By Jeff Gill / Gainesville Times
POSTED July 27, 2008 8:41 p.m.
A man nearly drowned Sunday evening in the swimming pool at Morgan’s Crossing subdivision, which is split between Gwinnett and Hall counties.Upon arrival at 5:18 p.m., Gwinnett firefighters found a man in his 40s who was breathing but not conscious or alert.
Bystanders had pulled him from the subdivision pool, said Capt. Thomas Rutledge, spokesman for Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services.The man was taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.He "was conscious and alert by the time paramedics had arrived at the hospital," Rutledge said.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Driving Aggressively In Gwinnett? Better Think Twice
State's safety campaign aims to reduce accidents between cars, semisBy RACHEL POMERANCE http://www.ajc.com/ Published on: 07/29/08
A little extra room wouldn't kill you. That's the message of an education and enforcement campaign launched in Gwinnett County on Monday to reduce collisions between passenger vehicles and commercial trucks by urging them to "leave more space" between them.
As part of the Georgia Department of Public Safety's "Targeting Aggressive Cars and Trucks" program (TACT), some 35 officers will be stationed this week along the roughly 30-mile stretch of I-85 from Sugarloaf Parkway into Jackson County and up I-985 to Ga. 20. Four signs have been mounted throughout the corridor with illustrations that indicate a safe distance for lane switching and warn to drivers to avoid a ticket.
WAYS TO AVOID GETTING A TICKET
As part of the Georgia Department of Public Safety's "Targeting Aggressive Cars and Trucks" program (TACT), some 35 officers will be stationed this week along the roughly 30-mile stretch of I-85 from Sugarloaf Parkway into Jackson County and up I-985 to Ga. 20. Four signs have been mounted throughout the corridor with illustrations that indicate a safe distance for lane switching and warn to drivers to avoid a ticket.
WAYS TO AVOID GETTING A TICKET
Suggestions from the Georgia TACT Web site on how to drive safely and avoid getting a ticket:• Don't cut off a semi. Leave yourself lots of room before swapping lanes.• Tailgating is for football. Drivers of tractor-trailers maneuver with major blind spots. Plus, they're bigger than you, and you don't want to slam on your brakes right behind them.• Space, space, and more space! Be careful when merging with traffic.
Crashes between passenger and commercial vehicles account for 15 percent of highway deaths each year, said Gordy Wright, the public safety department's director of public information. Almost 90 percent of those killed are in the passenger cars, he said. And most of the time, it's their fault.
Although the campaign's signage appears to target drivers of passenger cars, officials say both parties are being addressed in an effort that will ticket drivers for aggressive behavior such as changing lanes without signaling, speeding and tailgating, said Maj. Christopher Long with the Georgia Motor Carrier Compliance Division. As part of the campaign, officers will hand out brochures about the program to those drivers they stop. Officers are also dispensing information at the welcome center in Suwanee.
When following a commercial truck, drivers of passenger cars need to leave more space than the requisite one car length for every 10 miles per hour, Long said. He pointed out the trucks' significant blind spots and the fact that it takes twice as long for a tractor-trailer to stop as it does a passenger car.
The current area under watch saw 140 crashes between passenger and commercial vehicles last year. They resulted in five deaths and 89 injuries, Wright said.Georgia's Public Safety Department conducted two previous waves of enforcement — in Bartow and Cobb counties in November 2007 and in Chatham County in February. They were weeklong periods followed by two three-day checks. The follow-up enforcements for Gwinnett are scheduled for August and September.
According to a report prepared by James Bason, associate research scientist with the University of Georgia's Survey Research Center, studies of the previous corridors before and after the enforcement "wave" took place suggested lower instances of unsafe driving around semi-trailers and increased awareness of the campaign.
Wright, of the Department of Public Safety, said that it's too early to draw conclusions from the campaign, but already public awareness has increased."People are paying attention and realizing that they've got to use extra care around the commercial vehicles," he said. "That's what the campaign is about is increasing awareness to let drivers know that those trucks can't stop on a dime."
The program is funded with a grant from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and enforced by members of the Georgia State Patrol and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division. Washington, Kentucky, North Carolina and Pennsylvania have begun similar programs, Long said.
Suspected Molester Was Cub Scout Leader
Courtesy 11alive.comLAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- A Gwinnett County man faces multiple counts of child molestation -- now detectives think there could be many more victims out there. That's because the man is a Cub Scout leader. A prominent member of the Gwinnett County Public Library board has been charged with multiple counts of child molestation, and police say the case against Brett Taylor is far from over.
"What we have discovered is that there are more than just the one victim we have discovered that there is already another victim that has come forward," said Cpl. David Schiralli of the Gwinnett County Police Department.
It started with a police report in which a woman came forward after her son attended a sleepover at Taylor's home in Lawrenceville. "The victim spent the night over and during the course of the night, the suspect -- Mr. Taylor -- touched him inappropriately," Schiralli said.
Apparently, her son and Taylor's son became friends through the Cub Scouts. Their troop leader is Taylor -- leading police to wonder how many other alleged victims may be out there.
"If anybody knew Mr. Taylor through the Cub Scouts and had their children in the Cub Scouts with Mr. Taylor -- if their children had any contact or inappropriate contact, that they talk to their children," said Schiralli.
Police admit it is a difficult topic to bring up, but given Taylor's access to children, they said it is a necessary one. Because Taylor already faces numerous charges, some of them aggravated in nature, he remains in the Gwinnett County Jail without bond.
Road Safety Program Comes To Gwinnett, Barrow, and Jackson
Courtesy; www.accessnorthga.com
Officials with two safety agencies announced Monday that a traffic safety initiative is coming to Gwinnett, Barrow and Jackson counties to reduce car versus tractor trailer crashes. The Georgia Targeting Aggressive Cars and Trucks (GTACT) program combines enforcement of aggressive driving with educating drivers to leave more space around tractor trailers. The Georgia Department of Public Safety and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration held the news conference Monday morning at Discover Mills in Lawrenceville.
