WGAA 1340AM Cedartown

Cedartown High School Running Back, Nick Chubb

You’re a pretty big deal if you’re a high school junior and Mark Richt stops by to see you three weeks from signing day.

Cedartown High School’s Nick Chubb is a pretty big deal.

He’s likely the state’s No. 1 prospect at running back for 2014.

Richt stopped by Cedartown on Monday in between visits to Walton and Kell high schools, among other places.

“It went good,” Chubb told the AJC. “He came up to see me. We didn’t talk much but he just wanted me to know that they’re interested in me.”

“It always means a lot when a head coach comes by to see you.”

The 5-foot-11, 210-pounder holds early scholarship offers from Georgia Tech, Ohio State, Tennessee and Purdue. After proving himself at last month’s RisingSeniors game, Chubb also talked with UGA running backs coach Bryan McClendon.

“The last time I talked with (McClendon), he said to consider myself ‘offered,’” Chubb said. “But they haven’t done it officially yet because they’re finishing up with the 2013 class.”

How does Chubb feel about Georgia? “I like Georgia. I like them a lot.”

What about Georgia Tech? “I like them, too. I like every school that is interested in me.”

Chubb said Richt was the first coach to stop by his school during the current NCAA contact period, and that Georgia Tech may be by there later this week.

Chubb plans to make unofficial visits to Georgia Tech on Jan. 20, Alabama on Jan. 26, and Ohio State on Feb. 10.

The District has completed 41.67% of the fiscal year as of November 2012. Revenues were 6.18% less  than expected. Expenditures were 1.26% less than projected. The general fund balance was $414,104.33. Interest earned for the month was $94.18  funds invested at .07%. The Balance in the State Reimbursement RMS and VES Account is $246,198.04. The Balance in the 2008 Construction Account is  $1,022,675.63. The Balance in the SPLOST III account is $250,995.24. SPLOST proceeds reported for November were $402,747.97. The Balance in the SPLOST IV account is $4,225,308.35.

Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens has signed an order finalizing new rules that will require all insurance companies who sell individual health policies in Georgia to also offer “Child-Only” individual health coverage beginning January 1, 2013.

“Georgia consumers who want to provide healthcare coverage for their children can begin the process during the open enrollment period of January 1-31,” Commissioners Hudgens said. “To guarantee that children get the quality medical care they need, I encourage parents and guardians with uninsured children to consider purchasing this coverage. ”

A “Child-Only” plan is a type of policy that can be purchased by parents that are uninsured, whose employers do not offer health coverage to dependents, or who have had a qualifying event such as loss of coverage due to job change. A legal guardian can also purchase this type of policy if they are insured by Medicare.

House Bill 1166, which established “Child-Only” policies, was an effort by the Georgia Legislature to assist parents with children under age 19 who are not currently covered, and who do not have access to creditable health insurance coverage. The bill was sponsored by Representative Alex Atwood.

“This was a common sense, free-market initiative that received overwhelming bi-partisan support,” said Rep. Alex Atwood. “I am honored to have authored legislation that will provide hard-working Georgians with an additional insurance option for their children.”

Coverage for this healthcare plan will begin on March 1, for persons applying during the January open enrollment period. Insurers are required to offer guaranteed issue during this period even if a child has a pre-existing condition. Children with loss of coverage due to qualifying events after January 2013 may also be eligible for special enrollment.

Commissioner Hudgens recommends parents and guardians to contact their local health insurance agent directly to inquire about enrollment during the month of January. Anyone with questions about the open enrollment process may also contact the Department toll-free at 800-656-2298. Calls are taken Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The open enrollment period for the “Child Only” policy is January 1-31, 2013.

A daycare teacher in Paulding County has been arrested for hiring someone to kill her ex-husband. Melissa Silvers, 48, thought she was hiring a hit man, however, the hit man was an undercover agent. Silvers was arrested at Lost Mountain Academy Daycare. Silvers has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and is in jail without bond.

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is clearing a path for travelers this holiday season by lifting lane closures over the extended Christmas and New Year’s travel period. GDOT announced today that all scheduled and ongoing construction-related lane closures in Northwest Georgia would be suspended for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The suspension will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 and continue until midnight Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013.

Georgia highway safety officials are urging motorists to take extra care this holiday season.

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety says the state is on track to experience an increase in fatalities for the first time in six years. If fatalities continue at their current rate, the state will surpass last year’s total of 1,226 deaths on the roadways.

State highway officials always reinforce their zero tolerance policy for impaired driving during the holiday season. This year, they want people to be extra careful to avoid an increase in fatalities.

The state’s annual Operation Zero Tolerance campaign begins Friday and lasts through New Year’s Day.

The Ga. Department of Agriculture is now taking applications\ for the Ga. Agriculture Tax Exemption or “GATE”, recently created by the Legislature. It offers qualified AG producers a sales tax exemption on equipment and production inputs, including energy used in production of AG products. The program will replace the AG certificate exemption form, effective January 1st. Applications are now available online at AGR.Georgia.gov. There is a $20 fee for online applicants and a $25 fee for those mailed. For more information call 1-800-FARMTAX.

The Georgia Department of Transportation will suspend all construction related lane closures on interstate highways and primary state roads in Northwest Georgia from noon on Wednesday, November 21st through 9 p.m. on Sunday, November 25th. The D.O.T. reminds travelers to exercise caution as heavy holiday traffic is expected throughout the state.

Georgia voters should be reminded that you need to bring a valid photo I.D. such as a driver’s license to vote. You can view a sample ballot or find where you vote at www.mvp.sos.state.ga.us. There are two proposed amendments on the ballot -1- Shall the constitution be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities -2- Shall the constitution be amended to provide for a reduction in the state’s operating costs by allowing the Gen. Assembly to authorize certain state agencies to enter into multi year rental agreements.

LakePoint Sporting Community & Town Center, Emerson, will officially break ground today at 1 p.m. at 755 Highway 293. Many sports legends and elected officials will attend including former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox, current Brave’s manager Fredi Gonzales, Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost and Gov. Nathan Deal. Initially 2,400 jobs are expected with more jobs upon completion of the project. This is the largest construction project in Ga. since the West Point Kia plant. LakePoint will host three major tenants including Perfect Game USA, LB3 Lacrosse and North Atlanta Soccer Association. Construction of the nearly $1 billion development will begin mid winter of 2013.