Paulding County, GA. On Wednesday, April 10, 2018 Detectives were made aware that the 6-year-old female victim from the accidental shooting on Monday had succumbed to her injuries. At this point, Detectives have made the determination that no charges will be filed in this case. Sheriff Gary Gulledge stated, “Our hearts break for this family and we hope God puts his healing hands around them during this difficult time.” Sheriff Gulledge also noted, “We want to remind everyone to keep their firearms unloaded and secured in an area away from children to ensure that this never happens again.”

This April the 4th of 2019 marks the 42nd anniversary of the crash of Flight 242 and 12 years the board and its president have pursued the funds to complete the monument. During these years some board members have changed, save a few including who remained dedicated. In continuing to pursue the cause, while speaking at the Paulding Rotary Club, Mrs. Waddell persuaded local businessman and lifelong county resident Art Ragsdale to accept an active role in the story.

Ten weeks down and two to go, as we work towards completion of the 2019 legislative session. With only five remaining legislative days, it’s crunch time on Capitol Hill, as we all work hard to pass our respective bills. Last week was eventful as we passed measures dealing with rural broadband, foster care, student-athlete safety, and public safety. We also passed a resolution to honor the sacrifices of our armed forces on behalf of our nation, state and citizens.

Monday, March 18, we resumed our legislative business on Capitol Hill for the tenth week of this year’s session. As we head into our last legislative days, we have been busy, diligently working to review and debate pending legislation. The last day, Sine Die, Latin for “without a further meeting,” is scheduled for Tuesday, April 2. Last week we passed several Senate bills out of the House chamber which are now on their way to Governor Kemp for further review.

The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) was investigating a hit and run incident in eastern Paulding County that occurred March 18 on Ga. Hwy. 120 near Fox Lane and the Cobb County line.

Paulding County will construct a Drug Task Force Facility for joint use of the Paulding and Haralson County Task Force Control Board. Paulding County Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 during their voting session last week to approve the construction and use agreement, with both counties contributing up to $250,000. According to the agreement Paulding County will own and maintain the facility after it’s built.

Sydney Branton of Winston, Madison Clevenger of Dallas, Andrew Hawkinson of Douglasville, Rian Philip of Fayetteville and Cassie Rich of Villa Rica have been selected to attend the 54th annual Washington Youth Tour, a once in a lifetime leadership experience made possible through the generosity of the electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) in Georgia, including GreyStone Power.

Paulding Deputies performed a traffic stop at the Top of the Ridge gas station which is located at the corner of Ridge Road and Cohran Store Road. As a result of the traffic stop, they discovered a large amount of illegal narcotics and a gun. Agents from the Haralson-Paulding Drug Task Force assisted with the case, leading to 5 arrests.

Some state lawmakers are proposing legislation that could impact not-for-profit hospitals including Paulding’s WellStar Hospital. In the current session, and following the lead of a House study committee, HB198 took a broad swipe at the restrictions known as Certificate of need, or CON.

For the remainder of the session, all Senate bills passing the House; House bills passing the Senate, will make their way to Governor Kemp for his final review and signature into law. This includes House Bill 316, which authorizes the purchase of new voting equipment to further secure our Georgia elections. Last week also brought the passage of numerous measures aimed at furthering access to quality healthcare within our state.