November 19th Podcast
Welcome to your Paulding County News Podcast. I’m Melissa Carter, along with Doug Harding. Parents speak out against an inappropriate bus driver? And an awkward day on the course for one of the world’s top golfers. But first…
PC News
The Georgia Department of Public Health is investigating potential cases of high blood lead levels in children who may have consumed recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches.
U.S. health officials have issued warnings, urging parents to contact healthcare providers for lead tests.
No confirmed cases in Georgia, but the tainted product was distributed here. Twenty-two cases have been reported in 14 other states.
The recall involves WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis brands.
Check cupboards to discard or return recalled products.
Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, and more. Lead exposure can result in severe learning and behavior problems.
Visit the FDA's website for details.
This from the AJC.
PC News
In a remarkable act of heroism, Deputy Carlos Ortiz and Deputy Wesley Birjkovff (BIRK-off) from the Paulding County Courthouse were commended by Ray Johnson of ASP for saving a life.
Their quick actions in September rescued Maria Ruch (Rook), whose vehicle submerged in a pond.
Using his ASP Baton, Deputy Ortiz shattered the window to free her. In appreciation, Mr. Johnson presented them with brand new ASP Batons, equipped with a glass break tip for enhanced rescue capabilities.
This from the Paulding County Sheriff’s office, which posted Great Job, Guys.
PC News
The U.S. Department of Energy announced a game-changing $3 million federal grant for clean energy projects in small and disadvantaged communities, including Paulding County.
This historic allocation, part of the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, empowers local jurisdictions in Georgia.
Funds can be utilized for energy planning, audits, savings, fleet electrification, or community solar.
Direct funding applications for eligible jurisdictions are open until April 30.
This from the AJC.
Talk about a unique way to meet a women on the golf course. And if given the opportunity to know how much you’ve spent in total…on Amazon…would you want to know? We’ll give you that opportunity, but now let’s check the weather for Paulding County…
Weather
Clouds with a chance of some rain over the next couple of days. High’s around 60 while Low’s vary from the 40’s and 50’s to the 30’s by mid-week.
Arrest Report
From 11 Alive’s Facebook Page:
A Gwinnett School bus driver was arrested last week, after inappropriate contact with students. Jayson Lyons is now facing two counts of felony child molestation, and three counts of felony sexual battery, against a child under 16.
Mellisa Eck commented: Charged with two counts of felony child molestation and three counts of felony sexual battery against a child under the age of 16 AND BOND WAS ONLY $34,000? Here’s your problem.
Jospeh Alizio writes: Is there a death penalty?
Earnest Johnson says: Let the fathers talk to him.
Social Media
From WSB’s Facebook page:
The head football coach of Tattnall County High School in east Georgia, Isaac Ferrell, is no longer leading the team from the sidelines.
Isaac Ferrell was let go as Coach after 20 players were baptized after practice last month.
He’s still employed as a teacher.
Kathy Bell commented: Good job, Coach! Hopefully the players won’t feel bad for making the right decision! The principle may need a little preaching herself.
Evan Davis writes: baptisms are not against their 1st amendment right unless they were coerced into doing them.
John Blanchard said: What’s next? Hinduism, Islam lol.
Khristel Clautice offers: Only in Georgia.
Weird Story
From the Associated Press:
In an unexpected turn at the World Tour Championship in Dubai, Rory McIlroy faced an amusing challenge on the par-3 13th hole.
His tee shot landed in the lap of a female spectator lying on the grass.
With laughter from the gallery, McIlroy playfully feigned a shot and called for a referee.
The woman, who was good-humored, handed him the ball after a drop was granted.
McIlroy, amidst cheers, chipped onto the green, ultimately making a bogey.
Events
(Interview)
State News
In a landmark decision, U.S. District Judge Amy Totenberg has ruled that the question of cybersecurity flaws in Georgia's electronic voting system will go to trial early next year.
The ruling comes after a long-running lawsuit by activists pushing for hand-marked paper ballots. Judge Totenberg set a non-jury trial for January 9th, urging both sides to seek resolution.
The lawsuit claims the current system threatens voters' rights, with vulnerabilities identified by experts leading to a federal cybersecurity advisory.
This from 11 Alive.
PC News
A federal judge has denied Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's request for restitution from a man convicted of threatening her.
Joseph Morelli pleaded guilty to menacing voicemails but won't pay $65,000 for Greene's security fence.
The judge ruled that expenses were for personal security enhancements and didn't directly link to Morelli's threats.
Greene sought reimbursement for the fence construction and camera reconfiguration at her Georgia home.
PC News
During the holidays many shoppers have begun the annual big spend for Thanksgiving and Christmas. But if I asked you how much you have spent - in total - on Amazon, could you - or would you want to - answer that question.
Now Amazon is giving you that opportunity. Just Log in, click 'view orders’, hit 'Download Order Reports', pick your timeframe, and voila!
A spending snapshot at your fingertips.
This from the AJC.
Sports
The Atlanta Braves is already the sole publicly-traded team on the stock market, and now has attracted the attention of billionaire investor Warren Buffett.
Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett's multinational conglomerate mega-fund, recently acquired over 200,000 shares in Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc., amounting to just under $8 million.
This move comes after the Braves' transition to public trading earlier this year.
With Berkshire Hathaway holding the highest share price globally at over $542,000 per share, this investment signals a new chapter for the Braves and a potential shift in fan engagement.
The Braves are only the second team in baseball history to go public.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
