January 7, 2016 — Gwinnett Daily Post

GOING TO HOLLYWOOD, 6A

MONTH FULL OF GAMES Swarm, Gladiators to keep Infinite Energy Arena busy.

• Sports, 1B

Dacula man impresses judges on ‘American Idol’

Gwinnett Daily Post THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

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Vol. 46, No. 66

Coleman kicks off campaign for new term Deal, others fete legislator at event

By Curt Yeomans

MORE ONLINE

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

State Rep. Brooks Coleman has a new picture from Gov. Nathan Deal to hang on his wall after the Duluth resident announced his bid to seek another term in Georgia’s House of Representatives on Wednesday.

Visit gwinnettdailypost.com for a photo gallery.

Deal and his wife, Sandra, attended the announcement at the PayneCorley House in Duluth, and in one of the more light-hearted moments at the event, the governor presented the picture to

Coleman, R-Duluth. It was of a man who looked like the state representative, but it was not the Gwinnett legislator.

The man was dressed as a Native American chief.

The governor joked it was what Coleman looked like when he was “on the warpath.”

State Rep. Brooks Coleman addresses Gov. Nathan Deal and his wife, Sandra, during Wednesday’s event at the PayneCorley House in Duluth. (Photo: Kyle Hess)

See COLEMAN, Page 6A

County, city of Duluth reach pact on library

BUFORD HOSTAGE SITUATION

By Curt Yeomans curt.yeomans@gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett County Police, DeKalb County Police and the Gwinnett County Fire Department on Wednesday worked a SWAT standoff in the Beyers Landing subdivision in Buford. (Staff Photos: Keith Farner)

TRAGIC ENDING

By Keith Farner

keith.farner@gwinnettdailypost.com

BUFORD — A 19-hour armed standoff ended tragically Wednesday night when police confirmed that both Thy Ho and the 2-year-old son he held hostage died.

Police said that Ho, 43, died from Thy Ho an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and that his son, Phillip Nguyen, also died from a gunshot wound inflicted by Ho. Both the boy and Ho had been rushed to area hospitals around 4:30 p.m., with what were described as life-threatening injuries after a standoff that began around 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

“This is a traumatic situation for everyone involved,” Gwinnett County police spokeswoman Cpl. Michele Pihera.

At about 4:30 p.m., there was hope when radio traffic said, “the baby has been extricated, the baby has been

Downtown Duluth is one step closer to getting a bookish new addition.

Gwinnett County commissioners approved an intergovernmental agreement with the city on Tuesday to build a new SPLOST-funded replacement Duluth library branch across Main Street from Duluth City Hall. The City Council has already approved the agreement.

“It fits right in to our plan for downtown,” Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris said. “We’re trying to make it a walkable downtown with an assortment of amenities and adding an up-to-date library that’s going to have a technology focus is a great attraction for all generations.”

The new library will be 22,000 square feet in size, which will put it at about twice the size of the existing Duluth branch, which is located at 3480 Duluth Park Lane.

Although the agreement is now in place, there is still some work that

Police: Father kills son, self after 19-hour SWAT standoff Police give 600 citations in crackdown

See LIBRARY, Page 6A

SAFETY ON THE STREET

By Keith Farner keith.farner@gwinnettdailypost.com SWAT team members rush out of a hostage standoff in Buford on Wednesday carrying a baby to an awaiting ambulance.

MORE ONLINE Visit gwinnettdailypost.com for a photo gallery.

extricated.” With that, a SWAT vehicle rushed out of a subdivision on Beyers Landing Drive as SWAT personnel handed the bleeding baby to awaiting personnel in an ambulance.

The boy was taken to an awaiting Children’s Health-

care of Atlanta helicopter, which was sitting less than a mile away on Doc Hughes Road. He was then taken to CHOA in critical, life-threatening condition, Pihera said.

Gwinnett police spokesman Cpl. Deon Washington said Phillip did not survive his injuries.

“I don’t know what led to the shooting or what prompted the suspect to begin firing,” said Pihera, who could not

confirm if police fired any shots.

As SWAT members entered the master bedroom, the suspect shot himself, Pihera said, but the location of the shot was unknown.

Minutes after the child left in an ambulance, another ambulance left with lights and sirens on carrying the boy’s father, an armed suspect in

A two-week operation involving 13 agencies to crack down on distracted driving led by Gwinnett County police yielded more than 600 citations and warnings to drivers and pedestrians.

It took place between Dec. 14 and 28 as 211 officers from around the area participated to address distracted driving and pedestrian safety, police spokeswomen Cpl. Michele Pihera said.

They made 1,988 citizen contacts, handed out 922 flyers, issued 298 pedestrian citations or warnings and 323 distracted driver citations or warnings.

There was one fatality. It happened on Dec. 16 when a 34-year-old man was struck and killed while riding his skateboard across Peachtree Industrial Boulevard near Tench Road. It was at night and raining. The driver was not cited or charged.

At a news conference last month to announce the operation, Gwinnett Police Chief Butch Ayers said he focused particularly on crashes involving pedestrians.

See STANDOFF, Page 7A

See CRACKDOWN, Page 6A

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2A • THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

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Deal reverses on refugees after advice from Olens Georgia will no longer fight the federal government’s efforts to resettle Syrian refugees in the state.

Gov. Nathan Deal made headlines earlier this week when he opened the new year by issuing an executive order that rescinded his previNathan Deal ous order that barred state agencies from accepting refugees.

The course change came days after Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens said the state may not be able to fight resettlement efforts.

“Based on the official opinion of Attorney General dated Dec. 30, 2015, Executive Order 11.16.15.02,

Political Notebook

Curt Yeomans halting the involvement of state agencies in accepting refugees from Syria for resettlement in the state of Georgia, is hereby rescinded,” the order states.

The refugee issue has been a political hot topic since recent terrorist attacks in Paris. The terrorists reportedly entered France by posing as refugees from Syria, which prompted the

Board of Education holding first meeting on redistricting today

By Keith Farner

keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

Residents are invited to give feedback Thursday night to the Gwinnett County Board of Education about its latest redistricting plans that will change attendance boundaries in seven clusters.

The meeting will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the district office at 437 Old Peachtree Road N.W. in Suwanee. The affected clusters are Duluth, Lanier, Meadowcreek, Mill Creek, Mountain View, Norcross and Parkview.

Another public meeting on the topic is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Jan. 21, before the regular monthly school board meeting at which the Board of Education is expected to vote on the redistricting plan.

Overall, 31 existing schools and more than 6,800 students will be affected. This process will create the attendance zone for the new Baldwin Elementary School and Coleman Middle School — both of which will open in August.

It’s the second straight year Peachtree Elementary is involved in redistricting, and this time the moves are expected to remove trailers

IF YOU GO • What: GCPS school redistrcting meeting • When: 7 to 9 p.m. today • Where: 437 Old Peachtree Road NW, Suwanee • More info: Visit http:// gwinnett.k12.ga.us

from the campus so all classrooms will be inside the building. Every elementary school in the Norcross cluster except Simpson is being redistricted. Patrick Elementary will move from the Mill Creek cluster to the Mountain View cluster.

The moves coincide with building new schools in central and western Gwinnett and further growth in the Mill Creek cluster.

Some of the criteria district officials have said they use in redistricting is current enrollment, enrollment forecasts, enrollment histories, existing identifiable boundaries, school locations and student transportation.

The process is considered the second phase of an enrollment re-balancing effort that began last year with about 14,000 students from 34 schools and nine clusters, including the new Discovery cluster in Lawrenceville.

governors of several U.S. states, including Georgia, to declare they wouldn’t accept refugees until the federal government could verify that the refugees did not pose a security threat.

After Deal issued his order for the ban, and drew the ire of the federal government, the governor asked Olens to review the issue and issue a legal opinion on the matter.

Olens effectively said the order didn’t pass muster on several grounds, including the fact that Georgia already has a formal agreement with the federal government to operate a refugee resettlement program.

The attorney general also said the constitutional Supremacy Clause principals of preemption come into play, meaning Georgia can’t interfere with a federal im-

migration program that has been authorized by Congress.

In this case, the refugee program is operated by the federal government under the auspices of the Immigration and National Act that was amended by the Refugee Act of 1980.

Olens suggested a federal government solution, provided by either presidential or congressional action, would be needed to address the refugee issue.

Harrell makes bid for re-election official State Rep. Brett Harrell, R-Snellville, formally announced this week that he will seek re-election to his House District 106 seat, which includes portions of Snellville, Lawrenceville, Grayson and Loganville.

If elected, first in the

Republican primary in May and then the general election in November, Harrell will return to the state Capitol for a fourth term in the Georgia General Assembly.

“It has truly been a pleasure representBrett Harrell ing the people of District 106 at the state Capitol, and I am grateful for the opportunity they have given me to do so,” Harrell said in a statement. “I am proud of my record of putting taxpayers first, supporting balanced budgets, passing meaningful transportation reform, and championing efforts to curb the tide of illegal immigration.”

