Gwinnett Daily Post — December 8, 2017

FRANKEN STEPS DOWN, 7A

STAR JUNIOR Goodson becomes North’s workhorse • Sports, 1B

Senator resigns amid sexual harassment allegations

Gwinnett Daily Post FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

www.gwinnettdailypost.com

75 cents ©2017 SCNI

Vol. 48, No. 37

Gwinnett braces for possible winter weather FROM STAFF REPORTS It looks like Gwinnett County may get snow — or at least some form of winter weather — this weekend, whether residents want it or not.

At least that was the news coming out of the National Weather Service on Thursday.

The federal agency

issued a 26-hour winter weather advisory for parts of North Georgia that went into effect at 5 a.m. today. That news came after the weather service’s Peachtree City office issued a warning that said the Interstate 85 corridor could see between half an inch and one inch of snow accumulate today.

The weather forecast EDITOR’S NOTE began taking its toll on the Gwinnett County area The Weekend section, which features a preThursday afternoon when view of the LawrencevLawrenceville announced ille Christmas parade, it was cancelling its was printed prior to the second annual christmas city canceling tonight’s parade, which had been event. scheduled for tonight.

“Careful consideration was given to safety, weather conditions and public to enjoy a parade general ability of the in inclement weather,”

city officials said in a press release.

Local public safety and emergency management officials gathered in Lawrenceville Thursday to discuss the forecasts and to work on preparations in case case conditions in the area do turn bad.

Rain, or a rain and snow mix, was expected

a night of

‘REFLECTION’

Tierra Styles lights a candle at the begining of the Victims of Crime Candlelight Vigil on Thursday.

(Photos: Anthony Stalcup)

Victims of crime remembered at annual vigil

BY CURT YEOMANS

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

Doug Chatham and his family spent several days, along with Gwinnett County police, checking hospitals for his daughter, Nique Leili, in July 2011 before her murdered body was found.

Shameka Render prayed to God that her 15-year-old son, Nicolas Jackson II, would survive after robbers shot him during a home invasion in February 2012, only to have her faith tested when the teen died from his wounds.

MORE ONLINE Visit gwinnettdailypost.com for more photos of the vigil.

Jenene Craig had to tell her three children that their father, Keith Woods, had been killed in a car crash one morning in 2001.

“We’re all members of a club that we did not chose to join,” Chatham said. “No one wants to join, but the membership continues to grow.”

Chatham, Render and Craig spoke at the annual Victims of See VIGIL, Page 9A

District Attorney Danny Porter speaks during the Victims of Crime Candlelight Vigil held Thursday night at GJAC.

BENZ-BOUND BULLDOGS

BY DAVID FRIEDLANDER

case, Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

As was the case when the For more than two decades, Dome first opened some 25 all roads to a high school years ago, a Gwinnett County football state championship team will be among the first — whether it was in the semi- high school programs to play finals or championship game in new stadium.

— went through the Georgia North Gwinnett will take on Dome.

Colquitt County in the Class With the Dome now a pile AAAAAAA title game at of rubble after last month’s approximately 8 p.m. Saturimplosion, the road now day, the finale of the GHSA’s winds its way next door to first championship weekend Atlanta’s new athletic showat Mercedes-Benz Stadium,

david.friedlander @gwinnettdailypost.com

MORE INSIDE

North, Colquitt famliar foes in AAAAAA state title game ............ 5B

a prospect that, not surprisingly, has excited many of the Bulldogs.

“It’s pretty special,” senior offensive lineman Warren Ericson said. “Only a few people will be able to say they were among the first (high school) players to play at that stadium. It’s been a goal we’ve had since then begin-

to begin just after midnight and last through the afternoon.

Some areas will see light accumulations of snow, which could cause slick spots today.

The FOX 5 Atlanta Storm Team said the temperatures today will remain above 32 degrees

See WEATHER, Page 8A

Cops: Dacula man dies after Conyers man slaps him

BY CURT YEOMANS curt.yeomans@gwinnettdailypost.com

A Dacula man died last weekend after he was slapped by a Conyers man whose masculinity he had challenged, police said.

Adrian Herrera was charged with voluntary manslaughter in the death of Tomas Rodriguez during a party at a home located at 153 Pipeline Road in Dacula. The pair had been continuously having run-ins throughout Saturday leading up to Rodriguez’s death early Sunday, according to a Gwinnett County police report.

Herrera told officers that Rodriguez allegedly called him a Adrian Herrera slang term for a female body part several times and told him he “was not (expletive).” “(Herrera) stated he became irritated due to (his) son being present,” police wrote in the report. “The suspect stated he warned the victim to ‘knock it off.’”

At some point, Herrera went horseback riding during a party that night and returned at 3 a.m. Sunday.

As he got off the horse, he and Rodriguez got into another altercation that allegedly led to the latter man’s death.

“When (Herrera) dismounted the horse (Rodriguez) came from behind (Herrera) and grabbed (his) right shoulder, and stated “You’re not going home yet, are you (expletive)?” officers said in their report. “(Herrera) stated he then open-hand slapped (Rodriguez) with his right hand in the face. (Rodriguez) then collapsed and stopped breathing after being struck.”

Herrera told police he tried to perform CPR on Rodriguez, but other people at the party allegedly stopped him. No one else allegedly tried to perform CPR on Rodriguez until police arrived, Herrera told officers.

One of the officers began performing CPR on the victim when they arrived. Rodriguez was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center by Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services officials.

North among first prep teams to play at new Atlanta stadium

IF YOU GO What: Class AAAAAAA football championship game Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta When: 8 p.m. Saturday

ning of the season to finish the season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Now, our next goal is to win the whole thing.”

See GAME, Page 9A

Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta takes up 2 million square feet — the biggest stage the North Gwinnett Bulldogs have played on to date. (File Photo)

gwinnettdailypost.com

INSIDE Classified .......8B

Horoscope .....4A

Nation ........... 7A

Sports ............1B

Comics...........7B

Local ............. 2A

Obituaries ......8A

Weather .........4A

Crossword .....9B

Lottery........... 4A

Perspectives ..6A

Weekend........1C

Stay connected with the Daily Post online, where you can submit news tips, browse photo galleries and sign up to receive headlines digitally at gwinnettdailypost.com/newsletter.

Send us engagements, wedding, births or anniversaries under “Submit your news” on the home page.

2A • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

Shrine candle causes house fire; 4 hurt

Gwinnett bus driver cited in collision with tractor-trailer

BY CURT YEOMANS

curt.yeomans@gwinnettdailypost.com

Four people were injured from smoke inhalation and exposure to toxic gases late Tuesday after an unattended candle from a religious shrine started a fire at their home in unincorporated Lawrenceville.

Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services Capt.

Tommy Rutledge said firefighters responded to a call about a fire at the home on the 3300 block of Stanford Circle at 11:48 p.m. and arrived four minutes later.

“They were immediately met by three injured occupants outside the structure and heavy smoke pouring from the front of the split-level, wood-frame house,” Rutledge said. “The homeowner advised that he was awakened after his wife smelled smoke and felt heat filling the second floor. They were unable to go down the stairs due to fire and smoke conditions.”

“The man jumped from a rear bathroom window and retrieved an aluminum ladder in the yard to rescue his adult granddaughter and her infant daughter. He was unable to get his wife out of the same bathroom window.”

Firefighters found the wife trapped in the home and semiconscious because of exposure to smoke and toxic gases. They were able to get her out of the home through an interior stairway. Paramedics then took her to Gwinnett Medical Center in critical condition.

The granddaughter and her infant daughter were taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. The man who had escaped from the house and rescued the granddaughter and her daughter was treated at the scene for bitter

BY CURT YEOMANS curt.yeomans@gwinnettdailypost.com

Firefighters work the scene of a fire at a home on the 3300 block of Stanford Circle in unincorporated Lawrenceville on Tuesday night. Fire officials said four people were injured in the fire and one of them was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center in critical condition. (Special Photo)

smoke exposure.

Three dogs were also rescued from the home, and appear to be OK and are in the care of a neighbor, according to Rutledge.

Investigators determined a candle had been lit in the front family room as part of a religious shrine and left unattended, causing the fire. The fire caused moderate damage to the family room, but Rutledge said the damage was contained to the family room. It sent large amounts of smoke throughout the house, though.

The family had a smoke detector in the home, but it was missing a battery and was therefore inoperable.

“This fire is a prime example of why a burning candle should never be left unattended,” Rutledge said. “We are hoping and praying for

a complete recovery for the injured occupants and positive outcome.”

The fire department is using the incident as an opportunity to remind residents to extinguish burning candles before going to bed or leaving the house. It also recommends residents consider using flameless candles as a safe alternative.

Rutledge said the fire department is reminding residents to make sure working smoke alarms are installed in homes, with one alarm on each level of the house.

Other safety tips, particularly when dealing with burning candles, include: • Keeping candles safely away from items that can catch on fire, including flammable materials and ignitable fluids; • Using candle holders that are fire-resistant, won’t tip

over easily and can catch all dripping wax; • Keeping burning candles away from children and pets, as well as high traffic areas in a home; • Testing smoke alarms monthly to make sure they still function properly; • Keeping a collapsible fire escape ladder for upstairs floors and portable fire extinguishers close at hand; and • Regularly practicing fire drills.

Rutledge said residents who have questions about home fire safety can call the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction and Education Section at 678-518-4845, or send a message to fireprograms@ gwinnettcounty.com. The fire department will conduct home safety surveys and smoke alarm checks for free.

A traffic accident involving a Gwinnett County Transit bus has resulted in the bus driver receiving a ticket for driving the bus into the back of a tractortrailer.

Gwinnett County Police Sgt. Jake Smith said the accident happened about 7 a.m.

Wednesday on Brook Hollow Parkway near North Norcross Tucker Road near Norcross.

There were minor injuries, which Smith said consisted of complaints of pain. One person was reportedly taken to the hospital after the accident.

Officers determined the bus driver caused the accident and cited them for following too closely. Smith said an accident report has not yet been completed for the incident.

It is not certain yet if the bus driver will face disciplinary action for the incident.

Although Gwinnett County Transit is a part of the county government, it is operated

by Transdev. The company is looking into the matter, Transdev spokesman Scott Hagen said.

“Though we do not comment on individual personnel, as part of the ongoing investigation, we will evaluate any required disciplinary actions that could be taken in order to maintain the high quality of performance and service we expect from our operators,” Hagen said.

The Transdev spokesman added that the bus was significantly damaged and will need extensive repairs.

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Dr. Marchione shows why adult diapers and padded underwear are becoming a thing of the past.

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Lilburn-area family displaced by laundry room house blaze

By Curt yeomans

“The fire appears to have started in the laundry room and spread to part of the kitchen and a converted Gwinnett County fire living space in the garage,” investigators are trying to Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy determine what caused a fire Rutledge said in a statement. that displaced a family in Rutledge said the fire unincorporated Lilburn on caused heavy damage in the Wednesday. laundry room and the rest Firefighters were called to of the house was filled with the two-story, wood-frame smoke and heat. Firefighthome on the 5200 block of ers used attack hose lines to Staff Drive at 4:52 p.m. and battle the flames and quickly arrived to find a fire in the got into the home to conduct laundry room. Two teenaga search of the building. ers were outside the house No one was injured by the when crews arrived. They fire, Rutledge said. told officials they tried to put The family is receiving the fire out with a portable help from friends and defire extinguisher but were clined American Red Cross unable to do so. assistance.

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

Rutledge said it is important for families to have working smoke detectors on every level of a home, have a fire escape plan in place, practice fire drills, have a portable fire extinguisher close by and keep a collapsible ladder around to escape from upstairs locations.

“This fire demonstrates the importance of having a working smoke alarm inside the home,” Rutledge said. “The early warning allowed the two older teens time to react to the fire and smoke and to get out fast. …

Knowing what to do when a fire breaks out can mean the difference between life and death.”

Gwinnett, Georgia Tech to study septic system effect on Lake Lanier

Number of urination accidents

Fast Relief That Could Leave You Speechless

Friday, december 8, 2017 • 3a

12/4/17 2:00 PM

By Curt yeomans curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

How are septic systems affecting Lake Lanier?

That’s a question Gwinnett County officials hope to find out with help from Georgia Tech researchers.

County commissioners approved a $2.4 million contract that will have the Department of Water Resources working with the Georgia Tech Research Corporation to study the effect septic systems are having on the lake. Staff from the Georgia Water Resources Institute, the University of Georgia and Cornell University are also expected to help with the study.

“In addition to its recreational use, Lake Lanier provides drinking water for Gwinnett County and much of metro Atlanta, either directly or downstream from the Chattahoochee River,” Department of Water Resources Deputy Director for Engineering and Technical Services J.C. Lan said in a

Lake Lanier is pictured above. Gwinnett County leaders approved a contract with Georgia Tech this week to jointly study the impact septic systems have on the lake.

(File Photo)

statement.

“This research will provide data to help us better understand water quality in the lake and what can be done to continue to improve it.”

Over the course of three years, researchers will collect samples and monitor groundwater quality and flows. They will also look at lake water and sediment in both developed and undeveloped parts of the lake.

The launch of the study

comes on the heels of a Georgia Environmental Protection Division proposal for a total maximum daily load for nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, in the lake.

The county is expected to use the research to determine ways nutrient loading can be reduced. Local officials also hope to create a model that they and EPD officials can use to predict how the lake will respond to remedial actions.

University System chancellor to speak at GGC fall commencement From staFF reports

As the 13th University System of chanGeorgia chancellor Steve cellor, Wrigley is set to speak Wrigley during the Georgia Gwinleads and nett College fall comoversees mencement ceremony, 28 public Steve which will be held at colWrigley 10 a.m. Dec. 14 at the leges and Infinite Energy Center in universities, 320,000 Duluth. students and more than The ceremony will 48,000 faculty and staff. mark a milestone for He currently serves on GGC as the school the Alliance of Education passes the 5,000 mark in Agency Heads and is degrees awarded since its a member of the board inception in 2006. of the Georgia Wildlife

Federation. Before taking his current position, Wrigley served as executive vice chancellor of administration for the University System of Georgia and as senior vice president for external affairs as well as vice president for government relations at the University of Georgia.

Wrigley earned his undergraduate degree from Georgia State University and his doctorate in history from Northwestern University.

150th Atlanta area Dunkin’ Donuts location set to open in Braselton By trevor mCnaBoe trevor.mcnaboe @gwinnettdailypost.com

Dunkin’ Donuts is opening its 150th location in the greater Atlanta area today in Braselton. The newest store, located at 2630 Old Winder Highway, will host a two-day grand opening that kicks off with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at noon by Braselton Mayor Bill Orr and members of the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce.

Following the ribboncutting will be a check presentation by the Joy in Childhood Foundation to the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation Inc. in the amount of $25,000.

Shamsu Charania of Coffee Café LLC is the Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee for the new restaurant in Braselton and currently operates 17 restaurants throughout Atlanta.

“Dunkin’ Donuts is

Dunkin’ Donuts will be opening up at 2630 Old Winder Highway in Braselton on Friday. (File Photo)

thrilled to continue our growth throughout the region and continue to serve as Atlanta’s preferred stop for delicious coffee, food and other beverages,” Charania said. “(The) celebration marks an incredible milestone not just for me as a Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee, but also for the Dunkin’ Donuts brand entirely. We’d like to give a special thanks to our loyal fans and look forward to keeping the Braselton community, as well as all

of Georgia, running on Dunkin’.”

On Saturday, the 2,200-square-foot restaurant will give free coffee for a year and a Dunkin’ Donuts T-shirt to the first 150 guests, beginning at 9 a.m.. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. all guests will receive a free medium hot or iced coffee.

Dunkin’ Donuts will be open seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will have about 30 employees.

4A • FridAy, december 8, 2017 To Your Good Health

Keith Roach

The blood pressures in both arms should be similar Dear Dr. roaCH: At a routine follow-up at my doctor’s office, the nurse took my blood pressure on my left arm, and it was 143/73. This seemed high, so I asked her to check it on my right arm.

It was 104/62 on that arm.

She said she had never seen anything like that. Is there a logical reason or explanation for this?

— L.B. ansWer: There are several possibilities for having different blood pressures in the arms, all with logical explanations.

The first to come to mind is not the most common in adults, but one we are taught to look for, called coarctation of the aorta.

This is a congenital heart defect where there is a narrowing of the aorta (the main blood vessel that comes straight out of the left ventricle). It can occur in the area between where the blood vessels for the left and right arms originate. It usually is found in children, but sometimes can be missed until adulthood. However, since the right side originates closer to the heart than the left, it’s the left side that should have lower blood pressure.

A blockage in the artery going to the arm (there are three: the brachiocephalic, subclavian and brachial arteries; the larger ones, listed first, divide into the smaller ones) can reduce the blood pressure in one arm. An inflammatory disease of the blood vessel, Takayasu arteritis, can preferentially affect one limb, so it’s important to measure blood pressures in both arms and legs if concerned about this diagnosis.

However, it is prudent to be sure about the measurements before either getting worried or embarking on a search for these conditions. Blood pressure can change suddenly. I recommend carefully measuring the blood pressure three times in each arm and comparing the average of each arm’s values against the other. A difference of five to at most 10 points is normal; more than 10 is not normal. reaDers: The booklet on back problems gives an outline of the causes of and treatments for the more-common back maladies. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach Book No. 303 628 Virginia Dr. Orlando, FL 32803 Enclose a check or money order for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address.

Please allow four weeks for delivery.

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 Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.

Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.

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In 1991, the leaders of Russia, Wednesday plans with a personal or TODAY’S FACT: SpaceX became Belarus and Ukraine signed an agreeCash 3 Midday: 5-5-5 professional partner and the first private company in the world ment dissolving the Soviet Union and to successfully launch, place in orbit establishing the Commonwealth of find a way to incorporate Cash 3 Evening: 4-1-6 and recover a spacecraft on this day in Independent States. ideas and solutions that Cash 3 Night: 9-5-5 In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed 2010. will appease everyone Cash 4 Midday: 2-4-7-6 TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1940, the into law the North American Free Trade involved. Your input will Cash 4 Evening: 8-1-0-9 Chicago Bears routed the Washington Agreement. help you gain respect.

Redskins in the NFL championship TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Eli Whitney Cash 4 Night: 6-8-4-7 PISCES (Feb. game, 73-0. It remains the largest mar(1765-1825), inventor; James Thurber Ga. 5 Midday: 9-7-4-8-2 20-March 20) — A gin of victory in NFL history.

(1894-1961), humorist; Sammy Davis Ga. 5 Evening: 9-9-9-1-9 TODAY’S QUOTE: “Where most of Jr. (1925-1990), entertainer; David change that initially Fantasy 5: 1-6-15-21-41 us end up there is no knowing, but the Carradine (1936-2009), actor; Jim Morappears to be a step hellbent get where they are going.” — rison (1943-1971), singer-songwriter; Powerball: 19-20-50-55-62, back will turn out to be James Thurber, “Further Fables for Our beneficial. Don’t fight Kim Basinger (1953- ), actress; Ann Powerball: 9, Power Play: 2X Time” Coulter (1961- ), political commentator; the inevitable. Be willing to adapt to whatever reader’s guide comes your way.

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GEMINI (May 21-June Dear amy: I don’t could be misunderstood. looking to be offended, but 20) — Your insight, Ask Amy know what do to anymore.

Would he think I was offense sometimes comes intelligence and ability My wife of 16 years, whom questioning his legal status from surprising corners. to convince others to I love dearly, is not the (which was not the case at If political correctness see things your way will same person I married. She all, I was just interested)? makes you hesitate before encourage a change in is prone to mood swings Should I ask the quesspeaking, that’s probably your life. Romance is and goes off on our two tion and take the chance a good thing, but I hope it highlighted. children or myself at any of offending someone? Or doesn’t paralyze and disCANCER (June 21moment over the smallest don’t ask and maybe miss a courage you from trying to July 22) — Discuss your things. chance to have an interestconnect with people. plans openly and listen Just when I think that ing conversation?

Dear amy: I’d like to to the advice offered Amy Dickinson things are improving, Political correctness has add my voice to others reyou. You may not agree another episode occurs that me paralyzed. Life is consponding to the letter from with it, but taking a sets our lives back. to various signals her body fusing these days.

“Sad and Mad in CaliforShe has admitted that sends just before a seri— Wondering nia,” whose alcoholic sister, cautious approach is in your best interest. Focus she’s in a rut. I suggested ous and sudden change in Dear WonDering: friend and dog were basion revisions and costshe go talk to a counselor mood. Meditation and/or You might signal your cally living in her yard.

— but nothing. I suggested deep breathing might help interest in someone by sayI learned in Al-anon that I efficiency.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) we go together to counselher to regulate. She should ing (for instance), “Wow would only support recov— You’ll hit an emotional ing — again, nothing. look at her stressors or — you have a beautiful ery for the alcoholic in my brick wall if you get into When I try to diligently triggers; perhaps you can accent.” If the person vollife, nothing else. I would a personal discussion bring up these concerns, it help her make changes in unteers more than a simple have faced the heartbreakwith someone you know leads to an argument and her life so she won’t feel so “thank you,” you might ing choice and called the through work. Keep your no resolution. I’m afraid to overwhelmed. take that as an opening for a police to get the group off private matters a secret. ask one of her friends to adInstead of asking her to brief conversation. It is not my property. dress this with her for fear see a therapist during (or always appropriate for serv— Been There Don’t mix business with of the backlash that could just after) an episode, you ers to engage in personal Dear Been THere: pleasure. come from it. should talk about it when chit chat with patrons, so Thank you for providing VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

What should I do? she is stable. Note the imfollow the other person’s your testimony. One reason 22) — Emotions will — Helpless pact this is having on your lead.

Al-anon is so successful be difficult to control. A Dear Helpless: family, and support her in In terms of “political is through people like you personal relationship Your wife should see her getting help. correctness,” I don’t think lending your important pro- will need nurturing if you physician and have a thorDear amy: I’d that people have necessarily spective to others currently want to avoid comough checkup. Any number like your opinion. I’m a become “quick to take offacing this heartbreak. I plaints. Be a good lisof medical issues might be 61-year-old (white) woman. fense,” but more that some hope “Sad and Mad in tener and offer honesty contributing to her intense I’m friendly and outgoing. (previously silent) people California” finds her way as well as empathy. mood swings. In particular, I enjoy meeting new have found their voice. So to a “friends and family” LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. she should have her thyroid people and like striking up for instance, back in the group, as I advised, through 23) — Sign up to help checked. conversations with strangday, someone admiring an Al-anon.org. those less fortunate or Your children should not ers. But in this day and age, accent might have asked, You can contact Amy people who are strugpay the price for your wife’s with people being so quick “What ARE you” (meaning, Dickinson via email: askagling. Volunteer to serve disordered and unstable be- to take offense, I worry “What is your ethnicity?”)? my@amydickinson.com. in a soup kitchen or to havior. Please do everything about saying the wrong Now, that same person Readers may send postal possible to protect them thing. could say, “I like your acmail to Amy Dickinson, c/o raise funds to support children, animals or any from rages. You should ask Case in point: I had cent. Where did you spend Tribune Content Agency, other project that touchher to leave the room (or lunch in a lovely, upscale your childhood?”

16650 Westgrove Drive, es your heart. you should take the children restaurant. The waiter had As the parent of two peo- Suite 175, Addison, Texas, SCORPIO (Oct. 24elsewhere) until she is calm. an accent I couldn’t place. I ple of different races (from 75001. You can also follow Nov. 22) — Focus on A therapist might counsel wanted to ask him where he my own), I assure you that her on Twitter @askingamy what you must accomher to pay close attention was from, but that question people don’t walk around or “like” her on Facebook. plish. Put work first and take care of responsibiliSign up to get Gwinnett Daily Post ties that could help you get a promotion. Strive breaking news alerts and daily newsletters at to be a leader and plan to celebrate with somewww.gwinnettdailypost.com/newsletters. one you love.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017 • 5A

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Educators address issues with Gwinnett legislators

BY TREVOR MCNABOE trevor.mcnaboe @gwinnettdailypost.com

Officials from Gwinnett’s three largest education providers arrived Thursday morning to update and inform local legislative members of their progress and future needs.

Gwinnett County Public Schools Chief Financial Officer Joe Heffron filled in as the presentation speaker for Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks, who was absent and recovering from surgery. Heffron said the main priority of GCPS was the public school funding formula.

“Gwinnett County Public Schools continues to support the K-12 education funding recommendations, which calls for a formula that is student-based, provides greater flexibility and is easier to understand and administer,” Heffron said.

GCPS asked legislators to make sure the funding formula is quantitative, student-based, adequate and equitable, rather than equal.

Another issue addressed was increasing health benefits costs. Heffron reported that in seven of the past eight years the cost for employees has risen.

In the packet given to legislative members, the district reported it has lost a total of $899.6 million in Quality Base Education

funding since 2003 after austerity cuts.

Maintaining local control of public education is something GCPS officials said the district places a high value on. Whether it be through levying local property taxes to provide the needed funds for the 139 schools or curriculum standards, officials said the district remains confident in the elected school board.

Heffron also mentioned the district’s view on charter schools.

“We support charter schools and ask that funding be no more or no less than any public school,” Heffron said.

One proposal that Gwinnett schools asked legisla-

tors to consider was the framework for a leadership and development academy.

The recommendation of a statewide academy follows House Bill 338, which called for a Joint Study Committee on the establishment of a Leadership Academy.

Heffron said the Leadership Academy will require funding with an initial amount of $800,000 and an estimated $2.6 million a year in costs. The purpose of the academy is to provide leadership and development to future principals and administrators.

Georgia Gwinnett College Georgia Gwinnett College’s President Dr. Stas

Preczewski came before legislators later on to talk about the college’s situation and needs.

Preczewski’s only request is for fixtures and equipment to be purchased for the new Building W. The total cost is $1.4 million dollars and is scheduled to be finished during the summer.

Preczewski said this would be the last major capital request that GGC would have for the next four to five years.

GGC has grown every semester since opening its doors in 2006 and currently sits at more than 12,000 students on the 17 acre campus.

While many colleges

almost 1,000 students this semester.

A key reason is the students’ inability to pay the full tuition by the end of the first week of classes.

“The solution is not Gwinnett County money, but time,” PreczePublic Schools wski said. “If we can allow Chief Financial students to pay 50 percent Officer Joe Hefof their tuition by the end fron speaks at of the first week and the the Gwinnett rest by Oct. 1, it would be a Legislative Delegation meeting big help.”

Lawmakers said they on Thursday would like to look further morning. (Staff Photo: Trevor into this to see if they can McNaboe) help relieve the financial burden on students as they continue their education.

Gwinnett Technical College Much like GGC, Gwinnett Technical College is dealing with losing enrollment due to strict rules on have graduate programs, Preczewski said, as long as tuition payment. The technical college had more than he is president, he doesn’t 11,000 students enrolled in anticipate adding any classes this year. graduate programs.

Gwinnett Tech Vice “The primary role of President of Institutional professors when they Advancement Mary Beth have graduate programs?

Research and teach gradu- Byerly reported that dual enrollment numbers had ate students. What is the primary goal of a graduate grown from 700 students to more than 2,800 individustudent teaching underals in the past five years. graduate students? Their While enrollment numown degree and then teaching,” Preczewski said. “We bers are increasing and are a teaching college and job placement is at 99.7 percent, the school reported focus on student engageit is facing a few issues. ment.”

Competitive salaries for One issue brought up instructors, keeping up to was enrollment retention.

This fall, more than 13,300 date technology equipment and classroom/lab space students were enrolled at were all concerns voiced the start of the fall seby Byerly. mester, but GGC also lost

Transit main subject of county leaders’ meeting with legislators

BY CURT YEOMANS

legislative delegation Thursday, including the ongoing water wars and mental health custody issues, but the conversation ended up being dominated by one thing: transit.

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett County had a list of issues it talked about with the county’s

The transit issue has grown up to become a key topic in state government, with committees being created to study the topic.

Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston ap-

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pointed Gwinnett County Commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash to serve on the House’s committee that looked into the issue earlier this year.

