
 News from Georgia Public Radio Sports, bacterial meningitis for one high school student, and more. Source: Georgia Public BroadcastingLanguage in water management plan concerns some The Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Plan has language that could allow interbasin transfers of surface water. Source: Augusta ChronicleGeorgia communities get grant money to become 'work ready' 24 counties will use $35,000 each to work on becoming a "Certified Work Ready Community." Source: Athens Banner-HeraldPETA says contempt order issued by judge against Ag commissioner The use of carbon monoxide chambers to euthanize animals in Cobb County prompted the contempt order against the Department of Agriculture and the Agriculture Commissioner, Tommy Irvin. Source: Marietta Daily JournalWater crisis: Atlanta is three months from running out of water Hydrologists say about three months of water are left before there's not enough to go around or enough for power plants to generate electricity. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 Richardson's tax plan could change service businesses The way private service businesses and public governments do business could change if HR900 passes. Source: Americus Times-Recorder Rep. Keen pushes GREAT plan Georgia's Repeal of Every Ad valorem Tax (GREAT) is being pushed by State Rep. Keen. Source: Brunswick News New office hours for Rep. Barrow in Jenkins County Source: Millen News Report blasts Rep. Deal's stance on immigration The Center for New Community Building Democracy Initiative is blasting the House Immigration Reform Caucus, which includes Rep. Nathan Deal, as being nativist and anti-immigrant. Source: Gainesville TimesSome Savannah candidates aren't seeking PAC approvals Several candidates said that the Savannah Area Business Political Action Committee had already made contributions to Mayor Otis Johnson's campaign and the campaigns of two other aldermen, so there was no reason to seek endorsements or money. Source: Savannah Morning NewsAtlanta think-tank director thinks Richardson's tax plan could be approved Alan Essig, executive director of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, spoke at a forum on tax reform at UGA on Tuesday. Source: Savannah Morning NewsBarack Obama to campaign heavily in Georgia An Atlanta office will be opened on November 1, staffed with two campaign workers, says David Plouffe, Obama's campaign manager. Source: Savannah Morning News• Atlanta office planned for Barack Obama Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution Carter says U.S. tortures prisoners "Our country for the first time in my life time has abandoned the basic principle of human rights," Carter said on CNN. He also said that President Bush makes up his own definition of torture. Source: WSB-TVPolitical notebook: Lovelady's son drops out of council race "At least for now, Norcross politics won't be a family affair for Michael and Gary Lovelady." Source: Gwinnett Daily PostPolitical Insider: Saxby, Dale and SCHIP. All brought together, courtesy of YouTube "In terms of technology, this is incremental, but still worth noting. U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, the Republican up for re-election next year, has posted on YouTube.com an eight-minute explanation of his vote against the SCHIP bill." Source: Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionOn book tour with Jimmy Carter A glimpse at a book tour stop at Union Square Barnes & Noble. Source: New York Times
 Albany Tomorrow names new president & CEO Kenneth Weaver, former city/county manager, will lead Albany Tomorrow Inc. Source: Albany Herald Pierce County farmers battle erratic weather to make crops The recent rain soaked the peanut fields, delaying the harvest process. Source: Blackshear Times Free "small business start-up kits" available in Cherokee County Source: Cherokee Tribune Beazer Homes probe reveals accounting problems Source: Atlanta Business ChronicleASU professors think filmmaking could be big business for Augusta The television and cinema lab at ASU is of such high quality that it could help attract professional production companies, say professors. Source: Augusta ChronicleDrought is impacting MeadWestvaco Mill The mill is on the Alabama side of the Chattahoochee River, about 25 miles south of Columbus; it relies heavily on the river to produce paper products. Source: Columbus Ledger-EnquirerMcLane Southeast to expand in Athens The distributor will build a new refrigeration warehouse which should be completed by next summer. Source: Athens Banner-HeraldUSTA names new executive director and COO Gordon Smith of Rome is the