Thirty-nine people have been arrested after a lengthy drug investigation. The operation included law enforcement from Jones, Bibb, Twiggs, and Butts Counties. Police say the drug network was responsible for bringing methamphetamine from Atlanta to middle Georgia. The investigation started after Jones County Police made a traffic stop, and began surveillance on a man and woman in Macon. Police hope the arrests will slow the flow of meth between Atlanta and Macon. More arrests are expected in the case.
State lawmakers have moved to restrict embryonic stem cell research in Georgia. The move comes after President Barack Obama lifted a ban on using federal money for that propose. A State Senate panel quickly approved the measure after a subcommittee approved it earlier in the day. The bill defines an embryo as a person and bans the destruction of an embryo for scientific research. Critics say it would inhibit a recently surging bio tech business in Georgia.
Attorneys for U.S. Seanator Saxby Chambliss are heading to Savannah to fight a subpoena by an attorney suing the Imperial Sugar Company. Attorney Mark Tate wants to question Chambliss about whether company executives asked him to help them avoid blame in the 2007 explosion at their refinery in Port Wentworth. Senate lawyers claim Chambliss is immune from being deposed under a clause in the Constitution which prohibits members of Congress from testifying about legislative business in business lawsuits.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Thursday, October 2, 2008
News Headlines for October, 2, 2008
Eighth District Congressional candidate, Rick Goddard is criticizing Congressman Jim Marshall for his vote on the 700-billion dollar bailout package. Marshall is just one of two Georgia House members who supported the measure, which failed in the House. Goddard says he would have voted against the plan. Just last night the Senate passed a similar measure. Georgia's two Republican Senators, Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, both voted in favor of the plan.
The Carl Vinson VA Medical center is opening an outpatient clinic in Perry later this month. This means some veterans will not have to travel so far medical care. Veteran's can come to the clinic for primary care, mental health care, as well as eye exams and nutritional advice. Officials with the VA say the goal is to be able to treat patients closer to their homes.
The Georgia National Fair opens today in Perry. The ten day event is the largest fair in the state. Last year nearly 450-thousand people attended. The fairs Michelle Treptow says in light of the tough economic times organizers are changing their marketing strategy this year.
"We know that people have not been taking the big vacations, that they're staying closer to home. Thus the concept, staycation. Well we've taken that a further step and we're calling it a faircation. We're inviting everyone to come out to the Georgia national Fair October 2-12 and enjoy a faircation."
The fair is also important to Middle Georgia's economy. Each fair visitor spends an average of fifty dollars.
The Carl Vinson VA Medical center is opening an outpatient clinic in Perry later this month. This means some veterans will not have to travel so far medical care. Veteran's can come to the clinic for primary care, mental health care, as well as eye exams and nutritional advice. Officials with the VA say the goal is to be able to treat patients closer to their homes.
The Georgia National Fair opens today in Perry. The ten day event is the largest fair in the state. Last year nearly 450-thousand people attended. The fairs Michelle Treptow says in light of the tough economic times organizers are changing their marketing strategy this year.
"We know that people have not been taking the big vacations, that they're staying closer to home. Thus the concept, staycation. Well we've taken that a further step and we're calling it a faircation. We're inviting everyone to come out to the Georgia national Fair October 2-12 and enjoy a faircation."
The fair is also important to Middle Georgia's economy. Each fair visitor spends an average of fifty dollars.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Headlines for September 25, 2008
DayJet discontinues service into Macon
DayJet has discontinued service into the Macon Downtown Airport. The on-demand air service company made it possible for customers to fly into sixty cities across the Southeast for a yearly membership fee and the cost of a ticket. Officials with the Florida-based company say they were unable to arrange financing to continue operations. They will not honor reservations or issue refunds. Atlanta-based ImagineAir is a similar service. They serve more than 600 airports across the Southeast and say they will pick up many of DayJet's abandoned routes. They will fly out of Macon's Middle Georgia Regional Airport.
Medical Center of Central Georgia cutting millions from its budget
The Medical Center of Central Georgia is attempting to cut 33-million dollars from its budget. Hospital officials sent an email to employees and trustees informing them of the cuts. The hospital is in the midst of an initiative to reduce costs and has asked employees for their input. They say operating margins are the weakest in recent memory. They also cite state budget cuts, increased competition, and reductions in the number of patients. They say job cuts are likely as a result of the upcoming changes.
Flu vaccines are coming soon
Several local health departments in Middle Georgia will begin offering flu vaccines next week. They say supplies are good this year and that they should have plenty of the vaccines on hand. In recent years shortages have plagued doctors and health departments across the country. Officials say the elderly and very young are particularly at-risk for the flu. Flu kills around 36-thousand Americans every year.
