SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Brightmoor Nursing Center Chief Executive Officer Penny Griffin spoke out Saturday evening to offer reassurance to family members, friends and the community regarding the COVID-19 outbreak that includes 21 confirmed COVID-19 cases among residents and eight among staff members, with three deaths.

While she and her staff grieve for residents lost to the coronavirus, Griffin said the majority of their residents are responding well.

“I can tell you the majority of our positives are recovering. They’re doing well. Many are even asymptomatic,” she said.

The Georgia Department of Public Health has offered to test all residents and staff members, and Griffin said that will take place Wednesday.

“We can expect the numbers to go up then just like everyone else,” Griffin said.

Brightmoor, like all long-term care facilities statewide, will also receive assistance from the Georgia National Guard infection control teams.

She stressed that Brightmoor facilities are compliant with all state and federal guidelines.

“We have gone by all the guidance offered by the CDC, CMS (Center for Medicare Services), DPH and everyone else,” Griffin said. “We put precautions in place before they told us to. We’ve been on this for two months.”

Posts on local social media public forums have resulted in an inundation of phone calls that staff are often unable to handle. Griffin on Saturday sent out a text message to families, seeking to offer reassurance. However, she realizes the verbiage has upset some.

“It hit several people the wrong way and I apologize for that. We’re just trying to take care of our patients,” she said. “It was out of frustration. If your family is affected, you’ve already been contacted.”

One infection control measure implemented early in the pandemic was the reduction of access even by employees and other businesses.

“We don’t let anyone in unless they are essential to medical care. No deliveries, no nothing,” Griffin explained, adding that this includes the Brightmoor receptionist, which creates further challenges with a heavy flow of incoming phone calls. “There was also a post yesterday that Brightmoor had no PPE. I have no idea where that came from because we have PPE. We do have adequate PPE. We’re not depending on the government. We’re procuring and purchasing what we need. We’re getting gouged, but it is what it is, but I have to protect my staff so they can take care of our residents and protect them.”

Griffin said that no staff members have been permitted to work while ill, and that Brightmoor has been evaluating employees since early March.

Brightmoor has always been such a special place, she said, but it isn’t immune to a pandemic that has devastated the world.

“This nursing home was built by my grandfather. I’ve been at Brightmoor for 32 years, and these people are my people, the staff and the residents, and I’m going to look after them,” she said.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The GRIP has reached out to the Georgia Department of Public Health seeking clarification regarding significant inconsistencies in its COVID-19 data.

The state DPH website has for weeks been updating data at least twice daily – at noon and 7 p.m.

At noon Sunday, April 19, the DPH reported there were 18,301 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Georgia.

At 7 p.m., that number had decreased to 18,157.

The data regarding hospitalized patients also decreased by 38 patients from 3,464 to 3,426.

Furthermore, six fewer deaths were recorded at 7 p.m., with that data having decreased from 687 to 681.

The GRIP initially emailed Department of Public Health District 4 Public Information Officer Hayla Folden, asking how such disparate data is possible.

Folden responded, but could not explain the inconsistencies.

These questions were then presented to state Department of Public Health Communications Director Nancy Nydam, who as of publication, had not responded to the inquiry.

The GRIP will report additional information on this matter as it becomes available.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Governor Brian Kemp today announced that his executive order requiring Georgia residents to shelter-at-home will be allowed to expire on April 30, his Public Health State of Emergency will expire May 13 and that many businesses he required to close will soon be permitted to reopen.

Hospitals that voluntarily elected to restrict elective surgeries and procedures will be given the green light to resume elective surgeries that are considered essential.

Many other businesses will also be permitted to reopen beginning Friday, April 24. Those include gyms and fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmetologists, hair designers, nail care artists, estheticians, their respective schools and massage therapists.

On Monday, April 27, other businesses will be permitted to reopen including restaurant dine-in services, theaters and private social clubs. They will be subject to additional requirements for social distancing, additional sanitation and screening for workers.

Bars, nightclubs, amusement park ride operators and live performance venues will remain closed.

Kemp said officials will continue to review data and work closely with public health officials over the coming days to determine the “best course of action” for those businesses.

The governor made clear that local governments may enact no ordinances or execute orders that are any more or less restrictive than these guidelines.

He encouraged Georgians to continue to shelter-at-home as much as possible through April 30, and stressed that vulnerable individuals should do so through the May 13 expiration of his Public Health State of Emergency.

Kemp’s address is printed below in its entirety:

“Good afternoon, everyone. Today I’m joined by Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, Speaker David Ralston, General Tom Carden, Dr. Kathleen Toomey, and GEMA Director Homer Bryson.

“As of noon today, we now have 18,947 COVID-19 cases in Georgia with 733 deaths. The state lab has processed 5,362 tests, and commercial vendors have processed 78,966 tests. We understand that these are more than just numbers. These are Georgians. These are families and communities impacted. Our prayers remain with the victims and their loved ones. We lift up those who are battling this terrible virus. We remain focused on the safety and well-being of every person who calls Georgia home.

“Last week, the White House issued guidelines for states to begin to safely reopen our nation’s economy. We appreciate their leadership and share in the president’s desire to reopen the economy and get Americans back to work. As a small business person for over thirty years, I know the impact of this pandemic on hardworking Georgians in every zip code and every community. With heightened supply and limited demand, crops are rotting and farmers are struggling to keep employees on the payroll. Our small business owners are seeing sales plummet, and the company that they built with blood, sweat, and tears disappear right before them. Contract workers are struggling to put food on the table. Our large businesses, which serve as anchors in many Georgia towns, are scaling back operations, leaving some with reduced hours and others with no job. These are tough moments in our state and nation. I hear the concerns of those I am honored to serve. I see the terrible impact of COVID-19 on public health and the pocketbook.

