(GA. NEWS NETWORK)
*The Georgia Department of Health confirms that at least one person has died from the West Nile virus. Health officials have not said where in the state the person lived, but they did also confirm eight human cases in Georgia so far this year. Those numbers are expected to rise because mosquito tests have been positive in Chatham, DeKalb, and Fulton counties. While most infected people will not experience symptoms, some may develop issues including body aches, fever, headache, or rash, which can occur two to six days after a mosquito bite.
*A Grady County sheriff’s deputy is out of a job following an alleged relationship with a teen. The sheriff’s office says it terminated Officer Linzy Meadows on August 13th. He’s accused of having a personal relationship with the 17-year-old while encountering her on official duties. Investigators say Meadows also traveled alone with the teen to Jacksonville, Florida, overnight on a department motorcycle. The sheriff’s office says they’re unsure if the two had a sexual relationship, but the officer was fired for the unethical behavior.
*The FBI has released its latest crime report, and violent crime across the Peach State is down. FBI Special Agent in Charge Marlo Graham told reporters this week the largest decrease was in motor vehicle thefts, which dropped 25.5%. Violent crime is down overall by more than six percent.
*The state Department of Natural Resources is investigating how a leashed alligator ended up behind Grovetown Middle School in Columbia County Tuesday. The reptile was found behind a dumpster with its jaw taped shut. No word on its size.