Top stories in Georgia for 2010

Goodbye, 2010.  Hello, 2011.  Click here for the stories from this year so far, courtesy of the Associated Press.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

The discourse on redistricting

2010's days, hours, minutes, and even seconds are numbered, while 2011 sits just around the corner.  Click here to read more on where the battle to re-draw Georgia's congressional and state legislative districts will be fought.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Georgia moves up in population count

Georgia moves up to ninth on the total population list.  That was the result of U.S. Census figures released Tuesday.  The Associated Press reports that Georgia added more than 1.5 million residents over the last decade.  That brings the population for 2010 to 9.7 million.  Just a decade ago, the Peach State had more than eight million residents.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of the Associated Press

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Georgia to get one extra seat in Congress

What has been a rumor for most of the last decade is now a reality.  2010 Census figures released today (Tuesday) show that Georgia will get one new district in the U.S. House of Representatives.  That brings the total number of congressional districts in the Peach State to 14.  That's up from 13 in the 2000 Census.

Click here for the full story.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Another bank shuts down

Click here to find out where that bank is located, and why the state of Georgia is forcing it to close its doors...

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Community banks still feeling the pinch of the "Great Recession"

Two years after the start of the financial crisis, many community banks still find themselves struggling to stay afloat in the current economic downturn.  Macon.com has details on how the smaller institutions are dealing with the ongoing meltdown.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Technical College of the Year finalists named (Photo included)

Albany Technical College President Dr. Anthony Parker (center) receives a proclamation from Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Ron Jackson (left), and TCSG State Board Chairman Dean Alford (right), for being named a top four finalist for the Governor's Technical College of the Year on December 8, 2010.   But it was Wiregrass Georgia Technical College that won top honors almost a week earlier, on December 2, 2010.

Photo courtesy of Albany Technical College

Click here for the complete story, courtesy of the Valdosta Daily Times.

The complete press release of WGTC accepting the award can be read here.

Click here for the press release from ATC.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook by clicking the "Like" button, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Could the GMHOF be heading down south?

That's definitely possible, as both the Georgia Sports, and Music, Hall of Fames, might soon be on their way out of Macon sometime next year.  The Albany Herald reports that the leaders of two Albany area institutions are making their pitch to bring the Georgia Music Hall of Fame to southwest Georgia.  Click here for more details.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Making history in Columbus...

That's what Teresa Tomlinson did Tuesday night, as she defeated Zeph Baker in a runoff, to become the first female mayor of the Fountain City.  Click here to find out more about this historic election.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

UGA TV station plans on track

The Georgia Public Broadcasting television network could grow by one station sometime next year, or beyond.  OnlineAthens.com reports that the University of Georgia is currently in negotations to make WNEG-TV part of the GPB group.  They've been ongoing since September.

Read more...

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Black Friday Round-up

Here are select stories from the biggest shopping day of the year, "aka" 'Black Friday', from a Georgia perspective.

How are the "mom-and-pop" stores doing?  It depends on whom you talk to.  Click here for more details.

Shoppers in southwest Georgia are searching for the best deals on the perfect Christmas gift too.  Mysouthwestga.com has the details here.

Finally, Macon.com has tips on how to protect those precious purchases. 

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Football returns to Mercer

It's official!  Football will return to Mercer University in Macon after an absence of nearly seven decades.  University officials made the announcement on Friday.

Click here to view the 20-minute news conference.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Education Briefs

An Atlanta area community college will soon start three-year bachelor's degrees.  Click here to find out what programs Georgia Perimeter College is offering...

Also, outgoing University System of Georgia Chancellor Erroll Davis will speak at an upcoming fall graduation.  Click here to find out where he'll do his speech...

and a president of another two-year institutition says he's going for four years.  Click here for the details.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Analysis of the GOP's rise to power in Georgia politics

How did the Republican Party come to be the dominant force in Georgia politics? Click here for the weigh-in on last Tuesday's historic mid-term elections.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Election 2010 Recap

The 2010 mid-term elections have moved into the history books.  What's next?  Here's a quick recap of Tuesday's aftermath.

