Officer Saves Student, Top Dog Names, Santa Events: News Nearby

There was plenty of news across Georgia on Thursday. If you missed any of it on your local Patch, here's a roundup of some of the top stories from the past 24 hours.

• Free Bus Service Offered To County Residents
• Sex Trafficking, New Policies To Be Discussed At DeKalb Event
• Johns Creek Wins Amazon's 'City On A Cloud' Innovation Challenge

'He's Turning Blue': School Officer's Heroic Actions Save Student

Officer Duane Smith said he was "in the right place at the right time" to save an 11-year-old student at a middle school.

Why Are They Cutting Down All The Trees On The Interstate?

The Georgia Department of Transportation has been undergoing a $62.5 million project that started in 2017 to remove trees and underbrush as a safety precaution along roads.

Jimmy Carter Out Of Hospital, Wishes Peace And Joy For Holidays

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was released Wednesday from Phoebe Sumter Medical Center after being treated for an infection.

Firefighters Check Off Teen's List Of 'Liver, Christmas Lights'

Firefighters brought an early Christmas to a teen who recently underwent a liver transplant.

These Are Atlanta's Most Popular Dog Names For 2019

The most popular names for Atlanta area dogs are in for 2019. Find out which names made the list.

Events With Santa:

• Milton Firefighters Hosting Pancakes With Santa Saturday
• Parade, Day With Santa Saturday Start Kennesaw's Holiday Season
• Holiday Market Returns Saturday At Chattahoochee Nature Center
• North Georgia Hosting Annual Holiday Concert Friday
• Santa Claus Returns To Alpharetta Welcome Center Saturday
• Halcyon Begins Inaugural Holiday Celebration Events Saturday

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Also Worth A Look Today

• Gwinnett County Restaurant Inspections: McDonalds, IHOP, More
• Paulding Co. Restaurant Inspections: McDonalds, Mellow Mushroom
• Blessed Trinity To Play Semifinals Despite Players, Coaches Loss
• New City Manager Joins Sandy Springs
• Acworth Man Sentenced For Possession, Trafficking: Police
• Outdoor Gas Leak Reported In Lawrenceville Neighborhood
• City Of Loganville Planning $180 Million Downtown Project
• Gwinnett County Battles Brush Fires At I-985 Near Suwanee
• Gwinnett County's Bay Creek Precinct Opens With Ribbon Cutting

Across America

• Impeachment Articles Will Be Drafted, Pelosi Says: Live Stream
• Abandoned At Dumpster As Newborn, Florida Entrepreneur Worth $62M
• Romaine Lettuce E. Coli Outbreak Sickens 102 In 23 States
• Trump Admin Hands Out Free HIV Prevention Drugs. Do You Qualify?
• Is Pharma’s Take On Pelosi Drug-Pricing Bill Accurate? (Opinion)