“Informed by the Coronavirus Task Force and public health officials, ‘Opening Up America Again’ includes three phases to safely reopen and get folks back to work. To initiate Phase One, a state must meet a series of basic criteria, which can be tailored to reflect specific circumstances for a regional or statewide approach. For weeks now, our state has taken targeted action to prevent, detect, and address the spread of coronavirus by leveraging data and advice from health officials in the public and private sectors. Thanks to this methodical approach and the millions of Georgians who have worked diligently to slow the spread of coronavirus, we are on track to meet the gating criteria for Phase One.

“According to the Department of Public Health, reports of emergency room visits for flu-like illnesses are declining, documented COVID-19 cases have flattened and appear to be declining, and we have seen declining emergency room visits in general. By expanding our hospital bed capacity – including the temporary facility at the Georgia World Congress Center – we have the ability to treat patients without crisis care in hospital settings. Our proactive actions have reduced stress and strain on area hospitals as well as the communities and families that they serve.

“Now, a key component of the gating criteria is testing. For weeks, I have expressed my frustration with the status of testing and committed more resources to expansion. We partnered with the University System of Georgia, partnered with the private sector to offer drive-thru services, and recently empowered public health departments across Georgia to offer testing for all symptomatic individuals. Today we’re taking this effort to the next level by announcing an even broader partnership with the state’s dedicated health sciences university and its health system to double down on our testing capacity and meet the requirements necessary to move forward with the president’s plan.

“As many of you know, Augusta University Health launched a telemedicine app as part of their comprehensive plan to screen, test, and treat Georgia patients through an algorithm designed by experts at the Medical College of Georgia. This app has enhanced public health while reducing exposure for our doctors, nurses, and medical staff. We are encouraging symptomatic Georgians to download the app this week and begin the screening process. Georgians can access the app by visiting AugustaHealth.org or downloading AU Health ExpressCare on your smartphone. You can also call (706) 721-1852. This free app is user-friendly, and through this app, physicians and advanced practice providers from Augusta University Health and the Medical College of Georgia are available to users twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. If you begin to display symptoms consistent with COVID-19 – day or night – you can log onto AU Health’s telemedicine app or call to get screened by a clinician. If you meet criteria for testing, staff will contact you to schedule a test at one of the state’s designated testing locations near your home. Your healthcare information will be securely transmitted to your designated testing site.

“This streamlined process reduces stress on both the patient and testing site workers. Once you arrive for your appointment, you will provide a specimen for testing. From there, we will leverage the power of several key academic institutions in the state to process tests. These include Augusta University, Emory University, Georgia State University, and the Georgia Public Health Lab. In roughly seventy-two hours, you will be able to access your test results via a secure patient portal, and a medical provider will contact you directly if you are positive. The clinician will assist you with enrolling in a self-reporting app by Google named MTX where – with patient consent – the Department of Public Health can use enhanced contact monitoring and tracing.

“Through this partnership, Augusta University will produce testing swabs in the Dental College of Georgia innovation lab. By using the same 3-D printers that have produced face shields for healthcare workers, the innovation lab will create thousands of swabs per day. This capability greatly reduces our dependence on vendors and governmental entities as we boost testing and get Georgians back into the workplace. Under the leadership of President Brooks Keel, CEO Katrina Keefer, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Philip Coule, General Carden, and Dr. Toomey, Augusta University will roll out this app statewide over the course of this week. My office will release more details and timelines soon.

“In addition, the Georgia National Guard will mobilize ten new strike teams to deploy to hotspots and long-term care facilities to administer 1,500 tests per day. Testing expansions through Augusta University and the Guard will complement existing initiatives, including the Department of Public Health’s capacity, Georgia Tech’s CVS testing site, and private labs. As I’ve said before, testing defines the battlefield and informs our long-term strategy. These efforts significantly increase our capacity as we take measured steps forward. Throughout this entire process from creating the Coronavirus Task Force to today, we have relied on data, science, and the advice of healthcare professionals to guide our approach and decision-making. We have been surgical, targeted, and methodical, always putting the health and well-being of our citizens first, and doing our best to protect lives – and livelihoods – in every part of Georgia.

“In the same way that we carefully closed businesses and urged operations to end to mitigate the virus’ spread, today, we are announcing plans to incrementally – and safely – reopen sectors of our economy. To help in the battle against COVID-19, healthcare facilities across Georgia voluntarily paused elective surgeries to reduce equipment and personnel shortages. This selfless act by healthcare leaders enhanced our ability to keep Georgians safe. However, many now find themselves in a difficult financial situation, some losing millions of dollars a day as they sacrifice for the greater good. This is not sustainable long-term for these facilities. Given the recent changes in modeling as it relates to surge capacity and national supply as the needs of other states diminish and following weeks of discussions with hospital leaders and medical providers, I believe Georgia is positioned to secure the necessary personal protective equipment for healthcare facilities to resume elective surgeries deemed essential.

“Hospitals should continue discussions in their regions to ensure that patient safety – and the safety of their workforce – is prioritized. I applaud all of the hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, doctors’ offices, dentists’ offices, physical therapists, and healthcare professionals that answered the call of duty and voluntarily closed their doors. It is impossible for me to adequately express my gratitude. And to all of the Georgians who waited on getting an important procedure to allow us to get on the other side of the curve, thank you. Your sacrifice saved lives.

