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Vol. 47, No. 163

Young soccer players die in separate tragedies

BY WILL HAMMOCK

will.hammock @gwinnettdailypost.com

Michael Jones and Perez Tamfu had plenty in common.

Both were well-liked students, successful in and out of the classroom, who wanted to attend Georgia Tech. Both were high-level soccer players for their high schools, Jones at Parkview

and Tamfu at Mountain View, and at the club level.

Within a two-day period over Michael the weekJones end, the two suffered sudden, tragic deaths that sent their family, friends and communities into mourning. Only a short

geographic distance separated the sites of their tragedies — Jones collapsed Perez on a soccer Tamfu field just across the Chattahoochee River in Forsyth County this past Saturday morning, and Tamfu drowned in the

Chattahoochee, the border between Gwinnett and Forsyth, after jumping off Settles Bridge in Suwanee on Sunday evening.

“This should be a lesson to all of us that life is precious,” Parkview boys soccer head coach Danny Klinect said. “You should be thankful for all the little things in life. … I can’t imagine, as a parent, losing your kid before you die. I just can’t

imagine that.”

The root cause of Jones’ death, apparently of cardiac arrest, is uncertain. The healthy 16-year-old had just begun a light, morning scrimmage with his Atlanta Fire United club team when he collapsed.

CPR was administered on the field until an ambulance arrived, but Jones didn’t survive, a shock because he was young and in great shape.

A Bronco’s big night

Heat also wasn’t a factor because it was in the morning and play had just started.

“If anything, one of my missions, and I’ve already seen progress in GSA (soccer club), is what could we have done to, A, help detect this, or B, prevent it,” Klinect said. “GSA already went and bought two defibrillators and plan to train all the coaches

See PLAYERS, Page 7A

Demolition of Olympic venue gets underway

BY CURT YEOMANS curt.yeomans@gwinnettdailypost.com

It was just a ticket booth that came crashing down at the old Olympic Tennis Center near Stone Mountain on Tuesday, but it was symbolic of much more.

Officials from Gwinnett County, the Evermore Community Improvement District and the Stone Mountain Memorial Association gathered at the tennis center for one last tip of the hat to the facility.

The ceremony, an unofficial kickoff to the stadium’s demolition so it can make room for future development, was filled with old memories of what had been.

And then a backhoe got the signal from a Gwinnett County fire truck to begin tearing into ticket booth. It didn’t take long to bring it down. Just a couple of tears into the corner of the building and an entire wall came crashing down.

The opposite wall quickly followed, and all that was left was a pile of rubble.

“It is a little bit sad to see a facility like this, that was part of the Olympics in ’96, at the point where it’s time to take it down and do something else, but that’s sort of the circle of life,” said Gwinnett County Commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash.

“A building is just like everything else. It has a lifetime, and at points in time it’s time for it to come to an end and be recycled for another use.”

Above, Brookwood grad Lucas Sims pitches in the first inning of his majorleague debut for the Atlanta Braves against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday at SunTrust Park in Atlanta.

At right, Sims reacts with pitcher Sean Newcomb (51) in the dugout after being removed from the game after the sixth inning. For a story on Sims’ debut, see Sports on page 12A. For more photos and coverage, visit www.gwinnettdailypost. com. (Photos: Dale ZanineUSA Today Sports)

See VENUE, Page 7A

A backhoe tears down a ticket booth at the Olympic Tennis Stadium near Stone Mountain on Tuesday to ceremonially kick off the stadium’s demolition. (Staff Photo: Curt Yeomans)

Lilburn police debut new K-9 at annual National Night Out

BY CAILIN O’BRIEN

show him off.”

Lilburn PD showed Ajax off for the first time as the culminating event at its His name had already eighth annual National Night been in the Lilburn comOut at Lilburn City Park. munity for months, but on Hundreds of participants Tuesday evening, residents ended their night of comfinally got their first real look munity fun and education at the Lilburn Police Depart- by cheering and snapping ment’s new police dog. pictures as Ajax showed off Ajax the K-9 finished his his new skills. three months of training last “It really is his coming week. out,” said Lilburn Safe“People have been asking tySmart President Margot about Ajax a lot,” said his Ashley.

Officer Almedin Ajanovic works with Ajax as he attacks Ashley and SafetySmart Corporal Brandon Townley during Tuesday’s National handler Officer AJ Ajanovic. partner with Lilburn PD each Night Out at Lilburn City Park in Lilburn. (Photo: Karl “We weren’t going to keep him hidden. We’re ready to year to host the city’s NaL. Moore) cailin.obrien @gwinnettdailypost.com

non-threatening way of getting them to interact.”

Visit gwinnettdailypost.com Lilburn has gotten good for a photo gallery. at setting up that kind of interaction.

National Night Out events tional Night Out. She said the evening was the perfect time are celebrated all over the United States and in Canada. for Ajax to come out to the community, since the event is Out of those thousands of events, the National Assodesigned to open a carefree ciation of Town Watch has dialogue between residents recognized Lilburn’s three and law enforcement. years in a row.

“We’re trying to get Last year, the city was police and the community to one of only two to win that understand each other and have a positive relationship,” recognition in Georgia.

The event has also grown Ashley said. “And if they don’t interact, there’s no way See POLICE, Page 8A to achieve that. So this is a MORE ONLINE

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2A • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2017

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BOC allows TV cameras to follow detectives

BY CURT YEOMANS

Butch Ayers and County Administrator Glenn Stephens), those reservations are overcome by the fact that we do have a great police department (and) we do have a great homicide investigation team.”

The name of the show refers to the first 48 hours of a homicide investigation, with camera crews following investigators at various law enforcement agencies as they work to develop leads in the early stage of a homicide investigation.

The series is in its 16th season and is no stranger to the area, with two recent episodes featuring stories about homicide investigations in Atlanta, including one about a shootout at a rap studio.

A&E Networks said the show gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at

what happens during in the early stages of murder investigations, showing what happens at crime scenes, during the forensic processing process and in the interrogation rooms.

“The clearance rate of our homicide unit has been

19-yearold Bruce Gwinnett County police Chamcaptured two of the three bers of teenage suspects they Grayson. believe shot a man in the Authorichest at a home in uninties have corporated Auburn just secured Dylan before 4 p.m. Monday. warrants Grant The motive for the for armed shooting is still being inrobbery vestigated, though police and agsay robbery appears to be gravated a factor. assault.

The man shot was Chambers reportedly conscious and is conalert when officers arsidered rived to the scene at 3639 armed and Isis Fence Road. He was able dangerMcCloud to talk to police. ous.

At approximately 5:40 Right after the shootp.m., officers doing a ing, somebody saw two ground search located suspects getting away in a 19-year-old Dylan J. silver SUV. Grant of Lawrenceville.

“More than a dozen About 10 minutes after patrol officers, the K-9 the first capture, officers Unit and the Aviation located 17-year-old Isis Unit descended to the C. McCloud of Athens. It area to search for the was later determined that suspects and their SUV,” Isis was with the suspects said Gwinnett police Cpl. during the initial crime.

Michele Pihera.

Though the officers At 4:07 p.m., police did not capture a third received a call about a suspect, the lead detective possible traffic accident assigned to the case was at Winder Highway and able to identify him as Circle Road. The caller

only heard the accident and no vehicles were found when officers Bruce arrived at Chambers the scene.

Still, police believe the suspicious SUV may have been involved and that it might now have some exterior damage.

“A deputy with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office found the abandoned silver SUV on Martins Chapel Road near Sugarloaf Parkway,” Pihera said. “The exterior had damage.”

Anybody with information to share in this case should contact GCPD detectives at 770-5135300. To remain anonymous, tipsters can contact Crime Stoppers at 404577-8477 or visit www. crimestoppersatlanta.org.

Crime stoppers tipsters can receive up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

Documentary TV cameras have the green light to follow Gwinnett County homicide detectives around for the next year.

Gwinnett County Commissioners approved a request from producers of the A&E network show “The First 48” on Tuesday to give filming crews access to the county’s police department as its detectives investigate murders. The commission had postponed a vote on the request last month because of questions about the agreement.

“I had some reservations related to previous documentary programs that the county had been involved with,” Commissioner John Heard said. “But after discussions with (Police Chief

department, and they cannot interfere with the work of the investigators or other Gwinnett County employees of the departCommissioners John Heard adment. dresses a request Police department ofto let documentaficials retain the right to rery film crews from view a “near final version” the A&E network of an episode in which its show “The First investigators appear so 48” follow homithe factual accuracy of the cide detectives information in the episode around during investigations. can be verified.

The commission “The benefits of allowapproved the ing a documentary televirequest Tuesday. sion series access to police (Staff Photo: Curt department is nationwide Yeomans) exposure of the department which will be useful in recruiting new applicants (and) also exposing the in the 88 to 90 percent-plus give camera crews access hard work and skills of range, while the national to Gwinnett homicide the homicide unit as they average is approximately investigators, as well as 64 percent,” Ayers said. allow them to be on police investigate difficult cases while showing the hard “This high clearance rate is property, for one year. work, professionalism and the reason why the televiProducers of the show teamwork of Gwinnett sion series first approached must comply with any Gwinnett County.” instructions or restrictions County Police Department The agreement would given to them by the police employees,” Ayers said.

Two suspects arrested in Lawrenceville duo accused Auburn home shooting of 161 automobile break-ins FROM STAFF REPORTS

BY CAILIN O’BRIEN

stealing more than 40 firearms this Two Lawrenceville resiyear. dents have been accused of Ross breaking into 161 vehicles and Forest across metro Atlanta. were both Elisha An investigation by reportedly Ross the Cobb County Police arrested Department and the FBI in Gwinnett County on found that Elisha Ross, 25, charges of entering auto, and Ayana Forest, 22, alburglary and Racketeer legedly broke into vehicles Influenced and Corrupt in 17 different metro AtOrganizations Act. lanta counties, according to Forest was booked into media reports. The couple Gwinnett County jail at has also been accused of 9:30 a.m. July 27, accord-

cailin.obrien @gwinnettdailypost.com

Police charge two teenagers in Norcross-area purse-snatchings

BY KEITH FARNER keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett police announced Tuesday that they made an arrest of two teenage purse-snatching suspects who reportedly committed two robberies in the Norcross area.

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She’s being held on warrants out of Gwinnett accusing Ayana her of theft Forest by receiving and two misdemeanors.

She’s being held for Cobb County police.

Ross was booked into Cobb County jail at 10:24 a.m. July 27, according to the jail log. He’s being held without bond.

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R. Hawkins of Decatur, both 17, are facing robbery charges, police spokeswoman Cpl. Michele Pihera said. The first incident happened around 3 p.m. July 24 at the El Jalisco Market at 6083 South Norcross Tucker Road. A 71-year old woman called 911 to report that a man ran up behind her, took her purse out of her hands and ran away. A witness saw the incident and followed the suspects to a nearby apartment complex. The witness eventually lost sight of the suspects.

The second incident happened at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Crestwood Apartment Complex at 6077 South Norcross Tucker Road.

A 43-year old victim told the responding officers that while she was walking home from a nearby grocery store, she thought someone was following her.

She said that shortly after arriving at the apartment complex property, one of the suspects began to walk alongside her. That per-

son then snatched her purse and then both suspects ran toward South Christian J. Norcross Williams Tucker Road.

Williams and Hawkins were eventually arrested at Deon R. a nearby Hawkins restaurant, Aztec Taqueria, after police gathered surveillance footage from the apartment complex.

They also learned that Williams and Hawkins attempted to steal food from a Citgo gas station, according to store employees, including one who provided a picture of one of the suspects to police.

Williams was charged in both robbery cases, while Hawkins was only charged in the July 28 robbery.

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Fair officials assure safety after fatality in Ohio

BY CURT YEOMANS

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

For Gwinnett County Fair manager Dale Thurman, the fatal accident on a ride at the Ohio State Fair hits close to home for two reasons.

First, the company that stages that fair, Amusements of America, has also staged the Gwinnett County Fair for more than 20 years. Second, the ride that the accident happened on, the Fire Ball, had been a favorite of Thurman’s grandchildren when the fair came to Lawrenceville every September.

“They told me the other day that was one of the things they looked forward to every September, although all of those rides go too fast to me,” Thurman said. “Everybody seemed to like it. It was a beautiful ride.”

Despite the accident in Ohio, officials with the Gwinnett County Fair and Amusements of America are assuring potential fairgoers that rides will be safe when the fair comes to Lawrenceville in September.

The accident on the Fire Ball, which news reports say fell apart mid-air, resulted in

The Gwinnett County Fair in Lawrenceville is seen from the air in this 2014 file photo.

The company that operates the rides for the fair also operates the rides at the Ohio State Fair, where a teenager was killed last week after a ride malfunctioned. Gwinnett County Fair officials, as well as the operator, are assuring the rides will be safe when the event gets underway in September. (File Photo)

the death of an 18-year-old and injuries to seven other riders. An Amusements of America spokesman said the company uses a “strong safety program,” and that the issues lay with the ride itself.

Amusements of America is scheduled to do the Gwinnett County Fair from Sept.

14 to 24, at the fairgrounds

in Lawrenceville, according to the company’s website. Its list of upcoming events also includes the Georgia State Fair from Sept. 29 to Oct. 8 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton.

“We’re not in the business of getting people hurt, and neither is Amusements of America,” said Thurman

Thurman also called the accident in Ohio a “sad thing to happen in any industry.”

The manufacturer of the Fire Ball ride — there are at least 40 in operation around the world — has asked carnival and fair companies to take the ride out of service in response to the incident in Ohio.

Thurman, who has been monitoring the reports out of Ohio, said it appears the issue that caused the accident on the Fire Ball was not something that would be discovered on an inspection.

Amusements of America officials said the ride had been looked at by four different inspectors, but the issue that caused the accident was not found by any of them.

But Thurman said it appears from what he’s heard that the correct steps were taken in inspecting the ride before it opened. He isn’t sure the issue that caused the Fire Ball accident could have been found in an inspection though.

“It was a weakness in the metal,” Thurman said.

The other rides Amusements of America used at the Ohio State Fair were re-inspected after the accident. They were reopened after they were deemed safe to ride.

“The decision to shut down similar rides around the world and reopen the Ohio midway indicates that this is an issue with a specific ride and not the ride operator or inspectors,” the company said in a statement.

“There is no evidence that operator error played a role in the accident.

“We continue to keep those affected by this tragic accident in our prayers and work cooperatively with the ongoing investigation.”

But any rides at the Gwinnett County Fair would have to be approved by state inspectors before they could go into service anyway.

Thurman said that although state law only requires a ride be inspected by state inspectors the first time it enters Georgia each year, he and other Gwinnett County Fair organizers take no chances on the safety of the rides.

“We pay the state to come in and inspect every ride before we open,” he said. “The way the state law is written, the ride could first come into the state in January and be inspected then, but it won’t come here until September, but we do the extra effort to make sure everything is safe.

We’ve done that for years.

“My grandkids get on these rides. I want to make sure they’re safe, just like I want to make sure other people who ride them are safe.”

Bus drivers lauded as ‘unsung heroes’ Shafer’s bid wins

BY CAILIN O’BRIEN

Bus Drivers are treated to Chick-filA lunches during the Rotary Club of Gwinnett County’s appreciation event for Gwinnett County Public Schools bus drivers at Hebron Baptist Church in Dacula.

(Photo: Karl L. Moore)

cailin.obrien @gwinnettdailypost.com

Marlon Allen led about 2,000 school bus drivers as they jumped, shouted and danced in the Hebron Baptist Church worship hall Monday morning.

Allen, a local pastor and past president of the Rotary Club of Gwinnett, was leading a sort of pep rally celebrating the hard work of the Gwinnett school system’s “unsung heroes” — the bus drivers.

“This school system is a winning school system,” Allen said. “This school system is a successful school system. And I believe it all starts with the people in this room. I have given you the title of ‘game changers.’”

The Rotary Club of Gwinnett hosted a celebration of these “game changers” Monday for the fourth year in a row. This year, the Gwinnett cities joined in sponsoring a day dedicated to the county’s bus drivers.

Jerve Hackett-Watts is one of those drivers. In about a week, she’ll return to the route she’s had for about 10 years now, driving a bus full of students from North Gwinnett High School, North Gwinnett Middle School and Riverside Elementary School in the North Gwinnett cluster.

She’s experienced all four of the Rotary Club’s busdriver appreciation events and said she’s enjoyed each one.

“It marks the end of our

summer, but it marks the beginning of a great school year,” she said.

Past Rotary Club president and Lawrenceville City Manager Chuck Warbington said its the least officials can do.

“This annual event is a small way to say thank you for taking care of our most precious cargo — our children,” he said. “Knowing that these drivers have a 99 percent success rate of delivering students safely and on time is no small feat.”

The drivers gathered in the church clapped as their peers received awards for accolades such as top scores on an Annual Driver Proficiency Test and the least amount of preventable accidents. They laughed and cried at videos of co-workers sharing stories of love for their professions.

But, most of all, they listened as Allen reminded them just how difficult — and crucial — their jobs

are. He said that when other motorists are just barely squeaking through traffic lights on Ga. Highway 316, bus drivers are making full stops to keep all the kids aboard safe.

“Here’s what I know about game-changing bus drivers, is that you have great judgment,” Allen said. “You always follow the route. You always stay on time. You wear your seatbelt. You make sure all the rules of the road are followed.”

Allen said drivers keep up with all those details while remaining vigilant enough to respond to any emergencies and patient enough to deal with even the most challenging child. He said most people don’t realize what a difference that could make in any one kid’s life.

“Kids come on the bus and a lot of them have not eaten breakfast. Kids come on the bus and for whatever reason they haven’t seen a

smiling face in their house all night and all day,” Allen said. “And you — you’re game changers. You’ve got to handle the situation with ease. You have to handle the situation with patience.”

At the end of Monday’s program, the drivers were treated to a free boxed lunch courtesy of Chick-fil-A. A lot was made of that lunch.

Allen promised to keep his speech short so as not to come between the drivers and their chicken sandwiches.

Hackett-Watts enjoyed the upbeat vibe and, of course, the free sandwich. But she said the real takeaway from Monday’s event was the community’s support.

“It makes us feel good, because oftentimes it seems that we’re low on the totem pole,” Hackett-Watts said.

“But events like this and the Rotary Club providing lunch for us lets us know how appreciated we really are.”

Report: Man chased teen through woods reportedly walking along the 8-foot chain-link fence that separates the Forum parking lot and the wood A local teenager told line.

Gwinnett County police a “He said that as he got man chased him through near his house, he heard a the woods between The rustling in the bushes,” acForum on Peachtree cording to a police report.

Parkway and his home “He called his mother and in Peachtree Corners on was on the phone with her Sunday night. when a man came out of The 16-year-old boy was the bushes.” cutting through the woods The teen said he was a on his way home from his middle-aged white man job at the nearby Ingles at with brown hair and acne about 9:23 p.m. He was scars on his face. He stood cailin.obrien @gwinnettdailypost.com

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at about 6-foot-1 and had on a black University of Georgia hoodie, black Nike jogging pants and converse sneakers.

The teen said the man spoke to him with an “unusually low voice.” He allegedly asked if the boy was alone and then said, “Come here.”

The boy told police he ran toward his backyard fence, which was about 60 feet away. He said the suspect chased him, shouted at him and tried to grab him.

