January 3, 2018 — Gwinnett Daily Post

AT ODDS WITH JUSTICE, 9A

Trump lobs more criticism at department

RETURN TO FORM Collins Hill’s Arner back to setting records after health problems in junior season • Sports Spotlight, 1B

Gwinnett Daily Post WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

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Vol. 48, No. 48

Help sought identifying body found at local mall

BY ISABEL HUGHES isabel.hughes@gwinnettdailypost.com

Investigators with the Gwinnett Police Department are trying to identify the body of an Asian woman found in the Gwinnett Place Mall’s food court Dec. 21.

On Tuesday, the authorities enlisted the public’s help in identifying the woman, who they said was found in a vacant vendor space in the food court of the Duluth mall.

“A maintenance worker said he was doing a routine inspection of the unit and

See BODY, Page 8A

New year, new baby

Hardip Gomez smiles at her daughter, Aarya, the first baby born in Gwinnett in 2018, at Gwinnett Medical Center on Monday. (Staff Photos: Isabel Hughes)

GMC welcomes county’s first birth of 2018

BY ISABEL HUGHES

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Visit gwinnettdailypost.com for a photo gallery.

Seven-year-old Noah Gomez smiled shyly at the newborn bundled in front of him, his sister’s pink toes curling as he touched the bottoms of her feet.

Enamored with the baby’s tiny appendages, the boy’s calm was quickly broken as his brother Jasiah, 6, turned to their mother.

“Why is she so red?” the younger boy asked, concerned with Aarya’s coloring.

Laughing, Lawrenceville residents Hardip Gomez and her husband, James, explained to their four boys that the baby’s redness would fade in the upcoming days; after all, she was barely more than 12 hours old.

At 1:35 a.m. Monday, the Gomez family welcomed its fifth child into the world at Gwinnett Medical Center, marking the county’s first baby of the new year.

With four boys ranging in age from three to nine years old, Aarya is Hardip and James’ first girl. She also marks the first granddaughter in the family.

“We’re still in shock because we were kind of in denial as far as having a girl,” Hardip said, laughing. “I keep saying

his wife, interjecting.

“I’m really excited, and I’m definitely going to spoil her and make her daddy’s little girl,” he said. “But for me, it’s just about having a healthy family, and everyone’s together and we’re all just embracing her.”

Liam, previously the youngest at 3 years old, wasn’t quite so sure he was ready to The Gomez family poses at Gwinnett Medical Center on Monday embrace Aarya yet.

“The oldest, (Sebastian), was with its newest addition. really excited, but the little one ‘he, he, he,’ so we’re definitely pretty fast.” was in denial,” Hardip said. “I still adjusting, but I got my As her sons and husband remember this one time a cougirl.” gathered around mother and ple of months ago, he bumped Hardip, whose due date was baby, Hardip smiled brightly, into my stomach and fell down Dec. 30, said while she wasn’t adjusting Aarya’s bonnet. and he’s like, ‘The baby hurt expecting to have the county’s “I’m one of four girls and me. I don’t want the baby.’ first baby of the year, it makes I’ve raised four boys. So now He’s been like that the entire Jan. 1 that much more special. I’m excited to teach them what time, and right now he’s been “We were not even expectit means to grow up with a a bit distant. So I guess he’s ing this,” she said. “We were little girl and what it means to just feeling her out. He’s the actually supposed to go to a be a big brother to a little sisone I’m most concerned about, (New Year’s) party and I was ter,” she said. “I mean, they’re but for the rest of them, they’re convinced I wasn’t going to rough with each other so hope- pretty excited and happy.” have this baby because I was fully this will soften them up a Laughing again, Hardip so huge and so miserable. As little bit.” watched as Liam, initially we were about to go, literally Poking fun at her husband, resistant to his mother’s plea as I was getting in the car, it Hardip said: “I’ve always to take a family photo, reached was just one of those things heard when a man has a little toward his sister’s foot, one where the pain just intensified girl, he softens up a little. So finger outstretched. and we dropped (the boys) I’m waiting to see that happen, As he made contact with off and came here and I was 6 too.”

See BABY, Page 8A centimeters dilated, so it went James glanced playfully at

GBI officials created a sketch of a woman whose body was found in the food court at the Gwinnett Place Mall on Dec. 21.

(Special Photo)

Commission gives OK to 2018 budget

BY CURT YEOMANS curt.yeomans@gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett County commissioners began the new year Tuesday by approving a $1.67 billion 2018 budget that will create more than 150 new positions, many of which will be in the police and MORE INSIDE Tommy Hunter recovering after fire departsuffering heart attack ...........5A ments.

The budget was approved on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Tommy Hunter casting the lone vote against it. Chief Financial Officer Maria Woods told commissioners the budget

See BUDGET, Page 5A

Newton sworn in, makes history as county’s first black mayor

BY CURT YEOMANS curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

In a year when Gwinnett County is celebrating its history, a new chapter in that story was written Tuesday with the swearing in of new Norcross Mayor Craig Newton.

There is one thing that was rarely brought up at the ceremony though: history.

As Newton — the first black person to serve as mayor in any Gwinnett city — and new Norcross Councilmen Chuck Paul

MORE ONLINE Visit gwinnettdailypost.com for a photo gallery.

and Dan Watch took their oaths, the focus was on the city itself. Summerour Middle School students did make a presentation to mark the milestone, but the new mayor said that while the significance isn’t lost on him, he was less focused on making history.

Serving the city is more important to him.

“I do respect the historical nature of my election,”

Newton said. “There are a lot of people who came before me that fought hard to ensure the rights of all

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Americans, and I certainly appreciate that, but my focus is not just being first; my focus is on being the

best for Norcross.”

About 200 people attended the swearing-in ceremony, which was held at Georgia Supreme Court the Norcross Cultural Arts Justice Robert Benham, left, and Community Center. administers the oath of ofThe event had two fofice to new Norcross Mayor cuses.

One was to swear in Craig Newton on Tuesday at the new city officials, who the Norcross Cultural Arts received the oath of office and Community Center.

(Staff Photo: Curt Yeomans) from Georgia Supreme Court Justice Robert Benham, the first black person appointed to the state’s high court. The other was best — the best mayor that to recognize retiring Mayor Norcross, Gwinnett County Bucky Johnson and retiring and the region has seen.

See NEWTON, Page 7A That’s my focus: being the

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2A • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

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Officials: Pizza joint arson halted by melted water line

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BY ISABEL HUGHES isabel.hughes @gwinnettdailypost.com

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Investigators believe a fire at a local pizza joint was intentionally set in order to destroy the property, but was foiled when a melted water line extinguished the blaze.

Shortly after 12:15 a.m.

Tuesday, Gwinnett County firefighters responded to a fire alarm activated at a business in the 2870 block of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Duluth, part of a strip retail plaza that leases to several businesses, including Pepperoni’s Alehouse.

At the scene, crews discovered an odor and haze of smoke inside Pepperoni’s, though the fire was already extinguished by the time firefighters gained access, due to the drink fountain’s damaged water line, which had melted because of the fire, according to Capt.

Tommy Rutledge, spokesman for the Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

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Gwinnett fire investigators examine evidence at Pepperoni’s Alehouse in Duluth on Monday. (Special Photo)

“Sufficient evidence was found at the scene to indicate that someone set a fire inside the restaurant in order to destroy the property,” Rutledge said.

“Fire investigators collected samples of the fire debris to send to the lab to confirm whether accelerant was used to ignite the fire, (though) specific information about the evidence found at the scene or how the fire was set is not being released due to the ongoing investigation.

“We are fortunate that the restaurant and surrounding businesses were closed at the time and that no one was injured or killed. The

crime of arson is a bold act, and those responsible will be held accountable.”

Arson, a felony charge, is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and associated fines for suspects convicted of the crime.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact the Gwinnett Fire Investigations Section at 678-518-4890 or the Georgia Arson Control Hotline at 1-800-282-5804. Georgia Arson Control offers a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for arson.

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Gwinnett 200’s STORY VAULT project was launched to commemorate Gwinnett County’s bicentennial by recording the stories of the people who live, work, and play in Gwinnett.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018 • 3A

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he said the University of Georgia’s Monday afterVisit gwinnettdailypost.com noon football game may for a photo gallery. have also played a role in Heather Willis shuffled the decreased participaacross the Lake Lanier run consecutively since tion.

Olympic Park boathouse 1997, save for last year “Whenever Georgia floor, black slippers when it was canceled due plays on New Year’s Day, we always have a low warming her toes as a hot to low lake levels. bowl of chili warmed her Monday’s event, which crowd,” he said. “Believe fingers. brought 41 jumpers rang- it or not, I think the cold Hair pulled back into a ing in age from 5 to 74 to weather may have scared wet ponytail, she joined Lake Lanier’s Gainesville people away too, which is interesting because in her friends at a table, shore, was a success, past years, we have had laughing. albeit a smaller turnout “Well, we crossed that than it has been in previ- some people say it’s not challenging enough beoff our bucket list,” she ous years, according to cause it’s not cold enough said as she put a spoonful Jim O’Dell, one of the and they’ll come back of chili to her lips, “and it club’s high performance when it’s colder. There’s was freezing.” coaches. no rhyme or reason to me Amid brief snow flurWhile he said he why some years there are ries, Willis and about couldn’t pinpoint an more people and others three-and-a-half dozen exact reason as to why others rang in their New there were fewer partici- there will be less.”

While the number of Year at the Lanier Canoe pants this year than in the participants may be unand Kayak Club’s 20th past, O’Dell guessed it annual Polar Bear Plunge, may have had to do with certain from year to year, a Jan. 1 tradition that has the frigid weather, though Gainesville city councilman George Wangemann hasn’t missed a plunge for the past 18 years, and as long as he remains healthy, the 66-yearold said he doesn’t plan on missing any future plunges.

“The first two years, the (club) didn’t have (the plunge) open to the public; it was only open to club members,” Wangemann said. “But I’ve done it every year since consecutively and The Family Gourmet Buffet I do it because there’s 2 (5 oz.) Filet Mignons 2 (5 oz.) Top Sirloins seemingly not a lot to do 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.) on New Year’s Day and 2 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops 4 (3 oz.) Kielbasa Sausages this offers me an oppor4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers 4 (3 oz.) Potatoes au Gratin tunity to be excited about 4 (4 oz.) Caramel Apple Tartlets OS Seasoning Packet (.33 oz.)

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“We’ve never done anything like this before but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be,” Tom Parsons said, laughing as his daughter interjected that there was ice in the water. “But no, I expected it to be a lot worse than it was and hands down, we’ll do it again.”

isabel.hughes @gwinnettdailypost.com

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Sold under the brand name Lipogen PS Plus, the new pill contains a key ingredient that regrows cells in the part of the brain that stores memories, which improves memory, concentration, and thinking power.

Tom, Ana and Victoria Parsons and Jim Yates make a jump into the lake together at the 20th annual Polar Bear Plunge held at the Lake Lanier Olympic Park Boathouse on Monday. (Photo: Anthony Stalcup)

Gwinnett Daily Post

4A • Wednesday, January 3, 2018 To Your Good Health

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Getting details on Fosamax DEAR DR. ROACH: I have read in your previous columns that you have been cautionary about taking medications like Fosamax. I hope you can help me with my situation. I am 76 years old. I took Fosamax for 13 years, stopping in 2010. My last scan showed a T-score of -2.4 in the spine and -2.1 in the hip, which was a little worse than last time.

Does Fosamax stay in the system and continue to work? If so, for how long?

You previously have recommended re-evaluation after five years; does that mean not to go on it again in the future? What are some alternatives?

— E.M. ANSWER: Thirteen years is a long time to continue taking a bisphosphonate drug, such as alendronate (Fosamax) or risedronate (Actonel). There are not good studies to show effectiveness beyond 10 years. There does seem to be some residual effect on bone density after stopping: Bone density remained higher and fracture risk lower, corresponding with data showing that the medication remains in the bone for years (and possibly decades) after stopping it.

If your bone density is getting worse, it is reasonable to consider restarting treatment. I don’t have enough information to make a recommendation to you; other items that should be considered include your risk for fracture (the FRAX score is commonly used), the rate of decline (if any) of the bone density and evaluation of other risk factors, especially vitamin D, diet and exercise.

Some authorities recommend restarting bisphosphonates like Fosamax if the bone density goes down and fracture risk is high after stopping it; however, I certainly would consider other options, including the parathyroidlike hormone teriparatide, or raloxifene (an estrogenlike drug).

Denosumab would not be my first choice, as it acts the same way as bisphosphonates, preventing reabsorption of bone, which potentially can lead to atypical femur fractures from frozen bone.

DEAR DR. ROACH: Our son, who is in his 40s, had always been a happy person until he was diagnosed with clinical depression. He has been to psychiatrists and psychologists, and has been prescribed medications. He said the side effects of the medication were worse than what he was going through, so he and his wife agreed that he’d stop taking them. It has been a year since we have seen him, as it is too emotional for him to meet with us. We miss our son, and any help would be appreciated.

— C.P. ANSWER: Major depression is a serious illness, with morbidity (ill health) and mortality associated with it, but for which there are treatments. Effective treatment improves health and reduces mortality. It is certainly true that medication treatment for depression may have side effects, and it also is true that there are people for whom finding an effective medication treatment is difficult.

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

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

Major

1:15-3:15 a.m.............1:45-3:45 p.m.

