🌱 Local Job Numbers Look Positive + Guided Tours At Yellow River

Happy Friday morning Loganville-Grayson! I hope you start your New Year's weekend off with a bang. Keep reading for a quick glimpse at the local news. Here's today's updates...

• Rivian receives their federal wetlands permit to expand construction work on their two thousand acre site on the Morgan-Walton county border.
• Become a graduate of the Citizen Police Academy in Gwinnett and help make a positive impact between police and your community.
• Local job opportunities are available, and unemployment numbers continue to drop as we head into the New Year.

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But first, today's weather:

We might be waking to a little rain, but that should clear up later in the morning. Although it'll be mostly cloudy, the high is 60 with a low of a warm 52. The night may bring more rain, but temperatures will stay warm.

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Here are the top stories in Loganville-Grayson today:

1. Local unemployment rates show decline in both Walton county's and Gwinnett county's Regional commissions. The Northeast Georgia Regional Commission, which includes Walton County, reported a decline of three-tenths bringing the unemployment rate down to 2.5%. The number employed is up on the month and the year. Likewise, the Atlanta Regional Commission, including Gwinnett County, reported the unemployment rate decreased by two tenths bringing it down to 2.7%, also reporting the employed numbers up for the month and the year. As a whole, Georgia continues to see job numbers rise, and the unemployment rate dropped in all of the state's regional commissions. (Monroe Local)
2. Electric Truck and SUV manufacturer, Rivian, has received the federal wetlands permit. Obtaining the permit clears the way for expansion of work on their $5 billion plant that is set to be located on the Morgan-Walton county line. The two thousand acre site is set to bring local jobs to 7,500 employees upon completion. Rivian has promised to support conservation efforts and respect the natural environment where they will operate this future site. (Newsbreak)

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Today in Loganville-Grayson:

• Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, in neighboring Lilburn, is hosting guided tours and animal encounters that adults and kids of all ages can enjoy. (10:00am or 2:00pm)
• Looking for a unique date night experience? Hudgens Center for the Arts, in nearby Duluth, is offering a Friday night ceramics studio experience for two with your very own private instructor. (Call 770-623-6002 to Reserve Time)
• The 'James Baine Band' brings classic and southern rock sounds to Moonshiners Bar and Grill in Grayson to help kick off this New Year's weekend. (9:00pm)

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From my notebook:

• Local job opportunities are surfacing as we move into the New Year. Loganville Christian Academy is hosting a Teacher Preview Day in January, and you can visit the link to RSVP.(Instagram) The Loganville locations of CVS and TJ Maxx are both hiring, and both Walton County Schools and nearby Social Circle City Schools are also looking to fill various positions. (Monroe Local)
• The Gwinnett Police Department is currently accepting applications for their 2023 Citizens Police Academy that will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from March 7 to April 27. The program educates Gwinnett citizens on the police department and how laws are enforced, and their goal is to create informed and responsible citizens who can make a positive impact on public opinion concerning police practices. Interested citizens who live in Gwinnett county and are over the age of 18, can submit their completed application to PDCommunityAffairs@GwinnettCounty.com. (Monroe Local)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to enjoy your Friday. I'll be back tomorrow morning for a list of New Year's Eve events in our area!