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The following reports were filed by the Gwinnett County Police Department between July 27, 2019 and August 10, 2019.
• Officers responded to calls for forced entry residential burglaries in the 100 block of Sandhurst Court in Suwanee and in the 1400 block of Mall of Georgia Drive in Buford.
• An attempted residential burglary occurred in the 3300 block of Cascade Fall Drive in Buford.
• Non-forced residential burglaries were reported in the 5400 block of Cumming Highway in Sugar Hill and in the 1700 block of Gray Gables Way in Buford.
• An attempted non-residential burglary happened in the 5500 block of Cumming Highway in Sugar Hill.
• Entering auto theft incidents took place in the 4600 block of Pinecrest Drive in Sugar Hill, 100 block of Whitehead Road in Sugar Hill, 1200 block of Riverside Road in Buford, 6100 block of Woodlake Drive in Buford, 3200 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3200 block of Woodward Crossing Boulevard in Buford, and 2500 block of Hamilton Mill Road in Buford.
• Police responded to motor vehicle theft calls in the 1100 block of Austin Court in Sugar Hill, 4300 block of Commerce Drive in Buford, and 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford.
• Theft by taking was reported in the 300 block of South Church Street, 1700 block of Satellite Boulevard, 3700
block of Buford Drive, 3400 block of Financial Center Way, and 3300 block of Buford Drive. Buford addresses.
• Tags were stolen in the 4100 block of Buford Drive and in the 2200 block of Brandon Acres Drive. Buford addresses.
• A call for theft of services was received for the 3700 block of Buford Drive in Buford.
• Theft by deception took place in the 3300 block of Buford Drive and in the 3300 block of Hill Pond Drive. Buford addresses.
• Stolen property was recovered in the area of Hamilton Mill Road and Haddon Hall Drive in Buford.
• Reports of shoplifting were filed for the 3300 block of Buford Drive, 3700 block of Buford Drive, 3200 block of Woodward Crossing Boulevard, and 3200 block of Sardis Church Road. Buford addresses.
• Officers responded to disorderly conduct calls in the 1400 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard in Buford and in the 2000 block of Teron Trace in Dacula.
• Arrests for DUI were made on Hamilton Mill Road at I-85 and at Gravel Springs Road and Morgan Road. Buford addresses.
• A robbery took place on I-85 SB near Lawrenceville Suwanee Road in Suwanee.
• Police were notified of a sexual battery incident in the 2400 block of Braselton Highway in Hoschton.
Restaurant Inspections
The following restaurant health inspection scores were pulled from the Georgia Department of Health from July 29, 2019 to August 11, 2019.
• Second degree criminal damage to property happened in the 3900 block of Crescent Walk Lane in Suwanee and in the 2100 block of Hamilton Creek Parkway in Dacula.
• Reports for simple battery were filed in the 5900 block of Hillside Manor Court in Sugar Hill, 600 block of Carrolls Way in Sugar Hill, 3700 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 1400 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard in Buford, and 1800 block of Appaloosa Lane in Buford.
• Battery was reported in the 5700 block of Shadburn Ferry Road, 300 block of Bona Road, 3700 block of Buford Drive, 3300 block of Buford Drive, and 2900 block of Pucketts Mill Road.
• Aggravated assault with a gun took place in the 4900 block of Nelson Brogdon Boulevard in Sugar Hill.
• Officers responded to a call for aggravated assault with a knife or cutting tool in the 200 block of Latimore Avenue in Buford.
• Simple assault took place in the 2400 block of Hamilton Mill Parkway and in the 3400 block of Braselton Highway. Dacula addresses.
• Financial transaction card theft was reported in the 4300 block of Hidden Meadow Circle in Sugar Hill.
• Financial transaction card fraud took place in the 4100 block of Hamilton Mill Road and in the 2200 block of Ivy Crest Drive. Buford addresses.
• Forgery in the third degree occurred
in the 4600 block of Amberwyck Way in Buford.
The following incidents were pulled from police reports filed by the Suwanee Police Department between July 27, 2019 and August 10, 2019. All incidents occurred inside the city limits of Suwanee, Ga.
• Second degree burglary occurred in the 300 block of Sawmill Drive (2 incidents) and in the 1 block of Old Peachtree Road.
• Theft by taking/vehicle parts was reported in the 100 block of Celebration Drive.