“Given the favorable data, enhanced testing, and approval of our healthcare professionals, we will allow gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmetologists, hair designers, nail care artists, estheticians, their respective schools, and massage therapists to reopen their doors this Friday, April 24, 2020. Unlike other businesses, these entities have been unable to manage inventory, deal with payroll, and take care of administrative items while we shelter in place. This measure allows them to undertake baseline operations that most other businesses in the state have maintained since I issued the shelter-in-place order.

“This measure will apply statewide and will be the operational standard in all jurisdictions. This means local action cannot be taken that is more or less restrictive. Over the next few days, we will continue to closely monitor existing and potential hotspots in our state. I stay in regular contact with local leaders across Georgia, especially those in Dougherty County, to ensure that we are providing adequate support. Right now, in Albany and Dougherty County, we are starting to see improvements. I talk to Commission Chairman Chris Cohilas on a regular basis to see if further action is warranted. Rest assured, if any community needs the state to intervene, we will do so with their input and partnership.

“The next point is an important one. The entities that I am reopening are not reopening for ‘business as usual.’ Each of these entities will be subject to specific restrictions, including adherence to Minimum Basic Operations, social distancing, and regular sanitation. Minimum Basic Operations includes, but is not limited to, screening workers for fever and respiratory illness, enhancing workplace sanitation, wearing masks and gloves if appropriate, separating workspaces by at least six feet, teleworking where at all possible, and implementing staggered shifts.

“Subject to specific social distancing and sanitation mandates, theaters, private social clubs, and restaurant dine-in services will be allowed to reopen on Monday, April 27. We will release more information in the next few days. Bars, nightclubs, operators of amusement park rides, and live performance venues will remain closed. In the days ahead, we will be evaluating the data and conferring with public health officials to determine the best course of action for those establishments. By taking this measured action, we will get Georgians back to work safely without undermining the progress that we have all made in the battle against COVID-19.

“Today’s announcement is a small step forward and should be treated as such. The shelter in place order is still active and will expire at 11:59 PM on April 30 for most Georgians. We urge everyone to continue to follow CDC and DPH guidance by sheltering in place as often as you can. Limit your travel and limit who goes with you on errands to prevent potential exposure. If possible, wear face masks or cloth coverings when you are in public to slow the spread of coronavirus. For medically fragile and elderly Georgians, make plans to shelter in place at least through May 13 – the date Georgia’s Public Health Emergency expires. Given the heightened risk of adverse consequences from your exposure to coronavirus, this is the recommended – and safest – path forward. We will release more details as we near the end of the month so medically fragile and elderly Georgians will have adequate time to prepare. I continue to call on my fellow Georgians to protect our elderly, limit your direct contact, and help them navigate the weeks ahead. We’re helping my mom during this time to ensure that she doesn’t have to go out, and I urge Georgians to do the same for their loved ones if they’re able.

“Do what you can to help those in need. For places of worship, holding in-person services is allowed, but under Phase One guidelines, it must be done in accordance with strict social distancing protocols. I urge faith leaders to continue to help us in this effort and keep their congregations safe by heeding the advice of public health officials. Of course, online, call-in, or drive-in services remain good options for religious institutions.

“While I am encouraged by the data, proud of what we have accomplished, and confident of our plan moving forward, I know that the journey ahead is long. We must remain laser-focused on defeating this virus and keeping Georgians safe. We must find ways to revitalize communities devastated by COVID-19. We must identify opportunities for economic growth and prosperity.

“We will have tough conversations about the budget, state spending, and our priorities and values as a state. Those conversations are underway, and here’s what I know: if we remain united just as we have in this fight against COVID-19, we can overcome the challenges and obstacles ahead. But if we allow politics, partisanship, elections, and egos to divide us during this important inflection point, our entire state will suffer. So, as we begin this process – this measured, deliberate step forward – let’s reaffirm our commitment to each other, to the greater good, and to Georgia’s future.

“I am confident that together, we will emerge victorious from this war. With your help and God’s grace, we will build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous state for our families and generations to come. Thank you, and God Bless. Now, I’ll turn it over to Lieutenant Governor Duncan for brief remarks.”

Please consider financially supporting The GRIP.
The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it.
While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support.
Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623
All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift.
Thank you!

Photo courtesy of the Griffin-Spalding County School System

STAFF REPORT :::

The Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education on Tuesday night approved the appointment of Dr. Buford Tyrone Kellogg as principal of Griffin High School.

Kellogg’s appointment was approved during a virtual special called Board of Education meeting.

Kellogg has most recently served as principal of Putnam County High School for two years.

Prior to the Putnam County School System, he spent three years in the Dublin City School System where he held positions as an elementary assistant principal and high school principal, and four years in the Turner County School System where he served as an assistant high school principal.

Kellogg also served from 2007 to 2010 as the head basketball coach, athletic director and assistant principal at Randolph Clay High School.

He received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Paine College, a master’s degree from Jacksonville State University and specialist degree and doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University.

“I am very excited to have Dr. Kellogg come serve with the students and staff at Griffin High School,” said GSCSS Superintendent James D. Smith. “He impressed me as a man of integrity and caring, two traits highly desired in a school leader. All of us are looking forward to welcoming Dr. Kellogg to Griffin and continuing planning for the coming school year.”

Kellogg’s appointment will become effective July 6.

Please consider financially supporting The GRIP.
The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it.
While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support.
Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623
All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift.
Thank you!

Photo courtesy of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation

STAFF REPORT :::

A cooperative operation involving many law enforcement agencies from numerous jurisdictions resulted in the arrest of three men on drug related charges.

According to a press release issued by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), a series of search and arrest warrants were executed at separate Woodbury locations including 100 Country Club Road, 620 Country Club Road, 125 Bray Road and rooms 6 and 7 of the Kastle Inn located at 11501 E. Highway 85.

