🌱 Guilty In Gwinnett Fentanyl Case + Money For Safer Schools

Hey, everybody! It's Thursday in Loganville-Grayson, and I'm back in your inbox with a glimpse at what's happening in our community today. In today's briefing, you'll find these stories and more...

• "If you sell drugs in Gwinnett County and it leads to someone's death, we are going to pursue murder charges against you." - Brandon Delfunt, Gwinnett County Deputy Chief DA
• Volunteer Gwinnett has set dates for free food distribution events throughout Gwinnett.
• Georgia schools should receive proposed funding to enhance safety measures.

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But first, today's weather:

We can expect rain morning showers and possibly some pop-up thunderstorms, so grab your umbrella on your way out. We may have a little sunshine in the afternoon, but with a high of 68 and a low of 39, it would be wise to keep a jacket on hand.

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Here are the top stories today in Loganville-Grayson:

1. A $100 million proposal at the state Capitol would provide each Georgia school with $50,000 to enhance security measures if passed. The program looks to make schools safer. Although educators welcome the funding, they also believe that it doesn't get to the root of the problem. Lisa Morgan, president of the Georgia Association of Educators, said that "The violence that is happening in our schools is a symptom of violence that is happening in our communities." Morgan also believes that the money will upgrade existing technology to newer technology in most schools. (11alive)
2. On Tuesday, Philip Patterson pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter and drug trafficking just before his murder trial was expected to begin. Alex Elbaz, a 27-year-old man, died in February 2020, after taking drugs he bought from Patterson that he did not know were laced with fentanyl. Patterson was arrested and charged with felony murder after Elbaz's death, and Gwinnett County DA's office has four convictions through pleas in fentanyl deaths. In this case, the judge ordered Patterson to keep a photo of Alex Elbaz with him forever, as part of his sentence, and if he is found without it, he will be in violation, and his sentence will be extended. After 3 years, his mother, Joy Crowe, felt some relief at the sentence. (WSB Atlanta)
3. Neighboring Dekalb County is looking for help to locate three teenagers who've gone missing in two separate incidents. Sisters DeAsiah, 14, and Navaeh, 13 left their home near Greensbrooke Circle following an argument with their mother last Thursday. Both girls are about 5 feet 2 inches tall and have black hair and brown eyes. (Newsbreak) In a separate incident, 13-year-old Kevin was last seen Wednesday, leaving his home off of Henderson Mill Road. Kevin is 5 feet tall and weighs about 150 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a black sweater, black shorts, and black shoes. (11alive) If you see any of these missing teenagers, contact the Dekalb County Special Victims Unit at 770-724-7710.

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Today in Loganville-Grayson:

• Looking for a new career? Amedisys Home Health is hosting a hiring event today at their Lawrenceville location. They are looking for RN's and LPN's for their 25 locations. Sign up for an interview slot in the link provided. (12:00 pm-4:00 pm)
• Five Points Yoga, in nearby Athens, is offering a free, unique experience to beginner and experienced yogis at The Georgia Museum of Art. (6:00 pm-7:00 pm)
• Pianos will be "dueling" as The Andrew Brothers entertain the crowd at Cosmo's Pizza & Social tonight Live on Crogan Street. (8:00 pm-10:00 pm)

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From my notebook:

• The Red Cross is assisting an adult and child who were displaced after a fire heavily damaged a mobile home at Jackson Mobile Home Community off of GA Highway 20. Walton County Fire and Rescue and Loganville Fire Department responded to the scene at around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday. When they arrived, they found the residence heavily involved by fire and smoke, causing major structural damage. The cause of the fire is currently unknown. (Monroe Local)
• Volunteer Gwinnett has set up multiple dates for free food distributions throughout the county over the next six months. Fresh and shelf-stable foods will be available, and there will be contactless, drive-thru pick up service. Lenora Park is the closest location for our area, and they will host the food distribution events on Feb. 28, April 25, and June 27. Each event will begin at 3 p.m. and run until the food has been given out. (Facebook)
• The Lawrenceville Arts Center is kicking off its January shows tonight with 'Kim's Convenience,' an award-winning comedy play and hit series on Netflix. The theatre is offering five different events during the month, including a live performance this weekend by platinum recording artist Shawn Mullins and an upcoming show featuring award winning comedian Joel Byars! Tickets for shows are available online or at the box office. (Lawrenceville Arts Center)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll be right back here in the morning to help you start your day off right!