“(The victim) ran up his back deck and was yelling for his father, who was home at the time,” according to the report.

“The suspect turned around and disappeared into the woods.”

The teen’s mom told police the strange man didn’t sound like any of the neighbors.

“The suspect was never located, and it is unknown who he is or what his intentions were,” according to the report.

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backing of Barr Senate President Pro Tempore David Shafer’s bid to be the next lieutenant governor picked up a second endorsement from a former presidential candidate.

Former U.S. Rep. Bob Barr, a 2008 David Shafer Libertarian Party nominee for president, endorsed Shafer on Monday.

Barr, who served in Bob Barr Congress in the 1990s and early 2000s as a Republican, praised the Duluthbased state legislator for his work in the state legislature to push forward conservative causes.

“David Shafer has a proven track record of advancing conservative ideals,” Barr said. “He wrote the state’s zero-based budgeting law. He authored the constitutional amendment capping the state income tax. He is a staunch defender of the Second Amendment and the only candidate for Lieutenant Governor rated A+ by the National Rifle Association.

“I judge politicians based on their accomplishments, not their promises. David Shafer is the clear choice for lieutenant governor, and I am proud to endorse him.”

Barr’s endorsement came a week after 2016 Republican presidential candidate, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, endorsed Shafer’s lieutenant governor campaign.

Among Shafer’s other high profile figures is former U.S. Rep. John Linder, a former colleague of Barr’s who defeated him in 2002 when redistricting forced them into the same congressional district.

Barr gained national attention as one of the House prosecutors in the Republican effort to impeach President Bill Clinton in 1998 and 1999. Shafer said the former congressman has returned to the Republican party since his bid for president ended nearly a decade ago.

“I am grateful to Congressman Bob Barr for his endorsement and support,” Shafer said.

Woodall, Corps of Engineers team up to improve Lanier security It’s now possible to keep an eye on your boat at Lake

Political Notebook

Curt Yeomans Lanier without having to physically be with the boat.

U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall’s office announced a partnership between the office, local residents and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has led to the corps updating policies that previously blocked boat owners from placing security cameras on boat docks at the lake. The new policy was announced at the end of last week.

“Lake Lanier is an incredible resource for our community,” Woodall said in a statement. “Unfortunately, I regularly hear reports from homeowners and visitors of property being stolen or damaged on Corps of Engineers property. I asked the Corps to consider changing the policy to better serve all those who enjoy the lake, and I’m grateful for their quick response.

“This is yet another example of constituents bringing a concern to me that we were able to work together to resolve, and it underscores the kind of action-oriented community we have here at home — irrespective of the issue.”

Johnson files bill to reauthorize regional commission A regional economic development commission that spans seven states, including Georgia, could see its life extended through 2023 if one of Gwinnett’s three congressmen gets his way.

U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson recently filed legislation to reauthorize the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission. The commission’s footprint include most counties in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi.

“We have seen the success achieved through targeted investments by other regional economic development agencies. It is now time for the Southeast Crescent region have the same opportunity,” Johnson said in a statement.

Political Notebook appears in the Wednesday and Sunday editions of the Gwinnett Daily Post.

4A • Wednesday, August 2, 2017 To Your Good Health

gwinnettdailypost.com

today

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Keith Roach

Obstructive apnea more common than central sleep apnea DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 94-year-old man who was diagnosed with central sleep apnea about six years ago by my pulmonologist.

Try as I may, I have been unable to adjust to an assortment of apnea masks that are connected to a BiPAP machine (which is attached to oxygen). I have threatened to give it up, but I have been warned by my doctors of the risk of stroke, heart problems and more. The only symptom I experience when I don’t use the mask is drowsiness.

I’d like your opinion of my shedding the mask and machine, and getting by just with oxygen.

— S.M.L. ANSWER: Obstructive sleep apnea is a common enough condition that most people know it: The muscles of the airway relax during sleep, and in some people, especially those who are overweight or just have the neck anatomy to permit it, the airway can become completely closed.

It is treated with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask, which uses pressure to keep the airway open. The mask needs to fit very tightly on the face. It is uncomfortable, but most people eventually get accustomed to it. Alternatives to CPAP include BiPAP, which has two different settings of airway pressure (for inspiration and exhalation), and ASV (adaptive servoventilation), which varies the amount of pressure to the amount of respiratory effort. All of these options require masks.

By contrast, central sleep apnea is much less common or well-known. In most cases of central sleep apnea, the problem starts in the brain, with excess breathing. Low oxygen level is one root cause of this. The person responds by breathing rapidly, which drives the carbon dioxide level down, which then causes a period of no breathing at all (apnea).

Treatment for central sleep apnea may use any of these breathing masks. My experience has been that it may take months to find a well-fitting mask, and a good respiratory therapist is an invaluable friend in finding this. However, if you can’t get a good result with a mask, then you can consider oxygen alone. It may be that supplemental oxygen prevents the initial low oxygen level that triggers the rapid breathing.

You need to speak with your pulmonologist, but if you have the usual kind of fast-breathing-triggered CSA, oxygen may be a reasonable treatment.

Oxygen alone (without CPAP) is potentially dangerous for people with obstructive sleep apnea.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.

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The solunar tables for lakes are based on studies that show fish and game are more active at certain times during the lunar period.

Major

The Gwinnett Daily Post (UPSP 921-980, ISSN 10860096) is published Wednesday, Friday and Sunday by SCNI, 725 Old Norcross Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30045. Periodical postage paid at Lawrenceville, GA 30044. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gwinnett Daily Post, P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046-0603.

9:38-11:38 a.m.... 10:02 p.m.-12:02 a.m.

Minor

2:37-3:37 a.m............. 4:41-5:41 p.m.

pollen counts Trees: Low Weeds: Low Grass: Low

Lake

69

70

70

lake levels

Full Yesterday

Lake

Allatoona (840.0) ........ 839.53

Full Yesterday

Lanier

(1071.0) .......1065.33

Blackshear (237.0) ......... 237.02

Nottely

(1779.0) .......1773.87

Blue Ridge (1690.0) .......1684.75

Oconee

(435.0) ........ 434.88

Burton

(1865.0) .........1865.1

Seminole (77.5)............76.91

Carters

(1072.0) .......1072.71

Sinclair

Chatuge

(1927.0) .......1924.28

Thurmond (330.0) ........ 323.35

(339.8) ........ 338.54

Harding

(521.0) .........519.76

Tugalo

Hartwell

(660.0) ........ 653.64

Walter F. George (188.0)... 188.74

(891.5) ........ 890.05

Jackson

(530.0) ........ 528.77

West Point (635.0) ........ 635.34

today in history

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TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1790, the first official census of the United States was conducted.

In 1923, President Warren Harding died in San Francisco. Vice President Calvin Coolidge was sworn in as president before dawn the next day.

In 1934, Adolf Hitler united the chancellorship and presidency of Germany under the new title of Fuhrer.

In 1939, Albert Einstein wrote a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, requesting that the U.S. research the possibility of atomic weapons.

In 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Frederic Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904), sculptor; Jack Warner (1892-1978), film executive; Myrna Loy (1905-1993), actress; Shimon Peres (1923-2016), Israeli president; James Baldwin (1924-1987), writer; Carroll O’Connor (1924-2001),

actor; Lamar Hunt (1932-2006), sports executive; Peter O’Toole (1932-2013), actor; Wes Craven (1939-2015), filmmaker; Mary-Louise Parker (1964- ), actress; Kevin Smith (1970- ), filmmaker; Sam Worthington (1976- ), actor.

TODAY’S FACT: The familiar enlarged copy of the Declaration of Independence bearing the signatures of 56 congressional delegates was signed on this day in 1776.

TODAY’S SPORTS: The “Black Sox,” eight former Chicago White Sox baseball players charged with defrauding the public in a conspiracy to throw the 1919 World Series, were acquitted on this day in 1921.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.” — James Baldwin

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Family worried about online ‘catfish’ Dear Amy: My niece is a lovely young woman.

My daughter and I are very close to her. I have often acted in a motherly fashion to her while she was growing up, and she was a bridesmaid in my daughter’s wedding. We speak to her regularly, and although she lives in another state, we see her whenever possible. She is an adult in her mid-30s.

She is beautiful, sweet, intelligent and has a wonderful boyfriend and a good job.

Here’s the difficulty: She is constantly posting photographs on all of her social media sites that we know are stolen from other people or websites, claiming that the photos are of her. Several other friends have noticed and commented to us about it. Once, my daughter tried to delicately tell her that the photo of “her” on the beach in Hawaii was being used on a travel website for Mexico. My niece simply replied that they had stolen her photo (and then erased all traces of it from her accounts).

Although we are slightly bothered by this, we wonder why she wants to give others the impression that her life is something it is not. She seems to have a great life and is happy and well-regarded.

We are more concerned that her online persona doesn’t end with just the posting of photos and that she may actually be

Ask Amy

Amy Dickinson pretending to be someone else and may be developing online relationships based on that. This could seriously harm (or ruin) her current relationship or her job.

Should we confront her, and if so, how do we go about it without ruining our relationship with her?

— Concerned Aunt and Cousin Dear Concerned: You and your daughter have already notified your niece that you’ve noticed her social media disconnect, and the fact that your niece immediately removed the photo tells you that she understood your message.

Stealing photos is wrong, and it is an affront to photographers, who make their living selling images, only to see them stolen and used elsewhere without credit or compensation. But I’m not sure how you get from filching photos to the idea that your niece might be engaged in catfishing. You may be overthinking this, needlessly.

When you see your niece posting publicly, you can freely comment on her choices. In terms of her private activities, she is a grown woman, and unless her choices have a direct impact on you, you shouldn’t speculate.

Dear Amy: What is the best way to handle smokers at an outdoor event? I enjoy going to summer concerts at my local riverfront, but inevitably a smoker will sit next to me. I choose not to smoke for a reason, and it literally makes me ill to breathe cigarette smoke. I get tired of constantly having to move, only to have yet another smoker light up next to me. Is there anything I can do?

— Non-smoker Dear Non-smoker: If smoking is legal at your outdoor event (and it likely is), the only thing you can do is politely ask a smoker, “Would you mind sitting downwind of me? Cigarette smoke really gets to me.” The person will either comply (or may self-consciously stub out their cigarette), or not. If they don’t comply, you will have to move your seat.

Dear Amy: “Tattoo Hater” was distraught that her daughter has gotten tattoos. I liked your response.

I think many tattoos are quite beautiful, but I also advised my children

against getting them. Of the three, two have tattoos, and they are beautiful, but all I had to say to them is that when they are 60 or 70, they are going to look awful.

I used to work in a nursing home, and one of the residents there was a former “Tattooed Lady” from the circus. Let me just say that her tattoos did not hold up well. As she aged, the inks faded and kind of melded together, so that the artwork was blurred and unrecognizable. Her skin was a bluish green wherever the tattoos were. I told my children about her as a cautionary tale. But they were grown-ups when they got the tattoos, and, in the end, it is their body, even if I produced it.

— Love the Kids, Hate the Tattoos Dear Love the Kids: My uncle Harvey was in the Merchant Marine and had the requisite ship and anchor tats on his arm. Over the years, that ship sailed (so to speak), but I loved him, so I loved his tattoos, too.

You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson. com. Readers may send postal mail to Amy Dickinson, c/o Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Drive, Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001.

You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or “like” her on Facebook.

Sign up to get Gwinnett Daily Post breaking news alerts and daily newsletters at www.gwinnettdailypost.com/newsletters.

Participate in life.

Plan trips, take courses and sign up for retreats.

Get in touch with your inner self. Discover your attributes and develop skills that will encourage you to live up to your expectations. Revisit certain experiences and get rid of emotional baggage before you move forward.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Look for an opportunity to expand your interests, knowledge and ability to get ahead.

Make improvements to your living space and take care of responsibilities pertaining to children or elders.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) — Make sure whatever message you want to convey comes through clearly. You won’t want to leave any room for error or a misunderstanding.

Be precise, direct and, above all, patient.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Taking care of matters that concern a friend or relative will put you in a good position when you need a favor in return. Your kindness and generosity will boost your reputation.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) — A business or educational trip will leave you questioning what you want to do next. Trust in your instincts and do your own thing.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Understanding what’s required to reach your goal will help you avoid failure.

Strategize cleverly and stick to your budget. You can make a difference if you are realistic.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Getting involved in a joint venture should be considered carefully. Impulsive moves will lead to excess and loss. Take your time and study the dynamics of a partnership before moving forward.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) — Discipline and desire will help you bring about the changes that will make you feel good about your life.

Making a move or working on home improvement will be uplifting.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Think twice before you take on a new position. Be sure that you fully understand what’s expected of you.

Someone is likely to withhold information in order to mislead you.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — It’s up to you to bring about personal or professional change. Explore new places and talk to people who have experience with and knowledge about something you want to do.

TAURUS (April 20May 20) — Personal growth will give you inner strength and the ability to disregard the ignorance of others.

Control, intelligence and practicality will be the tools that help you find success.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Filter your emotions when dealing with sensitive issues. Listen to what everyone has to say before you come to a conclusion. Your actions will speak louder than words.

CANCER (June 21July 22) — Be careful how you deal with your peers or boss. Someone will try to make you look bad. Use your intelligence to outsmart anyone who gets in your way.

gwinnettdailypost.com

world Dozens killed in bombing at Afghan mosque A pair of suicide bombers killed at least 29 people Tuesday night at a Shiite mosque in Herat, Afghanistan, a provincial spokesman said.

Another 64 people were wounded, said Jelani Farhad, the Herat provincial spokesman. The blasts took place during evening prayers.

The attack started when one suicide bomber began firing on worshipers inside the mosque before blowing himself up, said Abdul Ahad Walizada, spokesman for the police chief.

The second bomber was among the crowd of worshipers when he blew himself up, Walizada said.

Officials fear the death toll could rise since 10 of the wounded are in critical condition, said Dr. Arif Shahram, the director of Herat Regional Hospital.

Tillerson: U.S. is willing to talk to North Korea Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday the U.S. is willing to sit down for talks with North Korea, but only if it relinquishes its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Tillerson, speaking at a State Department press briefing, stressed that the U.S. was not seeking regime change or looking to send its military “north of the 38th parallel” that divides North and South Korea. But he emphasized that the danger posed by Pyongyang, which test fired two intercontinental ballistic missiles in July, was unacceptable.

“We are not your enemy,” Tillerson said, speaking to North Korea directly. “But you present an unacceptable threat. We would like to sit and have a dialogue about the future,” he added.

“Our other options are not attractive,” Tillerson said.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017 • 5A

world&nation Venezuela opposition leaders seized Men had been under house arrest after public criticism of election

By Jason Hanna, Flora Charner and Euan McKirdy CNN

Venezuelan authorities seized opposition leaders Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma from their homes early Tuesday, the country’s Supreme Court said, after both publicly opposed a controversial election that critics say will let President Nicolás Maduro illegitimately consolidate power.

Both men had been under house arrest for prior convictions. The house arrests were revoked, the court said, because intelligence officials claimed they were planning to flee.

Families of the two distributed separate videos purportedly showing armed men carrying the politicians away from their homes in the night. In one, a man apparently pulls Ledezma, a former Caracas mayor, out a door.

“He was in pajamas,” Ledezma’s daughter, Oriette, said in a video statement.

“They have kidnapped him once again. We hold the regime responsible for his life and physical integrity.”

Video posted online by Lopez’s family shows him being driven away in a car with markings of Venezuela’s intelligence service

nation White House says president ‘weighed in’ on son’s statement

President Donald Trump weighed in on the statement released after it was revealed his son, Donald Trump Jr., met with a Russian lawyer in 2016, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Tuesday.

“The statement that Don Jr. issued is true,” Sanders Russian aircraft said. “There’s no inaccuintercepted near racy in the statement. The Estonian airspace president weighed in as any father would, based on the NATO jets intercepted limited information that he three Russian military airhad.” craft near Estonian airspace Sanders said the matter Tuesday, an alliance spokes- was “of no consequence.” man told CNN. “There was no follow“Two Spanish F-18 jets as- up. It was disclosed to the signed to NATO’s Baltic Air proper parties,” she said.

Policing mission scrambled “The Democrats want to from Estonia’s Amari Air continue to use this as a PR Base on Tuesday morning to stunt and are doing everyintercept unidentified nonthing they can to keep this NATO military aircraft near story alive and in the papers Estonian airspace,” acting every single day. The presiNATO spokesman Dylan dent, the American people, White said in a statement. they voted America first, not He added that Finnish jets Russia first, and that’s the also scrambled to intercept focus of our administration.” the Russian aircraft which he identified as two MiG-31 House group fighter jets and an AN-26 calling for more transport plane.

NATO’s Baltic Air Policbipartisanship ing mission involves allied on health care aircraft securing the airspace The sensational collapse of the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. of Republican efforts to The incident between repeal Obamacare in the NATO and Russian military Senate last week is fueling aircraft comes less than fresh optimism that lawmak24 hours after U.S. Vice ers might finally work in a President Mike Pence visited bipartisan fashion to fix the Estonia where he reaffirmed Affordable Care Act. America’s commitment to A group of around 40 NATO’s collective defense House Republicans and clause in the face of Russian Democrats known as the aggression.

Problem Solvers Caucus has — From wire reports endorsed an outline of ideas

people Lourd talks about life after death of mother, grandmother

Actress Billie Lourd says her life has changed in the months since losing her mother, Carrie Fisher and her grandmother, Debbie Reynolds.

“I’ve always kind of lived in their shadows, and now is the first time in my life when I get to own my life and stand on my own,” Lourd said in a new interview with “Town & Country” magazine. “I love being my mother’s daughter, and it’s something I always will be, but now I get to be just Protesters clash in Caracas, Venezuela, over President Nicolas Maduroi calling for a Billie.”

Constituent National Assembly. (Photo: CNN) The interview was conducted by Lourd’s friend and “American HorSEBIN. “It is worth fighting for the Constituent National ror Story” co-star, Sarah Another video was post- Venezuela. Let us not falter Assembly — will have Paulson. ed to the Twitter account of in our fight. Let us not give the power to rewrite the The young actress talked Lopez’s wife, and appears up,” he says, adding that Venezuelan Constitution, to be a prescient statement he has more motivation be- which Maduro desires, and about her life as the daughter and granddaughter of the about what would happen cause his wife is pregnant. is expected to replace the legendary stars. to him.

The men’s roundup previous legislative body, Both died within a day of In the 6 1/2-minute comes after Venezuelans, where the opposition has each other in December — video purportedly recorded in a Sunday vote called for a majority. The new body Fisher after she went into July 17, Lopez sits by his

by Maduro and boycotted will establish a “truth cardiac arrest on a flight wife and says those who by the opposition, elected commission” to prosecute detained him in 2014 could members of a new legislapolitical opponents, one of and Reynolds following a potentially send him back tive body. Virtually all of Maduro’s top officials said. stroke. to prison. the new body’s members Critics say they fear the “If you are watching this are supporters of the leftist moves will erase any last Kathy Griffin video, then this is precisely leader. traces of democracy in the what happened, because The vote triggered outcry country. The election came shaves head to they came and they unjustly from the international after months of sometimes support sister took me as prisoner,” he community, prompting new deadly anti-regime protests Kathy Griffin is once says. sanctions, as well as those and an economic crisis that Lopez urges his support- inside the country who have led many to leave Venezue- again attracting attention ers to continue to work for called it a sham. la in search of easier access because of a head — but this time it’s her own. political change.

