Zoo Executive Dies Suddenly

The head of the Columbus Zoo has died. Zoo officials told WBNS television station that Executive Director Jeff Swanagan apparently had a heart attack Sunday night at his home. Swanagan was 51 and became zoo director last year after heading the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta since it opened in 2005. Anthony Godfrey, president and CEO of the Georgia Aquarium, called Swanagan "a dedicated educator whose passion for making a difference for wild things in wild places was evident through all of his work and leadership." Swanagan was an Ohio native and graduate of Ohio State University. He started his career at the Columbus Zoo in 1979 before leaving for Zoo Atlanta in the 1980s. He also worked at Florida Aquarium.

(Associated Press)

Museum Could Bring Jobs and Millions

A study projects that Columbus might get an annual $26.3 million economic boost with the opening of the new National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning. The Columbus State University study projects between 380,000 and 400,000 museum visitors a year, 95 percent of them from out of town. The study concludes that 520 jobs will be created through employment at the museum and other new businesses in the city that hire staff, and existing businesses that add employees to take advantage of the increase in tourism. The $91 million museum, which will be opened Friday with a visit by retired Gen. Colin Powell, is expected to benefit the south Columbus area, which for years has been a center for nightclubs and cheap motels.

(Associated Press)

State Uses Tax Credit Bill To Land NCR

A new state law heavy with tax breaks helped lure technology equipment-maker NCR to Georgia.

NCR, the company that makes equipment including ATM’s and cash registers, is relocating its headquarters from Ohio to metro Atlanta. With it come 1,250 jobs to Duluth, along with another 870 to Columbus for a new production plant.

The deal was sealed with a more than $60-million incentive package--most of which used the so-called Mega Tax Credit bill signed by Governor Perdue last month. Georgia’s offer doubled that on the table from Dayton-Ohio officials.

Sam Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, says yes--the state’s investment outlay is large, but two lawmakers who sponsored the bill ensure its viability:

"Senator Ron Stephens and Representative Larry O’Neal scrutinized the numbers from a payback point-of-view to make sure that this was more than justified even in an economic downturn."

The process to lobby NCR reportedly began in February, around the time the legislation was introduced to state House lawmakers.

Officials with the Department of Economic Development say NCR is eligible for up to $56.9 million over five years. But that amount will be offset by a net gain of $49 million from items like income and sales taxes, to be felt over 10 years. Officials say added value to the deal for NCR includes global access through the airport, consistent population and workforce growth, and access to multiple university resources.

Tourism up in Columbus

The bad economy didn't prevent a banner year for tourism in Columbus. WGPB's John Sepulvado explains.

One point one million visitors came to Columbus in 2008, according to a Columbus State University study. on average, the visitors spent almost 365 dollars ---It is the first time the area has cracked the million visitor threshold.

Peter Bowden, with the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau says local leaders were able to see the poor economy coming and adjust it's strategy.

"I think one of the key things we did is getting out in front of gas prices," says Bowden. "We were doing staycations before anyone knew what a stay cation was. "

Tourism is the second largest industry in Georgia, key to keep arts and cultural and even recreational enties strong as a way to draw people.

Many other caluclations around the state are not out yet. As for Bowden, he says if the same number of visitors come to Columbus this year, he'll be happy. After all, he adds---in this economy flat is the new up.

Georgia Golfer Makes Cut at 73rd Annual Masters Tournament

Larry Mize has made a comeback at the 73rd annual Masters Tournament, making the cut after the first two rounds, according to projections from tournament officials. Mize, an Augusta native, scored five-under-par 67 on Thursday and four-over-par 76 on Friday, his score slipping along with the scores of many other players.

Mize blamed wind for the higher scores on Friday.

Mize, who now lives in Columbus, won the Masters in 1987 and has only made the cut twice in the last ten years.

Ryuji Imada, who played on the University of Georgia golf team, also made the cut, but barely, according to the projections.

Oliver Wilson, who attended Augusta State University, and Stewart Cink, of Duluth, did not make the cut. Cink blamed both wind and pin placements by tournament officials for his score.

Ga. Power: Snowstorms Cut Electricity to Over 40,000 (photos, video)

Snow falling on construction equipment in midtown Atlanta, at the uncompleted 14th St. bridge over the I-75/85 connector on Sunday, Mar. 1, 2009. (Photo: Dave Bender)

Metro Atlanta, and much of northeast, and southwest Georgia were blanketed with several inches of snow on Sunday that caused aggravation for many.

