E. coli cases investigated
TOCCOA, Ga. - Georgia Department of Public Health officials are investigating an E. coli outbreak that has left at least 11 people sick in Northeast Georgia.
Department spokeswoman Nancy Nydam told the Athens Banner-Herald officials are investigating menu items at a barbecue restaurant in Stephens County and are probing whether cross contamination may have led to the bacteria spreading.
Officials say people reported illnesses between May 4 and May 8.
Lee singers set for Riverbend
CLEVELAND, Tenn. - The Voices of Lee will perform at Riverbend on June 11 for the festival's Faith and Family Night.
The Voices of Lee, a 16-member a capella ensemble from Lee University, will perform on one of the main stages located in Riverfront Park. The performance is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.
"We're extremely pleased to be a part of Riverbend's Faith and Family Night," said director Danny Murray. The group's studio recordings will be available for sale, and staff from Lee's admissions office will be present to answer questions about the university.
In January, the Voices sang with Lee's festival choir at the 57th presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C. They also have toured Europe with concerts in venues such as the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris and England's Ely Cathedral.
Appalachian Trail seeks volunteers
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is seeking volunteers to help maintain the trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this summer.
"These positions are designed for experienced hikers who have a desire to work hard, live in the backcountry and have a great time with new friends," ATC officials said in a news release.
Volunteers over age 18 will work with the Smokies Wilderness Elite Appalachian Trail Crew. Each crew works six days in the field, often at elevations of over 6,000 feet for the entire work week. All food, lodging, equipment and transportation to and from the work site are provided.
For more information and a schedule of sessions, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/crews.
Restitution sought in oak poisoning
WETUMPKA, Ala. - Court officials are asking for the man who pleaded guilty to poisoning oak trees at Auburn University to pay about $1 million in restitution.
AL.com reported a motion filed Wednesday by the Lee County District Attorney's Office is based on costs Auburn University absorbed by trying to save the oaks and the estimated cost of their planned replacements.
Defense attorney for Harvey Updyke, Andrew Stanley, said he'll file an appropriate response at a later date.