Firemen describe the rush of a rescue

EAST POINT, Ga. -- It was a rare look at an extraordinary day in the life of a fireman, and what goes through their minds before and after a successful rescue. The East Point Fire Department gathered Thursday to salute two men who saved a young boy and girl from their burning home Monday night. The children were left alone when the fire started.

"We were just determined to save these kids," said Lt. Cedric Chaney. "We were determined to get them out of that house once we knew they were in there."

They ran into the home, but the smoke was too thick to see. They used their training, which taught them to use their hands as eyes. As they searched the rooms, they paused to listen, another training cue.

"We heard moaning, and that's how I knew we had victims in that bedroom," said Lt. Scott Thompson.

They found the young girl, but she wasn't breathing. They found the boy after her, and took them both out of the building. After CPR was performed on the girl, she started breathing.

"Imagine the best experience of your life, and then multiply that times ten, and that's the feeling you get when you save a life," Thompson said. "In the fire service, we experience a lot of death. To have a save like that where someone survives, it kind of makes up for all of it."

The parents showed up after the children were rescued. The kids are in the hospital, expected to make a full recovery. East Point police have not charged the parents with a crime. They will make that decision after meeting with fire investigators and the district attorney.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

United Nations recognizes state of Palestine

UNITED NATIONS (USA Today) - The United Nations General Assembly voted Thursday 138-9 with 41 abstentions to grant Palestine non-member state status.

The vote does not settle outstanding issues with Israel or change anything on the ground, say experts.

"We are here for a final serious attempt to achieve peace," Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas told General Assembly delegates before the vote. "Not to end the negotiation process... rather to breath new life into the negotiation process."

Vuk Jeremic, president of the General Assembly acknowledged the historical nature of the vote and called on Israeli and Palestinian leaders "to work for peace, negotiate in good faith and succeed."

Israelis say the Palestinian appeal for non-member state status will make peace less likely. Currently the Palestinian Authority has the status of U.N. observer.

Abbas went forward despite appeals to postpone the request, which the United States says will only make negotiations for a permanent state less likely to happen.

"If the Israeli authorities want to threaten my life, they can," Abbas said according to Palestinian news agency Ma'an. "The whole world realizes that the Palestinian Authority, with all its political and security services, and administrative bodies, has been ready to upgrade its status for six years."

The Israeli government did not threaten Abbas' life, but said said that peace is only achieved through negotiations, and not by unilateral declarations that do not take into consideration Israel security needs.

"Israel's hand is always extended in peace, but a Palestinian state will not be established without recognition of the state of Israel as the state of the Jewish people, without an end-of-conflict declaration, and without true security arrangements that will protect Israel and its citizens," he said Thursday.

Ahead of the vote, Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch filed an amendment to a defense bill that would eliminate funding for the United Nations if the General Assembly changes Palestine's status.

"Increasing the Palestinians' role in the United Nations is absolutely the wrong approach, especially in light of recent military developments in the Middle East," he said in a statement. "Israel is one of America's closest allies, and any movement to strengthen one of its fiercest enemies must not be tolerated."

In his speech, Abbas said he"did not come here to de-legitimize a state established years ago, that is Israrel. Rather we are here to affirm a state that must achieve its independence, and that is Palestine."

His bid to seek U.N.recognition was met with "an incessant flood of Israeli threats," he said, including "justification of military assaults and ethnic cleansing,particularly in east Jerusalem."

Israel's occupation "is becoming consistent with an apartheid system" that promotes "racial hatred and incitement," he said. "The window of opportunity is narrowing and time is running out."

Israel and the United States are concerned that the Palestinians are trying to create a state without negotiating a lasting peace with Israel and solving once and for all the issues that have prevented a resolution to the conflict.

Palestinians are "trying to grab statehood without having to compromise with Israel," said David Weinberg, director of public affairs at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, a think-tank in Israel.

Rather than leading to a Palestinian state or improving the prospects for negotiations with Israel, the bid will do the opposite, Weinberg said. "It will harden positions on all sides and force Israel to take actions against Abbas' authority that will set any chances of real peace emerging back for years."

Among the issues to be decided are the status of Jerusalem, which both Israelis and Palestinians claim for a capital, the details of borders and security, mutual recognition and refugee claims.

Palestinian leaders are pressing ahead, arguing that improving their status at the United Nations will give them better bargaining power against Israel, which they say has been stalling on negotiations while expanding settlements on land Palestinians want for a state.

Hanan Ashrawi, a senior official of the Palestine Liberation Organization and a former peace negotiator, said upgrading Palestinian status in the United Nations from observer to non-member state status will "enshrine our right to self-determination and statehood" and "help prevent Israel from destroying the chances for peace."

She said Israel is working against peace by annexing Jerusalem and building a security barrier on land that should belong in a Palestinian state.

The world must move quickly, "unless there are no more chances of peace," she said.

Unlike Abbas' failed attempt at gaining full state recognition in 2011, Thursday's measure does not require Security Council approval or risk a U.S. veto.

Many U.N. countries are likely to agree to the Palestinian request, including France, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark and Norway, according to Israeli news outlet Ynet News. The United States sees it as the wrong move, according to the State Department.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says U.N. recognition of an independent Palestinian nation won't help Palestinians or Israelis reach a lasting two-state peace agreement. Clinton said the "path to a two-state solution that fulfills the aspirations of the Palestinian people is through Jerusalem and Ramallah, not New York."

"We're focused on a policy objective on the ground for the Palestinian people, for the people of Israel, which is to end up with two states that can live peacefully next to each other," Nuland said. "Nothing in this action at the U.N. is going to take the Palestinians any closer to that. ... We think it makes other steps that might improve the lives of Palestinians and Israelis harder."

Israel says the U.N. request contradicts agreements with the Palestinians that issues of statehood and sovereignty would be settled through negotiations.

Israel has threatened to withhold tax revenue it collects for the Palestinian Authority, while members of Congress have threatened to cut aid payments to the Palestinian governing body. Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev said only negotiations with Israel can bring about a Palestinian state.

Three Israeli prime ministers have offered Palestinian negotiators a Palestinian state on 100% of Gaza and more than 90% of the West Bank with additional land swaps from inside Israel to make up the difference.

Weinberg said there's room for compromise, "but Israel's not going to fold under international dictate coming through Palestinian maneuvers in the U.N. where they have an automatic majority."

Many negotiations have taken place since peace talks began with the Oslo accords in 1994 but have not resulted in agreement. Abbas insisted that Israeli settlement building in the West Bank and East Jerusalem cease before talks resumed. Israel won't accept such preconditions.

Aaron David Miller, vice president of the Woodrow Wilson Center and a former Middle East peace negotiator for the State Department, said Abbas' bid at the United Nations is "a non-consequential move by a weak player holding very weak cards."

The U.N. status may allow the Palestinians to request charges against Israeli actions in international bodies such as the International Criminal Court. Even if Palestinians bring Israel before U.N. legal bodies, the outcome of such efforts is uncertain because Israel would bring counter charges against the Palestinians, Miller said.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Football fans swarm downtown, and some will be here for days

ATLANTA -- The RVs are rolling into Atlanta as fans arrive for this weekend's SEC Championship game, perhaps the biggest game for Georgia Bulldog fans in three decades.

Fans of the Alabama Crimson Tide will have something to say about all that.

RELATED | Send us pictures showing off your team spirit

Tucked away inside a swarm of Falcons and Saints fans who've gathered outside of the Georgia Dome for Thursday night's NFL game, Tide fan Better Parker relaxed in her RV with friends. The group arrived Wednesday night, a full three days before the game.

"We go where the Tide goes," said Parker.

Some economists say because the SEC Championship game involves an in-state team, it will likely mean fewer out-of-state visitors to Atlanta, and less money.

A spokesman for the Southeastern Conference says downtown hotels are full, and the impact on the city will be at least $27 million.

In addition to the 75,000 ticketholders who will be at the game, the conference estimates there will be an additional 25,000 football fans outside of the Georgia Dome tailgating and taking in the atmosphere.

The game pits #2 ranked Alabama against #3 Georgia. The winner is expected to play Notre Dame to determine who is top dog in college football.

Georgia last won a national championship in 1980 when the Bulldogs defeated Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl.

"We always come two or three days early to a game," said Parker. "We tailgate, eat out, shop, have fun, and wait on the game."

They'll have plenty of company by Saturday.

MORE | Bulldogs switch focus to Alabama
RELATED | SEC news and notes from this past weekend
RELATED | Dawgs vs. Jackets: A family divided 
MORE | NCAA Football scores and news

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Daily 11@7 Special Coverage: Dropout Fallout

Latest Headlines

11Alive and Hands On Atlanta!

Hands On Atlanta helps individuals, families, corporate and community groups ...

Shane Ladner Speaks Out

11Alive News spoke exclusively to wounded Holly Springs Police Officer Shane ...

Snow On Stone Mountain!

Temperatures are in the 60s, the warm sunshine is out, and...it's snowing! ...

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Stealing from new moms in Woodstock ministry: baby cribs vanish

WOODSTOCK, Ga. -- Who would steal anything from new moms?

That's just what happened in Woodstock.

Someone drove off with a trailer full of baby cribs.

The 5' x 8' trailer, containing five new cribs and five new mattresses, was locked and parked behind a parenting ministry for new moms, in Woodstock.

But when Monti Price came to work Wednesday morning, "there was a big, empty space where my trailer usually is."

Price called Woodstock Police.

Price runs a thrift shop business called Baby and More, on Molly Lane, off of Hiway 92 and I-575, which helps fund The HOPE Center, next door -- a non-profit that educates and counsels and supports new moms in need.

The ministry uses the trailer to distribute brand-new cribs and car seats to participants in the program.

The ministry's logos are all over the exterior of the trailer: "Baby and More," and "The HOPE Center," and also "Safe Kids of Cherokee County."

The trailer has a Georgia tag: TL 6Y131.

