The city of Smyrna will pay $85,000 to settle a lawsuit over a curse word.
Back in April of 2009, Mary Kirkendoll voiced her disapproval with the way Smyrna city leaders handled illegal immigration, commercial development and other issues at a town hall meeting. As she left the meeting, she uttered a common profanity.
Police arrested Kirkendoll. According to court paperwork, the arrest came under a Smyrna ordinance making it illegal to use vulgar language in the city.
The charge was dropped. She later filed a federal lawsuit claiming Smyrna falsely arrested her and violated her constitutional rights. The city's insurance company settled for $85,000.
"I hope this sets precedent that people have the right to stand up and especially in this environment, where government needs to be open and listen to the people," said Kirkendoll.
Kirkendoll's attorney, Cynthia Counts, said that the city of Smyrna changed the ordinance which led to Kirkendoll's arrest.
Smyrna City Administrator Eric Taylor wouldn't discuss the case other than to say the city was not involved in the insurance carriers' decision to settle the lawsuit for $85,000.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:44:36 GMT
The fox responsible for biting two Newton County elementary school students while they played on their school's playground remains on the loose.
The fox that bit two Newton County elementary school students while they played on the playground is still on the loose. Animal control authorities tell FOX 5 someone from Rocky Plains Elementary School reported a fox sighting on campus one day before the boys were attacked.
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State leaders and military dignitaries took part in an annual Memorial Day ceremony at the state Capitol on Thursday.
State leaders and military dignitaries took part in an annual Memorial Day ceremony at the state Capitol on Thursday. Gov. Nathan Deal took part in solemn salute of those who lost their lives while serving our country.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:26 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:26:47 GMT
The jury has found Michael Parson guilty on all eight counts in the shooting of his wife outside their Sandy Springs apartment.The woman, Adina Parson, survived after being shot eight times.
The jury has found Michael Parson guilty on all eight counts in the shooting of his wife outside their Sandy Springs apartment.The woman, Adina Parson, survived after being shot eight times.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:03 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:03:36 GMT
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not so perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this weekend following the destruction and rebuilding due to superstorm Sandy.
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Friday, May 24 2013 6:29 AM EDT2013-05-24 10:29:05 GMT
AP photo
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested Thursday for allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building and throwing a marijuana bong out of a window, said police.
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested Thursday for allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building and throwing a marijuana bong out of a window, said police.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:17 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:17:32 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:11 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:11:26 GMT
An Edison, N.J., police officer was arrested and accused of setting fire to the home of a police captain in his department, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.
An Edison, N.J., police officer was arrested and accused of setting fire to the home of a police captain in his department, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:04 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:04:45 GMT
Former Rep. Anthony Weiner launched his campaign for mayor of New York City this week, but his website seems to indicate he is running for office in Pittsburgh. The stylized and colorized image used in
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Thursday, May 23 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:49:53 GMT
AP photo
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
Mary Kirkendoll shows the $85,000 check she received as settlement for a lawsuit from the city of Smyrna.