The new body — called to food and medicine.

The embattled comic — who came under fire in May for a controversial photo For months, right-wing shoot in which she held a conspiracy theorists had fake, bloody head resemfloated unproven theories bling that of President Donthat Rich was the person ald Trump — has shaved her who provided Wikileaks head bald. with the DNC emails, and On Monday, writer Yashar suggested his death was Ali tweeted photos of Grifretribution for his supposed fin with her new look. leak. No real evidence was “In solidarity with her ever provided to support sister, who is going through such claims. The theory, however, resurfaced in May chemo, kathygriffin shaved her head,” the tweet read.

The White House said Tuesday that President Donald when Fox News published “Donate to AmericanCanTrump weighed in on a statement released in July involv- a story that quoted Rod cer.” ing his son, Donald Trump Jr., meeting with a Russian Wheeler, a Fox News conIn one of the photos, Griftributor and former homicide lawyer in 2016. (Photo: CNN) detective hired to investigate fin is joined by her mother, Maggie Griffin. largely been excluded from aimed at making urgent Rich’s death, saying there the process. fixes to Obamacare. While was in fact evidence showOn Tuesday, 45 Senate there is no legislative text ing Rich had been in contact Moynihan: Letting Democrats issued a letter to with Wikileaks. yet, members in the caucus go of ‘SNL’ harder are moving quickly to seize Senate Republicans, outlinThe story quickly fell ing the three basic priorities apart when Wheeler conthe defeat of a Senate bill than he thought last Friday to garner broader a tax reform package must tradicted aspects of it in an Bobby Moynihan is meet to garner their support. interview with CNN. Fox support for their proposbeginning a new chapter of To stress their point, Sen- News eventually deleted it als — and force the GOP his career with CBS sitcom ate Minority Leader Charles from its website, saying in to ditch its quest to gut the current health care law once Schumer on the floor a note left in its place that it “Me, Myself and I,” but letTuesday morning, said, “We failed to meet the network’s ting go of the grind of “Satand for all. urday Night Live” has been will not support any effort to editorial standards.

The group’s proposal harder than he thought. includes mandatory funding rewrite the tax code to give “It doesn’t feel like it’s another tax break to the top 1 Auto sales slide for cost-sharing reduction ended yet,” he told reportpercent or add even more to payments; the creation of again in July ers after a panel for his the deficit and debt.” a stability fund; a repeal of new series at the Television July was another tough the medical device tax; and Critics Association press month for U.S. automakers. increasing the employer Suit: Fox News tour. “I often wake up on Ford’s sales dropped 7.5 mandate’s threshold so that percent last month compared Monday mornings in a companies with 500 employ- concocted Rich to 2016, while Fiat Chrysler panic because I’m like, ‘I story with input ees or more, rather than 50, are required to provide from White House posted a 10 percent decline need to pitch!’”

Moynihan left “SNL” at and General Motors reported workers with health insurThe White House worked a 15 percent decrease. the end of last season after ance. with Fox News and a nine years on the sketch U.S. vehicle sales have wealthy Republican donor show. trailed behind 2016 levels Democrats lay out to concoct a story about The final year of his every month this year, but their demands for the murder of Democratic tenure there resulted in it’s a tough comparison National Committee staffer since last year’s car sales hit “SNL’s” most-viewed tax reform fight Seth Rich, according to season in 23 years, thanks record highs.

Republicans have been an explosive lawsuit filed largely to a presidential If the declines continue, talking all year about tax re- Tuesday. campaign and presidency this will be the first year form, but primarily amongst The story, the lawsuit that provided plenty of since 2009 that sales are themselves. said, was part of an attempt fodder for the long running down across the industry.

Party leaders are now to discredit the U.S. intelliseries.

One bright spot is the Moynihan called his final aiming to privately craft a gence community’s detersales at Toyota, the thirdseason the “hardest year” detailed tax plan, which they mination that Russia hacked largest seller of vehicles he had on the show but also then want congressional tax- the Democratic National in the Unites States. They “maybe deep down one of writing committees to start Committee and obtained a climbed 3.6 percent commy favorites.” working on after Labor Day. trove of emails released by pared to 2016.

— From wire reports But so far Democrats have Wikileaks.

— From wire reports

NASA planetary defense system will be put to test in October

By Nancy Coleman

the asteroid’s trajectory. NASA tracked the asteroid for seven days after discovering it in October An asteroid is set to speed by Asteroid 2012 TC4’s brief 2012, but that was the last time Earth this fall, which is exactly swing by Earth on Oct. 12 isn’t they saw 2012 TC4. In the past what NASA’s Planetary Defense expected to get closer than 4,200 five years, it’s been too far away.

Coordination Office is equipped to miles to Earth’s surface. The space That’s what makes this flyby handle. rock is considered small by aster- ideal for giving NASA’s asteroid The flyby isn’t putting anyone oid standards, at about 30 to 100 technology a test run. in danger. Rather, it’s an opportu- feet in size.

“This is the perfect target for nity to test the agency’s planetary But while scientists know such an exercise because while defense systems in the event of an 2012 TC4 won’t impact Earth, we know the orbit of 2012 TC4 actual asteroid threat. they don’t know much else about well enough to be absolutely CNN

Must read

certain it will not impact Earth, we haven’t established its exact path just yet,” Paul Chodas, manager of NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, said in a news release. “It will be incumbent upon the observatories to get a fix on the asteroid as it approaches, and work together to obtain follow-up observations (that) make more refined asteroid orbit determinations possible.”

Michael Kelley, the lead scien-

tist at NASA Headquarters for the TC4 observation campaign, said in the release that the flyby will test the worldwide asteroid detection and tracking network. That network includes more than a dozen observatories, universities and labs around the world.

NASA detects about 1,500 near-Earth objects a year. Small asteroids such as 2012 TC4 pass between Earth and the moon several times a month.

perspectives

Todd Cline, Editor

gwinnettdailypost.com

todd.cline@gwinnettdailypost.com

PAGE 6 A • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2017

Establishment working hard to keep power The Establishment, a construct of Democrats and Republicans that rules in Washington no matter which party controls government, appears to be over its fainting spell following Donald Trump’s election. It is now throwing everything at him from a daily — make that hourly, even minute by minute — onslaught of investigations to big media’s equivalent of Molotov cocktails.

Washington, D.C., recently made assisted suicide legal. The president isn’t helping his cause by committing unassisted political suicide.

Changing his Cal chief of staff Thomas may help, but significant change must come from the president himself.

Name-calling by the president and his critics accomplishes nothing, other than to make the name-caller feel good. In my experience, name-calling changes few minds.

Winning an argument is better than disparaging someone who holds a different view. The way to defeat your opponent is to present a better idea. In the case of the Establishment, the president should not only talk specifically about its many failures — from health insurance to winning wars, or invading countries where we don’t belong, but also present a list of alternatives he believes will work.

How’s this for a slogan, borrowed out of context from former president Obama: “If you like your Establishment, you can keep your Establishment”?

The problem today is that we have exchanged what was once common sense for nonsense. Look at what consumes our attention — transgender soldiers in the military, celebrities, leaks from the administration and gossip. It is junk food for the mind.

Here’s a positive suggestion. Let new White House Chief of Staff Gen. John Kelly meet with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan. Give them a list of programs and policies the president would like to pass (or repeal) and ask the two leaders to poll their members to see what they could vote for. Then let Kelly receive from the leaders what congressional Republicans could support and vote for.

Somewhere in between is enough common ground to repeal legislation and programs that aren’t working and create new ones that will work, based on experience, not ideology. The president can then hit the road and sell an agenda he and his party, and maybe some Democrats, can agree on.

The president deserves credit for eliminating regulations that have been choking the economy. It is a major reason why the economy is growing again and the stock market keeps hitting record highs. He should continue doing things his executive power allows him to do.

Calling President Trump a narcissist and “childish” changes nothing. What is the goal of such language? Do the namecallers think he will become something other than what he is, absent a miraculous conversion?

“Face the Nation” host John Dickerson editorialized on his show last Sunday about a video that purports to show President Trump ignoring an 11-year-old boy in a wheelchair while greeting others who attended his health care speech last week. Trump haters claim the video proves how insensitive he is. Dickerson said the first thing the president did when entering the room was to bend down and speak to the child. About the mischaracterized video, Dickerson said: “We’re so ready for evidence to confirm the absolute worst about an opponent it snuffs out our charity.”

He’s right and when it suits them, both left and right engage in this shameful practice.

Better build up this president and the good he can do, as he is the only president we have. North Korea and Iraq are becoming imminent threats. Throwing rhetorical “bombs” at our fellow citizens is not helpful. We are not each other’s enemy. There are many who wish to destroy us. Why are we helping them?

Readers may email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com.

letters to the editor

Letters should be no more than 200 words and are subject to approval by the publisher. Letters may be edited for style and space requirements. Please sign your name and provide an address and a daytime telephone number. Address letters for publication to: Letters to the Editor, Gwinnett Daily Post, P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046-0603.

The fax number is 770-3398081. Email us at: letters@ gwinnettdailypost.com.

Painfully remembering the love of my life John Donne wrote: “There is a democracy about death.

It comes equally to us all, and makes us all equal when it comes.” My beautiful wife of 54 years, Lynne Peterson Linder, has died. Forgive me if I say this one is not equal at all.

It is painfully, crushingly unique. My heart is broken.

We met in Deer River, Min., Lynne on a beautiPeterson ful Sunday Linder evening about 19,767 days ago.

My brother Bill and I played in a county league baseball game that afternoon and strolled over to Gram’s Kozy Korner for a milkshake.

A blue Buick convertible pulled up with a beautiful young lady driving. She asked for directions to Cedarwild Resort. We gave her directions and I asked her why she was in town. She said she was staying with her girlfriend, whose parents owned Cedarwild. She had bleached her friend’s hair that afternoon and it turned blue. She was sent to town to get some brown dye to repair the damage.

After she drove off I looked at my brother and said, “Let’s go meet the girl with the blue hair.”

We borrowed our aunt’s car and drove out to Cedarwild. Al Peterson came bounding out of the lodge and asked what he could do for us. Bill made up some sketchy story about looking for a red Jeep. I said I couldn’t care less about the Jeep; I wanted to meet the girl with the blue hair.

He laughed and invited us into the house. It was Lynne.

Her hair was blue and she was angry. Three months later we were married. She was 18 and I was 21.

Guest Columnist

John Linder When Lynne told her mother we were going to get married, her mother said, “Lynne Linder.

Sounds like a carnival ride.”

It’s been one hell of a ride.

Two days after we married, I started dental school, and Lynne started her first job. Our honeymoon was spent in one bedroom of the 600-square-foot apartment of my cousin, her husband and their baby. We thought we were the luckiest two people in the world.

The first week we moved into our apartment, Lynne went to the library and came home with an armload of books. She said she could travel the world without leaving the apartment.

I started reading, too. With the 3,500 books now lining our den, the library books over the years and the hundreds she gave away, I estimate that over the past 54 years, she’s read a book a week.

Lynne’s dad had an old Navy buddy who was president of Iowa Mutual Insurance Company in Minneapolis. Lynne had never held a job in her life, but she became his secretary.

Within six months, her boss had her interviewing and training new employees. She organized and kept records for a bowling league for another officer in the company. The next year she organized and managed her boss’ campaign for mayor of St. Louis Park. He won.

I learned an important lesson in life from her in those first

two years. She took every job she was given and did her very best. She never wondered what others were doing. She never thought about the next job. That job in front of her, at that moment, was all that mattered.

That virtue landed her all manner of responsibilities over the years. And each one of them she treated the same. And each time she wound up running the show.

She managed 18 political campaigns for me and was a vital ingredient in every one of them. Over 40 years in politics, I made thousands of friends and many enemies. She made only friends.

One day in the 1992 race, I came in from some event to see what was going on, and I heard a roar of laughter coming out of the volunteer room. I asked what was so funny. Windy Wingate had just told them that if Lynne were the candidate this would be an easier race. He was, of course, correct.

Over the years she met kings and queens and presidents and first ladies. She was never in awe of anyone. She treated each with exactly the same respect and deference that she treated the yardman and the maid. To her they were just people like her with a different responsibility.

One night in Jerusalem she was seated next to Shimon Peres. They were deep in conversation and I inquired about what was so interesting.

She said, “Never mind.” Peres laughed and said, “Mind your own business, John.”

Later on I asked her what they were talking about. She said, “Kids and grandkids.”

Here were two strangers, one a Nobel laureate and former Prime Minister and the other merely a beautiful and captivating lady, talking about their kids. I wasn’t surprised.

Her manner of dealing with

people taught me another of life’s lessons. That person in front of her, right then, was the most important person in the room. She never looked over anyone’s shoulder to see if there was someone more important that she should be speaking with.

When we retired, she just wanted to spend more time with her boys. Grandsons Thomas and John and Matthew and Philip were the future of her family, and she marveled at their growth. For the past nearly three years, A.J. has been the center of her life. The picture on my phone is a picture taken June 19.

She and A.J. are sitting side by side in her chair, reading.

They both were grinning at each other. Life was good.

Her first great-grandson was born in May. (For some strange reason we only get grandsons.)

J.C. didn’t get the privilege of meeting this amazing woman, but our lives are a brief moment in the arc of eternity. He will meet her soon, and he will fall deeply in love, just like his great-grandpa did 54 years ago.

John Steinbeck wrote: “It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.”

Lynne’s brilliant light shone mostly to illuminate the good in every life she touched. The night is now dark. The stars and moon are gone. It will never be the same.

The very first prayer I ever said is now my last. “Now I lay her down to sleep. I pray thy Lord her soul to keep.”

Please pray for the repose of Lynne’s soul.

John Linder represented Gwinnet County in Congress for 18 years. His wife, Lynne, passed away on July 29 in Athens, Ga. Linder can be contacted via email at linderje@ yahoo.com.

I wouldn’t want to live in Washington D.C. The folks at WalletHub finally got it right.

After using 50 key indicators of attractiveness to compare the 62 largest U.S. cities, you see, WalletHub’s analysts just reported that Pittsburgh, my home town, is the third best city to live in — whereas Washington, D.C., is 31st.

Their findings fly in the face of a handful of other recent livability reports that placed Washington well ahead of “flyover” cities such as Pittsburgh.

In February, for instance, U.S. News & World Report, which bills itself as the “global authority in rankings and consumer advice,” unveiled its “2017 100 Best Places to Live in the USA.” It ranked Washington near the top at No. 4, whereas Pittsburgh was at No. 58.

What a load of bunk.

It’s bunk because Washington isn’t a real city. It’s a giant, smog-filled metro parking lot of a region, propped up by an infusion of my hard-earned tax dollars and lobbying budgets, which fund D.C.’s chief industry: blather and B.S. You want a real city? Come

thing of tangible value, the cost of living is very manageable.

You can pick up a nice threebedroom ranch for under 200 grand — a house that would run you three times that cost in D.C. Sure, Pittsburgh’s property taxes are among the highest in the nation, relative to our housTom ing values anyhow, but this is a Purcell good thing. Our high property taxes and sales tax keep vast to Pittsburgh, where real people amounts of cash within the local work in real jobs. Through our region, where it is squandered brawn and sweat, Pittsburghers through patronage and ineffimined the coal that fueled this ciency. I favor any process that nation and forged the steel that wastes tax dollars at the local built the country and was central level, rather than federal level. to winning World War II. Transportation is a lot more Pittsburgh, like dozens convenient in Pittsburgh. Sure, of other “flyover” cities,” is our roads are bad. In fact, some superior to Washington across of our potholes are so large multiple measures. that, after thunderstorms, we’re Take the cost of living. As tax forced to man them with lifedollars and lobbyist money have guards. But have you ever tried flooded Washington, housing getting around in Washington? costs have soared. If you aren’t You can’t pick up a pint of milk making boatloads off governat the convenience store without ment contracts or lobbying making a Mario Andretti foray dollars, you can’t afford to live onto a six-lane speedway. there.

We’re told that Washington But in Pittsburgh, where has lots of wonderful cultural most people still earn money by institutions, and that is true. working hard to produce some- Washington offers the Kennedy

Center, the Smithsonian and many other wonderful places.

It’s amazing what you can do with billions in donations from philanthropic organizations, as well as “donations” from hardworking taxpayers.

In Pittsburgh, we created our cultural institutions the old-fashioned way. Our philanthropists built fortunes on the back of the working man, then used the money to fund wonderful hospitals, universities, the famous Carnegie library system, and lavish arts centers and clubs, so the elite would have places to go during happy hours.

In any event, as WalletHub’s analysts compared affordability, economic conditions, education and health, safety, and quality of life among U.S. cities, it became clear that mid-sized Pittsburgh has charms that trump those available in D.C. It’s about time somebody finally got one of these annual best-places-to-live surveys right.

Email Tom Purcell, author of “Misadventures of a 1970’s Childhood” and “Wicked Is the Whiskey,” at Tom@TomPurcell. com.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017 • 7A

gwinnettdailypost.com

Venue

•From Page 1A The ceremony was the beginning of the end for the stadium, although one could argue the end came long ago. The stadium’s highlight came 21 years ago, when it hosted tennis competitions as part of the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Two Americans, Andre Agassi and Lindsay Davenport, won the gold medals in men’s and women’s singles, respectively. The dream might have been that the stadium would become a major tennis venue for years to come after the Olympics, but that never came to pass.

Gwinnett County Commissioner Jace Brooks recalled attending events around Stone Mountain, including some early tennis matches, during the Olympic games and reflected on the stadium’s moment in the world spotlight.

“It was a great venue during it’s time,” he said. “I really enjoyed it, and it had a big impact on my life. But unfortunately, despite the best intentions, this venue never took off following the summer games … So now we’re offering a new lease on life for this property.”

Commissioner Lynette Howard said there have been people come forward with proposals for using the stadium over the years, but they never panned out.

“They have great ideas about this great tennis program that they’re going to bring here, and then when they found out about how to

DULUTH

Gwinnett County Commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash addresses attendees at the kickoff for the Olympic Tennis Center’s demolition Tuesday. (Staff Photo: Curt Yeomans)

renovate this so they could have a tennis event here, it’s like I never hear from then,” she said. “It’s crickets, and it’s happened over and over again.”

Evermore CID Executive Director Jim Brooks said the last event that was held at the stadium was a Roberta Flack concert that was held sometime in either 2005 or 2006.

“There hasn’t been any tennis played here since 2003,” he said.

There was one use for the property, even if it didn’t involve use of the tennis center itself. The CID’s offices were housed in old pro shop at the site for about seven years.

“I think it’s the most exciting thing that has happened to the CID,” Brooks said.

“Yes, it is your home, but people change houses all the time.”

The county acquired the property from the Stone Mountain Memorial Association in a land swap last

DACULA

Johnnie Buckland Mr. Johnnie Buckland, age 92, of Dacula, GA passed away on July 29, 2017. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

LAWRENCEVILLE

W. Mahlon Burson W. Mahlon Burson, age 90 of Lawrenceville, GA passed away July 31, 2017. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC “A Family Company,” Lawrenceville Chapel, 770963-2411 www.wagesfuneralhome.com .

