🌱 GA Approves Teacher Planning Bill + Douglas Shootout On Ring Cam

Good morning, neighbors! It's Friday in Dallas-Hiram and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally, including news on:

• Douglas shootout captured on Ring cam leads to investigation by GBI.
• California murder suspect apprehended in Cobb after criminal history check.
• General Assembly approves bill to give K-12 teachers daily planning period.

But first, today's weather: Overcast with a high of 76 and SSE winds at 10-15 mph. Tonight, partly to mostly cloudy, low of 63, and scattered showers with thunderstorms likely. Chance of rain 70 percent and SSW winds at 10-15 mph.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Dallas-Hiram who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top stories in Dallas-Hiram today:

1. Man dies after engaging in a shootout with law enforcement officers in front of a house in Douglas County. The incident was captured on a Ring doorbell camera, showing the man, identified as Steven Blunt, firing at deputies. Blunt had earlier brought a gun to a Special Olympics event at a high school in the area, which led to a lockdown. One of the deputies returned fire, killing Blunt, who was later pronounced dead at a hospital. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an investigation into the incident. (Fox5 Atlanta)
2. Cobb County investigators apprehended a suspect wanted for a fatal January shooting in California after he applied for an alcohol permit and a criminal history check was conducted. The suspect, identified as Gary Jackson Jr., was being sought in connection to the death of Romeo Portillo. Jackson Jr. was taken into custody in Cobb County and will be extradited to California on charges of homicide and attempted homicide. (ABC 10)
3. Georgia's General Assembly has passed a bill that ensures public school teachers in the state receive a daily planning period for lesson planning, grading, and other necessary tasks. The new measure, which will apply to K-12 teachers, aims to tackle teacher burnout. The bill was welcomed by Lisa Morgan, president of the Georgia Association of Educators, who emphasized the importance of planning time for developing lesson plans and analyzing assessment data to provide appropriate instruction for students. (Capitol Beat)
4. Two Carrollton men have been sentenced for the 2020 murder Chris Parker. Parker was shot and killed while standing in the roadway on Angela Avenue. Jadarakis Ayuntray Caldwell and Cameron Shemar Allen were arrested in Atlanta with the help of U.S. Marshals after fleeing the scene. Allen was sentenced to life without parole plus five years and Caldwell to life with possibility of parole plus five years for felony murder and aggravated assault charges. Parker was a promising basketball player and the youngest of six children. (11Alive)
5. Northwest Georgia's jobless rate in February decreased compared to the previous month but remained higher than the same period in 2022. The region saw 5,514 people without jobs in February, down from 5,746 in January, but above the totals for the same time the previous year. Paulding was among the counties included in the overall figures for Northwest Georgia, which reported a record high in the labor force, number of employed residents, and a decrease in initial unemployment claims in February. (Rome News-Tribune)

Today in Dallas-Hiram:

• Craft Kit Friday — New Georgia Public Library (9:00 AM)
• Advanced Line Dance — Paulding Senior Center (2:00 PM)
• Freaky Friday Beer Drink Special — Vintage Wine Bar (5:00 PM)
• Bingo Night — Three Strands Vineyard and Winery (6:30 PM)
• Sarah Mac & Stephan Sheret — The Box Sports Bar & Grill (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• City of Dallas, Georgia – Government: The Give Local - Give Downtown Dollars program is a way to support the businesses located in and around downtown Dallas. The program offers gift certificates called Downtown Dollars, which can be purchased in denominations of $10 from the Business Development Office at 200 Main St. These gift certificates are accepted at participating restaurants, shops, and attractions in the area, and 100 percent of the purchase goes directly to the business, helping to keep the local economy thriving. (City of Dallas, Georgia – Government via Facebook)
• City of Hiram: The City of Hiram Mayor and Council are recognizing the outstanding achievements of the Hiram Elementary School Citizenship Award recipients, as well as the Teacher of the Year, Rookie Teacher of the Year, and Staff Member of the Year. The list of award recipients includes students from kindergarten to fifth grade, and their hard work and dedication to their education have been acknowledged. (City of Hiram via Facebook)
• Paulding County School District: Bee Humble Studio's visit to Dobbins Middle School was a great example of how yoga and mindfulness practices can be used to promote mental health and wellbeing among young people. As part of Sources of Strength Week, the yoga session led by Bee Humble Studio provided an opportunity for students and staff to connect with each other and foster healthy peer relationships. (Paulding County School District via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Macland Road: $30 hand carwashes. Includes: Shampooing of carpet and seats, interior detailing, exterior detailing (rims and wheels), ceramic wrap on car, wash wax, vacuum, glass cleaner, etc. Text Tahj at 706-506-7617. (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Cohran Rd: Kings lawn service, contact us at 678-360-9780. (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Majesty Dance Group Spring Dance Intensive Camp (April 3)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— 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