by Robin Kemp

Here is your Monday roundup for January 25, 2021:

On Tuesday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m., the Morrow City Council holds its work session, followed by its regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. (the work session usually resumes after the regular meeting until 10 p.m. or so). The city is considering an intergovernmental agreement with the Clayton County Tax Commissioner to allow the county to collect city taxes. Studio nd has submitted a $5,000 estimate for conceptual plans for a light commercial retail development at 5936 Jonesboro Road at North Lake Drive. The city notes $20.250 in pending expenses for the annual Lunar New Year festival, among those “three big jugs” of hand sanitizer. The regular meeting agenda was not visible on the website at press time.

On Tuesday, January 26 at 5:30 p.m., the Clayton County Board of Commissioners will hold its work session. As of press time on Monday, no preliminary items for the February 2 regular meeting had been placed on the published agenda. The only work session item is a presentation from Lexi Morgan, who will give an update on Keep Clayton County Beautiful.

Also on Tuesday, January 26 at 6 p.m., Clayton County School Superintendent and CEO Dr. Morcease Beasley will give his annual State of the Schools address. This year, however, the address will be given virtually, not in person, due to COVID-19. The theme is “Building Equity and Compassion in a Culture of High Performance.” According to a press release from CCPS, “the 2020-2021 State of the Schools Address will provide all supporters and partners in education with important information about the state of affairs for Clayton County Public Schools. In addition, this presentation will highlight the many accomplishments made during this school year and future plans as efforts continue toward successful navigation through the COVID-19 pandemic.


Several Mattie’s Calls have been issued in the past couple of days. Anyone with any information on any of these missing persons’ whereabouts is asked to call CCPD at (770) 477-3747. If any of these people are found, please notify KempWrites@gmail.com so we can update the list:

Raven McGill, 16, has been missing since January 22, when she left her home in the 11000 block of Madison Drive in Hampton in a white car. Police say her destination is unknown. McGill is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall and 115 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. She was last seen wearing a gray hoodie, black pants, black and white shoes, and a black cap.

Michael Sylvester, 15, went missing on Sunday, January 24 from the 200 block of Upper Riverdale Road in Riverdale. He was last seen walking down Arrowhead Boulevard in Jonesboro. Sylvester is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall and 120 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing a red hoodie, black sweatpants, and black flip-flops. Police say he has been diagnosed with bipolar 2.

Jeremiah Jones, 21, has been missing since January 20 from the 1400 block of River Walk Drive in Jonesboro. Sylvester is described as a Black male, 5 feet 9 inches tall and 170 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing a black Puma t-shirt, blue jeans, a brown Dickies sleeveless jacket, a green cap, and brown Tommy Hilfiger boots. Police say he has been diagnosed with bipolar and manic depression.

George Hatcher, 79, went missing from the 300 block of Windemere Way in Jonesboro. Hatcher, who police say has been diagnosed with dementia, high blood pressure, and diabetes, drove off in his 2005 black Nissan Pathfinder SUV, Georgia tag AXG 6860. Hatcher is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall and 202 pounds. He is bald and has black eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark blue shirt, blue pants, and gray sneakers.


State Representative Mike Glanton (D-Jonesboro) has been reappointed as Vice Chairman of the Georgia House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education. Glanton also will be serving on the Public Safety and Homeland Security, Defense and Veterans Affairs, and Education Committees. “I am grateful to Speaker Ralston and the Committee on Assignments for allowing me to continue to serve in this capacity for another two years,” Glanton said in a press release. “Working to provide better educations and brighter futures to our youth has been one of my greatest privileges as the Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education. I am ready to get to work this session to restore and increase critical state funding for our school systems and teachers.” The committee works on drafting education budget items and hears legislation related to state expenditures and revenues for grades pre-K through 12.

On Thursday, January 28 at 8 a.m., the Georgia First Amendment Foundation holds its annual Legislative Breakfast online. Panelists will will discuss First Amendment issues to watch in the 2021 General Assembly session, as well as how COVID-19 is impacting Georgians’ right to know what their elected officials are doing at all levels of government. For more information or to register, visit gfaf.org.

Got something to add? Did we miss something? Text or call (404) 547-1171 or e-mail KempWrites@gmail.com with details!

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