🌱 Bus Driver Shortage + Upcoming Citizen's Law Enforcement Academy

Hey, everybody! It's Sunday in Cumming and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town. Let's dive in.

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First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 87 Low: 68.

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Here are the top three stories in Cumming today:

1. Applications are now being accepted for the upcoming Citizen's Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA) hosted by the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office. The academy, which offers hands-on training and law enforcement knowledge in a friendly environment, begins September 12 and runs for nine weeks meeting each Monday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. CLEA is open to all Forsyth County residents, employees and business owners age 21 and up and all instructors are FCSO employees. (Forsyth County Sherriff's Office)
2. Forsyth County Schools is in need of bus drivers as a shortage has caused logistical issues and delays in student transportation. Officials said the district is trying to fill 76 of its 419 bus driver positions. FCS has had to double drivers' routes and employ substitute drivers to fill the gap. Pay for bus drivers begins at $18.02 per hour with full-time benefits, paid time off, college scholarship opportunities and reduced rates for after-school care. (Forsyth County News).
3. With high school football kicking off next weekend in Forsyth County, a referee shortage could affect Friday Night Lights. There's 24 associations in the state responsible for officiating football games and Jeff Greene, secretary of Multi-County Football Officials Association, said his group is 15 officials short. The Georgia High School Association has asked some schools to move games to either Thursday or Saturday and some officiating groups are trading games to help alleviate the shortage. If you're interested in becoming a ref, no experience is needed. (Fox5)

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Today in Cumming:

• Georgia's Response to the Holocaust - Exhibit from the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust - Post Road Library (All Day)
• Looking for Beginner Level Youth String Players (1 p.m.)
• Art Market - StillFire Brewery (1 p.m.)
• Duluth Farmers & Artisan Market - Duluth Town Green (2 p.m.)
• Luke Latimer - StillFire Brewery (3 p.m.)
• Symphony Orchestra of North Georgia YOUTH ORCHESTRA (3:30 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is reminding motorists that even if they have a green light, they need to STOP for pedestrians in the crosswalk before turning left or right. Pedestrians have the right of way. (Forsyth County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Mashburn Elementary is offering after-school clubs. (Mashburn Elementary via Facebook)
• Whitlow Elementary is seeking applicants to be a part of the Robo Wolves, Vex IQ Competition Robotics Team. Applications are due by August 19. (Whitlow Elementary via Facebook)
• Interested in becoming a mentor in Forsyth County Schools? Check the link training dates and more information. (Shiloh Point Elementary via Facebook)
• Chattahoochee Elementary has several extracurricular opportunities for students in 3rd - 5th grade. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3s2vchf3 for more information. (Chattahoochee Elementary via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Forsyth County is looking for folks to join its Street Team, a group of volunteers who attend community events, man the booths and spread the word about the shelter and HSFC does. (Humane Society of Forsyth County, GA via Facebook)
• Coal Mountain Elementary is looking for volunteers for the 100 Mile Club to scan the runner's cards as they come around the track. Volunteers would need to be available from 7 - 7:40 a.m. Monday and Wednesdays. Email Coach Heath if you're interested. (Coal Mountain Elementary via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Family YMCA is waiving its joining fee through August 15. (Forsyth County Family YMCA via Facebook)
• Forsyth Central High School will host a meet and greet for FCHS families and students August 18 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. (Forsyth Central High School via Facebook)
• Vickery Creek Elementary is hiring cafeteria monitor positions. Please contact Kristan Riedinger for more information. kriedinger@forsyth.k12.ga.us / 770-346-0040 x 180134. (Vickery Creek Elementary via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Public Library is looking for teenagers interested in serving on a Teen Advisory Board (TAB). TAB is for teens in grades 6-12 that help plan and promote teen programs in the county's libraries. It's designed to help students gain leadership experience, help the community and meet new people. (Forsyth County Public Library via Facebook)
• Polo Fields Equestrian Center (5890 Polo Dr.) is accepting proposals for private organizations interested in providing complete management, maintenance and operational services of the stable building and equine programs. Proposals must be submitted by 2 p.m. on September 1. (Forsyth County Government)
• Forsyth County Government is hiring. Check out the opportunities available (Forsyth County Government)
• Rock Solid Brewing in Ball Ground will host a Teacher Appreciation Day Saturday, August 27, offering all teachers a $5 gift card with your order during the hours of noon - 6 p.m. (NextDoor).
• If you need help, get it! A new mental health hotline is now active. You can now call or text 988 to reach the Suicide Prevention Hotline and get the care you need 24/7. You can also visit 988lifeline.org/chat to chat with a caring counselor. This shortcut is not replacing the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255), but will serve as an easy alternative for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. (United Way Of Forsyth County via Instagram)
• Tickets are now available for the 18th Annual Bark & Boogie Ball. This is the premier fundraising event for the Humane Society of Forsyth County. The ball will be held Saturday, October 15 at 6 p.m. (Humane Society of Forsyth County, GA via Facebook)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Books--N--Bites with Karen White (August 18)
• Row For A Day! (August 20)
• Add your event

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— Phil Giltman

About me: I've lived in Cumming since 2010. I'm married with two kids, both in Forsyth County Schools. I consider myself a jack of all trades. I love solid news reporting, scoring baseball games, playing golf, watching movies, reading books, doing crossword puzzles, listening to music, competing in fantasy leagues, commissioning said fantasy leagues, playing poker, trying new foods, traveling, and hanging with friends and family. I appreciate you stopping by.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Cumming Daily? Contact me at phil.giltman@Patch.com