Washington County Man Appeals Illegal Deer Hunting Fine

Jens Brynteson of Warthen has appealed a $70,000 fine by the Department of Natural Resources.

The fine came after the DNR shut down an illegal penned deer hunting operation run by Brynteson.

John Bowers, the assistant chief of game management for Georgia's Wildlife Resources Division, was part of an 18 month investigation by the DNR that resulted in the fine.

"Mr. Brynteson, who had a deer-farming license for one piece of property, was taking those species….unlawfully transporting them down to another property where there was a shooting pen established," said Bowers.

The appeal holds up efforts by the DNR to confiscate Brynteson’s 1,000 deer. It also postpones payment of the fine.

No date has been set for an appeals hearing.

Swine Flu: No Cases Yet In Georgia

Health officials across the globe are growing increasingly concerned about the outbreak of swine flu. More than 1,500 infections have been reported in Mexico, with a little over 100 deaths. In the U.S., as of Monday morning, there were 20 confirmed cases across a handful of states--but no deaths. Despite that, federal health officials have issued a public health emergency declaration as a precaution, and the head of the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta says people should be prepared for the problem to become more severe.

There have been no cases of swine flu yet reported in Georgia. Lisa Harvey is with the Infection Control division of Washington County Regional Medical Center in Sandersville. She says her clinic has been well supplied with information for doctors and patients alike:

"The CDC...the Georgia Department of Public Health, has all sent out numerous guidelines...they've been a great resource. And basically, I am personally not seeing panic. I think that people are more in an information mode...they want to know what is going on."

Scattered states across the country have closed schools, including neighboring South Carolina. A private school there was closed Monday over fears that students who just returned from Mexico might be infected.

Health officials say symptoms of swine flu are nearly indistinguishable from other forms of respiratory illness, including sore throat, cough and fever.

Washington County Deer Farmer Fined Thousands

Capping an 18-month state investigation, a Washington County deer farmer has been fined $70,000. The state Department of Natural Resources says Jens Brynteson was running an illegal pay-to-hunt facility on his property in Warthen. Georgia wildlife officials say under state regulations, deer farmers can only raise non-native species for commercial food production. But Brynteson allegedly staged "canned hunts", where people stalk deer in a large fenced-in area.

Suspect arrested for Washington County church fire

State insurance officials announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with a June fire that destroyed a church in Washington County. 31-year-old Kevin Tanner of Warthen,Georgia has been charged with first-degree arson, burglary, and false statements and writings. Officials say property belonging to the Holly Springs Baptist Church was found in the home of Tanner.

Third trial starts for former death row inmate

A third trial begins today for a former Georgia death row inmate. 54-year-old Willie Parker will again face murder charges for the killings of his wife and stepdaughter in September 1995. Most recently, an appellate court overturned his conviction by a Washington County jury, ruling it flawed because a key witness was paid for testimony. The Georgia Supreme Court then granted another trial in 2005. An earlier trial in 1997 was ended when a judge declared a mistrial due to too much media coverage.

Plant to open in central Georgia town

The town of Tennille has been shrinking ever since the cotton mills closed. There is no interstate or port nearby, and just about 1500 residents.

But it received a big economic boost Thursday. A Georgia-grown transportation company says it will build a $6.5 million dollar plant there for a new business venture.

"Tennille has, in many ways, been left out in the cold when it comes to industrial development," says Theo McDonald, president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. "This is the first new industry for Tennille in quite a number of years and I think it will have a tremendous positive impact on the community."

Henry County-based Bennett International Group plans to make, sell and deliver metal utility buildings from the plant. It says it will hire 150 workers.

Violence toward churches erupts in Middle Georgia

A rash of violence towards churches has erupted in Middle Georgia. Today, Holly Springs Baptist Church of Warthen in Washington county was destroyed. It was the second church to burn this week. Yesterday, Mount Sanai Baptist Church in Sandersville burned.

Gunfire was reported at another Washington county church last night.

A spokesman for state Insurance and Fire Commissioner's office said both fires are considered suspicious. The causes of the fires are unknown. Investigators are at the scene today.