Tuesday, January 22, 2008

100th day

Kindergartners at Mason Elementary School celebrate their 100th day of class by completing activities centered around the number 100. 100th Day SOUNDSLIDE



Tuesday, January 15, 2008

The Waiting Game

A photojournalist rule of thumb says show up early and stay late. Well, thats great but when you have an hour memorial service in between that you are stuck across the street for you have to find something to entertain yourself. And last time I checked, a goat on a leash fits the description of a fun distraction. Only in Athens...

Monday, January 14, 2008

Emerson Memorial

Athens, G.A. ... Wrapping up a week of closure


Emerson's close boyfriend, following a memorial service held in honor of Emerson Friday afternoon at the Central Presbyterian Church in Athens.


Ella, Meredith Emerson's 1-year-old black Labrador mix, greeted friends and family outside Central Presbyterian Church following the memorial service Friday in Athens.


Friends and family gather at Central Presbyterian Church in Athens Friday afternoon for a memorial service to honor 24-year-old Meredith Emerson. During the service, friends and family stood and spoke of the impact Emerson had on those she encountered, and the many accomplishments she had achieved in her life.


The Family of Meredith Emerson, including her parents Susan and Dave, arrive at Central Presbyterian Church in Athens Friday afternoon for a memorial service honoring her life. Emerson’s parents flew in from Colorado when they heard the news regarding their daughter.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Brutally Killed

With each day that passes in the murder case of 24-year-old Meredith Emerson comes more answers that just seem to lead to more questions.

As of Tuesday night, Gary Michael Hilton has been charged with Murder. Authorities also revealed that Emerson remained alive for three days following her kidnapping from Vogel State Park on New Years Day. The affidavit for Hilton's murder warrant disclosed that Emerson died on Jan. 4 in Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area. Her body was found Monday evening with Hilton's help.

Tuesday afternoon at around 3:30 the GBI released the results of an autopsy which found that Emerson died of blunt force trauma to the head before she was decapitated.

Just minutes after the autopsy results were released, Peggy Bailey, Emerson's godmother serving as the family spokeswoman, addressed the media during a brief (less than 2 minutes) press conference at her home in Athens, but chose not to comment on the state at which Emerson was found. Bailey thanked the media along with officials who aided in the search for Emerson and announced that a memorial service would be held in her honor Friday afternoon in Athens.

So, it looks like I’m off to Athens again on Friday, now if I could only get the knot out of my stomach.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Anyaorah Brothers


Brothers Eloka, left, and Ebuka Anyaorah both excel as athletes for North Gwinnett High School, but in different sports. Eloka has helped lead the Bulldogs football team to their best season ever ending with a Class AAAAA runner-up finish while Ebuka is dominating the hardwood for the Bulldogs basketball team.

Missing Hiker Meredith Emerson

This weekend I got sent to Blood Mountain on assignment to cover the activities that were unfolding regarding missing hiker Meredith Emerson. When I got there I realized I had just entered the circle that is the media waiting game. Pushed to a corner of the parking lot and kept away about 50 feet from any of the volunteer hikers, It was a constant struggle to find new information, and images that depicted it. After four hours waiting and no additional information, it was time for me to leave. On my drive out I happen to see EMA Hikers who had been on the mountain searching all day. These are the few frames I made before I headed home.


Search and rescue workers with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency look to compass points on a map along Ga. Highway 129 outside of Vogel State Park to aid in the search for Meredith Emerson, a missing 24-year-old University of Georgia graduate. Rescue missions have now changed to recovery efforts after officials charged Gary Michael Hilton with kidnapping with the intent to do bodily injury in relation to Emerson’s disappearance.


Denny Little, left, rescue chief for Gilmer County, leads search and rescue team members Vee Vurnham, center, and Robert Burnham in a wooded area along Ga. Highway 129 Saturday before hearing official word that a suspect has been charged in the kidnapping of 24-year-old Buford resident Meredith Emerson. Searching was limited Saturday to experienced hikers and emergency personnel.


Julia Karrenbauer, roommate of missing hiker Meredith Emerson, walks with friend Ronnie Tompson while waiting for information regarding Emerson’s disappearance. More than 100 volunteers gathered at Vogel State Park Saturday to aid in the search but where delayed as new information surfaced. The recovery effort is scheduled to continue Sunday morning.

The Waiting Game... I had to keep myself busy... At least I got to see snow! ;)



McCray's Tavern

McCray's Tavern moved into downtown Lawrenceville...What a Pretty Bar

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Ball from Above

A lot of the high schools around here have their courts set down low in a pit surrounded by bleachers. It makes for some fun overhead shots with easy acccess.

Mill Creek sophomore Moneshia Simmons, right, fights to keep control of the ball through pressure put on by Norcross junior Tiffany Clarke during the second half of Wednesday nights game at Norcross. Mill Creek defeats Norcross 66-57.