Watkinsville group wants to find '46 lynching graves

Memorial march across Moore's Ford bridge, May 16, 1998.
(Courtesy MFMC)

A group devoted to remembering the 1946 lynching of two black couples on a bridge by a white mob has turned its attention to a killing four decades earlier.

Members of the Moore’s Ford Memorial Committee — named for the bridge where Roger and Dorothy Malcom and George and Mae Murray Dorsey were killed in Monroe — are hoping to find the graves of nine people shot by a Watkinsville mob in 1905. The killings — often called one of the worst racial episodes in the state’s history — allegedly left a mass grave holding eight blacks and one white, author James Allen said during a recent interview on CNN.

With success in finding and restoring the graves of the Moore’s Ford victims, the committee aims to do the same for the victims of the 1905 killings. They plan to scour church, census and county records and talk with relatives of the victims and family members of others alive then.
The story of the mass grave has never been proven other than vague newspaper accounts, said Rich Rusk, a founding member of the Moore’s Ford group.

“We’ve been working on Moore’s Ford since 1997, and we really haven’t done much at all about any of the other lynchings that have occurred in this area,” Rusk told the Savannah Morning News. “But given the national exposure given to the lynching ... we need to find out what the truth is.”

Newspaper accounts describe an angry mob of 50 people who dragged the nine men from their cells in the Watkinsville jail, tied them up and shot them to death on June 30, 1905. At least six of the victims were buried together, while the others were buried separately, according to a story in the Atlanta Constitution.

Watkinsville is about 20 miles from Monroe in northeast Georgia:

View Larger Map
(The Associated Press)

Georgia sports for Friday, November 23rd

NFL action on Thanksgiving Day included the Atlanta Falcons--they ended up losers to the Indianapolis Colts inside the Georgia Dome last night, 31-13. The Falcons led the game 10-0 in the 1st quarter, but were victimized by three 2nd quarter touchdown passes by the Colts’ Peyton Manning. The Falcons’ season record fell to 3-8.

During the Falcons' loss, Warrick Dunn became the 22nd player in NFL history to rush for 10-thousand yards in a career. He posted 70 yards last night in reaching the milestone.

Tonight across Georgia, it’s the 2nd round of high school playoff action in the state.

Tomorrow, it’s the annual grudge matchup between the Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets on the football field. Georgia at Georgia Tech Saturday, kickoff at 3:30.

Black Friday traffic strong at Mall of Georgia

Retailers hope for a bountiful holiday shopping season, despite consumer worries over gas prices and the housing market. At the largest mall in the southeast, the early returns appear good for retailers on this Black Friday.

Melissa Cahill, marketing director for the Mall of Georgia 40 minutes east of Atlanta, was excited by the early crowds.

"It seems to be much stronger this year. We’ve seen a lot heavier crowds earlier this year than last year".

The facility opened before dawn today, and Cahill says the mall’s parking lots were 75-percent full by 7 o’clock.

Many retailers have been offering special deals to shoppers weeks ahead of today. She gauges the mood of retailers at this mall as good.

"I think pretty optimistic…the traffic has been pretty constant for the last couple of weeks. Everybody’s been looking forward to today, and it looks like it’s panning out very well for us".

Cahill expect strong crowds at the nearly 200-store Mall of Georgia through the weekend.

Corps looking into Middle Georgia Regional Airport

Middle Georgia Regional Airport is being investigated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps is looking for leftover munitions or pollution from the time the airport was a WWII flight training school. So far, an initial inspection at a former pistol range at the site has revealed no concerns. However, officials say some petroleum compounds in the soil of a skeet range need further investigation. Cochran Field was used from 1941 through 1948 as a basic flight training school. It eventually became the current Middle Georgia Regional Airport--9 miles south of Macon.

Northeast Georgia gets up to 2 inches of rain

Pond near Helen, GA., Nov., 11, 2007. (Dave Bender)

More than two inches of rain fell at Helen along the Chattahoochee River in northeast Georgia, but it was hard to determine whether the rainfall would have any appreciable effect downstream at Lake Lanier, metro Atlanta's main water supply.


Anna Ruby Falls, near Helen, Ga., Nov., 11, 2007. (Dave Bender)

Amounts of precipitation Wednesday night and Thursday varied throughout the drought-stricken river basin. Much of it was soaked into the dry and thirsty ground, and experts already have said Georgia needs months of above-average rainfall to emerge from the drought.

"The rain was spotty. There were places that didn't get very much," said Verona Murrell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Peachtree City. "Some places got less than a half inch. Some got a quarter inch."

Lake Lanier hit another record low level Thursday, 1052.34 feet above sea level, down almost 19 feet from its full pool of 1071 feet. Until this week, the record low was 1,052.66 feet in December 1981.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expected to announce by Dec. 7 whether to cut water flows from the reservoir's Buford Dam by another 5 percent. The Corps started reducing the flow by about 5 percent last week.

(The Associated Press)

Click here for more GPB News coverage of the water crisis.

Transgender Pol Fights Fraud Claims

Bruce. (Photo by R.O. Youngblood)

Four years after she won a City Council seat, making her what is believed to be Georgia's first transgender politician, Michelle Bruce is battling a lawsuit launched by an unsuccessful opponent who claims she misled voters by running as a female.

Bruce, a tall woman with shoulder-length graying hair, said she has always identified herself as transgender.

"I've always been Michelle," she said. "If someone has a problem with that, I can't help them. It's a personal issue."

Bruce, 46, who runs an auto repossession business, launched her political campaign in 2003. Running unopposed, she landed one of four council seats and pledged to attract more jobs and residents to Riverdale, a gritty town of 12,000 about 12 miles south of Atlanta, lined with rundown strip malls and used car shops.

Three rivals ran against her in the Nov. 6 election. She captured 312 votes, not enough to avoid a Dec. 4 runoff against second-place finisher Wayne Hall, who earned 202 votes. Then the third-place finisher, Georgia Fuller, who collected 171 votes, filed a lawsuit claiming election fraud.

The complaint, identifying Bruce as "Michael Bruce," claims she misled voters by identifying herself as female. It asks a judge to rule the November election results invalid and order another general election.

Fuller did not return calls seeking comment, but her attorney said that voters in Riverdale tend to favor female candidates — particularly if they are incumbents.

"It gives her an unfair advantage," said attorney Michael King. "It's not just sour grapes. The people need to know whether the election is fair."

The suit is unlikely to be settled before the Dec. 4 runoff, but Bruce sees it as an attempt to alienate her from voters.

(The Associated Press)

Click here for more GPB coverage of this story.

Survey: adults getting active

More U.S. adults are getting physical - or at least that's what they're telling researchers. A national telephone survey found the percentage of women who report regular physical activity rose to about 47 percent in 2005. That’s up from 43 percent in 2001. The percentage of men reporting regular exertion rose to about 50 percent, from 48 percent. However, U.S. obesity rates are not declining, and there are indicators that some weight-related conditions - such as heart disease - are getting worse in some adults.

Wrestler guilty of housing sex slaves

A federal jury in Atlanta has found a former pro wrestler guilty in a prostitution and sex trafficking case. Harrison "Hardbody" Norris is charged with keeping eight women as sex slaves at his two homes in Cartersville, northwest of Atlanta. Norris claimed the women willingly lived at the homes because they wanted to train as pro wrestlers. He faces life in prison.

Army investigates airport hazards

The Middle Georgia Regional Airport near Macon could still be home to leftover munitions or pollution. The airport’s Cochran Field used to be home to a flight training school in the 1940’s. The Army says it’s investigating for hazards. Officials are asking the public for information on the site because records from the era are not complete.

Georgia sports for Thursday, November 22nd

The Atlanta Falcons are in action for one of the 3 games being played in the NFL this Thanksgiving Day. They’ll host the champion Indianapolis Colts tonight in Atlanta—-kickoff at 8:15.

Pro hockey last night, the Atlanta Thrashers won their 4th-straight game, turning back the Washington Capitols 5-1. Ilya Kovalchuk scored 2 goals to go along with 2 assists. He leads the NHL with 19 goals. The Thrashers have won 7 of their last 8 games, and are 11-4 since the firing of head coach Bob Hartley following an 0-6 start to the season.

From pro basketball, a win for the Atlanta Hawks at Miami last night, 82-79. Joe Johnson tallied 22 points. The Hawks won for the first time in their last 18 road games played.

Atlanta airport officials: "a really good day"

As people across the state settle-in for Thanksgiving Day meals and celebrations today, officials with Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport reported few flight delays yesterday. The day is traditionally known as the busiest travel day of the year. Security checkpoint lines were reported as moving steadily. Yesterday's travel day was said by an airport spokeswoman to be "a really good day before Thanksgiving".

High court sides with public defenders

In a high-profile death penalty case, the state Supreme Court ruled today the state public defender's office does not have to publish the amount of money its spent representing dozens of death penalty defendants. The ruling overturns a lower-court order to release the records. Those records include the case of accused courthouse shooter Brian Nichols. Nichols’ public defenders blame his nearly 2-million dollar defense tab for draining resources for other Georgia death penalty cases.

Another lawsuit against Atlanta police

The family of a 92-year-old woman gunned down by Atlanta police filed a lawsuit against the city today on the one-year anniversary of the killing. The lawsuit was filed by a niece of Kathryn Johnston. It alleges racketeering, civil rights violations, assault, false imprisonment and negligence. Undercover officers killed Johnston last November when she opened fire on them as they forced their way into her home with a no-knock warrant.

Loans for small businesses hit by drought

Small businesses in Georgia affected by drought are now eligible for federal disaster loans. Examples includes companies in the landscaping and nursery industry, but not agriculture producers. The loans are for up to $1.5 million dollars at 4% over 30 years. They are handled by the Small Business Administration. Filing applications are March and June.

Drive safer this Sunday

As the Thanksgiving weekend gears up and travelers hit the roads … the U.S. Senate has declared Sunday as “Drive Safer Sunday.” It’s the idea of Georgia Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest highway traffic day of the year. Last year, 19 people died on Georgia roads during the Thanksgiving weekend.

Jekyll Island director stepping down

The state-appointed director of Georgia's Jekyll Island is stepping down after 10 years at the center of sometimes contentious island politics.

Bill Donoghue has been described as the island's mayor, only he's not elected, but appointed. The Jekyll Island Authority runs the state-owned island -- and not without criticism. Right now, Jekyll is in the middle of its most momentous debate ever -- a controversial plan to upscale the island with new development.

Tise Eyler has worked with Donoghue for almost 10-years as part of a citizens group that hasn't always seen eye-to-eye with island management. He says, Donoghue's departure in the midst of the current debate is a shock: "He has been a master at walking on the thin ice that separates the political part of his job from the human interaction aspect of working with the residents, businesses and hoteliers."

Governor Sonny Perdue has recommended Donoghue head northeast Georgia's Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority. A replacement to lead the Jekyll Island Authority hasn't been named.

Georgia sports for Wednesday, November 21st

In men’s college basketball; Georgia at home in Athens last night took care of Elon College, 76-65. Guard Billy Humphrey returned from his brief team suspension to come off the bench and score 18 points.

The Georgia State men’s team lost on the road at Florida State, 78-48. The Panthers’ record fell to 0-3.

In pro basketball, the Atlanta Hawks were 95-83 losers at home to the San Antonio Spurs.

From the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons have had only 3 days between their last game, and preparing for the champion Indianapolis Colts tomorrow inside the Georgia Dome. Head coach Bobby Petrino announced that Joey Harrington returns to start at quarterback, as Byron Leftwich is re-injured. The team has also lost a couple of players for the remainder of the season. Defensive tackles Rod Coleman and Trey Lewis have been placed on injured reserve. Coleman is suffering from an injured hand and triceps. The rookie Lewis sustained a knee injury that requires surgery.

Jobs and investment on the way to Troup County

250 jobs and nearly 28-million investment dollars is on the way to Troup County. Sejong Georgia LLC is a leading and longtime Kia supplier, and will set-up a facility in LaGrange. The Korean company in this plant will make muffler and exhaust systems for Kia Motors. This announcement is another of several in recent months that supports Kia. Other plants and jobs are on the boards for West Point, Meriwether County, and other locations in west Georgia.

Cumming starts project to pull water from Lanier

A city in north Georgia has begun an emergency project to dig into Lake Lanier to ensure the city doesn’t go dry.

Cumming is spending a million dollars from its emergency contingency fund to burrow into Lanier's floor. The process begins next week, and will involve a barge digging to a level of 1,030 feet above sea level. That would allow new piping to draw water from 10-feet deeper than the lake's current bottom.

Jonathon Heard is Cumming’s director of utilities. He says this project is a temporary fix for the city if the drought continues.

"The dredging project will provide a reliable source of water for the city until the lake reaches the level 1035’, and the (Army)Corps(of Engineers)has predicted the lake will go down to 1035’ either by the end of the year or beginning of next year".

At that point, the city would utilize another barge to go out into the shrinking basin and pump water back to its piping infrastructure.

Lanier hit a 50-year historic low earlier this week.

Ft. Benning already serving the turkey

Ft. Benning plans to serve festive Thanksgiving Day meals to some soldiers a day early, on Wednesday.

Troops and officers of the 11th Engineer Battalion will enjoy a meal with all the fixins', so -- as in years past -- the staff at one facility can spend the holiday off with their families.

The lunch will also include the tradition of officers in dress uniform serving the troops, according to a statement released by the post.

Army contractor indicted on bribery

A civilian contractor from Georgia is accused of trying to bribe an Army official in Kuwait in order to win business. Federal prosecutors say 41-year-old Terry Hall's companies received more than 20 million dollars in military contracts. They claim he delivered or transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars to at least one Army official to get the business. Hall was arrested last week near his Fairburn home. At a detention hearing in Atlanta today, court officials decided he would stay in custody until an appeal is heard in U.S. District Court in Washington, which the grand jury handed down today's indictment.

Lanier's flow could get second cut

Lake Lanier could be in-line for another reduction in its water releases.

The U.S Army Corps of Engineers says it will decide December 7th whether it will further cut the water released from the shrinking reservoir in north Georgia. The Corps could cut flows as much as five percent.

Just last week, federal biologists gave the go-ahead to the Corps for water reductions to be made. That cut was about five percent, or just over three billion gallons. In the end, the plan could reduce water sent downstream by as much as 17-percent--depending on lake levels.

Lanier is metro Atlanta’s main water source, and has been hit hard by Georgia’s drought. Yesterday, the lake reached its lowest level since it was built in the 1950’s. Only one of Lanier’s roughly 100 boat ramps is still usable.

High school wraps up investigation of athletic programs

A high school in the eastern Georgia town of Evans has wrapped up an investigation of its athletics program.

The investigation at Greenbrier High School comes after questions about whether the football team may have had several ineligible players this year. Ed Williams, an assistant principal at Greenbrier, said administrators planned to send their report to the Georgia High School Association on Tuesday afternoon.

The investigation follows allegations that the school failed to send academic and medical records of several football players to the GHSA. The records determine whether a team member is eligible to play.

