Gainesville man charged with multiple counts of sexual exploitation of children
Staff Reports
GAINESVILLE -- Warrants were obtained by Hall County Sheriff’s Office Investigators this week for the arrest of a Gainesville man for sexual exploitation of children.
Taylor Starcher, 24 was arrested on September 4 after investigators found multiple images of sexual child abuse on the suspect’s electronic devices. The devices were seized during a search warrant at his residence on May 2 after receiving a cyber tip from the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The warrant was part of a multi-state law enforcement effort targeting child exploitation called Operation Southern Impact III. Forensic processing on the devices was completed on Tuesday, September 3, and revealed 50 images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Starcher is charged with 50 counts of sexual exploitation of children. The case remains under investigation by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia ICAC Task Force
The following reports were filed by the Gwinnett County Police Department between August 25, 2019 and September 6, 2019.
• Officers responded to a forced entry residential burglary in the 2900 block of North Bogan Road in Buford.
• An attempted forced entry residential burglary took place in the 2200 block of Chandler Grove Drive in Buford.
• Reports of forced entry non-residential burglary were filed for locations in the 200 block of East Moreno Street and in the 3500 block of South Bogan Road in Buford.
• Motor vehicle theft was reported in the 1600 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard and in the 3700 block of South Puckett Road in Buford.
• Entering auto theft reports were filed for locations in the 4900 block of Diggers Way in Sugar Hill, 600 block of Brogdon Road in Suwanee (2 reports), 3300 Meadow Stone Court in Buford, 1300 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard in Buford, 3200 block of Sentinel Circle in Buford, 2500 Hamilton Chase Run in Buford, and 2200 block of Lakeway Drive in Dacula.
• Police filed reports for theft by taking in the 2000 block of Buford Highway and in the 4700 block of Pebble Trace in Buford.
• Theft by deception occurred in the 5200 block of Under Way in Sugar Hill and in the 2700 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard in Buford.
• Shoplifting took place in the 1900 block of Buford Highway, 3300 block of Buford Drive, and 3200 block of Sardis Church Road. Buford addresses.
• Police reported theft of services in the 2700 block of Lindsay Craig Court in Buford.
VOICE NORTH GWINNETT
• Officers responded to a strong-arm rape in the 3700 block of Braselton Highway in Dacula.
• A person was arrested for disorderly conduct in the 3100 block of Tadmore Court in Dacula.
• Arrests for DUI were made on I-85S at Lawrenceville Suwanee Road in Suwanee, 11400 block of I-85S in Buford, Buford Drive at Brandsmart Way in Buford, Hamilton Mill Road at Ivy Mill Drive in Buford, 4000 block of Buford Drive in Buford, Buford Highway at Nelson Brogdon Boulevard in Buford, 400 block of East Main Street in Buford, and 2800 block of South Waterworks Road in Buford.
• Second-degree criminal damage to property was reported in the 1400 block of Craig Drive in Sugar Hill and in the 4300 block of Hamilton Mill Road in Buford.
• An incident where a person pointed/ aimed a gun at another happened on the I-85N on-ramp at Buford Drive in Buford.
• Police responded to calls about simple battery in the 600 block of Emerald Acres Way in Sugar Hill, 4900 block of Diggers Way in Sugar Hill, 4600 block of Gold Creek Trail in Sugar Hill, 6100 block of Lakeview Drive in Buford, 500 block of West Jackson Street in Buford, 3400 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 2600 block of General Lee Way in Buford, and 4200 block of Duncan Ives Drive in Buford.
• Battery occurred in the 2600 block of Creek Rock Circle in Buford, 3300 block of Coles Creek Drive in Buford, 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3100 block of Sable Ridge Drive in Buford, and 1600 Flowery Branch Road in Auburn.
• Officers filed reports for simple assault in the 3300 block of Buford Drive, 4200 block
Staff Writers: Jim Simpson
Lyndsey Britt
Staff Photographers: Jennifer Johnson
Nicole Seitz
of Duncan Ives Drive, and 4600 block of Water Mill Drive. Buford addresses.
• Aggravated assault with a gun took place in the 200 block of I-985S in Buford.
• Reports of financial transaction card fraud were filed for locations in the 300 block of Aviemore Lane in Suwanee, 0 block of Victor Drive in Buford, and 3200 block of Woodward Crossing Boulevard in Buford.
• Forgery reports were taken for the 5200 block of Under Way in Sugar Hill, South Lee Street at Buford Drive in Buford, 3700 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 2600 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard in Buford, and 3500 block of Braselton Highway in Buford.
The following incidents were pulled from police reports filed by the Suwanee Police Department between August 25, 2019 and September 6, 2019. All incidents occurred inside the city limits of Suwanee, Ga.
• Two reports for first-degree burglary were filed for the 400 block of Northolt Parkway.
• Second-degree burglary was reported in the 3400 block of Lawrenceville Suwanee Road and in the 100 block of Old Peachtree Road.
• Entering auto thefts/vehicle break-ins occurred in the 1 block of Satellite Boulevard, 3600 block of Burnette Road, 1 block of Buford Highway, 2900 block of Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, 2800 block of Lawrenceville Suwanee Road (2 reports), 4000 block of Lake Pass Lane, 2000 block of Breton Hunt Lane, and 4000 block of McGinnis Ferry Road (3 reports).
• Shoplifting was reported in the 3200 block of Lawrenceville Suwanee Road.
• Police responded to a theft by deception incident in the 3800 block of Lake Pass Lane.
• Theft by taking from a building occurred in the 1000 block of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.
