🌱 School Building Security Upgrades + Indigent Defense Attorneys

Good morning, Dacula! Like many of you, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Thanksgiving holiday, so you won’t see a newsletter from me tomorrow. We’ll be back bright and early Saturday morning, but for now, here’s all the most important things happening in the community.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and cooler. High: 57 Low: 49.

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Here are the top three stories today in Dacula:

1. All Gwinnett County school buildings will be upgraded with additional security features within the year. The upgrades include enhanced security vestibules at front entrances and push button locks in classrooms. The district is also considering equipping all school staff with crisis alert badges. (Gov Tech)
2. The recent mass gang arrest was the result of a "discharging firearms call" that occurred on Brookdale Drive in Buford. The incident occurred on Aug. 21 and involved multiple homes being shot. The investigation led to the arrest of six gang members and multiple additional suspects being identified. (Georgia Sun)
3. Gwinnett County is short-staffed on indigent defense attorneys. An indigent defense attorney represents people accused of crimes that are unable to afford an attorney. The county had 132 indigent defense attorneys at the start of 2020 and now has about 80. The county's Indigent Defense Governing Committee has referred to the shortage as a "devastating drop." (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Today in Dacula:

• 8th Annual Gwinnett Gobble Wobble 5K At Little Mulberry Park (7:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Are you growing increasingly frustrated with online home listings and are seeking an alternative? Consider this upcoming in-person open house occurring in the Dacula area this weekend. Click the link to get details about when, where, property dimensions, price, and photos. (Dacula Patch)
• The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office is currently collecting items for Toys For Tots. Unwrapped new toys can be dropped off at the front lobby of the Gwinnett County Jail, the Gwinnett Justice & Administration Building, and the Gwinnett County Courthouse Annex through Dec. 21. (Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• This month is Georgia Apply to College Month. Gwinnett County Public Schools reminds students that Thanksgiving Break is a great time to research scholarships and submit applications. (Gwinnett County Public Schools via Facebook)

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That's all for today! Have a happy Thanksgiving!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a senior writer 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.