ATLANTA -- The Fulton County Republican Party nominated former Atlanta mayoral candidate and Atlanta City Council member Mary Norwood to the Fulton County Elections Board.

She would replace William F. Riley, who resigned.

"With the resignation of our County Party stalwart and former judge, William Riley, from the Board of Elections and the ongoing investigation by the Secretary of State's office, we had to act quickly to find someone with the high caliber of intellect and ability to effect change," Fulton County Republican Party Chairman Roger Bonds said in a statement.

"Mary Norwood is just that kind of person," Bonds added. "Her background as a small business owner, community activist and former elected official gives her the political savvy and professionalism that makes her the ideal person to continue the clean-up work Riley started."

The vote on Norwood's nomination is Jan. 23.

ATLANTA -- Georgia's Student Advisory Council is now accepting applications for the 2012-13 school year.

The Student Advisory Council reports to State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge to discuss how decisions made at the state level affect students throughout Georgia, according to Georgia Department of Education spokesman Matt Cardoza.

The council will meet twice during the school year -- Wednesday, Nov. 7 and Wednesday, Mar. 6. Applicants must be available to meet on both days.

All Georgia students in grades 9-12 are encouraged to apply.

"I am looking forward to getting to know a new group of student advisors and discuss how our policies affect them on a daily basis," Barge said in a statement. "We want to make education work for all Georgia's students and hearing directly from them is the best way to ensure that happens."

Governor Nathan Deal Declares Dec. 5-9, 2011 as Employee Learning Week in Georgia