Jobless rate drops to 7.9 percent

Thursday, April 25th, 2013, 8:17am

ATLANTA -- Metro Atlanta's unemployment rate dropped to 7.9 percent in March, down four-tenths of a percentage point from 8.3 percent in February.

In DeKalb County, the jobless rate was 8.2 percent in March.

State labor officials said Thursday the rate declined because of an increase in the number of jobs and fewer new layoffs.

Metro Athens had the state's lowest jobless rate at 5.9 percent.

The Heart of Georgia-Altamaha region had the highest at 10.4 percent.

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4 ousted DeKalb School Board members ask for reinstatement

Submitted by Michael H. King, Digital Executive Producer

Wednesday, April 24th, 2013, 7:43pm

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- Four of the six DeKalb County School Board members removed from office by Gov. Nathan Deal have written formal requests for reinstatement.

The four - Pam Speaks, Sarah Copelin-Wood, Jesse Cunningham and Donna Elder - have submitted formal letters requesting that Deal reinstate them to their positions on the school board. Speaks made her request about a week ago.

MORE | Ongoing coverage of DeKalb School Board issues

All three, along with Jesse Cunningham, Nancy Jester and Eugene Walker, were removed from the nine-person school board in late February by Gov. Deal after a recommendation by a state panel examining the board and the school system.

Six people were named in March to replace the people ousted from the board.

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DeKalb Co. adding to Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Planning Board

Submitted by Holly Pennebaker, Community Web Producer

Wednesday, April 24th, 2013, 12:25pm

DeKalb Co. adding to Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Planning Board

(WXIA) -- The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners is seeking candidates to appoint to the Region Three Planning Board of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).

A spokesman for DeKalb Co. said anyone can apply, but the Board prefers those with experience in mental health services.

The DBHDD works to give services and programs to residents with mental health, substance abuse disorders and developmental disabilities.

The Region Three Planning Board includes Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale Counties. When it was established, the Board wanted to empower consumers in the area. Members come up with suggestions for the Board to help develop services and annual plans. Plus, members work along with public officials to fill any gaps in coverage and needs.

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners appoints all members, according to the spokesman.

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Cop who pointed gun at McDonald's customer will lose certification

Submitted by Jon Shirek, 11Alive Reporter

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013, 12:56am

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. -- A police officer who was waiting in the drive-thru line at a McDonald's restaurant in Forsyth County is accused of pulling a gun on the customer ahead of him because the officer was angry at having to wait for his food.

The off-duty officer is Detective Sgt. Scott Biumi, 48, of the DeKalb County Police Department. Biumi is charged with felony aggravated assault on the customer. 11Alive News was not able to reach him for comment Wednesday night.

However, we knocked on his door in Cumming on Thursday and Biumi came to the door only to tell us the name of his attorney.

We've now learned Scott Biumi will have his police certification suspended.

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City Council President holds College Prep series

Submitted by Holly Pennebaker, Community Web Producer

Monday, April 22nd, 2013, 4:25pm

City Council President holds College Prep series

ATLANTA -- Atlanta City Council President Caesar Mitchell will hold his 14th semi-annual College Prep Series on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. - noon.

Atlanta Technical College is hosting.

Plus, the spring 2013 College Prep Series scores back session is Thursday, May 15 from 6:00 - 8:00 in the evening. It is set for Atlanta City Hall on Trinity Avenue.

A spokeswoman for President Mitchell said students can gain exposure to college entrance exams in asimulated testing environment, free of charge. Mitchell will administer the tests along with The Princeton Review. The PRA will be offered - a test that helps them see which test would be better for them, between the ACT or SAT.

In the following scores back session, exam scores will be reviewed. Speakers are set to speak to students, to help empower them to reach goals.

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New bill could increase college completion rates in Georgia

Submitted by Holly Pennebaker, Community Web Producer

Friday, April 19th, 2013, 6:54pm

New bill could increase college completion rates in Georgia

(WXIA) -- Governor Nathan Deal signed a new bill on Friday that could increase Georgia's college completion rate.

Deal, according to a spokesperson for the Governor's Office, signed the HB 131 at Georgia Gwinnett College. Under the new bill, high school students have more incentive to take "dual credit courses" that allow for college credit and high school credit to be earned at the same time.

"By 2020, more than 60 percent of job openings in Georgia will require some form of postsecondary education," Deal said. "Frankly, we need boos the percentage of Georgians who hold a postsecondary degree in order to create a highly skilled workforce. In the long run, this new law will give college freshmen a head start and, we hope, will encourage more to stay until they attain their degree."

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MARTA public safety standards earns Accreditation with Excellence Award

Submitted by Holly Pennebaker, Community Web Producer

Thursday, April 18th, 2013, 2:29pm

MARTA public safety standards earns Accreditation with Excellence Award

(WXIA) - The MARTA Police Department has won the Accreditation with Excellence Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

According to a spokeswoman for MARTA, the award was based on their public safety standards. By winning the award, the MARTA represents a "gold standards" of accreditation.

On Monday, an awards presentation will be held at the MARTA Headquarters, with a reception to follow. The presentation is set to begin at 2:15 that afternoon.

"On behalf of our Board of Directors and the entire staff, I want to congratulate the MARTA Police Department on achieving such a high honor with its reaccreditation, " General Manager and CEO Keith Parker said. "MARTA police play a critical role in our efforts to serve our customers, and this award further confirms our unwavering commitment to providing a safe and secure transit system."

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