Paulding County News Podcast Wednesday July 26, 2023
1. medicaid
Georgia state officials have removed over 95,000 people from the Medicaid rolls, with 89,168 losing coverage due to a
lack of information for eligibility determination. The move is seen by one Georgia group as a return to the original
administration of the program, where eligibility had to be proven to receive benefits. The Families First Coronavirus
Response Act required continuous enrollment through the COVID-19 pandemic, but now the state is conducting
eligibility reviews for all 2.7 million Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids recipients. The goal is to ensure that only eligible
individuals remain on the program, with the process initiated in June affecting both terminations and renewals. The
state aims to avoid removing eligible individuals due to bureaucratic paperwork issues.………this from the Center Square
2. nuclear
Georgia Power announced that a new nuclear reactor at Plant Vogtle is nearing full operation, but the utility faces
scrutiny over the project's rising costs due to delays. Southern Nuclear, the facility operator, submitted the required
inspections and tests for regulatory approval to ensure safety standards are met. Unit 3 recently became operational
after delays, and Unit 4 is expected to be completed by fall 2024. The project started in 2005, faced delays and increased
costs, and is now estimated to cost over $35 billion. Critics worry about the financial burden on ratepayers, while
Georgia Power sees it as essential for providing clean and reliable energy.…..this from Georgiarecorder.com
3. head
Valdosta State University graduate Donovan Head has been appointed as the executive director of the Charter Schools
Commission of Georgia. The appointment was made by Governor Brian Kemp and approved by the Board of
Commissioners. Head, who currently serves as deputy director of the Governor's Office of Student Achievement, will
assume his new role on August 1. His appointment was the result of a nationwide search, and he was chosen for his
leadership skills and dedication to Georgia's students. Head has prior experience as a senior Congressional staffer and
played a role in Kemp's 2018 campaign....….this from the Albany Herald
4.* Dutton
Corporal Kevin Dutton was named the Employee of the Month for July 2023 by the Paulding County Board of
Commissioners. The award was presented at a surprise ceremony held at the Sheriff's office Training Center. Dutton,
who is a Georgia P.O.S.T. Certified Instructor, was recognized for his hard work and dedication in leading the
implementation of the new Taser 7 conducted energy weapon program. He has been with the Sheriff's Office for nearly
14 years and is a valued member of the training division. Sheriff Gary Gulledge praised Dutton's exemplary performance
and essential role in completing the project successfully…..from the Dallas New Era
5. ACTE Award*
Ples C. Davis (East Paulding High School) was among 51 career and technical, and agricultural education (CTAE)
educators who were honored by the Georgia Association for Career & Technical Education (GACTE) during its 76th
Summer Conference which met June 14-16, 2023, at the Classic Center in Athens, Georgia. The conference was attended
by over 1700 CTAE educators from around the state. Mr. Davis was named the 2023 Georgia ACTE Carl Perkins
Community Service Award recipient. This award recognizes individuals who have used CTE to make a significant impact
on their community and demonstrated leadership in the programs and activities that promote student involvement in
community service. He will represent Georgia at the Association for Career & Technical Education Region II competition
in October 2024. In addition, the winner will receive a $500 stipend to assist with conference travel. Mr. Davis will also
be appropriately recognized by the Paulding County School System where he is employed. This from the Dallas New
Era
6. Veteran Population
The debt ceiling deal reached between the Biden administration and Republicans will allocate $121 billion for veteran
medical funding in fiscal year 2024. Additionally, the deal includes $20 billion in compensation funding for American
troops affected by exposure to toxic burn pit sites in Iraq and other locations. This funding is crucial as veterans face
higher risks of mental health disorders, substance abuse, homelessness, and suicide compared to civilians. There are
currently 16.5 million military veterans in the US, with Georgia having 7.3% of its civilian population aged 18 and older
having served in the military, the 25th smallest share among states. The data is sourced from the 2021 American
Community Survey by the US Census Bureau.……this from the Center Square
Events:
The Paulding County schools youth football signup deadline is august 1st . $350 to play and it is for the kindergarten
thru 5th grade age group
Don’t miss the free movie event at Veterans Park. Super Pets is playing in the park on August 19th
So bring your blanket, lawn chairs and family. No alcohol or pets are allowed. The movie will start at sundown
Air B and biscuits is hosting “Jar cuterie” come make a treat jar for your pup July 28 from 4-8
BuckingGoat Brewery:
Wednesday: Cornhole 7:30PM start, blind draw, $10 buy in
Thursday: Meet N Greet Night, all parents get $5 beers and teachers get $4 beers. You must mention this discount to
get it!
Friday: Calvin's BBQ and More food truck 5-9PM, Check out their seafood preorders!
Saturday: lAll Around The World food truck 2-9PM
Sunday: Choate BBQ food truck 2:30-7:00PM
Here are some things you're talking about: Call us with your thoughts or story at 770.799-6810
Don’t miss this event in the nearby City of Acworth, Logan Farm Park’
Acworth will host a summer Classic Car Cruise in Downtown Acworth July 29, 2023. The event will be held from 3:00
p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Logan Farm Park (4405 Cherokee Street). The Lake City Cruisers partner with the City and the
downtown Acworth merchants to hold these Classic Car Cruises.
The event is free to the public. A $5 entry fee is requested for all vehicles in the cruise. All proceeds go to the Horizon
Field, an all-inclusive special needs sports facility in Acworth.
For more information contact Mary Beth Gibbs at mbgibbs@acworth.org or call 770-917-1234.
ANDY TURNER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW PART 1
www.esogrepair.com www.cuofga.org www.chattahoochietech.edu www.gon.com
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