Georgia
Georgia Senate penal investigating Fani Willis pushes for more accountability among DAs • Georgia Recorder
A Georgia Senate special committee investigating the professional conduct of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis spent several hours Friday hearing testimony about the broad discretion district attorneys have over their budgets.
Republican state lawmakers trained their sights on DA discretionary spending after a Fulton Superior Court hearing revealed that Willis had hired a special prosecutor she was romantically involved with.
In the Senate Special Committee on Investigations hearing, the majority of the focus was on rules and regulations for District Attorney offices throughout the state, including a DA’s ability to hire special prosecutors and the allocation of other budgetary expenses.
Committee Chairman Bill Cowsert, an Athens Republican, said the hearing was intended to address concerns that county commissioners, the public, and others may have that Georgia DAs have too much control over how to run their offices.
Cowsert said he is concerned about budgetary disparities between less populated counties and “wealthy counties” that can afford to provide significantly greater funding resources for their district attorneys.
“I hate to see us have smaller counties that feel like they don’t have enough personnel because their counties can’t supplement it or they’re not playing their politics well enough or are not on the right side of the blue or the red to be getting the federal grants coming down,” he said.
The Senate committee’s hearing Friday was its first time meeting since May 23, when a former Fulton juvenile diversion program director alleged that Willis’ and DA staff improperly spent federal funds on gang prevention and empowerment programs.
Willis’ Fulton Superior Court 2020 presidential election interference case is now on hold while the Georgia Court of Appeals reviews a motion filed by Trump and several co-defendants seeking to remove Willis from the case. Their argument is that Willis should be disqualified as a result of an undisclosed romantic relationship he had with Nathan Wade, who she hired as a special prosecutor to oversee a case. Wade was paid about $700,000 from the county as the case’s lead prosecutor before he resigned this March under scandal.
Over the past few months, the committee has heard from expert witnesses ranging from a defense attorney who helped uncover the Willis romantic affair, high ranking Fulton County officials, and others.
Willis remains at odds with Cowsert’s panel over whether she should be forced to comply with a subpoena to testify before the committee.
The special investigation committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 13.
On Friday, three current and former district attorneys testified about how state, local, and federal grants trickle down to DAs offices.
The statewide Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia oversees how DAs allocate state money, as well as how they provide resources such as assigning independent prosecutors to assist DAs’ offices in handling specialized cases.
It is not the council’s responsibility to discipline or remove district attorneys for misconduct, which is handled by a board of the State Bar of Georgia that determines whether a lawyer has violated a state’s professional conduct rules, the witnesses said Friday.
At Friday’s hearing, legislators wondered how they could help develop more ethical guidelines for district attorneys, including directing a controversial new prosecutors oversight commission to develop a code of conduct for local prosecutors
A majority of the state’s 50 district attorneys handle cases for several counties within a judicial circuit, operating on a shoestring budget compared to larger metropolitan areas, said T. Wright Barksdale III, district attorney for the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit.
Wright said that county and judicial district types of cases differ greatly, and that while the county provides prosecutors with operating expenses, accountability for district attorneys takes place at the ballot box with the public deciding whether the money is being spent appropriately.
Fulton County’s district attorney’s office was recently criticized in an county audit, resulting in the DA’s attorneys arguing Willis as a constitutional officer has the authority to hire special prosecutors and case experts.
“The county can come in next year and say, ‘We don’t agree with that’ but the public needs to understand the county commissioners are giving large amounts of money to people that are spending it however, they have culpability and responsibility to make sure that what’s being spent is appropriate,” Wright said.
Porter suggested that county officials could try to reduce funds they believe were misappropriated in the next budgetary cycle, which could further encourage DA’s to follow county government regulations.
Porter said district attorneys have the same legal authority to control their budgets as other constitutional officers such as sheriffs, who are generally able to spend the state’s money as they see fit. The new prosecutor oversight commission will develop similar ethics conduct guidelines as the Judicial Qualifications Commission, the panel that oversees Georgia judges, Porter said.
A prosecutor’s disciplinary panel also investigates complaints filed against district attorneys, including the current complaint already filed against Willis related to the 2020 case. Willis has called the attacks from Trump and the GOP machine a “witch hunt” against her because she’s a Democrat and Black woman who stands up to Trump’s attempts to illegally overturn his loss in Georgia’s 2020 election.
Cowsert said he’s concerned that Georgia doesn’t have universal consistent codes of conduct for prosecutors.
“What are the ethical guidelines? What are the fair expectations of our citizens?” Cowsert said. “The reason is because, as far as I can tell, they’re only bound by the disciplinary rules and ethical guidelines of the State Bar of Georgia that apply to all attorneys.”
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Georgia
Georgia Ann Udby
Georgia Ann (Langowski) Udby, age 65 of Lankin, ND passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at the First Care Health Center of Park River, ND.
