Gwinnett Daily Post, April 23, 2014

POTENTIAL IMPACT? 6A

RAMS REJOICE Grayson girls win region title.

• Sports, 1B

New study raises likelihood of asteroid hitting earth

Gwinnett Daily Post WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

www.gwinnettdailypost.com

75 cents ©2014 SCNI

Vol. 44, No. 145

Local couple leads suit on gay marriage

By Tyler Estep tyler.estep@gwinnettdailypost.com

Food Service Program Coordinator Steve Nelly provides a tour to Buffy Alexzulian, Mary Presley, Maria Woods and Beth Horacek showing the Gwinnett Senior Services Center’s new 12,000-square-foot commercial kitchen in Lawrenceville. The building addition, costing $2.6 million, accommodates meal preparation and packaging for four senior centers and homedelivered meals clients in Gwinnett County. (Staff Photos: Brendan Sullivan)

A Snellville veterinarian and his partner are leading a federal lawsuit challenging Georgia’s ban on gay marriage.

Christopher Inniss, 39, and Shelton Stroman, 41, are the lead plaintiffs on the complaint filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. They join two other couples and a widow in the class action suit seeking the right for same-sex marriages to be both performed and recognized in Georgia.

“Shelton and I have been together for 13 years,” Inniss said in a statement. “We own a home together, we own a business together, and we are raising our son, Jonathan, together. We have done everything we can to protect and take responsibility for our family but marriage is the only way to ensure that we are treated as the family that we are. We need the protection that marriage affords.”

Inniss is chief of staff at Banfield Pet Hospital in Loganville. Stroman manages Snellville Pet Resort, a business the couple started together.

The Gwinnettians are joined in the suit by:

‘A dream come true’ Injured student

See LAWSUIT, Page 9A

New $2.6 million kitchen open to cook senior meals

U.S. House of Representatives Congressman Rob Woodall addresses those in attendance during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the second phase of the Gwinnett Senior Services Center, a 12,000-square-foot commercial kitchen in Lawrenceville costing $2.6 million. The building addition accommodates meal preparation and packaging for four senior centers.

By Camie Young

camie.young@gwinnettdailypost.com

When Judy Waters’ elderly father moved into her basement apartment more than a decade ago, he worried what he would pay in rent.

Waters told him to put away the checkbook, but she had other concerns, leaving him during the day as she left for work, making sure he had his medicine, getting him to and from the doctor.

When he began receiving Meals on Wheels, at least one worry was relieved.

“It’s a blessing to be able to preserve that dignity,” allowing him to remain more independent, Waters said, as officials cut a ribbon on a commercial kitchen for Gwinnett County Senior Services in Lawrenceville. “That’s one less thing that a caregiver has to worry about.”

Waters, the chair of the aging committee for the Atlanta Regional Commission, noted that Gwinnett’s senior population has more than doubled from

46,000 in 2000 to 108,000 in 2013. The number is projected to reach 193,000 in 2020, as the “silver tsunamai” of baby boomers reaching 65 continues.

The new commercial kitchen, officials said Tuesday, helps to serve meals to seniors to allow them to remain at home, and also provides meals at Gwinnett’s four senior centers.

“It’s fiscally prudent and compassionate to be able to age in place in

gets special prom Community aids crash victim

By Keith Farner keith.farner@gwinnettdailypost.com

your own home,” said state Sen. Renee Unterman, who said the state spends $1,900 per person for a year of meals, respite care and transportation for seniors in their own homes, compared to paying $9,000 out of the average $30,000 annual cost for a nursing home bed.

Unterman, now the chair of the Sen-

Sitting in a hospital room was not the way Abbie Williamson wanted to spend what should have been her high school prom night.

So once a therapist heard about her wishes, Williamson would soon witness the latest outpouring of support from the Mountain View High and Lawrenceville communities.

Williamson, a junior at Mountain View, was critically injured in a car accident on Feb. 25 when she attempted to drive out of her Abbie Williamson neighborhood. With her view blocked by a school bus, she left the neighborhood and was hit in her Honda Civic on the driver’s side by a sport utility vehicle.

See DREAM, Page8A

See PROM, Page 8A

Sycamore Elementary unveils outdoor classroom trimmers to cut a garden hose. keith.farner@gwinnettdailypost.com In a project that had support from several student groups and SUGAR HILL — A new community organizations, the classroom opened on Tuesday school received funding from at Sycamore Elementary withthe Gwinnett Master Gardeners, out walls, and with a ceiling of the Lanier Cluster Foundation the clear blue sky. and Home Depot.

Four years in the making, “I’m very excited that we’re teachers, students and staff at going to get to learn outside, the school unveiled the outdoor because sometimes it can be a classroom with a ribbon-cutting little cramped inside,” fourthceremony as teacher Beverly grader Emilie Balli said. “It’s Carlan used a pair of hedge just nice to get some fresh air,

By Keith Farner

and it helps me think.”

Added fifth-grader Jesus Carbajal, “I really can’t wait to actually use it, so far we’ve only worked in there.”

There’s also a $3,000 grant request submitted to Lowe’s to provide shade structures, and the school needs to bring in about $2,000 more in fundraising, Carlan said.

The goal is to create a comSee OUTDOOR, Page 9A

Sycamore Elementary teacher Beverly Carlan, center, cuts a hose during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday for a new outdoor classroom, as Kim Glass, assistant principal, second from left, and Eagle Scout Palmer Windsor, a North Gwinnett senior, assist. (Staff Photo: Keith Farner)

gwinnettdailypost.com

INSIDE Classified........7B

Health........... 11A

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

Perspective.....7A

Comics............6B

Horoscope......4A

Nation............ 6A

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

Crossword......6B

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

Obituaries.......9A

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

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

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

E C N A H LAST C

Vote for your favorite places, businesses, and attractions in Gwinnett.

gwinnettdailypost.com

184522-1

2A • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

gwinnettdailypost.com

Embattled Buford farmer will give up his cattle control was originally summoned to Lamb’s farm about two weeks ago after a concerned neighbor BUFORD — Countless called police. Authorities community members have confirmed that several of rallied around a Buford the octogenarian’s cattle farmer, pitching in over the had died and most of the last several days to help remaining 40 or so were him and his emaciated malnourished. herd of cattle. In the end, Police have said they though, their efforts likely could file animal cruelty won’t be enough. charges but don’t wish to John Lamb, who’s raised do so, saying there was cows on his land near In“certainly no criminal terstate 85 since 1955, met intent” on Lamb’s bewith his attorneys Monday half. According to Lamb, and the news wasn’t good. veterinarians have pointed “They say that I’ve got to inferior-quality hay, the to pretty much give up the likely product of heavy cows or I’ll be in serious rain last year, as the pritrouble,” Lamb said. mary problem.

Gwinnett County animal Authorities also have no

By Tyler Estep

tyler.estep @gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett County

desire to seize the animals, which would then have to be sold or given to a rancher under the stipulation they be used only as “pets.” That leaves a reluctant Lamb to try and part with them himself.

Lamb said there are two livestock auctions in the general area — one in Athens, another in Carnesville — where he could attempt to sell his bovine collection. He said he already plans to sell “a couple” of cows to a gentleman starting his own herd.

“At least I’d get the money out of them if I sold them (privately),” he said Monday.

Since news of the situ-

ation broke late last week, dozens of volunteers and members of the animal welfare community have stopped by the farm on Sunny Hill Road to lend a hand.

“It’s been amazing the number of people that have taken my side on this case, and brought me hay and feed and called me up and indicated that they were in support of me,” Lamb said.

“That’s very consoling, but I’m probably not gonna be able to keep them.”

Lamb suggested that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals may be the chief instigator behind his predicament, but officials with that group

said their involvement has been minimal.

“We just simply reached out to law enforcement officials to let them know that we would be glad to help with placing the animals,” Daphna Nachminovitch, PETA’s senior vice president of cruelty investigations, said Monday.

Nachminovitch said PETA also offered to help with food and asked Gwinnett County police to pass along their case worker’s information to Lamb’s attorney. She called the situation “concerning” but thanked the number of volunteers who had helped take care of the animals thus far.

“We’re very, very heartened to see the community pull together for him and for the cows,” Nachminovitch said.

Meanwhile, Gwinnett County Commissioner Tommy Hunter took to Facebook to offer his own two cents on the county’s involvement in the issue, which originated as a criminal investigation.

“This is NO PLACE for a conservative-run county to be sticking our noses,” he wrote.

State House Rep. Brett Harrell and Snellville city councilman Dave Emanuel agreed.

“Set ‘em straight Tommy!” Harrell wrote.

severely,” Mayor Bucky Johnson said. “People have been waiting.”

But on Monday, Luis FerCould it be a happy endnandez opened The Crossing after all? ing inside the depot location, This week, Gwinnett while Weatherford opened foodies have two new his new eatery, MacKenzie’s restaurants to try out, just Restaurant and Tap Room, months after the closing of less than three miles away the Norcross Station Cafe at 4790 Peachtree Industrial at the city’s historic train Blvd. in the city of Berkeley depot.

Lake.

About six months ago “I’m very excited to get many were upset to learn of back to work,” Weatherford the 20-year tradition closing, said as lunch patrons arrived when proprietor Ken Weath- to the restaurant’s soft openerford was outbid in a city ing. “It’s been a lot of fun,” government process. creating the new concept.

“It certainly was an eleNamed after his 12-yearment that has been missed old daughter, the restaurant

features many of the old favorites from the Norcross Station Cafe, and many of the kitchen staff are continuing on. With a couple dozen new creations on the menu, Weatherford said the restaurant has a strong selection, from sandwiches, burgers and salads to seafood, steaks, chops and ribs in the same casual dining experience his patrons remember from the former location.

The second-floor location has a rustic lodge theme, with seating for 120 inside and 50 on the patio, plus a gorgeous view of the treetops, he said.

Fernandez was not avail-

able for comment Monday, but Johnson said he ate at The Crossing during a special event this weekend, prior to the opening to the public.

The restaurant, he said, has been turned up a notch, with the decor and the food going more upscale in the century-old depot. That provides a new choice to the downtown area, giving choices to residents and visitors, he said.

“There’s definitely excitement among the folks who live nearby,” Johnson said.

“It’s adding quite an element to downtown. … It’s fantastic.”

New restaurant opens in Norcross

By Camie Young

camie.young @gwinnettdailypost.com

181809-1

Unclutter Your House to Help Build Another!

DROP OFF DONATION OR WE PICK UP! SHOP & DONATE YOUR GENTLY USED...

• Furniture • Appliances • Building Supplies • Home Decor • Cabinets • Lighting

770-962-4200 www.gwinnettrestore.org

2100 Riverside Pkwy. Suite 123-A Lawrenceville

(Kroger Shopping Center @ Riverside & Hwy 20)

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: MON-FRI 10AM-6PM SATURDAY 10AM-5PM GREAT PRICES. GREAT CAUSE.

www.gwinnettdailypost.com

185327-1

Restaurant chain to celebrate Barbecue Month From Staff Reports

giveaway to the first 100 guests at participating May is National Barbe- locations. Participants will cue Month, and Shane’s receive a free half-rack of Rib Shack is celebrating slow-cooked baby back with a giveaway at many of ribs, a 20-ounce beverage its restaurants. and a special edition Rib The all-American eatery Giveaway T-shirt. announced the May 17 “Since we founded Shane’s Rib Shack 12 years ago in McDonough, Ga., our main priority has

SNELLVILLE DAYS MAY 3RD & 4TH

been to serve our customers the best-tasting, all-American barbecue and provide a place that feels like home,” said Shane Thompson, president and founder of Shane’s Rib Shack. “Seventy locations later, we are still committed to providing customers in each location with the best food and customer ex-

perience. Our fifth annual Rib Giveaway provides us the opportunity to say thank you to all of our loyal customers and fans who have made Shane’s Rib Shack what it is today.”

Participating eateries in Gwinnett include locations at 4017 Annistown Road in Snellville, 4835 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville, 2609 Peachtree Parkway in Suwanee, 4743 Atlanta Highway in Loganville and 5770 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. in Norcross.

Call 770-963-9205 or visit www. gwinnett dailypost. com to subscribe to the

Gwinnett Daily Post

The City of Snellville will host the 41st Annual Snellville Days on Saturday, May 3 from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday, May 4 from noon to 5 pm. Admission and parking are free and there is plenty of free live entertainment.

The Snellville Days parade starts at 10 am at Wisteria Village and ends at City Hall, with Grand Marshal, Rennie Curran, NFL player and Brookwood HS alumnus. Afterwards head to T. W. Briscoe Park for two fun filled days. There will be over 150 vendors, plenty of food, and a huge kid’s field jam packed with rides and games.

For further information, visit us at www.snellvilledays.com or call (770) 985-3535.

gwinnettdailypost.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 • 3A

Woman pleads guilty to stealing hurricane funds Angela Pratt Avery, 45, entered her guilty plea to a single count of theft of government Tuesday in fedATLANTA — A Laweral court. Along with two renceville woman has co-defendants from Pennpleaded guilty to fraudulent- sylvania, Avery was accused ly obtaining funds intended of filing for and receivfor hurricane victims. ing more than $50,000 in

disaster relief funds issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the wake of Hurricane Ike, which caused widespread damage along the gulf coast in 2008.

All three defendants — Avery, 57-year-old John

Wheeler and 49-year-old Melody Lockett Carter — were living in Norcross at the time of the storm.

“These defendants lied by claiming they were victims of Hurrican Ike in 2008 and, based on those lies, stole over $50,000 in disaster re-

arrested March 29 and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled LAWRENCEVILLE — substance with intent to A Gwinnett County inmate distribute. While in the has been charged in an al- Gwinnett County jail, leged murder-for-hire plot. he allegedly tried to hire Norcross resident Jeffrey someone to kill an acVan Ngo was originally quaintance.

“Jeffrey Van Ngo was served with additional arrest warrants (Tuesday) at the Gwinnett County jail after he attempted to hire an undercover deputy to murder Cuong Nguyen,” sheriff’s office spokeswoman Deputy Shannon Volkodav said.

Volkodav declined to release further details on the incident and said she couldn’t divulge how Jeffrey Van Ngo authorities were tipped off to Ngo’s alleged plot.

“We know that Ngo and Nguyen know each other, but we are still investigating motive,” she said.

Ngo is now facing additional charges of conspiracy to commit a felony crime and criminal attempt to commit a felony crime.

He is being held without bond.

By Tyler Estep

tyler.estep @gwinnettdailypost.com

lief funds that were intended for the true victims,” U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said in a news release.

“The Disaster Fraud Task Force was created in 2005 to target those fraudsters who would seek to turn the tragedy of a natural disaster

into an opportunity to enrich themselves at the expense of the American people.”

Wheeler and Carter entered their own guilty pleas in January. As of Tuesday, sentencing had not been scheduled for any of the three defendants.

Inmate charged in murder-for-hire Suspect in Duluth

By Tyler Estep

tyler.estep @gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett Daily Post Follow us on Facebook facebook.com/ gwinnettdaily postsports

murder, robbery not yet detained

By Tyler Estep

tyler.estep @gwinnettdailypost.com

Nine days before police believe he robbed, shot and killed a man outside a Duluth-area apartment complex, Nicambreon Flowers was released from the Gwinnett County jail.

As of Monday, he’d yet to make a return trip.

Gwinnett County police responded to the Astor Place Apartments at 1435 Boggs Road at about noon Saturday, finding the body of 21-year-old Joel Tengue on the ground behind the complex’s 500 building. Less than eight hours later, felony murder and armed robbery warrants were issued for the arrest of Flowers, who is believed to reside in a neighboring apartment complex.

Authorities were tightlipped Monday but confirmed that Flowers had not yet been detained. The incident “wasn’t random,” police spokesman Cpl.

Jake Smith said, but further details were scarce.

The warrants for Flowers’ arrest accused him of shooting Tengue before taking “a blue backpack containing the victim’s belongings.”

Records showed Flowers has a Nicambreon Flowers lengthy arrest history in Gwinnett, including a three-day stint at the Gwinnett County jail ending April 10. That arrest was for probation violation.

Court documents showed that Flowers was arrested in 2012 on a single charge of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, though the district attorney’s office later opted not to prosecute. The Tennessee native has previous addresses listed in Lawrenceville, Clarkston and another apartment complex on Boggs Road.

Grayson approves work on sidewalks

By Randy Cox

Staff Correspondent

GRAYSON — The Grayson City Council took care of several infrastructure improvements Monday night at its regular council meeting.

The council voted to spend an additional $5,533 for improvements to sidewalks in the city, and $200 for irrigation installation for the city’s Arts and History Center.

In other business, the Burger King restaurant, 1990 Grayson Highway, wanted to make some improvements of its own, so the council granted them a variance to change the color of its exterior brick façade tower to a tan/ natural color in time for the Grayson Day celebration on Saturday.

The Council also: • Approved the Grayson Personnel Policies and Employee Handbook, which prohibits nonpublic safety employees from carrying concealed weapons on city property.

• Tabled until the May meeting a request from Hawk Security to install a keypad/magnetic lock at the Arts and History Center.

• Approved a list of 12 Main Street Georgia Board of Directors.

• Changed the time on two upcoming meetings: the next regular council meeting will be held on Monday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m., and the council work session will be conducted on Monday, May 12 at 6 p.m.

• Reminded the audience that Grayson Day will begin Saturday at 10 a.m. with a parade kicking off the festivities.

4A • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 To Your Good Health

gwinnettdailypost.com

TODAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

0%

30%

30%

30%

40%

70%

78

79

82

83

80

75

0%

77

Keith Roach

Drugs not cause of myositis DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 82 and recently have been diagnosed with inclusion body myositis.

I have been on Zocor for more than 15 years. Do you think the statin could be a cause of this disease?

I don’t know whether to continue taking it. My doctor is vague about this.

— D.A. ANSWER: Inclusion body myositis is a relatively rare disease, only a few new cases per million people per year. It is most common in older men. It begins slowly, with weakness that is hardly noticeable at first, and most people have symptoms for more than five years before getting a diagnosis. It tends to affect the legs first, with gradual muscle atrophy. It also may affect the swallowing muscles.

Treatment is with prednisone or other steroids, and possibly with morepowerful medicines like methotrexate and azathioprine. The response to treatment often isn’t as good as we would hope.

Statins do not cause inclusion body myositis.

Two medicines, colchicine (used for gout) and chloroquine (for malaria and some rheumatologic conditions), can cause a condition that looks like inclusion body myositis.

However, all statin drugs may cause muscle weakness or inflammation, which would affect you more severely than someone else.

I would consider why you are taking the Zocor.

If you have NOT had a heart attack or do not have known blockages in your arteries, then I would think about stopping. Obviously, don’t stop without talking to your doctor.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

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

58

45

55

59

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

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

MAJOR

8:51-10:51 a.m......... 9:18-11:18 p.m.

