News

Pinewood Studios equals major economic benefits

Matt Forshee, CEO of the Fayette County Development Authority, briefing the Fayetteville City Council Feb. 22. Photo/Ben Nelms.

Initial infusions into local economy over 5 years: $192 million; impact compared to Kia plant

There was a flurry of potential development discussion Feb. 22 at the Fayetteville City Council’s annual retreat.

Fayette County Development Authority CEO Matt Forshee made a brief presentation on the Pinewood Studios Group and the plans for the Project Stargate film and television studio facility planned for a 288-acre tract on Sandy Creek Road northwest of Fayetteville.

As for Pinewood’s entree into the United States by way of Fayette County, Forshee said the studio’s goal is to start with a small studio and grow it bigger than anything existing today in metro Atlanta. Read More»

Dr. Helen Sams dies at age 89

Fayette County’s first female doctor, Dr. Helen Fletcher Sams passed away at home on Saturday, Feb. 23, at the age of 89. She was fondly and respectfully known by most in the Fayette County community as “Dr. Helen.”

Her death follows by less than a month the passing of her husband, Dr. Ferrol Sams, Jr., on Jan. 29. The two had practiced medicine together in Fayetteville for more a half century until their retirement — together — in 2006. Read More»

Man arrested in PTC hostage situation

Armed man held woman against her will at Flat Creek Villas

A 33-year-old Peachtree City man was arrested Sunday afternoon after he held a female hostage inside their home on Flat Creek Court, police said.

Eric Stephen King surrendered peacefully at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 24, more than eight hours after police were first summoned to the residence at Flat Creek Villas on a report that he had struck the victim several times, police said.

King interfered with the woman’s attempt to call 911 and prevented her from leaving the residence, police said. Read More»

Legislature updates ‘Chase’s Law’

New language to address new chemicals used in synthetic marijuana

The Georgia Legislature has passed an updated version of “Chase’s Law” in the effort to ban all varieties of synthetic marijuana from being sold. The drug was blamed for the death last year of McIntosh High School student Chase Burnett, an honor student and soccer player. Read More»

Fayette County arrests — Feb. 12–18

The following arrests were reported by local law enforcement agencies for the period indicated. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty. Rather than the age of those arrested, only the year of birth will be indicated below due to law enforcement procedural changes.

Tuesday, Feb. 12 - Monday, Feb. 18

Fayette County Sheriff’s Office

Robert R. Burton, born in 1977, of Knollview Drive, Decatur, for probation/parole violation.

Steven G. Goldsborough, born in 1961, of Hyacinth Lane, Peachtree City, deposit account fraud. Read More»

PTC police make arrest after armed standoff

A 33-year-old Peachtree City man was arrested Sunday afternoon after he held a female victim hostage inside their home on Flat Creek Court, police said.

Eric Stephen King surrendered peacefully at 3:30 p.m., more than eight hours after police were first summoned to the residence at Flat Creek Villas on a report that he had struck the victim several times, police said. It was determined that King interfered with the woman's attempt to call 911 and that he prevented her from leaving the residence, police said. Read More»

PTC man arrested for striking stepson

A Peachtree City man was arrested Tuesday for physically assaulting his stepson during an altercation in late August, police said.

Akiliah W. Crittenden, 36, was charged with one felony count of cruelty to children and one misdemeanor count of battery stemming from the Aug. 28 incident at a home in the Fairfield subdivision.

Crittenden is charged with assaulting the 14-year-old juvenile after attempting to reprimand him for being disrespectful toward his mother during a discussion about basketball, according to the initial police report. Read More»

McIntosh, Starr’s Mill high schools earn AP honors

McIntosh and Starr’s Mill high schools have been named to the list of only 47 schools across the state honored as 2013 AP Merit Schools, according to the Georgia Department of Education in a Feb. 20 press release. Read More»

Tyrone chief decries changes to seizure laws

Tyrone Police Chief Brandon Perkins. November 2011 file photo.

Tyrone Police Chief Brandon Perkins is concerned about proposed state legislation that would make it more difficult for law enforcement to seize cash, cars and other property used in the drug trade.

In a letter to Tyrone residents, Perkins notes that such seizures are one of the best ways to hit drug dealers where it hurts most: in their wallet. Because many drug offenders only serve two or three years in prison, going after the money produced by their organizations is one of the most effective ways to combat drug criminals, Perkins wrote. Read More»

Senoia Enterprises receives economic development award

Senoia Enterprises President Scott Tigchelaar (center) received the 2013 Economic Development Award at the 2013 South Metro Development Outlook conference held Feb. 20 at the Ga. International Convention Center in College Park. Also pictured are The Collaborative Firm managing partner Michael Hightower (L) and Coweta County Commission Chairman Bob Blackburn who presented the award. Photo/Ben Nelms.

The annual South Metro Development Outlook conference was held Feb. 20 at the Ga. International Convention Center in College Park. Serving on the panel addressing metro Atlanta and Georgia’s burgeoning film industry was Senoia Enterprises President Scott Tigchelaar, whose company received an award for Outstanding Commitment to Economic Development.

Tigchelaar during the film industry segment of the day-long conference was joined by panelists such as Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Director Lee Thomas and Tyler Perry Studios location scout Jason Underwood. Read More»