In addition to announcing

his re-election bid, Harrell also announced his campaign has raised $100,000. The legislator attributed the fundraising milestone to the support he has received since he ran for his first term in 2010.

“Thanks to this support, we are in a strong position moving into the election year, and I look forward to earning the continued support of the people of District 106,” Harrell said.

Harrell, a former mayor of Snellville, is a member of the House’s Transportation and Ways and Means Committees, and the vice-chairman of its Rules, Regulated Industries and Budget and Fiscal Affairs oversight committees.

Political Notebook appears in the Thursday and Sunday editions of the Gwinnett Daily Post.

Nearly 250 animals adopted from county animal shelter in December

By Polly Ouellette

There are currently about 15 cats and 70 dogs still available for adoption.

During the month of The shelter is open from December, the Gwinnett 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is County Animal Shelter oflocated at 884 Winder Highfered pet adoptions for $20 way in Lawrenceville. The and was able to send 249 shelter will be closed on Jan. furry friends to new homes. 18 in observance of the MarThe $20 fee covered the tin Luther King Jr. holiday full cost of adoption, includ- and on Feb. 15 in observance ing spaying or neutering the of Presidents Day. pet, microchips and vaccinaFor more information tions. Sixty-eight cats, 162 on adoptions, pet care and dogs and nine other animals, choosing a pet for potential including sheep, rabbits owners, visit gwinnettcounty.com and select Animal In this file photo,a Gwinnett County Animal Shelter em- and guinea pigs, found Shelter. Some of the availployee Martin Moutray pulls a dog out of a kennel. In De- new homes throughout the cember, 162 dogs were adopted during Gwinnett County month. On Dec. 21 alone, 25 able pets are listed under Animal Shelter’s $20 adoption event. (File Photo) animals were adopted.

Find a Dog or Find a Cat. Staff Intern

Firefighters provide winter safety tips

By Polly Ouellette

and maintenance of some common heating appliances.

Warming up by the fireDue to increasing regulaplace in these frigid months tions, many space heaters can be cozy, but there are now have built-in safety some hazards associated features to prevent fire or with fireplaces and space burn hazards, and these heaters used to heat homes, are the best option. Power officials from the Gwinnett cords should not be cracked County Fire Department or frayed, and extension said. cords should never be used Residential fires are often with portable electric space caused by home heating heaters. sources, especially during Flammable objects the winter months. Accord- should not be within three ing to the National Fire feet of a space heater, and Protection Association, half when leaving the room or of all home heating fires in going to sleep, residents the country are reported De- should remember to turn cember through February. their space heaters off.

With colder weather here, Fireplaces have even Gwinnett County firefightmore potential hazards if ers are offering tips on use they are misused. Residents Staff Intern

should have their chimney and fireplace inspected annually by a qualified technician or chimney sweep to check for cracks, crumbling bricks and obstructions.

Cover the fireplace opening with a sturdy metal screen or heat tempered glass door and create a three-foot safety zone free from flammable objects around the fireplace.

When you’re all warmed up and the fire has died down, discard cooled ashes outdoors in a covered metal container at least three feet away from anything that can burn.

A burning fire should never be left unattended, so put it out before going to sleep or leaving the

house. The damper seals the fireplace shut when it is not in use; never close it if there is fire or hot ashes in the fireplace.

Ovens should never be used to heat the home, and gas-powered generators should not be operated indoors.

The Gwinnett firefighters also encourage citizens to install a carbon monoxide alarm in the main living area of the home, as well as smoke alarms on each floor and in each bedroom.

For more information on home fire safety, call the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678-518-4845 or email fireprograms@gwinnettcounty. com.

GWINNETT GAB Gardening events held by Pike

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will begin at 9 a.m. Jan. 16.

Bird lovers will learn how to attract birds, what type Every month, all Pike of bird food is best for each Nurseries locations hold species and how to create a classes and events to educate birdhouse as a refuge from gardeners with tips and the winter months. tricks on maintaining their The last event of the homes and gardens. month will cover landscapThe first event of the ing basics at 9 a.m. Jan. month is a class on decorat- 30. Attendees will learn a ing with houseplants at 9 variety of basic landscapa.m. Saturday. The seminar ing techniques, including will provide guests with tips designing colorful flower on how to select the right beds and caring for trees and houseplant for their home, shrubs. combine houseplants and Each class is free and ensure a long life for the available at all Pike locaindoor plants. tions. For more information, For those who love seeing visit pikenursery.com/pages/ brightly colored birds in pike-classes-events their garden, a class on how to attract birds to your area Local church

holds march in honor of MLK

New Jerusalem Baptist Church will hold its fifth

annual march and luncheon in honor of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and the ideas for which he stood Jan. 18.

Lineup will begin at 10:30 a.m., and the march will start at 11 a.m. at New Jerusalem Baptist Church. The church is located at 1958 Dogwood Road in Snellville.

Participants will walk about two miles to South Gwinnett High School, where there will be choir performances and a free lunch served to all in attendance.

In addition, a clothing closet will also be open where gently used clothes will be available for all.

Families, civic groups and businesses are all invited to the march. Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve the meal, manage the clothing closet and clean up.

Performers are also invited to sign up to share their talents.

All participants should

register by calling the church office at 770-972-2324.

‘Way of Cross’ production seeking actors Mountain Park United Methodist Church will present a re-enactment of the last hours of Jesus’ life based on the Stations of the Cross.

The presentation is interactive, and will be presented in both an indoor and outdoor setting.

50 actors are needed to participate in the performance, and Mountain Park UMC will hold auditions in the sanctuary from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The roles to be auditioned for include Jesus, Judas Iscariot, the Twelve Apostles, Temple Police, Pilate, Simon of Cyrene, Mary the Mother of Jesus and many others.

Cold reading from the script will be required.

Auditions will take place in the sanctuary of the church, located at 1405 Rockbridge Road in Stone Mountain.

Performances of “The Way of the Cross” will take place in the evenings of March 24 and 25 in honor of Easter weekend.

For more information, email gpaulsson@comcast. net.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016 • 3A

gwinnettdailypost.com To Your Good Health

Keith Roach

Different valves have different INR goals DEAR DR. ROACH: I had a St. Jude’s aortic valve put in in 1998. I have taken Coumadin since that time. A couple of years ago, my doctors changed the goal for my INR to 2-3. I don’t know why. I get nervous about having a stroke from a blood clot when my reading is close to 2. Can you tell me if the correct goal is still 2.5-3.5?

— L.H.L. ANSWER: In many people with valvular heart disease, the valve needs to be replaced. The two most common valves (by far) are the aortic and mitral valves. Strokes are common in people who don’t take an anticoagulant, such as warfarin (Coumadin).

The INR is a measure of how likely blood is to clot, with 1 being the normal value. The higher the number, the less likely it is to clot. I often hear this referred to as “thinning,” but it really has to do with the amount of blood-clotting proteins (called “factors”) in the blood. Three separate associations changed their guidelines regarding the proper INR goal in the past few years: In 2008, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association recommended that people with bileaflet mechanical aortic valves (such as your St. Jude’s valve) have the lower 2-3 goal for INR, based on a study showing equivalent clotting risk and lower bleeding risk in that group. In 2012, the American College of Chest Physicians made the same recommendation.

All mitral valve mechanical valves, and old-style ball and cage aortic valves, are still recommended for the 2.5-3.5 INR goal.

People with bioprosthetic valves generally do not need anticoagulation, unless there is some other reason to take it, such as atrial fibrillation.

DEAR DR. ROACH: In your recent article on coffee and hydration, I was surprised at your reply.

As a retired M.D. for almost 20 years, I recall teaching my patients that coffee with caffeine should not be included in total daily intake, since it is a diuretic and takes more out of the body than it puts in — a negative balance.

Google seems to back that up. Also, isn’t there an increase in kidney stones with coffee?

Should you revisit this, distinguishing between caffeine-containing and non-caffeine coffee? Your answer seemed so simplistic. Or am I missing something?

— R.B., M.D. ANSWER: I also was taught that caffeine is a diuretic, but the medical literature shows that although large doses of caffeine in people who never drink it causes an increase in urine output, within a few days this effect is lost. According to a 2003 review, “In individuals who regularly consume tea or coffee … doses of caffeine equivalent to the amount normally found in standard servings of tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks appear to have no diuretic action.”

HOROSCOPES

WEATHER WATCH

Don’t be held hostage by someone who hasn’t been completely honest. Dig deep and gather data. If there is a battle to 20% 10% 0% 0% 40% 90% fight, you are in a good 0% position to win. Push forward and dump any baggage you’ve been 31 45 45 30 26 28 forced to carry. Stand tall and aim for victory.