MINOR

3:10-4:10 a.m.............2:36-3:36 p.m.

POLLEN COUNTS Trees: High Weeds: Low Grass: Moderate

Lake

59

55

61

LAKE LEVELS

Full Yesterday

Lake

Allatoona (840.0) ........ 840.56

Full Yesterday

Lanier

(1071.0) .......1072.05

Blackshear (237.0) ........ 236.89

Nottely

(1779.0) .......1772.07

Blue Ridge (1690.0) .......1683.18

Oconee

(435.0) ........ 434.94

Burton

(1865.0) .......1856.26

Seminole (77.50)............ 81.20

Carters

(1072.0) .......1073.19

Sinclair

Chatuge

(1927.0) .......1923.66

Thurmond (330.0) ........ 329.83

(339.8) ........ 338.66

Harding

(521.0) .........519.84

Tugalo

Hartwell

(660.0) ......... 661.12

Walter F. George (190).......188.70

(891.5) .........888.01

Jackson

(530.0) .........529.01

West Point (635.0) ........ 634.35

TODAY IN HISTORY

LOTTERY Tuesday Cash 3 Midday: 9-9-5 Cash 4 Midday: 0-2-3-8 Ga. 5 Midday: 5-2-0-3-6 Monday Cash 3 Midday: 2-5-6 Cash 3 Evening: 9-8-2 Cash 4 Midday: 4-0-5-9 Cash 4 Evening: 9-3-5-6 Ga. 5 Midday: 7-4-8-3-8 Ga. 5 Evening: 1-1-0-7-0 Fantasy 5: 4-16-21-25-36 Decades of Dollars: 15-20-3238-41-45

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1635, the first public school in the United States, Boston Latin School, is founded in Boston, Massachusetts.

In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt created the U.S. Army Reserve.

In 1968, students protesting the Vietnam War at Columbia University in New York City began occupying campus buildings.

In 1969, Sirhan Sirhan received the death penalty for assassinating Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. His sentence was reduced to life imprisonment in 1972.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: James Buchanan (1791-1868), 15th U.S. president; Max Planck (1858-1947), physicist; Shirley Temple Black (19282014), actress/diplomat; Roy Orbison (1936-1988), singer-songwriter; Lee Majors (1939- ), actor; Sandra Dee (1942-2005), actress; Tony Atlas

(1954- ), bodybuilder; Michael Moore (1954- ), filmmaker; George Lopez (1961- ), comedian/TV personality; John Cena (1977- ), wrestler/actor; John Oliver (1977- ), actor/comedian; Dev Patel (1990- ), actor.

TODAY’S FACT: Shirley Temple Black won the first-ever Academy Juvenile Award in 1935, at age 6. The special Oscar was presented for the final time to 14-year-old Hayley Mills in 1961.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1954, Milwaukee Braves rookie Hank Aaron hit his first major-league home run.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “I class myself with Rin Tin Tin. People in the Depression wanted something to cheer them up, and they fell in love with a dog and a little girl.” — Shirley Temple Black

READER’S GUIDE

Gwinnett Daily Post Vice President, SCNI – J.K. Murphy Editor – Todd Cline Main Office – 770-963-9205

seven days a week by calling 770-962-7355. Ads can also be faxed at 770-3395853. Email: classified@ gwinnettdailypost.com Legal Notices: Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. The fax number is 770-339-8082.

Cindy Carter is the legal notice coordinator. She can be reached at 770-963-9205 ext.1160. Email legals@gwinnettdailypost.com To Report a News Item: Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mon.-Sat. Call 770-3395850. Editor Todd Cline is at 770-963-9205 ext. 1300; Sports Editor Will Hammock is at 770-963-9205 ext.

The Gwinnett Daily Post invites your input. Here are some guidelines to help you communicate with us.

Subscription Rates: Subscriptions are $99 for one year, $50 for 26 weeks and $25 for 13 weeks within

Gwinnett County. Mailed subscriptions are $150 for one year, $116.22 for six months and $70.73 for three months. Subscription prices do not include sales tax. Call 770-339-5845, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Mon.-Fri. to start your mailed or home delivered subscription.

Classified Ads: Classifieds can be placed at the main office 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; phone lines open 24 hours,

DEAR AMY: Several years ago I was diagnosed with HIV. At the time, my husband, who thankfully is not infected, and I decided that we would wait a year before telling anyone.

It has been four years now and I have yet to tell anyone. I have a conservative family and it took me a long time to even come out to them, and the thought of having to tell them is scary to me. Not only that but there is an embarrassment factor — the fact that I did not take care of my body or take the proper precautions to prevent myself from becoming infected.

Is it my responsibility to tell the people in my

it might help you to attain some clarity here if you could see this as a health concern that is chronic but manageable and ultimately concerns only you and any sexual partners.

So, imagine you have lupus. Would you disclose this to your parents? You might if you were having sympAmy Dickinson toms. Otherwise, maybe not. Disclosing a health conlife about this disease? Do dition is a very intimate act; they have a right to know? before you do it you must I worry about my family’s trust that the person can reaction, and I also don’t receive the news and react want them to treat me any in an appropriate way. differently.

I shared your question — Getting Better with Kelly Ducheny, a DEAR GETTING psychologist and director of BETTER: I realize there is behavioral health at Howstigma attached to HIV, but ard Brown Health Center

Who To Call

1310. To request a photo, call the photo department at 770-963-9205 ext. 1327.

Administration/Finance: Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Call 770-9639205.

Delivery Problems: Your satisfaction is our No. 1 priority. If we miss delivery call our circulation department customer service line, 770339-5845, or email the circulation department at circulation @gwinnettdailypost. com. between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

No requirement to disclose HIV Ask Amy

City of Sugar Hill Presents Touch-A-Truck Saturday, April 26, 2014 &

Pitch, Hit, Run

Saturday, April 26, 2014 850 Level Creek Rd • 1pm

E.E. Robinson Park 850 Level Creek Rd 12:00 – 3:00 PM Please contact the City of Sugar Hill Recreation Department with any questions 770-831-7413 or www.cityofsugarhill.com All participants MUST have their birth certificate.

183259-1

HOROSCOPES

WEATHER WATCH

in Chicago. As a counselor who deals with individuals and couples wrestling with this issue, she has a ready answer: “It is completely every individual person’s choice who they tell — and how and when, or if they tell. You are under no obligation to disclose anything about your HIV status.

Furthermore, there is not one option that is healthier than another.

“If you do decide to tell people, have a plan for how to disclose it and support standing by. Understand that there is a processing period when people receive this news and their initial reaction may not be their permanent reaction.”

You will find success if you think and act for yourself.

You have what it takes to get ahead, but you must be diligent regarding your expenses. Finding new outlets for your skills will be rewarding and can result in added income.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — Avoid confrontations.

You may feel that your goals are out of reach, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. Take a close look at your game plan to see if you need to change your strategy.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — You’ll attract attention with your personal philosophy.

Present a confident attitude to the world. Your dreams will come to pass if you are ingenious in overcoming obstacles.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Do a good deed by offering your knowledge to someone who could use a helping hand. Take time to review your personal papers to ensure that nothing has been overlooked.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — You will regret an emotional outburst. If someone you care about upsets you, it would be better to remain calm and walk away rather than get upset. An argument will not solve anything.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) — Make sure to maintain good health in the coming days. Stick to a nutritious diet. Acquaint yourself with various sports or fitness plans, and get active with physical programs that offer a challenge.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You will gain a lot of pleasure from a cultural or artistic hobby. Go ahead and indulge your creative needs.

Choose a project that excites you and get started on it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Indulge in activities or workouts that can boost your confidence. Consider a day trip to an interesting destination. Domestic tension is best left alone for now.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Make travel plans, or set your sights on an adventure that is sure to capture your interest. Get together with an old friend and share memories. Look back while moving forward.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) — Devise a firm plan that will ensure you a brighter future. You will be clear-headed and industrious today, allowing you to hone your skills and figure out what you need to do to get ahead.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) — Entertainment and time spent with friends should highlight your day.

You will be inspired and inspirational in equal measure.

Share your most spectacular ideas.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Your vivid imagination will lead to many possibilities and interesting pursuits.

Write down any ideas that come to you. Decide the best route to take and pursue it with vigor.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Show your leadership abilities when they’re called for. Your contributions will bring you great respect.

A romantic relationship will enhance your personal life.

Join forces with someone who shares your sentiments.

gwinnettdailypost.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 • 5A

Peachtree Ridge robotics aims for world title

By Keith Farner

keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

SUWANEE — The tradition-rich Peachtree Ridge robotics team is set for its latest challenge: The First Robotics world championship this week in St. Louis.

Last month, the team and its robot “Genesis,” won the FRC Palmetto Regional in Myrtle Beach, S.C., with an alliance with two other teams, as the Lions were the only team from Georgia to win a regional without a wild card entry.

On Wednesday, 23 students will travel to the FRC Championship at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis to compete in the four-day competition.

While the team is no stranger to winning competitions — with five regionals since 2005 — this year it’s done it with a group of youngsters who’ve given their input. In the past, sponsor Mary Rutland said, the team was more segmented with groups that worked on programming, mechanical and electrical.

Now they work together as a team.

“We have to fight for

Members of the Peachtree Ridge High robotics team practice with their robot, Genesis, last week as they prepare to travel to the First Robotics Competition Championship this week in St. Louis. On Wednesday, 23 students will travel to the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis to compete in the fourday competition.

reality, what happens on the field is very different Members of the Peachtree Ridge High robotics team practice with their robot Genesis, than what you expect, and last week as they prepare to travel to the First Robotics Competition Championship the outcome this year was this week in St. Louis. (Staff Photos: Keith Farner) a very good outcome,” that because the nature is The Lions credit peer “A lot of times we just like Krishnaswamy said. to isolate and divide,” she teams at Walton High to get together and have What they’re asked to do said. “We’ve had to really School, Westminster and fun.” in the competition is to use work hard to develop that the Gwinnett School of The team’s vice presitheir robot to move large communication and work Math, Science and Techdent of business, Jay Krish- exercise balls across a field hard pretty much every day nology with sharing ideas naswamy, said that this and into goals by launching to keep it.” and developing a “cooper- was a rare year at regionals the balls about six feet off Given the hours invested tition” during the season. where Peachtree Ridge the ground. What the team in the team, the team mem“We do a lot of support- didn’t have mechanical is- members have said is difbers compare it to a parting of each other in terms sues at the competition. ferent about Genesis is it’s time job or a typical varsity of skills, programming, “You can go in there a jack-of-all-trades robot sport in its commitment. technology,” Rutland said. wanting to win, but in that can defend and assist

other teams.

Given their success this year and in previous years the students are excited, but are managing their expectations, Rutland said.

“We have high expectations but we understand if we do something stupid,” she said. “We’re going to shoot ourselves in the foot.”

Added Krishnaswamy, “It’s more within our own group, and us saying we need to push ourselves as much as we can.”

Lilburn native pleads guilty in murder of Mercer law student

By Tyler Estep

tyler.estep @gwinnettdailypost.com

Lilburn native Stephen McDaniel entered a guilty plea Monday morning, agreeing to a life sentence in the brutal 2011 murder of Mercer University law school classmate and neighbor Lauren Teresa Giddings.

The Macon Telegraph reported Monday that McDaniel, 28, had pleaded guilty to a single count of malice murder. The plea deal came a week before McDaniel’s trial was scheduled to start in McDonough, and included prosecutors agreeing to drop sexual exploitation of children and burglary charges also levied against

the suspect.

McDaniel filed a detailed statement with the court, revealing previously unknown details of the case.

Giddings’ torso was discovered June 30, 2011, in a trash can outside the Georgia Avenue apartments where she and McDaniel both lived. According to the Telegraph, McDaniel’s

statement included an admission that he had crept into the young woman’s apartment several days earlier and choked Stephen McDaniel her to death. The rest of Giddings’ remains were thrown in a

Dumpster at Mercer University’s law school.

McDaniel also “used a camera to perform surveillance on Giddings just before she was killed,” the newspaper reported. A flash drive of the victim’s personal photos was found in McDaniel’s apartment.

Bibb County District Attorney David Cooke told the Telegraph that he

expects McDaniel to spend the rest of his life in prison.

The former Gwinnett resident must serve 30 years before being considered for parole, the newspaper reported.

McDaniel’s trial, which was scheduled to begin next week, had been moved to Henry County due to extensive media coverage in the Macon area.

6A • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

gwinnettdailypost.com

world&nation

WORLD $5.2 million of rhino horns stolen in S. Africa JOHANNESBURG — Rhino horn stock piles worth over $5.2 million have been stolen from a South African game park office, the raided tourist agency said on Tuesday, in the first known theft of its kind.

Thieves on Monday broke into the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency and cut into a strong box, making off with 112 pieces of rhino horn, weighing 80,135 kilograms.

“It’s the first time there has been a break in at our premises, it was obviously well planned,” the parks’ spokeswoman Kholofelo Nkambule said.

Elephant ivory, rifles and ammunition, which were in the same safe, were left untouched, Nkambule said.

Poaching rhinos for their horns is a growing problem in South Africa and a lucrative business for organized criminal networks but it is unusual for thieves to target stock piles.

Most of the rhino horns were from de-horning operations, which is an attempt by local authorities to decrease poaching and to protect the rhino species.

France to unveil plan to fight Syrian jihadist threat PARIS — France’s interior minister on Tuesday unveiled a raft of policies to stop its citizens joining the Syrian civil war, aiming to prevent young French Muslims becoming radicalized and posing a threat to their home country.

France, which has been a staunch opponent of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, estimates the number of its nationals directly or indirectly involved in the Syrian conflict at about 700 of which a third are fighting against the government.

President Francois Hollande has made clamping down on violent cells and self-radicalized operators planning domestic attacks a priority since a Toulousebased al-Qaida-inspired gunman, Mohamed Merah, shot dead seven people in March 2012.

Iran president under fire over wife’s ‘lavish’ party DUBAI — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, already under pressure from conservatives for his tentative opening to the West, was criticised on Tuesday for what his opponents called a “lavish ball” thrown by the first lady.

Held in a palace of the deposed Mohammad Reza Shah in wealthy northern Tehran, the all-female dinner was held to mark Women’s Day on Saturday which coincides with the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad’s daughter Fatima, a paragon of Muslim virtue.

But hardliners in parliament said the event showed Rouhani was indulging in luxury while normal Iranians suffer economic hardship, caused in part by Western economic sanctions.

— From wire reports

Ukraine to relaunch offensive

By Alastair Macdonald and Darya Korsunskaya Reuters

KIEV/MOSCOW — Ukraine’s acting president Oleksander Turchinov called on Tuesday for government forces to relaunch an offensive against proRussian rebels after a local politician from his own party was found dead with signs of torture.

Kiev’s first push failed last week to retake one of the towns in the mainly Russian-speaking east occupied by the separatists, and its military has largely suspended operations since the United States, Russia, Ukraine and European Union signed a deal in Geneva last week intended to calm the crisis.

But the agreement is already in trouble, with Washington and Moscow putting the onus on each other on Tuesday to ensure that it is implemented, including a stipulation that the rebels must disarm and leave the government buildings they have occupied.

In an appeal that may complicate European efforts to mediate the crisis, Turchinov said two “brutally tortured” bodies had been found near Slaviansk, the objective of the failed Ukrainian army offensive.

One was that of Volodymyr Rybak, a member of Turchinov’s Batkivshchyna party, who had recently been abducted by “terror-

NATION Powdered alcohol product hits snag with regulators NEW YORK — The planned release of a justadd-water alcoholic beverage mix called “Palcohol” hit a snag this week when the U.S. regulatory body in charge of approving its sale blocked it over a labeling issue, the company behind the product said.

The company, in a statement on its website on Monday, said the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau had found a discrepancy in how much powder was in each bag of its product.

That prompted the company, named Lipsmark and registered in Tempe, Ariz., to agree to submit new labels for approval, the statement said.

Missouri plans execution after stay over drugs KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Lawyers for a Missouri death row inmate on Tuesday filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to halt his execution over concerns about the state’s secret lethal injection drugs, a day after an Oklahoma court stopped two executions there over similar issues.

William Rousan, 57, is scheduled for execution at 12:01 a.m. Central Time today. Rousan was convicted of murdering 62-year-old Grace Lewis and her 67-year-old husband, Charles Lewis, in 1993 in a plot to steal the farm couple’s cattle.

In their petition to the U.S. Supreme Court, Rousan’s

Masked pro-Russia protesters pelt supporters of Ukrainian presidential candidate Yulia Tymoshenko with eggs outside a regional government building in Donetsk, in eastern Ukraine, on Tuesday. Vice President Joe Biden told Russia on Tuesday that “time is short” for action on defusing the crisis in eastern Ukraine. (Reuters/Marko Djurica)

ists,” he said in a statement.

“These crimes are being carried out with the full support and indulgence of the Russian Federation,” he said. “I call on the security agencies to relaunch and carry out effective antiterrorist measures, with the aim of protecting Ukrainian citizens living in eastern Ukraine from terrorists.”

Police said the body of a man who had suffered a violent death had been found in a river. It resembled Rybak, a local councillor in the town of Horlivka, near the regional capital of Donetsk, but formal identification would need further work, they added.

Batkivshchyna is led

by Yulia Tymoshenko, a former prime minister who is running in a presidential election scheduled for May 25.

Ukraine’s poorly resourced forces had previously shown little sign of taking on the gunmen who started occupying towns and public buildings two weeks ago. Turchinov’s call may not lead to much more action but could fuel recriminations between Moscow and Kiev about who is failing to honor the deal.

Vice President Joe Biden told Russia on Tuesday that “time is short” for ac-

tion on defusing the crisis, but Moscow refused to be rushed, saying it could handle any tougher economic sanctions the West might impose.

Speaking on a visit to Kiev, Biden called on Moscow to pull back troops built up on Ukraine’s borders and persuade the separatists to disarm.

“We’ve heard a lot from Russian officials in the past few days. But now it’s time for Russia to stop talking and start acting,” he told a news conference. “We will not allow this to become an open-ended process. Time is short in which to make progress.”

PEOPLE Weir, Lipinski to serve as NBC’s Kentucky Derby fashion experts LOS ANGELES ­— Kentucky Derby horses might want to spend a little more time picking out blinders this year, because Olympic figure skaters Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinksi are joining NBC Sports Group as fashion experts for its coverage of the 2014 race.

The duo will work the Derby on May 3 and the Kentucky Oaks on May 2.

Most recently, Weir, a three-time U.S. figure skating champion, and Lipinksi, the 1998 Olympic figure skating gold medalist, served as fashion correspondents for “Access Hollywood” at the 2014 Academy Awards.

“Johnny and Tara have an infectious energy that will bring a fun and fresh perspective to our Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks telecasts,” Rob Hyland, coordinating producer for NBC Sports Group, said in a statement. “They will be in their element amid the big-event atmosphere and pageantry of Churchill Downs.”