Jim Simpson, Assistant Editor 678-300-0773 • jim@northgwinnettvoice.com
Your Town. Your Paper. Your Voice. @northgwinnettvoice | @ gwinnettvoice
Nida Merchant
Contributing Writers: Lynn Bowman
Brandon Hembree
Interns: Regan SaundersBuford High School
Anoshka RamkumarNorth Gwinnett High School
On the cover
Former Gwinnett County Commissioner Maron Sidney Buice is honored with the naming of the Maron Sidney Buice Bridge over Highway 20.
Photo credit: Alicia Couch Payne
• Reports for financial transaction card theft were filed for locations in the 400 block of Northolt Parkway and in the 2900 block of Lawrenceville Suwanee Road.
• Officers responded to an incident for aggravated battery (hands, fist, feet, etc) in the 4100 block of Baverton Drive.
• Simple battery reports were filed for locations in the 2900 block of Lawrenceville Suwanee Road and in the 900 block of Cambron Commons Trace.
• Battery occurred in the 4000 block of McGinnis Ferry Road.
Diana Menjivar
Meet Diana Menjivar,athird- grader at BufordAcademy. Her teachers areMrs.Lisa Varini and Dr. Nicole Krist.Diana is this week ’s BufordCitySchools Reader of the Week
She absolutely lovesanimals and her love of animals flows over into her reading interests.Her favorite genreofbooks is fantasy books all about animals.Diana’s favorite books to read arefrom the MagicAnimals series by Sue Bentley.
“Diana is such ajoy to be around.Every single time she comes to the media center she is always smiling and is ashining example of the Wolf Waywith being kind,respec tful,and responsible,” says Ms.Lana Nix, media specialist at BufordAcademy. “Diana is astudentthatwecan counton to assist other students in finding books when they mightneed help.”
When not at school or reading,Diana can oftenbefound in the companyofher younger sister Mia, a first-grader at BufordAcademy. One of Diana’s favorite things to do is to draw and she likes to teach Miahow to draw too. Thesisters can oftenbefound playing with their Barbies when they arenot drawing.Diana likes to tell people about the smallest member of her family.Thatfamily member is her pet beta fish named Jake.
As evidenced by the attention she givesher sister,her pet beta fish, and classmates, Diana is acaring and remarkable young lady who genuinely loveslearning and putting others before herself.Congratulations to Diana! Keep up the good work!GoWolves!
Themedia specialists at the BufordSenior Academyand BufordAcademyselectthe BufordCitySchools Reader of the Week. Bufordstudents grades first through fifthhaveachanceatbeing named the Reader of the Week.Inaddition to appearing online and in print, the Reader of the Week receives avoucher to Stars and Strikes for all of their hardwork.
Restaurant Inspections
The following restaurant health inspection scores were pulled from the Georgia Department of Health from August 25, 2019 to September 6, 2019.
• Arte 3; 1291 Old Peachtree Road, Suite 206, Suwanee; 94
• Chef Wang II Chinese Restaurant; 4995 E Friendship Road, Buford; ................................ 100
• Chick-fil-a; 3333 Buford Drive, Suite 1071, Buford; ................................................................ 84
BUFORD — Two separate incidents during the first few days of September saw tempers flare and guns being flashed. While looking through recent police reports, two reports dated September 2 and 5 stood out as a concern for public safety. The first incident occurred on September 2 in the parking lot of the Mall of Georgia. Keith Wallace of Flowery Branch called police to report that another driver, Quan Tran of Valdosta had pointed a gun at him. Tran gave his version of the events which did not match Wallace’s. Tran’s vehicle was equipped with a dash camera that the officer viewed. The officer observed Wallace stop at the stop sign and Tran honked at him. Wallace began yelling and making hand gestures at Tran. Tran yelled back and followed Wallace’s
vehicle coming to a stop. Wallace and his passenger got out of their car yelling at Tran when the officer observed Wallace slightly lift his shirt to flash a handgun at Tran. More yelling happened before Tran left the parking lot and officers were called. Both parties were advised to leave the parking lot and avoid further contact. No arrests were made.
On September 5, Scott Laury Valise of Conyers reported to police that while on I-985 SB a gray/silver Dodge Challenger (Florida Tag JNNP98) was in front of her driving slowly so she passed him in the left lane. She said the driver got upset, tried to ram her vehicle, and passed her on the left in the grass median. Valise also claimed that the suspect pointed a silver handgun at her three times and either shot her car or threw a hard object at it. No damage or bullet holes were found in her vehicle by the officer. Even though law enforcement was on the lookout, the suspect vehicle was never located.
Incidents like these are becoming more of a concern for people’s safety. In an ever-increasing fashion, people are being “bullies” of the road intimidating others by flashing a handgun. One can only hope that it never goes too far and lives are lost.
Tommy Beuglas
City of Buford Commission Meeting
Minutes
Staff Reports
September 3, 2019 — Commission Chairman Phillip Beard called the September meeting of the Buford Commission to order at 7 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at Buford City Hall. Members of Cub Scout Troops 534 and 542 led the meeting attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda and meeting minutes from the August 5 regular meeting and the special called meeting on August 5 were approved.
The Commission approved the re-appointment of Bob Murphy and the appointment of 10-year resident Dorothy Lott as the Buford Housing Authority resident commissioner. The City Manager was given the authorization to proceed with the renovation of the legion fields
project, Buford High School softball and baseball fields using SPLOST 2017 and general funds. Renovation to the high school baseball fields has already started and three little league fields will soon undergo renovation. The project will be completed in stages as to not disrupt the fall little league schedule. The total cost of the project will be approximately $11 million and will mean all Buford fields will be turf. The project will be overseen by Charles Black Construction.