CAPRICORN (Dec. SOLUNAR TABLES 22-Jan. 19) — Get your The solunar tables for lakes are act together and put the The Gwinnett Daily Post Lake Full Yesterday Lake Full Yesterday based on studies that show fish (UPSP 921-980, ISSN 1086past behind you. Don’t and game are more active at Allatoona (840.0) ........ 843.33 Lanier (1071.0) ....... 1074.83 0096) is published Wednesfall victim to a dishonest certain times during the lunar day through Friday and SunBlackshear (237.0) .........235.18 Nottely (1779.0) .......1773.78 period. peer or someone trying day by SCNI, 725 Old NorMAJOR Blue Ridge (1690.0) .......1686.91 Oconee (435.0) ........ 434.80 to take advantage of you. cross Road, Lawrenceville, 10:36 a.m.- 12:36 p.m.......................

Burton (1865.0) .......1864.91 Seminole (77.50)........... 79.06 GA 30045. Periodical post ....................... 11:03 p.m.-1:03 a.m.

Be free with advice, but age paid at Lawrenceville, MINOR Carters (1072.0) ........1077.11 Sinclair (339.8) ........ 338.72 little else.

5:15-6:15 a.m.............3:55-4:55 p.m.

GA 30044. POSTMASTER: Chatuge (1927.0) .......1926.37 Thurmond (330.0) ........ 332.99 AQUARIUS (Jan. Send address changes to 20-Feb. 19) — ConversaHarding (521.0) ........ 520.20 Tugalo (891.5) ........ 888.71 Gwinnett Daily Post, P.O. Box POLLEN COUNTS 603, Lawrenceville, GA tions, meetings and inHartwell (660.0) ........ 664.77 Walter F. George (188.0)....188.08 Trees: Low 30046-0603. terviews will bring about Weeds: Low Jackson (530.0) ......... 527.69 West Point (635.0) ......... 627.94 Grass: Low positive change. Don’t dwell on past regrets TODAY IN HISTORY or let someone’s emoLOTTERY tional indulgence drag TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1785, Jeanactor; John Ondrasik aka Five for you down. Romance will Wednesday Pierre Blanchard and John Jeffries Fighting (1965- ), singer-songwriter; brighten the picture.

Cash 3 Midday: 9-2-4 crossed the English Channel in a Jeremy Renner (1971- ), actor; John PISCES (Feb. balloon.

Cash 4 Midday: 1-3-1-4 Rich (1974- ), singer-songwriter; Fran20-March 20) — Revisit In 1927, the first commercial Ga. 5 Midday: 2-6-3-5-1 an old dilemma in order cisco Rodriguez (1982), baseball transatlantic telephone call was made to figure out a solution. player. between London and New York City.

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July 22) — Explore your relationship options.

Make a move or renovate your space to accommodate your current DEAR AMY: When Often others are also inbor’s dog to the groomer situation. Don’t bicker Ask Amy you tell someone, “Please, cluded in our plans. at the last minute.” You over things you cangive me time to get myself More than half the time can reply, saying, “This not change. Engage in strong before you ask for we make plans, this friend is extremely frustrating. positive action and avoid support,” and they don’t cancels — usually the day When you do this I feel negative responses. listen, what options are of; sometimes two hours like getting together is a LEO (July 23-Aug. there? prior to the event. low priority for you.”

22) — Sign up for an My mom is a piece of I have been driving to Unreliability is the adventure or take part in work. We are all grievwhere we were supposed enemy of friendship. A something that is chaling from my dad’s sudden to meet and gotten a text natural consequence to lenging if you want to death in the summer. I am from her, canceling plans. her behavior would be you meet like-minded people.

Amy Dickinson too overwhelmed with The reasons are always choosing not to make hard Love and romance are executor responsibilities, about obligations to others and fast plans with her. my six kids, husband and assume that there is a lot that cropped up at the last DEAR AMY: “Switzer- highlighted.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. job to take care of her. One more that you aren’t saying minute. land” was upset every time 22) — Step outside your brother lives with her. here, because on the face Today’s cancellation her sister bad-mouthed comfort zone and put an I get the usual guilt for of it, your response to your came four hours before their mother. I understand end to whatever is holdnot talking with her but mother seems unkind. You she was supposed to be this emotional toll. When ing you back or causing she’s been emotionally put your own grief ahead at my house. I had baked my parents divorced, Dad you grief. Once you put abusive to me my entire of hers, and then blame her some treats, bought wine would say nasty things negativity behind you, a life, so her guilt is beyond for trying to manipulate I know she likes, cleaned about Mom. When he window of opportunity “normal.” you into giving her some the house and arranged to wouldn’t stop I mailed will open.

I told her to stop calling attention. Grief is very take comp time to be home a letter explaining how LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. for support because I have isolating; people who are in time for her because she his words upset me. I 23) — Book a trip or take no support to give her. I grieving feel very alone. doesn’t like to drive after promised to hang up or time off to share someneed to heal myself before You are obviously comdark. leave every time he made thing special with a loved I can help her. She called pletely overwhelmed. You Do I suck it up, realnegative comments about to tell me she loves me. are right that you need to ize this is her MO and not Mom. Many hang ups and one. Discussing your She was in total tears until regain your footing before take it personally that she walk outs later, Dad finally plans will give you the incentive to work hard I asked if this was a suicide you can be much help to doesn’t see this as a prior- stopped. “Switzerland” and stick to a budget. call. Then she stopped. your mother. But bringity? Or do I tell her how should hang up or leave SCORPIO (Oct. 24Other than ignoring her ing up suicide as a way to this makes me feel? when bad-mouthing first Nov. 22) — Watch your calls completely (I only manipulate her shows poor — Dissed in Denver starts. money and the people answer 20 percent of them, judgment on your part.

DEAR DISSED: The — Marilyn you are financially conanyway) and deleting the Counseling is a great choice between sucking DEAR MARILYN: nected to. Offer innovamessages immediately so idea. I hope you will disit up and seething with Great advice. tive ideas and incentives I don’t hear the guilt, what cuss strategies to maintain resentment and telling You can contact Amy to make sure you get can I do? I am trying to respectful boundaries someone how you feel Dickinson via email: the service and help you teach my kids it’s OK to without being hurtful. seems like a no-brainer. askamy@tribpub.com. require. not answer her calls.

DEAR AMY: A woman Some of your friend’s You can also follow her SAGITTARIUS (Nov. I am in counseling I used to work with is a rudeness toward you might on Twitter @askingamy or 23-Dec. 21) — You’ll be to heal from the loss of mentor and friend. We’ve be related to your hesitance “like” her on Facebook. my dad. Mom just isn’t known each other for over to react honestly regarding Amy Dickinson’s memoir, tempted to jump into something that requires respecting my boundaries. a decade. We no longer her habitual canceling on “The Mighty Queens of more thought and inMaybe I’ll tell her we’ll work in the same company, you at the last minute with Freeville: A Mother, a vestigation. Slow down only use snail mail from and so about four times a a non-emergency.

Daughter and the Town and be smart, especially now on. year, we make plans to see Let’s say she sends a text that Raised Them” (Hywhere your career and — Lost in Yonkers one another, usually at a saying, “Sorry I can’t make perion), is available in finances are concerned.

DEAR LOST: I have to restaurant or at my home. it; I’m taking my neighbookstores.

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world&nation WORLD U.S. demands more sanctions on North Korea WASHINGTON — U.S. presidential candidates and members of Congress demanded more sanctions on North Korea on Wednesday after its latest nuclear test, but major powers will likely be reluctant to take the tough steps necessary to force Pyongyang to abandon its weapons program, former U.S. officials and analysts said.

North Korea is already under a wide array of international sanctions, and diplomats said U.N. Security Council members were expected to discuss the possibility of adding to these in coming days. But the steps taken so far stop short of the all-out economic offensive that forced Iran to the nuclear negotiating table.

Asia analysts said China would likely support more U.N. sanctions, even though it is North Korea’s neighbor and main ally, but within limits, for fear of destabilizing what has long been a physical buffer between it and U.S.-backed South Korea.

Merkel wants to stem refugee flow but keep EU borders open WILDBAD KREUTH — Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday she wanted to stem the flow of refugees into the European Union while at the same time keeping open borders within the bloc, days after Denmark imposed passport checks on people entering from Germany.

Merkel, who last November marked a decade in office, starts 2016 facing renewed pressure from her own conservatives to reduce the influx of asylum seekers arriving in Germany, after a record inflow of over 1 million last year sapped their support.

“It is very important to me that we achieve both a noticeable reduction in the flow of refugees … and at the same time preserve the free movement of people within the European Union,” she told reporters at a conference of her Bavarian allies, the CSU.

KEYSTONE XL

TransCanada sues United States

By Nia Williams and Roberta Rampton Reuters

CALGARY/WASHINGTON — TransCanada Corp. sued the U.S. government on Wednesday to reverse President Barack Obama’s rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline, calling his decision unconstitutional.