A new "Deal" in the Governor's Mansion (Associated Press)

GOP sweeps statewide offices (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Bishop rallies to reclaim 2nd District seat (Albany Herald)

Scott unseats Marshall for 8th District seat (Macon.com)

Barrow holds off McKinney in 12th District (GPB)

Congressional race recap (GPB)

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Just one more day...

until the general election.  Hundreds, if not thousands, of voters throughout Georgia will decide who will represent them in multiple elections, from the General Assembly, to Governor, to U.S. Congress.  Click the links below for selected articles and opinion regarding Tuesday's mid-term voting...

End near for voting (Albany Herald)

Tea Party Election Watch (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Gubernatorial race analysis (Morris News Service)

Final gubernatorial debate recap (Morris News Service)

Editorial (Albany Herald)

Runoff rumors (Valdosta Daily Times)

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Election Countdown 2010--No clear cut favorite for Governor

As the 2010 general election draws near, there's no still clear cut candidate for Georgia governor.  Click here to find out the latest results on what likely will be one of the tighest gubernatorial races in state history.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Low-cost campaign for gubernatorial candidate

Find out who he is by clicking here.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and avaiable via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Election Countdown 2010--New poll in Governor's Race

Just eight days remain until the general election happens on November 2.  A new poll conducted by Atlanta television station WXIA, and radio station WVEE shows that a runoff for Georgia governor could be imminent.  Click here to find out what the results of that poll reveal.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Move the "Halls of Fame"

That's what a Fulton County commissioner says should happen to both the Georgia Music and Sports museums, both of which currently call Macon home.  But both facilities have struggled financially in recent years, and are now mostly dependent upon taxpayer support to stay open. Click here to read more on this story, courtesy of the Associated Press.

GNB EXTRA--Test tampering under investigation

The alleged tampering on standardized tests in the Atlanta and Dougherty County school systems leads to a statewide investigation.  Click here and here for more details on both probes.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Princeton Review ranks Georgia grad schools among nation's best

The Princeton Review has two separate schools from one Georgia institution among the nation's best graduate programs.  Click here to read which university has those top-notch schools.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--How Georgia counties fared in Census participation

How did all 159 Georgia counties fare in terms of participating in the 2010 Census?  Click here for the map, and type in zip code, or city and state.  Remember to click "Check out your community's results" once there.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook by clicking the "Like" button, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Prominent Columbus attorney arrested

A prominent Columbus attorney is facing drug charges.  Ledger-Enquirer.com reports that Mark Shellnut was arrested outside of the government center in Columbus just before noon Thursday.  Authorities say the arrests were related to charges involving prescription drugs.  Additionally, WTVM reports that Shellnutt faces up to eight counts on those charges.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Civic Center Candidate says no to job offer

It's back to "square one" for Albany officials.  A new search is now underway after Shannon McCullough withdrew his name from the director's position at the Albany Civic Center Monday.  Click the link below for more details.

Albany Herald

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Election Countdown 2010

Welcome to "Election Countdown 2010" here at GNB...There are 55 days remaining until the 2010 general election across Georgia on November 2.  Here's a brief look at the number "55" 'by the numbers"

55%--The percentage of the vote that Rahn Mayo earned to win the Georgia House District 91 seat in a runoff in 2008.  Michael Harden from House District 28, and Rich Golick from House Distirct 34, both Republicans, won November general elections for their respective seats by that same percentage later in 2008.

In Georgia House District 55, incumbent Rashad Taylor defeated Mabel Thomas in the July 20 primaries.  With no opposition in November, Taylor will retain that seat. In Senate District 55, Gloria Butler has held that post since 1999.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--DeKalb County COO Fired

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of DeKalb County is out of work. Find out what led his dismissal by clicking here.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Georgia wins "Race To The Top"

Good news for Georgia schools. The Associated Press reports that 26 school districts statewide will share around $400 million in federal funding over the next four years. The goal is to help improve the state's crumbling education fortunes. Click here for more details.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB Update

It's time for another edition of "Hyperlocal Wednesday" on GNB...


A "playful" honor for one Georgia city...Click here to find out which community it is...


Read which middle Georgia town and county is planning a joint effort...


and former Governor turned 2010 gubernatorial candidate Roy Barnes shares his thoughts on the state of education in Georgia. Click here to view the video.


GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Runoff Recap

It's Ken Hodges vs. Sam Olens for Attorney General, while Georganna Sinkfield will do battle against incumbent Brian Kemp for the Secretary of State's office come November. Click here to find out what happened Tuesday night.