The warrants – related to the alleged distribution and trafficking of methamphetamine and cocaine – were executed at approximately 10 a.m. April 22, and included the GBI West Metro Regional Drug Enforcement Office along with the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office, Troup County Sheriff’s Office, Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, Upson County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force and Lagrange Police Department.

Officials say the investigation began in March 2020 and expanded, ultimately resulting in the seizure of methamphetamine with a street value of approximately $10,000, cocaine with a street value of approximately $5,000, a quantity of marijuana, three firearms and approximately $40,000 in U.S. currency.

Those arrested were Jerald Noel Bolen, age 35, of Woodbury, who was charged with conspiracy in trafficking methamphetamine, Lavor Mondrell Weaver, age 40, of Woodbury, who was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; and Demario Ferguson, age 39, of Woodbury, who was charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Bolen is being held in the Spalding County Jail, and Weaver and Ferguson are being held in the Meriwether County Jail.

Authorities say additional charges and arrests are pending.

Please consider financially supporting The GRIP.
The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it.
While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support.
Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623
All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift.
Thank you!

STAFF REPORT :::

The city of Griffin has established a COVID-19 Task Force to enforce Governor Brian Kemp’s “Reviving a Healthy Georgia” executive order that permits many businesses to reopen.

Kemp’s order outlines provisions and mandates how certain businesses, corporations, organizations and governments should conduct themselves during the remainder of the Governor’s Public Health State of Emergency, which will expire at 11:59 p.m. May 13.
Kemp authorized regulatory authorities, the Georgia Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement officers to enforce his executive order.

A press release issued by the city of Griffin stated, “The City of Griffin takes this pandemic very seriously and will enforce the Governor’s Order to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens and businesses. We have assembled a task force of enforcement personnel who will focus on education, spot checks, and if necessary, appropriate legal action. Uniformed officers have been trained on the Governor’s requirements and will be visiting local businesses and organizations to ensure measures are followed to protect our citizens.”

Griffin officials expressed appreciation for citizens’ patience and perseverance during this unique time in our history while also acknowledge the work of the city’s “amazing employees” who continue to steadfastly work around the clock to maintain a safe and secure environment for our citizens and visitors.

Local authorities say Griffin businesses and organizations have been most cooperative in maintaining required social distancing, enhanced hygiene and limiting of gatherings, and stress that in order to continue to protect our population, all must remain vigilant in our fight against this contagion.

“The City continues to urge citizens to avoid unnecessary travel by sheltering in place, to proactively engage in social distancing, and to ensure proper hygiene protocols are followed,” the release stated. “Thank you again for your conscientiousness and diligence as we make advances in the fight against COVID 19.”

By DR. BOB HAYDEN
Editorial columnist for The GRIP

“Hide and watch” is what we have been doing since the beginning of the COVID-19 lock down. It has been little comfort to realize we are “all in this together,” as many people have asserted. Though it may be true, when your income is gone, anxiety accumulates.

The battle against the virus has been characterized as a war. It is difficult to get information one can trust in a wartime atmosphere. Hiram W Johnson, a Republican from California, was elected to the United States Senate in 1917. Like most senators seem to do, he stayed there in the Senate until he died in 1945. He is credited with the original truism, “The first casualty when war comes is truth.” It has been variously worded since then by other commentators, but you recognize the sentiment.

The information that we get about the pandemic and the current state of it is a mixed bag. In The GRIP, our local Griffin news source, the editor has documented her own struggles in getting accurate facts. The information with which we are bombarded is not just fact, however, as it is mixed with emotion, opinion and political shading. All of this affects how we feel about the future – about our future.

The Chinese communist government has lied repeatedly and is still lying about this virus, its nature, the mode of transmission and the casualty rate. People who speak or attempt to speak the truth in communist China are murdered. The World Health Organization (WHO) has demonstrated a very close relationship with the Chinese government and lied on their behalf. Political correctness distorted everything we saw or heard, since it was “racist” even to discuss the origin, much less the cloud of disinformation perpetrated for political reasons.

One presidential candidate tried to brand Pres. Trump as “xenophobic” because he ordered a travel ban from China to protect Americans, but then the candidate thought it over and realized it was the right thing to do. At least he admitted it.

As a health care provider, I do not base my decisions on emotion, opinion or politics. I will look to science and cold, hard, verifiable data. I am more comfortable in that arena with clinical and business decisions.

So, what parameters do we watch in order to understand what is really happening around us? First, every pandemic surges and then subsides. We plot graphs based on the number of cases over time, the number of deaths over time, the number of people recovered over time, the amount of stress in the healthcare system over time, etc., and we look at these graphs for information or comfort. You have seen data presented this way on the television screens for over a month now.

We know that death rates lag behind the actual trend in the pandemic. Some people get sick and are still in the hospital as a pandemic subsides. So, following the death rate does not look like a good indicator. The total number of cases can be plotted in a graph over time. This can look frightening, but there are factors in the interpretation that need to be considered. There is lag time between verification of a coronavirus case by lab confirmation and the time that it is reported. Some of the cases being reported are actually old cases that are just now being put into the tally. This makes the total number of cases unreliable as an indicator of where we are in the pandemic.

To me, as a non-epidemiologist, the most important indicator to follow is the number of new cases. If new cases being confirmed are on the rise, then the pandemic is still on the upswing, and danger abounds. If the number of new cases is in decline, so is the course of the pandemic.