Transportation funding in general is one of the major issues county leaders want the Gwinnett legislative delegation to take on during the 2018 state legislative session, with a request to extend the length on T-SPLOSTs. Those special taxes are currently capped at five years in length.

“I’m asking for 30 years,” Nash told the legislators. “I think ACCG is asking for 20 years.

Two reasons for that is if you’re going to get federal dollars, then you’ve got to have 20 years of shared revenues, and if you’re going to do transit projects, you’ve got to be able to do bonds, and the time frame for bonding is typically 25 to 30 years for these types of projects, so you need to be sure of a revenue stream for that.”

Gwinnett officials are heading toward having a referendum on transit expansion in the county.

What that would entail, whether it’s expanding Gwinnett County Transit or joining MARTA, or even when it would take place, has not yet been determined.

Nash told legislators the preference would be to put it on the 2018 general election ballot when voters show up to vote for governor. If not, then she said it would have to wait two years until the next election expected to draw a large voter turnout — the presidential election in November 2020.

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about the referendum will depend on the outcome of the county’s Comprehensive Transit Development Plan. Gwinnett Transportation Director Alan Chapman gave legislators an update on the plan’s progress during the meeting.

“This is the most comprehensive transit study that’s ever been done in Gwinnett County,” Chapman said.

The transit issue prompted a lot of feedback from legislators, and sometimes discussion among themselves, on a variety of topics including questions about the age breakdown of responses to the county’s transit survey and whether the major political parties should get together and come up with a non-binding question to put on their primary election ballots.

State Rep. Dewey McClain, D-Lawrenceville, told Chapman and Nash that younger voters were more likely to support transit than older voters.

“Millennials do not want to get in a car,

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Gwinnett County Transportation Director Alan Chapman talks to local legislators about the county’s work on a comprehensive transit development plan during a meeting at the Gwinnett County Historic Courthouse on Thursday. (Staff Photo: Curt Yeomans)

Generation Z is not going to get in a car,” McClain said. “Baby Boomers want their cars. Xers want their cars. I do think for this to have any merit, we’re going to have to deal with (different) ages and generations. …

“I just want to be sure that when we do this, that we’re thinking of the future and not the ones that want to get in their own cars.”

Afterward, McClain told reporters that continuing to focus on roads rather than transit “was like giving an obese man a bigger belt.”

Transit governance was another issue that prompted some discussion among county officials and legislators.

“I could understand why the state would want to have some say in things if the state is going to be putting forward a substantial amount of money,” Nash said. “We all want to protect our ability to make decisions but at some point there has to be some type of overarching entity that helps make sure we have a rational approach to transit.”

State Rep. Clay Cox, R-Lilburn, said there will likely be some resistance in the legislature to that.

Cox is a member of the House Transportation Committee.

“There are some members on the committee who are resistant to sort of ceding their local influence, especially on transit,” he said.

perspectives

gwinnettdailypost.com

Todd Cline, Editor

todd.cline@gwinnettdailypost.com

Page 6 a • Friday, december 8, 2017

The party of Lincoln has devolved into party of Trump WASHINGTON — We need to prepare for the eventuality that the Mueller probe catches President Trump, family members and associates red-handed — and Republicans in Congress refuse to do anything about it.

This is beginning to look like a possible or even probable outcome. With its cravenness matched only by its arrogance, the GOP is Trump’s party now. It no longer has any claim to be Lincoln’s.

Witness the cowardly about-face on the subject of Roy Moore’s candidacy for the Senate. The Eugene party initially took Robinson a position in line with its purported values: that a credibly accused child molester, who haunted the local mall seeking dates with teenaged girls when he was in his 30s, is unworthy of the high office he seeks.

But then Trump endorsed Moore — given that more than a dozen women have accused the president of sexual misconduct, the phrase “birds of a feather” comes to mind — and Republicans changed their tune. The flow of money from national party coffers to Moore’s campaign, briefly interrupted, was resumed. Moore’s fitness became a matter that no longer troubled the GOP’s moral conscience, or what was left of it; only “the people of Alabama” could decide the difference between right and wrong.

Here is the distinction between our two major parties in 2017: Democratic leaders are forcing Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., and Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., both accused of harassing women, to resign. Republican leaders are trying to put Moore, accused of harassing teenagers and molesting a 14-year-old, in the Senate.

Given that context, it is naïve to assume that anything special counsel Robert Mueller uncovers will lead Republicans to choose principle over political advantage. Trump boasted during the campaign that he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and not lose support. As far as the GOP majorities in Congress are concerned, he may be right.

Ultimately, that’s what Trump is counting on.

He has been using his Twitter feed to try to create the impression that Mueller — the straightest of straight arrows, and a lifelong Republican — is somehow biased against him. Trump’s aim isn’t so much to pull the wool over the eyes of his base; rather, it’s to give House Republicans an excuse not to start impeachment proceedings if and when the time comes.

I realize it seems premature to speak of such eventualities. But if there really was no collusion with Russia to tilt the election in Trump’s favor, I wonder why one of the president’s lawyers, Jay Sekulow, is arguing that such collusion would not constitute a crime. And if there really was no obstruction of justice, I wonder why another of Trump’s lawyers, John Dowd, is arguing that the president by virtue of his office is incapable of obstructing justice.

Perhaps Trump and his family are just getting bad legal advice. I’m wondering who gave Donald Trump Jr. the bright idea to cite attorney-client privilege in refusing to answer the House Intelligence Committee’s questions about conversations with his father — conversations that might bear on both collusion and obstruction.

Neither Trump nor Trump Jr. is an attorney.

Conversations between Trump Jr. and his lawyer would be privileged, but not conversations Trump Jr. might have had with someone else while his lawyer was present. And Congress is not compelled to honor attorney-client privilege anyway, though it often does.

At least Trump Jr. gave a reason for his stonewalling. Other administration officials called to Capitol Hill to testify about Trump’s possible obstruction — including Attorney General Jeff Sessions — have relied on some imaginary privilege not to discuss conversations with the president.

The GOP-led committees investigating the Russia affair could subpoena witnesses, compel them to speak and hold them in contempt if they refuse.

I’m not holding my breath.

Those of us who care whether the president worked with a foreign power to influence the election and then actively impeded an FBI investigation do have recourse, however. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: If this Congress refuses to stand up for justice and American ideals, we need to elect a Congress that will.

The Trump presidency poses a challenge beyond politics or policy. Wrongheaded trickle-down tax policy is a matter of arithmetic; it can be corrected by moving numbers around a spreadsheet. But once corruption has become established, it takes Herculean effort to root it out; once respect for the rule of law is lost, it takes generations to restore.

Mueller is doing his job. Ours is to elect Democrats and independents next year who will hold this appalling presidency to account.

Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@washpost.com.

Nothing like Christmas in New York NEW YORK —New York always dresses up for Christmas. No matter the weather, the mood is buoyant and the setting festive — people scurrying about, the atmosphere nippy and decorations everywhere, all in good taste. No bright colors, just the tasteful white twinkling lights.

Makes you feel you have been plopped into the heavens along with the stars.

Walking about, you hear the bleating of car horns, the cacophonous roar of the traffic, the jackhammer symphony (New York is always under repair or replacement) and the shrill whistle of the hotel doormen beckoning taxis your way. The sights and sounds of New York are stimulating for the holidays.

You can find something new and different in Manhattan if you are up to it, but encores are too hard to let go — the neighborhood restaurants, Broadway, Times Square and Rockefeller Center. The Rockettes still attract crowds, the giant Christmas tree still turns heads, the ice rink continues to attract ice skaters and music for the ages. Bing Crosby singing “White Christmas,” Mel Torme with his rendition of “The Christmas Song” and Frank Sinatra with “New

omy makes Manhattan an exciting place, although in depressed times the mood did not seem too flat. Those who frequent Paris, London, Rome and other European capitals, and those of the Far East, find New York to be the most alluring city Loran of them all.

Smith It is so easy to find your way around the city.

Avenues running north and York, New York,” one of south and streets east and the classic songs of our west. It was uncomplicated times. before GPS systems came New York is enlivento be. ing any time of the year I like being a tourist. but it resonates with heart Although it has not been and soul at Christmas. connected to an agenda of Salvation Army bells ring late, to take a tour around in Manhattan. Cab drivManhattan Island by boat ers still flourish even with offers stunning views and Uber’s convenient appeal. a different perspective of People moving about still the city. The sounds of the don’t make eye contact subway still fascinate. It when you meet them on the is fun to recall the times street. the subway was the only There is still a line form- way to travel for those who ing at Radio City Music lived by modest means.

Hall every day as the grade The subway taking one school children are let out out to the ballgames, like and bussed over to Manto Yankee Stadium, which hattan to experience the the passing of time took Christmas shows. Although away. The House that Ruth it has been awhile since we Built where stories abound have been to see the Rock- — the highlights and the ettes, I often think about ones mostly forgotten. Like taking in the show again.

Jim Pyburn, the Auburn The story lines, the high infielder, who later coached stepping, and the Christmas on Vince Dooley’s first decorations and atmosphere staff. Pyburn was a bonus are worthy of encores. baby in the ’50s and was The uptick of the econrequired to play on the

major league team. That was not a good plan as it turned out, but Jim did hit a home run while playing for Baltimore in the old Yankee Stadium.

Spud Chandler of Carnesville, one-time Georgia quarterback, pitched in the old Yankee Stadium and was friends with Clara Ruth, from Jefferson, Ga., the second wife of Babe Ruth.

It is not so cold in New York this year. You can walk about without a topcoat. Christmas in Manhattan without a topcoat, gloves and a stocking cap — that is a first. There is a little nip in the air, just to remind you that you should never be overconfident about the weather here.

With New York, there is always a blizzard just around the corner.

The weather, unless rain beats you in the face, never diminishes the experience of walking the Brooklyn Bridge. It is an experience many pass on, but such an expansive emotional and visual pleasure. Doesn’t take long but the memories linger. It is the redeeming encore of all redeeming encores.

Loran Smith is co-host of “The Tailgate Show” and is also a freelance writer and columnist.

The monster of aging, its economical impact WASHINGTON — No one can say we weren’t warned. For years, scholars of all shapes and sizes — demographers, economists, political scientists — have cautioned that the populations of most advanced countries are gradually getting older, with dramatic consequences for economics and politics. But we haven’t taken heed by preparing for an unavoidable future.

The “we” refers not just to the United States but to virtually all advanced societies. In fact, America’s aging, though substantial, is relatively modest compared with many European countries and Japan.

The latest warning comes in a massive report on government “pensions” — what Americans call Social Security — from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris. The OECD is a group of mostly advanced nations, and the report warns that “the pace of pension reforms … has slowed.”

The problem is simple.

Low birth rates and increasing life expectancies result in aging populations. Since 1970, average life expectancy at age 60 in OECD countries has risen from 18

DEPENDENCY RATIO

Ratio of 65+ population to 20-64 population (%)

Robert J. Samuelson years to 23.4 years; by 2050, it’s forecast to increase to 27.9 years — that is, to nearly 90. The costs of Social Security and pensions will explode.

Governments are aware of these pressures and have raised eligibility ages. But changes have been modest and grudging. Only three countries have retirement ages exceeding 68 (Italy, the Netherlands and Denmark).

The increases in the official retirement age are slower than the projected increases in life expectancy, meaning there’s more time for retirement. For men, the average OECD retirement age is projected to increase 1.5 years to “just under 66 years around 2060.” For women, the rise in the retirement age is about 2.1 years, also to around 66.

The implication: Unless retirement ages are raised

Brazil China France Germany Greece Italy Japan Russia United Kingdom United States

sharply or benefits are cut deeply, more and more of the income of the workingage population will be siphoned off through higher taxes or cuts in other government spending to support retirees.

The prospective pressures will be enormous, as the table (abbreviated from the OECD report) that accompanies this column indicates.

It shows the “dependency ratio” for some major countries. The dependency ratio relates the number of elderly (those 65 and older) to the working-age population (those 20 to 64). If the two populations were identical, the ratio would be 100 percent. Although that’s not the case for any major country, most face steep gains.

2015 13 15 33 35 33 38 46 21 31 25

2050 40 48 52 59 73 72 78 40 48 40

Germany, for example, goes from an elderly population that’s about a third the size of the working population (35 percent in 2015) to one that’s more than half (59 percent in 2050).

“Few reforms are as contested as raising the retirement age,” says the OECD report (“Pensions at a Glance 2017”). “Why is it so unpopular to work longer even among people with longer life expectancy and in good health?”

Good question. The answer illuminates a dilemma of democracy: Giving people what they want in the present may damage our collective future.

Robert J. Samuelson writes about economics for the Washington Post.

Friday, december 8, 2017 • 7a

gwinnettdailypost.com

nation Protests follow Trump’s decision on Jerusalem Dozens of people were injured in the West Bank on Thursday as Palestinian protesters clashed with Israeli security forces over U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial decision on Jerusalem.

Trump on Wednesday announced that the U.S. recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and would move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, drawing condemnation from world leaders and sending shock waves through the Muslim world.

Both Israelis and Palestinians claim the holy city as their capital.

The Red Crescent said 49 people were injured in the protests, in which Israeli security officers fired what appeared to be rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon at demonstrators in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Ramallah, as well as other towns. Protesters in Ramallah were seen setting tires alight and throwing rocks at armed Israeli officers.

Same-sex marriage now legal in Australia Australia’s parliament voted to legalize same-sex marriage Thursday after years of political jockeying and fierce public debate.

Cheers and applause broke out as ministers voted in favor of the bill following hours of debate and emotional speeches at Parliament House in Canberra.

“This is Australia: Fair, diverse, loving and filled with respect for everyone,” said an effusive Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, as he introduced the bill for a final vote.

“This is a great day, it belongs to every Australian.”

world&nation

Franken announces resignation Minn. Senator calls out Trump, Moore in speech By eli Watkins, MJ lee and ashley killough CNN

Democratic Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota is resigning following allegations that he touched women inappropriately, he announced on the Senate floor Thursday.

“I am announcing that in the coming weeks I will be resigning as a member of the United States Senate,” Franken said in an emotional address in which he said some of the allegations against him weren’t true.

The resignation brings a sudden and dishonorable end to the unlikely political career of the comedianturned-progressive darling, first known to most Americans for his work on “Saturday Night Live.”

Franken, who did not apologize during his speech, also called out President Donald Trump, who was repeatedly accused of sexual assault during his presidential campaign, and Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, who faces accusations that he pursued relationships with teenagers and committed sexual assault when he was in his 30s.

nation Police: 2 students, shooter dead at N.M. school

Two students were killed in a shooting Thursday at Aztec High School in Aztec, N.M., state police said on their verified Twitter account, and the suspected shooter is also dead.

No information has been released as to whether the shooter was a student at the school or a visitor.

U.N. human rights The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office reported chief calls out earlier that the shooter was dead, and Aztec Mayor Sally Trump over Muslim retweets Burbridge confirmed there is no more threat to the comThe United Nations’ top munity. human rights official was Aztec, in San Juan “aghast” over Trump’s deci- County, is a small town in sion to re-tweet anti-Muslim northwest New Mexico, videos from the far-right ul- about three hours from tra nationalist group Britain Albuquerque, and FarmingFirst last week, offering a ton authorities assisted in the robust rebuke of nationalist response to the shooting. and populist leaders.

Officials were working on “It seemed to be so fool- clearing the buildings before ish,” U.N. High Commisthe shooter was reported sioner for Human Rights down, according to San Juan Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein told County CEO Kim Carpenter.

CNN’s Elise Labott during a Capitol Hill roundtable Ex-S.C. cop gets discussion for the UN Human Rights Foundation. “Or 20 years for it seemed to be driven by a Scott killing sense of purpose.”

“And why take us to Michael Slager, the fora place where what can mer South Carolina police accrue from this is imofficer who killed unarmed mense violence?” he asked. black man Walter Scott, was “We’ve been there before.” sentenced Thursday to 20 Al Hussein also conyears in federal prison. demned nationalism and U.S. District Court Judge populism more broadly, David Norton made his decisaying the international sion after hearing emotional human rights framework, victim impact statements put in place after World War from Scott’s relatives. NorII and the Holocaust, “is ton earlier Thursday had said under immense stress at the the “appropriate underlying moment” from authoritarian offense” for Slager, who is leaders and terrorist groups, white, was second-degree but also populist politicians murder and suggested a in the west. sentence of 19 to 24 years in — From wire reports prison.

people Kimmel’s wife opens up about family drama

As a writer and producer on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” as well as Kimmel’s wife, Senator Al FranMolly McNearney should ken announced have been the first to know Thursday he will about his moving monologue be resigning in the coming weeks. about their son’s health issues.

(CNN) McNearney told the Hollywood Reporter that while she was on maternity leave with their newborn son William (whom they call Billy), she was still receiving work email in May when she “I, of all people, am who called for Franken to

by Franken’s statement on noticed she hadn’t received aware that there is some resign, were both seen wip- the Senate floor. one about that night’s monoirony in the fact that I am ing their eyes.

On Franken’s statement logue. leaving while a man who Franken’s resignation that some of the allegaInstead, her husband has bragged on tape about means Minnesota Demotions are “simply not true,” told her “I just want you to his history of sexual assault cratic Gov. Mark Dayton Menz said she wonders if sits in the Oval Office and will get to appoint a tempo- he was talking about her. “I watch.”

“So there I am, in my a man who has repeatedly rary replacement to the seat just feel bad that this is our preyed on young girls cam- in the interim, before a spe- culture,” she said. “I feel bad living room breastfeeding Billy with my mom beside paigns for the Senate with cial election in November that we’ve allowed men to me, and we’re watching,” the full support of his party,” 2018. Dayton said Thursday behave this way.” she said. “I sobbed through Franken said. following Franken’s resignaMenz said she watched the entire thing. I couldn’t More than 20 Demotion that he has not decided his entire speech on CNN. crats, including many who on a replacement to fill the She said she feels badly that believe the strength that it took to tell that story a week publicly called on Franken seat. he is resigning: “I feel sad after it happened.” to resign Wednesday, were “Events have unfolded that he has to leave a job Kimmel had tearfully in the chamber to hear his quickly; thus, I have not he’s passionate about.” talked of Billy’s birth April speech, which lasted about yet decided on my appointThe push for Franken’s 21 with a serious heart is12 minutes. Republican Sen. ment to fill this upcoming resignation started after a sue and used it as a plea to Jeff Flake of Arizona, who vacancy. I expect to make woman came forward last ensure that health care in this has announced he would not and announce my decision month to say he had badseek reelection next year, in the next couple of days,” gered her into an unwanted country was affordable for also listened to his remarks. Dayton said in a statement. kiss before he was a senator everyone.

His wife is now reflecting Following its conclusion, Lindsay Menz, the and groped her while she on why he felt the need to the Democrats in attendance woman who first told CNN slept. dive into the political hotbed. hugged Franken. Sens. that Franken groped her butThat allegation set forth “Our family has excellent Tammy Duckworth of Iltocks at a Minnesota State weeks of open deliberation health care; he had nothlinois and Claire McCaskill Fair in 2010, told CNN she about Franken’s political ing to gain from that,” she of Missouri, two Democrats was “a little disappointed” future. said. “He did it for the other people whom we met in that hospital. He came home that was dry, nothing more than that,” Sanders said, criticizing night, and I just hugged him questions about the incident and I wouldn’t let go.” a day earlier as “ridiculous.”

Past presidents have MSNBC to bring typically undergone annual physical examinations with a back Seder after military doctor and released controversy those records to the public.

In a dramatic reversal, Students gather in the parking lot at Aztec High School in Aztec, N.M., after a deadly shooting occurred Thurs- FBI Director backs MSNBC has decided to bring back Sam Seder as a day. (KOAT via CNN) agency after contributor, days after the two sides parted ways over an Slager pleaded guilty in 146th Airlift Wing out of Ox- Trump’s attacks old tweet of Seder’s that had May to violation of civil nard has also joined the fight, FBI Director Christopher drawn right-wing criticism. rights by acting under the even though roughly 50 of Seder, a progressive comcolor of law in Scott’s 2015 the Guardsmen involved had Wray defended his agency Thursday in his first public mentator who also hosts killing. Slager’s 2016 state to be evacuated themselves, appearance since President his own daily radio show, murder trial ended in a said spokeswoman Maj. Donald Trump said the said that he will accept the mistrial.

Kimberly Holman. Three network’s offer.

Federal prosecutors lost their homes in the blazes, bureau is “in tatters.”

Wray told the House “I appreciate MSNBC’s sought a life sentence for she said.

Judiciary Committee his thoughtful reconsideration Slager, arguing he had agents work hard “protectand willingness to undercommitted second-degree Trump will take ing the American people and stand the cynical motives murder and also should be upholding the rule of law in of those who intentionally punished for obstructing jus- physical and all 50 states and in about 80 misrepresented my tweet release details tice by providing the South countries around the world.” for their own toxic, political Carolina Law Enforcement early next year “Let me start by saying purposes,” Seder said in a Division with false statePresident Donald Trump that it is for me the honor of statement. “We are expements. will undergo a physical a lifetime to be here repreriencing an important and examination early next year senting the men and women long overdue moment of emCalifornia fires: powerment for the victims of and allow doctors to reof the FBI,” he said. “There ‘Firefighters lease details of his medical is no finer institution than the sexual assault and of reckontaking a beating’ evaluation, keeping with past FBI and no finer people than ing for their perpetrators. I’m proud that MSNBC and its precedent. the men and women who as winds rage staff have set a clear example Trump will be examined work there and are its very The four wildfires wreak- by a doctor at Walter Reed of the need to get it right.” beating heart.” ing devastation across South- National Military Medical When asked about ern California are wearing on Center in “the first part of Trump’s tweets over the $10K dropped the firefighters and military next year,” White House weekend criticizing the FBI, personnel who have been press secretary Sarah Sanders Wray told Rep. Jerry Nadler, into Portland laboring nonstop to douse the said Thursday. “there is no shortage of opin- Salvation Army blazes, one of which is now “Those records will be ions out there.” collection kettle the size of Denver. released following that tak“What I can tell you is that The Salvation Army On top of exhaustion from ing place.” the FBI that I see is tens of the long hours, they’re also Sanders’ announcement thousands of agents and ana- received quite a surprise in a collection kettle at a Fred trying to stave off the effects came a day after some ques- lysts and staff working their Meyer in northeast Portland of smoke inhalation and the tions were raised about the tails off to keep Americans Wednesday: $10,000 in cash. airborne embers irritating President’s health after he safe from the next terrorist It’s believed to be the largtheir eyes. appeared to get a dry mouth attack, gang violence, child “Honestly, the firefightand slurred his words toward predators, spies from Russia, est cash donation ever put ers are taking a beating, but the end of remarks he deliv- China and North Korea, and in a single Salvation Army we have to acknowledge the ered on Wednesday. It was Iran,” he said. “The FBI that kettle in the Portland area: one hundred $100 bills were residents because they’re tak- the second time in a month I see is tens of thousands of dropped into the kettle. ing a beating, too, but they’re that Trump appeared to get brave men and women who The Salvation Army said cooperating with our orders,” a dry mouth in public, after are working as hard as they the donation will be used for said Thomas Kruschke, he reached for a water bottle can to keep people that they services in Portland since spokesman for the Ventura in the middle of remarks in will never know safe from that’s where it was gathered.

County Fire Department.

November. harm.”

— From wire reports The state National Guard’s “The President’s throat — From wire reports

Millions of dollars may have been stolen in bitcoin hack

By Rishi iyengaR CNN

Hackers have carried out a heist on a leading digital currency platform, making off with an unspecified amount of bitcoin.

NiceHash, which describes itself as the largest marketplace for mining digital currencies, said late Wednesday that it was suspending its operations for at least 24 hours because of a security breach.

Must read The site’s payment system was compromised and the contents of its bitcoin account have been stolen, it said.

Cryptocurrencies are virtual “coins” that are “mined” by computers using complex algorithms.

Bitcoin is the most popular one.

NiceHash provides a platform for users to mine for other cryptocurrencies and get paid in

bitcoin. That could involve significant sums: it paid out millions of dollars in bitcoin every week, according to its official Facebook page.

The site said it was still working to figure out exactly how many bitcoins were taken.

The digital currency’s value has soared in recent weeks, crossing $16,000 for the first time on Thursday.

CoinDesk, a site specializing in cryptocurrency news and data,

reported that NiceHash users were circulating a link to a bitcoin account that suggested as many as 4,736 bitcoins had been stolen, an amount worth roughly $76 million at current prices.

It wasn’t immediately clear whether funds had been taken from NiceHash users’ accounts as well.

“While the full scope of what happened is not yet known, we recommend, as a precaution, that you change your online pass-

words,” NiceHash warned users.

“In addition to undertaking our own investigation, the incident has been reported to the relevant authorities and law enforcement, and we are cooperating with them as a matter of urgency,” it said.

NiceHash didn’t immediately respond to a request for further comment about the hack.

The cyber heist is yet another reminder about the vulnerability of some digital currency platforms.

8A • FridAy, december 8, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

Weather •From Page 1A

Officials from county agencies listen to a weekend weather update during a meeting at the county’s Emergency Operations Center in Lawrenceville on Thursday. Officials are working out preparations for possible winter weather, including snow. (Special Photo)

— the point at which water freezes — so many roads are expected to just be wet.

Overnight and into Saturday morning is a different story, though.

That is when the coldest air is expected to move through the area, creating concerns about black ice forming on roadways.

“It’s still unknown what the exact accumulations will be and where the highest amounts will fall. But regardless, please prepare for wet and freezing conditions going into Friday night as temperatures will drop into the low to mid-20s and icing on the roads may be possible,” the National Weather Service said in a statement.

Gwinnett County Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said officials from the

obituaries Pat Baughman Pat Baughman, age 68, of Lawrenceville, GA passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2017. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Jim; children, Ingrid Baughman and Chanda (Paul) Nix; grandchildren, Courtney Connor, Brody Nix, Adison Baughman and Preston Baughman; great-grandchild, Peyton Garrett. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Dorothy McHugh and brothers, Mike and Madison.

Pat loved her family and friends. She had a passion for gardening. Per Pat’s wishes, there will be no funeral services held. A private Memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family asks memorial donations be made to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Condolences may be sent to or viewed at www. wagesfuneralhome.com.

Tom M. Wages Funeral Service LLC, “A Family Company” 120 Scenic Hwy Lawrenceville, GA 770-963-2411.

Lawrenceville

Mary Ann Beattie Mary Ann Beattie, age 57 of Lawrenceville, died December 3, 2017.

A Funeral Mass will be said 10:30 AM Saturday December 9, 2017 at the Catholic Church of St. Monica. Interment Broadlawn Memorial Gardens, Buford. Ms. Beattie was born in Hartford, CT and was a bus driver for 16 years for Gwinnett County School System in the Duluth Cluster. She was a Duluth resident for over 30 years. She is survived by her daughters, Lindsey Beattie of Austin, TX, Nicole Beattie of Charlotte, NC and Bridgette Beattie of Lawrenceville; grandson, Wyatt Hafer ; sister, Murielle Fleming of Diamond Bar, CA and her ex-husband, David Beattie of Lawrenceville. Online

condolences may be sent by visiting www.billheadfuneralhome.com. The family will receive friends Friday 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Bill Head Funeral Homes and Crematory Duluth Chapel, 770-4762535.

Berkeley Lake

Catherine “Kitty” Dales (Ballew) Catherine “Kitty” Ballew Dales, 99, of Berkeley Lake, Ga., died peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 3, at Gwinnett Medical Center Duluth. Kitty was born in New Orleans, La., on Nov. 14, 1918, to Benjamin Franklin Ballew and Mildred Stewart Ballew.

Kitty is survived by her longtime companion, Harry Hollingsworth; her two children, Bertram B. (Ann) Dales III of Albuquerque, N.M., and Dana C. Dales of Berkeley Springs, W.V.; two grandchildren, Scott B. (April) Dales and Julie A. (Joni) Dales; two greatgrandchildren; and a niece, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bertram B. Dales Jr., and her sister, Martha Ballew Pettway.

