Across Georgia

Troubled ex-sheriff files for bankruptcy

JONESBORO --- Victor Hill has ended four controversial years as Clayton County's sheriff by filing for bankruptcy, saying he is unable to pay damages reaching $1.7 million from several lawsuits.

Mr. Hill's term ended at midnight Wednesday. On Tuesday, he began Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy proceedings in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Atlanta.

He listed civil judgments including $475,000 owed to Mark Tuggle, the brother of Mr. Hill's predecessor. Mr. Tuggle won a lawsuit against Mr. Hill for false arrest, stemming from angry telephone calls Mr. Tuggle made after Mr. Hill began his term by firing 27 deputies and other employees. The deputies sued him and settled for $7 million, which was paid by Clayton County.

Rain expectations may change, expert says

ATLANTA --- The state climatologist says it might be time to recalculate average rainfall in north Georgia because of its persistent drought.

Normal rainfall in Atlanta has been considered at least 50 inches a year, but the meaning of "normal" might have changed.

Climatologist David Stooksbury says starting in 1979, the Southeast got less rain than during the preceding three decades. For eight of the past 11 years, Atlanta has recorded less than 50 inches.