The head of the U-S Justice Department's voting rights division told members of the NAACP that when he cleared Georgia's voter ID law, he didn't look at whether it violated the U-S Constitution. John Tanner told the annual meeting of Georgia's NAACP that his office can look at racial discrimination but not at other constitutional issues. The voting chief faced criticism after a memo revealed that he signed off on the Georgia law in 2005, over the objections of four of the five career employees who concluded it ran afoul of the U-S Voting Rights Law. Last month, a federal judge upheld a Georgia law which requires all voters to show a government issued photo ID at the ballot box.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Auditors: GA employees living well on state credit cards
Gov. Sonny Perdue is calling for tighter restrictions on the use of state issued credit cards, following news that officials have opened a criminal investigation after an audit revealed widespread abuse of state issued credit cards. Auditors discovered cases of apparent fraud at Georgia Tech and Georgia Perimeter College, as well as poor oversight and shoddy recordkeeping at other agencies, including the Department of Human Resources. Among the worst abusers, four university system employees who charged tens of thousands for their personal use ... a diamond ring, spa visits and car payments.
Gainesville police seek man in attempts to lure children
Authorities in Gainesville are searching for a man they say tried to entire children away from local bus stops. One 10-year old girl told police the man approached her Thursday morning as she waited for the bus, but she was able to run away. Police say there have been at least two other incidents with the same suspect. The suspect is described as tall, bald and maybe carrying a backpack or bedroll. Residents are asked to call police with information.
Katrina evacuees accused in ATL murders
In Atlanta, local and federal authorities have arrested eight men they say were part of a violent crew of criminals who were the leading cause behind the rise in violent crime in the city. The of the suspects were former New Orleans residents who came to Atlanta after Hurricane Katrina. Police there are investigating to see if the men are responsible for any crimes committed in that city. The arrests were made over the past two weeks. The men are believed to be involved in three murders in Atlanta and may be linked to three other killings.
Legislators question settled Grady lawsuit
Six state lawmakers want a Fulton County judge to open the records in a whistleblower lawsuit against Grady Hospital. The six include Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson and Georgia Senate Majority leader, Tommie Williams, according to the online news site Insider Advantage. The case involved former Grady doctor James J. Murtagh, Jr. In 2000, Murtagh accused Emory University and Grady of giving him a bad review after he accused them of conspiring to misuse federal research funds. The case was settled and the files subsequently sealed. But lawmakers say citizens have the right to know if publicly-funded Grady Hospital paid Murtagh for his silence. In recent months, mounting debt in the tens of milions has threatened to shut the dorrs to the region's only level one trauma center.
Gathering signatures for recycling in Savannah
Savannah recycling advocates are now collecting signatures to force a citizen-initiated referendum on curbside recycling.
The state constitution gives Georgians the right to amend their city charters through a process Savannah recycling activists believe has never been used before. They want to amend the Savannah charter to force the city to institute curbside recycling.
The city currently does not pick up recyclables, but has talked about it for years. The Sierra Club's Karen Grainey says, city officials are moving too slowly. "I just think people's patience has finally run out," says Grainey. "People have become frustrated. So now we're taking this measure."
City officials twice rejected the activists' petition but now say their paperwork is in order. Recycling advocates now have 60 days to collect 11,000 signatures, which they can do in person and online.
The state constitution gives Georgians the right to amend their city charters through a process Savannah recycling activists believe has never been used before. They want to amend the Savannah charter to force the city to institute curbside recycling.
The city currently does not pick up recyclables, but has talked about it for years. The Sierra Club's Karen Grainey says, city officials are moving too slowly. "I just think people's patience has finally run out," says Grainey. "People have become frustrated. So now we're taking this measure."
City officials twice rejected the activists' petition but now say their paperwork is in order. Recycling advocates now have 60 days to collect 11,000 signatures, which they can do in person and online.
Macon's mayor may run for Congress
Macon Mayor, Jack Ellis, leaves office in December and now he's eying a seat in Congress.
Ellis has formed a committee so he can start raising money. He also plans to travel around the district to gauge support and talk with potential voters. He says the 8th District needs a "real" democrat.
He made those comments after Congressman Jim Marshall voted against expanding SCHIP, a government program that provides insurance to the working poor.
Ellis recently stirred controversy when he sent a letter of support to Venezuelan dictator, Hugo Chavez. Earlier in the year he converted to Islam and announced plans to change his name to Hakim Mansour Ellis.
If Ellis does run. it will be Marshall's first challenge by a fellow democrat since taking office. Republican Rick Goddard will be running as well.
Georgia sports for Friday, October 5th
The college football weekend ahead includes 12th ranked Georgia in action, as the Bulldogs travel to Knoxville to take-on Tennessee. The Bulldogs have won 4-straight in games played in Knoxville. Saturday's college gridiron action also has Georgia Tech on the road--the Yellow Jackets face the Terapins at Maryland. Georgia Southern's Eagles are home tomorrow afternoon to clash with South Dakota State.
There is football tonight across the state, as high school teams take the field for another weekend of action.
Hockey season is here, as the Atlanta Thrahsers will open their new NHL campaign. They'll be home in Atlanta to face the Washington Capitals. The Thrashers are coming off their first ever playoff appearance last season.
There is football tonight across the state, as high school teams take the field for another weekend of action.
Hockey season is here, as the Atlanta Thrahsers will open their new NHL campaign. They'll be home in Atlanta to face the Washington Capitals. The Thrashers are coming off their first ever playoff appearance last season.
National pharmacy test back on after UGA prof suit
A national licensing exam for pharmacists can be used again, after it was suspended more than a month ago. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy has re-instated the test, after its use was stopped in late August. The Association accused a University of Georgia professor of giving test questions to his students. Starting today, the national one-time exam given to pharmacists leaving graduate school is back in effect. However, the national association says re-instatement of a Georgia pharmacy exam won’t happen until late November or early December. The association filed a lawsuit against UGA professor Flynn Warren Jr. The suit alleges Warren asked students to memorize test questions and share with him so he could create a review packet for students.
Judge in Nichols cases forces trial forward
The case of accused Atlanta courthouse killer Brian Nichols still has financial problems, but the judge in the case has not ordered any further delays. Superior Court judge Hilton Fuller said Thursday that questioning of prospective jurors will stay on schedule to begin October 15th. However, the judge has expressed concern whether the trial will be fair, as the Nichols defense lawyers have not recently been paid for their services. The Nichols case has been beset by public defender funding problems--it has already cost the state 1.8 million dollars.
Two executions set for this month
The Georgia Department of Corrections has now set the dates for two executions later this month. Jack Alderman is scheduled to be put to death October 19th for the murder of his wife. Another execution is set for October 23rd for Curtis Osborne--he was convicted of killing two people.
Several states have halted or delayed executions until the U.S. Supreme Court decides on a Kentucky case, which challenges lethal injections. The lawyer for Alderman, Michael Sime, says he couldn't believe Georgia didn't wait.
"The attorney general in Georgia has determined that the Constitution either doesn't apply to him or he knows better than the Supreme Court of the United States. It's really beyond me of why they are seeking this execution at this time".
A spokesman for the Georgia attorney general's office says they are following Georgia law, and there is no court order halting executions. But lawyers have already filed court papers to do so.
Several states have halted or delayed executions until the U.S. Supreme Court decides on a Kentucky case, which challenges lethal injections. The lawyer for Alderman, Michael Sime, says he couldn't believe Georgia didn't wait.
"The attorney general in Georgia has determined that the Constitution either doesn't apply to him or he knows better than the Supreme Court of the United States. It's really beyond me of why they are seeking this execution at this time".
A spokesman for the Georgia attorney general's office says they are following Georgia law, and there is no court order halting executions. But lawyers have already filed court papers to do so.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Atlanta 14th for identity theft
Atlanta ranks 14th in the nation for identity theft. That’s according to the website secureyoursignature.com. The website suggests protecting your identity by removing your social security card from your wallet and not giving out personal information over the phone in public. The website ranks Phoenix, Arizona as the top city for identity theft.
Sexual harassment plaintiff gets $1M
In a former sexual harassment case against Savannah’s police chief, a California jury has awarded the plaintiff more than a million dollars in damages. Ya-May Christle sued the city of Los Angeles and Michael Berkow saying then-deputy chief Berkow gave special treatment to officers he had affairs with. Berkow was dropped from the suit. But a jury found that the police department retaliated against Christle for complaining about Berkow.
Hunt for phony sheriff's deputy
Authorities are looking for a man posing as a Walton County sheriff's deputy. A woman says the suspect pulled her over Tuesday evening in neighboring Barrow County in northeast Georgia. Police say the man was driving a black Ford Taurus when he pulled the woman over on Georgia 11 in Bethlehem. Authorities say the man asked for the woman's driver's license, Social Security card and a credit card, then drove off.
Delta won't make conjoined twins buy two seats
Delta Air Lines is reversing its stance on a unique request from a passenger. The Atlanta-based carrier originally told an Arizona woman she would have to buy two tickets for her conjoined twins. The 1-year-old girls are joined at the chest and share a heart. Now Delta says the woman only has to buy one seat.
Ameriprise agrees to civil penalties
Today a securities firm agreed to pay the state hundreds of thousands of dollars for bad business practices. Investigators say Ameriprise Financial Services failed to supervise salespeople, after two employees forged customers’ signatures on financial documents. Investigators also identified other deficiencies in Ameriprise's supervisory systems. The company will pay a $40,000 civil penalty, $175,000 in investigative costs, and will donate $10,000 toward investor education programs in Georgia. Ameriprise also says it’s made changes to procedures to prevent such problems in the future.
Georgia National Fair opens today
The Georgia National Fair gets underway in Perry today, as it enters its 19th year. It’s seen as an economic engine in the state, pulling-in nearly 24-million dollars in 2006. A record 450-thousand people attended fair activities a year ago. Highlights this year include a circus, concerts, and nightly laser shows. The Fair runs through October 14th.
Drought=no snow at Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park officials have halted production of a snow-attraction that would have used more than a million gallons of water every 30 days. The Park had begun making a mountain of artificial snow this week—on the same day Governor Perdue urged Georgians to take “shorter showers” to conserve water. Stone Mountain park officials said they had received approval to develop the snow attraction, but understand the concerns of residents in the midst of a historic drought.
Talk of no water in NE Ga by Christmas
An official with Athens-Clarke County says that if drought conditions persist, the area will have to begin rationing of water by Thanksgiving, and the Bear Creek Reservoir would run out of water by Christmas. County commissioners were told that a total outdoor watering ban has cut water usage in Athens by nearly 20-percent. That combined with an emergency permit to draw water from the Middle Oconee River, will provide residents in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson and Oconee counties with drinking water until December 21st--under current drought conditions. Athens-Clarke County officials are working on a draft of Step F restrictions to present October 25th. That would involve prioritizing uses of water in an emergency drought management plan.
School bomb threat disrupts state official visit
The visit of state schools Superintendent Kathy Cox to a northeast Georgia high school Wednesday was interrupted by a bomb threat. Cox had just arrived at the Jackson County Comprehensive High School in Jefferson, when the district ordered evacuation of all 13 of its schools. After the building was cleared, Cox returned to the school for her visit. Authorities say the threat was called in by a Jefferson City High School student, and they have a specific suspect in mind.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Kidnapping suspect still on the loose
A second University of Georgia student says she was kidnapped and sexually assaulted in Oglethorpe County. Police say the woman accepted a ride from the suspect on September 8th, who was acting as a taxi driver. She later escaped. This is the second reported abduction from the weekend of the Georgia-South Carolina football game in Athens. The suspect is still on the loose.
Jimmy Carter blocked from refugee camp
Former President Jimmy Carter clashed with Sudanese officials today while trying to meet with Darfur refugees. The Georgia native wanted to visit a tribal refugee camp but security officials denied him access. Carter’s visit comes as several international figures known as “The Elders” are working for peace in the region.
"Energy Star" sales tax holiday starts tonight
Georgians have until midnight Sunday to buy appliances and products "tax free", but only those items with a particular energy conservation label.
Products with the ‘Energy Star’ designation will be free of any state or local sales taxes through the weekend. It applies to appliances and products with a price tag of 15-hundred dollars or less.
Items such as dish and clothes-washers, air conditioners, refrigerators, and fluorescent light bulbs are on the list as exempt from state and local taxes.
Governor Sonny Perdue is encouraging Georgians to take advantage of the tax-free holiday to help save on utility bills, and cut-down on energy consumption.
For a complete list of the "tax free" products, click here to go to the Georgia Department of Revenue's website.
Products with the ‘Energy Star’ designation will be free of any state or local sales taxes through the weekend. It applies to appliances and products with a price tag of 15-hundred dollars or less.
Items such as dish and clothes-washers, air conditioners, refrigerators, and fluorescent light bulbs are on the list as exempt from state and local taxes.
Governor Sonny Perdue is encouraging Georgians to take advantage of the tax-free holiday to help save on utility bills, and cut-down on energy consumption.
For a complete list of the "tax free" products, click here to go to the Georgia Department of Revenue's website.
Day care worker took girl's naked photo
An east Georgia day care worker has been arrested for allegedly having a picture of a naked 3-year-old in his wallet. Richmond County police say someone found 18-year-old Aaron Miller’s wallet at a store. They say the picture was of a student at the Hephzibah day center where he works. A sheriff's report says Miller admitted taking the picture about a year ago but says he did nothing else to the girl.
L.A. Laker charged in South Georgia
Los Angeles Lakers center Kwame Brown is in trouble with police in South Georgia. Valdosta police say they arrested Brown Saturday when he tried to interfere with officers’ investigation into Brown’s cousin, whom they suspected of driving drunk. Charles Warren Junior was charged with DUI. Brown was charged with disorderly conduct and inferring with an officer. He is free on bond.
Vick gets state trial date, dog care lessons
The state dog fighting trial against Michael Vick is scheduled to start November 27th in Virginia. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback was charged last week in rural Surry County, where police say Vick has run a dog fighting enterprise since 2001. Vick has already pleaded guilty to federal charges. He has been suspended indefinitely by the NFL without pay.
Michael Vick also recently spent eight hours learning how to care for animals. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals spokesman Dan Shannon said Vick was attentive and inquisitive during a September 18 class on animal protection and empathy in Norfolk, Virginia. Vick was the only student. PETA wants the NFL to require the course, or one like it, for all players.
Michael Vick also recently spent eight hours learning how to care for animals. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals spokesman Dan Shannon said Vick was attentive and inquisitive during a September 18 class on animal protection and empathy in Norfolk, Virginia. Vick was the only student. PETA wants the NFL to require the course, or one like it, for all players.
Possible air shuttle to Atlanta airport
Georgians may soon be able to avoid fighting traffic to Atlanta’s airport by flying there. A Gwinnett County air shuttle company is seeking approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to start flights. Wings Air would be the first air shuttle between the Gwinnett County Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Flights could be running by next year. Fares could range between $50 and $100.
Waste-processing plant fighting closure order
The EPD and a Jackson County waste-processing company went head-to-head in court on Tuesday over whether their plant should be shut down.
The Environmental Protection Division ordered the waste-treatment plant in Talmo, north of Athens to stop taking in grease and poultry remains in late August, citing health ordinance violations going back to 2005.
The facility's owner appealed that decision. They charge that they should be allowed to remain open until a final ruling, expected in November.
On Tuesday, the EPD argued before a superior court judge that the Agri-Cycle facility should remain closed for the interim.
Local residents complain that contamination of nearby Allen Creek and smells from the three-year-old plant are making their lives unbearable.
The judge's decision is expected within a few weeks.
Click here for more GPB coverage of events surrounding the facility.
Anglican "mother church" splits from Episcopal ranks
The "mother church" for Georgia Anglicans has decided to leave the Episcopal Church as the split in that denomination widens.
The Episcopal Church has been strained in recent years by the consecration of gay bishops and other issues. The Rev. Marc Robertson says, his congregation can no longer support the Episcopal Church.
"We find ourselves in disagreement with where the Episcopal Church is on these matters and also where they seem to be going," Robertson says.
Robertson's congregation has decided to place themselves under the authority of a conservative faction. Episcopal diocese spokesman the Rev. James Parker says, the congregation can't just quit.
"It's sad that we haven't been able to do as we have done for so many hundreds of years, maintain a big tent," Parker says.
The split sets up a potential legal fight over church property, including its historic downtown sanctuary, valued at $3 million.
The Episcopal Church has been strained in recent years by the consecration of gay bishops and other issues. The Rev. Marc Robertson says, his congregation can no longer support the Episcopal Church.