School officials won't confirm how many players were in question, but several news reports have indicated that number may be as high as 13.

The team has already voluntarily forfeited two of this year's games. That's because school officials determined that a player that was academically ineligible had played in those games, said Williams.

Administrators investigated all fall and winter sports.

They declined to comment on their findings.

The GHSA will now review the investigation and determine whether punitive measures will be taken against Greenbrier.

The school's athletic director has stepped down, pending the outcome of the investigation.

The team had a 5-5 record this season. The two forfeits put them at 3-7.

New troubles for Vick

Federal prosecutors in Richmond, Virginia, today asked a judge to order Michael Vick to set aside nearly a million dollars for the care of pit bulls seized from his dog fighting operation. Vick faces a prison term of up to five years when he is sentenced December 10th on a federal dog fighting conspiracy conviction. He voluntarily began serving his prison term early yesterday. As part of his plea deal with federal prosecutors, Vick agreed to pay for the care and placement of 54 pit bulls confiscated from his "Bad Newz Kennels" property in Surry County, Virginia. Prosecutors want Vicks assets frozen now. They fear a rash of claims by creditors and the Atlanta Falcons could threaten the former quarterback’s ability to honor the restitution agreement.

Clinch County judge charged

The state's Judicial Qualifications Commission has filed new charges against former Clinch County Superior Court Judge, Brooks Blitch, III. The Commission alleges the 72-year old Blitch violated judicial ethics by talking with probation officers about suspects without notifying the victim. In late October, the commission filed seven other misconduct claims against Blitch. He is also accused of ordering illegal payments to county employees, ordering the early release of felons and presiding over a case involving his son. Blitch does not yet face any criminal charges; however, the Judicial Qualifications Commission does have the power to recommend he be removed from office. Blitch has hired former governor Roy Barnes as his defense attorney.

Dougherty gets 10 Commandments display

The Dougherty County Judicial Building will soon display the Ten Commandments and other historical documents after a unanimous vote Monday by County Commissioners. A state law approved in 2006, allows displaying the Ten Commandments in public buildings. Included among the proposed display, The Mayflower Compact, The Declaration of Independence, The Georgia Constitution and the words to the "Star-Spangled Banner." In the past, the American Civil Liberties Union has fought displays like this in other counties. If Dougherty County survives a challenge, it may be the state's biggest county to put up such a display.

Zoo Atlanta expecting 300 pound pachyderm

If all goes well, Zoo Atlanta may soon hear the stomping of little feet. That’s because Dottie, the elephant, is pregnant. The new baby is expected in April 2009, weigh up to 300 pounds and measure 3 feet tall at birth.

Riverdale candidates claim election invalid

Two unsuccessful candidates for city council in Riverdale are claiming that a fellow candidate committed fraud -- because she ran as a woman. Georgia Fuller and Stanley Harris allege that incumbent Michelle Bruce – who identifies herself as transgendered -- misled voters by identifying herself as a female before the November 6 election. Fuller and Harris filed a lawsuit last week in Clayton County Superior Court. The lawsuit claims the city clerk tampered with voting machines and counted 115 paper ballots before the election. They want to have the election declared invalid. However, a spokesperson for Riverdale says, "there were no problems with the election."

Georgia sports update

Atlanta Falcons coach Bobby Petrino has announced that Joey Harrington will be the starting quarterback for Thursday night's game against the Indianapolis Colts. Harrington was sixth in the NFC in completion percentage and had led the Falcons to two straight wins when he was benched by Coach Petrino for the start of Sunday's 31-7 loss to the Bandits. The Falcons have placed starting defensive tackles Rod Coleman and Trey Lewis on injured reserve.

Athens proposal means tiered water pricing

A committee in Athens will soon propose a permanent cap on the amount of water residents there can use. The plan being considered may also involve a tiered pricing system to force big users to cut back. Under the proposal by city commissioners, residents who want more water for the lawns will pay steeper prices. This is not the first time Athens has considered tiered pricing for water. A water conservation pricing scheme was considered in 2000 and 2004 but never acted upon. Athens is already nearing a so-called Step F drought management plan. One that could require industries, government and residents to cut their water use even further if the drought continues.

Christmas Trees are Aplenty

Many people will get their Christmas trees over Thanksgiving weekend. But, because of the drought, some are worried there won’t be enough healthy trees to go around.

But, neither the Grinch nor the drought will steal Christmas from Georgian’s this holiday season because most Christmas tree farms in the state are doing just fine.

Andy Kinsey and his brother own Kinsey Family Farm in Forsyth County. Kinsey said they’ll have over 2,500 Leland Cypress and Caroline Sapphire trees for sale, which are naturally drought resistant.

“In all honestly, they prefer a drought compared to a wet, wet summer. I mean, this is much better than a summer when we got 20 extra inches of rain, that is when you really see problems,” said Kinsey.

Kinsey said there won’t be a decrease in available trees until three years from now; when trees planted this year mature. He says he expects most of his trees to make it through, but if all else fails, he can always import trees from North Carolina.

Food plant accuses inspector of food contamination

Employees of a beef processing plant in Augusta are accusing a federal inspector of allegedly contaminating some of the plant's food products.

Gary Casella is an inspector with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and has been assigned to the FPL plant.

Attorneys for the the plant say he allegedly tainted food products with fecal material.

They also accuse Casella of unfairly and harshly scrutinizing employees there.

FPL says Casella's alleged actions have come in retaliation to a sexual harassment grievance filed against him by a female employee at FPL.

The company has filed a federal lawsuit against him and the USDA.

Casella was set to return to the plant last week, but officials with the U.S. Agriculture Department have agreed to delay his return until FPL attorneys can appeal that decision. FPL attorneys, meanwhile, have filed a motion for a temporary restraining order against him.

Officials at the U.S. Agriculture Department have declined to comment on the case. An attorney currently representing the Agriculture Department did not return a phone call regarding the case. The department has not yet responded to the federal lawsuit, which was filed earlier this month.

Augusta was the center of an unrelated food scare this summer.

Castleberry's, another food plant in Augusta, had a massive recall of canned food products and was shut down for several weeks after botulism was found in its canned chili sauce.

James Brown's widow criticizes his children

Two daughters of the late soul singer James Brown and Brown's widow stood publicly in a show of unity Monday as they gave away turkeys to needy families in Augusta.

But before the day was over, Brown's widow, Tomi Rae Hynie Brown, was telling a different story. She told the Augusta Chronicle newspaper that Brown's children had treated her disrespectfully during the giveaway. She accused his children of making difficult her visits to the singer's grave that day, and to the South Carolina estate she had shared with Brown. She says she was mistreated by a security officer.

Deanna Brown Thomas, Brown's daughter denied Ms. Brown's allegations. She told the newspaper that she did not have a problem with Ms. Brown's visit, and that no one intentionally interfered with her time there.

James Brown's children and his widow are embroiled in a legal battle over the late singer's estate. There have also been questions raised about whether Tomi Rae Brown's marriage to the singer was valid.

Police Officer in Rockmart: Found Out Felon

A North Georgia Police officer was arrested after officials discovered he was a convicted felon.

After working for a year as a Rockmart police officer, Jedson Leist decided to apply for work as deputy sheriff in Haralson County. Officials there ran a background check, and found out Leist was a convicted felon in Colorado.

Assistant United States Attorney Bret Williams is prosecuting the case. Williams said he’s never seen anything like this.

“It struck me as an unusual case when you have someone who is a convicted felon, first of all, looking to get a job of all things, as a police officer, and then covering up their record using fake fingerprints,” said Williams.

Williams said it was possible for Leist to become an officer because Rockmart Police allowed him to turn in his own background check, which unknown to them, he limited to the state of Georgia.

Officials suspect Leist had help from inside the Rockmart Police department because he used a fake fingerprint for the in-house background check.

Rockmart Police Chief Larry Harris took leave as a result of this investigation.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, November 20th

Tom Glavine has come home. The veteran pitcher signed a 1-year/8-million dollar contract to return to the Atlanta Braves--the team with whom he began his career and spent 16 years. The last 5 seasons however, Glavine pitched for the New York Mets. Glavine, who turns 42 next season and lives in Atlanta, said at Monday's press conference that even with new friendships forged in New York, home is where the heart is.

"There's a flip side to every decision you make and there's some friendships that I've made in New York that I'll miss. But professionally speaking this was probably the best obviously and only scenario that I would have envisioned myself playing under...being back here and being home".

Braves general manager Frank Wren said there was universal approval within the organization for Glavine's return.

"It has been an overwhelming response, not only from our team and all the players I've heard from, but from our staff. I've never seen anything like it. This guy was loved, is still loved...I think people are excited he's back".

This past season, Glavine became a member of baseball's 300-victory club.


College basketball out of Monday night, Georgia Tech's men's team took 3rd place in the Paradise Jam tournament in the Virgin Islands. The Yellow Jackets topped Notre Dame 70-69 on a 3-point basket by Matt Causey with 2-seconds left.

In pro hockey, the Atlanta Thrashers scored the 4-3 overtime win at home over Tampa Bay. The Thrashers improved their overall record to 10-10, after opening the season with 6 straight losses.

Delta fined for not releasing flight data

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines faces a $115,000 fine for failing to report on-time arrival data of its flights. The 20 largest passenger carriers report on-time performance to the government and must provide on-time arrival statistics when requested by passengers. Through September, more than 24 percent of flights have arrived late -- the industry's worst on-time performance since comparable data began being collected in 1995.

Former police officers to head to prison

Today a federal judge revoked bond for two former Atlanta police officers and ordered them to prison. Gregg Junnier and Jason R. Smith must turn themselves in no later than December 3rd. Junnier and Smith pleaded guilty to lying about last November’s police shooting of Kathryn Johnston. The former officers are cooperating with the federal investigation into Mrs. Johnston’s death.

Vick surrenders early in dog fighting case

Suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has begun serving his sentence in a Virginia prison on federal dog fighting charges. Vick was scheduled to be sentenced on December 10th. However, an assistant to U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson of Richmond Virginia confirms Vick voluntarily surrendered himself to officials with the U.S. Marshal’s Service. Hudson signed the order allowing Vick to turn himself in earlier today. Four people have pleaded guilty in the case. Earlier this year, Vick acknowledged he was part of a dogfighting operation known as Bad Newz Kennels at his former property in Surry County, Va. In a plea agreement, Vick admitted the operation involved the "victimization and killing of pit bull dogs." Under federal sentencing guidelines, Michael Vick faces up to five months in prison, although Judge Hudson could impose a sentence below or above that range if he sees fit.

Georgia Power closer to rate hikes

Georgia Power has reached a deal that could bump up customers’ monthly bills by nearly six dollars. The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports state and private entities have approved more than $300 million in price hikes. Georgia Power says it needs the boost to pay for compliance with new environmental rules. The Georgia Public Service Commission has yet to approve the increase. The Commission is set to vote on the settlement December.

Al Sharpton visits Augusta

Civil rights activist Al Sharpton helped distribute Thanksgiving turkeys to needy families in Augusta Monday.

It's an event that the late soul singer James Brown hosted annually until his death last year.

Sharpton and Brown were close friends. Brown died on Christmas Day last year of congestive heart failure.

Two of the soul singer's daughters, some of his grandchildren, and his widow, Tomi Rae Hynie Brown, joined Sharpton at the giveaway. The family has been embroiled in a court battle over Brown's estate, and there have been questions as to whether Tomi Rae Brown and James Brown were legally wed.

Sharpton, however, said today was a time to set those issues aside.

James Brown Enterprises has typically paid for about half of the 1000 turkeys distributed.

But the funding is currently tied up in the court case.

Family members say this year that they paid for their portion out of their own pockets, and used donations from churches and charitable organizations.

Comcast Cable donates funds for the other 500 turkeys each year.

Gas prices not expected to deter holiday drivers

Despite near-record high gas prices, more holiday travelers are expected on Georgia roads this year than last. AAA says over 1.1 million Georgians will travel 50 miles or more by car this week as gas prices hover nearly a dollar above what they were in 2006. Garrett Townsend, a spokesman for AAA South, says high gas prices rarely deter families from their holiday traditions. “We certainly have favorable weather with this time of year and a lot of people plan family trips, going down to Florida and visiting the amusement parks there. So, lots of favorable conditions in the Southeast region,” Townsend says. AAA forecasts a two percent increase in the number of Thanksgiving drivers in the Southeast this year -- the greatest increase for any U.S. region. Officials say the heaviest traffic on Georgia’s roadways will be Tuesday through Wednesday and then on Sunday, as people return home.

Oprah Winfrey suprises Macon audience

Three hundred lucky Maconites are still in shock after a surprise by Oprah Winfrey. The talk show host taped her show in Macon over the weekend. The crowd was originally told the show was part of a series Oprah was doing on home towns.

Moments after the taping began the audience learned Oprah was unveiling her list of favorite things. The much anticipated show is a hot ticket because audience members receive thousand's of dollars in merchandise. Many of the items remained secret, but show officials say everyone received a high definition camcorder and a refrigerator with a built in television.

Oprah says she chose Macon because it has the highest Nielsen ratings of any market her show airs in. She thanked residents saying, "Y'all are just about the most gracious, hospitable folks I've ever come across."

Oprah arrived in Macon on Thursday visiting several popular sites including; the Tubman African-American Museum, downtown boutiques, and Nu-Way Weiners (sic).

The Oprah's Favorite Things episode airs Tuesday.

Kucinich calls for closing Ft. Benning school

Kucinich addressing the rally. (Dave Bender)

Ohio Democratic Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich told protesters outside the gates of Fort Benning, today that, if elected, he would close an on-post school that trains Latin American military personnel.

"Today I'm here in solidarity with people from all over the world, who are, who are demanding... that America take a new direction."

Opponents of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation – once known as the School of the Americas - charge that it trains personnel that have been involved in killings and human rights abuses in their home countries.

SOA founder Fr. Roy Bourgeois (blue shirt), and Kucinich comfort a Guatemalan woman, Adriana Bartow and her daughter, Sarina Carrillo sobbing against the fence. The two women, who now live in Chicago said they were grieving over the loss of seven members of their family to military forces in their country in 1981. (Dave Bender)

The weekend-long event, organized by the School of the Americas Watch, culminated with Sunday's march, a mock funeral procession, and a mass "die-in," along the post perimeter fence.

Columbus Police Chief Ricky Boren said that Ft. Benning military police detained 10 protesters for trying to infiltrate onto the post. They were caught climbing over the perimeter fence at two locations, both of which were near the construction site of the National Infantry Museum on Lumpkin Road, Boren said.

Two protesters demonstrate "waterboarding," a controversial interrogation technique, opponents consider a form of torture. The willing subject of this simulation was unrestrained, and emerged unharmed from the brief exhibition. (Dave Bender)

Local officials said that on Saturday a similar number of residents and soldiers attended a day-long counter-rally downtown, calling it God Bless Fort Benning (GBFB), in a show of support for the infantry training facility.

