Georgia Briefs – Dec. 18, 2014

Toll lane price in metro Atlanta hits record $10

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Optional toll lanes on a 16-mile stretch of freeway in metro Atlanta have hit a record price: $10.

Georgia Department of Transportation officials tell WSB-TV that the toll recently hit the double-digit figure. The toll’s cost is set on a sliding scale depending on the level of congestion on Interstate 85 northeast of Atlanta.

DOT spokesman Bert Brantley said the price is dependent on what people are willing to pay. Similar so-called “HOT lanes” south of Atlanta are expected to open in 2017.

Another project along I-75 northwest of Atlanta is also planned.

Georgia-based company issues cheese recall

SWAINSBORO, Ga. (AP) — A Georgia-based company has issued a recall for cheese because it may have been contaminated by salmonella.

Flat Creek Farm and Dairy officials said in a statement that the company has recalled its Low Country Gouda, Aztec Cheddar after the company was notified in late November that the cheese may have been contaminated. Company officials say no illnesses have been reported.

Salmonella can cause fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and more.

Flat Creek Farm and Dairy officials say the company has destroyed all of its raw milk cheese and no longer produces that type of product. Flat Creek officials say the company is now gently pasteurizing its artisanal cheeses.

Company officials say the recall was the result of sampling by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

Georgia couple accused of running fake college arrested

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Police in suburban Atlanta say a couple accused of running an unaccredited school that distributed fraudulent diplomas have surrendered to authorities.

Gwinnett County Police spokesman Ed Ritter says 43-year-old Stanley Jean and his 35-year-old wife, Yessica, surrendered Tuesday on 20 counts of financial identity fraud. It’s unclear if they have attorneys.

Investigators say the couple ran a school named New Life Technical Academy, which was not affiliated with a school by the same name in Hapeville that is accredited. Authorities say more than 800 people who enrolled in the couple’s school for GED and medical assistant programs had graduation ceremonies and were given diplomas that are invalid.

Students told investigators they paid between $500 and $800 for the GED program, and about $5,000 each for the medical assistant program.

Ex-salon owner sentenced after children molested

PERRY, Ga. (AP) — Authorities say a hair stylist who used to own a Centerville salon has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after being convicted of molesting two teenage boys and sexually exploiting a third boy.

The Macon Telegraph reports that 35-year-old Matthew Caleb Pierce on Tuesday was given the 30-year prison term with no possibility of parole.

Prosecutors said Pierce engaged in sex acts with one teenager while the boy was under the influence of alcohol Pierce had given him.

Last month, a Houston County jury found Pierce guilty of engaging in sex acts with another teenager who was under the influence of prescription drugs Pierce gave him.

During the trial, Pierce testified that the teenagers, all 14 at the time, made up the stories to avoid getting into trouble.

UGA to hold fall commencement ceremonies

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — A total of 2,355 students are eligible to walk in the University of Georgia’s fall commencement ceremonies this week.

That includes 1,858 undergraduates and 497 graduate students. The undergraduate ceremony is set for 9:30 a.m. Friday and the graduate ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. that day. Both are to be held in Stegeman Coliseum and tickets are required.

Roger Hunter, associate director for programs at the NASA Ames Research Center, is set to deliver the university’s undergraduate Commencement address. Hunter received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from UGA in 1978.

Gregory H. Robinson, the UGA Foundation Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, will deliver the graduate Commencement address.

SC company buys downtown Atlanta shopping center

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta city officials have announced the sale and redevelopment plan for a downtown shopping center.

Mayor Kasim Reed said Wednesday that South Carolina-based WRS Inc. is buying Underground Atlanta for $25.8 million and has plans to build a mixed use retail and housing development. Reed said in a statement that the sale will mean $8 million in annual cost savings for the city.

City officials say the real estate company was chosen through a competitive bid process facilitated by the Downtown Development Authority and transaction details will be presented to city council for approval in January.

Reed says the sale of Underground Atlanta is another step toward revitalizing downtown. City officials say they expect the new mixed use site to complement downtown attractions.