Friday, April 20, Eyewitness News at 6

6:28 PM, Apr 20, 2012   |    comments
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HELLO EVERYONE AND THANKS FOR JOINING US.... I'M LEAH JOHNSON..
FRANK MALLOY HAS THE NIGHT OFF...

BIBB COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT ROMAIN DALLEMAND'S TRIP TO BELGIUM WILL PUSH HIM OVER HIS YEARLY TRAVEL BUDGET.
AT A STORMY MEETING LAST NIGHT.... SOME PARENTS CALLED THE CONFERENCE... A WASTE OF THE DISTRICT'S MONEY.
There's not enough money for toilet paper, there's not enough money for books and you name it to take care of the kids and the kids should be the number one concern in this school system.
KATELYN HECK HAS MORE ON THE NUMBERS... AND WHY THE CENTER FOR APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY SAYS.. BIBB COUNTY SCHOOL OFFICIALS SHOULD ATTEND NEXT WEEK'S CONFERENCE.
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CAM:AS OF FEBRUARY... BIBB SUPERINTENDENT ROMAIN DALLEMAND HAD LESS THAN ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS LEFT IN HIS TRAVEL BUDGET.
CG: HE STARTED THE YEAR WITH TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS SET ASIDE FOR TRIPS... AND USED OVER 90 PERCENT OF THAT BEFORE MARCH.
DALLEMAND HAS SPENT AT LEAST 40 DAYS ON THE ROAD SINCE JUNE... VISITING PLACES LIKE DETROIT... NEW ORLEANS... AND VANCOUVER.
THE SUPERINTENDENT'S TRIP TO BELGIUM NEXT WEEK COMES WITH A THREE THOUSAND DOLLAR PRICE TAG... INCLUDING AIR FARE... LODGING... AND CONFERENCE FEES... WHICH WILL PUSH HIM OVER HIS ALLOWANCE.
CAM:A FEW SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS QUESTIONED THE TIMING AND COST OF THE OVERSEAS CONFERENCE... BUT REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CENTER FOR APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN LAS VEGAS SAY DALLEMAND AND THE OTHER TWO SCHOOL OFFICIALS NEED TO HELP WITH THE PRESENTATION.
SOT:its bibb schools story, not ours, the world conference is about 'tell us about the inquiry, what were the opportunities, and how did you do that.'
CAM:THE GROUP TRAVELING FROM BIBB COUNTY WILL SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE USING THE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY METHOD TO DEVELOP THE MACON MIRACLE STRATEGIC PLAN.
SOT:people know what they dont like and they know what they dont want, but how do they develop the skills and how do they work together in a collaborative way to decide what they want long term for the organization or the health of in this case bibb county.
KIM BECKER WITH APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY SAYS PEOPLE CAN VIEW PARTS OF THE CONFERENCE ON THE INTERNET... BUT SAYS USING ONLINE TECHNOLOGY FOR DALLEMANDS PRESENTATION WAS NEVER DISCUSSED.
LEAH? SUSANNE GRIFFIN-ZIEBART... DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT AND DESIGN WILL JOIN DALLEMAND AT THE CONFERENCE.
SHE ALREADY WENT OVER HER TWO THOUSAND DOLLAR TRAVEL BUDGET IN FEBRUARY.
WE TRIED TO CONTACT THE DISTRICT'S CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER RON COLLIER FOR UPDATED BUDGET FIGURES.
HE DID NOT RETURN OUR PHONE CALLS.
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LAST NIGHT... THE SCHOOL BOARD ALSO TALKED ABOUT DALLEMAND'S STRATEGIC PLAN... WHICH INCLUDES PLANS FOR BIBB COUNTY SCHOOLS TO GO YEAR-ROUND IN 2013.
MATT CARDOZA WITH THE STATE SCHOOL BOARD SAYS..... SIX SYSTEMS IN GEORGIA HAVE AT LEAST ONE SCHOOL ON A YEAR-ROUND CALENDAR THIS SCHOOL YEAR.
WE ASKED HIM HOW YEAR-ROUND SCHOOL AFFECTS STUDENT PERFORMANCE.
"There's national research that looks at all this, but I think if we look at it specifically for Georgia, it's very difficult to tell because one, you don't have a large enough sample of schools that are actually on more of a year-round calendar to really make a good accurate comparison. You have a handful of the schools that are performing very well, so it hasn't shown, I don't think that it hurts student performance, but to say that it dramatically improves or is dramatically better than traditional calendars is difficult to say because we don't have enough evidence and enough of a pool of school districts, schools to be able to look at it and tell that for sure.
CARDOZA SAYS YEAR-ROUND SCHOOLS SPREAD 180 DAYS OF INSTRUCTION THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
HE SAYS STATE LAW ALLOWS SCHOOL SYSTEMS TO HOLD MORE THAN 180 CLASS DAYS... BUT HE DOESN'T KNOW OF ANY DISTRICTS THAT DO.