U.S. Tennis Association's new executive director and COO. Source: Rome News-TribuneTimberland in Georgia sold MeadWestvaco sold 323,000 acres of timberland in Georgia and Alabama to Wells Timberland REIT. Source: Atlanta Business ChronicleCoca-Cola invests in RecycleBank in Philadelphia A $2 million investment will help RecycleBank expand nationwide next year. Source: Atlanta Business ChronicleCoca-Cola North America opens wastewater treatment plant in Florida Source: Atlanta Business ChronicleNew Markets Tax Credit funding goes to SunTrust subsidiary SunTrust Community Development Enterprises LLC got $100 million in tax credit allocation authority. Source: Atlanta Business ChronicleNext head of Georgia-Pacific plans more acquisitions Jim Hannan will become CEO on November 1. Source: Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionScientific Games may move HQ to Alpharetta The company's current headquarters is in Manhattan, but their new $20 million press in Alpharetta may lure them here. Source: Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionEPA settlement with utility could impact other power companies American Electric Power agreed to spend $4.6 billion to reduce emissions at its plants; this settlement with the EPA could impact other utilities like Southern Company. Source: Christian Science Monitor
 Lowndes County schools make top 10 tech list The school system is one of the top 10 Tech Savvy School Districts in the U.S. Source: Valdosta Daily Times Valdosta celebrates topping-out at new West Gordon Elementary Source: Valdosta Daily Times Georgia boosts online education A new website, www.georgiaonmyline.org, helps students find online courses. Source: Carrollton Times-Georgian University system may consider "niches" to manage school growth Grouping certain specialties at specific universities may help spread out the student population more evenly. Source: Carrollton Times-Georgian UGA specialists looks at historical significance of Colquitt County Ed Jackson of UGA is convinced there's enough history in Colquitt County to promote historical tourism. Source: Moultrie Observer Georgia Gwinnett College to get student housing The first 1000 beds will be ready by August 2009. Source: Norcross Weekly Georgia Highlands-Cartersville to hold terrorist takeover simulation today The Homeland Security exercise is being staged for law enforcement and emergency services agencies. Source: Cartersville Daily Tribune News 11 Rockdale County schools named Distinguished Schools Source: Rockdale Citizen Newton County BOE agrees to cell tower on school property Source: Newton Citizen Eight Newton County schools named Title I schools Source: Newton Citizen State Superintendent Cox visits Jasper County High Source: Monticello News Macon County BOE chooses Freightliner over Bluebird Tempers flared over the decision; the difference between the two bids was $35. Source: Citizen-Georgian Putnam County BOE now taking bids for new Putnam High Source: Milledgeville Union-Recorder Board of Regents approves Erk Russell Athletic Park designation The area around Paulson Stadium at Georgia Southern will be named for the legendary coach. Source: Statesboro Herald Holocaust survivor to speak at Reinhardt College Thomas Reed will speak on October 15. Source: HometownCherokee.com Lori Wingate named Vidalia Teacher of the Year Source: VidaliaCommunications.comSchool garden revived at Richmond County's alternative school The project will do more than beautify the school, Principal Wayne Frazier said. It will also boost the self-esteem of students and enable them to take ownership in the school. Source: Augusta ChronicleMuscogee County schools earn SACS accreditation It's the first time the schools have earned this accreditation. Source: Columbus Ledger-EnquirerParent-teacher talks in Clarke County often plagued with language barriers More than 100 volunteer translators will be needed to make sure all of the county's 2,300 Hispanic students can be addressed. Source: Athens Banner-HeraldGC&SU projects approved by Regents The Board of Regents approved the purchase and renovation of the downtown Campus Theatre for Georgia College & State. Source: Macon TelegraphGeorgia's colleges prepare to go global The state's colleges and universities are preparing curricula to put more focus on globalization to prepare students to live in a "global world." Source: Macon TelegraphTwo colleges get nursing program grants Georgia College and Middle Georgia College will each receive part of a $3 million grant distributed to 16 of the state's colleges for Nursing Education Initiatives. Source: Macon TelegraphCobb BOE to join in Chamber's