The Commission adopted a room rental policy for the Buford City Gym on East Shadburn Avenue. A temporary event involving filming at Nalley’s II located at 5671 Shadburn Ferry Road by Blue Cat Productions, LLC was approved. No road closures will be permitted. A renewal of the agreement between the City of Buford and Proof of the Pudding by MGR, Inc. was approved. It is a three-year contract with a one-year opt-out option that has no penalties for either side. The City Manager was authorized to sign a release and waiver with the Georgia Department of Transportation for a traffic control plan on Buford Highway during the October 5 concert at the BCC.
The Commission authorized the City
Manager to acquire necessary easements for stormwater facilities at the new downtown parking deck. A retention pond will be built to hold stormwater runoff. The Commission adopted ordinances pursuant to SB66 providing for regulation of small cells (wireless facilities and antennas) throughout the City and on Buford electrical distribution poles and licensing agreements with MCI, Verizon, and Cingular for such service. This is in preparation for 5G service. Approval was given for the development plan in phases for the project located at SR 324.
The Commission authorized the first payment for the Bona Road Gym renovation project. They approved two payments for the Bona Road sidewalk project. They also approved the low bid to begin work on the opposite side of Bona Road. Two payments for the Buford parking deck project were approved. Payments for the Southside Trunk Sewer project - Phase II, Church Street sidewalk improvements project, SR 324 at SR 124 gas relocation project, and Dacula Road-SR 8 gas relocation project were approved.
Todd Cleveland from the Buford Community Center said that auditions for the next Theatre Buford production “The 39
Steps” has begun. October 5 will be the big outdoor free concert featuring Bret Michaels.
City Manager Bryan Kerlin gave his report beginning with the downtown parking deck. Moreno Street will remain closed until September 30 with periodic closures after that. The Thompson Mill at I-985 project is still in the works which will give the City on-ramps to the interstate. This will alleviate a lot of the freight truck traffic that can currently be seen on the city’s roadways. The backup generator at the water distribution plant is almost done being installed. Once complete, if the power fails it will only take 45 seconds for the generator to kick on and restart the pumping. At the new BHS, the contractor is still working on punch list items. Applications for funding of the Moreno Street project are due by October 1. Various gas, electric, and sewer projects are ongoing. Sealing of the asphalt on Main Street will begin causing periodic closures. Fall Alta is gearing up at the tennis courts.
Chairman Beard adjourned the meeting after no one had any further business. The October Commission meeting will be on October 7, 2019 at 7 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at Buford City Hall.
North Gwinnett fall festival preview
Jim Simpson
Believe it or not, fall begins this month. There’s no better time to look forward to fall festivals – and cooler weather – than the tail-end of summer. It’s been a long hot summer, a cruel, cruel summer. Relief is on the way.
Here are some North Gwinnett highlights for the coming season of gourds, pumpkin-spiced everything, tricks, treats and cooler weather.
Buford Corn Maze
September – November
Country Living Magazine named the Buford Corn Maze in its list of Top 25 Corn Mazes in America. Activities include the corn maze, popcorn jumping pillow, combine slide, hayrides, pumpkins, corn box, pony rides and the Haunted Forest.
The Haunted Forest is suitable for ages 10 and up, when creatures come alive in a secluded forest and lurk throughout a winding labyrinth of twists and turns. The scary fun begins September 20 on weekends and lasts through November 3 from dark until closing.
The Haunted Forest is open every night during the week of Halloween.
“At Buford Corn Maze, we strive to promote a family-friendly atmosphere,” said co-owner Tina Beggs, “while also educating children about agriculture and farming. We offer something for everyone which is what Country Living Magazine recognized.”
September Hours: Fridays 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Haunted Forest opens September 20, from dark to closing
The Buford Corn Maze is located 1/2 mile off I-985 at exit 8 (Lanier Islands Parkway), 4470 Bennett Road, Buford, GA 30519. Visit BufordCornMaze.com for additional hours through November.
Suwanee Fest
September 21 - 22
Suwanee’s two-day celebration of community returns to Town Center Park on Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22. Over 200 vendors and exhibitors, 15 entertainment acts, and a parade down historic Main St. are just some of the highlights of this annual fall tradition.
Suwanee Fest craft exhibitors include embroidery, leatherworks, tie dye and jewelry, with fine art from Atlanta favorite Manami Art. Food vendors range in variety from Vietnamese to Greek, donuts and cupcakes to lemonade and popsicles.
Talented acts perform on stage and throughout the park, including dance groups, acrobats, solo artists, bands and other diverse groups.
The Family Fun Zone midway will feature carnival games and rides, a circus photo booth, and caricature and balloon artists.
Suwanee Fest begins on Saturday at 9am with the parade, and festivities continuing in the park until 7pm. Sunday hours are from noon - 5pm.
For more information, visit SuwaneeFest. com
Sugar Rush Festival
October 19
Sugar Hill’s largest and sweetest event of the year (and winner of Gwinnett Magazine’s 2018 Best Festival) features art, music, food and more.
Held this year on Saturday, October 19 at The Bowl, the Sugar Rush Fall Festival is a one-day outdoor event featuring visual and performing arts, food, music, history and family fun. In addition to a juried art show, custom screen prints, and artist demonstrations, up to 50 booths will be awarded to artists who wish to sell their work at the festival.
“Sugar Rush is one of our biggest events of the year,” said Sugar Hill City Council Member Taylor Anderson, “and it has something for everyone. There is a juried art show where community members get to vote for a people’s choice award. There are food trucks, inflatables, activities, a poster contest for middle and high schoolers and more. But what I like most about it is that we typically have over 10,000 people come to the event and it’s great to see the community come together like that. I’m excited for this year’s Sugar Rush. With the new E Center completed the festival will be better than ever.”
For more information, visit SugarHillArts.com/Events-Projects
E Center gets Art-o-mat vending machine
Jim Simpson
SUGAR HILL — Tucked inside the E Center’s level one entrance foyer next to Central City Tavern sits a refurbished old cigarette vending machine. But instead of dispensing packs of smokes, the shiny red and white metal beast emblazoned with “Art-o-mat” in a retro-style font offers an array of custom artwork for sale.
