Braves' calling crew shunted to radio

Pete van Wieren will call Braves games only on radio next year, and Skip Caray will do darn few TV games, the Atlanta paper says.

Sisters are doin' it for themselves - and on coins!

The Mint plans a new series of coins featuring the likenesses of America's first ladies. But don't get your hopes too high - they'll be on collectors-only coins that will cost major bucks.

Atlantic Records founder Ertegun dies

Ahmet Ertegun, a giant in the music industry who started Atlantic Records, has died at 83. Atlantic recorded Georgia's own Ray Charles and Otis Redding, along with everyone from Lady Soul herself to Crosby Stills & Nash to Led Zepplin. (Link goes to the New York Times story; free registration is required.)

Sheriff's deputy charged with inmate sexual assault

Deputy Dewayne Wood has been fired after being charged with sexual assault of a female inmate he was supposed to be taking to jail, as well as with possessing prescription diet pills. (Honest disclosure here: Sheriff Joe Peebles is my dad.) Links to Augusta Chronicle story, WDRW-Channel 12 story.

Warrenton sleet and the Emanuel County Iditarod

It sleeted today in Warrenton due to the cold front that has come in, sources there tell me. Meanwhile, word has it that points south of Warrenton, including Swainsboro, could get some snow. Time to tell those sled dogs to mush toward to the Point Hole.

Mint rolling out new presidential series of $1 dollar coins

Just like how they've rolled out the quarters with states on them, they're going to do presidents on $1 coins now. Speaking of which, does anyone ever see the Sacajawea dollar these days? (Link goes to NY Times story.)

Mom gets five years in toddlers' drowning

Lottie Payne was found guilty by a jury in a little under an hour, The Chronicle says.