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.

Plans for new coal-fired plant draw protest

A new coal-fired power plant could soon be on the horizon in middle-Georgia. A consortium of 10 electric cooperatives says it plans to build a state-of-the-art coal-fired plant near Sandersville, in Washington County. The group says state population growth is outpacing its ability to provide power. A spokesman for the group says coal is an affordable and reliable energy source, and that construction of the plant will boost the local economy.

The plan for a coal-fired plant is unwelcome news for one state environmental group. Justine Thompson, Executive Director of GreenLaw, says the consortium’s 700,000 customers actually stand to lose by the deal: “Coal-fired power plants may be cheap and profitable for the companies that use them; but they are not cheap and profitable for the people who have to breathe the air.” She says coal is one of the dirtiest energy forms and severely impacts the state’s air and water quality. Her group plans to evaluate the proposal for the plant before considering legal options.

Power company officials hope to have the plant completed by 2013. Last week, a state judge approved the permit for a coal-burning power plant in Early County – it will be the state’s first in 20 years. Thompson and other environmental groups plan to appeal.

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.