Columbus Mayor Jim Weatherington who took an active part in the previous day's activities at GBFB, commented on the SOA Watch rally, saying:

"...We don't support it, but it's our job to make sure that folks can demonstrate -- but they can demonstrate peacefully."

Click here for more GPB News coverage of the SOA Watch protest.

UGA committee: speed up water reductions

A committee studying water use at the University of Georgia says, the campus should speed up its replacement of plumbing fixtures with low-flow alternatives. The committee issued a 45-page report today detailing how the University can reduce its water use as part of a larger plan to conserve water state-wide. The recommendations range from installing hand sanitizer dispensers in restrooms to updating the campus cooling system. All new state buildings are now required to have water-saving features.

Savannah to host Southeast U.S.-Canada trade conference

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Savannah will host a conference next year designed to boost trade between the Southeastern U-S and Canada. Perdue made the announcement during a trade mission in Montreal. The S.E.U.S.-Canadian Provinces Conference could attract more than 500 representatives from 6 states and 7 provinces. The first-of-its kind meeting is modeled after a similar conference promoting trade and tourism with Japan and is the beginning of a north-south trade alliance.

Losing Jekyll Island developer sues

One of the developers who lost the $350 million-dollar bid to re-develop Jekyll Island filed suit against the state-run Jekyll Island Authority yesterday. Wade Shealy of the Jekyll Island Company says, his proposal for a 45-acre development followed all the rules set out by the Authority’s Request for Proposal, while the winning company’s bid was about 18-acres larger, creating an unfair advantage.

“Our group spent close to a million dollars responding to the R.F.P. and we made sure that we did it exactly by the rules of the R.F.P.,” Shealy said. “And when another group breaks the rules and are selected, the bid should be disqualified and the process started over.”

Shealy’s suit asks the Fulton County Superior Court to block the Authority’s negotiations with the winning company, Linger Longer. At stake is the largest-ever development project at Jekyll Island state park. The winning company’s plan went to public hearings this week. An Authority spokesman says, he hasn’t seen the lawsuit and won’t comment on it.

Clinch Co. Sheriff indicted

A federal grand jury in Valdosta has indicted the Sheriff in South Georgia’s Clinch County with perjury and obstruction of justice. Winston Peterson pled not guilty and was released on $10,000 bond yesterday. The indictment accuses the Sheriff of lying during a grand jury investigation into the courthouse activities of Judge Brooks Blitch the Third. Prosecutors also say Peterson alerted an un-indicted co-conspirator to the identity of an F.B.I. informant and used an inmate to work at a business run by his wife.

Corp reduces flow from Lk. Lanier

The U-S Army Corp of Engineers today rolled out a plan allowing Georgia to keep more water from Lake Lanier. The move came after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service signed off on a decision saying endangered mussels in Florida can live with less water from the reservoir supplying much of Metro Atlanta’s water.

The Corp immediately reduced the lake’s downstream flow from 5,000 to 4,750 cubic feet per second. At a news conference this afternoon, GPB asked Governor Sonny Perdue if that would be enough, especially if the prayed-for rains don’t come.

“I don’t want to be flippant about that, but if we don’t get the rains that we need, none of this is enough,” Perdue said. “I frankly ask Georgians to continue to pray because that is, essentially, the ultimate solution.”

Today, the Corps and state environmental officials said the part of the lake normally tapped for drinking water has about 79 days worth of drinking water left.

Today’s decision could set off a new round of lawsuits. Florida Governor Charlie Christ said, he didn’t want to sue, but would do what’s needed to protect not just the mussels, but also Florida’s seafood industry.

Sports at Tech Schools

Sports may become a part of North Georgia’s Tech schools to attract students.

It may not be football, but eight North Georgia tech schools are looking into developing sports teams that can play each other. It’s a move towards a more traditional college experience. They are even holding meetings to find out what activities their students are looking for outside of classes.

Coosa Valley Tech’s spokesman says the goal is to start a women’s volley ball team and a men’s basketball team by spring.

Over all, the age of the average technical school student is dropping. Coosa Valley Tech even has a new plan called Project REAL, or Relevant Education and Life. It’s designed to recruit students directly out of high school.

Syphilis is Back

In recent years syphilis has become more and more of a problem in Georgia. As of today, Georgia is ranked the number three state with the most cases, down from last year, at number one.

Syphilis was at an all time low in 1998, but since then, the numbers continue to creep up.

Public Health officials in Northwest GA are taking action now, before it gets worse. Billboards can be seen on major highways saying “Syphilis is Back” coupled with free treatment and counseling at local health departments.

Debbie Abercrombie, an epidemiologist with North West GA Public Health said people were scared of HIV/AIDS in the nineties and used protection, but now, not so much.

“I think, over the years, people have gotten bolder and some of the good habits that they had as far as protecting them selves have fallen, I guess, by the wayside and people are engaging once again in behaviors that put them at risk,” said Abercrombie

In Georgia, most cases of syphilis originate in big cities. But Abercrombie says more and more cases are coming further north through people who spend time in both Metro Atlanta and North West Georgia.

Camilla farmers ired over water cuts

Bubba Johnson checks freshly-dug peanuts on his Newton
farm on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007. (AP Photo/Todd Stone)

Southwest Georgia is one of the most productive agricultural regions in Dixie, but you wouldn't know it from the soil under the corn, peanuts and cotton. It can be sandy, it can be pebbly, and it doesn't hold water very well.

That begins to explain why irrigation is so vital around here — and why the mere suggestion that some of the region's water might be taken away fills folks with fear and resentment.

"Atlanta needs to take a hard look at what's happening in the metro area," said Bubba Johnson, a 68-year-old farmer who grows cotton and corn on a 500-acre plot. "There's going to be a heck of a battle if they try to come down here to get the water."

Johnson, president of the Mitchell County Farm Bureau, is pushing his neighbors and lawmakers to fight for local control of water.

"Before any water is transferred out, you have to make sure needs here are taken care of," he said.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of the drought.

View Larger Map

(The Associated Press)

Georgia sports for Friday, November 16th

Playoffs open tonight across Georgia in high school football. A full slate of action is scheduled across the 5 classifications. The 5-week playoff stretch leads to the big semifinal weekend in Atlanta's Georgia Dome December 7th and 8th, and the following weekend's championship games.

Setting the college football weekend ahead: Georgia's Bulldogs play their final home game of the season, a key SEC matchup in Athens against Kentucky. Georgia Tech's Yellow Jackets are home in Atlanta to host North Carolina in the final ACC game of the regular season. Tech and Georgia next weekend face-off in their annual grudge match. For Georgia Southern, the Eagles travel to Colorado State to conclude their regular season schedule.

Sausage product recall affects Georgia

Texas-based Double B Foods has recalled about 98-thousand pounds of frozen sausage roll products, because of concerns of possible listeria contamination. Some of the product was distrtibuted in Georgia. The frozen sausage rolls were produced on various dates between October 25th and November 6th. There have been no reports of illness. Listeria can kill newborns and those people with weakened immune systems.

Students expelled over 'noose incident'

Hardaway High School (MCSD)

The Muscogee County School District (MCSD) has expelled two white male Hardaway High School students who allegedly made a rope noose and dropped it in front of two two black female students in an incident on Nov. 6.

The decision was taken at a two-hour MCSD tribunal held on Thursday, according to spokesperson Valerie Fuller. A statement released by Fuller said the board found the students guilty of:

• Rule 1 Disruption and Interference with School
• Rule 5 Verbal Assault, Physical Assault, Disrespectful Conduct of Students
• Rule 12 Acts of Misconduct
  

according to the parent-student handbook. The students have the right to appeal the decision.

Click here for previous GPB coverage of this story.

Delta: not talking merger with United

Delta Air Lines' CEO Richard Anderson told a congressional committee Thursday that he hasn’t spoken to officials with United Air Lines in at least four years. That answer came as a response to questions on whether the two airlines were talking merger. Anderson said no merger discussions are ongoing between Atlanta-based Delta and Chicago-based United, and none are planned. Anderson was in Washington to speak at the House subcommittee on aviation. A government proposal wants to cut the number of flights at New York’s JFK airport. Delta’s Anderson says that would threaten the airline’s ongoing bankruptcy recovery.

Decision to come today on Lanier water release

Federal biologists are expected today to give their decision on the Army Corps of Engineers' plan to reduce the water flow out of Georgia’s Lake Lanier. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been analyzing whether federally-protected mussels can survive on less water coming downstream, into Florida’s Apalachicola River. Earlier this month, an agreement was worked-out in Washington to help Georgia by slowing the release of Lanier’s water. It needs the O-K of the biologists to move forward.

FBI arrest on alleged subprime scam

The Columbus office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced Thursday that they arrested a Newnan resident on "Wire Fraud and Mail Fraud" charges, stemming from a possible subprime mortgage scheme.

Robert S. Ligon, 45, was taken into custody at the federal courthouse in Columbus, according to a statement released by the bureau. A warrant for his arrest had been issued on a 27-count indictment by a Macon grand jury.

Ligon and others allegedly provided "false, fraudulent and misleading information in residential loan applications," for over $2,000,000 in loans handled by the Mortgage America Corporation in 2002 and 2003, the statement said.

The indictment alleges that many of these loans foreclosed, losing about $300,000.

Ligon was released on $25,000 bond, and faces a maximum 30-year sentence per count.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of the subprime mortgage crisis.

Richardson might compromise tax idea

Georgia House Speaker Glenn Richardson may be ready to compromise on his tax reform proposal. He has been shopping his idea of replacing all property taxes with an expanded sales taxes on goods and services.

Richardson's so called Great plan has gotten the cold shoulder from many including Governor Sonny Perdue. Opponents say it just wouldn’t raise enough money make up for the lost property taxes.

Richardson told the Macon Telegraph this week that he may propose to eliminate only that portion of the property tax that funds schools.

A spokesperson for Richardson confirmed that he is looking into that option. The move could silence opposition from counties and cities who fear the loss of control over their budget under the Great plan. School boards, especially those in wealthy counties, may not like the idea.

Any tax reform proposal hashed out during next years legislative session would need voter approval in November.

SOA Watch revving up for weekend protests

Fr. Bourgeois unpacking posters and protest material at his apartment outside Ft. Benning in preparation for upcoming demonstrations. (Dave Bender)

The SOA Watch group is gearing up for their annual demonstrations outside of Ft. Benning, and they are planning big.

Father Roy Bourgeois, who founded the organization in 1990, says they're expecting 20,000 supporters to flood Columbus this weekend:

“We are gathering here in peace. We are gathering here to speak for countless brothers and sisters in Latin America who have been the victims of this school and the violence - the graduates - who have returned to their home countries, especially in countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and many other countries – Columbia, where most of them are coming from today.”

The movement wants the federal government to close down the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation – once known as the School of the Americas – which is located at the army post.

Fr. Bourgeois holding a list of WHINSEC students, with names blacked-out for security reasons, according to the school. (Dave Bender)

Bourgeois says the school is training military and law-enforcement groups that are culpable of human rights abuses in their home countries.

Click here for more GPB News coverage about Ft. Benning.

Atlanta airport security ready for travel crush

The holiday period starts tomorrow, and Atlanta airport security officials say they’ll be fully-staffed to handle the crush of travelers.

The 12-day holiday travel period could see record numbers of flyers using Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International airport. Airport officials say the Transportation Security Administration is not equipped to handle the load of passengers.

TSA spokesman Jon Allen disagrees. He says it will be “all hands on deck” with part-timers added for this period.

"We actually did some adjustments to our scheduling that went into effect a couple of months ago…to deploy staff at different times, in order to try to better meet those peak travel demand times”.

Security wait-times last weekend were well-above the airport’s target of 15-20 minutes.

TSA does plan to cut 50 full-timers from its Atlanta-operations, down to a regular number of 850.

State study grants for Ft. Benning soldiers' spouses

The $2,296,638 Heroes at Home DOL/DOD Military Spouse initiative fund offers spouses of active duty military personnel at Fort Benning $6,000 over a two-year period.

The money is to enable them to complete post-secondary education at two-year community and technical colleges statewide.

“I applaud the strength shown by military spouses in times of war and peace,” Governor Sonny Perdue said of the program. “It is my hope that we are able to show our true appreciation for these heroes at home by aiding them in the advancement of their education and their careers,” Perdue said, according to a statement released by the Govenor's Office Wednesday.

Some 2,400 spouses at Ft. Benning are expected to be eligible for these grants.

More information on the program is available here and here.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of Ft. Benning, and military affairs.

Jekyll plans meet public disapproval at hearing

Hundreds of residents turned out in force to voice their concerns over a plan to redevelop Jekyll Island yesterday. The plans call for a thousand new hotel and condo units, a new convention center, new retail outlets and much more at a state-run park that officials want to upscale.

At the first public hearing on Jekyll Island yesterday, the response was overwhelmingly negative. Missy Brandt of Darien said, she's concerned about affordability. "Even at $139 or $99 a night, to stay at the beach would not be affordable," she said.

Bonnie Newell of Jekyll Island said, her main concern is endangered sea turtles. "They said they wanted to be a model of conservation. If you're a model of conservation, you don't build on the beach," she said.

Brunswick State Senator Jeff Chapman questioned whether the developer should get an $84 million state subsidy. "To ask Georgians to subsidize that infrastructure cost is totally unnecesary," he said.

Development company officials said, the plan is a work in progress and nothing is set in stone. More public comment sessions will be held in Augusta and Atlanta.

Gangs identified

Richmond County sheriff Ronnie Strength identified these gangs as the ones involved in criminal activity that led to a major drug and firearms bust on Wednesday. Officials say they're neighborhood-based gangs located in downtown Augusta and in neighborhoods in the southern part of Augusta:

*Georgia Deadly Boys Gang, A.K.A. 23rd
*Only with True Thugs, A.K.A. O-Dub
*Glen Hills Boys Gang
*Uptown Boys/Farrington Gangster Thugs
*Meadowbrook Clique

Gang bust in Richmond County

Authorities in eastern Georgia are in the middle of a sting targeting people they say are involved in gang activity. They're rounding up nearly 100 people on drugs and weapons charges.

Officials with the U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms say it's the second largest bust of its kind in U.S. history.

Richmond County sheriff's deputies and federal agents say the defendants are mostly gang members.

The undercover operation, called Augusta Ink, took place over 16 months at a tattoo parlor set up by police in the Richmond County town of Hephzibah. Dubbed the Colur Tyme tattoo parlor, police say they set it up in area where there was gang activity and where gang members lived.

"Violence, gun trafficking and drug dealing were the main ingredients of these gangs and their criminal lifestyle. They preyed on those with addictions and took advantage of the weak and defenseless for their own selfish gain," said Vanessa McLemore, special agent in charge of the ATF's Atlanta bureau.

In all, authorities confiscated about 400 weapons, 54 pounds of marijuana and nearly 1200 grams of cocaine.

Drought Affecting Rome's Ability to Pay

The City of Rome may not be able to pay their bills if it abides by the 10% cut in water consumption asked for by Governor Perdue. Rome has spent the last three years updating its water treatment plant. This process racked up 40 million dollars worth of debt, which is paid in most part, by citizen’s water bills. To scale back 10% is about a million gallons of water the city won’t make money on.