I urge you to look daily at the report from the Georgia Department of Public Health. Put this into your browser and market as a “favorite:” https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report. Scroll down to the bottom and look for a bar graph that tells you the number of daily confirmed new cases. If the trend there is favorable, we are on the tail end of the pandemic. Here are the numbers representing new cases and the number of deaths from 14 April to today:

April 14 – 843 new cases and 38 deaths

April 15 – 642 new cases and 26 deaths

April 16 – 700 new cases and 35 deaths

April 17 – 597 new cases and 18 deaths

April 18 – 286 new cases and 23 deaths

April 19 – 192 new cases and 31 deaths

April 20 – 330 new cases and 21 deaths

April 21 – 84 new cases and 12 deaths

April 22 – 10 new cases and one death

In just over one week, we have gone from 830 new cases in Georgia down to 10 new cases. The data from this tally lend strong support for Governor Kemp’s decision to begin leading Georgia into Phase 1 of reentry from the isolation of the pandemic. He is following the advice of one of the most reputable epidemiologists in the United States.

To be clear, the virus is still out there. It may even surge some as we relax our strict isolation. But we can go back to work safely if we do it with intelligence and using the right precautions.

Social distancing is still appropriate, as is handwashing, use of a mask in public, scrupulous disinfection of the environment, etc. If we do not get our economy gradually and progressively back on track, we will have a different kind of resuscitation ahead of us.

I have been very careful as a doctor and as a small business owner. I have taken precautions to protect my staff, my wife, and myself. I have been concerned like everyone else about what is happening. But I will not let emotions or anxiety make my decisions. I said early on in this crisis that when you are in a fog, you fly on instruments. Science should be our guide, not politics, emotion, or anything else.

So, I stand with my president and my governor: I believe the worst of this storm has passed us, and it is safe to go outside with precautions. Yes, there is some risk. But there is more risk in the destruction of the greatest economy the world has ever seen.

We have bought time by hiding and watching. The curves have flattened, and that has bought time for our health care system to adapt and provide world-class care under wartime stress. Hiding and watching has led to the low number of new cases cited above. The data show that this monster is weakened significantly.

I look forward to getting back to work. I miss our patients, my staff, the drama, the laughter, the challenges.

We will open Monday.

Publisher’s note: Editorial columns and letters to the editor that appear in The GRIP are the opinions of local residents, business owners and church leaders. These columns and letters reflect the writers’ opinions, which are not necessarily those of The GRIP staff. We welcome responses to these columns, letters and any articles published in The GRIP. Please send your signed responses in writing to sheila@the-grip.net.

STAFF REPORT :::

A Griffin man has been charged with aggravated assault after allegedly attacking his brother with a hammer at their 804 N.8^th St. residence.

According to the Griffin Police Department, Shquillee Gould sustained critical injuries – numerous deep lacerations to the head – in the attack.

Upon the arrival of GPD Officer Chris Conaway, the suspect was reportedly identified by a witness, Lisa Sanders.

“The suspect Mr. Shaun Gould saw Ofc. Conaway and took off running on foot,” reported Officer John Kelton, who stated a third GPD officer located Gould running on Lexington Avenue, where he was taken into custody.

Kelton reported that when he arrived at the residence, Shquillee Gould stated his brother, Shaun, had struck him several times in the head, but he was unable to identify the object used.

“Mr. Shquillee had several deep lacerations in his head and was not able to effectively communicate to me as to what happened,” Kelton said.

Sanders’ said the assault followed a dispute over use of the bathroom.

“I then spoke to the witness Ms. Lisa Sanders who stated that Mr. Shaun was in the restroom inside the house and she needed to use it. Mr. Shaun would not come out so her boyfriend Mr. Shquillee stepped in and tried to get Mr. Shaun out of the restroom,” Kelton said. “He still would not come out so Mr. Shquillee tried to open the door to get inside. Mr. Shaun and Mr. Shquillee then began to tussle over the door pushing it back and forth. Mr. Shaun then came out of the bathroom with a hammer in his hand and started hitting Mr. Shquillee in the head several times (sic all).”

Officials say the attack occurred in the presence of two young children – a ten-year-old little boy and a toddler.

The ten-year-old child was so near the attack that he had blood spatter on his face.
The presence of the children resulted in Shuan Gould also being charged with cruelty to children.

Shquillee Gould was treated at the scene by WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital Emergency Medical Services. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was subsequently transported by air ambulance to the trauma unit of Atlanta Medical Center.

Shaun Gould remains in the Spalding County Jail.

Please consider financially supporting The GRIP.
The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it.
While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support.
Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623
All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift.
Thank you!

STAFF REPORT :::

The shelter-in-place order covering Georgia residents will expire tonight at 11:59 p.m., but Governor Brian Kemp announced today he has extended that order for some individuals.

Kemp urged Georgians to continue staying home “whenever possible” as he thanked all for affording officials the time to bolster the state’s health care infrastructure as it flattened the curve.

“We were successful in these efforts, but the fight is far from over,” Kemp said. “In accordance with our executive orders, businesses across the Peach State must continue to operate with strict social distancing and sanitation rules to keep customers and employees safe through May 13, 2020. Those rules vary by business type for a measured, health-driven approach.”

Kemp then said he is extending the executive order requiring certain vulnerable populations to continue to shelter-at-home until June 12.

“The health and well-being of Georgians are my top priorities, and my decisions are based on data and advice from health officials. I will do what is necessary to protect the lives – and livelihoods – of our people. I will formally extend our public health state of emergency through June 12, 2020 to continue enhanced testing across Georgia, ramp up contact tracing, and maintain effective emergency response operations in every region,” Kemp said. “To protect vulnerable populations, I will sign an order today requiring medically fragile and elderly Georgians to continue to shelter in place through June 12, 2020. In addition, I will order long-term care facilities – including nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted living facilities, and similar community living homes – to utilize enhanced infection control protocols, ensure safer living conditions, and protect residents and staff from coronavirus exposure. Together, we will defeat this virus and emerge stronger. Thank you, and God Bless.”

Please consider financially supporting The GRIP.
The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it.
While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support.
Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623
All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift.
Thank you!

STAFF REPORT :::

Traditional graduation ceremonies for the Griffin-Spalding Class of 2020 will be held June 25 and 26.

The announcement made Wednesday by Griffin-Spalding County School System Superintendent Jim Smith followed the tabulation of results from a graduation survey sent to local seniors and their parents and guardians. The results were presented to school system officials by Dr. Donald Warren, executive director of secondary education, who headed the Graduation Task Force.

“The survey closed last week Tuesday April 21 at midnight. We sincerely appreciate all seniors and parents and guardians from A.Z. Kelsey, Griffin High School and Spalding High School who provided their input regarding graduation ceremonies,” Smith said before announcing the results of 611 survey responses.

Respondents overwhelmingly preferred a traditional graduation ceremony with 89 percent rejecting a virtual graduation.

The month most preferred for the graduation ceremony was June, which received 43 percent of the votes, with July coming in second with 38 percent and August rounding it out with 19 percent.

“Therefore, to honor survey results, the Griffin-Spalding County School System will honor the Class of 2020 in May and is planning to hold baccalaureate and graduation activities during the last week in June,” Smith said.

The baccalaureate service for A.Z. Kelsey will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 24 at First Assembly of God and the graduation ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 25 in Griffin Auditorium.

Griffin High School’s baccalaureate will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 24 at First Assembly of God with the graduation ceremony to take place at 7 p.m. Friday, June 26 in Memorial Stadium.

Spalding High School baccalaureate service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 21 in First Baptist Church and the graduation ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25 in Memorial Stadium.

In the event of inclement weather, both Griffin and Spalding high schools’ graduation ceremonies will be held inside each school’s gymnasium.

“The GSCS Graduation Task Force will meet on June 10 to review current CDC and Georgia Public Health guidelines for public gatherings, crowd sizes and locations to make a final determination if we can proceed with our plans for graduation activities the last week in June,” Smith said. “If the district determines it is appropriate to conduct traditional graduation ceremonies, each school will issue the number of baccalaureate and graduation tickets adhering to CDC and Georgia Public Health social distancing guidelines to keep all attendees safe regardless of the event’s location.”

Should it be determined the graduation ceremonies should not be held in June, alternate dates in July will be considered. The Graduation Task Force would then meet again in early July to determine if a traditional graduation ceremony would be appropriate and to determine how it should proceed compliant to public health guidelines.

If officials determine the traditional graduation ceremony should not be held in July, GSCSS leaders will schedule it before December, which has been identified as the final alternate month to hold 2020 graduation ceremonies.

“I want to thank you for your patience as we work through the planning process keeping your child, your family and our staff’s health and safety in mind. Student senior leaders, high school staff and administrators, as well as our district leadership are working tirelessly to ensure that the Class of 2020 is honored and celebrated,” Smith said.  “As you see above, we are working to provide two opportunities to conduct our traditional graduation activities this summer, in June or July depending on health and safety considerations, before moving to our fallback plan in December.”

The Class of 2020 is also being honored online. Please visit www.spaldingk12.ga.us to view the Destination Graduation page. Seniors and parents are also encouraged to add photos on social media using #DestinationGraduation and #GSCSGrad2020.

Please consider financially supporting The GRIP.
The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it.
While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support.
Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623
All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift.
Thank you!

STAFF REPORT :::

Ben Miller Jr. has been appointed to serve as a Superior Court judge in the Griffin Judicial Circuit.

Miller’s appointment by Governor Brian Kemp will fill the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Mack Crawford.

“In a competitive selection process, Ben Miller, Jr. clearly stood out among the candidates, and I am honored to appoint him to serve on the Griffin Judicial Circuit Superior Court. He has the right credentials, temperament, and willingness to serve, and I know that he will excel as a member of the Judiciary,” Kemp said.

Miller earned a bachelor’s degree from North Georgia College and a law degree from John Marshall Law School. He has served as an attorney, solicitor, juvenile court judge pro tempore, municipal court judge, associate juvenile court judge and is the presiding judge of Spalding County Juvenile Court.

He is a member of the Sixth Judicial District Alternative Dispute Resolution Board of Directors, Spalding County Collaborative Board of Directors, Thomaston-Upson Arts Council, Upson Historical Society and Thomaston First United Methodist Church. He is also a founding member of the Thomaston-Upson Community Foundation Inc. and the chairman of the Upson-Pike Eagle Scout Review Board. He and his family reside in Thomaston.

Please consider financially supporting The GRIP.
The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it.
While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support.
Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623
All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift.
Thank you!

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Spalding County residents will soon be able to resume disposing of yard waste at the Carver Road refuse collection center.

The container designated for that use was erroneously removed Sunday.

In a Tuesday afternoon interview, County Manager William Wilson initially said it was removed at the wish of the Board of Commissioners.

“I’ll have to check, but I think the commissioners said remove bulky and lawn waste,” Wilson said when asked why the yard waste container had been removed. “I know that was staff’s recommendation.”

However, Wilson later apologized and said that container would be returned.

“Staff’s original recommendation was to discontinue yard waste collections, too, but it was not in BOC’s (Board of Commissioners) motion,” he said. “I miscommunicated to (the) solid waste department to remove all containers. Yard waste container will be placed back at Carver Road Collection Center this week. Sorry for the confusion.”

Please consider financially supporting The GRIP.
The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it.
While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support.
Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623
All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift.
Thank you!