• Officers responded to shoplifting incidents in the 1000 block of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and in the 3200 block of Lawrenceville Suwanee Road.
• A report was filed for theft by taking from a building in the 1000 block of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.
• A purse was stolen in the 2800 block of Lawrenceville Suwanee Road.
• Reports for theft of lost or mislaid property were filed for locations in the 900 block of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and in the 1 block of Satellite Boulevard.
• Police responded to simple battery calls in the 3400 block of Martin Farm Road, 1200 block of Idlewood Court, 3100 block of Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, and 400 block of Northolt Parkway.
• Battery occurred in the 3800 block of Cherry Ridge Walk.
• La Cazuela Mexican Restaurant; 4965 Friendship Road, Buford;................................... 87
• Sbarro #863; 3333 Buford Drive, Suite 1072, Buford; 77
• Shazzys Bar & Grill; 4949 Lanier Islands Parkway, Suite 111-112, Buford; ................... 93
• The Dawg House; 4965 Lanier Islands Parkway, Suite 113, Buford; 91
• Single Closing.
• Construction or Renovation.
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• Primary Residence up to 95%.
• Second Home up to 90%.
• Extremely Competitive Rates.
• Minimum FICO Score of 620.
• Interest Only During Construction Phase.
Love triangle leads to stabbing
Staff Reports
BUFORD — Gwinnett County Police responded to a reported stabbing at a house in the 200 block of Latimore Ave. on the evening of August 3.
Police found the victim, Kiana Coleman, sitting in the roadway in front of the house with a shirt tied around her left arm and blood on her clothes. While officers on the scene
provided medical attention, Coleman accused Sylvia Gladmon, who was standing in the driveway next door, of stabbing her.
Coleman said she left Tannery Row earlier that evening via Uber, arriving at Gladmon’s house. She said Gladmon sells alcohol out of her house and she went there to “buy a shot.” While there, she got into an argument with Gladmon who, according to Coleman, “likes younger men,” specifically the same man Coleman is interested in. Gladmon is in her mid-60s, Coleman in her mid-30s.
Gladmon said Coleman frequently visits her house but is not welcome there and has been told repeatedly to leave. Gladmon said her son let Coleman into the house that night,
Uber driver crashes on I-85 after being hit in head
Nicole Burns
SUWANEE — An Uber driver sustained injuries after being hit in the head by one of his passengers. The incident occurred on July 30 at approximately 10:30 p.m. on I-85 northbound just south of the Lawrenceville Suwanee Road exit. Uber driver, Sohail Ali Mohammed told officers that he picked up three
black males on I-85 NB after their vehicle broke down. The males told Mohammed to take them to Peachtree Corners and he told officers he was following his GPS to take them there. Then suddenly one of the males hit Mohammed in the head as he was driving, causing him to swerve to the far left side of the interstate and then slingshot back across the lanes. He impacted the concrete wall on the right side and eventually came to a stop. The three males fled the vehicle as it came to a stop.
Mohammed could not tell officers which male hit him nor could he tell them what kind of object the male used to hit him in the head with. The victim said that the three males did not demand anything nor did they take anything. The three males left
sparking the argument between the two women, when Coleman grabbed her hair and began dragging her backwards, reenacting this to officers by showing herself being pulled back by her hair. Gladmon said she then picked up "something,” an unknown item, and hit Coleman with it by swinging it in a slashing motion.
When officers asked Gladmon how she could have swung what was obviously a knife at Coleman if she was pulling her hair from behind, she then said she was not pulled backwards but was pulled forward by her hair and Coleman was directly in front of her.
Gladmon said she ran next door to use her neighbor's phone to call police immediately after the incident. Police found the weapon, a folding pocket
knife, on the ground where Gladmon was standing in the driveway. Additionally, Gladmon said while she was being pulled by Coleman a friend of hers named "Blue" was there and tried to separate the two. She also said her son was there and witnessed the fight. Neither witness was present when police arrived, and Gladmon said neither one had a phone and if they did, she didn’t know their numbers.
Coleman was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center and treated for puncture stab wounds. Gladmon was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. The identity of the young man who is the object of the two women’s affection is unknown at this time.
behind multiple bags in Mohammed’s vehicle.
