🌱 Georgia Considers EV Charging Changes + GA Tops Readiness Rank

Hey, friends. It's Tuesday in Dallas-Hiram and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally. In today's issue of the newsletter, you'll find these stories and more:

• Four Georgia Congress members questioned ATF during surprise audit in Cobb County.
• Georgia ranked highest in emergency preparedness readiness report.
• PCSD announces exceptional 2023 Teachers and Employees of the Year.

But first, today's weather: Mostly cloudy. High: 69 Low: 39.

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Here are the top stories today in Dallas-Hiram:

1. Dallas native Smael Mondon had an impressive first season as a starter for the Georgia Bulldogs, despite missing spring practice due to shoulder surgery. He led the team in tackles with 76, had 8.0 tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception. Now able to participate fully in spring practice, Mondon is looking to build on his foundation from last season and improve in other areas of his game, such as block shedding and playing with his hands. Along with teammate Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Mondon has the potential to continue the elite linebacker play that Georgia has become known for under coach Kirby Smart. (Dawg Nation)
2. The state of Georgia is considering bills that would change how electric vehicle owners pay to recharge their cars, calculating the cost of charging based on the kilowatt hour instead of how long it takes to refill the battery. However, electric car and truck owners are concerned that this would be a double tax on top of the already high registration fees for electric vehicles. While many stakeholders support the conversion, some are calling for waiting until the Georgia Department of Transportation’s pilot program is completed, and encouraging lawmakers to keep an eye on technology advancements that could make emerging charging networks less cost-effective. (Georgia Recorder)
3. Four members of Congress from Georgia questioned the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Cobb County when they arrived for a surprise audit of the largest gun dealership in the Southeast, Adventure Outdoors. The representatives were skeptical about the timing of the audit, which coincided with a visit by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to run for president next year. The ATF denied any knowledge of the governor's visit and said that the audit was part of a simultaneous inspection of several stores and locations in Georgia where guns are sold. (Fox5 Atlanta)
4. In Trust for America's Health's 20th annual readiness report, Georgia has been ranked in the highest tier despite being tested by "severe weather, an ongoing pandemic, chronic disease, and a dramatic increase in deaths related to substance misuse." Trust for America's Health Director of Communications Rhea Farberman explained that the report's 10 readiness indicators include surge capacity, access to safe drinking water, and laboratory surge capacity. The report also emphasizes the link between health inequities in emergency preparedness and disadvantaged communities, including people of color, who often suffer stronger impacts of an emergency and have more trouble recovering from it. (GPB)

Today in Dallas-Hiram:

• Storytime — Dallas Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Storytime — Maude P Ragsdale Hiram Library (11:30 AM)
• Tuesday Night Trivia — BB's Sports Bar & Grill (7:00 PM)
• Hot Flow Yoga — Bee Humble Studio (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Paulding County School District: After receiving countless nominations, PCSD is excited to announce the 2023 Teachers and Employees of the Year. These exceptional educators and staff members have gone above and beyond to support their students and make the school district a better place. Join PCSD in congratulating all of this year's winners and thanking them for their hard work and dedication. (Paulding County School District via Facebook)
• City of Dallas, Georgia – Government: Looking for fun events happening in downtown Dallas? Join the City of Dallas email list and be the first to know about upcoming events, including Night Market, Grand Openings, Food Trucks, Girls Night Out, City Fest, Egg My Yard and more! Stay up to date on the latest happenings in downtown Dallas and make sure you don't miss out on any of the excitement. (City of Dallas, Georgia – Government via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Vista Lake/Willow Springs: Discounted junk removals this week. Lawncare biweekly scheduling ready. First cut of the spring will be 10 dollars off before going into the regular biweekly price. Contact Mike for estimates, 470-360-2506. (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Seven Hills: Call if you are in need of a free roof inspection. Local. Brad Craven, 404-379-7861. (Nextdoor)

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Featured events:

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

You're officially in the loop for today! 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