The group PFAS Georgia says more than 250 tests of various water sources across that region show elevated levels of the PFAS chemical. This chemical, polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals that are found in many products and have been linked to health issues. PFAS are used in many products, including cookware, clothing, carpets, furniture, adhesives, paper packaging, paints, and firefighting foams. Experts, including the noteworthy paralegal and environmental activist Erin Brockovich, say that they began investigating in Northwest Georgia after receiving tips from local residents. Water tests so far, like the one conducted on Friday in the Dalton area, show that these forever chemicals are present in many northwest Georgia waterways up to a hundred times more than legally allowed. Ultimately, they say the responsibility lies with chemical companies who they say were not transparent about this danger and its impact on the environment. PFAS Georgia was scheduled to hold town halls in Chatsworth and Dalton over the weekend to further discuss this issue with residents.
Georgia election officials are requiring poll workers to tally the number of ballots by hand. The State Election Board voted 3-2 on Friday to approve the new rule, moving against the advice of the state attorney general’s office, the secretary of state’s office and an association of county election officials. The new rule requires that paper ballots be counted at each polling place by three separate poll workers until all three counts are the same. Opponents say the rule could delay election results. Some area election officials say they are also worried about putting additional burden on poll workers who have already worked a long day.
The Lady Rambler Flag Football Team has announced its fall schedule. The Lady Ramblers get started with games at home against Heritage tomorrow (Tuesday) night. Games are held just about every week through November 12th against area opponents including Dalton Academy, Mt. Paran, North Paulding, Fannin County, Allatoona, and North Atlanta. The Lady Rambler Flag Football team is coached by Josh James.
