A low-cost vaccine clinic for dogs and cats is scheduled for two hours on Tuesday, April 1, at the Barrow County animal shelter at 610 Barrow Park Drive. The clinic was scheduled by the county government to help deal with an outbreak of rabies in the Winder area.
The CatSnip clinic will be open from 12:30-2:30 p.m., and no appointments are necessary. But dogs must be on a leash, and cats must be in cat-specific carriers, according to the notice distributed to the media.
The clinic's cost for a one-year rabies vaccine is $13 and a three-year vaccine $17. Other annual vaccines and discounted flea and heart-worm prevention products also will be available. For information, call 770-455-7077.
Public Safety Archives
Low-cost rabies vaccine clinic April 1
Monday, March 31. 2014
Barrow teacher indicted by feds on kiddie porn
Tuesday, March 25. 2014
A Westside Middle School teacher who for the past two school years has taught students how to use technology was indicted last week by a federal grand jury for allegedly using his home computer to view child pornography.
William Kimbrell, 27, was indicted March 18, which was one day after he resigned his teaching position. Westside administrators learned of the federal investigation on March 13 and placed him on administrative leave the following morning. He resigned March 17 and the Barrow County Board of Education at a called meeting March 19 confirmed his resignation.
“The school and district have cooperated with law enforcement in regards to this matter,” said superintendent Wanda Creel in a statement to the newspaper.
Kimbrell, a May 2012 graduate of Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, was hired by Barrow County schools in August 2012 to teach “technology communications.”
For the full story, see the March 26th issue of the Barrow Journal.
William Kimbrell, 27, was indicted March 18, which was one day after he resigned his teaching position. Westside administrators learned of the federal investigation on March 13 and placed him on administrative leave the following morning. He resigned March 17 and the Barrow County Board of Education at a called meeting March 19 confirmed his resignation.
“The school and district have cooperated with law enforcement in regards to this matter,” said superintendent Wanda Creel in a statement to the newspaper.
Kimbrell, a May 2012 graduate of Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, was hired by Barrow County schools in August 2012 to teach “technology communications.”
For the full story, see the March 26th issue of the Barrow Journal.
Rabies outbreak: Multiple cases reported
Wednesday, March 12. 2014
Animal control officials are urging local pet owners to make sure their animals are up-to-date on rabies vaccines after an outbreak of the deadly virus in Winder over the past week.
Barrow County Animal Control’s staff cannot recall the county ever having multiple cases of rabies in such a short period of time.
Madison County is the only other county in the Northeast Health District that has reported any cases of rabies this year, and they were in two skunks.
But in Winder, two raccoons tested positive for the virus last week in back-to-back incidents only a mile apart — Tuesday on Meadowbrook Drive and Wednesday on Hidden Court.
Then on Sunday and Monday of this week, two homeowners on the same side of town had frightening encounters with skunks that likely had rabies, but managed to avoid capture and testing.
Jimmy Terrell, the interim director of Barrow County’s Animal Control, said Tuesday in a statement to the media that there have been “a number of skunk sightings” in the West Midland Avenue area lately. He asked anyone seeing a skunk or finding skunk remains to call 770-307-3012.
For the full story, see the March 12 issue of the Barrow Journal.
Barrow County Animal Control’s staff cannot recall the county ever having multiple cases of rabies in such a short period of time.
Madison County is the only other county in the Northeast Health District that has reported any cases of rabies this year, and they were in two skunks.
But in Winder, two raccoons tested positive for the virus last week in back-to-back incidents only a mile apart — Tuesday on Meadowbrook Drive and Wednesday on Hidden Court.
Then on Sunday and Monday of this week, two homeowners on the same side of town had frightening encounters with skunks that likely had rabies, but managed to avoid capture and testing.
Jimmy Terrell, the interim director of Barrow County’s Animal Control, said Tuesday in a statement to the media that there have been “a number of skunk sightings” in the West Midland Avenue area lately. He asked anyone seeing a skunk or finding skunk remains to call 770-307-3012.
For the full story, see the March 12 issue of the Barrow Journal.
Raccoon tests positive for rabies after fight with cat
Thursday, March 6. 2014
Barrow County’s first case of rabies this year was confirmed earlier this week after a raccoon tangled with a family cat in a yard off Meadowbrook Drive in Winder.