Photo courtesy of the Griffin-Spalding County School System

STAFF REPORT :::

Byron Jones has been appointed as chief financial officer (CFO) of the Griffin-Spalding County School System. His appointment was approved by Board of Education members during the May 5 virtual meeting.

Jones was previously employed by the Glynn County Board of Education where he served as its CFO for four months.

Prior to that position, he served as the CFO for the Troup County Board of Education for seven years, and for seven years as the assistant superintendent of finance and operations for the Meriwether County Board of Education.

He also worked for three years as the director of finance and administration for the city of Opelika Housing Authority and as an accountant and assistant manager for Kroger.

Jones received a bachelor’s degree in business accounting from LaGrange College and a master’s degree in public accounting from the University of Georgia and the University of West Georgia.

“I am very excited to welcome Byron Jones to GSCS,” said GSCSS Superintendent James Smith. “I am confident that his experience and passion for serving our students and staff will be an asset to our district.”

Please consider financially supporting The GRIP.
The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it.
While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support.
Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623
All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift.
Thank you!

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Griffin City Manager Kenny Smith stands firmly behind the officers assigned to the city’s COVID-19 Enforcement Task Force.

Despite online complaints by some local business owners and residents, Smith said the Task Force has his support in ongoing efforts to mitigate potential negative affect of the novel coronavirus.

“I am one of 22 members of the Georgia Municipal Association advisory committee related to COVID-19, and I have heard the voice of the city manager in Albany and other officials throughout the state,” Smith said. “I have heard the voices of Albany officials and others who are in terrible positions and I’m doing everything I can to prevent that here.”

Smith reiterated that his goal is clear.

“I’m doing everything I can to prevent Griffin from becoming a hotspot,” he said. “I’m taking the Governor’s directives seriously. The governor has said that if people are going to open, this is what they’re going to do, and that’s what they’re going to do.”

He did acknowledge having received input from those who are concerned about the Enforcement Task Force’s.

“I’ve gotten calls and emails about people’s concerns,” he said.

When asked about business owners who have reported Enforcement Task Force visits multiple times in one business day, Smith said, “I haven’t been called on by any, so the Task Force, the guys that have been assigned to do that, they could have possibly been in one business more than once in one day. And there’s no reason they shouldn’t. Just because you’re  in compliance now doesn’t mean you will be in 15 minutes.”

The COVID-19 Enforcement Task Force is comprised of four city employees – two each from the Griffin Police Department and Griffin Fire-Rescue – the fire marshal and fire inspector, specifically.

Smith said all four were thoroughly trained on guidelines established by Governor Brian Kemp. He described those guidelines as “voluminous.”

“This was not some willy-nilly group going out halfcocked. It was a group of reasonable and mature officers who were thoroughly trained,” Smith said. “They were to go out and train and enforce.”

He also responded to one complaint expressed on social media stating that a Task Force member declined to allow a local salon to check his temperature when he arrived to inspect the business.

“They take their temperature every morning before they start out. We have them checked at the beginning of the day, so no, they weren’t going to have their temperature checked every time they walked into a business,” Smith said. “I wasn’t going to make them be checked every time they walked in a business.”

He said he did not believe such measures were necessary.

“I don’t know if the governor’s order said salons had to check temperatures. I know gyms did, but not salons…best I can recall, salons were not required to by the governor’s order,” he said.

Smith then reviewed the Kemp’s guidelines regarding temperature checks.

“The governor’s order does not say about salons checking temperatures,” he confirmed.

One other concern he addressed is the allegation that local Task Force members are requiring businesses conform to requirements that exceed Kemp’s directives, namely requiring spacing of workstations ten feet apart rather than the six feet at least one salon owner stated was required.

After checking that guideline, Smith said Task Force members are correct in requiring distancing of ten feet as that is the distance required by the Governor’s directive.

Smith said the city’s COVID-19 Enforcement Task Force will continue to inspect local businesses for the immediate future but did not have a precise guideline for how long they may continue.

“I’m not sure At least through the end of the Governor’s order, but we’ll see before this order expires,” he said. “They’re working all hours, seven days a week. Not 24 hours, they’re working staggered hours. It just depends on whose out at the time. Whenever businesses are open is when we’re out there. We’re basically out there from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. when businesses are open, but they’re subject to be there any time,” he said, adding that the Task Force is not unfairly targeting smaller, locally-owned businesses. “We’re being consistent across the board with all businesses based on the governor’s orders.
Naturally, Walmart, Lowes and Home depot are bigger facilities, so more people can be in there. Most mom and pop businesses square footage is smaller. We’re enforcing fairly based on the square footage of the business.”

Please consider financially supporting The GRIP.
The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it.
While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support.
Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623
All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift.
Thank you!

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

A juvenile was shot Saturday evening in an incident on Hammock Street.

Officers at 7:41 responded to a call at 608 Hammock St., and the GPD Criminal Investigation Division remains on scene as of this report.

GPD Public Information Officer Lt. Daniel Jett said he was unable to confirm the juvenile’s condition.

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

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

A 12-year-old Griffin boy has died after being stuck by gunfire in a Saturday night shooting.

The Griffin Police Department responded to a call involving a juvenile shot at 7:41 p.m.

PIO Lt. Daniel Jett later confirmed to The GRIP the child did not survive.

Investigators of the GPD Criminal Investigation Division remain on scene at 608 Hammock Drive.

When asked if this incident involved a drive by shooting, Jett said, “It does not appear to be at this time.”

This is an active investigation and Jett said no suspects are currently in custody.

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

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The shooting death of a 12-year-old boy remains under investigation by the Griffin Police Department.

The boy was killed Saturday night in the 600 block of Hammock Drive.