Oregon woman sued for $275,000 over pet duck

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A woman from Washington state has sued her mother’s neighbor in Oregon seeking $275,000 for pain, suffering and other damages she could see a three-foot rise in claims were inflicted when a pet duck ambushed her for sea level by the end of the no apparent reason. century, a panel of officials Cynthia Ruddell was on and scientists testified at a her mother’s property in EsU.S. Senate hearing on Mitacada, Ore., about 25 miles ami Beach on Tuesday. southeast of Portland, when “This is ground zero for sea-level rise,” said U.S. Sen. the duck attacked her without provocation, according to the Bill Nelson, who hosted suit filed last week in Oregon the hearing of the Senate state court.

Subcommittee on Science While trying to flee the and Space at Miami Beach waterfowl, Ruddell fell to the City Hall. ground, suffering a broken Part of a series of statewide meetings organized by right wrist and a sprained The exterior of the U.S. Supreme Court is seen in Wash- Nelson, the hearing coinelbow and shoulder, the suit ington. Supreme Court justices on Wednesday voiced cided with Earth Day. claims. The incident ocdoubts about a state law that prohibits false statements curred in May 2012.

Florida had recorded during a political campaign. (Reuters/Gary Cameron) The lawsuit accuses the between five and eight inches of sea level rise in the last 50 bird’s owner, Lolita Rose, of Pot legalization attorneys said the state was years, said Miami-born Nel- failing to maintain control of her pet or “to warn or otherplanning to use “compound- vote pushed back son, noting that 75 percent ed pentobarbital prepared by of the state’s population live wise inform neighbors of her duck’s dangerous propensity an unknown person in an un- to Nov. in Alaska near the coast.

JUNEAU, Alask —- A in attacking individuals.” known manner, without any ballot initiative that could assurance by an accredited Top court hears laboratory that the substance make Alaska the third U.S. challenge to ban Milsap, Wiseman, state to legalize recreational is what the state purports it Cochran get call marijuana will go before to be.” ‘false’ speech voters in a general election in from Hall of Fame November rather than in AuWASHINGTON — U.S. JetBlue pilots gust as previously scheduled, Supreme Court justices Ronnie Milsap, who vote to join union officials said on Monday. across the ideological specscored a handful of crossThe move means that a trum voiced doubts on Tues- over hits in the 1970s and JetBlue Airways Corp. broader swath of the public day about a state law that 1980s, bluegrass singer Mac pilots voted by a wide maris likely to vote on the issue prohibits false statements Wiseman and songwriter gin on Tuesday to join the than if it had gone before during a political campaign. Hank Cochran are this year’s Air Line Pilots Association voters as scheduled during The Ohio law allows can- inductees into the County union, sending the budget a state primary election in didates and other citizens to Music Hall of Fame, the carrier’s stock price down file a complaint for allegedly Country Music Association on concerns the move would August.

Alaska ballot initiatives false slogans, prompting a said on Tuesday. raise the airline’s costs. typically go before voters state election commission Milsap, the singer of About 71 percent of the in primary elections. But a hearing and public scrutiny hits such as 1977’s “It Was pilots eligible to vote in the of advocacy groups’ or indi- Almost Like a Song,” 1981’s month-long election backed lengthier-than-normal state legislative session this year viduals’ claims in the middle “(There’s) No Gettin’ Over ALPA. JetBlue has about forced the change because, of a campaign.

Me” and 1982’s “Any Day 2,600 pilots and 96 percent under state rules, initiatives Justice Anthony KenNow,” broke ground as a were eligible to vote. must go to voters no less than nedy speculated that calling blind country music star and The vote marked the first 120 days after the end of a in a group’s leaders “to helped the genre win over successful union drive by a justify what (they’re) going pop music fans. group of workers at JetBlue. session. to say” could impinge on The 71-year-old pianist, It could lead to higher pay free speech rights under the who was born in North Caroand benefits for workers, and Senator holds U.S. Constitution’s First lina, suffered as a child from is likely to encourage efforts hearing on rising Amendment. Justice Ruth a congenital disorder. Milsap to organize other workers Bader Ginsburg observed started his career as a rhythm at JetBlue and other budget Florida sea level that simply being forced to and blues performer in the airlines, which have enjoyed Climate change is already defend an advertisement 1960s and served as a session lower costs and more labor impacting south Florida could be costly. musician for Elvis Presley. flexibility than mainline coastal communities, which — From wire reports — From wire reports carriers.

Study: Risk of asteroid hitting Earth higher than thought

By Irene Klotz Reuters

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The chance of a city-killing asteroid striking Earth is higher than scientists previously believed, a nonprofit group building an asteroid-hunting telescope said on Tuesday.

A global network that listens for nuclear weapons detonations detected 26 asteroids that exploded in Earth’s atmosphere from

MUST READ 2000 to 2013, data collected by the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization shows.

The explosions include the Feb. 15, 2013, impact over Chelyabinsk, Russia, which left more than 1,000 people injured by flying glass and debris.

“There is a popular misconception that asteroid impacts are extraordinarily rare … that’s in-

correct,” said former astronaut Ed Lu, who now heads the California-based B612 Foundation.

The foundation on Tuesday released a video visualization of the asteroid strikes in an attempt to raise public awareness of the threat.

Asteroids as small as about 131 feet — less than half the size of an American football field — have the potential to level a city, Lu told reporters on a conference call “Picture a large apartment

building — moving at Mach 50,” Lu said.

Mach 50 is 50 times the speed of sound, or roughly 38,000 mph.

NASA already has a program in place that tracks asteroids larger than 0.65 mile. An object of this size, roughly equivalent to a small mountain, would have global consequences if it struck Earth.

An asteroid about 6 miles in diameter hit Earth some 65 million years ago, triggering climate changes that are believed to have

caused the dinosaurs — and most other life on Earth at the time — to die off.

“Chelyabinsk taught us that asteroids of even 66-foot size can have substantial effect,” Lu said.

City-killer asteroids are forecast to strike about once every 100 years, but the prediction is not based on hard evidence.

B612 intends to address that issue with a privately funded, infrared space telescope called Sentinel.

perspectives

J.K. Murphy, Vice President, SCNI jk.murphy@gwinnettdailypost.com

gwinnettdailypost.com

Todd Cline, Editor

todd.cline@gwinnettdailypost.com

PAGE 7 A • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Faith in government is misplaced

One of the reasons our political structure has become dysfunctional no matter which party is in power is that too many of us are living in the moment. The closest we get to history is the instant replay.

It is as if there is nothCal ing the past Thomas can teach us; no wisdom that might be culled from those who have gone before.

We buy guidebooks, or go online for information about countries or cities we plan to visit, trusting those who have been there to tell us the best places to stay, see and eat. When it comes to more momentous things, like health care, too many people believe government does best, regardless of historical and even contemporary evidence to the contrary.

The well-known quote “That government is best which governs least,” often attributed to Henry David Thoreau, has been supplanted in our day by the notion that government is my keeper, I shall not want.

All of the promises about health care “reform” are proving dubious at best. The move from insurance exchanges to single payer to the eventual takeover of the health care industry will happen incrementally, but inevitably, unless Republicans win back control of government and have the courage to repeal and replace Obamacare with something better.

What should awaken apathetic Americans is a story in last week’s The New York Times headlined “Cost of Treatment May Influence Doctors.” The story said some of the country’s largest medical groups are now suggesting that physicians consider cost when treating patients. The Times says a subtle shift is taking place within medicine as “doctors are starting to redefine their roles, from being concerned exclusively about individual patients to exerting influence on how health care dollars are spent.”

In other words, are you “worth” being treated for cancer or other illnesses that can cost a lot of money? When government pressures health care providers to accept a utilitarian view of human life, it is a short step to government deciding whose life is worth living and whose is not.

When the dollar becomes almighty, the Almighty who creates life takes a back seat.

Promises that the misnamed Affordable Care Act would reduce costs are already being proved wrong. Health care spending is surging, according to another New York Times story. President Obama promised it would decline. We heard similar promises 50 years ago when Medicare was introduced. Politicians then promised costs would never exceed a certain level, which they did in very short order.

Critics of Obamacare say one of its objectives is to put insurance companies out of business. The UnitedHealth Group is one of the nation’s largest. It recently reported lower earnings and said the health care law is partially responsible.

The “sound of inevitability,” to quote from the film “The Matrix,” can be heard across the Atlantic. The National Health Service (NHS) continues to sputter as its experiment in socialized medicine produces horror stories that could be replicated in the United States if government is ever allowed to control not only insurance, but treatment.

A UK Daily Mail story tells of a great-grandmother who died in agony at Manchester Royal Infirmary. She suffered from a perforated bowel and while she screamed in pain for help she was told a nearby doctor, who was playing on a computer, “wasn’t on duty.” Stories of neglect, long waits for treatment, insensitivity toward patients and unusual numbers of deaths in some UK hospitals are no longer exceptions, but are increasingly common.

Why do so many have faith in government when government has a track record of failure and incompetence in the many tasks it undertakes? How can government be expected to miraculously acquire competence when it comes to health care?

Real faith is based on something substantive, not false hope. Government is a false god that history proves can’t deliver on most of its promises.

Email nationally syndicated columnist Cal Thomas at tmseditors@tribune.com.

A new goal to sleep on I really shouldn’t be writing this right now. In fact, I should be taking a nap. Doctor’s orders.

OK, maybe not my doctor, but the one who was quoted in the article I just read in Sports Illustrated. The crux of the story — “W’s = Z’s” — is that athletes need more sleep than us regular folk. But the article made it clear most of us are deprived in that department despite our inability to run, throw or dribble.

I, for one, resemble that remark. I have no hopes of playing in the NBA, but like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, I am a big fan of naps. Unlike Kobe, mine are usually not of the planned variety, occurring most often during the boring parts of a movie or the third round of a televised golf tournament.

But at least it doesn’t happen in church.

Dr. Charles Czeisler, director of the division of sleep

Todd Cline Editor medicine at Harvard Medical School, says the country as a whole suffers from a “staggering” amount of sleep deficiency. He says in the article that 2 million Americans fall asleep behind the wheel every week, and as most bosses (and many teachers) would attest, many more do the same behind a desk.

So it’s with good reason that Americans drink more cups of coffee each day than any other country in the world. It’s our response to what researchers call “sleep debt” — a liquid

solution to paying back sleep’s version of a loan shark. Every morning it’s a requirement for many, and it may be the only thing that gets you through this column.

The story says the average human needs 8.2 to 8.4 hours of sleep per night. It also notes that professional athletes are nowhere near “average.”

They should sleep closer to nine hours a during a 24-hour period, the doctor says, using naps to help get to that number.

My question: Is it too late to turn pro?

Czeisler — who goes by the nickname “The Sleep Doctor” — has been a consultant for several NBA teams as well as the Secret Service and NASA. In that role he helps equate healthy sleep patterns with optimal performance. While you may not protect the president or fly on moon missions, you still want to be at your best at the office, which is why you

should consider these tips from the good doctor: • Have a normal sleep routine. Going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day is, in Czeisler’s words “paramount.” He told SI: “I can’t overemphasize that enough.”

• The bedroom is for sleeping. The doctor says not to confuse your body by surfing the web or paying bills in your bedroom. He says to unplug at night, and leave your iPad in another room.

• Try for nine hours of sleep.

That will get you close to or past your goal of just over eight hours.

As goals go, that’s not a bad one. And you can tell people you’re not sleeping late, but sleeping optimally.

The Sleep Doctor would approve. And so would LeBron.

Email Todd Cline at todd. cline@gwinnettdailypost. com. His column appears on Wednesdays.

It’s silly season again for education It’s the silly season again in U.S. education — although I am not sure there is any other kind these days. Students from elementary school to high school will be under tremendous pressure as they face battery after battery of standardized tests — tests upon which so much weight is placed by parents, politicians and the uninformed public that pupils panic, professional educators are brought to tears and people are imprisoned over the taking of the tests and the results.

Now tell me that isn’t silly.

Tell me that anyone can devise a test that is so credible that the results can measure the success or failure of a student’s school year or, when the collective data is gathered and analyzed, of a school’s adequacy or inadequacy.

Principals are routinely hired and fired because they produce — or fail to produce — test scores that are deemed acceptable by the folks who sit in the proverbial ivory towers of education and are also hired or fired—or paid bonuses—because of their ability to drive and cajole and pressure administrators to drive and cajole and pressure teachers to drive and cajole and pressure students to peak out one a given day or across a given week of the school year — the school year, by the way, which has been shamefully shortened by bad weather and altered calendars and furlough days, pressed upon them by a legis-

them up—you are wrong. You are so wrong. You are even more wrong when you imply — by your asinine laws and regulations — that success for all students can be measured by having all students master the same standards.

Every student comes from Darrell a different environment.

Huckaby They learn different things at different times in differlature that doesn’t understand ent ways and for different the importance of instruction reasons. Because of this, time or is simply too cheap to those people who speak fully fund education — or one educational jargon for a livthat just doesn’t give a damn. ing blather on and on about Now that same legislature differentiation of instruction wants to pay teachers accord- and authentic assessment and ing to students’ performance whatever the word-of-theon these same test scores. week is — do we still talk What a batch of bull feathers. about stakeholders at every You know, of course, that I single meeting? — are the didn’t mean feathers. I wish same people who put the we could pay our legislatures most stock in standardized according to their so-called test scores and everything— performance. They would all and I mean everything—they owe us big bucks. do is driven by those scores.

I taught for 39 years. I wish Don’t tell me it isn’t, because I had been paid according I have lived it and I know. to my students’ test scores.

Every teacher you know If I had I wouldn’t have to would say basically the same work five or six jobs today, thing if he or she didn’t fear in “retirement.” I never had for his or her job. a student fail to pass any of Don’t hear something I am the graduation tests or end of not saying. I am not condemncourse tests or any of the other ing our local school boards or measurements the state of our local administrations — Georgia instituted during my not in the least. I am not. career. No, not one. You can I am blaming the educationlook it up. al system and a state leaderBut that doesn’t mean I ship that is afraid not to bow worked harder or deserved down to the current customs more pay than other teachers. that drive educational data on To the asinine asses who think a nationwide level. The people every student can achieve if in our local system are simply the teacher will just coach doing what they are required

to do in an effort to achieve the test scores for which they will be held accountable. Until the system changes, until leadership at the state level says that in Georgia we are going back to having school — all day every day — and that we are going to hire and pay professional educators and encourage them to teach children instead of tests — nothing will change.

But nobody wants to hear the ranting of an over-the-hill, washed up old history teacher.

I have been told for years that my opinions are just negativism and that there is no place for them in modern education.

Big sigh, here.

Maybe not. Maybe standardized testing is the Holy Grail of our educational future. Maybe the scores the state handed out to every single public school are accurate indicators of the job the teachers and administrators in that school and in each system are doing. If that is the case, we need to get some richer parents if we really want to improve our schools because there is an almost perfect correlation between the scores the state handed out and socioeconomic status.

Imagine that.

I got vision and the rest of the world is wearing bifocals.

(Butch Cassidy) Selah.

Darrell Huckaby is an author in Rockdale County.

Email him at darrellhuckaby. net.

8A • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

gwinnettdailypost.com

•From Page 1A

ate Health and Human Services Committee, used to deliver bread and fruit to seniors in a program run out of her office when she was Loganville’s mayor more than two decades ago.

“I remember every loaf, every little house, every little lady waiting on the curb,” she said. “This is truly a dream come true.”

With two double-deck convection ovens, two combi-ovens, two doubledeck steams, a 40-gallon tilt skillet, a six-burner stove, a 60-quart mixer, and 1,400 square feet of freezer space, staffers began preparing 600 meals a day out of the Swanson Drive facility in January, although a snow storm delayed the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Federal officials, who delivered the nearly $2.6 million in construction costs from community development block grant funds, praised local officials for working together, creating a partnership among federal, state and local leaders, as well as volunteers for the programs.

“It is amazing that in these tough budget times … here we are with the capacity to do what no other community in this area can do,” Congressman Rob Woodall said. “That will all be for naught if we can’t come up with the dollars to run this program at full capacity. We need everyone invested in this.” in the community to be While the nonprofit

By Camie Young

camie.young @gwinnettdailypost.com

Above, Jamie Cramer the manager at the Gwinnett Senior Service Center gives a tour of the Gwinnett Senior Services Center’s new 12,000-square-foot commercial kitchen in Lawrenceville costing $2.6 million.

Cramer provided a tour to Keith Hornton and Renorta R. Heard with the Georgia Department of Human Services. The building addition accommodates meal preparation and packaging for four senior centers and home-delivered meals clients in Gwinnett County.

Left, a large mixer is among the new additions to the Gwinnett Senior Services Center commercial kitchen in Lawrenceville. (Staff Photos: Brendan Sullivan)

Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services pitches

in each year, including giving about $100,000 earlier this month to help cut down the waiting list, officials said more funding is needing to expand the programs to the kitchen’s 2,000 meals per day capacity.

Prom

•From Page 1A A dual enrollment student, Williamson had been on her way to afternoon classes at Georgia Gwinnett College, but instead was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

The collision left Williamson with a broken pelvis in two places, which has since healed, and a diffuse axonal injury, a type of traumatic brain injury. In the beginning, her prognosis was questionable.

When she walked for the first time in six weeks, her mother, Mary Beth, called it a joyous day and a time to celebrate.

The next time to celebrate was Friday when about 80 people from the Mountain View community, Williamson family friends and Shepherd staff attended a prom specifically for Williamson to make up for the prom she missed.

“I thought it was a great idea because Abbie’s missed so much of the activites at school and she’s been so involved,” Mary Beth said. “This would be a nice way to re-introduce her back to her friends, because she’s doing so well and we’re so grateful to the whole Mountain ViewLawrenceville community.

The prom is just a part of what the whole community has done in standing behind us and supporting Abbie.”

Eight weeks after her family didn’t know if she’d be able to talk, walk or laugh, she participated in a daddy-daughter dance at the prom. An Atlanta disc jockey, “Johnny D,” donated his services, and a tapas bar restaurant provided catered food for the event.

Williamson and her best friend, Taylor, have a bowmaking business, and those bows were among a host of decorations worn or displayed around school and the family’s neighborhood since the accident. Sports teams at Mountain View wrote her initials on shoes, helmets and golf balls, and the message “pray for Abbie Williamson” spread through the hashtag “#P4AW.” Along with organizing

Dem candidates make case at forum

Dream

Mountain View High junior Abbie Williamson, standing third from right, is with her friends last week during a prom in her honor at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. Williamson is recovering from a traumatic brain injury suffered in February during a car crash. (Special Photo) AS FIRST REPORTED on gwinnettdailypost.com

fundraisers and meals, neighbors in The Fielding subdivision displayed big yellow bows throughout the area off Ga. Highway 124.