Officials with two safety agencies announced Monday that a traffic safety initiative is coming to Gwinnett, Barrow and Jackson counties to reduce car versus tractor trailer crashes. The Georgia Targeting Aggressive Cars and Trucks (GTACT) program combines enforcement of aggressive driving with educating drivers to leave more space around tractor trailers. The Georgia Department of Public Safety and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration held the news conference Monday morning at Discover Mills in Lawrenceville.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Gwinnett High School Football Coming To Internet Radio
Lawrenceville company to broadcast Corky Kell play-by-play, other games
By LARRY HARTSTEIN www.ajc.com
Gwinnett high school football games will be available on Internet radio this fall, thanks to Lawrenceville's Play-by-Play Advertising.
Mark Blumen's company, which is entering its fourth season of producing tape-delayed television broadcasts, is adding live radio coverage for his North Atlanta Game of the Week.
The schedule begins Friday, Aug. 22 with Berkmar hosting Aiken, S.C., followed by three Corky Kell Classic games at the Georgia Dome the next day."This is another avenue for people who can't make it to the games," said Blumen, who handles play-by-play and is joined by color commentator Frank Fore. "I'm contemplating, if we can get the funding and sponsorship, streaming the video live on the Internet, but you've got to walk before you can run."
The games can be heard live at www.teamline.cc (enter code name Play-By-Play Advertising). They can be seen at 8 p.m. the following Monday on Comcast, and at 7 p.m. Wednesday on Charter.
The games will be archived on the Web site, so fans can listen to them whenever they want.
"That is the beauty of this," said Blumen, who also produces the weekly "Coaches Corner" show. "People can go to the game, come home and watch it the next week or come back and listen to it on Saturday morning." Blumen said he hopes to do playoff games again, too.
GWINNETT HIGH SCHOOL ON-AIR GAMES
• Friday, Aug. 22: Aiken, S.C., at Berkmar, 7:15 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 23 from the Georgia Dome: Brookwood vs. Walton, 2:30 p.m.; Norcross vs. Camden County, 5:30 p.m.; Grayson vs. McEachern, 8:30 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 29: Parkview at Collins Hill, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 5: North Gwinnett at Brookwood, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 12: Parkview at Berkmar, 7: 30 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 19: Grayson at South Gwinnett, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 26: Peachtree Ridge at Duluth, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 3: Dacula at South Gwinnett, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 10: Brookwood at Grayson, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 17: Central Gwinnett at Brookwood, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 24: Collins Hill at Mill Creek, 7:30 p.m
• Friday, Oct. 31: Peachtree Ridge at Norcross, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 7: GAC at Buford, 7:30 p.m.
By LARRY HARTSTEIN www.ajc.com
Gwinnett high school football games will be available on Internet radio this fall, thanks to Lawrenceville's Play-by-Play Advertising.
Mark Blumen's company, which is entering its fourth season of producing tape-delayed television broadcasts, is adding live radio coverage for his North Atlanta Game of the Week.
The schedule begins Friday, Aug. 22 with Berkmar hosting Aiken, S.C., followed by three Corky Kell Classic games at the Georgia Dome the next day."This is another avenue for people who can't make it to the games," said Blumen, who handles play-by-play and is joined by color commentator Frank Fore. "I'm contemplating, if we can get the funding and sponsorship, streaming the video live on the Internet, but you've got to walk before you can run."
The games can be heard live at www.teamline.cc (enter code name Play-By-Play Advertising). They can be seen at 8 p.m. the following Monday on Comcast, and at 7 p.m. Wednesday on Charter.
The games will be archived on the Web site, so fans can listen to them whenever they want.
"That is the beauty of this," said Blumen, who also produces the weekly "Coaches Corner" show. "People can go to the game, come home and watch it the next week or come back and listen to it on Saturday morning." Blumen said he hopes to do playoff games again, too.
GWINNETT HIGH SCHOOL ON-AIR GAMES
• Friday, Aug. 22: Aiken, S.C., at Berkmar, 7:15 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 23 from the Georgia Dome: Brookwood vs. Walton, 2:30 p.m.; Norcross vs. Camden County, 5:30 p.m.; Grayson vs. McEachern, 8:30 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 29: Parkview at Collins Hill, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 5: North Gwinnett at Brookwood, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 12: Parkview at Berkmar, 7: 30 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 19: Grayson at South Gwinnett, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 26: Peachtree Ridge at Duluth, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 3: Dacula at South Gwinnett, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 10: Brookwood at Grayson, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 17: Central Gwinnett at Brookwood, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 24: Collins Hill at Mill Creek, 7:30 p.m
• Friday, Oct. 31: Peachtree Ridge at Norcross, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 7: GAC at Buford, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Gwinnett County Police Say Man Posed As Officer
Associated Press - July 23, 2008 8:24 AM ET
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (AP) - Gwinnett County police have arrested a man they say had been posing as a Georgia State Patrol officer.
Moses Roscoe Eaddy, 37, of Duluth, is charged with one felony count of impersonating a police officer. He was arrested July 18 and released from jail the same day on $11,200 bond.
Security officer working at Idlewylde apartments in Duluth told police a man had been identifying himself as a State Patrol officer.
Investigators with a search warrant found items in the suspect's home including badges and vests with the word "Police" on the back. Police are asking anyone who had contact with the man who identified himself as an officer to contact them.
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (AP) - Gwinnett County police have arrested a man they say had been posing as a Georgia State Patrol officer.
Moses Roscoe Eaddy, 37, of Duluth, is charged with one felony count of impersonating a police officer. He was arrested July 18 and released from jail the same day on $11,200 bond.