WINDER

Donald Casper Mr. Donald Casper, age 65, of Winder, Georgia died July 29, 2017.

15 photos are available with all Obituaries and Death Notices $

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David Dutton David Andrew Dutton, age 78 of Lilburn passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2017. Funeral services will be held at 3 PM on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 in the Snellville Chapel of Tim Stewart Funeral Home. Pastor Jim Stallings will officiate. Mr. Dutton graduated from Central Gwinnett High School in 1959 and was a member of the Army National Guard. He retired from Kraft Foods, in Decatur and attended Friendship Primitive Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents: Lige & Eula Walls Dutton; sister: Beulah Davidson; brothers; Robert Dutton, Theron Dutton, & Lamar Dutton. A loving husband, David is survived by his beloved wife Hilda Dutton, Lilburn; daughter & son-in-law: Cynthia & Ken Klemm, Snellville; son: Darryl Ashley Dutton, Lilburn; grandchildren: Doug Lambert & Amber Dutton; step-children: Keith Dutton, Springfield; Sherry Dutton, Hollywood, FL; Anita Faye & Christopher Kirkman, Julian, NC; brothers & sisters-in-law: Sanford & Elizabeth Dutton; Ralph & Betty Dutton; Hoyt & Sue Dutton, all of Lawrenceville; Jimmy & Sharon Dutton, Gillsville; sister: Frances Simpson, F

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770-979-5010. Please leave online condolences at www.stewartfh.com.

LILBURN

Daniel Bristow Daniel Lynn Bristow, age 76 of Duluth, GA passed away July 27, 2017. Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel 1031 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville GA, 30046 770-277-4550.

fall. Officials announced at that time that the stadium would be demolished so the site could be turned over to developers for redevelopment.

A contract for the sites demolition was then approved earlier this year.

The site’s Olympic history won’t be forgotten forever, though. Plans were unveiled at the kickoff to create a 20-foot-by-20-foot mobile Gwinnett Olympic history exhibit. The Gwinnett Sports Commission will have it travel around the county until a permanent home can be found, possibly at the Infinite Energy Arena.

The exhibit will focus on the tennis center’s place in the 1996 Olympic games.

“Few people even know that we were involved in the ‘96 Olympics, but we were,” Brooks said. “But once tennis left here, nothing else happened, but it’s not going to be forgotten.”

Now the goal is to see

what the future — or rather developers — will bring to the site.

“We talk about ideas of having a catalyst site,” Brooks said. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is a catalyst site, this 504 acres that surround this area that are ripe for redevelopment. We hope that someone will take that opportunity.”

At this point, there are no specific plans for the site.

For county officials, the most important goal was demolish the stadium, parking lots, pro shop and the other courts on the property to make it a clean slate for redevelopment. Brooks said part of the demolition will include filling in the hole left by the stadium with dirt.

Demolition is expected to take about six months to complete.

Nash said she’s not putting any specific expectations on what she wants the site to become, though, preferring to leave it up to developers to come up with a plan for the site’s future. She does hope it will be significant though since it is on the GwinnettDeKalb line and serves as an entrance into the county.

She also just wants it to be sustainable.

“We’re going to do something great on this site,” Nash said. “I’m not talking something little, and I’m not talking something that’s junky. I have a picture of quality and a signature entrance into the county. I’m not an architect or I can’t really visualize the designs, but I know what I like when I see it.”

river and found Tamfu’s body at 8:52 p.m. Sunday in CPR. That’s one of the at the bottom of the river in biggest positives I can wish about 10 feet of water. for as a coach.” “(Tamfu) could swim, Jones, a rising junior, probably jump in the pool was the smallest player on and swim across, that kind Parkview’s soccer team as a ofE thing,” Mountain View sophomore but worked his boys soccer coach Sean Wickham said. “The thing is, way into the starting lineup anybody who played against thanks in large part to his him or saw him, he had such hustle and determination. “(Jones) was an outstand- powerful legs, a stereotypical soccer player … I used to ing kid,” Klinect said. “He jokingly tell him to use those wasn’t a starter last season because we had two seniors tree trunks. … He was just ahead of him that were very so dense. He just couldn’t handle it, and the water was good players, but he took it as a challenge upon himself in the 50s. I believe that he jumped in, came up and to earn playing time. And started swimming for shore he did start, he actually displaced one of the seniors. He and suddenly stopped. His started three or four games at teammates tried to help him.

“To say they did everythe end of year. thing they could (to save “If I had to describe him him), they almost did more in a few words, it would be than they should have. They character, heart and hustle. did more than they should The kid worked his tail off have because they put their all the time. He didn’t take own lives at risk trying to no for an answer. He just save him.” worked and worked and Tamfu played a big role worked. He tried to outdo for the Mountain View boys everyone.” soccer team, which he hoped Tamfu’s death a day to lead to a breakout season later was a scary scene for onlookers and several of his next spring as a senior. “(Tamfu) was a great Mountain View soccer teamplayer,” Wickham said. “He mates, who battled to save had that ability to just be him from the chilly Chatfearless on a soccer field. tahoochee. As many do, he jumped off what’s left of the He would take defenders on no matter how big, strong old Settles Bridge structure or fast they were. He wasn’t — climbing on it is illegal, T of anybody and was afraid according to Gwinnett officials — and wasn’t able to an incredibly aggressive attacking player. … He was a get to shore. very intense player who took His teammates struggled soccer and his academics to rescue him but couldn’t keep him from going under. very seriously. Just unfortuGwinnett Fire’s Swift Water nately his fearlessness led to this tragic accident.”

Rescue Team searched the

For more obituaries, visit www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

BUFORD

BUFORD

Halil Handac

Randall Mewborn

Halil Handac, age 83, of Buford, GA passed away on July 31, 2017. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

Randall Mewborn, age 58, of Buford, GA passed away on August 1, 2017. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

DACULA

Richard Fawbush Richard D. “Rick” Fawbush, age 56, of Dacula, GA passed away on July 29, 2017. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

MAYSVILLE

Linda Hejduk Linda Hinson Hejduk, age 69, of Maysville passed away Sunday, July 30, 2017.

LAWRENCEVILLE SUWANEE

Katharina Galloway Katharina “Kathe” Galloway, age 85, of Suwanee, GA passed away on July 22, 2017. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

Gary Hogsed Gary R. Hogsed, age 63, of Lawrenceville, GA passed away July 24, 2017. Crowell Brothers Funeral Home and Crematory, 201 Morningside Drive/PO Box 2434, Buford, GA 30518.

770-945-9999. www. crowellbrothers.com

LAWRENCEVILLE

Nickolas Gordeuk Nickolas Gordeuk, age HOSCHTON 89, of Lawrenceville, GA, James Mann passed away on July 29, 2017. Tom M. Wages James I. Mann, age 99 Funeral Service, LLC, “A of Hoschton, passed away Family Company”, Snell- July 30, 2017. ville Chapel 770-979-3200 has been entrusted with HERMITAGE, TN the arrangements.

William Marks William C. “Bill” “W.C.” Marks, age 92, of Hermitage, TN, passed away on LAWRENCEVILLE July 29, 2017. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, Dorothy Haas LLC, “A Family ComDorothy Lenette Haas, pany”, Snellville Chapel age 97, of Lawrencev770-979-3200 has been ille, GA passed away entrusted with the arrangeJuly 28, 2017. Crowell ments.

Brothers Funeral Home and Crematory, 201 Morningside Drive/PO Box 2434, Buford, GA 30518. 770-945-9999. www.crowellbrothers.com $ 15 photos are available with all Obituaries and Death Notices Call for details

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•From Page 1A

Players

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Earl Mileson Earl Raymond Mileson, born October 2, 1931, died July 30, 2017 Loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Earl Mileson, born in Portland, Maine on October 2, 1931 passed away July 30, 2017 in his home in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Earl was the 2nd of 3 sons born to John Henry and Helen Nickerson Mileson.

Earl is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marilyn Skinner Mileson and their 3 children, John “Jack” Mileson, Jane Kreider, and Diane Mileson, 7 grandchildren, and 5 greatgranddaughters.

Earl and Marilyn’s children, John and Patsy Mileson (Lawrenceville, Georgia), Jane and Skeets Kreider (Knoxville, Tennessee) and Diane Mileson (Hoboken, New Jersey) along with their grand & great-grandchildren in Knoxville & Nashville TN, Vancouver Canada, and Lawrenceville & Duluth GA, are their primary topics of conversation, pride and joy.

Earl graduated from South Portland High School in 1949 and stayed in South Portland for additional school training and apprenticeship in manufacturing. Earl joined the Navy in 1951 where he served 4 years on the U.S.S. Compton, DD-705.

To help Marilyn raise their children, Earl resigned from the Navy and began a career in manufacturing. He worked many years with Albany International in management and consulting roles until he retired in 1991. Earl was an Adventurer who loved people and travel.

His work and other travels k hi i

took him to Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Far East, as well as North, Central and South America.

Earl and Marilyn loved every moment with their family and friends, traveling many miles to visit family still residing in South Portland, including Earl’s brother, Jim and wife, Carol, and Susie, wife of deceased brother, Richard, and their families, along with friends in places they lived: South Portland ME, Trumbull CT, Glenmont NY, Stone Mountain GA, Queensbury NY, and Lawrenceville GA. Funeral arrangements have been provided by Tom Wages Funeral Home. Viewing is scheduled for Thursday, August 3rd from 5:00-8:00 pm at the Lawrenceville location, 120 Scenic Hwy N, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.

The Funeral Service will be at Earl and Marilyn’s church, Fairview Presbyterian on Friday, August 4th at 2:00 pm, 857 Duluth Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30043. Interment will be at a later date in Earl’s hometown of South Portland ME. .

LAWRENCEVILLE

Carla Schmit Carla L. Schmit, age 54, of Lawrenceville, GA, passed away on July 30, 2017. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company”, Snellville Chapel 770-979-3200 has been entrusted with the arrangements.

WINDER

Louise Sweat Mrs. Louise Sweat, age 89, of Winder, Georgia died July 29, 2017.

JEFFERSON

Betty Worley Mrs. Betty Martin Worley, age 82, of Jefferson, Georgia who entered into rest Saturday, July 29, 2017.

8A • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

Why Do I Hear, But Not Understand?

Cambridge University Study Reveals Key Answer

Gwinnett County firefighter Justin Hall talks with kids during Tuesday’s National Night Out at Lilburn City Park in Lilburn. (Photo: Karl L. Moore)

over the years. While it’s still considered Lilburn’s National Night Out, law enforcement officials and vendors from all over Gwinnett participated in this year’s event.

Ashley said part of the event’s success comes from the sheer number of community partners it’s amassed over the years. The event is still called Lilburn’s National Night Out, but it tends to draw vendors and law enforcement agencies from across the county.

“We have 95 (law enforcement) vehicles out here this year,” Ashley said.

The Gwinnett County Fire Department came out to show off a fire truck just across the parking lot from Gwinnett County Police’s Mobile Command Center.

A few yards away, residents fell in love with some fuzzy friends in the Sheriff’s Department’s Jail Dogs program while a HERO unit flashed its lights for a giggling crowd.

As the night began at about 6 p.m., helicopters

talk to.”

Ajanovic said that’s why he felt it was so important that Ajax participate in this year’s National Night Out — so that the community could learn to trust the new four-legged officer.

“He’s going to be visible in the community,” Ajanovic said. “Some people think since he’s a police dog, all he does is bite people. But that’s just not the case.”

Actually, Ajax is trained to help people. He knows how to sniff out dangerous narcotics and how to help find people who are missing or lost. He’ll only bite a fleeing perpetrator on the arm or the leg if Ajanovic instructs him to do so.

“He is perfectly friendly, otherwise,” Ajanovic said.

The crowd gathered at National Night Out seemed to get that message on Tuesday night. They peppered Ajanovic with questions and applauded every move Ajax made.

Overall, a successful coming out.

“Residents can feel safer in Lilburn because of Ajax,” Ajanovic said.

Until recently, there was no practical way to identify dead regions of hearing cells in the ear. However, a new British-developed procedure using standard test equipment now allows for identification of dead hearing cell regions. The study suggests that the presence or absence of dead regions may have serious implications in the fitting of hearing aids.

This research reveals that amplifying dead cells is a mistake which will result in poorer speech understanding in noise. A new type of digitally programmable microcircuit is now being released from Optimal Hearing Systems that can be programmed to bypass the dead cells. As a result, the patient’s usable hearing cells receive amplification, thereby improving speech understanding in noise.

“We are employing a like method in our diagnostic sound booths using a

sound field speech in noise procedure,” said Dr. Gabriel Pitt of Optimal Hearing Systems.

“This test simulates hearing in a noisy crowd. We are able to determine maximum speech understanding by frequency shaping this new hearing aid.”

The results have been amazing. For the first time, a patient is able to actually realize the exact percentage of speech understanding improvement in noisy listening environments.

These new products come in all shell sizes, including the smallest digital models, with prices starting as low as $995.

During its release, Optimal Hearing is offering this new frequency-shaping hearing instrument on a 30-day satisfaction trial. “Your satisfaction is absolutely guaranteed,” Dr. Pitt said.

Call the Optimal Hearing office closest to you for a free, no-obligation appointment.

Hearing Computer Unnoticed in Ears

© 2017 The Wilson Group. All Rights Reserved.

•From Page 1A

Police

belonging to the Department of Natural Resources, Georgia State Troopers and the Gwinnett County Police Department landed in the middle of Lilburn City Park.

As soon as they were allowed, Nicholas Ussery, 11, and Lindsay Bell, 4, ran to explore the helicopters. Ussery said he’d rather not fly one — it was too cramped for him.

But Bell said she wanted to take one into the air to embark on a special trip.

“I want to fly it to grandma and grandpa’s house,” she said.

Mother Charlisa Bell watched on with satisfaction.

She brings her kids to National Night Out each year.

They love the food and the opportunity to explore police vehicles.

And she loves that they get to know local law enforcement in a real way, “not just what’s on TV.” “So if they get lost or they run into trouble or anything like that, they know who to go to,” Bell said. “They know (law enforcement officials) are their friends and somebody they need to go to

“I’ve Got Good News!” ~ Gabriel Pitt, Au.D.

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sports

gwinnettdailypost.com

PAGE 9A • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2017

Smart aiming for better in Year 2

By Collin Huguley Staff Correspondent

Georgia linebacker Lorenzo Carter (7) sacks Vanderbilt quarterback Kyle Shurmur (14) during a game at Sanford Stadium in Athens. (Photo: Karl L. Moore)

DRIVEN ’DOG

Norcross’ Carter feels urgency to win as senior

“(The biggest difference in my approach as a senior is) hunger,” Carter said.

Lorenzo Carter came “If you come in hungry, to Georgia as a highly it will just be easier for regarded high school state you. For (the seniors), it champion and top-tier is our last year and so it is recruit out of Norcross. like your back is against Now, Carter hopes to the wall. But we made fulfill the expectations that the choice to come back followed him and to have and, hopefully, win some an impactful final season. games.”

Through three seasons, Georgia was named the Carter has tallied 9.5 favorite to win the SEC sacks and has not been East at SEC Media Days a part of a Bulldog team UGA’s Lorenzo Carter (7) celebrates the win following earlier in July, but those that has reached a SEC expectations are empty a game at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. (Photo: Kyle Hess) Championship Game in if the Bulldogs do not his career. But after a hot establish himself as a con- the coaches expect from produce. finish to last season — sistently dominant force us, so we just have to go And Carter feels like the outside linebacker on the Georgia defense as out there and produce.” this is the season where he registered a career-high a pass rusher.

Carter joined running can fulfill expectations for five sacks — Carter plans However, Carter put backs Nick Chubb and both himself and his team, on leaving his mark in his together his best season Sony Michel in making and with this being his last final year in Athens. in his first year with new the decision to forgo the shot to wear the red and “I need to win somehead coach Kirby Smart.

NFL Draft and return for black, he is relishing every thing,” Carter said. “I finIn his second year under their senior seasons. second of it. ished high school with four Smart, Carter feels like he, For all three, this is “I would like to say that (state title) rings and just and the entire defense, can their last chance to make (being a senior) doesn’t coming here to Georgia show something special. an impression on NFL change things but it does,” with the legacy of the ‘G’, “It is not a new system teams but to also have a Carter said. “It’s just a lot it has been a minute since anymore,” Carter said. “It marquee season in which more urgency and there Athens has had something is our second year under they lead the Bulldogs are a lot more things that to celebrate. So I’m just our belts. We have been to prominence on the you took for granted, but trying to come back and with Coach (Kirby) Smart national stage. The chance you look at now and take give people something to and the whole coaching to help Georgia rise back advantage of the opporbe happy about.” staff for a second year so to the top is what fueled tunities. This is our last In his first three seaeverybody is a lot more Carter’s decision and he year and we are looking sons, Carter flashed comfortable. We know is desperate to help make forward to doing a lot of potential but could never what to expect and what that happen. big things.”

By Collin Huguley Staff Correspondent

High expectations trailed Kirby Smart from the moment he was named the head football coach at Georgia.

After a run that featured four national championships as the defensive coordinator at Alabama, Smart took over a 10-win Georgia team and his first season did not go quite as planned.

The Bulldogs went 8-5 in year No. 1 and lost close home games to Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech. But Smart did bring in a top-notch recruiting class, one ranked No. 3 in the country by 247 Sports, and plans on making major improvements to this year’s team.

That process started Monday when the Bulldogs kicked off preseason practice.

“I’m thrilled for this day to get here,” Smart said.

“Excited to find out how a lot of these new guys learn.

It’s hard when you’re out there in summer workouts to see if a guy learns well, see what a guy does. But when you get in these meetings and you do these walk-throughs, and you have a lot of stuff going on really fast, you find out a lot about guys.”

Last season was Smart’s first as a head coach at the collegiate level.

He feels that he has learned, and continues to learn, on the job and that his staff is better prepared to lead the team. But Smart still holds himself to a high standard, regardless of his experience level as a major college football head coach.

“But (our standards are high) in our coaching staff, as well, whether it’s delegation of time, who has got what responsibility,” Smart said. “All of

that’s offseason stuff, who has got what opponents, what your job is in the offseason. All those things have been delegated and some are very similar to last year, and some are different, but each is its own entity with each guy.”

Few know the standards of the Georgia program better than Smart.

He played defensive back for the Bulldogs from 199598 and carries the responsibility of upholding the school’s expectations even prouder as an alumnus. And he has no plans on lowering the expectations at all.

“For every statistic, we have a goal,” Smart said.

“We didn’t reach many of those. Now, do you change your standard? Do you change your goals so you can make them? Or do you say, oh well, we’re not going to be very good in this area, we’ll lower it? No, the standard is what it is, and we have to try to get to that point.”

Smart plans on attacking those standards from the get-go in preseason practice. He acknowledges he cannot learn everything about his team right away, as they are not in full pads for the first two practices.

But there is still a lot of value for Smart in these practices and he looks forward to the first step in helping improve upon a first season that did not go as well as he had hoped.

“The idea is to create adversity for your team, find out who the leaders are and we’re going to be able to do that,” Smart said. “Not necessarily right away because you’ve got shorts on, but as you move into it, you get into scrimmages, you move guys up and down the depth chart and you find out how they respond to things and how they react.”

