🌱 Commissioners Suspended Over Bid-Rigging + Cops Convicted In Ga

Hey, everybody. It's Friday in Dallas-Hiram and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town. Hope you all have a great weekend. In today's issue, you'll find news about...

• Douglas County commissioners suspended after alleged bid-rigging scheme indictment.
• Current and former police officers convicted in multi-million-dollar COVID-19 loan scheme.
• Hiram tight end Walter Matthews visits Michigan, praises program's offense.

But first, the weekend weather. Easter Weekend Weather: cloudy Friday, occasional showers, high 68. Friday night, steady rain, low 46. Saturday, heavy rain possible, high 50. Sunday, partly cloudy, high 63.

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Here are the top stories today in Dallas-Hiram:

1. Four-star tight end Walter Matthews from Hiram spoke highly of Michigan following his recent visit to Ann Arbor, calling it a "top school" and revealing his plans to return for an official visit. Matthews is one of Michigan's top targets as it aims to add up to two more tight ends to its 2024 class. The Wolverines are also targeting a four-star safety from Esko, Minnesota, Koi Perich, who received an offer from Michigan following his visit to campus. In addition, four-star linebacker Dylan Williams from Long Beach Poly in California included Michigan in his top seven schools, which also features Alabama, Miami, Oregon, Penn State, Texas, and UCLA. (SB Nation)
2. Gov. Brian Kemp has suspended Dr. Romona Jackson Jones and Henry Mitchell III, both Douglas County commissioners who were indicted in February in an alleged bid-rigging scheme, by executive orders on Wednesday. The commission chairwoman, Dr. Jones, and commissioner Mitchell, along with the county tax commissioner Greg Baker, were indicted by a grand jury for allegedly conspiring to rig a janitorial contract. The suspensions will be in effect until the case is decided or their elected terms in office expire, whichever comes first. The indictment alleges that the contract was awarded to a janitorial service called S&A Express after the three elected officials rigged the bidding process. (11Alive)
3. Several former and current police officers have been convicted in a multi-million-dollar COVID-19 loan scheme in Georgia. Katrina Lawson, a former Fulton County Sheriff's Office deputy, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering in connection with a wide-ranging Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan program small business loan scheme. Lawson was responsible for recruiting more than 200 individuals to participate in this PPP and EIDL fraud scheme, including three active sheriff’s deputies and one former U.S. Army military policeman. The scheme ultimately stole over $3 million in funds intended to save small businesses from the impacts of COVID-19. (U.S. Attorney's Office)
4. Georgia will be the site of production for the 2024 Kia EV9 electric SUV, according to a recent announcement from Kia. The West Point factory will start production of the EV9 in 2024, following the SUV's U.S. launch later this year, with initial units sourced from South Korea. The EV9 is the second Kia model to use the E-GMP platform and will be the first Kia electric car assembled in the U.S., making it eligible for up to half of the $7,500 EV tax credit under new rules. Kia's West Point factory has already assembled more than 3.8 million vehicles since 2009. (CW33 Dallas)
5. Despite Georgia's standing as one of the top 10 states for solar capacity, residential rooftop solar accounts for a relatively modest portion of that total. Georgia's 2023 legislative session finished with only one solar issue receiving final approval, a door-to-door sales bill. But lawmakers are anticipated to continue pressing for legislation in 2024 that could result in significant modifications to industry rules, making it simpler for Georgia's solar business to flourish. Several measures are supported by the state's solar association, GA Solar, and environmentalists, including Dallas Republican Sen. Jason Anivitarte's Senate Bill 210, which would drastically reduce the number of years it takes to recoup installation and equipment costs by doubling extra bill credits earned for excess energy produced by solar-powered homes and businesses. (Georgia Recorder)

Today in Dallas-Hiram:

• Spring Break — Paulding County School District (All Day)
• Easter Bunny Photo Opportunity — Arbor Place Mall (10:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
• Karaoke with KJ VetLinda — AMVETS Post 118 in Lithia Springs (6:00 PM)
• Live Music w/Brent McDonald — Vintage Wine Bar (7:00 PM)
• DJ Reverse — 278 South Bar & Grill (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Stone Mountain Park: This year's Easter sunrise ceremony at Stone Mountain Park will feature two interdenominational ceremonies held at the top and bottom of the mountain. Special guests Bryant Wright and Crawford Loritts will deliver the message at the top of the mountain during the services. Since its inception in 1944, the festival has grown to attract thousands of guests each year. The park's gates will open at 3 a.m., and the services will begin at 7 a.m. There is a car admission cost of $20 for a one-day permit or $40 for an annual permit. (Stone Mountain Park)
• Farm at Little Fox Hollow: Free annual community Easter egg hunt, Saturday, April 8, 11 a.m. Miniature farm animals, hayrides, and food truck. Five golden eggs will have free or discounted summer day camp coupons. This event will happen rain or shine. (Farm at Little Fox Hollow via Facebook)
• Patch Pets News: There are many pets waiting to be adopted in the local area, and animal shelters are working to find them loving homes. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that only about half of all animals taken in by adoption agencies are adopted each year, so adopting a pet from a local shelter can make a big difference. If you're interested in adding a furry friend to your family, consider checking out the pets available for adoption in the Dallas-Hiram area. (Patch Pets News)
• Westside Gaymers: Gayme Night in Villa Rica will take place on Saturday, April 8, from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., and no prior experience is required. You may arrive anytime you want, possibly a little early, and depart whenever you want. There are multiple games available, each of which starts and ends at a different time, so feel free to hop in or start a new one. There will be a variety of games available, but you are also welcome to bring your own. You are invited to bring your own food and beverages to the event, and there will be a snack machine and drinks for sale. Olympus Cards & Games. (Westside Gaymers via Meetup)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

— 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