Her therapists have been amazed at Williamson’s progress, and her mother said the next step is to be discharged from the Shepherd Center on Tuesday and begin rehabilitation five days a week for six

hours each day.

For more information on upcoming community events to support the fam-

Dry in 1 Hour CARPET • UPHOLSTERY HARDWOOD • TILE & GROUT

$89

$119

3 Rooms Sofa & Loveseat

$139 100% Guaranteed No Sticky Residue Pet Deodorizer Carpet Grooming

177776-1

For carpets this clean...

770-682-3132 www.heavensbest.com

5 Rooms

ily, visit www.abbiewilliamson.com or the Caring Bridge site by searching “Abbie Williamson.”

LAWRENCEVILLE — With a renewed zeal to “turn this state blue,” local Democrats filled a Lawrenceville meeting room Tuesday to hear from candidates from U.S. Senate to local House races who believe the party can regain seats.

“Let’s take it to them in November,” said an impassioned Steen Miles, one of two of the Democrat’s U.S. Senate candidate. “… There is so much work to do.”

While the most high-profile and well-financed candidate, Michelle Nunn, did not attend the event, and neither did Todd Anthony Robinson, Miles, a former state legislator, said she had the most experience in the race, while Branko Radulovacki, known as Dr. Rad, talked about his ability to advocate and work across party lines.

“I’m giving everything I can to this race,” he said.

“We’re going to need some real Democrats to stand up and fight for what we believe in.”

Hoping to set themselves apart prior to the May 20 primary, the candidates touched on national issues like the Affordable Care Act, state controversies like common core curriculum and even local issues like Lake Lanier and transit expansion into Gwinnett.

In some of the primary races, only one of the candidates appeared, giving DeKalb Sheriff Tom Brown the opportunity to make his case to unseat Congressman Hank Johnson and Keith Heard a chance to explain his position as an insurance commissioner hopeful, as well as an opportunity to hear from state Senate candidates Tamara Johnson, a hopeful for District 40, and Gloria Butler, an incumbent in District 55.

For the Lawrencevillebased state House District 105, Renita Hamilton talked about representing working class people who have felt left out of local politics.

Competitor Tim Hur said his campaign is focused on education, economic development and ethics.

Most of the time, though, was reserved for the crowded state school superintendent race, where four of the five Democrat hopefuls debated.

“I hope tonight that I showed you my passion,” said Tarnisha Dent, a biology teacher at her Atlanta alma mater, who said that teachers should be able to write the curriculum.

Dent said, “I am not for sale and neither are the children of Georgia,” to a question about charter schools, which differentiated the candidates.

Decatur School Board member Valarie Wilson said that not-for-profit charter schools, like her district, can be positive but added that privatizing public education resegregates schools.

“A charter school can be whatever you want it to be,” said Jurita Forehand Mays, who worked at a school that converted to a charter. “It gives you a voice as a parent. It gives you a voice as a teacher.”

Rita Robinzine, a DeKalb school teacher, said teachers have little rights in a charter district and expressed concerns that the state would withhold funding from schools who did not convert to charter or IE2 districts.

“Children and parents need real choices,” she said.

“They should not have to go somewhere else to get a good education.”

Denise Freeman, who served on the Lincoln County Board of Education, said: “We cannot afford in the state of Georgia to fund two separate school systems.

We need to fund public education and that’s it.”

The candidates also disagreed on common core, with Mays and Wilson saying they support the curriculum, Dent talking about using the model until teachers can create a new curriculum and Robinzine saying the common core curriculum is inappropriate for different age levels, too costly and unfair for teachers.

“We are preparing kids to go into a global economy,” Wilson said.

The fifth candidate in the Democratic primary, Alisha Thomas Morgan, did not attend.

gwinnettdailypost.com

Lawsuit

•From Page 1A Rayshawn and Avery Chandler, both officers with the Atlanta Police Department; Michael Bishop and Shane Thomas, an attorney and realtor, respectively, from Atlanta; and Decatur resident Jennifer Sisson, whose partner recently passed away after battling ovarian cancer.

The suit names as defendants Deborah Aderhold, Georgia’s state registrar and director of vital records; Gwinnett County Probate Court Clerk Brook Davidson; and Fulton County Probate Court Judge Pinkie Toomer.

The filing, represented

•From Page 1A fortable outdoor working environment to offer project-based learning for all students, she said.

An acronym made out of flowers in the classroom is called “GLOW,” which stands for Grow, Learning, Observe and Wonder.

“It offers student engagement and an opportunity to build curiosity and creativity within the kids,” Carlan said. “You’ll find with anybody, if people

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 • 9A

Snellville residents Christopher Inniss and Shelton Stroman, pictured here with son Jonathan, are the lead plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit challenging Georgia’s gay marriage ban.

Inniss and Stroman have been a couple for 13 years. (Facebook photo)

by national organization Lambda Legal, calls for “injunctive and declaratory relief” and argues that the

state of Georgia “cannot condition marriage on the sex of spouses.”

“Every day that same-

sex couples in Georgia are denied freedom to marry, the government sends a message that their families are not worthy of dignity and respect,” Tara Borelli, senior attorney in Lambda Legal’s southern regional office, said in a statement.

“Georgians believe in the Southern values of love, honor and family, but as long as the State of Georgia continues to bar same-sex couples from marriage, it devalues these families and reinforces unfairness and discrimination.”

Davidson was included as a defendant in the suit based on a member of her office refusing Inniss and Shelton’s marriage license

application last week. Requests for comment on her behalf were not immediately returned Tuesday.

The law in question came in the form of a 2004 amendment to the Georgia Constitution.

“This state shall recognize as marriage only the union of man and woman,” it said. “Marriages between persons of the same sex are prohibited in this state.”

The amendment also prohibits same-sex couples from receiving “the benefits of marriage,” which can include the ability to make medical decisions on a spouse’s behalf, the receipt of survivor benefits and the ability to file for

joint income tax returns.

Legal complications can also arise when it comes to custody of children and parental rights, Tuesday’s filing said.

Georgia also does not recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. Such marriages are legal in 17 states and in Washington, D.C. Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality, said in a statement that there are more than 21,000 same-sex couples in Georgia.

“Georgia is our home,” Inniss said. “Our family is here, our business is here, and our community here is a great support for us.”

the junior Beta Club, the Tri Delta Theta sorority, Boy Scout troop No. 513 and Cub Scout pack No. 545.

North Gwinnett High senior Palmer Windsor worked on the classroom as part of his Eagle project for about five months, and said it was a lot of hard, but a lot of fun. The additional benches he built helped the school save on supplies so they can spend additional grant money on other aspects of the classroom.

Some of the classroom projects the students will work on in the classroom are related to life sciences, such as plants, flowers, rain gauges and wind mills. For an upcoming discovery unit, students will plant crops that could be found during the colonial period.

“Instead of having to have a pot inside to move to a window, they’ll come outside and use these planters to grow their crops to simulate colonizing in the new world,” Carlan said.

JEFFERSON

LILBURN

Outdoor are having a hard time, or having any issue, they want to get outdoors, they want fresh air. School these days can be very stressful for kids. This gives them an outlet at the same time, we can continue learning as they’re outside enjoying nature.”

Karen Alexander, a certified master gardener who represented the Gwinnett Master Gardener’s Association, said outdoor classrooms have become increasingly popular in the

Sycamore Elementary in Sugar Hill on Tuesday held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new outdoor classroom. Several community organizations and student groups built the classroom, and the school received grants to help pay for supplies. (Staff Photo: Keith Farner)

last decade.

“It’s the best thing that ever happened,” she said.

Among the groups who joined the project were the Parent Teacher Association,

obituaries SNELLVILLE

MONROE

Dennis Adams

Debbie Cassele

Dennis James Adams age 63 of Snellville, Ga passed Friday April 18, 2014. Mr. Adams was a Veteran of the United States Army, a leader with the Boy Scouts of America, and an avid bowler. Surviving are wife: Vickie Diamond Adams of the home, daughter: Charity H. (Dee) Claborn of College Park, GA, Son: James M. (Rachael) Adams of Snellville, GA , Sister: Mary Elizabeth Beam of Griffin, GA, Grandchildren: Lilyana and Domino Claborn, Brad, Kyle, and Tripp Donahue. Funeral Services will be held 11 AM Wednesday, April 23, 2014 from the Wages & Sons Stone Mountain Chapel 1040 Main Street, Stone Mountain ,GA 30086. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from six until eight on Tuesday evening. Interment will follow in the Fairview Memorial Gardens, with Military Honors provided by the United States Army.

Wages & Sons Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Dennis James Adams.

Mrs. Debbie Cassele, age 58, of Monroe, Georgia died April 21, 2014.

GAINESVILLE

SNELLVILLE

Deanna Cathcart Deanna Lynn Cathcart, age 76, of Snellville, GA passed away April 20, 2014. Tim Stewart Funeral Home, Snellville Chapel, 770-979-5010.

15 photos are available with all Obituaries and Death Notices $

Call for details

770.963.9205

Ext.1162 or Ext.1163

to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4746 SW 21st St, Topeka, KS 66604 or to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606. To view a full obituary and to leave a special message for the family online, visit www.

PenwellGabelTopeka.com COMMERCE

Jennie Martin Jennie Richey Martin, age 88, of Commerce, Georgia who entered into rest Monday, April 21, 2014.

CONYERS

Glenn Rhodes

ATLANTA

Christine Jones Christine Stone Jones, 84, of Atlanta, GA formerly of Duluth, GA, died April 21, 2014.

Arrangements by Bill Head Funeral Homes and Crematory Duluth Chapel 770-476-2535.

BUFORD

Frances Fogarty Frances Mary Clemence Fogarty, age 89, of Buford, GA passed away April 19, 2014. Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel, 1031 Lawrenceville, GA 30046, 770-277-4550. www.wagesandsons.com

Glenn P. Rhodes, age 87, of Conyers, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2014. Peachtree Cremation Society. www. peachtreecremation.com

BUFORD

Betty Samples LAWRENCEVILLE

Martha Dennard Martha Everett Dennard, age 89, of Lawrenceville, GA passed away on April 20, 2014. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company”, Snellville Chapel 770979-3200. www.wagesfuneralhome.com

MAYSVILLE

Bobby Garrison Bobby Jewel “PeeWee” Garrison, age 81, of Maysville, Georgia who entered into rest Monday, April 21, 2014.

BUFORD

Donny Hayes, Sr.

Wayne Bowen Mr. Wayne Ivey Bowen, age 70, of Gainesville passed away Sunday, April 20, 2014. Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542 is in charge of arrangements. www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.

is at peace and happiness with the Lord. Visitation will be from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at Eternal Hills Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 1:00pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, in the Eternal Hills Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial will follow at Eternal Hills Memory Gardens. Please join us in celebrating Frann’s life by visiting www. eternalhillsfuneralhome. com. Eternal Hills Funeral Home, 770.972.3155.

LILBURN

Frann Faulkner Frann Faulkner, 67, of Lilburn, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2014, in Atlanta. Frann was born on March 26, 1947 in Vicksburg, MS to Edwin and Carolyn Thomas. She worked for many years as a Real Estate Agent, most recently with Realty Professionals, and was known for being a tough saleswoman. Frann loved to dance, but even more than that, she loved her family. She was a loving mother and grandmother.

Survivors include her Daughters Gail Fountain of Acworth and Angie Faulkner of Duluth, son Michael Birdsong of Sandy Springs, brother Bill Thomas of New Port Richie, FL and grandchildren Alex Winslow, Andre and Adrian Fountain and Kayla Howell. Frann, one of the strongest women in spirit that we ever knew, i dh i

Donny Keith Hayes, Sr. age 58, of Buford, GA passed away on April 20, 2014. Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA 770-932-1133 www. flaniganfuneralhome.com

TOPEKA, KS

Lillian Livingstone Lillian Irene Harris Livingstone, 94, of Topeka, KS, formerly of Lilburn, GA, went to be with the Lord, Jesus Christ, as the sun was rising on Easter Morning, April 20, 2014 at Midland Hospice House, Topeka.

Funeral services will be Wednesday in Topeka, KS. A graveside service will be 11 a.m., Friday, April 25, 2014 at the Eternal Hills Memory Gardens, Snellville, GA. Memorial contributions may be made t

Betty Tutton Samples, age 81, of Buford, GA passed away on April 21, 2014. Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA 770-932-1133 www. flaniganfuneralhome.com

WINDER

J.C. Sauls Mr. J. C. Sauls, age 93, of Winder, Georgia died April 21, 2014.

STONE MOUNTAIN

Gregory Scibona Gregory Scibona, age 84, of Stone Mountain, GA passed away on April 19, 2014. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company”, Snellville Chapel 770979-3200. www.wagesfuneralhome.com

DACULA

Justin Stewart Justin Kyle Stewart, age 36, of Dacula, GA passed away April 17, 2014. Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel, 1031 Lawrenceville, GA 30046, 770-277-4550. www.wagesandsons.com

Donnie Taylor

Edna Watson

Mr. Donnie Ray Taylor, age 58, of Jefferson, Georgia, who passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2014.

Edna Pauline Watson, age 94, of Lilburn, GA passed away on April 21, 2014. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company”, Snellville Chapel 770979-3200. www.wagesfuneralhome.com

SUWANEE

Frans Teuscher Frans Teuscher formerly of Brick, NJ died on March 31, 2014 in Suwanee Georgia. Frans was born in Indonesia, came to America and was proud to become an American citizen. He worked for more than half his life as a master automobile technician where he was the go-to guy for difficult repairs. Later he fulfilled his dream of driving an 18 wheeler over the road, where he was known as the Flying Dutchman.

He was very active in the Boy Scouts and had a special affection for the Pinewood Derby. He enjoyed camping, traveling with his family, surfing the internet, dining out, watching Nascar, and was quite a conversationalist.

He had an overwhelming affection for animals. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Rosemary (Hanley) Teuscher of Suwanee, GA, 2 brothers Ron and wife Barbara of Las Vegas, NV, Ben of Chino, CA, son Paul and his wife Kathy of Barnegat, NJ, daughter Joyce and her partner Rich of Brick, NJ, son Gregory and his wife Sharon of Manchester, NJ, daughter Pamela Jacome and her husband Juan with whom he lived in Suwanee, GA. There are 11 grandchildren Gregory, Kelly, Christopher, Jason, Brittani, Courtney, the triplets Nathan, Matthew, and Ryan, Owen, and Liam. A memorial service will be held in Georgia on April 25, 2014, visitation 6-7PM, service at 7PM at Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee Street, Buford Georgia 30518. Condolences may be sent to Rosemary Teuscher, care of Pamela Jacome, 662 Eva Kennedy Road, Suwanee, GA 30024 or email jacomepam@gmail.com. To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA, 770-932-1133.

LAWRENCEVILLE

Willis Ballard, Jr. Willis Hewlett Ballard, Jr. age 88 of Lawrenceville, passed away Sunday, April 20, 2014. Mr. Ballard was preceded in death by his wife Corrine; son, Jimbo; granddaughter, Megan Ballard. He is survived by his sons, Johnny Ballard and his wife Lisa Favre of Atlanta; Bob Ballard and his wife Tracie of Loganville; daughter, Marsha Lindsey and her husband Buddy of Amelia Courthouse, VA; grandchildren, Brad, Dawn, Brandy, Ben, Beau, Josh, Sarah, Kelly, B.J., and Dawson; great grandchildren, Katie, Aleigha, Sara, Ray, Savannah, Hannah, Gavin,Fritz, Daustin, and Gage; four siblings, as well as, many loving extended family members. A funeral service to honor the life of Willis H. Ballard, Jr. will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Tom M. Wages, Lawrenceville Chapel interment will follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Tucker. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM and again from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome. com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service LLC, “A Family Company” 120 Scenic Hwy Lawrenceville, GA 770-963-2411. .

15 photos are available with all Obituaries and Death Notices $

Call for details

770.963.9205

Ext.1162 or Ext.1163

10A • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

gwinnettdailypost.com

Schools receive mixed results on state scorecard

By Keith Farner

keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

Performances by Gwinnett elementary and high schools are down, while middle schools are up, the state Department of Education said Monday.

State School Superintendent John Barge announced the latest results of the College and Career Ready Performance Index, a complex statewide accountability system, that the DOE introduced in 2012.

It measures schools and school districts on a 100-point scale, to help parents and the public better understand how schools are performing. Ten bonus points are eligible for districts that have students enrolled in high-level academic courses, strong performances by special education students, students learning English and poor students.

The previous system was a pass-fail comprehensive system called Adequate Yearly Progress, which was part of the No Child Left Behind legislation.

The formula for the CCRPI had several changes since its previous installment.

Among the changes were how students fared on end-of-course and standardized tests called academic achievement, which now accounts for up to 60 points, while progress, which is determined by students moving to a higher performance level, is worth up to 25 points. Closing the gap in academic performance between groups of students accounts for up to 15 points.

At a press conference on Monday, Barge said the CCRPI is designed to give school districts a road

CCRPI RESULTS How Gwinnett schools scored in the College and Career Ready Performance Index (scores are out of 100) High schools GSMST 95.8 Buford 93 North 88.3 Brookwood 88.1 Peachtree Ridge 83.3 Collins Hill 81.5 Mill Creek 80.8 Dacula 80.8 Parkview 79.5 Lanier 78.5 Mountain View 77 Duluth 76.6 Norcross 76.3 Grayson 74.2 Shiloh 72.9 Central 72.6 Archer 72.3 South 69.4 Phoenix 67.2 Berkmar 60.1 Meadowcreek 58.5 Gwinnett Online Campus (high) 58.2 Gwinnett InterVention Education (GIVE) Center East 40.3 Middle schools Twin Rivers 95.8 Frank N. Osborne 95.8 North Gwinnett 94.7 Alton C. Crews 93.1 Bay Creek 92.9 Couch 92.7 Five Forks 90.8 Creekland 90.1 Dacula 89.4 McConnell 88.4 Lanier 87.7 Trickum 87.6 Buford 87.5 Duluth 87.1 Hull 86 Glenn C. Jones 85.7 Snellville 84.3

map or planning guide to better plan for future school improvement.

