Secretary of State Handel Reminds Georgians about Contractor Licensing Law, Warns Consumers about Potential Contractor Scams Following Recent Floods

Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel today reminded consumers affected by recent flooding across the state that certain types of residential and general contractors require state licensure, and warned home and business owners to be wary of potential scams.

Typical flood damage that requires a contractor to hold a state-issued license includes major structural repair, electrical, plumbing and HVAC. Consumers can verify that a contractor is properly licensed or file a complaint against a licensed contractor online at: http://sos.georgia.gov/plb.

Additionally, state law exempts some types of construction work from licensure. Typical flood damage that does not require a licensed contractor includes roofing, painting, sheetrock, siding, mold remediation, flooring, foundation waterproofing and septic tank repair. Septic tank repair must be conducted by a person certified by the Georgia Department of Community Health.

Consumers should know that is illegal for a homeowner to obtain a building permit and use an unlicensed contractor to manage construction services. The person or business who obtains the permit could also assume the majority of liability for the project, leaving the consumer with little to no legal recourse.

When hiring someone to conduct construction work, watch out for these red flags that you may be dealing with a dishonest individual:

- A person going door-to-door selling their services.
- A person who offers services for a short time only, which makes consumers feel rushed and unable to research the contractor.
- Pressure to pay for more than half of the cost up front.
- Refusal or reluctance to set out complete and specific contract terms in writing.
- Lack of permanent and verifiable name, address and phone number of the business.

For additional consumer tips, please visit the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards website at: http://sos.georgia.gov.

Karen Handel was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2007. The Secretary of State's office offers important services to our citizens and our business community. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.
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Isakson, Chambliss Call for OSHA Regulations on Combustible Dust in Wake of Investigation of Explosion at Imperial Sugar Facility

Speak to Labor Secretary to Urge Her to Begin Rulemaking Process

U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today called on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to establish regulations regarding combustible dust after the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board announced its findings regarding the Feb. 7, 2008, explosion at the Imperial Sugar refinery in Port Wentworth, Ga.

Isakson and Chambliss were briefed by Chemical Safety Board officials regarding its final investigative report on the causes of the Feb. 7, 2008, explosion at the refinery near Savannah, Ga., that resulted in the deaths of 14 people and injuries to dozens more. Both senators also spoke with Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis this week to urge her department to begin its comprehensive rulemaking on combustible dust.

“I believe we should embrace the findings of the Chemical Safety Board, including the recommendation that OSHA establish mandatory standards modeled after the National Fire Protection Association guidelines,” Isakson said. “Sen. Chambliss and I are working closely with Secretary Solis to ensure that the lessons we have learned as a result of the Port Wentworth disaster will help us prevent future tragedies. The best available science, the experience of stakeholders and the notice-and-comment process should all play a key role in developing these much-needed regulations.”

“After receiving the Chemical Safety Board’s briefing, I believe it is clear that we must move forward with its recommendations for OSHA to establish regulations modeled after the National Fire Protection Association guidelines,” said Chambliss. “As public servants, it is our responsibility to do everything we can from a federal standpoint to ensure this type of tragedy never occurs again.”

Chemical Safety Board investigators determined that the initial explosion originated inside an enclosed steel conveyor belt that was not properly designed to protect employees from dust explosion hazards. Those investigators also concluded that a series of massive secondary explosions could have been prevented if Imperial Sugar had maintained routine housekeeping procedures and removed “large accumulations of spilled sugar throughout the packing buildings.”

On July 25, 2008, OSHA found that Imperial Sugar “egregiously and willfully” violated safety and health standards by allowing excessive amounts of combustible dust to collect in its Port Wentworth facility. The agency has proposed $5,062,000 in penalties for safety violations at the Port Wentworth facility. OSHA also has proposed another $3,715,000 in penalties for safety violations at an Imperial Sugar refinery in Gramercy, La.

On Feb. 15, 2008, Isakson and Chambliss went to Savannah to meet with Imperial Sugar employees as well as the families of workers who died or suffered injuries. Isakson and Chambliss also toured the exterior of the facility.

On Feb. 13, 2008, Isakson and Chambliss sent a letter to the U.S. Secretary of Labor and the interim executive of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, urging them to begin a comprehensive investigation of the Feb. 7 explosion. Both investigations are now complete.
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GEMA’s Ready Georgia Encourages Residents to Take Action During National Preparedness Month

PREPAREDNESS top-of-mind amid h1n1 threat, hurricane season

As the H1N1 pandemic flu and Atlantic hurricane season’s peak continue to threaten residents across the state, Governor Sonny Perdue is proclaiming Georgia’s support of National Preparedness Month in September. Ready Georgia, the state’s emergency preparedness campaign from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), is asking all residents to create a Ready kit, develop a household communications plan and stay informed about potential local emergencies.