Kitty and Bert met while Bert was enrolled at Georgia Tech. They were married at All Saints Episcopal Church in Atlanta on Nov. 4, 1939. Kitty held down the fort, as only a military wife can, while her husband served in the U.S. Army through World War II and Korea, as well as an assignment in Southeast Asia. As her husband was assigned to different posts, Kitty moved with him, living in Japan and numerous places across the United States until his retirement.

In 1964, Kitty and Bert moved to Berkeley Lake, Ga. Over the course of the next five decades, Kitty’s natural extroversion, generosity, and commitment to service made her a fixture in the community, whether it was as a volunteer at the local polling place, a member of the BLOSOMS, or an altar guild member. She volunteered with the Gray Ladies at the Veterans’ i l d d li d

Hospital and delivered Meals on Wheels for years. If there was something happening in the community, Kitty was sure to be in the middle of the action. Known as The Lady of Lake Berkeley, her love of life and positive spirit affected all who came into contact with her.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. with visitation starting at 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 11, at the Church of Our Savior, 1068 North Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306.

Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Bell, Bill Downey, Rodney Hammond, Bob Herb, Tom Kitchens, Bill Lacy, Scott Lee, Wayne Mitsch, John Nevins, Tod Senne, Bob Spruell, and Rick Waxwiler. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, to the Lake Berkeley Chapel (for Kitty’s Corner in the Gratitude Garden), or to a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life will be held in January at a date to be announced.

On-line condolences may be made at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. 770-448-5757.

“Citizens are urged to slow their speed when traveling and watch for patches of black ice on the roadways, be careful when heating the home — especially if using the fireplace, woodstove or space heater for warmth.”

The Georgia Department of Transportation said also said it was monitoring the potential for winter weather across Georgia.

“GDOT is prepped, ready and working in partnership with local and state agencies,” state transportation officials said.

Some tips the fire department is recommending include limiting exposure to the cold outdoors, putting together winter preparedness kits, reviewing safety plans and making sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms have working batteries.

For more obituaries, visit www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

for 40 years in the Secretary of the Senate office in the Georgia State Capitol.

She was an active member of First Baptist Snellville for 45 years. Over the years, she enjoyed singing in the choir, playing hand bells, directing weddings, and teaching 2-year-olds in Sunday School. She was also an active member of The Citizens of Georgia Power and The Ambassadors, a Georgia Power retiree group. She enjoyed traveling, taking grandkids on trips, and spending time with family and friends. The Funeral Service to honor and celebrate the life of Agnes Doster will be held on Friday, December 8, 2017 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church Snellville with Dr. James Merritt officiating. Interment will follow at Eternal Hills Memory Gardens, Snellville, GA with Rev. Guy Priester conducting the committal service. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 7, 2017 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Tom M. Wages Snellville Chapel.

Those desiring may make memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org or First Baptist Church Snellville Building Fund www.fbcsnell.org. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www. wagesfuneralhome.com.

Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, A Family Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Everyone was always welcome in her home.

Most often than not a visit would include a home cooked meal with one of her signature deserts, such as the grand children’s favorite, “Grans Marble Cake”. A Memorial Service of Celebration honoring Mrs. Johnson’s life of 93 years will be on Saturday, December 9th at 2:30 pm at Mt Carmel Church.

Interment will follow at Peachtree Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends Saturday, December 9th from 1:00 pm until the time of the service at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers. com. Arrangements by: Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Ind. Blvd., Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 (770) 448-5757.

Loganville, GA

William Franklin “Bill” Moore

- 4:00 PM on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 2246 Wisteria Dr. SW, Snellville, GA. 770-9795010 Please leave online condolences at www. stewartfh.com.

Duluth

Marie Spada (Pace) Marie Pace Spada, age 91, of Duluth, GA, passed away December 5, 2017.

The memorial service will be Sunday, December 17, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at Peachtree Corners Presbyterian Church, 5918 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. A reception will follow at the church. Marie was very active volunteering in her church. After retiring as an office manager at Nestle, she managed accounts at Con-Optic.

Marie is preceded in death by her parents, Corinto and Verla Pace and daughter, Loren Marx, and former husband, Lou Spada. She is survived by her daughter, Margaret Cheeley (Joseph); brother, Paul Pace; grandchildren, Kristin Rosencrants (Ben), Dr. Justin Cheeley (Mary Katherine); greatgrandchildren, Brynn Rosencrants, Kendall Rosencrants, Caleb Cheeley and Carter Cheeley expected. Online condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers. com. Arrangements by: Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Ind. Blvd., Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 (770) 448-5757.

age 78, of Loganville, GA, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2017. Bill served his country honorably in the Army and was a Master Electrician with IBEW Local 613. He was preceded in death

by Parents: Thomas and Mildred Moore; Brother: Gene Moore; and Sister: Mickey Kyle. Surviving are his wife of 56 years: Snellville Rachel Moore; Daughter: Denise Camp of LoganAgnes Doster ville; Son: Darrell Moore Agnes Doster, age 79 of Loganville; Sister: of Snellville, GA, passed Kathleen Lutz of Atlanta; away on Monday, DecemGrandchildren: Chasity ber 4, 2017. Agnes was Camp, Jordan and Kayla born in Forsyth, Georgia Camp; numerous famBuford, GA and was preceded in death ily and friends. A private by her parents, William Edward “Ted” Hodge Memorial Service will be and Annie Mae GooTed Hodge, age 72, of held at a later date. In lieu drum, stepmother Hattie Buford passed away Deof flowers the family has Goodrum, brother Cullen cember 5, 2017. Flanigan requested that donations be Goodrum, sisters GeorFuneral Home, Buford, made in his memory to the gia Goodrum, Geneva GA. American Stroke FoundaPeters, and Sue Bunn. She tion, 6405 Metcalf Avenue, is survived by husband Suwanee, GA Suite 214, Shawnee Misof 61 years, John Robert sion, KS 66202, 913-649Sara Janelle Johnson Doster, son and daughter1776. The family will Sara Janelle Murphy in-law, John Derek and receive friends from 2:00 Rhonda Doster, daughters Johnson born February 19, 1924 to Mr. and and sons-in-law, Tom and Mrs. Ernest Murphy of Robyn Lotspeich, Scott and Emily Chesser. Grand- Buford, GA. She was a lifelong resident of Gwinchildren include John Lotspeich, Gabriel Doster, nett County and 60 year resident of Norcross. She Hannah Lotspeich, Colt Pet Crematory was preceded in death by Doster, Matthew Chesser, her husband, Dr. George and Laney Chesser. She $ M. Johnson. They had 3 is also survived by her sister, Jane Cannon. Other children, Patti, Phillip, and ptreepc.com Mike, seven grandchildren family members include and ten great grandchil30 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and dren. A devoted mother TOM M. WAGES FUNERAL SERVICE, LLC known to all as “Gran”. nephews. Agnes worked l f i h GDP-12/8/2017-FRI

Private Pet Cremations Start at 115

521357-1

Lawrenceville

county’s fire and police departments, sheriff’s office and emergency management agency will be regularly communicating with each other over the weekend about weather conditions.

Rutledge said officials are monitoring weather forecasts and looking at what resources they can deploy over the next few days if they need to. He also said officials are urging residents to use caution this weekend, even if the forecasted snow doesn’t fall.

“Firefighters encourage citizens to use this opportunity for early wintry weather to begin preparing for what could come later in the upcoming winter months,” Rutledge said.

“Whether we get any accumulation over the next several days or not, we all know that the temperatures will be getting colder.

770-817-1030

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017 • 9A

gwinnettdailypost.com

Vigil •From Page 1A Crime Candlelight Vigil hosted by the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office in the auditorium at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville. Hundreds of family members of people who died as victims of crime in Gwinnett County came together to remember their loved ones during the vigil.

As a slide show featuring photos of those loved ones flashed on a large screen, several attendees struggled to fight back tears.

District Attorney Danny Porter said the idea behind the annual vigil, which is always held right before Christmas, is not only to support the families of crime victims as they brave their first holiday season, or their 15th, without their

Joy Campbell, left, and Deborah Banks take a picture of joy’s son, Shane Augustus, on the victims’ wall, who was murdered in 2011. (Photo: Anthony Stalcup)

loved ones.

It’s also an opportunity for law enforcement to recommit itself to helping victims and their families by fighting for justice in their name, he said.

“In a few weeks, we’re all going to be doing New Year’s resolutions,” Porter said. “We’re going to work on losing a few pounds.

We’re going to stop listen-

ing to country music. But part of what this season is about is reflection and reaffirmation about the values we hold close to our hearts.

“If law enforcement is not prepared to make that yearly reaffirmation for the people that we serve, then we’re in the wrong business.”

The gathering was extra tough for Craig. Although

it has been 16 years since her husband died and she has since remarried and one of her daughters got married two years ago, her son Justin — who was 13 when his father was killed — took the loss hard.

Craig said he never fully recovered from losing his father.

Her son died of an overdose in October.

City of Suwanee SPLOST proceeds schedule of expenditures 2009 issue year ended june 30, 2017 Description

Original Estimated Cost

Administrative Buildings

$

118,780

Current Estimated Cost $

80,802

•From Page 1A

Current Year

Prior Years $

80,802

Total

$

–

$

80,802

Recreational Facilities

2,256,827

1,954,301

1,230,421

208,293

1,438,714

Parking Facilities

2,256,780

2,035,585

63,237

1,500,000

1,563,237

Public Safety Facilities and Equipment

1,781,710

1,532,302

1,527,356

4,946

1,532,302

Roads, Streets & Bridges

5,463,953 $

11,878,050

4,777,210 $

10,380,200

2,814,702 $

5,716,518

1,103,028 $

2,816,267

3,917,730 $

8,532,785

City of Suwanee SPLOST proceeds schedule of expenditures 2014 issue year ended june 30, 2017 Description

Original Estimated Cost

Roads, Streets & Bridges

$

7,239,371

$

8,043,746

Current Estimated Cost $

6,508,427

$

7,193,816

804,375

Recreational Facilities

Current Year

Prior Years $

729,188

$

729,192

685,389

Total

$

1,836,603

$

1,836,603

4

$

2,565,791

$

2,565,795

–

4

City of Suwanee SPLOST proceeds schedule of expenditures 2017 issue year ended june 30, 2017 Description

Original Estimated Cost

Administrative Facilities

$

Recreational Facilities

2,313,100

Current Estimated Cost $

2,313,053

522183-1

$

14,306,862

$

2,313,053

9,680,709

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Prior Years

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“A story of how to remember and survive juxtaposed to the rawness of a new loss,” Craig told her fellow attendees. “What I do know for myself and my family is that our faith has and will continue to play a key role in our healing. I don’t know what your story is, but I can tell you that I am so sorry for your loss.”

Render said she was glad the vigil was held every year because “it’s a way for us all to be together.” She said she’s still healing from her son’s death, but she recalled how he often smiled, tutored football teammates and took his PlayStation to Hopewell Christian Academy to play video games with students at the school.

He made the varsity football team at Norcross High School when he was a freshman. His dream

–

– $

–

– –

$

–

was to play football for the University of Alabama and then go on to design hotels.

A smile came across her face as she recalled one time when her son explained to her how the smell she noticed before rainfall was actually flower and plants opening up to receive the rain.

“I know you’re probably sitting here and saying ‘Oh my God, she is smiling,’” Render told other attendees at the vigil. “You can, too, and you will. You may not do it tonight. It may not be next week, but you’ll get there. The last I checked, they didn’t make a watch that said ‘It’s time to stop grieving,’ so don’t let anyone tell you when to stop grieving.

“Don’t let anybody say it’s time. Do it in your own time and you will come around.”

Game

atmosphere, but we’ve got to keep our minds on the Few of the Bulldogs task at hand.” have been inside the new Interestingly enough, this won’t be the first new stadium, even as spectastadium in Atlanta that tors.

So they admit there will North has helped christen this season. be a bit of an awe factor The Bulldogs joined playing in a facility that has already played host to a handful of other proseveral of the Atlanta Fal- grams — including fellow Gwinnett schools Archer, cons’ NFL home games, Brookwood, Buford, Mill as well as several big Creek and Norcross — in college games, with the playing in the 2017 Corky biggest game of the year, the College Football Play- Kell Classic — the first event at Georgia State off championship game, scheduled for next month. Stadium since it was “It’s pretty cool,” senior repurposed from the old Turner Field — back in linebacker Jayden McAugust.

Donald said. “Any time “Breaking in two stadiyou’re playing in a big stadium, college or NFL, ums in one year is pretty cool,” Ericson said. “It’s it’s great. It gives you just been an exciting year. a feel for what it’s like I just hope we can finish playing at the next level.

“I know walking in (for it out.”

Indeed, closing out a the first time), it’s going to be like, ‘Wow!’ I know big year with the program’s third trip to the we’re going to be blown championship game in the away by it.”

That said, the Bulldogs state’s largest classificaalso know that awe factor tion has already made it can’t last too long — not special for North.

And being the first with a chance at North’s AAAAAAA team to win first state football chama title at Mercedes-Benz pionship at stake, and Stadium would only make with a formidable opponent like Colquitt County it even more special.

“It’ll be fun to see how staring the Bulldogs in the team comes together the face. on the big stage against a “I know we’re in for a great opponent,” McDontreat Saturday,” Ericson ald said. “We’ll see what said. “It’s hard because we can do.” we’ll want to soak in the

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10A • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

Police seeking info on gas station robbery, assault

BY CURT YEOMANS

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett County police are seeking information about multiple suspects who are believed to be tied to a Nov. 16 robbery in which thousands of dollars, some packs of cigarettes and about seven packs of scratch-off lottery tickets were stolen.

The Georgia Lottery told investigators several of the lottery tickets were cashed in later that day at several stores in the Lilburn and Snellville area.

The incident began at the Exxon gas station located at 2100 Killian Hill Road in unincorporated Snellville.

Police said a man forced his way behind the counter, pointed a semi-automatic handgun at an employee’s head and ordered him to open the store’s registers.

During the robbery, the suspect hit the employee in the head with the gun.

In addition to the money, this is where the lottery tickets and cigarettes were stolen. Police said the suspect was a black man who was wearing a tan coat, a gray and black hoodie, black gloves, dark blue pants and black shoes. He was also carrying a brown pack.

Investigators reported the numbers for the stolen scratch off ticket packs to the Georgia Lottery, which

This surveillance footage shows the suspect in an assault and robbery at an Exxon gas station on Killian Hill Road in the Snellville area on Nov. 16. Police said the suspects stole thousands of dollars in cash, as well as some cigarettes and about seven packages of scratch-off lottery tickets. (Special Photos)

Above left, surveillance footage shows the suspects who are believed to be tied to an assault and robbery at an Exxon gas station on Killian Hill Road in the Snellville area on Nov. 16. The individuals in these images from a different Exxon station on Lee Road allegedly cashed scratch-off lottery tickets stolen from the other store. The vehicle they were in is also shown. Above right, the individual in these images from a Kroger on Five Forks Trickum Road allegedly cashed scratch-off lottery tickets stolen from the Exxon.

is when they learned some of the tickets had been cashed in at three different stores on the same day as

the robbery. at 3050 Five Forks Trickum A man in a camouflage Road in unincorporated jacket cashed in some tickets Lilburn. at 4 p.m. at a Kroger located At 6:30 p.m., two

suspects pulled up to a QuikTrip at 2008 Scenic Highway in Snellville in a silver or grey four-door

Pontiac passenger car and cashed in more tickets.

Police said three suspects also went to the Exxon convenience store at 3583 Lee Road in unincorporated Snellville to cash in several tickets, but officials did not specify what time that happened.

Anyone who knows the suspects or has other information about the crime that can help identify them is asked to call detectives at 770-513-5300.

They can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 404-577-8477 or visit www. crimestoppersatlanta.org.

There is a reward of up to $2,000 from Crime Stoppers for information that leads to an arrest and indictment in the case.

Tipsters are asked to reference case number 17107016 when providing tips.

Brookwood teacher arrested on indecent exposure charge

BY TREVOR MCNABOE trevor.mcnaboe @gwinnettdailypost.com

Brookwood High School teacher and varsity football coach Allen Reeves Blankenship, 24, was arrested

Tuesday night and charged with a misdemeanor count of public indecency, according to Gwinnett County police.

He was taken into custody after a woman called Gwinnett police,

saying that Blankenship committed an act of lewd exposure, police said. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Hobby Lobby arts and crafts store in Lawrenceville, according to the arrest warrant.

Blakenship was released early Wednesday morning on a $2,950 bond, according to a booking sheet.

Gwinnett County Public Schools Director of Community Relations Bernard Watson confirmed the

school district was aware of Blankenship’s arrest and could not comment further on the matter because it is a human resources situation.

A hearing date is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.

Dec. 18.

Allen Reeves Blankenship

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sports

gwinnettdailypost.com

SECTION B • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

Jones steps down as Dacula football coach at Cherokee Bluff, a new high school in southern Hall County that opens for the 2018-19 school year.

Tommy Jones delivHis hire is pending Hall ered the tough news to County School Board aphis Dacula players and proval Monday night. staff Thursday that he had “The decision to accept stepped down as head foot- the Cherokee Bluff job is ball coach. tremendously bittersweet,” Jones, a Brookwood Jones said. “I am exgrad, has accepted the head tremely excited about the football coaching position challenge and opportunity

By Will Hammock will.hammock@ gwinnettdailypost.com

Dacula head coach Tommy Jones stepped down Thursday to take the same position at a new school in Hall County.

(Photo: Will Fagan)

Bears aim for 4th title in a row

By David Friedlander

ahead. I really enjoy the building process and have always had a desire to open a new school. I realize that it will be both exhausting and rewarding at the same time. Both Wes McGee (Cherokee Bluff principal) and Kenny Hill (Cherokee Bluff athletic director) are unbelievably energetic about the situation. At the same time, leaving Dacula

is one of the hardest professional decisions that I’ve ever made.

“Over the last five years, I’ve had an incredible opportunity to work alongside some of the best coaches in the world and coach some remarkable young men. Although we were able to accomplish

See JONES, Page 4B

CLASS AAAAAAA STATE FOOTBALL FINALS

Good & Plenty North Gwinnett vs. Colquitt County • Saturday, 8 p.m. • Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

david.friedlander@ gwinnettdailypost.com

Continuity could be an overriding theme for the 2017 Gwinnett County Wrestling Championships.

At least Mountain View hopes it will be as the Bears will try for their fourth straight county team title when this year’s meet gets underway today and runs into Saturday at Mill Creek High School.

“We’ve started slowly, in part because our football team did so well (and went to the second round of the state playoffs), and we had about five or six starters out,” Mountain View coach Jim Gassman said. “But they’ve acclimated well since they’ve been back.

Like a lot of other teams, we’ve still got some kids missing, but we want to compete as well as we can.”

Even with strong programs like Archer, Brookwood and Buford not participating to participate in out-of-town tournaments, there figures to be plenty of strong team and individual competition this weekend.

For example, Mountain View returns a pair of defending county champions in Chase Standridge and Harrison Spikes, while the Bears also boast other top contenders like Garrett Spikes, undefeated 106-pounder R.J. Aguirre, Brian Chavez and newcomer Rick Shores.

Meanwhile, other champions from last year are expected to be back to defend their county titles, including Dacula’s Super Six senior Noah Bullock, Collins Hill’s Lucas Desliva and North Gwinnett’s Rex McDaniel.

Others such as defending county runners-up Joey Felix and Tomari Fox of Collins Hill, Mountain View’s Luke Hennebaul and Meadowcreek’s Joelliuis Rodriguez could be a factor by taking the next step.

From a team standpoint, Region 6-AAAAAAA foes Collins Hill and North figure to be among the top contenders to challenge Mountain View for the See COUNTY, Page 8B

IF YOU GO What: Gwinnett County Wrestling Tournament When: Today-Saturday Where: Mill Creek High School Schedule: Today — Bracket rounds, 5 p.m.

Saturday — Later rounds, wrestlebacks begin at 9 a.m.; Weight class finals begin at approximately 2 p.m.

North Gwinnett’s Tyler Goodson (5) runs against McEachern during last Friday’s playoff game. (Photo: Dale Zanine)

Goodson steps forward to become North’s workhorse

By David Friedlander

Heading into the 2017 high school football season, few outside the North Gwinnett program had reason to expect much out of Tyler Goodson.

After all, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound junior had seen only limited action as a sophomore a year earlier, running for 390 yards and two touchdowns on just 56 carries for a 6-5 team.

However, it didn’t take incoming North coach Bill Stewart to realize that Goodson was capable of

MORE INSIDE

A complete breakdown of North Gwinnett’s title matchup with Colquitt County, 5B

much more.

“Even from the preseason game on, we understood how talented Tyler Goodson is and how explosive he is,” Stewart said.

Goodson has not only continued to show that explosiveness, he’s also shown he has staying power over the long haul

david.friedlander@gwinnettdailypost.com

of the season.

And he is a big reason the No. 7 state-ranked Bulldogs (13-1) are headed to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to take on No. 9 Colquitt County (11-3) in the Class AAAAAAA state championship game Saturday night at approximately 8 p.m.

Heading into the title game, Goodson stands behind only Meadowcreek’s Chauncey Williams, Brookwood’s Dante Black, Greater Atlanta

Christian’s Kyler McMichael and Hebron Christian’s Chandler Lewis among Gwinnett County’s top rushers with 1,315 yard and 19 TDs on 178 carries.

That’s some pretty heady company for a running back who knew he would have to play a larger role for his team this season, but never dreamed just how big, especially in a brand new offensive set.

At least, he never

dreamed until after spring practice concluded in May. “I had a decent amount of carries (last year), so I was used to game experience,” Goodson said. “But I didn’t realize I’d have to fill that role, fill those shoes, until about our spring game. That’s when I really felt it coming on.

I’m pretty sure our other running backs probably felt the same way.”

See GOODSON, Page 4B

Central QB Williams commits to Miami

By Will Hammock

among his finalists. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder was a longtime commitment to Kentucky after choosing With only two weeks left the Wildcats in mid-May. before college football’s He was recruited to first early signing period, Miami primarily by quarcoveted Central Gwinnett terbacks coach Jon Richt, senior Jarren Williams an- Mark’s son, along with the nounced his college decielder Richt and offensive sion Wednesday afternoon. coordinator/running backs The U.S. Army Allcoach Thomas Brown, a American quarterback former Georgia running committed to Miami (Fla.) back. and head coach Mark “When I went there Richt after also seriously my first time, it was my first time being in Miami Central Gwinnett quarterback Jarren Williams (2) com- considering Ohio State, period, so it was all kind mitted to Miami on Wednesday. (Photo: Karl L. Moore) Auburn and Alabama will.hammock@ gwinnettdailypost.com

of new to me,” Williams said. “The atmopshere was great. I went to the game they played Notre Dame and I loved the atmosphere. I liked the school, too. It’s a private school, so it’s not as big. The walking distance to class is not as much. Also just the guys and the coaches. They’re really great people, and great coaches at the same time. I really like Coach Richt’s offense. I felt like it was a great fit for me. I See WILLIAMS, Page 4B

2B • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

ondeck

gwinnettdailypost.com

Prep Schedule

BASKETBALL

Today

6 p.m. — Archer at Lanier 6 p.m. — Athens Christian at Providence 6 p.m. — Berkmar at Central 6 p.m. — Brookwood at Meadowcreek 6 p.m. — Buford at Loganville 6 p.m. — Collins Hill at Discovery 6 p.m. — Lakeside-Dekalb at Norcross 6 p.m. — Mill Creek at North 6 p.m. — Mountain View at Peachtree Ridge 6:30 p.m. — Hebron at Commerce 6:30 p.m. — Shiloh girls at Rockdale 6:30 p.m. — South girls at New Manchester 7 p.m. — GAC at Dawson Co. 7 p.m. — Wesleyan boys at Mount Vernon

SWIMMING AND DIVING

3 p.m. — Hudson 11 Dive at Mountain Park 3:30 p.m. — Hebron in Winter Snow Invitational at Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center 5 p.m. — Wesleyan Invitational

WRESTLING

9 a.m. — Buford in Santa Slam at South Forsyth 5 p.m. — Archer in Dobbins Bennett Invitational in Kingsport, Tenn.

5 p.m. — Brookwood in Air Force Indian Classic in Kingsport, Tenn.

5 p.m. — Gwinnett County tournament at Mill Creek Saturday

BASKETBALL

• Blue Collar Showcase at Buford • Meadowcreek boys in Winter Extravaganza • Shiloh boys and Peachtree Ridge at Buford 11:30 a.m. — Shiloh girls and Jordan at Wilkinson Co. 2 p.m. — Mountain View boys and Chattahoochee at East Jackson 3 p.m. — Hebron at George Walton Academy 3:30 p.m. — Brookwood at Milton 3:30 p.m. — Mill Creek girls at Wesleyan 4 p.m. — Discovery at Central 4 p.m. — North at Archer 6 p.m. — Dacula at Grayson 6 p.m. — South at Lambert 6 p.m. — Tallulah Falls at Providence

SWIMMING & DIVING

8 a.m. — Clody Invitational Region 7-AAAAAAA swim at West Gwinnett 8 a.m. — Clody Invitational Region 8-AAAAAAA swim at Mountain Park 9 a.m. — Wesleyan Invitational 4 p.m. — Clody 6 Dive Invitational at Mountain Park

WRESTLING

9 a.m. — Archer in Dobbins Benentt Invitational in Kingsport, Tenn.

9 a.m. — Brookwood in Air Force Indian Classic in Kingsport, Tenn.

9 a.m. — Buford in Santa Slam at South Forsyth 9 a.m. — Gwinnett County tournament at Mill Creek

The Home Teams

Falcons

TODAY NEXT UPCOMING

Off

at Tampa Bay at New Orleans Dec. 18, 8:30 pm Dec. 24, 1 p.m.

ESPN/92.9-FM Fox/92.9-FM

Hawks

at Memphis Miami 8 p.m.

Mon, 7:30 p.m.

FSSE/92.9-FM FSSE/92.9-FM

Indiana Wed, 7:30 p.m.

FSSE/92.9-FM

vs. Oklahoma* Jan. 1, 5 p.m.

ESPN/750-AM

TBD

Georgia

Off

Georgia St.

Off

West. Kentucky# Dec. 16, 2:30 pm CBSSN/88.5-FM

Greenville 7:35 p.m.

at South Carolina South Carolina Sat, 7:05 p.m.

Sun, 2:05 p.m.

Gladiators FSSE = FOX Sports Southeast, FSSO = FOX Sports South; *Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.; #AutoNation Cure Bowl, Orlando

On TV

Today

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

7 p.m. — Weber State at James Madison ESPN2

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

10 a.m. — GHSA Class A Private: Athens Academy vs.

Eagles Landing Christian. Championship Final. PBS 1 p.m. — GHSA Class AAA: Calhoun vs. Peach County.

Championship Final. PBS 4:30 p.m. — GHSA Class AAAAA: Warner Robins vs.

Rome. Championship Final. PBS 8 p.m. — GHSA Class AAAAAA: Lee County vs. Coffee.

Championship Final. PBS

NBA

7 p.m. — Golden State at Detroit ESPN 9:30 p.m. — Boston at San Antonio ESPN Saturday

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Noon — Duke at Boston College ESPN Noon — Marquette at Wisconsin FS1 Noon — Youngstown State at Butler FSSO 12:30 p.m. — UCLA at Michigan CBS 2 p.m. — Indiana at Louisville ESPN 2 p.m. — Colgate at Syracuse FSSO 2:30 p.m. — Nebraska at Creighton FS1 3 p.m. — VCU at Seton Hall FOX 3 p.m. — Pennsylvania at Dayton NBCSP 4 p.m. — Wichita State at Oklahoma State ESPN2 5 p.m. — Colorado at Xavier FS1 6 p.m. — Florida vs Cincinnati ESPN2 7 p.m. — Randall vs Baylor FSSO 8 p.m. — West Virginia at Pittsburgh ESPN2 10 p.m. — Alabama at Arizona ESPN2

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Noon — Wofford at North Dakota State ESPN2 3 p.m. — Army vs Navy CBS 8 p.m. — Heisman Trophy presentation ESPN

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

10 a.m. — GHSA Class A Public: Irwin County vs.