TODAY'S 13WMAZ DOT COM WEB POLL ASKS... WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR CHILD TO ATTEND YEAR-ROUND SCHOOL?
SO FAR 71 PERCENT OF YOU SAY NO... YOU WOULDN'T.
AND 29 PERCENT SAY YES... YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR CHILD TO ATTEND YEAR-ROUND SCHOOL.
VOTE NOW... LOOK FOR THE QUESTION ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HOMEPAGE AT 13WMAZ DOT COM.

A 19-YEAR-OLD RUTLAND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FACES CRIMINAL CHARGES AFTER CAMPUS POLICE FOUND A HANDGUN IN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT OF A CAR.
HE AND THREE OTHER STUDENTS WERE TRYING TO LEAVE CAMPUS WHEN THEY WERE STOPPED.
AUSTIN LEWIS HAS MORE ON THE STORY.
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AT RUTLAND HIGH SCHOOL AT AROUND 11-10 FRIDAY MORNING...FOUR STUDENTS WERE DRIVING OUT OF THIS PARKING LOT TRYING TO LEAVE CAMPUS...WHEN THEY WERE STOPPED BY CAMPUS POLICE...
David Gowan, Dir. of Risk Management Bibb County Schools: 2ndclip 00:04 It's normal procedure here for the faculty, the faculty staff and campus police to patrol the parking lot anytime they see a student vehicle leaving they stop that vehicle, and of course if they have permission to leave campus from the office, then they can proceed on their way. In this case, the vehicle was stopped and they have no permission.
DAVID GOWAN DIRECTOR OF RISK MANAGEMENT FOR BIBB COUNTY SCHOOLS SAYS CAMPUS POLICE ASKED THE STUDENTS TO GET OUT OF THE CAR....THE PASSENGERS GOT OUT...
David Gowan, Dir. of Risk Management Bibb County Schools: The student driver did refuse the verbal request to exit the vehicle, he was subsequently attempted to be placed under arrest by the campus police officer and there was some resistance to being handcuffed, but he was placed under arrest quickly.
GOWAN SAYS CAMPUS POLICE THEN SEARCHED THE CAR...
David Gowan, Dir. of Risk Management Bibb County Schools: 01:42 Our male student driver was charged with possession of a weapon on campus and it was a handgun. It was in the glovebox.
GOWAN SAYS BECAUSE THE SITUATION WAS HANDLED QUICKLY...THE SCHOOL DIDN'T RAISE THE SECURITY LEVEL ON CAMPUS.
AUSTIN LEWIS 13WMAZ EYEWITNESS NEWS.
>> GOWAN SAYS HE CAN'T COMMENT ON THE TYPE OF HANDGUN OR WHETHER IT WAS LOADED.
HE SAID THEY'RE INVESTIGATING WHO OWNED THE GUN.
ACCORDING TO THE BIBB COUNTY JAIL WEBSITE.... 19-YEAR-OLD DEVONTE LYNN YOUNG WAS CHARGED TODAY WITH OBSTRUCTION AND POSSESSION OF A GUN ON SCHOOL PROPERTY.
GOWAN WOULDN'T CONFIRM IF YOUNG IS THE RUTLAND SUSPECT.

