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As work hub, Atlanta metro adds nine more counties
to its orbit
Metro Atlanta's economic gravity has pulled nine
more counties into its orbit. Likely to join the sprawling
centrifuge that has become metro Atlanta, according to U.S.
Census figures, are Polk, Haralson, Heard, Meriwether, Pike,
Lamar, Butts, Jasper and Dawson counties, bringing the total
number of counties officially considered part of the metro
area to an astounding 29. Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Miller proposes agency for poverty-stricken 'Black
Belt'
Georgia Sen. Zell Miller unveiled his plan Wednesday
to revive the so-called Southern Black Belt, proposing
a $100 million agency to address poverty in the swath of
heavily African-American counties stretching across
the South. Augusta Chronicle/AP , Rome News-Tribune, Savannah Morning News/AP
Fate of drug money in Georgia under question
Unlike other states and the federal government, Georgia
doesn't always track cash and property from drug cases. And
there are indications local authorities aren't always acting
responsibly. Savannah Morning News
Southeast economy lackluster in first
two months of year
Sluggish retail sales and weakness in the manufacturing
sector led to a lackluster economic performance in the Southeast
in January and February, according to the Federal Reserve
Board's "Beige Book". Atlanta Business Chronicle
Judges debate Ten Commandments on Richmond
County seal
Three federal judges debating whether the presence
of the Ten Commandments on the official seal of Richmond County
seemed reluctant to scrap the 131-year-old symbol. Augusta Chronicle, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Convention Bureau wants 1956 flag off
ballot
The Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau has asked
its members to push for the exclusion of the 1956 state flag,
which prominently displays the Confederate battle emblem,
from any state flag vote. Atlanta Business Chronicle
Natural gas levels may be headed for record
highs
Steadily-rising natural gas levels appear to
be headed in the direction of the record high benchmark set
two years ago. Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Harrick Jr. out at UGA in June
Embattled assistant basketball coach Jim Harrick
Jr. will not be rehired when the school years ends in June,
University of Georgia officials announced on Wednesday. Washington Post, Athens Banner-Herald, Macon Telegraph, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, WSB-TV, WAGA-TV, WXIA-TV
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Harrick denies forcing Cole to sign
document. Red
& Black
Atlanta denies permit to Urban Hip Hop
Festival
The City of Atlanta has denied the Urban Hip Hop
Festival a permit to put on the event due to "serious deficiencies"
in the application that city officials said rendered it incomplete
for purposes of review. Atlanta Business Chronicle, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
More Robins Air Base personnel deploy
The 116th Air Control Wing deployed two aircraft
and about 50 people Wednesday to an undisclosed location,
presumably in the Middle East, as the Bush administration
racheted up its controversial march to war with Iraq. Macon Telegraph
Ashes, fear of war mark start of Lent
The pall of a possible impending war with Iraq concerned
many Christians who today began their observance of Lent.
Florida Times Union
Perdue: Augusta National will 'do the
right thing'
Gov. Sonny Perdue says Augusta National will do the
right thing, but doesn't want to bow to undue pressure to
do it immediately. WGNX-TV
Georgia Senate votes for deep spending cuts
The Georgia Senate voted Wednesday to impose steep
spending cuts on state agencies in an effort to avoid
tax increases proposed by Gov. Sonny Perdue. Augusta Chronicle, Savannah Morning News
Tempers flare in session still far from
over
In a body whose leaders long preferred to avoid hot-button
issues, lawmakers now face intractable arguments over abortion
and whether the Rebel flag should fly again over Georgia.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
State department heads must wait to learn fates
Some 60 state department must wait until mid-April
before they will be told if they will keep their jobs in Georgia's
new GOP administration. Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Democrats drop talk of hiking sales tax
Democrats have scuttled talk that they prefer a one
percent, two-year sales tax increase rather than Gov. Sonny
Perdue's proposed hike in sin taxes. Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bill Watch
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Predatory lending bill splits parties.
Party ties are straining as legislators jockey
to correct mistakes in last year's predatory lending law.
Augusta Chronicle
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Capitol barrier removal highlights 'bureaucratic
mistake'
Barriers were ordered up at the Georgia Capitol last
month when the national terror alert was raised. But by the
time they were installed, the alert had been lowered. Gov.
Sonny Perdue ordered the barriers removed, and they were unceremoniously
taken away this week, bringing an end to what state officials
called a "bureaucratic mistake". Washington Post , Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia job losses slow significantly
Georgia's job situation may be on the verge of a
rebound, although no one is crowing just yet. The state's
unemployment rate stood at 4.5 percent in January, down slightly
from 4.6 percent the previous month. Atlanta Journal-Constitution
High-tech systems work to keep big rigs secure
Technology working in homeland security effort, as
well as helping to make trucking industry safer. Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Coca-Cola execs get bigger bonuses in 2002
Despite a net income drop of 22.5 percent and more
than 1,000 jobs cut in 2002, the Coca-Cola Company's highest
ranking executives were awarded with bigger bonuses. Atlanta Business Chronicle
Downtown Augusta awaits plans, studies
Group takes steps toward creating comprehensive plan
on how to best revitalize Augusta's downtown. Augusta Chronicle
Level 3 Communications to transfer more than 300
jobs to Atlanta.