“A resident on Meadowbrook Drive in Winder near the (Winder-Barrow) high school shot and killed the raccoon after it was involved in a fight with the homeowner’s cat,” said interim animal control director Jimmy Terrell in an email to the Barrow Journal.
The large orange colored cat ran from the scene after the raccoon was killed, and officials at WBHS and the Winder Police Department were notified.
Then on Wednesday the state lab confirmed that the dead raccoon had tested positive for rabies. And the cat’s owner managed to get his pet back. But the cat was not current on its rabies vaccination; so it was transported by animal control officers to the Barrow County Animal Shelter where “it will be evaluated and a decision will be made on the status of the cat,” Terrell said.
“A resident on Meadowbrook Drive in Winder near the (Winder-Barrow) high school shot and killed the raccoon after it was involved in a fight with the homeowner’s cat,” said interim animal control director Jimmy Terrell in an email to the Barrow Journal.
The large orange colored cat ran from the scene after the raccoon was killed, and officials at WBHS and the Winder Police Department were notified.
Then on Wednesday the state lab confirmed that the dead raccoon had tested positive for rabies. And the cat’s owner managed to get his pet back. But the cat was not current on its rabies vaccination; so it was transported by animal control officers to the Barrow County Animal Shelter where “it will be evaluated and a decision will be made on the status of the cat,” Terrell said.
Barrow men nabbed in sex sting
Wednesday, March 5. 2014
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says two local men have been arrested after allegedly traveling to meet children for sex.
Richard Roger Tumlin, 49, was arrested Friday and booked into the DeKalb County Detention Center. He was released Monday after paying a $25,000 bond.
Kennith Samuel Walker, 48, was arrested Saturday and released from the same facility on Sunday after paying a $25,000 bond.
They were among 14 suspects arrested in a four-day sweep across North Georgia by agencies participating in an undercover operation the GBI dubbed “Operation Broken Heart."
For the full story, read the March 5 edition of the Barrow Journal.
Richard Roger Tumlin, 49, was arrested Friday and booked into the DeKalb County Detention Center. He was released Monday after paying a $25,000 bond.
Kennith Samuel Walker, 48, was arrested Saturday and released from the same facility on Sunday after paying a $25,000 bond.
They were among 14 suspects arrested in a four-day sweep across North Georgia by agencies participating in an undercover operation the GBI dubbed “Operation Broken Heart."
For the full story, read the March 5 edition of the Barrow Journal.
The hunt is on... Who killed local donkey?
Wednesday, February 19. 2014
Someone on Saturday used a high-powered rifle to kill a pet donkey on a local family’s farm and now the hunter is the one being hunted.
Raymond Garrett said Tuesday that he has hired a private investigator to track down the shooter, and he also is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the person’s identity and possible arrest.
“I’ve got two grandchildren — a 14-year-old grandson and a 10-year-old granddaughter,” Garrett said. “They fed him bread every day. That really upset them. And I’ve got two more donkeys and I don’t want them killed.”
Garrett’s daughter, Tonya Crowe, is a teacher at Apalachee High School. She said Tuesday that the donkey was killed in an area that family members use.
“He was killed in a part of our pasture that we are in a lot,” she said. “My kids play there. We feed the cattle there.”
Neighbors also go into that area interacting with the livestock.
Said Crowe: “All of our cattle and donkeys are friendly. Many of the cows eat out of our hands and several neighbors feed them also. Bonnie was the most cautious of the donkeys, but he was part of the herd. I’ve always felt safest at home, and now I do not feel safe.”
Raymond Garrett said Tuesday that he has hired a private investigator to track down the shooter, and he also is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the person’s identity and possible arrest.
“I’ve got two grandchildren — a 14-year-old grandson and a 10-year-old granddaughter,” Garrett said. “They fed him bread every day. That really upset them. And I’ve got two more donkeys and I don’t want them killed.”
Garrett’s daughter, Tonya Crowe, is a teacher at Apalachee High School. She said Tuesday that the donkey was killed in an area that family members use.
“He was killed in a part of our pasture that we are in a lot,” she said. “My kids play there. We feed the cattle there.”
Neighbors also go into that area interacting with the livestock.