“An overwhelming majority – almost 80 percent – of our state’s residents admit they are not prepared to face a large-scale disaster,” said Charley English, director of GEMA and the Office of Homeland Security. “By acting on Ready Georgia’s simple message of ‘prepare, plan and stay informed,’ individuals, families, businesses and communities have the power to become their own first responders during emergency situations.”

National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready America campaign, is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage action for emergency preparedness. Nearly 2,000 private, public and nonprofit organizations across the country participate as National Preparedness Month Coalition Members and are creating a culture of emergency preparedness by hosting events and initiatives during September.

“Here in Georgia, Community Emergency Response Teams, local emergency management agencies and other organizations are participating in National Preparedness Month alongside GEMA and Ready Georgia,” continued English. “Individuals and families can turn to our Ready Georgia site to create an interactive, customizable communications plan and supply list.”

Visitors to www.ready.ga.gov simply enter their information and receive a tailored plan for the entire family that includes the specific amount of supplies to put in their household Ready kits. The site also offers local emergency contact information, preparedness testimonials from prominent Georgians and an online toolkit to help individuals and organizations localize Ready Georgia’s message.

To empower Georgia’s youth, Ready Georgia is partnering with The Home Depot stores across the state for the second consecutive year to bring the message of preparedness to thousands of families during The Home Depot’s monthly Kids Workshop on Sept. 5. Georgia’s fifth-graders also have the chance to take part in National Preparedness Month by entering Ready Georgia’s “Get Ready Georgia” art and essay contest, encouraging students to draw upon their personal experiences of how their families have already prepared for an emergency or how they plan to prepare.

For more information on Ready Georgia and ways to take part in National Preparedness Month, visit www.ready.ga.gov, and for information on preparing for H1N1 Influenza in Georgia, visit www.health.state.ga.us/h1n1flu.
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On Heels Of Updated NOAA Hurricane Outlook, FEMA Emphasizes Public Preparedness

Friday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a revised hurricane outlook for the 2009 hurricane season. While this outlook provides important trends and cycles, FEMA is taking this opportunity to remind the public that no one can predict where the next storm will strike or what the impacts of that storm will be. That is why it is critical, as we move into the more active phase of the hurricanes season, that we all take steps now to prepare ourselves and our families.

“If you live in a hurricane prone area, it is common sense to ensure your family is prepared,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “We do not know where the next hurricane will strike, but what we do know is that the more the public does now to prepare, the better the outcome will be. I’m encouraging anyone in a hurricane prone state to take a few small steps to ensure their family is ready.”

Everyone, even, those living outside of hurricane-risk areas, should ensure they have taken steps to prepare including developing an emergency kit, getting training in CPR or first aid, and knowing if they live in an evacuation route.

Important items to have ready in case of an emergency include a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, medicines, non-perishable food, hand-operated can opener, utility knife, and first aid supplies. Copy and store your important documents in a waterproof bag. These may include medical records, contracts, property deeds, leases, banking records, insurance records, and birth certificates.

Earlier this week Administrator Fugate released a video message on the importance of personal preparedness. The video can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/fema.

For more preparedness information, please visit www.fema.gov and www.ready.gov.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
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Mayor and Council President Statement on Former Boxing Champion Vernon Forrest

"Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to Vernon Forrest's family in light of his untimely death this weekend. This intolerable criminal behavior is yet another tragic reminder to all of us at City Hall that we must work together to find the resources to support APD and community as it works to restore law and order to our streets. Making Atlanta safe must be our top priority."

Shirley Franklin, Mayor
Lisa Borders, City Council President

Phil Hunnicutt, chairman of the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission, issued the following statement regarding the death of Vernon Forrest:

“Vernon Forrest was determined, dedicated and an excellent role model both in and out of the boxing ring. The public knew him for his accomplishments as an Olympic boxer and holder of professional titles in two weight divisions. He also personally touched many lives through his commitment to various charities for underprivileged and handicapped children.

“These children, their families, the boxing community and Vernon’s fans will greatly miss him. However, we will not forget him.”

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Ex-boxing champ, Vernon Forrest, 38, was a 1992 Olympian with a 41-3 pro record. According to autopsy reports released yesterday, Forrest was shot during an apparent robbery in southwest Atlanta.

Per Chief Medical Examiner Michele Stauffenberg, death was caused by "multiple gunshot wounds involving the torso and thigh."

According to police reports, Forrest was robbed at gunpoint at a gas station where he stopped to put air in the tires of his Jaguar. He then grabbed his gun and chased the suspects.

