🌱 $83,000 Grant For Attorney Recruitment + Home Depot Robbery

Hey, everybody! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Dacula Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Warmer with showers around. High: 75 Low: 54.

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Here are the top three stories in Dacula today:

1. Due to the pandemic's judicial emergency, Georgia's courts were closed, causing a backlog that continues to affect counties even after the resumption of jury trials over two years later. To help address the issue, the Georgia Public Defender Council awarded an $83,000 grant to recruit more attorneys. The closure of the courts resulted in lawyers not getting paid, leading many to seek other jobs in different counties or private practices, resulting in a shortage of defense lawyers. (95.5 WSB)
2. Last week, a man stole a RYOBI 18V HP Brushless Blower from a Home Depot in the Hamilton Mill area, according to Gwinnett County police. The suspect entered the store on Apr. 20, put the device in a shopping cart, and walked out without paying, as stated by Master Police Officer Hideshi Valle. The police are currently searching for the thief. (Subscription: Gwinnett Daily Post)
3. One of the Mini Model Builders for the re-opening of the LEGO Discovery Center at Phipps Plaza will be seven-year-old Joseph Satizabal from Dacula. Satizabal was selected from a group of LEGO enthusiasts who entered a competition to become part of the first team of young advisors for the center, which underwent a $5 million renovation. The Harbins Elementary School second-grader will join other children in helping advise the LEGO Discovery Center on events and experiences. (Subscription: Gwinnett Daily Post)

Today in Dacula:

• Arts & Poet's Workshop — Gwinnett County Public Library Dacula Branch (4:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• A new study by Bumper.com found that electric vehicle ‘charging deserts’ — places where charging stations and ports are in short supply — stretch across states, largely divided by economic and racial lines. On average in Georgia, there are 2.22 charge ports per 10,000 people. Learn more about EV charging rates in Georgia and nationwide at the link. (Bumper.com)
• The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office recognized Sergeant Perkins, Master Deputy Harri, and Master Deputy Tharp as the April Spotlight of the Month for their role in the Court Operations Division, providing security to the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, Jail Courts, and the Gwinnett County Courthouse Annex. (Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Gas South Arena is preparing to reveal a major surprise in celebration of its 20th anniversary. Follow their social media accounts to see sneak peeks before the official unveiling next week. (Gas South District via Instagram)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday. See you all soon for another update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.