Georgia Today: Snow; Barrow schools' new security measures; Kemp recommends more prison funding

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Episode: Snow; Barrow Schools' New Security Measures; Kemp Recommends More Prison Funding
Release Date: January 10, 2025

Hosted by Orlando Montoya and produced by Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) News, this episode of Georgia Today delves into a range of pressing issues affecting the Peach State. From unprecedented winter weather to significant developments in education and criminal justice, the episode provides comprehensive coverage enriched with expert insights and firsthand accounts.

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1. Unprecedented Snowstorm Blankets Georgia

The episode opens with a rare winter storm sweeping across North Georgia, bringing substantial snowfall to the region. The National Weather Service reported:

• Downtown Atlanta: 3.5 inches of snow
• Stone Mountain: 4 inches of snow

Orlando Montoya (00:06) highlights the widespread impact:

"Snow and ice were likely to accumulate across the region today, making roadways treacherous."

Impact Highlights:

• Over one million public school students faced snow days or shifted to online learning.
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport experienced the cancellation of more than 1,000 flights.
• A Delta Air Lines flight to Minneapolis had to take off under challenging conditions, resulting in four passenger injuries. Delta confirmed that weather was not a direct factor in the incident.
• Electric utilities reported over 1,000 customers without power, with expectations of further outages due to ongoing icy conditions.

Expert Insight: Will Langston, a meteorologist at the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), emphasized safety measures:

"Leaders at GEMA thanked drivers for staying off the road this morning, allowing emergency vehicles to have easy access to roads and streets." (01:29)

Langston urged continued caution:

"Georgians to continue to stay home this evening and tomorrow morning as ice accumulates." (01:37)

Additional concerns include potential power outages from increasing wind gusts, with some icy conditions expected to persist until Sunday (02:02).

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2. Governor Brian Kemp Proposes $372 Million for Georgia Prisons

In response to critical assessments of the state's correctional facilities, Governor Brian Kemp unveiled a plan to inject an additional $372 million into strengthening Georgia's prison system.

Grant Blankenship (02:16) reports that the proposal stems from reports by external consultants and the federal Department of Justice, both highlighting a shortage of correctional officers. Key recommendations include:

• Salary Increases:
  • Correctional Officers: Average salary raised to approximately $48,000 annually.
  • Behavioral Health Counselors: College-educated professionals to receive similar salary adjustments.

During a hearing, Senator John Albers (03:05) questioned the adequacy of the proposed salaries for positions requiring higher education degrees:

"Senator Albers wondered if that's good enough for requiring someone to have a bachelor's and many cases, a master's degree."

Grant Blankenship notes that the proposed salaries may still be considered low by some stakeholders, and emphasizes that the General Assembly must approve the funding before any changes take effect (03:05).

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3. Barrow County Schools Implement New Security Measures

In the wake of a recent incident where a student brought a gun to Apalachee High School, Barrow County Schools is accelerating the installation of weapons detection systems across all high schools.

Chase McGee (03:17) details the swift action taken by the school board:

"County School board members approved the system's purchase at a special called meeting last night."

Board Chair Lisa Malouf (03:26) addressed the urgency:

"This was planned for in a few weeks... But in light of the recent events, we have moved this meeting to tonight."

The decision underscores the district's commitment to enhancing school safety, particularly at Apalachee High School, the site of last year's tragic shooting where a 14-year-old shooter killed four individuals.

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4. Fani Willis Seeks Review in Georgia Election Interference Case

Orlando Montoya (04:05) covers the latest legal maneuvers by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who has petitioned Georgia's Supreme Court to revisit a lower court's decision that disqualified her from prosecuting the election interference case involving former President Donald Trump and others.

The Georgia Court of Appeals had ruled that Willis's prior romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor leading the case, created an "appearance of impropriety" (04:05). In her petition, Willis aims to overturn this ruling and continue her role in the high-profile investigation.

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5. Tributes and Funeral Services for Former President Jimmy Carter

The episode poignantly covers the six-day funeral services for former President Jimmy Carter in his hometown of Plains, Southwest Georgia.

Sophie Gradas (04:54) describes the heartfelt preparations:

"Florist Sherry Gurland began freshening up a memorial for Jimmy Carter... straightens up a packet of Georgia peanuts placed atop the plaque."

Carter's services attracted thousands of visitors, including individuals of all ages, reflecting his enduring legacy and beloved status in the community. Highlights include:

• A private ceremony at Maranatha Baptist Church, marked by a military flyover (05:08).
• Supporters braving freezing weather to honor Carter's memory, culminating in his burial surrounded by family (05:47).
• Sophie Gradas quotes a supporter emphasizing Carter's impact:

"He saw the common good and he saw us as equal. So his work has spawned... it's a well done job." (05:47)

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6. Business Developments: Major Acquisitions, Labor Agreements, and Economic Outlook

The business segment of the episode reveals significant economic activities and forecasts affecting Georgia's economy.