Atlanta Police Detective Lt. Keith Meadows told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that "Vernon walked up to the guy" he was chasing, "then, at some point, (Forrest) turned and walked away."

Forrest was shot seven or eight times in the back, Meadows stated.
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FEMA Teams Up With Minor League Baseball And Boy Scouts To Help Families Prepare For Emergencies

On the heels of the 2009 All-Star Games, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is joining with Minor League Baseball and the Boy Scouts of America to kick off the second half of their campaign to ensure fans and their families are Ready when emergencies strike. In partnership with FEMA's Ready Campaign, Dozens of baseball teams and local Boy Scout councils across the nation are stepping up to the plate and encouraging fans to prepare for all types of emergencies and disasters. The Ready Campaign is a national public awareness effort designed to help all Americans prepare their families before the next emergency or disaster, by making a kit and getting a plan.

"As we enter hurricane season, the partnership with Minor League Baseball will help educate thousands of baseball fans about the need to prepare our families now, before disaster strikes," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "Preparing your family now, will have an impact on the outcome of the next disaster. That's why through FEMA's Ready Campaign we are encouraging all Americans to get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan and be informed about the different types of emergencies that can occur in their areas We appreciate the continued support of Minor League Baseball, the Boy Scouts and all of the organizations helping us to spread this critical message to American families."

"Minor League Baseball is proud to team up with the Boys Scouts of America in advancing the Ready Campaign," said Minor League Baseball President Pat O'Conner. "Through the years we have seen Minor League Baseball communities seriously impacted by hurricanes and other natural disasters. We are convinced the Ready Campaign is a valuable resource to citizens in harms way and our teams enthusiastically support spreading this important message."

Throughout the 2009 season, Minor League Baseball teams are participating in a variety of ways, including featuring the Ready public service advertisements on their monitors and in game programs as well as partnering with local Boy Scouts, Emergency Management Agencies, and Citizen Corps Councils to distribute Ready's emergency preparedness materials. These brochures and educational materials provide valuable information to help individuals and families prepare for emergencies and are also available at www.ready.gov.

Local Boy Scouts taking part in this effort can work toward earning their Emergency Preparedness merit badge and a Good Turn for America Award, which fosters joint community service projects between the Boy Scouts and organizations like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

"Personal preparedness is a fundamental principle we teach all of our scouts, so it makes great sense that our scouts would help share that message with others through our partnership with the Ready Campaign," said Bob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America.
To learn more about how your local team can get involved and to find out what teams are doing, please visit www.ready.gov.
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Fayette: PTC Police Hold Teen CERT "Summer Camp"

The Peachtree City Police Department will be hosting a Teen Community Emergency Response Team (TEEN CERT) “summer camp” the week of July 13 to July 17th.

The summer camp will be held daily from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The TEEN CERT Program educates young adults about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Prospective candidates must be between 14 and 17 years of age at the time of registration and a resident of Georgia. Applicants will be required to complete an enrollment form and applicable waivers. The application and waivers must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. A local check will be conducted to determine the background of the participants as a pre-condition to acceptance into the program.

There is no charge to attend this class; however, the class size will be limited to 14 participants. A meeting with the parents/legal guardians of those admitted into the program will be held prior to the first class.

More information about the TEEN CERT can be obtained by visiting the police department’s web site at www.ptcpolice.org (click on the CERT link) or by calling 770-487-8866.

Application forms are available online, or may be obtained from the library, city hall, police department and various other locations throughout the City.

The application deadline is June 30th, 2009.
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Fayette: Sheriff's Office Offers Internet Safety Courses

The Fayette County Sheriff's Office is pleased to announce several educational opportunities that will be available during the summer. The Sheriff's Office will be offering three courses pertaining to Internet Safety: Internet Safety for Parents, The New Hangout: Social Networking, and Internet Safety for Senior Citizens. All courses are free to the public; however, there are limited seating. If you are interested, contact Investigator Spencer at (770) 716-4999 Ext. 1906 or tspencer@fayettecountyga.gov to register for the course(s).

Course Dates/Times:

Internet Safety for Parents:
June 18, 2009 at 5:00 pm
June 29, 2009 at 6:30 pm
July 14, 2009 at 1:00 pm
July 14, 2009 at 4:00 pm

The New Hangout: Social Networking
June 18, 2009 at 6:30 pm
June 29, 2009 at 5:00 pm
July 14, 2009 at 2:30 pm
July 14, 2009 at 7:30 pm

Internet Safety for Senior Citizen's
June 18, 2009 at 1:30 pm
June 29, 2009 at 1:30 pm
July 14, 2009 at 10:30 am
July 14, 2009 at 6:00 pm

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Clayton State Office of Public Safety Adds Former Olympian Gregory Meghoo to Campus Police Force

Gregory Meghoo (Newnan) recently joined the Clayton State University Office of Public Safety police staff.