Brittany Duncan, the Public Information Officer for Woodstock Police, said the trailer, a 2002, white, Cherokee single-axle two-wheeler, disappeared some time between 6:00 p.m. Tuesday and 9:00 a.m. Wednesday.

The trailer is a crucial part of the organization's outreach.

"We pick up the cribs for the clients" using the trailer, Price said -- new cribs that are often donated to the program. "So we're helping moms have beds for their babies, who otherwise wouldn't. And we also do car seats for Safe Kids of Cherokee County."

The new moms who are admitted into the HOPE Center program participate in classes in order to "earn" a crib and car seat.

"The moms come and take classes, and some have children under three years old when they first come to us," Price said, "but most are pregnant moms, and they will take classes, pre-natal classes all the way through to parenting classes, any education a mom would need. And it's called Earn While You Learn, to earn the crib after several weekly classes, to educate them on how to keep their children safe, and help them provide a nice bed, not just a used bed that we don't know anything about, but a nice, new bed."

Price said there is currently a waiting list for the cribs, and the first person on that list was due to pick up her crib this week.

"She's not going to have a crib, right now," Price said, shaking her head. "I don't think the thieves were interested in the cribs, I don't think they knew the cribs were there, I think they liked the trailer."

The theft is a blow to the program, said Executive Director Cindy O'Leary.

"And with ten people on a waiting list currently, earning their way toward those cribs, we're really hoping that those who stole the trailer will come under conviction and return it. They will probably be surprised with the contents, and we would love to have the cribs returned, and be able to distribute them."

Monti Price and Cindy O'Leary say they are forgiving women who just want the trailer and cribs back, for the new moms.

"You know, they're taking away from people just like themselves, probably," said Price. "They're probably on hard times and doing desperate things. We're having desperate times, too. But it doesn't mean you go and take things from other people."

O'Leary said the staff said a prayer while Price was calling 9-1-1 Wednesday morning.

"The Lord can work all things together for good," O'Leary said. "And we're just trusting. Good will come of it."

If you see the trailer, call Woodstock Police, 770-592-6030.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bobbi Kristina uninjured in car accident

ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- Bobbi Kristina Brown is thanking her late mother after she walked away from a car accident without a scratch on Wednesday.

"My#PersonalGuardianAngel -- thankumom," tweeted Brown. "NotAScratch&ok --- Wow,PraiseGod."

Police said speed was likely a factor when the19-year-old daughter of the late singing superstar lost control of her Chevy Camaro and crashed down an embankment, through several small trees and onto a jogging trail in Georgia, reports the Daily News.

George Gordon, spokesman for the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, noted that alcohol and drugs were not a factor. He said police found Brown standing outside her wrecked car after a passerby reported the incident.

The 19-year-old was given a ticket for "failure to maintain lane" and must appear in court, police said.

USA TODAY

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Police interview several potential witnesses in death of Valdosta State freshman

Jasmine Benjamin's parents were initially told she died of natural causes.

VALDOSTA, Ga. -- Valdosta State University Police say they are interviewing more than a dozen potential witness in the investigation into the death of freshman Jasmine Benjamin from Lawrenceville.

Investigators are awaiting autopsy results before making a final determination about the death of a Valdosta State University freshman.

Authorities already have said they believe homicide is behind the death of 17-year-old Jasmine Benjamin, a Valdosta State freshman from Lawrenceville.

But a commander with the Valdosta Police Department, Brian Childress, said police can't call the case a murder until they get a final autopsy report.

Officials say it could be several weeks before that report is available.

The aspiring nursing student was found unresponsive on a couch in a study room. Authorities initially told Benjamin's parents she died of natural causes.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Taxpayers to foot only 1/3 of proposed stadium bill

ATLANTA -- Taxpayers can expect to pay 1/3 of the cost of the proposed, new Falcons stadium -- not 100 percent of the cost, as was the case with the Georgia Dome -- but taxpayers will hold 100 percent ownership of the new stadium, according to Frank Poe, Executive Director of the Georgia World Congress Center.

"The public sector will own 100 percent of the new stadium for 30 cents on the dollar," Poe said. 

Poe spoke at a public forum hosted by Common Cause Georgia at Sale Hall Auditorium on the campus of Morehouse College on Monday night.  

One purpose of the forum was for Poe to explain the need for a public-private partnership to build the new stadium.  While the public would kick in one-third of the costs -- more than $300 million -- the remaining two-thirds would come from the Falcons, the NFL and other private-sector sources. 

MORE | The real numbers behind a new Falcons stadium
MORE | Blank, Goodell make stadium case to Governor

RELATED | Freebies fly as stadium politics emerge

Poe said that based on the revenues generated by the 20-year-old Georgia Dome -- revenues from both Falcons events and non-Falcons events -- taxpayers could expect to receive from the new stadium a huge return on their one-third investment, totalling hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues annually, including additional tax revenues.

"It is important for both Atlanta and Georgia taxpayers to engage in the process and make sure their voices are heard," said Common Cause Georgia Boardmember Wyc Orr. "Our goal is to host an event that will give the public an update on negotiations between the Georgia World Congress Center, a public authority, and the Atlanta Falcons, a private entity, but certainly one that highly values and needs the public trust. This is an opportunity for all members of the public to have direct, person-to-person communications with those who are conducting these negotiations which will have such a direct impact on the public treasury."

Poe said the Georgia World Congress Center and the Falcons are expected to sign off on their business deal for the new stadium by December 31st., a deal that will specify the details, such as who will pay for what, who will be liable for what, and how the revenues will be shared and for how long.  

After that, the design would be chosen, along with the location (it would be located either directly north of the World Congress Center/Georgia Dome complex, or directly south of it), and the architect; and construction plans would then proceed with input from the City of Atlanta and the Fulton County Commission and the public every step of the way, Poe said.

What do you think?

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pets Take Their Turn on Santa's Lap

   Every year, children line up to get their pictures taken with Santa Claus. But, the fun isn't just for kids!

   Four-legged family members took their turns at the Sugarloaf Mills Mall in Lawrenceville Monday.

   Photojournalist Tyson Paul has the story.  

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

5 Ways to Maximize Cyber Monday Savings

Cyber Monday arrived on Cyber Sunday this year!  Most major retailers  began their online promotions on Sunday and will carry them through midnight Monday.  

Before you hit the Checkout button, here are my top 5 Ways to Save on Cyber Monday.

1- Compare Prices.  This season, many  toy prices are within pennies of each other at Walmart, Target, Amazon and Toys-R-US this season, at least in many cases.   Just to make sure you're getting the best price, compared prices at PriceGrabber.com or even through a simple Google Search.  Priceblink.com will also compare prices and look for coupon codes for you while you are shopping online.

2-Use Loyalty Cards.  I love the Target Red Card, because it is a debit card that allows me to get free shipping on nearly all Target.com purchases, plus gets me a 5 percent discount on purchases.   That often tips the scale in favor of Target over Walmart when it comes to price!

3-Get Cash Back.  If you start your search through Swagbucks.com you will earn Swagbucks, which can be redeemed for gift cards at Amazon and other retailers.  Swagbucks, Ebates and several other sites offer rebates that vary  on any given day.  For example, Ebates was recently offering a 5 percent cash back bonus for shopping at Nordstrom.com.

4-Buy Gift Cards for Free Gas.  Kroger has a promotion that offers shoppers quadruple fuel reward points for purchasing a variety of other retail  store gift cards (most are free) at Kroger gift card Kiosks.   For example,  if you buy a $200 Target gift card at Kroger you will earn 800 Fuel Reward points.  You can apply the points for discounts of up to $2.00 per gallon on gasoline, so a fillup of a 20 gallon tank would get you a $40.00 discount on gas.   You must use fuel points the during the calendar month after you buy them.  Keep in mind, Visa and Amex Gift cards usually have a processing fee.  Most retail cards do not.

5-Look for Free Return Shipping.  Many retailers will offer free shipping, but returns can be expensive.  Nordstrom.com,  6pm.com, Piperlime.com, Zappos.com, and Shoebuy.com all offer free return shipping.  Target and Walmart give customers the option of returning many items bought online either in the store or by printing a free preprinted label.  Other retailers like Victoria's Secret and Loehmann's offer free shipping and allow shoppers to return items in stores to avoid paying return shipping.

And by the way, running up credit card debt is harmful to your budget but running up credit card rewards is very helpful!  If you can pay off your cards every month and carry a zero balance, why not take advantage of free perks like miles, cash back and hotel perks?

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Top Cyber Monday Deals and Where to Find More!

Cyber Monday actually began on many websites as Cyber Sunday, but many of the deals will continue until midnight Monday.   Here are some of the top deals and also where to search if you're looking for something different.

TV Deals: (From DealNews.com)

Samsung 60" 600Hz 1080p Widescreen Plasma HD Television
Store: Abt Electronics
Price: $847.99,  free shipping

LG 55" 120Hz 1080p 3D LED-Backlit LCD HD Television
Store: Walmart.com
Price: $899,  free shipping

Toshiba 46" 120Hz 1080p LED-Backlit LCD HD Television
Store: TigerDirect.com
Price: $499.99 after $100 mail-in rebate, free shipping

Sceptre 50" 1080p LCD HD Television
Store: TigerDirect
Price: $399.99 after $150 mail-in rebate,  free shipping

Tablets:

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer 10.1" 16GB LED-Backlit Google Android Tablet
Store:BrandsmartUSA
Price: $299.88

$25 Gift Card with any NOOK Reader or Tablet
Store: Barnes & Noble
Price: From $99 with free shipping

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1" 16GB WiFi Google Android Tablet
Store: Micro Center
Price: $399.99

Laptops:

Dell Inspiron Intel Celeron 1.7GHz 15.6" LED-Backlit Laptop bundled with a $25 eGift Card
Store: Best Buy
Price: $249.99

Toshiba Satellite C875-S7303 Intel Ivy Bridge Core i3 2.4GHz 17.3" LED-Backlit Laptop
Store: Best Buy
Price: $399.99 with free shipping 

Lenovo IdeaPad N585 AMD 1.4GHz 15.6" LED-Backlit Notebook
Store: Best Buy
Price: $269.99 with free shipping

Clothing and Accessories:

6pm.com: Up to 75% off designer denim, footwear and apparel.

