students from the Griffin-Spalding County School System were joined in competition by construction students from Baldwin County High School, Camden County High School, Central Educational Center, Crisp County High School, Dooly County High School, Griffin High School, Griffin Regional College & Career Academy School, Hardaway High School, Harris County High School, Henry County High School, Hutchings College & Career Academy, Jackson High School, Jones County High School, Jordan Vocational College and Career Academy, Lee County High School, Mary Persons High School, Newton College & Career Academy, Putnam County High School and Spalding High School.

Along with the more than 200 competitors who attended this event, several hundred more students attended as observers to learn the process in hopes of competing in future years. Local industry companies provided the volunteer judges for each of the skills competitions, as well as the volunteers who offered hands-on activities for student observers. These activities helped students become more familiar with specific construction trades.

This event also prepared students who will go on to compete in the regional SkillsUSA event in January. Winners of that regional event participate in the state SkillsUSA competition in early March at the Georgia World Congress Center.

For additional information about Skills Challenges, please visit www.agcga.org/skills.

About AGC Georgia

AGC Georgia is a professional trade association and the statewide chapter affiliated with The Associated General Contractors of America, Inc. (AGC of America). AGC Georgia member firms perform a majority of the public and private commercial construction work in Georgia and include more than 630 of the top general contractors, residential/light commercial builders, construction managers, design-builders, municipal-utility contractors, heavy and highway contractors, specialty contractors, service providers, and suppliers. AGC Georgia is one of 89 chapters representing over 27,000 member firms nationwide. AGC of America is the largest and most respected construction trade association in the U.S. For more information, please visit www.agcga.org.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The recount conducted today in the city of Griffin mayoral race between Doug Hollberg and Daa’ood Amin concluded with the same vote count originally reported.

The results of the election and recount indicate Hollberg is the victor with 1,374 votes to Amin’s 1,359. There were also five write-in votes.

According to Spalding County Election Supervisor Marcia Ridley, the process, which began at noon, took approximately one half-hour to complete.

“They only counted the city precincts. It was just the mayor’s race,” she said.

The results have not yet been certified, but that process will begin next week.

“The Board of Elections will certify the election on Monday,” Ridley said.

The results will then be forwarded to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office for final certification.

“I just sent them a copy of this. They want a copy of all the originals,” Ridley explained. “We’ve done due process on this end. Any time anyone wants a recount, if it fits within the law, I’m going to do it. There is a process in the state of Georgia to run a legal election.”

SHEILA A. MATHEWS

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an alleged aggravated assault that left one man wounded by gunfire.

The incident was reported just prior to 7 p.m. Sunday, with Deputy Greg Speights dispatched to 116 Mace St. in reference to a person with a gun shot wound.

The reported victim has been identified as 40-year-old Tony Joseph Delgado.

Speight identified the suspect as 37-year-old Carlos Alberto Morales, of 2079 N. 2^nd St. Extension.

The GRIP will continue to follow this story and report additional information as it becomes available.

Felicia Camp received the Administrative Network Distinguished Professional Award for the state. Photo courtesy of Spalding County Parks

Greg Thaxton received the Parks/Maintenance Network Distinguished Professional Award. Photo courtesy of Spalding County Parks

Felicia Camp was among the graduates of the George Harris Leadership Program II. Photo courtesy of Spalding County Parks

STAFF REPORT :::

Spalding County Parks staff was recently honored with two of the four Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) Distinguished Professional Awards. The staff was recognized for outstanding work and dedication to Spalding County Parks Department.

The awards were presented Oct. 5, at the annual GRPA business meeting held in Dalton.
One Spalding County employee also graduated from the GRPA George Harris Leadership Program.

Spalding County Parks Administrative Assistant Felicia Camp received the Administrative Network Distinguished Professional Award for the state. This award was in honor of Camp’s exceptional work within the Parks Department and active GRPA involvement.

Camp was also recognized for completion of the George Harris Leadership Program II.

Parks Maintenance Supervisor Greg Thaxton received the Parks/Maintenance Network Distinguished Professional Award for his work throughout the parks system, including the development of the disc golf courses in Spalding County.

STAFF REPORT :::

Spalding County 4-H members on Nov. 9, participated in the Food Showcase competition at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton.

