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SNELLVILLE – The city's police department placed second in its category at the 18th Annual Governor's Challenge Awards last week in Savannah.

The strong showing in the category for agencies with 26-50 officers was the highest the Snellville Police Department placed in recent years in the competition hosted by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. SPD placed third in 2016, 2015 and 2014. Snellville's finest placed first in 2013.

"Our department takes pride in being a partner with the Governor's Office of Highway Safety in keeping our roadways safe," Chief Roy Whitehead said. "Our classification received the most entries so receiving this award is an honor and a testament to the hard work and quality of the men and women of the Snellville Police Department."

The awards program is designed to highlight outstanding achievements in highway safety enforcement and education, according to the GOHS website. The awards program recognizes agencies for the approach and effectiveness of their overall highway safety programs. Agencies are evaluated not just for enforcement initiatives, but for innovative problem-solving in their communities, using public information activities and creating departmental policies that support their traffic enforcement campaign efforts.

"We have placed in our category in 11 of the 18 years that the Governor's Challenge has taken place," said Lt. David Matson. "I compiled the data and submitted our application again this year. Our application focused on the areas of occupant protection, impaired driving, speed awareness, distracted driving and underage alcohol prevention."

More information about the Governor's Challenge can be found on the GOHS website at http://www.gahighwaysafety.org/sitemap/governors-challenge/ or on its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GAHighwaySafety/.

PHOTO 1: Governor's Office of Highway Safety Deputy Director Jim Andrews presents the Snellville Police Department's second place award to Lt. David Matson. Photo courtesy of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

PHOTO 2: The Snellville Police Department's second place award in the 2017 GOHS Georgia Governor's Challenge.

SNELLVILLE – Retired city police officer Linda Nixon will have her art featured at Cobble Creek Studios Sept. 30.

This free event is open to the public and is from 6 to 9 p.m. at the studio at 2257 Scenic Highway.

Nixon's art will be on display with pieces by John R. Duke a watercolor artist and art instructor.

Nixon began working with the Snellville Police Department in 1996 as an officer in the Uniform Division. She served 10 years on the road then moved into the Detective Division. In February of 2016, she retired after reaching 20 years of service to return to her artwork and gardening. She is now a member of the Southern Heartland Art Guild and has completed the classroom training required to become a Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer through the University of Georgia Extension.

"Over the years I had taken photos of flowers, old barns, animals and places that I wanted to paint one day when I had time again," she said. "I had been painting in oil and drawing since high school. But painting had to take a back seat to my career and family. Just before reaching retirement, I met John R. Duke, a watercolor artist and instructor at Cobble Creek Studios in Snellville. John introduced me to ink-based watercolors as his student and has been quite an inspiration. So, I've been painting since and am really excited to be able to show my work."

Kriss Johnson has been a familiar face in Snellville for a while now. Most know her as the beauty pageant queen who sings the National Anthem at events.

Aside from her pageant crown, Johnson is also wearing the hat of the Snellville Arts Commission chairman these days.

After a rough patch in recent years, SAC is now re-focused under Johnson's leadership.

Here's what she had to say about the Commission's new start.

Q: You've worn a lot of hats in Snellville recently. You've represented us on the pageant stage and are unofficially the National Anthem singer for our events. Now you're heading up SAC, why so many hats?

Kriss Johnson: I don't think it is so much about how many hats I wear, it is the fact that I love my city. I am proud of what has been done in Snellville since I moved here almost 20 years ago. It is a city of much pride and I am proud to represent Snellville in any way I can.

As far as SAC is concerned, I have always had a love of the arts. I have been on stage both as a vocalist and actress throughout my life, have lived in the entertainment capital of the world, Hollywood and worked for Universal Studios, Universal Pictures and Universal Music. I have seen it all and I have seen what arts can do for a city. I am also a firm believer that as we grow up, we need to keep our minds and hearts active. As long as I live and breathe I will never slow down.

Q: What are the goals for SAC in the next year?

KJ: The goals first and foremost is to bring the arts back to Snellville. For the past year or so the commission has fallen down in its obligation to the city and its citizens. The arts bring color and vibrancy to a city. We all need lots of color in our life. Music and theater are important to everyone especially with the recent closing of our only theater company. Our goal is to bring that color and vibrancy back to Snellville for all ages. We want to have programs that everyone will enjoy, as well as be a part of the Snellville Tourism and Trade events. There are a lot of talented artists in our community as well. We need to bring them forward to show what Snellville has. In addition citizens have asked us to share our talents in the form of lessons. We hope to have lessons in different mediums for our citizens to enjoy.

Q: For the SAC to remain successful, what has to happen?

KJ: In order for us to remain successful, we need to have programs and art outlets that will bring the citizens out to enjoy. Showcases, classes, events, are all important to our success. We have a terrific group of commissioners now with fantastic ideas of how to bring back the spark to the art commission. I am very excited to see what all we can do to make the organization successful and meet our mission statement. The talents of all seven commissioners is amazing. We have artists, musicians, actors and more. All will lend their talents in a wide array of blended color. Snellville will be amazed at what is about to explode in the art community.

Q: Why is a successful arts commission important to the city?

KJ: We not only want to involve the citizens of Snellville but we also want to involve the entire county in the hopes of bring more economic growth to businesses. It is a known fact that when people join for an event, they will also visit at least one other business while here. We want to be a part in building our city and getting people excited about the new city center that is being planned.

