🌱 'Tranq' Is Deadly Drug Killing Users + Weekend Fix-A-Leak Workshop

Hello all. It's me, your host of the Loganville-Grayson Patch newsletter. Here's what you need to know about what's happening in town, including:

• The state is asking Gwinnett schools to delay the vote to adopt a new sex education curriculum.
• An early morning crash with injuries closed Highway 81 for 30-45 minutes on Thursday morning.
• Health departments in several counties are offering free Narcan kits to adults to combat the increase in deaths from opioid overdoses.

But first, today's weather: It'll be a rainy, chilly day today with a high of 61 and a low of 35. There is potential for a couple of thunderstorms and heavy rain throughout the day but expect a steady rain all day.

Business owners and marketers in Loganville-Grayson: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories today in Loganville-Grayson:

1. Gwinnett County Medical Examiner Dr. Carol Terry is warning people about a dangerous drug that has been spreading in Gwinnett County. The drug called Tranq is actually Xylazine, and it is a "sedative used in veterinary medicine" most often to sedate horses. When abused in high doses, or when mixed with fentanyl, it is deadly, and Narcan cannot reverse the effects of the drug. Abuse of Tranq puts users into a zombie-like state, and circulation of the drug is causing more overdoses throughout Gwinnett County. In Gwinnett County alone, it was responsible for 17 percent of overdose deaths in 2022, and the county has already seen two deaths from Tranq this year. Terry warns people to "stay away from this drug," as it is likely to kill the user. (11alive)
2. An accident caused delays on Highway 81 at Guthrie Cemetery Road. The Walton County Sheriff's Office and Georgia State Patrol were on site Thursday morning. The call came in about the crash just before 7 a.m. and the road was shut down for about 30 to 45 minutes. Multiple injuries were reported, and one person was entrapped. All injured parties were transported to local hospitals by Walton EMS, but there is no update on the extent of the injuries or identity of the injured parties. (Monroe Local)
3. The state superintendent, Richard Woods, has issued a letter to Gwinnett schools asking them to delay the vote on adopting a new sex education curriculum citing that the proposed curriculum content is not included in the Georgia Education standards. Also, the curriculum would be taught in grades K-5 that "state law requires age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention." Some of the curriculum is not recognized by the Georgia Department of Education or the State Board of Education. (WSB Atlanta)

Today in Loganville-Grayson:

• The Braselton Farmers Market is today around the Braselton Brothers Store Building, featuring local bakers, farmers, and artisans. (4:00 pm - 7:00 pm)
• The American Legion Post 233 in Loganville is hosting Fiesta Friday Taco Night, and for just $9 per person you'll enjoy a whole taco bar! (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
• Nearby Social Circle is celebrating St. Patrick's Day with their 1st Annual St. Patrick's Day Beer Crawl & Concert with music, food, beer, shopping and more! (6:00pm - 9:00 pm)

From my notebook:

• The health departments for Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale counties, and GNR Public Health are giving free Narcan kits to people 18-years and older along with a quick lesson on how to administer the life-saving drug Naloxone. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Having a Narcan kit is much like knowing CPR, and no one wishes to use it, but you'll the knowledge and power to save a life should you ever be needed. Both the Lawrenceville Health Center (455 Grayson Highway, suite 300) and the Norcross Health Center (5030 Georgia Belle Court) are providing the kits to the public. The kit contains instructions, face shield, information on recovery, and information about the medical amnesty law. Anyone that administers Narcan should also immediately call 911. (Atlanta Journal and Constitution)
• Make plans to attend the DIY Fix-a-leak workshop on Saturday. Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources will be at the Lilburn Activity Building from noon to 1:30 p.m. to teach Gwinnett residents how to fix leaks. Make sure to register for the workshop at Gwinnetth2o.com/Events. (Atlanta Journal and Constitution)
• After a horrific accident, Gwinnett baseball player, Caiden Wilson, is back on the diamond playing the game he's loved his entire life. Preparing for a 9th grade baseball game against Loganville High School in April 2022, Caiden was loading balls in a pitching machine in the North Gwinnett cages. Before he had time to get behind the protective net, the ball hit him in the side of the head. He was rushed to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, where he underwent surgery to relieve the pressure caused by an epidural hematoma. He went through extensive rehabilitation over the past year, and he has been able to join his team back on the field, settling in at third base. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
• Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Mentorship Program wants to remind the public of the Career From Here Hiring Event. The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office event will be held at the Gas South Convention Center today, March 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Mentorship Program promotes the "friendly work environment and professional guidance" for new deputies. (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be back bright and early in the morning!