WOODSTOCK — John Allen Bennett, 38, of Woodstock, was sentenced to 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole on March 13, after pleading guilty to multiple charges of sexual abuse of children. The sentence, handed down by Superior Court Judge Tony Baker, also includes life on probation subject to sex offender special conditions. […]
Posted inYour Family
Sandy Springs Police Department Offers Free Parent-Teen Driving Class
The Gist: The Sandy Springs Police Department is now providing a free Parent-Teen Driving Class aimed at reducing the number of motor vehicle crash-related injuries and fatalities among teenagers and young adults. The Reason: As motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers and young adults in the United States, the Sandy […]
Posted inCrime
In Georgia 95% of police officers involved in the killing of a suspect are never disciplined
Since the murder of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer in May 2020, police departments across the country have come under intense scrutiny for excessive use of force, particularly for incidents involving Black suspects. George Floyd’s murder is one of many in recent years that highlight the abuses of power that […]
Posted inYour Government
Georgia lawmakers have finished for the year. Here’s what they did and didn’t do
The final day of the Georgia Legislative session comes with many traditions, like throwing fistfulls of paper, wearing seersucker suits in early spring and, in recent years, failing to pass a bill to allow for medical cannabis. Sine Die, pronounced “see-nay dee-ay” in Latin but “Sigh-nee Die” in Georgia, typically sees lawmakers scramble to get […]
Posted inEvents
Decatur County Marks 200th Birthday with Bicentennial Week of Events
Decatur County is preparing to celebrate its 200th birthday with a weeklong series of events from April 17-23, 2023. The Bicentennial Week promises a variety of activities for residents and visitors alike, commemorating the county’s rich history and achievements since its founding in 1823. The festivities kick off April 17 with the BMS Annual Wax […]
Posted inCrime
Alpharetta Police Nab Five in Child Exploitation Sting
The Gist: Alpharetta law enforcement officials have arrested five suspects and are seeking two more after a successful undercover operation targeting child predators. The operation was a joint effort between the Special Investigations Unit of the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office. What Happened?: From […]
Posted inCrime
School Gunman Report Leads to Police Shootout in Douglas County
The News: A man identified as Steven Blunt, 29, was shot and killed in a police shootout in Douglas County, following a report of a gunman at a Special Olympics event held at New Manchester High School. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now involved in the case. What Happened?: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies […]
Posted inTraffic & Transportation
Dunwoody launches plan to boost road safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists
The Gist: Road safety in Dunwoody could improve for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, as the city moves forward with developing a Local Road Safety Action Plan. The plan involves data analysis, public input, and prioritization, with the aim of reducing fatalities and serious injuries on local roads. Taking Action: The city approved a contract with […]
Posted inGeorgia By The Numbers
Savannah ranked as one of the top places in the country to have an outdoor wedding
The Gist: Savannah recently ranked as the fourth-best city in the United States for outdoor weddings, according to a Lawn Love study comparing the 200 largest cities. Charleston, South Carolina, tops the list, with Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida, rounding out the top three. The Survey: Lawn Love analyzed 36 metrics across eight categories to […]
Posted inIn The News
Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens says homicides are down 56%
Tuesday morning, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens delivered his 2023 State of the City breakfast address to a ballroom of business leaders downtown. Public safety, affordable housing and empowering youth were primary topics. “Here in our city, workers who serve our residents every single day — the teachers, the coaches, mentors who show up for our young […]
Posted inCrime
Do Georgia hospitals need their own police departments?
Georgia lawmakers have signed off on legislation allowing hospitals to start police departments using certified law enforcement officers, similar to the approach many colleges take. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle overwhelmingly voted in favor of House Bill 383, the Safer Hospitals Act, to send the measure to Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican. The […]
Posted inRepresenting You
Is Roswell’s new open records policy the end of anonymous public records requests?
ROSWELL — Residents wishing to make an anonymous open records request in Roswell could face additional hurdles after a recent policy change. The Roswell City Council voted 5-1 Monday to approve changes to the city’s open records policy, requiring individuals and entities to provide verifiable names and addresses to receive public records. Councilwoman Sarah Beeson […]
Posted inGeorgia People
Meet Woodstock’s new fire chief Shane Dobson
WOODSTOCK — Shane Dobson, a seasoned firefighter with 30 years of experience, is set to return to his roots as the new Fire Chief for the City of Woodstock. Dobson, who began his firefighting career with Woodstock in 1993, will assume his new position with Woodstock Fire & Rescue on Monday, April 24, 2023. Before […]
Posted inRepresenting You
Representing You: Georgia Lawmakers Champion Gas Leaf Blower Bill
The Georgia Legislature is one step closer to passing a bill designed to protect gas-powered leaf blowers and appliances from cities and counties that might seek to restrict them. Lawmakers attached a slew of other bills to the original leaf blower bill, including provisions regarding de-annexing properties from cities and county bodies called Commercial Property […]
Posted inCrime
Glynn County community unites for justice for hospitalized teen Trenton Lehrkamp
The Glynn County community has been shaken by the harrowing events involving 19-year-old Trenton Lehrkamp, who was left at the Southeast Georgia Health Center by three juveniles on Tuesday, March 21, after he was tortured and forced to consume large amounts of alcohol and controlled substances by a group of minors he thought were his […]
Posted inIn The News
Body of 4-year-old who went missing in Yellow River found
After an extensive search for the 4-year-old boy reported missing in Yellow River, search teams have sadly located the body of a child matching the description provided by the child’s mother. The search resumed at 10:39 a.m. Sunday, with three boats deployed into the river to work alongside teams on the riverbanks. They conducted a […]
Posted inIn The News
Georgia is under a state of emergency due to tornadoes that hit Sunday morning
The Gist: Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency for tornadoes and severe storms that have caused damage to homes and businesses across the state on March 26. What Happened: A severe storm system moved into West Georgia earlier today, producing thunderstorms, high-velocity straight-line winds, and multiple tornadoes. The tornadoes and straight-line […]
Posted inIn The News
Emergency crews search for 4-year-old boy missing in Yellow River
A frantic search is underway for a 4-year-old boy who was reported missing in Yellow River at 5:41 p.m. Saturday. The child was spotted floating down the river and unable to get out, according to a 911 call. Emergency crews from Gwinnett County Fire Department, Gwinnett Police Department, and DeKalb Fire Units were involved in […]
