🌱 HOPE For Georgians + Your Future Pet Awaits + Go See A 'Miracle'

Good morning! Let's get this Thursday started off right with a quick look at the most important things going on around town, including updates on...

• Special resources are available for Gwinnett County residents who may need a little extra help during the winter months.
• A big push to solve cold cases in Walton County could help lead investigators in the right direction.
• If you need help with groceries, visit the local branches of the Gwinnett County Public Library today.

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But first, today's weather:

Be prepared for rain early, but fingers crossed that the sun finally makes an appearance. With a high of about 54, we should have a milder afternoon, but the evening will bring back the chill dropping to a low of 35 into the night.

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Here are the top stories today in Loganville-Grayson:

1. As the temperature drops, Gwinnett County residents can turn to local assistance to stay healthy. Some resources include warming stations, which activate when the temperature drops to 35 degrees, OneStop 4 Help that helps to overcome hunger, housing, health, and other issues, and Veteran and Family Services Offices located at the Gwinnett Senior Services Center. You can also contact these organizations to volunteer. (Monroe Local)
2. A new bill will give Georgian's a life-changing opportunity. With just over 1 million adults in Georgia without a high school diploma or the equivalent, the General Assembly voted to establish the HOPE High School Equivalency Examination Grant Program. The program will cover the test fee for eligible adults to take the exam and earn their high school equivalency diploma. (Monroe Local)
3. In an effort to proactively eliminate street racing, the Snellville City Council voted to approve an ordinance that would fine and jail street racers, organizers of street racing, and even those who participate in filming and promoting the events. After problems with street racing surfaced this past year throughout Gwinnett County, the Snellville City Council felt that it was best to take this proactive approach in the hopes of avoiding the issues. (Newsbreak)

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Today in Loganville-Grayson:

• A little candlelight shopping in nearby Monroe is a festive way to finish off your shopping list. (5:00pm-8:00pm)
• Don't forget to head over the 1400 Lawrenceville Highway Walmart to support the 33rd Annual Cops & Kids shopping event with the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office. (6:00pm)
• Ready to get into the Christmas spirit? Come see the Loganville Pitchfork Players as they present 'Miracle on 34th Street.' (7:00pm)

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From my notebook:

• The Walton County Animal Shelter got a little help from Walton County students this week. The students decorated photos of the future pets to help display their personalities to those who may be considering adopting a pet. The shelter has a lot of dogs and puppies, and cats and kittens that still need a home before Christmas. (Monroe Local)
• Once a month, the Walton Tribune, in conjunction with the Walton County Sheriff's Office, will feature information on a local cold case. The department is seeking the public's help in identifying leads to crack these cases. The featured case this month is the June 13, 1980, armed robbery of a "shot house" in Monroe that led to homicide when a gun went off killing Ralph Ramey. The two armed robbery suspects fled the scene in a 1978 or 1979 Silver Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Investigators are also seeking the whereabouts and/or identity of "Gator." (Monroe Local and Walton Tribune)
• The Lawrenceville location of the Gwinnett County Public Library will hold its final drive-thru meal distribution of the year in conjunction with Lettum Eat! Starting at 11 a.m., the drive thru service will distribute a a box containing fresh produce and possibly some shelf-stable items until the boxes have all been given away. If you can't make it out tomorrow, the local Dacula branch of the library, in conjunction with the Atlanta Food Bank, will have its final drive through food pantry on Dec. 27 starting at 10:00am. (Instagram)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right! Make sure you grab a warm jacket for this evening, maybe an extra cup of coffee, and go make the most of your day. I'll be back tomorrow with a list of festive weekend events.