Officers set out to search for the vehicle that the suspects had abandoned on the side of I-85 NB. A silver Jeep Compass was located and after the VIN was ran through the system, it came back as stolen. Next to the vehicle officers observed a mask and Nike tennis shoes on the road. The vehicle was impounded to be processed by crime scene technicians. The victim described two of the black males as wearing either blue or black track suits while the third suspect was wearing a black and white striped shirt. That was the extent of the description that Mohammed was able to provide officers. He gave police permission to use his phone to see the communication between him and the
suspects before he picked them up. Gwinnett County Police set up a perimeter around the area that the suspects fled from Mohammed’s crashed car and began to search for the three males. Gwinnett County Sheriff Deputies and their K9 units assisted in the search. It was later learned that the suspects had fled the scene just minutes prior to officers setting up the search perimeter. Officers on the scene observed that Mohammed had a laceration to the head on the right side along with light bruising on his ribs. He was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville for treatment of his injuries. His vehicle was taken along with the stolen Jeep to police headquarters for processing by the Crime Scene Unit.
Recent misdemeanor marijuana cases dropped in light of GA Hemp Farming Act
Jim Simpson
LAWRENCEVILLE — Arrests for misdemeanor possession of marijuana in Gwinnett County are a thing of the past,
at least for now, thanks to The Georgia Hemp Farming Act which became law on May 10, 2019. The Gwinnett County Police Department is writing tickets for misdemeanor marijuana violations rather than making arrests.
Gwinnett County Solicitor General Brian Whiteside, whose office is responsible for prosecuting misdemeanors, has already begun dropping marijuana cases brought forward since the law was signed.
Whiteside’s office issued a memo recently saying his office would no longer prosecute misdemeanor marijuana cases with an arrest date on or after May 10, 2019. GCPD will still pursue crimes related to felony amounts of marijuana, and those cases will be reviewed by the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office on a case-by-case basis. Whiteside said he has dismissed more than 100 cases so far and is working on more.
Just exactly what is the Georgia Hemp Farming Act? It allows for hemp plants containing THC to be produced by licensed growers and possessed by individuals. The difference between legal hemp and illegal marijuana — they are identical by smell and sight, even under a microscope — is that hemp must have a THC concentration of 0.3% or less to be legal. Typical marijuana that is smoked or ingested to produce a high has a THC concentration of around 10% - 15%, with highgrade marijuana at concentrations of 25% - 35%.
Forty-one other states also permit hemp cultivation. State Rep. Robert Dickey, a peach grower and Republican from Musella, called the legislation “another tool in the belt of farmers that we can diversify.”
According to Porter and Whiteside, the law’s lack of language explicitly addressing hemp possession by everyday Georgians makes it legal by default, raising questions about police officers’ ability to justify marijuana-related arrests. Basing arrests and prosecutions on someone possessing a “leafy green substance” or smelling like marijuana may no longer be enough if low-THC hemp can be legally possessed, they said.
The testing methods currently used by the GCPD and Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime labs only test for the presence of THC and not its concentration. There are currently no court-approved tests that can differentiate between hemp and marijuana, but the GBI is researching methods to address this issue. GCPD Crime Scene Investigators, who conduct GCPD’s in-house marijuana testing, are trained and certified by the GBI.
“Marijuana is still illegal,” said Gwinnett District Attorney Danny Porter. “But the cases can’t be proved in court right now.”
“We could’ve kept it under wraps, but then it would’ve been an abuse of power and it would’ve been unethical,” Whiteside, a Democrat and former police officer, said recently. “If it was up to me we would’ve continued prosecuting it. But it’s not up to me. It’s up to us being moral and fair.”
Pete Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, said the Hemp Farming Bill makes prosecuting marijuana cases “difficult but not impossible.”
Buford once
again top school district
in Georgia by Niche
Alicia Couch Payne
Niche has released its list of the best school districts in Georgia for 2020. Using data from the U.S. Department of Education along with test scores, college data, and ratings from Niche users, Niche.com is able to rank the public school districts in the state.
The number one public school district in the state of Georgia is the Buford City School System. They received an overall rating of A+. Gwinnett County Public Schools come in at number 21 and Hall County ranks at number 38. Neighboring counties of Jackson and Barrow come in at number 57 for Jackson and number 62.