Minor

8:31-9:21 a.m.............. 7:11-8:11 p.m.

pollen counts Trees: Low Weeds: Low Grass: Low

Lake

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lake levels Full Yesterday Lake

Full Yesterday

Allatoona..............(840.0)...... 822.74 Lanier..................(1071.0).... 1066.01 Blackshear............(237.0)......236.65 Nottely................(1779.0)....1760.91 Blue Ridge.........(1690.0).... 1667.59 Oconee................(435.0)...... 434.74 Burton................(1865.0)....1858.19 Seminole.................(77.5)........76.78 Carters............... (1072.0)....1072.63 Sinclair.................(339.8)......338.68 Chatuge..............(1927.0).....1917.44 Thurmond............(330.0)...... 321.15 Harding.................(521.0)......520.41 Tugalo....................(891.5)......888.02 Hartwell................(660.0)...... 651.24 Walter F. George.. (188.0)......188.31 Jackson................(530.0)......528.92 West Point............(635.0)......628.22

today in history

lottery Tuesday Cash 3 Midday: 8-3-1 Cash 4 Midday: 5-1-4-7 Ga. 5 Midday: 6-5-5-1-0 Monday Cash 3 Midday: 3-2-5 Cash 3 Evening: 6-7-0 Cash 3 Night: 4-9-7 Cash 4 Midday: 0-6-5-3 Cash 4 Evening: 3-2-3-0 Cash 4 Night: 7-1-1-0 Ga. 5 Midday: 4-3-7-9-5 Ga. 5 Evening: 6-3-9-2-8 Fantasy 5: 8-13-14-19-22

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1777, Revolutionary forces under the command of George Washington defeated the British at Princeton, New Jersey.

In 1947, a session of Congress was televised for the first time to viewers in three East Coast cities.

In 1959, Alaska was admitted as the 49th state.

In 1993, President George H.W. Bush and Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed the second Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START).

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Lucretia Mott (1793-1880), women’s rights pioneer; J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973), author; Victor Borge (1909-2000), comedian/ pianist; Hank Stram (1923-2005), football coach; Sergio Leone (1929-1989), director; Robert Loggia (1930-2015), actor; Glen A. Larson (1937-2014), TV producer/writer; Victoria Principal (1950-

), actress; Mel Gibson (1956- ), actor/ director; Michael Schumacher (1969- ), race car driver; Danica McKellar (1975), actress; Eli Manning (1981- ), football player.

TODAY’S FACT: C-SPAN was launched in 1979 to “provide live, gavelto-gavel coverage of the U.S. House of Representatives.” C-SPAN2, covering the Senate, was launched in 1986.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1983, Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett set an NFL record that still stands by running 99 yards from scrimmage for a touchdown.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “The significance of a myth is not easily to be pinned on paper by analytical reasoning. ... For myth is alive at once and in all its parts, and dies before it can be dissected.”— J.R.R. Tolkien, “Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics”

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Dear Amy: I am a nurse. I started dating a police officer seven months ago.

We like each other and are getting along. We are both working full time and going to school.

He lives two hours away from me. While we talk on the phone daily, he only wants to see me once every six or seven weeks.

I asked him if we could see each other once every four weeks (because I know he is busy), but he doesn’t want that. He says, “This is the only way the relationship works.”

I complained a few times and asked him if we could see each other more often.

He suggested that I should find a new guy. I am offended. I like him so much, but I am lonely.

I feel like he has more fun being alone rather than being with me.

Does this man even want to be in a relationship? Am I forcing myself on him?

— Confused Girl Dear Confused: Your question prompted me to do some reading on the whole nurse-police officer dating nexus, and my casual research reveals that, yes, nurses and cops can make great partners. Both professions seem to draw plucky, hardworking people who are drawn toward service, and can tolerate challenging shift work.

You don’t realize it but

money to go to this destination wedding, but attending the wedding when you obviously can’t stand the bride is like eating a hot fudge sundae when you don’t want to, just because it came with the meal. You should turn in your “maid of honor” badge. Tell the bride, “I’m very sorry, but I can’t perform these duties for you. We also won’t be able to attend the wedding.” You staying home would be better for everyone.

Dear Amy: “Dismissed Wife” talked about the lack of emotional support her husband offered her. You picked up on the detail that she had lost a child.

Many years after our son died, my marriage started to fall apart. I now realize it was delayed stress from our terrible grief. Thank you for recommending Compassionate Friends support group.

— Survivor Dear Survivor: Support and fellowship from other parents who have experienced terrible loss is a lifeline for survivors.

You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Amy Dickinson, c/o Tribune Content Agency, 16650 Westgrove Drive, Suite 175, Addison, Texas, 75001. You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or “like” her on Facebook.

Who To Call

Nurse and cop put in a dating shift to attend the destination wedding that she can’t afford, but she has also been messaging my boyfriend behind my back (my boyfriend is showing me the messages), saying how she can’t wait for the wedding — so my boyfriend can see her in a bikini.

Amy Dickinson I’m to the point now where I want to drop out of the wedding party, but you are lucky. Why? Be- I have already paid for cause you have clarity. my trip. What do I do?

Your officer-friend is I’ve tried confronting her, telling you exactly where but she denies it all. he stands. He is saying, — Don’t Know “This is what works for What to Do me. If it doesn’t work Dear Don’t for you, you should find Know: This sort of someone else.” If he was frenemy drama is how more into you, he would I’m getting through the probably beat a path to winter. So — thanks for your door, no matter the that. distance. But — he is not.

You quite obviously You are saying, “But don’t like this bride. You this doesn’t work for don’t like the way she is me.” behaving and you don’t Boom. You have your intend to honor your answer. “maid of honor” duties.

Dear Amy: I agreed You seem to want to to be the maid of honor at turn the bride in to her a friend’s wedding — six fiance to retaliate because months from now. She she is messaging your has been with the guy for boyfriend. Your boyfriend just over a year. could easily stop the The bride admitted to messaging, so it seems a mutual friend that she that the two of you might knows she’s the groom’s be enjoying it (on some rebound girl and is only level). marrying him because he The worst, most ridicuasked. I feel like I should lous bride in the world tell the groom this — deserves to have a maid just in case the marriage of honor who believes in doesn’t last. what she is doing — or is I feel that she isn’t get- at least willing to put her ting married for the right blinders on and go along reasons. with it.

Not only is she expectYou are not that pering me and my boyfriend son. to pay gobs of money You’ve already spent

Ask Amy

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Staying focused on what you want to accomplish will be necessary this year. A tendency to veer off track due to distractions or unexpected interference must not be allowed to dominate. Change can be good, but only if it’s carefully considered and precisely executed.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Emotions will push you in a direction that could lead to uncertainty. Consider the consequences should things not go as planned. Taking a risk will leave you in a vulnerable position.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Look for professional alternatives that will encourage a better use of your experience and allow you to learn something new. An ambitious attitude will bring good results.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Assess your financial situation and consider your job prospects. Having a plan will help you stay on track as the year unfolds. Offering favors will boost your popularity.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Hold on to your money, job and stability by doing what’s expected of you and carrying out your own plans. Intelligence and common sense will be required.

TAURUS (April 20May 20) — Be careful how you handle domestic matters. Someone may not see things the same way you do. Be willing to compromise and to listen to wise advice.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Concentrate on your relationships with others and determine who you are best off spending time with. Stick to people who are a positive influence on you emotionally, financially and physically.

CANCER (June 21July 22) — Be careful not to go overboard. You can have fun and be moderate at the same time. Emotional incidents will surface if you are too aggressive or inconsistent.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Distress will kick in if you let someone take advantage of you emotionally. Avoid being indulgent or overspending on items you don’t need. Moderation and patience will be required.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) — Don’t overdo it.

Added stress will set in if you make promises you don’t want to keep.

Consider the best way to make the most of your time.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Emotions can make people do foolish things. Don’t make a hasty decision, or you will end up having regrets. This is not the time to burn bridges or start a feud.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) — Take a step back to avoid getting into an emotional feud. Too much of anything will come back to bite you.

Keep your life simple, affordable and moderate.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Taking care of other people’s business will be draining. Don’t make promises you cannot keep or get involved in something you aren’t fully capable of handling.

Honesty is the best policy.

5A • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

gwinnettdailypost.com

Drug Companies Fear Release of the New AloeCure Big Pharma stands to lose billions as doctors’ recommend drug-free “health cocktail” that adjusts and corrects your body’s health conditions.

by David Waxman Seattle Washington: Drug company execs are nervous. That’s because the greatest health advance in decades has hit the streets. And analysts expect it to put a huge crimp in “Big Pharma” profits. has a powerful component for regulating your immune system called Acemannan.

So whether it’s damage that is physical, bacterial, chemical or autoimmune; the natural plant helps the body stay healthy.

The name of the product is the AloeCure. It’s not a drug. It’s something completely different. And the product is available to anyone who wants it, at a reasonable price. But demands may force future prices to rise.

RAPID ACID AND HEARTBURN NEUTRALIZER

Company spokesperson, Dr. Liza Leal; a leading integrative health specialist out of Texas recommends Aloecure before she decides to prescribe any digestion drug. Especially after the FDA’s stern warning about long-term use of drugs classified as proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec®, Nexium®, and Prevacid®. In a nutshell, the FDA statement warned people should avoid taking these digestion drugs for longer than three 14-day treatment periods because there is an increased risk of bone fractures. Many people take them daily and for decades.

Dr. Leal should know.

Many patients come to her with bone and joint complaints and she does everything she can to help them. One way for digestion sufferers to help avoid possible risk of tragic joint and bone problems caused by overuse of digestion drugs is to take the AloeCure.

Analysts expect the AloeCure to put a huge crimp in “Big Pharma” profits.

The secret to AloeCure’s “health adjusting” formula is scientifically tested Acemannan, a polysaccharide extracted from Aloe Vera. But not the same aloe vera that mom used to apply to your cuts, scrapes and burns. This is a perfect strain of aloe that is organically grown in special Asian soil; under very strict conditions.

AloeCure is so powerful it begins to benefit your health the instant you take it. It soothes intestinal discomfort and you can avoid the possibility of bone and health damage caused by overuse of digestion drugs. We all know how well aloe works externally on cuts, scrapes and burns. But did you know Acemannan has many of other health benefits?...

HELPS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM TO CALM INFLAMMATION

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According to a leading aloe research, when correctly processed for digesting, the Aloe plant

BY CURT YEOMANS

Center at Northeast Georgia Medical Gwinnett County ComCenter. missioner Tommy Hunter “I had is in the hospital recovering to have from a heart attack, he ana stent Tommy nounced by telephone durplaced in Hunter ing the Board of Commisa major sioners meeting Tuesday. artery, but the doctor said it Hunter was one of did well and that recovery two commissioners who will be quick,” Hunter said. participated in the meeting, “Hopefully we can go home where the county’s 2018 (today) so I just wanted to budget was approved, by thank everybody for your telephone. Commissioner prayers and for standing Jace Brooks also called into with us as we go through the meeting, but he said he this and I hope to be back to was recovering from foot see you all shortly.” surgery which had taken Despite being in a hosplace Friday. pital bed, Hunter cast votes Hunter said the heart as usual on items that came attack happened Saturday, up for a decision. Among and he was recovering at his votes was one against the Ronnie Green Heart the county’s proposed 2018

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

•From Page 1A

So what’s all the fuss about? It’s about a new ingredient that’s changing the lives of people who use it. Some call it “the greatest discovery since penicillin”! And others call it “a miracle!”

TOP DOC WARNS: DIGESTION DRUGS CAN CRIPPLE YOU!

Hunter suffers heart attack

Aloe has proved to have an astonishing effect on users who suffer with digestion problems like bouts of acid reflux, heartburn, cramping, gas and constipation because it acts as a natural acid buffer and soothes the digestive system. But new studies prove it does a whole lot more.

SIDE-STEP HEART CONCERNS So you’ve been taking proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) for years and you feel just fine. In June of 2015 a major study shows that chronic PPI use increases the risk of heart attack in general population.

UNLEASH YOUR MEMORY Think about it. If you kept dumping fat and grease down your drain; how long do you think it would take to clog it up?

The answer is, not very long at all. And that’s exactly what happens to your brain every time you eat processed, fried or fatty foods. Studies show that your brain needs the healthy bacteria from your gut in order function at its best. Both low and high dosages of digestion drugs are proven to destroy that healthy bacteria and get in the way of brain function. So you’re left with a sluggish, slow-toreact brain without a lot of room to store information.

The acemannan used in AloeCure actually makes your gut healthier, so healthy bacteria flows freely to your brain so you think better, faster and with a larger capacity for memory.

Doctors call it “The greatest health discovery in decades!”

SLEEP LIKE A BABY A night without sleep really damages your body. And continued lost sleep can lead to all sorts of health problems. But what you may not realize is the reason why you’re not sleeping. Some call it “Ghost Reflux”. A low-intensity form of acid reflux discomfort that quietly keeps you awake in the background. AloeCure helps digestion so you may find yourself sleeping through the night.

CELEBRITY HAIR, SKIN & NAILS One of the Best-Kept Secrets in Hollywood.

Certain antacids may greatly reduce your body’s ability to break down and absorb calcium. Aloe delivers calcium as it aids in balancing your stomach acidity. The result?

Thicker, healthier looking hair…more youthful looking skin… And nails so strong they may never break again.

SAVE YOUR KIDNEY National and local news outlets are reporting Kidney Failure linked to PPI’s. Your Kidney extracts waste from blood, balance body fluids, form urine, and aid in other important functions of the body. Without it your body would be overrun by deadly toxins. Aloe helps your kidney function properly. Studies suggest, if you started taking aloe today; you’d see a big difference in the way you feel.

GUARANTEED RESULTS OR DOUBLE YOUR MONEY BACK Due to the incredible results people are reporting, AloeCure is being sold with an equally incredible guarantee.

“We can only offer this incredible guarantee because we are 100% certain this product will work for those who use it,” Says Dr. Leal.

Here’s how it works: Take the pill exactly as directed. You must see and feel remarkable improvements in your digestive health, your mental health, in your physical appearance, the amount inflammation you have throughout your body – even in your ability to fall asleep at night!

was crafted around goals the board set for the county nearly a year ago.

“This proposed budget authorizes 152 new positions and supports the priorities established at your strategic planning session in March,” Woods said before the vote.

Among the budget’s many items are 65 new police officer positions, plus one civilian position in the police department, funding to staff two new ambulance units and one ladder truck unit for the fire department, bilingual staff for the Board of Elections and Registration, and expanded advance voting and the addition of Sunday voting for the November general election.

The money for expanded advance voting, and Sunday voting, days will be put in reserve pending the county’s ability to recruit enough poll workers to staff that expansion.