Georgia was born on May 25, 1959, in Grafton, ND to Joseph and Emeline Langowski. Coming in as child 13 out of 14, she was the youngest and tallest girl in the family. This sweet, cheerful, and generous lady who loved to dance grew up in Grafton, ND.
During high school, Georgia participated in various athletics including volleyball where she received the “Most Desire” award. She graduated from Grafton High School as a Spoiler in 1977. She went on to further her education as NDSSS, Wahpeton, ND and then Thief River Falls College, where she achieved her RN Degree. She was so proud to become a nurse; it was a lifelong career accomplishment.
Her desire to care for others as an RN carried over to her personal life as well. Georgia was a super generous person; she took great joy in giving gifts and sending thoughtful cards to family and friends so everyone would be cherished. Georgia always stopped to talk and visit with anyone she recognized and enjoyed participating in Grafton class reunions. She loved to laugh, have fun and had a great sense of humor. Georgia looked forward to traveling to various farm conferences and conventions, such as the Norsk Host Fest and State Fair in Minot, ND, and the Pride of ND shows. She especially loved going to the North Dakota Farmers Convention where she could visit non-stop for four days with our Bismarck friends. She loved to knit and challenged herself to try some complex patterns.
Georgia met the man of her dreams during the summer of 2004. Scott literally swept her off her feet, they fell in love and married in June of 2005 and settled on the farm in Lankin, ND.
Everyone who knew Georgia knew how much she loved her family. She especially loved to visit with everyone about her only child, Erick, and all his accomplishments. Georgia deeply enjoyed spending time with her siblings, nieces and nephews at family gatherings throughout the years.
She was preceded in death by her son Erick Rhen, Thief River Falls, MN; her beloved dog Lucy; her parents Joseph and Emeline Langowski, Grafton, ND; siblings: John Langowski, Grafton, ND, Inny Praska, Seattle, WA, and Mark Langowski, Santa Rosa, CA; and Scott’s parents Glenn and Carol Udby, Lankin, ND.
She is survived by her husband Scott; siblings: Vicky (Jim) Bryn, Reno, NV, Joe (Janet) Langowski, Pacific, WA, Odo (Chris) Langowski, Peoria, AZ, Gontron “Buster” (Connie) Langowski, Hazen, ND, Ora (Henry) Meyer and Jeanne Quinn, Coeur d’Alene, ID, Lester Langowski and Mary (Wally) Sturdivant, Grafton, ND, Sylvia (Maurel) Mattson, West Fargo, ND, Veronica (Arlyn) Askim, Park River, ND; in-laws: Brian (Cynthia) Udby, Lankin, ND, Connie and Keith Glatt, Pahrump, NV, Ray Praska, Seattle, WA and Cathy Langowski, Santa Rosa, CA; along with several niece, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews whom she loved.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, December 27, 2024 at 10:30 am at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. The service will be live streamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home website. Interment will be at the Hoff Lutheran Cemetery of Rural Adams in the spring.
An online guestbook is available at: www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com
The Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River is in charge of the arrangements.
Georgia
Georgia’s all-time JUCO transfers
Georgia’s all-time JUCO transfers
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia’s lawsuit against the NCAA, claiming a player’s time in junior college should not count towards his overall years of eligibility, was granted an injunction last week. This will allow Pavia, a former JUCO transfer to the Commodores, to pursue another year of eligibility.
The ruling prompted UGASports to attempt to discover Georgia football’s all-time JUCO transfers with the thought of: What if, like Pravia’s, the NCAA playing career of each of Georgia’s nearly 100 (from what we discovered) all-time JUCO transfers could be extended another season or two based on their time attending junior college? In other words, imagine if former JUCO transfers-turned-Georgia stars like Stetson Bennett or Devonte Wyatt had been granted an additional season(s) of eligibility with the Bulldogs because of their time previously spent in junior college.
After scanning over eight decades of newspaper articles, player rosters, and signee listings, we have assembled Georgia football’s all-time JUCO-transfer team, along with a “notable reserve” at most positions. Only those players whose time in junior college counted towards their overall years of eligibility were considered. Players who attended a preparatory school, like Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy, which isn’t recognized as counting towards playing eligibility, were not considered. Also not considered were the few Georgia players who briefly attended classes at a junior college but never played football there (like star running backs Tim Worley and Keith Henderson at Northeast Oklahoma A&M in 1987), and therefore did not lose any playing eligibility. Selections were made based on their Georgia playing careers. Listed below each player is his JUCO followed by the seasons he later lettered at Georgia.
All-JUCO-transfer – OFFENSE
Georgia’s All-JUCO offense is headed by Stetson Bennett who, among many other accolades, has to be one of the greatest JUCO transfers in college football history. Also under center is Ken Schulte, who starred at the same JUCO as Bennett in the mid-1950s before coming to Georgia. Schulte, however, could never quite take the Bulldogs’ starting job and finished with only 42 career yards of total offense in 15 plays. Although he did not letter, quarterback Mark McKay of Visalia (Calif.) Junior College was a member of Georgia’s 1980 national championship team. Eventually transferring out of UGA, McKay returned to California where he was a standout at San Diego State in 1982 and 1983.