Q: Anything else you'd like to add?

KJ: It is my hope as commission chair that we can get excitement back to Snellville for the arts. With the team we now have I know this is possible. Our meetings are open to the public and I strongly invite anyone who is interested in seeing the arts grow to attend our meetings, voice your desires and become involved in our commission. Let us know what YOU would like to see. We always welcome volunteers and new members to become a part of our team. Visit our website at www.snellvillearts.com where our meetings, agendas and minutes are posted. One day we hope to have an Arts Center in Snellville, but we can't do this without the support of the city residents. Visit us on our Facebook page as well, or feel free to email your comments to me at kjohnson@snellvillearts.com. I welcome any comments good or bad. That is how we will grow.

The Snellville Arts Commission is:

Debra Pennington

Kriss Johnson

Summer King

Kerry Hetherington

Leroy Banks

Alisa Boykin

Nikki Toombs

SNELLVILLE – Members of the city's Police Department will be out in force hosting the annual Snellville Public Safety Night Sept. 26.

This successful event is a great opportunity to meet and ask questions of local police officers. A Flag Ceremony will kick off the event at 5:30 p.m. on the Towne Green in front of City Hall.

SPD vehicles with anti-crime accessories, tactical equipment and weapons and the Snellville Police Special Response Team will be on hand. The Air-Evac Lifeteam Helicopter, Gwinnett County Fire Department equipment and personnel, Gwinnett Animal Control, the Gwinnett County Bomb Squad's van, emergency medical service and first responders are all scheduled to attend.

Numerous exhibitors will be providing information on personal safety, road safety for adults, teens and young children, gun safety and training, financial security, home security and pet security. Members of the Snellville Citizens Police Academy will be available with information of the popular group. Information on the free emergency notification system of Code RED will be available.

And one of the highlights of the event, the Snellville Police K-9 officers will give two demonstrations throughout the evening along with a "How to manage a traffic stop" demonstration. Also the animal mascots, lead by our own STAT the Cat, will have a skit for the kids on "Being Safe." Fingerprinting of kids will be available.

Bring the family for some fun and get some great information on protecting yourself, your family, your pets, your home and business and your personal identity. The event is free and all are encouraged to attend.

For additional information contact Kathy Emanuel (Snellvillle Citizens Police Academy Alumni) at kae10@bellsouth.net, or Tom Martin (Snellvillle Citizens Police Academy Alumni) at twmartin50@yahoo.com.

Please visit our bid page to see details.

Highway 78 and 124 Intersection Project

What is a Displaced Left Turn?

SNELLVILLE – Construction on the Displaced Left-Turn project at the intersection of highways 78 and 124 is not expected to start until after Labor Day, construction officials said Tuesday.

City officials attended a Georgia Department of Transportation pre-construction meeting. Based on that meeting City officials are able to share the following information and schedule:

• The proposed construction start date is not set, though construction is expected to begin sometime after Labor Day.
• Work on the utilities has already begun along with site preparation not affecting traffic lanes.
• The contractor will concentrate on Henry Clower Boulevard in the fall, but did not share a startup date at the meeting. Henry Clower Boulevard will serve as a convenient bypass when intersection construction actually begins.
• The 78/124 intersection road work will not be fully started until good construction weather is available in 2018 - likely in the spring.

In July 2017, the Georgia Department of Transportation selected Pittman Construction Co. for the intersection improvements.

The project is anticipated to take 18 to 24 months for completion.

SNELLVILLE – There are still slots available for those wanting to take part in the 24th session of the Snellville Police Department's Citizens' Police Academy.

The popular class is offered to strengthen the bond of friendship and cooperation between citizens and the police department.

The 12-week class begins Aug. 31 and ends Nov. 16.

This class will also help citizens gain a better understanding of the risks and responsibilities of officers. Some of the classes included in this training will be on domestic violence, traffic stops, building searches, a tour of the jail and narcotics identification. This program also includes a ride along program with a Snellville police officer.

CPA instructors are Snellville police officers, each teaching a specific topic. Several of the instructors are Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council certified police instructors.

Anyone who is over the age of 18 can enroll. You do not have to be a Snellville resident to participate. Space is limited - approximately 20 students are accepted for each academy.

Applications must be returned no later than 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 25. The first class is from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 31 at Snellville Police Department Headquarters, 2315 Wisteria Drive.

An application for the CPA is available at http://www.snellville.org/citizens-police-academy or at the Police Station. The application must be filled out completely, must include an email address and must be notarized.

You will be notified via e-mail or phone call as to the status of your application.

If you have any questions contact Lt. R. Pendleton at 770-985-3573 or rpendleton@snellville.gov.

Upcoming Parks and Recreation Events

Upcoming Senior Center Events

SNELLVILLE – The City has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States for its comprehensive annual financial report.

The city's finances are headed up by Controller Jan Burke.

"This recognition sets us apart from most cities and gives our citizens a greater sense of security and understanding when it comes to the financial affairs of the City," said City Manager Butch Sanders. "Jan Burke deserves all the credit for this achievement. Great job!"

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

The City has applied for this award in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2016 and received it each time under Burke's leadership.

"I am proud to have helped the City receive this award and am committed to continuing our tradition of excellence of accurately and responsibly reporting Snellville's finances," Burke said.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.