Metro Atlanta couple's wedding day lake plunge goes viral

Submitted by Jerry Carnes, 11Alive Reporter

Wednesday, May 29th, 2013, 11:14pm

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga - A pair of metro Atlanta newlyweds have become a world-wide sensation after their wedding party took an unintended plunge into Lake Lanier.

Frank Fearon and Patricia Andrews tied the knot outdoors at a family member's home on the lake. Moments later, someone suggested they take pictures on a dock.

Chase Andrews, the bride's brother, says he got a feeling that he was about to take a plunge.

"I looked at the camera guy and I said, go ahead, roll in case we fall in," said Andrews.

The wedding took place under the threat of heavy rain. The family placed a large tent near the lake to keep guests dry.

It wasn't the rain they had to worry about.

Elizabeth Lineberry is the bride's sister and served as the maid of honor. She and her husband started getting nervous as they made their way down a floating walk toward the dock.

"As we heard creaks and groans, he said we need to get off the dock," said Lineberry.

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Nolan, Falcons work around player absences

Submitted by Jenna Herb, Sports Producer

Wednesday, May 29th, 2013, 6:45pm

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) - Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan is still trying to gauge what his team will look like this season.

That's not easy to do during offseason training activities with some players unable to participate and others inexperienced.

But entering his 27th season as a coach in the NFL and 15th as a coordinator, Nolan says that it's far too early to be concerned.

Starting linebackers Sean Weatherspoon and Stephen Nicholas are sidelined recovering from offseason surgeries, and prized rookie cornerback Desmond Trufant is back in school completing his degree at Washington.

The Falcons aren't sure when the three players will return, but coach Mike Smith indicates they'll be back for a mandatory mini-camp June 18-20.

Until then, Nolan will look at other players on the depth chart.

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NFL Draft moves to May

Submitted by 11Alive News Staff

Wednesday, May 29th, 2013, 1:26pm

New York, NY (Sports Network) - The NFL has moved its draft back to the month of May, starting next year.

The 2014 draft will be held from May 8-10 at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

According to the league, no decision regarding future dates has been made, but there has been speculation that the draft will remain in the month of May. It had been held in April.

The last change in the draft came in 2010 when the process was lengthened from two days to three days, with the first round taking place in prime time.

Despite the later draft, the NFL said there would be no major changes to the dates of other offseason events next year.

Indianapolis will again be the site for the NFL Combine from Feb. 18-25, while the new league year will begin with the free-agent period starting March 11.

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Boaters follow tougher Memorial Day boating laws

Submitted by Holly Pennebaker, Community Web Producer

Monday, May 27th, 2013, 8:02pm

ATLANTA -- This was the first big boating weekend of the season, and people flocked to area lakes for family fun.

But they also had to deal with tougher boating laws after a deadly summer on Lake Lanier last year.

The DNR and fellow boaters were very pleased with how the weekend turned out, and the number of boaters who enjoyed their time on Lake Lanier's water.

Boaters enjoyed the last hours of the holiday weekend after three packed days out on the water. A boater told 11Alive News that Sunday was rowdy compared to Monday, the lake was much more calm at the end of the day.

DNR officers and Forsyth County sheriffs stepped up patrols in anticipation of a wild weekend, and to enforce several new boating laws now in effect.

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Help Desk: Memorial Day Weekend Events

Submitted by 11Alive News Staff

Monday, May 27th, 2013, 8:06am

Memorial Day is approaching and the Help Desk has weekend events for you and the family to celebrate this honorary holiday!

EVENT CALENDAR | Complete weekend events listings

Stone Mountain Park is honoring troops and their families with the three-day event, "Salute the Troops." The park will feature free concerts, a laser show, a special fireworks finale, and more patriotic activities paying tribute to the brave men and women who protect our country. Active and retired military personnel can get a free Adventure Pass with a valid ID while taking advantage of discounts for the family.

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New boating safety laws on the lakes for Memorial Day

Submitted by Holly Pennebaker, Community Web Producer

Friday, May 24th, 2013, 9:23pm

(WXIA) -- Vacationers will pack the lakes this holiday weekend, and boaters should keep some new rules in mind.

Patrolling on the lake this weekend will be high, as DNR rangers will look for proper lighting on boats after sunset, life vests and those who have had too much to drink.

Rangers want to see children and all passengers wearing life vests that fit properly.

Boater Randale Keisler said he won't let anyone on his boat without a vest.

"I don't want to dig any of my neighbors or my family out of this lake," he said.

Rangers of the Department of Natural Resources know before the Memorial Day weekend is over, they'll encounter young boaters who are not playing it safe.

DNR Ranger Zach Hardy noted that going by a vessel, seeing a baby not wearing a life vest is an example of unsafe practice.

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GEMA: Georgians should prepare as hurricane season hurries in

Submitted by Holly Pennebaker, Community Web Producer

Friday, May 24th, 2013, 8:10pm

GEMA: Georgians should prepare as hurricane season hurries in

ATLANTA -- The Georgia Emergency Management Agency stresses the importance of safety just before Hurricane Preparedness Week hits.

During the week, May 26 - June 1, education will be offered to all residents through Georgia who plan to camp outdoors, throw cookouts and spend time at the lakes or in the backyard. Severe weather can make its way here anytime, a Ready Georgia spokeswoman said, which puts Georgians at risk statewide.

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