The nine local participants practiced weekly since the summer to gain knowledge in food safety, health, nutrition, My Plate and serving sizes. They joined 80 4-H members from across the state in event competitions including Food Challenge, Egg Prep, Turkey Barbecue and Chicken Barbecue, working to become Master 4-H’ers, which is the highest honor in 4-H.

During the competition, participants prepared food based on contest rules and guidelines, and gave an oral presentation of their recipe and preparation of their dish.

Spalding County individual participants included Clair Knapp in Junior Egg Prep, Heather Dorn in Senior Egg Prep, Kaylee Collins in Chicken Barbecue and Gabriel Whitlock in Turkey Barbecue.

For Food Showcase Teams, the participants included Jhaycee Barnes, Kaylee Collins, Heather Dorn and Hope Stewart on one team, and Marcoiya Sutton, Elyce Wages, Gabriel Whitlock, and Kaley Wilder on a second team.

The Spalding County 4-H staff said everyone who participated did a wonderful job and gave it their all and is proud of the hard work and dedication the participants gave throughout practices and competition.

Junior 4-Her Clair Knapp placed second in the Egg Prep contest. Kaylee Collins and Gabriel Whitlock placed first in their respective contests, Chicken Barbecue and Turkey Barbecue, making them state winners and Master 4-H’ers.

This recognition also earned them a trip to the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference later in November in Lousiville, Ky., to compete against state winners across the nation.

Special appreciation was extended to 4-H Program Assistant Rebekah Hanson for coaching the participants and Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Cindee Sweda for assisting with nutrition and food safety practices.

For more information on 4-H, please contact Spalding County Extension at 770.467.4225, email uge2255@uga.edu or visit http://www.ugaextension.org/spalding.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation released today its 2020 list of 10 Places in Peril in the state.

“This is the Trust’s fifteenth annual Places in Peril list,” said Mark C. McDonald, president and CEO of the Trust. “We hope the list will continue to bring preservation solutions to Georgia’s imperiled historic resources by highlighting ten representative sites.”

Heritage Park is a community space that reflects the efforts to provide education to African Americans in the South during the twentieth century. The park includes a Rosenwald School — built in 1929 using funds from the collaborative efforts of Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald of Sears, Roebuck and Company — an equalization school, gymnasium and community garden. In recent years, the park and the properties have been subject to neglect, vandalism, and lack of maintenance. Allocated SPLOST funds have proven to be inadequate for a full restoration of the site although community support for the project remains strong.

Places in Peril is designed to raise awareness about Georgia’s significant historic, archaeological and cultural resources, including buildings, structures, districts, archaeological sites and cultural landscapes that are threatened by demolition, neglect, lack of maintenance, inappropriate development or insensitive public policy.

Through Places in Peril, the Trust will encourage owners and individuals, organizations and communities to employ proven preservation tools, financial resources and partnerships in order to reuse, reinvest and revitalize historic properties that are in peril.

Sites on the 2020 list include Antioch Baptist Church in Crawfordville (Taliaferro County); Asbury United Methodist Church in Savannah (Chatham County); Cary Reynolds Elementary School in Doraville (DeKalb County); Central State Hospital in Milledgeville (Baldwin County); Fountain (Stone) Hall in Atlanta (Fulton County); Heritage Park in Griffin (Spalding County); John Nelson Deming Home in Valdosta (Lowndes County); Masonic Lodge #238 in Dalton (Whitfield County); Nolan Crossroads in Bostwick (Morgan County); and Rose Hill School in Porterdale (Newton County).

Sites on previous years’ lists include: Zion Church (Talbotton), an 1848 Tudor-Gothic style church that suffered from lack of maintenance and funding, was recently awarded $100,000 for restoration work from the Historic Columbus Foundation; the Foster-Thomason-Miller House (Madison), a fire-damaged architecturally significant house, was sold to a preservation-minded buyer through the Madison-Morgan Conservancy’s newly established revolving fund; the Lyon Homestead (Stonecrest), one of the oldest houses in DeKalb County, was stabilized by Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance with funding from DeKalb County; Underground Savannah, the city’s collection of endangered archaeological sites, is one step closer to being protected as the local government moves forward with establishing an archaeology ordinance; and Furber Cottage (Atlanta), a former dorm built in 1899 in the Atlanta University Center Historic District, was destroyed by fire in 2019.

