Tea Party plans lawsuit against Cobb Braves stadium deal

Submitted by Paul Crawley, 11Alive Reporter

Thursday, December 12th, 2013, 7:20pm

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - They said they might and now they say they will.

A group of Cobb County activists, some from the Tea Party, confirmed Thursday they plan a lawsuit over the recent Atlanta Braves stadium move.

"Legal action is the goal," Tea Party activist Bill Simon told 11 Alive News.

"Right now myself and several others are conducting some heavy duty research on finding the basis for filing that lawsuit," he added.

Simon said they're looking at three legal questions: whether general funds can be used to pay off revenue bonds, whether a special tax district can be created to help fund the project, and whether Cobb County should have advertised and held public hearings before the quick November 26th vote.

The county did hold three last minute public comment hearings, two of them only a day before the commission vote.

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Submitted by Gary Franklin, 11Alive Assignment Editor

Thursday, December 12th, 2013, 7:06am

All 3 suspects arrested in Woodstock shooting

WOODSTOCK, Ga. -- The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office has captured all three suspects in the shooting death of 47-year-old Christopher Pierce, who was found Sunday evening inside his Misty Hollow Way home.

John Michael Taylor, 27, of Acworth and Krystle Gail Taylor, 27, of Dawsonville were taken into custody Tuesday evening at a house in Dawsonville.

The third suspect, 28-year-old Benson Kyle Lloyd of Jasper, was taken into custody Wednesday while hitting golf balls at the PGA Tour Superstore in Kennesaw.

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Cherokee County Sheriff's Lt. Jay Baker said investigators believe Pierce knew the suspects and think the shooting was drug-related.

Authorities say Pierce lived alone. The victim's father discovered his son's body and called 911.

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Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Wednesday, December 11th, 2013, 10:48am

Ga. high school graduation rate increases in 2013

(WXIA) -- The public school graduation rate in Georgia continues to climb.

The Georgia Department of Education announced Wednesday that the state's graduation rate was 71.5 percent in 2013 -- almost two points higher than in 2012 and four points above 2011's rate.

Every state uses a U.S. Department of Education-mandated four-year adjusted cohort rate to calculate graduations. It tracks the number of students who graduate from high school within the standard four years.

State superintendent Dr. John Barge said the more rigorous calculation method still shows an increase in Georgia's graduation rate.

"Despite the economic challenges our districts are facing, we have more high school students graduating today than we have had in several years, which is a testament to the hard work of our students and teachers," Barge said in a statement.

Cobb County's 2013 four-year graduation rate was 76.5 percent.

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Submitted by Jenna Herb, Sports Producer

Monday, December 9th, 2013, 10:23pm

KENNESAW, Ga. -- Brett Gilliland, who was named quarterbacks at Kennesaw State on May 28, has resigned his position with the Owls to accept the head coaching position at Division II West Alabama, it was announced on Monday. Gilliland was officially introduced at a 3 p.m. (CT) press conference in Livingston, Ala.

"I am forever indebted and grateful for the opportunity that I was given to be on the first ever coaching staff at Kennesaw State," Gilliland said. "KSU is a tremendous place with a bright future. I appreciate Coach (Brian) Bohannon and (Director of Athletics) Vaughn Williams for believing in me.

"I have been given another tremendous opportunity to return to my alma mater as the head football coach and feel the Lord is leading my family and me into this new endeavor," Gilliland added. "I am truly excited for the future of Kennesaw State and West Alabama."

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Santa Photo Experience to create more magical memories

Submitted by Atlanta News on Monday, December 9th, 11:25 am

(WXIA) -- Eager children and their families can once again experience the magic of the holiday season with a visit to the Simon® Santa Photo Experience at Lenox Square, Mall of Georgia, Town Center at Cobb and Northlake Mall.

Santa schedules and locations are as follows:

Lenox Square, now through December 24 in Macy’s Court
Mall of Georgia, now through December 24 in Nordstrom Court
Town Center at Cobb, now through December 24 in Center Court
Northlake Mall, now through December 24 in Center Court

Lenox Square, Mall of Georgia, Town Center at Cobb and Northlake Mall will also be the places for Santa to greet special needs children and their families via the popular Caring Santa program.

HP is the presenting sponsor for the 2013 Simon Santa Photo Experience and will demonstrate its next generation PCs in select malls this holiday season. ABC Family, Universal and Gymboree are associate sponsors this year.

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Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Monday, December 9th, 2013, 7:53am

(WXIA) -- 'Tis the season to give, and Chili's Grill & Bar is allowing customers to do just that.

On Monday, Dec. 9, Chili's diners can make a donation to Marine Toys for Tots by eating at one of the restaurant chain's many locations.

Simply mention the Toys for Tots fundraiser to a Chili's server for 10 percent of the check to be given to the organization.

Learn more and find your nearest Chili's at chilis.com.

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Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Monday, December 9th, 2013, 5:18am

ATLANTA -- Authorities have cancelled the Mattie's Call for 30-year-old Judith Beadle of Kennesaw. Atlanta police say she was found safe late Sunday evening.

No other information was released.

Judith Beadle was last seen on security video at the CVS at the corner of Peachtree and 6th streets in Midtown Atlanta shortly before noon on Dec. 2. Her mother called police Wednesday to say Beadle reported feeling depressed and suicidal shortly before she disappeared.

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