Clinch County. Championship Final. PBS 1 p.m. — GHSA Class AA: Hapeville Charter vs. Rabun County. Championship Final. PBS 4:30 p.m. — GHSA Class AAAA: Blessed Trinity vs.

Marist. Championship Final. PBS 8 p.m. — GHSA Class AAAAAAA: North Gwinnett vs.

Colquitt County. Championship Final. PBS

NBA

7:30 p.m. — Orlando at Atlanta FSSE

SOCCER

4 p.m. — MLS Cup, Seattle FC at Toronto FC ESPN

Peachtree Ridge graduate Orlando Brown (78) fights off the rush of West Virginia’s Eric Kinsey (45) in Norman, Okla.

(Photo: Karl L. Moore)

Biggest underdog

Peachtree Ridge’s Brown works way to Outland finalist

By Taylor Denman

taylor.denman@ gwinnettdailypost.com

When Oklahoma offensive lineman and Outland Trophy finalist Orlando Brown thinks back to his high school days at Peachtree Ridge, a game sticks out in his mind.

It’s a loss. It was a 2013 game against Collins Hill.

Peachtree Ridge was then the No. 4 team in Class AAAAAA. The Lions were driving with time running out in the fourth quarter and trailed 35-28. On the prior drive, Collins Hill had taken the lead on a 65yard touchdown pass that ignited the Eagles’ home fans. Peachtree Ridge’s five-game winning streak was in jeopardy and so was its control over Region 7-AAAAAA. “Their student section rushes the field right when the clock hits zero, but it’s still an active play,” Brown said. “Our quarterback runs right toward the crowd that rushed the field and ran out of bounds. If he would have stayed in bounds and scored it would have counted.”

The pandemonium resulted in a penalty and one untimed down to decided the fate of the game. The Lions ran a pass play that fell incomplete and the game was over.

“It was a barnburner,” former head coach Mark Fleetwood said regarding the high-scoring game.

“They threw a long pass late and scored to win. It was a mob scene on the field and it was a heartbreaker for us.”

That senior season had a handful of games that stand out in Brown’s mind.

Peachtree Ridge opened the season with a 23-17 win over Walton in the Corky Kell Classic. The Lions entered the playoffs as a No. 4 seed that season but proceeded to blow out Lassiter in the first round 59-20.

There was another that now seems prophetic.

Peachtree Ridge grad Orlando Brown, a junior at Oklahoma, talks with reporters during media availability before the College Football Awards. (Photo: Phil Ellsworth/ ESPN Images)

Peachtree Ridge also went on the road to play then No. 6-ranked Norcross.

Brown’s assignment was to fend off a relentless defensive lineman with Division I potential named Lorenzo Carter.

Carter is now enjoying a stellar senior campaign as Georgia’s outside linebacker. The two will meet for the first time in college in the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal.

As Fleetwood remembers, Brown handled his hellacious assignment well.

The 400-pound lineman, who had built a reputation among coaches as a chubby kid with low mobility, was starting to prove himself at a different level.

“I saw the kid right there and (Carter) couldn’t get around him,” Fleetwood said. “I saw it more than one time, and they were competing hard.

“There were moments like that during the season where I saw that and coaches thought ‘We’ll out-quick this guy.’ I knew he was nowhere near where he was going to be in time. That was really what it was. A lot of times they see kids that already are at that age versus kids that you look at and say, this kid has some upside.

I never saw a plateau. His senior year I knew his sky was the limit.”

Carter and the Blue Devils got the last laugh in

that game and that season, although it was out of Brown’s control. Norcross scored its game-winning touchdown with one minute left, and the Lions failed to rally once again.

Norcross went on to win an all-Gwinnett County state title game against North Gwinnett. Carter enjoyed a smooth transition to Georgia, where analysts predicted stellar feats from the five-star recruit.

Brown, a heavyweight three-star with a low grade-point average, was to talked into playing football when he came to Peachtree Ridge from Baltimore in his sophomore year. Fleetwood said when he saw his size and raw potential, The story goes that Tennessee’s now-fired coach Butch Jones pulled Brown’s scholarship days before national signing day. Fleetwood frantically tried to find a home for Brown. Without an official visit or ever meeting Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops in person, Brown and his mother picked up an Oklahoma cap and Brown donned it that afternoon.

It’s safe to say the school that missed out on Brown or didn’t pursue him hard enough are finding it hard to swallow their decision.

Brown has started all 39 games of his college career since his redshirt season in 2014. During that season,

Brown cut down his weight to 345. He’s faster, stronger and better conditioned.

He still plays with a bit of a mean streak, not afraid to talk trash or let an opponent know he is in for four long quarters. But looking back, Brown said it was hard to see his potential when looking at game tape.

But coaches that sat down to talk to Brown as a high school senior, he said, would have recognized his ambition.

“My mentality has always been to go get it,” he said. “I want to be the best in the country, and you can’t evaluate that on film.”

Brown is the son of the late NFL veteran, Orlando “Zeus” Brown, who played six years alternating between the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens. Brown’s father died at the age of 40 in 2011, and the family moved to Atlanta shortly after.

“I think his dad was his dream,” Fleetwood said. “I think he realized he had all the size and he needed to get his body in shape, but his dad laid the dream out, and (Orlando) wanted to make his own path.”

That path led Brown back to Atlanta for the College Football Hall of Fame award show. Houston’s Ed Oliver won the award. Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson was the other finalist.

Fleetwood left Huntsville High School, where he’s spent his first year as head football coach since leaving Peachtree Ridge, and headed to Atlanta’s College Football Hall of Fame for Thursday’s award ceremony. The two still talk fairly often, sometimes small talk and sometimes just for Brown to say, “Thank you.”

“It’s really and truly — at the end of the day — we are judged in wins and loss. This is better than any touchdown,” Fleetwood said. “When it’s all said and done. Developing kids as a player and as a person and a student is what it’s all about.”

OU’s Mayfield wins Walter Camp The Sports Xchange Oklahoma senior quarterback Baker Mayfield was selected as the Walter Camp Player of the Year, the Walter Camp Football Foundation announced Thursday.

Mayfield, the Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Year, is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday.

The other finalists were Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson and three run-

ning backs — Penn State’s Saquon Barkley, Stanford’s Bryce Love and San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny.

Jackson won last year.

Mayfield has passed for 4,340 yards and 41 touchdowns while leading the Sooners (12-1) into the College Football Playoff.

Oklahoma will face Georgia in a semifinal matchup.

head coach.

Pruitt, 43, officially was introduced as the Volunteers’ 26th head coach Thursday night.

“Six days ago, I mentioned several attributes that I sought to find in the next leader of our football program, and Coach Pruitt meets all criteria,” new Tennessee athletic director and former coach Phillip Vols hire Pruitt Fulmer said in a statement.

Tennessee hired AlaPruitt has been the bama defensive coordinadefensive coordinator with tor Jeremy Pruitt as its new the Crimson Tide for the

past two seasons.

Riley returns to Beavers Mike Riley is back at Oregon State ­— this time as an assistant head coach.

Riley’s appointment was announced by new coach Jonathan Smith, who played one season (1998) under Riley and later was a graduate assistant (2003) on Riley’s staff.

Riley served two stints as Oregon State’s coach and is the school’s all-time winningest coach.

GWINNETT GRADS

Curry enjoying NCAA run with UK volleyball

By Will Hammock

will.hammock@ gwinnettdailypost.com

The position Gabby Curry hopes to fill in the Kentucky volleyball lineup isn’t available at the moment, not with senior Ashley Dusek on the roster.

Dusek has been the Southeastern Conference’s Libero of the Year the past three seasons, so she serves as a mentor to Curry, a standout freshman from Buford.

That hasn’t kept Curry off the court, though.

She still ranks among the Wildcats’ top five players in sets played (108) and matches played (31), contributing to the program’s deepest run in the NCAA Tournament since 2012.

Kentucky (28-3) hosts Brigham Young in today’s third round.

“This season’s been more than amazing,” Curry said. “Honestly, I can’t believe it. It hasn’t hit me yet how far we’ve come. It’s amazing playing with such a great group of seniors. …

I’m learning from Ashley, growing in the program and also growing my role.”

Curry, a two-time Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year after guiding Buford to state titles her final two seasons, has made an immediate impact on Kentucky’s senior-laden roster.

Her 255 digs and 2.36 digs per set trail only Dusek, who missed some earlyseason time with a knee injury and mentored Curry, who filled in as libero.

The Wildcats have been at their best late in the season on the way to a coSEC championship.

“All of us on the team have our little niche,” Curry said.

Kentucky almost didn’t make it out of the second round against scrappy Western Kentucky (31-4).

After dropping the first two sets 25-16 and 25-22, things looked bad.

But the Wildcats rebounded and won the final three sets 25-19, 25-21 and 15-12.

“That (match) was insane,” Curry said. “I just remember in the middle of the match thinking, ‘I’d hate to be a spectator. My stomach couldn’t handle it.’ I’d rather be playing.”

A win over BYU would send Kentucky to a Saturday quarterfinal meeting with the Nebraska-Colorado winner. The winner is of that one is Final Fourbound.

“Coach has made it really clear that each weekend is its own Final Four,” Curry said. “BYU on Friday, that’s our first goal.”

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017 • 3B

gwinnettdailypost.com

Buford grad Gabby Curry serves for Kentucky against Georgia this season at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens.

(Photo: Karl L. Moore)

Marshall, a midfielder, made the second team after earlier earning first-team all-region accolades. He has been an All-Southern Athletic Association pick for the past three years. He finished this season with league highs of 14 goals, 32 points and four gamewinning goals.

Marcano, a forward from Greater Atlanta Christian, was on the third team. He also was an all-region pick and a firstteam All-SAA selection this season, his first with Oglethorpe. He had 12 goals and 30 points, ranking just behind Marshall in the SAA leaders, as well as three game-winning goals.

Teammate Jordan Locke, a Brookwood grad, joined those two on the All-South Atlantic Region first team.

The senior was the SAA Defensive Player of the Year this season.

FOOTBALL

Soumahoro picked as player of the year Berry College senior Mamadou Soumahoro, a Berkmar grad, was named the D3football.com South Region Defensive Player of the Year, a first for his program, this week. He also was a first-team allregion pick for the second straight year.

The defensive lineman led the Southern Athletic Association with 14 sacks this season and had 15 tackles for losses, SOCCER two forced fumbles, four tipped passes, two kick Marshall, Marcano blocks and 57 tackles. His named All-Americans 37 career sacks and 48 1/2 Gwinnett products career tackles for losses are Topher Marshall and Ryan both school records.

Marcano, both juniors at Oglethorpe, were named Parkview’s Hart to the United Soccer in all-star game Coaches NCAA Division Parkview grad Freddie III Men’s All-American Hart was selected for SunTeam. They are the third day’s fourth annual FCS and fourth All-Americans Bowl, an all-star showcase in program history. featuring NFL and CFL

Wesleyan’s Holbrook commits to play softball at Virginia

Wesleyan freshman Reece Holbrook has committed to the University of Virginia softball program. She is the daughter of Jason and Cally Holbrook.

Holbrook helped the Wolves to their first state championship this season. She went 3-for-4 with two home runs, including a walk-off game-winner in the eighth inning, in Wesleyan’s championship-clinching victory over Tattnall Square.

scouts in Daytona Beach, Fla. Hart, a defensive tackle, just finished his college football career at Shorter.

The 6-foot-2, 290-pounder had 28 tackles (five for losses), a sack, a forced fumble and two quarterback hurries as a senior and also was a team captain.

Lanier’s Shaw named all-conference Lanier’s Michael Shaw, a linebacker at Georgia State, was named to the All-Sun Belt Conference Team this week.

The junior had 49 tackles (six for losses), three pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery this season. He is Georgia State’s career leader in tackles for losses with 25 and ranks third in career sacks with seven.

BASKETBALL GAC’s Cummings, Means duel in hoops Former Greater Atlanta Christian teammates Sydni Means and Brianna Cummings went head-to-head in college basketball this week with Means’ Mercer Bears defeating Cummings and George Washington 61-44.

Both the GAC grads led their teams.

Means came up just three points short of a triple-double, finishing with seven points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. Cummings was George Washington’s only double-figure scorer in her homecoming game with 15 points. She also had a team-high 10 rebounds and two assists.

Gwinnett Grads is a column that runs on Fridays spotlighting achievements of past Gwinnett standouts.

Coaches and parents are urged to send suggestions via email to will.hammock@ gwinnettdailypost.com.

GOING BOWLING As usual, the bowl season is busy for Gwinnett. A total of 151 local players will compete in college football bowl games this season, including 15 in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Of the 40 bowl games, 33 will feature someone from Gwinnett. Here’s a game-by-game look of where to catch Gwinnett players on TV over the next month: Dec. 16 Celebration Bowl • At Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta • Grambling vs. North Carolina A and T, noon (ABC) Local interest: Grambling’s roster includes Central Gwinnett linebacker Marchael Jackson (No. 42) at linebacker.

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl • At Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans • Troy vs. North Texas, 1 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: Collins Hill’s Justin Wyatt (No. 20) is a safety, North Gwinnett’s Kyler Knudsen (No. 39) is a safety and Mill Creek’s Bobby Klemm (No. 68) is an offensive lineman for Troy.

AutoNation Cure Bowl • At Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Fla. • Western Kentucky vs. Georgia State, 2:30 p.m. (CBS Sports Network) Local interest: South Gwinnett’s Dennis Edwards (No. 64) is an offensive lineman, Buford’s Hunter Holland (No. 77) is an offensive lineman, Lanier’s Juwuan Jones (No. 41) is a linebacker and Peachtree Ridge’s Miles Pate (No. 63) is an offensive lineman for Western Kentucky. For Georgia State, Lawrenceville resident Aaron Winchester (No. 11) is a quarterback, South Gwinnett’s Joshua Shim (No. 16) is a quarterback, Buford resident Penny Hart (No. 18) is a wide receiver, Mill Creek’s Nygee Williams-Mitchell (No. 23) is a safety, Norcross’ Kendrec Grady (No. 26) is a linebacker, Dacula’s Jaylon Jones (No. 27) is a safety, Dacula’s B.J. Clay (No. 29) is a cornerback, Mill Creek’s Victor Heyward (No. 37) is a linebacker, Brookwood’s Chase Middleton (No. 39) is a linebacker, Grayson’s Jordan Cornelius (No. 41) is a cornerback, Lanier’s Michael Shaw (No. 44) is a linebacker, South Gwinnett’s Daniel Zeigler (No. 54) is a long snapper, North Gwinnett’s Alex Stoehr (No. 56) is an offensive guard, Norcross’ Warren McWilliams (No. 57) is a linebacker, Grayson’s Steven Banks (No. 61) is a defensive lineman, Grayson’s Jalen Jackson (No. 65) is an offensive lineman, GAC’s Mitchell Shea (No. 68) is a defensive end, North Gwinnett’s Chris Sibilia (No. 70) is an offensive tackle, Norcross’ Tamir Jones (No. 81) is a wide receiver, Archer’s Michael Kouassi (No. 89) is a tight end, Mountain View’s Jeff Hollingsworth (No. 98) is a punter and Archer’s Clifford Amazan (No. 99) is a noseguard.

Gildan New Mexico Bowl • At Dreamstyle Stadium, Albuquerque, N.M. • Marshall vs. Colorado State, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: Peachtree Ridge’s Chad Clay (No. 23) is a defensive back and North Gwinnett’s Alex Mollette (No. 55) is an offensive lineman for Marshall. Grayson’s Ellison Hubbard (No. 98) is a defensive lineman for Colorado State.

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl • At Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Ala. • Middle Tennessee vs. Arkansas State, 8 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: North Gwinnett’s John Urzua (No. 19) is a quarterback, Buford’s Dale Craig (No. 40) is a linebacker, Norcross’ Jahmal Jones (No. 43) is a defensive end, Mill Creek’s Josh Fannin (No. 72) is an offensive lineman, Buford’s Matt Bonadies (No. 99) is a punter and South Gwinnett’s Xavier Dupree is a wide receiver for Middle Tennessee. For Arkansas State, Archer’s Jaypee Philbert (No. 55) is an offensive lineman.

Dec. 19 Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl • At Howard Schnellenberger Field at FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, Fla. • Akron vs. Florida Atlantic, 7 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: Peachtree Ridge’s Tony Jones (No. 55) is a linebacker for Akron. Mill Creek’s Daniel Leconte (No. 27) is a running back for FAU. Dec. 21 Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl • At Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Fla. • Temple vs. Florida International, 8 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: For Florida International, Collins Hill’s Julian Williams (No. 5) is a wide receiver.

Dec. 22 Bahamas Bowl • At Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, Nassau, Bahamas • Alabama-Birmingham vs. Ohio, 12:30 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: Norcross’ Kyle Varnell (No. 64) is a long snapper for UAB. Peachtree Ridge’s Tony Porter (No. 54) is a defensive lineman, Dacula’s Steven Hayes (No. 73) is an offensive lineman and Mill Creek’s Amos Ogun-Semore (No. 88) is a defensive lineman for Ohio.

Dec. 23 Birmingham Bowl • At Legion Field, Birmingham, Ala. • Texas Tech vs. South Florida, noon (ESPN) Local interest: Grayson’s Zach Barnes (No. 52) is a defensive lineman for Texas Tech.

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl • At Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas • San Diego State vs. Army, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: For Army, Lilburn’s Marcus Hyatt (No. 1) is a defensive back, Collins Hill’s Rhyan England (No. 8) is a defensive back, GAC’s Alex Rowe (No. 33) is a defensive back, Loganville’s J.D. Mote (No. 34) is a punter, South Gwinnett’s Chris Skyers (No. 46) is a defensive back, South Gwinnett’s Mackay Phillips (No. 76) is a defensive lineman, Buford’s Cooper Simpson (No. 79) is an offensive lineman and Norcross’ Emmanuel Aka (No. 89) is a defensive lineman.

Dollar General Bowl • At Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Ala. • Appalachian State vs. Toledo, 7 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: Shiloh’s Austin Exford (No. 9) is a defensive back, Mountain View’s Kaiden Smith (No. 36) is a defensive back and Mountain View’s Jalen Virgil (No. 81) is a wide receiver for App State.

Dec. 26 Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl • At Cotton Bowl, Dallas • Utah vs. West Virginia, 1:30 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: Buford’s Tyler Thurmond (No. 70) is an offensive lineman for West Virginia.

Quick Lane Bowl • At Ford Field, Detroit • Duke vs. Northern Illinois, 5:15 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: For Duke, Shiloh’s Jeremy McDuffie (No. 9) is a safety, Grayson’s Jordan Hayes (No. 13) is a safety, Archer’s Dylan Singleton (No. 16) is a safety, Buford’s Josh Blackwell (No. 31) is a cornerback, Grayson’s Will Taylor (No. 55) is a center, Grayson’s John Taylor (No. 57) is a long snapper, Collins Hill’s Christian Harris (No. 70) is an offensive guard and North Gwinnett’s Drew Jordan (No. 86) is a defensive end.

Cactus Bowl • At Chase Field, Phoenix • Kansas State vs. UCLA, 9 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: Norcross’ Jordan Noil (No. 4) is a defensive back and Central Gwinnett’s Tyler White (No. 37) is a linebacker for Kansas State.

Dec. 27 Walk-On’s Independence Bowl • At Independence Stadium, Shreveport, La. • Southern Miss vs. Florida State, 1:30 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: Peachtree Ridge’s Walden Davis (No. 5) is a defensive back and GAC’s Devin Thomas (No. 97) is a linebacker for Southern Miss. For FSU, Central Gwinnett’s Adonis Thomas (No. 22) and Brookwood’s Leonard Warner (No. 35) are linebackers.

New Era Pinstripe Bowl • At Yankee Stadium, New York

• Iowa vs. Boston College, 5:15 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: For Boston College, Suwanee’s Will Harris (No. 8) is a defensive back, Duluth’s Max Richardson (No. 14) is a linebacker and Grayson’s Bryce Morais (No. 90) is a defensive lineman.

Foster Farms Bowl • At Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.

• Arizona vs. Purdue, 8:30 p.m. (Fox) Local interest: Grayson’s Jack Banda (No. 92) is a defensive end for Arizona. Lanier’s Tario Fuller (No. 25) is a running back and Dacula’s Allen Daniels (No. 94) is a defensive tackle for Purdue.

Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl • At NRG Stadium, Houston • Texas vs. Missouri, 9 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: North Gwinnett’s Nate Brown (No. 7) is a wide receiver, Buford’s Thomas Wilson (No. 8) is a safety and Grayson’s Dimetrios Mason (No. 9) is a wide receiver for Missouri.

Dec. 28 Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman • At Jack Stephens Field at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Md. • Virginia vs. Navy, 1:30 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: Peachtree Ridge’s Jordan Ellis (No. 1) is a running back, Wesleyan’s Jordan Mack (No. 37) is a linebacker, Mill Creek’s Tyler Fannin (No. 72) is a center, Parkview’s Juwan Moye (No. 99) is a defensive end, Central Gwinnett’s Darious Latimore is a cornerback and Collins Hill’s Robert Snyder is a linebacker for UVA. For Navy, Archer’s John Gillis (No. 18) is a safety, Brookwood’s Josh Brown (No. 28) is a running back, GAC’s Paul Carothers (No. 50) is a linebacker, GAC’s Ford Higgins (No. 72) is an offensive tackle and Mountain View’s Kendel Wright (No. 76) is an offensive tackle.

Camping World Bowl • At Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Fla. • Virginia Tech vs. Oklahoma State (ESPN) Local interest: Norcross’ A.J. Bush (No. 6) is a quarterback, Collins Hill’s Emmanuel Belmar (No. 40) is a defensive end and Norcross’ D’Andre Plantin (No. 62) is an offensive lineman for Virginia Tech.

Valero Alamo Bowl • At the Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas • Stanford vs. TCU, 9 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: GAC’s Davis Mills (No. 15) is a quarterback and Duluth resident Anthony Trinh (No. 40) is a linebacker for Stanford. Norcross’ Ridwan Issahaku (No. 31) is a safety for TCU. San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl • At SDCCU Stadium, San Diego • Washington State vs. Michigan State, 9 p.m. (Fox) Local interest: Peachtree Ridge’s Connor Heyward (No. 11) is a running back for Michigan State.

Dec. 29 Belk Bowl • At Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C. • Wake Forest vs. Texas A and M, 1 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: Buford’s Jake Simpson (No. 42) is a linebacker, North Gwinnett’s Sean Maginn (No. 79) is an offensive lineman and Lanier’s Mike Allen (No. 91) is a defensive lineman for Wake.

Hyundai Sun Bowl • At Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas • N.C. State vs. Arizona State, 3 p.m. (CBS) Local interest: Buford’s Shug Frazier (No. 90) is a defensive tackle for N.C. State.

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl • At Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tenn.

• Kentucky vs. Northwestern, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: Peachtree Ridge’s Blake Best (No. 53) is a long snapper and Archer’s E.J. Price (No. 72) is an offensive lineman for Kentucky. Buford’s Steven Reese (No. 23) is a wide receiver, Buford’s Chee Anyanwu (No. 34) is a linebacker and Brookwood’s Jesse Brown (No. 36) is a running back for Northwestern.

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic • At AT and T Stadium, Arlington, Texas • Southern California vs. Ohio State, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: North Gwinnett’s Josh Imatorbhebhe (No. 17) is a wide receiver and North Gwinnett’s Daniel Imatorbhebhe (No. 88) is a tight end for USC. Archer’s Isaiah Pryor (No. 14) is a safety for Ohio State.

Dec. 30 TaxSlayer Bowl • At EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Fla. • Louisville vs. Mississippi State, noon (ESPN) Local interest: Peachtree Ridge’s Malik Staples (No. 31) is a linebacker, Peachtree Ridge’s Kam Jones (No. 56) is a linebacker, Mill Creek’s Robbie Bell (No. 75) is an offensive lineman and Parkview’s G.G. Robinson (No. 94) is a defensive lineman for Louisville. Norcross’ Nathan Swanson (No. 39) and South Gwinnett’s Stephen Adegoke (No. 49) are athletes for Mississippi State.

Capital One Orange Bowl • At Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla. • Miami (Fla.) vs. Wisconsin, 8 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: Norcross’ Christopher Herndon (No. 23) is a tight end and Peachtree Ridge’s Tyler Murphy (No. 32) is a defensive back for Miami.

Jan. 1 Outback Bowl • At Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla. • Michigan vs. South Carolina, noon (ESPN2) Local interest: Parkview’s Trey Derouen (No. 79) is an offensive lineman, Collins Hill’s Drew Dinsmore (No. 15) is a quarterback, Grayson’s Daniel Fennell (No. 35) is a defensive lineman, Archer’s Kobe Smith (No. 97) is a defensive lineman and Grayson’s Jamyest Williams (No. 21) is a defensive back for South Carolina.

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl • At Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta • Central Florida vs. Auburn, 12:30 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: Shiloh’s Cam Stewart (No. 11) is a wide receiver and Buford’s Tre Neal (No. 23) is a defensive back for Central Florida. Lanier’s Derrick Brown (No. 5) is a defensive lineman, Duluth’s Nick Ruffin (No. 19) is a defensive back, Brookwood’s Keenan Sweeney (No. 42) is a fullback, Mill Creek’s Kaleb Kim (No. 54) is an offensive lineman and GAC’s Darius Slayton (No. 81) is a wide receiver for Auburn.

Citrus Bowl presented by Overton’s • At Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Fla. • Notre Dame vs. LSU, 1 p.m. (ABC) Local interest: Buford’s Montgomery VanGorder (No. 4) is a quarterback for Notre Dame. Lanier’s Tyler Taylor (No. 24) is a linebacker and Buford’s Blake Ferguson (No. 50) is a long snapper for LSU. College Football Playoff • At Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.

• Georgia vs. Oklahoma, 5 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: For UGA, Norcross’ Lorenzo Carter (No. 7) is a linebacker, Grayson’s DeAngelo Gibbs (No. 8) is a defensive back, Mountain View’s Tim Hill (No. 29) is a defensive back, Peachtree Ridge’s Robert Beal (No. 33) is a linebacker, Brookwood’s Nick Moore (No. 43) is a fullback, South Gwinnett’s Reggie Carter (No. 45) is a linebacker, North Gwinnett’s Michael D’Angola (No. 91) is a punter, Shiloh’s Kolby Wyatt (No. 91) is a defensive lineman, Grayson’s Justin Young (No. 92) is a defensive lineman and GAC’s Brooks Buce (No. 97) is a kicker. Peachtree Ridge’s Orlando Brown (No. 78) is an offensive tackle for Oklahoma.

College Football Playoff • At Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans • Alabama vs. Clemson, 8:45 p.m. (ESPN) Local interest: Grayson’s Chase Brice (No. 7) is a quarterback, Brookwood’s Jack Swinney (No. 20) is a wide receiver, Grayson’s Ryan Carter (No. 31) is a defensive back and North Gwinnett’s Mitch Hyatt (No. 75) is an offensive tackle for Clemson.

Jan. 8 College Football Playoff National Championship • At Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta • Alabama-Clemson winner vs. Georgia-Oklahoma winner, 8 p.m. (ESPN)

IN BRIEF Robinson, a four-year varsity player and two-year starter, hit .347 as a senior with 34 hits and 20 RBIs, helping the Panthers to their second straight Elite Eight appearance. She hit .320 with 78 hits, 50 runs scored and 50 RBIs in her career.

Gwinnett puts 14 basketball players on Atlanta Tipoff Club list

Fourteen Gwinnett high school basketball players were named to the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s Preseason AllMetro Team, released this week by the club.

Parkview’s Robinson picks Buford’s Alex Jones and Marcus Watson, Meadowcreek’s Amari Kelly, Peachtree Ridge’s Devin Vassell, Georgia Highlands softball Parkview senior Haley Robinson has made a commit- Norcross’ JoJo Toppin and Kyle Sturdivant, Discovment to the Georgia Highlands College softball program. ery’s Kalu Ezikpe and Grayson’s Travis Anderson were

selected to the boys list. The girls honorees featured Wesleyan’s Amaya Register, Collins Hill’s Bria Harmon and Jada Rice, Greater Atlanta Christian’s Robyn Benton and Taylor Sutton and Buford’s Tory Ozment.

