🌱 Solar Panel Jobs Soaring In Georgia + Ramped-Up Skating Proposal

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new edition of the Decatur-Avondale Estates Patch newsletter. Keep reading for the most important things happening in town these days, including updates on:

• 3,100+ Georgians to be employed to build solar panels and similar related jobs
• Bulldogs crowned region champions
• The family of Matthew Zadok Williams suing DeKalb County

But first, today's weather: Clouds breaking; more humid. High: 76 Low: 62.

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

1. 3,100+ Georgians will soon be employed to build solar panels, batteries and other electric vehicle parts. According to accounts, that's more than the population of Avondale Estates. New York is the only state that's announced a greater number of clean energy initiatives in recent months, according to a new monthly review. Furthermore, Qcells has announced plans for what is being considered the largest solar panel production operation in the Western Hemisphere, a $2.5 billion investment that will create 2,500 jobs.
2. The Bulldogs have been crowned region champions! Both the boys and girls teams at Decatur High have earned their spot as region champions. The athletes have also received individual awards. Six of them are named to the All-Region team: girls team members Cornelia Ellington, Ryen Evans, and Marlo Simms, and from the boys team there is Luke Brooks, Turner Cummings, and Quay Wallace. Their hard work and dedication have placed them in the position to rewrite history. Congratulations Bulldogs! (Decaturish.com)
3. The Decatur City Commission voted in 2022 to renovate the McKoy Skate Park for $190,000. $200,000 came from an anonymous donor. This, however, wasn't substantial in the eyes of the Decatur High School Skate Club. They contacted Decatur Active Living Director Greg White and mentioned that the proposal wasn't enough. The skate club said they needed more durable concrete. At its Feb. 21 meeting, the city commission ramped up their proposal and approved a $175,000 change order, increasing the total contract with American Ramp Company to $365,000. (Decaturish.com)
4. The family of Matthew Zadok Williams, a Decatur man who was killed by police, is suing the county. At the time of his death, his family said he was suffering from mental health issues and that some of the responding officers knew of Williams' condition due to prior incidents. The Williams family is accusing the county of violating their family members rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The shooting took place in April 2021. Reports also show that the family called for help in March of that same year. (Atlanta Black Star)

Today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

• Webinar — Plunging Into Social Media: How to Strategically Market Your Business (9:30 AM)
• Art Exhibit — DeKalb County Public Library (10:00 AM)
• LEGO Constructors — DeKalb County Public Library (11:00 AM)
• Open Technology Lab — Decatur Library (11:00 AM)
• Black History Month Movie Series — DeKalb County Public Library (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Avondale Estates Farmers Market is opened every Sunday from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Offering accessories for relaxation sessions. (Avondale Estates Farmer's Market via Facebook)
• The folks at Georgia Interfaith... are urging legislators to support HB71 (A bill that would provide greater protections for the Okefenokee National Wildlife. (Georgia Interfaith Power & Light via Facebook)
• The Talley St. and Glennwood Elementary Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committees invite you to Essential Conversations About Affordable Housing. Moderated by Talley Parent, Richelle Patton. (Glennwood PTA via Facebook)
• A quick reminder for the Eagles. The 22-23 Glennwood Yearbook is now on sale for $20. The PTA stated orders can be placed at (glennwoodpta.org) by March 25. (Glennwood PTA via Facebook)
• Decatur Education Foundation is reminding folks that there is still time to honor Black History Month by supporting some of Decatur's Black-owned businesses. Here's a list of some of our favorites." (The Decatur Education Foundation via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• BJ's Wholesale Club Pre-opening Limited time Offer (February 23)
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You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow for another 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at Decatur@Patch.com