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart reacts on the field during the second half during the Georgia Spring Game at Sanford Stadium. (Photo: Dale Zanine-USA Today Sports)

Panthers help with finishing touches on their new lair Monday in giving metro Atlanta media members a david.friedlander@ sneak preview of the new gwinnettdailypost.com facility, which will be ofATLANTA — As hard ficially christened with an as they’ve worked in the intrasquad scrimmage and weight room and on their Fan Fest on Aug. 17, folskills during the summer, lowed by Corky Kell ClasGeorgia State’s football sic high school showcase players have also put in Aug. 18-19. Those lead up plenty of work helping put to the Panthers’ 2017 reguthe finishing touches on the lar season opener Aug. 31 team’s new home. against Tennessee State.

With completion of While there is still plenty $26-million Phase I retrofit of work to be done before of Turner Field, the forthose events later this mer home of the Atlanta month, the anticipation Braves, into Georgia State for the grand reopening of Stadium only a few scant a facility that has hosted weeks away, it’s difficult World Series games and the for the Panthers and head Summer Olympic Games coach Shawn Elliott to since it was first completed contain their excitement. in 1996 continues to grow.

“Most definitely. Just Sure, there are still looking out there and see- traces of the old Turner ing that green (artificial) Field, which was home for turf after being out there, the Braves from 1997 until … it’s going to be great,” last October. said redshirt sophomore The statue commemoratreceiver and Buford native ing Hank Aaron’s 715th Penny Hart. home run, which he hit at Hart joined teammate the former Atlanta FultonMackendy Cheridor, Elliott, County Stadium that once athletics director Charstood just to the north lie Cobb and other GSU across Georgia Avenue, athletic association officials remains in the front plaza.

By David Friedlander

expected to be completed by Aug. 11, according to Cobb.

There are also still many renovations left to be completed to the stadium’s suite level and press box, plus plenty of dust left to be cleared before the first events.

But perhaps what has Cobb most excited than even the reopening of the stadium is the numerous possibilities of what can be added in the future durGeorgia State Stadium, formerly the Atlanta Braves’ Turn- ing Phase II of the retrofit, er Field, will host the Panthers’ football games beginning which is expected to cost between $6 million and $8 this season. (Photo: David Friedlander) million and beyond.

In addition, there is most unique thing about “We’ve got space to be plenty of Braves and Aaron it. We get to be a part of able to do things,” Cobb art on the walls of the for- that history in this stadium. said. “That’s the cool part mer 755 Club, now to be When you talk to the play- about what we’ve been able called the University Club, ers or anyone in general, to do. … We’re trying to along the suite level. you can say, ‘The greatest look at the different events But make no mistake, athletes of the world ran that we can put in here.” the 21-year-old stadium here. The greatest baseball Indeed, while GSU now has Georgia State’s players played here. You’re football will be the primary panther tracks all over it. a part of that. Now let’s event, the reopened sta“As you can see, our write our own history in dium will also be available facility here at Georgia this stadium.’” to other sporting events State Stadium has been The biggest remaining — like the aforementioned transformed into one beau- task of the retrofitting pro2017 Corky Kell Classic, tiful place,” Elliott said. cess, the installation of the plus possible soccer and “There’s so much history FieldTurf playing surface, lacrosse games — as well here. That’s probably the is well underway and is as concerts.

About 25,000 seats are available in the lower bowl and club level, though the stadium will be able to seat as many as 35,000 for football and 42,000 for concerts by opening up the upper deck.

And that may only be the beginning.

With the added seats along the east sideline, space in the right field seats in the old baseball configuration on all levels may be available for future uses, such as a practice field, courts for GSU’s sand volleyball program or other athletic or football offices or facilities.

“One of the things we originally thought about doing was what the (NFL’s) Raiders do out in Oakland and tarping (the portion of the upper deck originally in right field under the old baseball configuration),” said Cobb, who noted that 20 of the 34 club level suites available for football have already been sold.

“Hopefully one day, we’re going to need (those seats) to fill for football.”

ondeck

10A • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2017

The Home Teams

Braves

G-Braves

Dream

United

TODAY NEXT UPCOMING

L.A. Dodgers L.A. Dodgers Miami 7:35 p.m.

Thu, 7:35 p.m. Fri, 7:35 p.m.

FSSE/93.7-FM FSSE/93.7-FM FSSO/93.7-FM Norfolk at Charlotte at Charlotte 7:05 p.m.

Fri, 7:05 p.m.

Sat, 7:05 p.m.

97.7-FM 97.7-FM 97.7-FM

at Minnesota at Chicago Off Fri, 8 p.m.

Sat, 8 p.m.

ESPN2

at Kansas City at D.C. United Off Sun, 8 p.m.

Aug. 23, 7:30 pm

FS1/92.9-FM FSSO/92.9-FM FSSE = FOX Sports Southeast, FSSO = FOX Sports South

On TV MLB

Today

7 p.m. — Cleveland at Boston ESPN 7:30 p.m. — Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta FSSE

SOCCER

2:30 p.m. — Manchester United vs Sampdoria ESPN2 9 p.m. — MLS All-Stars vs Real Madrid FS1

Sports Calendar

GOLF

Aug. 4: Global Marketing Concepts and Eagle 7 will host the GMC Golf Tournament at Stone Mountain Golf Club to benefit the Shiloh High football program and the John and JeJuan Stewart Foundation. Sponsorships and playing spots are available. For more information, go to www. gmcgolfclassics.com.

Ongoing through Aug. 22: The Middle School Golf League, which assigns golfers to teams based on their middle school attendance zones, will hold registration for the fall season through Aug. 22. Matches are held at Summit Chase Country Club in Snellville and Cedar Lake Golf Club in Loganville. Registration is through the South Gwinnett Athletic Association. To register or for more information, go to www.middleschoolgolfleague.com.

Aug. 28: The Mill Creek Cluster Education Foundation will host its second annual golf classic at

Hamilton Mill Golf Club.

The event raises money for all schools in the cluster — Mill Creek High School, Jones and Osborne middle schools and Duncan Creek, Fort Daniel, Harmony, Ivy Creek and Puckett’s Mill elementary schools. Cost is $125 per player and sponsorships also are available.

For more information, email 2moons@bellsouth.net.

SOCCER

Aug. 4-6: Moore Soccer Academy, led by former Parkview and Major League Soccer player Jason Moore, will host a three-day skills camp with Steamers FC at Bethesda Park. Under-8 to under-12 sessions are from 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 4, 10 to 11 a.m. Aug. 5 and 1 to 2 p.m.

Aug. 6 at a cost of $150.

Under-13 to under-19 sessions are from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Aug. 4, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Aug. 5 and 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Aug. 6 at a cost of $200.

For registration or more information, contact Kenny Costello at 678-651-6533 or UGA0529@yahoo.com.

In Brief Mill Creek’s Gipson commits to South Carolina football Mill Creek senior defensive back Jonathan Gipson ended his college recruitment on Monday with a verbal pledge to South Carolina.

The 6-foot-1, 183-pound corner had offers from a dozen other schools, but chose the Gamecocks over finalists Indiana and Tennessee.

Last season he recorded 54 tackles and three interceptions for the Hawks.

Gipson is a composite three-star prospect according to 247sports.com, which ranks him the No. 32 senior in Georgia. He’s the third Mill Creek senior to commit, joining offensive lineman John Harris (Virginia Tech) and linebacker Shaka Heyward (Duke).

“I’m proud to be a part of the Gamecock family, I would like to thank God for putting me in a position to play college ball,” he posted to his Twitter Page.

Mill Creek opens the season Aug. 19 against McEachern at Georgia State Stadium in the Corky Kell Classic.

Gwinnett grads put together big sports weekend auction item Three former Gwinnett standouts have put together a three-event weekend for sports fans to bid on as part of the Dawgs for Kids Night on Friday at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

Jon and Matt Stinchcomb, along with David Greene, are fundraising for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Georgia Transplant Foundation. Their 12th annual Dawgs for Kids event starts at 7:30 p.m.

Many items will be available during a silent auction, but the featured live auction is being dubbed an ultimate bucket list trip for a sports fan. It includes four roundtrip tickets to Chicago so the group can attend a Cubs game at Wrigley Field on Sept. 8, the GeorgiaNotre Dame game on Sept. 9 in South Bend and the Falcons-Bears game on Sept. 10 at Soldier Field.

Pre-game passes for batting practice at Wrigley and sideline passes at Notre Dame are part of the package, along with two rooms for two nights in luxury apartments on Lake Shore Drive.

Bidding is available online as well as at the event.

For that or more information, go to www.ugakickoff. com.

— From staff reports

Feedback

• Will Hammock, Sports Editor: will.hammock@gwinnettdailypost.com • Christine Troyke, Staff Writer: christine.troyke@gwinnettdailypost.com • David Friedlander, Staff Writer: david.friedlander@gwinnettdailypost.com • Paul Thomas, Staff Writer: paul.thomas@gwinnettdailypost.com • Scott Smith, Senior Correspondent: scott.smith@gwinnettdailypost.com • To report scores, call 770-339-5850

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SUPER SIX CROSS COUNTRY BOYS Name: Axel Avalos School: Central Gwinnett Class: Senior College choices: West Georgia, Lipscomb Twitter handle: axel_adair1 5K PR: 15:41 Favorite course to run: Lambert River Run Least favorite course to run: Georgia International Horse Park Funniest teammate: Guillermo Flores Aside from myself, the best current Gwinnett cross country runner is: Archer’s James Cragin Favorite type of running shoe: Nike Pegasus 33 Song that gets me pumped up for a race: None, I don’t like to listen to music before I run.

Sport I’m best at besides running: Soccer Favorite TV show: “Rick and Morty” Best-looking celebrity: Selena Gomez Dream job: Physical therapist Noteworthy: • Placed 11th at the state meet • Was sixth at area and fourth at county Coach Andy Dugger’s take: “Axel is poised to have another special season after an already strong showing last year when he finished second among Gwinnett County runners at the state championship meet. Axel has worked hard this offseason to increase his strength and finishing speed.

He is a quiet leader who leads by example, which is important in a sport like cross country. I am extremely proud of his mental approach to this season and his tenacious demeanor during the most challenging workouts.”

Name: Chase Condra School: Peachtree Ridge Class: Junior College choices: Georgia Tech, Georgia, Ole Miss, Mercer Twitter handle: Chase_condra 5K PR: 15:51 Favorite course to run: Berry Least favorite course to run: ATC Wingfoot Funniest teammate: Toby Emch Aside from myself, the best current Gwinnett cross country runner is: Peachtree Ridge’s Alex Haggard Favorite type of running shoe: Nike Pegasus Song that gets me pumped up for a race: “Hall of Fame” by The Script Sport I’m best at besides running: Baseball Favorite TV show: “Shameless” Best-looking celebrity: Kate Upton Dream job: Traveling photographer Noteworthy: • Led Gwinnett’s Class AAAAAAA runners with a fifthplace finish at state • Placed fifth at area and second at county Coach Matt Adams’ take: “Chase is incredibly competitive.

He has a drive and an engine that can’t be beat. He’s got a little “Pre” (Steve Prefontaine) in him with his desire to not just win, but win convincingly. He’s still learning how to harness his talents, and he’s getting better each race and each season. He’s had a great summer, so I’m excited to see how far he can go this fall.”

Name: Christian Corsello School: Parkview Class: Senior College choices: Boise State, Colorado, Colorado State, Oregon State, Portland Twitter handle: N/A 5K PR: 15:59 Favorite course to run: Berry Least favorite course to run: Flagler County Fairgrounds Funniest teammate: Marquis Lynch Aside from myself, the best current Gwinnett cross country runner is: Parkview’s Marquis Lynch Favorite type of running shoe: Whatever feels the best Song that gets me pumped up for a race: “Amigos” Sport I’m best at besides running: Triathlon Favorite TV show: “Hawaii 5-0” Best-looking celebrity: Loren Gray Dream job: Unsure Noteworthy: • Finished 13th at the state meet • Also was second at area and sixth at county Coach Mike Demarest’s take: “Christian has been our top runner since his sophomore year and has shown signs of being able to run with the best of 7A. He’s put in a ton of work this summer, and I believe he can finish well into the top 10 at state. His leadership skills have improved over the years as well, and I look forward to watching how far he can lead this team, hopefully contending for a trophy at state.”

Name: James Cragin School: Archer Class: Senior

College choices: Undecided Twitter handle: james_cragin16 5K PR: 16:14 Favorite course to run: McAlpine Greenway Park Least favorite course to run: Carrollton Funniest teammate: Lucas Bumgarner Aside from myself, the best current Gwinnett cross country runner is: Parkview’s Christian Corsello Favorite type of running shoe: Brooks Song that gets me pumped up for a race: “No Option” by Post Malone Sport I’m best at besides running: Baseball Favorite TV show: “Game of Thrones” Best-looking celebrity: Daisy Ridley Dream job: Developing new running products Noteworthy: • Injury derailed junior cross country season • Reigning county track and field champion in the 3,200-meter run Coach John McCartney’s take: “James was forced to sit out six months of running, from April through September 2016, due to a hip injury. The dedication to stretching, core work and riding the exercise bike he exhibited set the stage for an outstanding junior track season. … James is working hard and smart this summer with doable goals set for both cross country and track.

An increase in mileage this summer has him confident he will be able to reach his personal running goals. James has made it clear to me how important team goals are to him. Although he has been a major part of Archer’s steady improvement in distance running the past few years, moving into the highest level as a team is a goal James wants Archer to achieve before he graduates.”

GIRLS Name: Skylar English School: Dacula Class: Senior College choices: Undecided Twitter handle: _ skylarenglish 5K PR: 18:31 Favorite course to run: ATC Wingfoot Least favorite course to run: Carrollton Funniest teammate: Brianna Thomas Aside from myself, the best current Gwinnett cross country runner is: Mill Creek’s Camryn Petit Favorite type of running shoe: Nike Zoom Vomero 11 Song that gets me pumped up for a race: “TKO” by Justin Timberlake Sport I’m best at besides running: Soccer Favorite TV show: “Criminal Minds” Best-looking celebrity: Theo James Dream job: Pediatric physician’s assistant Noteworthy: • Finished third at the state meet • Won the region championship and was fifth at county Coach Mark Karen’s take: “Skylar is simply a great athlete. She is an amazing student-athlete. Great grades, has leadership roles at school and in sports as soccer team captain, strong work ethic and never wants to let anyone down.

Soccer is her first love but she wanted to try cross country her sophomore year but suffered a bad foot injury during the spring season of high school soccer of her freshman year to keep her from participating the following fall. Skylar is humble in her success and does a tremendous job combining club soccer with cross country. She is not too bad considering this is her secondary sport as far as where her passion lies.”

Name: Alex Haggard School: Peachtree Ridge Class: Senior College choices: Undecided Twitter handle: N/A 5K PR: 16:23 Favorite course to run: County course/International Horse Park Least favorite course to run: Carrollton Funniest teammate: Toby Emch Aside from myself, the best current Gwinnett cross country runner is: Peachtree Ridge’s Chase Condra Favorite type of running shoe: Nike Zoom Flyknit Streak Song that gets me pumped up for a race: “Fireflies” by Owl City Sport I’m best at besides running: Soccer or BMX Favorite TV show: “The Walking Dead” Best-looking celebrity: Gal Gadot Dream job: Pro motorcycle racer Noteworthy: • Placed 27th at the state championship meet • Was seventh at area and seventh at county Coach Matt Adams’ take: “Alex is one of the most talented runners I’ve coached and certainly the most efficient. He makes running an art form. Even when he’s going top speed, it looks effortless. He’s had a great summer of training and is hungrier than ever. The sky is the limit on what he can achieve this fall.”

Name: Lyndsey Fowler School: North Gwinnett Class: Senior College choices: Undecided Twitter handle: lyndsey_fowler 5K PR: 18:43 Favorite course to run: Asics Invitational at Foxhall Sporting Club Least favorite course to run: Carrollton Funniest teammate: Blair Greco Aside from myself, the best current Gwinnett cross country runner is: Peachtree Ridge’s Mary Kathryn Knott Favorite type of running shoe: Nike Pegasus Zoom Song that gets me pumped up for a race: “No Matter What” by Little Monarch Sport I’m best at besides running: Basketball Favorite TV show: “Lost” Best-looking celebrity: Jonny Weston Dream job: Sports nutrionist Noteworthy: • Placed 33rd at the state championships • Was sixth at area and third at county Coach John Rowland’s take: “Lyndsey is an extremely determined and hard-working student-athlete. She leads our team both on the cross country course and in the classroom where she handles difficult academic classes. Lyndsey has continually improved over the last three years and has lofty goals for her senior year. Lyndsey has become a student of the sport of cross country and track and is a joy to coach. She has a bright future as a competitive runner and I am excited to watch her progress.”

Name: Anthony Urmetz School: Collins Hill Class: Senior College choice: Georgia Twitter handle: Anthony_ urmetz 5K PR: 16:03 Favorite course to run: Double Dip Least favorite course to run: The Georgia International Horse Park Funniest teammate: Haylen Mann Aside from myself, the best current Gwinnett cross country runner is: Collins Hill’s Kai Brickey Favorite type of running shoe: Brooks Adrenaline GTs 2017 Song that gets me pumped up for a race: “Hall of Fame” by The Script Sport I’m best at besides running: Swimming Favorite TV show: “How I Met Your Mother” Best-looking celebrity: Emma Stone Dream job: Runner Noteworthy: • Finished 43rd at state championship meet and finished 15th at county • Was 16th at state in 3,200-meter run in track and field Coach Andrew Hudson’s take: “Anthony has come a long way as a runner and as a young man. He has matured and sharpened his focus as a runner.

Merrick Rizzo was a strong influence on him and Kai (Brickey), his teammate, helps him stay focused as well. Anthony is motivated and hard-working and hoping for a big season with good health.”

Name: Mary Kathryn Knott School: Peachtree Ridge Class: Senior College choices: Undecided Twitter handle: N/A 5K PR: 18:41 Favorite course to run: County and area Least favorite course to run: ATC Wingfoot Classic Funniest teammates: Cai Burnside and Jessie Lowe Aside from myself, the best current Gwinnett cross country runner is: North Gwinnett’s Lyndsey Fowler Favorite type of running shoe: Mizuno Wave Catalyst Song that gets me pumped up for a race: “Best Day of My Life”

by American Authors Sport I’m best at besides running: Soccer Favorite TV show: “Gossip Girl” Best-looking celebrity: Zac Efron Dream job: National Geographic photographer Noteworthy: • Third-place finish at the state meet was highest by a Gwinnett girl in largest classification • Also was area champion and county runner-up Coach Matt Adams’ take: “Mary Kathryn is sneaky competitive.

When you meet her, you think she’s meek and timid, but I wouldn’t want to go against her in a race. She’s got the talent and the work ethic to go with it. She’s

really the whole package. She’s coming off a tough injury in track, but she’s been diligent in her PT and rehab. I know she’s going to bounce back stronger than ever.

She’s one of the few girls in this sport that has gotten better each year in high school, and I attribute that to her strength and that she is really good about nutrition, rest and recovery.”