"We find ourselves in disagreement with where the Episcopal Church is on these matters and also where they seem to be going," Robertson says.
Robertson's congregation has decided to place themselves under the authority of a conservative faction. Episcopal diocese spokesman the Rev. James Parker says, the congregation can't just quit.
"It's sad that we haven't been able to do as we have done for so many hundreds of years, maintain a big tent," Parker says.
The split sets up a potential legal fight over church property, including its historic downtown sanctuary, valued at $3 million.
Benning Ranger trying for nat'l award
A Ft. Benning Ranger is going up against 26 other troopers in a week-long "Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year Competition," being held at Ft. Lee, Virginia.
4th Ranger Training Battalion Infantryman, St.-Sgt. Blake Simms, of Columbus is among the competitors who must excel in seven different trials. The meet represents 13 major army commands.
The event, which concludes today, includes physical drills, a written exam and essays, marksmanship, and Urban Warfare Orientation courses, according to the army's website.
Georgia sports for Wednesday, October 3rd
Braves fans have probably seen the last great catch in centerfield by Andruw Jones--wearing a Braves uniform. Team general manager John Schuerholz said Tuesday that because Jones is expected to command a huge salary in the free agent market--perhaps 20 million dollars annually--the Braves cannot afford to bring him back.
"We have no way of being able to keep Andruw on our team, and have the necessary assets that would allow us to build a complete team, that gives us the best chance of winnng our division again".
The Braves under new ownership are expected to see their 84-million dollar payroll raise slightly, but still have about 65-million dollars tied up and going to five players: 3rd baseman Chipper Jones, 1st baseman Mark Teixeira, and pitchers John Smoltz, Tim Hudson and Mike Hampton.
Schuerholz told Jones of the team's direction in a Tuesday noon meeting at Turner Field. Jones told the Associated Press "I'm appreciative of the chance they gave me to play for Atlanta all these years. I understand the decision they have to make".
Andruw Jones has been an Atlanta Brave for his entire career, since arriving in 1996. He's a nine-time Gold Glove winner, with 368 home runs in just over 11 seasons. This season however, he took a stumble offensively, batting only .222.
"We have no way of being able to keep Andruw on our team, and have the necessary assets that would allow us to build a complete team, that gives us the best chance of winnng our division again".
The Braves under new ownership are expected to see their 84-million dollar payroll raise slightly, but still have about 65-million dollars tied up and going to five players: 3rd baseman Chipper Jones, 1st baseman Mark Teixeira, and pitchers John Smoltz, Tim Hudson and Mike Hampton.
Schuerholz told Jones of the team's direction in a Tuesday noon meeting at Turner Field. Jones told the Associated Press "I'm appreciative of the chance they gave me to play for Atlanta all these years. I understand the decision they have to make".
Andruw Jones has been an Atlanta Brave for his entire career, since arriving in 1996. He's a nine-time Gold Glove winner, with 368 home runs in just over 11 seasons. This season however, he took a stumble offensively, batting only .222.
"Biohazard" home in Henry County
Authorities have called a Henry County home a biohazard scene following the discovery of more than a dozen cats and three dogs living in the same space as five dead cats and trash. Complaints from neighbors about an odor from the home prompted animal control officers to investigate the single story residence-—one officer was overcome by the smell and had to be hospitalized. No charges have been filed against a couple in their 30’s who live at the home.
Athens police investigating assaults
A second University of Georgia student has come forward and told police she was abducted and sexually assaulted by a man driving a white van. Athens-Clarke County police reports say the student was assaulted early on September 8th in Oglethorpe County, the day of the UGA football game vs. South Carolina. A first woman who filed a report said she was also in town for the game, and was kidnapped the day after. She told authorities she escaped from a location in Oglethorpe County, but was not assaulted. Both women thought they were being offered rides by a courtesy car. The suspect is described as being 20 to 30 years old, between 150 and 190 pounds.
NE Ga deputy faces child porn charges
A Barrow County deputy is facing 20 felony counts of sexual exploitation of a child, connected to child pornography found on his personal computer. 32-year-old Jason Gaub of Winder is being investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Authorities received an anonymous tip to kick-start the investigation. Officials say nothing illegal was found on his work computer, only his computer at home.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Water War
The North Georgia outdoor watering ban is fueling an ongoing water dispute with neighboring Alabama. North Georgia is in a level four drought, the most severe category, and Lakes Allatoona and Lanier could reach record lows if rain does not come soon. Sam Olens, who chairs the Atlanta Regional Commission, says Alabama, which gets water from both lakes, needs to impose a watering ban as well. "We should all encourage our residents to preserve water," said Olens, "but if you have one area at level 4 and another state with no watering ban that’s just piggish." Alabama officials say they leave watering bans up to local governments. Last month, Birmingham loosened its summer restrictions and now allows sprinklers at odd-even days.
Aid to GA for clean water mere drop in bucket
As experts say federal funding for clean water across the country has been slashed in half over the last decade, a report just released says Georgia will need billions of federal dollars to repair its crumbling infrastructure if the state wants to keep pace with the growing demand for clean water.
For 2008, federal funds to pay for clean water in Georgia will be one point eight million dollars. That's a mere drop in the bucket compared to the estimated 2 billion the state says is needed to repair its aging water and sewer systems.
Wenonah Hauter is executive director of Food and Water Watch. The group has revived a proposal to establish a national trust fund to pay for rebuilding water infrastructure systems nationwide. Without it, Hauter says raw sewage could be flowing down Georgia streets.
"This is especially true of the combined sewer systems that handle sewage and storm water run off. Overflows from failing and insufficient combined sewer systems are wrecking environmental and economic havoc on a massive scale."
Romney official seeks Georgia ballot
Today Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney announced his intention to participate in Georgia’s Presidential Primary election. Romney presented a letter today to State GOP Chairman Sue Everhart. It asks her to put Romney’s name on the Republican party list for the February 5th election.
First Georgian nominated for TVA board
The first Georgian in history could be elected to the Tennessee Valley Authority board. Thomas Gilliland is from Blairsville. The TVA delivers power to some 123,000 households in northern Georgia, but no Georgian before Gilliland has ever been nominated to serve on the TVA board.
UGA student charged with killing puppies
A University of Georgia student faces charges that she beat a litter of puppies to death. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that police say 20-year-old Ashley Council beat the seven puppies earlier this month then left them in a box behind a convenience store. Council worked at UGA’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Animal control officers say they tracked Council down by tracing a shipping label on the puppies’ box back to the hospital.
Braves won't re-sign Andruw Jones
The Atlanta Braves can’t afford to keep Andruw Jones. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Braves General Manager John Schuerholz told Jones today. Jones’ manager had reportedly been asking Atlanta for a 7-year contract at $20-million dollars annually.
Sunday morning tag checks raise questions
Savannah officials are taking down the license tag numbers of cars parked illegally near downtown churches on Sunday, but insist they aren't interested in who's worshipping.
City officials say, they're conducting a survey in connection with a fracus over cars parked illegally around congested city squares on Sunday morning.
City officials recently pulled back from more strict enforcement of parking regulations after a public outcry over Sunday morning tickets. Parking Service Coordinator Jim Gilliamsen says, they've been writing down tag numbers for about a month.
"We're recording tag numbers, but we're not running the tags, so we don't know who the people are" Gilliamsen says. "It's a manual thing. What we're doing is verfying the churches' concerns are valid, people don't park in front of crosswalks, they don't park in front of fire hydrants."
Church pastors say, illegally parked cars are not blocking access. Gilliamsen says, city officials are concerned with the ability of fire trucks to get around the squares.
City officials say, they're conducting a survey in connection with a fracus over cars parked illegally around congested city squares on Sunday morning.
City officials recently pulled back from more strict enforcement of parking regulations after a public outcry over Sunday morning tickets. Parking Service Coordinator Jim Gilliamsen says, they've been writing down tag numbers for about a month.
"We're recording tag numbers, but we're not running the tags, so we don't know who the people are" Gilliamsen says. "It's a manual thing. What we're doing is verfying the churches' concerns are valid, people don't park in front of crosswalks, they don't park in front of fire hydrants."
Church pastors say, illegally parked cars are not blocking access. Gilliamsen says, city officials are concerned with the ability of fire trucks to get around the squares.
Country music station wins national honor
An Augusta radio station has gotten top honors from the Country Music Association. WKXC was named one of four radio stations of the year by the Nashville-based group.
German citizen denies death camp participation
An 85-year-old suburban Atlanta man denies working at World War II concentration camps. The federal government is trying to deport Paul Henss, who lives in Lawrenceville. Henss says that as a Nazi soldier he trained German shepherds and Rottweilers during World War II. But he says he never set foot inside the Dachau or Buchenwald death camps and never used attack dogs on prisoners. He says he has lived in Georgia for 10 years.
Decorated soldier falls in Iraq
An Airborne paratrooper who pulled two comrades from a burning vehicle in April has died in Afghanistan. Sgt. Zachary D. Tellier died Saturday. He was from Charlotte, North Carlolina, but his wife Sara Tellier lives in Atlanta. Sgt. Tellier received a Bronze Star for pulling two soldiers from a patrol vehicle that was on fire after rolling over a bomb.
Anti-gay article in student paper
Controversy is brewing at a Cobb County High School, after a student criticized gay people in the student newspaper. Kell High School senior Thomas Benjamin wrote an opinion piece saying gays shouldn’t be allowed to marry because they are victims of reproductive error or an unusual upbringing. The school’s principal said she reviewed the article before it was published but had no authority to censor it.
Low water levels = great kayaking
Wet and wild on the 'Hooch: Kayakers paddle towards the rapids on Monday, Oct. 1, 5 PM.
(Dave Bender)
Same spot on the 'Hooch, Tuesday, Oct. 2, 12 AM. (Dave Bender)
The Chattahoochee River and other Georgia bodies of water have hard hit by the drought. Officials warn, for example, that Lake Lanier is at it's lowest point in 20-years.
But while the deepening drought and low water levels along the Chattahoochee have been bad news for most water sports, it's been good news for kayakers at Eagle Phenix Dam in Columbus.
On many afternoons, soon after Georgia Power opens the floodgates upstream, wet-suited enthusiasts can be seen deftly flipping and bobbling around the rocky shoals, which are only visible in drought conditions.
Kayaker Zach Sanders, of Auburn, Alabama told GPB News the daily rapids here are the best he's seen:
“I've paddled, you know, all over the southeast, and this is as good or better than any spot I've been to, here in Columbus.”But in the hours just before the deluge? You can just about walk from bank-to-bank, and barely get your feet wet.
On September 28, 2007, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division declared a Level Four Drought schedule across the northern third of Georgia (.PDF file download).
United States Geological Service real-time drought statistics are available here.
Click here for more GPB coverage of the water crisis.
Dalton Smoke Free
The City of Dalton has given its some 450 employees over a year to quit smoking. And, in three months, time will be up. All city buildings will be tobacco free.
In a last ditch effort to help employees quit, the City will pay half of the $350 it costs for nicotine shots.
Dalton's Director of Human Resources, Greg Batts, said employees who kick the habit help themselves, and the cities health care budget.
"We want our employees to be healthier. We want them to have more productive lives and live longer and hopefully, as a side benefit, it will reduce out long term health plan costs as well," said Batts.
Employees who continue to smoke after January 1st will have to pay higher health care premiums and take their smoke break off city property.
Total burn ban in NW Georgia
Severe drought conditions have forced state forestry officials to extend a burn ban throughout northwest Georgia, just as the fall leaf-burning season begins.
The summer restrictions on burning were lifted for much of Georgia. However, for 15 northwest counties, officials had no choice but to turn restrictions into a total ban--no burning of any kind, no exceptions.
Mike Brunson is chief ranger for the Georgia Forestry’s Floyd County unit. He says the lack of rain is the worst he’s seen in his 24-year career.
"It’s going to have to be some kind of major cold front that comes through and covers a large area. Or, what sometimes happens this time of year...we get the leftovers of a hurricane that drops a significant amount of rainfall".
Some counties in northwest Georgia have significant rainfall deficits. Floyd for one, is more than 25 inches below normal for this time of year.
Officials will revisit the indefinite ban with the next big rainfall.
The summer restrictions on burning were lifted for much of Georgia. However, for 15 northwest counties, officials had no choice but to turn restrictions into a total ban--no burning of any kind, no exceptions.
Mike Brunson is chief ranger for the Georgia Forestry’s Floyd County unit. He says the lack of rain is the worst he’s seen in his 24-year career.
"It’s going to have to be some kind of major cold front that comes through and covers a large area. Or, what sometimes happens this time of year...we get the leftovers of a hurricane that drops a significant amount of rainfall".
Some counties in northwest Georgia have significant rainfall deficits. Floyd for one, is more than 25 inches below normal for this time of year.
Officials will revisit the indefinite ban with the next big rainfall.
Georgia sports for Tuesday, October 2nd
The Atlanta Hawks begin their preparation for a new NBA season with the start of training camp this morning. All players on the roster are reported healthy. That's a change from last season, when several battled injury problems. The Hawks are hoping that this year, they’ll end the NBA’s longest playoff drought—-they’ve missed the postseason 8 straight years.
Pro hockey, the Atlanta Thrashers have wrapped-up their training camp. They look ahead to the start of a new season this Friday night. The Thrashers are coming off their 1st ever playoff appearance.
Pro hockey, the Atlanta Thrashers have wrapped-up their training camp. They look ahead to the start of a new season this Friday night. The Thrashers are coming off their 1st ever playoff appearance.
Rome drug trial begins today
A Rome man goes on trial this week in U.S District Court for alleged involvement in a drug ring in the Rome area. 45-year-old Mario Armas is said by federal prosecutors to be the ringleader of the operation. Federal authorities say he conspired with two professional rodeo workers and another man to distribute more than a ton of marijuana in the Rome-area between 2003 and 2004. The drug smuggling has been linked to other crimes, such as kidnapping, burglary, and laundering of profits from the drug deals. The trial was delayed from January to give both sides more time to sift through evidence. Testimony begins this morning.
Griffin funeral home blaze investigated
Federal and state investigators are on the scene today to try and determine the cause of a fire that destroyed a funeral home in Griffin. The blaze broke-out just after 6 o’clock Monday night at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Home. Authorities say the fire started on the 2nd floor, and was stoked by embalming fluid and other chemicals—no bodies were in the home at the time of the fire. No employees were injured, but one firefighter suffered a minor injury. The business operated out of an antebellum house that was at least 130 years old.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Most Vick dogs safe for new homes
A court motion filed Monday says that all but one of the 49 pit bulls seized from a Virginia home owned by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick can be placed with new owners. One of the dogs has a history of biting people and should be euthanized. The dogs were put through 11 exercises to evaluate their behavior toward humans and other animals. Vick and three co-defendants pleaded guilty to federal dogfighting charges and are to be sentenced before the end of the year.
Research center fined after monkey death
An Atlanta animal research center has paid a $15,000 fine after inspectors found animal care problems linked to the death of a macaque monkey. The animal died last year at Yerkes National Primate Research Center - part of Emory University. It’s one of eight federally funded national primate research centers. Yerkes officials denied any willful wrongdoing, but last week agreed to pay the penalty.
Lawmakers consider new eyewitness ID rules
Georgia law enforcement officials are warning lawmakers it’s a bad idea to pass a law mandating how police must conduct eyewitness identifications. A House panel is weighing whether to create rules governing police lineups. The move comes after six men in Georgia who went to prison on the strength of eyewitness IDs were recently exonerated through post-conviction DNA analysis. Today the police chief of LaGrange testified that law enforcement, not lawmakers, should study the issue and come up with guidelines.
Perdue says short showers save water
Governor Perdue has declared October “take a shorter shower month” in an effort to encourage individuals to save water.
Shaving only a minute off the morning shower can save 5 to 7 gallons of water. That’s the message from a group called Water Smart, which received the governor’s declaration. Kathy Nguen with WaterSmart says in this drought everyone should take
"Cut it by a minute. If you cut it more we would love it. We have shower timers. We encourage five minute showers. It's a challenge," she said.
A spokesman for Sonny Perdue couldn't confirm the governor’s shower time, but said that the governor’s message is to conserve water wherever possible year round.
The website conservewatergeorgia.net offers an array of water saving tips.
Tentative deal for UPS and Teamsters
Atlanta-based UPS and the Teamsters have reached a tentative agreement. 240,000 union UPS employees still have to vote on the deal. It creates a new 5-year contract to raise members’ wages and benefits. UPS is the world's largest package delivery company.
