🌱 Pollen Count Spikes Early + Details Emerge For Missing Local Man

Welcome back, Loganville-Grayson. I'm back in your inbox today to update you on what's going on in town. Today we have these stories and more...

• A missing teen was found shot to death in the backyard of a home in Lawrenceville
• The suspect in Newton County hit-and-run was found dead after "an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound"
• Check out the special exhibit showcasing the community's young, local artists work at Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts

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But first, today's weather: Make sure to grab your umbrella today! We can expect scattered thunderstorms this morning and throughout the afternoon. The high is 71 and the low is 61, and it's going to be rainy.

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Here are the top stories today in Loganville-Grayson:

1. Baton Rouge Police are still searching for a Walton County man who disappeared while on a business trip in the city. Video footage shows some of Nathan Millard's last known whereabouts as he was leaving his hotel and the downtown area of Baton Rouge with his client, on his way to an LSU basketball game. After the game, they visited Happy's bar, and Millard left at about 11:30 p.m. to return to the Courtyard by Marriott, which was only a block away. It appears he never returned to his hotel, and camera footage is being reviewed to try and trace Millard's movements. His wallet was found, with his credit card but not his ID, at a Greyhound Bus Station on Florida Avenue, where his debit card was also used twice by someone of a different race. If you have any information that could help locate Nathan Millard, please contact Crime Stoppers at 344-STOP. (KSLA News 12)
2. The suspect in the Newton County hit-and-run death of Deanna Mattheus on Jan.30, 50-year-old James Jenkins, was found dead on Feb. 27. He died with "an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound," according to investigators. Mattheus leaves behind seven children and two grandchildren. (MSN)
3. If you've noticed the sneezing and sniffles, you're not alone. The pollen count has been in the high range for 14 days in February, and most of those are very high numbers. Normally, we experience these numbers later in the year, but since Dec. 1, we've had almost 50 days that have been at least 60 degrees or warmer. Because of the warmer temperatures, tree pollen season started early, causing the numbers to spike sooner. Doctors recommend over-the-counter medicines and limiting your exposure to allergens will help alleviate mild symptoms. According to Atlanta Allergy & Asthma, Tuesday's count of 1126 was the second highest count ever recorded in Atlanta in February. (WSB TV)
4. A 16-year-old teen has been found shot to death in the backyard of a home, on Paden Mill Trail in Lawrenceville. Police have not confirmed the identity of the teen, and they have not released any information about a suspect. Officials have confirmed that they were reported as a "runaway/missing person" earlier on Wednesday morning. (WSB TV)

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Today in Loganville-Grayson:

• Join the Walnut Grove Library to celebrate Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss's Birthday, with refreshments, Dr. Seuss favorites, and lots of fun! (3:30 pm - 5:00 pm)
• Visit The Hudgens Art of Community Market in Duluth for a unique shopping experience with the best local artisans, farmers, and food vendors. (4:30 pm - 7:30 pm)
• Head over to the nearby 6S Brewing Company in Duluth for their Jackbox Game Night. Bring your own game and group or come and meet new people. (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm)

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From my notebook:

• Historic Downtown Lawrenceville's first Black, women-owned restaurant is now open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Scrum-did-dly-ump-tious is serving up delicious regional creations by Executive Chef Aasiya Muslim, Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located off S. Perry Street, the restaurant offers seating for about 100 including the outdoor patio space. (Atlanta News First)
• Walnut Grove High School 11th and 12th grade students are now able to register for the 2023 Career and College Expo that will be held at Meridian Park on March 23. Students will need to be registered to attend, and all students will need to ride a bus to the expo. Students will have many opportunities to "meet with employers, colleges, and military recruiters to learn about the endless possibilities that await you." Once a student (11th and 12th grade only) registers, a permission form will be sent via email for parents to complete. (Facebook)
• From now until March 16, the Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts will be hosting a very special exhibit. The community is invited to come view art, created by elementary student artists, from each of the Walton County public and private elementary schools, including Loganville Christian Academy and Loganville, Sharon, Walnut Grove, and Youth elementary schools. There will also be a closing reception to honor the young, local artists on March 16 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and the public is invited to attend. (Monroe Local)

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You're all caught up for today, so have a great Thursday. I'll see you right back here with another local update!