TransCanada also sought $15 billion in a separate action under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), saying the pipeline permit denial was “arbitrary and unjustified.”

The company’s lawsuit in federal court in Houston does not seek legal damages but wants the permit denial invalidated and seeks a ruling that no future president can block construction.

Obama rejected the crossborder crude oil pipeline last November, seven years after it was first proposed, saying it would not make a meaningful long-term contribution to the U.S. economy.

The Keystone XL was designed to link existing pipeline networks in Canada and the United States to bring crude from Alberta and North Dakota to refineries in Illinois and, eventually, the Gulf of Mexico coast.

In filing the NAFTA claim, TransCanada said it “had every reason to expect its application would be granted” as it had met the

A depot used to store pipes for Transcanada Corp’s planned Keystone XL oil pipeline is seen in Gascoyne, North Dakota in this 2014 file photo. TransCanada Corp sued the U.S. government in a U.S. federal court on Wednesday, alleging President Barack Obama’s rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline exceeded his power under the U.S. Constitution. (Reuters/Andrew Cullen/Files)

same criteria the U.S. State Department used when approving other similar crossborder pipelines.

“Presumably they have a case that there are damages, as they were led to believe that if they did these things they’d get it across the line, but they weren’t able to,” said portfolio manager Ryan Bushell at Leon Frazer & Associates in Toronto, whose firm owns more than a million shares in TransCanada.

“I’d imagine that this is more than a PR move and they believe they have a real case.”

The White House referred

requests for comment to the U.S. State Department.

The State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In Ottawa, a spokesman for the Canadian foreign ministry said the government “has no role in this dispute.”

Since October, Canada has been run by Justin Trudeau’s Liberals, who backed the pipeline but not as vociferously as the former ruling Conservatives.

TransCanada said it will also take an after-tax write down of $1.78 billion to $2.06 billion in the fourth quarter after the permit

denial.

The project ran into opposition from environmental groups in the United States and blocking it became a litmus test of the green movement’s ability to hinder fossil fuel extraction in Canada’s oil sands.

“The suit is a reminder that we shouldn’t be signing new trade agreements like the Trans Pacific Partnership that allow corporations to sue governments that try and keep fossil fuels in the ground,” said Jason Kowalski, policy director of environmental group 350. org, which opposed the pipeline.

PEOPLE DA: Cosby won’t face criminal charges from LA

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles District Attorney will not file charges against Bill Cosby involving two separate allegations, including one at the Playboy mansion in 2008.

The DA cited the statute of limitations and insufficient evidence.

Last week, Bill Cosby was charged with aggravated indecent assault in a case involving Andrea Constand in 2004, when she was director of operations for Temple University’s women’s basketball team. Cosby’s attorneys called the criminal case “unjustified” and said that their client would be exonerated.

The Los Angeles District Attorney said that they looked into two separate allegations against Cosby — one from 1965 and the other from 2008.

Although the DA identified the accusers as Jane Does, Chloe Goins, a model who alleged that she was sexually assaulted by Cosby at the Playboy Mansion in 2008, filed a civil lawsuit against the entertainer in a Los Angeles federal court in October. Cosby’s legal team has denied the allegations.

‘Star Wars’ film sets all-time NA box office record

Blockbuster movie “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” passed “Avatar” on Wednesday against a U.S. citizen day to become the topbelieved to have once been selling film of all time in the an al-Qaida operative, acChipotle hit with United States and Canada, cusing him of involvement Walt Disney Co. said. in a 2009 car bomb attack federal subpoena Domestic ticket sales on a U.S. military base in over norovirus for the “Star Wars” movie Afghanistan.

Chipotle Mexican Grill According to a nine-count reached $758.2 million Inc., under scrutiny for indictment, Muhanad Mah- through Tuesday, and topped months over outbreaks of moud Al Farekh, 30, helped the record of $760.5 million foodborne illness across prepare one of two explosive set by the 2009 release of “Avatar” on Wednesday, several U.S. states, said devices for use in the Jan. Disney said. on Wednesday it was 19, 2009 attack.

“The Force Awakens” served with a subpoena in Prosecutors said an achas taken in $1.5 billion so a federal criminal probe complice detonated one far globally and is already linked to a norovirus case Baltimore Police Officer William Porter, right, and his at- device, while Al Farekh’s the fourth highest-grossing in California last year. torneys Joseph Murtha; left, and Michael Schatzow arrive fingerprints were found on movie of all time after just Shares of the burpacking tape for the second at the courthouse for pretrial hearings in the case of Caethree weeks in release, Disrito chain fell more than 5 ser Goodson in Baltimore, Md., on Wednesday. (Reuters/ device, which a second acBryan Woolston) percent to $424.95, their complice carried and did not ney said.

To beat the global record lowest in more than two detonate. The military base haul of $2.8 billion for “Avayears, as the Denver-based William Porter, said he dodge taxes on $1.1 billion was not identified. tar,” “The Force Awakens” company grapples with a would seek an appeals court held in offshore trusts, a lawmust play well in China, wave of norovirus and E. injunction to block Porter yer for the Internal Revenue Macy’s to cut where it opens on Saturday, coli outbreaks that have from testifying against OfService said on Wednesday. jobs, shut stores box office analysts have said. sickened customers and ficer Caesar Goodson Jr. and The IRS made those Macy’s Inc. said it would “The Force Awakens,” the battered sales.

Sergeant Alicia White. claims at the start of a trial in cut jobs and consolidate seventh movie in the 39-yearThe company in a filBaltimore City Circuit federal bankruptcy court in operations after reporting old franchise, opened at ing also projected a 14.6 Court Judge Barry Williams Dallas in which the agency Iraq offers to disappointing holiday sales, theaters in much of the world percent plunge in fourthsaid Porter, whose own trial is seeking $3.22 billion in mediate between quarter same-store sales, ended in a hung jury last highlighting the department on Dec. 16 after a mammoth back taxes, penalties and store chain’s struggles to marketing campaign and compared with a previous- month, could be compelled interest from Wyly and the Saudi and Iran attract customers. glowing reviews. ly estimated 8-11 percent to take the stand since state widow of his late brother BAGHDAD — Iraq disThe company’s shares It reunites original cast drop, which would be the prosecutors had offered him Charles, Caroline Wyly. patched its foreign minister rose 4.6 percent to $37.80 members Harrison Ford, Carfirst such decline in the immunity in exchange for Cynthia Messersmith, to Tehran on Wednesday in after-market trading on rie Fisher and Mark Hamill company’s history. testifying. a U.S. Justice Department with an offer to mediate in as well as introducing new Chipotle said it received Williams said during a lawyer representing the IRS, Wednesday. an escalating feud between Warm weather, low characters who are expected the subpoena as a part of pre-trial hearing that Porsaid the Wylys had since Saudi Arabia and Iran, reto develop the sci-fi saga a criminal investigation ter’s “extremely important 1992 used offshore trusts to spending by tourists and a flecting Baghdad’s fears that by the U.S. Department pileup of unsold inventory through at least three more testimony is needed in the avoid paying taxes on $1.1 new sectarian conflict could of Justice and the Food prompted Macy’s to cut its new movies.

Goodson and White cases.” billion in proceeds while unravel its campaign against and Drug Administration.

Goodson is the second exercising stock options and full-year forecast in NovemIslamic State. ber, raising wide concerns A federal grand jury will of six officers scheduled to warrants of four companies ‘Fast and Furious’ Sunni Saudi Arabia’s about the retail sector’s decide whether to press stand trial for Gray’s death in on whose boards the brothwants to shoot in execution of Shi’ite dissident charges in the case. financial health.

April and faces the most se- ers sat.

Nimr al-Nimr on Saturday Consumers have shied rious charge, second-degree “This is a case of lies, Cuba for next film has inflamed sectarian anger Judge orders away from buying discredepraved-heart murder. The deception and fraud,” she across the Middle East, tionary items such as clothes LOS ANGELES — Unitrial is set to begin on Mon- said. “This is not about tax infuriating Iran, the region’s officer to testify in day with jury selection. and cosmetics, while spend- versal’s “Fast and Furious” avoidance but rather tax main Shi’ite Muslim power. Gray death trial ing more on electronics, franchise may be going evasion.”

After demonstrators sacked cars, home goods and travel. where no major studio film Tycoon engaged the Saudi embassy in Iran, Also, Amazon.com Inc. has gone before.

BALTIMORE — A Al-Qaida suspect has revolutionized shopRiyadh and some of its allies Maryland judge on Wednes- in massive tax While plans are still cut off diplomatic ties with ping habits, conditioning being worked out, Variety day ordered a Baltimore po- fraud, IRS says faces new U.S. Tehran. has learned that the studio lice officer to testify against terrorism charges shoppers to expect deeper There was no immediate discounts than what brickbehind the hugely popular other officers charged in the DALLAS — Texas tyreaction from Saudi Arabia and-mortar retailers can series wants to shoot part of death of detainee Freddie coon Sam Wyly engaged in Federal prosecutors in to the Iraqi mediation offer. afford. the eighth film in the “Fast Gray. “lies, deception and fraud” New York unveiled new — From wire reports — From wire reports and Furious” series in Cuba.