Kohls.com:  20% off storewide (Code CYBER20) plus $15 in Kohls Cash for every $50 spent.

E.L.F.com 50% off Storewide on cosmetics. (Code is 50WIDE) Free shipping on orders of $25 or more.

Kmart.com: 7% off all diamond earrings.(From FatWallet.com)

Other:

Lowes.com  - Free Shipping on orders over $19 or more.   Free local
delivery w/$50 or more on most Major Appliances. (From FatWallet.com)  

To find the best deals on whatever you happen to be looking for, check out FatWallet.com , DealNews.com , and Savings.com.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Falcons edge Bucs in key NFC South showdown

Written by

The Sports Network

Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - Michael Turner barreled in for the go-ahead touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, as the Atlanta Falcons escaped Raymond James Stadium with a 24-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The outcome gave Atlanta (10-1) a stranglehold on the NFC South and ended Tampa Bay's four-game winning streak. The Falcons hold a four-game lead atop the division heading into Thursday's showdown against the New Orleans Saints, who handed them their only loss on Nov. 11.

Matt Ryan bounced back from a five-interception performance in last week's win over Arizona by completing an efficient 26-of-32 passes for 353 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown heave to Julio Jones.

Jones, who was listed as questionable because of a sore ankle, caught six passes for 147 yards.

Doug Martin, the NFL's leader in yards from scrimmage, ran for two scores but was held to 50 yards on 21 carries for Tampa Bay (6-5). Josh Freeman threw for 256 yards on 19-of-30 passing in defeat.

The Sports Network

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Larry Hagman dead at 81

Actor Larry Hagman, 81, whom fans for decades confused with J.R. Ewing, the conniving character he so convincingly played on TV's Dallas, died 11-24 in the Texas city that made him a household name.

DALLAS, Tx. (USA Today) -- Actor Larry Hagman, 81, whom fans for decades confused with J.R. Ewing, the conniving character he so convincingly played on TV's Dallas, died Friday in the Texas city that made him a household name.

Hagman had been battling cancer for the past year, having announced his diagnosis just as he began work on the soap-opera reboot for TNT.

A statement released to the Dallas Morning News by the actor's family noted, "Larry's family and close friends had joined him in Dallas for the Thanksgiving holiday. When he passed, he was surrounded by loved ones. It was a peaceful passing, just as he had wished for. The family requests privacy at this time."

Linda Gray, his on-screen wife and later ex-wife in the original series and the sequel, was among those with Hagman in his final moments, said her publicist, Jeffrey Lane.

"He brought joy to everyone he knew. He was creative, generous, funny, loving and talented, and I will miss him enormously. He was an original and lived life to the fullest," the actress said.

In a statement, Warner Bros. and the new show's executive producers Cynthia Cidre and Michael Robin, said, "Larry Hagman was a giant, a larger-than-life personality whose iconic performance as J.R. Ewing will endure as one of the most indelible in entertainment history. He truly loved portraying this globally recognized character, and he leaves a legacy of entertainment, generosity and grace." And the network called him "a wonderful human being and an extremely gifted actor"

Hagman relished the chance to reprise his best-known character. "Of course it's fun to play the villain," Hagman told USA TODAY in 2011 while filming an episode of the new Dallas, which returned to television earlier this year after a 20-year absence. "I don't understand why people love J.R. so much, but it's not just America, it's all over the place. France, England. Ireland. In Germany they have this amazing core of people who follow my career."

Hagman, like the scheming oil baron J.R., the star of the prime time soap opera which aired from 1978 to 1991, was a Texan. He was born in Forth Worth in 1931. His father, Ben Hagman, was a district attorney and his mother, Mary Martin, was a renowned Broadway actress who starred in such classics as South Pacific and Peter Pan.

Hagman, who became a household name for playing J.R., said for years he would remind people that he wasn't J.R., but that later in life, he changed his attitude. "I used to say, 'No, I'm not J.R.,' but I don't now. When people think I'm J.R., I play up to that."

In the fall of 2011, while filming the new Dallas, Hagman released a statement in which he announced he was battling cancer but, "I do want everyone to know that it is a very common and treatable form of cancer." He had previously battled cirrhosis of the liver as a result of heavy drinking, which led to a liver transplant in 1995.

Drinking wasn't his only vice. A heavy smoker earlier in his career, he served as the chairperson of the American Cancer Society's "Great American Smokeout" from 1981 to 1992.

Though best known for his work on Dallas, Hagman, who graduated from Bard College and served in the Air Force, also appeared on the daytime soap opera Edge of Night from 1961-63. In 1954 he wed Maj Axelsson, with whom he had two children, daughter Heidi Kristina and son Preston.

He credited the longevity of his marriage to "two bathrooms," and his ability to live vicariously through J.R.. "I did all my fooling around on screen," he told USA TODAY in 2004.

Hagman's career took off when he played astronaut Maj. Anthony Nelson on the 1965-70 sitcom, I Dream of Jeannie. The story revolved around Nelson's secret relationship with a magical and beautiful genie, played by Barbara Eden.

"I Dream of Jeannie has been around for 47 years," Hagman said in 2011. "Most people in their 50s and 60s grew up with it, and I watch it occasionally. It's a lot of fun. It's still popular all around the world."

Eden posted on her Facebook page: "I still cannot completely express the shock and impact from the news that Larry Hagman has passed. I can still remember, that first day on Zuma Beach with him, in the frigid cold. From that day for five more years, Larry was the center of so many fun, wild, shocking... and in retrospect, memorable moments that will remain in my heart forever."

Other friends, fans and co-workers expressed their sorrow on Twitter. "I'm shocked," tweeted Larry King. "Larry Hagman was a dear man who had an incredible career. He helped me to stop smoking." Wrote Elizabeth Hurley, "Thank you for being such an entertaining actor and giving us such happy memories." And Angie Harmon, star of TNT's Rizzoli & Isles, tweeted, "Thank you for being as amazing & talented & kind in person as I'd always hoped!"

In addition to his television work, Hagman portrayed a corrupt Texas oilman in Oliver Stone's Nixon (1995), And in Mike Nichols' Primary Colors (1998), he played an ex-Florida governor.

The second season of TNT's Dallas is scheduled to premiere Jan. 28; six of the 15 episodes had been filmed at the time of his death.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Amex Cardholders get $25 Small Business Credit

American Express is gearing up for its third annualSmall Business Saturday promotion.

On November 24th, registered cardholders who spend $25 or more at a local small business will receive a $25 credit on their American Express bill.

Cardholders must register for Small Business Saturday starting on November 19th. To register, click here.

Last year more then 10 million people participated.

Some small businesses will display Small Business Saturday Signs in their windows. 

 American Express will also have a list of participating stores on its website and the Small Business Saturday Facebook page.
Both sites will be updated closer to Small Business Saturday.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

No. 3 Georgia blasts Georgia Tech in SEC title game tuneup

Written by

The Sports Network

Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) celebrates a touchdown in the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Sanford Stadium. Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

Athens, GA. -- They're one step closer-but it's a huge step. After beating in-state rival Georgia Tech 42-10 Saturday, the Georgia bulldogs will most likely face Alabama in the SEC title game in Atlanta next weekend. If they win that game, it could mean a national title shot; their first since losing to Penn State in 1982. Some fans are already getting that old feeling.

"To take and know that we as Georgia bulldog fans are this close to capturing that feeling and that ring again, it's spectacular, it's hard to imagine unless you've ever been there," Gary Roberson said.

Gladys Mixon was in New Orleans for the last UGA title win in 1980. She said she can't help but look past Alabama. She's already made reservations for this year's title game in Miami.

"I was there when we beat Notre Dame and I was thinking it was a once in a lifetime thing and now it could be twice in a lifetime," Mixon said on her way to the Georgia Tech game.

Tech fans were not ready to wish their rivals well Saturday morning. They pointed to the strength of the Crimson Tide, winner of two out of the last three national titles.

"Even if they get past us, they'll never get past 'Bama," Dan Haelsig said.

GAME SUMMARY:

Athens, GA (Sports Network) - Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall combined for 163 rushing yards and four touchdowns, as No. 3 Georgia blasted Georgia Tech, 42-10, at Sanford Stadium.

Gurley ended with 97 yards on 12 carries and was augmented by Marshall's 66 yards on seven totes for the Bulldogs (11-1), who head to the SEC title game next Saturday against Alabama.

Aaron Murray completed 14-of-17 passes for 214 yards and scores to Jay Rome and Rhett McGowan. Malcolm Mitchell led the receiving corps with 88 yards on three catches.

Tevin Washington and Vlad Lee went 10-of-21 passing for 120 yards and one interception for the Yellow Jackets (6-6), whose three-game win streak ended ahead of a meeting with Florida State in the ACC title game next week.

David Sims totaled 71 yards and Georgia Tech's lone touchdown on 14 carries, and Robert Godhigh contributed 66 yards on five receptions in defeat.

The Sports Network

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Man fatally shot by DeKalb officer

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- One man is dead after an officer-involved shooting in DeKalb County on Friday afternoon. 

According to officials, the shooting happened shortly after 3:20 p.m. on 4000 block of Wilkins Station Drive in Decatur after officers were dispatched to the location. 

Authorities say the officer fired a shot at the knife-wielding suspect after he was approached by the man. The suspect was transported to a local medical center where he died. 

The officer was unharmed. 

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dawgs vs. Jackets | A Family Divided

ATLANTA - Like any civil war, Saturday's gridiron battle between the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech will divide families.

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are 6-5 and headed to the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship game.

The Georgia Bulldogs are 10-1 and on their way to the Southeastern Conference Championship game.

If Georgia can manage to beat Tech and win their conference game, they will play for the national title.

Tech fans would love nothing more than to derail the Bulldogs national championship dreams.

