🌱 Big House Construction Helps Local Family + Georgia's Tech Industry

Happy morning, everybody! I'm back with this morning's fresh copy of the Loganville-Grayson Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now, including...

• The remains found by Drowning Creek are identified as missing Gwinnett County teen
• The tech industry in Georgia is healthy, and smaller tech companies are still hiring
• Support Walton County Special Olympics, and enjoy a spaghetti supper

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But first, today's weather:

A rainy day awaits, but temperatures remain pretty warm with today's high at about 65 and low of 49. You can expect the rain to be here all day with possible thunderstorms popping up.

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Here are the top stories today in Loganville-Grayson:

1. "We're a global hub for innovation. We're Atlanta," said Larry Williams, the CEO/president of TAG (Technology Association of Georgia). Williams recently discussed layoffs in the tech industry. With the pandemic came an explosion of jobs, however, now the tech world is experiencing the aftermath of such a "frenzy." Although not the big names of the tech giants, Williams said that smaller companies are still hiring for tech positions, and within the growing Fintech and bitcoin industries in Georgia. (WABE)
2. Our local Lawrenceville Arts Center has an exciting February planned for patrons. Shows include a screening of "Saturday Night Fever," comedy, immersive experiences, and much more. A few Black History Month highlights include the 2nd Annual Blackout Market and Open Mic Night on Feb. 17, when the Arts Center hosts a free event featuring local artists, performers, and Black-owned businesses, and they will event be serving up delicious food throughout the event. The Blacktop Improv show on Feb. 18 features "the Southeast's leading African American improvisational comedy troup." And to wrap up the month of February, the Lawrenceville Arts Center will present Phenomenon: Seasons of Joy, on Feb. 28, an immersive experience that reaches all the senses. (encoreatlanta.com)
3. Skeletal remains that were found by Drowning Creek, in Dacula, on Monday, have been identified as those of 16-year-old Susana Morales. Morales went missing on July 26 of last year shortly after a text message to her mother indicating she was walking home. A location app showed her walking toward her home until 10:21 p.m. However, she did not return home, and her phone last pinged in a location about a mile in the opposite direction at Oak Loch Trace at 10:26 p.m., leading investigators to believe she got in a car. Her phone remained at that location until it was turned off or ran out of power. Her remains were found over 20 miles from her last known location. Her cell phone has not been recovered, and police will continue to work with the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner to determine her cause of death. Police are asking for anyone with information to call 770-513-5300 or Crime Stoppers if you want to remain anonymous at 404-577-TIPS (8477). (Newsbreak)
4. The investigation into the airplane that landed on I-985 has revealed that a student pilot and an instructor were planning to fly from Lawrenceville to Buford on Jan. 24. The National Transportation Safety Board report states that the Piper lost all power. The instructor and her student were performing maneuvers and were ready to return to the airport, when the instructor asked her student to switch fuel tanks, and shortly after, the plane lost power. The instructor then took control of the aircraft, and after realizing they would not reach the airport, the instructor landed the Piper safely on the interstate. (Newsbreak)

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Today in Loganville-Grayson:

• Fratelli's NY Style Pizza & Restaurant in Snellville is hosting a Valentine Networking Event to promote local businesses. Make sure to bring your business cards. (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
• Head over to Southern Sisters in Grayson for their Galentine's Party and guests Weld Jewelry. Take advantage of specials, gifts, and much more! (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
• The nearby Duluth Library branch is hosting author Rita Roberts, as she talks about her book, "I Can't Wait to Call You My Wife." The book explores how Black families continue to write to each other against all odds. (7:00 pm)

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From my notebook:

• A feel-good story out of Gwinnett County comes after a tragic accident Monday night. A local man lost his life, after crashing into a neighbor's mobile home on Horizon Parkway. The Morales family, who lived in the home was displaced, and they were without insurance to cover the damage. Big House Construction, and builder Matthew Critten, heard about the situation and stepped up to repair the Morales's home at no cost to the family. Now, the family can focus on physical and emotional healing, and Big House Construction is happy to be a part of their recovery. (Newsbreak)
• Loganville Baptist Church, across from City Hall, is hosting a spaghetti supper to help raise funds for the upcoming 2023 Walton County Special Olympics. This Saturday, come enjoy a plate for only $7 and support our local athletes. You're welcome to dine in at the Baptist Church or you can take supper home for you and your family. (Monroe Local)
• Gwinnett County Clean & Beautiful is hosting their household hazardous waste disposal event this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. Each resident can bring up to five containers (laundry basket sized) to dispose of for free. The hazardous waste can be anything from automotive products to household cleaners. For a complete list, visit the link provided. Volunteers are still needed, and you can sign up here: Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Volunteer. (Newsbreak)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you again, bright and early tomorrow morning, for another update.