🌱 Georgia Memory Net + 'Critical' Shortage Of Public Defenders

Hello again, neighbors! It's Saturday in Loganville-Grayson and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the local stories, including news on...

• Enjoy all of the local St. Patrick's Day events and celebrate in your best green!
• Local students at LHS participate in the school's first ever electrathon.
• Two people are on a long road to recovery from the Barrow County accidental explosion.

But first, today's weather:

It's going to be a chilly day with mostly cloudy skies and a high of only 53 and a low of 28.

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Here are the top stories today in Loganville-Grayson:

1. The Walton County Board of Commissioners expressed concern as the county is facing a 'critical' shortage of public defenders. County Manager, John Ward, said that there are six open "county-funded attorney positions" in the public defender's office. Because the shortage will cause a backlog in the courts, increased medical expenses for inmates while waiting longer for court appearances, and even jail capacity. The consequences are widespread, so the county is looking at options to alleviate the issue. One option, that Ward presented, would be to transfer the funds to a contract category, allowing the county to hire local attorneys on a contract basis to move cases through the courts. A vote was not required and the Board agreed that Ward should continue to move forward with his plan. (Monroe Local)
2. Two people are starting a long road to recovery after a recent Barrow County home exploded last week. After surviving the explosion, where three people lost their lives, Kristi Singleton and Billy Chestnut were hospitalized with critical injuries. Two others survived the blast, but they lost everything, including pets, possession, and their home. The explosion was ruled accidental after it was discovered that one of the occupants was using a propane tank to cook on a burner inside the home. Friends and family have set up a GoFundMe page to help with expenses for the survivors. (WSB Atlanta)
3. Take a look at our local Special Events to enjoy this weekend:
   1. Dress in your St. Patrick's Day attire for the parade and Best Dressed Leprechaun crown at Lilburchaun St. Patrick's Celebration at Lilburn City Park. (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
   2. Don't miss the 2023 SEC Women's Gymnastics Championship at the Gas South Arena, in Duluth, featuring all eight SEC gymnastics teams. (Session 1: 3:30 pm, Session 2: 8:00 pm)
   3. The Norcross branch of the Gwinnett County Library will be celebrating the Marvel Universe with special guests Captain America and Spiderman! (12:00 pm - 4:00 pm)
   4. Downtown Norcross will be hosting Irish Fest to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with music, dancing, shopping, and plenty of restaurants offering treats. (11:00 am - 6:00 pm)

Today in Loganville-Grayson:

• It's time for those Spring, and the Easter Bunny will be making an appearance at the Walnut Grove Library to pose for photos with the kiddos! (10:30 am - 12:00 pm)
• The City of Lawrenceville is sponsoring St. Patty's on Perry, at McCray's Tavern, with live music, traditional Irish dishes, and plenty of cold beers! (3:00 pm - 11:00 pm)
• The Border Collies will be performing live, tonight, at the Lawrenceville Arts Center with special guests, Atlanta Irish Dance. (7:00 pm)
• Dress in your best decades attire for the Dancing Through The Decades event at the American Legion Post 233 in Loganville. (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• This week, students from Loganville High School competed in the school's first ever electrathon, or an electric car race. Colton Christensen, Zachary Champness, Chase Lewis, and Nathaniel Wilburn "assembled and modified" and electric car to compete on race day. Christensen, the driver, took the car 50 laps around the track! (Facebook)
• A new program at Gwinnett Tech called the Ford ASSET Program will allow students to obtain a fast-track certification in the EV field. Ford Motor Company recently joined Gwinnett Tech to offer the program as Georgia becomes a "hub for the electric transportation industry." Although it can take 6 to 8 years for some technicians to reach such a high pay level, the hands-on approach can be a "game-changer for students." With four year college enrollment down and technology moving in the direction of electric and away from fuel, new opportunities and options are opening up for secondary education. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
• Georgia Memory Net is a "statewide program dedicated to earlier diagnosis and customized care plans for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias." Early detection is key to planning and treating those who are diagnosed with dementia, and the Resource Library available on Georgia Memory Net can assist in all aspects. An estimated 300,000 or more Georgians have concerns or have displayed symptoms of memory loss, but have neglected to talk with their health care provider about their concerns. The 6th leading cause of death in Georgia is Alzheimer's Disease. Georgia Memory Net can help. (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be in your inbox soon with your next update.