Georgia Power spokesman Jeff Wilson said the snowstorm cut electricity to tens of thousands of homes and businesses across a major arc of the state:

"We have about 42,000 customers statewide without power, about 30,000 of these are in the northeast part of the state - the Athens and the Winder areas. About 7,000 current outage in Metro Atlanta, and the rest scattered from Columbus to Rome."

Wilson says high winds and fallen trees are hampering repairs, and wasn’t able to estimate when power would be fully restored.

"Time lapse of March 1, 2009 Georgia snow. Video was taken from a security camera in Hiram, GA."
(Courtesy YouTube member: Zacwin)

The FAA says Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport had upwards of two-hour waits for some flights, and cancellations of others.

On the ground, the Georgia Department of Transportation says about a 1,000 people were working to clear roads.

Officials at the University of Georgia said Sunday they planned to delay classes on Monday until noon.

Six Flags amusement park, which had been scheduled for its spring opening on Saturday, remained closed all weekend, due to the snow and rainy weather.

Click here for the latest National Weather Service advisories.

Click here for more GPB News coverage and photos of the sudden stormy weather.

Columbus Job Fair: Officials Optimistic, Despite Cuts

Applicants looking for work throng the hall of the Columbus Trade and Convention Center, on Thursday, Feb. 5, 1009. (Photo: Dave Bender)

More than 2,500 job-seekers attended a job fair held in Columbus Thursday. Employers from the area, as well as out-of-state and national firms were at the event, held at the city’s convention center.

Department of Labor officials say some 55 companies, from Aflac and local hospitals, to local and Atlanta MARTA police departments, to Georgia Power and employment agencies are taking job applications.


Miguel Flores (facing) of Fort Benning assists a job-seeker at the Columbus job fair, on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009. (Photo: Dave Bender)

Fort Benning's Warrior Transition Battalion has a representative here as well, to aid troops in making the sometimes complex conversion from uniform to civvies.

There are also representatives from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in nearby Lumpkin, and the Florida Highway Patrol.

The large-scale fair is held several times a year, and Labor Department officials say while the turnout by employers is a little more than half last year's showing – they’re optimistic that employers and applicants will be introduced to each other.


Applicants submitting resumes to company online websites. (Photo: Dave Bender)

To that end, they’ve set up a bank of computers for applicants to go directly to the companies’ websites, and set up interviews there, as well.

Many of the job-seekers are either in, or soon after college, and some have recently completed military service.

Celeste Edge of Columbus is looking has a degree in Communications and wants a position in her field:

"It’s been ok; I’ve talked to a couple of people who seem a little promising, like the hospital and one of the staffing agencies who thinks they might be able to place me – but, you know – I’m just hoping for the best."

There were many resumes and handshakes, and many people filled in applications online.

Jim Huntzinger of the DOL is one of the fair’s organizers, and says they’re trying hard to lower jobless rates:

"We have 55 employers here, with, as i say, with the economic situation, is, I think, fantastic. And it’s 55 employers that have jobs."

Some came away frustrated from the experience, though.

Eric Harris of Columbus recently finished the Army and is studying criminal law at Troy University; he got a lot of what he calls “headnoes”:

"...that’s everybody shaking their heads, saying, ‘No; go online; we don’t have any applications, we’re not hiring…so it’s like, I’m very discouraged at this point so I’m just thinking about dropping school and going back in the military – and I’m, not the only one feeling like this. There’s a lot of others in there stressing the same thing about their feeling the same disappointment at this job fair – they need to do better."

About 3,000 people turned out for last year's job fair, and Department of Labor officials say they’ll hold a similar job fair in May.

Kia Motors' tier-one supplier, Sewon American, will accept applications for 400 to 600 production workers for a car parts factory that will open in a few months.

They'll be taking applications next week in Lagrange.

The Kia plant in West Point is about half an hour north of Columbus, and is set to open its doors in the late fall.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of the job situation.

Ga. lawmakers mulling more guns in more places

Phenix City, Ala., resident Michael Knighton fires his Ruger pistol at an indoor firing range at Shooters Columbus gun shop in Columbus, Ga. The gun emits a flash of light as the bullet leaves the barrel. (File photo/Dave Bender)

Georgia lawmakers are considering allowing guns in more public places, including churches and on university campuses.

