🌱 Atlanta Schools Returning Virtually + Tornadoes in Metro ATL

Atlanta GA

01 January, 2022

5:27 PM

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Happy Sunday, people of Atlanta! Here's everything you need to know going on in Atlanta today. First, today's weather: A damaging thunderstorm. High: 65 Low: 38. Rent this space! Are you a local business owner or marketer in Atlanta? We want to start showcasing trusted businesses who can solve problems for our amazing local readers. Click here to learn more. Here are the top 5 stories today in Atlanta: Next week will be a virtual learning week for Atlanta Public Schools. After originally planning to return students to classrooms in person on Tuesday, Jan. 4, following Winter Break, APS changed course Saturday "after further review of district and community COVID-19 data." The current plan is to have students return to classrooms on Monday, Jan. 10, bringing APS in line with many other metro Atlanta school districts' temporary virtual learning plans for the return from holiday breaks. (11Alive.com WXIA)A confirmed tornado and a suspected tornado popped up without warning New Year's Eve, resulting in reports of minor injuries on the southeast edge of Atlanta. The National Weather Service in Atlanta confirmed a tornado touched down in Newton County, and a second possible tornado was reported by the Carroll County Sheriff's Office. The Newton County tornado flipped cars in a Chick-fil-A parking lot in Covington and damaged a middle school nearby. More thunderstorms with the potential to produce damage were in Saturday's forecast, according to the weather service. (Atlanta Patch)No one with the postal service in Atlanta has been on the road longer than Thomas Jackson. And, Friday, he went on his final route after 52 years on the job. During a retirement party at the Glenridge Drive post office, Jackson said his routes have been between 30 and 40 miles, five to six days a week, for 52 weeks a year. And he's going to miss it all. "The people, the kids, even the dogs!" said the mailman beloved by those on his route. One resident, Jenny Krivo, called Jackson "just an unbelievable person. Patient. Kind. And we always get our mail!" (WSB Atlanta)The Fulton County Elections Office is seeking citizens to work for the 2022 primaries and general election. The hours are 5:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. (9:30 p.m. for City of Atlanta General Election). Income earned as a poll worker will not affect government benefits such as social security or public aide and is not reported to the IRS unless you earn $600 or more per year as a poll worker. Poll workers must be at least 16 years old, be willing to work the stated hours, read and write English, have reliable transportation and be willing to serve. Prior to each General Election, face-to-face equipment training is also required, for which poll workers are paid $30 in addition to their flat rate two weeks after the election. More information: https://bit.ly/FultonCountyPollWorker. (Free: SecureVoteGa.com; Subscription: Atlanta Journal Constitution)The coronavirus pandemic impacted attendance at America's national parks, forcing many to close to combat the spread of the virus. But there was still good news in the great outdoors: When parks reopened, crowds of people desperate to safely enjoy nature came in record numbers, and many of them undoubtedly came from the metro Atlanta area. Of the country's 63 national parks, a number are relatively close to Atlanta, as this list compiled by Stacker shows. Before you head out, however, be sure to check with individual parks regarding ongoing, pandemic-related safety precautions at www.nps.gov/coronavirus (News-Daily.com) Today in Atlanta: Virtual Race Through Georgia - your choice of 1M 5K 10K 13.1 26.2 (9:00 AM) Fernbank 's Newest Exhibit, "Antarctic Dinosaurs," runs through today (10:00 AM) Piedmont Avenue's Saint Martin Lutheran Church Worship Service (10:30 AM) From my notebook: G O O D B Y E 2 0 2 1 . Can't say we're sad to see ya go! Happy New Year everyone. Here's to 2022 with the last sunset snap of 2021 from @piedmontpark via @smilinmarkwsb. #atlantasnaps" (Instagram) Happy New Year, ATL! 🍑 The Atlanta History Center hopes your 2022 is nothing less than peachy. (Instagram) The Atlanta Police Department wishes you and your family a happy, prosperous, and safe New Year. We hope 2022 will be the year that allows us to recognize and value each other's humanity. The 2021 Medal of Honor and Purple Heart award winner Officer Kuong Thai, 2021 Beyond the Badge winner Officer Benjamin Hopson, and Zone 5's top notch patrol officers K. Craddock, E. Buetow, C. Williams and J. Chester (now in the Public Affairs Unit), came together to show their after-work swag. These officers put their lives on the line each day to keep our city safe, it's nice to see them smile and dance. They earned it. In their down time, they are just like you, they like to have fun, dress up, meet with friends, spend time with family, listen to music, and celebrate life's moments. (Facebook) A son of Georgia, an Atlanta sports figure, and a heck of a coach. Thank you for the 1998 season and more. The Atlanta City Council will never forget coach Dan Reeves. (Facebook) Happy New Year! 🎉 Still haven't experienced the magic of Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden? There's still time to enjoy ATL's favorite holiday tradition at the lowest price of the season: https://bit.ly/GLHN2021 (Facebook) More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news! Events: Feeling Overwhelmed? Anxieties? Re-center yourself with Holistic Fitness for all levels! (January 8) Add your event Housing: EZ 100% No Down Payment Home Loans 2022 (Details) Add your listing Job listings: Atlanta College Jobs, Positions & Part Time Employment (Details) Add your job listing Loving the Atlanta Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved: Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe Get your local business featured in front of readers Send me a news tip or suggestion at [email protected] Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow for another update! — Kathy Cioffi