Prior to working for the University, Meghoo worked for the Fulton County School District and MARTA Police transit. Meghoo was also on the Jamaican 4x100 relay team that won the silver medal in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles… his team was defeated by a U.S. team anchored by Carl Lewis.

Meghoo is enthusiastic about his future with Clayton State University. He decided to come to Clayton State because he wanted a different experience in policing.

“I wanted to do something different, in a larger community,” he says. “Training in the University setting has been good because it’s a very mature setting.”

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Piedmont Fayette Hospital Recognizes Local Emergency Medical Services Team

National EMS Week is May 17-23

On the heels of last week’s ceremony where Piedmont Healthcare thanked the Fayette County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team for their quick response and life-saving actions, Piedmont Fayette Hospital is now recognizing the hard work of their EMS partners during National EMS Week.

“National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to honor the dedication of those who provide services of medicine's ‘front line,’” says Darrell Cutts, president and CEO of Piedmont Fayette Hospital. “During an emergency, they often play a critical role in saving a life, our community would be at a loss without them.”

Emergency Medical Services technicians are those dedicated to providing out-of-hospital acute medical care and/or transport to definitive care for patients with illnesses and injuries deemed as medical emergencies. EMS specialists range from first responders and ambulance teams to paramedics.

“Partnership with local Emergency Medical Services teams allows lives to be saved every day within record time,” says Cutts. “The transition from the scene of the emergency to the hospital is seamless and it’s incredible what these specialists can do in the time frame allotted to them.”

On Monday, May 4, Piedmont Healthcare representatives publicly thanked the professionals of the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services (EMS) for their commitment to excellence and congratulated them on the record-breaking response time that saved the life of Ramzan Batliwala of Fayetteville.

As a token of their appreciation, physicians and staff from Piedmont Heart Institute, Piedmont Hospital and Piedmont Fayette Hospital signed and presented Fayette County EMS representatives with an oversized thank you card that read: “Thank you, Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services! Thank you for being an extension of the Piedmont Promise – to do everything in our power to make you well and keep you well. We appreciate your commitment to excellence in emergency medical services to the Fayette County community.”

To learn more about Piedmont Fayette Hospital, please visit fayettehospital.org.
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Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola to Host Family Safety Day

Recognizing everyday heroes and promoting safety awareness

In an effort to educate the community and celebrate the work of our everyday heroes, the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola are partnering to recognize our Everyday Heroes with a celebration in Pemberton Place on May 30, 2009. With a special focus on child safety, the event will aim to educate families about various safety issues. The event will cover a wide range of displays and activities including:

· A fire engine, fire safety house, Striker rapid intervention vehicle and HERO unit
· Informational booths including an accident simulation booth, infant and child car seat information booth, smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector booths and interactive water safety program presented by Safe Kids Georgia
· Complimentary fire truck rides from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. courtesy of Red Hot Fire Truck Events, LLC and complimentary McGruff Safe Kids ID Kits provided by ADT
· Service personnel on-site including a horse-mounted officer, K-9 unit and more
· Giveaways include a limited number of first aid kits, flashlights, carbon monoxide and smoke alarms and samples of Coca-Cola products
· Appearances by Atlanta-area mascots including Deepo, Thrash (Atlanta Thrashers), Harry the Hawk and SkyHawk (Atlanta Hawks), Chopper (Gwinnett Braves), Star (WNBA Atlanta Dream) and special guest, McGruff the Crime Dog

In appreciation of their services, the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola will also offer discounted admission rates for service personnel, law enforcement and their families May 23 – 31.

Saturday, May 30, 2009 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Pemberton Place
Georgia Aquarium World of Coca-Cola
225 Baker St. NW 121 Baker St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30313 Atlanta, GA 30313

Starting May 23-31, show a service-oriented ID or badge (police, fire, EMS, HERO, etc.) at the Aquarium entrance, and purchase discounted tickets for personnel and family for only $20. Tickets may be purchased at the door, online at www.georgiaaquarium.org/heroes or by calling 404.581.4000.

