🌱 Charlotte Signs Hiram Native + Rent Prices Rise In Douglasville

Hello, friends! It's me, Linda Marlow, your host of the Dallas-Hiram Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. In this issue, you'll find updates on:

• Charlotte women's basketball team has signed Hiram native Imani Smith.
• Douglasville is one of the metro areas experiencing a significant increase in rent prices.
• Medical cannabis oil distributor licenses approved for Cobb by Georgia Commission.

But first, today's weather: Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, high of 76 with a 50 percent chance of rain. Partly cloudy with a low of 54 at night.

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Here are the top stories in Dallas-Hiram today:

1. Hiram native Imani Smith has been signed by the Charlotte women's basketball team. Smith, a 5-foot, 8-inch-tall guard, transferred from Gulf Coast State and averaged almost 15 points per game in the 25-5 season with five rebounds and two assists per game. She is known for her shooting ability, athleticism, ball handling skills, and active defense. (Charlotte Athletics)
2. Hull's Environmental Services, Inc. has expanded its Hiram operations to a larger facility. The new four-acre facility, with 9,000 square feet of office and warehouse space, is the Atlanta base for Hull's, which provides environmental services to both private industry and government agencies. The location is ideally situated to service northwest, west, and southwest Atlanta, and is necessary to accommodate the company's recent growth. Hull's commercial fleet of vacuum trucks, tractor trailers, tankers, and emergency response trailers require a large, maneuverable parking area, which the new location provides. (EIN News)
3. Douglasville is one of the metro Atlanta areas that has experienced a significant increase in rent prices over the past year, according to data from Rent.com. The rent increases are attributed to a rise in demand as people look for more options and larger spaces for a lower price. However, while rent prices in Metro Atlanta are down nearly 2.5 percent from last year, wages have not kept up with rising rent prices, leading to a situation where renters who do not receive an 8-9 percent raise annually are essentially taking a pay cut. Rent researcher Jon Leckie advises renters to negotiate and ask for concessions, as well as to research historical market trends to save costs. (11Alive)
4. Cobb County is among the areas set to receive one of Georgia's first five dispensing licenses for medical cannabis, according to the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission. Botanical Sciences LLC and Trulieve GA Inc. will be opening medical cannabis dispensaries in Bibb County, Chatham County, and Cobb County. While the licensing comes months behind schedule, it marks the beginning of safe and quality access to medical cannabis for registered patients in the state. Dispensaries have 120 days to be fully operational after passing a pre-operational inspection. (Fox5)

Today in Dallas-Hiram:

• Baby Social — New Georgia Public Library (9:00 AM)
• Let's Quilt — Dallas Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Night Market — Downtown Dallas Courthouse Square (4:00 PM)
• Bingo Night — Three Strands Vineyard and Winery (6:30 PM)
• John Paul Barry Live — The Box Sports Bar & Grill (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Patch Pet News: Want to add a furry friend to your family? Then look no further than the Dallas-Hiram animal shelters, where dogs, cats, and other kinds of pets are waiting for someone to take them home. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, millions of pets are surrendered or taken in each year by shelters nationwide, but only around half of them are adopted annually. So, if you're in search of an adorable new fur child, consider looking around at a local rescue facility. Patch has compiled a list of animals available for adoption near you, with the help of Petfinder, to help you find the perfect cuddle buddy or companion for your family. Just click on any listing to learn more about a pet or to start the adoption process. (Patch Pet News)
• Maude P. Ragsdale Hiram Library: The library is hosting Baby-Palooza on May 4 from 10 a.m. to noon for a time of sensory play, and they are inviting parents and their little ones to join them. Baby-Palooza will replace the usual baby time activities for the day, and families can drop in any time during the event. The library hopes to provide a fun and engaging experience for both parents and their babies. (Maude P. Ragsdale Hiram Library via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Harvest Pointe West: Looking for non-emergency medical transportation in Powder Springs? Contact Dantily. They offer transportation to all medical and non-medical appointments and are just a phone call away. This locally owned and operated business prides itself on being friendly and reliable. Call 678-571-1548 to schedule your ride today. (Nextdoor)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with your next update.

— Linda Marlow

About me: Linda Marlow is an experienced writer and communications professional with a diverse background in industries such as healthcare, education, publishing, and performing arts. She is a Dallas resident who is passionate about sharing the latest news and events happening in Paulding County through her writing. Linda is currently serving as a contributing writer for the Dallas-Hiram Patch newsletter, where she continues to use her storytelling skills to inform and engage the local community.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Dallas-Hiram Patch newsletter? Contact me at Dallas-Hiram@Patch.com