For $5 (the machine only accepts cash in $1s and $5s) visitors can choose one from a selection of 20 original works created by artists from across the country. Hundreds of Art-o-mat machines are currently installed in restaurants, bars and art galleries from Seattle to Key West, (the Smithsonian and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts each have one) with some located as far away as Australia. The Sugar Hill Art-o-mat is only one of two in Georgia. The other machine is located in the Omni Hotel at The Battery at SunTrust Park in Marietta.
and providing affordable art options would be beneficial to local culture. The Commission worked with Artists in Cellophane, the sponsoring organization of Art-o-mat, to bring the machine to the E Center.
“Ultimately, the Commission hopes that local artists will apply to the program and could be featured in the machine,” said spokesperson Nicole Klein. “Personally, I have already purchased several pieces as gifts and stocking stuffers. There is currently some seasonal artwork in the machine.”
The guidelines for artwork are strict, according to the Art-o-mat website (artomat.org), as all pieces must meet specific size and material requirements in order to dispense properly. In effect, all art must fit within a cardboard box or painted on a wood block the size of a cigarette pack. Artists are encouraged to submit prototypes for consideration.
Brought to the city thanks to the efforts of the Sugar Hill Arts Commission, the vending machine is advertised as “guilt-free vending.” In advance of the new art gallery in the Broadstone development across from City Hall, the Commission decided earlier this year that encouraging the public to collect art
The first appearance of an Art-o-mat came in June 1997 when artist Clark Whittington had a solo show at a local cafe, Penny Universitie in Winston-Salem, NC. He used an old cigarette machine which, along with 12 of his paintings, he used to sell his black and white photographs mounted on wood blocks for $1 each. The show was scheduled to be dismantled in July 1997. However, the cafe owner loved the machine and asked that it remain permanently. At that point, other artists were needed if the project was going to continue, so Clark and a handful of local artists formed Artists in Cellophane. The machine remained unaltered in its original location until 2010.
As for Sugar Hill’s machine? “The Art-o-mat will remain in the city,” Klein said, “as long as interest remains — meaning that it will hopefully be a permanent fixture.”
Miss Atlanta and Miss Historic Buford Scholarship Competition 2020
Joy Fowler
The 2020 Miss Atlanta and Miss Historic Buford Scholarship Competition was held in the Daisy Shadburn Auditorium at the Buford Fine Arts Center on Saturday, August 24. A fundraising event for the Buford High School Choral Music Department, the scholarship competition is an official preliminary to the Miss America pageant. Candidates from 24 cities scattered across Georgia competed for the titles of Miss Atlanta, Miss Historic Buford, Miss Atlanta’s Outstanding Teen, and Miss Historic Buford’s Outstanding Teen 2020. The four newly crowned representatives will compete at the 76th Miss Georgia in Columbus, GA, in June of 2020 for the titles of Miss Georgia and Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen 2020. Written and produced by Joy W. Fowler, the show played to a near-full house as Miss Georgia 2019 Victoria Hill served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Special guest performers included Miss Georgia 2019 Victoria Hill, Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen 2019 Mary Wilhelmina Hodges, Featured Vocalist Alex Fowler, Miss Historic Buford 2019 Holly Haynes, Miss Historic Buford’s Outstanding Teen 2019 Destiny Kluck, Miss Atlanta’s Outstanding Teen 2019 Rebecca Zhang, Miss Capital City’s Outstanding Teen 2019 Hope Fowler, and a visiting dance troupe from Stephanie’s Dance Explosion of Augusta. Dancers from Buford High School were featured and included D’Vondre “Bookie” Thornton, Hope Fowler, Jesse Hanks, and Jonathan Ingram. An all-student volunteer technical crew, headed by BHS senior Matt Alford, included senior Imanol Jaramillo, Buford residents Allie Ray and Austin Barge who is the son of BHS art teacher, Mrs. Kim Barge.
Backstage assistants included Miss Atlanta Board members Kim Shue Payne and Susan Hamm, who serve as Executive Director of Miss Atlanta and Teen Director, respectively. From the candidates onstage to the people behind the scenes, the pr oduction utilized over 50 cast and crew members.
Highlights included a high energy opening number (“Wings” by Little Mix) which featured the dancers from BHS (Thornton, Fowler, Hanks, Ingram), the three outgoing queens (Haynes, Kluck, Zhang), and the 24 candidates themselves. A crowd favorite was when Miss Georgia “Flipped the Script” (a nod to her platform, which encourages Georgians to engage in the Foster Care system) and performed a musical theatre-esque scene with featured vocalist Alex Fowler. The two interacted with onstage banter, engaging in a tongue-in-cheek battle of words which led to the vocal performance of “Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better.”
The two then performed “If I Loved You,” accompanied by Dr. Chris Fowler on piano, followed by the Evening Gown and Social Impact Initiative Statement competition in the “Miss” division. Hill also performed “A Horse With Wings” with guest pianist Brian Osborne of Reinhardt University. With an emotional farewell performance, the outgoing queens combined talents and sang and danced to “A Million Dreams,” as a final tribute commemorating the end of their year of service and sisterhood.
Competing in the new Miss America 2.0 categories of Private Interview, Onstage Interview, Talent, and Evening Wear and Social Impact Initiative Statement, the candidates in the “Miss” division (ages 18-24) demonstrated their talents in song, dance, and spoken word. The controversial elimination of the Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit competition from the Miss America Organization gave way to the Onstage Interview, during which candidates were asked a question by a judge on the panel. The young women also spoke of their chosen platform issue during the updated Evening Gown competition, which now includes the Social Impact Initiative Statement. Taking a nod from the former Evening Gown and Onstage Question competition, the newly modified criteria offers candidates (formerly called “contestants”) the opportunity to deliver a memorized 10-second summarized statement about the cause they have chosen to represent
dealing with issu es such as Alzheimer’s awareness, Autism awareness, combating sex trafficking, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and many others.
The 12 candidates in the “Miss” division were: Kara Joy Bragg (Trinity Christian School), Sarah Templeton (University of Georgia), Cara Clements (Emory University), Allie Griffis (Georgia Southern University), Grace Gebara (Roswell High School), Lexiee McVay (Southern Union College, AL), Alexa Gilomen (Graduate of the University of Georgia), Ansleigh Williams (University of North Georgia), Alyssa Payne (Boston Conservatory at Berklee, MA), Mikayla Oberlton (Georgia State University), Carly Vogel (Montclair State University, NJ), and Sianey Wiggins (Howard University, Washington, D.C.).
The Miss America’s Outstanding Teen guidelines did not change with the shift to Miss America 2.0, and the categories for competition remain Private Interview, Lifestyle in Fitness, Talent, and Evening Gown and Onstage Question. The 12 candidates in the “Teen” division (ages 13-17) were: Cara Cole Heerde (Jefferson High School), Addie Freeman (Brookwood High School), Jillian Higgins (Columbus High School), Isabella Miller (Lambert High School), Savannah Stevens (Marietta High School), Catherine McNutt (River Ridge High School), Brianna Drake (LaGrange High School), Layla Garth (Northview High School), Kylin Miller (Georgia Connections Academy), Amelia NeSmith (Cherokee High School), Anna Kate Robinson (Brentwood School), and Elizabeth Sanders (Dodge County High School).
Jillian Higgins of Columbus was crowned Miss Historic Buford’s Outstanding Teen 2020, Anna Kate Robinson of Wrightsville was crowned Miss Atlanta’s Outstanding Teen 2020, Sarah Templeton of Marietta was crowned Miss Historic Buford 2020, and Alexa Gilomen of Suwanee was crowned the 2020 Miss Atlanta.
A graduate of North Gwinnett High School and the University of Georgia, Gilomen previously held the titles of Miss Historic Buford 2018 and was named Fourth Runner-Up to Miss Georgia 2018 Annie Jorgensen, as well as Miss Cobb County 2019, and was named First Runner-Up to Miss Georgia 2019 Victoria Hill.
For more information, visit www. missatlantafranchises.com.
Jillian Higgins, Miss Historic Buford’s Outstanding Teen 2020
Photo - Matt Boyd Photography
Alexa Gilomen, Miss Atlanta 2020 Photo - Matt Boyd Photography
Sarah Templeton, Miss Historic Buford 2020 Photo - Matt Boyd Photography
Anna Kate Robinson, Miss Atlanta’s Outstanding Teen 2020 Photo - Matt Boyd Photography
Bridge named in honor of Maron Sidney Buice at ceremony
Alicia Couch Payne
SUGAR HILL — If you’ve traveled through the North Gwinnett area, chances are you’ve driven over the bridge on State Route 20/Nelson Brogdon Boulevard just before Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Sugar Hill.
On Saturday, August 31, the bridge was officially dedicated to Mr. Maron Sidney Buice who spearheaded the campaign to build the bridge over the railroad tracks on SR 20. The banquet room at Sugar Hill’s E Center was packed as people gathered to celebrate the dedication of the bridge and honor a local hero.
Mr. Buice, now 93, is indeed a local hero. After graduating from the Sugar Hill School in the 11th grade, he was drafted
to fight in WWII and was one of the first soldiers on Okinawa Island where the fiercest fighting took place. After the war, Mr. Buice opened a furniture store (Sudderth & Buice Furniture) with influential Sugar Hill resident Mr. Glad Sudderth. The building was destroyed by fire in 1964 prompting the creation of the Sugar Hill Volunteer Fire Department.
Mr. Buice was elected as a Gwinnett County Commissioner in 1968 and would hold this position until 1984.
During his tenure on the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, he was influential in establishing Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful, constructing the Lake Lanier water plant, and the completion of 18 county fire stations.
His heart firmly planted in the North Gwinnett area, he fought hard for things to improve the lives of his constituents. Mr. Buice’s efforts resulted in the extension of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard through Sugar Hill and into Hall County, the construction of the county’s first park-and-ride lot at I-985 in Buford, the paving of many dirt roads in Sugar Hill, and the replacement of undersized water pipes in Sugar Hill allowing for fire hydrant installation. Perhaps the most important accomplishment of his career was leading the campaign to have a bridge built over the railroad tracks on SR 20, known as Mangum’s Crossing. This crossing was one of the most dangerous in the area, and in November of 1970, five Forsyth county girls died when their 1966 Oldsmobile was struck by a train.
The girls, aged 14 to 17, were all related. This tragedy gave Mr. Buice and other officials the “ammunition” to spur on the construction of the bridge.
The construction of the bridge was the largest project the county had undertaken at a time when the county was nearly bankrupt. Mr. Buice and his team pursued every avenue to find the funding for this project. His persistence finally paid off and the bridge opened to motorists on September 2, 1975. The cost of the project in the 1970s was $2,645,184, equivalent to $12,614,823 today.
There is no telling just how many lives the bridge has saved since its completion. What we do know is that it has greatly added to the improvement of the lives of area residents. To show appreciation for Mr. Maron Buice’s tenacity and hard work in getting the bridge built, state and local dignitaries, members of the Buice family, local residents, and others gathered to
celebrate the dedication of the bridge in Mr. Buice’s honor.
State Senator Renee Unterman was instrumental in seeing that the bridge was named after Mr. Buice. The request passed in the Georgia Assembly and was ultimately approved by the Georgia Department of Transportation. Once Senator Unterman saw the resolution passed, she made sure that Mr. Buice and the bridge dedication were properly celebrated. Unterman along with Tom Moreland who was the Commissioner of the Georgia DOT in the 1970s, former Gwinnett County Commission Chair Wayne Hill, and others spoke of Mr. Buice and the importance of the bridge at the dedication. Mr. Buice was present to hear all these words of praise and even spoke about what it took for the bridge to be built. The next time you drive across the bridge over the railroad tracks on Highway 20, look for the signs that officially mark the bridge as the “Maron Sidney Buice Bridge.” Be thankful for the leadership and vision of a truly remarkable man.
Gwinnett DOT to hold Open House for future Hwy 20 improvements
The Gwinnett County Department of Transportation is going to hold a Public Information Open House on the future of GA State Route 20/Nelson Brogdon Boulevard in between Buford Highway and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. The project will consist of widening the 1.3 miles of roadway from two to three lanes on each side, bridge improvements over Railroad Avenue and Norfolk Southern Railroad, and intersections along that stretch of road.
The Open House will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at Sugar Hill United Methodist Church, 4600 Nelson Brogdon Boulevard, Sugar Hill, Ga. 30518 from 4-7 p.m. Open to the public.
Staff Reports
Mr. Buice (right) along with assistance from his family reveals the sign that will mark the bridge in his honor. Photo - Alicia Couch Payne
Mr. Buice enjoys a few good-natured jokes before he cuts into his cake at the dedication ceremony.
Photo - Alicia Couch Payne
Courtney Bell
Cour tney Bell is a1997 graduate of Buford High School. She is the daughter of Greg Bell and Vivian Bell. Cour tney has one sibling, an older brother Greg Tremayne Bell who is also aBHS graduate. Cour tney and her brother grew up in Buford and attended Buford City Schools for their entire K-12 career
Buford is known for keeping their students active and stressing the impor tance of being involved in spor ts or other extracur ricular activities. Cour tney was kept busy from her earliest years with playing rec league basketball and cheerleading She went on to play basketball all four years of high school being recognized as the Scholar-Athlete of the Month and the Player of the Month by the Gwinnett TipOff Club. She was the basketball team captain her senior year. In 9th-grade, Cour tney made the varsity cheerleading squad for both football and basketball cheer and stayed involved with that throughout high school She was named Miss Cheerleader in the 10th grade and was the Captain for both squads. And if those activities were not enough, Cour tney also was on the track team where she competed in the 100-meter, 200-meter, 4x100 relay, 4x200relay, and the high jump. She ear ned the ookie of the ear award her 9th-grade year and her 4x200relay team broke the school record plus shetied the school record in the high jump
Cour tney was involved in Chor us allfour years and was awarded, Best Alto She was in the Beta Club and was the Class President during her junior and senior years. Her peers voted her onto both the football and basketball homecoming cour ts, as well as, voted her as the “Most Likely to Succeed” and “Most Athletic.” Even with her busy schedule she maintained a 3 8 GPA and was in the top 10% of her graduating class She says that growing up in such a suppor tive yet demanding environment really set her up to be successful. “I was raised and suppor ted by my Buford village,” states Cour tney. There were just too many teachers and staff during her time at Buford to just name one as being the most influential in her life She goes on to name a group of teachers/staff from her “village ” She names Ms Beauty Baldwin, Superintendent; Ms Gober, Kindergar ten; Ms Manis, 4th-grade; Ms. Marjorie Wilson, Counselor; Ms. Bonnie Davis, Geometr y & Cheer Coach; Dr. Chris Fowler, Chor us Director; Ms. Stephanie Gailey Hosch, Language Ar ts; Coach Gerald Ar nold, Social Studies; Mr Duncan, Science; and Coach Tarpkins, Girls Basketball Coach “They were kind, loving, innovative, trailblazers who fostered an environment that allowed me to thrive and grow,” says Cour tney.
Cour tney went on to Georgia State University where she was Cum Laude all four years andwas amember of theE ta Mu Chapter ofAlpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,Inc.She graduated with a3.68GPA and ear ned her bachelor’s degree in Urban Policy Studies with a specialization in Human Resources. Cour tney earned her MBA at Shor ter University and received her cer tificate in Human Resources from Kennesaw State University after she completedits HumanResources Management Program.Sheholds several other cer tificationsand accreditations in the Human Resources field.
Where are th ynow?
Cur rently,Cour tney resides inSandy Springs, Ga. a ndworks for KIPP Metro Atlanta S which is anetwork of ten publicchar ter schools. She is the Managing Director of Tal meaning she oversees their regional recr uiting,human resources, and teaching residencyprogram.
Growing up in Buford and being raised bya village made Cour tney the strong woman s hei s today.She believes in the concept of it taking avillage toraise a child, that every person must be invested inthe youth of ac ommunity. Cour tney is practicing thatconcept ever yday by findingthe best of the best to staffthe char ter schools under the KIPP name sothatthechildren coming upin those schools can thrive. Once aWolf, Always a Wolf!
BES on parade to inspire a new generation of community helpers
Each year kindergartners at Buford Elementary School get to dress up and parade through the halls of the school to cheers from their families. The Community Helpers Parade wraps up their study of people who are community helpers like police officers, nurses, teachers, and more. Each student is encouraged to dress up as a community helper for the parade.
Parents and grandparents lined the halls of Buford Elementary School early on the morning of Friday, September 6 to see their favorite little community helper parade through the halls. It was cuteness overload as little firemen, police officers, mail carriers, nurses, teachers, construction workers, and even a politician or two proudly showed off their attire to their parents.
Photos - Alicia Couch Payne
STUDENT WEEK OF THE
brought to you by The City of Buford
Donovan Razo
6TH GRADE
Meet Donovan Razo, asixth-grader at Buford Middle School. Donovan is the son of Elise and Jesus Razo and brother to Jesus Razo, a junior at Buford High School, and Eve Razo, a Kindergar tener at Buford Elementar y. As one of the three siblings attending Buford City Schools, Donovan and his family represent the ver yhear t of the Buford community.BorninGainesville and raised in Buford, Donovan has attended Buford City Schools since Kindergar ten and plans on graduating as alifetime Buford attendee.
Donovan enjoys engaging in extracurricular activities at Buford Middle. Playing the saxophone in the Buford Middle School Band is apastime at which he enjoys and excels. He was excited to take par tinper forming with the band for Buford Night at the Striper’sgame this August. As additional proof of his skill, Donovan was invited by the Middle School Band Director,Mrs.Kathy Mason, to par ticipate in Concer tBand this year In addition to band, Donovan enjoys playing soccer.Hecurrently plays club soccer for UFA and plans on tr ying out for the Buford soccer team this upcoming season. Askill for playing soccer runs in the family; Donovan’smother played as a goalkeeper at LaGrange College and his father played professionally for ateam in Mexico. Like his father,Donovan hopes to one day play professionally as well.
In the classroom, Donovan is focused and intent on his work. His favorite subject is Social Studies, but he claims he is most influenced by his Ear th Science Teacher,Mrs.McDonald. “Science isn’t necessarily my strong suit,” Donovan says, “but she [McDonald] makes the class fun by having us do exciting activities.” It is clear that both inside and outside the classroom, Donovan has high standards for himself and strives to excel in all of his activities.
Outside of school and spor ts, Donovan spends his free time with family and friends. One of his favorite activities is going to his grandmother’s community pool in Gainesville with his family.Ifhe is notatthe pool, he is playing XBox with his best friend or running around with his two dogs, Rosie and Max, and his bearded dragon, Bubbles.
When asked to describe himself, Donovan chose the words friendly and caring. “I am pretty well known around the school and like to interact with others,” Donovan explained. He clearly demonstrates his care for others in the community through his actions. Interacting with his community has always come naturally to Donovan; with his ser vant’shear tand caring spirit, it is no surprise that he was awarded the title of Student of the Week.This past week, Donovan demonstrated his kindness as he offered his assistance to a fellow student. Standing out as mature and helpful among his classmates, he was selected by Coach Bro to help out astudent struggling to navigate school with acast on his arm. Without hesitation, Donovan agreed to help the student by carr ying his books and cheering him up despite the circumstances. When asked about the experience, Donovan explained how he felt while offering a helping hand. “I feel better as aperson when I help others- it doesn’tmatter who. The cool thing about this experience was the fact that the boy who broke his arm, Henr y, and Iwere good friends from elementar yschool who had lost touch. It was nice to get back to being close friends again.”
People who know Donovan would describe himas charismatic and genuine- akind-hear ted individual who exemplifies maturity and good-naturedness. He puts for th an effor ttobefriendly in ever yarea of hislife, whether it be in the classroom or on the soccer field. Donovan is aconfident young man who stands out in hiscommunity as ever ything a true Buford Wolf should be.
Buford comes out on top against Milton in the Corky Kell Classic
Alicia Couch Payne
MILTON — Buford and Milton were originally scheduled to play two weeks ago in the Corky Kell Classic at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville but rain would cause the game to be rescheduled. Buford would lose the coin toss causing the game to be played at Milton High School.
Milton came into the season as the defending 2018 Class AAAAAAA State Champions and was ranked sixth in their class before this game. Buford came into the game ranked second in Class AAAAA. Both teams lost several key players last year to graduation. Milton has more upperclassmen on their roster than Buford however Buford has a field of
Lanier shuts out host
Alpharetta
Alicia Couch Payne
ALPHARETTA — Lanier football avenged a 14-9 loss to Alpharetta last year with a complete shutout on Friday, September 6 with a 23-0 win. With this win, Lanier is 3-0 to start the season, their best since 2015.
Lanier’s defense were the stars of the game holding Alpharetta (0-2) to just 109 yards on the offense. Alpharetta would be their own worst enemies with 20 penalties although Lanier would rack up almost as many with 15. The 35 flags kept the chains moving back and forth all night.
The Longhorns got off to a slow start in this game not scoring until the 9:24 mark of the second quarter when Cole Thornton had a 36-yard reception that would set up a 28-yard field goal by Cesar Campos. Taj Barnes would get a 13-yard touchdown with 3:30 left in the second quarter.
Barnes would again score after Lanier
SPORTS
talented sophomores on their roster.
In the first quarter, Buford running back Elijah Turner would rush for 65 yards to score the Wolves’ first touchdown of the night. They failed to get the extra point with a botched snap. Milton answered back with a 4-yard pass from Jackson Weaver to Jack Nickel. They would complete their PAT putting Milton up 7-6 at the end of the first quarter.
Buford would score two touchdowns during the second quarter. The first of which came from a one-yard run by Gabe Ervin Jr. Buford would get their extra point. Turner would get his second touchdown of the night with a one-yard punch through Milton’s defense. For the second time of the night, the Wolves would fail to get their extra point. Buford’s defense forced Milton to resort to attempting a 40-yard field goal to get their only points of the quarter. Going into halftime, Buford was up 19-10 over Milton.
The Wolves’ defense would dominate the field keeping Milton scoreless in the third quarter. Even a fake punt attempt by Milton couldn’t keep Buford from shutting down Milton’s offense. Buford’s offense would make a big play with 2:08 left in the third when quarterback Jarvis Evans Jr. made a 43yard pass to Justice Johnson for a touchdown.
quarterback Andrew Blackford tossed a screen pass to him for a gain of 58 yards setting Lanier up on the next play for the touchdown. Campos would get make a successful kick for the extra point. At the end of the third quarter, Lanier was up 17-0.
Lanier would get their last touchdown of the night with 7:53 left in the game when penalties by Alpharetta set the Longhorns up for 1st-and-goal. Junior Darren McLaurin would break through with a one-yard carry for the goal. Alpharetta would block the extra point kick. Both teams would fail to score in the remaining moments of the game.
Defensive standouts for Lanier were fourstar recruit Phillip Webb with 8 tackles, 2 for losses, 1 sack, and 3 QB hurries; senior Marcelo Trevino with 8 tackles and a QB hurry; senior Jamar Rucks with 4 tackles, 1 for loss, 1 sack, and 1 QB hurry; and senior Nahil Perkins with 3 tackles and 3 pass breakups.
Barnes would lead the offensive with 22 rushes for 115 yards, 2 touchdowns, and a 58-yard catch. McLaurin rushed for 31 yards on 6 carries and a touchdown. The OL was led by senior Cole Beasley and junior Nick Claypole, both with winning
Their PAT was successful putting Buford up 26 to 10 going into the 4th quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Buford’s defense was tired and this allowed Milton to score two touchdowns in a four-minute span. Buford’s offense was not able to put together plays that resulted in points scored during the fourth. With Milton three points down, Milton would fumble a punt which was recovered by Buford’s Boyd Farmer. This would stop Milton’s comeback attempt resulting in Buford’s 26-23 win over Milton.
Johnson led the receivers with the 43-yard pass that resulted in his one touchdown of the game.
Offensively, Buford (2-0) outpaced Milton (1-1) 326-272 during the game. Evans would complete 7-of-8 passing for 126 yards and one touchdown. Turner would rush 12 times for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Ervin rushed 15 times for 90 yards and a touchdown.
blocking grades.
Lanier will be off on September 13 and will host Clarke-Central (2-1) in a non-region game on September 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ranch.
Linebacker/fullback Tommy Beuglas led Buford’s defense with eight tackles, one QB pressure, and one sack. He also contributed to the offense with a reception for 26 yards. Other defensive standouts against Milton were Jackson Powell and Aubrey Smith. Buford will host Life Christian Academy from Virginia on Friday, September 13, 2019.
Buford’s Gabe Ervin Jr. would rush 15 times for 90 yards and one touchdown in the game against Milton. Photo - Alicia Couch Payne
Cole Thornton would have a 36-yard reception in the second that would set Lanier up to get their first points of the night with a 28-yard field goal by Cesar Campos. Photo - Nicole Seitz
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
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Darlene Anglin Huskin , age 55, of Buford, GA passed away Sunday, September 8, 2019. She is survived by her children, Nathan and Abby Huskin, Buford, GA, David and Elizabeth Huskin, Buford, GA; grandchildren, Gracie and Bayla Huskin, Aiden and Jayden Huskin; parents, Arthur and Dorothy Bagwell Anglin, Buford, GA; sister, Glenda and Danny Greeson, Buford, GA; brothers, Jimmy and Sheila Anglin, Dallas, GA, John and Nohemi Anglin, Lilburn, GA; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Ms. Huskin was born on October 30, 1963, in Buford, GA. She was a 1981 graduate of North Gwinnett High School. Ms. Huskin was a homemaker and a
member of the Baptist Faith. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. Rev. Jimmy Anglin officiated. Interment was at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens, Buford, GA. Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee St., Buford GA 30518
Clarence Jr. Mundy , age 85, of Sugar Hill, GA passed away Thursday, September 5, 2019. He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-two years, Doris Cochling Mundy; son, Ray Mundy; parents, Clarence and Blanche Mundy; brother, Donald Mundy. Mr. Mundy is survived by his son and daughter-inlaw, Van and Cathy Mundy, Dahlonega, GA; grandchildren, Matthew and Brittany Mundy, Dawsonville, GA, Melissa and Wes DuBose, Suwanee, GA, Jessica Mundy and husband, Chase Matthews, Monroe, GA, Megan and Jason Fonger, Cumming, GA, Luke Mundy, Dahlonega, GA, Joseph Mundy, Lawrenceville, GA; greatgrandchildren, James DuBose, Maddox DuBose, Townes Mundy, Coulter Mundy; three sisters, Sara and Guy Whitmire, Germantown, TN, Willie
and Bobby Loudermilk, Cumming, GA, Opal Mundy Walls, Cumming, GA; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Mundy was born on February 25, 1934, in Cumming, GA. He graduated from Cumming High School, Class of 1951. Mr. Mundy retired from Bailey Cabinet Company as a shop supervisor after thirty years of service. A memorial service was held on Sunday, September 8, 2019, in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. Pastor Gary Robinson officiated. Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee St., Buford GA 30518
Bonnie Bennett Wheeler , age 79, of Buford, GA passed away Thursday, September 5, 2019.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Wheeler; parents, Jonce and Clara Bell Pruett Bennett; sisters, Dorothy Parker, Joyce Harrison, Marie Puckett, Mardell Bennett; and grandson, Josh Holman. She is survived by her children, Rhenia Braswell, Buford, GA, Rickey Holman and Amber Davis, Buford, GA, Randy Holman, Buford, GA, Shon and Lisa Wheeler, Buford, GA, Barbara Wheeler and Bill Harper, Buford, GA; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Peggy Bennett, Buford, GA; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mrs. Wheeler was born on January 10, 1940, in Buford, GA. She received her education at Sugar Hill School. Funeral services were held on Sunday, September 8, 2019, in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. Rev. Richard Wright and Rev. Mark Holder officiated. Interment followed at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens in Buford, GA. Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee St., Buford GA 30518
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