Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Barrow Joins The Hunt For Online Predators

By Merritt Melancon
The Athens Banner-Herald
December 15, 2010

When an undercover Barrow County deputy nabbed a South Georgia man who traveled to Barrow County to have sex with a 15-year-old girl, the officer didn't take a predator off the streets of Winder.

But his work contributed to a statewide mission to keep Georgia children safe online.

"We just felt it gave us a different facet for the sheriff's office to be able to intercept predators before they reach a victim," said Sheriff Jud Smith. "I know we didn't (arrest) anyone from Barrow County, but we might have saved someone down in Fort Stewart or South Georgia, somebody's child, from becoming a victim."

Barrow County is one of the latest in Georgia to join a statewide effort to weed out online predators. About 110 local law enforcement agencies now are proactively looking for people who would take advantage of minors online, according to John Whitaker, a special agent in charge of the GBI's Internet Crimes Against Children task force.

Tap on link for further reading: http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/121510/new_756675634.shtml

© 2010 | OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Deal Challenges Lawmakers To Tackle Tough Issues

By Dave Williams
Atlanta Business Chronicle
December 14, 2010

Tax reform, water and saving the HOPE Scholarship program will top the agenda of Georgia’s governor and General Assembly during the upcoming legislative session, Gov.-elect Nathan Deal said Tuesday.

Speaking to newly elected and veteran lawmakers at a biennial conference for legislators at The University of Georgia, Deal promised that tough challenges await the state’s elected leaders. But he said the difficult times Georgia is going through also offer an unprecedented chance to make a difference.

“What greater opportunity to shape state government than right now?” Deal during a luncheon speech that concluded the three-day conference. “I don’t think you will find it.”

Tap on link to read further: http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2010/12/14/deal-challenges-lawmakers-to-tackle.html

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Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Transit Action Unlikely In Upcoming Legislature

By Ariel Hart
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politcs
December 8, 2010

After a legislative commission meeting on Tuesday, a high-ranking Republican said there is no interest either to change the planned transportation tax referendum or pass sweeping regional mass transit legislation.

Rep. Donna Sheldon, R-Dacula, who chairs the commission set up to remake transit and also chairs the House Republican Caucus, said that both efforts are important enough that lawmakers need to spend some time on them during the next year. She said both issues likely would be addressed in 2012.

“I do not believe we’ll have legislation for this session,” Sheldon said of her commission’s transit work. “This is a major investment in the community and so we need to take our time and be careful. I have no desire to put a bandaid on this.”

Tap on link to read whole story: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/transit-action-unlikely-in-769636.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

No Second Term For Democratic Leader

By Blake Aued
The Athens Banner-Herald
December 8, 2010

Jane Kidd will not run for a second term as state Democratic Party chairwoman, she said Tuesday.

Kidd, a former public relations professional who was elected to the volunteer position in 2007, said she needs a paying job that involves public service.

"I'm looking at a lot of options," she said. "I don't have any specific plans right now."

As the leader of the state party, Kidd played a major role in the relatively successful 2008 election, when Barack Obama was the first Democratic presidential candidate with a competitive campaign in Georgia since 1996 and U.S. Senate nominee Jim Martin pushed Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss into a runoff. Eighteen counties flipped from red to blue.

Tap on link to read article: http://onlineathens.com/stories/120810/new_748862926.shtml

© 2010 | OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Governor Perdue Unveils Official Portrait

First portrait to include Governor and First Lady

ATLANTA (December 6, 2010) – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue unveiled today his official portrait to hang in the halls of the Georgia State Capitol. Previous paintings have showcased governors and important moments in their terms; this is the first portrait to include both a Governor and First Lady.

“There is a uniqueness to this portrait - it has two people in it. I asked that Mary be by my side for two reasons. One, I knew it would make the thing prettier. Two, I wanted it to be a commentary saying that what we accomplished, we accomplished as a team,” said Governor Perdue. “I couldn’t have done this without Mary. She has been my greatest earthly source of inspiration and she has served as a daily reminder of our purpose in public office.”

Tap on link to read further: http://www.theweekly.com/news/2010/December/06/Perdue_Portrait.html

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Deal: Ga. Has To Cut Back On State Spending

By Ray Henry
Associated Press
Macon Telegraph
December 7, 2010

JEKYLL ISLAND -- Gov.-elect Nathan Deal told farmers Monday that state spending must be trimmed because of weak tax collections, although an advisory commission will recommend keeping tax exemptions considered critical by the agriculture industry.

