🌱 Patch AM: How will Gwinnett’s new $2.58 billion budget affect you?

Good morning Gwinnett County! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How will Gwinnett’s new $2.58 billion budget affect you?
• Why Gwinnett deputies want tips after a sheriff’s employee’s arrest
• Have you seen this suspected key thief on Buford Highway?

Also on today's calendar: Detention Pond Maintenance Workshop and 1 more event.

Today's riddle: What did one pirate say to the other? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Saturday: Heavy rain and a thunderstorm, with a high of 68 and low of 40 degrees.
• Sunday: Sunshine, windy and cooler, temps: high: 50, low: 28.
• Monday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 52 and low of 34 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Gwinnett County Commissioners Approve $2.58 Billion Budget for 2026, Emphasize Public Safety and Infrastructure (hoodline.com) — Gwinnett County leaders have approved a $2.58 billion budget for 2026 that trims spending while prioritizing public safety, road maintenance, and essential water and stormwater services. The plan funds 911 system upgrades and community resource centers, and was shaped by public input gathered at a December hearing and through online comments. Residents can review full budget details and allocations on the county’s official website.
   

2. Gwinnett County sheriff employee arrested on child molestation charges (fox5atlanta.com) — Gwinnett County officials say a former probationary sheriff’s employee has been arrested on multiple felony charges involving alleged crimes against children and is no longer with the agency. The Special Victims Unit is still investigating, and authorities are asking anyone with relevant information to contact them by phone or through the sheriff’s office website.
   

3. Suspected Thief Targets Atlanta Unique Auto Sales, Gwinnett County Police Seek Public's Help (hoodline.com) — Gwinnett County police are asking residents for help identifying a man suspected of stealing several sets of car keys from Atlanta Unique Auto Sales on Buford Highway. Investigators say he may be armed, linked to a stolen vehicle from Doraville, and possibly tied to similar crimes in multiple counties, urging anyone who spots him to call 911 immediately.
   

4. Braves claim Orioles pitcher off waivers with latest roster move (clutchpoints.com) — Atlanta’s latest bullpen move could bring a new arm to Coolray Field, as the Braves claimed hard-throwing reliever George Soriano off waivers with an eye toward possible work at Triple-A Gwinnett. Soriano has struggled in the majors but excelled in Triple-A, while infielder Brett Wisely was designated for assignment to clear roster space. Gwinnett fans may soon see Soriano in the Stripers’ bullpen if he doesn’t stick in Atlanta.
   

📸 Around Gwinnett County

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Gwinnett County

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Sunday January 11

• *SERENE SUNDAY* Cozy Winter - Snowman
  Painting with a Twist, 178 E Crogan St Suite 230, Lawrenceville
  5:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Sunday January 11

• A Vienna New Year's Celebration
  Discovery High School , 1335 Old Norcross Rd , Lawrenceville
  7:00 pm

Thursday January 15

• Detention Pond Maintenance Workshop
  Gwinnett County Public Library - Grayson Branch , 700 Grayson Pkwy , Grayson
  6:00 pm

Thursday January 22

• Prospective Foster Parent Information Session
  Gwinnett County Public Library - Snellville Branch , 2245 Wisteria Dr SW , Snellville
  6:30 pm

📣 Gwinnett County Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Saturday January 10

• Couch Middle vs Snellville Middle
  Grayson High School , 50 Hope Hollow Rd , Loganville
  9:00 am
• Grace Snell Middle vs Moore Middle
  South Gwinnett High School , 2288 Main St E , Snellville
  9:00 am
• Intergalactic Bead Shows
  Gwinnett County Fairgrounds , 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy , Lawrenceville
  10:00 am
• Atlanta, GA January 10-11, 2026 (New Hall - Use Davis Road)
  Gwinnett County Fairgrounds , 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy , Lawrenceville
  10:00 am
• *FAMILY DAY* Cutesy Penguin
  Painting with a Twist , 178 E Crogan St Suite 230 , Lawrenceville
  12:00 pm
• Colorful Tulips
  Painting with a Twist , 178 E Crogan St Suite 230 , Lawrenceville
  1:00 pm
• Healthy Wealthy & Connected
  190 S Clayton St , Lawrenceville
  2:00 pm
• LSO’s Happy New Year Concert
  Aurora Theatre , 128 E Pike St , Lawrenceville
  5:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Gwinnett County PatchAM possible:

• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
  Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

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Ok Gwinnett County! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I sea you!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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