North Gwinnett High School ranks as the eighth best public high school in the state while Buford High School comes in at number 17 and Lanier High School is number 42. Buford Middle School beats out the other local middle schools as the fourth best middle school in the state. North Gwinnett Middle School is number 25 and Lanier Middle School comes in at number 57.
For more information about these rankings, please visit niche.com.
CatRangers: Buford’s finest
Nida Merchant
BUFORD — In honor of International Cat Day, the Voice would like to shine a light on one of the community’s finest cat shelters. Located in Buford, CatRangers is a home for cats and kittens who have experienced poor living conditions or near to death situations.
Founder of CatRangers, Sparrow Marcioni, received the inspiration for the shelter when she witnessed the horrible safety and health conditions of the cats. She explained a crisis that took place in a park around Lake Lanier where a fierce lady took care of over 100 cats. When she wasn’t able to spay and neuter most of the cats, the government mandated the dismissal of all the animals from the facility. With no place to go, they were on a death sentence.
This is when CatRangers came into effect and fought a hard battle of euthanizing the animals in the poor animal control facilities. Today, with the help of local rescue groups, the organization has helped adopt over 4,500 cats and kittens into loving homes. As a community, we can help the organization in a variety of different ways. CatRangers is a nonprofit organization that is sustained entirely by donations. The donations can help the program help the lives of countless cats. They are also looking for volunteers to help with their day to day activities.
Perhaps the most incredible feature the program has to offer is their Maison du Chat facility where people can visit and play with the cats. Though the hope is for community members to adopt a cat on the way out, their primary focus is encouraging a loving and safe environment for both the visitors and the animals.
When asked about why CatRangers focuses their attention specifically on cats who are in desperate situations, Marcioni stated, “We rescue those that no one wants to adopt and other rescues won’t accept. We feel this is where we are most needed.”
For more information about CatRangers please visit: http://www. catrangers.org/
The City of Buford Commission Meeting Minutes from the August 5, 2019 meeting and the Sugar Hill City Council Meeting Minutes from the August 12, 2019 meeting can be found in their entirety on our website at www.NorthGwinnettVoice.com.
The Maison du Chat is a program founded by CatRangers to serve as a loving and safe facility for cats to play in. They encourage people to visit!
Photo - Sparrow Marcioni
School’s Back
Myles Min - Buford Academy, 1st Grade. Photo - Amanda Min
Eliza Butts - White Oak Elementary School, 2nd Grade; Elliot Butts - Preschool, 1 ½ yrs old; and Charlie Butts - Lanier Middle School, 6th Grade. Photo - Varessa Butts
Buford parents Buck and Dawn Gammon celebrate their “First Day of Freedom.” Photo - Dawn Gammon
Jayla Gudz - Buford Middle School, 7th Grade and Jayden Gudz - Buford High School, 9th Grade. Photo - Theo Brown
Ryland Johnson - Buford Academy, 1st Grade. Photo - Jenny Johnson
Lucca Penagos-Garcia - Roberts Elementary School, Kindergarten and Mia PenagosGarcia - Roberts Elementary School, 1st Grade. Photo - Tatiana Penagos-Garcia
Riley Holcombe - Buford High School, 10th Grade. Photo - Sarah Holcombe
The Buford Community Girls Chorus performed songs they sang in Europe to a hometown crowd
Alicia Couch Payne
BUFORD — In the sanctuary of Buford First United Methodist Church, gorgeous songs were floating beyond the church doors onto Main Street. The sounds were stunning and crystal clear. I was in awe that the sounds I was hearing were coming out of the young ladies in the small group on stage. The Buford Community Girls Chorus was performing the songs that they performed in Europe over the summer on Sunday, August 4.
Former Buford Middle School Choral Director and 2017 Buford City Schools Teacher of the Year, Mr. Edward McQuade founded the all girl chorus in 2005. The Buford Community Girls Chorus came to life because McQuade wanted to bring a
Ear Worm Concert by the School of Rock
Nida Merchant
The School of Rock celebrated the end of summer with an epic concert filled with hit classics. The Ear Worm concert was held at the Tannery Row Ale House with three groups of musicians ranging at all different ages. The three groups: Rock 101, Performance and Adults elevated the energy of the audience as they swayed to the music during their meal.
The School of Rock located in Buford, GA allows students a creative outlet to express their artistic talents. They have an amazing set of instructors and instruments to give
community choir to Buford like those he had been involved with when he was a child.