Religious leaders spoke out against the change Tuesday at a hearing of a state Senate study committee looking at Georgia's firearms laws.

University officials said they support the current law, which bans guns on campuses.

Both churches and universities have been plagued by deadly shootings in recent years.

Some gun rights supporters said the death toll would not have been so high if parishioners and students had been armed and able to protect themselves.

Earlier this year, Gov. Sonny Perdue signed House Bill 89, which allows guns in state parks, mass transit and in restaurants that serve alcohol.

(The Associated Press)

Click here for more GPB News coverage of this issue.

Multi-million dollar donation to CSU music school

Sixty-eight Steinway pianos onstage, as seen from the balcony of the Bill Heard Auditorium of the Columbus RiverCenter For The Performing Arts. (Dave Bender)

A single multi-million dollar donation to Columbus State University in southwest Georgia has allowed Columbus's Schwob School of Music to purchase no less than 68 new Steinway pianos for their students.

(L-R) Fred Cohen, director of the Schwob School of Music, Maxine Schiffman, Rex Whiddon, director of major gifts and university stewardship and former director of the music program at The Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University, onstage with the Steinway pianos. (Dave Bender)

Donor Maxine Schiffman joined CSU officials and Steinway representatives at a ceremony Tuesday, held onstage at Legacy Hall in the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. 44 upright pianos and 24 grand pianos, valued at more than $2.5 million were on hand, and will be purchased as a result of the gift.

"Steinway pianos are the standard, according to Fred Cohen, director of the Schwob School of Music.

"Offering all our students Steinways – and nothing but Steinways – to practice with and to perform upon throughout their years at Schwob prepares them best for their musical careers.

"Experience with and exploration of the well-maintained Steinways in the RiverCenter will set the level for professional expectations in piano sound throughout the lives of Schwob faculty, students and in the Columbus community," Cohen said in a statement released by CSU.

In 2007, CSU named Maxine Schiffman an honorary alumnus, according to the statement.

Stage spotlights gleam off the polished wood of several of the Steinway grand pianos onstage. (Dave Bender)

The University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University and Spelman College previously became all Steinway schools.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of events at CSU.

Bradleys and Baghdad on the 'Hootch'

Maj. Shane Sims goes through a final checklist with the driver of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle on the testing pad at Fort Benning, a day before trucking the 25-ton tracked vehicles into Columbus on Thursday, June 5, 2008. (Dave Bender)

Two Bradley Fighting Vehicles – tank-like personnel carriers – clanked along in downtown Columbus traffic on Thursday, in order to test out hi-tech camera gear.

A Bradley Fighting Vehicle pulls into traffic in downtown Columbus for a test run. The tank is sandwiched between two of the test team's pickup trucks to minimize the chance of hitting a civilian vehicle , June 5, 2008. (Dave Bender)

Cpl. Jason Wade of Columbus State University police watched as the vehicles rolled by his post near a parking garage on Front Street:

“That's something downtown's never seen before. It's pretty neat! Couldn't imagine being stopped at a red light and seeing this big 50-caliber gun stuck in my rear view mirror (laughs).

He's watching an army test to better protect soldiers out on patrol from bombs, bullets and the mayhem on Iraqi streets.

They want to keep soldiers safely buttoned up in an armor plated, 25-ton Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The steel and aluminum-hulled heavyweight runs on treads, carries a three-man crew and up to seven infantrymen.

Fort Benning officials are here to acid test a new camera vision system that's supposed to transmit a 360-degree color and infrared view of what's going on outside to the crew's tv-screens inside.

But the system's camera and infrared scanners – which translate degrees of heat and cold into a black and white image – are blinded by southwest Georgia's scorching 100-degree heat reflecting off walls, cars and people.

Spc. Kyle Jolley and another crew member take a break on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle's ramp, between sorties through downtown Columbus to test camera systems, June 5, 2008. (Dave Bender)

Specialist Kyle Jolley, who monitors the cameras is having a tough time interpreting what's on his screen:

“It's kind of overwhelming at this point, because there's so many noncombatants that are there, and a lot of them have cameras, so it's hard to distinguish an actual video camera or something like that. Also, you're trying to pick people apart in groups, and by the time you do, you're already passed them and moved on to the next group.”

Interviewer:
What about the infrared signatures?

