Area briefs: precinct relocation pending in Athens, vandalism suspects sought in Winder

We are told to expect next month a decision on the Athens-Clarke County Elections Board’s plan to relocate up to a half-dozen Athens voting precincts. The Board held last night the second of two public hearings on the proposed precinct changes. An Elections Board vote on the new polling places is scheduled for July 11.

The committee that is looking at sales tax-funded upgrades to Athens’ Prince Avenue corridor meets at 3 o’clock this afternoon.

Police and Public Works in Winder are trying to track down vandalism suspects: they’ve targeted, among other locations, the train depot in Winder, using spray paint for graffiti.

The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office says a suspect is behind bars after the discovery of $50 thousand worth of methamphetamine. Joseph Vanderford is 52 years old, from Auburn. The Sheriff’s Office in Winder says Vanderford’s arrest caps a six-month investigation.

A teenager from Hart County is arrested on a statutory rape charge in Hall County. 18 year-old Donavan Wynn of Hartwell is accused of having sex with a girl under the age of 16. He was booked into the Hall County jail.

Hall County Solicitor General Stephanie Woodard has been ordered to pay a $4 thousand fine.  The state  Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission says Woodard failed to properly report campaign contributions during last year’s run for reelection. Woodard has been Solicitor General in Hall County since 2010.