Monday, May 31, 2010

GNB EXTRA--Top 10 "secret beach" is from Georgia

Click here to find out where along the Georgia coast it's located.

Also, find out why a coastal Georgia wildlife area will close its doors for 18 months...

Sunday, May 30, 2010

GNB EXTRA--U.S. 1 hopes for return to relevance

U.S. Highway 1 used to be a prime destination for travelers going through Georgia. Now there's an effort underway to make it prominent again. Click here for the full story.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

GNB EXTRA--Bid to buy Macon Mall withdrawn

A Minnesota-based company says no to buying the Macon Mall. Macon.com has more on why they gave up their bid to buy the middle Georgia shopping facility.

Friday, May 28, 2010

GNB Update

An abbreviated edition of GNB Update on this holiday weekend...Here's what's happening...

Albany Herald: School board OK's new supertintendent contract

Macon.com: Reichert on improving Rosa Parks Square

Clayton News-Daily: Man honored for serving seniors

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



Thursday, May 27, 2010

GNB Update

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

The massive Gulf Coast oil spill could spread east. Click here to read how researchers at the University of Georgia are preparing for such a scenario.

The results are out for the state graduation test. Find out how Georgia students did here.

Horses are creating a "stink" in Savannah, literally. Read on to find out what all the fuss is about.

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



Wednesday, May 26, 2010

GNB Update

It's time for another edition of "Hyperlocal Wednesday" at GNB...Here's the news...

Ground breaking for a new plant in Covington (Covington News)

Robins AFB employees lose bonus (Warner Robins Patriot)

A new logo for Lee County (Albany Journal)

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



Tuesday, May 25, 2010

GNB Update

Here's the news for Tuesday on GNB...

Atlanta has the healthiest citizens in the Southeast. That's according to a study released Monday. The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports that Georgia's state capital ranked 16th overall out of 50 cities by the American College of Sports Medicine's American Fitness Index. That's down from 15th a year ago. Washington, D.C. won title of "most fit city" for the third straight year.

A pinch of ginger a day can keep the doctor away. That's what researchers at the University of Georgia proved in a study that came out on Monday. OnlineAthens.com reports that one dose ginger every day can reduce the muscle pain that's caused from working out. The researchers found that consuming ginger reduced the pain by 25 percent.

A free camp helps children with diabetes cope with the disease. Macon.com reports that "Camp Little Shots" at Rock Eagle in Putnam County is celebrating its 30th year in 2010. The camp reaches children and teenagers between six and 18 years old. It wraps up on Wednesday.

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

Monday, May 24, 2010

GNB Update

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

Your local school system may soon decide how many students should sit in each classroom. OnlineAthens.com reports the state school board could eliminate class size limits. Board members brought up that issue during a called meeting Monday. Just two years ago, kindergarten classes were limited to at least 18 students, grades one to three 21, and four to five 28.

Two billion dollars. That's how much it will cost to build a light rail system in Cobb County. The Marietta Daily Journal reports that Cobb transportation director Faye DiMassimo will talk to county commissioners about that project Tuesday. If approved, the almost 15-mile could go from Kennesaw to the Cumberland Mall.

Teachers who have sex with students could face prison time. That's the intent behind the newly-signed House Bill 571. Savannahnow.com reports that Governor Sonny Perdue signed the bill into law Friday. The new law prohibits sex between teachers and students, whether the sex was consentual or not. Last year, the Georgia Supreme Court cleared an Augusta teacher who was convicted for having sex with a student.

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




Sunday, May 23, 2010

GNB EXTRA--Straw Poll Results

Click here and here to find out how the "straw polls" for multiple statewide elected offices turned out. The results include numbers for the Governor and Secretary of State's offices.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

GNB EXTRA--Study from Kennesaw State University

Click here to find out what young adults want in their careers. The results just might surprise you.

Article courtesy of Kennesaw State University

Friday, May 21, 2010

GNB Update

It's Friday, the end of another long work week...Here's what's happening...

A Mercer University professor gets some recognition. The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports that it honored Dr. Han Va Vo with its 2010 Health Care Heroes Award Thursday night. He earned honors for his work in designing artificial limbs in third-world nations. That included his native Vietnam. It was the 13th year that the Chronicle has given its Health Care Heroes Award.