Project 2400 Cobb County's school board will spend up to $250,000 on SAT-prep courses at all high schools in 2008 in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Project 2400. Source: Marietta Daily JournalConsultant delivers results to Cobb BOE A report on September focus groups shows that it's a challenge to give middle school students at different educational levels instruction that pushes them forward. Source: Marietta Daily JournalBrenau University gets $250,000 from Wal-Mart Foundation The grant will establish a scholarship program and academic support services for Hispanic women pursuing degrees in healthcare-related professions. Source: AccessNorthGa.com• New scholarship for healthcare funded at Brenau Source: Atlanta Business Chronicle Fees at Valdosta State likely to increase by $90 per semester The fees would go toward a new student health center and thousands of new parking spaces. Source: Florida Times-UnionGwinnett College works to get graduates jobs Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 Douglasville-Douglas County WSA hopes for wet November In the past, the reservoir has always been full after November; now, Dog River reservoir's level is below 50%. Source: Douglas County Sentinel Water forum held in Conyers “Our Water Future: The Science, Laws, a Citizen’s Role” was sponsored by the League of Women Voters. Source: Rockdale Citizen Blight-resistant chestnut tree planted at Prater's Mill Source: Dalton Daily CitizenSkidaway Island alligator trapped and killed The alligator had attacked and killed an 82-year old woman on Friday. Source: Savannah Morning NewsGwinnett's Heritage Center wins national honor The Environmental and Heritage Center has won the National Association of Counties' Sustainable Communities Award. Source: Gwinnett Daily Post
 Therapeutic wheelchair invented to help tone muscles, increase range of motion The first Genesis wheelchair was presented to Rachel Abee at the Clinch County BOE meeting Wednesday. Source: Valdosta Daily TimesJefferson approves system for elderly safety checks An automated call system will soon check each day on elderly and homebound residents in a program called the Community Safety Check Program. Source: Athens Banner HeraldVA Secretary speaks in St. Simons Acting Veterans Affairs Secretary Gordon Mansfield spoke to a crowd of more than 200 at the state's Veterans Service Officer Training Conference. Source: Florida Times-UnionBlack churches follow lead of Norcross pastor against AIDS The Rev. William Sheals began preaching about AIDS in 1991 and outreach and education have been addressing the issue increasingly ever since. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution3,600 to take part in this weekend's breast cancer walk Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution"Aging in place" aided by technological advances Systems like AttentiveCare and GrandCare are allowing older family members to stay in their homes and far-away family members to monitor them via webcams and sensors. Source: Los Angeles TimesPhoebe Putney Memorial puts patient care news online A web site offers free personalized patient Web pages to keep family and friends updated about the hospital stay of patients. Source: Albany Herald
 Another dogfighting site suspected in Moultrie Source: Moultrie Observer Tift County BOC holds heated discussion over water meters Source: Tifton Gazette 40 acres rezoned near Toyo plant in Bartow County Source: Cartersville Daily Tribune News Sex offender in Conyers gets 20 years for not registering Source: Rockdale Citizen Newton County to enforce sign ordinance Source: Newton Citizen Elbert County Commission chairman wants to begin process for zoning law Source: Elberton Star Bids for Decatur County phase II landfill rejected Source: Bainbridge Post-Searchlight Petition to recall Marshallville mayor fails Source: Citizen-Georgian Wilkes County doctor dies at 83 Dr. Charles Wills had just retired a few days before he died. Source: News-Reporter SPLOST projects moving forward in Walton County Source: Walton Tribune College Park wants to annex part of Clayton County Source: Clayton News Daily Developer threatens to sue Forsyth County WEllstone LLC is giving the commission one month to reverse a decision that denied development of Lanier Golf Course; if the decision isn't reversed, the county will face a $100 million lawsuit from Wellstone. Source: North Fulton News Perry considers upgrading water meter reading Source: Houston Home JournalDetour to be set up for Savannah's Waters Avenue Drainage improvements will begin on October 22 and will take about 45 days to complete for a 16-block stretch