🌱 Local Woman Found Dead After House Fire + COVID Vax Mandate Ban?

Hello all. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Daily. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town, including...

• A 36-year-old woman was found dead in her Cumming home after a house fire.
• A Cumming-based Senator is sponsoring a bill to ban COVID-19 vaccination mandates.
• Forsyth Central High School is hosting a Military Panel for students on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

But first, today's weather:

Clearing and breezy. High: 48 Low: 26.

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Here are the top five stories today in Cumming:

1. A house fire in Cumming has resulted in the death of a 36-year-old woman named Brittany Best. Firefighters were called to the scene of the fire at 3910 Watson Road at around 6 a.m. on Wednesday and were informed that someone could still be inside the home. A joint investigation between the Forsyth County Fire Department and the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is underway to determine the cause of the fire and if foul play was involved. (WSB-TV)
2. Senators in Georgia are proposing to permanently ban schools, government agencies, and local government from requiring people to vaccinate against COVID-19. A Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted 7-2 to advance a bill that would make the ban permanent. The measure, sponsored by Cumming-based Republican Senator Greg Dolezal, would bar schools, colleges, and state and local governments from requiring proof of vaccination. The current ban, enacted in 2022, will expire on Jun. 30 if no action is taken. (GPB News)
3. The College & Career Center at Forsyth Central High School in Cumming is organizing a Military Panel event that will feature representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard. The event is scheduled to take place on Feb. 7 at 12:00 p.m. (A lunch) and 1:00 p.m. (B lunch) in the PAC. To attend the event, interested individuals can either click this link or scan a QR code to sign up. (Forsyth Central High School via Facebook)
4. The South Forsyth Vertical Team is hosting an art exhibit that showcases the works of 24 students from the South Forsyth High School cluster. The art exhibit is currently being held at the Cumming Arts Center. The students will be recognized for their achievements at a reception on Feb. 25, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Cumming Arts Center. (Daves Creek Elementary via Facebook)
5. The "Cumming Home" 2023 water tower lighting schedule kicks off today, Feb. 3, with yellow lights to signify "Be Kind to Everyone." Tomorrow through Feb. 6, the lights will change to red in honor of the American Heart Association, and several more lighting changes are slated to happen through Valentine's Day. Residents can view the full schedule through the rest of the calendar year on the city's website. (City of Cumming)

Today in Cumming:

• Opening Of New Art Exhibits At Cumming Arts Center (9:00 AM)
• American Red Cross Blood Drive At Forsyth County Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Ready, Set, Preschool! At Forsyth County Public Library (11:00 AM)
• Dragons & Dice (Cafeteria) At Alliance Academy For Innovation (3:05 PM)
• Masterminds LEGO® Lounge At Forsyth County Public Library (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Are you ready to bring a new four-legged family member into your life? Cumming area shelters are overflowing with furry friends just waiting for their forever homes! Here's a list of the cutest, cuddliest, and most loving pets in Cumming. (Cumming Patch)
• The FCHS Chess Club Competitive Team made history with their first-place win at the GCA 21st Annual MLK Scholastic Tournament! With impressive skills and guidance from their advisors, Dr. Walker and Mr. Goli, these chess wizards are making Forsyth Central High School proud. Congratulations to the entire team on their fantastic achievement. (Forsyth Central High School via Facebook)
• The libraries in Sharon Forks and Cumming had a blast celebrating World Read Aloud Day and the start of Black History Month, Library Lovers Month, and the birthday of former First Lady of Georgia, Sandra Deal. The former First Lady was an avid supporter of literacy and libraries, and the libraries marked the occasion by hosting a lively and engaging storytime session. (Forsyth County Public Library via Facebook)

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Events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (February 7)
• Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia (February 7)
• College Planning and Financial Aid Webinar (February 7)
• Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra Hearts and Harmony Gala (February 10)
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Announcements:

• Senior Independent living, assisted living, and memory care listings!!! NEW LISTINGS (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! See you 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.