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GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 12/22– Published Friday 12/19 From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to your Georgia News Podcast. This podcast features stories compiled from the publications of Times Journal. Today is Sunday, December 22nd and Happy birthday to the Bee Gees ***12.22.24 - BIRTHDAY – BEE GEES*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here is your top stories Georgia is talking about, presented by Drake Realty Georgia Power hiking rates Rising Student Anxiety Strains Counselors: ‘We Need More Resources’ Archer Aviation Completes Construction of Manufacturing Facility in Covington We’ll have these stories and more, coming up on your Georgia News Podcast and If you want community, local, and statewide news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! Commercial: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Geoff) Story 1: Georgia Power hiking rates Georgia energy regulators approved a 3.5% rate increase for Georgia Power customers, raising average residential bills by $5.48 per month starting January 1. This is part of a series of increases over the past few years, totaling over $40, partly due to new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle and rising fuel costs. Commissioner Lauren McDonald supported the increase but expressed concern about its timing amid easing inflation. Georgia Power's lawyer, Brandon Marzo, stated the hike is necessary due to ongoing investments. Story 2: Rising Student Anxiety Strains Counselors: ‘We Need More Resources’ School counselors in Georgia are seeking more support as student anxiety and emotional struggles rise. Amanda Johnson, a counselor at Armuchee Primary School, highlights the urgent need for mental health resources and reducing stigma. The American School Counselor Association recommends one counselor per 250 students, but current ratios are much higher, with Johnson serving 500 students and Candace Hammond at Pepperell High School handling 430 students each. Previously funded by CARES Act, mental health initiatives are now underfunded. Despite partnerships with local health organizations, resources remain insufficient. Counselors also educate parents and teachers to better support students. Story 3: Archer Aviation Completes Construction of Manufacturing Facility in Covington Archer Aviation Inc. has completed its 400,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, ARC, in Covington, Georgia, adjacent to Covington Municipal Airport. The facility will produce the Midnight eVTOL aircraft, with production starting in early 2025 and aiming for two aircraft per month by year-end. Archer plans to manufacture 650 aircraft annually by 2030, in partnership with Stellantis, which provides capital and expertise. The facility represents a $118 million investment and aims to transform urban travel with sustainable, low-noise aircraft. Governor Brian Kemp and Congressman Mike Collins praised the project for its innovation and job creation potential. We’ll be right back Break: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME (08.08.24 WHEELER OBITS_FINAL) Story 4: Longtime Day Care Worker Announces Retirement Betty Ann Tolbert, affectionately known as Ms. Betty, is retiring on December 20 after years of serving food and greeting children at daycares in Morgan County. With over 17 years of service, including 10 years at Little Tikes Early Learning Center and five years at Lemon Tree Academy Day Care, she has become a beloved figure. Known for her warm greetings and delicious meals, Ms. Betty is cherished by children and parents alike. Her retirement is bittersweet for the community, as she has been the heart of the daycare, bringing joy and energy to her interactions with the kids. Story 5: Trump names Herschel Walker to ambassador post President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Herschel Walker, a former University of Georgia football star and longtime friend, as U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas. Walker, who lost a 2022 Senate race to Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock, has been a successful businessman and advocate for youth sports. His friendship with Trump dates back to the 1980s when Walker played for Trump's USFL team. Walker joins other Georgians nominated by Trump, including former Sen. David Perdue and former Sen. Kelly Loeffler. All nominations require Senate confirmation, with Republicans set to control the Senate next month. We’ll be right back. Break: Ingles Markets 7 Story 6: Students K-12 Invited To Submit Their Most Fin-Tastic Artwork The International Fish Art Contest for 2024-25 is now open for students from kindergarten to grade 12 worldwide. Organized by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the contest encourages creativity and learning about fish through art and writing. Participants can enter the international contest or the Go Fish Georgia Award contest, creating hand-done illustrations of fish. Older students must also submit a creative writing piece. Top entries will be displayed at ...