🌱 Police Warn Against Peeping Tom + Former Care Home Owner Sentenced

Hello again, friends! It's Wednesday in Dallas-Hiram and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town, including news about...

• An alleged voting machine breach in the 2020 Georgia elections.
• New careers with the Paulding Government.
• A Peeping Tom in Oak Glen.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny, very warm and humid. High: 90 Low: 66.

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Here are the top five stories in and around Dallas and Hiram today:

1. Lawyers are investigating an alleged breach by a Georgia official in the 2020 elections. On Jan. 7, 2021, Coffee County Republican Chair Cathy Latham told a computer forensics team to copy components of the voting machines. A video has been released showing the incident, which Latham vehemently denied while testifying under oath about her involvement in the suspected voter fraud. If found guilty, Latham could face criminal charges. (Dakota News Now)
2. The former operator of an unlicensed personal care center has been sentenced to 20 years for neglect and exploitation. Michelle Oliver ran Miracle One Care Center in Hiram, where she claimed to be providing care and support for elderly adults. Instead, Oliver's center left residents begging on the streets, without proper medical care, and living in unsafe and unclean conditions. In 2016, Oliver was charged with willful deprivation and an assortment of financial crimes against elderly citizens. (McKnight's Senior Living)
3. Want to dedicate your career to serving the community of Paulding? There are currently multiple full-time positions at the Paulding County Government that need to be filled. There are several available openings, such as Engineering Division Manager, Network Administrator, and Part-Time Administrative Clerk. Visit the county's website for job details and application information. (Paulding County Government)
4. It's Banned Books Week, and Maude P. Ragsdale Hiram Library is celebrating with an educational event. The annual event is designed to teach people about the history of banning books in America, and why it's important to read controversial literature. The library is encouraging people of all ages to read banned books, both with an impressive display as well as an extensive list of forbidden literature. Books on the list range from the picture book “And Tango Makes Three,” the critically acclaimed “The Hate You Give,” and even classics like “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.” (Maude P. Ragsdale Hiram Library)
5. A man in the Oak Glen neighborhood of Dallas has been seen peering into people's windows, and authorities are asking for help in identifying and stopping him. The man was caught on camera last week looking into a home in Paulding County, and since then residents have been on alert. Paulding County Detectives are keeping an eye on the area, and asking anyone who sees this individual contact them immediately. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

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Today in the Dallas and Hiram areas:

• Homeschool Wednesday: STEAM at New Georgia Public Library (11:00 AM)
• North Paulding Networking at Rodney's BBQ & Catering (8:00 PM)
• Tiny Art Class For Teens at New Georgia Public Library (4:30 PM)
• Team Trivia At The Still at Red Hill Brewing The Still On The Square (3:00 PM)
• Water Sewer Advisory Board Meeting at Paulding County Water Department (8:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Hiram High School students got a rare opportunity to speak directly with the Paulding County Sheriff's Office! Law enforcement officials spent the day educating the students and answering questions. (Paulding County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook)
• Ready to dive into all the frightful fall fun October has to offer? Then check out these events for everyone from family fun-seekers to those looking for a scary good time. (City of Dallas, Georgia – Government via Facebook)
• We're all bidding a fond farewell to the Hiram Farmers Market for 2022. The beloved market has unfortunately been closed early, and will not return until next year - but the City of Hiram promises that when it does come back, it will be bigger and better than ever! (City of Hiram via Facebook)
• Looking for a midweek break from the hustle and bustle? It's Ladies' Night over at the Broken Anchor Winery, so be sure to swing by for select $5 cocktails to end your Wednesday right! (AllEvents)
• If you're ready to feel fit and strong, EpiFIT Club is ready to help! The fitness center in Austell is hosting a full-body workout today that's sure to make you feel the burn. (AllEvents)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. I'll see you soon!

— 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.