🌱 JC Maintains Millage Rate + Taylor Park Playground Design Winner

Hi all. It's me, Dan Casarella, your host of the Daily. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening locally...

First, today's weather:

A thunderstorm in spots. High: 79 Low: 68.

Here are the top three stories today in Johns Creek:

1. Johns Creek will be maintaining its tax rate and expects $2.3 million more in revenue. Property taxes are roughly one-third of the city’s general fund revenue base and provide capital for city projects. Residents may see their taxes increase because of rising property value assessments, which have increased by 9.5 percent overall. (Appen Media)
2. In last night's Corky Kell Classic opener at Johns Creek, many had eyes on Parkview's Mike Matthews. Matthews is a borderline 5-star who has already received an offer from UGA to play receiver. Last season, Matthews caught 48 passes for 764 yards and 7 touchdowns. (Northwest Georgia News)
3. Neighboring city Duluth has announced the winners of a playground design contest for a large-scale piece of playable art in Taylor Park. The city received 175 entries from across Gwinnett County. Designs included sea creatures, tree houses, pirate ships, satellites, and instruments. The Duluth Public Art Commission selected three winners: Lyn-Nell Huffman’s willow tree design came in first place, Jackson McGregor’s hot air balloon design came second, and Megan Vladick’s robot man balloon came in third. Construction on the willow tree playground is planned for late 2023. (Gwinnettdailypost.com)

Today in Johns Creek:

• Facebook Live with JCPD At Virtual (1:00 PM)
• Free Outdoor Fitness: Zumba At Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater (6:00 PM)
• Soundcheck Bingo At StillFire Brewing (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Johns Creek High School Gladiator Football team took pride in their school over the weekend. The football players laid mulch and pressure-washed school grounds as they prepared to host the Corky Kell Classic yesterday. (City of Johns Creek, Georgia via Instagram)
• The Johns Creek Aquatic Team (JCAT) won 18 medals at the State Swim Meet last month and was honored by City Council at its meeting Monday night. The team includes 53 swimmers and two coaches. (City of Johns Creek, Georgia - Government via Facebook)
• A lost dog was found in the Medlock Bridge neighborhood yesterday around 2:00 p.m. The dog is a tan mini poodle. You can call 678-474-1606 if you are the owner or know the owner. (JCPD via Instagram)

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Events:

• Books--N--Bites with Karen White (August 18)
• Leather Crafting Workshop Sat, Aug 20, 10am-4pm. See What You Can Make In One Day! (August 20)
• Row For A Day! (August 20)
• Baby & Family Expo-2022 (August 20)
• Food That Rocks, August 19 & 20 (August 20)
• Salsa Atlanta Latin Night - Salsa, Bachata & more @ Tonys Johns Creek Aug 20th (August 20)
• Carnival of the Animals! (August 27)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.