Welfare official stands trial for child beating
A top child welfare official in Fulton County stood trial today in Fayette County accused of beating her daughter. 38-year-old Cylenthia Clark is assistant director of the Fulton County Division of Family and Children Services. Police say Clark struck her 8-year-old daughter 34 times with a leather belt. Clark admits to spanking her daughter but denies abusing the girl.
Lawrenceville man accused of Nazi war crimes
Trial proceedings have begun in an Atlanta courtroom, against a man accused of war crimes committed during World War II. Authorities allege 85 year old Paul Henss of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was a Nazi SS officer during World War II. Henss, who entered the U-S in 1955, faces deportation. Officials say Paul Henss hid his Nazi affiliation, while retaining German citizenship. During the war, officials say he handled attack dogs while on guard duty at Dachau and Buchenwald. A joint U-S based task force including immigration officials and the Department of Homeland Security say Nazi law required prison guards to quote act without mercy when training the dogs on prisoners. Since prosecution of Nazi war criminals began in 1979, more than 106 people have been stripped of U-S citizenship and deported to Germany. An additional 180 have been prevented from entering the county. Paul Henss is alleged to have joined the SS in 1941. The group was considered the most elite of Hitler's forces. An immigration judge in Atlanta will hear the case. Henss faces deportation to his native Germany, where he retains citizenship.
10 Gang Related Arrests in Floyd County
Last week, 10 Gang related arrests were made in Floyd County after a fight broke out in a parking lot. All were teenagers claiming to be members of a new gang known as the Riverside Boys.
The Floyd County Police Department has a very tuff policy on any possible gang related activity.
Mark Corbin is an investigator with the Floyd County Police Department.
Young members in high school want classmates to know they’re part of a gang so they are easy to spot, said Corbin.
“It travels around the school pretty fast. And they you get on a few on em’s my space and it don’t take long at all to discover what they are doing or where they are going to be at,” said Corbin.Three of the arrests were made in the days following the fight because members of the Riverside Boys posted their involvement on their myspace website.
Columbus: 'Red Clay, White Water and Blues'
“Red Clay, White Water and Blues,” a series of programs on the history of Columbus hosted by a Columbus State University history professor returns for a second year.
“The public response to these programs has been phenomenal,” said Virginia Causey, associate professor of history at CSU. “Dozens of people have requested that the programs be continued.”
Causey will moderate the hour-long programs planned for 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of most months from October 2007 through May 2008, according to the school.
Upcoming topics, locations and speakers for the history series include:
- Oct. 4: Indians in the Chattahoochee Valley
- Nov. 1: The Civil War in Georgia
- Dec. 6: The Tuskegee Airmen
Details about the programs are online at http://history.colstate.edu/program.asp.
Chicken waste electric plant can't woo investors
What would be Georgia’s first plant that makes electricity from chicken waste has hit a snag. The plant slated for Danielsville, near Athens, is having trouble attracting private investors.
The facility would produce 20 megawatts of electricity a year by using a mix of chicken litter and wood scraps as fuel to generate steam that turns electricity-generating turbines. Area electric membership cooperatives have agreed to buy the electricity the plant produces to sell as "green" energy.
While private investors have so far been reluctant to finance the plant, the U-S Department of Agriculture handed over a $29-million dollar loan, enough to complete the plant's construction and get it up and running.
The facility would produce 20 megawatts of electricity a year by using a mix of chicken litter and wood scraps as fuel to generate steam that turns electricity-generating turbines. Area electric membership cooperatives have agreed to buy the electricity the plant produces to sell as "green" energy.
While private investors have so far been reluctant to finance the plant, the U-S Department of Agriculture handed over a $29-million dollar loan, enough to complete the plant's construction and get it up and running.
Georgia sports for Monday, October 1st
The Braves on Sunday were 3-0 losers to the Astros in Houston--the final game of the 2007 season for Atlanta. After a surge of 8 wins in 9 games, the Braves within the last week lost 4-of-5 to get knocked out of the playoff race. Atlanta finished with a record of 84-78 for the season. Chipper Jones was hitless at the plate Sunday to finish with a .337 batting average. In his quest for the batting title, he is 2nd to Colorado’s Matt Holiday, who is hitting .340, and has a 1-game playoff game to play today which will count in the statistics. Off-season questions for the Braves to answer include whether to re-sign centerfielder Andruw Jones, who will become a free agent.
From the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons posted their 1st win of the 2007 season, knocking-off the Houston Texans in the Ga Dome, 26-16. Joey Harrington threw a pair of touchdown passes, and Morten Anderson kicked 4 field goals in the victory. The Falcons beat their former backup quarterback, Matt Schaub. The Falcons improve to 1--3 on the season, and its the first win for new head coach Bobby Petrino.
Wrapping up the college football weekend, victories across the board for Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, and Valdosta State. In Athens Saturday, the Bulldogs ran all over Ole Miss 45-17. Georgia running back Thomas Brown rushed for a career-high of 180 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Bulldogs are now 12th in the new Associated Press rankings, a record of 4-1, 2-1 SEC. For Georgia Tech, it was sweet revenge for a blowout loss at Clemson last season. The Yellow Jackets at home Saturday used great defense to turn-back the Tigers 13-3. Tech running back Tashard Choice piled up 145 yards and a touchdown--despite nursing a nagging hamstring injury. The Jackets snapped a 2-game skid, upping their record to 3-2, and 1-2 ACC. In Statesboro Saturday, Georgia Southern scored the 50-21 blowout of Western Carolina. Senior quarterback Jayson Foster threw for 147 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 96 yards and a score. G-Southern is now 3-1, and 1-1 in the Soutnern Conference. For Valdosta State at home, they dismantled Ouachita Baptist 31-3. Running back Michael Terry ran for 181 yards and 2 scores. VSU is now 4-0 for the season.
From the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons posted their 1st win of the 2007 season, knocking-off the Houston Texans in the Ga Dome, 26-16. Joey Harrington threw a pair of touchdown passes, and Morten Anderson kicked 4 field goals in the victory. The Falcons beat their former backup quarterback, Matt Schaub. The Falcons improve to 1--3 on the season, and its the first win for new head coach Bobby Petrino.
Wrapping up the college football weekend, victories across the board for Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, and Valdosta State. In Athens Saturday, the Bulldogs ran all over Ole Miss 45-17. Georgia running back Thomas Brown rushed for a career-high of 180 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Bulldogs are now 12th in the new Associated Press rankings, a record of 4-1, 2-1 SEC. For Georgia Tech, it was sweet revenge for a blowout loss at Clemson last season. The Yellow Jackets at home Saturday used great defense to turn-back the Tigers 13-3. Tech running back Tashard Choice piled up 145 yards and a touchdown--despite nursing a nagging hamstring injury. The Jackets snapped a 2-game skid, upping their record to 3-2, and 1-2 ACC. In Statesboro Saturday, Georgia Southern scored the 50-21 blowout of Western Carolina. Senior quarterback Jayson Foster threw for 147 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 96 yards and a score. G-Southern is now 3-1, and 1-1 in the Soutnern Conference. For Valdosta State at home, they dismantled Ouachita Baptist 31-3. Running back Michael Terry ran for 181 yards and 2 scores. VSU is now 4-0 for the season.
UPS and union reach agreement
United Parcel Service has reached agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters on a tenative deal. It's a 5-year contract that would raise wages annually, as well as increase funds that provide for pension and health and welfare benefits to members. If approved by the nearly 240-thousand full and part-time UPS employees across the U-S, the contract would go into effect next August 1st. Atlanta-based UPS is the world's largest package delivery company.
Fed investigate project at Moody AFB
The federal government is investigating a housing construction project at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta that is behind schedule and millions of dollars over-budget. The ‘Magnolia Grove’ project was supposed to provide about 600 new or renovated homes for an additional 1-thousand troops on the way to the base in 2009. Of the 600 homes planned, only 2 have been built, and work is on hold. The contractor, American Eagle Communities, is 25-million dollars over budget. The legislation for the investigation was sponsored by U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson.
Gingrich: no regrets over quitting race
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Sunday he could have been a contender, but has no regrets about skipping the race for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008. Gingrich said he'd had a Web site ready to launch this week and already had received several million dollars in pledges.
"I think we would clearly have been competitive financially within three weeks, and we literally had not even set up the Web site yet," he said. "But what hit me was it would have been an underdog campaign. I mean, clearly, if you were going to come from behind, I think it would have been a real campaign. I think we would have had a chance to win."
Gingrich spokesman Rick Tyler said Saturday that Gingrich opted out of the race, a crowded one with nine candidates, after determining he could not legally explore a bid and stay as head of his tax-exempt political organization.
Besides the potential legal difficulties, Gingrich said running would have wasted the effort spent building up American Solutions for Winning the Future, the tax-exempt political arm of his lucrative empire as an author, pundit and consultant.
Just last week, Gingrich said he had set an Oct. 21 deadline to raise $30 million in pledges for a possible run, acknowledging that the task was difficult but not impossible.
He said Sunday that the deciding factor was learning he risked violating the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law.
Click here for more GPB coverage about Gingrich and the '08 presidential race."I thought there was a way that you could continue the momentum of those ideas while I began to prepare a presidential campaign," Gingrich said. "What we learned yesterday morning was, I mean, it's literally a go to jail, criminal activity."
(AP)
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Iraq: GA soldier gets posthumous promotion
Leslie and Army Spc. Josh Reeves.
(Courtesy Online Athens)
A soldier who was killed in Iraq the day after his wife gave birth to their son has received a posthumous promotion to corporal.
Corporal Joshua Reeves of Watkinsville was killed September 22 when an improvised bomb exploded near the 26-year-old's Humvee while on patrol in Baghdad.
His wife, Leslie, gave birth on September 21 to their son in Tennessee.
Army officials presented Reeves' parents with their son's Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals yesterday at Evergreen Memorial Park in Athens. Army officials said his promotion was in recognition of his service.
Reeves was assigned to the Second Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, part of the First Infantry Division's Fourth Brigade. The brigade has been in Iraq since February, part of the surge of 30,000 soldiers aimed at ending violence in Baghdad.
Click here for previous GPB coverage of this story, and of the war in Iraq.
(AP)
Killer gets death penalty in 2003 murders
Stacey Humphreys (Courtesy 11Alive.com)
A Brunswick jury on Sunday morning sentenced Stacey Ian Humphreys to death in the 2003 murders of two Cobb Co. real estate agents.
Humphreys was convicted Tuesday of murdering 33-year-old Cyndi Williams and 21-year-old Lori Brown at their Powder Springs sales office on Nov. 3, 2003. Humphreys forced both women to strip naked and give him their bank cards before he shot them in the head.
The jury of 10 women and two men deliberated for nearly 19 hours over three days before deciding on their sentence.
In her closing argument Tuesday, prosecutor Eleanor Dixon read from a transcript of a taped interview Humphreys gave to police after his arrest. Humphreys told investigators he didn't remember committing the crime, but believed he was guilty.
Humphreys, 34, fixed his eyes on the defense table and showed no emotion when the verdict was read. Relatives of the slain women cried quietly in the courtroom. Prosecutors said Humphreys attacked the two women because he needed money to make a $565 payment on his Dodge Durango truck.
"I know I did it," Humphreys said on the tape, which jurors reviewed during their deliberations. "I know it just as well as my own name."
The judge had moved the trial more than 300 miles to coastal Brunswick because of pretrial publicity.
Click here for more GPB coverage of this trial.
(AP)
'To Catch a Predator' trial begins
The trial of an Albany man, arrested for attempted child molestation in the "To Catch A Predator,' television program, begins today in Jones County.
Jury selection in Gray, the County Seat, is the first step in the trial of 25-year-old Raymundo Anguiano. Police arrested him during the week-long operation in July of 2006.
Several Georgia residents are among the 20 men Harris County Sheriffs arrested at a decoy house in Fortson. They were caught on camera, allegedly expecting to meet with an underage woman whom they sought for sex, but who was, in fact, an online decoy.
The operation was filmed for NBC Television's Dateline program, and produced in cooperation with an online watchdog group, Perverted-Justice.
A Harris County judge ordered the venue changed to Jones County, citing pre-trail publicity about the case affecting jurors' judgment.
Click here for more GPB coverage of similar issues.
Lake Allatoona to Release Less Water
This week, in response to Georgia’s worsening drought, officials are cutting the amount of water released from Allatoona Lake by a third. Less water flowing out of Lake Allatoona, located 30 miles north of Atlanta, means less water for communities primarily in North West GA, like Rome, and Cartersville.
Joe Cook, with the Coosa River Basin Initiative in Rome says officials are sacrificing these communities to help metro Atlanta.
“We are concerned about having adequate flows to protect out economy and our ecology in N W GA. They are holding back water in Lake Allatoona primarily to preserve water supplies for communities in metro Atlanta.”
Cook says holding back water will also affect the Coosa River’s wildlife. He says that because water from the river is used to cool Georgia Power’s Plant Hammond the, rivers temperature is elevated. And with less water flowing downstream, the river may get too hot.
Humphreys sentenced to death
A Glynn County jury sentenced Stacey Humphreys to death Sunday morning for the murders of two Cobb County real estate agents in 2003. The jury of two men and ten women deliberated 22 hours over three days in reaching their decision on the sentence. In comparison, it took jurors only five hours to find Humphreys guilty of the killings on Tuesday. Reportedly, deliberations in the sentencing phase grew contentious on Saturday.
Earlier in the day Saturday, Cobb County Superior Court judge Dorothy Robinson denied a defense motion for mistrial in the sentencing.
An appeal is automatic when a sentence of death is reached.
Humphreys was convicted in the November 2003 killings of Lori Brown and Cynthia Williams. The trial was moved to Brunswick because of pre-trial publicity.
Earlier in the day Saturday, Cobb County Superior Court judge Dorothy Robinson denied a defense motion for mistrial in the sentencing.
An appeal is automatic when a sentence of death is reached.
Humphreys was convicted in the November 2003 killings of Lori Brown and Cynthia Williams. The trial was moved to Brunswick because of pre-trial publicity.
Gingrich: No to '08 presidential run
In a quick turn of events, Georgia Republican and former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich announced he will not make a run for President. Gingrich told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that an analysis of the 2002 McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform law made clear he could not continue as head of his new American Solutions initiative, while at the same time launch an exploratory committee for the presidency.
Before this weekend decision, Gingrich spoke to GPB Thursday evening, on the charge by some critics that his initiative was serving as an indirect political campaign.
"Nothing that we have done in American Solutions relates to campaigning. Any poll we give out we give out to both the Democrat and Republican party...all of our programs have been open to both the Democrat and Republican party...we've invited both Democrats and Republicans to participate. We've really tried to make this very open and available to anybody".
Gingrich had just made high-profile appearances in support of his American Solutions organization, which held workshops across the nation over the weekend.
Before this weekend decision, Gingrich spoke to GPB Thursday evening, on the charge by some critics that his initiative was serving as an indirect political campaign.
"Nothing that we have done in American Solutions relates to campaigning. Any poll we give out we give out to both the Democrat and Republican party...all of our programs have been open to both the Democrat and Republican party...we've invited both Democrats and Republicans to participate. We've really tried to make this very open and available to anybody".
Gingrich had just made high-profile appearances in support of his American Solutions organization, which held workshops across the nation over the weekend.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Total outdoor water ban for all of No. Georgia
An emergency outdoor water ban is now in effect throughout all of northern Georgia, following more than a year of below average rainfall. The level 4 ban comes as officials predict an even dryer and warmer winter.
Level 4 means absolutely no residential outdoor watering.
Carol Couch heads the state's Environmental Protection Division. "The declaration of level should be considered immediate. In addition to that, we'll continue to monitor the situation to assure that our highest priority responsibility is protecting drinking water and Georgia's public health."
Couch signaled that today's measures may not go far enough. She says some businesses, like car washes, currently exempt from water restrictions, may also face emergency rules.
Lakes Lanier and Allatoona, which provide water for northern Georgia, are at record low levels. The US Army Corps of Engineers has announced that in early October, it will cut the flow out of Allatoona by one third.
State Climatologist David Stooksbury says he can offer little hope for the new year.
Level 4 means absolutely no residential outdoor watering.
Carol Couch heads the state's Environmental Protection Division. "The declaration of level should be considered immediate. In addition to that, we'll continue to monitor the situation to assure that our highest priority responsibility is protecting drinking water and Georgia's public health."
Couch signaled that today's measures may not go far enough. She says some businesses, like car washes, currently exempt from water restrictions, may also face emergency rules.
Lakes Lanier and Allatoona, which provide water for northern Georgia, are at record low levels. The US Army Corps of Engineers has announced that in early October, it will cut the flow out of Allatoona by one third.