Security officer working at Idlewylde apartments in Duluth told police a man had been identifying himself as a State Patrol officer.
Investigators with a search warrant found items in the suspect's home including badges and vests with the word "Police" on the back. Police are asking anyone who had contact with the man who identified himself as an officer to contact them.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Metro Abductions Up on "Flood Of Drugs"
by MARY LOU PICKEL www.ajc.com
A recent increase in drug-related kidnappings in Gwinnett County has put a spotlight on drug violence in Georgia, federal agents say.About nine drug-related kidnappings have occurred in Gwinnett this year. The latest involved a man bound and chained in a basement in Lilburn who was rescued by federal agents last week.
Mexican drug cartels are moving large amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana into the country for distribution up the East Coast, said Rodney Benson, the special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in Atlanta. Drug-related kidnappings have increased in the past 90 days, he said. Gwinnett is a center of Mexican drug cartel activity in the area because of easy transportation on I-85 and a large Hispanic population where traffickers can try to blend in, said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia David Nahmias.
Three Gwinnett cases in the past three months have involved a kidnapping victim held in a home and released after a police rescue or a stakeout of a ransom drop.
In one case this month, police shot and killed a kidnapping suspect in a ransom pick-up. In another police arrested nine accused drug traffickers in Lawrenceville, the youngest a 16-year-old girl.Representatives of Mexican drug cartels in Atlanta are "clashing with each other," the DEA's Benson said.
"That's pretty terrifying to most citizens in our state," Nahmias said."We are very concerned about the type of extreme violence we've seen on the Mexican side of the border starting to come to this side of the border and to North Georgia," Nahmias said.
Drug traffickers are also getting younger, Gwinnett County Assistant District Attorney Keith Miles said."Our cases are going up," Miles said. "We got 15-year-olds out here slinging kilos of cocaine. When that's going on in this county, that's a big problem."
In addition to the rescues, three or four kidnapping cases in the past six to eight months have involved victims who were released with minimal police action, Gwinnett police spokesman Illana Spellman said."The victims are suspected drug runners or drug dealers, and they're making someone mad," Spellman said. "Somehow, they came up short."Family members of suspected drug dealers called police to say their relative had been kidnapped, Spellman said.
In these cases, police have called the victim's cellphone and let kidnappers know they're on the case. Then the matter resolved itself, Spellman said."We find out the victim's back at home and everyone says it was a 'big misunderstanding,' " Spellman said.
Assistant District Attorney Miles says the up-tick in kidnappings is not a "blip."
More and more drugs are coming into Gwinnett, he said."It's just a flood," Miles said."It's just a matter of time before innocent people get caught in the crossfire," he said.
Staff Writer Andria Simmons contributed to this report.
A recent increase in drug-related kidnappings in Gwinnett County has put a spotlight on drug violence in Georgia, federal agents say.About nine drug-related kidnappings have occurred in Gwinnett this year. The latest involved a man bound and chained in a basement in Lilburn who was rescued by federal agents last week.
Mexican drug cartels are moving large amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana into the country for distribution up the East Coast, said Rodney Benson, the special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in Atlanta. Drug-related kidnappings have increased in the past 90 days, he said. Gwinnett is a center of Mexican drug cartel activity in the area because of easy transportation on I-85 and a large Hispanic population where traffickers can try to blend in, said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia David Nahmias.
Three Gwinnett cases in the past three months have involved a kidnapping victim held in a home and released after a police rescue or a stakeout of a ransom drop.
In one case this month, police shot and killed a kidnapping suspect in a ransom pick-up. In another police arrested nine accused drug traffickers in Lawrenceville, the youngest a 16-year-old girl.Representatives of Mexican drug cartels in Atlanta are "clashing with each other," the DEA's Benson said.
"That's pretty terrifying to most citizens in our state," Nahmias said."We are very concerned about the type of extreme violence we've seen on the Mexican side of the border starting to come to this side of the border and to North Georgia," Nahmias said.
Drug traffickers are also getting younger, Gwinnett County Assistant District Attorney Keith Miles said."Our cases are going up," Miles said. "We got 15-year-olds out here slinging kilos of cocaine. When that's going on in this county, that's a big problem."
In addition to the rescues, three or four kidnapping cases in the past six to eight months have involved victims who were released with minimal police action, Gwinnett police spokesman Illana Spellman said."The victims are suspected drug runners or drug dealers, and they're making someone mad," Spellman said. "Somehow, they came up short."Family members of suspected drug dealers called police to say their relative had been kidnapped, Spellman said.
In these cases, police have called the victim's cellphone and let kidnappers know they're on the case. Then the matter resolved itself, Spellman said."We find out the victim's back at home and everyone says it was a 'big misunderstanding,' " Spellman said.
Assistant District Attorney Miles says the up-tick in kidnappings is not a "blip."
More and more drugs are coming into Gwinnett, he said."It's just a flood," Miles said."It's just a matter of time before innocent people get caught in the crossfire," he said.
Staff Writer Andria Simmons contributed to this report.
Suwanee Woman Killed In ND Identified
By Scott Kimbler / Accessnorthga.com
North Dakota
OBERON ND - A Suwanee resident who was killed in a rollover accident in North Dakota Friday night has been identified by the North Dakota Highway Patrol. She is 43-year-old Becky Ryan. Ryan was in a pickup driven by 38-year-old Rhonda Linehan of Texas who was also killed. The patrol said Linehan lost control of the truck and it rolled several times into a ditch.Two other passengers were identified as 58-year-old Stephen Linehan of Heath, Texas, and 40-year-old Marc Datelle of Suwanee. The patrol said both were taken to a Devils Lake Hospital and Linehan was transferred to Grand Forks for further treatment.