Level 3, a communications and information services
provider, will shutter its operations in Woburn, Mass.,
bringing more than 300 jobs to Atlanta. Atlanta
Business Chronicle, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Henry County may share control of small airport
Henry and Clayton counties have discussed jointly
running Tara Field, the small airport next to Atlanta Motor
Speedway in Hampton. Atlanta Journal-Constitution
New businesses coming to Albany
A clothing store, a bookstore and a restaurant highlight
the list of new businesses adding to the economy of Albany.
Albany Herald
United Water to cut 309 jobs in April
United Water has announced it plans to cut 309 jobs
in April as its contract with the city of Atlanta dissolves.
Atlanta Business Chronicle
Tybee Island designer rocks world of lounge wear
Tybee Island native Anastasia Stevenson, in the space
of six months, has launched a new line of clothing in a national
shopping magazine read by more than 800,000 people, and landed
a request to create a private label for West Coast fashion
mogul Fred Segal. Savannah Morning News
Bad weather sends Delta's February traffic down
Atlanta-based Delta Airlines reported its traffic
down in February compared with the levels of a year ago, and
blamed the downturn on inclement weather. Atlanta Business Chronicle
At least 60 employers expected at Veteran's Job Fair
in Centerville
State and local labor officials are expecting up
to 1,500 job seekers at the Veteran's Job Fair on March 21
in Centerville. Macon Telegraph
Dalton carpet industry weathers tough economy
The softening of residential carpet sales was expected
even before bad news about new home sales was released last
week, a carpet industry spokesman says. Dalton Daily Citizen
Impact of state high school basketball finals in
Macon difficult to gauge
There is no doubt the Georgia High School Association
basketball finals in Macon will bring money along with players
and fans. The question of how much isn't easy to predict.
Macon Telegraph
GE Power eyes Cobb office building as headquarters
GE Power Systems is in talks about a possible new
office building as its headquarters in the Wildwood Office
Park in Cobb County. Atlanta Business Chronicle
Census: Bibb, Houston counties draw most middle Georgia
commuters
U.S. Census figures confirm what many people in the
middle Georgia area already know: Bibb and Houston counties
are the hub of many commuters' business days. Macon Telegraph
BellSouth sells stakes in Brazilian cellular company
BellSouth plans to sell its entire state in BSE,
a cellular company that operates in six states of Brazil's
northeastern region. Atlanta Business Chronicle
Intelligent Business Systems falls deep into red
in 2002
Intelligent Business Systems reported deep losses
in 2002 following software development expenses and investment
losses. Atlanta Business Chronicle
Wal-Mart interested in Decatur County location
The rumors floating around Bainbridge for the past
few years have turned out to be true: mega-retailer Wal-Mart
is definitely interested in locating in Decatur County. Bainbridge Post-Searchlight
Social Circle plant nears capacity
With four new subdivisions under construction and
an industrial park in the planning stages, city officials
have their eye on Social Circle's wastewater plant, which
is nearing capacity operation. Walton Tribune
Land-use plan set for vote in North Fulton
County officials ready to go ahead with vote in spite
of plans for new school. Atlanta Journal-Constitution
UGA acquires 72 acres across from East Campus
The University of Georgia paid $4.28 million for
a 72-acre tract across from East Campus. The new tract, which
will not be immediately developed, will eventually host residential,
instructional and recreational facilities. Athens Banner-Herald
Final provost candidate visits UGA
The search for someone to fill the shoes of former
University of Georgia Provost Karen Holbrook nears its end.