State Climatologist David Stooksbury says he can offer little hope for the new year.
The ban applies to the following counties:
Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dade, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Elbert, Fannin, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Fulton, Gilmer, Gordon, Greene, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Harris, Hart, Heard, Henry, Jackson, Jasper, Lincoln, Lumpkin, Madison, Meriwether, Morgan, Murray, Muscogee, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Polk, Paulding, Pickens, Rabun, Rockdale, Stephens, Spalding, Towns, Troup, Union, Walker, Walton, White, Whitfield and Wilkes.
Former DA pleads not guilty
A former northeast Georgia district attorney has pleaded not guilty to misusing public money. Former DA Tim Madison was arraigned yesterday on multiple felony charges, along with his wife, Linn Jones, and former assistant DA Brett Williams. Madison resigned in June nearly 25 years of prosecuting felonies in Banks, Barrow and Jackson counties. Investigators said they found evidence that Madison, Jones and Williams were skimming from county funds in the Banks County office.
Athens police search for kidnapper
Athens-Clarke County police are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of an alleged kidnapper. Police say the man kidnapped a woman September 9th while she was in town with friends for a Georgia football game. They say she accepted a ride alone from the man, who drove her to an isolated area outside the county, where she escaped and ran to a nearby home and called 911.
Bill could keep illegal immigrants in jail
A state lawmaker wants to make it harder for illegal immigrants accused of crimes to post bond and leave jail.
Rep. Calvin Hill (R-Canton) plans to sponsor a bill that would close what he sees as a dangerous loophole. He says under current law, people accused of all but the worst crimes can go in front of a lower court judge or clerk, put up bond, walk away and disappear.
He has no exact figures on how many people are taking advantage of the system. But, Hill says, "Anecdotally, I've been talking to sheriff's departments, clerk's departments and bail bondsmen who say not only is it a serious problem, but it's increasing every day."
Hill says the situation has gotten so bad that many bail bond companies will not do business with illegal immigrants.
His legislation would require an undocumented person charged with a felony to go before a Superior Court judge who would then determine whether they should post bond or go back to jail.
Hill says he is not trying to target any particular ethnic group.
Rep. Calvin Hill (R-Canton) plans to sponsor a bill that would close what he sees as a dangerous loophole. He says under current law, people accused of all but the worst crimes can go in front of a lower court judge or clerk, put up bond, walk away and disappear.
He has no exact figures on how many people are taking advantage of the system. But, Hill says, "Anecdotally, I've been talking to sheriff's departments, clerk's departments and bail bondsmen who say not only is it a serious problem, but it's increasing every day."
Hill says the situation has gotten so bad that many bail bond companies will not do business with illegal immigrants.
His legislation would require an undocumented person charged with a felony to go before a Superior Court judge who would then determine whether they should post bond or go back to jail.
Hill says he is not trying to target any particular ethnic group.
Perdue: Georgia grad rate up thanks to grad coaches
Today Governor Sonny Perdue released new statistics trumpeting the success of his 1-year old graduation coaches program. Perdue was on the grounds of Marietta High School in Cobb County to mark the strides of state educators in reducing Georgia's drop-out rate. The Governor says during his five years in office, the high school graduation rate has increased almost 9-%. Now, just over 72% of Georgia high schoolers get their diploma.
Perdue attributes the success to graduation coaches, academic counselors who target at risk students. And he says the benefit is personal for students, but also economical. Jobs, Perdue says, are becoming more technical, and need more education: "When we bring in, try to locate businesses and jobs here, the quality of our workforce is the real bottom line--that's what they want to know: Can you supply us with a level of workforce that we need".
The Governor issued a challenge to Georgia schools to reach an 80% high school graduation rate by early 2011, when he leaves office.
Perdue attributes the success to graduation coaches, academic counselors who target at risk students. And he says the benefit is personal for students, but also economical. Jobs, Perdue says, are becoming more technical, and need more education: "When we bring in, try to locate businesses and jobs here, the quality of our workforce is the real bottom line--that's what they want to know: Can you supply us with a level of workforce that we need".
The Governor issued a challenge to Georgia schools to reach an 80% high school graduation rate by early 2011, when he leaves office.
No world record in Macon
Macon was the home of America’s first modern kazoo, but Maconites have failed to beat a world kazoo record. Last night thousands gathered at the city’s baseball stadium to break the Guinness World Record for the largest kazoo ensemble. The record to beat is 2,679 set New Year’s Eve in Rochester, New York. Only about 2,000 showed up last night in Macon to hum “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
Teen jailed with TB released
A Mexican teenager who was jailed in Gwinnett County after refusing treatment for tuberculosis has been released. 17-year-old Francisco Santos is now recuperating at his home in Duluth after more than a month in jail. He faces deportation along with his mother. Health officials say Santos passed three TB tests and so could be released from jail.
Grad coaches program making impact
Today Governor Sonny Perdue released new statistics trumpeting the success of his one-year old graduation coaches program.
Perdue was on the grounds of Marietta High School in Cobb County Friday to mark the strides of state educators in reducing Georgia's drop-out rate. The Governor says during his five years in office, the high school graduation rate has increased almost 9-percent. Now, just over 72 percent of Georgia high schoolers get their diploma.
Perdue attributes the success mainly to graduation coaches-–academic counselors who target "at risk students". He says while the benefit is personal for students, it's also economical for the state. Perdue says jobs are becoming more technical, and need more education.
"When we bring in, try to locate businesses and jobs here, the quality of our workforce is the real bottom line...and that's what they want to know. Can you supply us with a level of workforce that we need".
The Governor issued a challenge to Georgia schools to reach an 80-percent high school graduation rate by the time he leaves office in early 2011. Perdue noted his aim to target "at risk" kids earlier in the educational process, with middle school coaches part of the program this school year.
Perdue was on the grounds of Marietta High School in Cobb County Friday to mark the strides of state educators in reducing Georgia's drop-out rate. The Governor says during his five years in office, the high school graduation rate has increased almost 9-percent. Now, just over 72 percent of Georgia high schoolers get their diploma.
Perdue attributes the success mainly to graduation coaches-–academic counselors who target "at risk students". He says while the benefit is personal for students, it's also economical for the state. Perdue says jobs are becoming more technical, and need more education.
"When we bring in, try to locate businesses and jobs here, the quality of our workforce is the real bottom line...and that's what they want to know. Can you supply us with a level of workforce that we need".
The Governor issued a challenge to Georgia schools to reach an 80-percent high school graduation rate by the time he leaves office in early 2011. Perdue noted his aim to target "at risk" kids earlier in the educational process, with middle school coaches part of the program this school year.
Georgia band wins national competition
Dalonegha-based rock group Midnight Clear is the winner of the Battle of the Bands on CBS's The Early Show. The foursome lasted 13 weeks of competition. They won the final round this week when viewers gave them 46% of their votes, helping them beat out two other bands. They performed live Monday in New York City on The Early Show.
Check out Midnight Clear's winning video here: www.midnightclearband.com
Check out Midnight Clear's winning video here: www.midnightclearband.com
Georgia sports for Friday, September 28th
The door has closed on the Braves' chances for the postseason. Atlanta was officially eliminated from contention last night, by virtue of their 6-4 loss to the Phillies in Philidelphia Thursday night. The loss means the Braves are missing the playoffs for a 2nd straight season. Pitcher John Smoltz was roughed-up in his final start of the 2007 season. He allowed 6 runs--5 earned--and 7 hits with 8 strikeouts in 4 innings of work. It was the shortest outing for Smoltz since late May. The Braves' offense included home runs from Chipper Jones and Mark Teixeira. Chipper is still very much in contention for the National League batting title. The Braves open a 3-game series in Houston tonight, which will close-out the season.
From college football, big games for Georgia and Georgia Tech on their respective home fields Saturday. The 15th ranked Bulldogs are home in Athens to meet Ole Miss at 1pm. Georgia enters play with the 3-1 record. For Tech's Yellow Jackets, now looking to snap a 2-game losing streak which has dropped their record to 2-2. A tough assignment in meeting 13th ranked Clemson in Atlanta at 3:30 tomorrow. For Georgia Southern, the Eagles are home in Statesboro to face Western Carolina at 3:30. The Eagles are 2-1 on the young season.
High school football is tonight across the state with another full schedule of games.
From college football, big games for Georgia and Georgia Tech on their respective home fields Saturday. The 15th ranked Bulldogs are home in Athens to meet Ole Miss at 1pm. Georgia enters play with the 3-1 record. For Tech's Yellow Jackets, now looking to snap a 2-game losing streak which has dropped their record to 2-2. A tough assignment in meeting 13th ranked Clemson in Atlanta at 3:30 tomorrow. For Georgia Southern, the Eagles are home in Statesboro to face Western Carolina at 3:30. The Eagles are 2-1 on the young season.
High school football is tonight across the state with another full schedule of games.
State drought committee meets today
As Georgia continues to wrestle with dry conditions affecting water supplies, the state drought response committee meets today. Officials may recommend tighter watering restrictions--possibly a total outdoor watering ban for Georgia. One move has already been made this week as officials announced there will be a reduction in water being released downstream to Alabama by one-third. Lake Allatoona here in Georgia is dropping about a foot a week in its level.
Plant Vogtle hearings on license renewal
One of Georgia’s two nuclear energy plants is looking to continue its operation through the year 2049. Plant Vogtle officials are seeking a license renewal to stay in operation in Waynesboro in east Georgia. Public hearings on the issue were held yesterday. Enviromental groups argued that Vogtle draws-in too much water from the Savannah River, and they worry about potential health threats from radioactive chemicals. A decision is expected in 2009, after an extensive two-year review by federal officials.
Gingrich launches initiative amid rumors
Georgia Republican and former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich kicked-off his new initiative last night in Cobb County. Called "American Solutions for Winning the Future", it plans to focus on problems such as healthcare, immigration and national security in workshops across the nation this weekend.
This however, comes as rumors swirl as to a possible presidential run by Gingrich. Some critics have suggested that his advocacy group is an indirect political campaign. Matt Towery heads the political website 'Insider Advantage'. He's a former Gingrich political aide.
"I think if he gets into the race he's going to be criticized for using this as a stepping stone, and it's something he's going to have to deal with. I don't think it would be fatal to him. I didn't think it was the smartest thing in the world, but yet at the same time it has created a lot of buzz".
Gingrich spoke to GPB last night about the charge put forth by critics.
"Nothing that we have done in American Solutions relates to campaigning. Any poll we give out we give out to both the Democrat and Republican party...all of our programs have been open to both the Democrat and Republican party...we've invited both Democrats and Republicans to participate. We've really tried to make this very open and available to anybody".
Gingrich has mentioned a number of 30-million dollars in pledges needed to fuel a jump into the presidential fray, and summed up his chances of getting into the race.
"I think the odds are probably 20-percent that we'll get pledges of 30-million dollars, and 80-percent that we won't. I'm pretty comfortable with that...I would have told you a month ago I thought it was 5-percent we would get it and 95-percent we wouldn't. So it has actually in my mind moved a fair distance in the last six weeks".
Gingrich said this is not about any ambition on his part, but about a citizen movement for change, and he’d be willing to be their candidate with enough support.
This however, comes as rumors swirl as to a possible presidential run by Gingrich. Some critics have suggested that his advocacy group is an indirect political campaign. Matt Towery heads the political website 'Insider Advantage'. He's a former Gingrich political aide.
"I think if he gets into the race he's going to be criticized for using this as a stepping stone, and it's something he's going to have to deal with. I don't think it would be fatal to him. I didn't think it was the smartest thing in the world, but yet at the same time it has created a lot of buzz".
Gingrich spoke to GPB last night about the charge put forth by critics.
"Nothing that we have done in American Solutions relates to campaigning. Any poll we give out we give out to both the Democrat and Republican party...all of our programs have been open to both the Democrat and Republican party...we've invited both Democrats and Republicans to participate. We've really tried to make this very open and available to anybody".
Gingrich has mentioned a number of 30-million dollars in pledges needed to fuel a jump into the presidential fray, and summed up his chances of getting into the race.
"I think the odds are probably 20-percent that we'll get pledges of 30-million dollars, and 80-percent that we won't. I'm pretty comfortable with that...I would have told you a month ago I thought it was 5-percent we would get it and 95-percent we wouldn't. So it has actually in my mind moved a fair distance in the last six weeks".
Gingrich said this is not about any ambition on his part, but about a citizen movement for change, and he’d be willing to be their candidate with enough support.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Athens reports West Nile case
Northeast Georgia is reporting this year’s first case of West Nile virus. The Athens Banner-Herald reports a woman checked into an Athens hospital with the disease. It’s spread by infected mosquitoes. The disease is not always fatal when healthy people get it. However it’s dangerous to people older than 50.
Losing company protests Jekyll decision
One of the companies passed over in Monday's "master developer" decision on Jekyll Island is protesting how the winning developer was chosen. At stake for developers is a potential three hundred fifty million-dollar contract with the state agency that runs Jekyll Island. At stake for the public is the future of the state park. Losing developer Wade Shealy says there appears to be one set of rules for the winning company and another for everyone else. On Monday, the state board that runs the island chose the Atlanta company Linger Longer to build a complex of new hotels, condos and retail sites on 63-acres. The problem is that the Jekyll Island Authority told developers in its Request for Proposal to come up with plans for a small, 45-acre site. Jekyll Island officials won't comment on Shealy's protest until he formally submits it. Shealy says he'll do that by the end of the week.
State could help drought-stricken counties draw water
Four north Georgia counties could get some help with their water supply. The state Environmental Protection Division is expected to allow Clarke, Oconee, Barrow and Jackson counties to draw up to 15 million gallons of water a day from the Middle Oconee River. The counties are already under total outdoor water bans. Melvin Davis, who chairs the counties’ water authority, says if the state doesn’t step in things could get worse. Davis says inaction " would devastate the region economically. So that’s one worst case scenario. The other is that the public wouldn’t have enough water to do the essentials [like] cooking, bathing, and drinking." Davis says the counties’ water ban will not change regardless of the EPD’s decision.
Macon could set world record
Georgia could set a world record tonight. People in Macon hope to beat the record for the largest kazoo ensemble. Thousands are expected to gather in the city’s minor league baseball stadium to try to top the existing record set in Rochester, New York on New Year’s Eve. The record is 2,679 kazoo players.
Funding woes delay Nichols trial
Jury selection in a high-profile murder trial has been pushed back another two weeks. Jury selection in the Brian Nichols case was supposed to begin Monday. It is now scheduled to begin October 15th. Today Superior Court Judge Hilton Fuller blamed funding shortages for the delay. Nichols is accused of killing four people in March 2005 during a shooting spree that began at the Fulton County Courthouse in downtown Atlanta. The trial has already cost $2 million dollars and fueled a debate over Georgia’s public defense spending.
Sailor arrested for molestation
Authorities have arrested a sailor based at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base south of Brunswick on child molestation charges. Parents of one of the alleged victims complained to the Navy about 36-year-old Steven David Sydor. Authorities believe Sydor gave children ages 10 to 15 alcohol and tried to get them to run around his St. Mary’s house nude. Investigators also removed a computer from his home.
Georgia to cut back water to Alabama
As drought continues in Georgia, water flow will be cut back from dams in Georgia. The U.S. Army Corps of engineers says it will reduce water being released downstream to Alabama by a third. One reason is that North Georgia's Lake Allatoona is dropping about a foot a week. Without cutting back on dam releases, Allatoona could be empty by February.
$1.3M for juvenile offenders
Georgia is getting a $1.3 million dollar federal grant to combat juvenile delinquency. The money comes from the U.S. Department of Justice. It will be distributed among 13 prevention programs statewide for high-risk young people and juvenile offenders. In announcing the funds today, Governor Sonny Perdue said it will help community-based programs identify children at risk and provide them positive role models.
VA Clinic Opens in Rome, GA
A new VA Clinic is opening tomorrowin Rome to service some 75 thousand veterans that live in North West Georgia and local veterans will no longer have to drive to metro Atlanta to receive care at a VA Hospital.
Local Congressman Phil Gingrey spent a year and a half trying to get the Veterans Affairs Administration in Washington to open a clinic in Rome. Gingrey says he couldn’t have done it with out heavy lobbying from Georgia’s Veterans.
"The veterans themselves organized and signed over 2,000 petitions letters and when you put that on a desk in front of a commissioner in Washington and he can no longer see over his desk…that has a tendency to get his attention," said Gingrey.
The clinic will have basic laboratory and radiology services. Opening day appointments are already booked.