North Dakota
OBERON ND - A Suwanee resident who was killed in a rollover accident in North Dakota Friday night has been identified by the North Dakota Highway Patrol. She is 43-year-old Becky Ryan. Ryan was in a pickup driven by 38-year-old Rhonda Linehan of Texas who was also killed. The patrol said Linehan lost control of the truck and it rolled several times into a ditch.Two other passengers were identified as 58-year-old Stephen Linehan of Heath, Texas, and 40-year-old Marc Datelle of Suwanee. The patrol said both were taken to a Devils Lake Hospital and Linehan was transferred to Grand Forks for further treatment.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
News From Rotary Club Of Lawrenceville
Rotary Club of Lawrenceville Hosts Visiting DignitariesIncoming President David Freeman pinning Past President Otis JonesHeld poolside at the home of David and Nina E. Freeman, the Rotary Club of Lawrenceville’s Year-End Celebration honored the outgoing Club President, Otis Jones, and welcomed the incoming one, David H. Freeman. Two special guests attended the festivities on June 12th, Gary and Irene Moore, from Rockdale County. Gary is the incoming (July 2008-July 2009) Rotary District Governor for District 6910. His District includes approximately 68 clubs across North Georgia. The Club was honored to have him attend this celebration. His heartfelt speech about what it means to be a Rotarian was enjoyed by all. He spoke highly of both Otis Jones and David H. Freeman as he led the “passing of the gavel.” Incoming Governor Moore’s favorite phrase is “I can bearly wait to District Conference!” In the spring of 2009, District 6910 Conference will be in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Incoming Governor Moore has a little crush on Dolly Parton. He is planning on finding her and asking her to sing to him. We’ll see! Another one of Gary’s passions is desserts. He will have a dessert contest at every Rotary Club in the District as he visits throughout the year. The winning entry will be served at the District Conference…maybe even to Dolly Parton! The Rotary Club of Lawrenceville has a good start on the contest. David H. Freeman’s mother, Elizabeth Freeman baked three different desserts for the Club to choose from as its contest entry. Incoming Governor Moore will have a special treat when he officially visits the club at the September 29th meeting at the Lil’ River Grill.
Suwanee Examines Water System
by Scott Sowers / Appen Newspapers
July 17, 2008 10:48 AM SUWANEE – The recent drought has caused a stir across the state for municipalities to examine just how much water they have and how it will look in the future.Suwanee is no exception to this and city council recently heard the results of phase I of a survey conducted by the engineering firm Rindt-McDuff at their workshop July 10.
John Washington, an engineer for the firm, said that the study looked at four key areas – supply, storage, distribution and operations – and examined what is needed to improve. He said that the second phase of the study would look at things like the rate structure."The conclusions we can draw from this study is that Suwanee needs to build new wells, upgrade and replace the water mains and do annual fire hydrant flow tests," Washington said. "Suwanee has a very good system currently in place, but these improvements would help it to run even smoother down the line."The engineer said that a priority for the city should be digging another well like the 600 foot one currently in operation. This well would then become the primary one while the older would be used as the secondary. By doing this, it would prevent the city from having to purchase water from Gwinnett County, as the county charges higher rates than the city does.Additionally, a new well for irrigation of the city's parks and green space should be explored as well, according to the study. Cost for this well would be approximately one-third of the proposed new drinking water well. By 2020, it is recommended that Suwanee supplement its current storage tank with another one.
"To project capital improvements well into 2020 says a lot about our ability to plan for the future," mayor Dave Williams said.Another project further down the line that the survey discussed is a new automatic water meter reading system, which would streamline operations and help defray costs.
July 17, 2008 10:48 AM SUWANEE – The recent drought has caused a stir across the state for municipalities to examine just how much water they have and how it will look in the future.Suwanee is no exception to this and city council recently heard the results of phase I of a survey conducted by the engineering firm Rindt-McDuff at their workshop July 10.
John Washington, an engineer for the firm, said that the study looked at four key areas – supply, storage, distribution and operations – and examined what is needed to improve. He said that the second phase of the study would look at things like the rate structure."The conclusions we can draw from this study is that Suwanee needs to build new wells, upgrade and replace the water mains and do annual fire hydrant flow tests," Washington said. "Suwanee has a very good system currently in place, but these improvements would help it to run even smoother down the line."The engineer said that a priority for the city should be digging another well like the 600 foot one currently in operation. This well would then become the primary one while the older would be used as the secondary. By doing this, it would prevent the city from having to purchase water from Gwinnett County, as the county charges higher rates than the city does.Additionally, a new well for irrigation of the city's parks and green space should be explored as well, according to the study. Cost for this well would be approximately one-third of the proposed new drinking water well. By 2020, it is recommended that Suwanee supplement its current storage tank with another one.
"To project capital improvements well into 2020 says a lot about our ability to plan for the future," mayor Dave Williams said.Another project further down the line that the survey discussed is a new automatic water meter reading system, which would streamline operations and help defray costs.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Suwanee Police Chief To Head State Association
Accessnorthga.com
SUWANEE - Suwanee Police Chief Michael S. Jones has been named president of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP). Jones assumed the role on Tuesday. Part of his new duties include a chairing the association’s executive board, appointing all committee members and district representatives. Jones’ professional law enforcement experience and credentials spans 34 years, including 24 years with the Rome Police Department and 10 years with the Suwanee Police Department. Jones is an adjunct professor at Columbus State University, POST Instructor, EVOC Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Certification Assessor and Certification Team Leader. He holds an associate degree from Floyd College, bachelor's degree from Berry College and a masters degree from Columbus State University. He is a graduate of the 155th session of the FBI National Academy and the 14th Class of the Command College. Jones' profession and community activities include:* Served as Drug Free Work Place chairman* Chairman of Chiefs Chaplain committee* Currently serving on the Georgia Certification Committee* Currently serving on the Georgia Certification Review Panel* Chairman of the Georgia Traffic Safety Committee* Past President of the Gwinnett Chiefs Association* Member of Metro Pol Atlanta* Suwanee Kiwanis Club* Gwinnett Technical College, Criminal Justice Program AdvisorJones and his wife, Debbie, have two sons, Michael (and his wife, Haley) and Daniel.