The purpose of the group is to “provide talented young ladies in grades 7-12 with the opportunity to sing challenging choral music in a small ensemble,” states McQuade. The group which is funded by the generosity of the City of Buford will never exceed 35 members. Girls are invited to join the BCGC based on their vocal ability, as well as, their desire to participate in the group. Once a girl is selected, she can remain with the chorus until she graduates from high school.
The vocally gifted group has shown off their gift for song over the years at places like the Crescent City Choral Festival in New Orleans, Carnegie Hall in New York, Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Downtown Disney at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando,
children the best experience possible.
The School is welcoming new students this fall with its Open House event on August 13th from 5-8pm. The Adult, Performance and Rock 101 groups will be performing in a concert and will offer admission into the school with up to 50 dollars off the student’s first month.
Besides the Ear Worm concert, the group plans to celebrate the 30th anniversary their owner Neal Weaver’s band. From Georgia State University fraternity brothers to lifelong bandmates, Kickin’ Edgar will feature many 80’s classics and tracks from their latest release, “Welcome to Loserville.” The School of Rock students and musicians will each cover a few of Kickin’ Edgar’s songs on stage. It is an event you won't want to miss so make sure to grab your tickets online.
For more information about the School of Rock Open House or upcoming concerts, visit buford.schoolofrock.com
Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. In 2017, the BCGC took their first European tour to Italy where they performed in Venice, Florence, and even at the Vatican in Rome.
This summer, the girls were able to once again venture to Europe but this time they performed in Switzerland and Austria. To perfect the challenging musical selections, the girls would practice for one hour each week starting in August and running until their either went on their trip or at the end of the school year.
The concert on August 4 was inspired by their trip and was titled “From Bavaria to Buford.” The concert was kicked off with the almost haunting song of the “Alleluia Incantation” by Andrew Miller. The girls performed a diverse selection of music, even singing in Estonian for the song “Muusika” by Pärt Noel. The beautiful trio of Karrie
Bryson, Hanna Hopper, and Keighly Brown led the Senior High Choir in their rendition of “Ave Maria” by Franz Biebl. The entire choir led by soloist Chloe Bonds sang a more modern song written by the Beatles called “Penny Lane.” In total, the Buford Community Girls Chorus treated the audience to 18 perfectly performed songs.
The 2018-2019 Buford Community Girls Chorus members are Amelia Barnard, Audrey Bennett, Chloe Bonds, Mariana Borja, Samantha Brody, Jenna Brown, Keighly Brown, Karrie Bryson, Alex Carefoot, Mara Eva Cline, Maggie Dale, Presley Dale, Abbey Graddick, Jessica Hale, Caroline Henderson, Abbie Hopper, Hanna Hopper, Miette Lee, Heather Liley, Alyssa Lovern, Barbara Machado, Caroline Montini, Teresa Moody, Abigael Powell, Megan Thompson, and Erin Wright.
The Buford Community Girls Chorus gave a community concert to showcase the songs that they performed during their trip to Europe over the summer. PhotoAlicia Couch Payne
The School of Rock performers (L-R) Tristen Kennedy, Aubrey Ohlson, Christopher McDonald, Charley Martin, Audrey Brown, and Ethan Grooms.
BrandonSudge is a2016graduateofBuford High School. He is the eldestchild of Steve and MelanieSudge.Heand hissister,Kristen areBuford“lifetimers” or students whowent to Buford City Schoolstheir entire K-12career. Brandonhas cerebral pals hich has lefthim in awheelchairbut he has ne er let that stop himfrom pursuing his dreams “His famil issuch an amazing support system forBrandon,” says Joy Davis, for mer Buford City Schools Interim Superintendent and Brandon’sfor mer Principal
The staff at Buford City Schools ha e also been ver y suppor tive of him. Brandon reflects that the teacher who had the most influence on him was his second grade teacher, Mrs. Lacrecia Smith. Brandon states, “It’scrazy for your most influential to be at such a young age, but Mrs. Smith continues to look out for me and suppor t me so many years later ”
Brandon Sudge Where are th now?
Brandon made up his mind that he wanted to be able to alk across the stage at his fifth grade Promotion Ceremony. It took a lot of hard work and deter mination on his par t. He had to endure countless hours of ph sical therapy. “I will never forget the day he alked across the stage at 5th grade Promotion Ceremony,” reflects Mrs. Da is. “He had been working so hard to achie e such a major accomplishment and he did it with that perpetual smile on his face.”
