$10,000 offered in gun theft case

MACON, Ga. - Federal authorities and a trade association for the firearms industry say they're offering $10,000 in reward money in hopes of solving the theft of 17 rifles from Bass Pro Shops in Macon.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is offering a $5,000 reward, which is being matched by the National Shooting Sports Foundation for a total reward of $10,000.

Bibb County sheriff's officials said four men broke through a glass door at the outdoor store late Sunday night, then headed to the gun area. Authorities said 17 AR-15 semiautomatic rifles were stolen.

Burn ban lifted for 54 counties

ATHENS, Ga. - State officials say residents in 54 counties in Georgia once again can start burning leaves and other yard debris after a ban was lifted this week.

The Athens Banner-Herald reported state officials are still urging the public to follow regulations and take precautions for fire safety.

Summer burning restrictions occur each year, primarily in North Georgia. Members of the public are still required to obtain a burn permit for outdoor debris piles from the Georgia Forestry Commission.

Georgia Forestry Chief of Protection Frank Sorrells said permits are easy to secure online when weather conditions are favorable.

Burn permits are available by calling 877-652-2876 or visiting www.gatrees.org.

Voter registration deadline nears

ATLANTA - The deadline is approaching for Georgians who want to vote in next month's general election.

Eligible Georgia residents have until the close of business Monday to register if they want to cast a ballot in the Nov. 5 election.

There are several ways for Georgians to register:

• Download a form online, complete it and mail it in.

• Get a mail-in registration form at their local county board of registrar's office or election office, public library, public assistance office, recruitment office, schools and other government offices.

• When they apply for or renew a driver's license.

• College students can get a form at their school registrar's office or at the office of the vice president of academic affairs.

Authorities seek missing man

WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. - The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office is looking for a 75-year-old man who can barely walk, has several other health issues and may not have his required medication.

Hubert Thomas Randolph checked himself out of a nursing home in Kernersville, N.C., against medical advice, according to the sheriff's office. He then went to stay with a relative who lives on Brylow Drive in Dalton, Ga.

However, he left that house in a white, 1997 Pontiac Grand Am. Investigators do not know where Randolph was driving. The car had a North Carolina license plate numbered BFP 4061.

Anyone with information about Randolph can call Detective Adam Jones at 706-876-1421.