Major Acquisitions:

• Flowers Foods Acquisition:
  Orlando Montoya (06:17) reports that Thomasville-based Flowers Foods is acquiring Chicago-based Simple Mills in a deal valued at nearly $800 million. Flowers Foods, known for brands like Nature's Own and Dave's Killer Bread, will expand its portfolio with Simple Mills' range of crackers, cookies, and baking mixes.

Labor Agreements:

• Longshoremen Contract:
  The resolution of a potential three-day strike by US longshoremen at the ports of Savannah and Brunswick ensures continued operations, avoiding economic disruptions witnessed in October.

Infrastructure Projects:

• Atlanta Drinking Water System Assessment:
  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded an $800 million contract to engineering firm HDR for a comprehensive evaluation of Atlanta's aging water infrastructure. This initiative follows last summer's major water outage affecting thousands of residents and businesses (06:17).

Economic Outlook: Benjamin Payne (07:36) shares insights from Ben Ayers, Dean of UGA's Terry College of Business:

"Georgia would add fewer jobs than it did last year, but at a higher rate than the US Overall."

Key points include:

• Continued but moderated business growth, particularly in home building and health services.
• Anticipated decline in mortgage rates due to expected Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
• A projected 25% chance of a recession in 2025, slightly above average odds (08:05).

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7. Remembering Charles Person, the Youngest Original Freedom Rider

The episode concludes with a tribute to Charles Person, the youngest of the original 13 Freedom Riders and an Atlanta native who recently passed away at 82.

Orlando Montoya (08:22) recounts Person's legacy:

"They might even spit on you... But I think we were prepared."

Person, a Vietnam War veteran and retired U.S. Marine Corps member, courageously participated in the 1961 Freedom Rides into Alabama, facing violent mobs and systemic racism. His contributions to civil rights were highlighted in a memorial speech delivered at Emory University, emphasizing the innate bravery and foresight of the Freedom Riders.

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Conclusion

This episode of Georgia Today offers a thorough examination of significant events and developments within Georgia, blending weather reports, political updates, educational reforms, and heartfelt tributes. The inclusion of expert commentary and personal stories provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the issues shaping the state.

For more detailed coverage and updates on Georgia's latest news, subscribe to Georgia Today and stay informed with GPB News.

Transcript

[Orlando Montoya]

Hello and welcome to the Georgia Today podcast from GPB News. Today is Friday, January 10th. I'm Orlando Montoya. On today's episode, Barrow county schools take new security measures after last year's deadly shooting. Governor Brian Kemp recommends more funding to strengthen Georgia prisons and Georgians wake up to a rare blanket of snow. These stories and more are coming up on this edition of Georgia Today. Snow is blanketing north Georgia after a rare winter storm this morning. The National Weather Service reports the greatest snowfall amounts were around Metro Atlanta, including 3 1/2 inches in downtown Atlanta and 4 inches at Stone Mountain. Snow and ice were likely to accumulate across the region today, making roadways treacherous. More than a million public school students got a snow day or were at home. Learning online More than 1,000 flights were canceled today at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Four passengers were injured after a Delta Air Lines plane bound for Minneapolis boarded takeoff from atl. Delta said it was unclear whether the weather had anything to do with the incident. Electric utilities were reporting more than 1,000 customers without power. Emergency management officials warned that number could increase with more ice and winds. GP Sarah Kalis has more on how the state is managing the wintry conditions.

[Will Langston]

Leaders at the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, or gema, thanked drivers for staying off of the road this morning, allowing emergency vehicles to have easy access to roads and streets. GMA meteorologist Will Langston urged Georgians to continue to stay home this evening and tomorrow morning as ice accumulates.

[Orlando Montoya]

If we do see some of that ice accumulation occurring on the roads or if we see some of the liquid.

[Benjamin Payne]

That'S falling freeze later because the temperatures.

[Orlando Montoya]

Aren'T getting much above freezing, that would.

[Benjamin Payne]

Make the roads that much more difficult to drive on.

[Will Langston]

Power outages are possible as wind gusts move into Georgia, Langston said. He also noted that some parts of the state may see ice stick around until Sunday. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kalis in Atlanta.

[Orlando Montoya]

Governor Brian Kemp has released a plan to spend an additional $372 million to strengthen Georgia prisons. GPD's Grant Blankenship has that story.

[Grant Blankenship]

The recommendations flow from a report compiled for the state by outside consultants. Both it and a report by the federal Department of Justice found there are not enough correctional officers to safely run Georgia prisons. So among the first recommendations Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Tyrone Oliver presented to Georgia House and Senate Appropriations Committee was a request to raise the average correctional officer salary to about $48,000 a year. Oliver would also like to raise salaries for college educated behavioral health counselors to the same amount. In the hearing Senator John Albers wondered if that's good enough for requiring someone.

[Orlando Montoya]

To have a bachelor's and many cases, a master's degree.

[Grant Blankenship]

That's a pretty low salary. The recommendations will have to be acted on by the General assembly before Georgia prisons see any new money. For GPP news, I'm Grant Blankenship in Macon.

[Orlando Montoya]

Barrow county schools will install weapons detection systems at all of its high schools as early as next week. GP's Chase McGee reports.