Name: Camryn Petit School: Mill Creek Class: Senior College choices: Undecided Twitter handle: CamrynPetit 5K PR: 18:35 Favorite course to run: Great American Least favorite course to run: Carrollton Funniest teammate: Ashlee Appling Aside from myself, the best current Gwinnett cross country runner is: Mill Creek’s Marisa Petit Favorite type of running shoe: Brooks Glycerin Song that gets me pumped up for a race: “The Comeback” by Danny Gokey Sport I’m best at besides running: Basketball Favorite TV show: “The Blacklist” Best-looking celebrity: Jordan Spieth Dream job: Sports medicine doctor for Olympic athletes Noteworthy: • Placed seventh at state • Finished second at area and sixth at county Coach Terry Brand’s take: “Over the past three years, Camryn has overcome a lot of obstacles. She always runs strong when it counts and is a powerful runner who will come out firing on all cylinders this season. She has grown into a great team leader and has always been a positive role model for her teammates.”

Name: Reese Saddler School: Brookwood Class: Sophomore College choices: I have a tiny bit before I think about colleges Twitter handle: N/A 5K PR: 19:48 Favorite course to run: Carrollton Least favorite course to run: I don’t really have a least favorite.

I just have favorites and OK courses.

Funniest teammate: Katelyn Hubbard Aside from myself, the best current Gwinnett cross country runner is: Peachtree Ridge’s Mary Kathryn Knott Favorite type of running shoe: Mizuno Wave Rider 19 Song that gets me pumped up for a race: “Silly” by Deniece Williams Sport I’m best at besides running: I run cross country for a reason, if you know what I mean.

Favorite TV show: “Riverdale” Best-looking celebrity: Benedict Cumberbatch Dream job: Patent attorney at Fish and Richardson, at their Munich office Noteworthy: • Placed 19th at the state meet as a freshman • Also was seventh at area and 10th in the county meet Coach Chris Carter’s take: “Reese is a great kid who has really come a long way in only a year.

She’s got a great sense of humor but is also very driven. She’s got that balance where she can be joking and goofing around with the girls and then, during workouts and races when the gun goes off, become fiercely competitive.”

Name: Elizabeth Saliba School: Brookwood Class: Senior College choices: Undecided Twitter handle: ElizabethSali3 5K PR: 18:48 Favorite course to run: Carrollton Least favorite course to run: I like them all Funniest teammate: Lisa Garay Aside from myself, the best current Gwinnett cross country runner is: Mill Creek’s Camryn and Marisa Petit Favorite type of running shoe: Asics Gel Kayano Song that gets me pumped up for a race: “Never Give Up”

by Sia Sport I’m best at besides running: Tennis Favorite TV show: “Modern Family” Best-looking celebrity: Ansel Elgort Dream job: Diplomat Noteworthy: • Placed fifth at last year’s state championship meet • Also took third place at area and eighth at county Coach Chris Carter’s take: “Elizabeth is a great teammate.

She’s always positive, always working hard and is extremely easy to coach. A typical pre-race talk with her is something like this. Me: ‘Saliba, you’re ready.

Run hard.’ Elizabeth: ‘Sounds good.’ That doesn’t mean that she doesn’t take training and racing seriously. Quite the opposite. She’s simply very intrinsically motivated and driven.”

gwinnettdailypost.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2017 • 11A

CROSS COUNTRY SEASON PREVIEW Class AAAAAAA Area 4-AAAAAAA Berkmar Patriots Boys coach: Evan Pettyjohn Top boys runners: Ricardo Hernandez, Jr.; Chris Mendoza, Jr.; Myles Brown, Jr.; Justin Rodriguez, Jr. Outlook: Graduation took a great deal from the Patriots’ lineup, but returning runner Chris Mendoza and newcomer Ricardo Hernandez are ready to lead the way to success.

Girls coach: Rosina Diaz Top girls runner: Naomi Michael, Jr. Outlook: A number of new runners are in the Berkmar lineup, which is headlined by the returning Naomi Michael.

Brookwood Broncos Boys coach: Ben Dehnke Top boys runners: Thomas Ridley, Sr.; Zach Roberts, Sr.; Chris Helak, Sr.; Jake Weitzel, Sr.; Matthew Tharakan, Sr.; Michael Hopf, Jr.; Vijay Shanmugam, Jr.; Rulon Frandsen, Jr. Outlook: Six of the Broncos’ top seven runners were lost to graduation, but a solid group of upperclassmen aim to keep them among the state’s best.

Girls coach: Chris Carter Top girls runners: Lisa Garay, Sr.; Elizabeth Saliba, Sr.; Olivia Sharp, Sr.; Georgia Wheeler, Sr.; Lilli Freeman, Jr.; Hannah Gatland, Jr.; Madison Wilson, Jr.; Katie Wydock, Jr.; Alyssa Hall, Soph.; Alexis Rodriguez, Soph.; Reese Saddler, Soph.; Emily Thisdale, Soph.; Shari Gasper, Fr.; Emma Ingalls, Fr.; Morgan Harrison, Fr.; Emma Rhodes, Fr. Outlook: Elizabeth Saliba and Reese Saddler had top finishes at last year’s state meet, but Brookwood as a whole will be young and in need of experience. That said, the Broncos expect to contend for the top spot in the season’s top meets.

Central Gwinnett Black Knights Boys coach: Andy Dugger Top boys runners: Axel Avalos, Sr.; Samir Lester, Sr.; Isaias Padilla, Sr.; Alan Brandi, Jr.; Josh Tyrell, Jr.; Mike Davis, Sr.; Guilliermo Flores, Jr. Outlook: The Black Knights hope to qualify for state as a team this season, while star runner Axel Avalos fights for an individual state championship.

Girls coach: Andy Dugger Top girls runners: Melissa Flores, Sr.; Romona Beobath, Sr.; Tina Galvez, Sr.; Annie Bui, Sr.; Ravena Vilingiri, Sr. Outlook: Melissa Flores, Central’s No. 2 runner last season, is back to lead what head coach Andy Dugger calls a “hard-working” group.

Collins Hill Eagles Boys coach: Andrew Hudson Top boys runners: Kai Brickey, Sr.; Anthony Urmetz, Sr. Outlook: A state berth is again the goal for Collins Hill, despite the graduation loss of Merrick Rizzo and others. Seniors Kai Brickey and Anthony Urmetz are back to lead the way.

Girls coach: Monica Daab Top girls runners: Mikayla Dudley, Soph.; Paulina Seely, Soph.; Shea Bonacci, Soph.

Outlook: The girls program, once a powerhouse, has missed qualification for the state meet in recent seasons, but hopes to get back with a young lineup.

Discovery Titans Boys coach: Robert Ayres Top boys runners: Jonathan Heredia, Sr.; Pablo Muniz-Gutierrez, Jr.; Benjamin Reyes, Jr.; Patrick Kukucka, Soph.

Outlook: Discovery hopes to continue its improvement from last season with a stillyoung program.

Girls coach: Nedra Curtis Top girls runners: Lesly Duran, Sr.; Isis Mendoza, Jr.; Jocelin Crisantos, Jr.; Amelia

Richey, Soph.; Kaylah St. Juste, Soph.; Victoria Kiss, Sr.; Gracie Botsford, Soph.

Outlook: Head coach Mac Bradbury was pleased with the girls team’s consistency in summer training, which he hopes leads to positive results this season.

Brookwood’s Elizabeth Saliba placed fifth at the Class AAAAAAA state championship meet last season in Carrollton. (File Photo) Stefanie, Jr. Outlook: Discovery’s class of 2017 set the bar high, head coach Nedra Curtis said, and replacing those runners won’t be easy. But she is eager to see improvements from a retooled roster this season.

Duluth Wildcats Boys coach: Steve Fairchild Top boys runners: Connor Creedon, Jr.; Bobby Pelland, Sr.: Darius Smith, Sr.; Will English, Sr.; Luke Carnazzo, Sr. Outlook: Experience is a big plus for the Wildcats, who have five strong upperclassmen, including four seniors, in the lineup.

Girls coach: Brooke Wright Top girls runners: Valeria Angel, Sr.; LeeAnn Lawrence, Jr.; Christin Bowring, Jr.; Saamira Banit, Jr. Outlook: The Duluth coaching staff was pleased by the summer attendance and hard work leading into the season, giving high hopes of improvements this year.

Meadowcreek Mustangs Boys coach: Aimee Michael Top boys runners: Sergio Dominguez, Sr.; Oscar Lazo, Jr.; Luis Neito, Soph.; Gueller Zapata, Jr.; Mathew Quarles, Sr. Outlook: Meadowcreek has become more competitive by the year in recent seasons, and Michael expects that to continue in 2017 behind a new group of leaders.

Girls coach: Aimee Michael Top girls runners: Breanna Everson, Jr.; Charlotte Hope, Soph.; Jennifer Leon, Sr. Outlook: A group of runners who fared well in track transition over to cross country, giving the program some preseason encouragement.

Mill Creek Hawks Boys coach: Andy Christie Top boys runners: Joseph Muck, Jr.; Brian Ricks, Sr.; Ethan Jarrett, Sr.; Daniel Hettesheimer, Sr.; Josh Hall, Sr.; Paul Pollock, Soph.

Outlook: Only one varsity runner (senior Ethan Jarrett) returns for a team that was fifth at state in 2016. But the coaches have seen promise from athletes who helped Mill Creek win the area junior varsity championship last season, which they hope keeps the program among the best at the county, area and state levels.

Girls coach: Terry Brand Top girls runners: Camryn Petit, Sr.; Marisa Petit, Sr.; Olivia Fuller, Sr.; Hannah Olive, Jr.; Ashlee Appling, Sr.; Ashlyn Mumme, Jr.; Claire McKittrick, Soph.

Outlook: Mill Creek’s goal of being a top 10 team at the state meet is achievable thanks to a veteran lineup, led by experienced seniors Camryn and Marisa Petit and Olivia Fuller.

Mountain View Bears Boys coach: B.J. Roy Top boys runners: Caleb Iwan, Sr.; Shane Henderson, Sr.; Daniel Hollander, Soph.

Outlook: Graduation took runners from the top of the Bears’ lineup, but Roy has been encouraged by how

the team has pulled together to fill those spots.

Girls coach: Lindsey McDaniel Top girls runners: Chloe Hetherington, Jr.; Amy Kim, Jr.; Alyssa Annarelli, Sr. Outlook: Top runner Alexis Carter and eight others graduated from last year’s state team, but head coach Lindsey McDaniel isn’t calling 2017 a rebuilding season. She said a strong junior class, headlined by Chloe Hetherington, has the potential to take this team to state.

Norcross Blue Devils Boys coach: Danielle Hughes Top boys runners: Chris Bunner, Sr.; Gabriel Schlicht, Soph.

Outlook: Norcross features a lineup mixed with experience and youth as it tries to advance out of a difficult area.

Girls coach: Danielle Hughes Top girls runners: Maggie O’Leary, Sr.; Grettie Reifenberger, Sr.; Merritt Blum, Soph.

Outlook: The Blue Devils have high expectations and two experienced runners who have fared well in the past, Maggie O’Leary and Grettie Reifenberger.

North Gwinnett Bulldogs Boys coach: John Rowland Top boys runners: Noah Coppedge, Soph.; Andrew Lawrence, Sr.; Steven Lee, Sr.; Brendan McCormick, Jr.; Ray Murphy, Sr.; Stephen Pipes, Sr.; Adam Sheridan, Sr. Outlook: Seniors Andrew Lawrence, Ray Murphy and Stephen Pipes have logged the most summer miles of their career in an attempt to get North out of its tough area and into state.

Top underclassmen Noah Coppedge and Brendan McCormack also must step up for the Bulldogs to reach their goals.

Girls coach: John Rowland Top girls runners: Lyndsey Fowler, Sr.; Erica Hambacker, Soph.; Makenna Kulzer, Soph.; Sarah Melkerson, Sr.; Shelby Pacholke, Sr.; Abbey Pinkerton, Sr.; Caroline Ursprung, Jr. Outlook: The North girls placed eighth at the state meet last year. Four of the top seven from that squad are back this season, led by seniors Lyndsey Fowler, Sarah Melkerson, Shelby Pacholke and Abbey Pinkerton. Some talented young runners also will contribute, led by Makenna Kulzer, a 3,200-meter run state qualifier in track and field as a freshman.

Parkview Panthers Boys coach: Mike Demarest Top boys runners: Christian Corsello, Sr.; Spencer Lail, Sr.; Marquis Lynch, Sr.; Jacob Wudtke, Sr.; David Brown, Jr.; Jared Causey, Jr.; Zach Gooch, Jr.; Bryce Thomas, Jr.; Tristan Autry, Soph.; Tyler Talik, Soph.

Outlook: Three top runners graduated off a team that was ninth at state, but plenty of talent is back, headlined

by senior Christian Corsello.

Spencer Lail, Bryce Thomas and Jared Causey also have state experience, while big things are expected from Tristan Autry and Marquis Lynch.

Girls coach: Mike Demarest Top girls runners: Abby Cobb, Sr.; Jacquelin Jazo, Sr.; Gracie Griffith, Sr.; Andrea Ploussard, Sr.; Wendy Jazo, Soph.; Claire Mills, Soph.; Elise Musser, Soph.

Outlook: The Panthers made state last year, placing 16th, and have two scorers back in Andrea Ploussard and Elise Musser. Abby Cobb and Gracie Griffith also are important runners and senior leaders.

Peachtree Ridge Lions Boys coach: Matt Adams Top boys runners: Chase Condra, Jr.; Alex Haggard, Sr. Outlook: Peachtree Ridge, with Chase Condra and Alex Haggard, has its best combination of top two runners since Josh Brickell and Kevin Mills in 2012. If the runners behind those two step up, the season could have a special finish at the state meet.

Girls coach: Matt Adams Top girls runners: Mary Kathryn Knott, Sr.; Abby Carmack, Jr. Outlook: The Lions have the Daily Post’s reigning runner of the year in Mary Kathryn Knott, though she plans to progress slowly after injuring her hip during track season.

Carmack had a good track season and she is joined on the roster by a strong senior class, as well as some young talent.

Area 1-AAAAAAA Archer Tigers Boys coach: John McCartney Top boys runners: James Cragin, Sr.; John Klima, Sr.; Lucas Bumgarner, Sr.; Nicholas Kundin, Jr.; Myles Collins, Soph.; Evan Miner, Fr. Outlook: After the program’s first top-10 finish at state, hopes are high this season.

Adding to the excitement is the return of senior James Cragin, injured during last cross country. Cragin is coming off a strong track season.

Girls coaches: Traci Henry, Elizabeth Vance Top girls runners: Natalie Lopez, Sr.; Kelly Connerly, Jr.; Olivia Henry, Jr.; Sarah McCartney, Soph.

Outlook: The Archer coaches are encouraged about this season, particularly because the majority of last year’s lineup is back after a 13th-place finish at state.

Grayson Rams Boys coach: Mac Bradbury Top boys runners: David Gunn, Sr.; Gabe McNett, Sr.; Emmanuel Devore, Sr.; Daniel Hossack, Sr. Outlook: Grayson will have one of its most experienced boys teams, including a strong senior class led by David Gunn.

Girls coach: Mac Bradbury Top girls runners: Kayla Langston, Sr.; Eva Ross, Jr.; Alise Mercier, Sr.; Erica

Shiloh Generals Boys coach: Casey Ramel Top boys runners: Robert Cranston, Jr.; Spencer Vitense, Sr.; Christopher Salgado, Sr.; Christian Valencia, Sr.; Lucino Nava, Sr.; Elijah Berry, Jr.; Rudy Perez, Sr.; Kadrian King, Sr.; Darien Edwards, Sr.; Edivale Muianga, Sr.; Ifeanyi Ihezue, Sr. Outlook: Aspirations are high for the Generals, thanks to the return of all five members of a state qualifying team. The roster is full of veteran runners, including the talented Robert Cranston.

Girls coach: Casey Ramel Top girls runners: Emily Frederick, Soph.; Amaya Elliott, Sr.; Brianna Christian, Sr.; Rubi Moreno, Sr.; Ty Cossier, Jr.; Ashley Vasquez, Soph.; Isabel Arscott, Jr.; Camryn Burke, Sr.; Kaitlyn Castrejon, Jr.; Janely Jimenez, Soph.; Erynn Kinsey, Sr. Outlook: Like the boys team, Shiloh’s girls also have experience with four runners back from last year’s state team.

Hartman, Sr.; Aidan Smith, Sr.; Sammy Cruz, Sr.; Bayley Hunter, Jr.; Ben Archer, Soph.; Gavin Smith, Jr. Outlook: Depth, experience and a strong senior class give the Wolves high hopes for a big season.

Girls coach: Matt Johnson Top girls runners: Sarah Davis, Sr.; Gabby Thacker, Sr.; Tatum DeGoey, Sr.; Melanie Mendoza, Sr.; Heidi Hyatt, Jr. Outlook: Buford’s girls will have a mix of younger runners with the older ones, and head coach Matt Johnson likes what he’s seen from the group in summer workouts.

Class AAA Region 7-AAA Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans Boys coach: Brad Kinser Top boys runners: David Reed, Sr.; Gerald Filmore, Sr.; Jacob Reading, Sr. Outlook: Three seniors lead the way for the Spartans, who hope for a return to state under longtime coach Brad Kinser, in his 29th season.

Girls coach: Brad Kinser Top girls runner: Elise Karinshak, Jr. Outlook: The GAC girls made state last year and aim for a repeat this fall.

Class A Private Area 2-A Hebron Christian Lions South Gwinnett Comets Boys coach: Mike BeauBoys coach: Justin Hooks dreau Top boys runners: Larson Top boys runners: Brandon Evans; Keith Richard; Jarrett Potra, Jr.; Michael Fabiano, Harris Jr.; Ethan Selph, Soph.; Outlook: New head coach Blake Fugel, Soph.; Andy Justin Hooks hopes to round Harris, Sr.; Preston Brown, up a solid group of runners Fr.; Brandon Engstrom, Sr.; this season.

Alex Ferrante, Jr.; Michael Girls coach: Justin Hooks Brooks, Fr. Top girls runners: Joyne Outlook: A young group of Nichols; Mariama Abdoulrunners keeps maturing for Majeed; Candy Chefor; the Lions, who have nine Ashleigh Dooley; Kiara Gill; of their top 10 runners back Indigo Lee; Brianna Wheeler; from 2016. With some new Brooke Wheeler; Alexis Wiltalent coming in, too, they kes; Marissa Allen; Meribah figure to be among the clasBaxter; Shaniya Gause; Wissification’s top teams this fall. dom Nelson; Emani Walker; Girls coach: Maranda GarJasmine Williams; Keena rett Cordell Top girls runners: Amanda Outlook: A decent-sized Jackson, Sr.; Mckenna pack of runners gives the Taylor, Soph.; Inessa ShevComets promise of a fun and chuck, Fr.; Grace Jackson, successful season.

Jr.; Emma Grace Hoffman, Soph.

Class AAAAAA Outlook: A group of promisRegion 8-AAAAAA ing young runners will mesh Dacula Falcons with some older ones as Boys coach: Mark Karen Hebron seeks substantial Top boys runners: Alex progress from the beginning Medley, Sr.; Michael Rowe, of the season to state.

Sr.; Yahya Abdulkadir, Sr; Matt Schenberg, Jr.; Jackson Providence Christian DeLoach, Sr.; Hayden Baker, Storm Jr.; Jacob Gilbert, Sr. Boys coach: Scott Williams Outlook: Dacula ended a Top boys runners: Joel six-year absence from the Duffie, Jr.; Luke Hudson, state meet in style, finishing Soph.; Landon King, Soph.