GPD Public Information Office Lt. Daniel Jett on Sunday said investigators are not yet releasing the victim’s name.

“I cannot confirm that,” he said regarding the child’s name. “At this time we are awaiting forensic interviews on juvenile witnesses before we release any further information.”

The child’s death is being investigated as a homicide, but Jett said an accidental shooting has not been ruled out.

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

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The Griffin Police Department has determined the 12-year-old boy who was killed by gunfire Saturday night was shot by his five-year-old brother.

The young boy, who sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, received CPR from the first GPD officers at the scene before the arrival of emergency medical services personnel.
The victim was transported to WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital where he died.

Officers of the GPD Criminal Investigation Division immediately responded and began to piece together several rumors and witness’ accounts.

According to a press release issued Sunday evening, it was soon learned the shooting may have been related to a previous GPD investigation.

“Early in the investigation it was discovered that previously that day, Uniformed Patrol Officers had attempted to effect a traffic stop in the area but the individuals fled behind houses in close proximity to where this shooting occurred some two or more hours later. As UPD officers searched the area they found a bag of suspected MDMA and recovered it where it was turned in for examination. A weapon was not found at that time (sic all),” the release stated. “UPD Officers later made contact with the suspected driver of the fleeing vehicle who provided them with information relative to the investigation.”

Sunday afternoon, two siblings of the shooting victim – one five-years-old and the other seven-years-old – both of whom were present at the time of the shooting, were forensically interviewed at the Southern Crescent Sexual Assault Center, which specializes in interviewing children.

Authorities say that interview produced an “extensive corroborative statement” by the five-year-old indicating he had found the firearm used in the shooting in a wooded area near the location of the shooting, which was in proximity to where GPD officers had located the suspected bag of MDMA one day prior.

Thinking the firearm was a toy, the five-year-old discharged the weapon, striking his brother in the chest.

Evidence and witness accounts are consistent with the five-year-old’s account.

Officials say GPD investigators have now shifted the focus of the investigation to locating those suspected of abandoning the firearm.

The weapon will be sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab for touch DNA analysis in an effort to identify who previously possessed and touched the weapon. The child’s clothing will also be submitted to the GBI Crime Lab for potential gunshot residue analysis, at the GBI’s discretion.

“The Griffin Police Department continues to investigate this case and all information has not been obtained but the facts and circumstances discovered lead to a strong hypothesis, substantiated by evidence that this incident is a tragic accident,” the press release stated. “We will diligently pursue and charge any other parties responsible for the actions leading up to the apparent abandonment of this weapon allowing for access by these innocent children. Our hearts cry out for this family during this time of tragic loss.”

“We will leave no stone unturned as we search for the individuals responsible for the abandonment of this weapon,” said GPD Chief Mike Yates.

STAFF REPORT :::

Two people were injured – one seriously – in a shooting Sunday afternoon on Kentucky Avenue.

Officers of the Griffin Police Department responded to the call at approximately 1:30 p.m. and rendered aid to the victims, one a 16-years-old male, until the arrival of emergency medical services personnel.

Due to the nature of his wounds, that victim was transported by air ambulance to Atlanta Medical Center.

He is listed in serious, but stable condition.

A second victim, Perderius Stewart, sustained minor injuries.

Investigators allege the shooting resulted from a dispute over money.

Multiple witnesses were interviewed, and search warrants were executed, resulting in three arrests.

Dequavious Holland, age 20, and Brandon Holland, age 22, both of Griffin, have each been charged with two counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Jabre’a Maddox, age 18, also of Griffin, has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault.

The Griffin Police Department received assistance in this investigation from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Troup County Sheriff’s Office and the Lagrange Police Department.

Authorities say this investigation is ongoing and further arrests are possible.

STAFF REPORT :::

A third shooting in as many days left two Griffin homes damaged by gunfire. A family including two children was home when one of the residences was struck.

Officers of the Griffin Police Department Uniform Patrol Division responded at approximately 2:39 a.m. to one of the residences located at 117 Crawford St.

“Upon arrival, I met with Laurita Fuller and Gerald Robinson, who stated that they heard approximately 8 to 10 shots possibly from two different firearms,” reported Officer Chris Conaway. “Mr. Robinson advised that a round had entered the back side of the home and traveled into the bathroom. Mr. Robinson showed to me what appeared to be a .223 caliber round that he had retrieved from the shower.”

Afterward, Fuller escorted Conaway outside, showing him where the projectile appeared to have struck a wooden privacy fence in her backyard before entering the residence.

Fuller reported her two children were home when the shooting occurred.

Conaway reported he had other UPD units check the residences behind Fuller’s home.
“I was advised by radio that 114 Blanton Ave. had been hit multiple times. The projectile which had struck the residence located at 117 Crawford St. had traveled through the 114 Blanton Ave. residence, struck the fence, traveled through it and into the 117 Crawford St. residence,” Conaway stated. “114 Banton Ave. was struck multiple times damaging the windows and outside structure of the home.”

The owner of 114 Blanton Ave. was not home when the shooting occurred.

Authorities say spent shell casings allegedly from a rifle and handgun were located across the street between two neighboring homes.

No injuries were reported in this shooting which remains under investigation.
A 12-year-old boy was shot and killed by his five-year-old brother Saturday evening when the younger boy reportedly found a gun officials believe was discarded during a foot pursuit earlier that day involving Griffin officers.

On Sunday, a 16-year-old boy was critically wounded by gunfire on Kentucky Avenue. Investigators allege that shooting resulted from a dispute over money. Three suspects are in custody related to that shooting.

Please consider financially supporting The GRIP.
The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it.
While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support.
Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623
All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift.
Thank you!