of Waters Avenue. Source: Savannah Morning News2008 millage rate tentatively approved in Springfield The millage rate will be lowered for 2008. Source: Savannah Morning NewsState Sen. Frank Albert wants levee removed in Augusta Albert says the levee is no longer needed as three dams are upstream; he wants the 88-year old levee removed to reveal more riverfront. Source: Augusta ChronicleCrime up in Athens by 54% Air conditioners are at the top of the list for thieves due to their copper content. Source: Athens Banner-HeraldMacon mayor says he won't sign hotel deal The city attorney and outside legal counsel said that the mayor's refusal to sign the deal isn't enough to kill the deal, which would put a hotel in the lot near Wilson Convention Center and Macon Coliseum. Source: Macon TelegraphBibb County's chief tax appraiser to announce plans today Jim Davis was offered a position by Glynn County about three weeks ago; he's expected to let Bibb County know his intentions today. Source: Macon TelegraphMarietta mayor vetoes full disclosure on land deals A City Council resolution to make sure all future city land deals took place in the public with full disclosure of purchase price, acreage, location and seller was vetoed by Mayor Bill Dunaway. Source: Marietta Daily JournalMarietta City Council votes to sell three land parcels Source: Marietta Daily JournalRome: Downtown icon dies at 68 Charles "Chuck" Lanham ran the Forrest Barber Shop for more than 20 years. Source: Rome News-TribuneGwinnett's "Mansion Madam" gets 7 years probation Source: AccessNorthGa.comSuwanee to hold two groundbreakings Groundbreakings will be held for Sims Lake Park and for a pedestrian underpass. Source: AccessNorthGa.comJudge says Nichols defense will get funds The defense will keep four attorneys and get enough money to properly defend Brian Nichols. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution• Judge Fuller rebukes legislature over Nichols funding Source: Atlanta Daily Report Tax allocation districts gaining popularity Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 Support the Blazers "Coming off a hard-fought victory last Saturday against the Southern Arkansas Muleriders, the Valdosta State University Blazers could have used a break. On Sunday, however, they were back to the practice field preparing for a new opponent coming on a much shorter week." Source: Valdosta Daily Times Albany ready for the Games "About 1,000 athletes are descending on Albany this weekend, bringing with them family, friends and a lot of enthusiasm." Source: Albany Herald Sam Griffin, Jr.: The real stuff "Wynton Marsalis is more than arguably the world's finest trumpeter-surely its finest jazz trumpeter: His comments in concert with pianist Marcus Roberts in Tallahassee Monday night reveal him as a voice of hope in a bleak world where appreciation of wholesomeness, substance, discipline and excellent have atrophied." Source: Bainbridge Post-Searchlight Robert Williams, Jr.: National Newspaper Week a good time to think about how we keep our freedoms "Remember the game where several stand in a circle and one whispers into the ear of the person standing next?" Source: Blackshear Times Coddling criminals protects politicians "An accused sex offender and his attorney work out a complicated plea, the judge signs off and bends the rules, and the district attorney vows to revisit the issue." Source: Columbia County News Times Patrick Graham: Sorting out the GREAT plan "Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson was in Walton County on Monday meeting with the GOP faithful to tout his plan to eliminate property taxes in the state and replace them with new sales taxes on goods and services." Source: Walton TribuneTom Barton: Politicians pitch and catch "Mike Royko, my all-time favorite newspaper columnist, wasn't a fan of politicians. But he came by his distaste honestly." Source: Savannah Morning NewsFinding justice "By the power of his own confession and the power of a jury's conviction, Jose Medellin deserves to die. Unfortunately, by the power of an international treaty, he also deserves a new trial." Source: Savannah Morning NewsK.W. Oxnard: Savannah real estate market taking breather, not tanking "You know all those doom and gloom stories about the real estate market-that the sky is falling, sellers are getting pounded and buyers beware?" Source: Savannah Morning NewsA celebration of unity "Want to buy a ticket to someplace wonderful? We promise the destination is so great, you likely won't be content to merely visit. You'll want to stay there. That place is a unified Augusta - an Augusta where obstructive issues such