Gwinnettians Weigh In On Marta, Illegal Immigration
Commission, school board, legislative candidates will also be chosen
By D. AILEEN DODD www.ajc.com
Voters heading to the polls today will pick their favorite candidates in Gwinnett County commission, school board and legislative races.
And while party leaders have their ear, voters also will be asked to weigh in on some nagging issues, too — namely mass transit and illegal immigration. In one ballot question sure to be closely watched around the region, voters will weigh in on a non-binding referendum on whether they want MARTA to come to the county.
Voter turnout is not expected to be as large as in a general election. But polling places are gearing up for a respectable showing.
Besides the heated Gwinnett County Commission chairman race, residents in two of the county's four commission districts will choose between Republican candidates.
In the three-way race for Lorraine Green's District 1 seat, the contenders are former Suwanee City Council member Carol Hassell, 63; former Duluth Mayor Shirley Lasseter, 60; and Diamond Warehouse owner Bruce LeVell, 44, all Republicans.
Hassell, vice president of administration for the Georgia Wildlife Federation, helped to organize the Gwinnett Open Land Trust and is concerned about illegal immigrants and declining neighborhoods. She favors tougher code enforcement to preserve communities and limiting the number of people crowding into rental properties.
Lasseter, director of public safety education for the Georgia Department of Insurance and Fire Safety, says she wants to put her 14 years of experience as a mayor to work for Gwinnett County and is also concerned about illegal immigration and revitalization.
LeVell, who was appointed to both the MARTA and Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District (CID) boards, is worried about the local economy. His campaign focuses on mass transit alternatives and improving aging communities.
In the District 3 race, Doug Stacks, 46, director of planning and economic development for the city of Lilburn, is challenging incumbent Mike Beaudreau.
Stacks, a Republican, points to the development slowdown in Gwinnett as a sign of a struggling economy that needs help. Without well-planned growth, Stacks said, the tax burden will be heavily borne by residents.
Beaudreau, 33, a national accounts manager for Ricoh Corp., has emphasized his experience and record of preserving green space to win him favor with voters.
In the school board race, two career educators are competing to represent District 5. The candidates, Democrats Ravindra Kumar, a college professor, and Ralph J. Villani, a retired teacher turned lawyer, have never been elected to public office but say they have the experience that counts in a school board election --- experience in the classroom.
The winner of the primary will face incumbent Louise Radloff in the November general election. Radloff is in her 36th year on the Gwinnett County Board of Education and has a middle school named after her.
Voters considering commission and school board races today also will be captive audiences for opinion polls.
Republican and Democratic party leaders will ask their voters questions about a wide range of issues รข€” from illegal immigration, to government representation to local development.
The only binding question on Gwinnett's primary ballot is about the use of tax allocation districts, or TADs, in unincorporated Gwinnett County. An identical measure failed in 2006, but in 2007, a better organized campaign resulted in successful votes in nine Gwinnett cities.
The question asks if an act that authorizes Gwinnett to exercise redevelopment powers to improve economic and social conditions in "depressed areas" should be approved. Approving the act would allow the county to leverage future property tax revenue to spur private development now.
TAD supporters see them as considered critical tools for redevelopment of declining areas. Critics complain that they divert school taxes for redevelopment purposes, funnel public money to private enterprises and can be risky for taxpayers if the development project does not materialize or succeed.
Staff writers Eileen Drennen and Michael Pearson contributed to this report.
By D. AILEEN DODD www.ajc.com
Voters heading to the polls today will pick their favorite candidates in Gwinnett County commission, school board and legislative races.
And while party leaders have their ear, voters also will be asked to weigh in on some nagging issues, too — namely mass transit and illegal immigration. In one ballot question sure to be closely watched around the region, voters will weigh in on a non-binding referendum on whether they want MARTA to come to the county.
Voter turnout is not expected to be as large as in a general election. But polling places are gearing up for a respectable showing.
Besides the heated Gwinnett County Commission chairman race, residents in two of the county's four commission districts will choose between Republican candidates.
In the three-way race for Lorraine Green's District 1 seat, the contenders are former Suwanee City Council member Carol Hassell, 63; former Duluth Mayor Shirley Lasseter, 60; and Diamond Warehouse owner Bruce LeVell, 44, all Republicans.
Hassell, vice president of administration for the Georgia Wildlife Federation, helped to organize the Gwinnett Open Land Trust and is concerned about illegal immigrants and declining neighborhoods. She favors tougher code enforcement to preserve communities and limiting the number of people crowding into rental properties.
Lasseter, director of public safety education for the Georgia Department of Insurance and Fire Safety, says she wants to put her 14 years of experience as a mayor to work for Gwinnett County and is also concerned about illegal immigration and revitalization.
LeVell, who was appointed to both the MARTA and Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District (CID) boards, is worried about the local economy. His campaign focuses on mass transit alternatives and improving aging communities.
In the District 3 race, Doug Stacks, 46, director of planning and economic development for the city of Lilburn, is challenging incumbent Mike Beaudreau.
Stacks, a Republican, points to the development slowdown in Gwinnett as a sign of a struggling economy that needs help. Without well-planned growth, Stacks said, the tax burden will be heavily borne by residents.
Beaudreau, 33, a national accounts manager for Ricoh Corp., has emphasized his experience and record of preserving green space to win him favor with voters.