GNB EXTRA--Handel concedes to Deal in gubernatorial runoff

Former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel has conceded to former U.S. Congressmen Nathan Deal in Tuesday's runoff for the GOP nomination for governor. Read the details here.

GNB EXTRA--Runoff Roundup

Note: As statewide runoff elections loom closer, here's one final installment on how Tuesday's race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination will turn out.


Associated Press: Recap of Sunday's Atlanta Press Club debates


Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Sarah Palin makes last-minute stop for Karen Handel


Florida Times-Union: Handel holds slim lead in poll


Gainesville Times: Mike Huckabee makes case for Nathan Deal

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Metro Atlanta moves up to 7th in population rankings

Metro Atlanta continues to be on the grow. That's according to Business First of Buffalo, New York. The publication reported that Atlanta's population now stands at more than 5.6 million residents. That makes it the seventh largest metropolitan area in the nation. Click here for more details on this story. Also, find out how other Georgia metro areas fared here.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--New DeKalb commissioner takes seat, CD 4 Preview

Click here for more details on both developments...

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB Update

"Hyperlocal Wednesday" returns with these stories worth reading about...

Find out how the soon to be former Albany city manager may have hidden a few forgeries from the Feds...

Read more on what schools parents in one middle Georgia district can choose for their children...

Nearly every school in Walton County has met the AYP goal. Click here for the details.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--The Runoff Round-Up

Note: Here's the first in a series of select articles leading up to the August 10 runoff elections, including the race for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.

Runoff puts strain on county budgets (GPB News--07/21/2010)

Preparing for a runoff (Columbus Ledger-Enquirer--07/22/2010)

Handel, Deal raise money for runoff (Associated Press--07/23/2010)

Runoff looming in Effingham County (savannahnow.com--07/24/2010)

GOP candidates come to terms on issues (Associated Press--07/25/2010)

Handel releases education plan (Associated Press--07/26/2010)

An endorsement for Houston BOE (macon.com/houston--07/27/2010)

GNB EXTRA--Georgia county makes CNN Money Top 25 list

Click here to find out which Georgia county made the list of the 25 best counties in America for jobs, according to CNNMoney.com.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--How Sarah Palin is influencing the Georgia GOP primary

She may no longer be Governor of Alaska, but a former vice presidential candidate has become a strong influence on the race for Georgia governor. Read how the "Sarah Palin Effect" will affect the outcome on who will win the GOP nomination here.

GNB EXTRA--Election Recap 2010 (The Primaries)

Note: Here's a quick recap, and read, of the top stories regarding Tuesday's primary elections in Georgia.

Governor's Race

Former Governor Roy Barnes easily wins the Democratic nomination, while a runoff is looming on the Republican side. Click here and here for details on both races.

Attorney General

Ex-Dougherty County District Attorney Ken Hodges easily won the Democratic nomination over Rob Teilhet in Tuesday's primarily election. Click here for the reaction from Albany. Plus, read local reaction from Cobb County as one of their own is headed for a runoff in the Republican race. Also, read more reaction on the Democratic side here.

U.S. House of Representatives

It's official. Mike Keown will face incumbent Democratic Congressman Sanford Bishop in Georgia's 2nd Congressional District on November 2. Keown won the Republican nod for that seat in a landslide Tuesday night. Click here to find out how he did it.

In the 8th Congressional District, Austin Scott won the right to face another incumbent Democrat, Jim Marshall, in November's general election. Click here for the details from Tifton.

More results

Click here for a complete list of results from races statewide. Also, visit other portions of the site for a complete election recap at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Election Countdown 2010 (The Final Hours)

Note: This is the final post in a series leading up to Tuesday's primary election in Georgia. Below is a select list of articles on the primary races statewide.

Gubernatorial debate recap (Morris News Service--via Augusta Chronicle)

Support for Oxendine slips, say polls (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Voter turnout expected to be brisk (Marietta Daily Journal)

Low voter turnout expected (Brunswick News)

Magnet school vote in Ware County (Jacksonville.com)

Stumping for votes (Associated Press)

Tense AG race in home stretch (Albany Herald)

GNB EXTRA--Election Countdown 2010 (Insurance Commissioner)

Note: Our countdown to Tuesday's primaries continues with a brief outlook on the race for Insurance Commissioner.