The Director of Rome’s Water and Sewer Department, Lee Ross, says something has to give.

"We would not be able to meet our fixed costs and our debt payment with out making some severe changes to the way we operate or to our rate structure."

As of now, Rome uses a little more than eight million gallons of water a day, six of which is returned to the Etowah River.

2008 List of State’s 10 ‘Places in Peril’

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation released today its 2008 list of 10 Places in Peril in the state.

Sites on the list include: the Meriwether County Jail in Greenville; the A.L. Miller Senior High School for Girls in Macon; the Old Clinton Historic District in Gray; the Spencer House in Columbus; the UGA Marine Institute and Administration Complex on Sapelo Island; the Trinity C.M.E. Church in Augusta; the Adam-Strain Building in Darien; the Sunbury Historic Colonial Town Site; the Cockspur Island Lighthouse in Tybee Island; and, The Castle in Atlanta.

“This is the Trust’s third annual Places in Peril list,” said Greg Paxton, president and CEO of the Trust. “The locations chosen are not only in peril themselves, but represent a group of similar threatened historic places and represent the broad range of historic resources throughout Georgia. We must never forget that once a historic place is gone, it’s gone forever,” Paxton said.

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation is the country’s largest statewide, nonprofit preservation organization with more than 8,000 members, according to a statement released by the organization on Wednesday.

Drought sends Pike Nursery to bankruptcy

Extreme drought in the southeast has swung a punch at a well-known gardening and landscaping retailer. Pike Nursery Holding LLC says it has filed for federal bankruptcy protection. The chairman and CEO of the Norcross-based company, Scott Schnell, says the extended drought and region’s water restrictions have had a material impact on business. The retailer has secured over 11-million dollars in financing to help it operate during backruptcy protection. Pike Nurseries has 22 locations in Georgia, North Carolina and Alabama.

$300,000 bond for CSU bomb threat

A Columbus judge has raise a previous bond set for a Columbus State University student accused of threatening to bomb the school.

Muscogee County Superior Court Judge Doug Pullen raised the initial $46,000 bond to $331,000, according to a Ledger-Enquirer newspaper report. Pullen, referring to the raised amount, said:

"I totally disagree with the bond amounts. This is more than reasonable considering what he's accused of doing."

Click here for previous GPB News coverage of this incident, and here for more reports of similar threats at Georgia educational institutions.

Georgia sports for Wednesday, November 14th

Georgia Bulldogs men’s basketball player Billy Humphrey has been arrested by university police on a felony weapons charge. Newspapers in Athens and Atlanta report that Humphery is charged with possessing a pocket knife more than two inches long--a violation of university policy. Humphery is the Bulldogs’ starting guard, and scored 13 points in the team’s opening win Friday night. Georgia plays Grambling State tonight.

In men's college basketball action from Tuesday evening: The Mercer Bears were unable to pull another early-season upset, as they lost at home in Macon to visiting Alabama, 90-83. The game drew the first sellout of the history of the nearly 4-year old arena, which seats 3,200. On Saturday, Mercer opened their season with a stunning upset over Southern California. Other action included a win for Savannah State at home over SC-Aiken, 71-65. Kennesaw State was a loser at Auburn, 74-66.

Women's college hoops had Georgia's club improve to 3-0. The 8th-ranked Lady Bulldogs at home in Athens turned back Georgia Southern easily, 105-66. Tasha Humphrey scored 18 points.

From pro hockey, the Atlanta Thrashers at home scored a late comeback to top the Florida Panthers 3-2 in overtime. Marian Hossa scored with 3 seconds left in regulation to tie—-Ilya Kovalchuk netted the winner 27 seconds into OT.

Alabama senator's grandson found dead in Georgia

The body of the teenage grandson of an Alabama state senator was found yesterday in west Georgia’s Carroll County. 17-year-old Benjamin Stanford was found about one-thousand feet from where his car was abandoned along Interstate-20 near Villa Rica. There were no further details about his death. Stanford had been reported missing last week. He was the grandson of Senator Jim Preuitt of Talladega.

Thomasville: youth confesses to bomb threat

A teen in Thomasville confessed early Tuesday afternoon to calling in a bomb threat at Thomas County Central High School (TCCHS).

The 15-year-old male, a former TCCHS student, who attended an alternative school, confessed during questioning by Thomas County Sheriff’s Office investigators.

The bomb threat was called in at 6:45 p.m. Monday. The caller left the threat on a telephone answering machine. The message said a bomb planted in the school would blow up the building. The caller also cursed school officials.

School telephone records were subpoenaed, and a trace led to a cell phone. The source of the call had been determined within a couple of hours of discovery of the message.

The teen is charged with terrorist threats and acts.

“More charges probably will be pending after a meeting with the district attorney’s office,” said Capt. John Richards, sheriff’s office chief of operations.

“Children need to realize that with today’s technology, they can’t get away with bomb threats anymore.”

Click here for more GPB coverage of similar threats.

(The Associated Press)

Perdue leads prayer for rain at Capitol

Governor Sonny Perdue called upon a higher power to help drought-ravaged Georgia.

On the steps of the state Capitol in Atlanta today, Perdue led a prayer service asking for rain. Religious leaders and politicians were among the 300 or so spectators on hand for the event.

Perdue called for the service last week, and opened it today.

"We’ve come together very simply for one reason, and one reason only. To very reverently, and respectively...pray up a storm".

Perdue invited three local pastors to speak, including Dr. Gil Watson.

"Have mercy on us and grant us rain Lord, because we need rain all the way from the Blue Ridge mountains to the Okefenokee".

Perdue then closed the service.

"Father forgive us, and lead us to honor you, as you honor us with the showers of your blessings. Thank you Lord, for the rain to come".

The service was not hailed by everyone. A local secular group had about a dozen members protesting a block away. They said the rally violated the principle of separation of church and state.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, November 13th

The battle of the Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets on the football field now has a kickoff time set. The annual grudge match of Georgia-Georgia Tech will be at 3:30 November 24th in Atlanta, on the Tech campus.

Pro hockey tonight, the Atlanta Thrashers return to action on home ice. They’ll skate against the Florida Panthers, a team they beat Friday night, 4-1 at Florida.

Out of men's college basketball action last night, Ga Southern opened their schedule with a 92-67 loss at Florida State. The Eagles had 3 players each score 13 points to lead their scoring: Louis Graham, Matt Fields and Willie Powers.

Death row opponents ask Court for new trial

Supporters of death row inmate Troy Anthony Davis asked the state Supreme Court today to order a new trial in the case. They say eyewitness testimony implicates another man in the 1989 shooting death of 27-year old Savannah police officer Mark McPhail.

Davis' attorneys argued Georgia law allows death row inmates to ask for a new trial, after all other appeals have been exhausted. However, prosecutors say the time for a new trial has passed and no further evidence may be introduced.

Martina Correia is Troy Anthony Davis' older sister. She says similar stories by witnesses about police coercion are too alike for the court to ignore.

"They didn't come forward because we asked them. They came forward because it was the right thing to do. It was amazing that their recantations were almost the same thing. They told stories of coercion and intimidation and of threats. They didn't know each other was recanting."

Since his 1989 conviction, nearly a dozen witnesses have recanted their eyewitness testimony against Troy Anthony Davis. Davis is African American and was convicted in Chatham County. His supporters say the previous exoneration of two other African American males from Chatham County may point to a pattern of police misconduct.

T.I. expects 'exoneration' on weapons charges: video

Clifford Harris Jr., the rapper known as T.I. expressed confidence he would not be convicted of federal weapons charges, speaking publicly for the first time since his arrest in a video posted on a hip-hop Web site.

In the short video posted on Streetcred.com, T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris Jr., said people shouldn't believe everything reported in the news.

"I look forward to being exonerated on all charges," the 27-year-old rapper said in the video. "And I say that with the utmost sincerity."

Harris thanked his fans and lawyers. He also thanked the judge in his case for allowing him to be on house arrest. He also said in the video that he is using his free time to read, write and work on a new album.

Harris was arrested Oct. 13 in a midtown Atlanta parking lot just blocks from the BET Hip-Hop Awards, which he was to headline later that night. Federal authorities say Harris tried to buy machine guns and silencers. He was released on bond Oct. 26.

Click here for more GPB News coverage about T.I.
___
Streetcred:
http://www.streetcred.com/

(The Associated Press)

Perdue, religious leaders to pray for rain

Governor Perdue has invited religious leaders from across the state to attend an interdenominational prayer service on Tuesday. Prominent religious leaders of all faiths are invited to join together in support of the ecumenical prayer for rain.

Rabbi Ilan Feldman of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association, one of the groups invited, says daily Jewish prayers for rain emphasize good stewardship:

“There's no question that our understanding of God's message to us is, that we are responsible for the world that he has created; that he wants us to be partners with him in managing it, and in maintaining it, and that we relate to the world with a sense of responsibility and sense of treasure. When there is a drought, Jewish tradition calls for an increased focus on the request for rain.”

The ceremony will take place at noon outside the capitol - unless it rains.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of the drought.

Anti-war boots exhibit travels Georgia

A traveling exhibit to honor soldiers killed in Iraq is touring the state.

The State of Hope tour is organized by an antiwar group, the Quaker-based American Friends Service Committee, but organizers say, its visual message is more tribute than protest. It features 121 pairs of boots, each representing a Georgia soldier killed in Iraq.

"The boots are a reminder to everyone no matter what their sentiment is," Repoley says. "It's something that speaks to everyone."

The exhibit has been to Marrietta, Sautee, Athens and Statesboro and will appear in Savannah, St. Simons Island, Americus and Macon before heading to Columbus. That's where it'll join the massive School of the Americas protest, which attracts people of many different causes.

Drought, bugs worry Georgia foresters

This year's drought is worrying Southeast Georgia tree growers as they try to recover from the spring's devastating fires. Wildfires burned almost a half-million acres in Southeast Georgia, creating an estimated $60 million loss for commercial foresters.

Now as they begin to replant the vast, blackened forests, fire-weakened trees are being attacked by wood-boring beetles and other insects.

Also worrying foresters, the state's drought could herald another spring of vicious fires. The regional forest ranger says, weather patterns are setting up to make it another bad fire season. He's asking residents to exercise caution when setting fires.

In spite of the new threats, few tree farmers appear to be skipping the planting season. They say, they'll continue as long as the industry is profitable.

Georgia sports for Monday, November 12th

The Atlanta Falcons have won 2-straight games to improve their record to 3-6 overall. Sunday afternoon, the Falcons beat the Carolina Panthers on the road 20-13. The decisive score came with 20 seconds left, as QB Joey Harrington connected with tight end Alge Crumpler on a 30-yard touchdown strike.

The college football weekend wrapup included wins for Georgia and Georgia Tech, while Georgia Southern lost their contest. Georgia's Bulldogs pulled away in the 2nd half to beat Auburn in Athens Saturday, 45-20. The Bulldogs in the new Associated Press rankings have moved up to number-8. Georgia Tech's Yellow Jackets won their game on the road Saturday at Duke, 41-24. Tech running back Tashard Choice ran for 170 yards and 2 touchdowns. Georgia Southern's Eagles lost their game to Furman 24-22.

Women's college basketball from Sunday included Georgia's Lady Bulldogs scoring the victory over George Mason, 84-56.

Fire Fighters Conserve Water

The ever-worsening drought may now affect some fire fighter training drills.

Ordinarily, rookie fire fighters are trained by burning abandoned houses. However, until the drought is over, simulations will have to make due for cities in the state’s driest areas. But, the cut backs may not be enough.

If it comes down to it, Whitfield County’s Fire Chief, Carl Collins, said drinking water will take priority over fighting fires.

“It will be hard to pull up on the scene and not put water on it regardless of how far it’s gone, but its one of them hard choices. It’s possible that it could come to that,” said Collins.

Most fire stations in North GA no longer wash their trucks. And many have already eliminated the twice annual fire-hydrant tests. The tests are required by law, and use 1500 gallons of water a minute.

Wildfire burns in north Georgia

Officials say it could be several more days before a wildfire in north Georgia’s Towns County is completely put-out. About 100 firefighters are battling the fire, which is on U.S. Forest Service land between Hiawassee and Young Harris. Officials say the blaze has charred around 800 acres. There have no reports of injuries or damage. The fire is said to be about 80-percent contained.

Falcons in 20-13 win over Panthers

Atlanta Falcons' Alge Crumpler (83) runs into the end zone for the 30-yard, game-winning touchdown as Carolina Panthers' Quinton Teal (28) reacts in the fourth quarter of the Falcons' Sunday 20-13 win, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

Joey Harrington took the hit. Alge Crumpler did the rest.

Just before he was drilled to the turf, Harrington found Crumpler over the middle for a 30-yard touchdown with 20 seconds left to give the Atlanta Falcons a 20-13 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Crumpler, who returned after missing the previous two games with ankle and knee injuries, caught the short pass over the middle and sliced between safeties Chris Harris and Quinton Teal for the score. Harrington watched from his back after being hit by Thomas Davis, then limped off the field as the Falcons (3-6) won their second straight game.

Warrick Dunn rushed for 89 yards, 47-year-old Morten Anderson kicked two field goals and the Falcons' defense turned in their second straight strong performance to avenge a home loss to Carolina in Week 3.

It was especially sweet for DeAngelo Hall. The cornerback who was called for 63 yards worth of penalties, including two personal fouls while jawing with Steve Smith, prevented a TD on Carolina's best scoring chance.

Trailing 7-0, the Panthers went for it on fourth-and-inches from the Atlanta 20 early in the second quarter. Testaverde lofted a pass to the sideline and Smith made a leaping catch over Hall. But as Smith was trying to get to the end zone, Hall knocked the ball away. It rolled into the end zone and then squirted out of bounds for a touchback.

Testaverde was just 13-of-28 for 153 yards. Matt Moore came in on the final play to throw for the end zone, but was intercepted to finish off another frustrating day for Carolina, which has used four quarterbacks this season.

Click here for more GPB News sports coverage.

(The Associated Press)

Georgia fugitive caught after 33-years

Deborah Ann Gavin did what many women do. She met a man, married, had two kids and lived quietly as a nurse. Until the day she feared for 33 years finally arrived.

Federal marshals surrounded her two-story home in East Texas on Wednesday, ending her life on the lam from a Georgia women's prison that was closed long ago because of a sex scandal.

"She just said she knew this day was going to come. But she hadn't prepared for it yet," said Jason Watson, a state corrections employee assigned to a fugitive task force that caught up with Gavin, surrounding her two-story home in Frankston, Texas.

Gavin, who was convicted of armed robbery, has refused to sign extradition papers that would bring her back to Georgia. Before she was taken away, she phoned her husband, Richard Murphey, who was at work at a construction site.

"All she said was when I got home, she wasn't going to be there," Murphey said from Texas.

Gavin, now 53, escaped from the Georgia Women's Correctional Institution in Baldwin County in 1974, moving from state to state. After living in Tennessee, Florida and settling in Texas, she met and married Murphey, changed her last name and had two children, authorities said.

