🌱DeKalb County Jury Trials Suspended + City Manager's Salary Increase

Hi everyone! It's Fri-Yay!! And I'm back in your inbox with all you need to know about what's happening in Decatur- Avondale Estates. Today's briefing includes news about:

• Jury trials at the DeKalb County courthouse being suspended
• The largest solar investment in American history taking place here in Georgia
• Another bond hearing was set for Eligio Bishop, widely known as "Nature Boy"

But first, today's weather:

Breezy and cooler. High: 44 Low: 32.

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Here are the top stories today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

1. All jury trials at the DeKalb County courthouse have been suspended for the next three months. All in-person court activity has been suspended until April 3, though there will be a variety of virtual court proceedings. The announcement was made by Chief Superior Court Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson on Wednesday evening. The closures and suspensions are due to frozen pipes that burst back in December of last year. It's estimated that there is $3.5 million in damages. (The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
2. The largest solar investment in American history is taking place right here in Georgia, according to reports. A new $2.31 billion plant in Cartersville, some 50 miles from Decatur- Avondale Estates, give or take a few miles, is set to provide 2,000 jobs and fulfill part of the climate change and health care law President Joe Biden signed in the summer of 2022. The President said this is "a win for workers, consumers, and our climate." Qcells, associated with Hanwha Solutions, said it will supply approximately 30 percent of the United States' solar panel requests by 2027. The plant will make silicon ingots and wafers and solar cells, these are key ingredients in solar panels. (The Decatur Daily)
3. The Avondale Estates City Commission increased City Manager Patrick Bryant’s base salary to $167,182 during its regular meeting on Jan. 11. This is just one of the increases Bryant has received since he was hired in 2018 when his base salary was $145,000. In 2021 it was increased from $153, 830 to $160,752. Bryant has received praise from Mayor Pro Tem Brian Fisher for his leadership and the positive changes he was said to have made in Avondale Estates. (Decaturish.com)
4. Another bond hearing was set yesterday for Eligio Bishop, widely known as "Nature Boy" and leader of "Carbon Nation." After hearing from prosecutors and victim statements Judge Mark Scott denied bond last May in a DeKalb County courthouse. Bishop was arrested at an upscale cul-de-sac outside Decatur on April 14 of last year and has been in prison since then. Known to his followers as "god," he faces five charges: rape, false imprisonment, and three counts of "prohibition on nude or sexually explicit electronic transmissions." (11Alive.com WXIA)

Today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

• Take & Make Dove of Peace Kit — DeKalb County Public Library (All Day)
• World Cinema — DeKalb County Public Library (All Day)
• Webinar — Pricing for Profit and Growth (10:00 AM)
• Friday Movies — DeKalb County Public Library (1:30 PM)
• Varsity Basketball VS MLK — Decatur High School (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Glennwood PTA announced their last day of their Read-a-Thon yesterday. All reading times were to be submitted by 5 p.m. yesterday. (Glennwood PTA via Facebook)
• This is the perfect time of year for high school students and members of the National Honor Society to volunteer and becoming a Virtual Pal Tutor for a City Schools of Decatur is the perfect opportunity. (The Decatur Education Foundation via Facebook)
• DeKalb County is scheduled to open warming centers for residents to use in the following locations for three nights from Jan. 13-15, beginning at 8 p.m. (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Family's Favorite Foods Tamale Pop-up (January 13)
• The Vaudeville Revue — Atlanta Burlesque Show! (January 14)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door this Friday. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with your next update!

— Cherryl Young/ MamaNyeMatters

About me: Cherryl Young DBA MamaNyeMatters. I was born in Providence, Rhode Island and moved to Georgia in 2017. My first children's book, You Are the Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow was published in 2021. https://www.mamanyematters.com... I've worked in Atlanta and Gwinnett County Public Schools assisting children who have special needs. I studied Community Development @ Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. My Purpose In Life Is To Connect, Create, Inspire, Write, and Expand and I am ELATED to Be Here as a Contributing Writer @ Patch! Journey With Me...

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Decatur-Avondale Estates Daily? Contact me at Decatur@Patch.com