Georgia Force football on top of both national polls

The Gwinnett-based Georgia Force home-school football team finished ranked first in the top two national polls after claiming this year’s National Home School Football Association national championship.

The Force (11-1) defeated North Oklahoma 22-21 in the NHSFA championship game last month for the program’s first national title.

— From staff reports

4B • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

Chapman to be inducted into ECHL Hall of Fame

By Christine Troyke

christine.troyke@ gwinnettdailypost.com

Former Atlanta Gladiators general manager Steve Chapman, now with the St. Louis Blues, was in a meeting Thursday and looked at his phone to find 30-something messages.

The announcement of Chapman’s impending induction into the ECHL Hall of Fame triggered an outpouring of well wishes from all corners.

It caught Chapman a little by surprise. ECHL commisioner Brian McK-

enna called him a few weeks ago with the news, but Chapman didn’t know what day it was being released.

“To be honest, it makes you very reflective,” he said. “You look back on a lot of things, on all the people you’ve met. I spent 23 years in that league so practically professionally, and somewhat personally, I was raised in that league.

“It’s an incredible honor.

It really does mean a lot to me. That’s where I made my bones. That’s where I made my friends.”

Chapman started in the

ECHL in 1992 when he was hired as a sales executive with the Birmingham Bulls.

Three years later, he became general manger of Steve the Mobile Chapman Mysticks.

In 2001, he played an integral role in the process of relocating the franchise to Gwinnett, where the Gladiators began play in 2003-04.

The team reached the playoffs in each of its first

six seasons here, including a trip to the Kelly Cup finals in 2005-06, and finished in the top six in league attendance five times in their first six seasons.

Chapman served as Chairman of the ECHL Board of Governors for nine seasons from 2005-15 and is the only person to win the league’s Executive of the Year award in backto-back seasons.

He left the Gladiators following the 2014-15 season to join the Blues and is in his third season as Group VP, Brand, Com-

munity and Partnership Development.

The 11th ECHL Hall of Fame class will be inducted at a ceremony held Jan. 15 in conjunction with the All-Star Classic in Indianapolis. The keynote address will be delivered

by Al MacIsaac, the Chicago Blackhawks Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations and a 2014 inductee into the hall.

“This (honor) is kind of like visiting the old neighborhood — you think of all the people who helped you get where you’re at,” Chapman said. “I wish they all

could join me because it’s not something you do on your own.”

The class also includes Sam Ftorek and Jason Saal.

Ftorek played briefly for the Gladiators during his 17-year career. He broke the previous record of 789 ECHL games played, which was set by 2010 ECHL Hall of Fame inductee and former Gladiators captain Cam Brown.

Saal is just the fourth goaltender to be selected for induction into the hall and ranks second in league history with 455 career games.

Williams •From Page 1B

North Gwinnett’s Tyler Goodson (5) turns up field against Marietta during their playoff game this season in Suwanee. (Photo: Will Fagan)

Goodson •From Page 1B Indeed, senior Cameron Butler and sophomore Devin Crosby have also played a big role in helping the North offense develop a strong balance between the running game (3,134 yards through 14 games) and the passing game (2,538 yards).

But make no mistake, Goodson has earned his spot as the Bulldogs’ workhorse back despite missing two complete games and parts of two others midway though the season due to injury.

“Really, it was a matter of him getting healthy again, and we’ve got a well-balanced offense,” Stewart said. “It starts with a running game that can be established, and we can do a lot of other things with it.

“He’s just such an explosive player. The guys that came in for him are also really good players. When he was out, between Devin Crosby and Cam Butler, we didn’t skip a beat. Obviously, Tyler’s our bell cow guy. But those guys have won us some big games, too.”

While Goodson has been a workhorse throughout the season, he’s exhibited qualities more like a thoroughbred heading down the stretch of the season.

Through four playoff games,

in the fourth quarter to put the game away.

However, some of his best performances have come against some of North’s toughest opposing defenses against the run, including 244 yards and three TDs in a non-region win over Norcross in September, plus big outings in playoff wins over No. 3 Grayson (23-146, 3 TDs) and McEachern (23-144, TD).

Those performances have helped put Goodson on the radar among major college programs looking for an explosive back like him.

While Southern Mississippi is his only offer to date, other North Gwinnett’s Tyler Goodson (5) is tackled by Norcross’ Jacob programs like Auburn, Florida, Johnson (29). (Photo: Dale Zanine) Florida State, Louisville, North he has amassed 649 yards and Crosby, either.

Carolina, South Carolina and nine TDs on 83 carries — an av“It’s not about how many Tennessee are beginning to take erage of 162.3 yards, 2.3 TDs per carries I get,” Goodson said. “I interest. game and 7.8 yards per carry. just want the team to win. … If But with another year of high That production is reministhe next guy gets the carries and school ball still for him to play cent of another big postseason they’re hot, let them keep getting and the biggest game of his caperformance from running back hot. From there, let’s see how the reer to date immediately in front from North’s past — current game progresses.” of him, first thing’s first.

Mercer University tailback C.J. The game has progressed for “I’ve had more people notice Leggett, who piled up nearly 800 Goodson in a big way not just mean than before,” Goodson yards and 10 TDs in helping lead only the playoffs, but in some of said. “But I really try not to pay the Bulldogs’ charge to their last North’s biggest games. attention to that stuff and just state finals appearance in 2013.

Statistically, his biggest game focus on my game and let the However, while Goodson ap- came in a 292-yard, three-touch- game come to me and let the line preciates the work, he doesn’t down outing in the Bulldogs’ do what they can up front. When mind spreading the respon51-41 quarterfinal win over Mari- big games come, we’re just up sibility around to Butler and etta, including a huge score late for the challenge.”

Jones

DAILY POST PICKS

•From Page 1B

The staff makes its predictions for this week’s prep football final

WILL HAMMOCK

Colquitt Co. vs.

North Gwinnett Last week (overall)

CHRISTINE TROYKE

DAVID FRIEDLANDER

SCOTT SMITH

North

North

North

North

2-2 (171-36)

1-3 (171-36)

1-3 (165-42)

2-2 (166-41)

s

YOU PICK ’EM: Make your prep football predictions at www.gwinnettprepsports.com/ contests. Each week’s winner receives $100.

499938-1

think I’ll be able to reach my full potential there.”

His recruiting took off greatly after an excellent performance at the Elite 11 quarterback competition, which earned a spot at Nike’s The Opening in Oregon. He is just the second Gwinnett quarterback to advance to The Opening, joining Greater Atlanta Christian’s Davis Mills, now a freshman at Stanford. Most of the players on his team at The Opening were Miami commitments.

The offers continued to roll in throughout his senior season and Williams decommitted from Kentucky last month.

“It was very tough (to decommit from Kentucky), just because of the relationships I built with the coaches and players,” Williams said.

“It was tough. But at the end of the day they understand it’s a big decision for me and I have to do what’s best for me.”

As a senior, Williams completed 214 of 348 passes (61.5 percent) for 3,015 yards and 28 touchdowns. He threw just four interceptions. He also rushed 115 times for 554 yards and 10 more scores.

His importance to the Black Knights was evident by this statistic — the Daily Post Super Six selection accounted for all but three of Central’s offensive TDs in 10 games.

Williams, who began his high school career at Shiloh, completed 188 of 314 passes (60 percent) for 2,618 yards and 26 TDs to just four interceptions as a Central junior. He added 396 rushing yards and nine TDs. His career passing yardage total of 7,283 yards ranks second in Gwinnett history behind former Central quarterback Eman Westmoreland’s 7,795.

His multi-dimensional skills should fit well for a Miami program on the rise and coming off its first Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game appearance. He plans to sign during the early period this month and enroll at Miami in January.

“What Miami’s been able to do on the field this year shows the program is heading in the right direction,” Williams said. “In terms of recruiting, they’re bringing in guys that are good. They have the No. 4 recruiting class in the nation right now.”

some incredible things on the field during the last five years, my hope is that the life lessons our players learned through the process will be much more significant.”

Jones has been Dacula’s head coach since 2013, earning Daily Post coach of the year honors in his first season. He went 8-5 and reached the state quarterfinals that season with a program that went 1-9 in 2012.

The Falcons went to the state playoffs four times in

Jones’ five seasons, winning three region championships.

They have won the Region 8-AAAAAA title the past two seasons, reaching the second round of the state playoffs each of those years. His fiveyear record at Dacula is 37-22.

“I explained to the (Dacula) team this morning that the two most important things in my life are my faith and family,” Jones said. “After lots of prayer and counsel over the last couple of weeks, the Lord has brought clarity that it is time to pursue a new chapter.”

Jones comes from a coach-

ing family that includes his retired father Tom, a longtime offensive line and strength coach at Brookwood. His younger brother Philip is now Brookwood’s head coach.

Jones got his start in coaching in 2000 and 2001 as an assistant at Dacula under longtime head coach Kevin Maloof. He then worked for three years as an assistant at Oconee County and one year at South Gwinnett before becoming head coach at Lumpkin County. He was Lumpkin’s head coach for seven years from 2006-12.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017 • 5B

gwinnettdailypost.com

CLASS AAAAAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

North Colquitt Co. vs.

SATURDAY, 8 P.M. @ MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM

THE BREAKDOWN NORTH GWINNETT BULLDOGS (6-AAAAAAA) Coach: Bill Stewart Record: 13-1, ranked No. 7 in Class AAAAAAA Road to the finals: Beat McEachern 38-17 in the semifinals; beat Marietta 51-41 in the quarterfinals; beat No. 3 Grayson 35-28 in the second round; beat North Forsyth 55-7 in the first round of the playoffs

Familiar foes

COLQUITT COUNTY PACKERS (1-AAAAAAA) Coach: Rush Propst Record: 11-3, ranked No. 9 in Class AAAAAAA Road to the finals: Beat No. 8 Brookwood 31-14 in the semifinals; beat No. 2 Archer 12-7 in the quarterfinals; beat No. 4 Walton 28-21 in the second round; beat Pebblebrook 49-7 in the first round of the playoffs NORTH STAT LEADERS • RUSHING Name Rush Yards TD Tyler Goodson 178 1,315 19 Devin Crosby 79 603 6 Cameron Butler 103 479 3 • PASSING (with completions, attempts, yards, TD and INT) Jimmy Urzua 138 216 2,236 23 4 • RECEIVING Name Rec. Yards TD Josh Downs 63 1,019 11 L.J. Fisher 21 548 5 J. Cunningham 19 277 2 Tyler Goodson 18 331 2 • TACKLES Jayden McDonald 86 Payne Walker 85 Myles Webster 71 Knox Denning 67 Nicholas Pucciarello 64 • SACKS Jayden McDonald 10 Payne Walker 10 Myles Webster 8 Jake Stewart 7 • INTERCEPTIONS Warren Burrell 5 Jayden McDonald 4 D.J. Turner 2 COLQUITT STAT LEADERS • RUSHING Name Rush Yards TD Ty Leggett 195 1,231 11 Daijun Edwards 165 984 13 • PASSING (with completions, attempts, yards, TD and INT) S. Krajewski 185 283 2,226 22 6 • RECEIVING Name Rec. Yards TD Cam Singletary 73 965 11 K.T. Wilson 24 365 5 Ty Leggett 19 151 0 Marvion McDonald 18 225 2 Tyran Shealey 18 193 3 • TACKLES Rashad Revels 185 Marcus Anderson 135 J.J. Peterson 110 • SACKS Marcus Anderson 6 1/2 Brian Merritt 5 1/2 Three players tied at 5 • INTERCEPTIONS Nyquann Washington 5 Jay Ward 3 Kamrin Woods 2 GAME-BY-GAME RESULTS: North Gwinnett Bulldogs vs. Walton* L 31-28 at Milton W 31-28 Hillgrove W 33-9 at Norcross W 35-14 at Mtn. View W 27-14 Mill Creek W 35-21 Duluth W 52-0 Peachtree Ridge W 44-8 at Collins Hill W 45-6 at Discovery W 41-7 North Forsyth W 55-7 Grayson W 35-28 Marietta W 51-41 McEachern W 38-17 Colquitt Co. Packers vs. Norcross* W 20-17 Vista Murrieta W 26-7 Tucker W 35-21 Roswell W 28-0 at Brookwood L 42-25 Valdosta W 27-0 Bishop Sullivan W 38-7 at Camden Co. W 27-6 Tift Co. L 38-35 at Lowndes L 51-45^ at Pebblebrook W 49-7 at Walton W 28-21 at Archer W 12-7 at Brookwood W 31-14 ^double overtime *Corky Kell Classic game played at Georgia State University Stadium

North Gwinnett’s Jayden McDonald (8) tackles McEachern’s Paris Brown (8) during last Friday’s game. (Photo: Dale Zanine)

North, Colquitt County clash with state title on line

pleted 138 of 216 passes for 2,236 yards and 23 touchdowns against just four interceptions this season. “But they’ve also SUWANEE — Considerbeen worrying about themselves, ing the football teams at North I think, more than they’ve been Gwinnett and Colquitt County worrying about us. It’s weird have met four times in the past having a former coach on a difsix years, the two programs ferent team, but it’s something ought to know quite a bit about you’ve got to work through.” each other.

In fact, the biggest factor the But when the No. 7 statefamiliarity between the Bulldogs ranked Bulldogs (13-1) and and their former assistants may be ninth-ranked Packers (11less strategic and more personal, 3) square off in the Class though in a good-natured way.

AAAAAAA state championship “They both coached my brothgame Saturday at Mercedeser (at North),” senior defensive Benz Stadium in Atlanta, that end Myles Webster said. “I’ve familiarity goes a little further known Coach Hobbs since I was than one might think for two little. I know he has a powerful schools separated by more than offense. And Coach Dixon, (his 230 miles. defenses) get after it. They blitz In fact, with two former North the passer and they get after it. assistants on Colquitt’s staff “I know it’s going to be fun.

— offensive coordinator Troy I know (Hobbs) is going to Hobbs and defensive coordinatalk smack about us over there tor Mo Dixon — the Packers because he knows a lot of us, but should have a pretty good read it’s going to be fun.” on North’s personnel, while the However, first-year North Bulldogs ought to have a good head coach Bill Stewart agrees idea of the philosophies behind with Urzua that the focus for each Colquitt unit. both teams should be internal “They certainly know the rather than on the other sideline. players we’ve got and their “At the end of the day, the roles, and I’m sure they’ve done game’s played on the field,” a lot of studying on their own,” Stewart said. “It’s not going to said North senior quarterback be played between Mo Dixon Jimmy Urzua, who has comand Troy Hobbs and myself

By David Friedlander

david.friedlander@ gwinnettdailypost.com

COACH’S TAKE As coach of one of two common opponents of North Gwinnett and Colquitt County this season, Norcross head coach Keith Maloof has a unique perspective of tonight’s Class AAAAA state title clash.

Maloof, whose Blue Kevin Devils suffered Maloof a controversial 20-17 loss to Colquitt at the Corky Kell Classic on Aug. 19 and lost to North 35-14 on Sept.

8, breaks down the Packers and the Bulldogs and gives his thoughts as to what each team has to do to win.

NORTH’S OFFENSE Their intensity level (is the biggest key to the offense). They really play hard on the offensive line. That’s a big difference maker. And to go from their starting quarterback (Cade Fortin) to their backup (Jimmy Urzua) and not miss a beat says a lot for the offensive line. Of course, (Urzua is) a great athlete anyway.

It says a lot for his preparation.

I’m happy for him and how he’s handled himself and taken advantage of the situation. It says a lot of about his character. And of course, (Tyler Goodson) is really good running back, but (Devin Crosby) kind of came out of nowhere against when (Goodson and Cameron Butler) got tired.

He’s pretty good, too. They know what they can do, and with the offensive line they’ve developed over the years, they’ve become a really good football team.

COLQUITT’S DEFENSE They’ve moved some people around since we played them, and they’re playing more of a base defense, rather than running around trying to blitz as much. They’re settling in and letting kids make tackles. It’s all going to depend on who can make tackles in space. If you can make tackles on the perimeter, you have a pretty good shot.

COLQUITT’S OFFENSE What Colquitt is against Brookwood (last week) was that they ran their quarterback (Steven Krajewski) a little more.

and (Packers head coach) Rush Propst. The kids are going to settle it on the field.

“So it still comes down to the normal stuff big games come down to — that’s protecting the football, not making mistakes and being efficient. … That’s what big games are about.”

From an execution and production standpoint, the Bulldogs and Packers resemble each other in many ways.

Both show plenty of balance between the run and passing games.

Tyler Goodson (178-1,315, 19 TDs) handles the bulk of North’s load on the ground, while Uruza and Josh Downs (63-1,019, 11 TDs) lead the air attack.

Colquitt’s biggest guns are quarterback Steven Krajewski (185-283-6, 2,226 yards, 22 TDs), running back Ty Leggett (195-1,231, 11 TDs) and receiver Cam Singletary (73-965, 11 TDs).

Both teams get plenty of push up front on their respective offensive lines, led by Georgia commit Warren Ericson for North and Will Rykard for Colquitt.

And both have plenty of playmakers on defense, including the Bulldogs’ Jayden McDonald (86 tackles, 10 sacks, 4 INTs),

Warren Burrell (4 INTs) and Payne Walker (85 tackles, 10 sacks) and the Packers’ big-time linebacker prospect J.J. Peterson (110 tackles) and fellow linebacker Marcus Anderson (135 tackles, 6 1/2 sacks).

“It’ll be a great matchup,” Stewart said. “It’s a fun game to be in. This entire playoff run has been one big game after another.

This is obviously the big one, but every game up to this point has been big.”

But none bigger than this one, particularly to a North program that has fought hard to get to this point twice before over the past 10 years, only to come up short.

And nobody knows that better than Urzua, who had an insider’s view for the Bulldogs’ last trip to the title game four years ago.

“I was actually one of the ball boys on that 2013 finalist (team),” said Urzua, whose older brother John was a backup quarterback for that team and went on to lead the North offense the following year. “Going back in the locker room after the game and seeing all the kids who fought their whole season, especially the seniors, and seeing them all depressed, it makes me feel even more now like I have to take control and really get this one for North Gwinnett.”

Now you have to account for that. You’ve got to be prepared now to stop the quarterback from running, and they’ve got a pretty good running back (Ty Leggett), too. We played them the first game of the year, but this is based on talking with some other coaches who have played them more recently. They’ve got some really good skill people. (Offensive coordinator Troy) Hobbs has done a really good job figuring out what his offense can do during the year and doing a little more. They threw the ball well against us, but what really broke our back was their running game in the fourth quarter.

NORTH’S DEFENSE One of the things they do so well is their secondary is playing really good right now. They tackle well in space, and as I said before, anytime a team can tackle well in space and on oneon-one stuff, you can become a force. They’re creating a lot of turnovers, and if they can put a rush on the quarterback, they’re got a really good shot based on what they’ve done lately.

KEYS TO BEATING NORTH You’ve got to keep their offense off the field. They have the opportunity to be a big-play team, but they can keep the ball from you because of their running game. They’re not as much of a big-play team as Colquitt.

KEYS TO BEATING COLQUITT You have to keep away from their big plays. That’s how they beat us (a 33-yard pass set up one TD, while Colquitt also scored on a 34-yard pass). If you can eliminate that, (North has) a really good shot. You also have to give a big advantage in the kicking game to Colquitt, so (North will) have to account for that.

PLAYERS YOU HAVE TO STOP ON NORTH If you can stop (Goodson), you’ve got a good chance.

PLAYER YOU HAVE TO STOP ON COLQUITT Leggett is probably the guy.

PREDICTION It’s going to be a toss-up type game, but I think I’ve got to go with North Gwinnett.

6B • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

Getting to know ... Lenny Gregory

Collins Hill head football Coach Lenny Gregory wrapped up his first season with the Eagles at 6-5.

Gregory’s start at Collins Hill was a return to Gwinnett County football, where he was a defensive coordinator at Grayson before accepting his first head coaching opportunity at Centennial. Gregory is a California native who played college football at Brigham Young University from 1989 to 1993. Gregory’s wife is Kathy, and his children are Gabby, 24, son Hayden, 22, son Jacob, 19, son Max, 4, stepdaughter Savannah, 14, stepson James, 13.

In this installment of “Getting to Know …,” staff writer Taylor Denman asked Gregory about the journey he took to his first head coaching job, his favorite sports movies and playing under Lavell Edwards at BYU. TD: Let’s start in the middle of your story.

When you first took the Centennial job you said it was a dream to be a head coach.

LG: It was kind of a childhood dream. Since I was kid, I wanted to be a head football coach. When I was in college at BYU playing football, I went down a different path and didn’t go into education.

I got a different degree and went into the lumber business and did that for 12 years. It’s funny when you’re younger and you make decisions and it ends up steering you away from what you want to do.

TD: What was it like growing up in California and what were your high school playing days like?

LG: I grew up in Santa Rosa, Calif., and went to Montgomery High School.

I didn’t play football until my sophomore year.

I always wanted to play college football and had dreams of playing in the NFL. I didn’t come from a football family. Youth football in California went by weight, so when I was in eighth grade I was too heavy to play football. I learned the game quick and had a passion for it. I had a good junior year and in my senior year, I was all-state.

I got recruited by most of the PAC-10 schools and ended up at BYU.

Collins Hill’s Lenny Gregory, left, coaches against Norcross this season. (Photo: Will Fagan)

TD: What positions did you play?

LG: I was a defensive lineman, nose guard.

Ended up being a threeyear starter at BYU and three-year all-conference player.

TD: Picking up football late and having those opportunities in college, does that seem abnormal to you, looking back?

LG: It is abnormal. Usually, kids nowadays play at a young age. These kids are getting college offers in eighth grade. It seems like it’s getting younger and younger — which is unfortunate, too, because there are players you bring out in their junior and sophomore year, you bring them out and they’re naturals.

On a norm, usually, kids have played for a while.

TD: At BYU you played under legendary coach Lavell Edwards (22nd all-time with 257 career wins). Is there anything you took from him that you use as a head coach now?

LG: Coach Edwards impacted my life in so many ways. When you’re a player being mentored by a guy like him, you don’t know just how much of an impact a guy like him is until you get 10 years down the line and you think about the things he did. Then 20 years down the line you think about more things. There isn’t a day that goes by I don’t sit back and think about him and things he would do.

One of the biggest things I learned from him is building relationships with players. Being readily available to talk, mentor, council and show that you care. Lavell Edwards, you walked into the football

office, his door was always open. His policy was, “My door is open, and if you need to talk to me, come on in and we’ll talk.”

Thinking back on it now, as high school coaches it’s sometimes easily lost, making yourself available to your players. These kids go through so much it’s unbelievable.

TD. What moments stand out to you during your playing career at BYU? LG: I think the experience itself, playing against teams like Notre Dame.

My junior year we beat Penn State in a big game we weren’t supposed to win. My redshirt year I was dressed on the sideline and we beat Miami, the No. 1 team in the country.

Probably the highlight of my playing career was my sophomore year we played Utah. I had two interceptions as a defensive lineman, in a game where the interceptions really led to touchdowns that really sparked the football game.

TD: You went into the business world after college. Were you thinking about coaching at that time, or was it something in the back of your mind?

LG: I actually signed in the Canadian Football League. The had a couple expansion teams, and I signed with the Las Vegas Posse. I ended up making the team and went into it uneducated, if you will, about how contracts work.

When we were getting ready for our preseason games, I learned about how much money I would make on the practice squad. I was kind of blown away. It was already a little amount of money we would make playing, and I was getting

paid on the practice squad.

I made a decision to walk away from football.

TD: Was that tough at the time to walk away from the game that had given you a lot of opportunities?

LG: I think at the time it wasn’t but then a year later, when I started working in the lumber business — I lost a bunch of weight and didn’t think about football — I was running through the hills of West Virginia, learning how to analyze timber with a forester. I went from being 270 pounds to 220 pounds. I got a call from the British Columbia Lions that they had acquired my rights and wanted me to try out. That was probably the low point, and I remember thinking to myself that I had made the decision and I had stayed with it now.

I ended up going all into lumber sales and had a pretty successful journey there.

TD: How did you make your way to Georgia?

LG: I got offered a partnership with a company, if I were to take a job with them I would own 25 percent of the company. I took that job and part of that agreement, because I traveled, was to live in Atlanta. I really liked Atlanta and thought it was a good place to raise a family, so I moved in 1998.

TD: Was the Grayson eighth-grade team you first entrance into coaching at that point?

LG: No, it’s an interesting story. In 2001, I was cutting grass and a guy by the name of Leman Hall, who played for the Dallas Cowboys, his son was a sixth- or seventh-grader on a rec team and he wanted me to help. First I turned him down, he came back to me and was kind of persistent. He invited me to his father-in-law’s retirement party. So I agreed. His father-in-law was Homer Smith, he was the offensive coordinator at UCLA when I was at BYU. I got to talking to him and said, “Yeah I’ll coach.”

I coached an 11- and 12-year-old football team at Sharon Springs Park.

Northview opened up and the neighborhood I lived in was right across the street.

Some of the dads starting

the youth program asked me to be the eighth-grade coach at Northview High School.

TD: At what point did you shift over to Gwinnett?

LG: I became a community coach at South Forsyth. In 2004 I went to Chattahoochee as a community coach and after the 2006 season, I went to teaching in 2007. I got out of the lumber business, I was 35 years old, and here I am back coaching football, but I’m stuck in another job. At 35, if I don’t make a decision right there, then I’ll regret not going into coaching. In 2008 I went to Grayson.

TD: During this period, you’re working, coaching and getting a degree. Meanwhile, you have your family, all of this at once, then?

LG: Oh yeah, I was able to get my degree online.

Coaching, teaching and doing classes all at the same time.

TD: A couple of your sons have actually played for you. How special is that extra bond of not only being a father but being their coach as well?

LG: It was a blessing to go to work with your kid, and to share unbelievable moments with them.

The emotions of a football game, whether you won or you lost. Just all the great memories you have, and you’re able to do it with your son. I was able to win a state championship with my oldest son, Hayden. To be able to hug him after a victory like that is priceless.

TD: It seems like you develop close relationships with your players.

I read that you were the legal guardian for Robert Nkemdiche. Does that come from what you talked about with coach Edwards, being a mentor?

LG: BYU was a special place. You see all of these teams us “family.” And that’s all great, but BYU where I played really was like a family. It wasn’t uncommon our defensive line coach would have us over at his house Thursday night. They made homemade root beer and ice cream. You feel like you’re a part of their family. As a coach, I wanted to invite players over and cook for

them, especially as a position coach. You have a unit of kids playing for you, and it was something I really believed in. Definitely, something I picked up on at BYU. TD: With the first year at Collins Hill in the books, does Collins Hill have a bright future now, moving forward?

LG: Of course we’re all going to say that. That’s the vision. We probably exceeded people’s expectations, I don’t think anyone picked us to be a playoff team. I’m excited how quick we were able to turn things around and create a culture where excellence is a standard.

TD: Do you have any favorite sports movies?

LG: Gotta be “Rocky.”

TD: You can almost make another genre out of “Rocky.” Why “Rocky?”

LG: He’s the underdog and a hard-working guy. You can just relate to him. I think everybody in America can relate to him, a blue-collar guy.

TD: What do you think about the College Football Playoff? I’m putting you on the spot.

LG: I think the team that’s hot and playing unbelievable defense has to be Georgia. Living in Georgia you have to pull for them. It might be the best Final Four since we’ve done this. Oklahoma has a great offense, to me they’re probably No. 3 because they don’t play as good a defense as you see in the SEC or ACC. TD: Any shows that you’re binge-watching now?

LG: I really do like Netflix, because you don’t have to watch commercials. You’ve got “Narcos.”

I’ve gotten into that. “Last Chance U” is on there.

I’m on “The Punisher” right now. Usually at night — I’ve got a 4-year-old — once he’s down I’ll flip it on and watch a couple episodes.

TD: Without sounding too morbid, what is your ideal last meal?

LG: It’s gotta be wings.

Hot wings and fries.

