Election history made by black Republican

SNELLVILLE - In an race decided by only 27 votes, Melvin Everson won a runoff to become the first black Republican since Reconstruction to win a contested election for the Georgia Legislature.

Mr. Everson, a probation officer, associate pastor and former Snellville city councilman, defeated Warren Auld on Tuesday for the state House District 106 seat in south Gwinnett County.

"This is a great day for Snellville and it's a great day for me," Mr. Everson said. "It's just a prelude to what the Republican Party has to offer to African-Americans. A door has been opened, and we need to seize the opportunity."

Mr. Everson received 1,337 votes, or 50.51 percent.

Police checking leads on New Orleans gangs

ATLANTA - Atlanta police are investigating the possibility that New Orleans gangs have moved to the city, according to an internal memo issued to officers.

Police have not been able to confirm tips received from citizens, informants or other sources. They also said they have not seen an increase in crime or gang activity.

Deputy Police Chief Peter Andresen said the information could just be urban legend and that the city welcomes evacuees from New Orleans and other hurricane-ravaged areas.

African mission trip ends in student death

OAKWOOD - A Gainesville College student who had taken a break from acting in college to join a mission trip to South Africa was killed Friday in an armed robbery attempt.

Edward Earnest Rector, 24, of Suwanee, was beaten to death during a robbery attempt at a cafe and computer shop in South Africa, said Jim Hammond, a professor and theater director at Gainesville College.

Runner struck, killed at evening practice

CONYERS - A Heritage High School cross-country runner was struck and killed as she tried to cross Georgia Highway 138 near the school Monday.

Aubrae Gunderson, 15, of Covington, Ga., was practicing with the team at 7:30 p.m. when she was struck by a minivan as she attempted to cross the five-lane highway.

The driver was not charged, and no charges are pending, said Myra Pearrell, a Rockdale County sheriff's spokeswoman.