GNB Update

The weekend has arrived...Here's the news...

Fire destroys one of Georgia's leading landmarks. OnlineAthens.com reports that a Friday morning blaze heavily damaged the Georgia Theatre in Athens. Firefighters were called to the theatre at about 7 a.m., but the building burned down within the hour. No one was inside when the fire broke out. The Georgia Theatre played host to many acts over the years, ranging from the Athens-based R.E.M., to B.B. King and Muddy Waters.

Also see: Photo gallery of the Georgia Theatre fire

The recent cheating scandal at a metro Atlanta school has led to two arrests. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that DeKalb County police arrested former elementary school principal Dr. James Berry, and former assistant principal Doretha Alexander late Thursday. Both face charges of falsifiying state documents. Berry resigned as principal of Atherton Elementary School, while Alexander was reassigned after an audit showed that scores fromt the Criterion Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) had been altered. Both defendants face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

The University of Georgia names its new play-by-play team for the upcoming football season. OnlineAthens.com reports that UGA named Scott Howard the permanent play-by-play announcer for the 2009 season earlier Friday. He replaces Larry Munson, who retired during his 43rd season calling Georgia games last year. Former Bulldog quarterback Eric Zeier returns as color commentator.

That's the news. GNB is available online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, and on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat. Have a good weekend.