Said Crowe: “All of our cattle and donkeys are friendly. Many of the cows eat out of our hands and several neighbors feed them also. Bonnie was the most cautious of the donkeys, but he was part of the herd. I’ve always felt safest at home, and now I do not feel safe.”
GDOT: Black ice a threat this morning
Friday, February 14. 2014
PUBLIC SAFETY PRESS RELEASE
4 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14, 2014
From the Georgia Department of Transportation:
GAINESVILLE, GA. – Perilous roadway conditions are possible this morning as refreezing occurred overnight and black ice is a threat across the Northeast Georgia Region, especially on bridges. If you can wait, please do not travel until after the sun rises and temperatures get above freezing to minimize your chance of encountering black ice.
Crews are removing the slush and excess gravel from state routes and interstates throughout the region. Georgia DOT received reports of icing at the following locations and crews are working these areas as available;
· Barrow County SR 211 at Wilbanks
· Clarke County - SR 10/US 78 at Lexington Heights
· Elbert County - SR 77 at Elmhurst Drive, SR 368 at SR 77
· Forsyth County – SR 20 at Bethelview Rd
· Gwinnett County – SR 120 at I-85
· Hall County - SR 53/Winder Hwy from Youngblood Rd to SR 211, SR 53/Mundy Mill Rd @ Frontage Rd and SR 60 at Aviation Blvd and SR 52 at Magnolia Station Dr.
· Madison County - SR 8/us 29 at Joe Graham Rd
“Our crews are working diligently in every county to remove ice, slush and the remaining gravel from the roadways and provide safe travel on interstates and state routes. My biggest concern is last night’s refreezing created black ice. Icing can occur quickly on bridges – be very attentive as you approach a bridge, slowing down to half your normal speed. Do not use the gas or brake pedals. Remember, if you see an area that looks like water on the road or bridge – it is ice! Please wait until after the sun comes up and temperatures rise before you drive if possible,” asks Bayne Smith, Georgia DOT District Engineer.
Georgia DOT continues to coordinate with all state agencies at the Emergency Operations Center and Special Operations Center which will remain active throughout this winter storm event.
Georgia DOT urges travelers to exercise caution and call 511 for updated information on roadway conditions before getting on the road during a winter weather event. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, including winter weather closures, reports of icing or other hazardous conditions on interstates and state routes. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org. For more information on Georgia DOT, please visit www.dot.ga.gov or subscribe to our Press Release RSS feed. You also may follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GDOTNE ) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/GDOTNE).
4 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14, 2014
From the Georgia Department of Transportation:
GAINESVILLE, GA. – Perilous roadway conditions are possible this morning as refreezing occurred overnight and black ice is a threat across the Northeast Georgia Region, especially on bridges. If you can wait, please do not travel until after the sun rises and temperatures get above freezing to minimize your chance of encountering black ice.
Crews are removing the slush and excess gravel from state routes and interstates throughout the region. Georgia DOT received reports of icing at the following locations and crews are working these areas as available;
· Barrow County SR 211 at Wilbanks
· Clarke County - SR 10/US 78 at Lexington Heights
· Elbert County - SR 77 at Elmhurst Drive, SR 368 at SR 77
· Forsyth County – SR 20 at Bethelview Rd
· Gwinnett County – SR 120 at I-85
· Hall County - SR 53/Winder Hwy from Youngblood Rd to SR 211, SR 53/Mundy Mill Rd @ Frontage Rd and SR 60 at Aviation Blvd and SR 52 at Magnolia Station Dr.
· Madison County - SR 8/us 29 at Joe Graham Rd
“Our crews are working diligently in every county to remove ice, slush and the remaining gravel from the roadways and provide safe travel on interstates and state routes. My biggest concern is last night’s refreezing created black ice. Icing can occur quickly on bridges – be very attentive as you approach a bridge, slowing down to half your normal speed. Do not use the gas or brake pedals. Remember, if you see an area that looks like water on the road or bridge – it is ice! Please wait until after the sun comes up and temperatures rise before you drive if possible,” asks Bayne Smith, Georgia DOT District Engineer.
Georgia DOT continues to coordinate with all state agencies at the Emergency Operations Center and Special Operations Center which will remain active throughout this winter storm event.