Red and Black
Clarke has to 'decide which kids we're
going to give up on'
Potential to hold back hundreds of students sounding
alarms in Clarke County schools. Athens Banner-Herald
Medical College of Georgia, Fort Gordon
prepare disaster course
Officials at Fort Gordon, The Medical College of
Georgia in Augusta and other universities are working to develop
a courses to teach the general public how to react in case
of a public emergency. Augusta Chronicle
Augusta State students stage anti-war protest
Students at Augusta State University gathered for
a peaceful protest against the possibility of U.S. military
intervention in Iraq. Augusta Chronicle
Clerical error confers STAR student status
on wrong hopeful
Berkmar High School senior Catharine Luo received
Gwinnett County's Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition
(STAR) last week, only to discover the honor will actually
be awarded to Parkview High's Laura Croft and Norcross High's
Kristin Knox, both of whom scored a perfect 1600 on their
Scholastic Aptitude Tests. Gwinnett Daily Post
Schools deluged by Cherokee County growth
A Cherokee County school official tries to stay ahead
of residential sprawl in Cherokee County, hoping to find a
way to leave a way for school facilities. Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Brooks County narrows superintendent search
to three
The Brooks County Board of Education in Quitman has
narrowed its search for a new superintendent of schools to
three, with one of the finalists coming from within the Brooks
County School System. Valdosta Daily Times
*Clayton County
teachers not renewing contracts in droves
Actions
of the Clayton County School Board are being blamed for a mass
exodus of teachers from the system. Jonesboro News Daily
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Flathead catfish taking toll on fish populations in
Georgia rivers
The flathead catfish, a native of the Mississippi
River system, has become a destructive force in Georgia rivers
since its introduction in the 1950s. With some specimens weighing
in at over 100 pounds, the flathead preys on native fishes
and has disturbed the delicate ecology of the state's rivers,
most notably the Flint. Bainbridge Post-Searchlight
Officials say mountain byway protects rural setting
Northwest Georgia officials put together plan for
Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway. Dalton Daily Citizen
*Colquitt County joins
hazardous cleanup effort
County plans to join city
of Moultrie in $2 million hazardous cleanup effort. Moultrie Observer
Two studies show aspirin cuts colon cancer risk
Two highly-anticipated studies indicate aspirin may
cut the risk of colon cancer risk in persons prone to malignancy.
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer
in the United States. Washington Post
South Albany gets health center
City commissioners approve funding for a critical-care
center to serve residents of the south side of the city. Albany Herald
State inquiry into Augusta mental health center ending
A state inquiry into a troubled Augusta mental health
center will end soon, Georgia Department of Human Resources
Commissioner Jim Martin has promised. Augusta Chronicle
Advocates for detox programs concerned over cuts
Advocates for the drug and alcohol-addicted are lamenting
the possible loss of a 12-bed detoxification facility in Athens.
Athens Banner-Herald
Lawmakers trying to unjam asbestos disease litigation
Congress cannot wait any longer to deal with an asbestos
disease litigation crisis which has left thousands of sick
people waiting for compensation while driving companies into
bankruptcy. Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kennesaw building proposal draws opposition
A planned development of $500,000 homes at Kennesaw
is drawing fire from residents, who fear for the integrity
of the national battlefield as well as views of Kennesaw Mountain.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Harris County commissioners reject $250 million orphanage
After six hours of debate, Harris County commissioners
in Hamilton rejected a rezoning request, blocking plans for
a $250 million project to house abused, neglected and orphaned
children in the west Georgia area. Augusta Chronicle/AP, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tiny Sandfly roars with restraining order
The tiny community of Sandfly near Savannah, which
once fought off the planned construction of a Target store,
now has stopped--temporarily at least--the continued construction
of a parkway and the building of a Super Wal-Mart, thanks
to a restraining order issued by a judge Wednesday. Savannah Morning News
Columbus votes to rezone for development in Midland
area
After nearly a year of debate, the Columbus Council
voted to rezone an area along Warm Springs Road to allow for
development. But the decision is not entirely clear-cut. Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Extermination firm fined $136,000 in school spraying
The state levied a $136,000 fine against a Cartersville
extermination company on the grounds that it put children
at risk while spraying pesticides in Cobb County schools.
Marietta Daily Journal
Arts curtain rises in suburban Cobb County
Regional arts venues lure corporate dollars. Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Grovetown joins in on Richmond County building boom
Its proximity to Fort Gordon, the location of a new
school and city annexation are contributing to a boom for
Grovetown, a traditionally rural community in western Richmond
County. Columbia County News Times
Valdosta sues developer over flooding in subdivision
Seeking a financial remedy to flooding problems in
Chadwyck Place subdivision, the City of Valdosta has joined
with affected landowners to sue the developer of the subdivision.
Valdosta Daily Times
Leesburg considers disaster-alert system
The City of Leesburg seeks input from Lee County's
fire chief in planning for how to better handle future storms.
Albany Herald
Relatives lay wreath at grave of only woman executed
in Georgia
Relatives gathered at a grave at Cuthbert on Wednesday
to mark the 58th anniversary of the execution of Lena Baker,
the only woman ever executed in Georgia's electric chair.