The budget also includes a 4 percent pay for performance raise and one-time

Budget

longevity pay.

“There’s not any changes of substance (from what was presented in November),” Commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash said. I think the staff may have made a few adjustments in terms of minor kinds of things that come up from time to time, but there’s not any kind of substantive changes from the proposal.”

Nash said she, the county’s finance staff and the Citizens Budget Review Committee tried to include as many of the items requested by department heads back in August as possible.

Many of the big items, including the ambulance units, ladder unit, officers to staff the Bay Creek Police Precinct, Sunday voting and expanded advance voting, made it through the review process. Some of the items in the budget, such as the ambulance units, fulfill county goals.

In the case of the ambulance units, the addition of the two new units means every fire station in Gwinnett

budget, the only vote cast against it.

Although Hunter was absent from the meeting, a small group of residents who protested against him and called for his resignation last year were in attendance. They waved signs calling for Hunter’s removal and stood up and faced the TV Gwinnett cameras in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center auditorium as he talked about his heart condition.

Protesters had been absent from commission meetings for several months, but this month marks the one-year anniversary of controversial comments Hunter made on Facebook that kicked off months of protests at commission meetings.

County will now have its own ambulance unit. Meanwhile, the 35 police officer positions, as well as the civilian position, created for the Bay Creek Precinct means that precinct should be fully staffed when it is expected to open next year.

Another 30 police officer positions were also created for department leaders to use as needed.

“I’m very pleased,” Nash said. “We had a good, smooth budget process. The staff and department directors, elected officials did a lot of the work in advance and it was in good shape when it came to us.”

It was not immediately clear why Hunter voted against the budget. He and Commissioner Jace Brooks had participated in the board meeting by telephone.

Hunter was in the hospital recovering from a heart attack and Brooks was recovering from foot surgery.

The commissioners also picked Brooks to serve as the board’s vice chairman for this year.

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perspectives

gwinnettdailypost.com

Todd Cline, Editor

todd.cline@gwinnettdailypost.com

Page 6 A • Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Try a little tenderness in 2018 DUBLIN, Ireland — “Try a Little Tenderness” is a song written by Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly and Harry M. Woods. According to Wikipedia, it was first recorded Dec. 8, 1932, by the Ray Noble Orchestra (with vocals by Val Rosing). Probably these names are as unfamiliar to us today as the demonstration of tenderness is in our modern political culture.

This song and its sentiment came rushing back to me as I witnessed a stunning act of tenderness while crossing the Irish Sea last week on a ferry bound for Dublin.

While eating breakfast in the ship’s lounge, I noticed a man playing with Cal his young Thomas son, who appeared to be about 3 years old. The boy said “daddy” in such a loving way that it touched my heart and reminded me of special moments with my own children when they were that age.

What happened next was so heartwarming that I don’t think I shall ever forget it. The boy suddenly became ill and began vomiting. The father never raised his voice or changed his demeanor.

Instead, he picked up his son and held him close, saying, “That’s all right” and “it will be all right,” as the boy continued to be sick on himself, his father and the floor.

No one raised their voice. Others in the lounge did not stir uncomfortably. Members of the crew came over and began cleaning up the boy, the father and the floor, as if they were assisting someone who had just spilled a cup of coffee. I can’t recall seeing anything like it.

When they were done, the father took the boy’s stuffed bear, handed it to his son, who clutched it close, and then the father, still stained from the incident, pressed the boy to his chest until he fell asleep in his arms. I turned to him and said, “You’re a good father.”

He smiled.

Why am I sharing this in a column? The answer is that tenderness and love are such powerful forces for good it is a wonder we don’t practice them more often.

Two thousand 17 was one of the ugliest political years in recent memory. Nasty things were said

by Republicans about Democrats and Democrats returned rhetorical fire. Names were called and labels applied. It was repulsive and nothing good came from it, did it?

I am not so naive as to suggest that any of this toxic behavior is about to change in a new year, especially one in which there will be congressional elections, but is it too much to ask that we start treating each other more like friends than members of ISIS, more like fellow Americans than North Koreans?

If our goal is to change minds and hearts about issues important to us, which approach do you think might work better; treating political opposites like a burdensome mother-in-law who overstays her holiday visit, or demonstrating at least a degree of kindness and tenderness?

The song referenced above was written near the start of the Great Depression. It was a subtle suggestion for a man to love his wife who had nothing to wear except “the same shabby dress.”

We all have much more these days, but material possessions and the unending quest for political power have robbed us of things of far greater and longer-lasting value and importance.

In this new year, could we hug each other a little more, speak a little softer and, yes, try a little tenderness, especially in our political discourse?

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

letters to the editor

Letters should be no more than 200 words and are subject to approval by the publisher. Letters may be edited for style and space requirements.

Please sign your name and provide an address and a daytime telephone number. Address letters for publication to: Letters to the Editor, Gwinnett Daily Post, P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046-0603. The fax number is 770-3398081. Email us at: letters@ gwinnettdailypost.com.

Why my dad shuns social media My father is behind the curve on social media, but I think he is onto something.

You see, my father was born in 1933. He was a paper boy in the days when paper boys stood on city corners and shouted “extra!”

In his home, the newspaper still is king. He has two delivered daily. He reads every inch of both. He does the crossword puzzles in both, too — with a pencil.

(Note to people under 30: A pencil is a small, yellow stick that leaves a mark when its tip is pressed against paper.)

My father knows that people can do crossword puzzles on their computers and smartphones, but the idea is nutty to him. Only an idiot would bring electronic equipment into the bathroom.

To be sure, my father has shunned the communications marvels of modern times. He uses my mother’s smartphone — but only to avoid longdistance charges. I showed him how to use her phone to text family members, but he gave up on that fast.

(Note to people over 50: Texting is when you press both

paper-bound book is a compact device in which words are printed on several pieces of paper; the paper is glued to a spine.)

But one thing he will never do is use a social media website, such as Facebook, which, says The Statistics Portal, has Tom more than 2 billion active users.

Purcell For starters, my father thinks social media is a total waste of thumbs against a smartphone time. keypad to bastardize the EngHe thinks it is causing grouplish language.) think, as many people “friend” I bought him a Kindle for others who think exactly as Christmas a few years ago they do and “unfriend” those and created an email account who think differently. for him. He gave it a try but He thinks the fake news quickly lost interest in emailing articles are driving misinforanyone. mation — a dangerous thing I showed him how to search in a republic, whose success the web to locate people and depends on thoughtful, wellbusinesses. He gave that a try, informed voters. too, but still prefers to use the And he thinks social media is White Pages or Yellow Pages. increasing incivility, as people, (Note to people under 40: hiding behind their keyboards, The White and Yellow Pages shout and yell and call others are thick directories of people names. and businesses that are left at According to two former your door once a year.)

Facebook executives, my faHe loves to read, so I showed ther’s observations are spot on. him how to download ebooks, According to Fortune, one but he still prefers paper-bound former executive said that books.

Facebook “was developed to (Note to people under 20: A be addictive.” He said that the

information-sharing platform was designed as a “social-validation feedback loop.” He said that it “exploited weaknesses in the human psyche.”

Fortune also reports that a second former executive said that Facebook “encourages ‘fake, brittle popularity,’ leaving users feeling empty and needing another hit, and suggested that this ‘vicious circle’ drives people to keep sharing posts that they think will gain other people’s approval.”

Which brings us back to my father.

He may be behind the curve on social media, but he’s thriving in the real world of the White Pages, printed newspapers and books with spines.

When he wants to communicate, he approaches other human beings, usually my mother, and uses his voice. Sometimes he uses facial expressions and hand gestures to emphasize a point.

As I said, I think he’s on to something.

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

Remembering my mom’s advice — ‘just live’ I once asked my mother what she thinks the purpose of life is.

Expecting a thought-provoking answer, I was a little disappointed when all she said was “just to live.” She was born in a war-torn, third-world country, and having lived for 87 years, I thought her answer would be a little more original. But then again...

My mom grew up in perpetual fear of attacks and did not experience true peace until she escaped to America when she was 46 years old. For a period of their lives she and her family were constantly running and hiding. When they found a place to settle, they learned to cook, fish, farm, even raise silk worms for thread to sell, living from day to day.

Then the family immigrated to America and settled in Ohio.

Life was tough, I’m sure, but they didn’t show it. Displaced in a foreign country with limited skills and limited command of the English language, my mother and her siblings combined their meager wages from working at factories to buy a house and raise the children. Incredibly, for a few years all 19 of us were living in an 11-bedroom house. It was simple: They went to work and we went to school.

My mom was content. She had her family and peace. I remember their teaching: Go to school and study hard so you will have opportunities; you will have more.

Well, here I am, having so

with courage. It was painfully difficult as I tried to manage the assortment of medicine to reduce her pain, nausea, depression and hallucinations, all the while desperately trying to minimize the side effects as each one brought about the others. The worst one was the genuine fear of her wakVan ing up in the middle of the night Marosek to frantically brush off the imaginary bugs crawling on her. much more. I have peace and I fought through my feelings freedom. And I have comof anguish and helplessness as I fort, convenience, and a good cared for her. One time after an education that allows me to have episode of pain and nausea, she aspirations, the snooty kind of cried out in her soft, weak voice, aspiration that brought about my “God, let it be done already.” ignorant and arrogant scoff at her Now that she’s gone, there simple view of life. That to “just are days that I’m lost, deep in live” is not sophisticated enough. thought about my mother and My mother passed away her life. My mind goes back to earlier this year. She beat colon the question about the purpose cancer two years ago, but sucof life. I realized that her answer cumbed to the cancerous tumors was simple but extraordinarily in her lungs and liver. Though eloquent. She faithfully lived her small in frame, standing at 4 life as her answer — just to live. feet, 9 inches, she was feisty and I remember how her face strong — as evidenced when she brightened when she shared her flew to Ohio, two months before childhood memories about riding she died, to bury her younger her sister on the handle bar of sister. a bicycle and going the to the Battling through each stage beach; the freedom and hapof her death, including pain, fear piness they felt. But it was cut and depression, she modeled short. The mood became somber what it means to be tenacious. and sorrowful as she retold the She was compliant to the demand atrocity and injustice she witof taking medicine to please the nessed that the war brought on. only daughter she so loved and How quickly the outlook of life sacrificed everything for. changed as she described a parI witnessed how she handled ticularly harrowing escape and her illness, enduring the physical when she passed by a wailing pain and the psychological terror mother holding a lifeless child on

the roadside.

Of course, she would have had different ambitions if her situation was different. But there was no opportunity for noble goals and lofty desires.

Growing up, there was a saying in my family: “You just do what needs to be done,” to deal with the circumstances as they come. So she rolled with it, surviving through the war, restarting a new life, raising me, and lastly, facing her cancer with quietude and admission.

I admire the way she lived her life, with the simple values of family, love, and acceptance. I am unbelievably grateful for all that she gave me: a bright future in a free country, her values and that I was able to care for her.

Someone once told me, you grow up when you lose your parents. My eyes are now open to see the meaning of her words.

Life is to be lived out no matter the circumstances, no matter how twisted and far away our path takes us from what we planned or expected.

Her life was an adventure to say the least, but I know she would refuse see it that way. She left me with a final lesson: do what needs to be done; just live, love and carry on — the meaning will come later. But take note, just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s not meaningful.

Van Marosek lives in Lawrenceville with her family. Email her at Jimvanny@gmail.com.

Wednesday, January 3, 2018 • 7A

gwinnettdailypost.com

velopment, do something with West Rock that’s now Councilman Pierre Levy. going to be vacant soon The newly seated coun- — do something pretty cil also picked Councilman unique there, something Andrew Hixson to serve as good. There’s going to be mayor pro tem. At the end a lot of moving pieces.” of the ceremony, Newton Watch said he took the presented a key to the city month of December off to Benham. from work to familiarize As Paul began his himself with the work that two-year term on the he and the council will City Council, he echoed be addressing this year.

Newton’s sentiments about At one point as he took what he is looking to do in his oath of office, a smile his new role. came across Watch’s face “I just want to do a great as his wife, Terrie, stood job for the city,” he said. by his side.

“I didn’t run as an issue“I’m just very, very oriented candidate. I just pleased and very happy to want to move us forward, be able to serve the city,” get Lillian Webb Park de- he said.

Newton

•From Page 1A

Georgia Supreme Court Justice Robert Benham, left in both photos, administers the oath of office to new Norcross City Councilman Chuck Paul, left photo, and Dan Watch, right photo, Tuesday at the Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center. (Staff Photos: Curt Yeomans)

The newly reconfigured council won’t wait long before convening for its first meeting. It is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m.

today at Norcross City Hall, 65 Lawrenceville St. Among the items the council will discuss at the meeting will be the

obituaries DULUTH

Leonard “Leo” or “Lenny” Buck, Jr. Leonard “Leo” or “Lenny” Whisler Buck, Jr., age 68, long time resident of Duluth, Georgia, and recent resident of St. Marys, Georgia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by many family members and friends, at the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville on 31 December 2017, after a long and arduous battle with cancer.

He was born on 17 November 1949 in Aberdeen, Maryland to Sonia Demitrowa and Leonard W. Buck, Sr. He graduated from Oxon Hill High School in 1967 and shortly thereafter joined the U.S. Army, where he served our country with distinction for 21 years.

He often joked that his two “overseas” tours were Alaska and Hawaii and he told many stories about his years serving our country as a recruiter.

He had two children, Robert Owen and Kristine Lynn and was happily married to his wife of 27 years JoAnn (Bateman) Buck. While serving in the Army he earned his degree in Vocational Education from the University of Illinois, and after retiring from the Army his last job was driving a school bus for Gwinnett County, Georgia, a job he loved (except for getting up so early!). Known by many names including Lenny, Leo, Dad, Bubber, he was always fiercely loyal to his family and friends, loved discussing politics, loved his motorcycle, playing golf, playing poker and his dog Max. He is survived by his beloved wife JoAnn (Bateman), his daughter Kristine, his son Robert, his granddaughter Hailey Raven Jumper, his sisters Helen Buck and Millie (Brian) Sullivan, many nieces and nephews both by blood and by marriage, cousins, inlaws, and many great friends.

