Across Georgia

Robbery suspect shot dead in Macon

MACON, Ga. - A robbery suspect was shot dead and his alleged accomplice was arrested after Macon police said the pair robbed a fast food restaurant.

Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones said Tuesday that 27-year-old Benjamin Hill of Macon died of a self-inflicted wound.

Police said Hill robbed a Checkers restaurant Monday morning and fled into a vacant apartment and exchanged fire with police.

Jones said a contact wound on his head was consistent with someone shooting himself. He said Hill also was shot twice in the shoulder by a .45-caliber handgun, which police use.

Authorities said 26-year-old Eric Daniels was charged with armed robbery.

The officers involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

Carmike board removes CEO, names new chairman

COLUMBUS, Ga. - The board of directors of Carmike Cinemas Inc. has removed Michael Patrick as chairman and chief executive officer and appointed S. David Passman III as non-executive chairman of the board.

Patrick, son of the late Carl Patrick, the company's founder, has worked with the motion picture exhibitor since the early 1970s, when it was called Martin Theatres. His father bought the company in 1982 and renamed it Carmike Cinemas.

Michael Patrick was promoted to president in 1981 and eventually became chairman, president and CEO.

Carmike has struggled financially since entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2000 and exiting it in early 2002.

The 56-year-old Passman recently retired as president and CEO of IBS-STL Inc., a book publishing and distribution firm.

Candy manufacturer to close Georgia plant

EASTMAN, Ga. - The company that makes Goo Goo Clusters candy is closing its plant in Eastman and will relocate 250 jobs from eastern Georgia to Tennessee.

Standard Candy Company Inc. announced Tuesday it plans to shut down the Dodge County plant by early April. CEO James Spradley Jr. said the factory, built in the 1950s, needed major upgrades.

Spradley said the Georgia operations will be moved to the company's headquarters in Nashville, Tenn. The company said all 250 of its full-time Georgia employees will be offered jobs in Nashville if they want to move.

Standard acquired the Eastman plant in 1985 from Georgia-based candy maker Stuckey's, a move that added pecan logs to the company's roster of confections.