November 22nd Podcast
Welcome to your Paulding County News Podcast. I’m Melissa Carter, along with Doug Harding. We’ll help you with stress-free air travel for Thanksgiving, and a family member of a well-known Georgia politician has been arrested. But first…
PC News
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is seeking the public's help in locating three men for questioning in the homicide of a Paulding County native.
The men were spotted in the Baytree Place shopping plaza in Remerton, around the time 21-year-old Brianna Long was tragically shot and killed.
The incident occurred on October 29th at The Pier Bar on Baytree Place. Reports indicate that gunfire erupted outside the bar at 2:30 a.m., claiming the life of Brianna Long as she was finishing her work.
The GBI states a dispute outside the bar led to the shooting, with multiple vehicles and the bar itself also targeted.
Long, a former Paulding County High School soccer star attending Valdosta State University, was remembered by her aunt as charismatic and funny.
The GBI urges anyone with information on the whereabouts of these three men to contact their Investigative Field Office in Thomasville at 229-225-4090.
This from WSB.
PC News
Over 50 churches in North Georgia and metro Atlanta are set to leave the United Methodist Church by the end of this month. The decision, affecting a total of 265 congregations, comes after a vote to dis-affiliate due to a longstanding split over LGBTQ issues.
The North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church ratified the dis-affiliation requests of 261 churches during a special session on November 18th.
Dis-affiliated churches in Paulding County include:
Bethel UMC in Hiram
Flint Hill UMC in Hiram
Hope UMC in Dallas
Mt Nebo UMC in Dallas and
Smyrna UMC in Dallas
The departure of these churches, effective November 30th, marks a significant moment for the denomination.
Church leaders expressed sadness, calling it a "solemn day" in a news release.
Following the exit, these congregations are no longer permitted to use the "United Methodist" name or logo.
This from Now Habersham.
PC News
Attention holiday travelers! Navigating Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport this season demands strategic planning.
With parking shortages, security lines exceeding an hour, and construction causing disruptions, here's your guide for a smooth journey.
Arrive 3 hours early during peak times, brace for parking challenges due to ongoing construction, and check bag lines.
Security may be time-consuming with lane closures and upgrades.
Consider alternative parking options or use MARTA.
For a stress-free experience, make parking reservations, utilize off-airport lots, and stay updated on security wait times.
Pack snacks, as concessions may have long lines. Stay informed and plan ahead for a hassle-free holiday travel experience at the world's busiest airport.
This from the AJC.
A family member of a well-known Georgia politician has been arrested, and what are you thankful for in town? We’ll talk about it, but now let’s check the weather for Paulding County…
Weather
Partly sunny for your Thanksgiving week, with High’s in the upper 50’s and Lows from 39 tonight to the mid-to-upper 40’s the rest of the holiday.
Arrest Report
From WSB’s Facebook Page:
Jimmie Gardner, the brother-in-law of Stacey Abrams and the husband of a Georgia federal judge, has been charged with human trafficking.
Seth Olson asked: How does a federal judge get to marry someone that has a record but not someone on probation?
Monique Pellant said: Anyone that voted for her should be lined up to jin the trafficking ring.
But Paul Leonard asked: What does that have to do with Stacy Abrams?
Gene Hampton simply stated: Jus Pimpin’, bro. Nuttin’ to see here.
Social Media
From the Paulding County Uncensored Facebook Page:
What are you thankful for, Paulding County edition? Ex. Businesses that go above and beyond the community.
Caitlin Glover said: Just Bee Blissful Boutique.
Darlene McCravy added: Pet Parlor.
D.J. Davies offered: Connect Pelvic Health and Physical Therapy.
Janet Strickland said: Bikers Gone Wild and Joan’s Restaurant.
Griff Carer contributed: Hiram Hickory House, Olga’s, Briar Patch, Western Sizzlin, Capalbo’s. I just wish Hiram would get a car wash.
Jimmy Brazil said: For all the car wash options. We all drive very clean cars.
Weird Story
Do you ever get so tired of something, you’re like forget it, let’s get it over with. That’s how this story feels to me, after a mayoral race in North Carolina was decided by a coin toss.
The coin flip happened, after the leading candidates for mayor of Monroe tied with 970 votes each.
Robert Burns emerged victorious in the flip, leaving supporters in celebration.
At the Union County elections board meeting, both candidates waived their right to a recount, adhering to state law that determines tied races by lot.
Bob Yanacsek called heads, but the coin landed tails, sealing Robert Burns' win. The board unanimously declared him the mayor.
Events
(Interview)
State News
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter passed away over the weekend, at the age of 96.
The Carter Center confirmed her peaceful passing at her home in Plains, Georgia, Sunday afternoon, surrounded by family.
Mrs. Carter, diagnosed with dementia six months ago, had entered hospice care at home.
A staunch mental health advocate, she continued her work even after leaving the White House, leaving a lasting impact on awareness and legislation.
Married to President Jimmy Carter for 77 years, the Carters devoted their lives to public service, founding the nonprofit Carter Center in 1982.
Rosalynn's passion extended globally, focusing on health and farming practices in Africa and supporting Habitat for Humanity.
The Carters' legacy lives on in Plains, Georgia, where a road, the "Rosalynn Carter Trail," was dedicated in her honor.
This from WSB.
PC News
Scammers are targeting your hard-earned money, and the Better Business Bureau is sounding the alarm, especially when it comes to gift card scams.
Simone Williams from the Atlanta BBB warns, "Once you send that money out, it's gone."
Online sales and fake legal issues are the tactics, with victims losing nearly $700 million this year.
Williams notes scammers are even posing as authorities, demanding payment in gift cards to resolve non-existent warrants.
Over 200,000 people reported falling victim.
To fight back, retailers are using fraud-detecting software, and the BBB suggests reporting suspected fraud to the card seller.
Additional tips to avoid scams include buying e-gift cards, inspecting packaging for tampering, using the card promptly, and saving receipts to file a claim for missing funds.
This from 11 Alive.
Sports
From the Paulding Sports Chronicles:
Congrats on great seasons for both North Paulding and Hiram High Schools. Both are out of the tournament as North Paulding fell to Grayson 42-18; and Hiram lost to Jefferson 42 to 21.
Congratulations to the Patriot Gridiron Girls and coaching staff who finished the season 10-3 and will be headed to the State Playoffs as #3 seed on December 5th.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
