🌱 Patch AM: How new truck bans and a northern bypass could reshape Monroe traffic

Hello again Monroe! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How new truck bans and a northern bypass could reshape Monroe traffic
• See which Monroe graduates just earned degrees from Piedmont University.
• Which Monroe students just landed on Berry College’s Dean’s List?

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Sunny intervals, with a high of 66 and low of 52 degrees.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 73, low: 51.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and warm, with a high of 72 and low of 53 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Monroe City Council approves bypass route (monroelocal.org) — Monroe drivers will soon see “No Through Trucks” signs on Broad, Spring, and Madison as the city shifts heavy truck traffic onto the new bypass to protect downtown’s walkable feel. City leaders are also teaming with Walton County and state lobbyists to push for a northern arc bypass, aiming to secure millions in state funding for a full ring around Monroe.
   

• Local students receive degrees at Piedmont University Fall Commencement (monroelocal.org) — Several Monroe residents, including Shaun Harrison, Amber Harmon, and Haley Haynes, have earned advanced and undergraduate education degrees from Piedmont University’s fall commencement. Their achievements in teaching and elementary education highlight local talent preparing to serve Georgia classrooms and strengthen educational opportunities for area students.
   

• Berry College announces local students on Fall Dean's List (monroelocal.org) — Monroe families can celebrate two local students, Kaitlin Butler and Riley Lane, earning spots on Berry College’s Fall Dean’s List for maintaining at least a 3.5 GPA with full-time course loads. Several Loganville students were also recognized, underscoring strong academic achievement from students across the area at the Rome-based liberal arts college.
   

📸 Around Monroe

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📣 Monroe Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday December 24

• ActionMEMBERS
  When Pigs Fly BBQ , 118 N Wayne St. , Monroe
  10:30 am
• Atmosphere Loganville Wednesday 8PM w/late entry until 10:30PM
  Atmosphere Sports Bar , 540 Athens Hwy , Loganville
  8:00 pm

Thursday December 25

• Harvest Gala Fundraiser 2025
  138 Park Ave Business Suites , 138 Park Avenue , Winder
  5:00 pm
• Philanthropy Grill – Loganville, GA
  Jersey Peach Bar & Grill , 2715 Loganville Hwy SW Suite 720 , Loganville
  7:00 pm

Friday December 26

• Network Barrow
  Barrow County Chamber of Commerce , #6 Porter St. , Winder
  9:00 am
• Community Campfire & S'mores on the House!
  Fort Yargo State Park , 210 South Broad Street , Winder
  7:00 pm
• Atmosphere Loganville Friday 8PM w/late entry until 10:30PM *Event Room*
  Atmosphere Sports Bar , 540 Athens Hwy , Loganville
  8:00 pm

Saturday December 27

• Loop Around the Lake
  Fort Yargo State Park , 210 South Broad Street , Winder
  9:00 am
• LuminaFit™ Glow Gala: The Ultimate Girls’ Night Out
  Ember and Ivy , 270 Main St , Loganville
  6:00 pm
• Dueling Pianos in Winder!
  Finished Goods Brew Werks , 56 E Candler St , Winder
  7:00 pm

Tuesday December 30

• Walton County Duals
  Loganville High School , 100 Trident Trail , Loganville
  10:00 am

Thursday January 1

• First Day Hike 2026
  Fort Yargo State Park , 210 South Broad Street , Winder
  9:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Work ON your business rather than IN your business - PART 3 —Kerry Welch Read on Patch

• My Nieces house burnt down last night off Hwy 81/Bullock Bridge close to Bethlehem side.
  We need your help locating Bane brindle pitty who ran out towards the woods. We are afraid he may have run back to the house as this was at night… (Nextdoor Mount Vernon Meadows)
• Missing dog.
  Name Bane brindle lab/pitty ran from house fire last night. Super friendly Hwy 81/Bullock Bridge close to Bethlehem. Reach out with any leads and… (Nextdoor Mount Vernon Meadows)

• Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Monroe. Apply here.
• Tekfortune Inc. posted a job opening for Inventory Specialist in Monroe. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Monroe here.

🗞 Nearby News

Social Circle

• Social Circle approves water IGA for future data centers (covnews.com)
• Krisheya Wilson Game Report: vs Cartersville (maxpreps.com)

Loganville

• Breaking: Family of 5 displaced by overnight house fire (monroelocal.org)
• Gwinnett parents who fought redistricting plan inspire district to change course (wsbtv.com)
• Texas' top 2026 defensive pledge makes national headlines with major honor (hookemheadlines.com)

Winder

Ok Monroe! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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