🌱 Wrongful Conviction Compensation Act Passed + Innovator Of The Year

Welcome back, Cumming! I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including updates on...

• The Georgia Legislature passed the Wrongful Conviction Compensation Act.
• A local student was recognized in the TCS GoIT Innovator of the Year Contest.
• Pets are available for adoption!

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy. High: 73 Low: 61.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top stories in Cumming today:

1. A bill sponsored by State Senator Greg Dolezal was rejected by the Georgia House. The bill, which would have expanded Georgia's school voucher program, was rejected on an 89-85 vote. The bill would have sent $6,500 vouchers to parents of children who would go to a public school in the bottom 25% of schools if they instead enrolled in private education or homeschooled. A handful of Republican Representatives crossed the aisle to vote "no" on the bill, which sealed its fate. (Georgia Recorder)
2. State Senator Greg Dolezal spoke in favor of the Wrongful Conviction Compensation Act. The legislation has passed both chambers of the Georgia legislature and is on its way to Governor Kemp's desk to be signed. The act would allow the Georgia government to render compensation for a wrongfully convicted person being released automatically. The judgment would be made by the Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court and approved by the judicial council. (GPB News)
3. A Cumming high school student was recognized at TCS's GoIT Innovator of the Year Competition. The contest asked students to reimagine an issue facing their community and solve it in a way that could grow to benefit their community, country, and even the world. Aishani B. was recognized for creating a website that increased access to educational necessities like school supplies and textbooks. Click the link to see all the selected competitors. (CSRwire.com)
4. Forsyth County News shared a photo showing support for this year's Duck Dive for Education. Just $10 gives residents a shot at a $10,000 prize, and all proceeds go to education funds. (Forsyth County News via Instagram)
5. Family and friends will gather today to mourn the loss of Tony Wilson. Originally a native of Murphy, North Carolina, Wilson came to live in Cumming with his wife, son, and stepchildren. He passed away at the age of 61. Read more about his life at the link. (Legacy.com)

Today in Cumming:

• IPRA World Championship Rough Stock Rodeo at Cumming Fairgrounds (4:00 PM)
• Masterminds LEGO Lounge at Post Road Library (4:00 PM)
• Fridays at the Farm at West Milford Farm (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Having a dog day afternoon? What about a cat nap? These furry friends are looking for a new home, and you could make it happen. Meet Wasabi, the black lab, who's a little bundle of energy and sweet as could be. Come shake paws with Nelly, a sweet old lady cat who's down to snuggle just about anytime. Click the link to see all the potential pets. (Cumming Patch)
• Forsyth County has shared words from Sheriff Ron Freeman. Forsyth County is one of the safest places in the country, thanks to the work of law enforcement. (Forsyth County Georgia Government via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Animal Shelter will return to the responsibility of the Forsyth County Government starting April 1. Click the link to see what that means for animals in the shelter. (Forsyth County Animal Shelter - NC via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• OLD Milton Beverage GRAND RE-OPENING (March 31)
• Big Psychic Fair (April 1)
• 3hr Salsa Boot Camp Atlanta @ Ballroom Impact Sat April 1, 2023 (April 1)
• Noche Caliente Latin Night Atlanta @ Tonys Johns creek Sat April 1, 2023 (April 1)
• Add your event

That's it for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with 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.