Deputy Killed, Another Critically Hurt in Attack

A Columbia County sheriff’s deputy was killed and another was critically wounded during a traffic stop in Evans on Saturday. The suspected shooter, who was later found dead in his RV, recently received a court order to turn over his weapons to the sheriff’s department.

Authorities identified the fallen deputy as Brandon Sikes and the injured deputy as Gavin White. Gov. Brian Kemp, state Attorney General Chris Carr, and others offered condolences to the officers’ families.

The gunman was identified as James Blake Montgomery, who used a converted automatic weapon to attack the officers, authorities said. Pipe bombs, a remote switch bomb, drug paraphernalia, and propane tanks were found in Montgomery’s RV.

  Civil Rights Lesson Draws Complaints

A first-grade teacher giving a history lesson at Honey Creek Elementary in Rockdale County posted “For Whites Only” and “For Colored Only” signs over drinking fountains, sparking complaints from some parents and civil rights groups.

The district said the lesson dealt with school integration and there was no discriminatory intent, but that the teacher’s actions were not approved by the district. The postings drew criticism from some parents, and local NAACP chapters condemned them as harmful and offensive.

Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent Shirley Chesser said district officials are reviewing the matter and meeting with parents. “This activity did not align with district expectations, and we recognize that this may have been hurtful,” she said.

Vidalia Onions Hit Shelves After Tough Season

Georgia’s famed Vidalia onions arrived on grocery shelves after a rough growing season due to wet, cold weather that wiped out acres of seed.

Farmers endured a tropical storm, a hurricane, floods, and even six inches of snow in growing this year’s crop, which spanned more than 10,000 acres across 20 South Georgia counties.

Vidalia hosted its 48th annual Onion Festival over the weekend, drawing more than 20,000 visitors to celebrate the iconic sweet onion with concerts and local events.

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Statewide: A Forbes survey named Georgia Tech and Emory University among the “New Ivies,” as other colleges gain favor over traditional Ivy League schools. (More)

Atlanta: The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday will hear Trina Martin’s case after FBI agents mistakenly raided her Atlanta home in 2017, traumatizing her family. (More)

Cobb County: A historic bridge in Smyrna was struck and damaged again by an over-height vehicle, prompting motorist warnings during Distracted Driving Awareness Month. (More)

Bulloch County: A fire destroyed a Mill Creek Road house on Saturday night, displacing three adults who escaped unharmed but lost all of their belongings. (More)

Cherokee County: A woman convicted of shooting her husband and burning his body says she didn’t do it and knows who the real killer is. (More)

Fulton County: The community hosted a vigil for a 24-year-old man who was fatally shot by police after allegedly pulling a gun. His family wants to see bodycam footage. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Braves became the third team in MLB history to win despite an opposing player hitting four home runs, defeating Arizona 8-7 after taking the lead on a wild pitch in extra innings on Saturday. (Watch Video)

➤ The Atlanta Falcons signed former San Jose State wide receiver Nick Nash, who led college football in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns in 2024. (More)

➤ The Georgia Bulldogs received a commitment from four-star transfer talent Waltclaire Flynn Jr., an offensive tackle from the University of Central Florida. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NASCAR | MLB | NBA | NHL | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | PGA | LPGA

➤ LaGrange, Carrollton, and Statesboro are ranked among WalletHub’s top 25 small U.S. cities for business startups. (More)

➤ Big Lots will open 14 new Georgia stores in May and June under new ownership, promising remodeled stores, closeout deals, and new merchandise categories. (More)

➤ Bulloch County authorities arrested a man for soliciting donations from businesses while wearing a fake sheriff’s hat and shirt. (More)

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➤ Georgia ranks ninth among states in balancing home affordability and housing supply in a Realtor.com report that points to the South and Midwest as emerging housing market leaders. (More)

➤ Atlanta launched its first of five 2025 Streets Alive events on Sunday, closing Peachtree Street for a car-free celebration. (More)

➤ Residents in metro Atlanta recycled electronics at Georgia Natural Gas’ 15th annual Earth Day event, which aimed to surpass last year’s 50,000-pound haul. (More)

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