🌱 Student Loans Unavailable For Police + 'Cop City' Stop Work Order

Hi, there my dear Patch newsletter pals! Cherryl Young/ MamaNyeMatters here with your fresh copy of the Decatur-Avondale Estates Patch newsletter, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Today's briefing includes:

• DeKalb County’s Planning and Sustainability Department issuing a stop work order for the proposed Atlanta Public Safety Training Facility.
• Student loans for college nursing instructors and state medical examiners, but not for police officers.
• Amplify Decatur Music Festival is back in Decatur Square.

But first, today's weather: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 71 Low: 45.

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

1. DeKalb County’s Planning and Sustainability Department issued a stop work order for the proposed Atlanta Public Safety Training Facility yesterday. The training facility is known as “Cop City” by activists. According to DeKalb County inspectors, there were noticeable malfunctions, erosions, and fencing issues. A land development permit (Permit #1245564) requires the property to maintain controlled soil. The stop work order will remain in effect until further notice. (Decaturish.com)
2. Although lawmakers recently passed bills to repay student loans for college nursing instructors and state medical examiners, they have yet to push through similar incentives for police officers. According to reports, at the end of the legislative session last week one of Gov. Brian Kemp’s public safety proposals failed to move forward. The Senate didn’t vote on House Bill 130. Bill 130's focus was to help recruit and retain police. (The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
3. Amplify Decatur Music Festival is back in Decatur Square. The festival will begin with some events on April 28 and continue into April 29 and 30. The Annual music event is co-produced by Eddie’s Attic and Decatur nonprofit Amplify My Community, which combats issues concerning poverty. Proceeds go to a variety of Decatur-based causes. It cost $75 for general admission. (Atlanta Magazine)
4. A convicted murderer escaped from a facility in Atlanta, according to authorities. The escape was made on Wednesday. Reports state that the escaped prisoner. The 53-year-old man, Charles Smith, was sentenced to a maximum of life in prison for a murder committed on Nov. 14, 1992. Officials warned the public not to approach Smith. (Fox News)

Today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

• Spring Scavenger Hunt — DeKalb County Public Library (All Day)
• Teen Take & Make Craft — DeKalb County Public Library (All Day)
• Reading Rabbit Scavenger Hunt — DeKalb County Public Library (All Day)
• Take & Make 3-D Earth Spinner — DeKalb County Public Library (All Day)
• Alexandra Bracken & Silver in the Bone (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Yesterday was Maundy Thursday, observed by some people in that faith. Those who partake marked the new commandment Jesus gave, which is believed "that we love one another."(Wellroot Family Services via Facebook)
• Only once, approximately every 30 years, Easter, Passover, and Ramadan coincide. These are considered to be major holidays for three faiths that share a common ancestry. (Georgia Interfaith Power & Light via Facebook)
• One of DEF's first initiatives, when it was founded over 20 years ago, was to award Teacher Innovation Grants. Every fall, the award goes to teachers in pre-K to high school for new technology, equipment, experiences, and books. (The Decatur Education Foundation via Facebook)

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That's it for today! I'll see you around.

— 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