A celebration of his life will take place as soon as the crabs start running in the summer in North Beach, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay. Nothing says “Lenny” like a crab feast!

Donations in his name can be made to any charity of your choosing or Mayo Clinic-Department

of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905; or Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Office of Donor Development, International HQ, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607; or Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, Attn: Donor Services, 712 L G Griffin Road, Locust Grove, GA 30248.

U.S. and overseas. There will be no formal service.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

Dacula

Lawrenceville, GA

Elinor Carpenter (Webber)

Dorothy Jones (Ledbetter)

Mrs. Jones passed away Elinor Webber Carpenter, age 97, of Dacula, GA Dec. 31, 2017. Arrangepassed away December 30, ments by Tim Stewart Funeral Home, Law2017. renceville.

Winder

Martha Cowart age 79, died 12/31/2017.

Smith Memory Chapel, Winder.

Dacula, GA

James Max Draeger James Max Draeger, age 69, of Dacula, GA passed away on Friday, December 29, 2017. Flanigan Funeral Home Winder

Dorothy Drury (Drew) age 86, died 12/29/2017.

Smith Funeral Home Chapel, Winder.

Lawrenceville, GA

Ronald Edmonds Age 71, passed away Friday, Dec. 29, 2017. Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel.

Jefferson, Georgia

Brandon Michael Gamble age 38, passed away December 27, 2017.

Evans Funeral Home Jefferson, Georgia Winder, GA

Ruth Iles Ruth Iles, age 46 of Winder passed away on December 24, 2017. Arrangements by Tim Stewart Funeral Home.

Buford, GA

Winifred “Freda” James (Ryan) Winfred “Freda” Ryan James, age 74, of Buford, GA passed away Tuesday, December 26, 2017. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Harold R. James; sons, Steven and Piper James, Alpharetta, GA, and Jimmy and Teresa James, Medfield, MA; two grandchildren, Courtney Jo James, Scranton, PA, and Mykal Griscom; sister, Ann and Kelvin Killen, Chester, England. Mrs. Winifred “Freda” James was born February 28, 1943 in Liverpool, England. Freda was a homemaker, and she moved many times with Harold’s military assignments in the

Dacula

Mary Jo McDonald (Bacon) Mary Jo Bacon McDonald, age 88, of Dacula, GA passed away Friday, December 29, 2017.

Jefferson, Georgia

Mrs. Mildred Measamer (Jackson) Mrs. Mildred Jackson Measamer, age 79, of Jefferson, Georgia. Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, Georgia.

Lawrenceville

Mrs. Winona Nell Moore Winona Nell Atkins Moore age 85 of Lawrenceville, GA passed away on December 31, 2017. She was born on December 5, 1932 in Fannin County Georgia,She was a member of McKendree United Methodist Church in Lawrenceville, and was a Real Estate Agent. She is Survived by her Husband - Harry Ken Trimer of Lawrenceville, GA, Sons & Daughter in Law - Russell Moore of Lawrenceville, GA, Scott & Val Moore of Hamilton Mill, GA, Grandchildren - Leah Moore, William Moore both of Hamilton Mill, GA. Sister - Flora Crawford of Morganton, GA. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Byrd And Flanigan Crematory & Funeral Service, Lawrenceville in charge of the arrangements. 770-962-2200

Loganville

Juanita Nasworthy Juanita Nasworthy, age 91 of Loganville, GA, passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2017. She is preceded in death by her husband, H.B. Nasworthy; and son, Tommy Nasworthy. She is survived by her children, Anna Poynter,

architectural drawings for the exterior of the planned new Norcross library branch that will be built between Lillian Webb Park

For more obituaries, visit www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

Ron Nasworthy, Sharron Swafford, David Nasworthy, and Ken Nasworthy; 16 grandchildren; 25 great- grandchildren; and 3 great great-grandchildren. The Funeral Service to honor and celebrate the life of Juanita Nasworthy will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Tom M. Wages Snellville Chapel. Interment will follow at Eternal Hills Memory Gardens, Snellville, GA. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Those desiring may send flowers or make donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation www. parkinson.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 (770-9793200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Terrette, Suwanee, GA, children, Emily Giannini, Stone Mountain, GA and William Giannini, Athens, GA; step son, Ryan and Mollie Terrette, Atlanta, GA; mother, Margaret Ann Smith, Frisco, TX; sisters and brother-in-law, Regina Kay Parker, Little Elm, TX, Michelle Marie and Herbert Helstrom, Carrollton, TX and Sue Ellen Smith, Decatur, GA; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mrs. Terrette was born July 23, 1959 in Wilmington, DE. She was a 1977 graduate of Boca Raton High School in Boca Raton, FL and a 2014 graduate of Gwinnett College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. She was employed with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sheriff in Court Security where she provided court security for all the Judges.

She was an avid gardener and loved her plants, trees and flowers. She and her husband enjoyed traveling. A Celebration of Life Service of Patti’s life will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 3:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. There will be honors rendered by the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, January 6, 2018 from 2:30 p.m. until time of service at 3:30 p.m. A reception will follow the service at the funeral home. Flowers accepted or memorial donations may be made to the Gwinnett Sheriff’s Department Benevolent Fund in memory of Patricia “Patti” Terrette.

“Investigate”

Pet Crematory

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www.billheadfuneralhome.com

Social Circle, GA

Voncile Thomas 94, passed away on December 29, 2017. Memorial Park Funeral Home Duluth

Elfriede Thoryk

Mrs. Frances Vandiver (Wilson)

Bill Head Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc.

Lilburn/Tucker 6101 Hwy 29 Tucker, GA 30084 770-564-2726

Thomas was cremated and a graveside service will be planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Lawrenceville First Baptist Church, 165 South Clayton Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. A. S Turner and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.

THORYK - Elfriede Schroeder Thoryk was born in Germany and lived there through World War II. After the war, everything was in ruins and no hope for work. Then in 1951, she and her husband and three children emigrated to the U.S. Her husband had a sister and a brother in Syracuse, New York where they lived for 40 years. Her husband worked for Crucible Steel Mill as a crane operator and she did all kinds of work until she spoke Duluth, GA better English. Then she Kamala N. Patel worked in a bank for five years. When her husband Age 74, passed away retired after 30 years, he Sunday, December 31. got sick and she needed Wages & Sons Gwinnett help. In 1992 they moved Chapel to Duluth, Georgia to be Loganville, GA near their daughter and in Ron Perron 1995 he passed away after 50 years of marriage. She Tim Stewart Funeral lived in Duluth and she Home in Loganville, GA had three survivors, a son, Tucker, GA Horst Thoryk of NorHarold Ross ristown, PA, a daughter, Ingrid Kerber of Duluth, Age 95, of Tucker, died GA and another son, Rolf Dec. 30, 2017. Bill Head Thoryk of Carmel, IN. Funeral Home, Lilburn/ They also had seven Tucker Chapel. grandchildren and eight Monroe, GA great-grandchildren. She Glenda Sanders also has relatives in GerGwinnett, GA many, a sister-in-law, two Mrs. Sanders passed Myrtle Thomas nieces and three nephews. away on Monday, JanuFuneral services will be Myrtle (Pearce) Thomas, ary 1, 2018. Arrangements age 105, of Lawrenceville, held on Thursday, Januby, Tim Stewart Funeral ary 4, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at GA passed away DecemHome, Lawrenceville.

Christ the Lord Lutheran ber 29, 2017. She was a Flowery Branch Church with Rev. Robert member of Lawrenceville Dr. Carlos Solsona Mitchell officiating. Burial First Baptist Church. She will follow at White Chawas preceded in death age 75, passed away pel Memorial Gardens. by her husband, Logan December 24, 2017.

The family will receive Edward Thomas.

Survivors Suwanee, GA include: daughter, Delaney friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service Thomas Griggs and husband John, of Lilburn, GA; at the church. In lieu of flowers, make donations to daughter, Millie Thomas Christ the Lord Lutheran Huff, of Griffin, GA; Church, 1001 Duluth grandsons, Logan Huff of Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA Covington, GA, and Clif 30043 (770)963-4499.

Huff of Pensacola, Florida; Patricia Rene “Patti” Online condolences may grandson, Andrew O’Mea Terrette be sent by visiting www. of Marietta, GA; grandPatricia Rene “Patti” Ter- daughter, Meredith O’Mea billheadfuneralhome.com.

Bill Head Funeral Homes rette, age 58, of Suwanee, McCartney and husband & Crematory Duluth GA passed away on Mon- Timothy of Sugar Hill, Chapel (770)476-2535. day, January 1, 2018. She GA; great-granddaughter, was preceded in death by Mackenzie McCartney and her father Meredith Smith, great-grandson Timothy Sr.; and brother, Meredith McCartney of Sugar Hill, “Skip” Smith. She is GA; several nieces, nephsurvived by her husband ews, and cousins. Mrs. of five years, Rodney Jefferson, Georgia T

Being Part of a Community Means Caring for its People Celebrating Lives and Legacies Since 1990

Duluth Chapel 3088 Highway 120 Duluth, GA 30096 770-476-2535

and Buford Highway.

“We are immediately going to work to make Norcross the very best it can be,” Newton said.

ptreepc.com

770-817-1030

TOM M. WAGES FUNERAL SERVICE, LLC

Mrs. Frances Wilson Vandiver, age 99 of Jefferson, Georgia passed Tuesday.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, Georgia.

Loganville

Joyce H. VanHorn Tim Stewart Funeral Home, Loganville, GA Arrangements by Tim Stewart Funeral Home, Inc.

8A • Wednesday, January 3, 2018

gwinnettdailypost.com

Baby

•From Page 1A

Body

have been between 20 and 30 years old, about 5 feet tall and that the side door to the restau- weighing about 100 pounds. A rant was locked,” said Michele sketch by Georgia Bureau of Pihera, spokeswoman for the Investigation officials shows police department. “He climbed she had shoulder-length hair. over the counter to inspect the “It’s very likely that a family space (and) the woman’s body is out there wondering about was found in the back room.” the whereabouts of their missOfficers who responded to ing loved one,” Pihera said. the scene said the woman had “Though this may not be the black hair and was wearing a outcome they may have been black, mesh-style jumpsuit. Her hoping for, we still feel it’s imblack tennis shoes were report- portant to bring them closure, edly lying next to her feet. as heart-breaking as it is.

“There were not any obvious Anyone with information signs of trauma to her body and relating to the case is asked the medical examiner’s office to contact police detectives was called, (but) at this point at 770-513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters can contact in the investigation, this is not Crime Stoppers at 404-577considered a criminal homiTIPS (8477) or visit crimestopcide,” Pihera said. “The main persatlanta.org. Tipsters goal is to identify her and then can receive up to $2,000 for begin looking in to her past, people she associated with and information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case by the timeline leading up to the referencing case number 17discovery of her body.”

118774.

The woman is believed to •From Page 1A

Aarya, a bashful smile began to spread across his face.

“He’ll come around,” Hardip said, already pleased with her son’s progress. “Plus, this is the first baby (I’ve had) in Georgia, but she’s (going to be) my last baby, so he’ll (be OK.)”

E. Zayden Thompson, 6 pounds, 3 ounces, and 23 inches, was the first baby born in 2018 at Eastside Medical Center at 6:13 a.m. Monday.

(Special Photo)

Medical Center. “There is an extra sense of excitement and promise that comes with the delivery of the first baby of the new year. The Eastside team is overjoyed to be a

part of the family’s special day.”

As of Monday evening, Northeast Georgia Medical Center-Braselton had not had yet welcomed any 2018 babies.

526185-1

Eastside welcomes its first baby of new year; NGMC still waiting Two Snellville residents welcomed a new addition to their family shortly after 6 a.m. Monday at Eastside Medical Center.

E. Zayden Thompson was born at 6:13 a.m. to parents Raven Neals and Rabari Thompson as the hospital’s first baby of the new year. He weighed 6 pounds, 3 ounces and was 23 inches long.

“Welcoming babies to the world is one of the greatest joys of working in maternity services,” said Dawn BaldwinHurst, director of women’s services at Eastside

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WORLD Israel accelerates plans that imperil two-state solution

Wednesday, January 3, 2018 • 9A

world&nation Trump wars with ‘deep state’ DOJ

By Jeremy Diamond CNN

PEOPLE Hoda Kotb named co-host of ‘Today’

Hoda Kotb, who has filled in on NBC’s “Today” show since Matt Lauer was fired in November, is now officially replacing him.

The promotion means that Kotb and Savannah Guthrie will co-host the famed morning show.

“This has to be the most popular decision NBC News has ever made,” Guthrie said while celebrating the news on Tuesday’s “Today.”

“There’s no one I’d rather be sitting next to in 2018 than you,” Kotb said.

The pairing of two women is a departure from the typical man-and-woman President Donald Trump leveled his latest criticism of the Justice Department on Tues- morning show format. But day, suggesting the executive department is part of a “deep state” that he believes has it’s a logical move for NBC, sought to undermine him. (Photo: CNN) especially in the wake of email Abedin forwarded to Senate Judiciary Commit(Clinton’s) assistant, Huma Lauer’s abrupt exit amid complaints about inappropriher personal email account tee last May, the FBI said, Abedin.” from her State Department “Although we do not know But there was no indica- ate sexual behavior at work. account included passwords the exact numbers, based tion that Abedin “had a for a two-step laptop login on its investigation, the sense that what she was Weight Watchers process, though that email FBI believes it is reasondoing was in violation of riding high with was not marked classified as able to conclude that most the law,” Comey said, and Trump claimed. of the emails found on Mr. investigators couldn’t prove endorsement Asked about Trump’s Weiner’s laptop computer any sort of criminal intent. from DJ Khaled tweet, the Justice Departrelated to the Clinton invesWhile Trump suggested Weight Watchers enjoyed ment declined to confirm tigation occurred as a result Tuesday that the Justice an epic boost from Oprah or deny the existence of an of a backup of personal Department should prosongoing investigation. electronic devices, with a ecute Abedin, reviving calls Winfrey. Will it get an even bigger bump from DJ The FBI has prevismall number a result of for further investigation Khaled? ously said that a number of manual forwarding by Ms. of Clinton and her associShares of Weight WatchAbedin’s documents were Abedin to Mr. Weiner.” ates’ use of private email backed up on the laptop of Then-FBI Director James during her time as secretary ers rose more than 6 percent on Tuesday after the comher estranged husband, for- Comey testified last year of state, Trump last week pany signed the insanely mer Rep. Anthony Weiner, that “somehow, her emails said in an interview that popular global music star and that some smaller were being forwarded to he has purposefully stayed number were manually Anthony Weiner, including “uninvolved” with the email and producer to be a “social media ambassador.” forwarded. In a letter to the classified information by investigation.

