🌱 Rec. & Parks Department Director Retiring + Walmart Theft Arrests

Hi all. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Cumming Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town today, including:

• Recreation and Parks Department director is retiring after 25 years
• Judge overturns ban of reading aloud at Forsyth County School Board meetings
• Couple arrested for a series of thefts at Walmart

But first, today's weather:

Sun mixing with clouds. High: 46 Low: 30.

Business owners and marketers in Cumming: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top five stories in Cumming today:

1. Greg Little, the City of Cumming Recreation and Parks Department director, will retire after 25 years. Little became the director in 1998 after working in the department as the athletic director in 1985. "I want to thank the City of Cumming for the opportunity to serve that long and for all of the support the Recreation Department received during that time," said Little. Jeremy Howell, who currently holds the position of assistant aquatics director at the Cumming Aquatic Center, will become the new director. (NewsBreak Original)
2. A ban enacted by Forsyth County Schools preventing people from reading school library books aloud during a school board meeting has been lifted by a federal judge. The board censored and banned one parent for reading excerpts at the school board meeting that they had deemed "inappropriate for children." The parent, Alison Hair, was joined by fellow school mother Cindy Martin, in a federal lawsuit by the Mama Bears of Forsyth County. The school board was told by the federal judge they cannot ban readings from books available in the district's classrooms and were ordered to pay $17.91. (Fox 5 Atlanta)
3. A Forsyth County couple has been arrested for a series of thefts at Walmart. Delveccho Waller, 24, and Alexis Aldaco, 22, are facing felony charges for stealing merchandise from the Walmart on Browns Bridge Road in December 2022 amounting to almost $3,000. The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is looking for a third suspect as an accomplice to the thefts identified as a 22-year-old woman from Hoschton. (Appen Media)
4. On Thursday, Georgia Sen. Jason Anavitarte filed Senate Bill 93, which would restrict TikTok and other social media for state employees. The filing comes about a month after Gov. Kemp told state employees not to use the social media platform on state devices. Ultimately, the bill will put Gov. Kemp's restrictions into law for all branches of government, including in K-12 public schools. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
5. Two bills introduced in the House of Representatives this week could have Georgia prosecutors face disciplinary sanctions, removals, or easier voter recalls. The bills – House Bill 229 and House Bill 231 – are for district attorneys and county solicitors who refuse to bring charges for misdemeanors. Gov. Kemp says prosecutors aren't doing enough to prosecute all crimes. (Subscription: Plainview Daily Herald)

Today in Cumming:

• Community Conversations: A Gathering For Parents Of Teens At Forsyth Conference Center At Lanier Technical College (9:00 AM)
• New Art Exhibit At Cumming Arts Center (11:00 AM)
• 80's Dance Party At Forsyth Conference Center At Lanier Technical College (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Ever think to go looking for Sasquatch in Forsyth County? Now you can! Now through the end of the month, people can say they've "Gone Squatchin'" by trying to catch a glimpse of Bigfoot. Learn more at the link. (Newsbreak)
• Matt Woodley has been named the final principal for Forsyth County Schools' 2023-2024 school year. (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• “Big Psychic Fair” this weekend February 4-5, 2023 (February 4)
• 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)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• Senior Independent living, assisted living, and memory care listings!!! NEW LISTINGS (Details)
• Add your announcement

That's it for today! I'll see you around.

— 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.