Starting May 23-31, show a service-oriented ID or badge (police, fire, EMS, HERO, etc.) at the World of Coca-Cola Ticket Booth, and purchase up to six discounted tickets for family and friends. Discounted pricing is as follows: Adults (age 13-64) $13, Seniors (age 65+) $11, Youth (age 3-12) $8 and children age 2 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets may only be purchased at the ticket booth.
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Governor Perdue Honors Fallen Officers

Today Governor Sonny Perdue honored Georgia’s law enforcement officers that have died in the line of duty at the 2009 Peace Officer Memorial Day Ceremony at the Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth. The training center features the Public Safety Memorial Wall, honoring the state’s fallen officers.

“As protectors and guardians, peace officers have a high and special calling,” Governor Perdue said. “While we appreciate their service every day, it is important to stop and reflect on those that have died while serving their fellow Georgians.”

This year’s officers that were recognized and added to the Public Safety Memorial Wall are:

David W. Gilstrap, Jr. - Oconee County Sheriff’s Office - died October 9, 2008 – Deputy Gilstrap was struck and killed by a vehicle, while directing traffic in a school zone.

Robert A. Griffin – Decatur County Sheriff’s Office - died May 1, 2008 – Deputy Griffin was responding to a call when he lost control of his vehicle and was killed in a single car accident.

Eric C. Barker - DeKalb County Police Department - died January 16, 2008 – Officer Barker was working a security job at the Glenwood Garden Apartments and was shot to death when he confronted several suspects for questioning.

Ricky L. Bryant, Jr. - DeKalb County Police Department – died January 16, 2008 – Officer Bryant was working a security job at the Glenwood Garden Apartments and was shot to death when he confronted several suspects for questioning.

William E. Hobbs – Georgia Department of Natural Resources - died July 21, 1967 – Ranger Hobbs was shot to death while assisting an Early County Deputy in apprehending a suspect.
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“Amigos Don't Let Amigos Drive Drunk”

Pick A Designated Driver Before Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo has become a big night-out on the Georgia social scene, especially for young adults. Fiesta plans north of the Border have become another ‘six-pack-tradition’ here on the all-American party calendar, just like on St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween.

This year the holiday falls on a Tuesday, so for some dedicated party-goers it means an entire weekend celebrating the consumption of adult beverages. And that can turn Cinco de Mayo into a high-risk holiday on our roadways for everyone, because of Georgians who drive drunk.

With those parties beginning Friday night, the Peachtree City Police Department is issuing this early warning to remind lawful motorists about a dangerous night-out because of alcohol- or drug-impaired drivers. To drunk drivers the message is simple: You drive impaired, you WILL go to jail. In Georgia it’s Operation Zero-Tolerance…. OVER THE LIMIT. UNDER ARREST!“

Let’s face it, about half the fatal crashes on our state’s roadways will be alcohol-related this Cinco de Mayo weekend,” says Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) Director Bob Dallas. “Impaired adults behaving badly have turned the Cinco de Mayo celebration into another deadly drinking and driving weekend… just like we’re seeing on St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween.” Unfortunately the drinking and driving deaths associated with the Cinco de Mayo holiday have become a predictable risk factor of American party culture for the last decade.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, starting each year on May 5th and running overnight into the early morning hours of May 6th, 43-percent of all highway fatalities were caused by drunk drivers. And since 1999, the NHTSA data shows those impaired drivers had blood alcohol content (BAC) levels of 0.08 percent and above.

What do those numbers mean to you? In Georgia, on average, a dozen people will die as a result of alcohol-related crashes during the Cinco de Mayo weekend.

Across the country, nearly 40 times a day, someone in America will die in an alcohol-related crash. That’s one DUI victim every 39 minutes. And if you think you’re immune, think again. That data shows three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives. That’s how hundreds of thousands are injured in alcohol-related highway crashes each year, many of them right here in Georgia.

So this Cinco de Mayo, the Peachtree City Police Department is issuing a plea to party responsibly. Real amigos should remember to designate a sober driver in advance – Before the Cinco de Mayo festivities begin. Whether meeting a few friends after work or hitting the holiday party circuit, ‘amigos don’t let amigos drive drunk’.

What should you do to protect your family on the highway this Cinco de Mayo weekend? Your best protection against a deadly encounter with one of these drunk drivers is… a buckled safety belt.

If you have a Cinco de Mayo party, make these safety tips part of your guide to being a great host!

Make sure your guests have Designated sober Drivers.
Never serve alcohol to guests under 21-years-of-age.
Serve plenty of food…. and include soft drinks, juice, and water.
Stop serving alcohol before the party ends. Start serving coffee and dessert instead.
Take car keys from anyone who even thinks about driving impaired.

In Georgia every year, one-of-every-three crash fatalities is alcohol-related…. and every one of those alcohol-related deaths could have been prevented.