Jolley:
“Infrared's difficult during the day, because the sun heats up the surrounding areas so much, that people don't stand off against the background as well as they do during the nighttime.”

Jolley has to pick out eight soldiers who are wearing street clothes, and posing as insurgents. They're brandishing long black tubes as make-believe weapons, and hiding in the deep shadows of windows and doorways, and behind bushes and foliage.



Second Lieutenant Alfred Spiteri, posing as an insurgent, points a mock anti-tank rocket at the Bradley Fighting Vehicle as it drives by a parking garage, June 5, 2008. The maneuver is meant to test the vehicle's on-board camera system in real life situations, similar to those encountered in Iraq. (Dave Bender)

Infantry Second Lieutenant Alfred Spiteri quickly points his mock anti-tank rocket out the window of a parking garage, and then pulls back:

“Our job here is to work as an enemy for this exercise, so that they can see if the new camera systems they're trying to incorporate into the Bradleys' are effective. Other people out here have mock rifles, so that the Bradley crews can differentiate between what weapons we're using.”

But despite the snafus the army says it wants all the feedback – positive and especially negative - from the camo-clad troops, so they can fix the bugs before the system is deployed in Baghdad's back alleys.

I ask Major Shane Sims, who's in charge of the field testing, about other possible battle scenarios:

Interviewer:
“You're running through downtown Baghdad; a kid runs up with spray paint, gets two cameras out; someone throws a grenade on it – you can blow out a camera...”

Sims:
“You're very attuned into what some of the issues are. those are very good questions, and those are issues we're all addressing in this experiment.”

After the Bradleys are trucked back to Fort Benning, and the field reports are filed, Sims says additional system testing and adding improvements will take place at the Army's armor center at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Crewmember undergoes an inspection before deploying his vehicle on a test sortie in downtown Columbus, June 5, 2008. (Dave Bender)

Click here for more GPB News coverage of events at Fort Benning and the post's effect on Columbus and the surrounding area .

Rash of car arsons mystify Columbus officials

A rash of mysterious car arsons have been keeping firefighters in Columbus busy in recent days.

Fire officials say eleven vehicles have been torched in downtown's historic district, and in residential neighborhoods around the campus of Columbus State University over the last four days.

Columbus Fire Marshal Thomas Streeter says the arsonists used an accelerant to spark the fires, and that investigators are analyzing the material:

“What makes this fairly unique is that the vehicles were not stolen, and that some of the vehicles were close and up around the resident's homes...”

There were no injuries in the arsons. Residents in the areas hit have started watch groups.

Streeter says investigators don't have any leads yet, and asked the public to be vigilant and call 911 if they have any information.

Returning troops expected to boost economy

Sign of the times in Columbus: a dry cleaning service near Fort Benning welcomes the 3rd ID home. (Dave Bender)

The return of several thousand troops from Iraq in coming weeks, is expected to give a boost to businesses around Columbus in western Georgia. The hoped-for economic shot-in-the-arm will come from some 3,800 combat soldiers of the US Army's Third Brigade, who served in the Baghdad area.

Several units recently redeployed to nearby Fort Benning, in order to prepare families and the post for the main force. But the brigade's year-long absence was felt far beyond the gates of the base.

Mike Gaymon of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce:

“When the Third Brigade left, the growth of Chattahoochee County became the worst in the 159 counties in Georgia, and then when the third comes back, they will lead the state in growth.”

Gaymon says apartments complexes, car dealerships, and furniture and appliance stores are among those eagerly awaiting the “boots on the ground.”

Billboard near Ft. Benning pitches studies at Columbus State University for returning troops. (Dave Bender)

Click here for more GPB News coverage of Fort Benning and other Georgia military affairs.

Columbus: poly-sci expert considers Obama-Clinton odds

Muscogee County

Barack Obama will have an edge over Hillary Clinton in Muscogee County, according to a Columbus State University political science expert.

When polling stations open in Georgia Tuesday morning, Columbus headquarters for the two Democratic contenders will have tried to outdo each other, for what one analyst calls the progressive, liberal voter.

Tom Dolan, who chairs the political science department at CSU, says over 4,000 voters cast their ballot in Early elections in Muscogee County so far; the highest the county has seen:

"I suspect Obama will do better in Georgia and I suspect he'll do better in Columbus."

Dolan says while Obama attracts younger voters, they were less likely to actually get to polling stations.

