🌱 Public Vaping May Be Outlawed Soon + Smoke Coverage Not A Threat

Good morning, Loganville-Grayson! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your latest Patch newsletter. Today you'll read about these stories and more:

• New replay will be tested, by the GHSA, at the Corky Kell Dave Hunter Classic in August.
• An early morning shooting incident in Monroe ends with no injuries and an arrest.
• A state-of-the-art park is planned and may soon be in the works for Walnut Grove.

But first, today's weather: Although the skies will still be a little cloudy, the warm temperatures are back with a high of 82 and a low of 57.

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Here are the top stories in Loganville-Grayson today:

1. In 2019, the Department of Public Health reported 42 cases of illnesses related to vaping, including six deaths. A new measure, supported by the Department of Public Health, has made its way through the House. The state House voted to pass Senate Bill 47, which will put "vaping on the same status as smoking cigarettes." The bill will follow the guidelines set forth in the 2005 Smoke-Free Air Act, restricting vaping the same way cigarettes are restricted in public places. The bill is now on its way to Gov. Brian Kemp for his signature or veto, and if signed into law, any violation would be a misdemeanor with a fine of $100 to $500. (WSPA)
2. Shots were fired early Tuesday morning in the City of Monroe. Monroe Police Chief R.V. Watts reported that a woman and her boyfriend had gotten into an argument when the woman's son fired shots off on Springer Lane, and no one was injured. The suspect, Kammen Crutchfield, 26, did go to the station to give his statement. He was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. (Monroe Local)
3. The Georgia High School Association is expecting the new video review protocols to unanimously pass at next month's executive committee meeting on April 17. The protocols will be tested at the Corky Kell Dave Hunter Classic at Mercedes Benz on Aug. 17, during all 4 games. The new protocols are similar to those being used at the NCAA level; however, the on-field officials would not be responsible for reviewing or ruling on any challenged plays. There will be two booth officials that will review plays when they are challenged, using the Falcons' video replay equipment, and then relay their ruling to the field officials. Although there hasn't been a plethora of bad calls, some of the controversial calls over the past six years have questioned the outcome of some championships, and the GHSA is looking forward to preventing those situations in the future. (Atlanta Journal and Constitution)

Today in Loganville-Grayson:

• The Dacula Chamber of Commerce and city council will be at the new Raising Canes for the Grand Opening celebration today at the Hamilton Mill Creek Plaza. (7:00 am - 7:00 pm)
• Come celebrate National Puppy Day, with your pup, on Cosmo's Pizza & Social's new patio in Downtown Lawrenceville and enjoy specials for you and your pup! (11:00 am)
• Big Rock Amusements Carnival is opening their annual carnival at the Mall of Georgia with rides, games, and carnival food from now through early April. (5:00 pm - 11:00 pm)
• Don't miss the adrenaline rush and extreme stunts with the Nitro Extreme '23 Tour at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. (7:30 pm - 9:30 pm)

From my notebook:

• The Walton County School District is excited for four of Walton's schools. Walnut Grove Elementary School, Youth Elementary School, Loganville Middle School and Youth Middle School were all awarded 2023 Stanton Springs Data Center Community Action Grants! These grants, supported by Meta, are created to help "further STEM education in the classroom." (Facebook)
• After several calls regarding smoke coverage, the Walton County Fire Rescue confirms that there is no fire burning in the county. Walton County Assistant Chief Craig League believes that the smoke is most likely coming from forestry-controlled burns in surrounding and nearby areas. (Monroe Local)
• A donation of about 126 acres from Reliant Homes has paved the way for a state-of-the art park in Walnut Grove. Walton County Parks and Recreation will complete the project in two phases off of Hwy 81. A softball complex, walking trails, splash pad, amphitheater, and teen center are all part of the first phase of the project with tennis courts and soccer fields in the plans for the second phase of the park. A playground complex, gym, and basketball courts are also planned. There is currently no timeframe for construction or completion. (Monroe Local)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another quick update.