Georgia sports for Thursday, September 27th
The lights are nearly out for the Braves' postseason hopes, in the wake of their 5-2 loss to the Phillies in Philidelphia last night. Tim Hudson suffered the pitching loss to drop his season record to 16-10. A key Chipper Jones throwing error paved the way for 3 Phillies' un-earned runs off Hudson. With 4 games left in the season, the Braves stand 4 games out of 1st in the NL-East, and 4 off the top for the wild card. Concerning the Phillies, their recent surge combined with the Mets' faltering play has drawn Philidelphia to within 1 game of New York in the division.
Atlanta Falcons defensive back DeAngelo Hall says he's been fined 100-thousand dollars by the team for his outburst during the Falcons' loss at home to Carolina last Sunday. Hall also might be suspended for some length of the team's upcoming game against the Houston Texans. Last Sunday, Hall was whistled for 3 penalties on the same Falcon defensive series. His outburst included 2 personal fouls and a heated exchange with coaches on the sidelines. Hall says he plans to appeal the team sanctions through the NFL Players Association.
From preseason hockey, the Atlanta Thrashers last night beat the Florida Panthers 4-1 in exhibition action. The team is coming down the stretch toward their season opener, a week from Friday.
Atlanta Falcons defensive back DeAngelo Hall says he's been fined 100-thousand dollars by the team for his outburst during the Falcons' loss at home to Carolina last Sunday. Hall also might be suspended for some length of the team's upcoming game against the Houston Texans. Last Sunday, Hall was whistled for 3 penalties on the same Falcon defensive series. His outburst included 2 personal fouls and a heated exchange with coaches on the sidelines. Hall says he plans to appeal the team sanctions through the NFL Players Association.
From preseason hockey, the Atlanta Thrashers last night beat the Florida Panthers 4-1 in exhibition action. The team is coming down the stretch toward their season opener, a week from Friday.
Sentencing testimony in Humphreys trial
A Glynn County jury is hearing testimony in the sentencing phase of the trial of Stacey Humphreys, who was convicted Tuesday of double murder in the killings of two Cobb County real estate agents. Jurors Wednesday heard testimony from family and friends of the victims, including the husband of Cyndi Williams, and the man who was to marry Lori Brown. The defense will bring forth testimony today, hoping to spare Humphreys the death penalty. Humphreys' lawyer told the jury yesterday that his client has a mild form of autism, but that it's not an excuse for what Humphreys did.
North Georgia man arrested for hitman scheme
A 72-year-old Ellijay man was arrested on charges that he tried to hire someone to kill his estranged wife and her caregiver. Authorities in north Georgia say Robert Goldman paid who he thought was a hitman, and asked that the killings be made to look like the result of a home invasion and robbery. Authorities protected Goldman’s wife and caregiver during a 2-week undercover investigation. Authorities say divorce appears to be the motive.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Public hearings Thursday on Plant Vogtle
The Plant Vogtle nuclear plant in east Georgia will be the subject of two public hearings in Waynesboro on Thursday. Plant officials are seeking 20-year license renewals for its two nuclear reactors. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission will be holding the hearings at 1:30 and 7 p.m. Thursday in the auditorium of Augusta Technical College’s Waynesboro campus.
Lt. Gov. says tax plan could hurt seniors
The state’s second-highest lawmaker says eliminating Georgia’s property taxes could hurt senior citizens. Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle commented today on the idea by House Speaker Glenn Richardson to replace property taxes with new sales taxes. Cagle says the plan has the potential to cost senior homeowners on fixed incomes even more in taxes than they pay on their homes. The plan would make Georgia the only state with no property taxes.
Statewide water ban a possibility
A water ban could soon cover all of Georgia. State environmental officials plan to meet Friday on the issue. Right now the only statewide water restrictions limit lawn watering to three days a week. Eight counties have imposed total outdoor water bans. The Gwinnett Daily Post reports that yesterday the Director of the state Environmental Protection Division Carol Couch said low water levels at Georgia’s major reservoirs means she wants to consider tougher statewide water restrictions.
Fulton Co. could pay for losing voter registration cards
Hundreds of thousands of voter registration cards in Fulton County ended up in the trash. Now elections officials there could face penalties. County officials said the 93,000 records were inadvertently dumped when the county moved from one storage center to another. Secretary of State Karen Handel has asked the Attorney General’s office to advise her office on how and whether to hold Fulton County accountable.
Theme park sold at auction
A Georgia theme park and its sister park in Florida are under new ownership. Today Valdosta’s Wild Adventure Theme Park and Cypress Gardens Adventure Park were sold at auction in Macon for more than 50-million dollars. Missouri-based Herschend Family Entertainment bought them. Herschend co-operates Atlanta's Stone Mountain Park.
Police bust $14M of cocaine
$14 million dollars worth of cocaine is off the street in Clayton County. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports police there seized more than 400 pounds of the drug last night. They say it was in a wooden shipping crate at a shipping company en route from Laredo, Texas.
Michael Vick positive for marijuana
Michael Vick has tested positive for marijuana. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback was supposed to stay clean as a condition for being free as he awaits sentencing on federal dog fighting charges. Court documents show Vick submitted a urine sample September 13th that tested positive for marijuana. Today prosecutors asked the judge to require Vick to undergo and pay for drug screening and treatment.
Georgia sports for Wednesday, September 26th
The Braves keep winning in their last-gasp chance to try and make the postseason. Last night, they won the opener of a 3-game series at Philidelphia 10-6. Home runs from Mark Teixeira and Chipper Jones set the tone for the win.
The Braves have won 8 of their last 9 games. In the playoff races, they now draw to within 4 games of the Mets for 1st in the NL-East, and remain 3 games back of wild card leader San Diego. There are 5 games remaining.
The Braves have won 8 of their last 9 games. In the playoff races, they now draw to within 4 games of the Mets for 1st in the NL-East, and remain 3 games back of wild card leader San Diego. There are 5 games remaining.
Kentucky death penalty case could impact Georgia
The nation's highest court plans to hear a challenge to lethal injection in death penalty cases, but Georgia is staying the course.
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case brought by two death row inmates in Kentucky against that state's method of lethal injection. They argue that the process is cruel and unusual punishment.
Defense Attorney Michael Siem has filed a similar challenge in district court against Georgia's lethal injection process. He says both states use a lethal three-drug cocktail that leaves much room for error.
In both states, he says, "You use untrained, unqualified individuals to do this procedure, and there’s a high risk that the person is not anesthetized properly so they’re not at the surgical point of consciousness that you would want them at to insure they’re not feeling pain and suffering."
Siem represents convicted murderer Jack Alderman, who is one of three Georgia inmates who could be executed as early as next month.
State Attorney General Thurbert Baker says Georgia will continue scheduling executions by lethal injection unless the U.S. Supreme Court rules otherwise.
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case brought by two death row inmates in Kentucky against that state's method of lethal injection. They argue that the process is cruel and unusual punishment.
Defense Attorney Michael Siem has filed a similar challenge in district court against Georgia's lethal injection process. He says both states use a lethal three-drug cocktail that leaves much room for error.
In both states, he says, "You use untrained, unqualified individuals to do this procedure, and there’s a high risk that the person is not anesthetized properly so they’re not at the surgical point of consciousness that you would want them at to insure they’re not feeling pain and suffering."
Siem represents convicted murderer Jack Alderman, who is one of three Georgia inmates who could be executed as early as next month.
State Attorney General Thurbert Baker says Georgia will continue scheduling executions by lethal injection unless the U.S. Supreme Court rules otherwise.
Sanford aide: port deal close
A close aide to South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford says South Carolina and Georgia are close to a deal on building a jointly-owned shipping terminal.
Sanford's chief of staff Tom Davis told the Board of Realtors in Beaufort, South Carolina that a task force is about two weeks from completing its plan for the deal. The half-billion-dollar terminal will be located on the South Carolina side of the Savannah River just downstream from Savannah.
The task force's proposal will cover everything from how the port will be run to how much each state will pay for permits to build it.
One apparent change deals with public versus private port operation. When Sanford and Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced the port in March, officials from both states talked about forming a joint ports authority. Now, Davis says, leaders prefer a private company to run it. Both states' legislatures would have to approve the deal.
Sanford's chief of staff Tom Davis told the Board of Realtors in Beaufort, South Carolina that a task force is about two weeks from completing its plan for the deal. The half-billion-dollar terminal will be located on the South Carolina side of the Savannah River just downstream from Savannah.
The task force's proposal will cover everything from how the port will be run to how much each state will pay for permits to build it.
One apparent change deals with public versus private port operation. When Sanford and Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced the port in March, officials from both states talked about forming a joint ports authority. Now, Davis says, leaders prefer a private company to run it. Both states' legislatures would have to approve the deal.
Test results show state curriculum is working
Georgia education officials say new national test results show that the states’ curriculum revisions are working.
Georgia's fourth and eighth graders have almost caught up with the national average in reading but they still lag in mathematics.
Georgia students performed better than they ever have on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The federal test is considered the best state-to-state measure of classroom progress.
The Department of Education credits the new reading curriculum which has bee in place for two years. The new math curriculum however had not started until this school year. Georgia's fourth graders scored an average of 219 on the reading
test, just one point below the national average. In math they were four point below the average. Eighth graders scored two points below the average in reading and six points below for math.
Plans for GA-SC port close to approval
A top South Carolina official says Georgia and South Carolina officials are close to striking a deal that would build a shipping terminal owned by both states. The chief of staff for South Carolina's Governor says in two weeks a task force will have a plan in place. One change could be how the facility is operated. Instead of the idea of a joint ports authority, officials now are leaning toward a private company to run the port. The 500-million dollar port will be constructed along the Savannah River in Jasper County, South Carolina--on land now owned by Georgia's Department of Transportation.
State elections officials: no complaints last week
Only eight voters in Georgia’s special elections last week needed to cast provisional ballots because they lacked the required photo identification—that’s the word from Georgia elections officials. State law allows those who cast provisional ballots to return within 48 hours and show a form of photo ID, so their vote can count. It was unclear whether the eight voters returned.
In the biggest test yet of the state’s photo ID law, officials say they received no complaints either by phone or email. Local elections were held in 22 counties with low turnout.
In the biggest test yet of the state’s photo ID law, officials say they received no complaints either by phone or email. Local elections were held in 22 counties with low turnout.
Brunswick jury convicts in double murder trial
A jury in Brunswick late yesterday afternoon returned a verdict of guilty against Stacey Humphreys, convicting him of the 2003 murders of two Cobb County real estate agents. The jury of ten women and two men needed about four-and-a-half hours in deliberations to reach the verdict. Jurors will begin the sentencing phase of the trial today. Humphreys faces the death penalty in the killings of 33-year-old Cyndi Williams, and 21-year-old Lori Brown.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Tracking flow of Asian dollars flow to GA, metro ATL
$ Inbound from China: In last 18 months (without directs flights with China), approximately $75M in Chinese investment in the metro Atlanta area (Sany, $30M; General Protecht, $30M; Kingwasong, $15M).
"The direct flights don't translate easily into set $-figures. They translate into infinite possibilities/opportunities."
$ Outbound from GA to China: $1.1B (2006) GA exports to China almost tripled over the 5-year period, 2001-2006 GA Companies in China: Coca-Cola, UPS, The Home Depot, GE Energy, Concurrent Computer Corp, Scientific-Atlanta, CNN and Micrometrics. One example, UPS has invested more than $600M in China over the past five years. Another example, The Home Depot recently established retail operations in China (no $ figures)
$ Outbound to China through GA Ports: $2.95B (2006) $ Inbound from China through GA Ports: $12.7B (2006)
*China is now Georgia's Top Trading Partner (based on traffic through ports) - particularly important for GA's logistics/distribution industry
Economic Impact of China trade (inbound): Direct flights will make metro Atlanta, the state of Georgia and the Southeast region more appealing for Chinese investment. With direct flights, Chinese executives will become more aware of Atlanta and will be more apt to invest in metro Atlanta as a location for US operations.
Economic Impact of China trade (outbound): Direct flights will allow metro Atlanta companies easier access to business opportunities in China. Whether a metro Atlanta company exports a product or a service, the direct flights will make trade with China easier and open up opportunities in the Chinese markets for our local companies.
Economic Impact of air route: A 2005 study estimated the impact of a direct Atlanta/China flight on the US economy to be approximately $400M/year.
(Courtesy: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, International Trade Development.)
Delta to China in under a year
In less than a year, Delta Airlines will soon fly direct from its home base in Atlanta to Shanghai, China, doubling the current number of flights between the US and the Chinese mainland.
US Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters made the announcement at Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, saying it's an economic win for both countries.
"By bringing China and the US one step closer, we increase our ability to compete in the global marketplace because we understand how important these new routes are in bringing new prosperity to families, to business and to airlines."
Peters also announced tentative agreements that allow United, American, Continental, Northwest and US Airways to serve China's largest cities, starting in 2009.
Economic Future of Region/US Rosey
According to the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Asian companies have invested in Georgia to the tune of 75 million dollars in the last year and a half alone.
Ric Huber directs the Chamber's International Trade Division. He says it's a combination of quality of life factors that draws Asian investment to the area, but says the region excels where others don’t. "Most importantly, Atlanta offers access. whether you're looking for access to U-S markets or whether you're looking to access the international markets, Atlanta is keenly interesting to Chinese companies because Atlanta is the gateway opening up not only to U-S but really the entire western hemisphere."
One estimate puts the impact of Delta’s direct Atlanta to China flight on the U-S economy at approximately $400 million dollars a year.
Proctor and Gamble adds jobs in Albany
Proctor and Gamble is set to add jobs in southwest Georgia. The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports the company is adding 34 jobs to its Albany facility. The move includes expanding the plant, which makes Bounty towels, Charmin bathroom tissue, and ThermaCare heat wraps. Right now 1,200 people work there.
More testimony in GA terror case
Testimony continued today in Georgia’s first international terrorism case. An FBI agent testified that investigators used a ruse to question Ehsanul Sadequee in August 2005 as he got off a flight from Atlanta to New York. Sadequee was charged with aiding terrorists a year later. The agent said he and another law enforcement officer told Sadequee they wanted to talk to him about passenger complaints that he had acted suspiciously on the plane. The agent said that in fact there were no complaints, but investigators wanted biographical information from him. Sadequee’s lawyer wants evidence found during that search dismissed.
Ten Commandments on display
The Ten Commandments are on display in Hartwell in northeast Georgia. The display is part of a nine-document exhibit inside the city courtroom. It was set up by the group Ten Commandments Georgia under a new state law that allows the public display of historical legal documents. The new measure in Georgia was prompted after public postings of the Ten Commandments sparked controversy at the Barrow County Courthouse.
Vick indicted in Virginia
Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick now faces state charges in Virginia related to dog fighting. Today a grand jury handed down indictments against Vick and three co-defendants. However, the grand jury declined to indict them on animal cruelty charges. Vick has already pleaded guilty to federal dog fighting charges and is scheduled to be sentenced in December.
Transportation Funding Study Committee wraps meetings
Finding money for Georgia’s transportation needs is the issue a committee of state lawmakers hopes to solve. They wrapped up two days of meetings in Atlanta today.
Members of the Joint Senate and House Transportation Funding Study Committee heard a number of proposed solutions, but it’s the bigger ideas that will be debated the next few weeks-—an additional statewide gasoline tax versus a sales tax.
Committee chair, Republican Senator Jeff Mullis of Chickamauga, says the emergence of non-taxed alternative fuels changes the equation:
"I think a sales tax maybe instead of a motor fuel tax could be the funding source".
House Speaker Glenn Richardson in his brief address to committee members says he's "willing to do anything, except do nothing" in solving Georgia's transportation woes. Richardson told reporters he would hope lawmakers in next year's General Assembly can consider a transportation sales tax, along with his own sales tax proposal.
The committee expects to come out with its recommendations in a few weeks for consideration by top lawmakers.
Members of the Joint Senate and House Transportation Funding Study Committee heard a number of proposed solutions, but it’s the bigger ideas that will be debated the next few weeks-—an additional statewide gasoline tax versus a sales tax.
Committee chair, Republican Senator Jeff Mullis of Chickamauga, says the emergence of non-taxed alternative fuels changes the equation:
"I think a sales tax maybe instead of a motor fuel tax could be the funding source".
House Speaker Glenn Richardson in his brief address to committee members says he's "willing to do anything, except do nothing" in solving Georgia's transportation woes. Richardson told reporters he would hope lawmakers in next year's General Assembly can consider a transportation sales tax, along with his own sales tax proposal.