TD: Are you a fan of different flavors or classic hot?

LG: Oh, just classic hot, all flats with ranch.

Top teams gather for South girls off to hot start on pace Blue Collar Showcase Comets to set new record

By Will Hammock

will.hammock@gwinnettdailypost.com

PREP BASKETBALL

Blue Collar Basketball brings an impressive slate of high school basketball games to the Buford City Arena this weekend.

The event features six games, four involving Gwinnett teams, and a number of top players and teams. The first five matchups are boys games, following by a 7:30 p.m. finale of interest with the host Buford girls taking on Norcross.

The Class AAAAA Buford girls, led by Michigan State signee Tory Ozment, will face a strong Norcross frontcourt that includes Janee Knorr and Devyn Wilson.

Peachtree Ridge and Florida State signee Devin Vassell kick the day off with a noon matchup against the Shiloh boys, headed up by 6-foot-7 Elias King, 6-5 Toneari Lane and 6-6 Shamarie McLeod.

The second game pits a pair of loaded out-of-state powers in Hamilton Heights (Tenn.) and York Prep (S.C.). Hamilton Heights features 6-4 guard and top prospect Kevaughn Ellis, along with 6-11 Jason Jitiboh and 7-1 Uros Plavsic. York Prep is led by the backcourt duo of Jaron Williams and Vince Cole, as well as forward D.J. Burns.

Porter Gaud, a two-time defending state champ in South Carolina, then faces McEachern, which is fresh off a Final Four appearance and has prospects like feature top prospects Sharife Cooper, Isaac Okoro, Jared Jones and Babatunde Akingbola.

Porter Gaud is paced by Vanderbilt recruit Aaron Nesmith and wing Josiah James

What: Buford Blue Collar Showcase When: Saturday Where: Buford City Arena Schedule: Noon — Peachtree Ridge vs. Shiloh boys 1:30 p.m. — Hamilton Heights (Tenn.) vs. York Prep (S.C.) boys 3 p.m. — McEachern vs. Porter Gaud (S.C.) boys 4:30 p.m. — Norcross vs. Hoover (Ala.) boys 6 p.m. — Buford vs. United Faith (N.C.) boys 7:30 p.m. — Buford vs. Norcross girls

Norcross follows that with a major challenge in Hoover (Ala.) and its 6-11 Clemson recruit Trey Jemison, along with talented backcourt of Marion Humphrey and Jamari Blackmon. The Blue Devils also have a strong lineup returning behind guards Dalvin White and Kyle Sturdivant and Georgia recruit JoJo Toppin.

Alex Jones, David Viti and Marcus Watson led defending state champion Buford into a 6 p.m. meeting with United Faith (N.C.). United Faith is led by 6-8 K.C. Hankton, 6-5 Jalen Sims and 6-10 Nate Springs.

Blue Collar Basketball, founded in 2011 by Brookwood grad Sam Allen, is an Atlanta-based basketball organization that specializes in player development. BCB also conducts seminars and clinics on the college recruiting process and youth development programs. In addition, BCB puts on high school basketball showcases, like this weekend’s event at Buford, that feature some of the top teams from across the state of Georgia and southeast.

By Taylor Denman

taylor.denman@ gwinnettdailypost.com

Coming off its first loss of the season to region rival Newton at home, the South Gwinnett girls basketball team was sluggish in the first half of its road game against Kennesaw Mountain.

“I’m sure it had something to do with the distance and the ride,” head coach Kidada Holtzclaw said. “We had to wake up in the second quarter. I had to remind them we’re actually at the game and playing basketball. Once we woke up and adjusted the defense, we were able to play at our level and our tempo of basketball.”

Despite the early deficit, South Gwinnett corrected course as it has been able to do often at the start of the 2017-18 season. The Comets finished last year at 17-8, the program’s best record in Holtzclaw’s first four years with the program. In her fifth year, the Comets are setting an early pace to surpass that record after starting the season 6-0, now standing at 7-1 overall.

It hasn’t always come easily for South Gwinnett. Last week against Dacula, South Gwinnett possessed the ball with less than a minute left.

The Comets had two secondchance basket attempts after

senior Emani Walker’s shot was off the mark. Shaniya Gause went up for the second basket attempt before being fouled.

Gause needed one shot to win, but she hit both.

“The crazy thing was, we had not shot free throws well that game,” Holtzclaw said.

“We were about 3-for21 and the two that we made were the ones that won the game.

Shaniya “It says Gause a lot about her. She’s a senior and she’s really stepped up, starting last year. This year she’s really come into her own and play really good basketball.

(Dacula head coach) Jason (Adams) called a timeout and tried to ice her a little bit and we talked about what was next after she made the free throws, not fouling and making sure we made it difficult to get it in-bounds.

She was able to step up and knock them down.”

Four senior starters for South Gwinnett help mask some depth issues the Comets are dealing with, caused by a handful of early-season injuries.

South Gwinnett’s lack of depth showed at Newton when players got into foul trouble.

“The kids know that they’re it and they have to get it done,” Holtzclaw said.

“No one is behind them and going to take over and step up when somebody isn’t performing.”

South Gwinnett freshman Makala Torrence has also earned a spot in the starting five. Holtzclaw said she was not surprised by the impact she brings to the Comets from an offensive perspective because she provided that same offensive prowess on the middle school team last year.

Torrence is adapting her defense to the high school level and showing good potential, according to her coach.

A strong start is something to be proud of, but Holtzclaw said South Gwinnett isn’t even playing its best basketball through the first month of the season.

She said the consistent improvement in the program’s record over the past few seasons can be traced to year-round consistency and the chemistry the teams developed by playing in the summer, “We just talk about consistency, taking little steps to our ultimate goal and keeping everybody honest and humble,” Holtzclaw said.

“One thing we look at even in the game we win, ‘We could have done better here or here.’ It will get us a win, but that’s not going to win a championship. Just getting the kids to understand that we’re not peaking now but we’re going to get there.”

gwinnettdailypost.com friDAY, DECEMber 8, 2017 •7B CLOSE TO HOME John McPherson

FAMILY CIRCUS Bill Keane Today’s Solution

BEETLE BAILEY Mort & Greg Walker

BLONDIE Dean Young & John Marshall

DILBERT® Scott Adams

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE Chris Browne

Zits Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

PEANUTS Charles M. Schulz

GARFIELD Jim Davis

POOCH CAFE Paul Gilligan

PICKLES Brian Crane

Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers.

The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once.

Solution to today's Sudoku

WHATZIT SOLUTION:

Today's Answer:Kettlebells

FRIDAY, DECEMBER B88B • • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

8, 2017

FANS CHOICE WINTER ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

R

gwinnettdailypost.com gwinnettdailypost.com NFL ROUNDUP

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S Who: Noah Kenney School: Mill Creek Sport: Basketball Class: Senior Highlights: Scored 24 points in a 68-65 victory over Archer, and had 26 points in a 76-65 win over Hillgrove Coach David Allen’s take: “Noah has always been known for his ability to shoot the basketball really well and with more range than the average shooter. What I have been impressed with this year is his dedication to becoming a better defender and competitor for our team in his senior year.”

County multiple regions and classifications the programs team title. come from,” Gassman However, Gassman said. “It’s really the only said it’s the inclusion of chance to see some of programs from a variety these teams. And usually of regions and classifica- after the season, I can tions from around Gwin- reflect back on a slew of nett that makes the county kids who became state tournament fun. placers by coming out “What’s great about of this tournament with the county meet is the momentum.”

•From Page 1B

Mountain View’s Chase Standridge grabs the arm of Camden County’s Denton Spencer during last year’s state wrestling finals at the Macon Centreplex in Macon. (Photo: Karl L. Moore)

Browns fire executive VP Brown The Sports Xchange

The Cleveland Browns have fired executive vice president/general manager Sashi Brown, the team announced Thursday.

With Brown’s departure, the franchise will be searching for a general manager for the ninth time since it returned to Cleveland in 1999.

The team, however, said it will keep Hue Jackson as its coach for the 2018 season.

Winless thus far this season, the Browns own a 1-27 mark under the watch of Brown, who was hired to run the front office Jan. 3, 2016.

“We have great appreciation and gratitude for Sashi’s commitment and leadership to our organization but believe transitioning to someone with strong experience and success in drafting and building consistently winning football teams is critical to the future of the Cleveland Browns,” Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. “Today we informed Sashi that we were going in a new direction.

“Hue Jackson will remain our coach and will return for the 2018 season but we feel it is necessary

to take significant steps to strengthen our personnel department. We have begun the process of having productive conversations regarding leadership of our football operations and will provide further updates when appropriate.

We thank Sashi for all his hard work and dedication to the Cleveland Browns.”

last season, Shazier was injured during Monday’s 23-20 win versus Cincinnati while making a tackle on Bengals wide receiver Josh Malone with 11:14 remaining in the first quarter.

Shazier hit Malone low with his shoulder pads, then immediately reached for his back while his legs remained motionless.

game.

“The guy did what he wanted to do,” the 22-yearold White said. “He is what he did. Dirty shot, so what does that make him?

Dirty player. Simple.”

Bengals’ Lewis: Rookie Ross admits he hid injury Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver John Ross admitted to concealing an injury to his left Steelers’ Shazier shoulder, coach Marvin has spine surgery Bills’ White calls Lewis said during an inPittsburgh Steelers Gronk a ‘dirty player’ terview on SiriusXM NFL linebacker Ryan Shazier Buffalo Bills rookie Radio. underwent spinal stabiliza- cornerback Tre’Davious Lewis said that Ross had tion surgery Wednesday White told reporters that been hiding the injury benight on the heels of the it’s “a joke” that New injury he sustained earlier England Patriots tight end fore finally “coming clean” in the week, the team anRob Gronkowski received with the team, which placed him on injured nounced. only a one-game suspen“(University of Pittssion from the NFL follow- reserve Wednesday.

The coach said that the burgh Medical Center) ing his late hit in Sunday’s ninth overall pick of the neurosurgeons and Pittsgame.

2017 draft didn’t divulge burgh Steelers team physiWhite cleared concusthe severity of the injury cians Drs. David Okonkwo sion protocol Thursday, four days after Gronkowski because he wanted to play. and Joseph Maroon perRoss’ latest injury is not formed spinal stabilization leveled an elbow/forearm surgery on Ryan Shazier to to the back of the head fol- related to the right shoullowing an interception in der ailment that caused address his spinal injury,” the Patriots’ 23-3 win. him to have surgery prior the Steelers’ statement With the game in hand to the draft and pushed said. in the fourth quarter, back his Bengals’ practice The team initially said debut until late training that Shazier, 25, would not Gronkowski dove into a camp. require surgery. The Steel- defenseless White on the ground near the sideline, The 23-year-old Ross ers have not released any failed to make a catch on information about whether driving his head and two targets and had one Shazier has any movement back into the ground.

Gronkowski was assessed rush for 12 yards in three in his legs, or whether an unsportsmanlike congames. He had been ruled he is expected to make a duct penalty for the hit, but inactive in nine of the recovery. was not ejected from the team’s 12 games A Pro Bowl selection

As Sounders try to repeat, Toronto seeks Cup redemption R

A S S

The Sports Xchange Repeat. Redemption.

Those narratives dominate the storylines for Saturday’s MLS Cup at BMO Field in Toronto.

Seattle Sounders FC bids to become the first back-to-back champion since the Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the Houston Dynamo in 2011 and ’12.

Like the Galaxy, Seattle is facing the same opponent in consecutive finals.

Last season, Seattle won its first MLS Cup by winning the penalty kick shootout 5-4 against Toronto FC after the teams played to a scoreless draw through 120 minutes.

It was a bitter defeat for Toronto in front of its home fans because Seattle became

the first team in the history of the MLS Cup (which dates to 1996) to not have a shot on goal in regulation or the 30-minute extra time.

“This is more about our club, this city, and what it means after the heartbreak of last year,” Toronto captain Michael Bradley said. “In the back of our minds, this is all we’ve wanted, to give ourselves another shot.”

Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer said all the burden is on Toronto because TFC this season posted the most points (69) ever in MLS and the second-best points-per-game average (2.03) to the 1998 Los Angeles Galaxy (2.13).

“There’s no pressure on us. They’re at home,” Schmetzer said.

Toronto was 20-5-9 in

the regular season but had to battle through two difficult rounds of the playoffs.

They beat the New York Red Bulls on away goals in the two-game aggregate quarterfinal series, and then defeated Columbus 1-0 in the second leg of the Eastern Conference Final following a 0-0 first leg.

“We played from the front the entire season,” To-

ronto coach Greg Vanney said. “We’ve had the pressure of trying to win the Supporters’ Shield (most points in MLS), the pressure of trying to set history.

Everyone has talked to us about pressure the whole way, this is no different.”

Seattle cruised past Vancouver and bested Houston by a 5-0 aggregate to win the Western Conference.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017 JUVENILE COURT

CORPORATIONS NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is given that articles of incorporation that will incorporate Parkview Takedown Club, Inc., have been delivered to the Secretary of State for filing in accordance with the Georgia Nonprofit Corporation Code.

The initial registered office of the corporation is located at 998 Cole Drive, Lilburn, GA 30047 and its initial registered agent at such address is Matt Elakatt.

907-522677, 12/8,13

JUVENILE COURT IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF HALL COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA IN THE INTEREST OF: R.L. B. CASE NUMBER: 1701318 YOB: 2015 AGE: 2 YEARS OLD SEX: FEMALE A CHILD SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF THE FILING OF A PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS TO: EILISHA BACON, RESPONDENT AND ALL INTERESTED PARTIES IT APPEARING that a Petition for Termination of Parental Rights seeking an order terminating your parental rights has been presented to this Court and filing of the petition is found to be in the best interest of the child and the public, let the same be filed. A copy of the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights can be obtained at the clerk’s office of the Juvenile Court of Hall County, located at 225 Green Street SE, Gainesville, Georgia 30501.

Under the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 15-11-284, the effect of an order terminating the parental rights of a parent under this article is without limit as to duration and terminates all the rights with respect to the child and all rights of the child to the parent arising from the parental relationship. The parent is not thereafter entitled to notice of the proceedings for the adoption of the child by another, nor does the parent have any right to object to the adoption or otherwise to participate in the proceedings.

NOTICE OF EFFECT OF TERMINATION JUDGMENT: Georgia law provides that you can permanently lose your rights as a parent. A petition to terminate parental rights has been filed requesting the court to terminate your parental rights to your c

child. A court hearing of your case has been scheduled for the 19th day of January, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. at the Juvenile Court of Hall County. If you fail to appear, the court can terminate your rights in your absence. If the court at the trial finds that the facts set out in the petition to terminate parental rights are true and that termination of your rights will serve the best interests of your child, the court can enter a judgment ending your rights to your child. If the judgment terminates your parental rights, you will no longer have any rights to your child. This means that you will not have the right to visit, contact, or have custody of your child or make any decisions affecting your child or your child’s earnings or property. Your child will be legally freed to be adopted by someone else. Even if your parental rights are terminated: (1) You will still be responsible for providing financial support (child support payments) for your child’s care unless and until your child is adopted; and (2) Your child can still inherit from you unless and until your child is adopted.

This is a very serious matter.

You should contact an attorney immediately so that you can be prepared for the court hearing. You have the right to hire an attorney and to have him or her represent you. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, the court will appoint an attorney if the court finds that you are an indigent person. Whether or not you decide to hire an attorney, you have the right to attend the hearing of your case, to call witnesses on your behalf, and to question those witnesses brought against you.

If you have any questions concerning this notice, you may call the telephone number of the clerk’s office which is (770) 531-6927 or visit the Juvenile Court Clerk’s Office on the 3rd floor of the Hall County Courthouse located at 225 Green Street SE Gainesville, GA 30501. You may apply for an attorney by calling the Indigent Defense Office at (770) 531-7086 or visiting their office on the 2nd floor of the Hall County Courthouse.

Pursuant to the provisions of O.C.G.A. §§ 15-11-281 and 282, a copy of the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights and this Summons and Order shall be served upon you, the Respondent, at least thirty (30) days before the time set for a hearing.

The Court will conduct a pretrial hearing on the 11th day of December, 2017, at 8:30 a.m. at the Juvenile Court of Hall County l

JUVENILE COURT

NAME CHANGES

PUBLIC HEARINGS

located on the 3rd floor of the Hall County Courthouse in Gainesville, Georgia, to discuss any possible stipulations, documentary evidence, number of witnesses and other information to promote Judicial economy and the presentation of this matter before the Court.

NOW, therefore, you, the parent of the above-named child, are hereby commanded to be and appear on the 19th day of January, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. before the Juvenile Court of Hall County located on the 3rd floor of the Hall County Courthouse in Gainesville, Georgia to answer the allegations of the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights and to show cause as to why an order terminating your parental rights should not be granted. This hearing is to consider the termination of your parental rights to the above-named child.

Under O.C.G.A. § 15-11262, you, as Respondent, are entitled to representation by legal counsel. In the event that you are unable to hire an attorney to represent you, and if you are indigent, as that term is defined in O.C.G.A. § 15-11-2(38), then you must IMMEDIATELY contact the Office for Indigent Defense at (770) 531-7086 and the Clerk of the Juvenile Court in Hall County at (770) 531-6927 and request the appointment of counsel to represent you at these proceedings. The Indigent Defense Office is located on the 2nd floor of the Hall County Courthouse. The Juvenile Court Clerk’s Office is located on the 3rd floor of the Hall County Courthouse.

SO ORDERED, this 6th day of November, 2017.

Honorable Lindsay H. Burton Judge, Juvenile Court Hall County, Georgia Northeastern Judicial Circuit 9 1 3 - 5 2 0 2 6 3 , 11/24,12/1,8,15

AZIZ MOHAMED HAJIALI. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objection before the final judgment is ordered in this case.

Dated: 9/20/17 ~s~ Ali A. Mohamed Petitioner Pro se Ali A. Mohamed 265 Clairidge Lane Lawrenceville, GA 30046 916-523040, 12/8,13,20,27

NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE The following motor vehicle, advertised pursuant to O.C.G.A. Code Section 4011-2, is being stored at: 40 Rockbridge Rd #100 Lilburn, GA 30047 2002 BMW 745Li VIN# WBAGN63412DRO55910

NAME CHANGES SUPERIOR COURT OF GWINNETT COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA Civil Action File No.: 17-A09207-2 In re the Name Change of: ALI A. MOHAMED (alias), Petitioner NOTICE OF FILING PETITION TO CHANGE NAME OF ADULT An action was filed in the Superior Court of Gwinnett County on 9-20-2017, to change the Petitioner’s name as follows: Petitioner’s Name: ALI A. MOHAMED Desired new name: ABDIA

Is deemed abandoned and will be disposed of if not claimed by the owner by 1228-17 928-523023, 12/8,15

PROBATE COURT ADMINISTRATION IN THE PROBATE COURT OF GWINNETT COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA IN RE: ESTATE OF PATTI LYNN ROGERS, ESTATE NO. 17-E-001588 DECEASED PETITION FOR LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION NOTICE TO: ALL HEIRS AND INTERESTED PARTIES TO THE ESTATE OF PATTI LYNN ROGERS KEVIN WAYNE ROGERS has petitioned to be appointed Administrator of the estate of PATTI LYNN ROGERS, deceased, of said County. The Petitioner has also applied for waiver of bond and/or grant of certain powers contained in O.C.G.A. § 53-12-261. All interested parties are hereby notified to show cause why said Petition should not be granted. All objections to the Petition must be in writing, setting forth the grounds of any such objections, and must be filed with the Court on or before JANUARY 02, 2017.

BE NOTIFIED FURTHER: All objections to the Petition must be in writing, setting forth the grounds of any such objections. All objections should be sworn to before a notary public or before a Probate Court Clerk, and filing fees must be tendered with your objections, unless you qualify to file as an indigent party. Contact Probate Court personnel for the required amount of filing fees.

If any objections are filed, a hearing will be scheduled at a later date. If no objections are filed, the Petition may be granted without a hearing.

CHRISTOPHER A. BALLAR PUB: 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 12/27 Judge of the Probate Court By: LOIS WHITE Clerk of the Probate Court 75 LANGLEY DRIVE LAWRENCEVILLE GA 30046 Address 770-822-8350 Telephone Number 9 1 9 - 5 2 2 5 8 6 , 12/6,13,20,27

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OCGA 40-11-2 NOBODY’S AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR, WILL HOLD AN AUCTION FOR THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE(S): 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY 5FNRL18043B081065 WILL BE AUCTIONED ON DECEMBER 20, 2017 AT 10 AM. AT 273 GRAYSON HWY LAWRENCEVILLE, GA 30046 *7808 928-521911, 12/1,8 NOTICE ****** Pursuant to the requirements of Section 303.7 of the Rules and Regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), notice is hereby given that The Blue Ridge Office of Mountain Valley Community Bank, a Division of The Piedmont Bank, Norcross, Gwinnett County, Georgia, has filed an application for approval to establish a branch office. The proposed branch office is to be located at 111 Collins Avenue, Blue Ridge, Fannin County, Georgia.

Any person wishing to comment on and/or protest the application filed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) may do so by filing a written notice with the FDIC Regional Director, Ten 10th Street, NW, Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30309 by the 15th day following the date of required publication.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation will accept and take official constructive notice of all written comments and notices timely filed. Non-confidential portions of the application filed with the FDIC are available for review in the offices of the FDIC during regular business hours; photocopies of the non-confidential portion of the application file will be made available upon request. Costs associated with the reproduction of records and formal hearings shall be borne by those persons requesting such information or hearings.

928-521610, 12/8

PUBLIC HEARINGS STATEWIDE WRECKER SERVICE INC. 2775 SIMPSON CIRCLE NORCROSS, GA 30071 PHONE: 770-381-1140 FAX: 770-935-9651 ABANDONED VEHICLES: RE: 1974 Sunbeam Convertible VIN SAL375393 LICENSE PLATE NO. NO TAG COLOR GREEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above vehicle was initially removed from 1837 Donna Court in Lawrenceville, GA. It is presently located at 770-381-1140 at 2775 Simpson Circle in Norcross, Georgia, in possession of Statewide Wrecker Service, Inc. Attempts to locate the owner have been unsuccessful. The vehicle is deemed abandoned under O.C.G.A. 40-11-2 and will be disposed of if not redeemed. This notice is given pursuant to Georgia Law. RE: Wabash Trailer VIN NO VIN LICENSE PLATE NO. NO TAG COLOR WHITE TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above trailer was initially removed from Nordic Logistics & Warehousing located at 4300 Pleasantdale Road in Atlanta, GA. It is presently located at 770-3811140 at 2775 Simpson Circle in Norcross, Georgia, in possession of Statewide Wrecker Service, Inc. Attempts to locate the owner have been unsuccessful. The trailer is deemed abandoned under O.C.G.A. 40-11-2 and will be disposed of if not redeemed.

This notice is given pursuant to Georgia Law. RE: 2014 TaoTao Scooter VIN L9NTEACB0E1168144 LICENSE PLATE NO. NO TAG COLOR GREEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above scooter was initially removed from Clifton Glen Apartment Homes located at 600 Hambrick Road in Stone Mountain, GA. It is presently located at 770-3811140 at 2775 Simpson Circle in Norcross, Georgia, in possession of Statewide Wrecker Service, Inc. Attempts to locate the owner have been unsuccessful. The scooter is deemed abandoned under O.C.G.A. 40-11-2 and will be disposed of if not redeemed.

This notice is given pursuant to Georgia Law. 928-521547, 12/1,8,15

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

NOTICE Scotty’s Thrifty Storage– Duluth shall conduct a public sale on the following spaces at 3280 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Duluth, GA 30096.

Thursday December 14, 2017 at 4:00p.m.

THE GWINNETT DAILY POST NEWSPAPER AD PUBLISH DATE: 12/08/17 AND 12/15/17 LIFE STORAGE #029 2655 LANGFORD ROAD NORCROSS, GA 30071 770-242-0468 AUCTION DATE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017@ 10:00 AM Note: Below you will find the Space Number(s), and Customer’s Name for the next auction at Life Storage (029). This printed list is provided in addition to the signed Form F-026, and is intended to clarify the spelling of all names submitted for the requested ad.

Space No. C u s t o m e r Name Inventory 052 Stephanie Flounoy Houshold Goods/Furniture/TV/Stereo Equipment 070 Wheel Repair Solutions Vehicle/Boat/ Trailer 161 Calvin Williams Tools/Appliances 439 Borishia Dozier Household GoodsFurniture/TV/Stereo Equipment 505 Andreas Amerson Household Goods Furniture/TV/Stereo Equipment 535 Barbara Dixon Household Goods/Furniture /TV Stereo Equipment/Tools Appliances/Office Furniture/Machines/Equipment/Boxes 546 Lydia Sanchez Boxes

Unit A39 Hilary Litzinger Unit is said to contain tool chests, ATVs, motor bike, clothes, TVs, cabinets, Misc Bags and chair frame.

Unit C43LL Phyllis Beck Unit is said to contain trophies, kerosene heater, misc boxes, tubs and bags, Floor Lamp, chairs and toys.

Unit D46 Norman Augustus Unit is said to contain washer and dryer, furniture, ladder, tool box, sewing machine, cooler, clothes, misc boxes, tubs and bags.

929-521554, 12/1,8 NOTICE There will be sold at public auction on Saturday 23 of December, 2017 at 11:00 am the following vehicle at LILBURN AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES, 4445 BUSINESS PARK CT. STE-B, LILBURN, GA. 30047,2010 FORD F150, VIN: 1FTFW1EV9AFD90405; and AGN AUTO SALES LLC; 1586 ATKINSON RD. STE-206, LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. 30043, 2008 MERCURY MILAN VIN: 3MEHM08Z68R626205; declared abandoned and foreclosed vehicles pursuant to Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 40-11-5 929-522906, 12/8,15

PROTECT OUR PLANET PUBLIC SALE In accordance with the provisions of State Law, there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at Life Storage located at: 420 Grayson Hwy Lawrenceville, GA 30046 (770)682-7717; And, due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the below stated location(s) to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on Wednesday, DECEMBER 27, 2017, @ 10:45 AM. SPACE NO.; CUSTOMER NAME; INVENTORY 1282 Melissa Best Household Goods/Furniture.

929-521802, 12/8,15

929-522909, 12/8,15 NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OCGA 40-11-2 CNC AUTO SERVICE LLC, WILL HOLD AN AUCTION FOR THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE(S): 2003 DODGE RAM 1500 SLT ,1D7HA18NX3S147236 WILL BE AUCTIONED ON DECEMBER 28, 2017 AT 10 AM. AT 551 PLEASANT HILL RD STE A-I LILBURN, GA 30047 *7811 929-523022, 12/8,15 NOTICE THESE VEHICLES WILL BE SOLD FOR PUBLIC OUTCRY FOR CASH AT STATEWIDE WRECKER SERVICE LOCATED AT 2775 SIMPSON CIRCLE, NORCROSS, GEORGIA AT 10:00 A.M. ON DECEMBER 16, 2017. THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES ARE DECLARED ABANDONED AND FORECLOSED VEHICLES PURSUANT TO OCGA 40-11-5.