DayJet has discontinued service into the Macon Downtown Airport. The on-demand air service company made it possible for customers to fly into sixty cities across the Southeast for a yearly membership fee and the cost of a ticket. Officials with the Florida-based company say they were unable to arrange financing to continue operations. They will not honor reservations or issue refunds. Atlanta-based ImagineAir is a similar service. They serve more than 600 airports across the Southeast and say they will pick up many of DayJet's abandoned routes. They will fly out of Macon's Middle Georgia Regional Airport.
Medical Center of Central Georgia cutting millions from its budget
The Medical Center of Central Georgia is attempting to cut 33-million dollars from its budget. Hospital officials sent an email to employees and trustees informing them of the cuts. The hospital is in the midst of an initiative to reduce costs and has asked employees for their input. They say operating margins are the weakest in recent memory. They also cite state budget cuts, increased competition, and reductions in the number of patients. They say job cuts are likely as a result of the upcoming changes.
Flu vaccines are coming soon
Several local health departments in Middle Georgia will begin offering flu vaccines next week. They say supplies are good this year and that they should have plenty of the vaccines on hand. In recent years shortages have plagued doctors and health departments across the country. Officials say the elderly and very young are particularly at-risk for the flu. Flu kills around 36-thousand Americans every year.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Headlines for September 24, 2008
Bibb County Grand Jury issues more indictments
A Bibb Coutny Grand Jury has re indicted four men involved in the shooting death of a Bibb County Sheriff's deputy. Damon Jolly and Antron fair are already charged with the murder of Deputy Joseph Whitehead, who was shot and killed while serving a no-knock warrant. The additional charges name Thomas Porter and Hassan Harclerode and include drug and gun possession, aggravated assault, and additional counts of murder. Jolly is scheduled to go on trial in January. A judge ruled that those proceedings will take place in Savannah. Jolly and Fair both face the death penalty if convicted.
Trial begins for Perry doctor
A trial is underway for a Perry doctor. Dr. Spurgeon Green is accused of prescribing medication that caused the deaths of seven patients. Prosecutors allege he prescribed vast amounts of painkillers, sometimes seeing more than 150 patients in one day. He is also accused of manipulating medical records. Defense attorney's say he was an affordable physician who was also a certified pain specialist. A physician's assistant and pharmacist are also charged in the case.
Bibb County School students are putting on their walking shoes
A new policy is taking some Bibb County students off the bus. The school system sent letters to the parents of children who live within 1 1/2 miles of their schools. They will now be required to walk. Officials say 45-hundred students live within designated walk zones. The State of Georgia will not provide funding for bus transportation for kids in walking zones. The school system says the changes are as a result of Governor Sonny Perdue's budget cuts.
A Bibb Coutny Grand Jury has re indicted four men involved in the shooting death of a Bibb County Sheriff's deputy. Damon Jolly and Antron fair are already charged with the murder of Deputy Joseph Whitehead, who was shot and killed while serving a no-knock warrant. The additional charges name Thomas Porter and Hassan Harclerode and include drug and gun possession, aggravated assault, and additional counts of murder. Jolly is scheduled to go on trial in January. A judge ruled that those proceedings will take place in Savannah. Jolly and Fair both face the death penalty if convicted.
Trial begins for Perry doctor
A trial is underway for a Perry doctor. Dr. Spurgeon Green is accused of prescribing medication that caused the deaths of seven patients. Prosecutors allege he prescribed vast amounts of painkillers, sometimes seeing more than 150 patients in one day. He is also accused of manipulating medical records. Defense attorney's say he was an affordable physician who was also a certified pain specialist. A physician's assistant and pharmacist are also charged in the case.
Bibb County School students are putting on their walking shoes
A new policy is taking some Bibb County students off the bus. The school system sent letters to the parents of children who live within 1 1/2 miles of their schools. They will now be required to walk. Officials say 45-hundred students live within designated walk zones. The State of Georgia will not provide funding for bus transportation for kids in walking zones. The school system says the changes are as a result of Governor Sonny Perdue's budget cuts.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Headlines for September 23, 2008
DOT Chief in Macon
Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner, Gena Evans was in Macon Monday evening. The city was the first stop on a seven city statewide listening tour. The audience was filled with residents and politicians who were there to give input on local roads projects. More than fifty groups have banded together to try and block the proposed changed to the I-16/I-75 Interchange. They attended the hearing, but left with little hope that the project would be scaled back. Macon Mayor, Robert Reichert supports the 300-million dollar plan for the highway. He says interstates are good for Macon.
"I for one appreciate the fact that the interstate highway system runs through Macon. I think it has been a key to our success thus far. I think it is a big part of our promise for the future."
Commissioner Evans also expressed her support for commuter rail service and the use of tolls to fund road projects.