The committee expects to come out with its recommendations in a few weeks for consideration by top lawmakers.
Georgia sports for Tuesday, September 25th
The Braves open the final week of the regular season on the road--their remaining 6 games on the schedule begin tonight with the 1st of 3 against the Phillies in Philidelphia. Alive but barely are the Braves in the playoff race. They stand 5 games out of 1st in the NL-East division, along with a 3-game deficit in the race for the National League wild card ticket. The Braves have been making a push the past week or so, as they've won 7 of their last 8 games.
Suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has more legal problems to deal with. Already awaiting December-sentencing for his guilty plea to federal dogfighting charges, Vick along with his three co-defendants Tuesday was indicted on two state felony charges relating to dogfighting. One of those charges, killing or beating a dog, carries up to five years in prison and a $2,500 fine for each dog.
Suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has more legal problems to deal with. Already awaiting December-sentencing for his guilty plea to federal dogfighting charges, Vick along with his three co-defendants Tuesday was indicted on two state felony charges relating to dogfighting. One of those charges, killing or beating a dog, carries up to five years in prison and a $2,500 fine for each dog.
Georgia State Fair Opens in Macon
The funnel cakes are ready, and the heifers are looking for their blue ribbons as the Georgia State Fair gets underway in Macon.
This is the 152nd year for the event. Organizers are hoping people will show up for the rides, food, and entertainment. They say some of the most popular events are the hog races, beauty pageants, and of course carnival rides. Jimmy Hartley is with the fair.
"We have magicians, We have petting zoos. We have all the things you would expect from a great state fair."
One of the most eagerly anticipated events at the fair is an attempt to break the Guinness World Kazoo Record. The fair was the birthplace of the kazoo in 1852, and organizers hope thousands will show up on Thursday to play their kazoos at the same time.
Testimony wraps in Humphreys trial
Testimony has wrapped up in the trial of the man charged with killing two real estate agents in 2003. The lawyer for Stacey Ian Humphreys rested without calling any defense witnesses in the trial being staged on the coast in Brunswick. The defendant Humphreys told the judge he did not want to testify. Closing arguments are set for this morning. Humphreys faces the death penalty in the killings of 33-year-old Cyndi Williams, and 21-year-old Lori Brown. They were found shot to death in their Cobb County model home real estate office.
Federal money near for Georgia water projects
Over 127-million dollars could be on the way to Georgia for critical infrastructure projects. The U.S. Senate on Monday passed water resources legislation—-it now goes to President Bush for his signature. Georgia Republican Senator Johnny Isakson was a member of the committee that penned the compromise on the bill.
Georgia’s share of the money would include over 80-million dollars for numerous municipal infrastructure projects across the state. Specific projects include 10-million dollars for Savannah Riverfront development.
Georgia’s share of the money would include over 80-million dollars for numerous municipal infrastructure projects across the state. Specific projects include 10-million dollars for Savannah Riverfront development.
Georgia soldier from Watkinsville dies in Iraq
Another soldier from Georgia has died in Iraq. The Pentagon says 22-year-old Joshua Reeves of Watkinsville was killed over the weekend when a bomb exploded near his vehicle in Baghdad. It was Reeves’ first deployment to Iraq. He entered the Army in February 2005, and was based at Fort Riley, Kansas.
Grady board will look at non-profit idea
Grady Health System's board members have decided to look more closely at leasing management to a private, non-profit board. In a unanimous vote Monday, they authorized the formation of an exploratory committee to examine how that change could look.
Two months ago, Grady's board hired a team of lawyers to research legal questions around restructuring. At yesterday's meeting, the lawyers said the board needs to know more about what benefits would come from non-profit management before any decision can be made.
Chairperson Pamela Stephenson says the exploratory committee will be charged with answering that and many other questions.
"What is it we're going to do? What is it going to look like? What's the funding going to look like? When can we expect it? Who's going to do what? And flesh out the details..."
Stephenson will appoint committee members from among civic, government, and business leaders this week. Their recommendation is due in two months.
Two months ago, Grady's board hired a team of lawyers to research legal questions around restructuring. At yesterday's meeting, the lawyers said the board needs to know more about what benefits would come from non-profit management before any decision can be made.
Chairperson Pamela Stephenson says the exploratory committee will be charged with answering that and many other questions.
"What is it we're going to do? What is it going to look like? What's the funding going to look like? When can we expect it? Who's going to do what? And flesh out the details..."
Stephenson will appoint committee members from among civic, government, and business leaders this week. Their recommendation is due in two months.
Plains: Biodiesel plant to open
Macon-based Alterra Bioenergy is constructing a biofuels pant in Plains, set to open in November. The company and community leaders say between 25-to-50 employees will work at the facility.
Alterra says the fuel, made from diverse organic materials, can be used on any machine that uses diesel fuel. Alterra officials say they chose to locate the plant in Plains due to it's local agriculture and resident and former President Jimmy Carter's interest in alternative energy sources. Carter, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in February, said:
“The production of alternative fuels, such as biodiesel, is a very important step toward energy independence while at the same time being less harmful to the environment and supporting local farmers.”
Monday, September 24, 2007
Update: Escaped inmates caught
Three jail inmates who escaped from a north Georgia prison last night have been caught. A Tennessee television station reports the three were caught today in Gilmer County. Joshua Sproles, Ryan Patrick and Richard James Hill escaped from the Fannin County jail. Authorities have not said how the three got out.
Jekyll Island Authority selects developer
The Jekyll Island Authority has chosen an Atlanta-based company to build what could be the state park's most transformative development ever.
The company, Linger Longer, proposes over 700 new hotel rooms, 400 condos, a boardwalk promenade and a park at the island's entrance. The cost will be negotiated, but the proposal calls for a $300 million investment, with about $47 million in public funds.
As to how that will change what visitors pay to come to the island, David Egan has been watching as a local activist. "I think their hotel proposals look very good for affordability," Egan says. "They have a nice mid-range hotel. They're talking about having a more affordable hotel besides that."
The company proposal says, 45% of its hotel rooms will average less than $150 dollars a night. It also proposes keeping 42% of its 63-acre site green and building to strong environmental standards. A public comment period begins Tuesday.
The company, Linger Longer, proposes over 700 new hotel rooms, 400 condos, a boardwalk promenade and a park at the island's entrance. The cost will be negotiated, but the proposal calls for a $300 million investment, with about $47 million in public funds.
As to how that will change what visitors pay to come to the island, David Egan has been watching as a local activist. "I think their hotel proposals look very good for affordability," Egan says. "They have a nice mid-range hotel. They're talking about having a more affordable hotel besides that."
The company proposal says, 45% of its hotel rooms will average less than $150 dollars a night. It also proposes keeping 42% of its 63-acre site green and building to strong environmental standards. A public comment period begins Tuesday.
Report: State DOT can't afford new roads
Georgia’s Department of Transportation is out of money for new state roads, according to state data obtained by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. The paper reports that gas tax revenue that funds new road construction is being used up by maintenance and debt. Only 5% of the state transportation budget is being used to build new lanes.
Gag order postponed in Nichols trial
A Fulton County Superior Court judge today refused to grant a request for a gag order in the case of Brian Nichols. Nichols faces the death penalty, following a 2005 shooting spree that left several people dead.
State prosecutors asked for a gag order last week. Lawyers for several news organizations argued against it at a hearing. The gag order request follows reports of press interviews by Nichols attorneys about the increasing cost of the trial.
Earlier this summer, the managing director of the state’s public defender standards council told a reporter that the office was in dire straits because of the costly trial. Prosecutors used that comment to ask for the gag order.
In court, Judge Hilton Fuller says he believes the public had a right to be informed of the court’s proceedings, but did not rule on the gag order. He said he will do so at a later date. That in turn has once again postponed the trial. Jury selection was to start next week but has been delayed.
Following today’s hearing, Judge Fuller asked Nichols if he was “concerned with his current level of representation.” Nichols replied, “Not at the moment Your Honor.”
In other news, the state’s highest court has sided with Fulton County over who will pay part of the tab in the Nichols trial.
In a unanimous ruling the Georgia Supreme Court said Fulton County is not required to foot the bill for a portion of Brian Nichols’ defense. State law requires counties to pay for ordinary trial costs, like office space and equipment. But, the state’s highest court said extraordinary costs like PowerPoint presentations or transcribing jail house telephone interviews is not the type of cost normally associated with superior court proceedings.
In 2005, the state established the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council for indigent defendants. However, in late August, the head of the Council, resigned citing inadequate funding in death penalty cases.
The price tag so far in the Nichols case has topped 1 million dollars. And, some experts predict the cost of trying to keep Nichols off death row could exceed two and a half million dollars. No word yet on whether or not Fulton County will appeal the Supreme Court’s decision.
Drought Affecting GA's Colleges and Universities
As the drought continues to worsen, Georgia’s colleges and universitites are taking drastic action to preserve their campuses.
Berry College, in Rome, is looking for water in a closed quarry on campus that ran off an under ground aquifer attached to the Oostanaula River. College officials say if the water quality is good and the aquifer refills continuously, Berry could have a new source of water, needed for its growing number students.
At the University of Georgia, outdoor watering is now completely restricted, which means no water for Sanford Stadium or campus lawns.
UGA spokesman, Tom Jackson, says the university may have to ask for an exception to the watering restrictions for its Botanical Gardens.
“It’s a collection that contains rare and endangered species. It’s like an art museum taking care of their paintings. It would be irresponsible to let that collection die to lack of water,” said Jackson.
And at Georgia Southern, a new irrigation system was recently added. It runs off recycled rain water that flows off roofs and parking lots, into ponds that pump the water over campus.
GA workers join strike
Some Georgia workers are joining a nationwide strike against General Motors. Workers in Doraville north of Atlanta walked off the job and started picketing this morning. The strike is organized by the United Auto Workers union. GM plans to close its Doraville plant next year.
Opposition to property tax cut getting vocal
Groups opposed to House speaker Glenn Richardson’s proposal to eliminate the property tax in Georgia are stepping up their lobbying efforts.
Richardson already toured the state pushing his plan to eliminate the property tax.
He wants the state to collect sales taxes on food and other items instead and let the state decide how much money will go back to about 640 local governments.
Now, local governments have complete control over property taxes.
That’s why the Georgia Municipal Association is against the plan. Jim Higdon is the groups Executive Director
“This will destroy Local Governments, plain and simple," says Jim Higdon with the Georgia municipal association. "If a mayor and council have no authority, why do they even exist?"
Hidgdon’s group joins the Georgia School Boards Association, the Georgia AARP and others in their own tour of Georgia, to show they say that Speaker Richardson’s plan only benefits those owning big homes in high priced areas and landowners. The plan they say would hurt the elderly because medical services would be taxable.
The Tax Reform: A Reality Check tour will visit cities throughout Georgia, holding events from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on the following dates:
September 25, Macon - Ramada Plaza Hotel
October 2, Rome - Days Inn Downtown
October 9, Athens - UGA Center for Continuing Education
October 17, Albany - Albany State University
October 23, Augusta - Ramada Plaza Hotel
October 30, Savannah - Savannah State College
November 6, Gainesville - Gainesville State College
Georgia sports for Monday, September 24th
The Falcons are off to a winless start through 3 games on their NFL-schedule. Yesterday’s home opener was a 27-20 loss to the Carolina Panthers inside the Georgia Dome. After the Falcons took a 17-10 lead in the 3rd quarter, momentum changed to the visitors, as defensive back DeAngelo Hall was called for 3 straight penalties—the first a hurtful interference call. Falcons' quarterback Joey Harrington had a good day for the offense, throwing for 361 yards and 2 touchdowns, but not enough in the end.
From baseball, the Braves wrapped up their home schedule for 2007 with a 7-4 comeback win over the Brewers, winning 3-of-4 in the series. Down 4-1, the Braves turned the game with 4 runs scored in the 7th inning. In the big picture, the Braves have a very faint heartbeat concerning the chance to reach the postseason, but alive nonetheless. With 6 games remaining, Atlanta is 5-and-a-half games behind the Mets for the top of the NL-East division. They are closer in the wild card race, only 3-and-a-half off the top there. The Braves have won 7 of their last 8 games. They start the final week of the season Tuesday on the road at Philidelphia.
Wrapping up the college football weekend in Georgia: The Georgia Bulldogs posted the exciting 26-23 overtime win at Alabama Saturday night. The winner was QB Matthew Stafford to Mikey Henderson on a 25-yard pass connection. Georgia Tech's Yellow Jackets lost their 2nd-straight game, falling at Virginia 28-23. Georgia Southern's Eagles were losers at home in Statesboro in overtime, 45-38 to Chattanooga. For the Valdosta State Blazers, they've improved their record to 3-0, after winning on the road at Arkansas State, 28-27.
From baseball, the Braves wrapped up their home schedule for 2007 with a 7-4 comeback win over the Brewers, winning 3-of-4 in the series. Down 4-1, the Braves turned the game with 4 runs scored in the 7th inning. In the big picture, the Braves have a very faint heartbeat concerning the chance to reach the postseason, but alive nonetheless. With 6 games remaining, Atlanta is 5-and-a-half games behind the Mets for the top of the NL-East division. They are closer in the wild card race, only 3-and-a-half off the top there. The Braves have won 7 of their last 8 games. They start the final week of the season Tuesday on the road at Philidelphia.
Wrapping up the college football weekend in Georgia: The Georgia Bulldogs posted the exciting 26-23 overtime win at Alabama Saturday night. The winner was QB Matthew Stafford to Mikey Henderson on a 25-yard pass connection. Georgia Tech's Yellow Jackets lost their 2nd-straight game, falling at Virginia 28-23. Georgia Southern's Eagles were losers at home in Statesboro in overtime, 45-38 to Chattanooga. For the Valdosta State Blazers, they've improved their record to 3-0, after winning on the road at Arkansas State, 28-27.
Leaf colors might miss robust color this fall
There is some bad news for leaf watchers this fall--the color displays across Georgia are expected to be more subdued and shorter this year. To blame are the up-and-down weather patterns of earlier this year. Unseasonably warm temperatures in March caused plants to bloom early, and the following April freeze killed many of the young leaves. Stress on the trees has also come in the form of the drought and August heat wave. It all adds up to leaves withering and falling before getting the chance to change color.
Grady hospital board meets on non-profit idea
The board of Grady Health Systems today votes on the formation of a transition team to explore handing-over management of the institution to a private non-profit board. The move comes after a closed-door meeting last Wednesday between Grady board members, representatives of state government leaders, Fulton County commissioners, the business community, and African-American religious leaders.
The transition team will have 60 days to figure out how to make sure that indigent patients can continue getting the care they need under a private, non-profit board. In return, state leaders said they'll support legislation to fund a statewide trauma network, and to make other counties pay for their residents' use of Grady. Corporate leaders also agreed to raise 200-million from the philanthropic community.
The transition team will have 60 days to figure out how to make sure that indigent patients can continue getting the care they need under a private, non-profit board. In return, state leaders said they'll support legislation to fund a statewide trauma network, and to make other counties pay for their residents' use of Grady. Corporate leaders also agreed to raise 200-million from the philanthropic community.
Horse abuse and neglect up in Georgia
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says more horses are being abused. Officials say the drought has a lot to do with the problem. The lack of rain led to hay shortages, and the closing of slaughterhouses. A downturn in the economy also contributed to the problem.
In February inspectors declared an emergency on a Pike County farm where they impounded 99 horses and other animals. Only one of those horses died. The Department of Agriculture can bring civil charges against people who do not take care of their animals. Criminal actions must be pursued by local law enforcement.
The Department of Agriculture says they receive no funds to help care for the animals they are required to impound. The agency does receive some help from the Georgia Equine Rescue league who also own and operate their own foster and adoption programs.
In February inspectors declared an emergency on a Pike County farm where they impounded 99 horses and other animals. Only one of those horses died. The Department of Agriculture can bring civil charges against people who do not take care of their animals. Criminal actions must be pursued by local law enforcement.
The Department of Agriculture says they receive no funds to help care for the animals they are required to impound. The agency does receive some help from the Georgia Equine Rescue league who also own and operate their own foster and adoption programs.
Jekyll Island re-development vote today
Jekyll Island’s governing board today will choose a master planner that will build hundreds of new condos and hotel rooms. There are three companies that are vying for the re-development job of a 45-acre "town center" tract of land. Critics however, fear today’s vote by the Jekyll Island Authority is a step in what could make visiting the state-owned island unaffordable to the average Georgian.