11Alive went in search of families divided over the game. They weren't hard to find. Numerous families responded to a Facebook post explaining that the rivalry sometimes divides brotherhood and marriage.

The big game is Saturday at noon.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

The Little Guy vs. The Big Box Stores: Small Business Saturday

ATLANTA -- Those little shops around the corner and down the street are fighting the big chain stores for a piece of the holiday-shopping action.

And the Saturday after Thanksgiving -- now called "Small Business Saturday" -- is a big day for the little guy.

"It's about supporting local businesses, and to keep our economy going with smaller businesses," an Atlanta merchant, Christina Mitchell, said Friday evening.

You can find the independent retailers scattered across Metro Atlanta and the rest of Georgia, in small neighborhoods of shops and restaurants and mom and pop stores, clustered on the county squares and Main Streets where the centers of commerce used to be -- in towns like Lawrenceville, Woodstock, Marietta, Jonesboro and McDonough -- and in the downtowns, and nestled next to many of the older, in-town residential neighborhoods, of the bigger cities such as Atlanta.

Christina Mitchell manages Mitzi's Corner, a shop that offers women's clothing, hand-made jewelry and other merchandise. The shop is on the corner of Virginia and Highland Avenues in NE Atlanta, and it is one of several, small retail businesses that line the two streets for a block or two.

Mitchell and the others are offering discounts and other incentives, trying to convince holiday shoppers crowding the big malls to "shop small" at independent retailers, as well, on Small Business Saturday.

The Small Business Saturday promotion is in its third year, nationwide, and it's catching on among shoppers.

According to a survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Businesses, 36 percent of independent retailers now say that Small Business Saturday has already become the most important day of the year for their businesses.

"Coming to the small shops is more personal," Mitchell said. "You're able to have the more 'one-on-one' help.... The chain stores, you see the same thing, over and over. Here, there are a lot of local artists and designers that we do carry, you're able to find things that maybe aren't offered in the larger department stores, which makes your gifts more unique. And to be able to be told a story about your item that you're giving or buying for yourself is great, as well.... You're able to talk to the customer and tell them exactly what they're buying and where it's made."

The shops in that part of the Virginia-Highland neighborhood on Friday evening were seeing a steady stream of several customers at a time, including Beth Kess of Atlanta.

Kess, shopping with her niece, Steffi Baer, said she understands that the big box stores can easily under-cut the prices of the little guys.

"I like finding unique things, individual things," Kess said. "I am willing, if I have to, to pay a little bit more to help the small business person than to just shop just purely based on price. I like the customer service, I like the familiarity. And I like that, you know, the little man can make it. The American Dream."

"I like when I walk in the store and they know me from my whole life," Baer said. "It's more unique, and also you support the small businesses. It's not just big businesses. Everybody gets a chance."

So while those little, independent shops can't always under-price the big box stores, they are hoping to prove to more customers than ever, on Saturday, that they can often offer greater value, year 'round.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

After Black Friday comes Small Business Saturday

(USA Today) -- At the top of small retailers' holiday wish lists: shoppers who still have enough energy - and money - to shop small the day after Black Friday.

This year's Small Business Saturday, where consumers are encouraged to support their local small businesses two days after Thanksgiving, will be the biggest one yet, says Small Business Administrator Karen Mills.

"We see tremendous momentum out there," says Mills, who bought blueberry jam last Small Business Saturday at a farmers market in Brunswick, Mass., and brought it back to her colleagues at work. "This Small Business Saturday has really gone viral."

SHOP LOCAL | Find participating small businesses in your area

Small businesses can't usually compete with big-box stores' big sales on Black Friday, so many hope to use Small Business Saturday to get a piece of the action during the biggest shopping weekend of the year.

Small Business Saturday is the most important shopping day of the season for 36% of independent retailers, according to the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Only 24% say that day is Black Friday.

Ross Steinman, psychology professor at Widener University, says the popularity of Small Business Saturday is a revolt against big-box stores from consumers who are willing to pay extra and see the money go to their communities.

"There's so much negative attention in recent years on Black Friday and the rampant consumerism that's associated with it," he says. "Small Business Saturday is a response to that."

Jim Brownell, VP of retail solutions for GT Nexus, says that Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity for retailers because there will be "a lot of feet on the street," but it won't work unless they get the word out about promotions.

"It's unfortunately going to require some sort of service promotion or product promotion to draw people into the stores," Brownell says. "You can't sit back and hope that the SBA with all their advertising is really going to be the ones that will bring everybody in."

Alan Au, co-owner of Jimmy Au's For Men 5'8" and Under, a fancy clothing store for shorter men, says he plans on having a big Small Business Saturday sale on pretty much everything, but what he won't do is advertise the sale beyond individual invitations to customers.

"The more full the store is, the harder it is to help anybody," says Au. "I function a lot better with a steady stream of customers.

When Au's store was in the Glendale, Calif., shopping mall, his Black Friday sales drew customers who were already in the mall to make other purchases.

However, once the store moved to a street location in Beverly Hills, he found he was trying to compete with the big retailers at the mall, whose Black Friday crowds he previously relied on for customers.

"We tried to compete against that with some really killer deals, but we can't beat something like that," says Au. Now he holds the sale on Saturday.

(USA Today)

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

64 yr old woman found stabbed in her home

Woman found stabbed in her home

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga -- Gwinnett County Police are trying to solve the mysterious murder of a 64 year old Lawrenceville woman. She was found brutally stabbed in her bedroom inside her home on Alamein Drive.

Police said Parviz Moledina lived by herself and when she was found her car, a silver 2007 Volvo station wagon, was missing. "The inside of the house had been disturbed so we're not a hundred percent sure if other items were taken," said Cpl. Jake Smith. "We're certainly not taking off the table the possibility that this was a random crime."

Police were called to the home after a neighbor called 911 because he was suspicious something was wrong. Neighbors said Moledina always kept her garage door closed, even if she was home.

Manuel and Alicia Herrera said they thought it was odd when they saw her garage door open and her car gone. They also noticed a hole in the peak of the garage. "She never left open the garage," Mrs. Herrera said.

"And we saw the hole in the roof," her husband said. Inside the garage a fold out ladder was dropped from the ceiling. Police are trying to figure out if the suspect came through the hole and down the ladder to get into the home.

Because it was so suspicious Herrera and another neighbor looked in a window on the side of the home and saw Moledina lying on the floor. "We looked through the window, I see the lady, she was on the floor carpet," Herrera said.

Herrera said his neighbor called 911. Corporal Smith said the call came in about 10:45PM Wednesday. "The officers came out when they went inside they discovered the victim deceased from knife wounds," Cpl. Smith said.

The next morning a Gwinnett County Police officer saw someone sitting in a car like the victims that was parked at Sugarloaf Mill Mall. "When the officer drove past the first time he thought the vehicle looked like the victims vehicle," Cpl. Smith said. "He ran the tag and by the time he got the tag back and turned around the vehicle was empty."

Gwinnett County Police conducted surveillance at the mall for several hours but no one returned to the vehicle. They also searched inside the mall where only a few stores were open for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Corporal Smith said detectives would look at surveillance video from the mall cameras. They will also process Moledina's car forensically for evidence.

Anyone with information on the murder should contact Gwinnett's Homicide Unit at 770-513-5300.

You can follow Kevin on Twitter @kgrowson

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Black Friday slowly creeps into Thanksgiving Day

ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- The first three people got in line around 4pm Thursday. Within two hours, the numbers had multiplied to more than four dozen shoppers, many waiting to take advantage of the Toys R Us Black Friday deals.

Only thing - it's still Thursday.

At K-Mart in Mableton, the rush started even earlier. Doors opened at 6am, to the delight of hundreds of shoppers in line, many of whom had been there for more than a day.

Many stores, including Target in Atlantic Station, opened at 9pm Thursday. Associates said their best-selling item was the iPad; anyone who bought one also received a $60 Target gift card.

At the nearby Old Navy, managers tripled their staffing. Store manager Shaun Reynolds said they expected a large crowd because everything in the store was on sale.

"What we're doing today is we're putting up all our signs," she said. "We've been preparing for this all week."

Stores in Lenox Mall opened at midnight, and Phipps Plaza will open at 8am Friday.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Shooting leaves two dead, one injured in southwest Atlanta

Police investigate a fatal shooting on Wednesday afternoon in southwest Atlanta.

ATLANTA -- Homicide detectives were investigating a shooting that killed two people in southwest Atlanta Wednesday afternoon.

Police said it happened around 3 p.m. on Asbury Lane near Ben Hill Park. They said the two people were found inside a vehicle in the driveway of a vacant house.

A third victim was shot in the hand, and was taken to Grady Hospital.

Atlanta Homicide is investigating the case.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Police identify triple homicide suspect, still at large

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- The DeKalb County Police Department has identified a man who allegedly is responsible for three homicides.

Police said Brian Levern Gupton, 32, was last seen driving a 2004-2006 smoke grey BMW 745 sedan with tinted windows.

Anyone with further information on the cases is asked to call police at (770) 724-7850.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Man wanted for soliciting teen at Perimeter Mall

DUNWOODY, Ga. -- Dunwoody Police are trying to identify a man accused of enticing a child at Perimeter Mall.

The incident happened at around 7 p.m. on Nov. 12.

Dunwoody Police Sgt. Mike Carlson said a 15-year-old boy told investigators he was washing his hands in a bathroom at the mall when the suspect approached him.

The boy said the man asked him if he wanted to make some extra money. The suspect produced a stack of cash and then made a hand motion that implied oral sex.

Carlson said the boy ran from the bathroom and reported the man to mall security. The suspect was last seen running from the mall.

Surveillance cameras captured images of the suspect, described as a bald black man in his late 30s to early 40s. He was wearing a puffy black jacket, black dress pants and black shoes.

Anyone who can help identify the suspect is asked to call Dunwoody Police at 678-382-6911. Tipsters may also leave anonymous messages at dunwoodypolice.com.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Shooting takes man's life on Atlanta's west side

ATLANTA -- A male was shot and killed on Atlanta's west side on Thursday evening.