Quick Analysis: The 2010 race for Insurance Commissioner is one heavily dominated by the Republicans, as nine candidates are vying for the GOP nomination, compared to just one Democrat, plus one Libertarian candidate. Don't be surprised to see a runoff between at least two candidates before the end of the summer.

Click one of the links below to find out more about the candidates for Insurance Commissioner.

Republicans

Dennis Cain

Rick Collum

Seth Harp

Ralph Hudgens

Tom Knox

John Mamalakis

Stephen Northington

Gerry Purcell

Maria Sheffield

Democrat

Mary Squires

Third Party/Other Candidates

Shane Bruce (Libertarian)

Finally, here are a few select articles from around Georgia concerning the race for Insurance commissioner.

Peach Pundit on Maria Sheffield (08/14/2009)

SWGAPolitics.com on Stephen Northington (10/22/2009)

Morris News Service (via Rome News-Tribune)--(05/22/2010)

Associated Press (06/16/2010)

Morris News Service (via savannahnow.com)--(07/14/2010)

Voters guide profiles (courtesy of WJXT Jacksonville, Fla./news4jax.com)

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, as well as on Twitter.com at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook by clicking the "Like" button, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Election Countdown 2010 (Georgia Attorney General)

Note: Our countdown to Tuesday's primary election moves on with a brief outlook and analysis on the heated race for Georgia Attorney General.

First, here are the candidates for the 2010 campaign...

Democrats

Ken Hodges--Former District Attorney, Dougherty County

Rob Teilhet--State Representative, Georgia House District 40

Analysis: The race for the Democratic nomination appears to be the more heated of the two sides, as both candidates have traded parting shots at each other during their volatile campaign. The most recent controversy was generated from the Teilhet, which aired a 30-second TV ad featuring Emily Walker, the mother of Kenneth Walker. Walker was killed by former Muscogee County sheriff's deputy David Glisson during a traffic stop in late 2003. Hodges chose not to seek an indictment against Glisson after Hodges failed to swear him in, prompting the controversy.

Republicans

Samuel Olens--Chairman, Cobb County Commission

Max Wood--U.S. Attorney, Middle District (Georgia)

Preston Smith--State Senator, Senate District 52

Analysis: Unlike the race for the Democratic nomination, the GOP side appears to have had no drama so far. Still, the most recent polls show Wood holding the edge to represent the Republican Party in the November general election.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Election Countdown 2010 (Secretary of State)

Note: Our next installment on "Election Countdown 2010" focuses on the race for Georgia Secretary of State. Five candidates are running in the Democratic primary, while there just two candidates running for the Republican nomination.

Democratic candidates

Gail Buckner--A Clayton County native, Buckner has represented state Senate District 44 since 2008.

Gary Horlacher--Originally from Florida, Horlacher has managed campaigns ranging from Labor Commissioner to Lieutenant Governor.

Michael Mills--Mills political career in Georgia started as an aide to former Secretary of State Lewis Massey.

Angela Moore--A native of Washington, D.C. Moore is no stranger to Georgia politics, as she ran for a seat on the DeKalb County Commission in 2004.

Georganna Sinkfield--Sinkfield is one of the longest serving lawmakers in the Georgia General Assembly, having first been elected to office in 1982.

Republican candidates

Brian Kemp--Seeking his first full term in office, Kemp assumed the Secretary of State duties from gubernatorial candidate hopeful Karen Handel.

Doug MacGinnitie--A Dunwoody native, MacGinnitie served on the Sandy Springs City Council.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Election Countdown 2010 (Lieutenant Governor)

Note: Our countdown to the July 20 primary elections continues with a brief outlook on the Lieutenant Governor's race.

Republican

Casey Cagle--As the first Republican to serve as Lieutenant Governor, Cagle hopes to win re-election to that seat in November.

Democrat

Carol Porter--Should they be successful in the November general election, DuBose and Carol Porter could become the first husband-wife governor/lieutenant governor tandem in Georgia history.

Independent/Other/Third Party

Rhonda Martini--A Libertarian, Martini is a dentist.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Election Countdown 2010 (The Governor's Race)

Note: Starting tonight (Tuesday), there will be brief summaries of select primary elections throughout Georgia, starting with the race for Governor. They will continue until Monday, July 19, the day before the primary elections in Georgia.



