🌱 GA Govt. Might Lift Hospital Construction Limits + Writing Festival

Morning, Cumming! Sean Peek here with your fresh copy of the Cumming Patch newsletter, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Including updates on:

• Georgia state government considering lifting hospital construction limits
• Forsyth County Public Library writing festival
• University of North Georgia's new president

But first, today's weather:

Rain and a thunderstorm. High: 81 Low: 71.

Here are the top five stories in Cumming today:

1. This summer, Georgia lawmakers from the House and Senate are considering lifting hospital construction limits. The legislation in question relates to the obscure-sounding regulatory "certificate of need" program. This measure controls the number of health care services in a geographic area by requiring health care providers that want to open or expand to show there is a demand for more services. The House and Senate will continue discussions in panel meetings, with the head of the panel being Cumming Sen. Greg Dolezal, in late August and early September. (GPB News)
2. The Forsyth County Public Library kicked off its "Forsyth Writes Together" festival yesterday, featuring programming for residents of all ages to engage with the joy of writing. Panels and events occurring this week include a local author showcase, poetry workshops, and more, all of which are free and open to the public with library cards. Check out the link for a detailed schedule and more information. (Forsyth County Public Library)
3. Cumming resident Varnell Rifin was charged yesterday following his arrest in late June after police uncovered illegal substances and an open container in his vehicle. After he was pulled over for failure to stay in his traffic lane, Forsyth County police found marijuana and alcohol in the vehicle and arrested him. Rifin was charged yesterday, Aug. 2, with two felony counts of possession of a schedule one controlled substance, as well as misdemeanor failure to maintain lane, possession of an open alcohol container, and defective brake lights. (Appen Media)
4. The annual Tam's Backstage Benefit dinner, being held this year on Monday, Aug. 28, will celebrate two important milestones: the 18th anniversary of Tam’s and the 100th anniversary of its location, Cumming Public School. Each year, this event raises money for local nonprofits — all proceeds from this year’s dinner will benefit the Forsyth Community Clinic and the Forsyth County Community Foundation. To celebrate these community milestones and support a good cause, consider purchasing a ticket for $35 here. (NewsBreak Original)
5. Up the road in Dahlonega, the new president of the University of North Georgia, Michael Shannon, took office this month in preparation for the 2023-2024 academic year. Shannon's main goal for his new tenure is building the next generation of leaders, regardless of their area of study. Shannon, who retired from the Army in 2015, previously worked for the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. (Dahlonega Nugget)

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Today in Cumming:

Thursday, August 3

• The Agent Chase Workshop At Post Road Library (6:30 PM)
• Music Bingo Soundcheck At Freedom Brew And Shine (7:00 PM)
• Thursday Trivia Night At The Black Diamond Grill (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Parents of Forsyth County School students: To pay for school meals this school year, please use the MyPamentsPlus system to add funds to your child's account. Click here to find out more. (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)
• Attention craft beer lovers: Forsyth County's NoFo Brew Co. has expanded, and officially opened a new location in Gainesville yesterday. For more information on the new location, click this link. (Forsyth County News via Instagram)
• Registration for Forsyth County Fall Ball is now open! The fall season runs from Sep. 4 through Oct. 26. Online registration ends on Aug. 9. (Central Park Baseball and Softball via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• HUGE YARD SALE! Lots of stuff MUST go! (August 5)
• Hotlanta Summer Luau Edition of Noche Caliente Latin Night Sat Aug 5, 2023 (August 5)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar on August 7th and 9th at Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical (August 7)
• Add your event

That's it for today! See you all tomorrow morning 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.