Macon City Council looks at alcohol tax
The Macon City Council is not showing much enthusiasm for Mayor Robert Reichert's proposed alcohol tax. The mayor's administration requested the 3-percent tax as a way to raise revenue. Council officials say the new tax would drive business away from the city to the county. They suggest the city work with the county to pass a similar tax at the same time.
Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner, Gena Evans was in Macon Monday evening. The city was the first stop on a seven city statewide listening tour. The audience was filled with residents and politicians who were there to give input on local roads projects. More than fifty groups have banded together to try and block the proposed changed to the I-16/I-75 Interchange. They attended the hearing, but left with little hope that the project would be scaled back. Macon Mayor, Robert Reichert supports the 300-million dollar plan for the highway. He says interstates are good for Macon.
"I for one appreciate the fact that the interstate highway system runs through Macon. I think it has been a key to our success thus far. I think it is a big part of our promise for the future."
Commissioner Evans also expressed her support for commuter rail service and the use of tolls to fund road projects.
Macon City Council looks at alcohol tax
The Macon City Council is not showing much enthusiasm for Mayor Robert Reichert's proposed alcohol tax. The mayor's administration requested the 3-percent tax as a way to raise revenue. Council officials say the new tax would drive business away from the city to the county. They suggest the city work with the county to pass a similar tax at the same time.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Macon's Drought Plan
Emergency workers are preparing for possible drought relief with help from Macon.
In 1994 Tropical Storm Alberto flooded Macon. The city's water treatment plant shut down and residents spent 21 days without water.
Now as the state's record drought continues, Macon officials are helping others around the state plan on how to live without water. Johnny Wingers is with Bibb County's Emergency Management Agency. He coordinated the relief in 1994 and says two things are very important.
"First thing is porta potties. Then they thought no water, no sanitation you know. The next thing they thought of was the number of volunteers it's going to take to run this operation."
During the flood Wingers and 23-hundred volunteers set up water distribution points with help from FEMA and the National Guard. He will train more emergency workers in December.
In 1994 Tropical Storm Alberto flooded Macon. The city's water treatment plant shut down and residents spent 21 days without water.
Now as the state's record drought continues, Macon officials are helping others around the state plan on how to live without water. Johnny Wingers is with Bibb County's Emergency Management Agency. He coordinated the relief in 1994 and says two things are very important.
"First thing is porta potties. Then they thought no water, no sanitation you know. The next thing they thought of was the number of volunteers it's going to take to run this operation."
During the flood Wingers and 23-hundred volunteers set up water distribution points with help from FEMA and the National Guard. He will train more emergency workers in December.
Monday, November 5, 2007
News Headlines for November 5, 2007
Jury selection begins today in Baldwin County, On trial is one of four men accused of several violent crimes over Labor Day weekend in 2006. Rafael Crawford is the only one in the group to not plead guilty. The others have already been sentenced for crimes that range from manslaughter to armed robbery. Police officials say the weekend was memorable for the large number of violent crimes that took place.
Bibb County Commissioners gathered for a retreat over the weekend. The group discussed several issues including consolidation, education, and raising the sales tax. One of the major sticking points was the power of Commission Chair, Charlie Bishop. Some of those present said they were uncomfortable with the fact that he is entitled to vote on every committee. They say this ties up the vote on many issues. Newly elected Commissioner Lonzy Edwards called for the retreat.
The Governors of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida may be nearing an agreement in the tug-of-war over water. The three states have been locked in a bitter battle over water rights since 1990. An epic drought in the Southeast has intensified the fight. Governor Perdue called the meeting pleasant to some degree. The group reached a short term agreement to reduce the amount of water flowing downstream out of Lake Lanier by 16%. Georgia and Alabama are still locked in lawsuits with the Army Corps of Engineers who control water releases from Lake Lanier.
In sports the Mercer women's basketball team opened its season with a 92-63 victory over Georgia College in an exhibition game on Saturday. The regular season starts November 9th.
Bibb County Commissioners gathered for a retreat over the weekend. The group discussed several issues including consolidation, education, and raising the sales tax. One of the major sticking points was the power of Commission Chair, Charlie Bishop. Some of those present said they were uncomfortable with the fact that he is entitled to vote on every committee. They say this ties up the vote on many issues. Newly elected Commissioner Lonzy Edwards called for the retreat.
The Governors of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida may be nearing an agreement in the tug-of-war over water. The three states have been locked in a bitter battle over water rights since 1990. An epic drought in the Southeast has intensified the fight. Governor Perdue called the meeting pleasant to some degree. The group reached a short term agreement to reduce the amount of water flowing downstream out of Lake Lanier by 16%. Georgia and Alabama are still locked in lawsuits with the Army Corps of Engineers who control water releases from Lake Lanier.
In sports the Mercer women's basketball team opened its season with a 92-63 victory over Georgia College in an exhibition game on Saturday. The regular season starts November 9th.
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