Gavin got a nurse's license and worked at a hospital. When her back and heart conditions worsened and she was too weak to work in a medical ward, she started a quilting business from home.

And through it all, Gavin stayed out of trouble.

"As far as we know, she's been completely clear," said Ricky Myrick, chief investigator for the Georgia Department of Corrections.

Records show that Gavin had escaped from the prison several times before her final escape, once fleeing as far as Louisiana, but she was always recaptured. At the time, the prison had no fences and security was lax, officials said.

In July 1974 - a month after her last recapture - Gavin again broke loose. This time, she disappeared.

The prison was the center of a sex scandal that broke in the early 1990s. Investigations prompted by lawsuits turned up cases going back for years of guards having sex with inmates. All the women were moved out of the prison in 1993 and it became a men's prison.

The search for Gavin made its way through the Southeast, until the U.S. Marshal Service's Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force found she was living in Frankston under the name Deborah Murphey. They began watching the house Monday, posing as city workers who were checking on a work order.

"Thirty-three years is a long time," said James Ergas, a Marshal Service supervisory inspector working the case. "They didn't want to jump a 53-year-old woman and drive her to the ground if it was the wrong person."

Next door neighbor Elsie Warner, 93, said that she didn't know the the couple. She had seen the man in the yard, but hadn't seen the woman.

"It was a big shock to me, but they've never caused any trouble," she said.

(The Associated Press)

State may double high school graduation exams

State board of education members are considering a proposal that would require teens to pass at least nine exams before they earn their high school diploma - nearly twice as many tests as they take now.

The new end-of-course exams would replace the state's current high school graduation test, which is 16 years old and has been criticized because most students easily pass it.

The additional subject exams have not yet been developed, and state board members would have to formally approve the policy. Federal officials would also have to sign off on the changes.

State lawmakers for years were preparing to replace the five-part graduation exam now given to high school juniors with End of Course tests - eight standardized exams taken throughout a student's high school career. The tests were introduced four years ago, but making the full switch was complicated by problems meeting federal standards in the No Child Left Behind Act.

State education administrators say new credit requirements that take effect next year will ensure that all public high school students take the same basic courses, and allow the tests to be used for granting proposals. New tests could be created for physics, government, world history and U.S. history courses. The writing section of the current graduation test would still be used, and some current end-of-course exams would be revised to conform to the new state curriculum.

The revised structure would increase the number of tests a student takes that are linked to a diploma. If the proposal is approved, the changes could go into effect for freshmen starting in 2009. Students entering high school before then would still take the old graduation test.

Georgia students usually perform worse on the end-of-course exams than they do on the graduation test. A report presented to the state education board this week warned that graduation rates and college enrollments could drop and the number of high schools failing federal academic standards could rise with the new testing.

Last school year, about 4,600 students didn't earn diplomas because they couldn't pass the current graduation test.

(The Associated Press)

Click here for more GPB News coverage of educational affairs.

Man arrested selling LSD in chocolate bunnies and ducks

Rockdale County sheriff's deputies arrested a 20-year-old man after they caught him allegedly selling chocolate bunnies and ducks that contained hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Sgt. Jodi Shupe said Saturday deputies were tipped off that Matthew Jackson was selling LSD along with candy containing psilocybin mushrooms in Newton and Rockdale Counties.

Deputies caught the suspect after an officer saw Jackson allegedly selling a sheet of LSD and a chocolate duck containing the mushrooms for $650.

"It appears they were using the chocolate to cover up they were selling drugs, and they had been doing it for a while," Shupe said.

Shupe said officers found 74 more of the chocolate psilocybin candy ducks and bunnies in a cooler bag in Jackson's truck, along with $1,200 in cash in his pants pockets.

Click here for more GPB News reports of illicit drug use.

(The Associated Press)

Atlanta starts developing 50-year plan

Metro Atlanta. Click on image for interactive
map. (metroatlantachamber.com)

With the state gripped in a drought, concerns that Atlanta's economic engine is sputtering and persistent gridlock fears, the Atlanta Regional Commission figured it was a better time than ever to start shaping the city's future.

The commission launched a two-year project Thursday to develop a 50 year growth plan for the 10-county region, and the state's water crisis wasn't far from the minds of the more than 1,000 business and government leaders who attended the launch.

Organizers boasted they were doing their part to conserve water by not offering it at the dozens of tables, saving some 70 gallons of water. And the message: "Conserve, conserve, conserve" flashed on a video documenting the city's rapid growth.

"The only good thing about the water crisis is it's made us forget about traffic," quipped Sam Olens, the commission's chairman. "Well, maybe not."

The commission will host a series of forums designed to help shape Atlanta's future in 50 years. They will include eco-friendly building, alternative fuels and land and water conservation.

"Now more than ever we need to look beyond our more short-term planning horizons and our geographic boundaries to develop a fresh vision for the Atlanta region's place," Olens said.

Glen Hiemstra, a Seattle planner, outlined three ways for the city to evolve. One path is the city to become a "green leader" embracing more alternative energy and becoming a hub, once again, for passenger train service. Another is for the city to become a "Techtopia," focused on attracting businesses in the nanotech, life sciences and energy fields.

A third route is to become a haven for the city's growing senior population, which is expected to double by 2025.

"Will our communities be ready for that?" asked Hiemstra. "To be ready for that, they need to have lifelong livable communities."

All three paths are part of a "big picture which if accomplished makes Atlanta as vital and admired - as successful - as it is today."

"If you want to change the present, change the future," he said. "The future is not just something that happens to us. It's something you do."

Atlanta Regional Commission

Click here for more GPB News coverage about Georgia business development.

(The Associated Press)

FBI nabs reputed 'Grandpa Bandit'

Phillips (Access N. Georgia.com)

Authorities say they have arrested the so-called "Grandpa Bandit," a man in his mid-60s who is suspected in seven bank heists in Georgia and Tennessee.

The FBI says Bobby Joe Phillips was arrested Saturday morning without incident by a police officer in the central Georgia town of Perry.

Authorities say Phillips is suspected of robbing banks in the Georgia cities of Covington, Suwanee and Warner Robins. He's also accused of robbing two banks in Knoxville, Tenn., two times each.

FBI Special Agent Gary Kidder has said the case is unusual because of Phillips' age - and because he makes no effort to disguise himself during the robberies.

(The Associated Press)

Georgia and South Carolina announce plans for Savannah River port

The Governors of Georgia and South Carolina today announced an agreement putting more detail into a plan to develop a new port on the Savannah River.

The 11-page agreement forms a bi-state joint project office to get the port up-and-running. The office will be responsible for the nuts and bolts of finding the port’s exact location, getting the permits to build it, and developing the business plan. Those tasks will cost about $6 million. As to how long it will take, before the first ship docks, Governor Sonny Perdue could only guess:

“Well, I think these are all projections, but from the permitting side, to the construction side, those kinds of things, we’re probably talking about four or five years plus. Again, I think both states are committed to moving very aggressively here.”

Officials said today the land to build the port would cost about $9 million. That land is owned by the Georgia Department of Transportation, but is in South Carolina. Under the agreement, the port will be owned jointly by the two states’ port authorities.

Augusta educators to increase class size to cope with teacher shortage

Officials in eastern Georgia are struggling with more students per classroom in some schools.

School administrators in Augusta say budget cuts have caused a shortage of teachers. Because of that, they are seeking permission to expand class sizes in 62 elementary classrooms. It's a problem that school systems across the state have struggled with.

Barbara Pulliam is a school board member in Richmond County. She is also a retired teacher. She opposes efforts to increase class size:

"Small classes not only promote better learning. It eliminates discipline problems. Small classes [are] the answer to a lot of the problems that we're having."

School officials say their request is small: 62 out of 813 classrooms. The matter now goes before state education officials.

Postal worker pleads guilty to stealing

Federal officials say a postal worker from Wrightsville has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $100,000 in postal funds. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office said 55-year-old Grayson Carter entered the plea Thursday in Augusta's U.S. District Court. Officials said Carter also pleaded guilty to illegally issuing a postal order for $736. The statement also said Carter attempted to return most of the money before being discovered but still owed the USPS nearly twenty thousand dollars when the theft was discovered.

Judge: Nichols trial in "turmoil"

A judge said today the murder trial of accused Fulton County courthouse shooter Brian Nichols has been thrown into "turmoil" by a district attorney's lawsuit questioning whether the judge should be removed from the case. Defense lawyer Robert McGlasson said before the trial resumes there should be a "cooling-off period" because of the lawsuit, because several of Nichols' attorneys aren't being paid and because some state legislators have openly criticized the judge hearing the case.

Florida says 'no' to water deal

The head of Florida's environmental protection division has written a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, saying it opposes a temporary truce brokered last week by the White House. The agreement reached by the three states is an attempt to settle a long-standing water war involving Florida, Georgia and Alabama. It calls for the Corps to cut river flows into Florida and Alabama in order to capture more water from Georgia. The letter of opposition says the plan would damage Florida's environment and fisheries industry. Florida's governor raised no objections to the plan during last week's meeting.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it will continue until next Thursday, its twice daily releases of water from Lake Lanier. The water goes downstream to protect Florida's endangered mussels species. Next week, federal biologists are scheduled to report on whether the mussels can survive with less water. If biologists okay the plan, the Corps will reduce the amount of water released. Until then, the Corps is obligated to maintain a flow of at least 3.2 billion gallons of water every day into Florida.

Georgia sports for Friday, November 9th

The 10th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs are getting set to meet rival Auburn, ranked 18th in the country. The game kicks-off in Athens tomorrow afternoon at 3:30.

Also ahead in college action Saturday: Ga Tech is on the road in Durham to face Duke. Ga Southern is home in Statesboro tomorrow to meet Furman. G-Southern’s Eagles are tied with Wofford and Elon atop the Southern Conference.

College basketball’s season opens tonight for Georgia and Ga Tech: The Bulldog-men host Jacksonville tonight at 9. In Atlanta, Ga Tech’s men’s team plays their opener against UNC-Greensboro at 6.

Pro sports: the Hawks are at Boston, while the Thrashers skate at Florida.

Corps starts twice-daily water releases

The Chattahoochee River south of Atlanta is filling up faster than normal, thanks to U.S. Army Corps of Engineer releases to keep downstream locations covered.

The Corps says it's started twice-daily releases from Lake Lanier, in order to protect Fla. shellfish on the Apalachicola River. Federal law requires the Corps to keep three point-two-billion gallons flowing southward daily.

Columbus Water Works President Billy Turner official says that's likely to continue, if the quantity of water meets the Endangered Species requirements.

Fish and Wildlife officials will monitor the health of the mussels downstream, to determine of they can survive in lesser amounts of water. If so, the Corps will gradually cut back on the amounts released.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of the drought.

State's parks deal with drought

State parks have been affected by the extreme drought that has its grip on north Georgia.

The system of 63 parks and historic sites has had to alter its water-use to meet Governor Sonny Perdue’s call for a 10-percent cut-down at all state facilities. Measures include no landscaping, cancelling jobs requiring power-washing, and installing some low-flow faucets.

Paul Nelson, assistant director of the state's parks system, says the lack of rain has affected Black Rock Mountain Park, in the northeast corner of the state, the most. Campers there have no water.

"The well that supplies the campground has actually gone dry, and we’re having what we call ‘dry camping’ at that park. All the campers are encouraged to bring their own water for their own personal use, and for their cooking".

Nelson says the drought has affected the parks’ system day visitation the most, as many boat ramps and docks are high-and-dry. Overnight visitors have been keeping their reservations for cottages and lodges.

Ga Tech finds water for football field

In the midst of the drought, Georgia Tech has devised a way to maintain the grass of its stadium's football field.

Some Tech graduates have engineered a way to tap into a spring water source running underneath campus--thus legally circumventing the outdoor water ban in north Georgia.

Wayne Hogan is the school's associate athletics director for public relations. He says a recent 25-thousand dollar project is making the water useful, and necessary for the field at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

"We've been capturing quite a bit of water in some tanks under the stadium, then a pumping system takes water from the tanks and feeds it into the stadium's irrigation system. We've been able to do that two or three times".

The spring water became a problem two years ago, when it threatened the foundations of Bobby Dodd Stadium. Until recently, the water had been diverted into city storm drains.

Hogan says using public water had a price tag of up to eight thousand dollars a year. He says this spring source could pay itself back in a few years.

Grady gets boost for '08 budget

Financially-troubled Grady Hospital in Atlanta has received a boost, but not as much as officials had hoped for. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the state Department of Community Health will distribute 5.4 million dollars more for next year’s budget than this year. However, the amount is still much less than received in 2006. The federal funds for 2008 are expected to total about 73-million dollars. That is down from the 91-million amount in 2006. Grady is one of a handful of level-one trauma care centers in the state.

Augusta VA hospital to get Norwood name

President Bush has given final approval to rename the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Augusta after the late Charlie Norwood. The bill to rename the VA hospital was sponsored by Georgia’s congressional delegation.

The late Augusta Representative died in February at the age of 65, after a battle with lung disease and cancer. Norwood is a former combat dentist who settled in Augusta after returning from the Vietnam War.

Georgia has three VA hospitals--in Augusta, Dublin and outside Atlanta. The Dublin facility has also been renamed, for former Representative Carl Vinson of Milledgeville. Renamings of VA hospitals are somewhat rare. Of 155 medical centers across the nation, about 30 are named for people.

Aflac: $2M to lobby Washington in '07

Health and life insurance company Aflac Inc. spent $2 million lobbying the federal government the first half of 2007, according to a disclosure form.

The Columbus -based company lobbied Congress on a bill to expand health insurance for low-income children, an American Indian health care bill and other insurance-related issues, according to the disclosure form posted online Aug. 14 by the Senate's public records office.

Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.

(The Associated Press)

Veterans Center Named for Congressman

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Augusta is being re-named in honor of a late congressman. President Bush today signed a law re-naming the center the Charlie Norwood Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Norwood, a Republican, represented eastern Georgia's 10th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives for 12 years until his death from cancer on February 13.

Bathroom flushes end in 'repulsive' creek

The state Environmental Protection Division could cite the City of Brunswick for solid waste making its way into a local creek.

Altamaha Riverkeeper James Holland has one word for the type of waste making its way into Academy Creek near Brunswick.

"Repulsive," Holland says. Condoms, feminine hygiene products and other non-organic solid waste is getting past the city's filtration system and into the creek used often by subsistence fishermen.

Wastewater plant manager Mark Ryals says, the problem isn't as bas as Holland makes it out to be and isn't entirely the city's fault. Ryals says, "If the public don't throw certain things down the drain, naturally, it won't come to the plant."

Ryals says, the city has budgeted for a new $500,000 rotary screen that should fix the problem. E.P.D. officials say, the city still could face action if the problem isn't fixed soon

Holland says, he'll believe it when he sees it. "Talk, talk, talk," Holland says. "I've been reporting this thing for 3 years, the same identical thing."

