Tornado damage tally rising

Investigators are still trying to decide just how much damage was caused by last weekend’s tornado in Macon. Georgia Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner, John Oxendine took a helicopter tour of the city and calls the damage “remarkable.” Insured losses could approach 100-million dollars. Officials are still assessing damage for those without insurance to see if they qualify for federal help. However, power has been restored to most homes and all schools have reopened. Relief workers have served well over 10,000 meals and continue to help people clean up.

State fire officials change tactics in drought

State firefighting officials are considering changes in tactics to save water. State Fire Commissioner John Oxendine is ordering inspections of sprinkler systems to be done without flushing water through them, and he proposes moving firefighter training facilities to south Georgia where the drought is less severe. The group also sought water savings by extending the state’s outdoor burning ban, which ended October 1, in order to avoid fires.

Columbus: child safety seat campaign

Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, and state and local officials will hold a child safety seat inspection day in Columbus this Saturday, Oct. 13.

“Recent national statistics show that more than 80 percent of children in vehicles are unrestrained or buckled up incorrectly,” Oxendine says, and adds:

“A properly installed child safety seat can make the difference between a safe, healthy child and one who’s injured or killed.”

Parents can bring the seats in for checking – with infant or child on hand for proper fitting – from 10 am to 1 pm at the Columbus Public Library, at 3000 Macon Rd.

Inspectors are on hand to make sure they are safe, and are offering to repair malfunctioning or broken seats.

A local insurance firm is taking part in the drive, and is donating new seats on a first come, first served basis.

Actor Erik Estrada, best known for his role as a motorcycle cop on the TV show “CHiPs,” will be on hand:

“I urge all parents to have their child’s safety seat inspected. Just a few minutes could save a life.”

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the Department of Public Safety, and Safe Kids Coalition Columbus are backing the event.

Columbus insurance agent accused of skimming 200k

Police are charging a Columbus insurance agent with three counts of insurance fraud to the tune of over $200,000.

Pollyanna Johnson, 38, of Action Auto Insurance Agency in Columbus allegedly pocketed premiums paid to her for property and taxicab liability.

Johnson reportedly victimized three organizations: the Columbus Firefighters Association; Top Dawg Taxi and Transportation of Athens; and A-Cab Company of Phoenix City, Alabama, according to an article in the Insurance Journal.

"Our investigation into these crimes is continuing and we expect more victims to be discovered in the coming weeks," Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine said. He added that the widening investigation, conducted over the last six months, will likely uncover more defrauded victims.