University of Georgia President Michael AdamsATLANTA
Adams could get $2 million
State officials are considering paying retiring University of Georgia President Michael Adams more than $2 million over five years after he steps down from the helm of the state's flagship campus.
Under an agreement signed by Chancellor Hank Huckaby, Adams would get $660,000 per year for two years and $258,000 annually for three years. That's in addition to $600,000 in deferred compensation.
Adams announced Thursday he plans to retire next year and join the UGA faculty, where he will teach and write.
The agreement must gain approval from the state Board of Regents this week before it's official. Board chairman Ben Tarbutton said he believes the contract will be approved.
Tarbutton said the salary is meant to "celebrate" Adams' work.
ACWORTH, Ga.
Driver, mom charged in death
A 19-year-old Acworth man and his mother are facing charges related to a crash that killed a motorcyclist in Cherokee County, authorities said Thursday.
Giovanni Aragon-Mercado is suspected of having fallen asleep at the wheel and crossing the center line in his Lincoln Navigator about 5 p.m. Wednesday, colliding with a motorcycle driven by Derrick Ferree, 24, of Marietta, Lt. Jay Baker of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office said. Aragon-Mercado was charged Thursday with misdemeanor vehicular homicide, Baker said.
The driver's mother, Perla Mercado, was arrested Thursday afternoon and charged with allowing an unlicensed person to drive her car, according to Baker.
The crash happened on Bascomb Carmel Road near Bascomb Springs in Woodstock, Baker said. Ferree was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, Marietta, where he later died of his injuries.
Aragon-Mercado, who was not hurt, also was charged with failure to maintain lane and violation of license restrictions, Baker said, explaining the man "had a learner's permit only and was not licensed to drive alone."
Although Giovanni Aragon-Mercado is an adult, his 38-year-old mother is facing charges because police say she knew he didn't have a license and lent him her car anyway.
Mother and son were booked into the Cherokee Adult Detention Center. The son's bond is set at $2,350, while his mother was assigned a $685 bond, Baker said.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga.
County to add warning sirens
Forsyth County will add five additional outdoor severe weather sirens throughout the county.
The sirens will add to the county's coverage area, joining 12 sirens already in operation.
Installation is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.