Founded in 1973, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation works for the preservation and revitalization of Georgia’s diverse historic resources and advocates their appreciation, protection and use. As one of the country’s leading statewide, nonprofit preservation organizations, the Trust generates community revitalization by finding buyers for endangered properties acquired by its Revolving Fund and raises awareness of other endangered historic resources through an annual listing of Georgia’s “Places in Peril.”

The Trust offers a variety of educational programs for adults and children, provides technical assistance to property owners and historic communities, advocates for funding, tax incentives and other laws aiding preservation efforts, and manages two house museums in Atlanta (Rhodes Hall) and Macon (Hay House).

STAFF REPORT :::

The Griffin Police Department is investigating a reported drive by shooting on Tinsley Street.

The incident was reported by James Andrews, who said the incident occurred outside his 729 E. Tinsley St. residence.

“Andrews sister April Andrews was sitting on the couch in the living room when she heard the shots and dropped to the floor out of fear,” reported GPD Officer Scott Sierra. “James was in his bedroom when he heard the gunshots.”

Neither party was injured by the gunfire.

James Andrews reported he suspected the shooter was a man with whom he had argued on Facebook.

He said the argument pertained to $40 the other man allegedly owes James Andrews.

James Andrews showed Sierra Facebook messages where the man told him to “come outside and to call the police.”

“James advised me that he looked out his window and saw a four door blue Honda which he knew ‘Poppa’ drove. James stated he did not go outside but heard the gunshots a few moments later,” Sierra said.

A witness who resides at a nearby residence was outside when Sierra arrived. She spoke to the officer and reported what she witnessed.

According to Sierra, after hearing a car honk twice, the witness looked outside and saw a four-door car sitting across the street from Andrews’ residence. She was unable to further describe the vehicle.

She said a few moments later, she heard four to five shots fired.

After the shooting ended, she looked outside and the vehicle was gone.

“Upon inspecting James’ residence, I observed three bullet holes in the front right side of James’ house. There was also one bullet hole that went through the front window and into the back of James’ Hisense 55-inch TV,” Sierra said. “I also observed four 9mm shell casings in the roadway in front of 729 E. Tinsley St.”

Image captured from surveillance footage courtesy of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office

STAFF REPORT :::

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an armed robbery that occurred tonight at Ringgold’s Superette.

According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, an armed suspect robbed the Jackson Road business at gunpoint before fleeing in a dark in color older-model compact vehicle.

This vehicle was last seen on Johnny Cut Road.

The suspect is described as a male, estimated at five feet five inches tall, weighing approximately 130 to 150 pounds.

He was wearing digital camouflage, a Dallas Cowboys cap, black pants with a white stripe, a black t-shirt, light brown boots and had a blue bandana covering his entire face.

Surveillance footage indicates the suspect used a black Glock-type weapon in the robbery.

Anyone with information pertaining to this incident or suspect should call 911.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation of the Monday night armed robbery of Ringgold’s Superette.

According to Maj. Dwayne Jones, investigators are continuing to process evidence and information from the incident, which was reported at 6:49 p.m.

Officials say the suspect is a slender male approximately six feet to six feet one inch tall, weighing 160 to 170 pounds.

The suspect was last seen wearing jogging-style pants with white lettering going down the legs and a pair of “Ugg-style” boots.

The store was open at the time the armed robbery took place, but no customers were present in the store.

“From the report, I don’t believe there was a customer in the business itself, but there was one in the parking lot,” Jones said. “It’s my indication there were two (employees) present.”

No one was injured in the incident.

Jones said this is the second armed robbery to occur at Ringgold’s Superette since Jan. 1, 2017.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Rowell at 770.467.4282 Extension 31402 or arowell@spaldingcounty.com.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Griffin Police Department Uniform Patrol Division has arrested four suspects in a series of entering auto cases.

According to a GPD press release, a report was received Nov. 16, referencing a burglary in progress at 1150 W. College St. Extension.

Upon arrival, officers observed four individuals inside a secured fence at that location.

Officials say the four suspects fled the scene, but were apprehended after a brief pursuit.

Authorities allege the four suspects were trespassing at the W. College Street location, and while there, had illegally entered eight vehicles.

Officers investigating the case allege the four suspects also entered three additional vehicles at 1146 W. College St. Extension.

All four suspects are juveniles. Each is facing one count of criminal trespass, one count of obstruction of a law enforcement officer and 11 counts of entering auto.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Griffin Police Department has received its fifth certification from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA).