If you attend a Cinco de Mayo party at your favorite restaurant or bar, plan an exit strategy before you leave for home:

Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give them your car keys.
Volunteer to be the Designated Driver or offer to be one next time out.
Before you party, program local cab company numbers in your cell phone so a safe ride is just a call away.
Pace yourself. Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks. Eat during the evening; load up on the chips and salsa and other appetizers, and then enjoy your other favorite Mexican foods during the evening;
Never let a friend out of sight if you think they’re about to drive impaired.

Remember, Georgia enforces DUI laws for those who drive drunk. “Be responsible about your own limits,” said Peachtree City Police Chief H. C. “Skip” Clark II. “Impaired driving is no accident – nor is it a victimless crime. GOHS supports Mothers Against Drunk Driving in their reminder that the perfect end to a perfect Cinco de Mayo celebration is a safe and sober ride home.”

The Georgia State Patrol reminds drivers in Georgia to report ALL impaired drivers with a free cell phone call to the nearest Georgia State Patrol post by calling: Star G-S-P (*477) on Interstates. If you observe an impaired driver in Peachtree City, Fayette County, simply call 911.

The Peachtree City Police Department has several programs in place in regards to traffic safety, such as educational programs at schools, road safety checkpoints, and saturation patrols. The City of Peachtree City has set up an on-line based system for traffic safety concerns, programs, and educational materials which can be accessed at www.peachtree-city.org/traffic. For more information on impaired driving prevention see www.madd.org , or www.StopImpairedDriving.org, or visit www.gahighwaysafety.org . Additional traffic concern questions or comments can be made by email at traffic@peachtree-city.org or by calling 770-487-8866 and requesting to speak to any member of the Community Response Team (C.R.T.).
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Gwinnett: Emergency Managers Seek Input on Hazards

The public is invited to help plan ways to respond to both natural and manmade hazards in the Gwinnett area. A public meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, will offer an overview of the planning process and give the public an opportunity to offer recommendations.

Emergency Services Coordinator Greg Swanson said, “This will be a multi-jurisdictional plan to identify local hazards, assess the risks and plan ways to reduce loss of life and property damage in emergency situations. We welcome any and all input from our residents to help keep everyone safe.”

The final plan will eventually be submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for review and approval. The public meeting will be held in Conference Room C on the second floor of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. For more information, please call (770) 513-5060.
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Amber Alert: 6 year old, Macon area

The state of Georgia issued the Amber Alert Friday evening (04-24) after the boy was reportedly abducted in Macon earlier Friday. The child was last seen between 11 Am and 12 PM at Rice Elementary school.

The child is believed to be in extreme danger.

Shawn Clark JR a Black male, 6 years old, 3' tall with black hair and brown eyes and weighs 45 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white colored shirt, blue jeans with paint on the back pockets, blue jacket with a design.

The suspect is Shawn Clark SR, a black male, 32 years old with black hair and brown eyes.

The suspect vehicle is a gold Chevrolet Tahoe SUV with Georgia tag number ACR4829.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Macon Police Department at 478-751-7500 or dial 911. More information may be available at http://codeamber.c.topica.com/maam2hYabPPCFbLmA6JbafpLR8/

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America's Most Wanted on Fox

Here's what you'll see on this weekend's show?

Albuquerque, New Mexico …WESLEY WILLIAMS CAPTURE… An airing of AMW has helped solve one of New Mexico’s biggest murder mysteries. Police are charging Wesley Williams with a murder that went unsolved for nine years: the shooting death of Sandra Jean Brady, whose unidentified body was discovered buried in the desert outside Albuquerque.
http://www.amw.com/captures/brief.cfm?id=62701

Nationwide…GANG TECC Most Wanted…With the rise in gang-related violence becoming a problem nationwide, America’s Most Wanted is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Gang TECC unit to announce a new “Most Wanted” list containing the worst of the worst gang bangers in the country. In addition to the announcement in the broadcast, information about the twelve fugitives will be unveiled on AMW.com this Saturday, April, 25th at 9 p.m. ET.

Florida…Julio Bonachea… Julio Bonachea is wanted for violent home invasions, armed robberies, attempted murder and for escaping from prisons in two different countries. Authorities across the state of Florida -- and overseas -- need your help to find him.

