Express Telegraph, Author at Sightseers' Delight

Train derails in Douglasville

January 4, 2011 Express Telegraph

A Norfolk Southern freight train derailed in downtown Douglasville early Tuesday morning, closing roads and dumping truck trailers, ajc.com reported. No one was injured in the derailment, which was reported about 1 a.m., according to reports. “I heard two real loud clacks. I turned around to look and heard two loud clacks again,” WSB-TV quoted one eyewitness as saying. “We turned around and the train was dead stopped, just that quick.” Norfolk Southern Railway, which

A look back at 2010’s hotly contested elections

December 31, 2010 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA – Here is a brief recap of 2010 elections headlines in Georgia: Democrats jump ship, join GOP: A number of Democratic state lawmakers and a Hall County commissioner decided they could better serve their constituents if they were Republicans. Case in point: Rep. Doug McKillip from the state’s liberal stronghold of Athens switched sides, saying, “by joining the House Republican Caucus, I can best represent my community and help move beyond partisanship and the

Police step up patrols for Christmas

December 25, 2010 Express Telegraph

DUNWOODY — The Christmas holiday is here, and authorities statewide are keeping a vigilant eye on the roads and cracking down on drunken drivers, speeders and motorists not wearing seat belts. “Impaired drivers and people not using safety equipment will be our top priorities,” Col. Bill Hitchens, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said in a news release. “We want everyone to enjoy the holiday season while making traffic safety a priority as

Orrock honored by Progressive States Network

December 7, 2010 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA — State Sen. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta, will be honored today by the Progressive States Network with the 2010 State Progressive Leader Award. Orrock will be presented with this award at the Legislative Leadership Retreat in Atlanta. “It's a true honor to be recognized by such a prestigious organization as the Progressive States Network. We must continue our work of supporting working families through effective policy,” Orrock said in a news release. “I look forward

Deal taps Butterworth to serve as administration’s Senate floor leader

December 6, 2010 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA — State Sen. Jim Butterworth, R-Clarkesville, was appointed Friday by Gov.-elect Nathan Deal to serve as a Senate Administration Floor Leader for the 2011-2012 Senate term. “I am extremely honored by this appointment from Governor-elect Deal. The common-sense, conservative ideals that we share are exactly what Georgia needs to grow and develop into a leader on the national stage,” Butterworth said in a news release. “I look forward to working with the Senate and

Two beluga whales debut at Georgia Aquarium

December 3, 2010 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA – The Georgia Aquarium this week announced the addition of a pair of juvenile beluga whales. The whales – Grayson, a three-year-old male weighing more than 800 pounds, and Qinu (pronounced Kee-nu), a two-year-old female weighing more than 600 pounds – join the aquarium’s two adult beluga whales, Maris and Beethoven. “Georgia Aquarium is one of the few aquariums in North America where beluga whales can be seen,” David Kimmel, president & COO of

Longtime state senator changes to GOP

November 29, 2010 Express Telegraph

A long time Democratic state legislator from South Georgia on Monday switched to the majority party. State Sen. Tim Golden joined the Republican party, further bolstering the party’s lead in the state Senate. Republicans now control 36 seats in the state Senate to the Democrats’ 20, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “With his 20 year record of service and pro-jobs philosophy, Sen. Golden will become an integral part of Republican Party efforts from day one,”

Powell leaves Democrats, joins GOP

November 10, 2010 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA – State Rep. Alan Powell, a Democrat from Hartwell, is switching parties, saying that he can better represent his constituents by serving in the state legislature as a Republican. “My duty is to represent the citizens of my district the best I can,” The Hartwell Sun quoted Powell as saying. “I think my voice can be better heard on the other side.” The newspaper also quoted Powell as saying: “It does not mean I’m

Ga. House Republicans elect new leaders

November 9, 2010 Express Telegraph

State Rep. David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, has been nominated by the Georgia House Republican Caucus to again serve as Speaker of the House during the 2011 Georgia General Assembly. “I am both honored and humbled to receive such overwhelming support from the House Republican Caucus to continue serving as Speaker of the House,” Ralston said in a statement. “I am fortunate to serve alongside so many quality men and women who selflessly give of their

New Republican leaders elected in state Senate

November 9, 2010 Express Telegraph

Republicans in the state Senate have selected a number of new leaders in advance of the 2011 General Assembly. Sen. Tommie Williams, R-Lyons, was nominated for president pro tempore, and Sen. Chip Rogers, R-Woodstock, will continue to serve as majority leader. The full Senate will vote Jan. 11 whether to confirm Williams’ appointment. State Sen. Cecil Staton, R-Macon, will serve as the Senate Majority Whip. “Georgians spoke loud and clear last week that strong, conservative