County voting officials are predicting a 25% local voter turnout in tomorrow's primary, and state officials put the overall numbers at about 30-percent.

Click here for more GPB News primary election coverage.

CSU To Examine Global Warming

Columbus State University is joining more than 1,500 U.S. colleges and universities in a “Focus the Nation” teach-in on global warming and potential solutions during the week of Jan. 28.

On Tuesday, Jan. 29, a “Climate Matters” faculty lecture will feature a presentation titled “Snowball Earth: Life Without Global Warming,” and “Alien Atmospheres — Lessons from Venus.”

A flagship event will take place Wednesday, Jan. 30, where participants will view and discuss the “2% Solution” Webcast, from a video produced by the National Wildlife Federation and aired by the Earth Day Network, a university statement said.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of environmental issues.

CSU commemorates King legacy

Richardson emphasizing a point in his address to faculty and students at CSU, on the anniversary of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008. (Photo: Dave Bender)

Columbus State University celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s today, at a ceremony held on the anniversary of his birth.

Benjamin Richardson, Muscogee County's Solicitor-General and guest speaker, says much of King's legacy has been accomplished:

“I think a lot of Dr. King's legacy has been fulfilled, in terms of opportunities that weren't there before. For instance, my position: I am the first African-American Solicitor-General in Muscogee County. I know without Dr. King and others, that wouldn't have been possible.”

Students and faculty, seen here, repeatedly applauded during Richardson's address. (Photo: Dave Bender)

But Richardson, speaking to a roomful of over 100 students and faculty, says they risk squandering the civil-rights leader's legacy out of apathy and indifference:

“However, those rights and opportunities were not given without much struggle. Dr. King and others fought – and sometimes died – in the civil-rights movement to provide us so many opportunities for us today. But it seems we take those hard-fought rights and opportunities for granted. Unfortunately, we allow those same rights and opportunities to go by the wayside...”

Richardson especially called on the students not to waste their right to vote in coming the elections, and to stay in school.

Click here for more GPB News reports about Dr. King and his family.

CSU To Test Emergency Notification System

Columbus State University will test its new emergency notification system, CougarAlert, on Wednesday, sending a message to thousands of e-mail addresses and phone numbers at once.

The Dec. 19 test will be only for faculty and staff. A broader test, including an emergency drill and student notification, is planned for early 2008, according to the university.

The university bought the system during the summer, and officials spent the fall collecting and compiling emergency contact information from students, faculty and staff. Each group was asked to update online their emergency contact information to ensure the system’s effectiveness.

CougarNet and local media outlets will also be used to inform faculty, staff and students about an emergency. The university’s newly revised emergency action plan is at: http://police.colstate.edu/emergencies.asp.

The school reminds recipients that the Dec. 19 message is only a system test and that no action will be required. For more information, go to http://www.colstate.edu/CougarAlert.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of events at CSU.

CSU Graduation Set For Saturday

CSU belltower. (file photo/Dave Bender)

Columbus State University will recognize about 450 degree recipients in a commencement on Saturday.

The ceremony also will feature an honorary degree presentation to Thomas B. Buck Jr., a senior member of the CSU Foundation Board of Trustees. A well-known business and civic leader, Buck is credited for playing an important role in the growth of CSU and Columbus.

Expanded graduating classes in the past three years reflect a 35 percent enrollment increase since 2001, the university said in a statement released to the press.

A live Webcast will be available at http://graduation.colstate.edu. A high-speed connection is recommended, and a room in Lumpkin Center and Fine Arts Hall auditorium will be set up for attendees seeking an alternative viewing location, the statement said.

Click here for more GPB News about CSU.

CSU Names Presidential Search Committees

Brown plans to retire on June 30, 2008. (Courtesy CSU)

Columbus State University is looking for a new president.

Dr. Susan Herbst, University System of Georgia executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer is to announce the appointment of two committees charged with implementing a national search to replace President Frank Brown, who announced on Aug. 13, that he would
retire on June 30, 2008.

Brown, currently the longest-serving president in the University System of Georgia, will have been president of CSU for 20 years upon his retirement, a CSU statement said.

George Stanton, CSU vice president of academic affairs and search committee chairman will lead an informal, public discussion about the presidential search process at four p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6, in room 215/216 at the Cunningham Center on the main campus.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of CSU.

$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.

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.