According to a press release issued by the Griffin Police Department, the accreditation was given to the agency due to the dedication to the program and under the direction and guidance of Chief Mike Yates.

This fifth accreditation was received during the fall CALEA conference Nov. 16, in Covington, Ky.

CALEA was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of major law enforcement executive associations – International Association Chiefs of Police (IACP), National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), National Sheriff’s Association (NSA) and Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).

CALEA’s primary purpose is to improve the delivery of public safety services by maintaining a comprehensive body of law enforcement standards, establishing and administering an accreditation process and recognizing professional excellence.

Of 18,000, less than 800 are CALEA accredited.

“CALEA accreditation requires an agency to develop a comprehensive, well-thought out, uniform set of written directives. This is one of the most successful methods for reaching administrative and operational goals, while also providing direction to personnel and provides the necessary reports and analysis to the CEO to make fact-based, informed management decisions,” the press release stated. “The accreditation strengthens the agency’s accountability, both within the agency and the community, through a continuum of standards that clearly defines authority, performance, and responsibilities. The CALEA process for agencies is a four (4) year commitment. Agencies must apply to the Commission to be considered. During the first three years, the agency files are reviewed through a web-based site by compliance service members (CSM’s) of CALEA. The agency has to provide proofs for 484 applicable standards tracking the department’s performance.”

Accreditation requires the department’s accreditation manager to provide consistent re-accreditation maintenance on those standards throughout the four-year process. The department must also have a reliable system for ensuring that periodic reports, analysis, reviews and other activities mandated by CALEA are accomplished during the re-accreditation standards period. Those activities are the focal point of the re-accreditation assessment, officials said.

The GPD in July prepared for the on-site CALEA assessment.

Assessors spent four days at the GPD reviewing files, speaking with citizens, riding with officers, observing static display, conducting a tour of the entire department, interviewing staff including both sworn and non-sworn employees, visiting the Spalding 911 Center and observing shift briefings.

When the on-site assessment was completed, CALEA assessors reported to the commission. In the extensive report, the assessors recommended that the GPD is in compliance and requested the department receive its re-accreditation award as an example of the agency’s commitment to the CALEA standard of excellence.

“The Griffin Police Department would not be able to achieve such a prestigious award were it not for the dedication and effort of Accreditation Manager Linda Lash supported by all 80 sworn and 12 non-sworn personnel, who provide the outstanding professional service to the community each and every day,” Yates said.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Spalding County Fire Department has appointed Michael Byrd as deputy fire chief of operations.

Byrd will be assuming the position currently held by Deputy Fire Chief Jamie Clark, who will be retiring in December after 34 and one-half years of service with the Spalding County Fire Department.

Clark has served as deputy fire chief of operations since October 2013. Spalding County officials say under Clark’s leadership, the SCFD has become “one of the premier fire departments in the region.”

Byrd is a Spalding County resident and this position brings him full circle, back to where he began his career in the fire service in 1986 as a Spalding County volunteer firefighter.

He went to work with the city of Morrow Fire Department, where he worked for 18 years, climbing the ranks to become deputy commander and training officer.

In 2008, Byrd accepted the position of deputy chief at the Georgia Fire Academy.
Through his work there, Byrd developed and instructed courses for Fire Officer II through IV.

In addition to those duties, Byrd was responsible for the hiring and supervision of a full-time staff and more than 100 part-time adjunct instructors.

Byrd, himself, is also an adjunct instructor in the Southern Crescent Technical College’s fire training program.

A graduate of Shorter College where he obtained a bachelor’s degree, Byrd also received a master’s degree in public safety leadership from Mercer University and received certification as an executive fire officer from the National Fire Academy in 2015.

According to a press release issued by Spalding County, his wide range of experience combined with the personal and professional relationships he has within the local community makes Byrd “a perfect fit for our organization.”

Byrd will on Nov. 21 begin his service with the Spalding County Fire Department in a part-time capacity, while tying up loose ends at the Georgia Fire Academy. He is expected to begin full-time on Dec. 16.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

While out and about this holiday weekend, kick off the Christmas season with a magical performance of Griffin Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker.”

The Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. will include a special visit from Santa, and two additional performances will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night and 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

Those who bring four canned food items will receive a free concession item. All food donations will remain in the community through the ministry of Rushton’s Hope.

