Gwinnett Daily Post PodcastMystery Snails Are Invading Lake Lanier and State Officials Say They've Got to Go
GDP Script/ Top Stories for June 26th
Publish Date: June 26th
From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.
Today is Wednesday, June 26th and Happy heavenly Birthday to NBA HOF Willis Reed.
***06.26.24 – BIRTHDAY – WILLIS REED***
I’m Bruce Jenkins and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia.
- Mystery Snails Are Invading Lake Lanier and State Officials Say They've Got to Go
- Gwinnett Schools Budget Includes Higher Raises for Employees
- Clydesdales Appearance in Gwinnett Promises to Be Second to None
Plus, my conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Laura Lynn products.
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: MOG
STORY 1: Mystery Snails Are Invading Lake Lanier and State Officials Say They’ve Got to Go
Lake Lanier is facing an invasive species challenge with the emergence of the Chinese/Japanese Mystery Snail. Georgia Department of Natural Resources officials are concerned about this snail's presence, confirmed to be a reproducing population rather than an isolated case. The origin of these snails in Lake Lanier remains uncertain, but possibilities include their sale in food markets and ownership as pets, despite recent regulations against possessing them in Georgia. These snails pose ecological threats by displacing native species and economic risks by damaging boats and equipment, potentially hindering water access. DNR urges the public, especially anglers and boaters, to prevent further spread by ensuring boats and equipment are clean and by not releasing non-native species into Georgia's waters.
STORY 2: Gwinnett Schools Budget Includes Higher Raises for Employees
Gwinnett County Public Schools recently approved a $3.2 billion budget for fiscal year 2025, which includes substantial increases in teacher salaries beyond initial expectations. Originally slated for a $3,000 raise, teachers will now receive $4,000, reflecting additional state funding and community feedback. The budget also boosts the cost-of-living adjustment for other employees from 4% to 4.25%. This $32 million in new funding also supports initiatives like more instructional coaches, SAT For All program funding, graduation coaches, and enhanced resources for multilingual and ESOL programs. Additionally, the district plans a slight reduction in its property tax millage rate, pending public input at hearings scheduled for July.
STORY 3: Clydesdales Appearance in Gwinnett Promises to Be Second To None
The Budweiser Clydesdales, symbols of American tradition, will be in Norcross on July 5th. Their visit supports Folds of Honor, a charity providing educational scholarships to families of fallen service members. The majestic horses will be at B&W Burgers, Buns & Brews from 5-7 PM, with proceeds from Budweiser patriotic packaging sales benefiting the cause.
We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.
We’ll be right back
Break 2: TOM WAGES
STORY 4: Gates Scholarship paves way for Mountain View grad to pursue college dreams at UGA
Luke Vasquez, a recent graduate of Mountain View High School in Buford, has been awarded a prestigious Gates Scholarship from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Out of over 50,000 applicants nationwide, Vasquez was selected as one of 750 Gates Scholars. This scholarship will cover the cost of his undergraduate education at the University of Georgia, ensuring he graduates debt-free. Vasquez plans to study international affairs with aspirations of becoming an immigration attorney, inspired by his family's experiences with immigration. Beyond the Gates Scholarship, Vasquez has received numerous other honors and scholarships, reflecting his academic and extracurricular achievements in wrestling and community service.
STORY 5: Georgia Power expands Income-Qualified Discount
Georgia Power has expanded its "Income-Qualified Senior Discount" program to include more customers with limited incomes, effective since May 1 following approval by the Georgia Public Service Commission in December 2023. The program now benefits thousands more annually, offering a $33.50 monthly bill discount. Eligibility criteria include being 65 or older with a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, or HUD Section 8. Georgia Power aims to ensure access to affordable energy, offering additional income-qualified programs like EASE and partnering with community agencies for energy assistance. For details, visit Georgia Power’s website.
We’ll be back in a moment
Break 3: INGLES 8
And now here is my conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Laura Lynn products.
***LEAH MCGRATH***
We’ll have final thoughts after this.
Break 4: INGLES 9
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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