🌱 31 New Positions For Gwinnett County + Walton BOE Member Arrested

Hello, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the most important things happening these days in Loganville-Grayson.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 90 Low: 67.

Here are the top five stories in Loganville-Grayson today:

1. The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office is requesting 31 new employee positions for the 2023 county budget. Chief Deputy Cleo Atwater told the county’s budget review team that the 18 new sworn personnel and 13 civilian support personnel positions would support the daily operations of the office. The positions include additions to the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center Security Section, the Mental Health Section, and the training section. (Gwinnettdailypost.com)
2. Vice Chair and District 1 member of the Walton County Board of Education, Simoan Capers Baker, was arrested earlier this month on charges of theft by conversion. Baker turned herself in to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office on Aug. 20 after learning of a warrant issued by the Walton County District Attorney’s Office. Baker was on the ballot in the Democratic primary on May 24, 2022. (Walton Tribune)
3. Gwinnett County Police are investigating the death of a Loganville man who was shot and killed after an altercation. Daniel Covington, 31, was shot on Rose Terrace Circle on Saturday. No charges have been filed in Covington’s death, but police say Lithonia resident Kendell Evans, 23, confessed to officers that he shot Covington in self-defense. (Gwinnettdailypost.com)
4. There is currently a poll worker shortage across the metro Atlanta area. A Gwinnett County spokesperson said they plan to be hiring poll workers right up to the November elections. Applications will be accepted Aug. 31 at the Lawrenceville Public Library from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and workers earn a stipend for their time. ( The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Subscription)
5. Gwinnett County students have been invited to advise Superintendent Calvin Watts. The group of high school and middle school students will meet quarterly. Watts founded the advisory council last year, during his first year as superintendent, to preserve the voice of students in decision making and better meet their needs. ( The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Today in Loganville-Grayson:

• Isuzu Truck Auction At Cash-For-Cars Atlanta East (10:00 AM)
• Weekday Bingo At American Legion (7:30)
• ACES Charity Poker At Atmosphere Loganville (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Gwinnett County Public Library has more than books. Check out their Learning Labs for top of the line photography tools. All camera equipment, lighting, and access to Adobe Photoshop is free with a library card. (Gwinnett County Public Library via Instagram)
• The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office Mental Health Task Force is partnering with Guide to host a free Suicide Prevention Event at Lucky Shoals Park Community Center on Sep. 17th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will include QPR Suicide Prevention Training and Narcan Overdose Reversal Training. (Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• If you're looking to host a small event, consider the pavilions at one of the County's beautiful parks. These outdoor rental spaces come with access to grills and picnic tables. You can reserve a pavilion online. (Gwinnett Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right! I'll see you soon.

— 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.