🌱 Gov. Kemp Replacing Indicted Commissioners + Real Estate News

Hey, friends! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh edition of the Dallas-Hiram Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening locally. Today you'll learn about these stories and more:

• The 2023 Georgia General Assembly is the most diverse in the state's history.
• Gov. Brian Kemp to appoint temporary replacements for two Douglas County commissioners.
• Atlanta is a significant hub for the East Coast's illegal drug trade.

But first, today's weather: Nice with plenty of sunshine. High: 77 Low: 48.

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Here are the top stories in Dallas-Hiram today:

1. This year's Georgia General Assembly is the most diverse in the state's history, with over 80 nonwhite members out of 236 serving in the legislature. The General Assembly now reflects Georgia's population, which narrowly remained majority white in 2020. This diverse representation includes five Hispanic members, eight members of the Asian American Pacific Islander community, two Afro Latino members, and one Arab woman, among others. (Governing)
2. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is preparing to name temporary replacements for two indicted Douglas County commissioners, who were suspended last week as part of a criminal case involving alleged bid rigging. Kemp will choose their replacements, who will serve until the indicted pair is acquitted or a special election can be held. The scandal has created a sensitive environment in the already fractured community, with Democrats holding a 2-1 advantage on the commission. Among the recommended names to replace the commissioners is former Douglas County football star Ricky Dobbs, who currently teaches at Douglas County High School. (Fox 5)
3. The Carrollton Police Department is mourning the loss of K-9 Officer Kilo, who passed away on April 10. Kilo had been with the department since 2014 and was involved in over 500 deployments, including assisting in more than 200 arrests, tracking missing children, and detecting narcotics. The department noted that Kilo was nationally certified in Narcotics and Tracking and placed third in narcotics detection in the National Narcotics Detector Dog Association competition. (WSB-TV)
4. According to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) special agent, Atlanta is a significant hub for the East Coast's illegal drug trade, particularly fentanyl, as the DEA attempts to curb the influx of illegal drugs in the United States. Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Murphy attributes the city's location on an extensive interstate system, the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and wealth as the reasons for its prominence in drug trafficking. In 2021, Georgia reported nearly 1,400 overdose deaths from fentanyl, with overdose deaths in surrounding Atlanta counties rising. Murphy stated that the Sinaloa and CJNG cartels are the most widespread drug operations in Atlanta, with the cartels shipping precursor chemicals for fentanyl from China to Mexico, where the drug is produced cheaply and smuggled into the United States. (GPB)

Today in Dallas-Hiram:

• Homeschool Wednesday STEAM — New Georgia Public Library (1:00 PM)
• Mahjong — Paulding Senior Center (2:00 PM)
• Master Gardeners Sprouts — Dallas Public Library (4:00 PM)
• Bike Night & Karaoke — Full Throttle Roadhouse in Mableton (6:00 - 10:00 PM)
• Hot Vinyasa Flow Yoga — Bee Humble Studio (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Patch Real Estate News: Potential homebuyers and curious individuals can find recently listed and intriguing houses in the Dallas-Hiram area through a weekly real estate roundup. The roundup also includes information on upcoming open houses for interested parties to attend. Clicking on any property in the list will provide more pictures and details for those interested. (Patch Real Estate News)
• Maude P. Ragsdale Hiram Library: Join your local library for a fun and interactive Story Walk, which will be followed by a corresponding craft activity. Participants will also receive a free book for their family upon completing the Story Walk. The Hiram Library's Story Walk will take place on May 20 at Ben Hill Strickland Memorial Park between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Maude P. Ragsdale Hiram Library via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Huntleigh Chase: GraceLand Landscaping is currently searching for a new employee for a landscaping position. If anyone is interested, they can be contacted via text or phone call at 770-685-5975 to discuss the details further. (Nextdoor)

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Featured events:

• Miles for Moms 5K & Family Fun Festival (April 15)
• SUP Yoga Teacher Training Certification (May 5)
• Add your event

Alrighty, 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