The Democrats



Thurbert Baker--Three-term attorney general has held the seat of the state's top prosecutor for the last 13 years.



Roy Barnes--Former governor and Marietta native hopes to recapture the top seat after losing to Sonny Perdue in 2002.



Bill Bolton--Another native of Cobb County, Bolton has three engineering degrees from Georgia Tech.



Carl Camon--Serving five terms as the mayor of tiny Ray City in south Georgia, Camon faces long odds in winning the Democratic nomination.



DuBose Porter--The current House minority leader, as well as a native of Dublin, Porter once served as an intern with former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn.



David Poythress--A former general in the U.S. Air Force, Poythress is no stranger to Georgia politics, as he gave up the Labor Commissioner's job to run for governor in 1998.



Randal Mangham--A representative in Georgia House District 94, Mangham is also a long shot to represent the Democrats in November.



The Republicans



Jeff Chapman--A Brunswick native, Chapman hopes to use a "family friendly" approach to his campaign.



Nathan Deal--A former U.S. Representative representing Georgia's ninth congressional district, Deal is one of the favorites to represent the GOP in the general election.



Karen Handel--The former Secretary of State hopes to make history as Georgia's first female governor. But she must navigate her way through a very strong Republican field.



Eric Johnson--First elected to the state Senate in 1994, Johnson went on to become the President Pro Tem.



Ray McBerry--In a campaign marked by controversy, McBerry faces a tough task in winning over voters.



John Oxendine--As the longest serving Republican constitutional officer in Georgia, Oxendine is another favorite to claim the GOP gubernatorial nomination.

Other candidates

John Monds--With the recent decision by Ray Boyd to withdraw, the Libertarian from Cairo is the only third party or independent candidate to run for governor.

Want to know more about the candidates? Click here.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB Update

Here's what's happening for "Hyperlocal Wednesday" on GNB...

A recent request to re-zone property in Morgan County was denied...Click here to find out why...

What is a "G-RAMP"? Find out what it is here...

and the Dodge County News has more on whether the millage rate for the school board will stay as is...or change to a new number.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--UGA looks for a new A.D.

Damon Evans is no longer the athletic director of the University of Georgia. Evans resigned Monday after his arrest on DUI charges last week. Here's a sampling of articles surrounding the scandal, and the search for Evans' replacement.



Evans addresses charges (Atlanta Journal-Constitution--07/01/2010)

Evans resigns (Associated Press)

Frank Crumley gets nod for interim A.D. (Associated Press--07/06/2010)

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB Update

Here's what's happening on the "Hyperlocal Wednesday" before the 4th of July...on GNB...

What is the "Alvin Greene Effect"? Click here for the answer...

The Warner Robins Patriot has a report on a city councilman's constant run-ins with the law...

and Albany Technical College is literally "topping off" its newest building...click here for more details...

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB Update

Here's what's happening for Monday on GNB...

A shake-up in the Georgia governor's race. Peach Pundit reports that independent candidate Ray Boyd withdrew his bid to become Governor over the weekend. Boyd decided to run as an independent after he refused to a sign an oath to run on the Republican ticket.

Two middle Georgia high schools get federal grants. Macon.com reports that Westside High School will receive a grant of $1.7 million. The money will be used to help buy iPods, eBooks, and other technology for the new school year. Meanwhile, Macon.com also says that Peach County High School will get more than $5 million worth of improvements over a three-year period.

Good news for jobseekers in Columbus. Ledger-Enquirer.com reports that Kysor/Warren is expanding its operations in the Chattahoochee Valley. The expansion by the refigeration manufacturing company will create 200 new jobs in the Fountain City. The lease lasts for 10 years.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and via e-mail, at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB Update

It's time for another "Hyperlocal Wednesday" on GNB...Here's what's worth reading...

Read more on why on a Warner Robins city councilman is denying allegations that he threw out his cell phone...

a southwest Georgia blogger on why an Albany lawyer should face prosecution...

and Theatre Albany is preparing to kick off its 78th season. See which shows will get it started here.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB Update

Here's what's happening for Tuesday on GNB...

An investigation into a gubernatorial candidate's ethics gets stopped cold. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has more on this story.