FORMER WARNER ROBINS CITY COUNCILMAN JOHN WILLAMS WILL BE IN COURT NEXT WEEK..
HIS LAWYER FILED A MOTION TO TRY TO DELAY HIS CONSPIRACY TRIAL.. CITING WILLIAMS' HEALTH.
JUDGE MARC TREADWELL DENIED THAT MOTION.. AFTER HEARING TESTIMONY FROM WILLIAMS' DOCTOR
HE SAID HE TREATED WILLIAMS FOR ACUTE RENAL FAILURE AND PANCREATIC PROBLEMS DURING A WEEKEND HOSPITAL STAY.
HIS DOCTOR TOLD THE COURT THAT WILLIAMS NEEDED TWO WEEKS OF REST BEFORE HIS TRIAL.
HE TESTIFIED THAT WILLIAMS IS ON MEDICATION FOR SEVERAL CONDITIONS... INCLUDING A DRUG FOR DEMENTIA..... FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS.
THE DOCTOR ALSO SAID WILLIAMS TOLD HIM HE DIDN'T WANT TO "END UP LIKE THE EX-MAYOR"... APPARENTLY MEANING DONALD WALKER... WHO COMMITTED SUICIDE IN 2009. HE DID NOT EXPLAIN FURTHER.
JUDGE TREADWELL SAID JURY SELECTION FOR THE CONSPIRACY TRIAL WILL BEGIN MONDAY.. BUT THAT HE MIGHT DELAY HEARING EVIDENCE FOR A WEEK AFTER SEEING HOW WILLIAMS IS DOING.
WILLIAMS IS ACCUSED OF MAKING MONEY OFF THE PURCHASE OF A CITY TRUCK... LYING TO FEDERAL INVESTIGATORS ABOUT IT... AND TAMPERING WITH A WITNESS.

THE PARENTS OF A 6-YEAR-OLD MILLEDGEVILLE GIRL WHO WAS HANDCUFFED IN SCHOOL MET WITH THE REVEREND AL SHARPTON'S NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK TODAY IN ATLANTA.
THEN.. SALECIA JOHNSON... HER FAMILY... AND MEMBERS OF N-A-N SPOKE AT A NEWS CONFERENCE.
THEY CALLED FOR CHANGES IN POLICE AND SCHOOL POLICIES... AND SAY WHAT HAPPENED TO THE KINDERGARTENER WAS AN INJUSTICE.
Marcus Coleman// National Action Network
She should have never had to experience the facility itself or transporting of an adult jail.
JOHNSON WAS HANDCUFFED AT CREEKSIDE ELEMENTARY LAST FRIDAY.... AFTER SHE THREW A TEMPER TANTRUM.
ACCORDING TO POLICE RECORDS, THE CHILD THREW THINGS AND KNOCKED OVER A SHELF THAT HIT THE SCHOOL'S PRINCIPAL.
MILLEDGEVILLE POLICE DEFENDED THEIR ACTION SAYING.... THEY HANDCUFFED THE GIRL FOR HER SAFETY AND HER CLASSMATES.
THEY SAY SHE WAS TAKEN TO A POLICE STATION MEETING ROOM AND GIVEN SOMETHING TO DRINK WHILE OFFICERS TRIED TO REACH FAMILY...
THEY SAID SHE WAS NOT PLACED IN A HOLDING CELL.... OR TAKEN TO A JAIL.


WE HAVE A TRAFFIC ALERT FOR YOU...
THE GEORGIA STATE PATROL IS WORKING AN ACCIDENT IN HOUSTON COUNTY ON HIGHWAY 41 NEAR HOUSTON LAKE ROAD.
OFFICERS HAVE SHUT DOWN ONE LANE OF TRAFFIC DUE TO A WRECK ON THE HIGHWAY.
THEY ARE ASKING DRIVERS TO AVOID THE AREA.
NO WORD YET ON HOW MANY CARS ARE INVOLVED OR IF ANYONE IS HURT.
WE'LL UPDATE THIS STORY WHEN MORE DETAILS ARE AVAILALE...AT 13WMAZ-DOT.COM.

THE CITY OF HAWKINSVILLE IS GETTING BACK TO ITS ROOTS THIS WEEKEND..
THE 39TH ANNUAL HARNESS FESTIVAL STARTED TODAY.. CELEBRATING HAWKINSVILLE HISTORY.. GROOMING CHAMPION RACEHORSES.
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Nat sound: w/ horses running "This is the track where the horses will race."

IT'S AN ANNUAL TRADITION WHERE WORLD CHAMPIONS WERE BORN. HORSES ARE WASHED DOWN...AND READY TO TRAMPLE ON THE GEORGIA RED CLAY THAT MAKES THE TRACK AT THE HAWKINSVILLE HARNESS FESTIVAL.

Travis Bentley, Hawkinsville Chamber of Commerce: "It's still a big event for Hawkinsville and we have lots of vendors coming from all around the state...food vendors and a lot of entertainment for children...things for them to do."

THE TRAINERS MAY HAVE A LITTLE MORE TO LOOK FORWARD TO.

Dan Ater: One of the big things of it is...the horses that are racing up north...its our day to qualify and prep our horses for racing.

THE BIG EVENT TAKES A LOT OF PREPARATION. FOR THE HORSES...THIS MEANS TRAINING.