DJ Khaled said he’s lost 20 pounds on the program, only one of 13 tested whose and he’s touting it to his legions of followers — 3.4 ratings among Republicans million on Facebook, 3.92 have worsened compared million on Twitter, 8.9 with 2014. million on Instagram and a Trump has actively criticized the FBI throughout reported 3 million to 4 million views for his Snapchat his time in office, from his firing of agency head James posts.

The stock surge is similar Comey in May through to what happened after tweets in late December (sent after the completion of Winfrey disclosed she had started to lose weight (while the Gallup poll) criticizing the agency’s retiring deputy still eating her beloved director over donations to his bread) on Weight WatchDemocratic wife’s campaign ers. Weight Watchers shares Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., is pictured speaking to CNN soared nearly 300 percent in in September. He plans to return to Washington following for state senate in Virginia.

2017. his leave for cancer treatment. (Photo: CNN) But DJ Khaled — whose ‘Worst is yet to Dollar hits low given name is Khaled Modler, global head of currency to start new year strategy at Brown Brothers come’ with brutal hamed Khaled — could help cold around U.S. Weight Watchers reach an Harriman, a private bank.

The U.S. dollar started even younger audience than The tax bill cut corporate Welcome to 2018. Here’s Winfrey did, not to mention 2018 on the wrong foot, taxes significantly and lowa weeklong deep freeze to hitting its lowest point since ered taxes for many indimore men. help you celebrate. mid-September. viduals, especially wealthy The brutal chill that froze Rose McGowan In fact, the greenback lost Americans. However, CEOs much of the country on New value for almost all of 2017. have said they don’t plan to docuseries to air Year’s Day will get even It plummeted despite factors go on a hiring or spending E! announced Tuesday it that typically drive up the spree because of the tax cuts. more miserable later this will air a five-part documendollar, like the passage of tax And economists often point week. tary series chronicling the “The cold is here to cuts and an overall healthy out that rich people tend to life of actress and activist stay and the worst is yet to U.S. economy. save, not spend, the extra Rose McGowan. come,” CNN meteorologist But compared to the cash they get from lower U.S. service McGowan, who often Taylor Ward said. world’s most traded curren- taxes. member killed uses #RoseArmy in her More than 100 million cies, the dollar fell nearly 10 Twitter posts dealing with percent last year. It’s down in Afghanistan Poll: Republicans’ people from Canada to Mexico are under wind chill advocacy, has emerged as 2 percent since Dec. 15, ratings of FBI fall; warnings and advisories A U.S. service member one of the leading voices according to the ICE dollar was killed on Monday in the index. against sexual harassment on Tuesday, according to other agencies Achin District of Afghaniand discrimination against CNN meteorologist Monica Political turmoil stemsee more approval stan’s Nangarhar Province, women in Hollywood in the Garrett. ming from the 2016 election, Republicans’ reviews for the U.S. military said. months since allegations of On New Year’s Day, 90 better global growth and The service member’s sexual assault and harassuncertainty over whether the a slew of government agen- percent of the U.S. failed ment were first made against cies have improved as Don- to warm up to 32 degrees, name is not being immetax bill would even happen former movie mogul Harvey ald Trump’s administration diately disclosed pending CNN meteorologist Ivan pushed the dollar south to Weinstein. puts its stamp on the federal Cabrera said. notification of next of kin. start last year.

McGowan is among Four other service memHard freeze warnings But more recently, experts bureaucracy, according to a Weinstein’s dozens of acnew poll from Gallup, but bers were wounded during remain in effect through say dimmed expectations cusers. the combat engagement.

Wednesday in typically for the tax bill’s effect on the there’s one agency whose Weinstein has in the past ratings have shifted in the Two service members are in U.S. economy, along with balmy states, from Texas to denied all allegations of opposite direction among stable condition and being northern Florida, the Nainternational factors, have treated at a medical facility, caused the dollar to continue the president’s partisans: the tional Weather Service said. nonconsensual sex.

The docuseries, titled FBI. the military said.

And for the rest of the drifting down.

While 62 percent of “We are deeply saddened week, “much below normal “Citizen Rose,” will air in “People are accepting the Republicans gave the FBI by the loss of one of our temperatures and dangerous five parts, kicking off with a idea that tax cuts are boost“excellent” or “good” marks cold wind chills” will afflict two-hour installment on Jan. own,” Gen. John Nicholson, ing near-term growth but 30. The other four parts will the commander of U.S. much of the central and won’t change the long-term in a 2014 survey from Galair in Spring 2018. forces in Afghanistan, said in growth potential of the U.S. lup, just 49 percent say the eastern U.S. — From wire reports the statement.

— From wire reports economy,” said Marc Chan- same now. The agency is the

President Donald Trump leveled his latest criticism of the Justice Department on Tuesday, suggesting the executive department is part of a “deep state” that he believes has sought to undermine him.

The president’s criticism is the latest he has lobbed against the department that oversees the top federal law enforcement agencies, following verbal attacks in recent months against key Justice Department officials and the FBI, whose reputation he alleged last month is in “tatters.”

Trump’s latest barb targeting the Justice Department came in a tweet in which he appeared to suggest Hillary Clinton’s top aide Huma Abedin should face jail time for reportedly including confidential government information in nongovernment personal emails.

“She put Classified Passwords into the hands of foreign agents. Remember sailors pictures on submaPakistan defends rine? Jail! Deep State Justice Dept must finally act?” counterterrorism Trump tweeted, apparently efforts following referencing a Daily Caller report. tweet by Trump Some of Abedin’s emails A day after President Don- released Friday by the ald Trump accused Pakistan State Department were of lying to and deceiving the marked “confidential” and U.S. despite receiving billions were heavily redacted by in foreign aid, the Pakistani the State Department. One government said Tuesday that recent comments from U.S. leaders were “completely incomprehensible” and could damage the trust between the Sources: McCain two countries.

Trump tweeted Monday planning return that the U.S. “has foolishly to Washington given Pakistan more than 33 Arizona Republican Sen. billion dollars in aid over the John McCain plans to return last 15 years, and they have to Washington soon, sources given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders close to the senator tell as fools. They give safe haven CNN. In December, it was anto the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. nounced that McCain would return home to Arizona for No more!”

In a statement followthe remainder of the month ing a Tuesday meeting, the to recover from a hospitalNational Security Commitization as a result of cancer tee expressed “deep disaptreatments. During his repointment” at recent U.S. covery, he missed the Senate leadership comments, which vote on a finalized version of it said were “completely the GOP-backed tax plan. incomprehensible as they McCain is feeling better contradicted facts manifestly, following his recovery in ... and negated the decades Arizona, the sources said. of sacrifices made by the The senator suffers from Pakistani nation.” a type of brain tumor called a glioblastoma. He was diagnosed with the tumor Leader of Iran following surgery to remove blames ‘enemies’ a blood clot in July.

Energized by American recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the country’s right-wing government has accelerated plans that imperil a two-state solution, solidifying Israel’s power and control over Jerusalem.

In an all-night session, the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, enacted a law early Tuesday making it much more difficult to negotiate Jerusalem as part of a peace process.

The holy city is the most sensitive — and perhaps most important — issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with parts of the city claimed by both sides as their capital.

Only days earlier, a guiding body for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party voted unanimously to apply Israeli law to West Bank settlements. Although that vote was nonbinding, such a move would be seen as Israeli annexation of the territory.

for deadly protests

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed Iran’s “enemies” on Tuesday for stirring up unrest in the country, as the death toll from days of anti-government protests climbed to 21.

In his first remarks since the demonstrations erupted last Thursday, Khamenei accused the nation’s enemies of “joining forces” and blamed them for the protests that have turned violent.

“The enemy is waiting for an opportunity, for a flaw, through which they can enter,” he said. “Look at these events over the last few days.

All those who are against the Islamic Republic ... have all joined forces in order to create problems for the Islamic Republic and the Islamic Revolution.”

— From wire reports

NATION

S. Korean leader welcomes N. Korean Olympic participation

By Steve George and Taehoon Lee CNN

South Korean President Moon Jae-in welcomed Kim Jong Un’s apparent willingness to enter into dialogue and called for swift measures to help North Korea participate in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday in Seoul.

The North Korean leader struck an unusually conciliatory note in

Must read his annual New Year’s Day address, declaring his hope “for (a) peaceful resolution with our southern border.”

In the televised speech Monday, Kim called for peace on the Korean Peninsula and said North Korean representatives should start talks with their South Korean counterparts “as soon as possible” about sending a delegation to the

2018 Winter Games next month in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Moon, who has long advocated for closer relations with the North, described Kim’s remarks “as a response to our proposal to turn the Pyeongchang Olympic Games into an epoch-making opportunity to improve inter-Korean relations and establish peace.”

Moon said he would ask the Unification Ministry — the government department responsible for inter-Korean relations — and the Ministry of

Culture and Sports “to quickly come up with follow-up measures for the speedy restoration of South-North Korean dialogue and realize the North Korean delegation’s participation in the Pyeongchang Olympics.”

President Donald Trump said sanctions have started having “a big impact” on North Korea and its leader, whom he calls “Rocket man.”

“Soldiers are dangerously fleeing to South Korea. Rocket man now wants to talk to South Korea for

first time,” Trump tweeted Tuesday.

“Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not - we will see!”

Kim’s comments appear to have galvanized efforts within Moon’s administration to secure North Korea’s participation in the Games.

On Tuesday, South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myounggyon suggested high-level government talks with North Korea could be held as soon as Jan. 9 in the border village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone.

sports

gwinnettdailypost.com

PAGE 10A • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

Falcons claw into playoffs The Sports Xchange FLOWERY BRANCH — The Atlanta Falcons are back.

The Seahawks, Cowboys, Giants, Packers and Lions are not.

With a gritty win over the Carolina Panthers, the Falcons became the only NFC team to make the playoffs in 2016 and 2017.

The Falcons earned their second straight playoff berth — 14th in franchise history — with a 22-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers Sunday.

This is also the first time since 2011-12 that the Falcons have recorded back-to-back 10-plus winning seasons and just the third time in franchise history they posted back-to-back 10-plus win seasons.

Quarterback Matt Ryan is set to return to the playoffs for the sixth time over his 10-year career with the Falcons.

“I’m really excited to be in,” Ryan said. “Now, we’ve got more work to do. It’s a short week for us.”

After reaching the Super Bowl last season and losing in historic fashion, the road back to the playoffs was bumpy for the Falcons and Ryan.

The offense wasn’t always in sync under firstyear coordinator Steve Sarkisian.

Ryan missed a lot of deep passes. The wide receivers led the league in dropped passes with 28 leading into the final game. There were untimely penalties and even a rash of fumbles late in the season.

But when the offense could get a few things going and manage to get over 20 points, the Falcons were 10-0.

“I think we’ve got a tough football team,” Ryan said. “It wasn’t perfect throughout the regular season by any stretch of imagination, but we battled and found a way to play ourselves into this situation.”

The defense has el-

evated its play this season.

“We always say on the defensive side, we don’t take nothing around from our offense,” free safety Ricardo Allen said. “We are not battling with them, but we want people to know this is a defensive team too.

“This is a three-headed monster. You have to fight our offense, defense and special teams. You not only have to play against Julio (Jones) and Matt (Ryan). You have to worry about us also.”

Ryan guided the Falcons to the playoffs as a rookie in 2008. With a strong rushing attack behind Michael Turner, the Falcons finished 11-5.

The Falcons didn’t return in 2009, but Ryan led them back in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The 2012 team came within 6 yards of going to the Super Bowl but lost to Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers.

After two down seasons, Mike Smith was fired and Dan Quinn was hired as the head coach.

The Falcons went 8-8 in his first season before going 11-5 last season and reaching the Super Bowl.

“I’ve played long enough to know that all that you want is an opportunity,” Ryan said. “All that you want is a chance this time of the year. We gave ourselves that opportunity.”

Ryan has dealt gracefully with the questions about the Super Bowl collapse, his relationship with Sarkisian and why he can’t throw more touchdown passes to Julio Jones.

“I’m really proud of that,” Ryan said. “We answered a lot of questions all year about a lot of different things, and I thought our guys handled ourselves the right way.

We had the right mindset to come back and try to be the best football team we could be this year. We put ourselves in position to move forward and we’re excited about that opportunity.”

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) scores a touchdown as Carolina Panthers cornerback Daryl Worley tackles him Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Staff Photo: Jason Braverman)

Norcross’ Kamara joins rare company From Staff Reports

ceiving TDs and a kickoff return TD in a season.

Norcross grad Alvin In addition to that feat, Kamara’s 106-yard kickoff Kamara and teammate return for a touchdown in Mark Ingram became the the New Orleans Saints’ first running back teamSunday loss to the Tampa mates in NFL history Bay Buccaneers put him in to each have more than the rare company of a Pro 1,500 scrimmage yards.

Football Hall of Famer.

Kamara has 1,554 yards Kamara joined the and Ingram has 1,540. legendary Gale Sayers as Kamara and the Saints the only rookies in NFL open the NFC playoffs history to have at least this weekend when they five rushing TDs, five re- host rival Carolina.

