The state Office of Consumer Protection has resolved charges a debt collector engaged in unfair business practices with a $4.3 million settlement.
Nelson, Hirsch & Associates agreed to cease operations as part of the settlement, the office said. The company was accused of threatening consumers with arrest if they did not pay, collecting more than the amount owed and calling repeatedly, up to 50 times a day. Nelson, Hirsch agreed to pay a $26,000 civil penalty and forgo collection of 5,809 consumer accounts worth $4.3 million, the office said.
“We are sending a strong and clear message that this kind of abuse and harassment of consumers, and the egregious disregard for the law that these practices typify will not be tolerated,” says John Sours, administrator of the Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection. BILL RANKIN
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The State Board of Regents Wednesday approved the University of Georgia's plans to demolish the historic Rutherfod Hall and build a larger residence hall.
President Michael Adams has said the building's deterioration makes tearing it down the best financial option. It was built in 1939.
Regent Vice Chairman William "Dink" NeSmith voted against tearing down the building. While commending UGA's track record on preservation, he said there's not unanimous support in Athens to demolish the dorm.
Demolition is expected to begin this spring. LAURA DIAMOND
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Oglethorpe University received a $5 million donation, the largest individual gift in the college's history. Officials announced the donation from the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation Tuesday. The Brookhaven college is planning a new capital campaign and the donation was made to support a new campus center, officials said. LAURA DIAMOND
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Three of a Kind
Memorials for those who fought for our country. B5
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How does your favorite neighborhood nosh rate with the county health inspector. B4
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