'Ferris wheel OK'd by council' and more Chattanooga region news

Friday, January 1, 1904

Ferris wheel OK'd by council

ATLANTA - The Atlanta City Council has voted to allow a 20-story Ferris wheel to be placed in downtown Atlanta.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the council voted unanimously Monday, and the attraction, to be named Skyview Atlanta, previously has been housed in Paris and Pensacola, Fla.

Two St. Louis businessmen are behind the idea of bringing the Ferris wheel to Atlanta. Skyview Atlanta spokesman Jason Evans said the partners, Todd Schneider and Al Mers, plan to set it up next to The Tabernacle, a century-old former church building now used as a concert hall.

Officials said the attraction could be in place as early as June, and rides are expected to cost between $12 and $13.


photo Georgia Sen. Charlie Bethel, R-Dalton

Chamber gives Bethel high score

ATLANTA - Georgia state Sen. Charlie Bethel, R-Dalton, has received the highest ranking given on the Georgia Chamber's Legislative Scorecard, a Senate Press Office news release states. The scorecard recognizes legislators who supported strong business initiatives in the 2013 legislative session.

"The future of our shared state is dependent on passing pro-job and pro-growth economic policies which are important to Georgians," Bethel said. "By passing these initiatives we are putting Georgians back to work while also becoming an attractive place to set up shop for business throughout the world."

The complete 2013 Georgia Chamber Scorecard may be viewed and downloaded at http://www.gachamber.com/uploads/2013_Georgia ChamberScorecard_WEB.pdf


Bar reprimands Democratic leader

Georgia Democratic Party Chairman Mike Berlon is being disciplined by the State Bar of Georgia after he acknowledged violating rules in his private work as an attorney.

The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday issued an order agreeing a "Review Panel reprimand" was an appropriate sanction. The maximum sanctions had been disbarment or public reprimand. A "Review Panel reprimand" is considered a lesser punishment with no suspension and no fines ordered.

Court records show Berlon, who took over as state Democratic leader in 2011, filed a petition for voluntary discipline after the complaint was filed. The client had claimed Berlon failed to file paperwork as requested and paid an investigator without permission.


UGA to offer partner benefits

ATHENS, Ga. - University of Georgia officials have announced the school will extend some benefits to domestic partners similar to what married couples receive.

UGA President Michael Adams said the school will offer dental and vision insurance to domestic partners of UGA employees. Employees will pay for the benefits, and the school will not use any state funds to cover the costs.