M a r c h 2 4 , 2 0 2 2 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 5 , N o . 1 2
Review process for library books ignites passions at board session By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com
JAKE DRUKMAN/APPEN MEDIA
The Cumming City Council approved a new general liability insurance plan for the city at its March 15 regular meeting.
Cumming insurance costs rise 9.6 percent Council also considers golf carts on streets CUMMING, Ga. — The Cumming City Council approved a change to the city’s general liability, property and casualty insurance provider at its March 15 regular meeting. Cumming currently has insurance under The Travelers Company, with a premium of $326,250. If renewed, the
cost of the policy would rise 12 percent to $367,146. The council instead chose to pursue a policy with Selective Insurance, which quoted a premium of $357,676, a 9.6 percent increase from the city’s current insurance costs. The city also received a quote from Liberty Mutual Insurance with a $475,000 premium. Council members voted unanimously to approve the plan with Selective. The City Council also discussed, but did not vote on, amendments to the city’s alcohol ordinance and its policies regarding “personal transpor-
tation vehicles,” namely golf carts. The proposed alcohol ordinance changes could open up the rules on where residents could consume alcohol in the city. The change would allow residents to consume alcohol outside in areas approved by the city, so long as the cup or can sports a 3-by-5-inch fluorescent sticker identifying the vendor that sold the alcohol. The changes could also allow cigar shops to sell distilled spirits. Right
Good samaritan dies giving roadside aid
County revokes permit after sting operation
Get ready for summer with eight area camps
By JAKE DRUKMAN jake@appenmedia.com
► PAGE 2
► PAGE 3
See CUMMING, Page 6
► PAGE 7
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — After months of heated debate, Forsyth County Schools is taking a second look at its policies on books containing “sexually explicit” material. The move follows Georgia legislators’ introduction of Senate Bill 226 — the “Library Bill” — which would make it easier for parents to challenge books they consider “harmful to minors.” Up to this point, school librarians have had a choice in what goes on their shelves, but under SB 226, parents who believe school materials to be obscene would be able to report them to a principal or school administrator. The school official would then have 10 days to determine whether the materials should be banned, and if parents disagree with the ruling, they could appeal to the school board. Georgia legislators have until April 4 to decide whether SB 226 will become law.
See BOOKS, Page 5