According to police, the shooting took place in front of a burned apartment near the intersection of Brownlee Road NW and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, near Fain Elementary School.

Homicide detectives and Grady paramedics are on their way to the scene.

No further information is available at this time.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

UPDATE: Xena the Warrior Puppy recovering as police search for her abuser

UPDATE (November 18, 2012, Sunday) -- Two months after Xena was nearly killed from abuse, and rescued, police continue to search for her abuser.  And, as you can see in this latest video, Xena has almost fully recovered.

She was the special guest at the "Friends of DeKalb Animals" fundraiser at Savage Pizza in Avondale Estates Sunday afternoon, where she greeted friends and strangers alike cheerfully. 

And within about a month, her caregivers say Xena will be ready to start the next chapter of her life -- adoption.

If you're interested in taking her home, you can fill out an application on the shelter's website.

____________________

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. (September 19, 2012, Wednesday) -- DeKalb County Police are investigating a severe case of animal abuse that has captured the attention of thousands of animal lovers, a case that is both repulsive and, now, miraculous.

It's the case of a puppy found starved nearly-to-death in DeKalb County.

The dog is now flourishing as police work around the clock trying to find the person who abused her.

"Her laying on the steel table, she clearly looks dead," is how Lynn Herron, of Friends of DeKalb Animals, described her first glimpse of the puppy.

The puppy, possibly a lab-retriever mix, is about four months old.

She was abandoned in someone's front yard this past Saturday, Sept. 15.

"She was cold to the touch," Herron said. "So she was probably 30 minutes to an hour of being dead... she was breathing... the dog couldn't walk, so it's unclear to me how the dog got there. Somebody had to have dumped the dog."

She is fighting back -- and surviving in less than a week.

That is why they've named her Xena the Warrior Puppy.

"And we're just amazed and we're just hopefully optimistic that there's not any long-term brain damage, long-term organ damage. She's such a sweet, little dog," Herron said Wednesday. "She's eating. I think she's gained two pounds. She weighed five pounds when she came in. She was about the size of a woman's size-eight shoe... It's just amazing just to see the light in her eyes, because you didn't see that in the beginning."

The DeKalb County Police Department's Animal Cruelty Unit has been working since Saturday to track down the abuser, hoping someone will give them a tip to help them.

"And I'm really hoping that they find who did this," Herron said. "I can't imagine how anybody could do that to an animal."

DeKalb Animal Control has asked Herron, and Chrissy Kaczynski, who is also with Friends of DeKalb Animals, to nurse Xena back to health.

Kaczyinski set up a Facebook page that now shows photos of Xena in the yard, playing with her toys, making her first attempts at climbing the stairs to the house. The Facebook page has become a community of thousands of people following and supporting Xena's recovery. They donated close to $10,000 as of Wednesday night. Money left-over will go toward saving other abused animals.

The reality is that there are, on average, about a dozen cases a month of animal abuse reported in DeKalb County.

And the cases can be prosecuted as felonies.

"If somebody can do that do an animal, they can do it to a human, they can do it to a child," Herron said. "I mean, it's just one step."

The county is not allowing anyone to visit Xena as she recovers.

And anyone who might know a person who recently abused a four-month-old, female, retriever-lab mix should call:

DeKalb County Police Sgt. Tim Medlin at 404-294-2645, or

DeKalb Animal Control at 404-294-2996.

"And I know times are hard," Herron said. "But if you've got a dog and you can't take care of it, it is more humane to turn it in to the shelter than it is to throw it out on the streets."

Follow 11Alive News on Twitter: @11AliveNews

Follow Jon Shirek on Twitter: @JonShirek

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

All lanes closed on Howell Mill NW, between 14th Street and Huff Road

ATLANTA, Ga. -- All lanes on a short stretch of Howell Mill Road NW, between 14th Street and Huff Road, were closed Tuesday night, and Atlanta police were not sure whether Howell Mill would reopen some time on Wednesday, or later.

Neaby businesses remained open.

According to the Atlanta Water Department, an ongoing water leak has damaged the Howell Mill bridge that goes over the railroad tracks just north of 14th Street.

There is a crack in the middle of Howell Mill that runs north from 14th Street., right along the double yellow lines, widening as it gets closer to the bridge and ending at a large, sunken section of the bridge surface, in the northbound lanes -- a section that was about the width and length of a city bus and about four inches deep as of 11:00 p.m.

A police department spokesman, Sgt. Greg Lyon, said at the scene late Tuesday night that the Public Works Department bridge engineers would inspect the bridge infrastructure to see if the damage is to the asphalt, only, or if the bridge itself has been damaged.

Commuters in that part of NW Atlanta can use Northside Drive instead of Howell Mill Road.

Huff Road and 14th Street both remained open for east-west traffic, but those two thoroughfares are disconnected from each other due to the Howell Mill closure.

Just after midnight, a PR firm for the "Westside Provisions District" emailed a notice that businesses in the district would remain open:

Westside Provisions District remains open for business as usual despite the closure of the bridge at Howell Mill near 14th Street. Police have closed a stretch of Howell Mill Road from 14th Street to Huff Road due to a possible problem with the bridge on Howell Mill just north of 14th Street. The road closing is expected throughout Tuesday night and may continue into Wednesday, but WSPD stores and shops are open for business.

Entrances open:
• Huff Road by Figo and the Huff Road entrance by Anthropologie
• 14th Street entrance to the parking deck
• Brady Avenue entrance (by West Egg)

The Howell Mill entrances north of 14th Street and south of Huff Road are temporarily closed.

DETOUR ROUTE: Bypass the blocked section of Howell Mill Road by taking Northside Drive between 14th and 17th Streets.

WSPD has hired off-duty police and private security to help direct traffic and ensure the easiest possible access to the affected north end of the district.

Please check the WSPD website at www.westsidepd.com for updates.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Local student becomes Rhodes Scholar

The University of Georgia is the nation's first state-chartered university, incorporated in 1785 by an act of the Georgia General Assembly. Nestled among majestic oaks on the original campus quadrangle, North Campus is still the home of centuries-old buildings including the Holmes-Hunter Academic Building, the Chapel, Old College, New College, the Law School and the Main Library. (Photo by Dot Paul, Courtesy University of Georgia)

ATLANTA, Ga. -- One Atlanta native has been chosen for the world's most prestigious scholarship.

22-year-old Elizabeth Allan of Westminster and The University of Georgia will attend England's Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar.

She is one of 32 recipients in the United States. Elizabeth will pursue a masters in middle eastern studies.

So how do raise a kid like this? DNA helps. And encouragement the Allan's tell me.

Stimulate their brains with knowledge and love.

Dreams are good too.

" My dream job would be in the state department directing middle eastern policy, " says Rhodes Scholar Elizabeth Allan.

Her parents are proud..

Father John, UGA, a midtown tax attorney

Mother Juliet, UVA, high school Dean of Instructional Technology at Westminster.

Jeff Hullinger:  At what point did you know Elizabeth was gifted?

John Allan: " I just knew early on. I can't put my finger on it. Juliet would probably point toward something in preschool."

Juliet Allan: " When she first went to preschool at about 18 months old we walked in- - It was normal to me that an 18 months old could put the United States puzzle together with all the pieces in the right places because that's what my baby did and she was my first baby."

Jeff Hullinger: "How do you keep them focused?

John Allan" It's really about helping the kids do the things they like doing and encouraging them and also be an example, we read alot."

Elizabeth Allan: " I always did things I was interested in, I'm the kind of person who likes to study and learn new things.

Juliet Allan:" We tried not to make a big deal out of it really, it's what she did well at it."

Jeff Hullinger " How about the family interaction? How is family life with her 2 brothers?

Juliet Allan: "You want to treat them in the same way, in the same environment , we wanted to encourage her gifts, but encourage our boys gifts as well. "

John Allan:" I'll tell you we are proud of all of our kids they have been successful in their own way, we have always encouraged them to do what they wanted to do not what we wanted them to do.

Elizabeth: "All of us turned out differently I am the one who likes to study, George is at Virginia Military Institute, and Joseph is an extremely talented musician."

Next month Elizabeth will graduate from UGA. She will have degrees in economics, international affairs, and Arabic along with a masters degree in international policy. She hopes to work for the Carter center in the months ahead.

The family credits the honors program at UGA and the foundation fellowship thus giving a community of scholars that has made all of this possible.

Good parenting helps too.

Georgia Tech also with a Rhodes Scholarship winner. Joy A. Buolamwini of Cordova, Tennessee.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Atlanta resident Foxworthy talks about his new projects

ATLANTA,Ga. -- He's the largest selling comedy-recording artist in history, best selling author of more than a dozen books and the best part of it all is that he lives right here in Atlanta.

Even though his choice for President and his hopes of the Braves winning the wild card game didn't quite work out the way he had hoped, Foxworthy still has a reason to smile.

We caught up with the comedian at a recent charity event. And, our DeMarco Morgan was stunned to see him in a suit.

However, no matter what he chooses to wear, we can assure you he's most certainly "Smarter than a Fifth Grader" which is one of many shows the star has brought to life.

Foxworthy is currently working on a new show, The American Bible Challenge and he'll be traveling to Atlanta in two weeks searching for teams of three. The winners will go on to compete to win money for their favorite charity.

When he's not working the stage or hosting a show or two he's enjoying down time in his Alpharetta home.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Injured officer and wife back in Atlanta

Holly Springs Police Officer Shane Ladner and his wife Meg.

UPDATE 8pm Monday, Nov. 19, 2012 -- The Ladners' medical flight landed at DeKalb Peachtree Airport, and an awaiting ambulance took them to Atlanta Medical Center.

____________________

HOLLY SPRINGS, Ga. -- Holly Springs Police Officer Shane Ladner and his wife Meg are on a medical flight headed home tonight after being involved in a deadly parade accident.

Shane suffered back injuries. Doctors had to amputate Meg's leg.

