🌱 Paulding County COVID-19 Levels + Diesel Prices Still High

Good morning, 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 locally, including news about:

• Paulding County COVID-19 levels
• Diesel and gas prices in Dallas
• Local football player is interviewed at Georgia University

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and mild. High: 63 Low: 42.

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Here are the top five stories today in Dallas-Hiram:

1. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, Paulding County currently has a "High Transmission Level" and a "Medium Community Level" for COVID-19. The CDC recommends residents stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines, wear a mask on public transportation, and to wear a mask and get tested if you have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19. (CDC Covid-19 Data Tracker)
2. Georgia gas prices are below their levels of a year ago, but diesel still costs about a dollar per gallon more. The persistently high prices are hurting local business owners like Spencer Schlampp of Schlampp Landscape in Dallas. "For my landscaping business, it has added $1,000 to $2,000 a week [in fuel costs]," said Schlampp, whose business uses about 10 trucks that take diesel. Gross sales are up about 25 percent, even though our profits are down about 20 percent." (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
3. Georgia University sophomore inside linebacker Smael Mondon, Jr., from Paulding County High School in Dallas, is heading into the college football playoff tied with Jamon Dumas-Johnson for the team lead with 64 tackles. John Frierson interviewed Mondon about signing day, recruiting, high school, the holidays, and more. (Georgia Dogs)
4. Justin Williams-Thomas, from East Paulding High School in Dallas, is Stanford's first undergraduate transfer during the Transfer Portal era. Running back Williams-Thomas will enroll for the winter quarter and has four years of eligibility remaining. (Stanford Athletics)
5. Local businesses are a cornerstone of our community. If you want to support them, there's no shortage of upcoming events with the Paulding Chamber of Commerce, including Silver Comet Ball Drop New Years Celebration on Dec. 31, DD & Company New Years Eve Party on Dec. 31, and First Friday VIBE$ on Jan. 6. A full list of upcoming Chamber and member events is available at the link. (Paulding Chamber of Commerce)

Today in and around Dallas-Hiram:

• Reindeer Scavenger Hunt At The Book Worm Bookstore or Hand-Me-Up in Powder Springs (All Day)
• Baby Time At Maude P. Ragsdale Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Justin Tyme Live At Los Magueys (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Don't miss "Craft Kit Friday" tomorrow, Dec. 30, at the New Georgia Public Library in Dallas! The "Take and Make" craft kits are available for all ages and contain everything you need to complete a project at home. They are available every Friday on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9:00 a.m. (WGRLS)
• Even though the holiday season is coming to an end, you can still enjoy some holiday cheer on Hoopla! Use your four credits this month from New Georgia Public Library to watch movies or listen to music. (New Georgia Public Library via Facebook)
• Maude P. Ragsdale Hiram Library's next homeschool hangouts will take place on Jan. 5 and Jan. 19 at 1:00 p.m. (Maude P. Ragsdale Hiram Library via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right! See you tomorrow for your next update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.