Deal was the keynote speaker at the 72nd annual convention of the Georgia Farm Bureau, a powerful lobbying group in a state where agriculture is the largest economic sector. The appearance demonstrated some of the economic challenges Deal’s administration could face as it balances its desire to cut spending against the demands of influential interest groups.

During his speech, Deal said that government spending needs to shrink to reflect an economy that has left nearly 10 percent of residents unemployed and driven down tax revenue.

Tap on link to read further: http://www.macon.com/2010/12/07/1367717/deal-ga-has-to-cut-back.html

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Running On Empty

Whitfield County budget crisis could result in layoffs, service cuts

By Jamie Jones
The Dalton Daily Citizen
Dec 06, 2010

With Whitfield County facing serious budget problems, one official says that “everything is on the table.”

Layoffs, furloughs, a property tax hike, service cuts, a request for another Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) or a combination of all five could occur.

“I think it would be fair to say that every option is open to be considered,” said Mike Babb, chairman of the county Board of Commissioners. “Sooner or later if the economy doesn’t turn around, you’ve gotta say, ‘This is it.’”

Commissioners must pass the 2011 budget before the end of December. The five commissioners plan to meet during a work session this week to discuss the budget and possible cuts to departments. Since the budget must be advertised for 14 days, the vote could come during the last week of December, Babb said.

Tap link for further reading: http://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x278367549/Running-on-empty

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Monday, December 06, 2010

Palmyra Unveils New Technology

The Stryker system for neurological surgery at Palmyra Medical Center is the only one of its kind in Georgia.

By Terry Lewis
The Albany Herald
December 6, 2010

ALBANY, Ga. — Harry Weiser is not your typical brain surgeon, but like most typical boys, he likes his toys — big toys.

As head of Palmyra Medical Center’s new Brain and Spinal Center, Dr. Weiser has some state-of-the art toys at his disposal.

When he returned to Albany this past summer after two years at Gulfport Memorial Hospital in Mississippi, Weiser and Palmyra CEO Mark Rader collaborated to bring to southwest Georgia something the region severely lacked — a world-class neurological facility.

But to achieve that goal, Weiser and Rader needed a big toy, and they got it in the form of the Stryker Navigation Suite — a new computer-assisted surgical technology. The $1.5 million suite is the only one of its kind in the state and is one of just 30 nationwide.

“I love my toys and this is a great one,” Weiser said. “Now people don’t have to leave town anymore for brain surgery. Think of this system as a global positioning system for the brain. This technology is accurate to one millimeter. It is very safe. We need this new technology in south Georgia and no one else in the state has it.

Tap on link for whole article: http://www.albanyherald.com/home/headlines/Palmyra_unveils_new_technology_111363384.html

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Don't Touch Our Tax Break, Businesses Plead With Reform Council

By Margaret Newkirk
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta Business News
December 6, 2010

Eight years ago, farmers from Alabama were big players in Atlanta’s lively sod market, which flourished during the region’s decades-long housing boom.

That’s not true today, after the state exempted sod from state sales tax, as Alabama had already done.

The number of Alabama farmers shipping grass here dropped and the number of Georgia sod farmers grew, according the president of a sod company near Newnan. "Please do not recommend reinstatement of taxes that will impact our industry's ability to compete," wrote NG Turf's Aaron McWhorter in a letter to the state's Council on Tax Reform and Fairness.

Tap on link to read further: http://www.ajc.com/business/dont-touch-our-tax-768184.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Friday, December 03, 2010

Farm Planned At Old Housing Site In Atlanta

The Newnan Times-Herald
Times-Herald.com
December 3, 2010

ATLANTA (AP) -- A group is planning to bring farming to a site near downtown Atlanta.

Rashid Nuri says he's leased four acres just a block from historic Auburn Avenue, at the former location of the Wheat Street projects.

Nuri says he plans to transform the area into what he calls Wheat Street Gardens.

He says asphalt will be replaced with soil. Mulch and wood chips will be part of planting beds, and fruit trees will be grown.

Nuri says a major part of his group's work will be to teach people how to grow food.

He says freshness will be emphasized, with people being able to pick up and take home food that was cut that day.

http://ap.times-herald.com/dynamic/stories/G/GA_URBAN_FARM_GAOL-?SITE=GANEW&SECTION=STATE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Information from: WSB-TV, http://www.wsbtv.com/index.html

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Gov.-Elect Deal's Washington Ties Could Help State

By Bob Keefe
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
December 3, 2010

WASHINGTON -- On the campaign trail, former U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal downplayed his ties to Washington -- understandably so given voter frustration with Congress and the Obama administration.

