NEWS BRIEFS: CleanSpark establishes scholarship for 5 at Gwinnett Tech

CleanSpark, Inc. of Henderson, Nevada (Nasdaq: CLSK), a sustainable bitcoin mining and energy technology company, has established a scholarship at Gwinnett Technical College for five students seeking an associate’s degree in computer sciences programing. 

The CleanSpark Scholarship for Technological Innovation covers full tuition and books for five students. Students were awarded the scholarship during their 2021 winter break. Each scholarship is worth $7,500.

The scholarships were granted as part of CleanSpark’s commitment to partnering with the communities in which it operates. The company has two mining operations in the Atlanta suburbs, including one in Gwinnett County. CleanSpark expects to invest $145 million in capital improvements and jobs at its Norcross facility in Gwinnett County over the next five years.

CleanSpark CEO Zach Bradford says: “We’re always looking for ways to be good citizens in our communities. The county has been so welcoming to us, so we wanted to give back and support the industries we believe in. We look forward to seeing what our scholarship recipients accomplish in the years to come.”

NOTABLE

Lawrenceville takes action following police investigation

The City of Lawrenceville has taken disciplinary action against two top police officers for inappropriate action regarding a female employee. It suspended Chief Tim Wallis for 10 days without pay, and the assistant chief, Myron Walker, will receive verbal counseling. Another police department member, Capt. Christopher Ryan Morgan, announced his unsolicited resignation from the City and retirement before the investigation was completed. 

In October 2021, City of Lawrenceville was made aware of internal sexual harassment, hostile work environment, and improper use of city property complaints in the Lawrenceville Police Department.  The city engaged a third party to investigate the claims. In consultation with the city Attorney, decisions related to all personnel matters were finalized on January 21, 2022.

In addition, the following immediate actions are being taken by the city:  

  1. Mandatory in-person training for Police Department employees as well as the entire City staff;
  2. A city-wide emphasis on redirection of staff to the personnel policy addressing workplace behavior and related expectations; and 
  3. A clear city-wide communication process for submission of confidential employee complaints.

City Manager Chuck Warbington said: “The City of Lawrenceville prides itself as an inclusive and safe workplace for all employees.  The workplace culture revealed through this investigation did not meet the standards of excellence expected of all departments in the City.  This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Jackson EMC Foundation awards grants to nonprofits

The Jackson EMC Foundation board of directors awarded $102,300 in grants during its January meeting, including $25,000 to agencies serving Gwinnett County.

  • $15,000 to St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lawrenceville, for its financial assistance program that provides funds for rent and mortgage to Gwinnett County families in crisis.
  • $10,000 to Palm House Recovery Center, in Athens, for its indigent services program for men and women throughout the Jackson EMC service area recovering from substance abuse.

Jackson EMC Foundation grants are made possible by the 204,791 participating cooperative members who have their monthly electric bills rounded to the next dollar amount through the Operation Round Up program.

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