Search for escaped inmates in north Georgia
Authorities in north Georgia this morning are searching for three inmates who escaped from the Fannin County Jail outside Blue Ridge last night. The Georgia State Patrol was contacted by the county’s sheriff’s department around 11:30pm, asking for assistance in the search. A state patrol aviation unit is also involved in the search for the three inmates.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Cheese recall for Georgia
A cheese importer has recalled about 55,000 pounds of Mexican cheese that could be tainted with salmonella. The cheese was sold under the name "Queso Cincho de Guerrero" in multiple stores in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Texas. It is a dry, hard cheese sold in 35 and 40 pound wheels and labeled with the name of its Mexican producer, Quesos Sabrosos Mexicanos. No illnesses have been reported.
Nichols lawyers reject gag order
The case of accused courthouse killer Brian Nichols heads back to court Monday. Today Nichols’ lawyers said they oppose the sweeping gag order prosecutors plan to request Monday. The motion seeks to bar public comment by prosecutors, defense lawyers, potential witnesses and others associated with the case. Nichols is set to stand trial for allegedly killing four people during a shooting rampage at the Fulton County Courthouse in March 2005.
New Homeland Security Director announced
Georgia has a new director of Homeland Security. Today Governor Sonny Perdue appointed Charley English to the post. English will also continue to serve in his current role as head of Georgia’s Emergency Management Agency. English fills the seat left vacant by Major General Terry Nesbitt who recently became head of Georgia’s National Guard.
Lake Lanier: record low water level
The prolonged drought and rising population is plunging Atlanta's chief water source, Lake Sidney Lanier to historic low levels.
Experts say the lake is expected to drop to a record low by year's end, unless there is significant rainfall. Only 24-inches of rain fell this year – over a foot below the norm.
Rob Holland, spokesman for the U.S. Army's Corps of Engineers, which operates the lake, paints a dire picture:
"Put simply, the lake could be 20-feet below its level during the summertime. Or it could be as low as more than 30-feet below the normal summer level. That means, a lot of exposed shoreline and mud, virtually all of the boat-ramps will be out of the water, and the lake will be less accessible."Holland says the state need to urge even stricter conservation efforts.
Click here for more GPB coverage of the ongoing drought.
Forbes ranks 5 richest Georgians
Forbes Magazine has published its list of the 400 Richest Americans, and five Georgians are on the list. The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports Cox Enterprises heiress Anne Cox Chambers is the richest person in the state. The 87-year-old is worth 12.6-billion dollars and ranks 24th. Her nephew James Kennedy ranks 50th, worth $6.3-billion. Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus ranks 239th worth $2-billion. Home Depot’s other founder and Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank ranks 317th worth $1.3 billion. The fifth richest Georgian according to Forbes is Chick Fil-A founder Truett Cathy, who ranks 380th and is worth 1.3-billion dollars.
Home Depot says no plans for cuts
Atlanta-based Home Depot says despite the U.S. housing slump it doesn’t plan broad-based cuts or close any core retail stores. The home improvement company says its focus on customer service means more employees -- not fewer -- will be needed. Home Depot said earlier this week it is closing its 11 Landscape Supply stores. In the past, it has shut a number of its Expo design centers.
Bibb Co. meets federal smog rules
The federal government says Bibb County, which includes Macon, finally meets ozone safety standards. That’s according to the Macon Telegraph. Earlier this year, Bibb and part of nearby Monroe County landed on the Federal Environmental Protection Agency's “non-attainment” list for ozone. Ozone is the main component of smog and causes breathing and heart problems. Local leaders say meeting air safety standards is good economic news because it allows middle Georgia counties to recruit more jobs.
Loggerhead nesting season ends below average
The number of loggerhead sea turtle nests found along the Georgia coast slipped this year to less than half of last year's total, but scientists are warning the public not to see it as an abrupt decline for the species.
Preliminary figures released this week by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources show show 688 loggerhead sea turtle nests were found this year, down from 1,400. Sea turtle researchers in other Southeast states report similar below-average counts.
DNR officials say, such counts are not unusual. This is the third-lowest number in the 18 years since daily monitoring began.
Wildlife officials say, they're more concerned with the long-term trend, which shows an annual decline of about 1.5%. The turtles, which can grow to over 300, face threats from commercial fishing, habitat loss and boat collisions.
There is bright spot in this year's numbers. The number of turtles that washed up dead on Georgia beaches declined by about 20 to 82, continuing a trend that appears related to a decrease in shrimp trawling.
Preliminary figures released this week by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources show show 688 loggerhead sea turtle nests were found this year, down from 1,400. Sea turtle researchers in other Southeast states report similar below-average counts.
DNR officials say, such counts are not unusual. This is the third-lowest number in the 18 years since daily monitoring began.
Wildlife officials say, they're more concerned with the long-term trend, which shows an annual decline of about 1.5%. The turtles, which can grow to over 300, face threats from commercial fishing, habitat loss and boat collisions.
There is bright spot in this year's numbers. The number of turtles that washed up dead on Georgia beaches declined by about 20 to 82, continuing a trend that appears related to a decrease in shrimp trawling.
Georgia sports for Friday, September 21st
The Braves beat the Milwaukee Brewers last night 3-1 in Atlanta, in the opener of the Braves' final home series of the season. With the victory, the Braves have a 5-game winning streak for only the third time this season, and first time since June. It was a strong starting pitching effort from Jeff Bennett, just called from the minors. In his first major league start, Bennett struck out 8 and allowed only a run in 5-and-two-thirds innings of work. Chipper Jones at the plate had 3 hits in 4 trips, pushing his season average to .342. That leads the National League, as he looks to chase down the batting title. Teammate Edgar Renteria was hitless in 3 at-bats, dropping his average to .336. The Braves with only 9 games remaining, trail the NL-East division leading Mets by 4-and-a-half games.
The college football weekend includes Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Georgia Southern all in action. The Bulldogs have an SEC-clash at Alabama tomorrow night--kickoff set for 7:45. The Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech are on the road Saturday for a noon kickoff at Virginia. For Georgia Southern's Eagles, its a home game in Statesboro facing Chattanooga at 7 o'clock tomorrow.
High school football action revs-up tonight with multitude of games across Georgia.
The college football weekend includes Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Georgia Southern all in action. The Bulldogs have an SEC-clash at Alabama tomorrow night--kickoff set for 7:45. The Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech are on the road Saturday for a noon kickoff at Virginia. For Georgia Southern's Eagles, its a home game in Statesboro facing Chattanooga at 7 o'clock tomorrow.
High school football action revs-up tonight with multitude of games across Georgia.
GBI head calls for passage of hate crimes bill
The director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is urging state lawmakers to pass a hate crimes bill when it returns to work in January.
Vernon Keenan says this particular law would be a statement that a crime committed of hate or bias is a serious matter. Senate Bill 555, sponsored by Senate Democrat Vincent Fort of Atlanta, remains stalled in the Senate Rules Committee.
In 2000, the state Legislature passed a hate crimes law, only to have it struck down by the Georgia Supreme Court in 2005. It was called too vague. This version of the bill is more specific as to what constitutes a hate crime.
Vernon Keenan says this particular law would be a statement that a crime committed of hate or bias is a serious matter. Senate Bill 555, sponsored by Senate Democrat Vincent Fort of Atlanta, remains stalled in the Senate Rules Committee.
In 2000, the state Legislature passed a hate crimes law, only to have it struck down by the Georgia Supreme Court in 2005. It was called too vague. This version of the bill is more specific as to what constitutes a hate crime.
After scare, students test negative for TB
Four Cobb County high school students learned today that they do not have active tuberculosis. They came into contact with a teacher suspected of having the disease. Health officials say this and other recent, highly-publicized cases in metro Atlanta are serving to raise awareness of TB.
In Georgia, roughly 500 new cases of active TB are reported every year, and half of those are in the 5-country metro Atlanta area. State TB Program Director Beverly DeVoe Payton says that's tiny compared to total population, but the recent media coverage is important because the disease is still a public health concern. She say, "Because the symptoms are so similar to other respiratory conditions - pneumonia, bronchitis, the flu - people really may not even
be aware that they had been exposed to someone with TB, and they still would not know unless they had a specific tubercular skin test.
DeVoe-Payton says TB in Georgia has decreased by 44% since the early '90s, and that over time, it has concentrated in certain subpopulations. Those are mainly the homeless, intravenous drug users, and those in correctional facilities.
Truck stop drug bust in Clayton County
Clayton County authorities arrested two men in a truck stop drug bust Thursday in Forest Park-—the bust netted 100 kilograms of cocaine. The drugs have a street value of 3.1 million dollars. The suspects are being held without bond at the Clayton County jail.
Obama makes strong comments in Georgia
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama held a grass-roots rally in Atlanta last night. The event drew a little over two-thousand people, with tickets priced affordably at 25-dollars a person.
Obama explained to the crowd why he was not present for a U.S. Senate vote yesterday to condemn a MoveOn.org newspaper ad that criticized General David Petraeus. Obama said the debate was a waste of time, and that it was a distraction to attack Petraeus as opposed to President Bush. The Senate approved the Republican-sponsored resolution in a 72-25 vote.
Obama also had strong words about the nation's justice system, saying it often treats black suspects more harshly than white suspects. Obama's comments came on the day of a massive protest in Louisiana where six black teens are charged in the beating of a white classmate.
Obama explained to the crowd why he was not present for a U.S. Senate vote yesterday to condemn a MoveOn.org newspaper ad that criticized General David Petraeus. Obama said the debate was a waste of time, and that it was a distraction to attack Petraeus as opposed to President Bush. The Senate approved the Republican-sponsored resolution in a 72-25 vote.
Obama also had strong words about the nation's justice system, saying it often treats black suspects more harshly than white suspects. Obama's comments came on the day of a massive protest in Louisiana where six black teens are charged in the beating of a white classmate.
Two more Georgia counties ban all watering
The list of Georgia counties that have now enacted total outdoor watering bans has grown by two. Officials in Cobb and Paulding counties have announced the new restrictions-—no outdoor watering anytime, anywhere. Cobb officials say they are being proactive in taking steps now to preserve water supply for future use. Similar total watering bans are in place in Jackson, Barrow, Clarke, Oconee, Douglas, and Carroll counties.
The drought is severely affecting two lakes in north Georgia. Lake Allatoona in Cherokee County north of Atlanta is more than 12 feet below its normal level. Lake Lanier in the Gainesville-area is getting to a point that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates it may reach low levels not seen since the 1950’s.
The drought is severely affecting two lakes in north Georgia. Lake Allatoona in Cherokee County north of Atlanta is more than 12 feet below its normal level. Lake Lanier in the Gainesville-area is getting to a point that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates it may reach low levels not seen since the 1950’s.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
U.S. Senate lauds Augusta veteran services
This week the United States Senate unanimously approved a resolution commending Augusta’s service to veterans. The measure was introduced by Georgia Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson. The resolution expresses gratitude to medical organizations and local healthcare personnel for working together to care for wounded warriors.
One example of this collaboration, medical staff from the Eisenhower Army Medical Center and the Augusta Department of Veterans Affairs have routinely met to discuss future patient cases for the Active Duty Rehabilitation Unit.
Since 2004, more than 1,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines have received rehabilitation services at the Eisenhower medical facility.
One example of this collaboration, medical staff from the Eisenhower Army Medical Center and the Augusta Department of Veterans Affairs have routinely met to discuss future patient cases for the Active Duty Rehabilitation Unit.
Since 2004, more than 1,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines have received rehabilitation services at the Eisenhower medical facility.
Georgia postman wins hero award
A Georgia postal carrier has received a heroism award for assisting a police officer. Nathaniel Roberson of McDonough was on his way to work last year when he saw a police officer struggling to subdue a man who had become unruly during a traffic stop. Roberson, who delivers mail in East Point near Atlanta, helped wrestle the man to the ground and kept the suspect's arms pinned behind him until backup arrived. Roberson was among several letter carriers around the country to receive the award from the National Association of Letter Carriers.
Gingrich would run on $30M
Newt Gingrich says he still might run for president if supporters will pledge $30 million dollars by November. The Georgia native says he would need that much money to compete with former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, who leads in Republican fundraising. Gingrich would not say when he would decide, but noted that November 13th, when Ronald Reagan announced his candidacy in 1979, is a "propitious" date.
Testimony in Georgia terror case
Today a federal judge in Atlanta heard testimony in a Georgia terrorism case. A border protection officer testified he found personal writings against Islam in Pakistan on one of the suspects. Syed Ahmed was stopped while coming back into the U.S. at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta in 2005. Ahmed and co-defendant Ehsanul Sadequee are both American citizens from Atlanta. They are accused of discussing terror targets with Islamic extremists and undergoing training to carry out a "violent jihad" against American targets.
Savannah police chief dropped from lawsuit
The police chief in Savannah Chatham County has been cleared of allegations in a California sex discrimination lawsuit.
Michael Berkow came to Savannah last year and almost immediately found himself answering charges stemming from his job as Deputy Chief in Los Angeles. An L.A. Sergeant claimed her career suffered while Berkow promoted another female officer, with whom he admitted to having an affair. The Sergeant sued.
Now the judge in the case has dropped Berkow from that lawsuit, saying there's no admissable evidence against him.
The chief always has asserted, the court case did not distract him from his official duties. He says, however, his removal from the lawsuit is a relief.
Savannah Technical College President cited
State investigators have cited the President of Savannah Technical College for asking employees to do work for him and other college board members for free or at reduced prices.
The state Inspector General's office issued a report dealing with President Bix Rathburn's interactions with so-called "live-work" programs in which students do jobs such as automotive repair to learn the trade.
In one case, investigators found Rathburn showed poor judgement by asking the auto repair department head to buy parts to work on Rathburn's car and making the employee wait for repayment. In another, Rathburn asked the culinary arts program head to cater at cost a political fundraiser for a board member.
Rathburn admitted not handling the situation well.
An official statement from the college says, the Inspector General's report did not indicate fraud and that Savannah Tech would work with the state technical college system to re-evaluate "live-work" policies.
The state Inspector General's office issued a report dealing with President Bix Rathburn's interactions with so-called "live-work" programs in which students do jobs such as automotive repair to learn the trade.
In one case, investigators found Rathburn showed poor judgement by asking the auto repair department head to buy parts to work on Rathburn's car and making the employee wait for repayment. In another, Rathburn asked the culinary arts program head to cater at cost a political fundraiser for a board member.
Rathburn admitted not handling the situation well.
An official statement from the college says, the Inspector General's report did not indicate fraud and that Savannah Tech would work with the state technical college system to re-evaluate "live-work" policies.
Court hears 'Stocking Strangler' appeal
Carlton Gary, right, on the night of his arrest, with Detective Mike Sellers, May 3, 1984.
(Ed Ellis/The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Group)
The case of the Columbus Stocking Strangler is back in the news. The death row inmate convicted of the serial killings in the 1970's is appealing the decision.
Defense and prosecutors in the case of the 1977-78 slayings of seven Columbus women, argued their points in Atlanta's 11th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday.
A three-judge panel will decide if Carlton Gary, convicted in 1986, gets a new trial. He's now sitting in prison for the rape and murder of three of the victims.
Tim Chitwood, a columnist at Columbus's Ledger-Enquirer newspaper has closely followed the case. He told GPB News that castings of a bite mark on the last victim may be crucial:
“That evidence was not introduced at the trial, and the defense did not learn about it until much later, and that's really been a point of contention, that they feel this evidence should have been turned over so that they could use it as exculpatory evidence indicating Gary was not the strangler.”Chitwood says the panel is expected to render their decision in a little over a month.
Georgia sports for Thursday, September 20th
The Braves completed a 3-game sweep of the Florida Marlins, winning 5-1 last night in Atlanta. Edgar Renteria had a home run among 3 hits, while Chipper Jones added 2 hits and an RBI. Both Jones and Renteria are in a battle for the National League batting title, hitting in the high 330’s. Mark Teixeira and Andruw Jones also had home runs last night. In was all more than enough to support the pitching of Chuck James, who got the win with 2 hits and no runs allowed in 7 innings. The Braves have won 4-straight overall, and open a 4-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers tonight.
Clinch County payment scandal resolved
Two Clinch County employees will avoid federal prosecution by resigning their jobs and repaying 45-thousand dollars to the county.
Acting Courts Clerk Melinda Davis will resign her job by the end of October. Deputy Patricia Suggs has resigned her post as well. The two women were among five employees of the south Georgia county who took monthly payments kept off the books, and never reported for taxes. County records show the payments were ordered by judge Brooks Blitch III, funded by a 10-dollar surcharge on court fees. Blitch has not been charged with any crime.
