GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 1/21 – Published Friday 1/19
Henssler: 15
From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to your Georgia News Podcast. This podcast features stories compiled from the publications of Times Journal Inc.
Today is Sunday, January 21st, and Happy 83rd Birthday to golfer Jack Nicklaus.
***01.21.24 – BIRTHDAY – JACK NICKLAUS***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here is your top stories Georgia is talking about, presented by Drake Realty.
We’ll have these stories and more, coming up on your Georgia News Podcast and If you want community, local, and statewide news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!
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Story 1: Woman Charged with Manslaughter in Death of Six Flags Employee
Asia Danielle Hendricks, a 27-year-old Austell woman, is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and six counts of reckless conduct in connection with the October 2023 death of Andrea Crook, a Six Flags employee. The incident occurred when Hendricks was allegedly driving a van on the Six Flags Over Georgia grounds with multiple people, including two juveniles, in the cargo compartment without seatbelts or seats. Hendricks reportedly operated the van with the sliding door open, and during a left turn, Crook was ejected from the van, sustaining serious head injuries. Crook later died at Grady Memorial Hospital. Hendricks was arrested and released on $27,720 bond.
Story 2: 17-Year-Old Killed in Cherokee County Crash
A tragic single-vehicle crash in southeast Cherokee County claimed the life of 17-year-old William Sternot of Roswell. The incident occurred on Earney Road near Silver Fox Run, where Sternot's Mazda 3 left the roadway and collided with a tree. Deputies responded to the scene at approximately 7:48 p.m., and Sternot was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no other occupants in the vehicle, and the crash is currently under investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that speed may have been a contributing factor in the accident, according to Capt. Jay Baker of the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office.
Story 3: Morgan County jury finds man guilty of murder in truck stop shooting
A Morgan County jury found Charles Corbitt guilty of malice murder and felony murder in the shooting death of Taylor Dickens during a child custody exchange. Corbitt, 29, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole plus five years by Superior Court Judge Brenda Trammell. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Pilot Truck Stop on Eatonton Road, where a surveillance video showed Corbitt shooting Dickens four times after an altercation during the child exchange. Corbitt's claims of self-defense were refuted by the prosecution, who argued that he baited Dickens into the argument and intended to use his .357 revolver.
We’ll be right back.
Break: ESOG—Cardinal Cleaners
Story 4: Here's How Ga. Lawmakers Plan To Spend An Additional $5 Billion
Governor Brian Kemp's proposed budget for Georgia includes a $5 billion spending increase, with $2 billion designated for one-time expenses such as new dental and medical schools. Kemp's proposal for the upcoming budget year trims spending to $36.1 billion, citing a potential mild recession in the first half of the year. The Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) has faced scrutiny, with Director Candice Broce defending the agency's improvements and nearly eliminating the practice of housing foster kids in hotels. The Department of Human Services' budget sees a 0.6% increase, with funding for employee raises and a facility for sex trafficking victims. Kemp's budget also addresses pay raises for direct-support professionals assisting people with disabilities, providing $79 million for a $6-per-hour raise. Additionally, $29.2 million is allocated for public safety and infrastructure costs related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Story 5: Georgia HEART tax credit program exceeds expectations
Since 2017, the Georgia Rural Hospital Organization tax credit initiative has significantly improved the financial stability of rural hospitals and health outcomes in the state. The program allows taxpayers to contribute to eligible rural hospitals, enhancing their ability to provide essential medical care. In 2023, the program cap was increased from $60 million to $75 million, and Georgia taxpayers applied for the entire $75 million by mid-November. Through the Georgia HEART Hospital Program, taxpayers have contributed $367 million to rural hospitals, enabling them to expand and update services, purchase essential equipment, and enhance overall patient care. The program's impact has been vital to sustaining rural communities, and there is a call for its continuation beyond the current "sunset" date in 2024.
We’ll right back.
Break: GCPS – Ingles 5
Story 6: State agency heads outline spending plans for Georgia’s child welfare, safety-net, mental health
Lawmakers are reviewing Governor Brian Kemp's budget plans, which include a $5 billion spending increase, with a proposed $37.5 billion amended budget for the current year. The budget allocates about $2 billion for one-time expenses, utilizing the state's $16 billion reserves. The Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) faces scrutiny, with DFCS Director Candice Broce defending the agency's decisions. The 2024 budget includes funding for DFCS upgrades, employee raises, and anti-trafficking efforts. Additionally, the governor proposes a $6-per-hour raise for workers assisting people with disabilities, aiming to address workforce shortages. The budget also allocates funds for sports events and addresses the forensic backlog in the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
Story 7: State Economist Says If Georgia Experiences Recession It Will Be Mild
Georgia's state economist, Robert Buschman, informed lawmakers about the likelihood of a mild recession in the first half of the year, justifying Governor Brian Kemp's conservative revenue estimate. Buschman expressed concerns about lingering inflation, rising labor costs, higher mortgage rates, and office vacancy rates. Despite the state sitting on a surplus of over $16 billion, Kemp proposed a $37.5 billion amended budget with a $5 billion spending increase for the current year. The budget includes salary increases for teachers and state workers, school security, infrastructure projects, and tax cuts. Democrats question the spending level, advocating for more investment in healthcare and education.
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