🌱 Fungus Threat And Toxic Plants In GA + Author Visits Local Library

Hey, friends! It's Thursday in Dallas-Hiram and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town. Today you'll read about these stories and more:

• The CDC has reported an urgent antimicrobial resistance threat in Alabama and Georgia.
• Georgia is home to over 4,000 native plant species, some of which are dangerous and toxic.
• The Paulding Senior Center is offering a beginner line dance class today.

But first, today's weather: Today's weather will start with some clouds in the morning, but they will clear up by the afternoon, leaving mainly sunny skies. The high temperature will reach 81 with a light wind from the SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight, expect clear skies with a low temperature of around 60. Winds will be light and variable.

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Here are the top stories in Dallas-Hiram today:

1. Republican lawmakers in Georgia are proposing legislation to create a new panel that would discipline district attorneys and solicitors' general who violate their duties under state law, including removal from office. Some argue that the panel will provide more timely accountability, while others fear it could be used to remove progressive Democrats from office. District attorneys are divided on the proposal, with some concerned that it could infringe upon prosecutorial discretion. The move comes after former Paulding DA Dick Donavan was indicted on charges of bribery, violation of oath by public officer, false swearing, and sexual harassment. (Flagpole)
2. As the leading pecan producer in the country, Georgia is determined to maintain its position. To achieve this, four faculty members from the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences have received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The grant of $737,227 will fund the second phase of their interdisciplinary research project, which aims to adapt pecan trees to changing climates, pests, and consumer preferences. The team, working with international experts, will investigate various aspects of pecan production, from genetics to post-harvest attributes, to provide practical solutions to pecan growers in the short and long term. (Albany Herald)
3. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported over a dozen cases of Candida auris (C. auris) in Alabama and Georgia. C. auris is a fungus that poses an "urgent antimicrobial resistance threat" due to its drug-resistant nature and ability to spread easily in health care facilities. The CDC reports that the fungus was first detected in the U.S. in 2016, and it began to spread rapidly in health care facilities between 2020 and 2021. As of the end of 2022, over 8,000 cases of C. auris were found across 28 states and D.C. (WDHN)
4. Georgia is home to over 4,000 native species of plants, some of which are dangerous and toxic. While most of the poisonous plants in Georgia are not deadly, they can cause uncomfortable reactions, and ingesting too much of them can lead to death. Among the nine dangerous poisonous plants in Georgia that one should avoid are poison sumac, deadly nightshade, Chinese lantern, snowdrop, castor oil plant, dogbane, Virginia creeper, Jimsonweed or Devil's weed, and Lily of the Valley. Each of these plants has its own unique characteristics and effects, which people should know to avoid any negative consequences. (A-Z Animals)

Today in Dallas-Hiram:

• Babytime — Maude P Ragsdale Hiram Library (10:30 AM)
• Homeschool Lego Club — Dallas Public Library (1:00 PM)
• Crochet Club — New Georgia Public Library (2:00 PM)
• Beginner Line Dance — Paulding Senior Center (2:00 PM)
• Slow Flow Yoga — Bee Humble Studio (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Paulding County School District: PCSD has announced that nominations for the Counselor of the Year award are now open and will be accepted until Friday, March 31. The award is open for parents, students, and district employees to submit nominations, and guidelines for the same can be found on the PCSD website. To nominate someone for the award, interested parties can click on the given link and follow the process. (Paulding County School District via Facebook)
• Maude P. Ragsdale Hiram Library: Come to the library on Tuesday, April 4 at 11:30 a.m. for a special story time session with Joanne Telcide-Bryant, a renowned Children's Book Author, who will be reading her latest book and conducting fun games and activities post-story. Don't miss out on the chance to participate in this exciting event. (Maude P. Ragsdale Hiram Library via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Ivy Springs: Budget Cut Lawn Care - Call 678-600-9191. (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Vista Lake/Willow Springs: It’s time to aerate your lawn. Call or text us for a free estimate. 404-981-9425. (Nextdoor)

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Featured events:

• Wing Dinner Fundraiser (March 25)
• Decade Days: Spring Break Camp (April 3)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. I'll see you back in your inbox 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