A lawyer for the officer, in a years-long scheme to criminal charges on WednesThe filmmakers have made a research trip to the country to look at possible locations, though an insider cautions aircraft have been registered,” ister and display an FAA identi- that things are in the explorReuters FAA Administrator Michael fication number on their aircraft. atory phase.

“Universal Pictures is WASHINGTON — The Huerta said in a statement. “But Federal officials see online currently in the process of Federal Aviation Administration sold during the recently ended this is just the beginning. Now registration as one way to adseeking approval from the said on Wednesday that 181,000 Christmas season. FAA said it is that we have set up the registra- dress unauthorized flights near United States and Cuban drones have been registered in working with the private sector tion system, our challenge is to airports and crowded public governments to explore the database it launched just on ways to streamline registramake sure everyone is aware of venues that have raised safety shooting a portion of the next over two weeks ago in response tion including new smart phone the requirement and registers.” concerns across the United installment of the ‘Fast & to a surge of rogue drone flights apps that could allow a manuThe FAA unveiled the registry States.

Furious’ series in Cuba,” a near airports and crowded public facturer or retailer to register a for recreational drone owners The FAA introduced a B4Uspokeswoman for the studio venues. drone automatically by scanning on Dec. 14 and launched the FLY phone app in August that The total is a fraction of the an identification code on the database on Dec. 21. Owners of tells people about flight restric- said.

— From wire reports 700,000 drones that officials aircraft. drones weighing between 0.55 tions in areas where they intend have said they expected to be “As of today, about 181,000 pound and 55 pounds must reg- to fly their drones.

NATION

FAA: 181K U.S. drones registered in its database MUST READ

perspectives

gwinnettdailypost.com

Todd Cline, Editor

todd.cline@gwinnettdailypost.com

PAGE 5 A • THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

Complicating the obvious Engineers who design computerized products and services seem to have an almost fanatical determination to avoid using plain English.

It is understandable when complicated processes require complicated operations.

But when the very simplest things are designed with needless complications or murky instructions, that is something else.

For example, like all sorts of other devices, computers and computerized Thomas products and Sowell services have to be turned on and off. And everybody knows what the words “on” and “off” mean. But how often have you seen a computer or a computerized product or service that used the words “on” or “off”?

These simple and obvious words are avoided like the plague on many electronic devices — and this is symptomatic of a mindset that creates bigger problems with other operations. It is as if using words that everybody understands is beneath the dignity of a high-tech product.

Often “power” is substituted for “on” and all sorts of words or symbols are substituted for “off.” A laptop computer of mine had an unidentified symbol on the screen, and only after you clicked on that symbol did another symbol appear, with some words indicating where you could turn the computer off.

Designers of many electronic products do not condescend to use words at all. There is just an array of symbols or buttons that you can either guess what they mean or else dig into a thick book of instructions and search for explanations, much like a pioneer trying to find his way in the wilderness.

My cellphone is a classic example. It does not have a single word blemishing its gleaming surface, except for the name of the manufacturer and the name of the phone company. There is ample room for words like “on” or “off” but nothing so pedestrian is allowed to upset the design.

For people who spend hours every day talking on their cellphones, no doubt it is easy enough to remember how to turn it on and off. But those of us who have lives to live, and work to do, cannot spend our time yakking it up with all and sundry. We may keep a cellphone on hand just for emergencies — and months can go by without using it, or a year or more in my case.

But when there is an emergency, that is no time to have to dig into an instruction booklet, in order to do something as simple as making a phone call. Nor are these instruction booklets always models of clarity.

Too often they reflect the same mindset as the devices they describe. Plain and simple words are avoided whenever there is some fancy, murky or esoteric word that can be used instead.

All sorts of things are computerized these days, and the same preference for murkiness often prevails in their design.

After I bought a minivan, everything seemed to go well until I found myself running out of gas. After pulling into a filling station, I wanted to open the cover of the fuel tank — and saw nothing among the forest of anonymous control buttons and levers that would open the fuel tank.

There was nothing to do but get out the 300-page instruction book. However, nothing in the table of contents or the index had any such pedestrian word as “fuel” or “gas.” Eventually — and it seemed like an eternity at the time — I stumbled across something in the instruction book that revealed the secret identity of the lever that opened the fuel tank.

There was ample space on the lever for four letters for “fuel” or three letters for “gas.”

There is a certain newspaper whose outstanding editorials I read every day, usually on my iPad in the morning, since I don’t get the paper edition until evening. At one time, it was equally simple to find the editorials in either edition. In the paper edition I just opened the editorial page, and on the iPad I simply clicked on the word “editorial” and the editorials appeared. But then electronic “improvement” reared its ugly head.

In the new electronic version, all kinds of items are grouped under all kinds of titles — none of these titles including “editorials.” After plowing through a long list of items, I discovered the new alias for editorials. It was “Issues and Insights.”

I wish someone would issue some insights to engineers designing computerized products and services.

Thomas Sowell is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305. His website is www. tsowell.com.

A trio of worthwhile self-help books CHICAGO — I’m a sucker for self-help books. It’s a leap of faith not only to purchase them but also then to actually read them with the faint hope of making a tiny difference in a lifetime of rigid, often bad, habits.

Here are three new-ish titles I’ve lived with for most of a year and are memorable enough to recommend. They have in common two key ingredients: They are fun and eye-opening to read and their authors never once say the journey you must undertake to self-mastery will be easy.

First up is “The Gratitude Diaries: How a Year Looking on the Bright Side Can Transform Your Life,” by Janice Kaplan.

The practice of gratitude is, by now, cliche. Oprah was extolling the value of noting the joy of life’s simple moments before I was even out of college.

But Kaplan brings new energy to the challenge of looking on the bright side by admitting to readers how terribly hard it is to become a “glass-half-full” person — even when you’re a well-heeled journalist/writer who gets to interview stars like Matt Damon, Daniel Craig and Clint Eastwood.

Still, Kaplan’s worries about being thin enough, sufficiently happy in marriage or inviting

only in mostly quieting the running commentary of the naysaying jerk in his head — itself a major achievement.

If you haven’t had the experience of having a negative Nellie in your mind constantly telling you to worry about this, that and the other — or telling Esther you at every turn that you’re Cepeda not good enough — you won’t understand how difficult it can bad karma by being the ungrate- be to silence that critical voice ful clod who can only complain for even a few minutes. Harris about the inconveniences of definitely gets it. demanding work and family life “The voice in my head can are pretty universal. As is the be a total pill. … Most of us immense effort it takes to under- are so entranced by the nonstop stand that life doesn’t have to be conversation we’re having with “perfect” to be enjoyed. ourselves that we aren’t even “Even after this year, I would aware we have a voice in our never sign on to the idea that ev- head. … It’s a fever swamp of erything happens for the best,” urges, desires, and judgments.

Kaplan writes. “The tragic, It’s fixated on the past and the sad, unexpected and irritating future, to the detriment of the do take place, and our lives are here and now.” not necessarily better for them.

A funny book by someone But our only choice is how to unashamed to be an overrespond. Instead of being masachiever, “10 Percent Happier” terful at misery, we can become will be helpful to people who experts at gratitude.” want to learn how to “quiet the “10 Percent Happier” by mind” and still keep their sense ABC News correspondent Dan of humor.

Harris, will make grateful anyGood humor is a prerequisite one who has found the simple for diving into “100 Deadly task of clearing your mind and Skills: The SEAL Operative’s meditating a nearly impossible Guide to Eluding Pursuers, torment.

Evading Capture, and Surviving Far from achieving a full-on Any Dangerous Situation,” by “awakening,” Harris succeeds Clint Emerson. It’s the kind of

book likely to be picked up by those with zero fear of ever truly having to survive mortal danger — and the self-confidence to believe that if they ever did find themselves in one, they’d victoriously tap into their inner Bruce Willis.

Relatively straightforward chapters like “Blend into Any Environment,” “Send Anonymous Emails” and “Escape from an Automobile Trunk” precede seemingly fanciful others such as “Cross Enemy Borders by Air,” “Create an Improvised Gas Mask” and “Wage Psychological Warfare.”

Don’t even get me started on the chapters regarding how to “Conceal Escape Tools” (get the anatomy textbook out for that one) or the laughout-loud details found in the simple instructions for getting past a guard dog (you’ll need canine distraction tools that are “challenging to come by in any scenario”).

The book is, Emerson says, designed to “entertain while simultaneously imparting a body of knowledge that may come in handy in the absolute direst of emergencies.”