“Many people have worked hard to make sure the CCRPI provides the most accurate, effective measure possible of the work schools are doing to prepare students for suc-

Grace Snell 84.1 New Life Academy of Excellence Duluth (middle) 84.7 Gwinnett Online Campus (middle) 83.9 Moore 83.1 Berkmar 81.1 Louise Radloff 80.3 Lilburn 80.2 Summerour 80.1 Pinckneyville 77 Shiloh 76.4 Richards 75.7 Sweetwater 74.3 Gwinnett InterVention Education (GIVE) Center East (middle) 48.9 Elementary schools Partee 98 Fort Daniel 97.1 Parsons 97 Gwin Oaks 96.9 Head 96.2 Brookwood 96.2 Burnette 95.7 Camp Creek 95.7 Simpson 95.5 Buford 95 Duncan Creek 94.1 Freeman’s Mill 94.1 Puckett’s Mill 94.1 Suwanee 93.2 Riverside 93.1 Mulberry 93 Level Creek 93 Grayson 92.6 Trip 92.2 White Oak 92.1 Berkeley Lake 91.9 Harris 91.9 Starling 91.9 W. J. Cooper 91.9 Chattahoochee 90.6 M. H. Mason 90 Harbins 89.9 Dacula 89.8 Jenkins 89.7 Lovin 89.4 Ivy Creek 89.3 Patrick 89.2 Harmony 88.6

cess,” Barge said. “This is an index that is both comprehensive and simple to understand, and it is an important component of our efforts to ensure that all students graduate from high school ready for whatever they choose to do, whether that be going to college,

Roberts 88.3 Pharr 88.2 Sugar Hill 88.2 Craig 87.8 Britt 87.7 Rock Springs 87.7 Rosebud 87.6 Knight 87.4 Woodward Mill 86.9 Arcado 86.5 Taylor 86 Dyer 85.6 Shiloh 85.6 Simonton 85.3 Anderson-Livsey 85.4 New Life Academy of Excellence Duluth (elementary) 84.7 Bethesda 84.4 Buford Academy 84.1 Margaret Winn Holt 84 Walnut Grove 83.7 McKendree 82.7 Corley 82.6 Sycamore 82.6 J. A. Alford 82.4 Jackson 82.4 Centerville 81.9 Charles Brant Chesney 81.3 Lawrenceville 81.3 Minor 80.8 Alcova 80.5 Benefield 78.7 Mountain Park 78.4 Nesbit 78.3 Meadowcreek 77.6 Lilburn 76.6 Norton 76.5 Cedar Hill 76.3 Norcross 76.3 Peachtree 76.1 Susan Stripling 76.1 Beaver Ridge 75.8 Annistown 75.8 Kanoheda 74.5 New Life Academy of Excellence 72.5 Ferguson 71.4 Rockbridge 70.7 Magill 69.3 Hopkins 61.2

joining the military, or immediately beginning a career.”

Gwinnett’s elementary schools scored an 85.1, while middle schools scored a 74.9 and high schools 86.2. Put another way, 78 percent of elementary schools, 90 percent

AS FIRST REPORTED on gwinnettdailypost.com

of middle and 78 percent of high schools were at or above expectations. In the 2012 installment, Gwinnett’s elementary schools were scored at 78.3, middle schools were 85.8 and high schools were 75.1.

The top Gwinnett school was Partee Elementary in Snellville with a 98. Partee led a group of 23 elementary schools that scored 90 or above, while that was the case for nine middle schools, led by Twin Rivers Middle in Buford at 95.8.

The Gwinnett School of Math, Science and Technology had the highest score among high schools at 95.8.

Overall, Gwinnett County Public Schools received an 82.8 score, while Buford City Schools scored an 87.3.

At Partee, Principal LaVern Rush said last year was the third year of a departmentalized fifth grade teaching, and second year in fourth grade, to have one teacher focus on math, science and social studies, while another taught literacy.

“We chose people that were exceptional in the area they were teaching, and had a proven track record,” she said.

The school also offered extended learning opportunities, such as a Saturday writing program, and after-school sessions in the follow.

“The results came through,” she said.

The school also has a data room where teachers and administrators track progress and the type of intervention each student receives.

“I think we look carefully about where our students

are moving and if they’re moving, I think that’s key,” Rush said. “The bottom line is we just want students to make progress.”

Jonathan Patterson, GCPS’ associate superintendent for curriculum and instructional support, said the CCRPI highlights a need for progress and growth.

The district, by June 15, will develop training plans to help teachers and principals learn more about how the formula works and how to incorporate it in future local school improvement plans.

While not perfect, Patterson said the district supports the state’s efforts and believes this measuring tool is headed in the right direction.

The results are based on the 2012-13 school year, and the release included a new score for the 2011-12 school year with several changes, such as schools receiving one composite score, and “exceeding the bar” points now included in district scores.

Statewide, Georgia’s elementary schools saw a one-year increase in scores from 74.9 to 78.5, middle schools increased from 73.9 to 75, while high schools dropped from 73 to 72.

Patterson said gap closure continues to be a challenge for the district.

“As students get older, the gaps can be harder to really close, not that it’s impossible to do so, but it becomes more difficult in some cases,” Patterson said. “The earlier the age that we can have an impact with quality of instruction, how familiar we are with teachers and leaders, how familiar with are with the instrument; we’re still at the infancy of CCRPI and understanding the metrics and how things are calculated.”

UNM running back arrested on Nine indicted in suspicion of rape, kidnapping abduction of N.C.

By Joseph J. Kolb

Reuters

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A University of New Mexico football player has been arrested on suspicion of raping and kidnapping a fellow student, officials said on Tuesday.

Crusoe Gongbay, 20, surrendered to university police on Monday and faces two counts of second-degree criminal sexual penetration and one count of kidnapping. He

is being held on $50,000 bond, Lt. Tim Stump of the university police said.

Head Football Coach Bob Davies suspended Gongbay, a 5-feet, 11-inches, 205-lb running back from Rockville, Md. “Due to the obvious serious nature of these charges, he has been suspended indefinitely from the team,” Davies said in a statement.

The university police, the local detention center and the athletic department could not immediately say

whether Gongbay had an attorney or when he might appear in court.

Gongbay, who the university said ran 592 yards last season, has been striving for a starting running back position.

The accusations against Gongbay, who is in his junior year, come as universities in Missouri, Florida and Montana have been criticized in the last year for their handling of rape claims against football players.

In the New Mexico case,

a female student contacted a dorm official on April 13, who reported a rape to campus police. She was given a medical examination at an off-campus facility.

In addition to Gongbay, another suspect who is not a student, 21-year-old Ryan Ruff, also surrendered to university police and was being held on $100,000 bond on charges of sexual assault and kidnapping, Stump said.

Police are looking for a third suspect.

Israel asking more Christians to join military

By Dan Williams and Ori Lewis Reuters

JERUSALEM — Israel said on Tuesday it was stepping up efforts to encourage military enlistment by Christian Arab citizens, a community long closer to the larger Muslim minority in identifying with the Palestinians.

Israel’s Christian Arabs number about 160,000, some two percent of the Jewish state’s eight million people, and the expected number of conscripts — now about 100 — will rise in coming months, a senior military officer said.

“We intend to appeal to the Christian population of conscription age (17 and 18) and will send them call-up notices to volunteer for service,” Lt. Col. Amir Hai told reporters in a telephone briefing on Tuesday.

Being mostly Palestinians themselves, Israel’s Christian Arabs have tra-

ditionally stood alongside the Muslim community on Israeli-Palestinian issues.

The Muslim minority comprises about 20 percent of the population and men of conscription age are largely exempted from military service.

Hai said that all branches of the military, including elite units, would be open for the volunteers as long as they are suitable for the demands of the task.

“No (unit) will be closed to (Christian conscripts) ahead of time, unless there is criteria that limits the recruit’s ability

to serve,” Hai said. Only men will currently be called, although women were welcome to volunteer too, he added.

“I welcome this important, historical step … for the Christian community to be a member of Israeli society, equal in rights and duties,” Father Gabriel Nadaf, head of the Israeli Christians Recruitment Forum, told Army Radio.

Israeli Jews are obliged to serve in the military at age 18, with men serving for three years and women for two. The vast majority of ultra-Orthodox Jews

are exempted on religious grounds, a divisive issue in Israeli society.

Other minority groups that are called up for service are Israeli Druze Arabs and Bedouin Arabs.

Sammy Smooha, professor of anthropology and sociology at Haifa University and a leading expert on Israel’s Arabs, doubted the proportion of Christians in the military would not change.

Are You from Georgia?

Then why are you sending your auto insurance premiums to a company based in Illinois? You can enjoy the same broad coverage and extensive discounts as a Member of a company designed for people just like you.

Like you we’re from the heart of the South — and we are southern at heart!!

We’re from YOUR street, not Wall Street Only Georgia Farm Bureau® gives a portion of every premium dollar to support Georgia’s economy, jobs and communities. Make a difference — call us today!

Sky High Tutoring

Your local Georgia Farm Bureau agency:

Gwinnett County Farm Bureau 1150 Cripple Creek Dr, Lawrenceville, Ga. 30043 Phone: 770-963-6090 Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company

184246-1

3294 Peachtree Ind. Blvd, Suite 2002 Duluth, GA 30096

prosecutor’s father

By Colleen Jenkins

Atlanta apartment for four days. His daughter, who has been identified by local WINSTON-SALEM, media as Wake County N.C. — Nine people were Assistant District Attorney indicted by a U.S. grand Colleen Janssen, prosecuted jury on Tuesday in the kid- Melton in 2012 and he was napping of a North Carolina sentenced to life in prison. prosecutor’s father earlier The indictment, issued this month. by a federal grand jury in Kelvin Melton, 49, a Wilmington, N.C., provided member of the Bloods new details about the case. gang, and seven others According to the indictcharged in the case have ment, Melton had first been arrested. A ninth plotted in March to kidnap person named in the indict- someone in Louisiana with ment was not yet in custody ties to the defense attorney on Tuesday afternoon, a who represented him in U.S. Attorney’s spokesman his 2012 case. He arranged said. from prison for each person Frank Janssen was recruited as part of the abducted from his home kidnapping team to receive on April 5 and held in an about $10,000.

Reuters

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 • 11A

gwinnettdailypost.com

Canine Pet Rescue event rescheduled for May 17

By Katie Morris Staff Intern

Canine Pet Rescue has rescheduled the Bikes, Barks and Bar-B-Q event due to the rainy weather

this past Saturday. The event will now be held on Saturday, May 17, in Dacula.

The Canine Pet Rescue is a nonprofit German Shepherd rescue in Dacula,

and the Bikes, Barks and Bar-B-Q fundraiser is designed to help save dogs of all breeds from high kill shelters and foster them until they find forever homes.

There are still several

activities planned and lots of fun to be had, including live music, a raffle, pet photos and adoptions.

Biker registration will begin a 8 a.m. at the Gwinnett County Detention

Center at 2900 University Parkway in Lawrenceville.

The cost is $25 per rider and $10 per passenger.

Lunch is included with both prices.

The barbecue will begin

around noon at Big Sky Farm at 2625 Jones Phillips Road in Dacula. Barbecue meal tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

For more information, visit caninepetrescue.com.

Book-Big Laughs Joke Book.”

Proceeds from the joke With the help of kids book will be used to help around the nation, the fund child medical grants UnitedHealthcare Chilfor eligible families, and dren’s Foundation collected the UnitedHealthcare Chilmore than 600 popular and dren’s Foundation is now original jokes, funny oneaccepting applications for liners, knock-knock jokes grants at www.uhccf.org. and silly tongue-twisters for a new joke book that Gwinnett Parks was made available April receive grant to 1. “Little Book — Big Laughs Joke Book,” is support nutrition available online at www.

Amazon.com for $5.99.

The Gwinnett County Madison Tunell, 8, of Board of Commissioners Snellville, is one of the has accepted a grant from contributors to “Little the National Recreation and Park Association in the amount of $26,200 and in-kind training materials valued at $10,000 for Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation to use in its nutrition education and out-of-school time programming.

The funding comes from a partnership between NRPA and the Walmart Foundation and supports NRPA’s new Commit to Health campaign. Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation was the only Georgia recipient this year.

One of the grant program’s three goals is to increase the number of

healthy meals children in low-income communities receive during summer and after-school programs. According to the USDA’s 2010 Hunger report, 16.2 million American children live in food-insecure households.

The same report finds that 19.5 million low-income children receive free or reduced meals during the school year, but fewer than three million of these children participate in the USDA’s summer food service program. These children may not have access to quality food when school is not in session, “making Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation’s work even more critical,” said Gwinnett’s Parks and Recreation Operations Director Tina Fleming.

The grant also seeks to change kids’ eating habits by teaching them the importance of healthy eating using evidence-based, ageappropriate nutrition literacy education materials and to increase access to healthier foods and opportunities for physical activity through the implementation of nutrition and physical activity standards. ­ — From staff reports

HEALTH BRIEFS Mammography mobile center to visit Snellville

with no breast concerns who have not had a mammogram in the last 12 months and have a primary The BelkGives on the care physician are eligible Go Mobile Mammography by calling 855-655-2662 Center, a 39-foot-long, to schedule an appointstate-of-the-art screening ment. Appointments will center on wheels, will stop be made from 9:30 a.m. to at the Belk store in Snell7 p.m. ville on May 3 to offer All screening exams will free, convenient mammobe performed by Charlotte gram screenings.

Radiology’s licensed, Women age 40 and older female mammography-

EXPERT HEARING CARE • Complete Audiological Exams • Latest Digital Hearing Aid Technology • Hearing Aid Batteries & In-Office Repairs • Assistive Listening Devices

Samuel F. Vaught, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

2176-C OakSuite Road,C,Snellville 2176 Oak Road, Snellville 855-875-2842 770-972-4327 www.audiologysnellville.com www.audiologysnellville.com

certified technologists. A board-certified radiologist, specialized in breast imaging, will interpret the mammogram. Confidential results will be sent to the patient and primary care physician.

The Belk store is at 2059 Scenic Highway, Suite 110.

After receiving a mammogram, women also can visit the intimate apparel area in the Belk store to receive a complimentary bra fitting.

For more information, call 855-655-2662 or go to www.belk.com/pink.

Snellville child contributes to foundation book

Live your abundant life at Ivy Springs Manor!

Senior living like you’ve never seen before!

770.573.9096

3177 Gravel Springs Road Buford, GA 30519 ivyspringsmanor.com

Beautiful Skin Inside & Out ... with

Look & Feel Younger!

Bells Skin Care

Viva A, C, E & Selenium

Dixie Health Dermal K (Spider Veins)

Dermal E & Dermal C (Fade Wrinkles)

2238 Snellville Plaza - Big Lots Shopping Center

770.982.4333 • snellvillevitamins.com

SAVE $5.00 OFF Your Purchase of $25 Or More!

Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 4/30/14. GDP

181811-

www.gwinnettdailypost.com

12A • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

gwinnettdailypost.com

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH WORLD-CLASS COURSES!

Enter for a chance for you and a guest to win a golf outing at World Golf Village Resort in St. Augustine!

Package includes four nights’ accommodation at World Golf Village Resort, two rounds of golf for two, tickets for two to the IMAX Theater and tickets for two to the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum.

Value of trip is $1,114. Enter by April 30, 2014.

FOUR grand prize trips will be awarded.

Visit the World Golf Village for an unparalleled experience with first-class accommodations, championship golf courses and the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum.

ENTER ONLINE AT CONTEST CENTRAL on gwinnettdailypost.com or send completed entry (only entries completely filled out will be eligible) to Gwinnett Daily Post/Golf Trip P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Name _____________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________ Phone ________________ Email _____________________ I agree to contest rules (required)

Yes! Send me more information on VISIT FLORIDA and St. Augustine!

ENTER BY APRIL 30, 2014!

Rules: No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years old or older to enter. Sponsors and their families are not eligible. All entries must be completely filled out to be eligible. Trip winner is responsible for any and all taxes and/or liabilities associated with the value of the trip package which is estimated at $3,806 and which must be claimed as income in the 2014 tax year. The Gwinnett Daily Post is required by law to furnish a federal form 1099 to the Internal revenue Service and this form will state the $1,114 value of the trip package. Winner’s acceptance of prize also grants permission to publish the winning entry information in future Gwinnett Daily Post publications. Once winner is notified, they have three days to accept the trip. If confirmation of acceptance is not made, a new winner will be drawn.

184061-1

Brought to you by the best place to make your golf vacation epic -- VISITFLORIDA.com

sports

gwinnettdailypost.com

SECTION B • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Kohne kicks, Lions win

By Steve Argo Staff Correspondent

SUWANEE — Sydney Kohne had hit the goal post once late in the first half, but the midfielder was on target when Peachtree Ridge’s girls’ soccer match against Collins Hill came down to penalty kicks Tuesday night at Fahring Field.

Tied at 1-1 after 80 minutes of regulation and two five-minute overtime periods, Kohne drilled the match-clinching penalty kick to lift Peachtree Ridge to a thrilling victory over Collins Hill in Region 7-AAAAAA action.

Outshooting Collins Hill 4-2

REGION 8-AAAAA GOLF

Dacula girls win region

in penalty kicks to secure the win, Peachtree Ridge (14-4-0, 7-1-0) clinches at least a share of the region title pending tonight’s Duluth-Norcross match.

A Duluth win would also give the Wildcats a 7-1 mark and a share of the region title, but Peachtree Ridge would hold the head-to-head tie-breaker and the No. 1 seed coming out of Region 7-AAAAAA. With the loss, Collins Hill (10-6-1, 5-3-0) finished in a fourth-place tie with Mill Creek and possibly Norcross if the Blue Devils lose to Duluth tonight.

Peachtree Ridge got off to a great start in the penalty-kicks

session as Lions’ goal-keeper Cosette Morche came up with a big save on Collins Hill’s first attempt and the Eagles also missed wide right on the second try. Meanwhile, Peachtree Ridge went 2-for-2 as McKay Culberson and Ashley Balmforth found the back of the net to put the Lions in great shape.

Collins Hill scored on its next two attempts when Payton Newlon and Paula Maldonado scored. But Peachtree Ridge stayed on course by scoring on its third and fourth kicks, including Amanda Ferry’s shot and See LIONS, Page 4B

Peachtree Ridge’s Kinsey Dziwura (7) battles Collins Hill’s Regan Wilhite (6) for the ball during high school girls soccer action in Suwanee on Tuesday.

(Staff Photo: Brendan Sullivan)

Grayson Glory Rams relish in historic region title

By Christine Troyke christine.troyke @gwinnettdailypost.com

SNELLVILLE — Dacula’s girls picked a good time to have their best tournament.

The Falcons were 13 strokes better than they were a year ago and walked away with the Region 8-AAAAAA golf title Tuesday at Summit Chase Country Club.

An 84 from senior Christie Blaurock, a Young Harris signee, and an 85 by Harmanprit Kaur junior Bailey Hochgertle put Dacula five shots ahead of defending champ Brookwood. It reversed the order from last season.

Sophomore Harmanprit Kaur won low medalist honors for the second straight year, but it wasn’t enough for the Broncos to keep the title.

“There’s a lot of grit, a lot of determination from these young ladies,” Dacula head coach Vern Wells said. “I’m really proud of how hard they work.”

Dacula last won a region title in 2007 when the school was in Class AAAA. The Falcons were runner-up to Brookwood last season and then finished second at sectionals. They’re looking to improve on a tie for eighth at state — with a team from which only Blaurock returned.