No funding for the Flint RiverQuarium. That was what Richard Crowdis told the Dougherty County Commission's finance committee recently. The Albany Herald reports that the county administrator recommended that all funding for the Albany-based water museum be cut off for fiscal year 2011. Earlier this week, RiverQuarium Director Scott Loehr told county commissioners that would like funding for the facility to continue in some capacity.

A bizarre sight in an suburban Atlanta neighborhood. The Gwinnett Daily Post reports that police in Gwinnett County captured a five-foot alligator at a local subdivision last week. Authorities and the Department of Natural Resources relocated have since relocated to reptile to south Georgia.

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.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

GNB Update

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

College students in Georgia could walk into bigger classes this fall. That's the word coming from college presidents statewide. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that while students can expect their classes to be bigger in the next academic year, they also could see more professors on campus. University of Georgia President Michael Adams told the AJC he plans to use part of the $17.5 million it has to bring 25 new faculty members to Athens.

Bad news for Georgia education. The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports that the Peach State is ranked 35th reading proficiency among fourth graders. That's according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The study says that chronic absenteeism, low-performing schools, and loss of learning during the summer were blamed for the low ranking. The complete 62-page study can be read here.

A professor at a northwest Georgia college gets a rare honor. The Rome News-Tribune reports that Berry College biology professor Martin Cipollini will lead a tour of that institution's American chestnut orchard this Saturday. It's part of a national effort to save the declining tree. The orchard was first planted in 2007.

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



Wednesday, May 19, 2010

GNB Update

Here's another edition of "Hyperlocal Wednesday" at GNB...

A graduate of an metro Atlanta private school hopes to heal people's hurts around the world. Click here for her story...

In Albany, read why everyone can learn from Georgia's newest "STAR" student...

and one southwest Georgia hospital is offering three scholarships for students who want to work in health care...Find out much they're worth here...

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


Tuesday, May 18, 2010

GNB Update

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



The head of Houston Healthcare is fired, but no one will say why. Macon.com reports that Grady W. "Skip" Phillips was let go from that job Monday. The termination happened during a closed board meeting that lasted almost two hours. Cary Martin takes over as the acting CEO of Houston Healthcare until a permanent replacement can be found.



A follow-up on funding for the Flint RiverQuarium in Albany. The Albany Herald reports that government leaders there heard discussions on how much funding the southwest Georgia-based water museum should receive. On Monday, RiverQuarium Director Scott Loehr offered to cut his request for funding by 20 percent.



Time is running out for candidates to qualify for a vacant seat on the Georgia House of Representatives. Georgia Politics Unfiltered reports that no one has qualified for the Democratic nomination in House District 82. It consists the northeasternmost portion of DeKalb County. Current representative Kevin Levitas announced earlier this month that he would not seek re-election. That's according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Qualifying ends at noon Wednesday.



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







Monday, May 17, 2010

GNB Update

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

A shocking announcement from the state capital. WXIA in Atlanta reports that current school supertindent Kathy Cox has resigned as state school supertindent. The announcement came in a prepared statement Monday. Cox is giving up the top job in Georgia's school system to join the U.S. Education Delivery Institute. Her last day of work in the Peach State is June 30.

Bidding farewell to an old school. Macon.com reports that five former students came to Jones County for one final visit to Mattie Wells Elementary School Sunday. The students last day there is June 4.

A noble request made in Albany. The Albany Herald reports that Flint RiverQuarium director Scott Loehr brought a proposal before the Dougherty County Commission asking for reduced funds Monday. He asked for 20 percent less funding the last fiscal year. That move could save the county $50,000.

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

Sunday, May 16, 2010

GNB EXTRA--Small banks not immune to making big mistakes

Just because the bank is small doesn't mean it has made more than its share of bad choices. Find out how such evidence has led to many bank failures throughout Georgia by clicking here.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Friday, May 14, 2010

GNB Update

Welcome to Friday at GNB...And now here's the news...