Dacula grad Alex Armah makes a catch during warmups prior to Sunday’s game against the Falcons at MercedesBenz Stadium in Atlanta. (Staff Photo: Jason Braverman)

‘It’s surreal’ Dacula’s Armah earns role with playoff-bound Panthers

By Will Hammock

ATLANTA — Alex Armah covered a lot of ground on the MercedesBenz Stadium turf Sunday.

The Carolina Panthers rookie and Dacula grad sprinted long distances as a member of the punt and kickoff return and coverage units, where he has been a fixture for much of the season. It was the West Georgia product’s first football game in his hometown, and inside its posh stadium, making for a memorable trip even if it ended with a 22-10 loss to the hometown Atlanta Falcons.

“It felt good being at home,” Armah said. “Of course it didn’t end up like we wanted with a victory, but it felt good. I had a lot of friends and family here watching me, so that was a good feeling. … I get a lot of love from my (Dacula) boys and from the community out there in Carrollton and in Gwinnett. It’s real fun when they send me Snapchats or pictures of me on TV, just hitting me up, congratulating me. Just having that support means a lot to me.”

A large group of family and friends watched from the stands Sunday as Armah stayed busy on special teams. He didn’t get any action at fullback — Carolina used that position rarely vs. the Falcons, shifting tight end Ed Dickson there for a few plays — but has received some reps during the season.

During a two-game stretch against the Falcons and Miami Dolphins, he logged 35 combined offensive snaps.

“Alex didn’t get an opportunity (on offense Sunday), but he has that kind

will.hammock@gwinnettdailypost.com

Dacula grad Alex Armah, left, shakes hands with coach Ron Rivera during warmups prior to Sunday’s game against the Falcons. (Staff Photo: Jason Braverman)

of ability,” Carolina head coach Ron Rivera said.

“He’s a good blocker.”

A spot on an NFL roster seemed a long shot for Armah when he left Dacula for NCAA Division II West Georgia, but pro scouts began to take notice of his abilities when he switched from linebacker to defensive end as a sophomore. Scouts told his college coaches that he popped off the game video.

While he starred on defense with 41 1/2 tackles for losses and 17 1/2 sacks in his career, the 6-foot-2, 255-pounder also got some action at tight end at the end of his college career.

That experience ended up being his path to the NFL when the Panthers made him a sixth-round draft choice as a fullback.

Carolina waived him in

the last round of cuts Sept.

3 but signed him to the practice squad two days later. He was promoted Sept. 19 to the active roster, where he has stayed all season.

“It’s surreal (to be an NFL player),” Armah said. “It’s just something as a kid you always want, you dream about it and it becomes reality. It’s really cool.”

The 23-year-old has drawn praise from his coaches already for his work ethic and for his professionalism. Rivera pointed out Armah’s promptness earlier in the season, saying he is one of the first Panthers to arrive at the training facility each day.

When he isn’t preparing for football, he tries to take it easy and get in bed early.

“Outside of football, just really enjoying my time in Charlotte, relaxing,” Armah said. “It is a grind.

This is the longest season of my life. It is a grind.

So most of the time away from football, I spend it relaxing.”

Like the rest of the Panthers, Armah is glad there is more football to be played this season.

Despite Sunday’s loss, Carolina is headed to the NFC playoffs as a Wild Card team. It travels to New Orleans for a 4:40 p.m. game Sunday.

“We’ve just got to keep moving forward,” Armah said. “We know we didn’t play our best football today. We’ve just got to go watch film, see what we need to fix, get ready for the next team and make this run in the playoffs.”

ondeck Prep Schedule

Today

BASKETBALL

5 p.m. — Mountain View girls at Dacula 6 p.m. — Clarke Central at Buford 6 p.m. — Flowery Branch at Mill Creek

WRESTLING

6 p.m. — Berkmar at Alpharetta Thursday

BASKETBALL

6 p.m. — Hebron girls at Loganville Friday

BASKETBALL

5:30 p.m. — Holy Innocents’ at Wesleyan 6 p.m. — Athens Academy at Providence 6 p.m. — Central at Meadowcreek 6 p.m. — Collins Hill at Mill Creek 6 p.m. — Discovery at Peachtree Ridge 6 p.m. — Duluth at North 6 p.m. — Shiloh at Grayson 6 p.m. — Lakeside-DeKalb at Brookwood 6 p.m. — Norcross at Parkview 6 p.m. — South at Archer 7 p.m. — Buford at Walnut Grove 7 p.m. — Dacula at Gainesville 7 p.m. — GAC at Fannin Co.

SWIMMING & DIVING

5 p.m. — Collins Hill at Wesleyan 6:30 p.m. — Berkmar, Central and Discovery at Collins Hill 6:30 p.m. — Brookwood and Parkview at Mountain Park 6:30 p.m. — North, Archer and Duluth at West Gwinnett Saturday

BASKETBALL

3 p.m. — Archer at Brookwood 4 p.m. — Woodward Academy at Wesleyan 4:30 p.m. — Parkview at South 5 p.m. — Apalachee at Dacula 5:30 p.m. — Stephenson at Grayson 6 p.m. — ACS at Hebron 6 p.m. — Berkmar boys and Cedar Shoals at Clarke Central 6 p.m. — Central at Meadowcreek 6 p.m. — Lanier at North 6 p.m. — Riverside boys at Providence 7:30 p.m. — Mountain View boys at Clarke Central

SWIMMING & DIVING

• Hebron in Hot Chocolate Invitational at Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center 7:15 a.m. — Grayson, South and Meadowcreek at Mountain Park 7:15 a.m. — Peachtree Ridge and Mill Creek at West Gwinnett 6:30 p.m. — Dacula, Norcross and Mountain View at West Gwinnett 6:30 p.m. — Providence, Shiloh and Lanier at Mountain Park

WRESTLING

9 a.m. — Area 8-AAAAA duals at Clarke Central 9 a.m. — Area 8-AAAAAA duals at Gainesville 9 a.m. — Area 6-AAAAAAA duals at Peachtree Ridge 9 a.m. — Area 7-AAAAAAA duals at Central 9 a.m. — Area 8-AAAAAAA duals at Rockdale Co.

The Home Teams

Falcons

Hawks

UGA football

TODAY NEXT UPCOMING

at Portland at L.A. Lakers Fri, 10 p.m.

Sun, 9:30 p.m.

FSSE/92.9-FM FSSE/92.9-FM

vs. Alabama* Off Mon, 8 p.m.

ESPN/750-AM at Jacksonville Greenville 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 7:35 p.m.

at Greenville Sat, 7 p.m.

Gladiators

UGA hoops

Little Rock at Appalachian St. Off Sat, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 11, 7:30 p.m.

88.5-FM 88.5-FM

Ole Miss Alabama at Missouri 6:30 p.m.

Sat, noon Jan. 10, 9 p.m.

SECN/750-AM SECN/750-AM ESPN2/750-AM

Tech hoops

Miami Yale Notre Dame 9 p.m.

Sat, 7 p.m.

Jan. 10, 7 p.m.

FSSO/93.7-FM ACCN/93.7-FM ESPNU/93.7-FM

GSU hoops

Swarm

Off

Saskatchewan Sat, 7:05 p.m.

at Calgary Jan. 13, 9 p.m.

FSSE = FOX Sports Southeast, FSSO = FOX Sports South; *National championship, Atlanta

On TV Today

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

7 p.m. — North Carolina at Florida State ESPN2 7 p.m. — Clemson at Boston College FSSO 8 p.m. — St. John’s at Creighton FS1 9 p.m. — Missouri at South Carolina ESPN2 9 p.m. — Miami at Georgia Tech FSSO

NBA

8 p.m. — Cleveland at Boston ESPN 10:30 p.m. — Oklahoma City at L.A. Lakers ESPN

NHL

8 p.m. — Chicago at N.Y. Rangers NBCSP

OLYMPICS

6 p.m. — U.S. Trials Speed Skating: Men’s and Women’s 500. From Milwaukee, Wis. NBCSP 11 p.m. — U.S. Figure Skating Championships Ladies Short. From SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. NBCSP

SOCCER

2:55 p.m. — Premier League Arsenal FC vs Chelsea FC NBCSP

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL 8 p.m. — Iowa State at Baylor FSSE

Feedback

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018 • 11A

Mustangs down Florida power to get one in (in the Big South Shootout),” Meadowcreek boys coach Curtis Gilleylen said. “I didn’t DULUTH — Facwant to take this time off. I ing its fifth major test think this stretch has been within a week’s span and very good for us. We’ve without its starting point come up with a primary guard, Meadowcreek’s scorer. We’ve come up boys basketball team still with a bench. We had to got the job done Tuesday answer some questions and afternoon in the Big South come up with an identity.”

Shootout at Duluth.

Meadowcreek (13-3) The Mustangs gritted was without point guard out a 60-53 victory over Dequarious Nichols, Tallahassee Lincoln, last who left town over the season’s state runner-up in weekend to visit family Florida’s highest classifica- before school started back. tion, on the heels of four Freshman Kendrick Green grueling games last week (five points, five assists) at Wheeler’s Tournament was solid, as was Dawit of Champions. They went Cridland (four assists).

3-1 in that event.

“We knew without our “Our guys are still kind primary ball handler, Deof recovering from four quarious Nichols, we were games in four days (last going to have to have some week), but I still wanted other guys handle the ball,”

By Will Hammock will.hammock@ gwinnettdailypost.com

Gilleylen said. “We were able to see what we had as far as backups. But we knew coming into the game we were going to have to come up with someone who was going to want to handle the ball. We got a chance to see the freshman, Kendrick Green, and he did good.”

The primary scorer role went to the same player who led the Mustangs in last week’s event, Jamir Chaplin.

He had team highs of 21 points and 12 rebounds, including 11 first-quarter points as Meadowcreek seized the lead quickly. It went up 17-12 after a quarter and 28-21 at halftime thanks to 12 of 20 shooting (60 percent).

The Mustangs never trailed and faced a tie just once, at 36 late in the third

quarter. Emmanuel Collier made a 3-pointer on the ensuing possession and Meadowcreek held Lincoln off the rest of the way.

Collier played a pivotal role with 12 points on four second-half 3-pointers.

Teammate Samuel Johnson also had five points and a 3-pointer off the bench.

Amari Kelly had 11 points and nine rebounds despite foul trouble throughout the second half.

He fouled out with 1:11 remaining. Cory Hightower contributed six points and seven rebounds.

Lincoln was led by Tionne Rollins, who kept his team close with 25 points and five rebounds.

Its next leading scorer was Shamon Mosley with seven points, all in the fourth quarter.

Tucker keys Dacula comeback win don’t know what contributed to that — whether they ate something bad,” head coach Byron Wilson said.

DULUTH — Held to “I think we picked up our two points in the first half, intensity and energy in the Dacula junior guard Bren- second half. It was there den Tucker finished with 21 in the first half, but there points and were plays to be made that helped the we didn’t make the extra Falcons effort to get to.” surge to an Dacula senior Arusha 82-60 win Hunter and sophomore over Class Quincey Ademokoya had AAAA scored 11 and 10 points, North respectively, by halftime.

Brenden Clayton Tucker said Dacula’s halfTucker at the Big time adjustments faciliSouth Shootout Tuesday at tated the offensive flood in Duluth High School. the third quarter.

The Falcons trailed 34“We came together as 33 at halftime after North a team, played hard and Clayton tied the game on we were playing for one a buzzer-beating layup, another,” Tucker said. then took the lead on a Tucker made a string of free throw from a technical plays that led to an offoul on Dacula after time fensive run that separated expired.

Dacula from North Clayton “I think we came out in the third quarter. Tucker with a slow start, and I helped the Falcons to a 43By Taylor Denman taylor.denman@ gwinnettdailypost.com

38 lead on a 3-point play at the 4:28 mark. A few possessions later, Tucker punctuated back-to-back steal-and-score fast breaks with a pair of two-handed dunks. The Falcons held a 54-42 lead over North Clayton at the 1:58 mark in the third quarter on another basket from Tucker.

Tucker’s 21 points were accompanied by four steals.

“It’s on my teammates by making the right play and being at the right spots,” Tucker said.

Dacula outscored North Clayton 49-28 in the second half, partially a result of the added ball pressure that forced turnovers, according to Wilson. Tucker’s game-high offensive day was one of three doubledigit performances for Dacula. Ademokoya and Hunter finished with 19 and 15 points, respectively.

The Big South Shootout

was the final nonregion event for Dacula (7-5, 0-1) as it braces for the thick of its region schedule. Dacula is set to play four consecutive Region 8-AAAAAA games, beginning with a trip to Gainesville on Friday, followed by a home game against Apalachee Saturday. Wilson feels encouraged by the abundance of scorers on his roster. He said he doesn’t feel burdened by the task of getting the ball in his best scorers’ hands since the Falcons’ fast-paced, rotation-heavy half-court offense organically provides his players with open looks at the basket.

“It’s a good problem to have,” Wilson said. “I’d rather have three guys that can score 20 points per game than just one who scores 30. They seem to be moving the ball better and working together.”

Slow start hurts Buford girls in loss at the beginning of the season and right now I just don’t think we’re playing very hard.

DULUTH — Gene Dur“With our style, you den had a lengthy talk with must play hard.” his players — more than Buford (9-2) nearly 30 minutes — after Tuesplayed itself out of the day’s Big South Shootout game in the first quarter. game.

Lovejoy (14-1) jumped The Buford girls basket- out to an 18-3 lead and ball coach didn’t like his stretched it to 16 points team’s effort in a slow start before the Wolves trimmed against Lovejoy, and he let the lead to 10 points by the them know in clear terms end of the quarter. after a 55-49 loss in the “When you start like showcase at Duluth. that against a good team, “We’ve got to put more you’re in an upward battle consistency into what the whole way,” Durden makes our program who said. “They came out with we are and that’s our ena lot of energy and ready ergy level,” Durden said. “I to play. We didn’t come told them if you can dive out and match their energy on the floor the final three and play a Buford style of minutes probably eight basketball.” times, but you don’t dive Despite the terrible on the floor the first three start, Audrey Weiner shot quarters, that’s a choice.

Buford back into it.

We were playing very hard The senior had 15 of

By Will Hammock

at L.A. Rams Off Sat, 8:25 p.m.

