County zoning and state public health department personnel have reportedly been cleared of any wrongdoing in an alleged incident at the now-defunct Country Kitchen restaurant by video footage from a body camera worn by one of them. The ‘incident’ drew national attention on social media
Commission chairman Ryran Traylor has released a statement and video after an open records request filed by The Herald Gazette.
The Lamar County Board of Commissioners is aware of the recent closure of the Country Kitchen Restaurant and the related social media posts.
Fortunately the Lamar County Code Enforcement Officer was wearing a body camera during the site visits with the restaurant. We have completed a review of body camera footage and determined that the complaint regarding county employee conduct is unfounded. The county’s Chief Building Inspector did not use profanity and did not act in a disrespectful or unprofessional manner toward any Country Kitchen employees or owners.
Lamar County staff issued a Certificate of Occupancy in November, allowing the restaurant to open. On December 19, county staff accompanied an Environmental Health Specialist with the Lamar County Health Department, which conducted the inspection. County staff later accompanied the Environmentalist again on Friday January 9th. All inspection reports, citations, and enforcement actions were completed and issued by the Health Department.
Lamar County’s role was limited to coordination and assistance. The Health Department is a state agency, and neither the City of Barnesville nor the Lamar County Board of Commissioners has the authority to overturn Health Department citations or closures. However, we will continue to facilitate a working relationship between government agencies and our private businesses.
It is disappointing to see disrespectful and threatening comments directed toward county employees and their families. County employees were present solely to serve and protect the citizens of our community.
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