In the school board race, two career educators are competing to represent District 5. The candidates, Democrats Ravindra Kumar, a college professor, and Ralph J. Villani, a retired teacher turned lawyer, have never been elected to public office but say they have the experience that counts in a school board election --- experience in the classroom.
The winner of the primary will face incumbent Louise Radloff in the November general election. Radloff is in her 36th year on the Gwinnett County Board of Education and has a middle school named after her.
Voters considering commission and school board races today also will be captive audiences for opinion polls.
Republican and Democratic party leaders will ask their voters questions about a wide range of issues รข€” from illegal immigration, to government representation to local development.
The only binding question on Gwinnett's primary ballot is about the use of tax allocation districts, or TADs, in unincorporated Gwinnett County. An identical measure failed in 2006, but in 2007, a better organized campaign resulted in successful votes in nine Gwinnett cities.
The question asks if an act that authorizes Gwinnett to exercise redevelopment powers to improve economic and social conditions in "depressed areas" should be approved. Approving the act would allow the county to leverage future property tax revenue to spur private development now.
TAD supporters see them as considered critical tools for redevelopment of declining areas. Critics complain that they divert school taxes for redevelopment purposes, funnel public money to private enterprises and can be risky for taxpayers if the development project does not materialize or succeed.
Staff writers Eileen Drennen and Michael Pearson contributed to this report.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Psychiatrist Indicted On Sexual Assault Charges
POSTED: 4:58 pm EDT July 11, 2008http://www.wsbtv.com/
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. --
A Lawrenceville psychiatrist was indicted Friday on charges he sexually assaulted more than a dozen of his female patients.
Dr. Mohammad Uzair Qureshi, 45, was indicted on charges that he sexually assaulted 14 patients who came to him for psychiatric care.
Known as “Dr. Q” to his patients, Qureshi worked at the Gwinnett-Rockdale-Newton Community Service Board. The investigation began in late September after a female patient went to police and said that Qureshi told her to pull up her shirt and fondled her during a consultation. After his arrest more women came forward with the same complaint.
Qureshi faces 16 counts of sexually assaulting 14 women. He could face up to three years in jail for each charge if convicted.
Qureshi could not be reached for comment. There is no word yet on when the trial will begin. Qureshi cannot practice in the state of Georgia because his license has been suspended pending the outcome of the case.
Double Shooting In Gwinnett Leaves 1 Dead
from www.wsbtv.com
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- Gwinnett County police are investigating a double shooting that left one person dead Friday night.
Investigators were called out to the 500 block of Alcovy Park Drive in Lawrenceville, where they said they found a male and female suffering from gunshot wounds inside a home.
Authorities said a preliminary investigation indicated that the victims were shot after an unknown male arrived at the location.
Witnesses told police that they heard gun shots coming from inside the residence and then saw a male run out and flee the scene in a vehicle. Authorities said the witnesses were unable to give a description of the vehicle.
Authorities said it is not known if the suspect knew the victims or what prompted the shooting. Investigators are following several leads.
The male victim died at the scene and has been identified as 20-year-old Donny Emmanuel Edouard of Lawrenceville.
At this time, the identity of the female victim is not being released and her condition is unknown.
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- Gwinnett County police are investigating a double shooting that left one person dead Friday night.
Investigators were called out to the 500 block of Alcovy Park Drive in Lawrenceville, where they said they found a male and female suffering from gunshot wounds inside a home.
Authorities said a preliminary investigation indicated that the victims were shot after an unknown male arrived at the location.
Witnesses told police that they heard gun shots coming from inside the residence and then saw a male run out and flee the scene in a vehicle. Authorities said the witnesses were unable to give a description of the vehicle.
Authorities said it is not known if the suspect knew the victims or what prompted the shooting. Investigators are following several leads.
The male victim died at the scene and has been identified as 20-year-old Donny Emmanuel Edouard of Lawrenceville.
At this time, the identity of the female victim is not being released and her condition is unknown.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
GA Robbery Suspects Posed as Officers
By Andria Simmons www.ajc.com
GWINNETT, Ga. — Gwinnett police are investigating nine armed robberies in which the suspects claimed to be police officers. The robberies targeted Hispanics.
It is not yet known how many, if any, of the robberies were committed by the same people, said Cpl. Illana Spellman, spokeswoman for the Gwinnett County Police Department.
"There are some differences as well as some similarities, and we're just working on trying to establish some sort of pattern," Spellman said.
In one of the incidents, men posing as police forced their way into an apartment on Noble Forest Drive in Norcross last month and shot and wounded a 13-year-old girl. Two men --- Larico Daniel, 27, and Mario Taylor, 21 --- have been arrested in that case, Spellman said.
There are some common threads among the nine robberies.
In each incident, two or more offenders were armed with handguns or rifles when they ransacked residences and demanded money or drugs, Spellman said. The department's Crime Analysis Unit is working with investigators to establish other potential patterns.
In the meantime, police are warning the public about impersonators to help deter further incidents. Real police officers rarely wear hats or shirts printed with just the generic word "police," Spellman said. Those articles of clothing can be purchased in many stores.
Civilians should look instead for the full name of the police agency or department on officers' clothing and badges, such as Gwinnett County Police Department, she said.
Police do use unmarked vehicles and wear plain clothes at times, but "usually we're going to announce ourselves and allow someone to come to the door before we're going to breach a doorway," Spellman said.
Spellman said investigators don't know whether the nine robberies are connected to a July 1 kidnapping in Sandy Springs that is still under investigation. She acknowledged "that's always a possibility."
In that incident, David Juan Arce-Flores, 34, was abducted from his apartment by six men dressed entirely in black with the word "police" printed on their shirts. The men also wore gun belts with holsters, according to a Sandy Springs police report.