Two Columbus students suspended for 'noose incident'

Hardaway High School (MCSD)

Two Columbus high school pupils, both white males, are accused of dropping a rope noose before two black female students. The two female pupils are in their senior and freshman year.

The Muscogee County School District says the students have been suspended for ten days following the incident, which took place at the school's gym on Tuesday.

School District spokesperson Valarie Fuller says officials consider the incident, "intolerable."

"One of the students who tied, or apparently tied or made the noose, said he was making a 'painter's knot,"

Fuller says. She does not believe the two have a record of similar behavior at the school in the past, but added that she was awaiting confirmation. She says the two female students,

"...reported in the police report that they didn't feel any threat, of any sort."

Fuller stressed that the two accused youths were not charged with criminal activity.

Hardaway Prinicpal Matt Bell held a meeting with faculty to explain the details of the incident. Fuller says teachers discussed the incident with students during what the school calls a daily "Character Minute." Counselors are available for pupils, Fuller says, and

The accused white students are in their junior and sophomore year. They will appear before a panel of educators at a school district tribunal, on November 15.

MCSD Superintendent John Phillips told reporters:

"Obviously we are not going to allow that behavior in our school system for one minute. We obviously take this very serious and will not tolerate any act of this nature. Whether the intent was in a joking way or not, that is absolutely not acceptable in our school district."

According to the school's online Student - Parent Discipline and Guidance handbook, if the incident is considered a threat, it could possibly be considered as a "Level II," or a "Level III Violation," depending on the tribunal's conclusions. The handbook says that Level III violations may incur up to and including:

"Criminal prosecution

Assignment to Rose Hill Alternative School.

Expulsion from the Muscogee County School District (which could include permanent expulsion).

Click here for more GPB News coverage of educational affairs.

Georgia sports for Thursday, November 8th

The Braves are interested in bringing pitcher Tom Glavine back to Atlanta. General manager Frank Wren has spoken with Glavine's agent, and plans to do so again next week when teams can start making offers to free agents. Glavine spent the first 16 years of his career with the Braves, but then left as a free agent and played for 5 years with the New York Mets. The 42-year-old Glavine this past season became a member of baseball's 300-win club.

Out of pro basketball, it was another big early-season win for the Atlanta Hawks. They beat the Phoneix Suns last night in Atlanta, 105-96. Josh Smith scored 22 points, while Marvin Williams added 20 points and 12 rebounds. The Hawks are 2-2 to start the NBA season.

Falcon player cleared of animal cruelty

Gwinnett County's district attorney has dropped a felony animal cruelty charge against Atlanta Falcons player Jonathan Babineaux. DA Danny Porter said his office did an exhaustive investigation, ending with the decision to dismiss the charge.

The probe began in February after police charged Babineaux with killing his girlfriend's pit bull mix. Investigators later verified the dog had a history of unprovoked attacks, and that a trainer had told Babineaux to spin the dog on a leash when it was aggresive.

The Falcons' organization stood by Babineaux in the midst of its quarterback, Michael Vick, facing dog fighting allegations. Vick eventually pleaded guilty to charges in a separate case against him.

Invesco to re-establish headquarters in Atlanta

Invesco, an investment management company, is moving from London back to Atlanta. The firm was founded in Atlanta in 1978, only to move to London later. The company plans to re-establish its headquarters in Atlanta in the second quarter of 2008. Invesco currently has just-over 500-billion dollars in assets under management for retail, institution and private wealth management clients around the world. It has more than 5,500 employees in 20 countries.

Delta considers purchase of another carrier

The president and chief financial officer of Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines says the possibility of the purchase of another carrier is a "front burner" issue for the company. Ed Bastian made the comments during an investor conference in New York Wednesday. He told the group there is value in consolidation. However, Bastian also said he understands the purchase of another airline would be a heavy financial burden and cause friction among employees. Bastian indicated the evaluation process is ongoing, but could not say how long that review could take.

Lumberyard destroyed in massive fire

A 60-year-old Norcross lumberyard went up in a massive blaze last night. The fire destroyed the Norcross Supply Company, a family-run business since 1946. The fire was reported just after 6pm Wednesday, and soon engulfed the yard. High winds, cold temperatures and a dangerous storm of ash were the elements firefighters had to battle. The lumber supply company specialized in cedar wood.

Perdue to lead prayer for rain

Georgia needs the rain, and Governor Sonny Perdue will try a different approach--pray for rain. The Governors' office has sent out invitations to leaders from several faiths to join him at a service on the state Capitol steps next Tuesday. Perdue on several occasions has mentioned the need for prayer during the extreme drought that Georgia is mired in. Over the summer, Perdue was part of a day of prayer for agriculture at the meeting of the Georgia Farm Bureau in Macon.

Congress okays $6M for Nat'l Infantry Museum

Officials attend installation ceremony of armored vehicle
at National Infantry Museum, June, 2007. (Dave Bender).

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have agreed to include $6 million for construction of a "Soldier Center" as part of the National Infantry Museum, currently under construction next to Ft. Benning in Columbus.

The funds will appear in the 2008 Defense Appropriations bill, officials with the museum's backers, the National Infantry Foundation (NIF), say. The facility is expected to open next year.

After a final vote by House and Senate, the appropriation then goes to President Bush for his approval, according to Second Congressional District representative Sanford Bishop (D). Bishop is a supporter of the project.

NIF President Jerry White said in a statement released on Wednesday,

"Together with the $5 million provided through Congressman Bishop’s work last year for the parade field component of the project, today’s conference committee action represents a very powerful vote of confidence by Congress in support of this long overdue tribute to Infantrymen."

NIF spokesperson Cyndy Cerbin says of the $86 million project:

"If the federal money is approved... we will have raised about $76 million to date."

Work crews set donated Army Bradley Fighting Vehicle, that saw
action in Iraq into display position at museum. (Dave Bender)

The project includes a 185,000-foot museum, a seven-acre parade field, a memorial walk of honor, an "authentic World War II Company Street," and a 3-D IMAX Theatre.

Click here for more GPB News coverage about the museum.

Richmond schools to use aerosol spray to detect drugs

A school system in the eastern Georgia city of Augusta plans to use a unique method for identifying students who use illegal drugs. Here's how it works: Coat a desk or a locker with aerosol spray. If the object turns a different color, the student may be using illegal drugs.

Richmond County school officials say using the spray would be less intrusive than bringing in police dogs or conducting urine tests. It can detect marijuana, cocaine, heroin and amphetamines.

"We could actually, rather than testing the student, we may opt to go to their locker," said Dr. Dana Bedden, Richmond County's school superintendent. "It could be a parent who comes to the school and say I may be concerned that my child might be involved, and we can offer a resource to them to say do you have any of their clothing or anything that you may want to have us test."

The spray is part of a research study funded by the federal government.

School funding hot topic

At a meeting of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education today, school funding was the hot topic. The state is being sued by rural school systems who say they don’t get enough money to provide an adequate education. Meanwhile, Governor Perdue has appointed his own task force to look at other ways to fund schools.

At a meeting of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, the head of the Governor's Education Finance Task Force, Dean Alford, said the current funding mechanism is not working.

"Local schools are being asked to do more and more and more. At the same times they’re hands are tied to some degree relative to their compliance The state is spending a significant portion of its budget on education and is not getting the full results that it desires."

Alford says his group is still working on recommendations to the Governor. One idea is to distribute money based on performance rather than compliance with rules. Alford says a big jump in education funding is unlikely.

Alford also says the state needs to do more to promote the benefits of a high school diploma.

"I don't think we've done a good job at educating of community at large. Because there are many people in our state who feel that a high school graduation is not necessary to move forward in the workplace. So we have got to do a better job at selling the benefits of an educated Georgia."

Georgia has improved its high school graduation rate to above 70 percent, but that is still one of the highest rates in the country.

Governor Perdue applauds new Macon plant

Governor Sonny Perdue has participated in many ribbon cuttings. But a new manufacturing plant in Macon makes him especially happy in this drought.

The 100-million dollar Nichiha plant makes cement building materials. The Japanese company is known for its eco-friendly manufacturing techniques that use recycled materials.

The Macon facility has an on site water treatment system that allows Nichiha to recycle 95 % of the water they use. Governor Perdue says this has to be the wave of the future.

"It's the way we'll have to do things. We now know that we can no longer afford to waste any of our precious resources. The drought has brought that to our attention."

Perdue says economic development officials are directing large water users away from North Georgia and towards those parts of the state that still have plenty of water, like Macon. The new plant will employ 100 people.

Macon elects a new mayor

Macon has elected a new mayor, and he won by a landslide.

On December 11th attorney Robert Reichert will be sworn in as the new mayor of Macon. His election mirrored his performance in the primary where he won every precinct. On Tuesday he garnered over 96 percent of the vote.

Reichert campaigned hard. His message of unity resonated with voters. He says he looks forward to seeing the city progress.

"We've got all of the component pieces. We've got all the natural resources, the location, the people, the climate, everything else we need. Macon is fixing to catch fire and grow."

Reichert will succeed Mayor Jack Ellis who was the city's first black mayor. Reichert is white, but had major support from the black community.

17-mill goes to rural counties' economic development

More than 17-million dollars in grant money was awarded today to help kick-start economic development in rural areas of Georgia.

The money comes from the OneGeorgia Authority, which uses tobacco settlement money to help less-populated counties and towns attract new companies. It also helps expand existing business, and boost public infrastructure.

Nearly 10-million dollars is going to 7 rural counties and their development authorities. It includes 6-million earmarked for Treutlen County’s area development of the Range Fuels ethanol plant, which just had its groundbreaking Tuesday. Another million-and-a-half dollars goes to Twiggs County, to buy land for a new sporting goods distribution center.

Other money awarded is going to development and improvements in the northeast Georgia counties of Franklin, Hart, and Stephens.

Georgia sports for Wednesday, November 7th

Two Atlanta Braves players have been honored with Gold Glove awards. Centerfielder Andruw Jones won his 10th for defensive excellence. However, Jones is likely to leave the team as a free agent, as the Braves a few weeks ago announced they wouldn’t be able to match his expected asking price for salary. The other Gold Glove went to rightfielder Jeff Francouer, the 1st of his young career.

On the ice, the Atlanta Thrashers continue their resurgence after an 0-6 start. They were on home ice last night, knocking off the Washington Capitals 2-1 in overtime. Todd White scored the game winner, while Ilya Kovalchuk posted his NHL-leading 13th goal in the game.

NBA action—-the Atlanta Hawks were losers on the road in New Jersey, 87-82.

Voters decide local races across the state

Voters across Georgia turned-out in various communities to decide races and referendum questions.

The races for mayor in Macon and Savannah were not close. Attorney Robert Reichert took a landslide win in becoming the next mayor of Macon. He will succeed Jack Ellis in the middle Georgia city. In Savannah, a six candidate race was easily won by Otis Johnson. He takes re-election as mayor of the coastal city.

Other various election results across the state:

- In Augusta, there will be runoff elections on December 4th for the District 2 and 4 Commission seats.

- In Warner Robins, runoff elections are scheduled for two city council races.

- In Columbus, voters narrowly defeated a measure that would have created tax allocation districts.

- In Rome, the city Commission will return four incumbents, and add three new faces.

Photo voter I-D has smooth election run

State elections officials by late Tuesday had reported no problems with the use of photo voter identification in local elections across 100 Georgia counties. It was another test run for the law, which was in effect for local elections in 22 counties on September 18th. The biggest workout yet for voter ID is expected on February 5th for the state's presidential primary. Turnout for that date could be higher than that of the local race voting.

Voters decide mayors for Macon, Savannah

Local elections were held across the state Tuesday. Results included in Macon, where attorney Robert Reichert won the race for mayor in a landslide. He garnered 96-percent of the vote. Reichert says he looks forward to seeing the city progress.

"We've got all of the component pieces. We've got all the natural resources, the location and the people, the climate...everything else we need. Macon is fixing to catch fire and grow".

Reichert will succeed Mayor Jack Ellis, who was Macon's first black mayor. Reichert is white but had major support from the black community.

In Savannah, Otis Johnson was re-elected as mayor. He faced his predecessor, former mayor Floyd Adams, and four other candidates. Johnson handily won re-election with 70-percent of the vote.

Ft. Benning: cutting water usage

Water level at Upatoi Creek, Ft. Benning. (Nat'l Weather Service)

Ft. Benning officials say the post, which uses an estimated six million gallons of water daily, is taking steps to slash that use, in light of the statewide, 10-percent cutback ordinance.

The post, which has an on-site water purification plant, is working with Columbus Water Works officials to adjust its usage, according to Garrison Commander, Col. Keith Lovejoy:

"We are in close coordination with Columbus Water Works to mirror exactly what the local community is doing to conserve resources -- no watering of lawns, no washing of cars. We are also looking at other measures to conserve water at our commercial operations."

In related news, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates Lake Lanier, expects the lake will be nearly 21 feet below full by December 7th. That will be its lowest point since the lake was built in the 1950s.

Meanwhile, however, Georgia is withdrawing its lawsuit against the Corps over how the group releases water from Georgia reservoirs.

Click here to read more on that and other GPB News drought coverage.

(With The Associated Press)

Georgia withdraws lawsuit over water

As drought grips the southeast, Georgia is withdrawing its lawsuit against U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over how the Corps releases water from Georgia reservoirs. Governor Sonny Perdue says a lawsuit isn’t necessary, now that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is releasing less water from federal reservoirs in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin. The basin feeds north Georgia reservoirs, including Lake Lanier, metro Atlanta’s main water source. Georgia sued the Corps last month as Lake Lanier and other water sources approached historic lows. Last week, the Corps agreed to cut back water releases. It was a victory for Georgia, which has been locked in a nearly two-decades long water battle with Florida and Alabama. Those states say their industry and populations depend on downstream water flows from Georgia.

Investigation into Georgia televangelists

The top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee said today he has launched an investigation into alleged financial wrongdoing involving six well-known televangelists -- including two based in Georgia. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa sent letters to six Christian media ministries this week requesting information about their expenses, executive compensation and amenities given to executives. Among them are Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia and Creflo Dollar Ministries of College Park. Allegations include generous salaries and housing allowances and amenities such as private jets and Rolls Royces.

Coalition: End death penalty

The Coalition for the People's Agenda wants to replace Georgia's death penalty with life in prison without parole. They say it costs too much and endangers the constitutional right to an attorney, usually at the expense of the state's poorest defendants.

The group points to cases like that of accused Fulton County courthouse gunman Brian Nichols. They say it's illogical for the state to seek the death penalty for Nichols, since he has agreed to accept life in prison with no chance of parole. With the tab already at 2-million dollars, the case has bankrupted the state's indigent defense fund.

And Coalition leader Reverend Joseph Lowery says cases like Nichols' are costing taxpayers more than money.

"To be morally correct, ethically proper and fiscally responsible, we call for life without parole. There's no point in extending the cycle of killing by killing to stop killing. It won't work, it hasn't worked anywhere. And it certainly hasn't worked in Georgia. Georgia needs to now become the new Georgia and say we're going to move on up a little higher. Spiritually, morally and fiscally and go to life without parole."

