GDP Script/ Top Stories for December 20th
Publish Date: December 20th
From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.
Today is Friday, December 20th and Happy Birthday to Dick Wolfe
***12.20.24 - BIRTHDAY – DICK WOLF***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia.
State to lift ban on new irrigation wells
Jackson EMC Accepting Applications for $1,000 Walter Harrison Scholarship
Georgia Power hiking rates next month
All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe!
Break 1: 07.14.22 KIA MOG
STORY 1: State to lift ban on new irrigation wells
Georgia is lifting a decade-long moratorium on new irrigation wells in Southwest Georgia, effective April 1. Governor Brian Kemp announced that the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will accept applications for groundwater withdrawal permits, requiring drought-related measures to protect water supplies in the Lower Flint and Chattahoochee river basins. The moratorium, imposed in 2012 due to drought, was partially eased last year. Extensive research and improved water tracking technology have now enabled the EPD to confidently lift the ban. This decision follows a legal victory over water allocation disputes with Florida and Alabama.
STORY 2: Jackson EMC Accepting Applications for $1,000 Walter Harrison Scholarship
Jackson Electric Membership Cooperative is accepting applications for the Walter Harrison Scholarship, offering $1,000 for students attending Georgia colleges or technical schools. Eligible applicants must be enrolled or accepted at accredited institutions and reside in a household served by Jackson EMC. Evaluation criteria include financial need, GPA, SAT scores, academic standing, honors, and community involvement. Applications, due by January 31, 2025, can be obtained from school counselors or online. Annually, 15 scholarships are awarded by Georgia's electric cooperatives, honoring Walter Harrison's legacy in the cooperative movement. Since 1985, over $281,500 has been awarded to 292 students.
STORY 3: Georgia Power hiking rates next month
Georgia's Public Service Commission approved a 3.5% rate increase for Georgia Power customers, raising average residential bills by $5.48 per month. This is part of a series of hikes over recent years, totaling over $40 in increases, partly due to new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle and rising fuel costs. Commissioner Lauren "Bubba" McDonald expressed concern about the timing, given recent decreases in food and gas prices, but ultimately supported the increase. Georgia Power's lawyer, Brandon Marzo, stated the hike is necessary due to ongoing investments. The new rates will start on January 1.
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Break 2: 08.05.24 OBITS_FINAL
STORY 4: GCPS art educators earn state honors
Two educators from Gwinnett County Public Schools have been honored by the Georgia Art Education Association (GAEA) for their contributions to art education. Amber Arnold, a Fine Arts Instructional Coach, received the 2025 Supervision/Administration Art Educator of the Year Award, while Kelly Rollocks, an art instructor at Berkmar Middle School, was named the 2025 Outstanding Georgia Middle Art Educator of the Year. These awards recognize their exceptional service and commitment to visual arts education. The GAEA annually honors members nominated by peers and selected through a rigorous process, supporting art educators across Georgia.
STORY 5: Hebron Christian Wins 1st State Football Championship
Hebron Christian Academy's football team, under Coach Jonathan Gess, won their first state championship by defeating Prince Avenue Christian 56-28 in the Class AAA-A Private final. This victory marks a significant achievement in Gess's third year, following a previous loss to Prince Avenue. The Lions dominated with a strong ground game, led by quarterback Thomas Stallworth and running back Devon Caldwell. Hebron's defense also excelled, limiting Prince Avenue's offense. Gess, previously successful at Eagle’s Landing Christian, has rapidly transformed Hebron into a competitive program, promising more future successes.
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STORY 6: AROUND TOWN: Gwinnettians Honored For Dedication To Preserving County's History
This edition highlights several notable achievements in Gwinnett County. Five individuals and organizations were inducted into the Preservation Hall of Fame for their efforts in preserving the county's history. Commissioner Jasper Watkins III received the 2024 ASHP/ABHP Joint Leadership Award for his commitment to public health and health equity. State Sen. Nikki Merritt was elected chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, focusing on advocacy for minority communities. Additionally, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton celebrated the birth of its 10,000th baby, marking a significant milestone in its maternal care services.
STORY 7: Trump names Herschel Walker to ambassador post
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Herschel Walker, a former University of Georgia football star and longtime friend, as U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas. Walker, who lost a 2022 Senate race to Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock, has been a prominent advocate for youth sports and previously served as co-chair of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. Trump's nominations also include other Georgians like former Sen. David Perdue for ambassador to China and former Sen. Kelly Loeffler for the Small Business Administration. These nominations require Senate confirmation, with Republicans set to control the Senate next month.
Break 4: Ingles Markets 5
Signoff –
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com
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