The kidnapping culminated Monday when Sandy Springs police requested the help of Gwinnett officers in staking out a predetermined ransom drop-off spot at a Waffle House parking lot on Pleasant Hill Road at Cruse Road in Gwinnett. When SWAT officers confronted the alleged kidnappers, one of the suspects, 23-year-old Richard Garcia, reportedly "made an aggressive movement toward his weapon," Spellman said.
The officers opened fire on Garcia and killed him, Spellman said. The shooting is still under investigation.
A second suspect, Jose Ramirez-Perez, was arrested and charged with false imprisonment.
An officer patrolling the area several hours later found Arce-Flores unharmed, walking along U.S. 29 in Lawrenceville.
GWINNETT, Ga. — Gwinnett police are investigating nine armed robberies in which the suspects claimed to be police officers. The robberies targeted Hispanics.
It is not yet known how many, if any, of the robberies were committed by the same people, said Cpl. Illana Spellman, spokeswoman for the Gwinnett County Police Department.
"There are some differences as well as some similarities, and we're just working on trying to establish some sort of pattern," Spellman said.
In one of the incidents, men posing as police forced their way into an apartment on Noble Forest Drive in Norcross last month and shot and wounded a 13-year-old girl. Two men --- Larico Daniel, 27, and Mario Taylor, 21 --- have been arrested in that case, Spellman said.
There are some common threads among the nine robberies.
In each incident, two or more offenders were armed with handguns or rifles when they ransacked residences and demanded money or drugs, Spellman said. The department's Crime Analysis Unit is working with investigators to establish other potential patterns.
In the meantime, police are warning the public about impersonators to help deter further incidents. Real police officers rarely wear hats or shirts printed with just the generic word "police," Spellman said. Those articles of clothing can be purchased in many stores.
Civilians should look instead for the full name of the police agency or department on officers' clothing and badges, such as Gwinnett County Police Department, she said.
Police do use unmarked vehicles and wear plain clothes at times, but "usually we're going to announce ourselves and allow someone to come to the door before we're going to breach a doorway," Spellman said.
Spellman said investigators don't know whether the nine robberies are connected to a July 1 kidnapping in Sandy Springs that is still under investigation. She acknowledged "that's always a possibility."
In that incident, David Juan Arce-Flores, 34, was abducted from his apartment by six men dressed entirely in black with the word "police" printed on their shirts. The men also wore gun belts with holsters, according to a Sandy Springs police report.
The kidnapping culminated Monday when Sandy Springs police requested the help of Gwinnett officers in staking out a predetermined ransom drop-off spot at a Waffle House parking lot on Pleasant Hill Road at Cruse Road in Gwinnett. When SWAT officers confronted the alleged kidnappers, one of the suspects, 23-year-old Richard Garcia, reportedly "made an aggressive movement toward his weapon," Spellman said.
The officers opened fire on Garcia and killed him, Spellman said. The shooting is still under investigation.
A second suspect, Jose Ramirez-Perez, was arrested and charged with false imprisonment.
An officer patrolling the area several hours later found Arce-Flores unharmed, walking along U.S. 29 in Lawrenceville.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner Implements Energy Conservation Hours Program
Lawrenceville, Ga., (July 7, 2008) –
To promote energy conservation, reduce pollution and traffic, and increase fuel savings for both customers and employees, Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner Katherine Sherrington is implementing an Energy Conservation Hours program effective Aug. 23, 2008.
“I am greatly concerned about doing our part to help both citizens and our office employees save on fuel expenses. At the same time, I want to be sure our customers still have convenient services and know all the alternatives to driving to our offices to pay their taxes or renew their tags,” Sherrington said. “We will change our office operating hours to achieve these goals with the least amount of inconvenience to customers, while simultaneously helping employees with commuting costs through alternative work schedules. We want to do our part to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and of course, to help lower fuel consumption.”
A tag office employee survey revealed that 92 percent favored a four-day workweek with longer hours, citing the high cost of fuel as a major concern. The new program will also offer longer hours daily at tag offices to improve after-work access. Citizens who would like to avoid driving may take advantage of many services available online at the Tax Commissioner’s website at www.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com :
· Vehicle tag renewals (some restrictions apply; state charges a $2.25 credit card convenience fee for online renewals)
· Property Tax payments with credit card or e-check (credit card convenience fees apply)
· Print forms, including Homestead applications and Senior Emission Waiver Request forms
Other payment options include mail, pay in person or drop-off boxes at all Tax Commissioner offices or pay using banking information over the phone by calling (770) 822-8800 (property tax) or (770) 822-8818 (tag renewals).
To promote energy conservation, reduce pollution and traffic, and increase fuel savings for both customers and employees, Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner Katherine Sherrington is implementing an Energy Conservation Hours program effective Aug. 23, 2008.
“I am greatly concerned about doing our part to help both citizens and our office employees save on fuel expenses. At the same time, I want to be sure our customers still have convenient services and know all the alternatives to driving to our offices to pay their taxes or renew their tags,” Sherrington said. “We will change our office operating hours to achieve these goals with the least amount of inconvenience to customers, while simultaneously helping employees with commuting costs through alternative work schedules. We want to do our part to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and of course, to help lower fuel consumption.”
A tag office employee survey revealed that 92 percent favored a four-day workweek with longer hours, citing the high cost of fuel as a major concern. The new program will also offer longer hours daily at tag offices to improve after-work access. Citizens who would like to avoid driving may take advantage of many services available online at the Tax Commissioner’s website at www.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com :
· Vehicle tag renewals (some restrictions apply; state charges a $2.25 credit card convenience fee for online renewals)
· Property Tax payments with credit card or e-check (credit card convenience fees apply)
· Print forms, including Homestead applications and Senior Emission Waiver Request forms
Other payment options include mail, pay in person or drop-off boxes at all Tax Commissioner offices or pay using banking information over the phone by calling (770) 822-8800 (property tax) or (770) 822-8818 (tag renewals).
