🌱 Ex-DA Indictment Prompts Lawmakers Bill + Local Restaurant Scores

Hey there, it's Linda Marlow bringing you the latest edition of the Dallas-Hiram Patch newsletter. As always, I'm excited to share with you all the important news and events happening in our community, including updates on:

• Recent Paulding County restaurant inspection scores
• All five high schools in the Paulding County School District named 2023 AP Honor Schools
• Lawmakers mull bill prompted by ex-Paulding County DA's indictment and plea

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 76 Low: 52.

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Here are the top stories in Dallas-Hiram today:

1. Recent Paulding County restaurant inspection scores:
   • IHOP, 61 Depot Road, Hiram, 100/A
   • Dunkin Donuts, 8879 Dallas Acworth Highway, Dallas, 97/A
   • Sparkle’s, 4054 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway, Hiram, 96/A
   • Marcos Pizza, 4374 Atlanta Highway, Hiram, 92/A
   • Mizu, 7951 Villa Rica Highway, Dallas, 91/A
   For more information on these inspections as well as other reports for Paulding County restaurants please visit the Georgia Department of Public Health Environmental Health Inspection Search Portal.
2. Georgia legislators were busy on Monday with the upcoming Crossover Day approaching. Both the House and Senate debated significant bills such as Gov. Brian Kemp's "Safe Schools Act" and changes to Georgia's certificate of need law to allow exemptions for rural acute care hospitals. Lawmakers also focused on the Amended FY 2023 State Budget, with both chambers insisting on their versions of the spending plan, leading to a conference committee likely to begin work later this week. (The National Law Review)
3. Georgia lawmakers are considering two bills that would create a commission to oversee prosecutors, a move that has sparked debate among Georgia prosecutors, some of whom are blasting the bills as an attempt to discipline or remove them. The proposed measures come after former Paulding County District Attorney Dick Donovan was indicted for bribery related to sexual harassment claims and pleaded guilty to one count of unprofessional conduct, leading Republican Rep. Joseph Gullett to sponsor the House measure. (U.S. News & World Report)
4. The Georgia House could vote as early as this week on a bill that would give the Public Service Commission (PSC) regulatory powers over solar panel installers. The legislation proposed by Dallas Republican Rep. Joseph Gullett, House Bill 73, would provide the PSC with the ability to regulate which companies are authorized to finance and install solar panels, with the power to fine and revoke licenses of those that contravene the regulations. The bill requires solar companies to provide financial disclosures, conduct background checks on their employees and contractors, and provide detailed outlines of the costs and expected lifetimes of the panels. (GPB News)

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Today in Dallas-Hiram:

• Storytime for children — Dallas Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Babytime Storytime — Dallas Public Library (11:30 AM)
• Storytime for children — Maude P Ragsdale Hiram Public Library (11:30 AM)
• Anime Club for Teens — Maude P Ragsdale Hiram Public Library (5:30 PM)
• Board of Commissioners Board Meeting — Paulding County Government Complex (6:00 PM)
• Tuesday Night Trivia — BB's Sports Bar and Grill (7:00 PM)
• Tuesday Night Poker at the Box — The Box Sports Bar & Grill (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Paulding County School District: PCSD basketball teams have advanced to the ELITE 8 round of the 2023 GHSA Tournament! The NPHS Wolfpack Lady Wolfpack (7A) and Hiram High School Hornets (5A) have both emerged victorious in the Sweet 16 round, bringing them one step closer to the championship. (Paulding County School District via Facebook)
• Paulding County School District: All five high schools in the Paulding County School District have been named as Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools for 2023 by State Superintendent Richard Woods. The schools, East Paulding High School, Hiram High School, North Paulding High School, Paulding County High School, and South Paulding High School received honors in one or more AP categories. (Paulding County School District via Facebook)
• City of Dallas, Georgia – Government: John Burr was born into slavery in Paulding County, Georgia in November 1848 and died in the same county in September 1918. He had three brothers who left Georgia, namely Emmuel, Forest, and Robert. John married Amanda Dorris, and they had five children. Walker Burr, their son, married Laura Ella Reynolds, and they had several children. John and Felton Burr were both members of the Mt. Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, and Felton was a janitor and donated land for a school. The family had weekly routines of attending church, washing clothes, canning food, and having family prayer. (City of Dallas, Georgia – Government via Facebook)
• Paulding County School District: If you think an online learning experience would be best for your child, there are only a few days left to register for the Paulding Virtual Academy for the 2023-2024 school year. The deadline to register is Friday, March 3. (Paulding County School District via Facebook)
• New Georgia Public Library: You can watch award-winning independent films and documentaries for free on kanopy! (New Georgia Public Library via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Vista Lake/Willow Springs: "Lawncare and junk removal. Contact for estimates and get ready for the spring season!! 470-360-2506 Mike" (Nextdoor)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you 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