Around the Region: Teacher Pleads Guilty to Child Cruelty, Pastor Dies During Basketball Game and Marietta Marine Killed in Helicopter Crash

– Oconee Patch

A former agricultural education teacher at  has pleaded guilty to one count of cruelty to children in the second degree.

Scott Brian Rushing, 24, of Watkinsville, negotiated a deal with the District Attorney's Office and appeared in Oconee County Superior Court on Monday, Chief Deputy Lee Weems of the Sheriff's Office said.

While serving as a student teacher, Rushing had had a relationship with a girl he later learned was a 15-year-old student, Weems said. 

Superintendent John Jackson said school officials did not learn about the relationship until about a year later when Rushing was employed as an agricultural education teacher.

Superior Court Judge Patrick Haggard sentenced Rushing as a first offender to 10 years probation.  He was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and $700 restitution to the victim. Rushing also had to surrender his teaching license, according to the deputy clerk of court. Jail records show he was booked and released Monday following the sentencing.

– Cartersville Patch

A charitable basketball game Saturday at  turned tragic with the passing of  pastor Charles Fluellen.

Participant Bruce Thompson said on Facebook the 57-year-old suffered a heart attack while on the court during the Preachers versus Pastors game. 

– Marietta Patch

Seven U.S. Marines were killed in  on the outskirts of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AR, on Wednesday. Lance Cpl. Corey A. Little, 25, of Marietta was among the dead, 10 News reported.

, and the , Camp Pendleton Patch reports.