Stone Mountain, Georgia …DERRICK YANCEY…Authorities say former DeKalb County Sheriff's Deputy Derrick Yancey murdered his wife and another man, and then fled. He hasn't been seen since he cut off his ankle monitoring device. He is believed to be armed and dangerous.
http://www.amw.com/fugitives/brief.cfm?id=64701

Woodstock, Ontario…Victoria Stafford MISSING… Police in Canada have released a composite sketch of the woman seen on surveillance video with abducted 8-year-old Tori Stafford. While authorities have been searching local waterways and canvassing neighborhoods near Tori's home, cops say that the search for the little girl has expanded beyond Woodstock, Ontario.
http://www.amw.com/missing_children/brief.cfm?id=64826

Albuquerque, New Mexico…Mystery Beneath the Mesa… When an Albuquerque resident and her dog went for a walk on the city's West side, the stroll took a grotesque turn when they found a human bone. The discovery would eventually lead investigators to what has become the nation's largest crime scene, spreading out over 100 acres. So far, the remains of eleven women and one unborn child have been unearthed from the desert, and cops have no leads to who might be responsible.
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Fayette Sheriff's TNT Makes Drug Busts in Multiple Counties

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) executed four Search Warrants simultaneously in the Shiloh mobile home community that resulted in the arrest of six persons. TNT with the assistance of the Sheriff’s office Swat team, CID, K-9 Unit, Hawk one helicopter, and uniformed patrol officers executed the warrants at 7am on Friday April 10, 2009.

The warrants were executed at 425 Sagebrush Trail Peachtree City, 429 Sagebrush Trail Peachtree City, 431 Sagebrush Trail Peachtree City, and 106 Shiloh Drive Peachtree City, Ga. As a result of the search warrants Justin M. Caldwell, 20, of Senoia, Ga., was charged with Possession of a Schedule II Drug, Possession of a Schedule IV Drug, and Possession of a Dangerous Drug. Kerry Allison Lynch, 26, of Peachtree City, Ga. was charged with Possession of a Schedule IV Drug, and Possession of a Dangerous Drug. Jack Daniel Wright, 28, of Sharpsburg, Ga. was charged with Possession of marijuana. Katherine Anne Hinson, 21, of Peachtree City, Ga. was charged with Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of a Schedule IV Drug. Amanda Kelly Smith, 21, of Peachtree City, Ga. was charged Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of a Schedule IV Drug. Brandy Lee Brooks, 30, of Peachtree City, GA. was charged with Possession of Marijuana.

In a second incident TNT Agents arrested two persons as a result of a Buy/Bust operation on Wednesday, April 08, 2009. Nikki Marie Huckaby, 28, of Luthersville, Ga. and Michael Allen Almond, 28, of Gay, Ga. were taken into custody without incident after the two sold a quarter ounce of Methamphetamine (ICE) to an undercover agent for $445.00. During a search of their vehicle Agents recovered 10 xanax pills. Both are charged with Sale of Methamphetamine, and Possession of a Schedule IV Drug. Huckaby faces an additional charge of Possession of Methamphetamine after Agents recovered a gram of ICE from her person.

All of the persons arrested are currently incarcerated at the Fayette County Jail. Other Arrests are expected as a result of the Shiloh Investigation.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Tactical Narcotics Team is a multi-agency unit under the command of the Sheriff of Fayette County. The unit consists of members of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Tyrone Police Department, Fayetteville Police Department and Peachtree City Police Department.
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Renowned Child Protection Advocates Ed Smart and Erin Runnion Invite Parents to Child Protection Forum

WHAT: Ed Smart, father of abduction survivor Elizabeth Smart and a nationally-recognized child protection advocate, along with Erin Runnion, surviving parent of abducted and murdered child Samantha Runnion, will conduct a free open forum for parents Wednesday, April 1 at the Gwinnett Convention Center.

Sponsored by Keep Georgia Safe, a non-profit organization that provides safety and crime prevention training and operates the only wireless network that sends all three Georgia emergency alerts for missing or dangerous persons, Smart and Runnion will be in Atlanta debuting It Takes a Community, a revolutionary children’s safety partnership comprised of national leading children’s safety initiatives unified to protect our children and families, to the east coast for the first time. Steve Daley, founder and executive director of radKIDS©, Inc., and a leading national children’s safety expert, will lead in the instruction. The April 1 open forum is for anyone interested in learning more about safety education and violence prevention for children from three of the nation’s leading experts, free of charge.

The cornerstones of the It Takes a Community initiative include the radKIDS© Personal
Empowerment Safety Education Program, The PRIDE Neighborhood Child Protection Program and The National Child ID Kit. radKIDS©, a revolutionary hands-on educational program that provides techniques and skills for children on how to recognize, avoid, resist and escape dangerous situations, abduction and harm, is recognized as the national leader in safety education and violence prevention for children.

Ed Smart, father of abduction survivor Elizabeth Smart, is the national spokesperson for radKIDS©. Ed has been instrumental in bringing world-wide attention to the power of this hands-on educational model for children on national news and television programs such as the Oprah Winfrey Show. Erin Runnion, surviving parent of abducted and murdered child Samantha Runnion, is founder and director of The Joyful Child Foundation that trains instructors in its PRIDE program – a neighborhood child protection course for communities.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 1
7 P.M.

