Flash Poll: Georgia Democrats Say Paul Ryan Pick for VP Can Help Obama Win

A Patch panel of Democratic elected officials and activists say the Ryan pick draws a stronger contrast between presidential candidate Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama.

A Patch poll of Georgia Democrats found that most respondents feel that Mitt Romney’s decision to tap Rep. Paul Ryan as his running mate could make it easier for Democrats to paint the GOP ticket as out of touch with the middle class. “Romney is now absolutely married to the tax breaks for the rich, tax increases for the middle class, gut the programs for everybody but the 1%,” one respondent said. Most of those who took part in the nonscientific flash poll agreed that Ryan, a Wisconsin congressman, will ‘galvanize’ Democrats in the Peach State. Twenty Democratic elected officials, candidates and activists completed the nonscientific survey over the weekend. Several respondents said they didn’t think the Ryan selection would make a big …

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SPSU License Plates Grow in Popularity

The roads of Georgia are starting to fill with vehicles showing Southern Polytechnic State University pride, as the new SPSU license plates are now available.

The roads of Georgia are starting to fill with vehicles showing Southern Polytechnic State University pride, as the new SPSU license plates are now available. “We are excited by all the mini-billboards saying ‘SPSU’ on cars around the region,” said Dr. Ron Dempsey, SPSU’s vice president for Advancement. All persons interested in purchasing an SPSU tag can do so by going to their local tag offices. As with all commemorative license plates, there is a $35 fee in addition to regular charges and taxes. For more information about the SPSU license plate, visit spsu.edu or e-mail Ashley Schenck at aschenc2@spsu.edu. Keep up with all the news you care about by subscribing to our free email newsletter, liking us on Facebook and following us on …

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Georgia Driver's License Changes to Come

New requirements for renewing or applying for a driver's license will go into effect July 1.

Georgia Driver's License Changes to Come

New requirements for renewing or applying for a driver's license will go into effect July 1.

Beginning July 1, the Georgia Department of Driver Services will require additional documentation when applying for or renewing your driver's license or applying for an ID card. It's all part of a national security plan to improve the security of Georgia's DL and ID cards and to be fully compliant with the Federal Real ID Act of 2005. "We all had to go through this process when we first applied for a driver's license," said Susan Sports, communications director for the DDS. Providing the required documents will only be necessary this one time she said. The only visible difference from the current DL/ID is that a gold star will be printed on the top right corner of the Secure DL and IDs. The new licensing process also is aimed at provding …

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Marietta's Military Patch

Mother and Son Achieve Mutual Milestones

Jackie Mckennie and James Grady, sergeant majors in the Georgia Army National Guard, share achievements in the Guard and education.

Giving a son a skill is better than giving him a thousand pieces of gold. When James Grady, Georgia Army National Guardsman, reflects on the values his mother instilled in him, this Chinese proverb resonates. On March 3, Grady, 40, was promoted to sergeant major, the highest enlisted title in the Army, for his exemplary dedication and leadership in the Georgia Army National Guard's G4/J4 logistics division. To make the commemorative occasion even more monumental, Jackie Mckennie, his mother, who is a sergeant major in the Georgia Army National Guard's G1 administrative section, pinned him at the ceremony. Mckennie, 59, said in a press release, "It's an honor that my son and I have both made major accomplishments in the Georgia National …

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Marietta's Military Patch

Dobbins Chapel Needs Renovations, New Location

The Dobbins Chapel, built in 1942, is in need of renovation and relocation. Seven years ago, the Dobbins Chapel Foundation began work toward relocating the chapel.

by Master Sgt. James Branch, 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, Dobbins Air Reserve Base "Since post World War II through operation Enduring Freedom, this sacred white colored building has greeted people during the best times, and not-so-best times of their lives," said (Ret) Chief Master Sgt. Dick Roberts, member of the Dobbins Chapel Foundation. Roberts retired from the Air National Guard in 1985. He was stationed at Dobbins. In May 2005, Air Force Reserve Command approved and funded the demolition of the base chapel, because as a host Reserve base, Dobbins is not authorized a chapel and would not provide renovation funds to make major repairs and bring the facility up to current building codes. The chapel at that time had stood on …

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What Do You Think of Google's New Privacy Policy?

Watch the video explaining the updates, then tell us your reactions in the comments below.

Watch the video explaining the updates, then tell us your reactions in the comments below.

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Gen. Beau Knows: Lilburn Groundhog Expects Early Spring

"Georgia's Official Weather Prognosticator" doesn't see his shadow at the Yellow River Game Ranch.

As quickly as he darted out of his plantation-style house at the Yellow River Game Ranch in Lilburn, you'd like to think General Beauregard Lee (Georgia's famed groundhog) didn't have enough time to tell whether or not there was a shadow. But apparently, "Georgia's Official Weather Prognosticator" did not see his shadow during his annual Groundhog Day appearance Thursday morning. "It's 7:35 [a.m.] and 40 degrees. No shadow means an early spring," was announced as at least a couple hundred spectators — many chanting and making noise to entice the groundhog out of the house — looked on. Gen. Lee darted out in a blur, then hid underneath shrubs inside his fenced-in area as game ranch employes chased him out in the open for spectators to see. …

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