🌱 Get The Hottest Tickets In Gwinnett + New TOCA Loganville

Good morning, Loganville-Grayson! I'm back this morning in your inbox with the most important things happening in town. Including updates on...

• Gwinnett Mall area traffic study underway to work toward a new mixed-use development
• Newton County authorities need help to identify driver involved in fatal hit-and-run
• Bay Creek Elementary's Sgt. Peterson is a popular "lunch buddy"

But first, today's weather:

We can expect cloudy skies and a chance of a rain shower. The temperatures will be cooling off with a high of 57 and a low of 46.

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Here are the top stories today in Loganville-Grayson:

1. Creekside Sports Center in Loganville has been acquired by leading indoor soccer company TOCA Football, Inc. The center will now be called TOCA Loganville, and as one of the only facilities in our area offering such a large expanse of indoor soccer fields and programs, the acquisition will allow TOCA to immediately begin showcasing its technology and training curriculum. Their proprietary technology is used by MLS teams and professional players around the world. David Bird, owner of Creekside Sports Center, said that "TOCA's unmatched training technology and programming will be an extremely valuable asset for the development of young soccer players in our community — both on and off the field." (Monroe Local)
2. The Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District and other local agencies are working to demolish the existing mall and replace it with a mixed-use space consisting of housing, greenspace, and small businesses. Recently, the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners approved funding for a traffic study of the area to determine the best course of action for multiple modes of travel and transportation improvements prior to construction. Gwinnett County bought the mall property, after it began to decline around the year 2000, for $23 million. A very preliminary investment number shows Gwinnett County investing $158 million in the future development. (Newsbreak)
3. An investigation is underway at a home near Buford after a SWAT standoff, lasting hours, ends with the suspect dead from a self-inflicted gunshot. Brookhaven police, with the help of Gwinnett County Police, attempted to arrest Evan Sieli after obtaining a warrant for the kidnapping and aggravated assault with the intent to rape of a 10-year-old girl. The girl was kidnapped from her home on Monday night; however, she was able to return home, and was immediately taken to the hospital. Upon arriving at the residence, Sieli briefly exited the house to fire several shots at officers. After a five-hour period of time, SWAT made their way into the home to find Sieli deceased. Investigators remained at the home all afternoon. There were no injuries to police or residents in the surrounding neighborhood who had been evacuated during the standoff. (Newsbreak)
4. Authorities, in nearby Newton County, are asking for any information in a fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred on GA 36 south of Laurie Lane in Covington on Monday evening in foggy conditions. A pedestrian, 44-year-old Frances Deanna Mattheus, was struck by a Ford vehicle and would have damage to the passenger side. Please call 678-283-4010. A $2,000 reward is being offered for tips leading to an arrest and conviction. (Newsbreak)

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Today in Loganville-Grayson:

• Mindplay Studio, in downtown Lawrenceville, is offering a unique afternoon for the kiddos to learn all about penguins and create their own Penguin Pinball Machine! (1:30 pm-2:30 pm)
• The Grayson Library will honor Black History Month today with a STEM lesson on African American aviators throughout history at the Homeschool Hangout session. (2:00 pm-3:00 pm)
• Take your own local "wine tour" at the Wine Down & Charcuterie on Wednesdays at Cosmo's Pizza & Social in Lawrenceville. (6:00 pm)

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From my notebook:

• Sgt. Peterson is a busy officer, thanks to his "Lunch Buddies with Sgt. Peterson" program at Bay Creek Elementary School! The student gets to use their earned PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) reward points at the PBIS store. Some of the reward options include lunch activities with Sgt. Peterson "playing intense games of checkers, enjoying popsicles, and even exploring Sgt. Peterson's patrol vehicle." (Facebook)
• Hottest tickets in Gwinnett:
  • Gwinnett Stripers tickets are available now for Opening Weekend! March 31, April 1, and April 2 will be the first three games of the season, and the Stripers hope you will be there. Be sure to click on the link to purchase tickets through the link in the Striper's bio. "We can't wait to see y'all at the ballpark this season." (Instagram)
  • The SEC Gymnastics Championship will be held on March 18 at the Gas South Arena at the Gas South District. Tickets are available now for what is always an incredible event. The SEC has some of the strongest collegiate gymnastics programs in the country, so make sure to reserve your seats today. The link for tickets is in the Instagram bio. (Instagram)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!