🌱 New Bills Sponsored By Sen. Dolezal + Missing Woman Last In Cumming

Hey, neighbors! Sean Peek here with your fresh copy of the Cumming Patch newsletter, filled with all the local news you need to know right now. Including

• New Georgia Senate bills sponsored by Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming)
• Missing 79-year-old woman last seen in Cumming
• Forsyth County Family YMCA accepting registration for youth spring esports league

But first, today's weather:

A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 74 Low: 62.

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Here are the top five stories today in Cumming:

1. The Georgia Senate voted 42-13 in favor of a bill that exempts proposed new acute-care hospitals in rural counties with populations of fewer than 50,000 residents from having to prove that their medical services are needed in their community. The legislation is aimed at improving access to healthcare in rural Georgia, according to Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming), the bill’s chief sponsor. The certificate of need (CON) law, which requires proof of medical service necessity, was first passed in 1979 to comply with a federal mandate aimed at reducing healthcare costs by avoiding duplication. (Morgan County Citizen)
2. Potentially up next for the Georgia Senate: two bills that propose the creation of "Buckhead City" have been successfully pushed through the Senate State and Local Government Operations Committee with a vote of 4-3. Both bills are sponsored by multiple Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Greg Dolezal. If the bills pass through the Senate and the House, and receive the governor's signature, residents of Buckhead would vote on whether to secede from Atlanta. (The Atlanta Voice)
3. The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is requesting the public's assistance in locating a missing 79-year-old woman, Pamela VanNorman, who was last seen around 7 p.m. on Monday evening in the area of the Villas at Canterfield in Cumming. VanNorman is believed to be walking and was last seen wearing black pants with white stripes and a beige top. If spotted, individuals are advised to contact 911 immediately. (11Alive.com WXIA)
4. The Forsyth County Family YMCA is currently accepting registrations for its spring esports league. The league, which offers two age groups (ages 8-12 and ages 13-18), will be coached by trained YMCA professionals and will offer a safe online environment for kids to participate. Those interested in participating are asked to register at ymcaatlanta.org/esports before Mar. 10. (Forsyth County Family YMCA via Facebook)
5. Whether you're looking for a new place to call home or just want to see what's out there, here are five new properties to hit the Cumming real estate market as well as three upcoming open houses this weekend. Featured homes include a waterfront property on Lakeview Circle for $1,100,000. Visit the link for photos, pricing, open house schedules, and additional specs. (Cumming Patch)

Today in Cumming:

• American Red Cross Blood Drive At Sharon Forks Library (2:00 PM)
• Music Bingo At Wild Wing Cafe (6:30 PM)
• Great Decisions 2023 - Iran At A Crossroads - America's Global Affairs Discussion Program At Cumming Library (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Two Cumming residents earned high rankings in Saturday's MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League event in Lavonia, SC. Paul Marks took second place in boating, while James Atkins made the third-place slot in Strike King co-angling. (The Bass Cast)
• Forsyth County Schools is currently hiring custodians. Interested parties can review openings and apply here. (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)
• The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office shared some words of wisdom from K9 Calvin to K9 Kimber: "Take a moment to paws and appreciate those around you." See the adorable photo at the link. (Forsyth County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new 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.