11th and winning the region Outlook: The Storm took in 2016. The program hopes fourth at last year’s state to take another step forward meet, but graduated five of at state this season. their top eight runners. A Girls coach: Mark Karen solid group returns at the top Top girls runners: Skyof the lineup, but other runlar English, Sr.; Madelyn McVannan, Jr.; Najiyah King, ners must step up to match last season’s success.

Soph.

Girls coach: Scott Williams Outlook: Four girls have Top girls runners: Sydney departed from last year’s Hendricks, Sr.; Audrey Scogteam, which had the best gins, Jr.; Maddie Wheatly, state finish in school history Soph.; Jennifer Woollery, Fr. in sixth place. Building up Outlook: Providence wants depth behind No. 1 runner Skylar English (third at state, to surge forward with the top Class A programs behind a region champion and fifth at talented returning pack of county last year) is key. runners.

Lanier Longhorns Wesleyan Wolves Boys coach: Tyler Henry Top boys runners: Matthew Boys coach: Chad McDaniel Arrowood, Sr.; Gabe Cranor, Top boys runners: Peter Hess, Jeb Brown, Will Sr.; Luke Cranor, Soph.

Parrish, Colton Villa, Zach Outlook: Seniors Matthew Hanger Arrowood and Gabe Cranor Outlook: Wesleyan, a perenare back for the Longhorns, nial contender in its classifiwhose goals include a podium finish at the state meet. cation, hopes to rebound this season after a disappointing Girls coach: Bob Gardner 2016 that saw it miss the Top girls runners: Zoie state meet.

Gardner, Sr.; Sydney Girls coach: Chad McDaniel Hutchinson, Soph.; Kristen Grant, Jr.; Gabrielle Burlison, Top girls runners: Mary Ann Manley, Ana Hanger, Sr. Quinn Kaloper, Miller LoutOutlook: Despite some key han, Anna Turner losses to graduation, Lanier is after a top-two finish in the Outlook: A solid core of runners return from the region and a top-10 finish at Wolves’ state runner-up state. team from last season. The group includes Mary Ann Class AAAAA Manley (26th at state), Miller Region 8-AAAAA Louthan (31st), Anna Turner Buford Wolves (33rd) and Ana Hanger Boys coach: Matt Johnson Top boys runners: Chase (39th).

MLS All-Stars brace for onslaught from Real Madrid The Sports Xchange

importance would be fooling themselves.

Yes, today’s match The two sides will meet between the MLS All-Stars before a capacity crowd at and world soccer power Real Soldier Field in Chicago as Madrid is a friendly, but any- the MLS’s All-Stars will one thinking the exhibition look to continue a surprising will be void of intensity and run of success against the

top-drawer European teams that have made this match a part of their exhibition schedule for 13 seasons.

The MLS All-Stars hold a 7-4-1 advantage over their European foes over that stretch and won the 2014

and 2015 matchups against Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur, respectively, before falling to Arsenal in San Jose last year.

The MLS players, many of whom have played for or against Real Madrid in

past seasons, expect an extremely testing matchup that could very easily turn into a humbling affair, given the Spanish side’s fearsome arsenal of worldclass attacking talent.

Chicago Fire coach

Veljko Paunovic, a longtime standout as a player for crosstown rival Atletico Madrid, will manage the MLS All-Stars.

Atlanta is sending Miguel Almiron, Greg Garza and Michael Parkhurst.

12A • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

Sims solid in Braves debut G-Braves edged Brookwood grad still couldn’t cool off NL’s hottest team

By Guy Curtright

By Colin Hubbard

Staff Correspondent

ATLANTA — As Lucas Sims prepared mentally for his major league debut with the team he grew up loving, the 23-year-old right-hander was almost dwarfed by his major league locker as he sat on a shelf with his feet in a chair.

Almost hidden away, maybe the Brookwood High School graduate was revisiting in his mind some of his earliest baseball memories.

“When I was in the backyard playing games, I always was a Braves player,” Sims has said frequently.

Until now, Sims had always called the day he was taken by his hometown team in the first round of the 2012 draft the greatest day of his life.

Taking the mound for the Braves for real obviously trumped that, though.

After 135 minor leagues games, Sims finally got the opportunity he had waited for, sometimes not all that patiently, and made the most of it Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Sims turned in a quality start in his major league debut, it just wasn’t quite good enough to cool off the hottest team in the National League this season.

Dodgers starter Kenta Maeda gave up just two singles and a walk over seven scoreless innings as Los Angeles (75-31) pushed its latest winning streak to nine games with a 3-2 victory over the Braves before 32,174 at SunTrust Park.

Sims worked six innings and gave up three runs on six hits. He struck out three, hit a batter and

Staff Correspondent

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher and Brookwood grad Lucas Sims, right, reacts with catcher Tyler Flowers against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the third inning on Tuesday at SunTrust Park. (Photo: Dale Zanine-USA Today Sports)

didn’t issue a walk, leaving after 92 pitches that included 62 strikes.

“It was special. Definitely a day that I will never forget,” Sims said. “I wish I could have executed a couple of pitches a little better, but for sure it was a special night.

“It was rewarding to get up here. I feel like all the hard work paid off. Hopeful this is just the beginning.”

Braves manager Brian Snitker thinks that it was.

“I was very impressed. I thought he did a great job,” Snitker said. “From what I remember, he’s cleaned his delivery up and he reached back for a little extra when he needed.

“I liked everything I saw from him. I loved how aggressive he was and how he competed. He held himself together from pitch one and it was really good.”

Sims allowed a single to Justin Turner, the National League’s leading hitter, in the first inning and another

single by Logan Forsythe in the second before the Dodgers broke through for a run in third.

Yasiel Puig’s smash got by third baseman Danny Santana for a leadoff double and Chris Taylor followed an out later with an RBI two-bagger.

Bellinger’s 29th homer of season came leading off the third inning, the lefthanded batting rookie slugger picking on a 2-2 pitch from Sims and sending a no-doubt blast 416 feet into the Braves’ bullpen.

Puig’s speed led to a third Dodger run in the fifth inning. After singling and moving up on a sacrifice bunt, Puig stole third base and continued home when catcher Tyler Flowers’ throw sailed into left field.

The Braves (48-57) got a two-run homer from Johan Camargo off Dodgers reliever Josh Ravin in the eighth inning to make it a one-run game.

The victory was the 53rd

straight for the Dodgers when holding a lead at any point and improved their record to 40-6 since June 7.

Sims was promoted after going 7-4 with a 3.75 ERA in 20 games with Gwinnett, leading the Class AAA International League with 132 strikeouts in 115 1/3 innings.

Control had been an issue for Sims in the minors, but he had 36 strikeouts to six walks over 25 1/3 innings in his last four starts for the G-Braves while posting a 2.84 ERA. On a personal level, Snitker was excited to see Sims get the promotion because of the connection they have.

“I’ve known him since high school,” said Snitker, whose son Troy preceded Sims as a player at Brookwood. “He’s one of those baseball rat kids. He’s always loved playing the game and he worked really hard to earn this callup.

He’s had a good year to put himself in this position.”

Albies called up to Atlanta, too

By Guy Curtright Staff Correspondent

ATLANTA — While Lucas Sims made his major league debut wearing No. 50, befitting a rookie pitcher, second baseman Ozzie Albies got keep his minor league No. 1 with the Atlanta Braves.

The Braves announced Monday that Sims would be starting against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night at SunTrust Park. Albies’ promotion wasn’t revealed until the just hours before the game and took some of the spotlight away from his former

out by Tides 3-2

Gwinnett teammate.

Although the little switch-hitter is still just 20, Braves fans have been anxiously awaiting Albies’ eventual arrival for a couple years.

“It’s exciting to get him in there,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker, who put the speedy Albies in the No. 7 spot in the batting order. “He’s done well at every step of the way no matter how old he’s been.

He’s a talented, skilled guy and that plays up here. It’s going to be fun to see him play.”

The Braves called up Albies — ranked as base-

ball’s No. 19 prospect by MiLB.com — to take over at second base despite not trading veteran Brandon Phillips before Monday’s non-waiver trade deadline.

“He’ll tell us (how long he stays in the lineup with his play),” Snitker said of Albies. “To give him a taste of this league and speed of the game up here, we’ve got to play him. I’m looking forward to playing him and seeing him go.”

Albies was hitting .285 with 38 extra-base hits and 21 stolen bases in 97 games for Gwinnett, but had struck out 90 times.

“It felt great. It wasn’t

expected, but I was ready for it,” Albies said of the promotion. “I was always ready for it. I always tried to do my best to be ready for the callup.”

The native of Curacao grew up watching the Braves and countryman Andruw Jones on television with his late grandfather.

Now Albies is the latest in the lengthening list of players in the majors from the small island.

“I’m looking to get my first MLB hit right away and keep it going the rest of the season,” Albies said before the game.

LAWRENCEVILLE — Kris Medlen pitched one of his best games of the season for the Gwinnett Braves Tuesday night, but it wasn’t quite good enough to get past the Norfolk Tides.

The Tides picked up the win 3-2 despite seven strong innings of sevenhit, three-run ball and nine strikeouts from Medlen.

Medlen gave up all three runs to former Atlanta Braves third baseman Chris Johnson, who hit a 2-run homer in the first and a solo homer in the third.

Medlen’s nine strikeouts ties his season-high that he previously set back on June 19th.

“I thought he (Medlen) was outstanding tonight,” G-Braves manager Damon Berryhill said. “He utilized his changeup really well against the left handers and really pitched well. He gave us an opportunity to win, but offensively we didn’t get any big hits tonight.”

The G-Braves strung together eight hits and walked four times but never managed to get a big hit when needed. 22 players were left on base by Gwinnett hitters compared to just 12 for the Tides.

Ronald Acuna picked up three more hits to raise his average to .325, but struck out with the bases loaded in the bottom of the fourth. He was also ejected in the bottom of the ninth for slamming his helmet down after being called out on a bangbang play at first.

“He’s been special, there’s no question,” Berryhill said. “That’s just the kind of kid that he is.

As a 19-year-old, he just needs to keep playing.

He’s starting to learn the game a bit more, but for his age, he’s well advanced in the knowledge of the game.”

Dansby Swanson made his fifth start for the Gwinnett Braves in efforts to get him back on the right track. He picked up a single to left in his first at-bat, drove home the G-Braves’ second run of the game on a grounder to third and sent a fly ball to left center. He finished his night 1-for-5.

“For him, it’s to come down and get good atbats, and getting comfortable at the plate again,” Berryhill said. “He’s

come down here ready to work and ready to get after it. He’s putting good swings on the ball and driving some balls. So far he’s been good.”

Medlen’s only walk of the game came to the first batter of the game, Chris Dickerson, who came around to score on Johnson’s first HR of the game in the very next at-bat.

Acuna led off the game with a rocket into left field, followed up by a Swanson single to left, but the threat was erased after three consecutive outs.

The Tides extended their lead to 3-0 on Johnson’s second homer of the game in the top of the third, but that would be the last runner to touch the plate for Norfolk.

The G-Braves got on the board with a run in the bottom half of the inning on a sharply hit single to right from Rio Ruiz to cut the lead to 3-1. But a Matt Tuiasosopo double play ended the inning prematurely.

Medlen cruised through the next four innings, striking out eight and allowing just two batters to reach scoring position from that point on.

After two quick outs to start the bottom of the fourth for the G-Braves, they loaded the bases on two walks and a single which brought Acuna to the plate looking to do damage.

But the 19-year-old struck out on four pitches to end the threat.

Acuna redeemed himself in his next at-bat in the fifth after lining a ball down the right field line for a leadoff double to start the inning.

After a wild pitch that allowed Acuna to reach third, Swanson bounced a ball into the hands of Tides shortstop and former Atlanta Brave Paul Janish, who conceded the run but threw the ball wide of the mark. Acuna scored to cut the lead to 3-2 and Swanson raced around to third with nobody out.

With a prime opportunity to tie the game, both Ruiz and Tuiasosopo struck out swinging, and Dustin Peterson popped out to first, squandering what turned out to be the G-Braves last real chance to score.

Down to their last three outs, the G-Braves saw their 1-2-3 hitters come up to the plate, but they were retired in order to end the game.

Joe Gibbs Racing back on track with Chase looming

By Don Coble

Staff Correspondent

Not only has Joe Gibbs Racing finally rebounded with two victories in the last three races, the powerhouse suddenly has re-emerged as a favorite in the upcoming Chase for the Championship.

Winless in the first 19 races, the four-team organization worked long hours to find speed. Gibbs not only closed the gap on the other teams that dominated the first half of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season, it passed them.

With the playoffs only a month away, the resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time.

“To see them fight over such a long period of time, I hadn’t experienced something where you had that many kind of quirky things happen to real fast cars,” Gibbs said after Kyle Busch ran away with Sunday’s victory at the Pocono Raceway. “You could get discouraged with that. But this team kept fighting.”

All the way back to Vic-

he’s finished 26th or worse four times.

• Jimmie Johnson. The series defending champion had three wins before June 4, but his current tailspin has resulted in just two top-10s in his last eight races. He admitted the obvious after finishing 35th at Pocono: “We want the momentum going the right direction for us. We are getting close to the end of the regular season, so NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) races during ideally, we would like to the Overton’s 400 on Sunday at Pocono Raceway. (Pho- get things rolling.”

• Chase Elliott. The son to: Matthew O’Haren-USA Today Sports) of 1988 champion Bill Eltory Lane. (for the championship race liott started his sophomore Denny Hamlin won in the playoffs). season with six top-10 at the New Hampshire “It’s been a frustrating finishes in his first eight Motor Speedway on July year and this (victory at races to be as high as sec16. Busch led a race-best Pocono) certainly relieves ond in the point standings.

87 laps a week later at a little bit of that — I He’s cooled off in the past Indianapolis before he was wouldn’t say all of it.” month, falling to seventh in crashed by Martin Truex The Gibbs resurrection the rankings.

Jr. in a battle for the lead. comes as other contend• Brad Keselowski.

Busch has led at least ers seem to be falling into Both of his victories came 74 laps in each of the past midseason swoons. Those before April 2. Now he four races. looking for answers ahead knows his Penske Racing “We just methodically of the Chase include: Ford has fallen well behind go about our races, that’s • Kyle Larson. He the Toyotas at Gibbs and our mentality,” Busch said. started the season with two Truex’s Furniture Row “When it works for us, we victories and 10 top-10 fin- Racing. After Sunday’s go to Victory Lane. That’s ishes in his first 15 races. race, he bluntly admitted: how we get to Homestead But in the last six races, “We just needed a little bit

more speed.”

• Joey Logano. With his playoff-clinching victory at Richmond taken away after his car flunked post-race inspection, he’s fallen well below the cut line to make the 16-driver Chase. The fact he’s only had two topfives in his last 12 races doesn’t give him much hope, either.

• Kasey Kahne. His victory two weeks ago at Indianapolis got him into the Chase and may have saved his job at Hendrick Motorsports for another year, but it was the only top-10 finish for him in his last 11 races.

• Dale Earnhardt Jr. He has no wins and just one top-five this year. Retirement at the end of the season can’t come soon enough.

With Busch and Hamlin safely in the Chase, Gibbs now is focused on getting his other two drivers — Matt Kenseth and Daniel Suarez — in the championship hunt as well.

“Our focus is just our entire organization, everybody doing the best they

can to put the best cars we can out there each week, and take our shot,” Gibbs said.

Since all four Gibbs teams and the two cars at Furniture Row share information, Busch is confident he will have more teammates in the playoffs.

“That’s the good thing about our shop, it’s one for all,” he said. “Everybody that’s down on the floor that builds and assembles all these cars, you know, there’s no wraps on them until Wednesday or Thursday before they have to get loaded up in order to get in the hauler.

“Daniel is running up front, looking pretty good.

Matt has always been fast.

He’s a sneaky one. One of these days I’m sure we’re going to be fighting him for some race wins here in not too long.”

Even without a win, Kenseth can still qualify for the Chase as one of the highest-ranking non-winners in the standings. Right now he’s 21 points behind Jamie McMurray for the 16th, and final, spot.

sports spotlight

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SECTION B • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2017

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Dacula Memor couldn’t convince o he said. “I had to made the Dacula freshman, but alcons’ cross counF A freak injury ait even longer. e th her to join sw . away running coacheed soccer through try team right Memorial Day 5K ay pl sh li Eng “She ran our t girl finisher,” stes fa e th as w in d n H, Page 2B an See ENGLIS he had not show Karen said. “S g cross country. She terest in runnin

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2B • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

English •From Page 1B the pain of what turned out to be a fracture of the navicular bone in her foot, forcing her to miss cross country and soccer her sophomore year because of a lengthy recovery period.

She finally made her cross country debut as a junior, and she didn’t disappoint.

English broke the school record twice last season and was one of only four Gwinnett girls to earn Atlanta Track Club All-Metro honors.

“An athletic talent like Skylar, you knew she would be good,” Karen said. “It’s like when I saw her freshman year, and I told several coaches she’ll be the best athlete in the school in three or four years. You could just tell that about her.”

By the second race of last season, English had become the No. 1 runner on her team. She placed fifth in the tough Gwinnett County meet early in the season at 19 minutes, 22 seconds, then lowered the school record to 18:46 at the Asics/ Alexander Invitational.

She improved on that with her course-record time of 18:43 in a first-place run at the Region 8-AAAAAA Championships.

She capped the year with a third-place finish at the state meet (the highest even finish for a Dacula girls cross country runner), helping the Falcons to sixth place in the team standings.

With each race, she learned more about her new sport.

“I didn’t really know what I was doing,” English said. “It was super weird.

I don’t know. I just had no idea. Coach Cat Morgan was my coach at the time.

She kind of, her and the team, showed me the ropes

likely won’t come soon.

English plans to reassess her options after cross country season and early in into her soccer season.

If she has to wait until the end of the school year to decide, that’s fine, too.

“I’ve been getting more mail from running because I’m better at running than I am at soccer,” English said.

“I’ve been getting looks at some small schools from both sports. I’m not sure yet. We’ll see.”

Another cross country season will add to her experience, and could open up new college options in that sport. It also may provide some clarity on how she feels about the sport, and if it is in her plans for the next level.

But the focus right now is her final high school season, and topping her impressive debut season.

“My goal this season is to keep improving,” English said. “I don’t want Dacula’s Skylar English, after an impressive first season in cross country, hopes for an even better senior season. to plateau or do worse than (Photo: Kyle Hess) I did last season because then I would be really sad. and I kind of started to fig- much about cross country. every single race.”

Leadership School, so she Now I know how to do it. I ure it out a little more. This She didn’t have a grasp Cross country has carved may opt for neither sport if just want to get better and year I hopefully have a on pacing during the race out a spot in English’s life, a different college fits her better. It calms my nerves better grasp on everything. and didn’t know how she but she still has a passion best academically. a little bit now because … The toughest part about would stack up with other for her first love, soccer.

“Her scholarships are I know how everything cross country was the runners.

