Across Georgia

Court nixes sex offender's registration

ATLANTA - The federal appeals court in Atlanta says a man who sent obscene material to a minor is not required to register as a sex offender because his particular crime was not on the list in the statute mandating registration.

In a 2-1 ruling, a three-judge panel Wednesday overturned an order by U.S. District Judge Callie V.S. Granade of Mobile, Ala.

Granade sentenced 35-year-old Matthew Mason Dodge Jan. 17, 2008 to 18 months in prison and required him to register. Dodge admitted providing links to nude photos of himself to what he thought was a teenage girl but in fact was a police officer.

Circuit Judge Charles R. Wilson dissented, saying Dodge clearly engaged in conduct that "by its nature is a sex offense against a minor."

Savannah police search for missing Ga. soldier

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Authorities were searching Wednesday for a Georgia Army soldier who was reported missing after she failed to pick up her teenage daughter from school.

Sgt. Charlana McKenzie, 32, was last seen by her 14-year-old daughter Sunday night, Savannah-Chatham County police spokeswoman Judy Pal said. The daughter normally goes to school after McKenzie heads to work at nearby Fort Stewart in Savannah, but she told police her mother picks her up every afternoon, which she failed to do Monday.

Though police aren't saying they suspect foul play, Pal said the circumstances were alarming enough to launch an intensive search and alert authorities in neighboring states such as Florida and South Carolina.

"Our biggest concern is that she's very dedicated to her child and this is completely out of character for this woman," Pal said. "She's never gone missing like this. It's very strange."

Fort Stewart officials called McKenzie's mother, Deborah Scott, after the Army health care specialist didn't report for duty. Scott, who lives in Cleveland, Ohio, called Savannah police on Tuesday.

"She would not leave her daughter or leave her job," Scott said. "I'm in shock. I don't want to jump to any conclusions. I'm just holding on."

Georgia Power trying to cut 300-400 jobs

ATLANTA - Georgia Power Co., which has already reduced its hiring, says it is offering buyout packages to veteran employees in an attempt to reduce its payroll by 300 to 400 jobs.

Georgia Power spokeswoman Christy Heiser says the buyout package is for any worker with more than 10 years at the company. Those who accept will get a year's pay.

"We are seeing a reduction in our revenues because of the economic downturn," Heiser said. "Projections indicate that trend will continue in 2009."

Sunday alcohol sales measure back again

ATLANTA --- As promised, supporters of Sunday sales of alcohol in Georgia are renewing efforts to change the law.

A bill filed Tuesday by Republican Sen. Seth Harp of Midland says local governments could call elections to let voters decide whether they want to allow Sunday sales of beer, wine and liquor at grocery, convenience and liquor stores.

Alcoholic beverages already are sold on Sunday in restaurants and bars in much of the state.

Mr. Harp and other supporters say the Sunday sales could bring in millions in additional tax revenues.

Bill would ban officers from racial profiling

ATLANTA --- House Democrats are lining up behind a bill that would ban police from racial profiling.

The proposal introduced Wednesday would require state and local police departments to begin an annual training program that instructs officers not to use race or ethnicity as a pretext to stop a vehicle. It would allow officers to stop a vehicle to confirm a description of a suspect.

The measure, sponsored by state Rep. Tyrone Brooks of Atlanta, requires any officer violating the law to take another round of training. It is co-sponsored by four House Democrats.