Mableton woman accused of intent to murder
Serina Renee Alexander, a 44-year-old woman from Mableton, has been charged with aggravated assault and intent to murder. She is accused of using a knife to cut the neck of Brian Byrd on July 30 at a residence on Charlotte Drive in Mableton. A responding officer found a blood trail leading to the front door and, after getting no response, entered the home and detained Alexander. Byrd had sustained a bleeding neck laceration and head wound. Alexander is facing charges of aggravated assault with intent to murder and obstruction of law enforcement. She was arrested on site and is currently held without bond in the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.
**Hiram man charged with shooting at police officers
Joahan Aragon, a 21-year-old Hiram man, has been charged with firing five 9mm rounds at police officers during their investigation of another incident. Armed with a Glock 17 pistol, Aragon allegedly fired at officers while also being in possession of 24 grams of marijuana with the intent to distribute. The incident took place on July 30 at 2750 S. Cobb Industrial Boulevard SE in Smyrna. Aragon struck a wall four times, and one shot was aimed at officers but missed the building. He had a black bag in his vehicle containing marijuana, a digital scale, plastic bags, and $965 in cash. Aragon faces charges including intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during a crime, and aggravated assault on a public safety officer. He was arrested on July 30, booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, and released on a $30,000 bond.
**University System of Georgia contributes more than $20 billion to economy
In fiscal year 2022, the University System of Georgia (USG) reported a total economic impact of $20.1 billion, marking an increase of $800 million or 4.14% from the previous year. This impact comprised $14.2 billion from direct spending by students, colleges, and universities, while the remaining $5.9 billion represented the multiplier effect benefiting local communities. The USG's 26 public colleges and universities significantly contribute to Georgia's economy by creating both on-campus (32%) and off-campus (68%) jobs, totaling 159,034 positions. The economic study, conducted by the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business, also revealed that USG institutions collectively generate an employment impact equivalent to the state's top five employers combined. Additionally, graduates of USG programs are projected to earn over $1.1 million more over their lifetimes for bachelor's degree holders and $1.4 million more for those with master's degrees, according to a companion study by Terry College's Selig Center for Economic Growth.
Report: Cobb growing slower than metro Atlanta
Cobb County experienced a population increase of 6,100 residents from April of the previous year to April of the current year, according to a report by the Atlanta Regional Commission. The county's population reached 785,349 on April 1, with a growth rate of 0.78%. This growth was slower than the broader 11-county metro Atlanta region, which grew by 1.3%. Over the past year, the fastest population growth was observed in Atlanta and the region's exurban counties, particularly Cherokee (2.5%), Forsyth (2.1%), and Henry (2.1%). The report suggests that metro Atlanta's population growth is attributed to strong employment opportunities, with a 5.4% increase in the employment base since the pandemic began.
Roller-coaster ‘hoteling’ of Georgia foster children at record low
Georgia's foster care system currently has only seven children "hoteling," according to the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), Candice Broce. "Hoteling" refers to temporarily housing foster children in state offices or hotels. This number has fluctuated, with a recent high of 95 children and a record low of seven as of Tuesday night. The state legislature allocated $10 million to address this issue in the fiscal 2024 budget. A bill was also passed to establish a uniform process for placing children in the custody of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). The DHS is launching a pilot program to aid families in accessing treatment and services. The reunification of children with their parents remains a primary goal for DFCS. The study committee plans to continue meetings to make recommendations for the upcoming legislative session.
KSU's economic impact exceeded $2 billion last year
Kennesaw State University (KSU) had a significant economic impact on Georgia, totaling over $2.03 billion in fiscal year 2022, which was a 10.3% increase from the previous year's $1.84 billion. The university, with 40,162 enrolled undergraduate and graduate students, is the third-largest in Georgia after Georgia State University and UGA. The University System of Georgia's report stated that KSU's economic contribution stemmed from various sources, including personnel and operating expenses, student spending, and community purchases driven by the institution, its employees, and students. KSU's employment of 15,917 individuals led to the creation of 2.8 additional jobs in the local community for each job on campus. KSU's president, Kathy Schwaig, highlighted the university's positive impact on the state's economy through academic programs, research, enrollment, and partnerships.
Kell's Brown commits to South Florida
CJ Brown, the 6-foot-2 point guard from Kell High School, has committed to playing college basketball at the University of South Florida. Brown, a three-star recruit, announced his commitment on social media, expressing gratitude for the offers he received from various college coaches. He will join South Florida's basketball program, which is now part of the American Athletic Conference. Brown was a key player in leading Kell High School to a 28-2 record and their first state championship. He will play under the coaching of Amir Abdur-Rahim, the former Kennesaw State coach who recently took over the South Florida program. Brown's commitment comes after receiving offers from several other schools, including Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Mississippi State.
Girls Cross Country Preview: Marietta in position to repeat as state champion
The Marietta girls cross country team is in a strong position, having secured their third consecutive state title with five titles in six years. Their success is attributed to a close-knit and hardworking team culture. The team's dominance was evident in their recent state championship win, scoring only 33 points with top placements. The majority of their runners remain young, with only one graduate out of the seven who competed in the state championship. Marietta's youth shone through last season, with notable performances from freshmen and sophomores. Their success has made them a consistent threat in the state, despite competition from rivals like Harrison and Walton. Overall, Cobb County has a strong presence in girls cross country, with several schools making significant impacts in state championships.
**Georgia ranked No. 1 in preseason coaches poll
The University of Georgia's football team, the two-time defending national champion, has secured the top spot in the 2023 preseason coaches poll. In the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll, Georgia received 61 out of 66 first-place votes. The Bulldogs, led by Coach Kirby Smart, will begin their season against Tennessee-Martin on September 2nd. Michigan holds the No. 2 position, its highest preseason ranking since the poll's inception in 1991. Alabama is ranked third, receiving four first-place votes, while Ohio State claimed the remaining one for fourth place. LSU stands at fifth, contributing to the SEC's strong presence in the top five.
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