RELATED | Send the Ladners a note of support

11Alive's Duffie Dixon sat down with Meg's mother and friends of the couple who say they could be air ambulanced to Metro Atlanta as soon as Monday.

Meg's best friend, Susan Greene, has been in touch with Shane daily to find out how things are progressing.

"Meg is stabilized so as soon as they can coordinate an air ambulance flight to Atlanta Medical Center we can get them home.  We just want them here so we can comfort them and help them," said Greene.

The Ladners were in Midland, Texas for an all expenses paid hunting trip for wounded heroes.  Shane served in Somalia and Iraq and received two purple hearts. Thursday night, while riding in a parade, a train collided with the float they were on. Four veterans were killed.

Meg's mother and several others, including Holly Springs Police Sgt. Brian Cain, were flown to Texas to see Shane and Meg.

"It is very hard on Shane to see Meg in the state she is in. That is his angel.  It is heartwrenching for him.  He just couldn't imagine something like this happening," said Sgt. Cain. 

From the moment friends and fellow members of the police department found out about the accident there has been a flurry of activity to help the Ladners. 

A Facebook page called "Prayers for Shane and Meg Ladner" has been set up to post the lastest news about the couple.  A fund has been set up through Cherokee Bank in their names.  Shane's buddies are looking at how their house can be renovated to be more accessible for Meg and there's talk about fundraisers.

Help Desk | Home Depot steps up to help the Ladner family

"We don't want them to worry about medical bills and expenses right now.  We want them to focus on recovering and it is going to be a long road," said Greene.

The Ladners married 10 years ago, and friends describe their relationship as one of unconditional love. Both have an inner strength and support eachother.

"Meg was so proud of Shane and his service in the military and his work as a police officer. She was so excited to go to Midland where he was going to be recognized for all of his hard work," said Greene.

As for the accident, Shane has expressed sorrow for the fellow veterans who died and for those injured, including his wife.

"Shane kept saying to me 'I tried to save her, I tried to save her'. I said 'You did save her. You got her off the float.  She's alive,'" said Greene.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Improbably, Georgia in mix for national title

ATHENS, Ga. -- Alabama was supposed to be the best team in the country. Then Oregon and Kansas State got all the hype. Now it's Notre Dame looking down at everyone else.

Plodding along quietly, barely noticed, is one other team that has a prime spot in the national championship race.

The Georgia Bulldogs.

Coach Mark Richt's squad moved up to No. 3 in The Associated Press poll Sunday and is expected to hold the same spot when the BCS standings are released. That means there are only three teams that control their own destiny: top-ranked Notre Dame, second-ranked Alabama - and Georgia.

The Bulldogs need to beat Georgia Tech in the regular-season finale, then Alabama in the Southeastern Conference championship game to earn a shot at the big prize in Miami.

AP

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Despite Ryan's 5 picks, Falcons beat Cards 23-19

ATLANTA -- Matt Ryan overcame a career-worst five interceptions, guiding Atlanta to its only offensive touchdown in the fourth quarter, and the Falcons rallied for a sloppy 23-19 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

The Falcons (9-1) turned it over a total of six times, but Michael Turner scored on a 1-yard run with 6:40 remaining to give Atlanta its first lead of the game. Ryan set up the score with four completions for 64 yards, including a 9-yarder to Tony Gonzalez on third-and-5 at the Arizona 10.

Coming off a bye, Arizona (4-6) lost its sixth straight game. The Cardinals tried to bolster their anemic offense by switching quarterbacks, replacing John Skelton with rookie Ryan Lindley, but Larry Fitzgerald couldn't hang on to a fourth-down pass after Ryan's fifth pick.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ex-Braves announcer Pete van Wieren opens up about cancer

For 33 years, Pete van Wieren's job could be summed up in four words that the broadcasting legend still says today: never give up hope.

"I think back to all those years when the Braves were finishing in last place," van Wieren recalls, "and people would look at you and say, 'How could you work for a team like that?'"

But he didn't just work for the Braves; he was the voice of them. Along with Skip Caray and Ernie Johnson, Pete van Wieren formed the third leg of the broadcast team for "America's Team".

And when things did turn around for the Braves, Pete's hope - and Atlanta's hope - paid off in a big way.

These days, Pete is four years into retirement, and the mantra, "Never give up hope," has taken on a whole new meaning.

"The plan was to take it easy and enjoy life, that was basically it," van Wieren says. "And then almost a year to the day after I retired, I got the lymphoma diagnosis."

On November 4, 2009, van Wieren felt a bump on the back of his head; when he got it checked, he learned it was Stage 4 non-Hodgkins lymphoma -- making the next three years a major adjustment.

"Every time you're sitting there in that chair, getting those treatments, you're thinking, 'I hope this is working ...'" says van Wieren of the chemotherapy treatments he received. "And I'm fortunate that, for me, it worked."

Indeed, it did. After three long rounds in the ring with cancer, van Wieren learned last year he had beaten it back; his cancer is in remission. He can now return to his regularly scheduled retirement ... except van Wieren's been doing that all along.

"You can mope around and feel sorry for yourself, or you can go about your life," the man known as "The Professor" said. "I just decided, I wasn't gonna mope around and feel sorry for myself."

But cancer has changed his life in one important way: van Wieren now uses that legendary voice to spread the message of hope. He speaks at events for the American Cancer Society, and he still stays active with the Braves.

After all, if there's one thing he's learned from his time with America's Team, it's that keeping hope makes victory that much sweeter.

"I never gave up that this was gonna turn around someday, and it did," he says. "And when it did, it was wonderful.

"And that's the way I approach life."

*****

For more stories from Matt Pearl, you can follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Send your message of support to a Holly Springs officer, wife hurt in Texas train crash

HOLLY SPRINGS, Ga. -- A Holly Springs Police officer and his wife were among 17 people hurt when a freight train plowed into a parade float in Midland, Texas Thursday. The float was carrying wounded veterans.

RELATED | Train crashes into Texas wounded veterans parade

Officer Shane Ladner and his wife Meg were both on the float, according to Holly Springs Police Lt. Tanya Anderson. Doctors had to amputate Ladner's wife's leg, up to the hip and they hope she will be stable enough by Monday to travel back to Atlanta. 

According to Lt. Anderson, Officer Ladner was "Just a positive person to be around, both of them. Go getters, very energetic, very active. He's an avid hunter, he loves to hunt. He was very excited about going on this trip."

Shane, an avid runner, was wounded twice in Iraq and still has shrapnel in his back, the same area he is now feeling intense pain from the crash.

Anderson said family members and the police department's chaplain have flown to Midland to be with the Ladners.

A fund for the family has been set up at Cherokee Bank. Donations can be made to the Ladner benefit Fund. 

Four people were killed in Thursday's crash. 

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Prosecutors: Sneiderman love triangle had a possible fourth player

Andrea Sneiderman speaks to her attorney before her bond hearing

DECATUR, Ga. -- In court Friday prosecutors introduced a new possible player in the Andrea Sneiderman murder trial.

Prosecutors identified Joseph Dell as a friend and person with whom Mrs. Sneiderman had a relationship for the last 18 months.  Defense attorneys acknowledged the relationship.  "Mr. Dell is a friend of Ms Sneiderman," attorney Tom Clegg said in court.  "The exact nature of their relationhsip is best described as 'to be determined in the future.'"

RELATED | Sneiderman withdraws request to visit husband's grave
MORE | State's motion for discovery paperwork

Lawyers say Dell is a potential witness in the upcoming trial, where Mrs. Sneiderman is accused of conspiring with her former co-worker Hemy Neuman to kill her husband Rusty Sneiderman.  He was shot to death outside a Dunwoody day care in November 2010.

PHOTOS | The Hemy Neuman murder trial 

Prosecutors say they have a new theory in Rusty's death, stating Mrs. Sneiderman used Neuman to kill her husband so she could be with Dell. 

"Mr. Dell left his wife six months pregnant, and six and a half months after the murder of Rusty, and at that time openly took up a relationship with the defendant," said prosecutor Don Geary. 

Defense attorneys described the love quadrangle theory as "fanciful" and "incredible." 

Dell is not mentioned in the indictment of Mrs. Sneiderman, nor was he mentioned in the murder trial of Hemy Neuman, the admitted triggerman.  The indictment says Mrs. Sneiderman conspired with Neuman so that she could be with Neuman.

Mrs. Sneiderman denies having anything to do with her husband's murder.

Mrs. Sneiderman is currently under a court order to have no contact with potential witnesses, so a judge could order the relationship with Dell to end.

Defense attorneys say Dell has helped Mrs. Sneiderman daily with chores involving her children, like driving the children to after-school events.  Mrs. Sneiderman's bond disallows her to leave her home for such chores.

Judge Gregory Adams gave lawyers until Tuesday at noon to submit proposed court orders as to using Dell as a witness.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Celebrating Thanksgiving through adoption

Atlanta, Ga. -- There were more than a dozen children being adopted in the room, with more than a dozen different stories. Fulton County celebrated National Adoption Day Saturday by holding a celebration in the Juvenile courthouse. Some parents were adopting for the first time, others were continuing to add to their growing family.

"Fostering means a lot of broken pieces," said adoptive parent and foster mother Kimbley Hutchins. "The adoption is the end result of the whole puzzle."

On any given day in Georgia, there are about 250 foster children waiting to be adopted. Nationwide, there are about 100,000. National Adoption Day is intended to shine a light on children who are struggling to find a home. Each year on Adoption Day, about 4,500 foster children are given permanent homes.

One of those kids is Destiny Freeman. Her new mother Karen had fostered nine children before she finally got to keep one. She was joined by her mother and a dozen other family members as a judge signed the papers.

"It took her so long to call me mom," she said as she fought back tears. "And when she did, I said she can't go back, and she's not going to."

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

NY prosecutor admits he acted in 1970s porn films

CORTLAND, N.Y. -- A district attorney in upstate New York admits that he acted in pornographic movies in the 1970s.

Mark Suben, the DA in Cortland County near Syracuse since 2008, held a news conference Friday to say he had lied about his past in the days before this year's election.