At running back, transfer Tony Mangram was promptly Georgia’s starting tailback to begin the 1984 season and led the team in rushing through a few games. He was later moved to fullback and started a game at cornerback as a senior in 1985. After rushing for 3,570 yards and 35 touchdowns in two seasons at Merced (Calif.) Junior College, Odell Collins of nearby Jefferson, Georgia, was an instant fan favorite in Athens. Although he totaled just 32 touches as a Bulldog, his final one—a 10-yard touchdown run against Georgia Tech in 1996 on Senior Day—is one to remember with respect to the late Collins.
At wide receiver, Hason Graham totaled 1,834 receiving yards in three seasons. Javon Wims led Georgia’s 2017 national title game team in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches. After junior college, Nate Lewis was one of the nation’s top punt returners at Georgia in 1987 before transferring to Oregon Tech and later playing in the NFL for six seasons. Bill Herron, a right end for Georgia in the late 1950s, is slotted at tight end. Although totaling just 15 career catches, Herron’s game-winning touchdown reception from Fran Tarkenton against Auburn in 1959 is still regarded as one of the program’s all-time greatest plays.
Each of the first-team offensive linemen was considered a starter for at least one season at Georgia. After a year at Wake Forest and a year at Ferrum (Va.) Junior College, Joe Happe came to Georgia as one of the program’s first JUCO signees in some time. An offensive guard at Ferrum, Happe was a two-year starting center for the Bulldogs and an All-SEC honoree as a senior in 1981. Although he never qualified academically, offensive tackle Alex Vega deserves mention because of his sheer size. At 373 pounds, Vega remains—30 years after his signing—the heaviest signee in Georgia football history.
The kicker, Brandon Bogotay, served as Georgia’s backup placekicker for three seasons from 2009-2011, scoring 10 points and kicking off a combined 29 times.
All-JUCO-transfer – DEFENSE
When it comes to JUCO transfers, you could say that Georgia is “Defensive Lineman U.” Headed by first-round pick Devonte Wyatt, 12-year tackle Jason Ferguson, and current long-time veteran John Jenkins, nearly every defensive lineman listed played multiple seasons in the NFL. Other JUCO-transfer defensive linemen also worthy of mention include Toby Johnson, Chris Mayes, and Jermaine Johnson.
At linebacker, it’s head shaking to think of either Odell Thurman, Dwayne Simmons, or Kendrell Bell getting a season or two added to what were already spectacular careers. Each could be defensively dominant and take over a game. Rich Robich was an interesting case of a recruit who signed and played for Ole Miss as a true freshman (and made tackles vs. Georgia) in 1994, transferred to Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College in 1995, transferred to Georgia in 1996 when he was redshirted, before playing a significant reserve role for the Bulldogs in 1997 and 1998 (and made tackles vs. Ole Miss).
Georgia’s effort in the early 1980s to recruit the West Coast for quick JUCO defensive backs and wide receivers ultimately landed secondary standouts Ronnie Harris and Jeff Sanchez. A first-team All-American as a senior in 1984, Sanchez earned first-team All-SEC honors for each of his two seasons at Georgia. Ben Smith was a terrorizing “hit man” as a cornerback before being moved to safety as a senior when he intercepted 10 passes. Worthy of mention because of his nickname alone, “The Hit Man,” Jakar Hamilton was a part-time starter for Georgia in 2010 before transferring to South Carolina State and later appearing in the NFL.
What do you think of our listing of Georgia’s all-time JUCO transfers? Who did we miss?
Georgia
New Year's Eve celebrations & dining in North Georgia | 2024-2025
NORTH GEORGIA – Ring in the New Year in style with an array of exciting celebrations across North Georgia! There’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a glamorous night out or a unique way to welcome 2025, these top picks will help you make the most of New Year’s Eve.
FAYETTE COUNTY
Trilith Guest House – Prologue Dining & Drinks
When: 5-10 p.m., Dec. 31
Where: 350 Trilith Parkway, Fayetteville
What: Savor a four-course dinner featuring dishes like seared scallops, cowboy ribeye, and decadent desserts. Afterward, toast to 2025 at Oliver’s Twist Bar & View on the rooftop.
How Much: $95 per adult, $55 per child 12 and under
Reservations
FORSYTH COUNTY
NYE Forsythia Ball Drop
When: Dec. 31, 8 p.m.–midnight
Where: Forsyth Courthouse Square
What: Family-friendly celebration with food trucks, music, games, and a Forsythia ball drop.
How Much: Free
More Info
All NYE Lists
If you would like to submit an item to be added to a list, please send an email to joyce.lupiani@fox.com.
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