ESTOS VEHICULOS SERAN VENDIDOS AL PUBLICO POR DINERO EN EFECTIVO E

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS EN STATEWIDE WRECKER SERVICE LOCALIZADO EN 2775 SIMPSON CIRCLE, NORCROSS, GEORGIA A LAS 10:00 A.M. EN 16 DECIEMBRE 2017 . LOS SIGUIENTES VEHICULOS AN SIDO DECLARADOS ABANDONADOS Y CERRADOS DE ACUERDO A OCGA 40-11-5 NUEVA LOCALIZACION 770-381-1140 www.swsatlanta.com Cargo Craft Trailer 4D6FR12242A012209 Dual Axle Trailer NO VIN Ford Focus NO VIN 1994 Kawasaki KX250 Dirtbike JKAKXMK13RA002666 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe 1GNFK13047R335247 2001 GMC Yukon XL 3GKFK16T51G165443 2013 Volkswagen Jetta 3VWDP7AJ6DM252655 1999 Ford E-150 1FTRE1420XHA01249 2004 Ford Explorer 1FMDU63K84UC06215 2007 Hyundai Tiburon KMHHN65F17U247692 1999 Mercury Mountaineer 4M2ZU55PXXUJ02563 2002 Mitsubishi Galant 4A3AA46G22E022677 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230 WDBRF52H06E020636 2007 Hyundai Accent KMHCN46C67U095623 2001 Dodge Durango 1B4HS28N31F525901 1996 Mercury Sable 1MELM50U3TA669409 1998 Volvo S70 YV1LS5673W1550332 2002 Boat Trailer 40ZBP15112P091270 2008 HomeMade 12ft Boat NO HIN 1997 Chevrolet C1500 1GCEC14W7VZ225701 1997 Honda Civic 1HGEJ8244VL074692 1997 Honda Accord 1HGCD556XVA090644 1999 Subaru Impreza JF1GC4354XH503052 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 1GCEK19T7XZ195717 2004 Volkswagen Passat WVWVD63B04E012409 2001 Chrysler Town and Country 2C4GP44351R372687 2004 Chevrolet Impala 2G1WF52E449274756 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe KM8SB12B74U619423 2003 Chevrolet Impala 2G1WF52E939345206 1998 Ford Ranger 1FTYR10C9WUA44217 1996 Ford Ranger 1FTCR10U6TTA12829 2007 Mazda Mazda6 1YVHP80C175M62341 1996 Ford E-250 1FTFE24H4THA87222 2002 Buick Rendezvous 3G5DA03E62S525072 1999 Jeep Cherokee 1J4FT28SXXL621378

1208_GDP_FRI_CLASS_Classifieds 12/7/2017 5:00 PM Page B9

gwinnettdailypost.com PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

LIFE STORAGE STORE 413 875 MARATHON PARKWAY LAWRENCEVILLE, GA 30046 AUCTION DATE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017 @ 10:30 AM In accordance with the provisions of State law, there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manages’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at the Life Storage location (s) listed below.

And, due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the below stated location(s) to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27th 2017 @ 10:30AM 875 Marathon Pkwy Lawrenceville, GA 30046 678242-1441 Space No. C u s t o m e r Name Inventory 3023 Pamela Simpkins Household Goods/Furniture.

1036 Natasha Lowery Household Goods/Furniture.

1118 Impress for Less Household Goods/Furniture.

1130 Cislyn Brown Household Goods/Furniture; TV/Stereo Equip.

2051 Danh C Tran Household Goods/Furniture.

2134 La Keitha Watson Household Goods/Furniture ; TV/Stereo Equip.; Tools/Appliance.

929-521803, 12/8,15 NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OCGA 40-11-2 BLUE RIDGE MB, WILL HOLD AN AUCTION FOR THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE(S): 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S500 WDBNG75J33A379360 WILL BE AUCTIONED ON DECEMBER 20, 2017 AT 10 AM AT 4405 PAXTON LN SW LILBURN, GA 30047 *7802 929-521558, 12/1,8 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE In accordance with Georgia Law Chapter 40-11-5 the following vehicles have been deemed abandoned and will be sold at a public sale on 1229-17 @ 1:00 Said Vehicles are located at: 1052 Timber Glen Ct. Lilburn, GA 30047 VIN# HL-S30-292066 1976 DATSUN 280Z VIN# 1FTHX25G5VEC22768 97 FORD F250 Sale will be held at 2:30 on 12-29-17 Location:1386 Indian Trail-Lilburn Rd. #100 Norcross, GA 30093

PETS/LIVESTOCK

JOB OB FAIR FAIR Residential Residential Drivers Drivers • Front Front Load Load Driv Drivers ers Roll Roll Off Drivers Drivers • Diesel Mechanics Residential Residential Helpers

GIS ANALYST GIS Analyst / Desktop Applications, Duluth, GA. Apply: http://www. geonamic.com/careers/ GIS Analyst / Web Applications, Duluth, GA. Apply: http://www. geonamic.com/careers/

•Finished Basements •Bathroom Remodeling •Kitchen Remodeling •Custom Cabinets •Room Additions •Garages/Carports •Screened Porches •Custom Decks •Siding All Types

Advanced Disposal Services 5374 Goshen Springs Rd., Norcross GA 30093 For further information, call (678) 648-1131.

Call John

770-962-2071

Help make a difference in your own community! It has always been Advanced Disposal’s goal to attract and maintain a highly competent and fairly compensated workforce. That’s because we recognize that the real strength behind our company is the individuals who make it up. We vow to maintain the proper balance in all that we do for our employees, customers, shareholders and the communities we serve.

Credit Cards Accepted LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

BRIAN’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

• Drivers must meet hiring standards for MVR, background check and have a minimum of a Class B CDL We offer medical, dental, vision and life insurance, Paid Time Off as well as a company matching program for those investing in a 401k plan.

Come join Advanced Disposal’s growing team!

If unable to attend, please email resume to: Kimberly.Turpin@advanceddisposal.com www.advanceddisposal.com

Equal Opportunity Employer/AA - Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

FULL TIME MECHANICAL ENGINEER/ENGINEERING Project Engineer: (Peachtree Corners, GA) Develop building energy models using eQuest and present energy saving strategies to clients.

Email resume to job #JSA11292017PE, Johnson, Spellman. at resumes@jsace.com.

Project Estimator Eastern Corporation in Norcross, Georgia seeks Project Estimator who can analyze & calculate estimates. Req. BS & 2-yrs exp.

Email resume to easterncorporationga@ gmail.com

TRADE NAMES

DUMP TRUCK DRIVER NEEDED. Must have good driving record, able to pull equipment trailer.

Must have own transportation to office in Sugar Hill.

Call 770-945-7884.

FOREST REMODELING, INC.

Tuesday, December 12th, 2017 • 10am-3pm

GRAYSON, GA 30017 428 Townsend Street

A/P & Operations Commercial construction company in Snellville seeking a full-time person for accounts payable and operations admin. Must be proficient with MS Office and be able to multitask. Background in construction a plus.

First-rate benefits package available.

Email resume to snellvillehr@yahoo. com .

SERVICES HOME REPAIR/ REMODELING

On-The-Spot Interviews

HOUSES FOR SALE

FULL TIME

MAINE COON MIX CAT: Young adult female, beautiful, spayed, vaccines, sweet personality. 770-365-7998

**JOB FAIR - Norcross, GA**

VIN# JFIGD29603G507634 03 SUBARU WRX Sale will be held at 3:30 on 12-29-17 Location: 5395 HWY 29 Lilburn, GA 30047 929-523024, 12/8,15

GWINNETT SUPERIOR COURT TRADE NAME REGISTRATION MINUTE BOOK 17T PAGE 1029 Personally appeared the undersigned who on oath deposes and says that: High Speed Service Inc 5389 Monarch Pine Lane, Norcross, GA 30071 is/are doing business in Gwinnett County, Georgia under the name of: Lucky Crown International, 5389 Monarch Pine Lane, Norcross, GA 30071 and that the nature of the business to be carried on at such address is: food broker.

-sSworn to and Subscribed before me this 9 day of November, 2017.

-sDeputy Clerk Filed in Office Clerk Superior Court Gwinnett County, GA 17 NOV 15 933-521747, 12/8,13

ADOPT A PET

VEHICLES

HOUSES FOR SALE

LAKE/RIVER/COASTAL PROPERTY FOR SALE

MONROE, GA 30656

EATONTON, GA 31024 210 RIVER LAKE DR.

1155 Jim Daws Rd.

ACREAGE Older 4 Sided Brick Ranch Home On Wooded 39+ Acre Parcel.

Family rm w/fireplace, formal dining room, spacious kitchen, laundry area, full bath and large bedrooms!

2 creeks cross the property in back. +/-1012 feet of road frontage. $242,000 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

LAKE OCONEE Beautiful shaded lake lot with hardwoods and seawall with great views of Lake Oconee.

Approximately 120 ft water frontage.

Old mobile home used to sit on this property so septic is in place.

What a scenic place to build your dream home or vacation home. $240,000.

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FARMS, LOTS & ACREAGE FOR SALE

CEMETERY LOTS FOR SALE

LOGANVILLE, GA 30052 ETCHISON RD

BURIAL LOTS Broadlawn Memorial Gardens Buford, Ga. Spaces 3,4 Good Shepherd section lot 267-A $1,995. 770-366-7411 DULUTH, GA

BURIAL LOTS FOR SALE

UNDER CONTRACT 4BR/3.5BA Meticulously Maintained All Brick Home.

Great room w/built-ins, open to kitchen.

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LOGANVILLE, GA 30052 4433 BEAVER TREE STREET

2 STORY On Full Finished Basement.

5 Bedrooms 3 Full Baths $229,900 EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

MAKE OFFER! Beautiful 2.68 Acre Wooded Tract of Land.

200 feet of road frontage.

Not divisible.

Per planning and development mobile homes are permitted.

No metal type storage container structures are not permitted on parcel. $65,000 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

• SPACES 1, 2 • GARDEN APOSTLES • LOT 48B • 1 UNLINED VAULT $2,495.00 678-749-9036 REAL ESTATE FOR RENT APTS/DUP/CONDOS/ T’HOMES FOR RENT

GWINNETT DUPLEXES

2 Communities!

ACREAGE PRICE REDUCTION! Great 32.53+/- acre tract zoned A2, perfect for livestock, farming, hunting, or build your dream home.

Property has a 20 foot easement for access.

Motivated Sellers, Bring All Offers! $211,445 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com SNELLVILLE, GA 30078 BIRD LANE

BROOKWOOD SCHOOLS 1.03 Acre Wooded Zoned RS180.

Lot located in older established Snellville neighborhood in Brookwood Elementary School district. Water, sewer, gas and electric available but no connected at property.

No disclosure.

Owner purchased as investment property.

Zoned RS180. $36,500 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

LOGANVILLE, GA 30052 4665 ATLANTA HWY SUITE 100

COMMERCIAL SPACE Approximately 1319 Sq. Ft. Commercial Space For Lease.

Has 2 front entrances and 1 rear entry and suitable for drive through location.

Available Now! $1648 Per Month $492 Per Month CAM Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

JEEP WRANGLER, SPORT 4.0, 1998 Red With Black Top, Lift Kit, New Tires, Many Extras. Looks & Drives Great! $7450.

770-519-3438

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

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

770-513-3151

For a FREE Estimate

CALL OR TEXT

404.886.3587 Established 1989

Bucket Truck Summer Seasoned

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

Delivered & Dumped LICENSED MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

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STORAGE TRAILERS AVAILABLE • $200 per Month • 53 Foot Dry & Clean • Free Pick Up & Delivery • Local Shuttles Available

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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING DEADLINES

SNELLVILLE, 30078 Multi Family Estate Sale 12/8 - 12/10. Fri. & Sat., 8-4 & Sun. 10-3.

2912 Creekwood Dr. Antiques, man cave items, signed sports memorabilia, tools, appli., clothes, Hallmark ornaments, toys.

LINERS

SNELLVILLE, 30078 SAMPLE SALE. Everything New! Hshld. items & other goodies!

Under wholesale. Fri. 12/8, 10-4, Sat. 12/9, 10-2 & Sun. 12/10 10-4.

2265 Eastgate Drive.

FIREWOOD Seasoned Oak & Hickory.

Delivery or Pick Up. Call For Prices.

770-962-8744 SEASONED OAK FIREWOOD 4x8 Rack $125.

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Proceeds for funding Helping Hands Missionary Trips.

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For more information please call 770-314-2149

EXCERCISE EQUIPMENT & BABY ITEMs Nordic Trac Exercycle, Gold’s Gym Elyptical, & other equipment. Baby Stroller, Infant Car Seat & Base, (2) Regular Car Seats, and Cradle.

Please call 770-9958933. Lawrenceville.

PUBLICATION DAY

DEADLINE

Wednesday Friday Sunday

Monday 3 pm Thursday 3 pm Friday 11:30 am

DISPLAY ADS

FURNITURE/ HOUSEHOLD GOODS

MISC. FOR SALE

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

GWINNETT

GARAGE SALES

Very good condition.

Double recliner leather sofa. Brown. $150.

CALL 678-779-4016

MOBILE HOMES & LOTS FOR RENT

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

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FITNESS/HEALTH/ SPORTING GOODS

ONE MONTH FREE Limited AvailabilitySelect Units Only Brand New Luxury Townhomes with Attached Garages and Professionally Managed. Please call 770.729.4289 or visit us at www.SugarHill TownHomes.com

COUNTRY BOY TREE REMOVAL

POWER WASHING

CAMPERS/RVS

FIREWOOD

MONROE, GA 30656 JIM DAWS RD

MONROE, GA 30655 3045 AMBER CT

NEW LISTING HUD # 105-660664 Beautiful 4BR/2.5BA Split Foyer on 1 Acre Cul-De-Sac Lot with Back Deck and Decking for Pool.

FHA Insured w/escrow EHO • $155,000 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

At White Chapel Memorial Gardens

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

COMMERCIAL RENTALS

PUBLICATION DAY

DEADLINE

Wednesday Friday Sunday

Friday 3 pm Tuesday 3 pm Wednesday 3 pm

To place a Classified ad please call 520513-1

1990 Xtreme Scooter 2012XB700LI100032 2010 Ford Fusion 3FAHP0HAXAR427043 1999 BMW 323i WBAAM3334XFP52630 1994 Toyota Corolla 1NXAE09B5RZ207544 1997 Ford Expedition 1FMEU1769VLB44111 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix 1G2WK52JX1F131155 2003 Acura 3.2 TL 19UUA56633A015258 1993 Ford Expedition 1FMRU17L1XLB09900 2001 Toyota 4Runner JT3GN86R410191836 2005 Ford Explorer 1FMZU73KX5UB57421 1996 Jeep Cherokee 1J4FT68S5TL272955 2006 Volkswagen Touareg WVGZG77L56D038655 2005 Scion xB JTLKT324450209707 929-521551, 12/1,8,15

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017 • B9

770-236-9988

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

10B • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

The Gwinnett Daily Post congratulates our SEC Champs the GA Bulldogs on their conference win!

Own a piece of history with this commemorative 10x20 replica front page commemorating the Georgia Bulldogs’ SEC Championship. The full-color page features photos, game story from the Gwinnett Daily Post and season results.

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$30 + S&H

Limited time only! www.gwinnettdailypost.com/posters

we Gwinnett Daily Post

weekend entertainment FRIDAY DECEMBER 8, 2017

Greeting the season 10 spot the

‘Tis the season for year-end lists, and Time magazine gets into the act with its top 10 TV shows of the past year according to writer Daniel D’Addario. See how these 10 shows correspond with your viewing habits:

1. “Better Things,” FX 2. “Big Little Lies,” HBO 3. “The Leftovers,” HBO 4. “Feud: Bette and Joan,” FX 5. “Insecure,” HBO

6. “Alias Grace, Netflix 7. “I Love Dick,” Amazon 8. “Mindhunter,” Netflix 9. “Witness World Wide,” YouTube 10. “The Deuce,” HBO

the dish

Lawrenceville parade tonight to kick off Christmas

— Page 4C

inside

Red Clay Theatre to hold benefit for paralyzed police officer — Page 3C James Franco stars as Tommy Wiseau in “The Disaster Artist” — Page 5C

Page 2C

SATURDAY WITH 517642-2

DEC.

09

Noon to 2 pm at the North Gwinnett Arts Association Center for the Arts at Suwanee Town Center 3930 Charleston Market Place, Units B6/B7 More information at 678-878-2818

SUWANEE.COM

a look ahead Dec. 16 Gwinnett County Bicentennial Birthday Celebration — Celebrate Gwinnett’s 200th birthday with cake, live music, storytelling by Duluth Historical Society’s Candace Morgan and a reenactment of the story of Button Gwinnett by the New Dawn Theater.

The event, held at 10:30 a.m. at the Southeastern Railway Museum, is free.

Pet photos with Santa — The Gwinnett Humane Society, located at 3370 Sugarloaf Parkway, gives you a chance to have your pets picture taken with Santa. The event lasts from noon to 3:30 p.m. Cost is a $12 donation.

Suzy Bogguss Christmas concert — Country singer Suzy Bogguss comes to the Duluth’s Red Clay Music Foundry for her annual Christmas show. Concert starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $30. For more information, go to www.eddieowenspresents.com.

2C • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

dining

dish the

Famous Toastery 1120 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suwanee www.famoustoastery.com 678-541-5345

The Left Coast BLT is on Famous Toastery’s afternoon menu. The rich sandwich is served with brie, house pesto, mayo and avocado.

(Photos: Julie Thompson)

Staff Intern

Owners: Carisse and Ebony Moody Open Since: Nov. 3 Location: Famous Toastery is located behind Bank of America at the intersection of McGinnis Ferry and Old Peachtree Blvd.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily Atmosphere: Guests should expect to feel a certain nostalgia when they set foot in this neighborhood breakfast and brunch destination.

In many respects, the franchised restaurant is fashioned like a retro diner, with a high table-top counter and the background hum of tunes from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. However, the mood shifts ever so slightly in the restaurant’s center where Edison light fixtures illuminate rows of the tables of various sizes so that friends and family can gather in an old-school, chic setting.

The operating owner, Carisse Moody, seals the deal, bearing the hospitality that someone from Rocky Mountain, N.C., would know to offer.

Moody, who moved to Gwinnett less than three months ago, said Suwanee reminds her of her hometown and she has quickly warmed to her new community.

Because the location is so new, Famous Toastery is still “ironing out some of the wrinkles, but the staff is up for the challenge of providing quality service.” And every day, Moody reminds her staff of the franchise slogan: “Every server is your server.”

“I told the staff you treat somebody as if they are

ON THE MENU Good Morning Menu — All griddle items (think flapjacks, french toast, and waffles) come with a choice of sides, including bacon, turkey ham, country ham and sausage.

Flavored flapjacks — banana nut, apple cinnamon, raspberry walnut, chocolate whip or coconut, $10.99 Stuffed french toast — raspberries, blueberries, peanut butter and banana, or cream cheese and strawberries, $10.99 Avocado Benny — split avocado served with two eggs any style, topped with cajun spices and served with pico de gallo and fresh fruit, $12.99 Blah Blah Blah Omelette — Choose your own vegetable, cheese and meat, $10.99 Good Afternoon Menu: Left Coast BLT — Bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, brie, and pesto mayo on whole wheat and a side of pesto pasta salad, $10.99 Meatloaf — mashed potatoes, roast veggies and gravy, $10.99 Quinoa and kale salad — grilled chicken, cranberries, pecans and raspberry dressing, $11.99

Above left, Famous Toastery owner Carisse Moody recommends the restaurant’s Avocado Benny, a split avocado served with two eggs any style, topped with Cajun spices and served with pico de gallo and fresh fruit. Above right, featuring a high tabletop counter and an oldies playlist, the Famous Toastery in Suwanee sports an aesthetic that can be described as old school meets modern.

of it. If it was easy everyone would do it.”

So far, Moody has felt appreciated by the people of Suwanee and said that many customers have expressed their appreciation for the addition of a local brunch shop. your 90-year-old grandMenu: Besides the mother,” Moody said. breakfast and brunch Moody has always taken favorites, Famous Toastery pleasure in serving others. also serves lunch items For years, she worked as that cater to a variety of an orthopedist and took diets and lifestyles. satisfaction in seeing her The eatery accommopatients improve under her dates customers bright care. According to Moody, and early with the Good the satisfaction she gets Morning menu that feafrom serving customers is tures nutritious staples similar. such as a quinoa breakfast When asked if the tran- bowl along with delicacies sition has been smooth, like stuffed french toast, Moody said, “Absolutely served with berries and a not, but that’s the fun part choice of peanut butter and

®

banana or cream cheese.

Also from the breakfast menu are the house flapjacks. These come in an assortment of shapes and colors and are served with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a side of bacon.

Sweet tooths can take it up a notch with an extra helping of hot syrup.

Moody is a fan of anything with avocado. On the breakfast menu, she recommends the Avocado Benny, an Eggs Benedict dish served in the soft center of an avocado. On the “Good Afternoon” menu, she recommends the Left Coast BLT, a rich sandwich served with brie, house pesto mayo and, of course, Moody’s favorite green fruit.

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flapjacks and crepes.

The idea is to appeal to the masses and provide something for everyone and to let customers have their say in what goes on the menu, Moody said.

“We want them to feel they have a footprint as to what this store is doing,” she said.

Something you might not know: The patio is pet-friendly. For the soft opening, Famous Toastery staff partnered with the Georgia SPCA animal shelter to let guests know that animals are always welcome.

“I have a master’s as well as my undergraduate in zoology. Animals have a significant spot in my heart,” Moody said.

Live Entertainment Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nights!

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Among the lighter options, the lunch menu also features quinoa and kale salad with grilled chicken, cranberries, pecans and raspberry dressing.

With breakfast or lunch, squeezed orange juice is an option for those who want to try something fresh with their meal.

If customers leave room for dessert, they can try the flourless chocolate cake. It’s a franchise favorite and a gluten-free option.

The Suwanee location also does daily specials that are unique from any other franchise location.

Currently in the works are a number of holiday items such as peppermint hot chocolate and flavored

6331 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Doraville, GA 30360 Phone. 770-648-8677 | Fax. 770-645-2797 www.coaxumsseafoodspot.com

XNSP5152

BY JULIE THOMPSON

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017 • 3C

gwinnettdailypost.com

music

Red Clay to host benefit concert for Cpl. Duncan What: ESOEDO benefit concert for Cpl. Michael Duncan and family When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 Where: Red Clay Music Foundry, 3116 Main St., Duluth Tickets: $35 More info: www.eddieowenpresents.com

BY VENUE — MUSIC 37 MAIN 37 E. Main St., Buford 678-288-2030 buford.37main.com • Dec. 8: Aunt Betty • Dec. 9: Head Games (Foreigner Tribute) • Dec. 14: The Andrews Brothers Dueling Pianos • Dec. 15-16: Queen Nation (Queen Tribute)

Nashville songwriters and musicians. He was also a classmate of Jolly’s, both graduating from Lakeside High School in 1976.

Jolly and his wife, Sherry, were reacquainted with McDowell’s music several years ago, and attended an ESOEBO show at Red Clay just days after the crash.

“I contacted Chuck initially with the idea of him and Gail performing for Michael and his family at the Shepherd Center and even maybe some other patients,” Jolly said.

McDowell suggested that Jolly should contact Eddie Owen about setting up a show at Red Clay.

According to Jolly, about 30 seconds into the call Owen simply said, “James, we’re going to do this and I’m not walking away with a dime.”

About his old classmate, Jolly says, “Chuck has enthusiastically supported this idea from the beginning. Obviously without him, this would not be happening.”

PRESENTS

SLEEPING BEAUTY S U N DAY JANUARY 7

FOX T H E AT R E

Your Local Place of Worship Welcomes You

EVERETT’S MUSIC BARN 4055 Stonecypher Road, Suwanee 678-858-5363 everettsmusicbarn.net • Dec. 9: The Wisemen Brothers • Dec. 16: Joy Smith Christmasmas Show

IGNITE YOUR LIFE, YOUR WORSHIP, AND YOUR WORLD!

Friendship Baptist Church

A Purpose Driven Church

3375 Church Lane, Duluth, GA Church Office: 770-497-8227 • Fax: 770-497-9775 Rev. Ronald L. Bowens, Pastor Warmer through through Fellowship Warmer Fellowship Deeper through through Discipleship Deeper Discipleship Larger through through Evangelism Larger Evangelism Sharing through Ministries Sharing through Ministries AND Stronger throughWorship Worshipand andthe theWord WordofofGod God AND Stronger through

FOX THEATRE 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-881-2100 foxtheatre.org • Dec. 18: Keith and Kristyn Getty — Sing! An Irish Christmas

Celebrating 5 years Rev. Ronald L. Bowens

A contemporary Wesleyan Church meeting at Peachtree Ridge High School 1555 Old Peachtree Rd., Suwanee

473090-1

Weekly worship Sundays 10:30 AM ignitegwinnett.com

Pastor

Sunday Worship Services................7:30 AM, 11:00 AM Children’s Church............................7:30 AM, 11:00 AM Sunday School ................................................. 9:45 AM Bible Study (all ages) ...................Wednesday, 7:30 PM

Poplar Hill Baptist Church

770-596-3573

INFINITE ENERGY ARENA 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.infiniteenergycenter. com • Dec. 9: Trans-Siberian Orchestra

ATLANTA SYMPHONY HALL 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-733-4900 www.atlantasymphony.org THE LOFT • Dec. 8: Jazz at Lincoln 1374 W. Peachtree St., Center Orchestra with WynAtlanta ton Marsalis 404-885-1365 • Dec. 9, 10, 15, 16: www.centerstage-atlanta.

Christmas with the Atlanta com/shows/the-loft Symphony Orchestra — • Dec. 9: Raelyn Coca-Cola Holiday Series • Dec. 12: Rittz • Dec. 15: Behzad Leito BUCKHEAD THEATRE 3110 Roswell Road, Atlanta PHILIPS ARENA 404-843-2825 1 Philips Drive N.W., Atlanta www.thebuckheadtheatre.

404-878-3000 com www.philipsarena.com • Dec. 21: Ed Roland’s • Dec. 12: Katy Perry Winter Wonder Bash • Dec. 15: Power 96.1 Jingle Ball CENTER STAGE THEATER RED CLAY MUSIC 1374 W. Peachtree St., FOUNDRY Atlanta 3116 Main St., Duluth 404-885-1365 678-957-7283 www.centerstage-atlanta. www.eddieowenpresents. com/shows/center-stagecom theater • Dec. 8: Celtic Guitar Christ• Dec. 8: Illionaire Amition mas with Robin Bullock and US Tour 2017 Steve Baughman • Dec. 9: Omid Live in • Dec. 9-10, 17: Gwinnett Concert School of Music Recital • Dec. 13: Eddie Owens EDDIE’S ATTIC 515-B N. McDonough St., Presents: ESOEBO Benefit Concert for the Cpl. Michael Decatur Duncan Family 404-377-4976 • Dec. 14: Eddie Owen www.eddiesattic.com • Dec. 12: Flatland Cavalry Presents: Ben Haggard, Jonathan Peyton & Jhon Baumann • Dec. 15: Eddie Owen • Dec. 13: Patterson Hood Presents: Chloë Agnew with • Dec. 14: Dar Williams Chasing Lovely • Dec. 16: Robin Meade

RUSSIAN BALLET

512728-1

40 WATT CLUB 285 W. Washington St., Athens 706-549-7871 www.40watt.com • Dec. 8: High Hat at The Watt • Dec. 15: Wolves among Ravens

Gwinnett County Police Cpl. Michael Duncan

Regency

Church of God 1132 Buford Hwy 770-271-5610

770.945.6131 234 Shadburn Ave, Buford

Pastor: Rev. Avery Headd B.A., M. Div.

Times of Worship Sunday • 8 am & 11 am Times of Instruction Sunday • 9:45 am Church School Sunday • 10 am Invitational Counseling Wednesday • Youth Bible Studies 7 pm Wednesday • Adult Bible Studies 7 pm

Christmas Cantata “The Majesty and Glory of Christmas” Featuring choir and handbell musicians

473095-1

days in uniform,” Jolly said. “And I remembered him as having been a Marine. Marines tend to remember each other. It didn’t matter whether we actually knew each other well or not, we had worn the same badge and the same uniform and that was enough.”

Duncan’s fellow officers organized and hosted a benefit golf tournament in October to help Duncan and his wife, Laura, redo their Watkinsville home for wheelchair access. Earlier this month, a Kiwanis-sponsored 5K run also raised money for the family, and Hebron Baptist Church in Dacula hosted a car show that did the same.

“The community support has been amazing,” Laura Duncan said. “Some days are better than others and it’s been tiring. The rest of our lives haven’t stopped.”

But they are getting a lot of help.

“Part of what attracted me to Home Depot,” Jolly said, “was their reputation of charitable work on behalf of veterans.”

He spoke with his managers about fundraising options and then approached Duncan and asked if he would accept the assistance. Duncan said yes.