WHERE: Gwinnett Convention Center
6400 Sugarloaf Parkway
Duluth, Georgia 30097

WHO: Meet Ed Smart, Erin Runnion, Steve Daley, Keep Georgia Safe founder and chairman Gary Martin Hays and executive director Mary Ellen Fulkus.

WHY: Nearly 800,000 children are reported missing each year, and in 40 percent of stereotypical kidnapping cases, the child was killed. More than 800,000 children are determined to be victims of child abuse and neglect. That is one child every 35 seconds.

Keep Georgia Safe has a two-pronged approach to crime prevention: 1) Proactive: Safety education and, 2) Reactive: Alert System Network. As the only organization that sends out all three of Georgia's emergency alerts, the Keep Georgia Safe Wireless Network uses a text platform to notify opt-in wireless subscribers at no charge when the GBI issues any of its three emergency alerts: Levi’s Call: Georgia’s AMBER Alert for an abducted or missing child, Mattie’s Call: elderly or disabled missing person alert and Kimberly’s Call: dangerous fugitive alert.

How: For more information, go to www.keepgeorgiasafe.org or call 770-934-8000.
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Amber Alert: 7 mo. old

The State of Georgia issued the Amber Alert on Saturday afternoon (03-28) after the child was reportedly abducted in Grovetown late Friday. The suspect also reportedly abducted the child's mother, 27-year-old Shashawna Odell following an armed robbery. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous. According to Columbia County sheriff's Capt. Steve Morris, the sheriff's office has issued two felony kidnapping warrants against Mr. Grier.

Christopher Grier is a black male, 7 months old, 1' 6" tall and weighs 20 pounds. He has brown hair and eyes.

The suspect is Christopher Bernard Grier, a 30 year oild Black male, 5' 10", 230 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

The suspect vehicle is a gray Dodge Neon with a paper tag reading "Auto Credit Sales and Rental".

Anyone with information is asked to call the Grovetown Department of Public Safety at 706-863-1222, or the Columbia County Sheriff's Office at 706-541-2800 or dial 911.

More information may be available at http://codeamber.c.topica.com/maamXR6abPaSsbLmA6JbafpLR8/
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Governor Perdue Commends Passage of Super Speeder Legislation

Increased fines will slow drivers, fund trauma network

Governor Sonny Perdue today commended the final passage of “Super Speeder” legislation, HB 160, by the General Assembly. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jim Cole and will help reduce traumatic automobile accidents and provide funds for trauma care in the state. The legislation passed the House 113-53 and passed the Senate 42-10.

“I commend the General Assembly for passing legislation to discourage reckless driving and increase funding for trauma care in Georgia,” said Governor Perdue. “The Super Speeder bill will make our roads safer and save lives.”

In 2007, traffic accidents on Georgia’s roadways caused more than 1,600 fatalities. The overall cost of accidents totals $7.8 billion a year. The Super Speeder legislation will generate approximately $23 million in Fiscal Year 2010, which Governor Perdue recommended be spent to improve the state’s trauma care network. This is the second infusion of state funds by Governor Perdue into the trauma network. In the Amended 08 budget, the Governor recommended $53 million for the state’s first-ever investment into improving trauma care in Georgia. The General Assembly eventually appropriated an additional $5 million for a total of $58 million in the Amended 08 budget.

“I want to thank the Senate for giving their favorable consideration to HB 160,” said Rep. Cole. “This bill sends a strong message that Georgia is serious about slowing people down to make our highways and byways safer for our citizens, visitors and future generations of drivers. I was honored to carry this bill for Governor Perdue and his team.”

Super Speeder legislation discourages trauma-causing behavior by increasing fines for dangerous drivers. The legislation adds an additional $200 fine for driving over 85 mph anywhere in the state and for driving 75 mph or more on a two lane road. Super Speeders will also increase driver’s license reinstatement fees for drivers committing a second and third offense for violations that result in a suspended license and for other negligent behaviors.
Senator Bill Heath, the Governor’s Senior Administration Floor Leader, carried HB 160 in the Senate.

“This legislation will slow down reckless drivers and prevent life-threatening accidents, while providing additional funding for trauma care,” said Sen. Bill Heath. “Simply put, this bill saves lives.”

Bob Dallas, Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, praised the bill. “Nearly one fourth of fatal crashes involve excessive speeds,” said Dallas. “Reduced speeds allow more reaction time for drivers and lead to less severe crashes, both of which will make our highways safer.”
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