Recently, Nichols' prosecutor asked the Georgia Supreme Court to look into how Judge Hilton Fuller has handled the case. Fuller has repeatedly ordered Nichols' attorneys to proceed with their defense, despite claims they're running out of money.

Ga- Ala. development plan aimed at Kia

Zoning map of area, including Kia plant.
Click on the image for a larger map. (Graphic: Dave Bender)

The Greater Valley Development Group and Crossman & Co. plan to build a mixed-use development along Interstate 85, at the Georgia-Alabama border.

The development, which the developers will call the Venue, will include 932 multi-family residences and 350,000 square feet of retail and hospitality space, according to Commercial Property News.

The area is in the vicinity of the Kia automotive plant, now under construction. The builders hope that "Kia and supplier executives and their thousands of team members,” will be among the markets for the properties, according to the report.

Kia officials say the plant, set to open in 2009, will employ nearly 3,000 workers and produce 300,000 vehicles annually. Several parts and services suppliers are currently also building in the vicinity, in order to support the Kia facility.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of the Kia plant, and it's projected effects on the area.

Port of Savannah bucks East Coast trends

The Port of Savannah is reporting a third straight month of near 30% growth -- an unheard of pace for East Coast ports.

Ports up and down the Atlantic coast are reporting single-digit, zero or negative growth, but this week, the Georgia Port Authority told its board that the Savannah port grew at 29% or 30% compared to last year each month for the last three months. September traffic was the port's third-highest monthly total ever.

Port officials attribute the record totals to a weakening dollar making exports more attractive, market trends shifting away from West Coast ports and the Georgia Ports ability to handle such large traffic increases. They don't expect the 30% numbers to continue, however. They say, the winter months will bring another market shift and a tempering of Savannah traffic growth

The Port of Savannah is the fourth-busiest and fastest-growing container terminal in the United States.

Veteran's remains return to U.S.

The remains of an Air Force pilot from Georgia who was killed during a Vietnam War mission in Laos will be returned to his family for burial 35 years after his death.

Major John L. Carroll of Decatur was flying a forward air controller mission over Laos, on November 7th, 1972, when his plane was hit by enemy fire and forced to land. The Department of Defense said today that U.S. helicopters tried to rescue the 32-year-old Carroll, but intense enemy fire forced them away. One pilot saw that Carroll had been fatally wounded. He was buried by local villagers.

Earlier this year, the burial site was excavated and his remains were recovered. Carroll is to be buried with full military honors on November 13th at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

Doctor linked to two dead wrestlers

The personal doctor of Chris Benoit, the pro wrestler who killed his wife and son and then himself in June, doctored another wrestler who died last year. According to Micheal Durham’s pharmacy records, Dr. Phil Astin wrote four prescriptions for painkillers within a 25-day period in March 2005 for Durham. Durham wrestled under the stage name "Johnny Grunge. Astin faces federal charges of overprescribing medication to two patients other than Benoit. Benoit killed himself and his family in June at his suburban Atlanta home.

Drought no problem for ice skaters

Ice skaters at Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park won’t suffer because of Georgia’s drought. The park will truck in water from Kentucky. The company that runs the rink says it better to get water from 500 miles away than to ask the city for water during the drought. The rink opens next weekend.

State touts bioenergy

Construction began today on Georgia’s first wood-based ethanol plant … and environmental officials are using it to lure other biofuel plants. State marketers will begin using a new slogan -- "The Bioenergy Corridor" -- to draw alternative energy companies to Georgia. With timber prices sagging, the state hopes tree farmers can earn additional revenue by selling their otherwise unusable wood waste as fuel to alternative energy plants. Colorado-based Range Fuels is building a plant in Soperton in Treutlin County.

Freeze warning tonight

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for north Georgia tonight. A strong cold front is expected to bring the coldest weather of the season. Temperatures tonight are expected to be in the upper 20s and low 30s across metro Atlanta.

Metro ATL #10 nationwide in metro economies

According to a story in today's Atlanta Business Chronicle, Metro Atlanta ranks as the No. 10 metro economy, according to a Brookings Institution survey of American cities.

The Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program, released Tuesday, identifies the economic assets of the top 100 metropolitan areas as measured by 2005 employment.

The metro area -- defined as Atlanta, Sandy Springs and Marietta -- had a population of 4,972,219 and 2,427,921 jobs with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $99,831 per job, which is 113.7 percent of the U.S. average. The average wage was $44,400 and the employment rate was 71.9 percent.

The report notes metro Atlanta's gross domestic product in 2005 was $242.4 billion, or 2 percent of the United States' total GDP. The study shows 34.3 percent of metro Atlanta adults had a bachelor's degree in 2005, while 11.6 percent had a graduate degree.

Barrow may wait on Bible classes

A Barrow County school committee is expected to recommend holding-off the introduction of Bible history classes in county schools until 2009.

Barrow County’s Board of Education meets tonight, and will get the recommendation from a 10-member committee made up of teachers, students, parents and community members. According to the Athens Banner-Herald, the committee wants more time to review proposed coursework and plan curriculum.

The Barrow school board has been considering the addition of two classes teaching history and literature of the Old and New Testaments. Courses were approved by the state in January of this year.

Bible courses in public schools has been criticized by some, including the ACLU. It fears state-approved coursework is not specific enough to avoid teachers crossing the line from class-teaching, to preaching.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, November 6th

Georgia Bulldogs' tailback Knowshon Moreno is the Southeastern Conference freshman of the week. Moreno ran for a career-high 196 yards and 3 touchdowns in Georgia's win over Troy last Saturday 44-34. Moreno now has 1,003 yards for the season. He's only the second Bulldog freshman to top 1-thousand yards rushing in one season--the other was Herschel Walker.

The new high school football rankings are out for the week. Class 5A is led by North Cobb. 4A's number-one this week is Northside-Warner Robins. In 3A, Carver-Columbus heads the list. Buford is tops in 2A, while Emanuel County Institute leads the field in single-A.

Pro hockey action tonight sees the return of the Atlanta Thrashers on home ice. The team wrapped a 7-game trip with 4 wins--that improved their overall record to 5-9 after an 0-6 start. The Thrashers are 5-3 under Don Waddell serving as interim head coach. Waddell is doing double-duty with his regular role as general manager. Ilya Kovulchuk has tallied 3 goals in each of his last 2 games. He has 12 goals in 14 games this season. The Thrashers tonight are hosting the Washington Capitals.

From pro basketball, the Atlanta Hawks have split their first 2 games of the season. They play on the road this evening at New Jersey.

Perdue: no need to kill property taxes

Governor Sonny Perdue on Monday cautioned against diving headfirst into the type of tax reform proposed by state House Speaker Glenn Richardson.

In a speech to the Atlanta Press Club, Perdue said Georgia's tax structure is fundamentally sound, and any ideas to change it should be carefully analyzed.

"We aren't facing the same funding crisis that other states are dealing with, and we don't need to create one in our state by shifting revenue sources from more stable streams of revenue, to more volatile streams of revenue".

Richardson wants to eliminate the property tax, which generates nine billion dollars in state revenues, and instead expand sales taxes.

Perdue said that could make Georgia's revenue stream vulnerable during economic downturns.

The governor said he's not opposed to some tweaks in the tax system, but that they should be date-driven and openly debated.

Election day in Georgia

Voters head to the polls today across the state to decide a myriad of races for mayors and city council members, along with a number of referendum questions. Mayors are being decided in cities such as Macon, Savannah, Commerce and Winder. Ballot questions include in Columbus, where residents will decide whether its government will get redevelopment powers with tax allocation districts. Voters must bring a photo ID to the polls, which are open until 7pm.

Bear Creek closed to public fishing access

Bear Creek Reservoir in Jackson County has been closed to public fishing access to prevent people from driving out onto the dry lake bed. An official with the county’s parks and recreation department says people driving on the exposed bed were trespassing into backyards of lakefront residents. Bear Creek provides drinking water to people in the counties of Jackson, Clarke, Barrow, and Oconee counties. The extreme drought has left the reservoir 13 feet below its normal level.

Panasonic plant closure to hit 250 workers

Panasonic Primary Battery Corporation of America plans to close one of three battery manufacturing facilities in Columbus, in the first quarter of 2008.

Plant administrators informed the 250 employees of the decision on Monday, citing competition from Chinese imports. A employee who recently left the company said they had no prior warning of the impending closure of the facility, which makes alkaline batteries.

Local officials of the Osaka-based firm, a subsidiary of Matsushita, said they planned to offer severance packages, and would work with state officials to retrain employees.

The company's two other facilities will be unaffected by the March 31 closure, and will employ over 100 workers, according to a report in the Ledger-Enquirer newspaper.

Click here for GPB News business coverage.

Two attorneys defend judge

Two Atlanta attorneys are providing legal advice to a judge who is being sued by a prosecutor. The prosecutor is seeking to have jury selection resume in the murder trial of accused courthouse shooter Brian Nichols. The two lawyer says they feel a "public responsibility" to help Superior Court Judge Hilton Fuller. Fuller suspended the case because Nichols’ public defenders say the state has not provided enough money to cover defense costs.

CSU: Man arrested for bomb threats, guns

CSU police. (CSU)

Columbus State University Police arrested a Phenix City man Monday morning, just after they believe he made his fifth bomb threat against the institution.

Lawrence E. Price, 45, of 67 McMurrian Drive, was charged with five counts of making terrorist threats, and one count each of carrying a weapon to school, possession of a firearm in the commission of a crime and obstruction of a peace officer, according to a CSU statement.

University Police identified a location where the calls had originated and during an undercover operation Monday morning, and identified the suspect after a call indicating the presence of a bomb at CSU was made to the Columbus Police Department and to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. Police closed in and arrested Price in a university parking lot.

Inside Price’s 1997 pickup truck, officials found two rifles, a shotgun, a small handgun, a compound bow, an axe, an antique saw, three bottles of alcohol and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. A Bomb Squad dog checked Price and his truck thoroughly and found no indication of explosives. University Police alerted the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Phenix City Police.

The incident follows two bomb threats against the university in the last two weeks. Officials evacuated the faculty building for several hours after the second call.

The Columbus Police Department, the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, the county’s bomb squad, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation took part in the investigation.

Price was enrolled in the biology program, the statement said.

Click here for related GPB coverage, and here for coverage of CSU affairs.

Three Atlanta men arrested for fake tickets

Three Atlanta men have been arrested in connection with what police call a nationwide sports counterfeiting ring. Police in Indianapolis say they found 200 fake tickets to Sunday’s Patriots-Colts football game inside a car the men were driving. It happened Sunday during a routine traffic stop. Police say more than 40 people paid at least $150 each for fake tickets to the game.

Former mayor can surrender law license

The Georgia Supreme Court has granted former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell's request to voluntarily surrender his law license. Campbell was convicted last year of tax fraud and sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. According to state bar rules, because Campbell was convicted of a felony, he is in violation of the Georgia rules of professional conduct. The court ruling says surrendering his license amounts to disbarment.

Court rules inmate can be executed

The Georgia Supreme Court has ruled a convicted murderer is not mentally retarded, and so can be put to death. James Randall Rogers was convicted of murdering his neighbor 75-year-old Grace Perry in Floyd County in 1980. Federal law has banned executing the mentally retarded since 2002.

Report: Atlanta suburb taking too much water

A suburban Atlanta water provider may be drawing too much water out of a federal reservoir. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers warned the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority today that it has taken too much water from Lake Allatoona. The water authority has 10 days to respond. The analysis comes days after the governors of Georgia, Alabama and Florida gathered in Washington over water-sharing problems that have festered for the better part of two decades.

Mayor vs. ex-Mayor in Savannah

A low-key campaign for Savannah mayor ends Tuesady with residents choosing among six candidates, including two with mayoral experience.

Incumbent Mayor Otis Johnson is seeking a second term in office, relying on his record, prominent endorsements and a hefty campaign war chest.

His predecessor, however, is seeking a third term in office. Former Mayor Floyd Adams, Jr. is running on his record, saying Johnson is taking credit for initiatives that he started.

Most political observers, however, are betting on a Johnson re-election. Whether that comes with or without a run-off is in doubt. Four other candidates could split the vote on Tuesday, giving either Adams or former Chatham County Commissioner John McMasters, another run-off contender, a one-on-one chance at the Mayor.

McMasters has run his campaign based on change, saying neither Mayor can claim success.

Also running are James Dewberry, Yusuf Shabazz and Jerry Sammons.

Effingham County gets major economic boost

Governor Sonny Perdue today announced a Portuguese electronics firm will build its first U.S. plant in southeast Georgia. The arrival of 600 jobs and a 100-million dollar investment could be the kick-off for other big future announcements around Effingham County.

The Governor says the company, EFACEC, is Portugal’s leader in electronics and electro mechanics. The new plant will make power substations for the United States.

Perdue says setting up shop near the Georgia coast makes sense for the company’s global plans.

"Effingham Co is a natural choice for this global firm, as it sits just miles from the bustling port of Savannah".

The county’s industrial development authority CEO, John Henry, says this announcement will jump-start the economic engine of the area:

"It creates some momentum which certainly helps getting the Effingham Co name out there, helps to market the community…we see it as not a finality, but as a launch pad. We certainly expect other announcements to come".

Groundbreaking for the plant near Rincon will be this winter.

DOT Chair: "Red tape causes road work delays"

The head of the state Department of Transportation board says red tape is hindering road projects in Georgia. Mike Evans told a transportation committee yesterday that environmental regulations and project development processes are imposing undue costs and delays. He asked regulators to adopt a quote "more reasoned and practical approach." Transportation officials from around the country participated in yesterday’s meeting to address needed reforms to federal transportation policy.

Low lead-levels in blood may still endanger children

A new report is out about children and lead. A government panel is saying that children with blood lead-levels lower than the U.S. standard may still suffer low IQs or other problems.
The report from the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, urges doctors to be more alert to the signs of lead poisoning. The report comes amid growing parent concerns over imported toys with lead.

Columbus firm makes TIME's 'Best Reinventions'

Claimed range of coverage of aerostat as a wireless station. (Techsphere)

TIME Magazine has named local unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer, Techsphere Systems International's SA-68 airship, as one of the "Best Reinventions," of 2007.

CEO Mike Lawson quoted on CNN Money, says of the aerostat:

"We are delighted to be named one of Time Magazine's 'Best Reinventions' of 2007 and after almost four years of development and experimentation with the SA-60 program we are gearing up for flight tests scheduled for the SA-68 in the first quarter 2008."

Techsphere says their craft are meant for surveillance, military and wireless communications uses.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of science affairs.

Presidential primary ballot confirmed by Secretary of State

The ballot is now official for Georgia’s Presidential primary. Secretary of State Karen Handel says there are eight Democrats and nine Republicans in the running. Georgia will hold its Presidential Primary on February 5th, 2008. Voters who would like to participate in the primary must register to vote by January 7, 2008. If you would like to register to vote, please visit http://www.sos.georgia.gov/ .

