Metro news for Thursday

UGA selects interim dean for Franklin College

University of Georgia officials selected a current administrator to serve as interim dean for the Franklin College of Arts and Science.

Hugh Ruppersburg, the college’s senior associate dean, will fill the position starting Aug. 1, officials announced Wednesday.

UGA is conducting a national search for a new dean. Garnett Stokes, the dean for the past seven years, is leaving to become the provost at Florida State University.

LAURA DIAMOND

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Governor Nathan Deal and members of the OneGeorgia Authority Board on Tuesday approved $8 million in grants and loans to assist economic development projects and create more than 1,000 jobs in rural Georgia.

The awards and loans range from $100,000 to $1,174,023 each and include projects that will expand broadband service, improve water and sewer infrastructure and enhance airport growth, among other initiatives. AARON EDWARDS

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Texting while driving is illegal, but Georgia Department of Driver Services still encourages drivers to access its information through social media -- although presumably not while behind the wheel. The state agency said its information is on Facebook and users can follow updates on things such as new road construction projects and emergency weather announcements.

The agency also encourages users to leave suggestions and questions.

The agency said it has also produced 10 informational video and posted them on YouTube. They can be viewed at www.dds.ga.gov STEVE VISSER

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EU weighs in on Troy Davis case

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Three of a Kind

It's a day at the beach -- in metro Atlanta. B5

Restaurant Inspections