Another county employee last month pleaded guilty in federal court to a scheme to deliver payments to himself and four others totaling 73-thousand dollars.
Acting Courts Clerk Melinda Davis will resign her job by the end of October. Deputy Patricia Suggs has resigned her post as well. The two women were among five employees of the south Georgia county who took monthly payments kept off the books, and never reported for taxes. County records show the payments were ordered by judge Brooks Blitch III, funded by a 10-dollar surcharge on court fees. Blitch has not been charged with any crime.
Another county employee last month pleaded guilty in federal court to a scheme to deliver payments to himself and four others totaling 73-thousand dollars.
Ft. Benning marks Battle of Chickamauga
The post will hold a commemorative ceremony heralding the 100th anniversary of the Infantry School and the centennial of the Battle of Chickamauga on Thursday.
Events include a graduation ceremony for 205 infantry soldiers who have successfully completed a 14-week training course.
The 100th anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga is of special significance to the 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, which can trace its unit history back to the Civil War and that incident, according to an Army PAO statement:
During the battle, that unit the 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, held fast, securing the Union Army's exposed left flank, a key position. The unit stood fast throughout a prolonged and bloody battle and earned a reputation as "the rock of Chickamauga."Click here for more on the Battle of Chickamauga.
Juror bounced from Brunswick murder trial
Only a couple of days into the double-murder trial of Stacey Ian Humphreys in Brunswick, a juror has been dismissed.
Authorities say one of three men on the jury flashed a thumbs-up sign to deputies as they were escorting the defendant. Typically, jurors are prevented from seeing defendants bound in handcuffs or chains because it might create the presumption of guilt.
Humphreys faces the death penalty if convicted of the murders of two real estate agents in Cobb County in 2003. The trial is in Brunswick because of pre-trial publicity in the metro-Atlanta area.
Authorities say one of three men on the jury flashed a thumbs-up sign to deputies as they were escorting the defendant. Typically, jurors are prevented from seeing defendants bound in handcuffs or chains because it might create the presumption of guilt.
Humphreys faces the death penalty if convicted of the murders of two real estate agents in Cobb County in 2003. The trial is in Brunswick because of pre-trial publicity in the metro-Atlanta area.
Rome hosts meeting on high speed rail idea
The Rome Civic Center was the site last night for the second of three exploratory meetings held by Georgia Department of Transportation officials and high speed rail consultants. On the table is the proposal for a high speed rail line that would connect Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to the airport in Chattanooga, covering about 110 miles.
Officials offer four proposed routes. One is labeled the "Rome Alignment". Another is the easternmost route, which would go through Cartersville and eastern Gordon County, and through Dalton on the way to Chattanooga. The other two proposed routes would use the median of Interstate-75.
Officials will hold a meeting tonight in Chattanooga. Next spring, informational open house meetings are to be scheduled.
Officials offer four proposed routes. One is labeled the "Rome Alignment". Another is the easternmost route, which would go through Cartersville and eastern Gordon County, and through Dalton on the way to Chattanooga. The other two proposed routes would use the median of Interstate-75.
Officials will hold a meeting tonight in Chattanooga. Next spring, informational open house meetings are to be scheduled.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
PeachCare for Kids to end in November
Come November, more than 270,000 children enrolled in
PeachCare for Kids covers children of
The federal legislation behind state programs like PeachCare has not been reauthorized, and
So far, the U.S. House and Senate are bickering over their different versions of the bill, and President Bush has vowed to veto either version.
“If there is no re-authorization or no action from Congress, then
Trail says if lawmakers fail to reach a compromise, they could still decide to continue the federal program as is, until they're ready to reauthorize it.
Governor Sonny Perdue and House Speaker Glenn Richardson have issued statements urging Congress to resolve the issue by the September 30th deadline.
Atlanta representative named among corrupt Congressmen
One of
The watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in
The list puts Scott in the company of other names that more frequently come up in discussions of questionable ethics.
Names like William Jefferson, the
Bill Bozarth of Common Cause
“As I compare what they're saying about him to what some other folks are, in my mind as an ethics watchdog, Congressman Scott is not being accused of things that are as serious as many of the people on the list.”
Bozarth says the watchdog group behind the list appears to be legitimately non-partisan.
A spokesman from Scott's
Cessna: $24 M plant in Columbus
Governor Sonny Perdue, Columbus Mayor Jim Wetherington,
Chamber of Commerce, and Cessna officials loft a shovel of
dirt at Wednesday's groundbreaking ceremony. (Dave Bender)
Wichita, Kan.,-based aircraft maker Cessna plant to build a $24 million plant in Columbus.
The plant expects to employ 150 workers, and joins two other existing Cessna facilities located at a nearby industrial park that employ 600 workers, according to company officials.
The new site is on a 40-acre tract of land at the Muscogee Technology Park, which the city acquired in a land swap with Ft. Benning, immediately to the south. The company says it needs the new facility meet the increasing demand for their business jets.
The plant will make rudders, flaps, ailerons and other mechanical parts for business jets, a company official told GPB News.
Governor Sonny Perdue touted the company role in the state at a groundbreaking ceremony:
"Cessna has already proved to be a great corporate citizen here and a serious marketplace competitor, and we're proud that you've committed to expanding the part of your workforce and the part of your business here and securing your position once again in our Georgia family."Many of the employees will be graduates of a special, state-funded Cessna training program at Columbus Technical College.
The $11 million, 100,000-square-foot facility is expected to be completed by August 2008, according to company officials.
Click here for more GPB coverage of Columbus business and aviation news.
State Patrol finds $2 million in marijuana
Police in
The Georgia State Patrol spotted the 2,000 marijuana plants during a routine helicopter survey.
Twiggs County Sheriff Billy Boney says his small department relies on the State Patrol and Bureau of Investigation to help catch those in the drug trade:
“If you don’t have that help from these outside agencies a lot of times it just can’t get done. These people think they can just come out here and hide in the woods and do this. But, we’re actively seeking [that] kind of people out, in this county, anyhow.”
The State Patrol found the plants because of their color.
Georgia teen "Youth of the Year"
A west Georgia teenager has been named the national Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Demetrice Tuttle of LaGrange is expected to meet President George Bush today in Washington. The 18-year-old will receive a $15,000-dollar scholarship from the Reader's Digest Foundation. The nonprofit says he was chosen for "outstanding contributions" to his family, school, community and to the club.
Suspected murderer takes his own life
A man suspected in two Georgia slayings killed himself during a manhunt in Illinois. Police in Fairview Heights near St. Louis say they found 34-year-old Julian Walker's body this morning. A manhunt had been underway because Walker was wanted in the shooting of his ex-girlfriend's stepfather, 48-year-old Terrence Lott, on Monday and in the killing of his estranged wife, 36-year-old Rosetta Walker, a short time later.
Police chief charged with rape
A west Georgia police chief has been arrested on rape and other charges. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says Luthersville Police Chief David Yates sexually assaulted a Luthersville woman last month. They say he also illegally took her into custody under false pretenses. The GBI also charged Luthersville police officer Jason Hardagree with violating his oath of office and influencing a witness.
Drought pits neighbor versus neighbor
Georgia's drought is pitting neighbor against neighbor in northeast Georgia. It's the kind of dispute officials say are more likely as the state is stricken by a historic drought. Neighbors in Oglethorpe County are feuding over a creek that’s nearly dry. The creek flows from a man-made lake. Downstream residents have asked those who live around Lake Oglethorpe to release water to revive shriveled Goulding Creek. But Lake Oglethorpe Association members last month voted overwhelmingly against such a release.
Blue Ridge Mountains Growing Fast
Georgia has 24 of the nation’s fastest growing counties, the majority in North Georgia near the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Fannin County in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains has grown the most. This is mainly because of so-called "half-backs," or Northerners who moved south to Florida and are purchasing a second home half way back.
Kristen Gunia is Fannin County Director of Development. Gunia, who is from the North, said that living in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a geographical compromise between North and South.
“We are a fairly moderate climate all year round, in the 60’s and 70’s. We do have some snow but very little and so its kind of an ideal midpoint location where they can get out of the heat but not have to go back to the snows and some of those things either,” Gunia said.
Most owners don’t live in Fannin county full time, so there is plenty of time for the economy to adjust to the growth, said Gunia.
Marijuana Bust in Twiggs County
Police in Twiggs County discovered nearly 2-million dollars in marijuana plants with a little help from the air.
The Georgia State Patrol spotted the 2-thousand marijuana plants during a routine helicopter survey.
Twiggs County Sheriff, Billy Boney says his small department relies on the state patrol and bureau of investigation to help catch those in the drug trade.
"If you don't have that help from these outside agencies a lot of times it just can't get done. These people think they can just come out here and hide in the woods and do this. But, we're actively seeking those kind of people out. In this county anyway."
The state patrol found the plants because of their color.
Police then pulled up some of the plants by hand and used machetes to cut down others that were up to ten feet tall.
No arrests have been made so far in the case.
Georgia sports for Wednesday, September 19th
The Braves have won 4 of their last 5 games in their final gasp attempt to try and make the postseason. For a second straight night, they topped the Florida Marlins--Tuesday's final of 4-3. The Braves got run-scoring singles from four different players. On the mound, rookie starter Jo-Jo Reyes earned his first major league victory. He allowed 3 hits and a run in 5 innings of work. With 11 games to go, Atlanta is 5-and-a-half games back in both the race for the NL-East division crown, and the wild card.
The Falcons continue to re-tool their roster, only 2 games into the season. One day after signing 47-year-old placekicker Morten Anderson, the team has gone for quarterback help. Former Jacksonville Jaguar QB Byron Leftwich was signed to a 2-year/7-million dollar contract. He will be a backup--perhaps only for now--to starter Joey Harrington. The Falcons are 0-2 on the young NFL season, and play their home opener this Sunday.
The Falcons continue to re-tool their roster, only 2 games into the season. One day after signing 47-year-old placekicker Morten Anderson, the team has gone for quarterback help. Former Jacksonville Jaguar QB Byron Leftwich was signed to a 2-year/7-million dollar contract. He will be a backup--perhaps only for now--to starter Joey Harrington. The Falcons are 0-2 on the young NFL season, and play their home opener this Sunday.
Photo voter ID put to the test
State officials say all appears to have gone well with a first test of Georgia's photo voter ID law. Special elections were held yesterday in 23 counties with low turnout reported. The Secretary of State's office says over 35-hundred photo ID cards were issued to Georgians. A little over 500 cards were given out since a widespread effort began August 1st to let voters know of the new provision. A better test of the photo ID law should come in the February 5th presidential primary, when turnout is expected to be much higher.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Former state senator passes away
Former state senator Steve Reynolds died today after a long battle with lung cancer. The 87-year-old was admitted into a hospice last week after his condition began deteriorating rapidly. The Commerce native was first elected to the Senate in 1968, and he served 14 years. After leaving the Senate, Reynolds served for two decades in the state Transportation Board, many of them as chairman.
Georgia lands $3M for flood prevention
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is investing more than $3-million dollars to prevent flooding in Georgia. The money is going to the cities of Decatur near Atlanta and Savannah, as well as DeKalb and Douglas Counties. Those communities will use the money to get rid of residential properties that are at high-risk for flooding.
Columbus: four ill with West Nile Virus
Four cases of West Nile Virus have been diagnosed in Columbus since last month, health officials report.
Columbus West Central Health District Program Manager Ed Saidla told GPB News that this is the time of the year when individuals are most likely to contract the disease:
“Persons who are elderly, or have other health conditions are often more likely not to survive West Nile Virus than those who are healthy at the time of infection. However – west Nile Virus can cause serious, life-changing events to even healthy individuals. Anybody can wind up with the virus, so it's important that they take precautions.”
The West Central Health District recommends the following steps to limit exposure to the mosquitoes that carry the virus:
- Mosquitoes need water to breed. They can breed in any puddle or standing water that remains more than four days. By removing areas of standing water, you will eliminate breeding grounds and reduce the number of mosquitoes.
- Dispose of old tires. Regularly empty any metal cans, ceramic flowerpots, bottles, jars, buckets, and other water-holding containers on your property.
- Turn over plastic wading pools, outdoor toys and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.
- Keep gutters cleared and sloped to the downspout.
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors.
- Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated. Remove standing water from pool covers.
- Make sure windows and screens are in good condition.
- Purchase and use Mosquito Dunks (a larvicide used to kill mosquito larvae) to control mosquitoes in areas with standing water and in containers that cannot be dumped.
- Mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus bite during the evening, night and early morning. Take precautions to protect yourself and your family during these periods.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Consider using insect repellent containing DEET. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
- For more information on the West Nile Virus and prevention methods, contact your local health department Environmental Health Department.
Saidla could not verify an earlier newspaper report of a fatality in Alabama from the disease:
Click here for more GPB coverage of the health threat."The quote that was reported in the newspaper was a misunderstanding in terms of the question that was being asked, and was really more in reference to the gentleman who was 80-years-old and died up in Clayton County, that was confirmed from West Nile Virus."
Georgia Democrats push paper ballot trail timetable
Georgia Democrats in Congress are co-sponsoring a bill that would require states to produce a paper record of every ballot by next year's elections. Democratic lawmakers say voters want more assurances that their ballots are counted, particularly with a pivotal presidential election looming. However, Georgia's chief election official, Secretary of State Karen Handel, says meeting the deadline next year is impossible.
Teaching licenses revoked after sex scandal
The commission that oversees Georgia teachers has revoked the licenses of the Montgomery County school superintendent and her daughter, a former counselor accused of having sex with a student. Carrie O'Connor was indicted on charges she had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old male student. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission voted last week to take away her teaching credentials and those of her mother, Superintendent Dale Clark. Clark was accused of failing to report the relationship between her daughter and the student.
Atlanta traffic nearly worst in nation
A national study released today ranks Atlanta’s traffic congestion second worst in the nation. The study by the Texas Transportation Institute says drivers waste nearly an entire work week each year sitting in traffic on the way to and from their jobs. The Los Angeles metro area had the worst congestion, delaying drivers an average of 72 hours a year. Rounding out the top five are Atlanta, San Francisco, Washington and Dallas.
Largest NIH grant in Georgia history
Four Atlanta-area universities and medical organizations are taking a share of a $31-million dollar federal grant. The money is from the National Institutes of Health. It’s going to a partnership of Emory University, the Morehouse School of Medicine, the Georgia Institute of Technology and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The money is geared toward better translating lab discoveries into patient treatments.
Chatham Co. steps up anti-mosquito efforts
Chatham County is stepping up aerial spraying for mosquitoes because of an unusually high number of mosquitoes found carrying the West Nile virus.
Thirty mosquito samples have now tested positive for West Nile virus in Chatham County. That's the highest number since 2003.
The mosquito that carries West Nile viris is especially active starting this time of year. Recent rains only compound the problem.
The Chatham County Public Health Department's Doctor Michael Adams says, officials are advising residents to consider themselves at risk.
"The risk is throughout Chatham County," Dr. Adams says. "We should take personal protective measures if we plan on venturing outside."
That means, long clothing and insect repellant with Deet.
Statewide, there have been 20 confirmed cases of West Nile virus, none of them from Chatham County. An 80-year-old Clayton County woman died this month from complications associated with the virus.
Mosquito control is now spraying neighborhoods six days a week by plane, helicopter and truck.
Thirty mosquito samples have now tested positive for West Nile virus in Chatham County. That's the highest number since 2003.
The mosquito that carries West Nile viris is especially active starting this time of year. Recent rains only compound the problem.
The Chatham County Public Health Department's Doctor Michael Adams says, officials are advising residents to consider themselves at risk.
"The risk is throughout Chatham County," Dr. Adams says. "We should take personal protective measures if we plan on venturing outside."
That means, long clothing and insect repellant with Deet.
Statewide, there have been 20 confirmed cases of West Nile virus, none of them from Chatham County. An 80-year-old Clayton County woman died this month from complications associated with the virus.
Mosquito control is now spraying neighborhoods six days a week by plane, helicopter and truck.
Americus hospital rises from rubble
Construction workers at Sumter Regional Hospital in Americus, ravaged by a twister on March 1st, have erected the first of a series of COGIM temporary facilities.
COGIM unit. (Photo courtesy of The Americus Times-Recorder)
The 70,000-sq. ft. facility will hold 76-beds, and be fully functional, hospital officials say.
Federal and state organizations, donors and local volunteer groups been active in caring for SRH patients in the interim, as the construction continues.
SRH the day after the tornado struck. (Dave Bender)
Click here for more GPB News coverage of the tornado and the aftermath.