NBC/92.9-FM

Off

gwinnettdailypost.com

will.hammock@ gwinnettdailypost.com

her team-high 17 points in the second quarter and the Wolves even held a couple of brief leads in the second quarter. The game was tied at halftime, then Preston Reid scored to open the third quarter for a 37-35 advantage.

Lovejoy scored the next five points and never trailed again, holding a lead between a point and six points the rest of the way.

“I think it’s got to do with decision-making and shot selection,” Durden said. “We turned the ball over way too many times against them. They like to get easy transition points and when you turn it over and don’t make them work on offense to get good shots, that’s going to bite you and it did.”

It didn’t help the Michigan State signee

Tory Ozment twisted her ankle midway through the second quarter and missed an extended period. She returned to play in the second half with a limp, finishing with seven points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Buford, which hadn’t played since Dec. 21, also got six points, seven rebounds and two assists from Tate Walters, four points and five rebounds each from Ebony Grant and Mary Walters and four points and four assists from Reid.

Lovejoy was led by 20 points from Genesis Bryant and 15 points and six rebounds from Anaya Boyd. Those two combined for 16 points in the first-quarter assault. Kayla Brown added eight points and six rebounds for the victors.

Beach tops Big South host Duluth coach (Ronald) Booker, who retired a couple years ago.”

Beach was also a good DULUTH — Plagued evaluation tool, Tate said, by turnovers, Duluth girls for Duluth as the Wildcats basketball fell behind Class look toward their final AAA Beach 12-2 in the eight region games with first quarter and couldn’t one nonregion contest in climb back into the game. between.

The Big South Shootout Duluth found somehosts lost 53-33 against thing positive to cling to one of head coach April at halftime by outscoring Tate’s old archrivals from Beach 8-6 in the second the years she was the head quarter. Junior guard Erika coach at Savannah High Dunn nailed a 3-pointer School. at the 4:15 mark in the “There was no betsecond quarter that forced ter rivalry in Savannah a Beach timeout, and it than Beach and Savannah was an eight-point game at High,” Tate said. “When halftime. they would play, we’d go Beach started the second to the (Savannah) Civic half on an 8-0 run and outCenter. … People in Sascored the Wildcats 35-23 vannah love basketball. It in the second half to pull was phenomenal to be in away with the win. that atmosphere, winning Senior guard Victoria or losing. It was exciting Oglesby led Wildcats to play them again. A lot scorers with eight points. of the coaches played for Senior forward Zaniyah

By Taylor Denman taylor.denman@ gwinnettdailypost.com

Williams had a team-high four rebounds for Duluth (3-10, 1-2), and Torey Walker added a pair of blocks.

“A lot of our games have kind of been the same. We turn over the ball too much, and we don’t rebound well,” Tate said.

“When you do those two things, you don’t have an opportunity to get into a rhythm. We find ourselves in difficult situations trying to score the ball.”

Beach won both its games in the inaugural Big South Shootout. The Bulldogs (13-1, 5-0) beat Class AAAA Baldwin 66-47 on Monday’s first day of the tournament.

“Based on my being here, it seems to be going well,” Tate said regarding Duluth’s first edition of its New Year’s showcase. “It being the first year, there are always ways you can

do things better. I think there’s a lot of teams, not as many girls teams, because it’s more catered toward the boys.”

The thick of region play begins Friday at North Gwinnett, and Tate said she’s optimistic the Wildcats will be able to make up lost ground in Region 6-AAAAAAA, which she thinks is wide open after Collins Hill is penciled into the top spot.

“All our nonconference games have been against some good teams,” Tate said. “At the end of the day in our region, Collins Hill sits at the top, so the No. 2 spot is open. If you look at our overall record, it looks like we can’t beat a good team. At the end of the day, when you look at our region, we have a good opportunity to be not just in the top four in the region, but also in the No. 2 spot.”

12A • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

gwinnettdailypost.com

Georgia’s Lorenzo Carter (7) blocks a field goal attempted by Oklahoma kicker Austin Seibert (43) during overtime of the Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal Monday in Pasadena, Calif. (Photo: Kelvin Kuo-USA Today Sports)

Carter’s block helps Bulldogs to thrilling victory Norcross grad, Georgia earn title game berth

(13-1) behind in the fourth quarter.

Oklahoma defensive back Steven Parker scooped up Michel’s drop, walked a tightrope along the sideline and ran the The Sports Xchange ball 46 yards for a touchPASADENA, Calif. — down.

Lorenzo Carter’s block The first overtime game of a field-goal attempt in in Rose Bowl history double overtime set the almost wasn’t. stage for Sony Michel’s But running back Nick game-winning touchdown Chubb scored the second run as Georgia outlasted of his two rushing touchOklahoma 54-48 in the downs for Georgia on a College Football Playoff 2-yard, direct snap to force semifinal at the Rose Bowl. overtime at 45-45. Chubb Michel’s 27-yard contributed 145 yards rushtouchdown rush made his- ing to the Bulldogs’ 502 tory for the Bulldogs and total yards of offense. provided redemption for The stage for Michel’s the running back. history-making run to Michel — the Offensend Georgia to the CFP sive Player of the Game championship in At— rushed for 181 yards, lanta on Monday against scored three touchdowns Alabama was set when, in on the ground and a the top-half of the second fourth receiving, but his overtime, Carter blocked late fumble put Georgia a 27-yard Austin Seibert

“There were 11 guys just executing the play, and everybody did their job.”

Georgia’s rally to force Who: Georgia (13-1) and then win in overtime vs. Alabama (12-1) marked their second of When: Monday, 8 p.m.

Where: Mercedes-Benz the game, and the third Stadium, Atlanta between the two teams.

TV: ESPN Parker’s touchdown was the second of two consecufield-goal attempt. tive scores for Oklahoma “That’s what he do: (12-2), which fell behind Notre Dame game (Sept. after a 24-0 run by Georgia.

9), sack fumble; Auburn A Rodrigo Blankengame (SEC Championship ship field goal of 55 yards on Dec. 2), he stripped it; just before halftime began and then in the final four,” the Bulldogs’ outpouring, linebacker Davin Bellamy which spanned the third said. “That’s what we do in quarter and spilled into the that (defensive) room. It’s fourth. a torch that’s been passed Chubb and Michel down.” scored on touchdown In turn, Carter, a Norruns of 50 and 38 yards cross grad, turned the in the third quarter, then a spotlight over to Michel.

Dominick Sanders inter“When the play was ception of Mayfield led to called, everybody looked a 4-yard touchdown from each in other in the eyes,” quarterback Jake Fromm to Michel said of the gamewide receiver Javon Wims. winning touchdown rush.

Wims’ grab gave Georgia

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

its first lead with 13:57 remaining in regulation.

“They blitzed more on first and second down,” said Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield. “For me, it’s getting the ball out of my hands out to the guys (who are) open. …

It wasn’t like we were just blowing assignments. They have good players.”

After accruing just 29 yards of offense in the third quarter, Oklahoma responded with a six-play, 88-yard scoring drive to force a tie. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb made a spectacular leaping catch along the sideline for 36 yards. A Mayfield scramble led to the Oklahoma quarterback zipping an 11-yard touchdown pass to Dimitri Flowers.

Oklahoma scored on five of its six possessions in the first half, racking up 31 points on just 40 plays.

A double-reverse on which Lamb found a wide-open Mayfield in the corner of the end zone gave the Sooners a three-possession lead, with no signs of slowing down.

“Guys came out flying around,” said tight end Mark Andrews, who caught four passes for 52 yards. “Second half started a little slow, but the whole team, this team kept in it.”

Sooners running back Rodney Anderson ripped off 125 of his 201 rushing yards in the first half, reaching the end zone twice.

The deluge Anderson led could have put Georgia away, but the Bulldogs answered.

“Nobody in this locker room ever stopped believing,” Fromm said. “We wanted to run the ball, and we did that. Offense, we feel like we hang with anybody.”

Alabama’s defense dominates Clemson in semifinal The Sports Xchange NEW ORLEANS — This was Bear Bryant football — and Nick Saban football.

In an era of spreads, shotguns and shenanigans, No. 4 Alabama, healthy once again, asserted itself in the trenches and overpowered No. 1 Clemson on defense Monday night to win the College Football Playoff semifinal 24-6

in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.

The Crimson Tide (12-1) advance to the national title where they will oppose Georgia, a Southeastern Conference rival.

Alabama nose guard Da’Ron Payne and linebacker Mack Wilson intercepted Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant on back-to-back possessions in the third quarter, keying a ferocious second-half defensive assault

that produced a pair of touchdowns in a 13-second span.

“These guys played with a relentless, competitive attitude,” Saban said. “They were warriors out there on this field. Now we have to focus on finishing it.”

It was relentless Alabama defensive football. The Crimson Tide held Clemson to 99 yards in total offense and seven first downs through the first three

quarters, and that defensive pressure finally allowed them to blow open a 10-6 game.

The defensive rout was just another manifestation of how difficult it is to oppose Alabama when Saban has a month to prepare. In the previous two CFP semifinals at the end of the 2015 and 2016 seasons, Alabama shut out Michigan State 38-0 and defeated Washington 24-7. The

combined 13 points allowed in three semifinals speaks for itself.

It also was solace for losing to Clemson 45-40 in the championship game last year, when Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson drove his team the length of the field for the winning touchdown in the final seconds.

Alabama has not played Georgia since Oct. 3, 2015, when the Tide rolled 38-10 in Athens.

Bears follow blueprint for success in victory (in non-region play) that have some bigs for us to work on defending them.

“It came together for us DULUTH — With no pretty well tonight. I think player standing taller than our guys dialed in pretty 6-foot-4, and only two well. Kevin (Kayongo) players of that height, and Nahiem and Jalen and Mountain View boys Miles (Long) defended basketball coach B.J. Roy pretty well. Alex (Wesig) knows his team will face a does what he always does decided size disadvantage against a bigger post.” like the one it faced against It took a few minutes Mt. Bethel Christian in the for the Bears to adjust to Big South Shootout. the Mount Bethel (14-5) The Bears display a post presence of 6-7 Jordan blueprint of their best Meka and 6-5 Stanley Eye, chances of victory in such as well as the perimeter situations, by using their shooting of Jaquez Gilbert. superior speed, quickness, The Eagles jumped out ball handling and perimto a quick 8-2 lead by eter shooting to pull away working the ball in the for a 67-53 win Tuesday paint to Eye and Meka, night at Duluth’s Joe who were able to kick it Marelle Gym. back to the wing to Gilbert The other key for for a pair of 3-pointers, Mountain View was Roy’s accounting for six of his ability to mix and match game-high 22 points in his personnel. the first 2:29 following the Jalen Hayes stepped into opening tip. the starting lineup, adding But Hayes began to help to the usual production of Mountain View pick up the game’s Most Valuable the pace and get the Bears Player Nahiem Allenye back in the game. and sharpshooting senior The 6-0 senior hit a Spencer Rodgers as the 3-pointer and dished out Bears improved to 13-2 on three assists during a 13-3 the season. run over a 3:05 span late in “We realize (since) we the first quarter that helped don’t have a guy over (6the Bears jump in front 15foot-4). It’s important for 11 following a transition us to go up against (biglayup by Miles Long off ger) teams,” Roy said. “We a Hayes feed at the 1:34 started with a scrimmage mark of the opening frame. against Meadowcreek, and “They’re kind of big, we’ve played several teams and they looked like they david.friedlander@ gwinnettdailypost.com

didn’t have many subs.

So we just wanted to keep the pace up to wear them down as the game went on,” said Hayes, who finished with 16 points, six rebonds, six assists and three steals. “We wanted to get fast break layups and opportunities. We saw that they had a big in the post (Meka) that was good at blocking shots, so we just wanted to keep (the ball) moving so he wouldn’t have the opportunity to control the paint.”

After Mt. Bethel pulled to within 15-13 on a pair of free throws with 1:11 left in the opening frame

by Coleman Boyd, the son of Eagles head coach and former Greater Atlanta Christian girls coach Cal Boyd, Hayes and the Bears really got the pace going their way.

Rodgers hit a stickback with 47 seconds left, and then took a feed in transition from Hayes to knock down a 3-pointer — one of nine shots Mountain View hit from behind the arc on the night — to complete a brief 5-1 run that gave the Bears a 20-14 lead at the Look for the

quarter break.

Hayes then dished out two more assists, and Allenye added a 3-pointer and a 2-point jumper to key a 17-6 run over the opening 5:52 of the second quarter to balloon the Mountain View lead to 37-20 with 2:08 left in the first half.

But Mt. Bethel still managed to hang around for a while, with Eye’s muscle in the low post and Gilbert’s hot shooting on the perimeter eyeing an 8-4 run over the remainder of the half to cut the Bears’ lead to just 41-28 heading into intermission.

The lead was just 11 at 44-33 when Gilbert knocked down the fourth of his five 3-pointers on the night with 6:23 left in the quarter.

But Allenye quickly answered with a 3 of his own, plus a reverse layup in transition for five of his team-high 20 points, and Hayes added a conventional three-point play with a drive down the lane to cap a 9-0 run that pushed the Mountain View lead to 52-33 with 4:26 left in the period.

“We kept running and running and got a lot of 3s up,” Allenye said. “They’re a good defensive team, but we crashed the (defensive) boards and kept attacking the paint to kick it out for 3s.”

Allenye then keyed one last run, a 10-2 spurt over the opening 2:57 of the fourth quarter, with five more points as the Bears built as much as a 20-point lead, and never allowed Mt. Bethel any closer than the final 14-point margin.

While Mountain View was outrebounded 30-21 overall on the night, the 6-4 Kayongo helped the Bears hold their own in the low post with a team-high eight rebounds and five blocked shots to go with six points, while Rodgers finished with 15 points and Long came off the bench to add eight points.

The Bears also forced 17 turnovers on the night from the Eagles, who got 13 points and nine boards from Eye, seven points and seven rebounds from Meka and eight points, eight rebounds and three assists from Coleman Boyd.

