🌱Georgia's Cash Surplus + Loganville's Neighborhood Watch Programs

Happy Friday neighbors! I'm back this morning with a quick glance at the local news and happenings around town. Here are a few updates:

• Lawmakers will decide how to use Georgia's $6.6 billion cash surplus.
• Local high school basketball continues region matchups with away games tonight.
• Walnut Grove's Coach Robert Andrews awarded All-Walton County Coach of the Year.

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But first, today's weather:

Temperatures are cooling off a little today, but the sun is still shining all day. The high is 56 and the low is 36 with only light winds.

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Here are the top stories in Loganville-Grayson today:

1. Gov. Brian Kemp and state lawmakers will be deciding what to do with Georgia's $6.6 billion surplus from 2022. Plans include replacing the $1.7 billion in fuel taxes that the state did not collect last year and granting $1 billion each to income tax rebates and property tax rebates. Even after dispersing the planned amounts, that leaves almost $3 billion to be determined. (Newsbreak)
2. LIHEAP funds are available for eligible residents who reside in Dekalb, Gwinnett, Rockdale, Newton, and Walton counties to aid in high cost of heating bills. Eligible residents can apply for the one-time payment yearly of $350, $450, or $500. Appointments began yesterday, but will continue, and an appointment can be scheduled at www.pcaction.org. The Georgia Department of Human Services provides assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Public Service Commission. (Monroe Local)
3. Loganville communities have at least 14 areas with active neighborhood watch programs. The Loganville Police Department is proud to be a part of these programs and to support the community with efforts to build a stronger community. Not only do these programs create sets of eyes to look out for suspicious activity, but it helps to build trust between law enforcement and the community. They have been effective tools in reducing crime and helping to increase public safety. If you would like to get involved in a local neighborhood watch, you can contact the Community Policing Division at 770-466-8087 for more information. Check out the link to see a map of current programs. (Facebook)

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Today in Loganville-Grayson:

• D.R. Horton is sponsoring a mandatory Code of Ethics Training for realtors at its Loganville community, Independence. The training will fulfill 3 hours of CE at no cost to realtors. (1:00 pm-4:00 pm)
• Stretch your vocals with Karaoke Night at Tin Plate in Social Circle while enjoying dinner and friends. (8:00 pm-11:00 pm)
• Moonshiners Bar & Grill in Grayson is kicking off 2023 with some 90's rock and modern rock with a live show by the band, Urban Taboo. (9:00 pm)

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From my notebook:

• Local high school basketball is back in action tonight, with most teams continuing region play. Grayson High School's basketball teams will travel to Brookwood to face Brookwood High School with the Girls Varsity starting at 6pm following by Boys Varsity at 7:30 p.m. (Facebook) Loganville High School Basketball will be playing at Jefferson High School with the Girls Varsity starting at 7 p.m. and Boys Varsity starting at 8:30 p.m. (Max Preps) Walnut Grove High School basketball teams will play Johnson High School at Johnson with their Girls Varsity starting at 7 p.m. and the Boys Varsity starting at 8:30 p.m. (Max Preps)
• Congratulations to All-Walton County Coach of the Year, Head Football Coach, Robert Andrews, at Walnut Grove High School in Loganville. For four years Coach Andrews worked to build the program at WGHS, and with only eight wins during those years, he knew this year would be vital to the program. The Warriors dropped into Class AAAA, and achieved nine wins during the 2022 season, and they not only earned a spot in the playoffs, they achieved the Warriors first football postseason win in school history. (Facebook)
• Mark your calendars for the Walton County Schools online registration for 2023-2024 Pre-K Lottery begins on Feb.1 at 8 a.m. and will continue to be open until March 1 at 3 p.m. Students must be four years old before Sept. 1, 2023 to be eligible to attend. Visit wcsdprek.org for registration. (Facebook)
• A car accident on Highway 81 lead to a significant gas main break and traffic back up on Wednesday. Lawrenceville Gas crews were out to repair the break, and residents were without gas for quite some time due to the vehicle being on top of the gas main. A nearby Personal Care Home had to be evacuated to a nearby business for precautionary reasons. There were no injuries reported. (Monroe Local)

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Now that you're in the loop, get ready to start the first Friday of the year off right! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with another update and a glimpse at this weekend's local fun!