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 […]