From Staff Reports DAHLONEGA — Junior Hunter McIntosh surpassed the 1,000-point mark for his career in Greater Atlanta Christian’s 82-22 region victory over Lumpkin County on Tuesday.

McIntosh scored 26 points for the Spartans (11-3, 2-1). Jabari Bailey added nine points and Roy Dixon had eight.

GAC girls 71, Lumpkin County 38 Taylor Sutton rolled up 25 points and six steals to lead Greater Atlanta Christian to a 71-38 win over Lumpkin County on Tuesday. Kennedy Williams added 16 points, seven steals and eight assists, while MaryMartha Turner grabbed a gamehigh 15 rebounds for the Spartans (10-3, 3-0).

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

499940-1

By David Friedlander

McIntosh surpasses 1,000-point mark in GAC win

In print on Wednesdays and online at gwinnetteprepsports.com

gwinnettdailypost.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018 • 13A

IN BRIEF

The Mountain View wrestlers took third out of 12 teams at this past weekend’s Creekview Duals.

The Bears went 3-1, falling to South Paulding 40-33 in their only setback.

They posted wins over Lanier (60-15), Lithia Springs (72-0) and Pepperell (669).

R.J. Aguirre (4-0 at 106 pounds), Rick Shores (4-0 at 113), Nick Marbut (4-0 at 120), Fard Muhammad (4-0 at 145), Luke Hennebaul (4-0 at 182) and Harrison Spikes (4-0 at 220) finished the tourney with unbeaten records. Logan Burroughs (3-1 at 126), Drew Risley (3-1 at 132), Chase Standridge (3-1 at 152) and Garrett Spikes (3-1 at 170) also wrestled well.

Buford wrestlers second in Ohio tournament

Buford placed second in the Greater Miami Valley Wrestling Tournament over the weekend in Dayton, Ohio.

The tourney featured 49 teams from Ohio and Kentucky. The Wolves finished as runner-up by 39 points to St. Paris Graham, ranked third nationally.

Logan Ashton, Nick Stonecheck and Alcein Mendoza had second-place finishes for Buford, while Cooper Roberts, Charlie Darracott and Blaine Bergey ended up in third. Kyle McCullough was fourth in his weight class and Nick Cambria was sixth.

Palmer announced his retirement on Tuesday after 15 seasons in the NFL. “Over the years I’ve had teammates who decided to hang it up and I would ask them how they knew when it was time to walk away. The answer was almost always the same: You just know,” Palmer wrote in an open letter to fans. “For me, that time is now. Why? Quite simply I just know.”

The 38-year-old Palmer was named to the Pro Bowl three times, but his 2017 season was cut short by a broken arm that limited him to seven games.

Palmer was a Heisman Trophy winner at USC in 2002, and was the first overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft. However, he did not play at all as a rookie with the Bengals in 2003.

Palmer spent his first eight seasons with the Bengals before being traded to the Oakland Raiders. He played in Oakland for two years before playing five seasons with Arizona.

Enjoy a moment of sunshine.

Aggies’ Kirk among players declaring for draft

Texas A&M junior receiver Christian Kirk, a potential first-rounder who adds value as a return man, announced Tuesday he would enter the 2018 NFL Draft.

NFLDraftScout.com senior analyst Rob Rang had Kirk going 16th overall in a first-round mock draft this week.

Kirk’s numbers dipped a bit this season because of the Aggies’ uneven quarterback play, but he finished with 66 catches for 859 yards and 10 touchdowns. Kirk (5-foot-11, 220 pounds) has six career Archer wrestlers punt return touchdowns and one kick win Gladiator Duals return score, which came this season Archer’s wrestling team won the Gladi- against Arkansas. ator Duals hosted by Clarke Central this Kirk caught 229 passes for 2,796 yards past weekend. and 26 touchdowns in three seasons.

The Tigers defeated Oconee County Other underclassmen declaring for the 66-12, East Coweta 42-22, Chattooga draft Tuesday were Nebraska offensive 54-12 and Jackson County 48-22 in the lineman Nick Gates, Southern Miss wide receiver Korey Robertson, Stanford tight tournament. Cameron Sapp, Chandler end Dalton Schultz and Oregon State runSwenson, Gio Gachelin, Logan Smith, ning back Ryan Nall.

Gavin Smith, Brandon Mitchell, Chase Also on Tuesday, Wisconsin linebacker DeGrenier and Will Choloh finished the T.J. Edwards announced he would return day unbeaten for Archer. for his senior season. The 2017 AllAmerican made 81 tackles, including 11 Cardinals quarterback for loss, and intercepted four passes this Palmer calls it quits season Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson — From staff, wire reports

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SECTION B • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

Haley shining again After struggling with fatigue as a junior, Collins Hill’s Arner is back in fast lane

By Christine Troyke

christine.troyke@gwinnettdailypost.com

Haley Arner’s second high school meet was at her home pool and she was swimming the 100 backstroke for the first time in competition.

Arner set a new school record and it was a bittersweet moment.

The old record was the last still held by Marin Morrison, who passed away in 2009 after a long battle with cancer.

“Haley stepped up to the challenge and we all know Marin wanted her to go after it,” Collins Hill head coach Jenny Weaver said.

Morrison was a star on the rise nationally before being diagnosed with a brain tumor and she remains a significant figure for the Eagles’ swimming program.

“Because it was her last record on Photo: Kyle Hess

See ARNER, Page 3B

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018 • 3B

Arner

Five-time Olympic medalist to host swim clinic at GAC

•From Page 1B

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the board, it was special for me,” Arner said. “She was such a great person, the legacy she left and the character traits she had, I strive to be a person like that. So being able to do that was really cool for me — and also a little sad to not see her name on the board anymore.”

Since setting that school record in 2014, Arner has broken four more — the 200 freestyle, 200 individual medley, 100 butterfly and 500 free. Of the eight individual Collins Hill swimming records, she holds five. Two others belong to Jenn Rutledge, someone Weaver compared Arner to this season.

“I feel like she’s come full circle on how she approaches races,” Weaver said. “As a freshman, she was a little timid behind the blocks — even though she had no reason to be. Now she’s not scared to race you.

“She reminds me a lot of kids that we’ve had, like Justin Robinson and Jenn Rutledge, because they just figured out a way to put their hand on the wall.

She’s not scared to sprint anymore. She’s not scared to take you down. She’s a fighter and I like it. It’s very valuable.”

Arner, a Daily Post Super Six selection, had to fight through a difficult junior season. She was plagued by fatigue and it took until this summer to diagnose it as severe Vitamin D and iron deficiencies. Figuring it out took a while since the schedule of an elite student-athlete is inherently physically taxing.

“We train so much and we go to school all day, so we are tired,” Arner said.

“I was just extremely tired all the time. The majority of junior year was just

From Staff Reports

Collins Hill senior Haley Arner, a Dail Post Super Six selection, holds five of the eight individual school records in swimming and is headed to South Carolina in the fall. (Photo: Kyle Hess)

not a good time for me.

Going into the summer, I would take six-hour naps regularly. It was a problem.

That was when my mom said we needed to go figure out what was wrong.”

Some blood tests revealed the problem and Arner said she noticed a difference as soon as she started taking supplements.

“She struggled quite a bit with that but we’ve got all of that taken care of now and she’s back swimming really, really fast,” said Chris Davis, her club coach at SwimAtlanta.

“She’s a great girl. Great attitude. Great teammate.

She’s one of those kids you love to see walk through the door because you want to hear how her day was.

Just a fun, nice, neat kid that’s there every single practice and gives a great effort every day.”

Arner started swim-

ming when she was 5 in the summer league and a few years later was all in.

She quit dancing and came to SwimAtlanta, a hive of swimming success in Gwinnett, when she was 9. Arner has raced a wide variety of events both in high school and at the club level, but her strengths now are the 200 and 500 freestyles.

“When she was little, she could just bang it out and never got tired,” Davis said. “You just wound her up and she just went. But she grew and became more mature physically and toned it down to more the 500, the 200, the 100, the 100 fly, the 200 fly.

“She took it in stride and just kept working hard with a great attitude and has done really well.

They’re going to love her at South Carolina. She’s such a great teammate.”

Arner signed with the Gamecocks in October after visiting USC, Florida State and LSU. “When I went on my visit to South Carolina, I really liked the family atmosphere the team has,” Arner said. “The coaches were really welcoming.

They really got to know me as a person, more than just a swimmer, and that really stood out to me. I really loved it.”

Weaver sees a difference in Arner now that her college decision is made.

“The pressure is off now knowing where she’s going to go,” Weaver said. “Signing with South Carolina is pretty big. She can hold her head up high about that. She’s earned it. But that pressure being taken off her plate, she’s just having a lot of fun now. That’s kind of what high school swimming is

all about. And she’ll see in college that you rely on your teammates a lot.”

Since she started at SwimAtlanta, it’s been Arner’s goal to swim in college. She’s got another one on her mind now.

“I’ve always wanted to win an event at high school state,” Arner said.

Despite the dragging fatigue last year, Arner still finished third at state in the 200 free. She’s back to 100 percent as a senior so the opportunity is certainly there.

“There are kids who find a way to get their hand to the wall first,” Davis said.

“In my career, I have seen people who have a knack for it. She does. I think that comes with her competitive spirit. She’ll race all the way down to the end, it doesn’t matter if she’s dying or not, she’s still racing. She never quits.”

Five-time Olympic medalist Josh Davis will host a clinic for Atlantaarea swimmers Sunday at Greater Atlanta Christian’s Freeman Aquatic Center.

The event features two sessions — from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for 11-and-under swimmers and from 2 to 5 p.m. for 12-and-older. The cost is $55 per swimmer.

Davis has traveled the country working swim clinics since finishing his Olympic career. He won three gold medals at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, then won two silver medals at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. He also served as captain of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team.

The former University of Texas swimmer was a 200 freestyle NCAA champion and 23-time All-American in college.

He currently serves as head coach of Oklahoma Christian University.

The GAC clinic will include instruction on strokes, starts, turns, nutrition, goal-setting and motiviation. Each swimmer at the event will receive an autographed Olympic swim cap as well as a photo with one of Davis’ 1996 Olympic gold medals.

For more information or to register, go to www.breakoutswimclinic.com.

0103_GDP_WED_CLASS_Classifieds 12/29/2017 4:46 PM Page B4

B4 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

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DODGE WORK VAN, RAM 2500, 1995, 1 owner, like new, custom cabinets, loaded, V8, AC, heat, customized seats. $2,295. 678-620-6792

LOGANVILLE, GA 30052 4665 ATLANTA HWY

EATONTON, GA 31024 210 RIVER LAKE DR.

On Full Finished Basement.

5 Bedrooms 3 Full Baths $229,900 EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

CHEVROLET IMPALA LT, 2013, 47,000 MILES Remote start, On Star, moon roof, flex fuel, Michelin, elderly owner. $8,995. 770-616-7399

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FIREWOOD

LOGANVILLE, GA 30052

VEHICLES

Ford Econoline, 2008 SUPER CLEAN VANS, 83k miles with 12 month/12k mile warranties. 4 to choose from. $7850.

CALL NOW! 678-322-9302

MOBILE HOMES & LOTS FOR RENT

ROOMMATE WANTED /ROOM FOR RENT

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

PERSONAL

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PERSONAL GOT AN OLDER CAR, VAN OR SUV? Do the humane thing.

Donate it to the HUMANE SOCIETY. CALL 1-866-358-4194.

To place a Classified ad please call 517006-1

FULL TIME

FULL TIME

770-236-9988

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

6B • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

Super

gwinnettdailypost.com

winter

sale

FURNITURE HURRY! LIMITED TIME ONLY!

Includes Queen Bed, Dresser, Mirror & Nightstand

2197

$

9e9en9Bed

4 Pc. Bedroom Package

Qu

Includes Queen Bed, Dresser, Mirror & Nightstand

$

797

4 Pc. Bedroom Package

$

Q

Includes Queen Bed, Dresser, Mirror and Nightstand

$

797

$

4 Pc. Bedroom Package

Includes: Queen Bed, Dresser, Mirror and Nightstand

2ue9en 9Bed

3ue9en 9Bed Q

King available.

5es4s F9ull Bed

Princ

Twi

$

NO

CREDIT CHECK

$

2n/9Fu9ll Bed

$

OR

See store for details.

$ 4 Pc. Bedroom Package

12

MONTHS SAME AS CASH O.A.C

4 Pc. Bedroom Package

797

$

$

2ue9en 9Bed Q

Includes Queen Bed, Dresser, Mirror and Nightstand

King available.

$ 4 Pc. Bedroom Package

999

$

Includes: Queen Bed, Dresser, Mirror and Nightstand

3ue9en 9Bed Q

King available.

1999

$

4 Po. Kids Bedroom in Dark Brown

Includes Twin Bed, Dresser, Mirror & Nightstand

4 Pc. Queen Bedroom Set

899Bed

tered phols U t n a Eleg een

Qu

$

549

$

1T8win8Bed

$

1197

$

4ue9en 9Bed Q

Includes Queen Bed, Dresser, Mirror & Nightstand

$ 4 Pc. Queen Bedroom Set

697

$

2ue9en 9Bed Q

King available.

Includes: Queen Bed, Dresser, Mirror & Nightstand

ALL PRICES ARE MARKED DOWN UP TO 30% OFF!

Bonded Leather

$

747

Sofa and Loveseat

$

797

Sofa and Loveseat

1097

Sofa and Loveseat

Sofa and Loveseat

$

697

Ottoman $199

Sofa and Loveseat in Charcoal

Sofa and Loveseat

Limited Edition Queen Mattress Firm or Plush Foundation Sold Separately

$

$

399

Available in Brown or Black

Bonded Leather Reclining Sofa and Loveseat

$

1097

$

1397

$

1197

525678-1

HUGE SAVINGS THROUGHOUT THE STORE!

FURNITURE

2334 Henry Clower Blvd.

Snellville, GA 30078 New London Plaza (1 block west of 124 on hwy 78)

770-498-3344

NO

CREDIT NEEDED

FINANCING

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ASH17-50-002