Centennial Olympic Park may get facelift

Submitted by Marc McAfee, Multimedia Journalist

Thursday, December 12th, 2013, 6:48pm

ATLANTA- Centennial Olympic Park officials say the economy has improved enough to start looking forward to new projects. But first, they need funding sources--about $25 million worth.

In Friday's Atlanta Business Chronicle renderings of the park's future projects will be unveiled. There are scenes of improved walkways, landscaping and entrances. The most dramatic change will be the closure of Andrew Young International Boulevard where it runs through the park.

"We just want to enhance the park experience so we're never at the point where we say, 'I wish we would have done this,'" said Joe Skopitz, the Park's Assistant General Manager. "We want to be ahead of that curve."

Skopitz said the renderings are basically a well-planned wish list. They compiled them through visitor surveys and input. The timeline for their completion will depend on where the funding comes from.

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Submitted by Michael H. King, Digital Executive Producer

Wednesday, December 11th, 2013, 4:39pm

ATLANTA -- A 26-year-old man who went missing from Grady Memorial Hospital has been found.

Maceo McArthur Nesmith III was found Wednesday afternoon, according to Tyrone Police Chief Brandon Perkins.

Nesmith, who suffers from PTSD, lives in Tyrone. He disappeared from the Atlanta hospital Monday evening.

No details about his recovery were immediately available.

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Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Wednesday, December 11th, 2013, 12:59pm

Ga. high school graduation rate increases in 2013

(WXIA) -- The public school graduation rate in Georgia continues to climb.

The Georgia Department of Education announced Wednesday that the state's graduation rate was 71.5 percent in 2013 -- almost two points higher than in 2012 and four points above 2011's rate.

Every state uses a U.S. Department of Education-mandated four-year adjusted cohort rate to calculate graduations. It tracks the number of students who graduate from high school within the standard four years.

State superintendent Dr. John Barge said the more rigorous calculation method still shows an increase in Georgia's graduation rate.

"Despite the economic challenges our districts are facing, we have more high school students graduating today than we have had in several years, which is a testament to the hard work of our students and teachers," Barge said in a statement.

Atlanta Public Schools' 2013 four-year graduation rate was 58.6 percent.

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Submitted by Associated Press

Wednesday, December 11th, 2013, 9:02am

Ted Turner wants namesake ballpark as green space

ATLANTA -- Ted Turner says he's shocked the Braves are moving out of the ballpark named after him in downtown Atlanta.

But he told The Associated Press in a recent interview that if Turner Field has to be demolished, he'd like to see the area become green space.

RELATED | Ted Turner wants to go to heaven

The Atlanta Braves announced last month that they'll move into a new 42,000-seat, $672 million stadium complex in Cobb County in 2017.

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Cooked To Perfection: Taste of Atlanta 2013

Submitted by Atlanta News on Tuesday, December 10th, 10:29 am

ATLANTA -- After a food-filled weekend of sampling, sipping and celebrating, Taste of Atlanta festival attendees are fully satisfied—and possibly even sporting an extra notch on their belt loop!

The epic 12th annual food festival featured over 100 of the city’s premier restaurants and fed more than 45,000 hungry Atlantans. With one-stop access to the city’s varied culinary landscape, an impressive amount of featured cooking classes and seminars and an incredible support of non-profit, community programs, Taste of Atlanta has once again cooked up a recipe for success.

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Submitted by Jenna Herb, Sports Producer

Monday, December 9th, 2013, 6:11pm

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) - Roddy White says the Falcons' 10th loss was especially painful.

Atlanta's offense disappeared after taking a 21-10 lead at Green Bay on Sunday. The Falcons were shut out in the second half of their 22-21 loss to the Packers.

The Falcons were hurt by two fourth-quarter turnovers - a fumble and interception by quarterback Matt Ryan. Late dropped passes by Harry Douglas and Tony Gonzalez were costly. Coach Mike Smith says the frozen turf at Lambeau Field hardened after halftime, making traction more difficult.

Ultimately, White and Smith agree the Falcons had to accept responsibility for the team's missing offense.

The Falcons had no first downs on their first two possessions of the second half. Green Bay's comeback dropped Atlanta to 3-10. The Falcons host Washington on Sunday.

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Submitted by Jenna Herb, Sports Producer

Monday, December 9th, 2013, 4:02pm

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) - Falcons coach Mike Smith says offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter has interviewed for the Boise State head coach position.

Koetter, a native of Pocatello, Idaho, was Boise State's coach from 1998-2000. He posted a 26-10 record with the Broncos with back-to-back Humanitarian Bowl wins before six seasons as Arizona State's coach.

Koetter is in his second season with the Falcons, who have fallen to 3-10 following a 13-3 record in 2012.

The Idaho Statesman first reported Koetter would interview with Boise State, which is looking for a new coach after Chris Petersen was hired by Washington.

Smith offered no details Monday on Koetter's interview, saying, "I am aware they have had conversations."

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