An investigation into the possible tampering of scores on standardized tests may soon come to an end. The Albany Herald reports that the state investigated 11 teachers from five school districts. But outgoing Dougherty County School Superintendent Dr. Sally Whatley told the Herald yesterday that none of those teachers are from her district. An official with the Governor's Office of Student Achievement says that around half of the 34 districts under scrutiny were cleared of any wrongdoing on Wednesday. Whatley is turning the job over to Dr. Joshua Murfree at the end of this schol year.

An update on the controversy surrounding the Bibb County School System. Macon.com reports that the school board there narrowly voted to keep the contracts of acting supertindent Sylvia McGee, and assistant supertindent Mack Bullard last night. Earlier yesterday, the Georgia Professional Standards Commission voted to suspend their teaching certificates for not reporting educator misconduct. Director of Human Resources Myra Abrams also had her contract renewed at the Thursday night meeting. That's despite the possibility she could face a 20-day suspension as well.

A southwest Georgia teacher competes for top honors statewide. The Albany Herald reports that Lee County High School English teacher Coni Grebel is one of 10 candidates for Georgia Teacher of the Year. She was named one of the top 10 finalists out of 148 teachers.

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







Thursday, May 13, 2010

GNB Update

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

Governor Sonny Perdue signs House Bill 1055. Read on to find out whom the new law will help here...

The Georgia Professional Standards Commission suspends the teaching licenses of both the former and current school superintendent in Bibb County. Click here to find out why...

and a candidate in Georgia's 9th Congressional District gets a key endorsement...Find out who got it here...

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



Wednesday, May 12, 2010

GNB Update

Time for another edition of "Hyperlocal Wednesday" on GNB...Here's what's happening...

Good news for Atlanta's economy. The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports that metro Atlanta had the 18th strongest economy in the nation. That's according to a study released by the Policom Group today. Seattle was rated tops in the nation, followed by Washington, Denver, Houston, and Sacramento. Rounding out the top 10 are Salt Lake City, Des Moines, Iowa, San Diego, Madison, Wis., and Dallas-Fort Worth.

Robins Air Force Base is adding more jobs. The Warner Robins Patriot reports that it will gain five military and 62 civilian positions. That's coming under a realignment proposed by the U.S. Air Force Tuesday. The decision includes conversions from contractor to civilian work.

and SWGA Politics on why a southwest Georgia attorney isn't facing criminal charges for illegally having a gun in his desk drawer.

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

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

GNB Update

It's Tuesday on GNB...Here's the news...

Georgia's secretary of state announces qualifying for a state district seat. Click here to find out where it is, and who's in the running.

A candidate for Attorney General gets support from key leaders in middle Georgia. SWGA Politics has more...

and a meeting discussing a proposed contract appears to be "productive"...Or is it? The Albany Herald has 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.



Monday, May 10, 2010

GNB Update

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

Four in 10 Georgia public college students don't graduate. That's according to the latest stats from the University System of Georgia. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that around 40 percent at Clayton State University graduated within six years dating back to 2003, while the six-year rate at fellow metro Atlanta institution Southern Polytechnic State University stood at about 43 percent. Board of Regents vice chairman Willis Potts told the AJC that those numbers were "not acceptable".

350 graduates take the next step in their careers. The Brunswick News reports that the College of Coastal Georgia held its 45th commencement ceremony over the weekend. University System of Georgia Regent Jim Bishop says that 3,500 students are expected to enroll at CCG for the new academic year.

A milestone moment for another public university. Ledger-Enquirer.com reports that Columbus State University will hold its 100th commencement ceremony tonight (Monday). CSU had its first graduating class 50 years ago next month.

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







Sunday, May 9, 2010

GNB EXTRA--Georgia mom is champion weighlifter

Here's a must-read article on a champion weightlifter in middle Georgia.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

GNB PHOTO EXTRA--UGA Animal Research Helps Fight Diabetes

University of Georgia animal researchers Franklin West (left) and Steven Stice (right) recently discovered how 13 pigs could help treat diabetes and other human diseases.
For more information on that breakthrough, click here.

