🌱Weekend Spotlight On Fun + 'Restorative Practice' Revisited

Happy weekend Loganville and Grayson...I hope you are enjoying your morning. Let's take a look at this morning's local news. And before you head out, I've included a list of festive weekend events you might want to check out. But first, a few top stories to start things off:

• Gwinnett County Police and SWAT have made an arrest in the shooting death of Senior Correctional Officer Scott Riner.
• Loganville grows again with the BOC approval of a 68-home gated neighborhood coming soon from Reliant Homes GA.
• Gwinnett County Public Schools pause the "restorative practices" disciplinary approach while leaders discuss school violence issues.

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But first, today's weather:

The sun will only peek out today, but Sunday it should be shining bright. With a highs of only 50 and lows dropping to 28, these are going to be a couple of our coldest nights so far this season. Make sure to cover your outdoor spigots and bring in some extra firewood.

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Here are the top stories in Loganville-Grayson today:

1. At the Board of Commissioners December meeting, the board voted to approve a new subdivision in Loganville. The 68-home development will be located at Broadnax Mill Road and Marce Camp Road. The developer and builder, Reliant Homes GA, agreed to requested changes such as the location of the entrance, gating the community, and requiring stipulations that no more than 20 percent of the homes could be rented with the rentals requiring a 12 month lease agreement. A few other changes were requested and accepted by Reliant Homes, GA. The building of only 68 homes is a 26 percent reduction from the 92 homes that could be built based on the current zoning. (Monroe Local)
2. With the upward trend of violence in Gwinnett County schools, the "restorative practice" discipline approach has been called into question. At Thursday's school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Calvin Watts, announced that the county will be pausing the "restorative practices" part of the new disciplinary policy until further training can be rolled out in the summer of 2023. Gwinnett county leaders will be forming a panel to discuss the problems that many local schools have been facing throughout this school year. (WSB Radio)
3. Gwinnett County police and SWAT have made an arrest in the shooting of Senior Correctional Officer, Scott Riner. Yahya Abdulkadir, a 22-year old Dacula man, was arrested Friday afternoon without incident at a community center in Lithonia. Police do not believe that the suspect and Office Riner had any prior relationship, but that some sort of confrontation occurred as Officer Riner arrived for his shift at the Gwinnett County Jail, where he worked for 10 years. It is believed that Abdulkadir acted alone, and he is charged with felony murder and aggravated assault. Officer Riner's family released a message of gratitude. (Fox5Atlanta)

Today in Loganville-Grayson:

• Time is running out to find the perfect gifts, but The Painted Tree-Snellville is having a Christmas Open House! Come support your local vendors! (10:00am-8:00pm)
• There will be joy at Jensen Reserve, Saturday, when you shop and support local small businesses...and 'Pet A Piglet' in Jensen's newly renovated barn. (11:00am and 3:00pm)
• Don't miss Saturday's final showing of Miracle on 34th Street by the Loganville Pitchfork Players at the LHS Auditorium! (7:00pm)

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From my notebook:

• A little commotion may have slowed you down in Loganville Friday morning. A vehicle was driven into the office of the Whits Inn in Loganville. A woman mistakenly pressed her gas pedal rather than her break pedal causing her car to crash into a wall. There were no injuries, but the office is shut down until repairs can be made. (Monroe Local)
• Gwinnett County Public School's buses will not be distributing meals during the Winter Break from December 19 to January 4. If you or someone you know needs assistance during this time, please contact Gwinnett Cares. Not only can they help with food resources, but they can assist with shelter, clothing, and more. (Facebook)
• Your local weekend spotlight on the happenings around town:
  • December 17 from 11:00am to 12:30pm: Don't forget the Beyblade Tournament at Controller Game Lounge in Loganville. Come ready to Rip It! (Facebook)
  • December 17 and 18 at 1:00pm: Regal Cinemas-Hamilton Mill in Dacula will be playing the classic Polar Express movie for only $5 per ticket. (Atlanta on the Cheap)
  • December 17 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm: The Railyard in Grayson is hosting Cookies & Cocoa with Santa. Lots of photos and fun for all ages. (Facebook)
  • December 17 and 18 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm: The First United Methodist Church of Lawrenceville has transformed their campground into the magical Lawrenceville Lights, a free drive-thru light display. Don't miss the final weekend! (Lawrenceville Lights)
  • December 18 from 3:00pm-6:00pm: Harley Dills will be playing at Boondocks in Loganville. (Happening Next)

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I hope you have a festive and fun weekend! Enjoy the magical moments, and remember to make your day count. I'll see you soon with more local news.