He is apologizing for his actions and says he used "bad judgment" by acting in porn and by recently denying it. He wouldn't take questions, including whether he should resign.

WSTM-TV in Syracuse published a story Friday that said Suben had acted under his name and the pseudonym Gus Thomas. That news story followed a posting on YouTube that compared images of Suben with Thomas.

Suben previously acknowledged he was an actor in New York City in the 1970s but denied acting in adult films.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Abe Lincoln: From history to hyperbole

(WXIA) -- The Abraham Lincoln most of us grew up with is the one on the face of the omnipresent penny... the solemn visage of the moral arbiter of our nation's soul.

But there is another image of Abe Lincoln that your kids are growing up with. And it's a lot cooler.

Somewhere over the last century and a half, the 16th President of the United States graduated from hero to ax-wielding superhero, who emancipated the nation both from the injustice of slavery and the growing tyranny of (what else?) vampires.

"However history remembers me, it will only be a fraction of the truth," he growls in the film "Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Slayer."

Friday night, movie audiences had a chance to see the latest cinematic incarnation of Lincoln, the one that has more than a "fraction" of the truth. It's from Steven Spielberg.

"This movie was just beautiful," said Atlantic Station Regal Cinema patron Jennifer Durchin. "I love the way they put it together. "

The movie is taken from the Pulitzer prize-winning biography "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

"So many people think of him as an icon, as a statesmen, they don't know what a great politician he was," Goodwin said in an interview recently on NBC News.

It is ironic that, despite all that's been written about him, Abraham Lincoln remains one of history's mysteries.

"There was a lot about Abe Lincoln that I didn't know," said movie patron Brandon Bodie. "He had this kind of flair about him."

And that flair may be what's reinvented Lincoln as an unlikely pop icon who's pretty much everywhere these days, especially on YouTube.

"The power of Lincoln is here," said movie patron and retired Lt. Colonel Nate Perkins. "From the penny that we see and spend every day, from the books, to the library, the capitol, to the streets, from the monument in Washington D.C. Lincoln is alive."

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hostess Brands closing for good

Hostess Brands (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

NEW YORK -- Hostess Brands -- the maker of such iconic baked goods as Twinkies, Devil Dogs and Wonder Bread -- announced Friday that it is asking a federal bankruptcy court for permission to close its operations, blaming a strike by bakers protesting a new contract imposed on them.

The closing will result in Hostess' nearly 18,500 workers losing their jobs as the company shuts 33 bakeries and 565 distribution centers nationwide. The bakers' union represents around 5,000.

RELATED | No more Twinkies?

Hostess will move to sell its assets to the highest bidder. That could mean new life for some of its most popular products, which could be scooped up at auction and attached to products from other companies.

"We deeply regret the necessity of today's decision, but we do not have the financial resources to weather an extended nationwide strike," said CEO Gregory Rayburn in a statement.

The company had given a 5 p.m. ET deadline for the bakers to return to work or face a shutdown of the company. The unions at Hostess could not be reached immediately for comment on the decision.

Hostess filed for bankruptcy in January, its second trip to bankruptcy court since 2004. It previously emerged from restructuring in 2009 after a four-and-a-half year process.

The company is now controlled by a group of investment firms including hedge funds Silver Point Capital and Monarch Alternative Capital.

In September, one of its major unions, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, voted narrowly to accept a new contract with reduced wages and benefits. The bakers' union rejected the deal, however, prompting Hostess management to secure permission from a bankruptcy court to force a new concession contract on workers.

The new contract cut salaries across the company by 8% in the first year of the five-year agreement. Salaries were then scheduled to bump up 3% in the next three years and 1% in the final year.

Hostess also reduced its pension obligations and its contribution to the employees' health care plan. In exchange, the company offered concessions, including a 25% equity stake for workers and the inclusion of two union representatives on an eight-member board of directors.

(CNNMoney)

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Former Atlanta Dream player surrenders to police

Courtesy of Fulton County Sheriff's Department

ATLANTA - Former Atlanta Dream player Chamique Holdsclaw has turned herself in after a warrant for her arrest was issued by Atlanta Police on Thursday afternoon.

According to a police report, Holdsclaw smashed two windows of a car belonging to her ex-girlfriend, Jennifer Lacy with a baseball bat before shooting into the car, then driving away. Investigators said they recovered a spent 9 mm casing from inside Lacy's car.

Police said warrants for Holdsclaw on charges of aggravated assault, criminal damage to property and reckless conduct.

Holdsclaw last played for the Atlanta Dream in 2009. Lacy, who also played for the Dream in 2008 and 2009, currently plays for the WNBA's Tulsa Shock.

Holdsclaw turned herself in to Atlanta Police around 6 p.m. She was taken to Fulton County Jail. 

Bond for Holdsclaw has been set at $10,000.00. 

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Train crashes into Texas wounded veterans parade

MIDLAND, Texas -- Authorities say four people are dead and 17 others are injured after a train slammed into a parade float headed to a West Texas event honoring wounded veterans.

Union Pacific spokesman Tom Lange says the train was sounding its horn before it hit the float at a railroad crossing in Midland around 4:40 p.m. Thursday.

Lange says the crossing gate and lights were working at the time. He doesn't know if the train crew saw the float approaching.

City of Midland spokesman Ryan Stout says two people died at the scene and two died at Midland Memorial Hospital.

Hospital officials say six people remained hospitalized Thursday night, including at least one in critical condition.

The parade was set to end at a "Hunt for Heroes" banquet.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cobb County football coach resigns amid harassment probe

11Alive News has learned that Harrison High School Football coach Marty Galbraith was under investigation for inappropriate conduct towards several female co-workers when he abruptly resigned last month.

Galbraith's official letter of resignation cites only "personal reasons" for leaving his head coaching job at the high school, giving little indication of the growing scandal that threatened the career of the man who'd worked for several college and NFL programs.

Despite repeated attempts, Galbraith could not be reached for comment Thursday.

11Alive News obtained copies of Galbraith's personnel file as well as an audio tape of his meeting with a school district investigator and human resources officer.

Two female employees at Harrison High School had reported Galbraith's alleged misconduct to the school system. An administrator reported that Galbraith allegedly kissed her neck when they were alone in the lunch room. A fellow teacher accused Galbraith of making a lewd gesture simulating oral sex when they were in the hallway together.

In his interview with the human resources official, Galbraith initially denied the allegation until he was confronted with videotape from the school's security system.

The interview concludes with Galbraith being notified that he was being placed on paid administrative leave. He handed in his letter of resignation the following day.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Houston shares secret to stop wrong way drivers

ATLANTA, Ga. -- In August, five people died on metro Atlanta freeways in wrong way crashes. More than 100 people have died in Georgia in the past five years. The DOT says it posts signs warning drivers and improved road markings, but beyond that, claims there's not much it can do.

11Alive reached out to communities across the country to investigate if any of them had tackled the problem successfully. Our search sent us to Houston.

MORE | Sign our peition to stop wrong way drivers

After a wrong way crash killed three people on New Year's eve in 2008, the Harris County toll road authority turned to its toll technology company, for a solution.

"It was pretty uncharted territory. It was pretty unprecedented at the time so there really was no model to follow," said TransCore vice president Whitt Hall.

Hall says Transcore built its own system, re-purposing speed radars to detect cars traveling the wrong way on exit ramps. When the system is triggered, a warning sounds in the toll authority's transportation command center, programmed cameras zoom to the location where a dispatcher can verify the alarm and an officer is sent to respond.

"It happens very quickly. The vehicle when it enters the system the wrong way it gives us the alert right away, we respond right away," said Sgt. Herbert Martinez.

At the same time, message boards in the area warn drivers nearby, actually directing them to move over and stop.

"We have told all of our officers not to chase a wrong way driver, but to get yourself in position ahead of them to deploy the spike strip," says Asst. Chief Randy Johnson who heads Incident Management for the Toll Road Authority.

The system cost about $335,000 to install in 19 locations. But the results are impressive. In four years, this 17 mile stretch has had 100 wrong way drivers, but not a single car crash.

"Wrong way detection does not stop wrong way drivers. It lets us know that they're out there and where they got on," said Johnson.
]
There have been lessons learned. The radars are prone to false alarms. So the toll authority is spending more than $500,000 to install sensors in the pavement instead.

"When it was raining hard, trees leaves were blowing the wrong way, you can get that wrong way movement that it's looking for," said Hall.

The toll authority has also installed road lights and a flashing sign at one intersection where most of the wrong way drivers aren't drunk, but confused.

"I think you get kind of complacent driving around a city the size of Houston, just signs everywhere, so just a little something extra to draw your attention to that sign seems to be helping quite a bit, that they're not going beyond that point. They're turning around," said Hall.

The system has won national and international awards. Guests from Mexico, Columbia and China have come to see it. But it only appears San Antonio has attempted to recreate it. There, the Texas DOT has spent $500,000 to install radars on its most dangerous stretch, along with flashing signs and message boards for motorists.

" To us it's one thing to detect a driver, it's a second to stop them and it's a third, to notify the motorists that are going the correct way that they may need to be aware of drivers going the wrong way ahead and to try and make the drivers going correctly, aware of the wrong way driver," said Texas DOT spokesperson Stuart Corder.

The problem for most communities is cost and cooperation. To install something similar to Houston's system around I-285 in Atlanta, would cost about $3 million. Police departments would have to create a unified policy on how to respond to wrong way drivers and method for dispatching officers.

As for cost, the Texas DOT says there may soon be a cheaper, easier way to tackle the problem, using the same technology already in use to gauge traffic congestion during commuter hours.

"Those manufacturers we're finding in the last year or so, are now putting out technology where they're making wrong way detection available in the same units," Corder said.

Texas hopes to pilot the new software in several spots around Houston within the year and Georgia says it will be watching. Like Atlanta, outside of the West Park Tollway, the city relies on 911 calls to alert them to a wrong way driver. But the time between a sensor detecting a wrong way driver and that first 911 call is usually more than two minutes.