Georgia DOT urges travelers to exercise caution and call 511 for updated information on roadway conditions before getting on the road during a winter weather event. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, including winter weather closures, reports of icing or other hazardous conditions on interstates and state routes. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org. For more information on Georgia DOT, please visit www.dot.ga.gov or subscribe to our Press Release RSS feed. You also may follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GDOTNE ) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/GDOTNE).
Schools out until Tuesday; GDOT asks public to wait until midday Friday to resume travel
Thursday, February 13. 2014
Barrow County schools will be closed for the fourth straight day on Friday due to road conditions. Then on Monday schools will be closed again for the scheduled President's Day holiday — giving students and staff a full week off.
In addition, the offices of the county government will delay opening Friday morning until 10 a.m., according to an announcement by the county clerk. And Auburn's city offices will open at 9 a.m. Friday.
Meanwhile, the Georgia Department of Transportation is asking the public to watch out for crews and equipment on the state's highways and interstates.
“Please slow down and be cautious around our equipment as we finalize clean-up from the storm,” Georgia DOT Communications Director Karlene Barron asked.
Temperatures will be below freezing tonight and any moisture remaining on roadways will refreeze, creating dangerous black ice, she said.
"Thus, the Department continues to encourage the public to refrain from unnecessary traveling until midday, tomorrow, when temperatures are expected to reach 50 degrees," the press release states.
In addition, the offices of the county government will delay opening Friday morning until 10 a.m., according to an announcement by the county clerk. And Auburn's city offices will open at 9 a.m. Friday.
Meanwhile, the Georgia Department of Transportation is asking the public to watch out for crews and equipment on the state's highways and interstates.
“Please slow down and be cautious around our equipment as we finalize clean-up from the storm,” Georgia DOT Communications Director Karlene Barron asked.
Temperatures will be below freezing tonight and any moisture remaining on roadways will refreeze, creating dangerous black ice, she said.
"Thus, the Department continues to encourage the public to refrain from unnecessary traveling until midday, tomorrow, when temperatures are expected to reach 50 degrees," the press release states.
Pax winding down, leaving messy roads behind
Thursday, February 13. 2014
Winter Storm Pax may be moving out, but it has left a mess on local roads. So Barrow County Emergency Services is asking local residents to continue staying off roadways.
"With all the sleet, freezing rain and snow that fell over the last two days, the roadways are covered and in bad shape," said Lt. Scott Dakin. "We are strongly advising citizens that if they get out on the roadways, they are still doing so at their own risk."
County road crews are back out on the roads plowing and spreading salt, but it is going to take time for conditions to improve enough to make the roads safe for travel, he said.
"With temperatures not expected to rise above freezing before noon, we are not going to get the melting effect to assist in clearing the roads," Dakin said. "Then tonight we will drop below freezing again; so you will want to monitor conditions before deciding what to do on Friday."
According to Barrow County Emergency Services Interim Chief John Skinner, the county's Emergency Operations Center will start closing around noon.
Though some local residents did not heed public safety warnings about staying off the roads, the vast majority did.
"With the roadways in the shape they were in overnight this could have been a catastrophic storm that would have been historical; instead it was handled easily by the staff we had on," he said.
"With all the sleet, freezing rain and snow that fell over the last two days, the roadways are covered and in bad shape," said Lt. Scott Dakin. "We are strongly advising citizens that if they get out on the roadways, they are still doing so at their own risk."
County road crews are back out on the roads plowing and spreading salt, but it is going to take time for conditions to improve enough to make the roads safe for travel, he said.
"With temperatures not expected to rise above freezing before noon, we are not going to get the melting effect to assist in clearing the roads," Dakin said. "Then tonight we will drop below freezing again; so you will want to monitor conditions before deciding what to do on Friday."
According to Barrow County Emergency Services Interim Chief John Skinner, the county's Emergency Operations Center will start closing around noon.
Though some local residents did not heed public safety warnings about staying off the roads, the vast majority did.
"With the roadways in the shape they were in overnight this could have been a catastrophic storm that would have been historical; instead it was handled easily by the staff we had on," he said.
Barrow emergency operations center: 'Strongly, strongly, strongly advising to stay home'
Wednesday, February 12. 2014
Barrow County Emergency Services Chief is issuing a warning to all citizens about all county roads in Barrow.