Spor ts is perhaps Brandon’s biggest love and he spent his high school years as a football manager for Buford. “I’ll never forget assisting in four r uns to the state title game, inning three in my high school career,” claims Brandon. He wanted to find a wa for spor ts to be a mainstay in his life and he tur ned to being a “spor ts stor yteller.”
Eventhough Brandon has yet to ear nhis jour nalism degree (which he willgraduateinMay 2020fromthe University of Georgia), he alreadyhas quitealot of experienceas a sportsjour nalist. He currently works for TheTelegraphnewspaper out of Macon,Ga. He’s covered some pretty highprofilegameslike a nationalchampionship, twoSEC championships, and a Super Bowl.It’s not those highprofile gamesthat drives Brandon though.For him, it’sabout the“storiesaway from sports” that hecherishes somuch.
When asked where he sees himself in five years or so,Brandon says that hesees himself continuing to coversportsand tell thestoriesbehind thespor ts.Hehopes to work hisway up to apositionatalarger, more prominent newsoutlet. Brandon is always striving to per fect his craft and sayshealso hopes to “become more refined in (his) stor ytellingand continueto find unique angles withafull-timejob.”
“Brandon is an amazing young manwith the tenacity and desire to be successfulinever y endeavor he attempts,”Mrs Davisstatesproudly “I smile ever y timeIsee an ar ticle he has written and Icould notbemore proud of the youngman he hasbecome. I amsothankfultohave beenimpacted by such a magnificent young man.Hetruly exemplifiesthebest of Buford CitySchools.” Oncea Wolf,alwaysaW
Finding my way in the new Buford High
Regan Saunders
The first week of school at Buford High has come and gone, leaving in its wake a general feeling of excitement mingled with a touch of anxiety for seniors and freshmen alike. As a senior, walking through the doors of the brand new high school seemed like something out of a dream, and that was before I fully grasped that this chapter of my life was quickly coming to a close. Nevertheless, it was easy to feel like a freshman while navigating the new halls.
The three impressive buildings- Performing Arts, Academic, and Athletic- make up a massive activity space for students to traverse. More than once, I found myself wandering into the wrong building or realizing I was roaming in search of a class on the third floor rather than the second. My friends quickly concluded that I should not be the person to lead the way as I had
pointed us in the wrong direction several times. The most comforting thing about feeling lost, however, is knowing you are not the only one who feels it. Students, old and new, rallied around each other in this period of change, helping and encouraging one another.
Despite the sometimes confusing process of mapping the halls of the new building, it is easy to see that both students and teachers are excited about all of the new possibilities at the school. In the short time, I have explored the campus, I already find myself grateful for access to resources such as the Media Center and the Commons Area. I love the wide windows and spaciousness that characterize both rooms; I would be lying if I said I had not already checked out a book from the library and enjoyed sitting in a booth reserved for seniors only.
Attending Buford almost feels like we’re in “High School Musical,” a movie I watched throughout my childhood in hopes of having similar experiences when I finally became an upperclassman. While there is a serious lack of flash mobs and musical numbers, Buford High School’s facilities rival the movie worthy East High. I count myself lucky to be a student there, able to experience all that Buford High School has to offer.
Pet of the Week - Buffy
Meet Buffy, a domestic shorthair/tabby mix female cat. She is a gorgeous buff color with stunning orange colored eyes. Buffy was rescued from behind a Thai restaurant and ever since has really taken to humans. She is an extremely affectionate, gentle, sweet girl who just wants a human to love. She has tested negative for Fiv/Felv, is up to date on her vaccinations, is spayed, has been treated for fleas and other parasites, is microchipped, and has been temperament tested. Buffy is available for adoption through CatRangers in Buford, Ga. For more information contact CatRangers at adoptions@catrangers.org, by phone (770) 831-5513, or visit www.catrangers.org.
North Gwinnett
STUDENT WEEK OF THE
brought to you by The City of Buford
ReganSaunders
12TH GRADE
Meet Regan Saunders, asenioratBuford High School. Regan is the youngest daughter of David and Sally Saunders. Her older sister, Jordan graduated from BHS in 2018. Before Regan came to Buford in the 9th grade, she attended Hebron Christian Academy in Dacula where she was raised. Her parents sent both her and her sister to Buford for high school because they felt it would be good for the girls to be challenged academically and to gain more experience attending apublic school before college.
