🌱 Voice Of Braves Heads West + Emergency Landing With No Injuries

Hello and good morning to all. It's your host of the Loganville-Grayson Daily — back in your inbox with the latest local news and happenings in our area. In today's briefing, you'll find these stories and more:

• An airplane on the interstate wreaked havoc with this afternoon's commute.
• Gwinnett's Behavioral Health Unit successfully de-escalating cases and addressing mental health concerns throughout the community.
• The North Atlanta Home Show offering free admission Friday for first responders, teachers, military, and veterans.

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But first, today's weather:

A rainy morning might greet us today, but the skies should clear up around noon giving way to some sunshine peeking out of the clouds. The high is about 63 and the low could drop to 36.

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Here are the top stories today in Loganville-Grayson:

1. The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Kinetic Connection Center held a special surprise for the YMCA of Georgia's Piedmont that is scheduled to open in Monroe next year. Michael Foor, the operations president for Kinetic Georgia, donated $1,000 to the development of the local YMCA in Walton County. In his recent press release, he explained that "it's the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities by empowering young people, improving the health and well-being of people of all ages, and inspiring action for goodness in and across communities." He also appreciates that Y will be in close proximity to the new Kinetic retail store. (Monroe Local)
2. The Atlanta Braves will be getting a new voice soon. Braves play by play announcer Chip Caray is headed home to St. Louis, where he will fill the same role, but for the team he grew up watching. When the opportunity presented itself, Caray decided to return to the place he grew up. The change will be a big one for Braves fans in Georgia. Chip graduated from the University of Georgia, and his father Skip Caray was a longtime announcer for the Braves beginning in the 1970s. Both Chip and Skip called the games together from 2005-2008. Several voices of Atlanta are in the running for the position, and we'll "hear" the results soon enough as baseball season is quickly approaching. (11alive)
3. Interstate I-985 was shut down yesterday afternoon after a small plane made an emergency landing on the interstate near Buford, just beyond the I-85 split. The plane had taken off from the Gwinnett County Airport about 30-40 minutes before making the unexpected landing. It was the plane's second trip of the day and the sixth flight in the last week. Emergency personnel quickly arrived on scene and shut the interstate down. A pilot and passenger were the only people on board and no injuries were reported. The National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating the cause of the landing as there was no fire or obvious signs, and officials do not yet know what led to the emergency landing. (Newsbreak)
4. The new Behavioral Health Unit, part of the Gwinnett County Police Department, successfully de-escalated a situation at a home in Gwinnett County. A man climbed up to the roof of a home and refused to come down. After hours of work by the specialized unit, the man peacefully climbed down, and he was taken to a nearby hospital to receive the care that he needs. The purpose of the unit is to focus on de-escalation for individuals who may be in mental health crisis. The unit responded to over 900 situations last year, and they followed up over 1,100 times with individuals. Gwinnett's BHU officers receive specialized training, and the unit is comprised of six officers, six clinicians, and a supervisor. (Atlanta News First)

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Today in Loganville-Grayson:

• Family Game Afternoon will be at the Walnut Grove Library, lots of games provided or bring your own. (3:00 pm-5:00 pm)
• The All-American Circus is here! Just a short drive away in Jefferson at the Jackson County Agricultural Facility, you'll see a new show that the whole family can enjoy. (7:00 pm-8:30 pm)

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From my notebook:

• The North Atlanta Home Show will be held this weekend at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth. The Show will feature an 'Outdoor Oasis' to give you ideas for a relaxing retreat, and a plant preview show and sale with an opportunity to ask University of Georgia's Master Gardener Volunteers. Frontline workers, including police, fire, and health care personnel, will get into the home show free on Friday, Jan. 27. Teachers, military personnel, and veterans will also have free access on Friday. There are multiple presentations planned about anything from houseplants to dog training and so much more! (North Atlanta Home Show)
• Want to get creative this year? AR Workshop Lawrenceville, located on the square, has all kinds of creative events for you, your friends and family, and maybe even a date night! This month alone, you can learn painting techniques on wood or canvas, attend the Ladies Night Home Decor Class, and complete a wood workshop. Next month, learn to pour candles! Make sure to sign up at least a day in advance. (Facebook)
• HBO Sports visited Loganville Christian Academy last week to interview for Lower School Academic Dean, Julie Sirmans regarding the lifesaving experience for LCA alumni Claire (Crawford) Peevy. Peevy collapsed on the volleyball court in 2016. LCA now has a 'Code Blue' team who train for scenarios like the one in 2016. The interviews, featuring both women, aired on HBO Sports yesterday morning, but can be seen on their website. (Instagram)

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You're all caught up for the morning, and ready to make today a great one. I'll be back tomorrow morning with more news just for you!