And isn’t that, in a nutshell, the purpose of all self-help books?

Esther Cepeda’s email address is estherjcepeda@ washpost.com.

A country obsessed with guns, gun control WASHINGTON — It is axiomatic that congressional Republicans will oppose anything smacking of “gun control,” which may as well be read as “Your mama.”

Thus, it comes as no surprise that President Obama’s announcement of executive actions to clarify and enhance federal gun laws prompted reflexive, hyperbolic responses from the right.

Marco Rubio said Obama is “obsessed with undermining the Second Amendment,” while Ted Cruz averred, “We don’t beat the bad guys by taking away our guns; we beat the bad guys by using our guns.”

Spoken like a true, Canadianborn Texan who has been busy burnishing his “outsider” Outdoor Guy image. What’s next?

Cruz drinking the warm blood of a freshly slain (unarmed) beast?

House Speaker Paul Ryan criticized the president for a “dangerous level of executive overreach” and for circumventing congressional opposition — as though Congress has been working feverishly to reduce gun violence. Rather, Republicans focus their laser beams on Obama’s and the Democratic Party’s political motivations, shocking to none, and remind us that we already have enough gun laws.

This may well be true, but couldn’t we stand to tweak them a bit? Or, perhaps, enforce

It is one thing to be in the pocket of the National Rifle Association. It is another to do nothing and then assume a superior posture of purposeful neglect, as though do-nothingness were a policy and smug intransigence a philosophy.

The steps Obama is trying to Kathleen take won’t save every life, but Parker they seem minimally intrusive and could have significant efthem? And, isn’t it possible to fects. Summarizing briefly, he’s reduce the number of guns in clarifying existing law and more the wrong hands without surren- tightly defining “gun dealer” dering our Second Amendment in order to impose broader rights or invoking the slippery background checks; upgradslope of government confiscaing technology for improved tion? information-sharing and safer Of course it is — and we can. guns; increasing relevant workObama made an artful and forces to speed up background poignant counterargument to checks; and closing loopholes the usual objections Tuesday that have allowed criminals to during a news conference from buy guns online and elsewhere the White House. He reminded with a separate set of rules. Or those gathered, including many no rules. who have lost family members Giving the FBI more reto gun violence, that other sources to modernize its system people also have rights — the will help. So will giving $500 right to free assembly or the million to mental health services right to practice their religion aimed at keeping guns away without being shot. from people determined to hurt In fairness to the gun lobby, themselves or others. which may not deserve such Requiring shippers to charity, one can understand report stolen guns will also reservations about limiting acbe helpful — and investing cess to guns. What is less easily in smart technology could be understood is the refusal of a game changer. As Obama Republicans to take the reins of said, tearing up at mention of any given issue and do somethe Sandy Hook shooting that thing constructive rather than took the lives of 20 first-gradinvariably waiting to be forced ers, if we can keep children into the ignoble position of from opening aspirin bottles, “no.” surely we can prevent their

pulling the trigger on a gun.

As to expanding background checks, only the criminal or the suicidal object to waiting a day or two before taking home a gun. And, if the government doesn’t complete the process within three days, seller and buyer can proceed, anyway.

What concerns most people, meanwhile, are those weapons, especially semi-automatics with large magazines, whose only purpose is to kill people.

Many argue that no current law could have prevented any of the mass shootings in recent years, but is this sufficient justification for doing nothing when doing something could make a difference we may never know about — the child who didn’t die because new technology prevented him from firing a pistol? The Islamic State-inspired terrorist who didn’t murder holiday revelers because he failed an online background check?

Obama’s actions won’t go unchallenged, needless to say.

And much political hay will be threshed, bundled and sold to Republican primary voters in the meantime. But GOP voters should be as skeptical of those ringing the gong of doom as they have been of Obama. In a civilized society, more guns can’t be better than fewer.

Kathleen Parker’s email address is kathleenparker@ washpost.com.

6A • THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

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Dacula resident floors judges on ‘Idol’ From Staff Reports The final season of “American Idol” had some local flavor to it on Wednesday night.

Dacula resident Josiah Siska, 18, got a golden ticket

MORE ONLINE Visit gwinnettdailypost.com for a video of Josiah Siska’s “American Idol” audition.

to Hollywood following his rendition of Johnny Cash’s

“Ghost Riders.”

The judges were floored

by Siska’s deep voice.

“That’s just cool,” commented “Idol” judge Harry Connick Jr. “We’ve never heard anything like that.”

The three judges, includ-

ing Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban, voted for him to move on to the Hollywood round.

According to his Facebook page, the Mountain View grad works at the Trophy Club of Apalachee golf course in Dacula.

Coleman •From Page 1A “This is Brooks in warpaint because when he gets a cause on his mind, he really goes to battle for it,” Deal quipped about his friend.

The gathering was a fete of Coleman and his career as both an educator and a legislator. The fact that it was designed to launch his bid for a 13th term in the General Assembly took a back seat, with Coleman himself not even mentioning the campaign until the very end.

It began with Gwinnett school board Chairwoman Mary Kay Murphy making a formal presentation on the new STEAM-themed middle school in Duluth that was recently named for Coleman.

She explained the school board chose to break with its tradition of waiting until someone is deceased before naming a school after them because Coleman has been an active and respected part of education and politics in Duluth for years.

She said he was known for 45 years as the voice of Duluth High School football at Friday night games, one of the planners for the Duluth Fall Festival for 33 years and the “Soul of Duluth” for nearly 50 through his Saturday morning ritual of having breakfast at the Rexall Drug Store on Buford Highway.

“Our Gwinnett County Board of Education’s unanimous vote to name the Brooks Coleman school reflected the Duluth community’s love, appreciation and devotion to the school’s namesake,” Murphy said. “When it opens in August 2016, the school will proudly bear the name the Coleman Middle School, a STEAM school serving Gwinnett’s 21st Century students.”

Deal praised the school name while also citing Coleman’s work on education issues in the state.

Gov. Nathan Deal poses with his wife, Sandra, alongside State Rep. Brooks Coleman and his wife, Mary Claire, during Wednesday’s event at the Payne-Corley House in Duluth.

(Photo: Kyle Hess)

“Mary Kay, thank you and the board and the administration of the Gwinnett county school system for bestowing this very well-deserved honor on Brooks,” the governor told Murphy. “It is certainly a memory and a legacy that will last far into the future and will have an effect on the many children who pass through that school, and that’s an appropriate thing to do.”

Coleman, himself, said education is important to him because of the impact good teachers can have on the paths their students go on to take in life. He began his long career as an educator when he was hired in 1962 to be a teacher in the Duluth area.

“That’s why I went into education, because if I didn’t have good teachers who let me crawl under the table when I needed to, and who loved me and cared for me, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said.

He later ended the event with a cheer of “Go Coleman Middle School!”

The people who were in attendance at the gathering showed the breadth of friends and supporters Coleman has in both local and state government as he begins his re-election campaign.

In addition to Deal, the audience included House Speaker Pro Tem Jan

Jones, R-Milton, Senate President Pro Tem David Shafer, R-Duluth, several other members of Gwinnett’s legislative delegation, and a few mayors and council members from cities in Coleman’s district.

While Coleman barely referenced his campaign, those supporters who spoke at the gathering appealed for votes on his behalf.

Coleman has at least one opponent in former Gwinnett County Republican Party Second ViceChairman John Marsh, J announced his own who bid for the seat last year.

Qualifying for local and state offices will take place in March, and the party primary election for those seats will be held in May. “I know you know how valuable he is to the interests of Gwinnett County and this, his district, in the General Assembly,” Deal said. “He is respected by his colleagues and that’s important. When things come along that you need help for in your county, he is one of the leaders that people go to and he is the one who can go to his colleagues and ask for their support.”

Jones added, “I want to encourage all of you to help him in that re-election campaign that we will embark on shortly after the session ends.”

Jon Alford Jon Leslie Alford, age 68, of Buford, GA, passed away on December 18, 2015. Services and Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan, Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

SUWANEE

John Barber John Wiley (Jack) Barber, of Suwanee, GA. born April 28, 1932, died January 5, 2016 of complications following heart surgery. Jack is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara Buttrill Barber, son John M. and Alisa Barber, daughters Betsy Barber and Jenny Barden, five grandchildren Kylie, Chandler, Graham, Amanda and Colton, brother Norman S and Barbara Anne Barber, brothersin-law and sisters-in-law Marc W. Jr. and Athelyn Buttrill, S.H. (Pug) and Emily Buttrill, Duncan A. and Macy Roush, and a

host of nieces, nephews, and extended relatives.

Jack served as First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, was a founding member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at the University of Georgia, Atlanta division (Georgia State). He was a longtime member of Supper Club, Discover Group, and a faithful member of Sugarloaf United Methodist Church. He was a dedicated real estate developer, primarily in Villa Rica, GA. Jack will be dearly missed by his family, many friends and remembered for his Christian faith, his devotion to his family, and his generosity. A visitation will be held Thursday 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Bill Head Funeral Duluth Chapel .

The funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Friday January 8, 2015 at Sugarloaf United Methodist Church with the body to lie in state one hour prior to service. Burial 3:00 PM at Greenwood Cemetery, Cedartown, GA. In lieu of flowers donations 15 photos are available with all Obituaries and Death Notices $

Call for details

B770.963.9205 Ext.1162 or Ext.1163

may be made to Sugarloaf United Methodist Church, 1795 Old Peachtree Rd., Duluth, GA 30097.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www. billheadfuneralhome.com.

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

Crackdown

•From Page 1A

police department made more than 27,000 acciAyers said there were, dent reports. The agency by early December, 322 has worked 53 fatal crashincidents with pedestrians es, according to Pihera. last year all over GwinThe majority of the fanett. tal accidents are believed In cases worked by to have resulted from Gwinnett police, eight drivers’ failure to mainThe speaker pro tem, were fatal. Seven of the tain lane, yield, or “obey who called Coleman her eight fatal accidents were a traffic control device.” mentor and role model, deemed to have been The agencies that parthen said, “I just want to caused by the pedestrian ticipated were the Gwinthank you, Brooks, for ev- being intoxicated, or often nett County Sheriff’s erything you’ve done for jaywalking, police said.

Office, Gwinnett County me both personally and as Texting and driving Fire Department, Geora legislator.” was a major concern. gia State Patrol and city But while Coleman Gwinnett Police handed departments in Auburn, prepares to run for another out citations for that Suwanee, Lawrenceville, term, he’ll also have his charge, which could inSnellville, Lilburn, Norhands full with educaclude playing with apps, cross and Duluth. Georgia tion reforms that Deal is games or music, to the Gwinnett College, the proposing. Those reforms tune of 2,072 citations in city of Buford and Gwinare expected to be a major 2013; 1,349 in 2014; and nett County School Police issue in the upcoming 1,217 in 2015. also participated. legislative session. ColeLast year, the county man was on the committee that studied issues such as education funding formu•From Page 1A las and teacher pay, and ments working together made recommendations effectively, and I would for change. must be done. While especially like to thank “That group did a great the city will provide the city and county staff job,” Deal said. “They 1.851 acres of land for members who were intook on a very difficult the library, the county volved in developing the task and one that, we must still obtain another agreement.” hope, will be able to be nearly half-acre before Harris said the city implemented.” the facility can be built. has proposed a railroad Those recommendations The county also agreed to theme because of its ties for the legislation which is take on the responsibility to Duluth history and the expected to be introduced of designing and building fact that a heavily-used in the General Assembly the library. rail line runs next to the this spring, and Coleman Meanwhile, the city site.

— through his position as agreed to provide vehicle “We want to have a head of the House Educa- access to Buford Highrailroad observation tion Committee — will be way, a detention pond area,” Harris said. “Being involved in discussions on and streetscape improve- a retired educator, I want the proposed reforms. ments around the buildto do some connecting of The legislator said the ing. history and why the railreforms will be a dominate “This agreement road is there and the fact issue on his plate this year. spells out the responsithat we’re on the eastern “There’s going to be bilities of both parties as continental divide, which a major amount of time we begin the planning is why the railroad is that will be spent by the process,” Commissioner there. All of that is really committee working on Jace Brooks said in a important and why you those recommendations,” statement. “It’s a great have such a community Coleman said. example of local govern- spirit here.”

Library

obituaries BUFORD

Gwinnett County Chief of Police Butch Ayers takes a question during a news conference last month while announcing a major traffic detail intended to curb distracted driving and pedestrian accidents around the county.

He was joined by leaders of the other agencies that patrol Gwinnett. (File Photo)

For more obituaries, visit www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

SUWANEE

Michael Dorolek Michael David Dorolek, age 43, of Suwanee, GA passed away January 4, 2016. Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel, 1031 Lawrenceville, GA 30046, 770-277-4550. www.wagesandsons.com

law, Joyce Black (Harry); nephews, Shane, Hoyt, and Romen Black. Arrangements entrusted to Crowell Brothers Funeral Home and Crematory, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. (770)448-5757.

Online condolences may be expressed at www. crowellbrothers.com.

WINDER

Mildred Murphy Mildred Ann Murphy, age 81, of Winder passed away Tuesday, January 5, 2016.

FLOWERY BRANCH

Bevelyn Sherman BETHLEHEM

Lynette Byrd Lynette Bentley Byrd, age 65, of Bethlehem passed away Sunday, January 3, 2016.

JEFFERSON

Mack Gaines Mr. Mack L. “Whitlo” Gaines, age 70, of Jefferson, who passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2016.

DACULA

Stephen Iski

PEACHTREE CORNERS

Joseph Copeland Joseph Griffin Copeland, age 23, of Peachtree Corners, GA passed away on January 1, 2016. Georgia Cremation 3116 U.S. Highway 23 Duluth, Georgia 30096. 678-584-0914.

GeorgiaCremation.com.

Stephen Joseph Keith Iski age 49 of Dacula, passed away Tuesday, January 05, 2016. The family will receive friends 3-6 PM Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Crowell Brothers Funeral Home, Norcross.

Stephen worked with Masada Bakery for 10 years.

He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve & Martha Iski. He is survived by his wife, Eliza Workman Iski; children, Michael Velasquez, Caleb Velasquez, Alexis Velasquez; twin sister, Kathryn Iski; sister & brother-inl

BUFORD

Mary Jones Mary Rowena Cone Jones, age 103, of Buford, GA, passed away on January 2, 2016. Services and Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan, Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

Bevelyn Sherman, age 53, of Flowery Branch, GA, passed away on January 2, 2016. Services and Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan, Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

CUMMING

David Verner BUFORD

James Morgan James C. Morgan, age 76, of Buford, GA, passed away on January 3, 2016.

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

David H. Verner, age 71, of Cumming, GA passed away January 4, 2016.

Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory, Norcross, GA. 770-448-5757.

gwinnettdailypost.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016 • 7A

Apple trees are productive if given proper care Apples are good fruit trees for homeowners.

In addition to producing abundant fruit if given the proper maintenance, apple trees come in varieties of different sizes and with fruit of various shapes and colors.

Apple trees are a great addition if you have the necessary space. Apple trees require two or more varieties that flower at the same time to get crosspollination for the fruit to form. They require full sun since shade will reduce fruit production.

Fertile, well-drained soil is necessary. Purchase trees that are a year old, 4 to 6 feet in height and have a good root system. Avoid ones that are stunted, damaged or have insect or disease infestation.

•From Page 1A the domestic dispute that turned into a long standoff.

Pihera said the DeKalb County SWAT team, which was on the scene to relieve the Gwinnett SWAT team, had been in the home for several hours as the man and toddler were barricaded and quarantined in the master bedroom.

The incident began with an argument between the man and his girlfriend, parents of the child, before the woman’s teenage son from a previous relationship dialed 911 late Tuesday night, Pihera said.

Police said the son said Ho was threatening to shoot everyone in the home and then commit suicide. But the son and his mother were released soon after the incident began.

by one-third the second year. In following years, pruning should be done to keep the trees growing in a vertical pattern. Remove branches that are growing downwards suckers and branches that are crisscrossing, broken or damaged. Late winter is the best time for pruning.

Apple trees are an excellent fruit tree for the homeowner. If you have the necessary space and growing conditions combined with appropriate care, the trees will produce bountiful fruit.

To learn more about apple trees, refer to the University of Georgia publication “Home Garden Apples.”

Go to http://extension.uga. edu/publications. In the middle of the page under “Search Publications,” enter the name of the one

for apples, click on Go, and it will lead you to the publication.

The Gwinnett County Extension annual plant sale will offer Gala, Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples in addition to blueberries, figs, native azaleas, and other plants at affordable prices. To get an order form, go to the Extension website at www.caes.uga.edu/extension/gwinnett and click on “News and Events” to download the order form or call the Gwinnett County Extension office to request that one to be mailed to you.

Timothy Daly is an Agricultural and Natural Resource Extension Agent with Gwinnett County Extension. He can be contacted at 678-377-4010 or tdaly@uga.edu.

messaging.

“At times, there has been no dialogue, but at times there has been an open dialogue,” Pihera said.

The child did not appear to be in any distress throughout the day. At times, on the radio, police heard he was running around the room, Pihera said.

The long night and day was difficult for SWAT team members, Pihera said, who often find it difficult to leave a situation like this. DeKalb SWAT members relieved their Gwinnett counterparts at about 8 a.m., and there A SWAT team member puts on his uniform and gear in Buford during a hostage stand- was another shift change off Wednesday where a gunman held a 2-year-old hostage. (Staff Photo: Keith Farner) around noon.

“They were hoping for Negotiations during sioned, Pihera said.