Dan Ater, Lawrence Bennett Harness Center: "They're just like an athelete. I mean...you got to condition them...jog them. They have to have exercise almost everyday. Then they gradually work them down to speed...make their speed faster."

THE LAWRENCE BENNETT TRAINING CENTER IS WELL EQUIPPED TO GET THE HORSES READY TO QUALIFY FOR THE BIG RACES UP NORTH. BUT EVEN THE BEST MISS QUALIFICATION.

Dan Ater: "They can't run as fast as they can just the first time you take them out...you know you got to get them broke to their gate."

THE FESTIVAL WILL HAVE MANY EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY...AND THE MOOD MAY BE A LITTLE DIFFERENT.

Travis Bentley: "This year we've kind of scaled back and try to make a more personal touch to our festival.

WITH THE LONG LIVED TRADITION JUST AROUND THE CORNER...THE CHAMBER IS MORE THAN EXCITED.

Travis Bentley: "I'm looking forward to people just coming and listening to the band and having a good time...eating and fellowshipping.


>> YOU CAN STILL CATCH THE FIREWORKS TONIGHT..
TOMORROW'S ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A PARADE.. ARTS AND CRAFTS.. KIDS ACTIVITIES.. AND LIVE MUSIC..
RACES START AT 1 P-M.

AS HEALTH INSPECTORS HEAD OUT TO CENTRAL GEORGIA RESTAURANTS.. THEY CAN FIND ALL SORTS OF PROBLEM AND ALSO SOME PLUSES..
BRITTINY BARBER JOINS US WITH THIS WEEK'S RESTAURANT RATINGS.
WE'RE BACK IN HOUSTON COUNTY THIS WEEK...STARTING WITH OUR LOWEST SCORES ....
EL JALISCIENSE IN KATHLEEN SCORED AN 86 OR A "B"... COMING AFTER A 96 OR "A" ON THEIR LAST REPORT.
ACCORDING TO THE HEALTH INSPECTOR... ADEQUATE HANDWASHING FACILITIES SUPPLIED & ACCESSIBLE... AND THAT'S A KNOWN RISK FACTOR FOR FOODBORNE ILLNESSES.
GOLDEN CORRAL AT 2924 WATSON BLVD CENTERVILLE... SCORED A 84... A "B". THAT'S DOWN SIX POINTS FROM THE 91... OR "A"... THEY SCORED ON THEIR LAST INSPECTION.
THE HEALTH INSPECTOR SAYS FOOD WAS NOT STORED AND COVERED PROPERLY.
AND KIPPER'S SPORTS GRILL ON WATSON BLVD IN WARNER ROBINS... SCORED AN 77... A "C"... THAT'S UP FROM THE 67 OR "U"THEY SCORED ON THEIR LAST REPORT.
IT SAYS TOXIC SUBSTANCES WERE NOT PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, OR USED...AND GARBAGE WAS NOT PROPERLY DISPOSED.
NOW FOR A LOOK THE TOP SCORES OF THE WEEK... OUR GOLDEN SPATULA NOMINEES.
AMERICAN DELI AT 13-65 SAM NUNN BLVD IN PERRY RAKED IN A 96 OR AN "A".. COMING AFTER A 99 .. ALSO AN "A ON THEIR LAST INSPECTION REPORT.
WOK N ROLL ON HWY 96 IN BONAIRE ALSO SCORED A 96 WHICH IS AN "A".. ON THEIR LAST INSPECTION THEY GOT A 100.
AND PAPA JOHNS ON NORTH HOUSTON LAKE ROAD IN CENTERVILLE BROUGHT IN A 98 OR "A".. THAT'S AFTER A 98 ON THEIR LAST REPORT.
JOIN US AGAIN TONIGHT AS WE AVERAGE OUR NOMINEES PAST FIVE SCORES TO GIVE YOU THIS WEEK'S GOLDEN SPATULA WINNER.... BACK TO YOU
FOR ALL YOUR RESTAURANT RATINGS... GO TO OUR WEBSITE 13WMAZ DOT COM.
CLICK ON THE NEWS TAB.. THEN LOOK FOR FEATURES... THEN CLICK ON THE RESTAURANT RATINGS LINK.

THANKS FOR JOINING US.... WE'LL BE BACK TONIGHT AT 11.
BUT REMEMBER...THE NEWS IS ALWAYS ON AT 13WMAZ.COM !
THE EVENING NEWS IS UP NEXT.
HAVE A SAFE NIGHT EVERYONE.