🌱 Duluth PD 1st Female Chief + City Hall Lights Supports Ukraine

Hey, people of Duluth! It's me again, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Duluth Daily.

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First, today's weather:

Cooler with periods of rain. High: 59 Low: 50.

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Here are the top three stories today in Duluth:

1. The City of Duluth has officially appointed its first female chief of police, to be sworn after the current chief, Randy Belcher, retires this July. Officials say Colonel Jacquelyn Carruth is a 25-year veteran of the Duluth Police Department who has "worked in almost every area of the department," and she will be the first woman to serve as chief in the department's 100-year history. Said the Duluth Police Department in a statement, "Col. Carruth plans to continue building on the solid foundation that Chief Belcher has already set in place." (FOX 5 Atlanta)
2. If you've passed by Duluth City Hall lately, you've probably noticed the blue and yellow lights adorning the outside of the building. Although these lights do look pretty, they're also there for a good reason: The City has adopted the colors of the Ukrainian flag to show its support for the nation during its ongoing war with Russia, and to show solidarity with Alex Matsota, a Duluth maintenance technician who is originally from Kyiv. Matsota moved to Duluth in 1998 but left relatives behind in Ukraine, who have now safely relocated to the western part of the country. He told The Atlanta Journal Constitution that he is "grateful that the city of Duluth ... [is] showing support for Ukraine and his family." (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
3. Making plans to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Gwinnett County? There are lots of fun events planned all over the county this week and weekend, including food and drink specials, live music performances, and even a Shamrock 5K in Suwanee. For some Celtic entertainment right here in Duluth, stop by Red Clay Music Foundry tomorrow at 8 p.m. to see Tuatha Dea, a "progressive Americana band with a rock edge" that performs Celtic and tribal music. (Gwinnettdailypost.com)

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Today in Duluth:

• Preschool Storytime At Gwinnett County Public Library - Duluth Branch (11:00 AM)
• Mingo (Music Bingo) At Poker Bar & Grill (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Local residents are asked to keep an eye out for Ciera Breland, an Indiana mother who disappeared from her mother-in-law's home in Johns Creek on Feb. 24. Click to see a photo of Breland, who may still be in the area. (Patch)
• Stressed about tax season? Dr. Cathy McCrary, assistant professor of accounting at Georgia Gwinnett College, has some important tips for local taxpayers. (Press Release Desk)
• Find your new Duluth home in the latest Patch real estate roundup! Check out these properties that have recently been listed for sale. (Duluth Patch)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! I'll see you soon.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.