Suggested donations include pop-top meats, canned pasta, canned fruit, spaghetti sauce, canned chili and canned soup.

Tickets are available at gbttickets.com and may also be purchased at the door.

Make this beloved holiday classic a new family tradition.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Personnel of the Griffin Police Department Uniform Patrol Division on Sunday night responded to a call on Hale Avenue reporting a dispute that escalated to gunfire.

According to Sgt. Lee Ward, Brian Harwood reported a verbal dispute involving himself and an acquaintance had become violent.

“Upon my arrival at 820 Hale Ave., I made contact with Brian Harwood who advised that he had a person over who he didn’t know very well and they had been drinking together. Harwood was extremely intoxicated,” Ward stated.

Ward reported that Harwood claimed he did not know the other man well – only by the name John Mark, and that he lived in Rome.

“Harwood stated that he and John had a disagreement about John leaving since he was also extremely intoxicated. Harwood advised that John then pulled a black revolver out and stuck it in his face and then fired it three times into the ground,” Ward stated. “He (Harwood) advised that they were only standing a few feet apart when he fired.”

Ward said he located markings on the ground that he believed were possibly made by bullet imprints.

Harwood’s wife, Tulani Warner, allegedly stated that she had gone to bed and was not present during the argument or when the shots were fired.

Warner allegedly said she had met the man on Instagram and invited him to their home.

“Warner stated that he came over and was drinking with them for about an hour and she became suspicious of John and went to look in his bag. She advised that she found a bunch of pain pills in his bag, so she took a picture,” Ward said, adding that Warner voluntarily showed him the photographs. “In the pictures I could see the name John Harris on the prescription bottles along with his address. In one of the pictures was a black revolver in the background and Warner advised that was in his bag also.”

Harwood allegedly stated he initially did not wish to file charges related to the incident.

“Harwood asked me if he pressed charges could John’s gun rights be taken away because he believed he did not need to own a gun,” Ward said.

The investigation of this incident is ongoing.

STAFF REPORT :::

An investigation conducted by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in numerous arrests on narcotics and stolen property charges.

According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, the investigation targeting the residence located at 520 Mangham Road was initiated in early November after information was received alleging individuals associated with the Ghost Face Gangsters occupied that residence and that it was being used to receive, store and distribute stolen property, including vehicles and firearms.

Personnel of the SCSO Uniform Patrol Division (UPD) on Nov. 26, responded to a call of a stolen dirt bike. Officials say an investigation involving UPD, the Criminal Investigation Division, Special Operations Division and the C.A.G.E. Unit determined that Michael Shane Pierce, of 520 Mangham Road, was allegedly in possession of the stolen motorcycle.

At approximately 5 p.m. that same day, the SCSO S.W.A.T. Team executed a search warrant on that residence.

Supported by the SCSO STAR Unit, simultaneous entries were conducted on multiple structures on the property.

Once the property was secure, STAR was used to located a motorcycle reported stolen near the Mangham Road residence. Investigators also recovered additional stolen property and methamphetamine.

“We are continuing the investigation into the gang ties that we believe those arrested have, and we anticipate additional charges relating to the Georgia Criminal Street Gang Act,” Dix said. “Agents worked throughout the night processing the crime scene and as they did, individuals continued to show up at the residence where they were greeted by deputies and investigators. All were identified, some were arrested, and those not wanted or tied to the crimes were released without issue.”

Arrested were:

Michael Shane Pierce, of 520 Mangham Road, who was charged with two counts of theft by receiving stolen motor vehicle, theft by taking motor vehicle, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug related objects;

Michael Joshua Tumlin, of 520 Mangham Road, who was charged with two counts of theft by receiving stolen motor vehicle, theft by taking motor vehicle, possession of drug related objects, tampering with evidence, obstruction of a law enforcement officer and simple battery;

Jennifer Gordy, of 820 Highway 81, McDonough, who was charged with felony violation of probation;

Kenneth Michael Robinson, of 119 Kathy Lane, who was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana;

Otho Williamson, of 53 Fletcher St., Newnan, who was charged with felony violation of probation and possession of methamphetamine; and

Nicholas Hill, of 520 Mangham Road, who was charged with two counts theft by receiving stolen motor vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and sale of methamphetamine.

Investigators are currently seeking Hailey McGuire, a white female who resides at 520 Mangham Road, on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug related objects.