She has played that sport coming more in running works in cross country. I mentality. It’s all a mental “I feel like I’ve prosince she was 5 and has even though soccer’s can be more relaxed and game to me. You’ve got to gressed a lot (since I start- been an important player more of a passion for focused. … I like cross keep thinking, ‘Hey, I’ve ed cross country,” English as a left-footed outside her than running,” Karen country. It’s a tough sport got to keep going.’ You just said. “Honestly, I had no back or midfielder since said. “Does she want to to actually like. No one think about how tired you idea last year. At the begin- making the Dacula varsity put everything into runlikes running. are. ning, I didn’t know what team as a freshman. ning? That’s what she has “But it’s a different “All you do is run. would be good. My first College soccer is an to decide. … She’s been sport. It’s so cool. There’s You don’t have things to race I remember looking option for English, but so torn with all three things, nothing like it, really. You distract you. You’re just around like, ‘What is going is running after her recent running, playing soccer get to meet some really thinking in your head, I’m on?’ I actually placed sec- success. She has goals of or doing neither of those cool people. That’s probso tired, especially in races ond in the first race I ran. becoming a physician’s as- things (in college). As ably been my favorite part, going full out for 3.1 miles. Then I started to figure out sistant in pediatrics, sports talented as she is in both aside from doing well, is It’s just keeping a strong where I stood with other a 3.97 GPA (her only high sports, running is likely just getting to meet new and motivated mentality, runners. Coach Cat was school B was in accelerwhere she’ll get the most people. People I never even in training. It hurts like, ‘OK, I think you can ated pre-calculus) and is a opportunities.” would have met outside of now but it’s going to make break 19 minutes.’ I was graduate of the IDEALS That college decision the sport.” me better tomorrow.” working the season just to English didn’t have high break 19 closer toward the City of Norcross expectations, or any really, end and I broke 19 minNotice to the Public for her junior season, just utes. I got down into the because she didn’t know 18s. I definitely got better

Georgia FY17-18 Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Budget Review and Adoption Public Hearing on FY2017-2018 Budget

The public is hereby notified that a public hearing is scheduled for the FY17-18 Proposed Budget on August 7,2017 at 6:30 p.m. in accordance with the provision of the state code of Georgia 36-81-5 (d and e) in the City Hall Council Chamber located at 65 Lawrenceville Street, Norcross, Georgia 30071. At this meeting the Mayor and Council will receive both written and oral comments about the annual operating and capital budget for the City of Norcross, Georgia. A qualified interpreter for the hearing impaired will be available upon request made at least seven (7) days in advance of this meeting. Please call (770) 448-2122 ask for Karen Slaton-Dixon Administrative Services Director to request an interpreter or for more information.

Budget Available for Review

The FY17-18 recommended budget will be available for public inspection on the cities website beginning July 17th at http://www.norcrossga.net/ and a hard copy will also be available for inspection during regular office hours (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday) in the office of the Administrative Services Director located on the first floor of City Hall at 65 Lawrenceville Street, Norcross, Georgia

Budget Adoption

The Mayor and Council of the City of Norcross are scheduled to adopt the FY17-18 Budget at the regular scheduled August 7, 2017 Council meeting. The meeting will be held in the City Hall Council Chamber located at 65 Lawrenceville Street, Norcross, Georgia.

497465-1

The City of Suwanee does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at Suwanee City Hall, located at 330 Town Center Avenue, Suwanee, Georgia on August 22, 2017 at 6:30 pm and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A Section 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year’s tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years.

CURRENT 2017 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY CITY

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Real & Personal

1,055,278,960

1,020,357,260

1,048,643,400

1,081,896,530

1,151,896,240

1,271,658,340

Motor Vehicles

46,637,900

51,763,830

44,973,930

31,967,540

22,947,000

16,178,630

Mobile Homes

3,040

3,040

2,840

2,840

5,120

5,120

5,600

38,050

75,070

96,000

150,730

1,101,919,900

1,072,129,730

1,093,658,220

1,113,941,980

1,174,944,360

1,287,992,820

Less M & O Exemptions

156,862,220

133,109,670

100,019,805

84,081,360

68,547,992

80,355,585

Net M & O Digest

945,057,680

939,020,060

993,638,415

1,029,860,620

1,106,396,368

1,207,637,235

945,057,680

939,020,060

993,638,415

1,029,860,620

1,106,396,368

1,207,637,235

4.930

4.930

4.930

4.930

4.930

4.930

4.930

4.930

4.930

4.930

4.930

4.930

$4,659,134

$4,629,369

$4,898,637

$5,077,213

$5,454,534

$5,953,652

Net Taxes $ Increase

-$717,814

-$29,765

$269,268

$178,575

$377,321

$499,117

Net Taxes % Increase

-13.35%

-0.64%

5.82%

3.65%

7.43%

9.15%

Timber - 100% Heavy Duty Equipment Gross Digest

State Forest Land Assistance Grant Value Adjusted Net M & O Digest

Gross M & O Millage Less Rollbacks Net M & O Millage

500071-1

Total City Taxes Levied

Notice of Hearings The public is hereby notified that on August 10, 2017 at 5:30 pm and on August 22, 2017 at 12:00 pm and 6:30 pm at Suwanee City Hall, 330 Town Center Avenue, the Mayor and City Council will hold three public hearings to give citizens the opportunity to provide written and oral comments on the proposed 2017 millage rate. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

Some distortions in the figures may occur since data was obtained from city and county records. These figures do not reflect billing adjustments to the digest.

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0802_GDP_WED_CLASS_Classifieds 7/31/2017 4:23 PM Page B4

B4 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2017

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2017 FULL TIME

FULL TIME

ASPHALT WORKER EXPERIENCED. Loop, paver, roller, bobcat. Two years experience. Transportation & travel required.

404-886-0930

CONSTRUCTION BUSY ASPHALT PAVING COMPANY NEEDS EQUIPMENT OPERATORS, AND LABORERS. EXPERIENCE A PLUS, BUT WILLING TO TRAIN. MUST HAVE TRANSPORTATION TO OUR SHOP IN BUFORD.

770-945-7884

PRODUCTION MACHINE OPERATOR $17.75/hr starting pay with full benefits.

GAF, North America’s Largest Roofing and Ventilation Manufacturer, is currently seeking one new team member.

We are a state-of-theart injection molding company operating in a clean, modern, climatecontrolled facility.

We are looking for one machine operator with a stable work history and preferably 2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment. Strong hands-on mechanical ability preferred. We work a 12 hour rotating shift. This schedule does allow our team members to be off 8 consecutive days each month. We require either a HS Diploma or GED. Please apply at the GAF website at www.gaf.com/careers.

GAF is an Equal Opportunity Employer

LAKE/RIVER/COASTAL PROPERTY FOR SALE

WINDER, GA 30680 321 DREAMLAND CT.

EATONTON, GA 31024 210 RIVER LAKE DR.

PENDING OFFER! HUD CASE # 105-124891 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths with hardwood entry and carpets in bedrooms.

Large vaulted family room with laminate floors.

Kitchen w/large island.

Applewood Towers II 150 Applewood Drive in Lawrenceville GA

$110,000 • EHO

Low income housing for seniors has closed its waiting list for applications August 2, 2017.

Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

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HOUSES FOR SALE

HOUSES FOR SALE

HOUSES FOR SALE

HOUSES FOR SALE

HULL, GA 30646 72 AIKEN RD.

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA 30043 1169 MAUDE WAY

SNELLVILLE, GA 30078 1096 MASTERS LANE

GRAYSON, GA 30017 1688 SILVERGRASS LANE

DRIVERS B.A.H. Express Inc. Southeast based carrier hiring in Atlanta / North GA. Full & Part Time Class A CDL drivers for Regional / OTR lanes. Guaranteed pay package, starting pay .43 to .45 per mile depending on experience. 18 months minimum, military exp. accepted.

Weekly Home Time.

Assigned equipment, excellent benefits, paid vacation and holidays.

Call Safety Atlanta 1-800-RUN-4BAH (800-786-4224) or 404-608-1300 ext 103 & 104 ask for Irene or Gwen. Apply online www.run4bah.com

HOUSES FOR SALE

LEASE/PURCHASE AVAILABLE! Beautiful 2 Story with Massive Space and Extensive Moldings and Trim.

Sits On Full Unfinished Basement. 5BR/4.5BA. A Must See! $415,900 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

Please Recycle This Newspaper

UNDER CONTRACT! HUD CASE #105-296897 LOVELY 3BR & 2.5BA CAPE COD With Master On Main.

Secondary Bedrooms Upstairs, Full Basement. Uninsured. $116,500 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

NEW HUD LISTING! HUD CASE#105-649071 2-Story Traditional Home! Separate formal living & dining room.

Spacious kitchen has breakfast bar & area.

Fireside family rooms with brick surround.

FHA insured with escrow. EHO. $160,000.

Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

SOUTH CAROLINA LAKE KEOWEE Must See This 3 PLUS Acres With 1500 Feet Of Shore Line, Cabin, & Mountain Views.

This Is An Amazing Property & It Is A Real Must See! $1,650,000.

Agent owned. Call CONNIE FINLEY Felix Finley Real Estate NC and SC 864-878-7776 864-449-3644

SOUTH CAROLINA Cliffs at Glassey: 3 Rocky Gap Court, Landrum, SC 4BR/3BA Open Floor Plan in a Gated Community with Many Amenities.

Bsmt., deck, fplc. in liv. area. Sky Lights in Mstr. BR. Located within an easy drive to Hendersonville, NC or Greenville, SC $425,000. Call CONNIE FINLEY Felix Finley Real Estate NC and SC 864-878-7776 864-449-3644 CEMETERY LOTS FOR SALE COVINGNEWTON, TON: 2 Crypts, Garden B, Tier C, Side by Side128 & 129, Lawn Wood Memorial Park, Memory Mausoleum.

Chapel $4400. 770-786-7595 REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

HOUSES FOR RENT

LAKE/RIVER/COASTAL PROPERTY FOR SALE BEAUTIFUL ACREAGE LOT! Spacious 3 BR/3 full BA Ranch on 3.650 acre lot. Fireside family room w/laminate flooring. Bright kitchen w/ breakfast area & tons of cabinet space & appliances. Large deck overlooking back yard.

EHO. $149,900.

Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

LAKE OCONEE! Beautiful Shaded Lake Lot With Hardwoods With Great Views of Lake Oconee.

EHO • $240,000 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

MOUNTAIN PROPERTY FOR SALE

EATONTON, GA 31024 176 Twisting Hill Rd.

MOTIVATED SELLER Beautiful Lake Front Property On Deeded Lot! In-ground Salt Water Pool, Detached 2 Car Carport, Front/ Back & Side Porches!

FULL UNFINISHED BASEMENT 4BR/4BA $550,000 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

MOUNTAIN PROPERTY FOR SALE NORTH CAROLINA AMAZING 3BR/2BA LOG CABIN! Hand Hewed VA logs with Tennessee rock fireplace. Located on top of a mountain in Saluda, NC. Porch, deck, waterfall, surrounded by Rhododendrons & mountain laurel.

Mountain views!

This is a real gem & A MUST SEE!!

5 acres & log cabin. $475,000 Additional acreage & house available.

Call for details.

CONNIE FINLEY Felix Finley Real Estate NC and SC 864-878-7776 864-449-3644

DACULA NICE 2BR DUPLEX New Carpet. No Pets.

Rental References. $575/mo. 770-925-2127 APTS/DUP/CONDOS/ T’HOMES FOR RENT

GWINNETT DUPLEXES

2 Communities!

One on Singleton Road & One on Law’ville-Suwanee Road! 2BR & 3BR, 2BA, Fireplace, Vaulted Ceilings, Off Street Parking.

Starting @ $950/mo.

B.C. PROPERTIES 770-446-1550 770-995-8828

65% of readers who spend $150 per week on groceries read a Daily or Sunday Newspaper

www.gwinnettdailypost.com

0802_GDP_WED_CLASS_Classifieds 7/31/2017 4:23 PM Page B5

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HOME REPAIR/ REMODELING

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

CLEANING

GTS

BRYAN’S TREE & HANDYMAN SERVICES • Total Tree Removal • Plant Trees • Plant Shrubs • Shrub Removal • Bobcat Work • Dump Truck Work • Grass Planting • Gutters • Storm Drains • Pressure Washing • Painting • Roofing Repairs • Wood Repairs • Driveway Repairs

NEED HELP CLEANING YOUR HOME? Over 25 Years Experience

• Reasonable Rates • Detailed Oriented • Dependable REFERENCES AVAILABLE REFERRAL BONUSES CALL JULIE

770-856-8936

ROOFING & REMODELING

• Roofing • Basement Finishing • Kitchen Remodeling • Bath Remodeling • Additions • Decks • Fencing • Painting • General Repairs Licensed & Insured

7 DAYS A WEEK Senior Citizen Discount - Insured 20years Experience

678-654-8329

COMMERCIAL RENTALS

APPLIANCES

LOGANVILLE, GA 30052 4665 Atlanta Highway

APPLIANCES

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

COUNTRY BOY TREE REMOVAL Expert Take Downs √ 20Years Experience √ Insured √ Free Estimates √ Stump Grinding Bucket Truck Summer Seasoned

COMMERCIAL SPACES FOR LEASE Suite 100 & 200 Suite 100 End Unit Available for Immediate Occupancy

Suite 200 Available October 1st Suite 100 Is 1,319 Sq. Ft. $1,485 per mo Suite 200 Is 1261 Sq. Ft. Combined Spaces Are 2,580 Sq. Ft. $3,225 Per Month Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

GARAGE SALES

LICENSED

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

HOUSES STARTING AT $89 • Roof Cleaning • Black streaks removed from roof • Mold & Mildew removed from homes • Drives-WalkwaysPatios-Decks cleaned/sealed • Gutters cleaned

FOND MEMORIES SALE ON ALL ITEMS IN THE STORE! 25% OFF ITEMS OVER $10 AUGUST 1ST-15TH 4850 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 603 Lawrenceville, GA 30044 (In Sugarloaf Crossing Shopping Center near Publix)

For a FREE Estimate

678-225-5118

CALL OR TEXT

Hours: 10AM-6PM (Closed Sundays)

PRESSURE WASHING REMODELING, INC. •Finished Basements •Bathroom Remodeling •Kitchen Remodeling •Custom Cabinets •Room Additions •Garages/Carports •Screened Porches •Custom Decks •Siding All Types

M&M Lawn Maintenance All Types of Yard Work * Lawns starting at $30

Call John

770-962-2071

CALL

Credit Cards Accepted

770-780-9786

404.886.3587 Established 1989

MOBILE HOMES & LOTS FOR RENT

LAWRENCEVILLE, 30043 Prospect U.M. Church Yard Sale FRI 8/4 & SAT 8/5, 8-2

1549 Prospect Rd. Furn., HH, toys, books, sm. applcs. All proceeds benefit local missions.

BARROW-AUBURN 1-2-3 BEDROOMS IN MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY. Rent Starting at $100/ week. Large Lots.

770-513-3151

To Advertise Call 24 Hours-a-Day 7 Days-a-Week 770-236-9988

It’s About Time

WANTED TO BUY Will pay cash for used smoking pipes.

Interested in English, Danish, Irish, Italian, Artisan made US pipes.

Email: raleigh4104@ att.net

SUPPLIES FLEA DIP USE HAPPY JACK KENNEL DIP II® to control mosquitoes where they breed!

SWINT’S FEED (fleabeacon.com)

POWER WASHING

FOREST

WANT TO BUY

PETS/LIVESTOCK

770-932-1751 Cell 770-313-5751 HOME REPAIR/ REMODELING

CADILLAC DTS, 2006 Elderly Owner!

Every Option!

New Michelins.

Garage Kept. Like New! $6,295. 770-616-7399

JEEP WRANGLER, SPORT 4.0, 1998 Red With Black Top, Lift Kit, New Tires, Many Extras. Looks & Drives Great! $7500.

770-519-3438

BIG HORN 5TH WHEEL, 2013 • 2BR/1.5BA • 4 Bump Outs • Outdoor Kitchen • Electric Fireplace $37,000 • 40 Ft. 770-712-9993

Please Recycle This Newspaper

Oak Delivered & Dumped

VEHICLES

DO NOT DISTURB TENANTS, Call Agent Only!

1/2 Cord - $100 1 Cord - $190

CALL: 770-771-2810

DRYER/WASHER $125 ea.; Super Capacity $175 ea.

Front Loader Set $450 & up; Regular Refrig. & Ranges $175 & up; SXS Refrig. $300 & up.

Dishwasher $100 & up. Different colors.

Del/1 yr warr.

Tim 404-205-2222

CAMPERS/RVS

VEHICLES

LAWRENCEVILLE, 30046 GARAGE SALE SAT. & SUN. 8:30-3 Waterstone Place Subdivision 611 WATERSTONE DR.

DODGE RAM SRT 10, 2004, VIPER TRUCK $18,900 - 73,300 Miles.

Wow... This Is As Nice As You Will Find. Body and Interior are Close To New. Black/Black Babied Beauty. 6 Speed Transmission Has 35K Miles. Beefed Up V-10 Engine Was Completely Rebuilt 9,000 Miles Ago By Top Mopar Shop..

(Have Many Photos) Fabulous Garage Kept and Super Rare. With Thousand Of $ Of Extras. Only 3,057 Were Built In 2004.

National Prices $23,000-$39,000. This Super Desirable Truck is a Masterpiece and Super Mean with No Accidents. Drive Daily and It Is Super Collectible.

770-873-2627

MERCEDES-BENZ, 560 SL, 1988 79,630 One Owner Miles. Only $16,900!

Fabulous and Selling Thousands Under The Market. Auto Check Scores These Cars 25-45. The Great Classic Scored 60.

Desert Taupe with Chocolate Leather.

This Car Spent It’s Life in Tampa Bay Fla with the Elderly Owner. $4000 Was Just Spent On Preventive Maintenence. This Great 560 Sold For $62,500 New and Should Appreciate Up To That Price.

Drive Anywhere.

Call 770-895-7161

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LOST & FOUND

GWINNETT CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING DEADLINES

LOST AS REPORTED TO CITY OF DULUTH POLICE ON JUNE 23, 2017

LINERS

THE LOSS OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS. 1. U.S. Passport issued for Khaled Suleiman Warawra 2. Jordanian Passport # N281126 Place of issue: Washington D.C, U.S.A Date of issue: October 16th, 2015 3. Jordanian national Civil Authorities I.D. Card # 9651003914 4. Palestinian West Bank I.D. Card issued to Khaled Warawra ID# 977226430 5. Palestinian travel document issued to Khaled Warawra 6. Jordanian travel Census report for West Bank travelers (Yellow Card) issued to Khaled Warawra THE DULUTH POLICE INCIDENT # 2017-00036726 IF FOUND PLEASE CONTACT DULUTH POLICE OR CALL ME AT 404-787-7970.

PUBLICATION DAY

DEADLINE

Wednesday Friday Sunday

Monday 3 pm Thursday 3 pm Friday 11:30 am

DISPLAY ADS PUBLICATION DAY

DEADLINE

Wednesday Friday Sunday

Friday 3 pm Tuesday 3 pm Wednesday 3 pm

To place a Classified ad please call 494745-1

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2017 • B5

770-236-9988

to speak with a Sales Rep. or you can place an ad online at www.gwinnettdailypost.com

Your Online Connection To All Things Local Whether you’re looking for a restaurant, car repair or where to shop for that perfect outfit, Marketplace is the place to find it and more!

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0802_GDP_WED_CLASS_Classifieds 7/31/2017 4:23 PM Page B6

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