Photo courtesy of the University of Georgia


Friday, May 7, 2010

GNB Update

Taking a peak into the "Blog Files" on GNB this Friday...Here's what's happening...

SWGA Politics.com: Ray McBerry saga timeline

Peanut Politics: Potential changes in state Senate race

Georgia Highway 120 Politics: How to dominate a debate

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






Thursday, May 6, 2010

GNB Update

Welcome to Thursday...Here's what's happening...

New developments in a controversial school board case. The Albany Herald reports that the Georgia Supreme Court will hear arguments in a dispute between the former Randolph County school superintendent and current school board chairman. The case centers around whether former supertintendent Bobby Jenkins was wrongfully terminated. Last year, the remaining board members voted to remove Jenkins from office.

A new president for the Georgia Aquarium. The Associated Press reports that aquarium founder Bernie Marcus says he expects to have the position filled within the next two weeks. Anthony Godfrey stepped down for personal reasons earlier this week.

More controversy for a gubernatorial candidate. 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.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

GNB Update

It's another edition of "Hyperlocal Wednesday" on GNB...Here's the news...

Albany honors its top industries. Click here to find out who won...

A middle Georgia county falls behind in returing its census forms...Find out more here...

and...

What's the fastest-growing sport in the South? Here's a hint: it's not soccer.

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

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

GNB Update

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

The Democratic Party's loss will be the GOP's gain come November. That's according to a prediction on a conservative blog. RedState.com predicts that incumbent 2nd District Congressman Sanford Bishop will narrowly lose out to Republican Mike Keown in the general elections later this year. Red State also expects Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine to defeat former Governor Roy Barnes in the gubernatorial race.

Expect some changes in the state legislature next year. Peach Pundit reports that more than one in 10 incumbents in the House won't seek re-election, while barely over a third of current lawmakers will face challenges either via primary or general election. On the Senate side, almost a fourth of the incumbents are giving up their seats, while more than a third face challenges.

A judge dismisses a lawsuit against middle Georgia's top cable provider. Macon.com reports that Bibb County Superior Court Judge Sizemore issued the ruling late last week. Macon television station WPGA sued Cox Communications over the issue of re-transmission consent after the station severed ties with ABC at the end of last year. But Sizemore dismissed the case, saying that the contract took precedent over the allegations raised by WPGA.

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

Monday, May 3, 2010

GNB Update

One day down...four to go in this work week...Here's what's happening...

Augusta officials hope to get accurate census numbers. The Augusta Chronicle reports that adaptive lights that adjust their timing based on traffic will be installed soon. They will happen at three major locations going through Augusta/Richmond County. The purpose of that move is to help get an accurate count of the population in the Central Savannah River Area's largest city.

Expect Georgia to be on the grow soon. That's according to global economic forecasters. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Americans will make the move to the Peach State as the economy gets back on track. Experts with the economic forecasting firm IHS Global Insight projects that Georgia's population will more than 1.5 percent between now and 2015. Only four other states are expected to grow faster than Georgia within the next five years.

Top honors for a Georgia tire facility. The Rome News-Tribune reports that the Ford Motor Company honored Pirelli Tire North America with a "World Excellence Award". The Rome-based company earned the award during Ford's 12th annual ceremony recently. It's one of only two tire companies to receive such an award.

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






Sunday, May 2, 2010

GNB EXTRA--Surprise run for State House seat

The 2010 Georgia General Assembly session may be over, but one incumbent will get a surprising challenge from an unlikely opponent in one southwest Georgia district. Click here for the details.

Also...

Click here to find out why a GOP activist says Georgia Republicans should distance themselves from a gubernatorial candidate.



Saturday, May 1, 2010

GNB EXTRA--Legislative Wrap-Up

The 2010 Georgia General Assembly session ended late Thursday night. Here are a few articles on how things turned out.

Gun bill passes; consolidation, abortion bills fail (Macon.com)

Albany/Dougherty consolidation effort fails (Albany Herald)

"Melancholy" senator (Ledger-Enquirer.com)

GNB to join Blogathon

Effective today (05/01/2010) GNB will be a part of the 2010 "Wordcount Blogathon". The goal is to make at least one post every day during the month of May. For more information, please click here.