Former EHHS band director injured in wreck

GAINESVILLE - Former longtime East Hall band director Mercer Crook is recovering in an Atlanta hospital after being injured in a wreck earlier this week.

Crook, who retired from East Hall several years ago, is now a music instructor at Gainesville State College.

College spokeswoman Sloan Jones says Crook is well-respected on campus and was named outstanding adjunct professor - an award voted on by students - a couple of years ago.

Jones says he has told school officials he will not be back in the classroom this year but hopes to return in January.

Crook - who also serves as associate conductor of the Northwinds Symphonic Band - was injured in a wreck on Cleveland Highway and is hospitalized at Atlanta Medical Center.