🌱 Hiram Coach Wins Award + Douglas Fugitive Firefighter On Payroll

Hi there, Dallas-Hiram! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Hope you all have a great day. Today you'll read about:

• Hiram High School coach named an inaugural High School Assistant Coach of the Year.
• Fugitive firefighter remains on Douglas County's payroll despite being wanted in Alabama.
• Cobb County police are investigating five sexual assaults at gas stations across the county.

But first, the weekend weather: The weekend forecast for the area includes sunny skies on Saturday with a high of 79, although some afternoon clouds may be seen. That night is expected to bring clouds and a 60 percent chance of rain showers after midnight, with a low of 62. Sunday morning will see rain showers and a 50 percent chance of rain throughout the day, with some sunshine later in the day and a high of 72. Clear skies will prevail through the night with a low of 46 and winds blowing from the WNW at 10-15 mph.

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Here are the top stories in Dallas-Hiram today:

1. Hiram High School's Josh Carmichael was honored as one of the inaugural High School Assistant Coaches of the Year during the second annual Atlanta Falcons High School Football Award Show presented by Emory Healthcare. Carmichael, the quarterbacks coach and strength coordinator for Hiram High School's football team, also coaches multiple sports and helps student-athletes in need off the field. Other honors at the award show included High School Man of the Year presented by Georgia Power, Trailblazer Award presented by Georgia Power, High School Coach of the Year, and Athletic Trainer of the Year presented by Emory Healthcare. The awards recognize high school student-athletes, coaches, and staff members who have made a significant impact both on and off the field this year. (AtlantaFalcons.com)
2. Despite being a wanted fugitive in Alabama, firefighter Daymetrie Williams is still on Douglas County's payroll, forcing taxpayers to foot the price. Williams was employed by the Douglas County Fire Department in May 2021, two years after being arrested for felony theft in Huntsville, Alabama. He has been designated a fugitive since January 2022 for failing to appear in court for a related case. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the department completed a background check on Williams shortly after he was employed and another roughly a year later. (11Alive)
3. Cobb County police are investigating five sexual assaults at gas stations across the county. One of the women who was attacked while pumping gas, Amaria Edmond, said a man slapped her on her bottom after she pulled the gas pump out of her car. Police say the same thing happened to other women. The police have arrested a suspect, Shawn Harris, in connection with one of the incidents, and are waiting for surveillance footage to confirm the suspect's connection to the other four cases. (WSB-TV)
4. On Thursday, Gov. Brian Kemp signed five education bills, including measures aimed at improving early literacy and enhancing school safety. The Safe Schools Act requires all public schools to conduct an "intruder alert drill" by Oct. 1 of each school year and creates a voluntary safety and anti-gang endorsement that teachers and school employees can earn by completing a training program. The Georgia Early Literacy Act aims to improve early reading instruction and requires schools to screen students from kindergarten to third grade three times a year. Two additional bills seek to improve school conditions for students with certain health conditions, including diabetes and epilepsy. (Northwest Georgia News)
5. Kennesaw State Owls women's golf team dominates the ASUN Women's Golf All-Conference teams once again, with four Owls players named to the teams for the fourth time in five seasons. Bella Kil and Lara Jecnik led the team's scoring and received first-team honors. Meva Schmit and Cameron Neilson were awarded second and third-team honors, respectively, with Schmit being named ASUN Golfer of the Week in April after a tied-for-second finish at the Pinetree Women's Collegiate. This is the fifth season in which the Owls have placed four or more players on the All-Conference teams. (KSU Owls)

This weekend in Dallas-Hiram:

Saturday, April 15

• Hope & Hot Rods Cruise-In — Hope Church (9:00 AM)
• Springtime at the Cabin — Pickett's Mill Battlefield (10:00 AM)
• Ride for American Legion Post 111 — American Legion Post 111 (11:00 AM)
• Fish Fry & Rib Dinner Fundraiser — Hiram Rosenwald School Museum (12:00 PM)

Sunday, April 16

• Hosting 101 Charcuterie Class — Vintage Wine Bar (2:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• City of Dallas: Participate in the "Dallas 5K Race for Good 2023" on April 22 at 8 a.m. and benefit Helping Hands of Paulding County. The event can be attended either in person or remotely. Runners can participate in the virtual option between April 21 and April 23, but they must submit their finish time on the registration website by April 23 at 11:59 p.m. to be included in the virtual results. The race is chip-timed and qualifies for the Peachtree Road Race. (City of Dallas via Facebook)
• City of Hiram: Donating blood is a simple yet powerful way to make a significant impact in your community. By participating in the City of Hiram and American Red Cross blood drive on May 1, you can help reduce blood shortages in the country and potentially save a life. The event will take place from 12-5 p.m. at the Water Tower Building on 186 Oak Street in Hiram. Join the cause and contribute to this life-saving initiative. (City of Hiram via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Senators Ridge: Call Tyler for your free roof inspection. He also does gutters, siding, soffit and fascia. 770-364-8984. (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Cohran Rd: King's Lawn and Property Management. Cut, edge, trim, and blow. Also pine straw, mulch jobs and much more. Weekly - Bi Weekly - Single Time Cut. Free estimates. Call or text 678-360-9780. (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Cottage Cove: Call Chris — local plumber. Tons of Nextdoor recommendations. If anyone needs any plumbing work don’t hesitate to reach out. Affordable, reliable, professional and efficient. 404-981-5918. (Nextdoor)

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Featured events:

• Miles for Moms 5K & Family Fun Festival (April 15)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. See you all tomorrow morning for another 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