🌱 Forsyth Teacher Arrested On Child Porn Charges + GA Tax Policy

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the most important things happening in town these days. In this issue, you'll find news about...

• A Forsyth teacher arrested for child pornography charges.
• Our representative's role in Georgia tax policy.
• A STEM summer camp for elementary-aged kids at Whitlow.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 66 Low: 51.

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Here are the top five stories in Cumming today:

1. The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of a former teacher on charges of child pornography and sexual exploitation of children. The teacher, 38-year-old Drew Cecil, was arrested Friday. As of Apr. 21, he is no longer employed with Forsyth County Schools. He is currently in custody and held on a roughly $55,000 bond. (Forsyth County News via Instagram)
2. A generous patron gave the gift of faith from beyond in Cumming. Late businessman John C. Lasko is playing an instrumental role in the construction of a new church building for Hope Fellowship in Cumming, even though he passed in 2011. Lasko's John C. Lasko Foundation Trust is dedicated to building church sanctuaries around the world. The foundation has approved a grant of $782,678 to cover the cost of the 200-seat sanctuary. The total cost of the project is expected to be around $2.5 million. (Kentucky Today)
3. Rep. Greg Dolezal from Cumming was appointed on Monday to a committee responsible for tax policy. The chairmen of Georgia's legislative committees are responsible for tax policy and will co-chair a review of the state's tax credits, aimed at ensuring that taxpayers receive a good return on investment. The initiative will include a review of all tax credits aimed at economic development and job creation. The review will take place throughout the remainder of the year to consider legislative changes for the next General Assembly session. (Subscription: The Augusta Chronicle)
4. Where are you celebrating Mexican Mother's Day In Cumming? Mexican Mother's Day falls on May 10, a Wednesday this year. Many Mexican restaurants in the Cumming area are offering special menus, brunches, and more to celebrate, such as Los Rios, Savory, and Tacos & Tequilas. Call ahead to confirm hours and to make a reservation. (Patch)
5. Whitlow Elementary School is offering a STEM Camp for K-6 students this summer. From Jun. 5-8 students can choose full or half-day sessions and engage in creative STEM experiences. Registration is only open until May 5, so make sure to register soon to reserve your child's spot. (Coal Mountain Elementary via Facebook)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Cumming:

• Conversational English At Sharon Forks Library (11:00 AM)
• NAMI Family And Connection Support Group At United Way Forsyth County Community Room (6:45 PM)
• Adult Trivia At Cherry Street Brewing At Vickery Village (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Do you know the adoption fees for the Forsyth County Animal Shelter? Adult dogs are $125, puppies cost $175, and senior dogs are $75. To adopt a new furry friend, visit the shelter during normal operating hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shelter is closed for lunch every day from 1-2 p.m. (Forsyth County Animal Shelter - NC via Facebook)
• Forsyth County may get a new indoor sports training facility in the future. The Board of Commissioners has recently approved Nets & Turf. The new location is set to be developed on Peachtree Parkway in Cumming. (Forsyth County News via Instagram)
• Is your Forsyth County School student transitioning directly into the workforce? Applications for Launch, a four-day career readiness program, are open only until Apr. 28. The program is free for students, but it's mandatory to attend all four days! (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (April 25)
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• #YGKidpreneur Expo & Business Competition - Spring 2023 (April 29)
• Latin Dance Party near Atlanta @ Tonys Johns Creek Sat April 29, 2023 (April 29)
• BINGO-Family Fun Night (May 1)
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Featured housing:

• 4 NEW amazing Senior Independent Communities near you (Details)
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That's it for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.