🌱 Save 911 For Emergencies + Offset's Key To Gwinnett + A Glowing Zoo

Good morning friends! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday. I'm back in your inbox again to bring you up to speed on what's going on in town. Today's news includes updates on...

• Sustainable options for Christmas trees right around the corner at your local fire station.
• U.S. House of Representatives 10th District congressman Jody Hice thanks supporters as he prepares to take on new role outside of politics after eight years.
• Freezing weather wreaks havoc on local residents causing flood and fire emergencies.

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But first, today's weather:

We should be waking up to sunshine, and as we move through our day, it should feel a little warmer than lately. With a high of 49 and a low of 25, we will see our community thawing out, and hopefully we'll all feel like getting out and about again.

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Here are the top stories in Loganville-Grayson today:

1. According to the Gwinnett County Police Department, emergency lines have been inundated with non-emergency calls such as bursting pipes. The 911 emergency system is overwhelmed by these calls and many metro counties, including Gwinnett, are asking callers to keep the lines open for true emergencies. Please do not call 911 for broken pipes. If you experience flooding due to broken pipes, the American Red Cross recommends shutting off the water at the main valve, cutting off electricity to the area of the home that has been flooded, and call a plumber. Many homes and businesses have been plagued with damaged pipes over this past Christmas weekend. (11alive)
2. The extreme weather brought fire dangers to many including some residences in Loganville. Walton County Fire and Rescue and the Loganville Fire Department responded to multiple fires on Christmas Eve. No one was injured in the first house fire located in the Youth community, however, the second incident of the day involved a total loss of a trailer home behind a residence with one man being transported to Piedmont-Walton with severe burns. The patient, who was trying to save the family dogs, was later flown to a burn unit at Grady Hospital. (Newsbreak)
3. After four terms as Georgia's 10th District congressman, Jody Hice is leaving the U.S. House of Representatives at the end of the month. Mike Collins will soon occupy the seat for the 10th District. After losing the run for Georgia Secretary of State to incumbent Brad Raffensperger, the former pastor has maintained that he will continue to fight for conservative values in a different capacity. Hice thanks everyone who supported him throughout the last eight years and he's grateful for the people of Walton County and the 10th District. (Monroe Local)
4. At the Inaugural Offset Toy Giveaway on Friday, Gwinnett County honored Offset with a key to the county. The City of Lawrenceville's mayor presented him with the key as he thanked attendees for their support, especially during this difficult time since the death of his Migos partner, Takeoff. Offset pledged to do more to help his community and "not just holidays or a one time thing." (Hot New Hip Hop)

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Patch deals of the day:

Whether you're soaking up the season or ready to hit snooze on the holidays, you deserve a little something for yourself. And these limited-time offers — hand-selected by the Patch Deals team — could be just what you need to start 2023 on a high note.

* Wine Insiders Offer (70% off) — Get 15 bottles of red blend for a fraction of what you'd normally pay. Shipping isn't cheap at $29.99, but that still comes out to about $8 per bottle.

* 2 Dozen Mixed Color Roses (53 percent off) — Get 24 gorgeous long-stem roses delivered straight from the farm to your door.

* $100 Restaurant.com eGift Card (89% off) — Pay just $11 and get $100 to spend at participating local restaurants.

(Patch may earn a commission on purchases. All deals are as of publication and could change.)

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Today in Loganville-Grayson:

• Here's a few local tidbits for you that we could all use after the holidays: Free and easy dinner deals for you and your kiddos.
  • Mellow Mushroom is offering 10% off for Take Out Tuesday.
  • Kids eat free on Tuesdays at Red Lobster!
  • Taco Tuesday - Del Taco offers 3 ground beef tacos for only $1.49. (3:00pm-11:00pm)
  • Half-price Cheeseburgers and your local Sonic Drive-thru. (5:00pm-10:00pm)
• A new take on Christams light displays can be found just a short drive away at Zoo Atlanta. The Illuminights at the Zoo: Chinese Lantern Festival exhibit illuminates wildlife throughout the zoo with hand painted designs and sustainable lanterns. (5:30pm-9:30pm)
• Looking for something fun for your older teens? Join the crew at Caffeine and Octane's Lanier Raceway just up the road in Braselton for $25 Tuesday Karting. (6:00pm-10:00pm)

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From my notebook:

• A Public Notice from the City of Loganville announced that the O'Kelly Memorial Library may be closed for a few days as crews are trying to clean up the facility after a pipe busted. The pipe caused enough water damage to shut down library operations until further notice. (Facebook)
• The American Legion Post 233 in Loganville would like to thank Keeli, from Girl Scout Troop 20111 in Grayson for her efforts to support homeless Veterans. Keeli put together bags filled with blankets, toiletries, and more to hand out to those who are experiencing a difficult holiday season. The American Legion Post 233 says "It gives us great hope when we see youth leaders emerging in our community and providing comfort to those who need it." Keeli's father, Samuel McCrary, USMC is a Post Member. (Facebook)
• Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and designated Gwinnett fire stations are promoting sustainable options for your live Christmas trees. From now until Jan. 25, you can drop off your live tree at a designated fire stations and be a part of the annual Bring One for the Chipper event. On January 28, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful will mulch the trees for use at county parks. The local Grayson Fire Station 8, at 2295 Brannan Rd., is available for Christmas tree drop off 24/7. You can also visit GwinnettCB.org/events to find out more about volunteering for the event and a list of additional locations. (Monroe Local)

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Now that we're all caught up, go enjoy the sunshine and make it a great day! I'll be back in your inbox bright and early tomorrow with another update.