A Marietta restaurant was told it couldn't fly POW flags and flags supporting our troops. The flags had been flying at Williamson Brothers Bar-B-Q for more than a decade-- until Wednesday, when a code enforcement officer told them the flags either had to go, or they'd face a $1,000 fine. Within hours, customers and supporters mounted an effort to fight city hall.
At Williamson Brothers Bar-B-Q, they've used the same recipe for success for more than a decade, with the pork cooking over an open flame and the patriotic flags flying overhead. Manager Michelle Jehlen said they felt like they had a right to support our country's military-- until a city of Marietta code enforcement officer told them the flags must come down.
Jehlen told FOX 5 the restaurant was given 48 hours to take them down, or face a $1,000 fine. The restaurant received a written notice that their POW and Support our troops flags violate a city ordinance against flying "non-governmental flags." Customers were as surprised as the owners to hear that flying a POW flag could be against the law.
But now, the city has changed its mind. City of Marietta spokesman Brian Binzer told FOX 5 the city's code enforcement officer made an error, and that it's possible the officer didn't see the entire flag. The city offered a personal apology, and the restaurant put the flags back up. In fact, they say they plan to add even more.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:23 PM EDT2013-05-22 18:23:35 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:32:36 GMT
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife.
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife. Prosecutors say Michael Parson shot his wife, Adina, eight times in April 2012 outside their apartment.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:28 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:28:25 GMT
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe.
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe. They say 1-year-old Annya Buchannon was in the back of a car that was stolen just after midnight from the Playskool Daycare on Conley Road in Forest Park.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:24 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:24:23 GMT
Atlanta fire crews are battling a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown.
Atlanta fire crews battled a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown on Wednesday morning. Authorities say the fire sparked at United Transmission Service, which is located at 350 Marietta Street NW.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges. Brooks pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:53 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:53:01 GMT
Five people made a quick escape from a MARTA bus just before it was hit by a train Tuesday morning.
Five people made a quick escape from a MARTA bus just before it was hit by a train Wednesday morning. Fire crews say the bus stalled on the railroad tracks in downtown Decatur, and those onboard had just seconds to get out before an oncoming train hit it.
The Gainesville City Council is moving ahead with a study to determine the feasibility of a new convention center and hotel in the northeast Georgia city.
The Gainesville City Council is moving ahead with a study to determine the feasibility of a new convention center and hotel in the northeast Georgia city.