as race are cast aside so the city can move forward." Source: Augusta ChronicleThe loss of a hero "The first three months of 1942 was the darkest period of the war. Our Navy was in ruins. The Japanese were winning on every front, and America was waiting on them to invade the West Coast." Source: Augusta ChronicleImportant steps on a long road "Given the perception -- and, let's face it, the familiar reality -- of Victory Drive, the very idea would have been unthinkable just a few years ago: In place of a tattoo parlor, a pawn shop and the notorious Traffic Light Lounge, a brand-new hotel and restaurant will be rising from cleared land at the South Lumpkin Road intersection." Source: Columbus Ledger-EnquirerSearch for schools chief can't be business as usual "Thus far, it appears the Clarke County Board of Education is headed down a routine path in a search for a new superintendent that should be anything but routine. At a meeting scheduled for 6:30 tonight, the school board is expected to pick a search firm to help it and the community find someone to lead the county's public school system into and through what are sure to be some challenging days." Source: Athens Banner-HeraldDonald Wilkes, Jr.: Legislation only way to get eyewitness ID reform "LaGrange Police Chief Louis M. Dekmar's Friday opinion piece in the Athens Banner-Herald, opposing proposed legislation to reform Georgia police eyewitness identification procedures, rests on two unwarrantable assertions: more research is needed, and rather than passing laws we should trust the police themselves to make any needed reforms." Source: Athens Banner-HeraldNews flash: Mayor Ellis is right to abandon hotel plans "If nothing else, Macon's Mayor C. Jack Ellis is full of surprises. Late Tuesday night on Fox 24 he announced he was backing away from the controversial convention center hotel deal with Noble Investment Group, the same deal he's shepherded for more than a year because, he said, the deal has become too expensive." Source: Macon TelegraphOur most faithful ally prepares to pull the plug "Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced that Britain will halve its 5,000 troops in Iraq by next spring and likely withdraw them entirely by year's end." Source: Marietta Daily JournalCartoon: Mike Lester: Macon mayor's celebration Source: Rome News-TribuneLet's see more "When the fourth annual Rome International Film Festival ended its run not long ago, its marketing director said that “anecdotal evidence” showed that attendance was the best yet as no precise nosecounts appear to be kept." Source: Rome News-TribuneMike King: Biolabs must be closely watched "With a boom in the number of laboratories handling the world's deadliest germs and toxins, federal regulators must decide quickly who should be responsible for monitoring the safety of their work." Source: Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionMaureen Downey: Put a cork in it "DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones pledges that his legacy will be an enhanced quality of life for county residents. That promise conflicts with his opposition to earlier bar closings in DeKalb, where revelers can now down shots until 4 o'clock in the morning." Source: Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionDink Nesmith: Win, then get paid "Since 1966, I've been buying Georgia Bulldogs tickets. As a student, I stood in the rain to watch us whip the Gators, 51-0. Steve Spurrier hasn't forgotten, and he's been paying us back ever since." Source: Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionJay Bookman: Minus limits, Jekyll could be monster "Everybody involved in the redevelopment of Jekyll Island State Park —- the politicians, the state officials, the private developers —- talks in reverent tones about protecting the island's ecology, beauty and character. There's no reason to believe that they're anything less than sincere." Source: Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionMike King: Medicare isn't socialism; we need nurses "Sign up here for the socialized medicine plan of your choice. Those full-page newspaper ads and TV commercials you are seeing that tout Medicare insurance plans for senior citizens have become a fixture this time of year. The companies sponsoring them are competing for the business of senior citizens who want them to manage their health care needs. The "uniquely American" system we have created over the last few decades for the nation's senior citizens is a combination of government-subsidized health care managed by for-profit insurance companies." Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution |