Archived News

Stuckey Benfield joins GreenLaw; will not seek-re-election

State Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield has announced her plans to become the new executive director of GreenLaw, a Georgia environmental advocacy organization, dedicated to clean air and clean water.

Benfield will finish her legislative term but said she will not seek re-election to the Georgia General Assembly.

An outdoors enthusiast and nature lover, Benfield has been a vocal environmental advocate during her 14 years as a member of the Georgia House's Natural Resources Committee. She said her commitment to clean water and clean air issues grew even stronger after her son was diagnosed with asthma.

“When I learned that my son has asthma, it really hit home that pollution can hurt our most vulnerable citizens, our children,” said Benfield. “For the past 20 years, GreenLaw has been a leader in protecting Georgians from pollution, and I am excited to be able to focus my attention on cleaning up our air and water for our families.”

Benfield received both an undergraduate and law degree from the University of Georgia. She graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia law school in 1992. Among her notable achievements while in office are earning the Outstanding Lawyer in Public Service Award by the Atlanta Bar Association, being named one of “40 under 40” promising Georgians by Georgia Trend magazine as well as one of “16 Attorneys to Watch” by the Fulton County Daily Report. She was also awarded the Environmental Leadership Award by the Georgia Conservation Voters and the Georgia Urban Forest Council Award for Promoting Arbor Day in public schools.

NFL player Ward sentenced

National Football League player Hines Ward, a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers and a native of Forest Park in Clayton County, was sentenced Feb. 22 in State Court for an incident in DeKalb County in July 2011.

Ward, appearing before in Judge Stacey Hydrick, pleaded guilty to reckless driving and no contest to failure to maintain lane. DUI charges were dropped as part of the plea. Hydrick sentenced Ward to 12 months on probation with credit for one day served, a $2,000 fine plus court costs, 80 hours of community service, participation in a risk reduction program, and an alcohol evaluation and any treatment recommended.

Ward was stopped by DeKalb County police July 9 on Buford Highway near Briarwood Road for failure to maintain his land and for hitting a curb.

Basketball camp offered Feb. 25

The Nike Predraft Camp will be held Feb. 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Columbia High School in Decatur. The camp offers coaching and training to students in grades six through eight. A parent/coaches forum also is included in the camp. Registration fee is $125. Signups begin at 9 a.m. and registration can be done online at www.nikepredraftcamp.com. For more information, e-mail info@nikepredraftcamp.com.