“Our girls hung tough See DACULA, Page 4B

By David Friedlander david.friedlander @gwinnettdailypost.com

Grayson’s girls soccer team didn’t have much time to celebrate the Region 8-AAAAAA championship it clinched with Monday’s 3-0 win at Brookwood.

Less than 24 hours later, the No. 1 state-ranked Rams (16-0-1, 8-0) were on a bus headed to Woodstock for Wednesday’s regular season finale at Etowah.

“Some of the girls are tired,” Grayson girls coach Terry Klinect admitted Tuesday. “But some of the ones that were hurt seem a bit better.”

Klinect’s little joke aside, there will be plenty of time to savor their accomplishment before the Class AAAAAA state playoffs begin next week against Lambert.

And there is no underestimating the enormity of the region title they secured with Monday’s win.

Sure, Grayson has had its share of success in girls soccer before, including a share of the 2007 Class AAAAA state championship with Gwinnett-rival Parkview.

However, this year’s title is one of historic proportions. It marks the first Grayson teammates Tessa Craft (13), Ella Stevens (11), Jennifer Westendorf (10) and Brittney Bennett celebrate a Westendorf goal during the game against Parkview earlier this season. (Photo: Craig Cappy)

See RAMS, Page 4B

REGION 7-AAAAAA GOLF

Yang edges Tardy to defend title Deep Hawks win boys crown “Not too many girls anywhere LAWRENCEVILLE — can beat North Gwinnett sophomore Bailey,” Christina Yang defended her North head Region 7-AAAAAA title coach John Monday and did it with a sig- Payne said Christina nificant addition to the field. of the GeorYang Last year Yang didn’t have gia commit. to beat Bailey Tardy.

“It’s a tremendous accomTardy won the Class AA plishment. Those are two of state championship two the best golfers in the state.” years ago as a freshman The downside for Yang and was runner-up last year is her team won’t be joining playing for Greater Atlanta her at state this season.

Christian, but now goes to North was the defendNorcross. ing region champ, but was Playing in the same beaten out by Duluth for group, Yang edged Tardy by the region’s fourth and final a stroke (73-74) to win the postseason berth. individual medalist honors Mill Creek returned to the and qualify for state. top after being unseated by

By Christine Troyke christine.troyke @gwinnettdailypost.com

the Bulldogs last year. The Hawks’ steady play earned them the team title with a 253. Peachtree Ridge and Norcross tied for second with a 257.

Mill Creek goes straight to state while the other three qualifiers are headed to sectionals.

“The scores were higher than I expected, across the board,” Mill Creek head coach Jeremy York said.

“All of our girls played to their potential — or better — today. We did play two freshmen and a sophomore.

So we’re young and there’s still some things to do in the future. I hope.”

The girls followed up a win by the boys to complete

the sweep.

“It was a good day for Mill Creek golf,” York said.

The Hawks were led by freshman Annika Blanton, who shot an 80. It was her low round of the season by a wide margin. Sophomore Grace Choi had an 82.

Peachtree Ridge was led

by Jenny Li’s 77 and Zoie McDavid’s 89 pushed the Lions into a tie for second.

Still, it was Yang and Tardy setting the pace from the get-go. The first group to tee off, they stayed close to the end.

Yang wasn’t sure how they compared until the scorecards were tallied.

By Christine Troyke christine.troyke @gwinnettdailypost.com

LAWRENCEVILLE — Mill Creek’s boys so dominated the field that they had a golfer in the top 10 whose score didn’t even Zach count toward Healy the team total.

Led by a 73 from Peter Chung, the Hawks won the Region 7-AAAAAA golf See YANG, Page 4B title by 11 strokes Monday

at Northwood Country Club.

Chung’s effort was just two shots off the overall best, a 71 from Norcross’ Zach Healy. The defending state champion wasn’t overwhelmed by his round. He was 2 over at the turn, but made up for it by coming in with several birdies, including one on the final hole.

“The greens were slow and a little bumpy,” Healy said. “I just did damage control. “(A 71) gets the job done, but I’d rather the whole

See HAWKS, Page 4B

2B • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

gwinnettdailypost.com

Retired McFerrin selected for GACA Hall of Fame

By Will Hammock

frey, Lee Gower, Jimmy Hires and Rodney Walker.

They will be inducted May Former South Gwinnett 31 at the Northwest Georhead football coach T. Mc- gia Trade and Convention Ferrin is among the class Center in Dalton. of 2014 inductees into the “It’s a big honor,” Georgia Athletic Coaches McFerrin said. “I sure am Association Hall of Fame. proud of it.”

The retired coach will be McFerrin coached at joined in this year’s class by South from 1998-2004, Johnny Farmer, Buck God- engineering a turnaround to will.hammock @gwinnettdailypost.com

unprecedented success for the program. The Comets, 0-10 in 1997, went 8-5 and reached the state quarterfinals in 1998, his first season. His 2003 team went 12-1, winning its first-ever region title with its firstever 10-0 regular season.

McFerrin retired from his most recent job at Jefferson, which he coached

to a state championship in 2012. He also won a state football title at Elbert County in 1995, and led two teams to state runnerup finishes — Lithonia in 1969 and Peachtree in 1982. His career record is 340-102-4, which puts him fourth all-time in wins for Georgia coaches. The eight Georgia schools coached by

McFerrin had a combined record of 34-46-1 the year prior to his hire and he had a combined 65-23-1 record in his first season at those schools.

He also is the only coach to lead four different schools to the state finals, five different schools to the state semifinals and seven different schools to the state

quarterfinals. He also is the only Georgia coach to lead seven different schools to region championships — he won 13 region titles overall in his career.

In addition to his accomplishments in football, McFerrin coached the Tucker boys tennis team to state championships in 1988, 1989 and 1990.

Hebron boys track rise continues with runner-up finish weekend, with the boys finishing second in the Area ATHENS — For the 2-A Private championship initial practices, Hebron at Athens Academy. They Christian’s boys track and scored 85 points, finishfield team may have looked ing as runner-up in the like a first-year program. seven-team area to Athens That’s not the case anyChristian. more.

In the girls division, The Lions added another Providence Christian incredible chapter to their placed third with 89 points, inaugural season over the while the first-year Hebron From Staff Reports

girls team placed sixth.

The Hebron boys, nearly 25 points out of first place before the running finals, made a big charge led by the distance tandem of Trent Johnson and Colson Hagan.

Johnson won the area championship in the 3,200-meter run in 10 minutes, 2.26 seconds and also

finished as runner-up in the 1,600 at 4:33.00. Hagan was runner-up to Johnson in the 3,200 (10:02.64) and fourth in the 1,600 (4:34.91).

Hebron also got topfour finishes from Victor Gipson in the 100 (third, 11.83), Luke Wilson in the 800 (third, 2:10.20), Trey Selman in the 400 (fourth, 53.31) and Drew Murphy in the 800 (fourth, 2:11.37).

Though the Providence boys finished seventh in the team standings, they had runner-up finishes by Kevin

Randrup in the discus (1269) and Justin Wright in the high jump (5-10).

The third-place Providence girls team was led by the trio of Emily Swanigan, Maci O’Connor and Rebekah Bullard. Each of those athletes had two, topfour finishes.

Swanigan was the area champion in the 800 at 2:29.46 and finished as the 1,600 runner-up at 5:32.00.

O’Connor was second in the 100 (14.22) and third in the 200 (28.96), while Bullard was second in the 400

(1:05.05) and fourth in the 200 (29.13).

The Storm also got high finishes from Alyssa Elliot (fourth in the 100, 14.35) and Anna Huntington (fourth in the 3,200, 13:55.77).

The Hebron girls were led by Maddy Howe, who took third in the 800 (2:35.83) and fourth in the 400 (1:05.57). Miranda Taylor also had a top-four finish (third in the 3,200, 13:01.91), as did Tori Johnson (third in 300 hurdles, 54.28).

Popovich again Coach of Year The Sports Xchange

Vote for your favorite places, businesses, and attractions in Gwinnett. gwinnettdailypost.com 184524-1

62-20 (.756) record, which provided them with homeSan Antonio Spurs head court advantage throughout coach Gregg Popovich the postseason and gave the credits his players for refranchise 15 consecutive seabounding in resilient fashion sons with at least 50 victories from what he considers the under Popovich. most devastating defeat in San Antonio lost in the his coaching tenure with the 2013 NBA Finals to the Mifranchise — Game 6 of the ami Heat, who rallied from a 2013 NBA Finals — to post 3-2 series deficit with a furithe best record in the league ous last-minute comeback in a year later.

Game 6 and won Game 7 in Popovich’s players and a Miami. panel of voters are inclined to Popovich, who wins his give the veteran coach some second NBA Coach of the of that credit.

Year award in the past three Popovich is the recipiseasons and third of his ent of the Red Auerbach career, joins Don Nelson and Trophy as the 2013-14 NBA Pat Riley as the only coaches Coach of the Year. The Spurs to receive the honor three finished with a league-best times.

Phoenix Suns’ fist-year coach Jeff Hornacek finished second in the voting with 339 total points, including 37 first-place votes. Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau was third.

Popovich totaled 380 points, including 59 firstplace votes, from a panel of 124 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Coaches were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote. For the first time in league history, full results of the balloting from individual voters will be posted on NBA.com.

ondeck

Gwinnett Preps BASEBALL

Today

5:30 p.m. — Berkmar at Grayson 5:30 p.m. — Brookwood at Shiloh 6 p.m. — Buford at White Co. 6 p.m. — Collins Hill at Habersham Central 6 p.m. — Dacula at South 6 p.m. — Mountain View at Meadowcreek 6 p.m. — Norcross at Peachtree Ridge 6 p.m. — North at Duluth 7 p.m. — Parkview at Central

GOLF

• Region 6-AA tournament at Capital City Crabapple

LACROSSE

5:30 p.m. — Darlington boys at Wesleyan 5:30 p.m. — Mountain View boys at Mill Creek 7:30 p.m. — Brookwood boys at North Atlanta

SOCCER

5:30 p.m. — Hebron at Dacula 5:30 p.m. — North at St. Pius

BASEBALL

Thursday

5 p.m. — Athens Christian at Providence 5:30 p.m. — Hebron at George Walton Academy 6 p.m. — Wesleyan at Lovett 6 p.m. — Westminster at GAC

GOLF

9 a.m. — Region 7-AAA girls tournament at Royal Lakes 9 a.m. — Region 8-AAAAAA boys tournament at Summit Chase

LACROSSE

5 p.m. — Alpharetta girls at Wesleyan 5 p.m. — Forsyth Central at GAC 5:30 p.m. — Archer boys at Whitewater 6 p.m. — Campbell girls at Archer 7 p.m. — Roswell girls at Mill Creek 7:30 p.m. — Grayson girls at South Forsyth

The Home Teams

Braves

TODAY NEXT UPCOMING Miami Cincinnati Cincinnati 12:10 p.m.

Fri, 7:35 p.m.

Sat, 7:10 p.m.

SS/680-AM FSS/680-AM FSS/680-AM at Columbus 6:35 p.m.

at Columbus Thur, 6:35 p.m.

at Columbus Fri, 7:10 p.m.

Off

North Georgia 7 p.m.

at Indiana# Indiana# Thur, 7 p.m.

Sat, 2 p.m.

SS/92.9-FM SS/92.9-FM

at Talladega^ 4 p.m.

Conf. tourney% May 1-3

G-Braves

Hawks

Baseball

at Toccoa Falls Fri, 2 p.m.

at Toccoa Falls^ Sat, 2 p.m.

Softball

Conf. tourney* Off Fri-Sat Men’s tennis

Conf. tourney* Off Fri-Sat Women’s tennis

PTV = Peachtree TV, SS = SportSouth, FSN = Fox Sports Net, CSS = Comcast Sports Southeast; ^doubleheader; *New Orleans; #playoffs; %at GGC

Sports Calendar

FOOTBALL

Through June: The Multi County Football Officials are looking for new officials to join its organization covering much of the metro Atlanta area. New and experienced officials welcome. For more information, visit www. mcfoafootball.org or call George Allen at 770-8806632.

RUNNING

April 26: Mountain View High School will host its Bear Tear 5K and fun run with registration beginning at 7 a.m. at the school. The fun run begins at 7:45 with the 5K starting at 8 a.m. Cost is $25 for the 5K and $10 for the fun run in advance and $5 more on race day. To register, visit www.fivestarntp. com or call 770-633-5511.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 • 3B

gwinnettdailypost.com NFL NOTES

Steelers pick up Heyward’s option The Sports Xchange The Pittsburgh Steelers picked up the fifth-year option on defensive end Cameron Heyward through the 2015 season, the team announced Tuesday.

According to salary figures reported last week

by NFL Media’s Albert Breer, Heyward, a Peachtree Ridge grad, is slated to make $6.969 million in 2015.

Heyward, 24, recorded 63 tackles, five sacks, five passes defensed and 31 pressures last season, including 13 starts.

The Steelers selected the 6-foot-5, 288-pound Heyward with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2011 draft.

Pittsburgh exercised the option prior to a May 3 NFL deadline. Per the collective bargaining agreement brokered in 2011, first-round draft picks can sign four-year contracts with a team option for a fifth year.

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward (97), shown during the 2013 season, is under contract with the NFL team through 2015. Heyward played high school football for Peachtree Ridge. (Photo: USA Today)

the option is picked up by May 3.

“I’m not going to talk about specific contractual situations,” Smith said. “I do know this: Julio Jones is going to be an Atlanta Falcon for a long, long, long time.”

The 25-year-old Jones is scheduled to make $2,581,875 in 2014 with a cap number of $5,149,375, according to ESPN.com.

Seahawks and other up-andcoming cornerbacks.

Seattle is tight against the salary cap with quarterback Russell Wilson and safety Earl Thomas on the doorstep of new contracts.

Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden and Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson, a Falcons’ Jones free agent in 2016, are likely limited in workouts to seek top dollar on their Atlanta Falcons wide second NFL contracts. receiver Julio Jones, who Seahawks to make Revis can become a free is coming off foot surgery, Sherman top-paid CB? agent again after this season. will be limited in offseason Move over Darrelle Revis, For the Patriots to retain workouts, coach Mike Smith Seattle Seahawks cornerback him, the team would have said Tuesday.

Richard Sherman is soon to to exercise a $20 million “Julio is participating with be on an island all his own. option in 2015, which would our athletic performance Sherman and the Secertainly qualify Revis as department,” Smith said. “He ahawks are closing in on a the highest-paid cornerback will be able to get out on the record contract for the brash again. It is doubtful that deal field and do some walkcornerback that would pay will go down. New England through stuff with us when him at least $13 million per can attempt to sign Revis to we start going. Our focus on season, CBS Sports reported a long-term deal before that Julio is one thing, and that’s Tuesday. That would make option deadline date. having him prepared for our Sherman, who instigated a The prime unrestricted opener.

Twitter spat with Revis about free agent in the 2014 class “He’s progressing well. being the top cornerback in was Alterraun Verner, who We’re not going to do anythe NFL last year, the NFL’s replaced Revis in Tampa thing to hinder his timeframe highest-paid cover man.

Bay with a relatively modest in terms of getting back to Revis set the market four-year, $25.5 million deal work with us.” standard last year, when he that includes $14 million Jones injured his foot agreed to a $16 million annu- guaranteed this season. in Week 5 last season and al salary in a unique contract Verner said he found the fit missed the remainder of the arrangement with the Tampa and opportunity with the year.

Bay Buccaneers. The salary Buccaneers more important The Falcons began volun- was guaranteed but included than the total salary. tary offseason workouts this no signing bonus or incenweek. Smith said Jones will tives. Of course, that deal LB Allen, 27, retires be able to take part in walkdied after one year, when the after on-field stroke through drills on the field Buccaneers cut Revis.

It was more than a mild when OTAs get underway But he signed for $12 surprise when the Jacksonnext month. million in 2014 with the New ville Jaguars quietly released The Falcons have yet England Patriots, a bar Sher- 27-year-old starting linebackto exercise their fifth-year man will clear, according to er Russell Allen was released option on Jones, who was CBS Sports. after five seasons. the sixth overall pick in the A megadeal with Sherman It wasn’t an upset to Allen, 2011 draft. He would make could have a trickle-down who entered the NFL as an $10.176 million in 2015 if effect economically on the undrafted free agent and was

IN BRIEF Mountain View basketball coach Keefer steps down

Parkview to honor college baseball, soccer signees

School teacher Rob Mangino, who coached the Falcons for 11 seasons.

For times, other details Parkview will have a sign- and registration, go to www.

Mountain View is in ing celebration today at 3 classicsocceracademy.com.

GOLF the market for a new head p.m. in the high school comSOCCER May 20: The 16th Dr. boys basketball coach. mons area for six baseball Archer to host Miles H. Mason Jr. golf June 23-26: The FellowKyle Keefer resigned and soccer players headed to tournament, benefiting the ship of Student Athletes in 5K fundraiser this week after three seacollege athletic programs.

Gwinnett Medical Center Gwinnett will host a soccer The group includes base- for cross Concussion Institute, at camp for boys and girls ages sons in that role, stepping down for personal reasons ball signees J.P. Chamblee Chateau Elan begins with 12-18 at Georgia Gwinnett country teams according to Bears athletic (Berry College) and Michael registration and breakfast at College. The camp will feaCraig (Piedmont), as well as The sixth annual Archer 8 a.m. with a 10 a.m. shotture instruction from a variety director Wayne Smith. He will remain at Mountain soccer signees Emmanuel Tigers 5K/Fun Run will be gun start. Cost is $300 per of college and professional player with sponsorships soccer coaches including View as a teacher and asAguilar (Shorter), Parker held Saturday, May 17 at available. For more informaboth GGC coaches. To regsistant football coach.

Nguyen (Oxford-Emory), Tribble Mill Park as a fundtion, call 678-312-8500 or ister visit www.fcagwinnett.

Keefer led the Bears for Jonathon Jarrett (Santa raiser for the high school’s visit www.gwinnettmedicalorg/soccercamp. For more the past three seasons after Clara) and Nick Musey cross country teams. center.org/golf. information, email jvallejo@ taking over for Bob Per(Oxford-Emory).

The entry fee is $20 prior fca.org or call 423-580-8557. ryman, who coached the to May 7, and $25 after team the first two years the Classic Soccer that date. Runners can preschool was open. register at www.active.com.

Academy Race-day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Holly offers local Wesleyan’s Today Pavilion. camp locations Coxhead COLLEGE BASEBALL The Fun Run starts 7 p.m. — South Carolina Upstate at South Carolina Classic Soccer Academy at 8 a.m., and the 5K commits to FSSO starts at 8:30 a.m. Email Davidson soccer has announced the schedSOCCER ule for its 14th summer of Melissa_A_Johnson@ 2:30 p.m. — UEFA Champions League Soccer SemifiWesleyan senior Cort youth camps, including local gwinnett.k12.ga.us with any nal, 1st Leg — Real Madrid CF vs FC Bayern Munich FS1 Coxhead has made a com- venues Rabbit Hill Park and questions.

