Clayton News Daily

1. Governor: Georgia Archives will stay open

Nearly 100 supporters of the Georgia Archives got an unexpected surprise Wednesday morning at the state capitol, when Gov. Nathan Deal announced the Morrow-based archives would not close to the public as previously announced.

2. Heatley withdraws from Berkeley candidacy

Outgoing Clayton County Schools Superintendent Edmond Heatley has withdrawn his candidacy for the same job in Berkeley, Calif.

3. Hill defense arguments ‘ludicrous,’ says DA

The Walton County district attorney appointed to prosecute former Sheriff Victor Hill called his defense arguments “ludicrous” and “absurd” during a Monday afternoon hearing on motions related to the Nov. 26 trial.

4. Heatley’s California job not a sure thing

Clayton County Schools Superintendent Edmond Heatley’s new job in California may not be a done deal after all, thanks to his support in 2008 of a ballot measure to ban same-sex marriage.

5. Chino board member defends Heatley

Did Edmond Heatley actually urge the school board in Chino Valley, Calif., to support a measure that would ban gay marriage while he was superintendent there?

6. Area officials mourn Georgia Archives’ closing

Morrow officials were shocked Tuesday, when they heard Gov. Nathan Deal will issue his annual Georgia Archives Month proclamation today — less than a week after state officials said the Morrow-based facility will be closed to meet budget cuts mandated by Deal.

7. Hill expected in court for motions Monday

Former Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill is due back in court Monday to argue a variety of motions in advance of his Nov. 26 trial.

8. Southern Regional, Emory finalize management agreement

Southern Regional Medical Center and Emory Healthcare will begin merging their health programs on Oct. 1, when the Atlanta-based healthcare system moves into the Southern Crescent and takes over management of the Riverdale-based hospital, according to officials from both healthcare groups.

9. Alleged gang member on trial in murder case

A man who authorities allege is a member of the Vice Lords gang will go on trial for murder next week.

10. SUBPOENAED!

Clayton County commission Vice-Chairman Wole Ralph and Commissioners Sonna Singleton and Gail Hambrick have been ordered to testify before a special purpose grand jury — possibly as early as today, according to county officials.