Augusta Chronicle/AP
Flooding Altamaha forces students to begin day with
boat ride
For students living in lowlying areas along the rain-swollen
Altamaha River, a boat ride adds a little exhiliaration as
they begin the trek to school each morning. Brunswick News
New Augusta emergency management head faces uphill
battle
The challenges of emergency management are daunting,
even for the new head of the Emergency Management Agency in
a midsize city the size of Augusta. Augusta Chronicle
Scandal leads sheriff to fire three Richmond County
deputies
Three Richmond County jailers who are accused of
paying a female murder suspect to take off her clothes were
fired Wednesday, but it appears unlikely they will be charged
with a crime. Augusta Chronicle
Brunswick's Sidney Lanier span to open April 7
The massive Sidney Lanier Bridge at Brunswick is
to open April 7, more than two years behind schedule. Florida Times Union
*Dredging by barge will allow Lake Peachtree to
remain full
For the first time since 1986,
Peachtree City's Lake Peachtree will be dredged, and city
officials have come up with a way to get the job done without
affecting the level of the lake. Fayette
Citizen
Congress designates funds for Barrow County airport
Locals hopeful funding will spur economic development
for Winder and Barrow County. Athens Banner-Herald
Downtown Fayetteville to get facelift
Fayetteville's downtown will get a deliberate and
profound facelift over the next 20 years that will be anything
but cosmetic. Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Cobb officials call for better coordination on I-75,
I-575 HOV lanes
Some Cobb County officials say plans for implementation
of HOV lanes need better cooperation to move forward. Marietta Daily Journal
Error in bid process may slow giant Gwinnett infrastructure
projects
A county error in requesting bids may delay some
of Gwinnett County's biggest water and sewer infrastructure
projects. Gwinnett Daily Post
Rockdale County adopts new ordinances to control
growth
Comprehensive rules for orderly growth five years
in the making. Rockdale Citizen
*LaGrange rally supports
troops
About 100 people turned out in downtown
LaGrange to rally in support of American troops in the Persian
Gulf region. LaGrange Daily News
Elbert County official could lose job to financial
cuts
Financial cuts within the Elbert County government could accelerate
next week as county officials consider cutting at least one
position from its ranks. Anderson Daily Mail
Augusta alliance hopes to forge rosy economic future
"It wasn't an ordinary meeting between our two-state
area movers and shakers that was held at the Pinnacle Club
last week. It was history in the making - at least, we hope,
significant local history. Co-hosted by two visionary organizations,
North Augusta 2000 and, on the Augusta side of the river,
the CSRA Community Foundation, the event marked the first
21st century strategic alliance, not only between Augusta
and North Augusta, but also to include Edgefield County and
the city of Aiken." Augusta Chronicle
Growing faith in the voting system
"We knew soon after the November 2002 elections in
Georgia that the new electronic touch-screen voting machines
had passed their first big test -- a fact for which Secretary
of State Cathy Cox and hundreds of poll workers around the
state no doubt heaved a large sigh of relief." Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
The Democrats' fili-bluster
"Senate Republicans today expect to fire their first
shot in hopes of breaking a month-old Democratic filibuster
over Miguel Estrada, President Bush's nominee to the 10th
Circuit Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia. Alas,
they appear to be arming themselves with BB's." Savannah Morning News
Dick Yarbrough: CBS needs its own reality check
"As if television programming wasn't already dragging
the bottom of the intellectual barrel, now CBS is working
on a new reality series intended to confirm the lingering
stereotype that everybody in the South lives on dirt roads
and marries their cousins." Athens Banner-Herald
Single mother trend in Georgia must end
"The statistics are alarming:
of the children born in Georgia in 2001 - and the trend almost
certainly is holding through the present - 37 percent are
offspring of unwed mothers. And while 27 percent of unwed
moms are in their teenage years, the majority are women age
20 or older. According to
statistics released earlier this week, the statewide breakdown
by race shows that 65.7 percent of black children were born
to single mothers in 2001, compared to 23.9 percent of white
children. These are the children, according to University
of Georgia demographer Doug Bachtel, who are relegated to
a life of poverty. He calls this the "No. 1 problem facing
the state of Georgia." Macon Telegraph
Michelangelo Signorile:
Wide world of sports still wildly homophobic
"Professional baseball and the journalists who cover
it experienced yet another sexual meltdown last month, this
time over a Dec. 19 New York Post "blind" item suggesting
-- without naming him -- that baseball legend Sandy Koufax
is gay. The heated overreactions
underscored how, in 2003, the mere mention of homosexuality
still sends many people in the sports world whirling in anxiety."
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jay Bookman: House water
bill dripping with pretense
"Water doesn't flow downhill. Water flows toward
money. So do politicians.
As a result, Georgia taxpayers
may soon be cheated out of publicly owned water resources
potentially worth many millions of dollars.
The mechanism for this wholesale theft of public property
is House Bill 237. Under its provisions, publicly owned water--
the stuff that falls out of the sky onto rich and poor,
old and young, black, white and brown--will be privatized
into a commodity that will be bought and sold like bushels
of wheat and pounds of coffee." Atlanta Journal Constitution
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