The Daily Tribune News has more on why a northwest Georgia restaurant will close its doors at the end of this month...

and shoppers in one southwest Georgia town are saying goodbye to their local Wal-Mart...The Albany Herald has details on why it's closing up shop...

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--More on the new Miss Georgia

Christina McCauley says being crowned Miss Georgia 2010 in Columbus Saturday night was an "incredible" moment. Click here to find out why.

GNB EXTRA--Miss Georgia Pageant Final Wrap-up

Here's a summary of coverage from Saturday's finale of the 2010 Miss Georgia Pageant...

WTVM

WRBL

Ledger-Enquirer.com

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB EXTRA--Miss Georgia Pageant 2010--Final Results

In case you missed the outcome, here are the final results of the 2010 Miss Georgia and Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen Pageants, respectively, on Saturday night in Columbus.

Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen

Fourth runner-up: Tara Lynn Steele (Cobb County)

Third runner-up: Meagan Sharp (Troup County)

Second runner-up: Julia Martin (Columbus)

First runner-up: Maggie Bridges (Southern Heartland)

Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen 2010: Camille Sims (Capital City)

Miss Georgia

Fourth runner-up: Michaela Lackey (Cherokee Rose)

Third runner-up: Casy Walker (Cobb County)

Second runner-up: Laura Stone (Atlanta)

First runner-up: Jamie Kelton (Capital City)

Miss Georgia 2010: Christina McCauley (Southern Heartland)

GNB EXTRA--Miss Georgia Pageant 2010: Friday Preliminary Results

Three nights down, one to go in the 2010 Miss Georgia Pageant! Here are the results from Friday night's preliminaries.

Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen

Fitness: Camille Sims (Capital City)

Evening Wear: Amelia Hunt (Acworth)

Talent: Tara Lynn Steele (Cobb County)

Miss Georgia

Swimsuit: Briana Jewett (Rome)

Evening Wear: Laura Stone (Atlanta)

Talent: Christina McCauley (Southern Heartland)

More information: http://www.missga.org

Click here for the Miss Georgia Blog

GNB EXTRA--Repeat at Miss Georgia 2010

The same contestants that scored preliminary wins on Wednesday night wound on top Thursday at the 2010 Miss Georgia Pageant in Columbus. Here are the winners from Thursday night's preliminaries.

Click here for a brief wrap-up from night two of the Miss Georgia Pageant, courtesy of Ledger-Enquirer.com.

Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen

Evening Wear: Maggie Bridges (Southern Heartland)

Fitness: Julia Martin (Columbus)

Talent: Meagan Sharp (Troup County)

Miss Georgia

Evening Wear: Casy Walker (Cobb County)

Swimsuit: Jamie Kelton (Capital City)

Talent: Kristen Springer (Gwinnett County)

More information: http://www.missga.org

Miss Georgia Blog: Click here.

GNB EXTRA--Miss Georgia Pageant 2010 Preliminary Results--Night 1

Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen

Fitness--Sydnie Chepnick (Columbus State University)

Talent--Camille Sims (Capital City)

Evening Gown--Julia Martin (Columbus)

Miss Georgia

Swimsuit--Kristen Springer (Gwinnett County)

Talent--Casy Walker (Cobb County)

Evening Gown--Jamie Kelton (Capital City)

More information: http://www.missga.org

GNB EXTRA--Miss Georgia 2010 gets underway tonight

Editor's note: "Hyperlocal Wednesday" will not be posted this week, in order to bring a "GNB EXTRA".

The 2010 Miss Georgia Pageant gets underway tonight (Wednesday), as 40 young women will compete for the titles of Miss Georgia and Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen. Click the following links below to read more on the Miss Georgia Pageant.

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (Ledger-Enquirer.com)--(June 13)

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (Ledger-Enquirer.com)--(June 16)

Press release from Miss Georgia Organization

Website: http://www.missga.org

Click here for a photo gallery of the 40 contestants.

Click here for the Miss Georgia Blog.

GNB Update

What's happening in Georgia this Tuesday? Keep reading to find out right now on GNB...

Temperatures on the rise in middle Georgia. Click here to find out how the locals are beating the heat...

Reforming the elections process. Read how one candidate for Georgia Secretary of State plans to tackle that issue here...

