Joy Kramer was diagnosed with lymphoma 13 years ago. She recovered a year later, and remains cancer-free today at 59. But for years after her treatment, Kramer fought to get affordable insurance. Her premiums and deductibles soared because of her pre-existing medical condition. For a while she gave up, going uninsured for several months. The […]
How would you keep Georgia’s schools safe? The state wants your input
If you have any thoughts or suggestions for how Georgia’s public schools can improve student safety, a new website allows you to send your ideas straight to the state’s School Safety Study Committee. The website, at https://www.gasenatek12safety.com/, provides updates on the committee’s recent meetings and findings, as well as a chance for interested parties to submit […]
Police search for suspects in stolen credit card, identity theft case
Police are searching for two suspects who allegedly used a stolen credit card in Lawrenceville and Alpharetta. According to Gwinnett Police, the window of the victim’s vehicle was smashed late last month while it was parked in a church parking lot. The victim’s purse was stolen and shortly after the theft, the victim’s credit card […]
Attorney arrested, charged with using date rape drug on employee
A Snellville attorney was arrested Monday and charged for allegedly drugging a female employee while the two were out to dinner after work. According to police, Anthony O. Van Johnson went out to dinner with a female employee who worked as an interpreter in his office. She ordered a drink and excused herself to the […]
Georgians remember Anthony Bourdain
The world awoke Friday morning to the shocking news of the death of legendary chef Anthony Bourdain’s death. While his lengthy career involved cooking, writing and television appearances, his most recent project was as host of Atlanta-based CNN’s “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.” According to CNN, the 61-year-old died of an apparent-suicide in his hotel room […]
Fulton County relaxes marijuana possession laws
The Gist: Add Fulton County to the growing list of local governments who are relaxing their laws about possessing small amounts of marijuana. Under the new policy, those caught with less than one ounce of the drug would face no jail time and a maximum fine of $75 for a first offense. What about subsequent […]
Roswell looks to California for new parks dept. chief
The City of Roswell has hired Jeff Leatherman to be its next Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Director. Leatherman is the Director of Regional Parks for Sacramento County, CA, overseeing the operation and management of 15,000 acres of parkland, including 62 active parks, more than 30 miles of trails, a nature center, 3 community […]
Norcross is looking for a new Planning and Zoning Board member
The Norcross Planning and Zoning Board has a vacancy. The members of the Planning and Zoning Board meet once a month (the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m.) If you are interested in having an active role in the Planning and Zoning of the city, please contact City Clerk, Monique Lang (mlang@norcrossga.net) to […]
Convicted child molester sentenced after he was caught video chatting 13-year-old from prison
A Central State Prison inmate will serve three additional years after prison officials say they caught him using an unauthorized cell phone to video chat with a 13-year old girl. 47-year-old Robert Lewis Gunn was already serving a 20-year prison sentence that began in 2008 for child molestation and sexual battery convictions. According to Bibb […]
The Public Record: Republicans vs. Republicans vs. Democrats
“Because public men and women are amenable ‘at all times’ to the people, they must conduct the public’s business out in the open.” Charles L. Weltner Sr., former Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court What is this?: The Public Record is a recurring feature on this website where we present recent quotes by public […]
DeKalb’s ambulance service provider agrees to increase staffing and resources
Effective Tuesday, May 29, DeKalb County’s ambulance provider, American Medical Response has agreed to immediately increase staffing and add ambulances in low call volume and high risk areas. Ambulances will be placed in two DeKalb County fire stations in Dunwoody and Stonecrest. “The lives and safety of our citizens is our number one priority. The […]
Augusta kicks-off ‘Pig Out in the Park’ barbecue Festival
Barbecue and music fans can expect heaping servings of both at the inaugural “Pig Out in the Park” BBQ cook-off on Saturday, June 9 in The Common in Augusta. The city is collaborating with several local businesses to host this new downtown event. “We expect competing teams to cook through the night to have their […]
Heavy rains force Buford Dam water release
Georgians hoping to Shoot the ‘Hooch early this summer will have to wait about two weeks due to a controlled water release from Lake Lanier into the Chattahoochee River. According to the Army Corps of Engineers, heavy rainfall has caused Lake Lanier to rise to 1,073 feet, which is two feet higher than the normal […]
Gas prices set to drop
Georgia drivers can expect relief from high gas prices soon. According to AAA, gas prices are expected to drop after Russia and Saudi Arabia expressed interest in increasing the supply of oil. For Georgians, this could mean about 10 cents less per gallon in the short term, but the savings will not come immediately, says […]
Norcross woman dies in early morning townhome fire
Gwinnett County firefighters responded to a 911 call at 2:40 a.m. on Tuesday about a fire at a townhome in Summer Place in Norcross. The caller reported something was on fire in the kitchen. Crews arrived to find a heavy fire on the first and second floor of a two-story townhome unit in the middle […]
Fulton County hires a new fighter in the opioid crisis
Continuing Fulton County’s proactive efforts to address the opioid crisis, County Manager Dick Anderson has established a new Opioid Coordinator position for Fulton County Government. Lynnette Allen, a seasoned behavioral health professional, has been appointed to the role. “The opioid epidemic has wreaked havoc on our society and within our County. Establishing this critical role […]
How to have an outdoor party without roasting your guests
(StatePoint) Hosting friends and family for backyard barbecues, picnics and garden parties during summer carries its own challenges. Here are a few tips guaranteed to keep your guests cool, comfortable and happy when you entertain. Create Shade: Entertaining outdoors? Remember, not all guests are going to want direct sunlight for too long. Take into consideration […]
Access to Ocmulgee River closed due to high water speed
In consultation with the Department of Natural Resources, the Macon-Bibb County Parks and Beautification Department is closing all access to the Ocmulgee River because of how fast it is flowing. This includes the ramps in Amerson River Park and at Spring Street. Please stay off of the Ocmulgee River. The parks themselves remain open, and […]

