From the Henssler Studio, Welcome to your Georgia News Podcast from the North Fulton Neighbor Today is Sunday May 21th and happy 70th birthday to “Mr. T” ***I Pity the Fool*** I’m Brian Giffin and here are your top stories Georgia is talking about, compiled this week from the Publications of Times Journal Incorporated, presented by Drake Realty Georgia churches have right to vote on leaving Methodists, Cobb judge rulesMorgan County man arrested after shooting through a wallAnd the Georgia Department of Driver Services launches digital drivers license We’ll have these stories and more on your Georgia News Podcast Commercial: Drake Church In a significant ruling, Cobb County Judge Stephen Schuster has declared that the United Methodist Church must allow 185 Georgia churches, including nine Cobb-based congregations, to vote on leaving the denomination. The decision was reached after a court battle between the churches and the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. The lawsuit was initiated due to a pause imposed by the conference, halting the process for local churches to separate from the UMC. Judge Schuster's ruling acknowledges the churches' right to call for a vote, marking a pivotal development in the ongoing dispute within the Methodist community. Thru the wall In a peculiar incident on Perryman Road in Buckhead, a deputy from the Morgan County Sheriff's Office responded to a "shots fired" complaint. Upon arrival, the deputy encountered Justin Jay Harvey, a 34-year-old resident of Buckhead, who was armed with multiple firearms. Harvey was carrying a long rifle in his hands, had two rifles strapped to his body, and had two handguns tucked into his waistband. The deputies, identified as Cameron Pound and Cameron Ptak, swiftly intervened and ordered Harvey at gunpoint to drop the weapons, which he complied with. The incident concluded a series of unusual reports, including Harvey's claims of being chased, hearing voices outside his residence, and firing several shots through the back wall of his house…..back in a moment Commercial: ESOG- Elon (Fulton) ESOG-60 (East Metro) DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore announced an exciting update from the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Georgia residents can now add their valid Georgia drivers license and ID to their iPhone and Apple Watch. This new feature allows them to securely present their digital drivers license and ID at select TSA security checkpoints, including those at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Georgia becomes the largest state to offer this capability, providing an easy, fast, and secure way for residents to present their identification without needing their physical card. To get started, residents need a readable Georgia drivers license or ID card and an iPhone 8 or later or an Apple Watch 4 or later with the latest software. Adding the drivers license or ID to Apple Wallet is a simple process, and the option will become available within 48 hours after setup. This innovative service highlights Georgia's commitment to staying at the forefront of emerging trends and providing convenience to its citizens and visitors.. We’ll be right back Commercial: Ingles 5 316 The State Transportation Board has granted approval for a series of improvements along Georgia 316, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance safety on the heavily traveled corridor between Lawrenceville and Athens. The board, in collaboration with the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA), has given the green light to the first phase of projects, which includes constructing grade-separated interchanges at the intersections of Georgia 316 with Bethlehem and Barber Creek roads in Barrow County. The Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) plans to issue a request for proposals from contractors in July, with the bidding process concluding in December. Construction is expected to commence in the fall of the following year. Additional projects are slated for Oconee County and Barrow County, encompassing further grade-separated intersections and overpasses. The joint resolution empowers the DOT to manage the procurement and oversee project execution, while SRTA will fund the work. The developments promise significant improvements for commuters along Georgia 316..…..final thoughts after this Art for Ukraine Buckhead Art & Company, an art gallery based in Atlanta, is hosting an exhibit called "HelpingUkraine.us" to support Ukrainian artists and local humanitarian relief organizations. The collection features 25 paintings and five sculptures by contemporary Ukrainian artists, with all artworks available for sale to the public until June 17. A portion of the proceeds will benefit both the artists and HelpingUkraine, a nonprofit that provides essential supplies to Ukrainian soldiers and citizens. Emory Morsberger, the founder of HelpingUkraine, established the organization after witnessing the ...