Albany takes a big hit in tax collections. Find out how much money it will cost the city here.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB Update

Here's what's happening for Monday on GNB...

Students at Macon State College will finally get to stay on campus. Macon.com reports that the four-year institution will take over management of a local apartment complex for the upcoming fall semester. Macon State first opened its doors in 1968.

Trying to make amends. That's what's happening at Columbus State University. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that 62 percent of CSU faculty members cast a vote of no confidence in President Tim Mescon in April. They cite sweeping campus reforms as a reason for not backing Mescon. But most students say they're happy with him.

Controversy involving an east Georgia school board. The Morris News Service reports that a lawyer fighting the removal of three Warren County school board members wants more time to look into the case. That move comes as new legislation is set to take effect next month. It would allow governors to remove school board members within 10 days of a school system losing its accreditation.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB Update

It's "Hyperlocal Wednesday" on GNB...Here's what's happening...

Swainsboro Forest-Blade: City council looks at new housing

Houston Home Journal: Shaheen removed as Warner Robins RDA chairman

Bainbridge Post-Searchlight: Book signing in Bainbridge this weekend

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB Update

Here's what's happening for Tuesday on GNB...

A school police officer keeps his job, for now. The Albany Herald reports that the Dougherty County Board of Education voted three to one, with three abstaining votes, to allow officer Keith Frazier to stay on the payroll. His work was recently questioned because he didn't report any serious incidents to Dougherty County School Police Chief Troy Conley. Frazier could still face suspension without pay, or outright termination.

A runoff to decide Georgia's newest member of Congress. The Associated Press reports that Republicans Tom Graves and Lee Hawkins will do battle for the ninth Congressional District seat tonight (Tuesday). The winner will replace fellow GOP member Nathan Deal. Deal gave up his spot on Capitol Hill to run for governor earlier this year.

Governor Sonny Perdue says no to two state Senate Bills. Peach Pundit reports that Perdue vetoed SB1 and SB148. He says that a potential power structure from from the governor's office to the legislature was the reason behind the veto.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB Update

Here's what's happening for Monday on GNB...

Albany Herald: Dougherty County employees get furlough days cut

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Georgia pollsters get low marks in national ranking

Augusta Chronicle: Augusta State wins NCAA golf title

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB Update

Here's what's happening on GNB for Thursday...

The Lee County Chamber of Commerce is staying put, for now. The Albany Herald reports that Leesburg City Council members voted unanimously to keep its headquarters in downtown Leesburg. Chamber Director Winston Oxford told the Herald that no such move from the Leesburg city limits was in the works, despite reports saying otherwise.

All Georgia truck drivers must now wear their seat belts. That's the mandate statewide, as Governor Sonny Perdue signed the bill into law Thursday. The Associated Press says that the new legislation eliminates the truck exemption from the state's seat beat law. Georgia was the last state in the nation to have such an exception.

A new sewer plant brings hope to one northeast Georgia county. AccessNorthGa.com reports that the new facility could bring economic growth along U.S. Highway 29 and Ga. Highway 106. The plant has the potential to treat at least 50,000 gallons of sewage daily.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB Update

If it's Wednesday, it means it's time for yet another edition of "Hyperlocal Wednesday" on GNB...Here's what's happening...

Albany State University picks its replacement as athletics director for new Dougherty County School Superintendent Joshua Murfree. Click here to find out who he is.

Outgoing Houston County Supertindent David Carpenter gave out one final diploma. See whom he gave it to here.

The North Fulton Amateur Radio League gets a huge honor. Click here to find out how they "hammed" it up.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB Update

Here's what's happening for the first day of June on GNB...

Two key endorsements for a gubernatorial candidate. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that former Governor Roy Barnes earned those endorsements from former Atlanta Mayors Andrew Young and Shirley Franklin. Barnes is trying to win back the seat he lost to current Governor Sonny Perdue.

Governor Perdue puts his stamp on new water conservation laws. The Associated Press reports that the two-term Repulican governor signed that legislation into law Tuesday. The new rules will ban nearly all watering outside from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A crumbling structure could soon come down in Albany. The Albany Herald reports that city commissioners voted to sue the owner of the dilapidated Heritage House Tuesday. In that lawsuit, the city will argue that the building is a threat to public safety.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and available via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.