8 p.m. — CONCACAF Champions League Soccer Final, mitment to the Davidson Hoschton Park.

2nd Leg — Deportivo Toluca FC vs Cruz Azul FS1 College (N.C.) men’s socSession One from June MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL Mercer men’s golf cer program.

He is the son 2-6 is at Rabbit Hill Park in Noon — Miami Marlins at Atlanta Braves SPSO claims 2 p.m. — Arizona Diamondbacks at Chicago Cubs WGN- of Billy and Lori Coxhead. Dacula, as is Session Four Coxhead was a Daily from July 21-25. Session A-Sun title A 7 p.m. — New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox ESPN Post Super Six selecTwo is at Hoschton Park NBA tion prior to this season. from June 9-12 and Session BRASELTON — Mer7 p.m. — Charlotte Bobcats at Miami Heat. Eastern Con- He had 16 goals and six Three is June 30-July 4 at cer’s men’s soccer team ference First Round, game 2 TNT assists as a junior, account- Reynolds Plantation at Lake claimed its first Atlantic Sun 9:30 p.m. — Portland Trail Blazers at Houston Rockets. ing for 22 of 32 Wesleyan Oconee. men’s golf championship on Western Conference First Round, game 2 TNT goals.

The academy will feature Tuesday with a final round NHL Davidson is in its last a developmental camp, score of 293 at The Legends 7 p.m. — Pittsburgh Penguins at Columbus Blue Jackets. year of Southern Confergoalkeeper academy, college Club at Chateua Elan.

Eastern Conference Quarterfinal, game 4 NBCSP ence play before transiprep camp and advanced The Bears edged Ken9:30 p.m. — St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks. tioning into the Atlantic academy camp.

It is headed nesaw State by three strokes Western Conference Quarterfinal, game 4 NBCSP 10. up by longtime Dacula High and ETSU was third.

On TV

cut three times before. That’s because, as he told Sports Illustrated, Allen’s health will not allow him to continue his professional football career.

Allen said he suffered a stroke on the field Dec. 15, 2013, in a Week 15 game against the Buffalo Bills. He hit center Eric Wood “dead center” while pursuing the ball, and walked away “buzzed.”

“It was strange because it was so routine,” Allen says.

“We hit, I got off the block, no big deal. I felt something flash — like they say when you get your bell rung. I didn’t lose consciousness. I walked back to the huddle and finished the drive.”

There were no immediate signs to Allen or Jaguars medical personnel that he was injured. No concussion, certainly nothing as serious as a dead spot the size of a dime on his cerebellum.

Minutes later, Allen tells SI, he experienced serious symptoms including double vision. But after asking starting middle linebacker Paul Posluszny to look at his eyes, Allen strapped his helmet back on and finished the entire game.

Allen was admitted to the hospital for three days that week after disclosing his recollection of events in the game and on the sideline to trainers, who ordered an MRI. When he was given word that he had a stroke on the field, Allen didn’t believe doctors. The denial went on for some time, but the Jaguars trusted the diagnosis. Coach Gus Bradley and general manager David Caldwell continue to offer encouragement and Bradley’s promise, per Sports Illustrated, that Allen is a Jaguar for life, helped him find some semblance of closure.

“If I could go back in time I would do it differently,” Allen told SI. “Being in it and knowing how I felt in that moment, the game feels so serious. You’re thinking, I can’t come out, because what if someone else comes in and takes my job? Or they need me out there, and I can’t come out because I really want to win. But you can’t do that, and I learned that the hard way.”

Trey Rule led the way for Mercer with a 1-under par 215 over 54 holes to earn medalist honors for the tournament. Rule became just the third Mercer golf to claim the low-ball honors and first since 1993.

‘Prep Rally’ to feature region track, soccer games “Gwinnett Prep Rally,” a Gwinnett County high school sports TV program, takes a look back at the Region 8-AAAAAA and 7-AAAAAA track and field championships, plus soccer highlights on this week’s show.

The show also will air soccer highlights from Brookwood-Berkmar girls and boys as well as Mill Creek-North Gwinnett girls and boys. The featured athletes include Brookwood’s Jenny Allen, Mill Creek’s Madison Steimer and Brookwood’s Brahan Gamarra.

“Gwinnett Prep Rally,” hosted by Daily Post editor Todd Cline and sports editor Will Hammock, airs Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on GCPS-TV and each Wednesday-Friday at 7:30 a.m., 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on GCPS-TV. Check www. gwinnettpreprally.com for more information.

— From staff reports

4B • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

•From Page 1B then Kohne’s clinching shot to send the Lions to victory.

“It’s all about this team and these players,” said Peachtree Ridge head coach Megan Hill.

“Just look at them over there celebrating. They battled and fought hard. They wanted to win, and I am so happy for them.

“They set goals at the beginning of the season and they’ve stuck to it. One of those goals was winning region. This group of seniors won it as sophomores two years ago, so they reiterated that goal again and worked hard to get back there.”

Despite Collins Hill maintaining the early offensive push, Peachtree Ridge got on the scoreboard first when Jordyn Missel took a pass from Allie Hoxie and scored just inside the left goal post for a 1-0 lead with 29:25 to go in the opening half.

But Collins Hill answered quickly and tied the contest at 1-1 just eight minutes later when Desiree Brown collected a long pass and lofted a shot into the back of the net.

Both teams couldn’t score in the second half or the overtime periods, which set up the match-deciding penalty kicks.

Peachtree Ridge had lost its first region match of the season to Norcross on Monday by a 1-0 score, a contest that was rescheduled after Friday’s

•From Page 1B

gwinnettdailypost.com

Lions

Peachtree Ridge’s Cossette Morche (1) blocks the shot on goal from Collins Hill’s Brea Dickey (20) in Suwanee on Tuesday. (Staff Photo: Brendan Sullivan)

inclement weather.

But the Lions bounced back 24 hours later with the big win.

“I told our team that we had an hour to think about that game (against Norcross),” said Hill. “After that hour, it was time to erase that game from our memory. Then it was time to start thinking about Collins Hill. I sent out a text last night that said we have to recap and refocus on our goals and starting thinking about tomorrow.”

Peachtree Ridge boys 3, Collins Hill boys 0 Three second-half goals lifted Peachtree Ridge to a 3-0 win over Collins Hill in a key

“I actually started really well,” Yang said. “Then on the third and fourth holes, I doubled those. I guess I was excited from the first two

REGION GOLF

Tuesday Region 8-AAAAAA Girls Team scores 1. Dacula 265 — Christie Blaurock, 84; Bailey Hochgertle, 85, Victoria Makhoul, 96.

2. Brookwood 270 — Harmanprit Kaur, 77; Kaitlyn Cundiff, 89; Nikki Stercay, 104.

3. Parkview 295 — Manna Fasil, 96; Jordan Moody, 99; Hulu Fasil, 100.

4. Archer 362 — Amber Clayton, 100; Kara Guthrie, 121; Sydney Wilhite, 141.

5. Grayson 364 — Michelle Donnelly, 116; Taylor Pender, 121; Jen Spangler, 127.

6. Central Gwinnett 427 — Mykal Price, 122; Chelsea Solomon, 141; Vanessa Heredia 164.

Top 10 individuals 1. Harmanprit Kaur, Brookwood, 77 2. Christie Blaurock, Dacula, 84 3. Bailey Hochgertle, Dacula 85 4. Kaitlyn Cundiff, Brookwood, 89 5. Victoria Makhoul, Dacula, 96 6. Menna Fasil, Parkview, 96 7. Jordan Moody, Parkview, 99

were among the top 10 overall.

Kaur was well out in front, though she said it could have been better.

“I left a lot of shots out there,” the sophomore said.

Three-putting on four holes was the biggest culprit.

“The rain slowed the greens down, but the course was playing great,” Kaur said. “It was just my mistakes.”

Hawks

qualified as a team, Collins Hill’s Jacob Bayer, who was team go than just me.” fourth overall with a 74, With the last groups would have earned a spot at coming in, Norcross was state. sitting in the fourth and But the day belonged to final qualifying spot. But Mill Creek, which beat out Habersham Central’s Blake defending region champ Gaddis posted an 81 and Peachtree Ridge for the bumped the Blue Devils out title. of a trip to sectionals.

Chung paced the Hawks Mill Creek’s total of 300 and four of his teammates sends the Hawks to the state shot in the 70s — Alex tournament automatically.

Markham (75), Mitch Peachtree Ridge (311) and Darley (75), Phillip Beard North Gwinnett (315) are (77) and Trey Pearson (78). the other two teams headed Pearson’s score didn’t go to sectionals. toward the total and still Habersham Central’s he ended up tied for 10th effort also meant Healy overall. became the individual quali“That young man is fier for state. Had Norcross very disappointed with that

•From Page 1B

scored with 4:22 left to give the Lions a two-goal advantage.

Peachtree Ridge added its third goal when Anuj Sethi scored on a header with 14.6 seconds to go in the match for the final three-goal margin.

A Duluth win over Norcross tonight would put the Wildcats at 6-2 in the region while the Blue Devils would fall to 4-4 and in a four-way tie with Collins Hill, Meadowcreek and Habersham Central.

Meanwhile, a Norcross win over Duluth would put the Wildcats and Blue Devils each with 5-3 region records and in a three-way deadlock with Peachtree Ridge.

Dacula

her best rounds ever.”

With Dacula headed losing (two players from last straight to the state touryear’s team),” Wells said. nament, Brookwood and “And Bailey had knee surParkview qualified for gery in September and she sectionals. All the scores to came back and played one of count for those three schools

•From Page 1B

Region 7-AAAAAA boys’ soccer matchup.

Collins Hill’s Paul Ille had the best scoring chance in the first half after hitting the left goal post and the contest remained scoreless heading to halftime. Then Daniel Rodriguez connected on a penalty kick after a foul by Collins Hill in the box with 32:21 to go in the second half to put Peachtree Ridge on top 1-0.

Collins Hill (11-7-0, 4-4) nearly tied it when Ille again hit metal, this time hitting the crossbar with 6:45 to go in regulation. But Peachtree Ridge (11-7-1, 5-3) put it away when Jordan Davis took a pass from Sam Aiken and

score,” first-year head coach Jeremy York said.

Pearson often rolls in with the team’s lowest score. He might not have been happy with his round Monday, but with such a strong team performance, the state tournament is on the horizon.

“These kids worked very hard all winter and spring,” York said. “It’s paying off and we’re very proud of them. Our goal at Mill Creek is to compete against each other every single day and that’s what these kids have done.

“Our sixth player could be our first player (at any given tournament). It can

mix up easily. Trey Pearson has been steady at No. 1 all year and from there, it completely varies.”

Mill Creek was one of the first teams with most of its scores on the board — and things were looking good.

York wasn’t ready to take anything for granted. The Hawks had to wait it out for the trophy presentation and bided their time by working on a sugar rush.

“Lots of candy,” York said with a smile. “We knew there was a lot of great competition in the region. We knew it was going to come down to the last hole across the board.”

Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) reacts after making a defensive play against the Atlanta Hawks in Game 2 during the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Tuesday. (Brian SpurlockUSA TODAY Sports)

Pacers draw even, dominate Hawks

By Paul D. Bowker

Pacers in the last three minutes of the third quarter and the first three minutes INDIANAPOLIS — of the fourth quarter buried Forward Paul George and the Hawks. By the time the the Indiana Pacers answered streak was over, Indiana had their doubters on Tuesday pulled ahead 87-65. night.

And if the score rolling up George scored a gamequickly on the Hawks was high 27 points and the not damaging enough, the Pacers defeated the Atlanta final few seconds of the third Hawks 101-85 at Bankers quarter completely destroyed Life Fieldhouse to tie their them. best-of-seven first-round A block by Indiana playoff series at one game forward Ian Mahinmi set each. up a fast break and George Game 3 will be played hit a 3-pointer as the buzzer Thursday night at Atlanta’s sounded to end the quarter Phillips Arena. with Bankers Life FieldForward Luis Scola, who house erupting in noise. did not score a basket in The Pacers scored the last Indiana’s 101-93 loss in the 14 points of the third quarter series opener on Saturday, and the first five points of the came off the bench to supfourth. The Hawks went six ply 20 points. Point guard minutes without a basket.

George Hill added 15 points.

Hill scored 10 points in Forward Paul Millsap the third quarter and George led Atlanta with 19 points. had eight as the Pacers outGuard Jeff Teague, who scored the Hawks 31-13. scored 28 points in the series The Pacers, once down opener, had 14 and was held 11 points, began the third to two points in the second quarter with a four-point half. deficit after Millsap scored A 19-point run by the 13 points in the first half.

The Sports Xchange

•From Page 1B

Rams

time a team not named Parkview or Brookwood has won this region’s championship in the state’s highest classification dating back to at least 1992 according to available holes and I kind of lost it. like I could have been bet“I know she’s a really records, and perhaps even But I just calmed down and ter.” good player so it makes me further. fixed it.

Yang admitted playing want to push myself more,” And it marks just the “It was silly mistakes. I with Tardy added to her Yang said. “I actually second time another team felt like I could have done nervousness and probably thought she was doing a little even shared a region title better. I did shoot 1 over, contributed to the two early bit better than me. So I was a with either the Panthers which isn’t bad, but I felt double bogies. little surprised.” or the Broncos in that time. Dacula shared the 2012 championship with Parkview, though the Panthers took the region’s top 8. Hulu Fasil, Parkview, 100 3. North Gwinnett 315: 4. Duluth 275: Jordyn Sims playoff seed by virtue of a 9. Amber Clayton, Archer, Grant Manning 76, Bailey 87, Sally Kim 88, Cassie 100 Ulp 78, Justin Jacobs 80, Kooker 100 head-to-head victory over 10. Nikki Stercay, BrookJeremy Thielo 81 5. North Gwinnett 278: the Falcons. wood, 104 4. Habersham Central 316: Christina Yang 73, Lexi AlThose facts are not lost Taylor Joakson 76, Raleigh len 97, Christina Gatlin 108 on Klinect.

Monday Holcomb 79, Paytton Wright 6. Mountain View 286: “The last time GrayRegion 7-AAAAAA 80, Blake Gaddis 81 Hannah Magda 85, Sarah son (won a region title) Boys 5. Norcross 330: Zach Buice 100, Morgan Foley was in Class AAA, when Top 10 Individuals Healy 71, Evan Hass 84, 101 the school was still fairly 1. Zach Healy, Norcross, 71 Nile Sakr 87, Aiden Wilson 7. Collins Hill 304: Merritt new,” Klinect said. “We T2. Peter Chung, Mill 88 Williams 94, Carey Williams tied Parkview (for the state Creek, 73 6. Collins Hill 334: Jacob 101, Lucy Min 109 T2. Charles Huntzinger, Bayer 74, Andrew Riner 86, 8. Habersham Central 326: title) in 2007, but they Peachtree Ridge, 73 Alex Simpson 87, Hunter Veronika Brooks 100, Kylie were first (in the region).

4. Jacob Bayer, Collins Hill, Hatsavongs 87, Alex ThiStephens 107, Kiley Black… The (prestige) of 74 bobeau 87 burn 119 Brookwood and Parkview T5. Alex Markham, Mill 7. Mountain View 340: 9. Meadowcreek 533: Amin the (Gwinnett) comCreek, 75 Andrew Fulmer 81, Blake berleia Garcia 159, Jacquemunity is so strong, this is T5. Mitch Darley, Mill Padilla 82, Russell Land 87, line Lux 186, Everusalen a huge milestone for the Creek, 75 Jake Waters 90 Anteneh 188 program.”

7. Grant Manning, North 8. Duluth 389: Sean DeRTop 10 individuals As big a milestone as it Gwinnett, 76 ossett 85, Kieran Ambridge 1. Christina Yang, North is, it’s one that isn’t totally T8. Davis Cook, Peachtree 90, Keegan Lamotte 105, Gwinnett, 73 Ridge, 77 Jeff Kim 109 2. Bailey Tardy, Norcross, unexpected.

T8. Phillip Beard, Mill 9. Meadowcreek 552: Vien- 74 An already solid nucleus Creek, 77 ny Phio 117, Williams Toliver 3. Jenny Li, Peachtree of veterans like goalkeeper T10. Bailey Ulp, North 138, Bryce Carpenter 141, Ridge, 77 Cadye Pickleseimer, fellow Gwinnett, 78 Brandon Derricho 156 4. Annika Blanton, Mill senior Chelsea Norton and T10. Trey Pearson, Mill Creek, 80 junior Brittney Bennett Creek, 78 Girls 5. Grace Choi, Mill Creek, was further bolstered by Team scores Team scores 82 the addition of newcomers 1. Mill Creek 300: Peter 1. Mill Creek 253: Annika 6. Hannah Magda, Mounlike sophomore Alabama Chung 73, Alex Markham Blanton 80, Grace Choi 82, tain View, 85 move-in Jennifer Westen75, Mitch Darley 75, Phillip Lauren Kardish 91 7. Camille Streeter, NorBeard 77 T2. Peachtree Ridge 257: cross, 86 dorf and strong freshman 2.Peachtree Ridge 311: Jenny Li 77, Zoie McDavid 8. Jordyn Sims, Duluth, 87 and sophomore classes that Charles Huntzinger 73, Da- 89, Ester Park 91 9. Sally Kim, Duluth, 88 include the likes of Britvis Cook 77, Steven Payne T2. Norcross 257: Bailey 10. Zoie McDavid, tany Montgomery, Amanda 79, Mike Collins 82, Matt Tardy 74, Camille Streeter Peachtree Ridge, 89 Baker and Ella Stevens.

Collins 82 86, Rachael Flowers 97 And the fact several of

Yang

those girls played club soccer together during the summer only helped this young, talented group come together as a cohesive unit quicker.

“This is probably best group we’ve had chemistry-wise,” Klinect said.

“We have eight girls who play (Elite Club National League soccer) together, and we’ve got some really good combinations. The girls have really learned each other, and a couple of freshman have even stepped up.”

Indeed, several freshmen and sophomores have played a major role in Grayson’s big season this spring, especially Westendorf, who tied Stephanie Parrish’s school record of 35 goals with her natural hat trick in Monday’s win at Brookwood.

Klinect has also credited the work of his assistant coaches Rebekah Bullock and Nathan Pryor, both of whom played on championship teams in Parkview’s girls and boys programs respectively in their high school days.

But as important as the Rams’ talent, chemistry and coaching have been to their success, their ambition has played just as big a role.

From the beginning of this season, they’ve set the bar high, and it will get no lower with the state playoffs still ahead.

“We came out, and we were ready to win this game,” Westendorf said after Monday’s win. “We wanted this (region title), and we ready for state.