"As the Emergency Management Agency Director it is my duty to warn citizens of the worsening road conditions throughout the county," stated Chief John Skinner. "We are telling citizens to stay off the roads tonight, and into Thursday afternoon. If you do travel you must realize it is at your own risk."
A coordination of all agencies involved in the Emergency Operation Center (EOC), including law enforcement agencies and public works departments, has determined that as of 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, county roads have deteriorated to the point that they are very treacherous and quickly becoming impassable. Barrow County Roads and Bridges as well as several municipality public works departments have been plowing and treating roads and bridges with salt since Tuesday night. After 3/4" of sleet and freezing rain falling overnight and throughout the day, and temperatures falling below freezing, it has become a losing battle.
Barrow County will remain under a Winter Weather Storm Warning until 1 p.m. Thursday, and conditions are expected to continue to worsen. The National Weather Service is forecasting between two and four inches of snow to fall overnight Wednesday.
The Emergency Operation Center is STRONGLY, STRONGLY, STRONGLY advising citizens to stay home and stay off all roadways. If you choose to travel and become stranded, understand that public safety will have an extended response time and will be prioritizing all calls for help.
"In the interest of the safety of our citizens as well as our public safety personnel we are taking steps to reduce our traveling on the roadways," commented Chief Skinner "We have and will continue to prioritize all calls for help, and will send crews out on true emergencies first."
Roads and Bridges crews, who have been going for over 24 hours straight, have also been pulled off the roads for the night. They will not be out salting roads except when requested by the EOC to assist public safety personnel responding to emergency calls.
The weather has also started affecting power for county citizens. At one point Walton EMC was reporting ten percent of their Barrow County customers were out of power.
"We also want to remind citizens that the 911 lines are for emergency calls and with this weather we are seeing an increase in call volume," stated Chief Skinner. "We remind you not to call 911 to find out about road conditions or weather conditions. To report power outages you need to contact your power company."
Barrow County Emergency Operation Center will remain fully operational over night and as long as necessary monitoring weather conditions as well as assisting in allocating resources for emergency responses. Our Emergency Operations Center nonemergency help desk number is (770) 307-2987 Extension 4996.
"As the Emergency Management Agency Director it is my duty to warn citizens of the worsening road conditions throughout the county," stated Chief John Skinner. "We are telling citizens to stay off the roads tonight, and into Thursday afternoon. If you do travel you must realize it is at your own risk."
A coordination of all agencies involved in the Emergency Operation Center (EOC), including law enforcement agencies and public works departments, has determined that as of 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, county roads have deteriorated to the point that they are very treacherous and quickly becoming impassable. Barrow County Roads and Bridges as well as several municipality public works departments have been plowing and treating roads and bridges with salt since Tuesday night. After 3/4" of sleet and freezing rain falling overnight and throughout the day, and temperatures falling below freezing, it has become a losing battle.
Barrow County will remain under a Winter Weather Storm Warning until 1 p.m. Thursday, and conditions are expected to continue to worsen. The National Weather Service is forecasting between two and four inches of snow to fall overnight Wednesday.
The Emergency Operation Center is STRONGLY, STRONGLY, STRONGLY advising citizens to stay home and stay off all roadways. If you choose to travel and become stranded, understand that public safety will have an extended response time and will be prioritizing all calls for help.
"In the interest of the safety of our citizens as well as our public safety personnel we are taking steps to reduce our traveling on the roadways," commented Chief Skinner "We have and will continue to prioritize all calls for help, and will send crews out on true emergencies first."
Roads and Bridges crews, who have been going for over 24 hours straight, have also been pulled off the roads for the night. They will not be out salting roads except when requested by the EOC to assist public safety personnel responding to emergency calls.
The weather has also started affecting power for county citizens. At one point Walton EMC was reporting ten percent of their Barrow County customers were out of power.
"We also want to remind citizens that the 911 lines are for emergency calls and with this weather we are seeing an increase in call volume," stated Chief Skinner. "We remind you not to call 911 to find out about road conditions or weather conditions. To report power outages you need to contact your power company."
Barrow County Emergency Operation Center will remain fully operational over night and as long as necessary monitoring weather conditions as well as assisting in allocating resources for emergency responses. Our Emergency Operations Center nonemergency help desk number is (770) 307-2987 Extension 4996.
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