🌱 DDS Warns Of Recent Scams + Conyers To Host St. Patty's Day Parade

Hello, hello! I'm here right this morning with your fresh copy of the Loganville-Grayson Patch newsletter, filled with all the local news you need to know right now. Including updates on...

• Gwinnett Behavioral Health Unit's recent response saved a Gwinnett County man's life.
• Lawrenceville's Wellfest: Positive Vibes. Positive Minds. event will give teens an opportunity to focus on mental health in their own way.
• Athens men arrested with extremely dangerous quantity of Fentanyl and charged with trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl.

But first, today's weather: Although we're waking up to a rainy morning, the day should clear up about noon and give us a little sunshine with a high of 64 and low of 38.

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Here are the top stories today in Loganville-Grayson:

1. A reminder and warning, has been issued from the Georgia Department of Driver Services that they "do not contact customers by social media, phone, or email unless a customer has an initiated an inquiry." A recent scam has been targeting drivers asking for money to support senior citizens, so their licenses won't get suspended or canceled. A spike in scams have resulted in people stealing personal information and money from unsuspecting individuals. DDS Commissioner Spencer Moore wants to remind drivers that the DDS employees do not initiate contact with customers. Do not give out personal or confidential information or money over the phone, text, or email. (WSBTV)
2. On Tuesday afternoon, the Gwinnett County Behavioral Health Unit responded immediately to a man attempting to take his own life. The man was threatening to jump from the Jimmy Carter Boulevard bridge that stretches over I-85. In less than an hour, the police officer and a clinician, on the responding BHU team, were able to connect with the distressed man, and he moved back away from the edge to receive the help he will need. By reassuring distressed individuals that they are not at risk of arrest, the Gwinnett County BHU teams have been able to resolve mental health crisis situations with long-term plans for services. The unit has "responded to 3,000 calls since last August and less than 2 percent have ended with an arrest." The BHU wants to continue to grow and add additional teams to connect with the community. (WSB Atlanta)
3. Two Athens men were arrested with "enough fentanyl to to kill 85,000 Georgians," and both were "charged with trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking fentanyl, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute." The investigation involved multiple agencies, and police seized 7 kilograms of methamphetamine, 6 ounces of fentanyl, and more than 8 pounds of marijuana. Depending on the size, tolerance, and usage of a person, just 2 milligrams of fentanyl can kill a person, according to the DEA. Both men were arrested on Wednesday. (WSBTV)

Today in Loganville-Grayson:

• Teens with an entrepreneurial spirit can learn about starting a business at the Small Biz Series for Teens and the Centerville Branch of the Gwinnett Library. (4:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
• Head over to the Lawrenceville Lawn for some "Wellfest: Positive Vibes. Positive Minds," at the mental health awareness event presented by teens and for teens. (6:30 pm - 10:00 pm)
• Moonshiners Bar & Grill in Grayson will be rocking tonight with Fly Betty's rock and pop hits. (9:00 pm)

From my notebook:

• If you are a Gwinnett County homeowner, you have until April 1 to reduce your property tax bill. Homeowners are eligible to file for the exemption if they lived in their primary residence on Jan. 1. The state's proposed Homeowner Tax Relief Grant may also provide homeowners with additional savings in 2023. You can apply for the exemption at GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com/Apply. If you are a homeowner who already has the exemption, there is no need to reapply. (Monroe Local)
• Mayor Vince Evans will lead the World's Fastest Growing St. Patrick's Day Parade, as the parade's Grand Marshal, through Old Towne Conyers on March 17. The fun will get started with the parade at 5 p.m. and continue into the night with dancing, music, a fun run, and more. Several streets in the Olde Town will be closed for parade preparation and will remain closed for food trucks. The city invites everyone to join them and "celebrate the spirit of the Irish!" (Henry Herald)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.