[Chase McGee]

County School board members approved the system's purchase at a special called meeting last night. Board Chair Lisa Malouf addressed the meeting's timing a day after a student brought a gun to Apalachee High School.

[Sophie Gradas]

This was planned for in a few weeks as we had talked and presented our schedule of bringing this to you months ago. But in light of the recent events, we have moved this meeting to tonight.

[Chase McGee]

Apalachee High School is the same school where a 14 year old shooter killed four people last September. For GPB news, I'm Chase McGee.

[Orlando Montoya]

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has asked Georgia's highest court to review a lower appeals court's ruling that removed her from the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump and others. The Georgia Court of Appeals last month ruled that Willis and her office could not continue to prosecute the case because of a, quote, appearance of impropriety created by a romantic relationship she had with the special prosecutor in the case, Nathan Wade, whom she had hired to lead the case. In a petition filed this week, Willis asked the Georgia Supreme Court to review and reverse that decision. Six days of funeral services for former President Jimmy Carter ended in Carter's beloved hometown in southwest Georgia yesterday. GP's Sophie Gratis was there.

[Sophie Gradas]

Early Thursday, florist Sherry Gurland began freshening up a memorial for Jimmy Carter in the middle of downtown Plains, getting rid of some of the flowers that had frozen and died. She straightens up a packet of Georgia peanuts placed atop the plaque.

[Orlando Montoya]

They actually wanted us to remove everything. And I'm like, no, no, no, this is, this is sentimental.

[Sophie Gradas]

Jimmy Carter's funeral started and ended in Plains, which has welcomed thousands of visitors for the ceremonies from all over and of all ages. Like 9 year old Orion, the nicest man on earth and this. And the big print says in honor of Jimmy Carter. By sunset, a private service began at Maranatha Baptist Church, where Carter regularly taught Sunday school. Carter's official arrival to the church was marked by a military flyover. Lining the streets all day were people who loved him, like Plains native Tracy.

[Orlando Montoya]

Stewart, because he saw the common good and he saw us as equal. So his work has spawned and at the end result, it's a well done job.

[Sophie Gradas]

Supporters of the Carter family and the people of Plains braved freezing weather to watch the motorcade depart after delays in ceremonies. During the day, Carter was buried in a private ceremony at his longtime home surrounded by family. For GPB News, I'm Sophie Gradas in Plains.

[Orlando Montoya]

A South Georgia producer of packaged baked goods is acquiring a snack food company in a deal valued at nearly $800 million. Thomasville based Flowers Foods said yesterday that it's buying Chicago based Simple Mills. Flowers Foods is the name behind brands including Nature's Own and Dave's Killer Bread. Simple Mills produces crackers, cookies and baking mixes. US Longshoremen reached a contract agreement with ports and shippers yesterday, averting a potential strike that could have damaged the economy. A three day strike back in October briefly stopped work at the Georgia ports of Savannah and Brunswick. The U.S. army Corps of Engineers has awarded an $800 million contract for a comprehensive assessment of Atlanta's drinking water system. The agency said this week that engineering firm HDR will produce a report to guide improvements to the aging system. This comes after a major water outage last summer affected thousands of Atlanta residents and closed many businesses. Days. Business forecasters in Georgia expect the new year to bring a gradual slowdown to the state's economy. GEP's Benjamin Payne reports from Savannah.

[Benjamin Payne]

Robust growth, but slower than last year. That was the message from Ben ayers, dean of UGA's Terry College of Business, at an annual economic outlook conference this week. Speaking to business leaders at the Savannah Convention center, he said Georgia would add fewer jobs than it did last year, but at a higher rate than the US Overall.

[Orlando Montoya]

Most types of businesses in our state will continue to hire with the fastest growth in home building and health services. Home building because we do expect that mortgage rates will fall at least a little.

[Benjamin Payne]

And that, he said, is due to more interest rate cuts expected this year from the Federal Reserve. Ayres projects a 25% chance we'll see a recession in 2025, slightly higher odds than typical years. For GPB News, I'm Benjamin Payne in Savannah.

[Orlando Montoya]

The youngest of the original 13 Freedom Riders has died. Atlanta native Charles Person was a Vietnam War veteran who retired from the U.S. marine Corps in 1981. He spoke at Emory University last year about his 1961 rides into Alabama, where he and other riders were met by a violent mob of more than 100 people. They might even spit on you. And the worst, of course, was to put a cigarette out on you. Why were we naive? How could we have anticipated what was going to happen to us when we got to Alabama? But I think we were prepared. Charles person was 82 years old. And that's it for this edition of GEORGIA today. I appreciate you tuning in today, especially since you have lots of choices in podcasts out there. But you'll always stay informed with Georgia news by listening to this podcast and especially hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode. If you have feedback for us, send that our way@georgia todayp.org and as always, keep up with the latest Georgia news by going to gpb.org news I'm Orlando Montoya. Peter Biela will be back on Monday. Have a great weekend.

[Chase McGee]

We could all use a little help navigating the news these days. The Consider this Podcast wants to give you a hand. Six days a week will help you make sense of the day's biggest news story and what it means for you. In less than 15 minutes. Listen now to the Consider this Podcast from NPR.