Tree Falls On Lawrenceville Home
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- Tuesday night's storms knocked a tree down onto a Lawrenceville home, authorities said.
Investigator said a woman was injured when a pine tree was uprooted during the storm and crashed through the roof of the home on Chandler Road. The tree caused heavy damage to the roof and second floor, authorities said.
The woman and several children were inside the home at the time. The children were not hurt.
Investigator said a woman was injured when a pine tree was uprooted during the storm and crashed through the roof of the home on Chandler Road. The tree caused heavy damage to the roof and second floor, authorities said.
The woman and several children were inside the home at the time. The children were not hurt.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Lawrenceville Wants College Students Downtown
By BETH WARREN www.ajc.com
Lawrenceville city leaders approved a study Monday on how to connect area college students with downtown businesses.They're thinking large scale: sidewalks, bicycle trails and a bus or trolley route stretching three miles from Georgia Gwinnett College to the downtown retail district.
Higher education
"It'll get the student population into our downtown to support our restaurants and activities," Mayor Rex Millsaps said. The City Council approved spending $34,750 for a study by Precision Planning Inc., a engineering and architectural design firm headquartered in Lawrenceville.
The project would likely cost millions of dollars and would require expanding Northdale Road, a main road leading to the campus, from two to four lanes, the mayor said. Improvements also might be needed to North Clayton Street, Millsaps said.
The money would come from the city's portion of SPLOST, a special-purpose local-option sales tax, if the Gwinnett County tax is approved in November, he said. Officials have been discussing the project for a year. Millsaps said he went to the college last year to meet with its president, Daniel Kaufman, and other school officials."They're fully supportive of it," the mayor said.
School officials recently appeared before the City Council to gain approval to begin work on the first campus dormitories. That would mean more students in Lawrenceville on nights and weekends looking for places to eat and things to do, the mayor said.
City Clerk Bob Baroni said the project should get underway as soon as possible if it's approved by the council. With time, construction costs will only increase, he said.
But the mayor said he feels more time is needed. "It will be several years down the road," the mayor said.
Lawrenceville city leaders approved a study Monday on how to connect area college students with downtown businesses.They're thinking large scale: sidewalks, bicycle trails and a bus or trolley route stretching three miles from Georgia Gwinnett College to the downtown retail district.
Higher education
"It'll get the student population into our downtown to support our restaurants and activities," Mayor Rex Millsaps said. The City Council approved spending $34,750 for a study by Precision Planning Inc., a engineering and architectural design firm headquartered in Lawrenceville.
The project would likely cost millions of dollars and would require expanding Northdale Road, a main road leading to the campus, from two to four lanes, the mayor said. Improvements also might be needed to North Clayton Street, Millsaps said.
The money would come from the city's portion of SPLOST, a special-purpose local-option sales tax, if the Gwinnett County tax is approved in November, he said. Officials have been discussing the project for a year. Millsaps said he went to the college last year to meet with its president, Daniel Kaufman, and other school officials."They're fully supportive of it," the mayor said.
School officials recently appeared before the City Council to gain approval to begin work on the first campus dormitories. That would mean more students in Lawrenceville on nights and weekends looking for places to eat and things to do, the mayor said.
City Clerk Bob Baroni said the project should get underway as soon as possible if it's approved by the council. With time, construction costs will only increase, he said.
But the mayor said he feels more time is needed. "It will be several years down the road," the mayor said.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Police Question, Jail Kidnapping Victim
from wsbtv.comLAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- Police shot and killed a suspected kidnapper during a ransom pickup Monday morning in Gwinnett County, but in a bizarre twist, several hours later they were questioning the kidnapping victim.
The incident began when Juan David Arce-Flores, 34, was abducted July 1 from his cousin's apartment at the Magnolia Apartments in the 7100 block of Roswell Road in Sandy Springs, according to a news release from the Gwinnett County Police Department.
"According to the witness, six men dressed in all black that had 'police' written on their shirts came into his apartment around 2 in the morning, bound and gagged him and took him out of the apartment," said Lt. Steve Rose of the Sandy Springs Police Department.
The kidnappers contacted Arce-Flores' family and demanded a $2 million ransom for his safe release, according to Rose.
The ransom demand included instructions to leave the money at a Waffle House on Pleasant Hill Road in Gwinnett County. The victim's ex-girlfriend contacted authorities July 3.
When the suspects showed up at the Waffle House early Monday morning, undercover members of the Gwinnett County SWAT team were hidden at the scene.
When the suspects showed up at the Waffle House early Monday morning, undercover members of the Gwinnett County SWAT team were hidden at the scene.
"When the suspects were confronted by police, one of the suspects made aggressive movements towards his weapon. The SWAT officers opened fire, striking the suspect," said Cpl. Illana Spellman in a news release.
The suspect was killed and later identified as 23-year-old Richard Garcia of Doraville.
A second man, Jose Ramirez-Perez, 24, was arrested after the shooting and charged with false imprisonment, authorities said.
A second man, Jose Ramirez-Perez, 24, was arrested after the shooting and charged with false imprisonment, authorities said.
At 9 a.m., Sandy Springs police were notified by Gwinnett County police that a man matching the description of Arce-Flores was spotted walking along Highway 29 in Gwinnett County. The man gave officers a false name and birthdate, but by 9:35 a.m. officers confirmed that the man was Arce-Flores. "It's kind of bizarre, especially when you recover the victim, and your victim is giving false information," said Rose.
While police were questioning Arce-Flores, they discovered outstanding warrants for him for failure to appear on drug charges in 2007. He was jailed on those warrants.
Police said they are still unsure why Arce-Flores lied about his identity.
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