GRAY -An Eatonton horse has become middle Georgia's first with West Nile virus.

The 19-year-old quarter horse gelding joins 68 Georgia horses diagnosed with the virus last year.

The disease can cause fatal encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, and typically shows up in birds and horses before people. Since 1999, 18 people have died of West Nile in the United States.

Minister gets 10 years for child molestation

COLUMBUS -An associate pastor in Columbus has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of child molestation and one count of aggravated child molestation.

Michael Krug, an associate pastor at Calvary Baptist, pleaded guilty to the charges at the Muscogee Superior Court.

The 35-year-old minister, who turned to religion after 14 years in the Army, faced his teenage accuser in the courtroom, who in turn asked Superior Court Judge Bill Smith to "show mercy on (Mr. Krug)" and to help him get counseling for his problem.

Mother pleads guilty over deaths after party

LAWRENCEVILLE -A Gwinnett mother pleaded guilty Friday to reckless conduct and furnishing alcohol to minors, two years after a 16-year-old drank at her house and died in a car accident on the way home.

Roseanne Marks, 44, was sentenced to two years on probation, ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and required to perform 100 hours of community service for her role in the underage-drinking party.

Mrs. Marks initially was indicted on felony involuntary manslaughter charges for the death of Kirby Cruce, who died in a wreck after leaving the Aug. 11, 2000, party.

National Guardsman faces child-sex charges

MARIETTA -A member of the Georgia National Guard is accused of molesting youths who joined military-style groups designed to encourage children to join the military one day.

Scott Lombardi, 34, was charged with several child molestation and sodomy charges after a monthlong investigation.

Mr. Lombardi is accused of molesting an undisclosed number of youths through one of two organizations - the Civil Air Patrol or the Forward Academy.