In accordance with the list provided by the Democratic Party of Georgia, the following candidates will be listed on the Republican ballot in alphabetical order: Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, Duncan Hunter, Alan Keyes, John McCain, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Tom Tancredo, and Fred Thompson.

In accordance with the list provided by the Republican Party of Georgia, the following candidates will be listed on the Republican ballot in alphabetical order: Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Chris Dodd, John Edwards, Mike Gravel, Dennis J. Kucinich, Barack Obama, and Bill Richardson.

Georgia sports for Monday, November 5th

The Falcons returned to action and recorded a win in the 20-16 decision over the San Francisco 49ers inside the Georgia Dome Sunday afternoon. Warrick Dunn ran for 100 yards, including a 9-yard TD run. Fullback Ovie Mughelli also had a 1-yard run for score, while Morten Anderson provided a pair of 4th quarter field goals. The win pushes Atlanta’s record to 2-6 for the season.

Recapping the college football action from Saturday-—the Georgia Bulldogs outlasted Troy in Athens, 44-34. Georgia is ranked 10th in the nation, and will host number-18 Auburn on Saturday.

Georgia Southern is in a three-way tie atop the Southern Conference standings, after their 38-35 win at Wofford Saturday. The Eagles are 7-2 overall, and 4-2 in the conference. They are tied with Wofford and Elon atop the conference.

NBA action last night had the Atlanta Hawks suffer a tough loss at Detroit 92-91. The Hawks are now 1-1 – they won their opener Friday night against Dallas.

From pro hockey, the Atlanta Thrashers complete a good trip with 4 wins in 7 games, including a 6-4 win at Tampa Saturday. The Thrashers are now 5-9 overall.

Groundbreaking for Soperton ethanol plant

Ground is set to be broken for Georgia’s first large-scale ethanol plant, to be located in Treutlen County. The plant will produce 20-million gallons of ethanol a year—eventually the owners of the plant, Colorado-based Range Fuels, expect to produce 100-million gallons a year. Ethanol will be made using wood-waste from the timber industry. Corn is typically used as feedstock for production. The plant will cost about 225-million dollars to build, and bring about 70 jobs to Soperton.

Georgia fugitive caught in Florida

A fugitive wanted in Georgia on child molestation charges is now in custody in Florida. Christopher Edward Brown fired at deputies in Florida when they tried to arrest him at a campsite in Lake Wales. That now adds attempted murder charges to the existing child molestation charges in Pickens County. Brown told sheriff’s officials that he was sorry, and was afraid of going to jail back in Georgia.

'To Catch a Predator' suspect on trial

A Tifton resident will begin his trial in Dalton today on charges stemming from his arrest in the 2006 "To Catch A Predator" child sex sting operation.

Marvin Harrison Smith, 36, is accused of traveling to a residence in Fortson in order to have sex with an underage girl. He is one of 19 men arrested in the week-long sting in July, 2006.

The girl Smith contacted was a decoy who was working with law-enforcement authorities and the Perverted Justice organization.

Smith is charged with attempted child molestation, attempted enticing a child for indecent purposes and obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers, according to the Ledger-Enquirer newspaper.

Click here for more GPB coverage of this story, and related articles.

Falcons wing past 49ers, 20-16

Atlanta defenders DeAngelo Hall (21) and Lawyer Milloy (36) go for an interception as San Francisco receiver Vernon Davis (85) gets turned the wrong way in the second half. Milloy intercepted the ball in the 20-16 Falcons win. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

The Falcons actually won another game, even though most of their fans didn't get to see it.

Warrick Dunn became the first Atlanta back to run for 100 yards this season, Ovie Mughelli had the first TD rushing of his career and the Falcons won a matchup between two of the league's worst teams, holding off the San Francisco 49ers 20-16 Sunday.

The game was blacked out locally the first time that's happened in Atlanta since 2001. The Georgia Dome was far from packed after 56 consecutive sellouts, the city clearly losing interest in a losing squad that no longer has Michael Vick to liven things up.

Dunn rushed for 100 yards on 27 carries, including a 9-yard touchdown. Mughelli, a fullback who essentially serves as another offensive lineman, scored on a 1-yard plunge with just his third carry of the season. Morten Andersen handled the rest of the scoring for the Falcons (2-6) with a couple of fourth-quarter field goals.


Falcons QB Joey Harrington (13) runs for a first down as he is pursued by San Francisco defenders Patrick Willis (52) and Derek Smith (50) in the fourth quarter. Atlanta won 20-16. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

San Francisco (2-6) lost its sixth in a row with another dismal offensive performance. Leading rusher Frank Gore (sore ankle) didn't play and Alex Smith, playing with a taped-up throwing shoulder, completed only 17 of 38 passes for 149 yards, with three interceptions.

(The Associated Press)

Bulldogs trounce Trojans, 44-34

Bulldogs' Moreno in action against Troy. (OnlineAthens.com)

There was no need to worry about an early Georgia celebration.

Knowshon Moreno became the first Georgia freshman since Herschel Walker to run for 1,000 yards, going for 196 yards and three touchdowns as the No. 10 Bulldogs worked hard into the final quarter to handle Troy 44-34 on Saturday.

Moreno's second straight three-touchdown game was highlighted by an 80-yard first-quarter touchdown run, Georgia's longest in 10 years. He added two 1-yard scoring runs in the second half and helped the Bulldogs recover after they fumbled away the ball on their first two possessions.

Moreno ended the day with 1,003 yards rushing this season to become only the second Georgia freshman to run for 1,000 yards. Walker rushed for 1,616 yards in 1980.

Click here for more GPB News sports coverage.

(The Associated Press)

Autism 'epidemic' largely fueled by special ed funding

(Courtesy CDC)

A few decades ago, people probably would have said kids like Ryan Massey and Eddie Scheuplein were just odd. Or difficult.

Both boys are bright. But Ryan, 11, is hyper and prone to angry outbursts, sometimes trying to strangle another kid in his class who annoys him. Eddie, 7, has a strange habit of sticking his shirt in his mouth and sucking on it.

Both were diagnosed with a form of autism. And it's partly because of children like them that autism appears to be skyrocketing: In the latest estimate, as many as one in 150 children have some form of this disorder. Groups advocating more research money call autism "the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States."

Indeed, doctors are concerned there are even more cases out there, unrecognized: The American Academy of Pediatrics last week stressed the importance of screening every kid - twice - for autism by age 2.

But many experts believe these unsociable behaviors were just about as common 30 or 40 years ago. The recent explosion of cases appears to be mostly caused by a surge in special education services for autistic children, and by a corresponding shift in what doctors call autism.

Blake Dees, a 19-year-old from Suwanee, Ga., falls into that group. For the past eight years, he has been in a day program with intense services, but he still doesn't talk, he's not toilet-trained, and he has a history of trying to eat anything - even broken glass.

But he's not a typical case.

In the 1990s, the autism umbrella expanded, and autism is now shorthand for a group of milder, related conditions, known as "autism spectrum disorders."

The spectrum includes Asperger's syndrome and something called PDD-NOS (for Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified).

Eddie, of Buford, Ga., was initially diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other conditions. But the services he got in school were not very helpful.

His mother, Michelle, said a diagnosis of autism brought occupational therapy and other, better services.

"The truth is there's a powerful incentive for physicians and schools to classify children in a way that gets services," said Dr. Edwin Trevathan of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At a recent gathering of families with Asperger's children in the Atlanta area, parents told almost comical stories about kids who frequently pick their noses, douse food in ketchup or wear the same shirt day after day.

Even in the early 1980s, some parents were more comfortable with a diagnosis of mental retardation than autism, said Trevathan, director of the CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.

CDC scientists believe education numbers are misleading, because they reflect only how kids are categorized for services. They say there's no clear evidence doctors are substituting one diagnosis for the other.
---
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention autism information:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/
American Academy of Pediatrics autism reports:
http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/oct07autism.htm

Click here for more GPB News coverage of medical issues.

(The Associated Press)

Georgia + drought = No. 1 pecan state in '07

(Graphic courtesy: Old Shoe Woman)

The record drought gripping the Southeast isn't all bad news for Georgia.

The historic dry spell has meant nearly perfect weather for growing pecans, and Georgia is on pace to be the nation's top producer this year after slipping to third in 2006, said pecan horticulturist Lenny Wells with the University of Georgia's agriculture extension. Shellers are predicting Georgia will harvest more than 125 million pounds by the end of the year, he said.

The nation's two other top producers - New Mexico and Texas - are not expected to grow nearly as much, Wells said. New Mexico's predictions are for a pecan crop of 80 million pounds, and Texas is expected to have 73 million pounds, according to Wells.

Texas was the top producer in 2006, followed by New Mexico, which meant Georgia - which is usually a top producer - dropped to third. New Mexico's harvest was worth $85 million, followed by Texas at $75 million and Georgia with $66 million.

This year Georgia had a spring freeze that destroyed a few orchards close to Augusta, but the drought - combined with irrigated orchards and some August and September rains - have been kind to the pecan crop.

The larger production year means lower prices for "desirable" - the most popular variety of pecan. A pound costs $1.47-$1.67 this year, compared to $1.93-$2.18 this time last year.
The nation produced nearly 189 million pounds of pecans in 2006 from the Pecan Belt - a 15-state growing region located in the southeastern and southwestern United States. The pecan harvest is expected to begin in late November and will last about six weeks.

In a related story, the Georgia Pecan Festival took place in Rylander Park in Americus on Saturday.

Rick Whaley, president of Citizens Bank of Americus, told the Americus Times-Recorder:

"This was a community-wide effort."

Whaley said the pecan industry is important to Georgia and Sumter County, according to the report.

SunTrust to acquire GB&T

Regional bank SunTrust Banks Inc. plans to acquire Georgia community bank GB&T Bancshares Inc. for $153.7 million in stock.

GB&T shareholders will receive 0.1562 shares of SunTrust common stock for each share of GB&T they own, according to a statement released by SunTrust on Friday.

Based on SunTrust's Thursday closing price of $69.13, GB&T shareholders will receive about $10.80 per share of GB&T. The $10.80 share price represents a 23 percent premium over GB&T Thursday closing price of $8.80 per share.

James Wells III, SunTrust's president and chief executive, said in a statement:

"With this transaction we're taking advantage of an unusually attractive and timely opportunity to efficiently expand our Metro Atlanta franchise in line with our long-term growth strategies and consistent with our high financial standards and disciplined approach to mergers."

GB&T operates 32 offices in north and central Georgia. As of Sept. 30, it had assets of about $2 billion and 500 employees. SunTrust expects to offer essentially all of GB&T's retail client contact employees jobs after the acquisition is complete.

As of Sept. 30, SunTrust had about $175.9 billion in total assets. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2008.

Click here for more GPB business coverage.

(The Associated Press)

UGA veterinary hospital employee charged with killing puppies

In nearby Clarke County, a grand jury has indicted a former employee of the University of Georgia's Veterinary Teaching Hospital with beating puppies to death. The grand jury found 20-year-old Rose Council of Ellenwood killed the animals and then left them in a trash bin. Council was a part-time clerical worker at the vet hospital. University of Georgia says Council remains suspended without pay from her job at the hospital.

Northeast Georgia extends outdoor water ban

Officials in a northeast Georgia county have voted to extend the outdoor watering ban. Jackson County voted yesterday to ban concrete contractors, pavers, pressure washers and hydro-seeders from using county waters. Brick masons and car washes still will be able to use county water, but car washes will be asked to conserve and cut their consumption by 40 percent to 50 percent. Landscapers were already banned from using county water.

Victory in D.C. for Perdue

Fresh from his visit with White House officials and the governors of Alabama and Florida, Governor Perdue sounds very much like a winner in the on-going fight over water. A proposed agreement, still to be approved by federal officials, allows Georgia to keep any future rain water going into Lake Lanier.

"I believe that these announcements ... will be the beginning of the help that we need. Obviously rain is the ultimate long term solution. But now the very fact that we can store the rain that we get makes it reasonable for us to conserve and do our part."

Perdue did thank the governors of Alabama and Florida for their willingness to meet and attempt a compromise. The three will meet again in mid-December, as the US Army Corps of Engineers finalizes the agreement governing water flowing downstate.

Reservoirs not enough

Perdue endorsed a plan to build reservoirs statewide and called for regional water bureaus to monitor water at the local level. The reservoir construction plan has backing from Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and House Speaker Glenn Richardson.

The Governor says if Georgia controlled more its own reservoirs, things wouldn't be so bad.

"It was the management of those Corps of Engineer reservoirs, or the mismanagement, that really exacerbated the drought that we’re in."

The Georgia Water Council and some environmental groups warned that Georgia should not plan for reservoirs until lawmakers pass a statewide water plan.

Little League champs meet President Bush

Warner Robins' Little League world champions met President George Bush in a ceremony yesterday at the White House. The Macon Telegraph reports the team first stopped at Capitol Hill for a meeting with Georgia Senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss. Next was the visit to the White House. There, the boys spent a few minutes with the President and had pictures taken in the Oval Office. The Warner Robins American Little League team beat Japan in the Little League title game in late August.

Tennessee not so keen on giving away water

Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen says he doesn't want to see more water being diverted out of Tennessee to relieve drought conditions in Atlanta. Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin recently suggested exploring ways to pipe in water from areas, including from the Tennessee or Savannah rivers. Georgia officials said they have no plans to pursue such a plan. But Bredesen said Tennessee needs to be careful in managing its water.

Cott beverages not feeling the drought

(Supplychainer.com)

Soft-drink maker Cott, with bottling plants in Columbus and Blairsville, says cutbacks in water usage aren't leaving them dry-mouthed.

CEO Brent Willis, says their type of manufacturing puts back almost as much water it uses:

“It's reverse osmosis water, so it's very clean by the time we're done with it, so it's runoff. And that water then flows back into the Chattahoochee River and is recycled. So 95-percent of the water we pull into the plant goes back into the ecosystem, and the remainder goes into our product.”

Willis says the Columbus site sells about 3-million-gallons of cola and fruit-flavored concentrates annually to 60 countries.

The Blairsville plant makes close to 24-million-gallons of bottled water for major clients, Walmart among them.

Click here for more GPB coverage of the drought.

Raw milk to stay white

Georgia's Agriculture Commissioner is dropping a proposal to add dye to raw milk and make it a stomach-turning charcoal gray. State officials said dying raw milk was intended to prevent any confusion between milk sold for human consumption with that sold for animal consumption. Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin announced his decision to can the idea following a hearing in Atlanta today, in which more than 150 people attended. State officials said about 50 people spoke -- all against the proposal.

South Carolina to buy part of Jasper Co. shipping terminal

According to a proposal being negotiated by Georgia and South Carolina, the states’ ports authorities will jointly own the site of a shipping terminal at the mouth of the Savannah River. A South Carolina newspaper reports the ports authorities would purchase the land in Jasper County on the South Carolina side of the river for about $10 million dollars. The Georgia Ports Authority currently owns the land. Officials estimate it could take at least five years and more than $600 million dollars to make the first phase of the port operational.