We’ve been looking forward to it since the beginning of the year.”

gwinnettdailypost.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 • 5B

Fernandez, Marlins silence Braves Kennesaw keeps beating Georgia

By Stan Awtrey The Sports Xchange

ATLANTA — Jose Fernandez pitched eight shutout innings to help Miami to a 1-0 win over the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night and give the Marlins their first road victory of the season.

Fernandez (3-1) allowed three hits and matched his career high with 14 strikeouts. He threw 109 pitches, the most in his career, and worked past the seventh inning for the first time this season.

Reliever Steve Cishek pitched a scoreless ninth for his fourth save. He has converted 33 consecutive save opportunities.

Miami lost its first seven road games this season, the longest in club history and the first to do so since Washington in 2009.

Fernandez allowed a leadoff single to Atlanta

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez (16) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Turner Field on Tuesday. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

right fielder Jason Heyward, who was immediately erased by a double play.

The Braves did not get another hit until third baseman Chris Johnson led off the eighth with a single.

Tyler Pastornicky, who was pinch-running for Johnson, moved to second with two outs on an infield single by shortstop Andrelton

Simmons. But Fernandez stopped the rally by retiring pinch-hitter Ryan Doumit on a comebacker that he handled himself.

Fernandez mixed a mid90s fastball and an effective slider in the mid-80s to keep Atlanta batters off stride. He had double-digit strikeouts for the second time this season and the sixth time in

his career. Braves second baseman Dan Uggla, left fielder Justin Upton and catcher Evan Gattis struck out three times each.

Atlanta starter Alex Wood (2-3) was just about as good. He allowed four hits in eight innings and struck out a career-high 11.

It was the second straight 1-0 decision that the hard-luck left-hander has endured. He lost 1-0 to the Philadelphia Phillies in his last start.

Wood threw 101 pitches, 75 of them for strikes.

After allowing a leadoff single, Wood retired 10 consecutive batters before the Marlins got their first run. With one out in the fourth, right fielder Giancarlo Stanton lined a sharp double to left and scored when third baseman Casey McGehee beat the Atlanta defensive shift by slicing a single past Uggla at second.

PREP ROUNDUP

GAC boys finish first unbeaten season NORCROSS — Greater Atlanta Christian School completed its first undefeated season in school history when they defeated Westminster 5-1 on Tuesday. Ryan Yates scored two goals to lead the Spartans (18-0, 6-0). Ryan Marcano, Nate Ream and Davis Bryan each scored for GACS. BOYS SOCCER BOYS SOCCER South Gwinnett 2, Centennial 1 ROSWELL — South Gwinnett defeated Centennial 2-1 on Tuesday. Adrian Knight and Malik Thornell scored for the Comets (9-5).

Wesleyan 2, Lovett 1 NORCROSS — Wesleyan defeated Lovett 2-1 in double overtime when the Wolves won the penalty kick shootout 4-2.

Grant Sauer scored in regulation for Wesleyan (8-8-1, 2-4). In the penalty kick shootout, Cort Coxhead, Will Sharon, Benji Johnson and Graham Deaton converted to win the game for the Wolves.

Providence 3, Towns County 0 HIAWASSEE — Providence Christian defeated Towns County 3-0 to clinch second place in Region 8-A on Tuesday.

Jonathan Schneider, Ted Choe and Colin Moncrief scored for the Storm (7-9, 5-3).

Walton 3, Buford o BUFORD — Buford dropped a 3-0 match to Walton on Tuesday.

The loss dropped the Wolves to 8-8-2 on the season.

BOYSBOYS GOLF

GOLF

Buford wins 7-AAA title GAINESVILLE — Buford boys won the Region 7-AAA Championship, the school’s first region title, shooting a 323 at the tournament held at Chicopee Woods Golf Course.

The Woves finished 20 shots ahead of runner up North Hall.

Taylor Mitchell of Buford was the low medalist, firing a 76. Steven Wysocki and Ben Burnette shot a 78 and 81 respectively to help Buford.

BASEBALL BASEBALL Grayson 9, Central Gwinnett 0 LAWRENCEVILLE — Will Ethridge pitched six strong innings as Grayson defeated Central Gwinnett 9-0 in Region 8-AAAAAA play on Tuesday. Ethridge struck out 10 Black Knights to help the Rams improve to 16-8 overall and 12-2 in the region.

Andrew Falgian and Colton Harrelson drove in runs while Tyler Knight, Julian Dawson and Nic Laracuente each had key hits for Grayson.

Parkview 2, Shiloh 0 SNELLVILLE — Ryne Inman pitched six shutout innings as Parkview defeated Shiloh 2-0 in Region 8-AAAAAA. Isiah Gilliam earned his sixth save by striking out the side in the seventh for the Panthers (20-3, 14-0).

Collins Hill 12, Duluth 1 DULUTH — Collins Hill defeated Duluth 12-1 in five innings

on Tuesday. Monty Horn pitched five innings and struck out four Wildcats to earn the win. William Holland, Trevor Powers and Alex Keown each had two hits for the Eagles (10-14, 8-6). Holland and Powers each drove in two runs as well for Collins Hill.

Mill Creek 7, Peachtree Ridge 5 SUWANEE — Mill Creek defeate Peachtree Ridge 7-5 in eight innings on Tuesday. Kyle Abernathy had three hits and drove in five runs to lead the Hawks (16-9, 12-3). Cameron Turley added two hits while Andrew Wise pitched three innings of scoreless relief to get the win.

Drew Wharton hit a grand slam for the Lions (16-8, 9-5).

Norcross 18, Meadowcreek 0 NORCROSS — Norcross defeated Meadowcreek 18-0 in five innings in a Region 7-AAAAAA action on Tuesday. Will Shirah was the winning pitcher for the Bluye Devils (15-9, 8-6).

Trevor Craport hit a two run home run, Mike Perez had three hits and Devin Geraghty and Andrew Lightle had two hits each for Norcross.

Mountain View 5, North Gwinnett 4 LAWRENCEVILLE — Josh Logan hit a double in the ninth inning with two outs to score Cameron Hankins to push across the winning run as Mountain View defeated North Gwinnett 5-4 in nine innings in Region 7-AAAAAA on Tuesday.

The win clinched the first playoff appearance for the Bears (20-4, 11-3). Crew Perry earned the win in relief for Mountain View.

Tucker Baca pitched sixed innings and struck out nine for the Bulldogs (13-11, 8-6). Avery Kenyon had three hits and Zach Tindol had two for North.

Buford 11, North Hall 3 BUFORD — Buford clinched the Region 7-AAA championship with a 11-3 win over North Hall on Tuesday. Kevin Coulter pitched five innings to earn the win for the Wolves (22-1, 18-1).

Austin Upshaw and Nick Wilhite each hit three run home runs for Buford. Jake Mayo added two hits for the Wolves.

Hebron 8, George Walton Academy 1 MONROE — Brad Reynolds improved to 5-0 as he pitched Hebron Christian to a 8-1 win over George Walton Academy on Tuesday. Drew Coker had three hits and drove in a run for the Lions (18-7, 15-2).

GAC 9, Wesleyan 6 NORCROSS — Greater Atlanta Christian defeated Wesleyan 9-6 on Tuesday. Brian Syphoe picked up the win while Ben Childers earned the save for the Spartans (11-11, 2-8).

Devin Daugherty led the GAC offense with a two run home run. Jackson O’Brien, Lucas Boudreau and Justin Lewis each had two hits for the Spartans.

Carter Hall hit a home run to lead the Wolves (10-12, 5-5).

Will Collins drove in two runs while Colin Hall and Brendan Abernathy each had two hits for Wesleyan.

Walnut Grove 6, Lanier 1 SUGAR HILL — Lanier fell to Walnut Grove 6-1 on Tuesday Trenton Little had two hits and Kristoff Reitig drove in the only run for the Longhorns (17-8,

11-5).

Providence 2, Athens Christian 1 ATHENS — Carey Spratlin drove in Evan Porter with a sacrifice fly in the top of the 10th inning as Providence Christian defeated Athens Christian 2-1 on Tuesday.

Porter led off the top of the 10th with a double, one of his game high three hits, and moved to third when Caleb Carter beat out a bunt for a hit, preceeding Spratlin’s hitting heroics. Spratlin also delivered on the mound, relieving starter Garrett Whilock and earning the win by tossing three shutout innings for the Stars (14-10, 12-5). Whitlock threw seven innings and allowed one run and struck out 10.

GIRLS LACROSSE GIRLS LACROSSE Collins Hill 9, Peachtree Ridge 7 SUWANEE — Abby Squires scored five goals as Collins Hill defeated Peachtree Ridge 9-7 on Tuesday. Emily Napierala had two goals while Stacey Elliott and Emma Gilbert scored once for the Eagles (12-3). Kate Dougherty had three assists and Laine Simmons made 16 saves for Collins Hill. Darby Frisbie scored four goals and Izzy Ivory made 12 saves in net for the Lions (4-9).

Brookwood 12, Archer 9 SNELLVILLE — Amila Shake scored five goals to lead Brookwood to a 12-9 win over Archer on Tuesday. Macey Robertson and Haley Curtin scored twice each while Brooke Wagner made 17 saves for the the Broncos (10-6).

Wesleyan 17, Wheeler 9 NORCROSS — Wesleyan defeated Wheeler 17-9 on Tuesday.

Sydney Weissman had eight draw controls and five assists while Gabby Hernandez had five ground balls for the Wolves (7-7-1).

Lee and Amanda Delgado each scored for the Bulldogs (9-8).

Mill Creek 5, West Forsyth 0 HOSCHTON — Mill Creek’s Courtney Larsen had not played a soccer match since tearing her ACL in a club match in November. Tuesday night, Larsen returned and scored as Mill Creek defeated West Forsyth 5-0.

Isabelle Eigenbauer scored twice and Lauren Navas and MacLaine Logsdon also scored for the Hawks. Caroline Youngblood and Madison Jarvis combined on the shutout in net for Mill Creek.

Parkview 4, Lakeside-DeKalb 2 LILBURN — Emma Carlson scored twice to lift Parkview to a 4-2 win over Lakeside-DeKalb on Tuesday. Mariah Garner and Katie Hickman also scored for the Panthers (16-1, 6-1).

Grayson 6, Etowah 0 WOODSTOCK — Amanda Baker and Jennifer Westendorf each scored two goals to help Grayson to a 6-0 win over Etowah on Tuesday. Ella Stevens and Tessa Craft scored for the Rams (17-0-1). Cadye Picklesimer and Jesse Grogan combined on the shutout for Grayson.

Lanier 8, Stephens County 0 SUGAR HILL — Tori Wyant scored five goals and assisted on another as Lanier defeated Stephens County 8-0 to win the Region 8-AAAA regular season title on Tuesday. Maddie Corley scored twice and Ashley Burton added a goal for the Longhorns (13-3-1, 8-0).

BOYS LACROSSE BOYS LACROSSE

GAC 2, Westminster 0 NORCROSS — Greater Atlanta Christian clinched the Region 6-AA championship with a 2-0 win over Westminster on Tuesday. Danielle Marcano and Perry Bitzer scored for the Spartans (14-2-1, 5-1). Melissa Gray posted the shutout in net for GACS.

Mill Creek 15, Archer 3 LAWRENCEVILLE — Zach Roper scored five goals to lead Mill Creek to a 15-3 win over Archer on Tuesday. Andrew Eubanks, Cooper Doyen and Sam Kibildis each scored twice for the Hawks (9-6). Brandon Savoie won 13 faceoffs for the Hawks.

Providence 5, Towns Country 1 HIAWASSEE — Providence Christian clinched second in Region 8-A with a 5-1 win over Towns County on Tuesday.

Robyn Lowndes and Katherine Slayton each scored twice and Brittany tuttle added a goal for the Storm (10-6, 6-2).

North Gwinnett 14, Grayson 5 LOGANVILLE — North Gwinnett improved to 16-1 on the season with a 14-5 win over Grayson on Tuesday. Luke Printz led the Bulldogs with four goals.

Sam Gasta had three assists and Evan Richardson made six saves for North Gwinnett.

Peachtree Ridge 11, Collins Hill 1 SUWANEE — Peachtree Ridge defeated Collins Hill 11-1 on Tuesday. Steven Lee and Dan Briggette each scored three times and Matty Ledon scored twice for the Lions (11-3). Zach Cao scored and Cody Lewis made 12 saves for the Eagles (7-8).

GIRLS SOCCER GIRLS SOCCER North Gwinnett 3, Roswell 0 SUWANEE — North Gwinnett defeated Roswell 3-0 on Tuesday. Katie Strand, Stephanie

BOYS TENNIS BOYS TENNIS Hebron 3, Athens Christian 0 LAWRENCEVILLE — Hebron Christian defeated Athens Christian 3-0 in the first round of the Region 8-A tournment held at Georgia Gwinnett College on Tuesday. Caleb Moss and Josh Beck won in singles while the doubles tandem of Jared Queen and Nathan Long were also victorious for the Lions (11-1).

GIRLS TENNIS GIRLS TENNIS Hebron 3, Athens Christian 0 LAWRENCEVILLE — Hebron Christian defeated Athens Christian 3-0 in the first round of the Region 8-A tournment held at Georgia Gwinnett College on Tuesday. The doubles duos of Laura McLear and Emily Cochran along with Abbey Stewart and Katie Reynolds won doubles matches while Darby Duval won in singles for the Lions (11-2).

— By Ken Chrzanowski

By Chris Hillyard Staff Correspondent

LAWRENCEVILLE — Kennesaw State baseball defeated Georgia 3-1 on Tuesday night in a game played at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville. The game marked the second time the two teams have met at Coolray Field, with the first being a 3-2 Georgia win in 2011. Kennesaw State has now won three out of its last four games against Georgia including a 10-7 win in Athens earlier this year.

“This was a good win for us,” Kennesaw head coach Mike Sansing said, “We are very thankful to be able to come out and play here at Coolray park.

This is such a great place to play. Fortunately we got some runs across early and were able to hold on for the win.”

Max Pentecost got the Owls off to a great in the first inning by extending one of the nations longest hitting streaks to 23 games.

His single through the hole on the first base side brought home Jacob Bruce to make the score 1-0.

Pentecost is projected to be a top 10 pick in the upcoming Major League Baseball draft.

Georgia (21-19-1, 7-101 in SEC) had chances to respond early. UGA got the leadoff man on and had runners in scoring position each of the first three innings, but couldn’t get the big hit to bring in the runs.

Kennesaw State starter Chris Erwin, a Grayson grad, worked out of a big jam in the second as Georgia had runners on second and third with just one out.

Erwin was able to get Mike Bell to ground out to himself and hold the runners and then ended the threat when Stephen Wrenn flied out to left.

Kennesaw State (22-20, 8-9 in Atlanic Sun) extended the lead to 3-0 in the top of the third. Bruce singled to center to bring home Dylan Ivey and Pentecost doubled down the third base line to bring home Bruce for his second RBI of the game. Georgia starting pitcher David Sosebee, who also started the 2011 meeting at Coolray field, was able to get a strike out and a pop up to second to end the inning without further damage.

Gabe Friese took over on

the mound for Kennesaw State in the fourth inning and was very effective. He allowed a double to Skyler Webber to leadoff the bottom of the seventh and was taken out after striking out the next batter. Stephen Wrenn’s single to center off KSU reliever James Connell brought home Webber to cut the KSU lead to 3-1, but Connell got out of the inning without further damage. Friese pitched 3.1 innings, struck out five, and allowed just two hits.

“Chris and Gabe pitched very well tonight,” Sansing said. “They were both on a pitch count tonight but both were very effective and put us in a position to win.”

Kennesaw State closer Justin McCalvin, who boasts the second lowest WHIP in the nation, came on in the eighth for a four out save, which was his eighth of the year. Pentecost finished the game with 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a walk while Bruce was 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. Skylar Webber was 3-for-3 with a run and a walk to lead Georgia at the plate while Stephen Wrenn was 3-for-5 with an RBI. Georgia has now lost five games in a row after dropping three over the weekend to rival Florida and losing a mid-week game to Georgia Tech a week ago. The Bulldogs bullpen combined for six scoreless innings but just could not break through against a stout Owls pitching staff.

“The bullpen did a great job and kept us in the game” Georgia head coach Scott Strickland. “This is such a great place to play and there is so many Bulldog fans here in Gwinnett County. We are disappointed we didn’t come away with the win but we are so thankful to the Braves and for everyone involved with the organization for rolling out the red carpet for us.”

Georgia will now go back on the road to this weekend for a conference series against Vanderbilt. The Bulldogs fell to 3-10-1 away from Athens with the loss to the Owls.

Kennesaw State has won eight in a row and will now prepare for a key conference series at home this weekend against East Tennessee State.

Raptors top Nets in Game 2 100-95 The Sports Xchange

TORONTO — Guard DeMar DeRozan had 15 of his game-high 28 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Toronto Raptors to a 100-95 victory over the Brooklyn Nets in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series at Air Canada Centre Tuesday night.

The win, Toronto’s first postseason victory since April 24, 2008, evens the best-ofseven series with Brooklyn at a win a piece.

Toronto center Jonas Valanciunas had 15 points and 14 rebounds. Forward Amir Johnson went 8-for-10 from the field, finishing with 16 points and nine rebounds.

Guard Greivis Vasquez had 11 points and forward Patrick Patterson had 12 off the bench for the Raptors.

Nets guard Joe Johnson went 7-for-13 from the field for a team-high 18 points in the loss. Forward Mirza Teletovic had 14 points, and guard Deron Williams finished with 15 points and five assists.

Nets forward Paul Pearce, who got into foul trouble early, was limited to just seven points and six rebounds.

For the second straight game, Toronto committed 19 or more turnovers, recording 20 turnovers Tuesday.

DeRozan walked in from the elbow and threw down a monster one-handed jam much to the delight of the 20,382 in attendance — part of an early fourth-quarter 6-0 run, allowing Toronto to retake the lead 70-69.

DeRozan later made a 20-foot shot with 2:45 left to break an 85-85 tie and give Toronto the lead for good.

Earlier, Brooklyn had scored on eight of nine possessions before Pierce missed a 3-pointer as the Nets used 17-6 run to take a three-point lead, 56-53.

Johnson led the way with 12 third-quarter points, including 3-for-3 from three-point range and 4-for-6 from the field. Guard Shaun Livingston added six points as Brooklyn carried a 66-64 led into the fourth.

6B •WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 CLOSE TO HOME

John McPherson

gwinnettdailypost.com

FAMILY CIRCUS

Bill Keane

Today’s Solution

BEETLE BAILEY

BLONDIE

Mort & Greg Walker

Dean Young & John Marshall

DILBERT® Scott Adams

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE

Zits

PEANUTS

Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

GARFIELD

PICKLES

Charles M. Schulz

POOCH CAFE

Jim Davis

Chris Browne

Paul Gilligan

Brian Crane

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

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

Solution to today's Sudoku

WHATZIT SOLUTION:

Today’s Answer: Iridescence