Local singer-songwriter Chuck McDowell is a regular at Red Clay and has written and performed with some heavy-hitting

Chuck McDowell will perform with his band ESOEBO (Eclectic Selections of Everything But Opera) at a fundraiser scheduled for Dec. 13 at the Red Clay Music Foundry. James Jolly, right, is the event’s organizer.

(Special Photo)

Dr. Terry Reece • Senior Pastor

“Come and get Jesus” “A Church forconnected Hurting to People”

Sunday 10:30 AM Worship Sunday 10:30 AM “J” Town Kids Church Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study & Youth regencycog.com

“A Christ Centered Church Where Love is the Greatest” 134557

Sunday, December 10, 7PM All invited.

Childcare provided.

Fairview Presbyterian Church 194 years young 857 Duluth Highway, Lawrenceville, GA

fairviewpres.org

519764-1

A benefit concert for Gwinnett County police officer Michael Duncan, who was paralyzed in a helicopter crash in September, is set for Dec. 13 at Eddie Owen’s Red Clay Music Foundry in Duluth.

Local band ESOEBO (Eclectic Selections of Everything But Opera), fronted by Chuck McDowell and Gail Burnett, will perform and all proceeds will go to the Duncan family.

The idea for the fundraiser came from James Jolly, who solicited help from an old high school classmate to help set up the concert to benefit a fellow Marine.

When news reports came in Sept. 1 that two unnamed officers with the Gwinnett County Police Department were involved in a helicopter crash, Jolly paid particular attention.

After years of professional community service, he knew there was a chance he may know or have worked with the officers involved.

A former Marine and retired Gwinnett police officer with 28 years of service, followed by stints with the DEA and FBI, Jolly was in the break room of the Home Depot store where he works parttime when he heard the news.

He later learned the two officers involved in the crash were George McLain, 38, and Duncan, an 11-year Gwinnett police veteran and former Marine. The two had been helping ground officers chase a wanted suspect when bad weather forced them back to base.

“Michael and I had overlapped in his early

IF YOU GO

522259-1

Staff Correspondent

To advertise your worship service or event here, contact

Mary London

473080-1

BY JIM SIMPSON

770.963.9205 x1211

4C • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

Top left, Lawrenceville Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson waves to the crowd at the 2016 Lawrenceville Hometown Christmas Parade. Above left, live reindeer take a break at the parade. Above right, Santa waves to the crowd during the parade. This year’s parade will take place tonight. (File Photos)

Holiday on display

BY CURT YEOMANS

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

Their noses may not glow like Rudolph’s, but tonight there will be reindeer in downtown Lawrenceville with a jolly old man in a red suit.

No, seriously.

There really will be live

reindeer and Santa Claus in the city tonight. This is the Christmas season after all, and Lawrenceville will be holding a parade to mark the occasion.

The city’s second annual Hometown Christmas Parade, which will be presented by United Community Bank, will take place at 7 p.m. today at

the intersection of Clayton and Branson streets. Participants will make a loop along Clayton, Pike, Perry and Nash streets.

This year’s theme will be the seemingly Stevie Wonder-inspired, “What Christmas Means to Us,” and proceeds from the event being donated to Children’s Healthcare of

Atlanta.

The health care system’s mascots, Hope and Will, are set to serve as the grand marshals for the parade.

City officials said food trucks will be set up near the square, although attendees are also encouraged to eat at a downtown restaurant if they prefer.

The parade will include an honor guard, city elected officials, marching bands, light-up floats, walking

Lawrenceville parade to feature Santa, reindeer civic groups, decorated vehicles and, yes, Santa Claus.

The live reindeer will be near the square, along with seasonal refreshments.

Although the event begins at 7 p.m., city officials recommended spectators arrive by 5 p.m.

Roads around the square will close at 6 p.m. As a result, drivers who normally come through the area are being warned to

expect heavy delays in the downtown area.

Anyone who wants to attend the parade can park in the Downtown Parking Deck at 153 E. Crogan St., the Lawrenceville Lawn at 210 Luckie St., the City of Lawrenceville Fleet Maintenance Shop at 20 S. Clayton St., Lawrenceville City Hall at 70 S. Clayton St. and, after 6 p.m., at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive.

Celebrate the Season Decorated Trees Cultural Displays

Global Celebrations Holiday Activities

Free for Members FernbankMuseum.org @FernbankMuseum

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New Dawn Theater’s “The Christmas Awakening” will run through Dec. 17. (Special Photo)

New Dawn putting on original ‘The Christmas Awakening’ New Dawn Theater Company has been producing family friendly theater for 15 years, 10 of those in Duluth. This holiday season, artistic director and president Sherry Ingbritsen has written a new play called “The Christmas Awakening.” Ingbritsen is also directing the production, which will run on weekends through Dec. 17.

The nonprofit arts organization also celebrates a new location. In 2017, New Dawn moved to the Mall Corners Shopping Center in Duluth at the intersection of Satellite Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road, where a steady beehive of drama and community performances thrive.

“The Christmas Awakening” shows are at 8 p.m Thursdays, Fridays and one Saturday through Dec. 15. On Sundays, Dec. 10 and 17, the show is at 2 p.m. On Dec. 16, the performance is only at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults. For children under age 13 and seniors age 51 and over, the cost is $12.

Group rates are available for $10 per ticket and can be purchased from any cast or board member. For tickets, call 678-887-5015.

“The story takes place in modern day. Two homes, one a beautiful family home in Princeton, the

Art Beat

volunteer stage manager.

“The Christmas Awakening” cast includes Craig Hall, Bridget Shepard, Solange Fleury, Caister Choi, Hannah Bell, Rosi Lowry, Vanessa Clark, Kelvin Gao, Celeste Campbell, Tori Foden, Chuck Mason and Falyn Outlaw.

New Dawn produces Holley Calmes eight main stage productions each year along with other a rundown tenement three kids and teens shows, teen acting classes, plus a apartment in Trenton,” summer camp drama series Ingbritsen said. “Nora for children. The facility and Roger live two very is also available for rentals different lives. Roger, an investment banker, and his for concerts, dances, business meetings, weddings wife Beth have lives that are filled with wealth, fam- and even magic shows.

The location is also ily and everything a person utilized by a number of could want. The other, Nora, lives day to day, with popular local acts who are regulars throughout little to nothing, except the year such as “The two children who depend Main Street Symphony,” on her.

“Nora’s caring neighbor, “Mark Pitts’ Elvis,” “Steve McKee’s Oldies,” “PickNaomi, does her best to be there for her as a friend xen,” “Compania Teatral Interludio” and more. and mother figure. With New Dawn is located Christmas looming, these at 3650 Satellite Blvd. in two families’ lives can Duluth. For more informachange forever. Or, will tion about the facilities and they choose to live their the many performance and lives in desperation and educational opportunities turn a blind eye to what New Dawn has to offer, their future holds? ‘The Christmas Awakening’ is a visit www.newdawntheatercompany.com. heartwarming drama that Holley Calmes is a is perfect for Christmasfreelance writer and public time.” relations consultant speThe cast of actors are cializing in the arts. Email all volunteers, as are New Dawn’s eight board mem- her at hcalmes@mindbers. Melanie Fleury is the spring.com.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017 • 5C

movies

Franco’s Wiseau a bit uneven in ‘Disaster Artist’

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

The term “cult film” covers a lot of ground. It could be a movie that had a limited initial release, one that never had a theatrical release but later came out on home video or one that came out, made little money initially but went on to not only clear a profit but eventually became a cinematic and cultural phenomenon. Two such titles are “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” from 1975 and “The Room” from 2003.

Written, directed and produced by and starring Tommy Wiseau, “The Room” cost $6 million to produce yet made less than $2,000 on opening weekend.

But it has since gone on to clear a healthy profit thanks to global midnight movie screenings and multiple home video releases, and it will likely make even more in the coming weeks thanks to “The Disaster Artist.”

People who love “The Room” are few but fervent, and probably not in a way Wiseau had ever intended. A man who to this day guards his actual age and country of origin, Wiseau thought himself a supreme thespian and visionary and, thanks to a mystery bank account that another character in this film termed “bottomless,” he was able to bankroll what is considered to be “the greatest bad movie ever made.”

Co-produced and directed

by James Franco, “The Disaster Artist” is a making-of the making of “The Room,” in which Franco also stars as Wiseau, and it might just be his finest performance to date. Playing a bad actor turning in a bad performance isn’t as easy as it may seem,

and Franco is immensely believable in the part but makes an unforgiveable mistake. He tries to make Wiseau both likeable and respectable while simultaneously mocking him and turning him into a laughing stock — the latter of which was far too easy.

Tim Burton did almost this same thing with “Ed Wood” — a movie that satirized the title character — a filmmaker with zero talent who pretty much knew he had no talent - but kind of made up for it with limitless, unbridled enthusiasm. As Franco defines Wiseau, he had much enthusiasm and believed he deserved success solely because he wanted it. The bigger problem was Wiseau thought he was the rightful heir to the legacies of Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock, Marlon Brando AND James Dean, and he knew no shame or limits.

Hanging out in San Francisco and attending multiple actors workshops at the turn of the century, Wiseau was approached by fellow actor Greg Sestero (Franco’s brother Dave), who was impressed with his “intensity” — Wiseau repeatedly screamed “Stella!” while writhing on a stage. A wideeyed greenhorn, Sestero thought himself lucky to meet such a kindred spirit, and in what seems like no time, he’s whisked away

by Wiseau to Los Angeles, where they both start down their respective paths to fame and fortune.

Neither Sestero nor Wiseau had much luck and the former suggests to the latter that they make their own movie. As if struck by a lightning bolt of divine inspiration, Wiseau uses that mysterious bank account to fund a full-blown production, surrounding himself with professional performers and assorted technicians — and immediately ignoring them as they simply try to do their jobs.

As impressive and allencompassing as James Franco’s performance might be — and it is truly something to behold — his work behind the camera rarely extends beyond perfunctory.

Re-enacting scenes from another movie — however accurate — does not equate to visionary filmmaking but rather something more akin to talented mimicry. Perhaps Franco recognized this himself during the split-screen closing credit sequence when he positions dozens of shots from his film and “The Room” next to each other.

He’s kind of admitting this to be his crowning achieve- From left, Dave Franco and James Franco star in “The Disaster Artist.” (Special Photo: Justina Mintz/A24) ment.

Whatever its shortcomings may be — and they are plenty — “The Disaster Artist” is a sincere love letter to the filmmaking process — one that values effort equally with quality. Wiseau set out to make what he thought was something on a level with “Citizen Kane” and became only momentarily disappointed when people laughed at it and him. He set out to become famous and he succeeded all while coming across as a man far too impressed with his own talent, which he failed to recognize as being minimal.

Without perhaps knowing or intending to do so, Wiseau did what far too many MAIL COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: people would also do at the GDP/D3 • P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 drop of a hat: become faor gwinnettdailypost.com/contests to enter at mous even if it means lookName _______________________________________________________ ing stupid and inept while Address _____________________________________________________ doing so. James Franco isn’t honoring Wiseau here; Phone ____________ Email ____________________________________ he’s offering up a warning.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be 18 years old or older to enter. Void where prohibited & restricted by law. Sponsor’s employees Wanting fame, no matter and their dependents are ineligible. Entries must be received by December 24, 2017. Winners will be notified by phone or email. what the cost, comes with a price — one that a flush NOW AVAILABLE ON DIGITAL, BLU-RAYTM &DVD! bank account and accolades from people who think you a fool — will never warrant. It should be noted that when asked multiple times recently how accurate Franco’s film is, Wiseau responded “99 1/2 percent.”

He’s still on the clock.

(A24/Warner Bros./ New Line)

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movies

Best film of ’17 ‘The Shape of Water’ wows

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The Shape of Water (R) 4 out of 4 stars ★★★★

night shift maid at a government research facility, Elisa (Sally Hawkins) is a single woman with no social life, except for exchanges with her closeted gay artist neighbor Giles

BY MICHAEL CLARK (Richard Jenkins). Mute Movie Critic since childhood, Elisa is also a hopeless romantic With a career spanning with little to no hope of 24 years and now a mod- ever finding love. est 10 films to his credit, All of this changes Mexican-born director with the arrival of The Guillermo del Toro has Amphibious Man aka The never strayed far from Asset (Doug Jones), a his horror/fantasy safety being extracted from the zone. While there are mi- Amazon rainforest for no nor elements of that hyapparent reason by United brid genre in “The Shape States Armed Forces. The of Water,” del Toro and government doesn’t know co-writer Vanessa Taylor quite what to do with (“Game of Thrones”) The Asset, so they assign have crafted a romantic Type-A Colonel Richard thriller period piece that Strickland (Michael Shanremains wholly originon) the job of interronal despite being highly gating him. With a cattle derivative and is arguably prod and a demeanor akin Supported by the best film of 2017. to that of Hitler and Idi Set in early 1960s Amin, Strickland tortures Choreography by John McFall Baltimore during the peak The Asset for fun and Live with Atlanta Ballet Orchestra of the Cold War, the plot moreso when he doesn’t of “The Shape of Water” answer his questions — contains elements of not having the common December 8 - 28, 2017 dozens of other films, in- sense or wherewithal to The Fox Theatre cluding but not limited to figure out that The Asset “Beauty and the Beast,” doesn’t speak or even “Starman,” “Splash,” understand English.

“King Kong,” “BarbarelAs speaking is not See this version one last time before la” and “Creature from an issue with Elisa, she Atlanta Ballet unveils a brand new the Black Lagoon.” In re- makes regular visits to Ascent interviews, Del Toro set’s holding pool, feeds Nutcracker in 2018! has said the idea for this him boiled eggs, plays film started when he was jazz records and teaches approached by Universal him how to sign, all the Visit atlantaballet.com or call to do a remake of “Lawhile keeping it from her goon” but was eventually close co-worker Zelda 1.855.285.8499 for tickets! dropped from consider(Octavia Spencer). One ation when he proposed a night Elisa is seen visitradical change to the plot ing The Asset by Richard Groups of 10+, call 404.873.5811 x207. line.

Hoffstetler (Michael Living above a movie Stuhlbarg), an empatheater and working as a thetic doctor vehemently Coco Mathieson. Photo by Charlie McCullers. opposed to Strickland’s draconian modus operandi, whose reasons for The Asset’s safekeeping aren’t entirely humanitarian.

What specifically takes place in the second half of the movie will remain a secret here, but it wouldn’t be spoiling anything by revealing that Elisa falls in love with The Asset and Strickland is given an ultimatum by his equally short-sighted superiors to deliver results or not-so-metaphorically cut bait. The tone switches from thoughtful and often brutal character study into full-tilt thriller leading up to a final scene that will transform every viewer with a pulse into a better person simply by witnessing it.

In a recent interview MAIL COMPLETED FORM TO: GDP/Tangled-Ducktales • P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 with IndieWire.com, del OR ENTER ONLINE AT or gwinnettdailypost.com Toro said: “This movie Name _______________________________________ Phone _____________________________________ is a healing movie for Email _______________________________________ Address _____________________________________ me. For nine movies I NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be 18 years old or older to enter. Void where prohibited & restricted by law. Sponsor’s employees and their dependents are ineligible. Entries must rephrased the fears of my be received by DECEMBER 17, 2017. Winners will be notified by phone or email. childhood, the dreams of my childhood, and this

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is the first time I speak as an adult about something that worries me as an adult. I speak about trust, otherness, sex, love, where we’re going. These are not concerns that I had when I was 9 or 7.”

What del Toro clarifies here shows him moving onward and upward as a filmmaker. He addresses the human condition in not all but many ways — intimacy, fear of the unknown, paranoia, anger, romance showing up when not expected, territorialism, sacrifice, the future, the lack of inclusiveness — and he does so within a framework that is apolitical and non-judgmental yet overflowing with unbridled passion.

Everyone with a speaking role in the movie earns their keep, but none moreso than Hawkins who never says a word here and bests her own stellar performance in “Maudie” from earlier this year. Calling on a performer to act without speaking (Patty Duke in “The Miracle Worker,” Marlee Matlin in “Children of a Lesser God,” Holly Hunter in “The Piano” — all of whom won Oscars, by the way) is a tall order and one that would cause most thespians to curl up into little dust balls — or worse, go full-tilt over the top. But Hawkins dives into the deep end with immense economy and restraint, and she totally owns the film.

Again, without giving anything whatsoever away, pay close attention to the opening credit sequence and how it matches up so seamlessly with the end of the film; it speaks volumes and then some. It’s clear del Toro and Taylor thought this thing through from every angle and very likely tossed many ideas to the wayside and probably with great levels of whiteknuckle regret. This is a lean movie without a modicum of fat, and getting to that point must have been a journey filled with tough choices.

Prepare yourself to be wowed and moved in a manner you’ve never experienced. “The Shape of Water” is an instant and immediate classic and a film that now belongs securely to the ages.

Presented in English with frequent Sign and Russian with English subtitles.

(Fox Searchlight)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017 • 7C

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‘Coco’ film fans

PASS/FAIL

movies EDITOR’S NOTE: Film Fans features local residents reviewing the movie of the week:“Coco.” To be a film fan, email features@gwinnettdailypost.com.

WHO WILL LIKE THIS...

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE

SEE IT NOW OR WAIT

Pass: Superb animation; very good story line that appeals to older kids and adults; engaging characters; nice original songs.

Fail: A relatively long running time for what purports to be a kids’ movie; the story line is heavily skewed toward Hispanic culture and thus may not readily appeal to mass audiences.

The animators and storyboard folks at Pixar Animation really knocked it out of the park with “Coco.” They took a well-known Mexican traditional holiday and used it as the basis for a tale about a young boy’s love of music and search for his roots, then added some very good dialogue, humor, and songs. The result is an animated feast for the eyes and heart that gets better the longer you watch it.

Those who love everything Disney (who owns Pixar) will really enjoy “Coco,” especially if you liked last year’s “Moana.” While Latinos are the obvious demographic targeted for this flick, anyone who can put aside their cultural or religious biases and enjoy a good old-fashioned story will be very rewarded by watching “Coco.”

“Coco” dazzles on the big screen, for it’s here that the viewer can appreciate the true depth of detail in the animation. The scenes where the dead cross over to visit the living (according to Mexican tradition) are especially awesome to behold. If you’re taking youngsters, be ready for a long time at the cinema: “Coco” is a full-length film and is preceded by a Disney short “Olaf’s Christmas Tradition” which runs more than 30 minutes and features the obnoxious snowman from “Frozen.”

I must confess that as a nonHispanic viewer who doesn’t ascribe to the beliefs expressed in the movie, “Coco” still had a good enough story of the little boy Miguel’s odyssey that I was extremely impressed by the end of the film. One caveat: While “Coco” is pure Disney/Pixar gold aimed at youngsters, the themes and ideas expressed are best appreciated by older children and adults. In fact, very young kiddies might get antsy and a bit scared by all the skeletons and fantastic beasts featured. Otherwise, “Coco” is a complete fiesta.

Pass: There is a lot to love about “Coco.” Pixar has really gone to a lot of trouble to tell a story with great care, with colorful and dramatic animation, a sensitive script that gently teaches a little Mexican history without manipulation and with solid voiceover performances.

Fail: There are a few minutes in the middle of the film where the story seems to drift a bit. Perhaps some trimming would have been a good idea here, but that is a minor quibble in a film that is, overall, one of the best of the year, animated or otherwise.

All of the voice actors do a fine job with both acting and singing. Gael Garcia Bernal, known primarily for dramatic roles, brings the quirky character of Hector to life in such a way that we are not too sure about him in the beginning, but by the end we have fallen in love with him, flaws and all. Anthony Gonzalez, who voices the young leading man Miguel, is charming and sweet throughout, and when he sings to his great grandmother in the final scene, if it doesn’t melt your heart, you should check your pulse.

This is a movie all about family and being a musician.

It’s not a musical per se, but there are songs scattered throughout (primarily penned by the Lopez duo that brought us “Let It Go,” “Do You Want To Build A Snowman?” and all those other “Frozen” tunes you’ve probably heard from your child’s stereo system). Kids will enjoy it, too; it’s not very violent and there is no colorful language — a refreshing PG movie that the whole family may enjoy. One caveat: Several of the main characters are skeletons (and their heads, arms, and hands randomly fly off an reattach), so some explaining my be required for the very young.

The color and design work is top-notch here, so you must see it on the big screen.

The stunning multicolored backdrops look absolutely magical, and the expressions on all of the characters are very expressive and realistic. Plus, if you hurry and see it soon, you are gifted with a mini-movie sequel to “Frozen” before the film starts (though I hear Pixar has decided to drop that at some point this month).

“Coco” is right up there with my favorite Pixar releases. It has a giant heart and succeeds without being overly melancholy or artificially sweet. The songs written for the film have that magic combination of tunefulness and poignancy, especially “Remember Me,” which is used throughout. So grab the family and spend a couple hours laughing and crying during “Coco.”

You’ll be glad you did.

Tim Weekley, Suwanee

★★★★

Paul Tate, Sugar Hill

OVERALL IMPRESSION

★★★★

COMING SOON TO OWN

DISC SPOTLIGHT MICHAEL CLARK

• “Detroit” (Dec. 12): Director Kathryn Bigelow’s drama follows a security guard’s (John Boyega) experiences in the violent wake of a police raid. (R)

Misery Collector’s Edition Blu-ray (R) Movie: ★★★★ Disc: ★★★★

One of the few superb adaptations of Stephen King works, “Misery” stars James Caan as Paul, the writer of a series of period-piece romance novels adored by reclusive spinster Annie (Kathy Bates). After crashing his car during a snowstorm, Paul is rescued by Annie, who nurses him back to health but is incensed after reading the manuscript of his latest “filthy” novel. Evenly paced by director Rob Reiner and master screenwriter William Goldman, “Misery” is a character-driven suspense thriller that pushes many emotional buttons and ultimately delivered Bates a well-deserved Oscar for Best Actress. This new edition includes lots of previously unreleased extras and a revamped

• “Game of Thrones: The Complete Seventh Season” (Dec. 12): Jon Snow and Cersei Lannister (Kit Harington, Lena Headey) both face challenges as leaders as the hugely popular HBO series continues. (Not rated) • “Home Again” (Dec. 12): A woman’s (Reese Witherspoon) surprising new romance is threatened by the return of her estranged husband (Michael Sheen).

(PG-13)

print that is well worth the purchase price.

Technical specs: aspect ratio: Widescreen (1.85:1/1080p), audio: English (DTS-HD MA 5.1, 2.0), subtitles: English.

Special features include: • Trailers • Nine featurettes • Filmmaker commentaries (Warner Bros., $21.99)

• “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” (Dec. 12): Members of an American spy organization step in to assist Eggsy (Taron Egerton) and his British colleagues against enemies. (R) • “Dunkirk” (Dec. 19): The Christopher Nolan-directed view of the World War II military operation features Harry Styles and Kenneth Branagh. (PG-13) • “Leatherface” (Dec. 19): The roots of the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” character are explored in this horror prequel; Stephen Dorff and Lili Taylor star. (R)

NOW SHOWING Recently reviewed films now playing in metro area theaters. Ratings are out of 4 stars.

Coco (PG) — 4 stars Disney/Pixar brings the Land of the Dead to life with this story surrounding Miguel, an aspiring musician, and his family on Dia de los Muertos. Set in Mexico, Miguel accidentally is transported to the Land of the Dead where he must get his family’s blessing to play music to return to the living world. Filled with beautiful animation, an authentic score and funny, clever jokes, “Coco” will entertain all generations and hopefully start a conversation about family and heritage. — Alex Tostado Mudbound (R) — 3 1/2 stars Director Dee Rees and Netflix have provided a sobering look into the American South during and after World War II. With an ensemble cast that includes a wonderful Mary J. Blige in her debut, “Mudbound” tells the story of two families: one of white landlords, the other of black tenant farmers.

Both have family members fighting in and returning from Europe. The two families’ stories come together to form an honest, gritty look into 1940’s Mississippi that will certainly earn Netflix an Oscar nomination. — Kyle Dawson

• Justice League (PG-13) — 3 stars After four years of commercially profitable but critically panned films in its superhero stable, DC Comics’ teamup of Batman and Wonder Woman (and Superman, sort of) with newcomers Aquaman, The Flash and Cyborg is a triumph at least as good as the average Marvel Studios flick.

The story’s a little thin but it’s a definite crowdpleaser. — Michael Buckelew and Khari J. Sampson • Last Flag Flying (R) — 3 stars Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston and Laurence Fishburne put on a master class of acting in this Richard Linklaterdirected tale of Vietnam War vets reuniting when one of their sons perishes in Iraq.

Part road trip, antiwar film and “Unforgiven” remake, it

teeters between being contemplative and boring but the performances save it. — KS • Thor: Ragnarok (PG-13) — 3 stars Marvel’s godly hero, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), returns for a third solo outing. Tons of humor — a little too much, actually — makes “Ragnarok” great fun despite a high-stakes plot where he’s stripped of his iconic hammer and cast far away from the homeland he’s sworn to defend (this time from Hela, goddess of death played

by Cate Blanchett). Co-star Tessa Thompson nearly steals the movie. — KS • LBJ (R) — 4 stars Woody Harrelson turns in a very impressive performance in this biopic of Lyndon Baines Johnson. Set during the time of Johnson’s vice presidency to JFK and the aftermath of JFK’s assas-

sination, Harrelson is able to have, according to director Rob Reiner, “the humanity and sensitivity to play all the parts of Johnson that were insecure, and he has a great sense of humor, which Johnson had.” Check out this one if you are a fan of Harrelson, history, politics or biographies. — AT • Suburbicon (R) — 3 stars Director George Clooney weaves a story of 1950s racial animus and a murder mystery in this different sort of thriller starring Matt Damon and, in dual roles, Julianne Moore. — MB • The Foreigner (R) — 3 stars Jackie Chan brings a hidden past and a father’s vengeance to this politicalaction thriller, also starring Pierce Brosnan. Chan loses his daughter to a terrorist

bombing in London and follows Brosnan’s roots to the culprits. This movie is action-packed and garners a few laughs but mostly keeps a dark tone. Leave the kids at home for this movie outing. — AT • Professor Marston and the Wonder Women (R) — 4 stars Luke Evans plays William Moulton Marston, creator of the Wonder Woman character of DC Comics fame and the hit film from this summer.

“Professor” tells how Marston and his wife, Elizabeth (Rebecca Hall), met Olive Byrne (Bella Heathcote) at Harvard.

Their unconventional love triangle, mostly with all three parties on equal footing, is explored in a manner that is interesting yet definitely not for young Wonder Woman fans. The genesis of many Wonder Woman traits is seen throughout, including the combined personalities of Elizabeth and Olive and the polygraph machineinspired lasso of truth. — MB • Happy Death Day (PG13) — 3 stars It’s “Groundhog Day” reimagined as a horror film starring a stuck-up sorority sister (Jessica Rothe) instead of Bill Murray. A smart riff on the genre, this piece of bloodstained fluff is more fun than you’d expect. “HDD” employs the usual tropes — jump scares, the seemingly unstoppable killer — to sur-

prising comedic effect. — KS • Blade Runner 2049 (R) — 3 1/2 stars Viewing the influential 1982 sci-fi classic “Blade Runner” is a necessity to appreciate the plot, tone and slow pace of this direct sequel. Set 30 years after the old film, hunters called blade runners (this time Ryan Gosling rather than Harrison Ford) still track down and fatally “retire” artificial humans — replicants. It’s a complex and very long exploration of a future gone wrong. — KS • Battle of the Sexes (PG-13) — 4 stars Emma Stone and Steve Carell are brilliant as Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in the 1973 match between the respective former No. 1 tennis players. Operating as both a female empowerment sports film and a commentary on the struggle of LGBTQ people, this film commits no fault. — KS • The Lego Ninjago Movie (PG) — 3 stars After taking on pop culture and superheroes, the animated Lego franchise pays homage to Asian cinema with this martial arts sendup.

A team of six color-coded ninjas battles flame-eyed villain Lord Garmadon, who has a familial connection to the Green Ninja, Lloyd.

Featuring Dan Franco, Justin Theroux and Jackie Chan, it’s funny and warm-hearted.

— KS

8C • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

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