🌱 AWARE Saves Bald Eagle + Local Fest Of Fishes + Self-Checkout Bust

Good Friday morning to all of you! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Loganville-Grayson Daily, giving you a glimpse at the news for our community today. Including updates on:

• The short supply of over-the-counter medicines in Georgia has pharmacists concerned as some customers continue to stockpile.
• Local father receives new hearing that will present evidence that could set him free after serving over 20 years for the death of his son.
• Gwinnett County warming stations are open now, so look out for your neighbors and point those in need in the right direction.

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But first, today's weather:

Well... it's very cold, but it's sunny! With a high of only 22, it's going to feel colder as the winds will be picking up and taking us down to a low of 9, yes that's 9 degrees. So, bundle up, and stay safe.

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Here are the top stories in Loganville-Grayson today:

1. Exciting milestone reached this week for new local restaurant franchise, Huey Magoo's. Yesterday, DAD's Tenders franchise group, opened its fourth Huey Magoo's in nearby Flowery Branch, making this the 40th Huey Magoo's Restaurant to open! There is a location in Loganville and another one right down the road in Dacula. The group prides itself on being an employer that focuses on a culture of family that supports one another and grows as a team. They want to create a unique energy that spreads to the communities they serve. Huey Magoo's offers all natural grilled and fried chicken tenders, salads, sandwiches, and wraps. (What Now Atlanta)
2. Gwinnett father, Danyel Smith, was sentenced to life in prison over two decades ago for the shaken-baby death of his son. Smith's lawyers filed an extraordinary motion for a new trial, in May of 2021, citing a sworn statement by Dr. Saadi Ghatan. The pediatric neurologist stated that Smith's son, Chandler, died of natural causes related to his premature birth and seizures. After the Gwinnett District Attorney's Office opposed the motion, then Superior Court Judge Ronnie Batchelor, dismissed the case without a hearing. The case has now been reviewed by the Georgia Supreme Court, and in a unanimous ruling, Georgia's highest court has said that dismissing the motion was wrong. Because the motion alleged facts that if proven could provide relief, the motion should not have been dismissed without a hearing. Danyel Smith was granted a new hearing to present evidence that he is innocent. (Newsbreak)
3. Dr. Bruce Carroll, faculty chair for the Criminal Justice Department at Georgia Gwinnett College, recently filed a lawsuit against the Board of Regents. The professor was suspended without pay after Gwinnett County police charged Carroll with felony theft by shoplifting. He is now asking for back pay and compensatory damages stemming from the situation. Carroll claims he was suffering from PTSD due to a "traumatic life experience," and that he doesn't remember many of the events surrounding his arrest. The lawsuit also suggests that self-checkout lanes may have contributed to his shoplifting bust. Because the public is not trained to scan items, some shoplifting incidents may simply be human error and not intentional. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

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Today in Loganville-Grayson:

• The Classic Center, just down the road in Athens, is offering a Christmas classic with the final performance of 'The Nutcracker.' The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine will be performing a matinee this afternoon. (2:00pm)
• Head over to your local pizzeria, Cosmo's Pizza & Social on the Lawrenceville Square, to enjoy an Italian tradition known as The Feast of The Seven Fishes which is a holiday to bring families together. (5:00pm)
• If you or someone you know needs help with Christmas, All Nations Church in Loganville and its Gen'Next Youth Group, invites you to grab a dinner box this afternoon at the All Nations Kharis House as they want to give back to the community this year. (4:00pm-7:00pm)

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From my notebook:

• The recent discovery of an injured bald eagle at nearby Panola Mountain State Park ends with good news for the massive bird. Most likely hit by a car, the bald eagle was transported to AWARE Wildlife Center where he underwent surgery to repair the wing. Marjan Ghadrdan, the director of Wildlife Care at AWARE, said that the bird is three times bigger than any others they have at the center, but luckily, he's been a good patient so far. Because bald eagles' heads don't turn fully white until they are about 5 years old, it is expected that this eagle is at least 5 as it has a fully white head. Most likely this eagle will not be able to return to the wild, so AWARE is hoping he can live with a tribal nation and help teach why wildlife matters. (WABE)
• Gwinnett County has opened five warming stations with the influx of frigid temperatures. Now they need help to work these stations. Some responsibilities for the part-time position include set up and breakdown, organizing check-in, and greeting guests. The warming stations open when the temperatures drop below 35 degrees and operate between the hours of 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. for guests to have warm place to rest and eat a meal. Visit gwinnettcountyjobs.com for more information on how you can apply. (Monroe Local)
• Georgians are growing concerned over the supply of over-the-counter medications such as children's fever reducer. As the cold and flu season has hit the state hard, both private pharmacies and local chains have struggled to keep the shelves stocked with not only the common over-the-counter medicines but also drugs like amoxicillin used to treat common infections in children. Pharmacists and physicians are becoming increasingly concerned about supply and believe that some customers are stockpiling. (WSB-TV)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this frigid Friday. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with new updates and local Christmas Eve happenings!