Now that he's the incoming governor, Deal and his former colleagues in Washington say his history and connections here could help the state immensely when it comes to federal funding and working on issues such as the fight over health care legislation, the dredging of the Port of Savannah and the tri-state water war.

"I don't think you can measure the importance -- it's just extremely important that Nathan was here for 16 to 18 years," U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss said.

Tap on link to read further: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/gov-elect-deals-washington-764348.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thursday, December 02, 2010

Jonesboro Ponders Layoffs, Furloughs To Balance Budget

By John Thompson
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
December 2, 2010

Like many others this holiday season, the mayor and City Council of Jonesboro face some tough budgetary decisions -- but theirs involve layoffs, furloughs and taxes.

On Monday, the City Council discussed how to balance the 2011 budget of $2.6 million, something they must do by Dec. 31.

Facing a $300,000 shortfall, the city continues to consider laying off two police officers and requiring all 37 employees to take one furlough day a month.

But even those measures would leave the city $172,000 short.

Tap on link for article: http://www.ajc.com/news/clayton/jonesboro-ponders-layoffs-furloughs-762145.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Hall To Submit Grievances On Unnecessary Laws In State

Association County Commissioners will lobby to eliminate some measures

By Melissa Weinman
The Gainesville Times
December 2, 2010

With a new legislative session on the horizon, county governments are preparing their wish lists.

The Association County Commissioners of Georgia has asked county officials to help them compile a list of laws and regulations they feel are unnecessary and use up local resources. When the General Assembly convenes, the association will lobby to eliminate or temporarily halt some of these measures.

"We're trying to take those resources and provide more flexibility in how they're utilized and part of that is going back and looking at these things that constrain us in state law, seeing what's necessary and what we could do without, at least temporarily," said Clint Mueller, the legislative director for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia.

"We spend a whole lot of time and resources in county government with administrative overhead and planning. In today's environment, we have a lot less resources, and we've got to make sure we get as much of our resources to the front lines. In other words, paying the salaries of our public safety officers, keeping the courts open, providing money for a health department and those essential services."

Tap on link for further reading: http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/42183/

© Copyright 2010 The Times, Gainesville, GA. All rights reserved.

Deal To Discuss Key Issues With Obama

Governor-elect to talk about health care reform, job creation.

By Melissa Weinman
The Gainesville Times
December 2, 2010

Gov.-elect Nathan Deal is traveling to Washington, D.C., today to meet with President Barack Obama and other incoming governors at the White House.

There is no agenda for the meeting, but Deal speculates they will discuss health care, taxes and spending, a spokesman said.

"Nathan has said today that he hopes the president uses this opportunity to seek the advice of the governors-elect," Deal spokesman Brian Robinson said Wednesday. "The governors-elect have just come off the campaign trail, they have been face to face with the voters for the last 12 to 18 months and they are seeing what's really happening out there as opposed to what's happening inside the walls of the White House."

Tap on link to see article: http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/42163/

© Copyright 2010 The Times, Gainesville, GA. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Would-be U.S. House Budget Panel Chair Kingtson Says He'd Slash $850 Billion From Budget

Savannah lawmaker sets goal to head budget panel in Washington

By Larry Peterson
The Savannah Morning News
Savannahnow.com
December 1, 2010

Seeking to chair the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, Jack Kingston called for a major overhaul of federal spending on Tuesday.

Rather than targeting specific outlays, Kingston seeks procedural changes aimed at "destroying the spending infrastructure."

The Savannah Republican's goal: Cut annual spending - now about $3.5 trillion a year - by more than $850 billion "over time."

Please tap on link for full article: http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-12-01/would-be-us-house-budget-panel-chair-kingtson-says-hed-slash-850-billion-budget

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Blueprint: Peer-led Phys-ed Classes Helping Students Build Strength,Friendships

By Ryan Blackburn
Athens Banner-Herald
November 30, 2010

Just passing by Isaac Wyatt in the hallways at Malcom Bridge Middle School, you wouldn't think he could do many sit-ups.

But this month, a team of eighth-graders helped cheer him on as he went through 20 of them.

"It really did surprise me," said Crockett Floyd, an eighth-grader at the school. "It surprised me as many as he did. I thought we were going to come in here and have to help him do a little bit more, but he seems pretty self-sufficient and motivated."

Tap on link for full story: http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/113010/new_743231929.shtml

© 2010 | OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald