🌱 Gwinnett K9 Officer Retires + Student's DeKalb Symphony Solo Debut

Good morning, everybody! I'm here right on time with your fresh copy of the Dacula Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the most important things happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy with a few showers. High: 71 Low: 50.

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Here are the top three stories today in Dacula:

1. On Tuesday, Gwinnett County commissioners voted to officially retire K-9 officer Kai, who had one of his legs amputated after being shot by a suspect last summer. Kai was recognized for his dedication to the department and the community, and his retirement comes after he made headlines for his bravery in the line of duty. Although he cannot serve in his previous capacity, Kai's service will not be forgotten, said Gwinnett Police Chief J.D. McClure. (Subscription: Gwinnett Daily Post)
2. Jihoon Kim, a high school senior from nearby Peachtree Ridge, will make his solo debut with the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra in late March. He earned this spot by finishing second in a concerto competition, where he will perform the fourth movement of Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto. Kim is familiar with large ensembles and has performed with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Emory Youth Symphony, and the Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra. (Subscription: Gwinnett Daily Post)
3. Gwinnett Burger Week is coming up, which will spotlight participating restaurants selling $10 burgers from Mar. 19-25. Participating restaurants will announce their special burgers when they become available at the link! (Explore Gwinnett)

Today in Dacula:

• Bowling Night At Stars & Strikes (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Are you looking for fun events to attend this weekend? Gwinnett County has you covered! Check out what's going on in Gwinnett County this weekend at the link. (Subscription: Gwinnett Daily Post)
• Are you looking for a new family member with four paws? Check out the list of adoption-ready pets in the Dacula area, including a Pit Bull Terrier named Sweet Pea and a Domestic Short Hair named Noodles, at the link! (Dacula Patch)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right!

— 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.