Beginning in November, a task force will begin studying how to improve efficiency in the Fulton County State and Superior Courts, seeking to anticipate the demands on the busy systems through 2025.
The panel of judges, government officials and lawyers will address how civil litigants can receive prompt and fair hearings, how criminal cases can proceed efficiently, whether people acting as their own lawyers have adequate resources and how customer service can be improved. The task force will present its findings, including budget recommendations, to county and state officials in September 2012. BILL RANKIN
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WellStar Health System will become a tobacco-free environment effective Jan. 1. After that date, no tobacco use will be permitted anywhere on WellStar property.
“As health care providers, we know the detrimental effects of tobacco use and secondhand smoke,” said Reynold J. Jennings, WellStar’s CEO. “We believe we must set an example for our community.”
WellStar employees will be offered resources to help employees give up tobacco. The system also is adding processes to assist patients who smoke to help alleviate nicotine withdrawal problems. The WellStar system operates facilities in Cobb, Douglas and Paulding counties. CARRIE TEEGARDIN
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The dean of the business school at North Georgia College & State University will be the new president of Gordon College, the State Board of Regents announced Wednesday. Max Burns will start Jan. 1. He will be the third president of the Barnesville college. He replaces Lawrence Weill, who retired in June 2010. Shelley Nickel has been serving as interim president. LAURA DIAMOND
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County by county
Restaurant Inspections
How did your favorite neighborhood nosh rate with the county health inspectors. B4
Three of a Kind
It's that time of the year when the haunted house spring up across metro Atlanta. B5
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