Across Georgia

Jekyll development concerns residents

JEKYLL ISLAND --- Proposed beachfront condos on Jekyll Island are being designed for use by vacationers. But development watchdogs worry they could instead become part of an upscale condo village if restrictions aren't strong enough.

Were that to happen, it would go against the purpose of redeveloping the island, says David Egan of the Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island.

In response to concerns, the Jekyll Island Authority, the island's governing body, has promised Jekyll's new condominiums will operate as condo-hotel units, not as residences.

Travel company to take root in Atlanta

ATLANTA --- A travel company has selected Atlanta as its North American headquarters, a move that is expected to create 300 jobs.

Travelport said it will make the former Worldspan site in Cobb County home.

Travelport acquired Atlanta-based Worldspan in August 2007.

The company expects to add 200 jobs at that location. They will also expand their date center in Hapeville and add 100 jobs there.

The announcement was made at the Capitol by Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Travelport handles automated travel reservations for airlines, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines and rail operators.

Pilot not injured in emergency landing

COLUMBUS --- Police say a lucky pilot was unharmed and his plane had only minor damage after he ran out of fuel and made an emergency landing Monday on a road in Columbus.

Dublin resident Dawson Lampp was on his way back to Georgia from a trip to Virginia. Mr. Lampp said he had tried to land in Dublin and Eastman but was prevented by fog. He opted for Columbus but ran out of fuel about two miles short of the runway and 2,000 feet up.

Mr. Lampp set the plane down, traveling about 100 mph. It rolled for about a mile, and Columbus firefighters helped push it out of the road.

Improved fire rating means lower premium

DARIEN --- Fire protection in McIntosh County apparently has improved since Darien split from the county's all-volunteer department and formed its own a few months ago.

Darien's fledgling department improved its fire protection ratings after an October inspection, meaning city home-owners can expect lower insurance premiums.

The ratings are determined by the Insurance Services Office, a national authority on fire protection, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing the least adequate fire protection. Darien's rating improved from 8 to 6. Insurance companies base fire insurance premiums on the ratings.

-- Edited from wire reports