Atlanta Schools Hiring Resource Officers

Atlanta Public Schools aims to hire 45 school resource officers to staff each elementary school, following board approval in October 2024.

Police Chief Ronald Applin cited the Apalachee school shooting as the catalyst to expand officer presence beyond middle and high schools.

The district launched recruitment with a job fair at Lakewood Stadium, offering salaries from $45,312 to $67,743, plus a $2,500 hiring bonus. 

Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training certification, plus pass background checks. Interested candidates can still apply here.

  Okefenokee Expansion Receives Public Support 

Recent hearings in Folkston showed strong public support for a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to expand Georgia’s Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge by 22,000 acres.

The expansion plan comes amid controversy over Alabama-based Twin Pines Minerals’ proposed titanium mine along Trail Ridge.

While company officials maintain the mine won’t harm North America’s largest blackwater swamp, researchers warn it could threaten water levels, increase fire risks, and release contaminants.

The expansion would allow federal officials to work with willing landowners on voluntary conservation measures.

Screven Pioneers Bitcoin Vote Records

 Screven County became the first U.S. county to secure election results using Bitcoin blockchain technology during the Nov. 5, 2024, vote.

Working with Simple Proof, a U.S. company that uses Bitcoin’s immutable ledger to protect digital records, County Election Supervisor Stacy Scott Mincey implemented the system to enhance election security.

Using Simple Proof’s cryptographic timestamping, the Election Summary Reports and Statement of Votes Cast were recorded on the blockchain for public verification, marking a historic first at Bitcoin block number 869,047.

Both Simple Proof and Mincey aim to expand this technology to more Georgia counties, advocating its affordability and effectiveness in election security. 

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➤ Buford: The Lake Lanier Association warned of harmful algae blooms at the reservoir, which can produce toxins dangerous to people and pets, and are caused by unusually warm weather and low rainfall. (More)

➤ Richmond County: The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person who robbed a letter carrier in Augusta. (More)

➤ Douglas: Twelve bodies found decomposing at a local funeral home have been identified. Owner Chris Lee Johnson faces 17 counts of corpse abuse while the authorities continue efforts to identify six more.  (More)

➤ Augusta: Augusta Regional Airport received a $4 million federal grant through the Federal Airport Terminal Program to expand its passenger security checkpoint. The project will add two screening lanes, a TSA office, and operational space. (More)

➤ Lumpkin County: Construction on a luxury RV resort, DiVine Village, is set to begin in early 2025 on 110 acres near Dahlonega, featuring upscale amenities like motorcoach pads, a heated pool, hot tubs, and a wine-tasting room. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Georgia State University received an $80 million donation from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation—its largest financial gift ever, as part of a $107 million initiative to transform its downtown campus. (More)

➤ Georgia football moved up three spots to No. 8 in the nation in this week’s AP Top 25 poll. (See Poll)

➤ Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris told reporters that he is looking into making defensive changes during the team’s bye week after the team surrendered 38 points to the Denver Broncos on Sunday. (More)

➤ Atlanta Hawks star players Trae Young and Zaccharie Risacher linked up for this incredible alley-oop. (Watch Video)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW

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➤ Bankhead Seafood, an iconic Atlanta restaurant, officially reopened on Sunday after a revival led by rappers T.I. and Killer Mike, who purchased the property in 2018 to preserve its 50-year legacy. (Details)

➤ Landmark Properties, an Athens-based real estate firm, has acquired The Ridge Clemson, a 616-bed student housing complex near Clemson University, for an undisclosed sum. The property, built in 2018, features luxury amenities and is 97% occupied for the fall 2024 term. (Details)

➤ The State Road & Tollway Authority has opened applications for up to $16 million in transportation loans and grants through the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank to enhance mobility and economic development across the state. (Details)

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➤ Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II married his longtime girlfriend, Esther, on Saturday night at a ceremony in Atlanta, with teammates including Ozzie Albies in attendance. (More)

➤ LoveFood has named O4W Pizza in Duluth as the “best pizza place” in Georgia, recognizing its thin, crispy Jersey-style pies made to order. The restaurant’s standout item is the Grandma Pie, featuring fresh mozzarella, house-made marinara, pecorino, and a blend of herbs and olive oil. (More)

➤ Chick-fil-A is launching its first original series, Legends of Evergreen Hills, on its new streaming app, Chick-fil-A Play—a five-part animated adventure with weekly episode releases. (More) 

Do you have a favorite pizza restaurant from which you always order?

1. Yes
2. No
3. I have a fav, but I still try other places

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever listened to a “true crime” podcast?

1. Yes: 33.6%
2. No: 66.4%

How did Marietta gets its name?

Show me the answer