🌱 Education Bills Deadline Looms + Paulding Airport's DBE Program

Hello, neighbors. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Dallas-Hiram Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the things you need to know about what's happening in town, including updates on...

• Paulding County implements DBE program for fair competition in transportation contracts.
• Georgia lawmakers rush to pass education bills before session ends.
• Dallas man honored as top academic achiever in Georgia Trooper School.

But first, today's weather: Today's weather will be mainly sunny with a high of 52. Winds will be from the NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Tonight, it will be clear with a low of 29. Winds will be from the NNW at 5 to 10 mph.

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Here are the top stories today in Dallas-Hiram:

1. The Paulding County Board of Commissioners and the Paulding County Airport Authority have established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in compliance with USDOT regulations. The program aims to ensure fair competition and nondiscrimination in the award and administration of contracts in the Department of Transportation's highway, transit, and airport financial assistance programs. The DBE was established after the County received federal airport funding and signed an assurance to comply with the program objectives. (Paulding County Government)
2. Jason Anavitarte (R-Dallas) is sponsoring Alyssa's Law, a bill aimed at equipping Georgia schools with panic buttons that can alert first responders in case of an emergency. The bill is named after Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old victim of the Parkland, Florida school shooting. The legislation has already passed through the Senate and is awaiting another vote in the Georgia House. Similar laws have been passed in other states, including Florida. (Atlanta News First)
3. A man from Dallas was recognized as the highest academic achiever among the graduates of the 113 Trooper School at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center. Thomas Ayres received the CPL Chadwick LeCroy scholarship for his outstanding performance with a 96.0 academic average and will use it to pursue a master's degree at Reinhardt University. He was also recognized for his leadership skills. (Monroe Local)
4. Lawmakers in Georgia are working on several education bills that could significantly impact public schools, including increased funding for classrooms, a boost to the HOPE Scholarship, and expanded school vouchers. However, time is running short for legislators to pass these bills into law before the session ends on March 29. Other notable education bills being considered include allowing districts to transport students in vehicles other than buses, mandating a paid daily planning period for teachers, and expanding instruction in Braille for blind or visually impaired students. (Georgia Recorder)

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Today in Dallas-Hiram:

• Storytime — Dallas Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Storytime — Mayde P Ragsdale Hiram Library (11:30)
• Board of Commissioners Board Meeting (2:00 PM)
• Tuesday Night Trivia — BB's Sports Bar & Grill (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Paulding County School District: A reminder for families that all PCSD students will be dismissed 2 hours early each day this week to accommodate parent/teacher conferences. (Paulding County School District via Facebook)
• City of Hiram: If you are a local City of Hiram business and would like to participate in our upcoming Easter Scavenger Hunt, you must submit your prizes to City Hall by March 24. (City of Hiram via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Park Place: After the rain dries up, message if you need your gutters cleaned, 386-559-2002. (Nextdoor)

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Featured events:

• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)
• Decade Days: Spring Break Camp (April 3)
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You're officially in the loop for today! See you all tomorrow for 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