Regan has been extremely active during her time at Buford High School. She was apartof the chamber chorus for three years. Currently, she is involved with the Spanish Club, National Honor Society,Beta Club, FCCLA, and works in the school’swriting center.The writing center is aplace where students can go to get help from other students on various writing assignments.
Outside of school, Regan is the volunteer worship leader for her church and she holds not one but two parttime jobs. The North Gwinnett Voice is proud to announce that Regan is the 2019 student internfor the paper covering Buford City Schools. With her strong work ethic and exceptional writing skills, she will have no problem keeping the community up to date on all things related to Buford City Schools. Regan said she decided to accept the internship to gain more work experience before college, to experience journalism to see if that is the career path she wishes to choose, and simply because she enjoys writing. No doubt readers will be hearing from her quite a bit over the course of the school year
Even with all of her extracurricular activities, two jobs, and her role at church, Regan maintains an unweighted 4.0 GPA. She claims that English and Histor yare her two favorite subjects. So it should be no surprise that the teacher she says has had the biggest impact on her is an English teacher.Regan credits Mr.Gillis, her 9th grade Language Arts teacher,“with beingamajor reason why (she) loves Language Arts so ver ymuch.” She explains that Mr.Gillis is not only an amazing teacher but that he also “genuinely cares about his students and puts forth an effortto make his class fun and enjoyable.”
Following her graduation in May,Regan plans on attending one of her top college choices. She says she plans on “becoming awriter in some capacity,whether that be through journalism or creative writing.” Regan even says that she would love to become a bestselling author in the future.
With all that Regan has going on, free time is not something she has alot of but when she does, she makes the most of it. She loves to read, write, and sing. “I really enjoy composing my own songs and playing around with the wording and melodies,” explains Regan.She can also be found spending time with her best friends, her family,and her giant Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle mix) named Cooper
Anyone who knows Regan says that she is always on top of things. She works hard, listens and helps others, is aleader among her peers, and is kind to those she comes in contact with. Regan is aconfidentyoung lady and is an excellent example of ever ything a Buford Wolf should be.
Talent aplenty could be seen at annual Buford Football Kickoff Classic
Amanda Edwards
The beginning of the Buford City football season is upon us once again. Saturday, August 10, marked the start of the season with the annual Kickoff Classic. A time-honored tradition where the new generation of future football stars are inducted into the Buford Family. First and second graders joining the ranks for their first taste of the season, while returning players prepare for a new level of competition. Starting the kickoff were the six and seven-year-olds, who together form the Buford National North and South teams, and ending with the new Buford High School Varsity team. The energy and excitement levels were off the charts as parents braved the summer sun to support the Buford community and watch the future of Buford spread their wings.
Coach Shaun Gindlesperger, head coach for the 8-year-old Buford National North team commented, “We are really excited about this upcoming season. We have a lot of returning players along with a few new ones. We are most excited about having only one team in this age group as we look to defend our title. The Kickoff Classic is a great opportunity for the kids to put their game jerseys on, run through some plays and have fun in front of friends and family.”
Joining the sea of green were the fields of pink as the Buford youth cheerleaders put on
their best moves to show support for their future teams by rocking their camp wear and showing true Buford spirit. The first and second-grade cheer coaches have been raving about the level of talent and energy that the new and returning cheerleaders are bringing this year. From learning new and exciting cheers to perfecting their half-time show, these ladies are ready to make this season one of the best ever for the Buford Youth Cheer Association.
an energy level that is off the charts and can’t wait to cheer on their team this season.
Ginger Canale, head coach for the first and second-grade National North Cheer team said, “We have a great group of girls on our squad. They are so enthusiastic about the season. For the first graders on the squad, the Kickoff Classic is their first experience of cheering on the sidelines and braving the big field.” She goes on to add, “I love seeing the returning second graders taking their new teammates under their wings and sharing the exciting experiences from last year. We are ready for the best season! Go Wolves!!”
This is the true heart of the Buford Wolves family... unity, teamwork, and spirit. These Buford Wolves have an amazing football season ahead of them. We hope to see you all join us to support your community children and future leaders. This new era of “big green” is going to do AMAZING things and you don’t want to miss it! GO BUFORD WOLVES!!
8 year
opponents.
Head Coach Ginger Canale says her group of 1st and 2nd grade National North cheerleaders have
Photo - Stephanie Gordon
The Buford National
olds coached by Shaun Gindlesperger are a talented group ready to take on their
Photo - Karen Thrasher
Great people with excellent service. Highly recommend. They wereattentive from the 1st phone call, 1st visit and when driving offwithmynew car.Even did afollow up call to see if Imade it home from my 4.5 hrs drive home. Well worth the drive. -Donald Lee
My dad and Ibrought acar from the Auto Gallery at Mall of Georgia last weekend. From the moment we walked in till the moment we left, it was a great experience! No annoying, pushing, sales associates that areusually found at dealerships. The sales associates and managers arewilling to work with you, and they truly want you to be happy with your purchase! Everyone who works thereisnice and helpful. Iwould recommend this dealership to anyone shopping for ausedcar! -Madison Givens
Friday, August 16, 2019
Elizabeth Mathis Gober , age 93, of Buford, GA passed away Monday, August 12, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bonnie and Jessie Mathis; brother, George Mathis; and grandsons, Scott Bradford and Mikey Humphrey. She is survived by her loving husband of seventy-two years, James E. (Jim) Gober, Buford, GA; daughters and sons-in-law, Jan and Keith Humphrey, Dawsonville, GA and Jill and Jerome Bradford, Auburn, GA; grandchildren, Kalyn Bradford and Jett Bowen, Braselton, GA, Jason and Shirley Bradford, Buford, GA, Britni and Jason Abercrombie, Blue Ridge, GA, Brett Humphrey, Blue Ridge, GA; several great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Runette Mathis; and nieces, nephews and cousins. Mrs. Gober was born in Buford on March 19, 1926. She graduated from Buford High School in 1943. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home, with Pastor Wayne Johnson officiating. Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee St., Buford GA 30518
Olwen Davis Bagley , age 90, of Buford, GA passed away Monday, August
OBITS & SERVICES
12, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband of forty-nine years, Meareal Bagley; parents, Otis H. and Pearl M. Allen Davis; brother, Dolphus Davis. Mrs. Bagley is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Joan Bagley, Gainesville, GA and Terry and Jane Bagley, Buford, GA; grandchildren, Adam Bagley, Brittany and Jay Stark, Cameron and Jessica Bagley, Hannah Bagley; great grandchildren, Gavin Stark and Rosalind Stark; sisters and brother-in-law, Verlon Herrington, and Genevieve and Edward Breedlove, all of Buford, GA; brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Lounell Davis, Sugar Hill, GA; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mrs. Bagley was born on April 26, 1929 in Buford, GA. She was a 1946 graduate of Sugar Hill School in Sugar Hill. A funeral service was held on Friday, August 16, 2019 in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. Rev. Josh Herrington and Pastor Wayne Johnson officiated. Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee St., Buford GA 30518
Roy Thestie McCollum , 66, of Maysville, GA, passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2019, following a six-month
battle with Pick’s disease. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Leigh Martin McCollum; his children, Jeremy (Joy); Callie (Kyle) Strom; Patrick (Anna); five beloved grandchildren, Landyn Emiline, Avery Leigh, Miles Andrew, Mason Roy, and Reagan Rebecca; sister, Sandra Pruitt (Randy); aunt, Francis McCollum; mother-in-law, Patricia Martin; brother-in-law, Forrest (Becky) Martin; Kenneth (Sheree) Martin, Jr.; and many other family and close friends. We rejoice knowing that he has been reunited with
his granddaughter, Wesleigh Caroline Strom. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law, Kenneth Martin, and uncle, Jerald McCollum. He was born on November 27, 1952 to James and Helen McCollum, of Buford, GA. Roy graduated from Buford High School in 1971. A funeral service was held on Friday, August 9, 2019 in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. Dr. Lex Bowen and Dr. Shane Roberson officiated. Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee St., Buford GA 30518
Flanigan
Funeral
Home and Crematory –On-Site Cremattory –
Family Owned &Operated by Local Buford Family Junior &Sharon Flanigan (770) 932-1133 Available 24 Hours •(770) 932-5518 Obituary Line 4400 S. Lee St. •Buford, GA www.flaniganfuneralhome.com
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