"Time is so important, seconds count," said Johnson.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Parking Bill of Rights law may get more teeth

ATLANTA -- After Atlanta City Council adopted 11Alive's Parking Bill of Rights and made it law, questions about how to enforce that law began to surface.

Wednesday, the Council's Transportation Committee will discuss a proposed amendment designed to give that new law some teeth.

The amendment proposed by Councilman Lamar Willis includes:

* PARKatlanta maintain all parking related signage in right-of-way.

* PARKatlanta must provide an online process for filing complaints on its website.

* PARKatlanta must respond to all online complaints within 2 days.

* PARKatlanta must share with the City all complaints, as well as PARKatlanta's response.

* PARKatlanta must have a specific phone number dedicated solely to questions and complaints.

* Amendment calls for improved employee training that is approved by city

Citations may not be issued:

* Where meters are non-functioning.

* Where unclear, conflicting, or hidden signage is in place.

* Where signage needs to be repaired, replaced, or relocated

* Where signage is not installed, has been removed, or is otherwise missing from metered area.

If a ticket is issued in any of these cases, the ticket shall be promptly voided by PARKatlanta once they are made aware.

As a result of these concessions, PARKatlanta will pay the City $5.3 million annually instead of $5.5 million.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Waste Watchers: Taxpayers purchase $3M worrth of cow pasture

MCDONOUGH, Ga - Taxpayers in Henry County own $3 million worth of cow pasture.

There's supposed to be a park there, but four years after buying 123 acres on Kelleytown Road, the property is still acre after acre of green grass and grazing cattle.

John Koivisto lives next door, and thinks the county spent too much, park or no park.

"But once you've got it, do something with it instead of letting it sit empty," said Koivisto. "It seems like a waste."

In 2008, Henry County agreed to purchase the property that would be known as Kelleytown Park. The plan was to create a passive park with a pavilion along with hiking and biking trails.

The county purchased the property for $3.2 million from a land owner who bought it for $2.3 million four years before.

A county spokesperson says there was not an independent appraisal of the land prior to the county's purchase.

"The county wanted park land in that area because it was underserved," said spokesperson Julie Hoover-Ernst. "At that point and time, it was for the fair market value for that size, that parcel of land. It was at the peak of our real estate pricing before things started to go down with the economy."

Four years later, the county doesn't have the money to construct the park.

The land was purchased with funds collected from a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. Henry County's plan was to develop the park with money collected after voters agreed to extend the tax.

But the tax extension didn't bring in the money the county expected.

"Because of the economy, the SPLOST revenue hasn't been where they were projected to be," said Hoover-Ernst. "There have been other projects put on hold because the revenues aren't there."

The park project isn't dead.

Volunteer organizations have already started work on the biking and hiking trails. Using donated funds and supplies, they've developed a design that was recently approved. They're hoping to have work on the park complete by spring or summer of 2013.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Authorities searching for Stockbridge bank robber

STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. --- Henry County Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are searching for a man who robbed a SunTrust Bank branch in Stockbridge on Tuesday afternoon. 

According to authorities, the robbery happened around 2:54 p.m. when a black male entered the bank located inside the Publix grocery store at 909 Eagle Landing Parkway. 

The man displayed a handgun in his waistband and made away with an undisclosed amount of money. 

The robber is described as a black male, early 20's in age, slender build and wearing a dark blue dress suit.

Anyone with information should contact Henry County Police at (770) 288-8200 or Atlanta Crime Stoppers at (404) 577-8477.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Henry Co. officer killed in hit-and-run identified

STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. -- A Henry County officer has died after being hit by a car while helping a stranded driver. 

According to Henry County Police, 53-year-old Officer Elgin L. Daniel, was assisting a stranded motorist on N. Henry Boulevard near the Star Lite Skate Center.  A passing vehicle struck officer Daniel and a roadside assistance worker.

Henry County Police Sgt. Joey Smith said Daniel was a 2-year veteran of the department. He also served 26 years with DeKalb County Police before retiring as a Lieutenant.

The roadside assistance worker was identified as 58-year-old John Cook. He is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries at Atlanta Medical Center.

Police said the two men were putting gas into the stranded car, a red Mustang, when they were hit.

The driver of that Mustang told 11Alive's Blayne Alexander the oncoming car was moving like a "bolt of lightning."

"[They] were standing on the side where you put gas in, and I was standing behind it," said driver Gordon Jarrett. "Next thing I know, I seen two bodies fly through the air."

The vehicle continued driving toward Rockdale County on Highway 138 east. Authorities believe the suspect is driving a 2000 to 2007 F250 pickup truck with a standard cab, dual wheels and damage to the driver mirror and front left side.

According to Henry County Maj. Jason Bolton, the truck would likely be missing the left side-view mirror; authorities found one still at the scene.

"This officer had flashing blue lights, he was very visible along the roadway," Bolton said. "[The driver] certainly would have known after striking two individuals that he had been involved in an accident."

Bolton said the driver will likely face multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, aggravated assault and leaving the scene of an accident.

Henry County officials are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the hit-and-run driver.

DeKalb County Public Safety Director William Z. Miller and Interim Police Chief Lisa Gassner released a statement about Daniel's death Tuesday afternoon:

We would like to extend our condolences to the Daniel family and the Henry County Police Department on the tragic loss of Officer Elgin Daniel. Our hearts are especially heavy since Elgin served honorably on the DeKalb County Police force for 25 years before retiring as a Lieutenant in 2010. He left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of his fellow officers. He will forever be remembered as a man who always encouraged others to challenge themselves and strive to live a life of excellence.

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Authorties arrest suspect in Henry Co. hit-and-run

STOCKBRIDGE - Henry County Police have arrested a man they think is responsible for a hit-and-run crash that killed a police officer and sent a stranded motorist to the hospital. 

RELATED | Henry Co. officer killed in hit-and-run identified

Investigators say 43-year-old Ruben Marin-Garibay  hit Henry County police officer Elgin Daniel and another man with his Ford pickup truck on Monday night, then kept going.

Marin-Garibay is being charged with vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle, failure to maintain lane, and hit & run. He is currently detained at the Henry County Jail. 

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Henry Co. police officer killed in hit-and-run accident

HENRY COUNTY, Ga. -- A Henry County officer has died after being struck by a car while helping a stranded driver in Henry County on Monday evening. 

According to Henry County Police, the officer was assisting a stranded motorist on N. Henry Boulevard near the Star Lite Skate Center when he and another man were struck by a vehicle. 

The second victim, a roadside assistance employee who was also responding to the stranded driver, is expected to survive. Neither victim has been identified.

Police said the two men were putting gas into the stranded car, a red Mustang, when they were hit.

The driver of that Mustang told 11Alive's Blayne Alexander the oncoming car was moving like a "bolt of lightning."

"[They] were standing on the side where you put gas in, and I was standing behind it," said driver Gordon Jarrett. "Next thing I know, I seen two bodies fly through the air."

The vehicle continued driving toward Rockdale County on Hwy 138 east. Authorities believe the suspect is driving a 1997 to 2007 F250 pick up truck with damage to the driver mirror and the front left side. 

According to Henry County Major Jason Bolton, the truck would likely be missing the left side-view mirror; authorities found one still at the scene.

"This officer had flashing blue lights, he was very visible along the roadway," Bolton said. "[He] certainly would have known after striking two individuals that he had been involved in an accident."

Bolton said the driver will likely face multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, aggravated assault and leaving the scene of an accident.

Both men were rushed to Atlanta Medical Center where the officer died nearly three hours later. Henry County hasn't released the identity of the officer pending notification of next-of-kin. 

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

School buses breaking the rules of the road

ATLANTA -- Every day, Georgia school buses transport more than a million students; with two of the largest fleets in the country operating right here in the Atlanta area. So we wondered, "How safe are your children when they step on a school bus?"

We conducted Open Records searches to get a handle on driver safety. We discovered that school bus drivers, like the rest of us, are not immune to getting tickets.

MORE | School bus violations county by county

We requested red light camera tickets and moving violations for bus drivers in five school districts in the Atlanta area, including Gwinnett, Cobb, DeKalb and Fulton Counties as well as Atlanta Public Schools.

We found examples of buses running red lights and obtained the video to go along with some of those violations.  We also discovered other serious infractions, including a hit and run involving a Dekalb School bus, Atlanta school buses involved in accidents and buses in Cobb and DeKalb Counties cited for speeding, some in school zones.

It's difficult to make comparisons between school districts, because they all track driver histories differently.
"Oh yeah they're strict, they're strict on tickets oh yeah," said DeKalb County School bus driver, James Porter.

He got a warning for speeding last year but was cited for, 'Following Too Close', after striking another vehicle.
DeKalb County Schools requires all its bus drivers to turn in any traffic violations they receive, which is how we got copies of the violations.

Other school districts like Atlanta Public Schools and Gwinnett do driver history checks with the Department of Driver Services. 

However, Gwinnett County Schools provided us with copies of red light camera tickets.  Atlanta Public Schools gave us copies of accident reports where their drivers were cited for being at fault.

Overall the number of moving violations was small when compared to the thousands of buses and drivers and number of miles traveled.

From, January 1 of 2011 to September of this year, Dekalb County provided 53 moving violations, Cobb had 13, Fulton 10, and Gwinnett gave us 7 red light camera tickets and Atlanta Public Schools turned over 33 accident reports involving their drivers.

All of the school districts provide driver training and follow up safety courses when their drivers are given a moving violation. Drivers are also subject to termination for numerous offenses. 

You can do your part, if you see a School Bus breaking the rules of the road, take down the number and call police, because safety is a serious matter.

The good news is; accidents involving school buses continue to decline.  According to numbers provided by the State Superintendent of Schools there's been a decline in school bus accidents over the last 3 years.

2009 2,470 accidents state-wide were reported to GaDOE 
2010 2,173 accidents state-wide were reported to GaDOE 
2011 1,858 accidents state-wide were reported to GaDOE

15.20 | 0 komentar | Read More