Communication was by a peaceful resolution,” the standoff were not as “It’s not been an open cellphone, communication Pihera said. “But when it successful as police envidialogue,” she said. in the home and by text comes right down to it, we

need them to be at their best. So we needed them to go home and get some rest before they could come right back out here.

We were thankful for the DeKalb County SWAT team for relieving us so we could rest up and then eventually come back out, but unfortunately we won’t be able to come back out.”

The 911 call by the teenage son, said the boyfriend of the female was threatening to shoot everyone in the home and then commit suicide, police said.

During the ordeal, the subdivision was blocked off and people residing in the neighborhood were urged to take shelter in their homes, keeping away from doors and windows, police said.

Gardening in Gwinnett

Tim Daly Apple trees should be planted like other trees and shrubs. Dig a hole that is two to three times the size of the rootball and no deeper than the top of it. Place the rootball in the hole and fill it with the excavated soil. Thoroughly apply water to the planting and cover with a 2- to 4-inch layer of pine straw or pine bark. Plant apple trees eight feet apart.

Do not place fertilizer in the planting hole; wait a month after planting. If you are planting in cold weather, wait to apply fertilizer until the spring when the trees begin to put on leaves. Use the amounts recommended by soil tests.

Many varieties of apples thrive in our area.

All apple cultivars require at least one other to initiate cross-pollination to produce fruit, and the two cultivars need to bloom at the same time. Gala is a red variety that ripens in August. Red Delicious has large firm red fruit that ripens in the early fall.

Fuji ripens in October; it does not have a bright color, but the fruit has an excellent taste and can be used in a variety of ways.

Yates is a smaller fruit

that is dark red and ripens in late October. It can be stored for a lengthy period without rotting. Granny Smith is a yellow-green apple that matures at the end of October or in early November.

Proper pruning is necessary for optimal fruit production. If the trees are unbranched whips, cut them back to 24 inches.

When they produce branches that grow six to eight inches, select a central leader (the main trunk) and a few scaffold branches that should be spaced six inches apart vertically and at equal intervals around the trunk.

If the trees are larger and have branches at planting, select a few branches that have wide-angled crotches. Choose one as a central leader and cut it back

Standoff

INFORMATION

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SECTION B • THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

Busy week, month for Gladiators, Swarm A busy week kicks off a big month for Gwinnett County’s oldest and youngest professional sports franchises.

The Atlanta Gladiators, with a new name but in their 13th season in Gwinnett, have a jam-packed Will home schedule of hockey Hammock games this month at the Infinite Energy Arena, with Wednesday night’s game running ECHL franchise. marking the start of an Atlanta also is at home unprecedented January of Friday and Sunday. home games for the longBetween those two

Grayson holds off Dacula

weekend games, Gwinnett’s arena will host the home opener for the Georgia Swarm, the area’s new National Lacrosse League franchise. The Swarm’s schedule also includes a Jan. 17 home game, which surrounds the slew of hockey games.

The Gladiators, not far from first place in the Eastern Conference, play an astonishing 11 games this month in Duluth.

“This is definitely a new

thing for our organization,” longtime Gladiators player and now head coach Andy Brandt told the Daily Post.

“First to have 14 games in a month and then for 11 to be at home, but it’s a good thing.”

While other pro franchises have popped up here and there in Gwinnett, few have had the staying power of the Gladiators, other than the Class AAA Gwinnett Braves baseball franchise.

Atlanta Gladiators forward Tyler Murovich (11) threads a pass between Norfolk’s Michael Pelech (23) and Gabriel Verpaelst (27) this season at Infinite Energy Arena. (PhoSee BUSY, Page 2B to: Amanda Hertel)

Going the distance

By Scott Smith

Senior Correspondent

LOGANVILLE — The Grayson and Dacula boys returned to Region 8-AAAAAA action on Wednesday night with the Rams holding on to edge the Falcons 73-69.

Austin Dukes led the charge on offense for the Rams with 27 points, while grabbing five rebounds, with Tre Sconiers Austin Dukes adding a doubledouble with 14 points and 12 rebounds as the Rams improved to 13-1 overall and stayed in second place in the region at 3-1.

“We played with a lot of energy tonight,” Grayson head coach Geoffrey Pierce said. “Dacula has two all-region caliber players and we told our guys it was going to have to be a 32-minute game if we wanted to take this one.”

Grayson led 22-14 after the first quarter and 38-33 at the half and looked like it was going to pull away in the second half when Sconiers scored with 3:06 left in the third to put the Rams ahead by 13 at 5037.

But the Falcons battled back with a 12-6 run to close out the period, including a pair of 3-pointers from Derek St. Hilaire in the final 30 seconds of the quarter to cut the margin to 56-49.

The fourth quarter saw Dacula (10-3, 3-1) get as close as one point at 62-61 with 3:48 left in the game off a driving layup from Kevon Tucker.

But Alphonso Willis, who battled early foul trouble to finish with 10 points and four assists, answered with a nice pullup jumper on the ensuing possession to get the lead back to 64-61.

On three occasions after Willis’ jumper, Dacula was able to get within two points but could never get any closer.

The last of those chances came at 68-66 with 2:06 to play, but the possession to tie or take the lead ended with a turnover on a carrying violation.

Grayson would give the ball right back when the ball was dribbled out of bounds along the baseline.

This time, the Falcons got off a decent shot when Tucker pulled up from 17 feet, but Sconiers challenged the shot just enough to force it to fall short.

After that, Grayson went to the line three times and converted 5 of 6 shots in the final 47 seconds to See RAMS, Page 2B

Generals blitz the Broncos 79-66

By Guy Curtright Staff correspondent

Collins Hill senior Taylor Delk pushing toward Olympic dream

By Paul Thomas

paul.thomas@ gwinnettdailypost.com

Generally, swimmers get slower and more tired during the duration of a multi-day swim meet like the Winter Junior National Championships held at Georgia Tech last month.

Yet that wasn’t the case for Collins Hill senior Taylor Delk.

After a fall that featured multiple setbacks, Delk surprised even his coaches when he won the 1,650-yard freestyle with a time of 15 minutes, 16.42 seconds.

“He won the mile, which was very, very good,” said SwimAtlanta coach Chris Davis, Delk’s year-round swimming coach. “He was very good in all the other

ever had that can actually race yourself into enough shape that you can swim a good mile.’ And that’s exactly what he did. He raced hard in everything he did and made finals in a lot of stuff and he ended up winning the dang thing.”

Delk began swimming competitively when he was 5 years old, following his older sister Katie Delk’s lead.

Collins Hill senior Taylor Delk poses for portraits at It was a natural fit for SwimAtlanta in Lawrenceville. (Photos: Kyle Hess) him. As he got older, he events, too. He had a bly the only kid that I’ve realized that swimming very, very good meet. He ever had that can swim in the Olympics was his had kind of a hard fall himself in shape over the dream. because he had shingles, duration of a meet.

“When I was 10, I rehe missed a ton because “Typically, kids will member watching on TV he had five recruiting get tired as the meet goes the 2008 Olympics,” he trips to different schools on because they’re racing said. “That was when I and he had some stomso hard. He gets better. kind of knew. I was like, ach issues. Really it I told him that going ‘Oh, that’s something I surprised me that he won into it (last) Wednesday want to do.’ Then I’d say (the mile). He’s very un- night. I said, ‘You know usual in that he’s proba- you’re the only guy I’ve See DELK, Page 2B

SNELLVILLE — When the Brookwood boys took a 14-point lead over visiting Shiloh midway in the second quarter, it looked like the Broncos might be headed to a signature Dejon Waters victory.

All the big deficit did, though, was get the Generals’ attention on Wednesday night.

“We really came out lackadaisical,” Shiloh coach Kim Rivers said. “I think we had a little too much horseplay before we got over here and it lingered into the game. We weren’t focused like we usually are.”

Once Shiloh did get fully focused, the Region 8-AAAAAA contest took a dramatic turn.

Back within four points by halftime, Shiloh outscored Brookwood 27-13 in the third quarter and defeated the Broncos 79-66 to go to 10-2 overall and 4-0 in the region.

“We got serious and played a great second half,” Rivers said. “We take pride in our defense and you can’t give up 41 points like we did in the first half.

This region is too tough.”

Georgia Tech signee Josh Okogie scored 21 points to lead the Generals, going 11 of 11 from the foul line. Fellow seniors Dejon Waters and Perry Battle had 14 and 12 points, respectively.

It was Waters who scored 11 points in the second quarter to help get Shiloh back on track and Brookwood, which fell to 10-4 overall and 3-3 in the region, couldn’t withstand the Generals’ second-half onslaught.

“We shot a couple of questionable shots at the end of the second quarter to let them get back in it, and in the second half they hit shots and made plays,” Brookwood coach Daniel Bowles said.

“Our effort was great the whole time. We just didn’t execute everything we wanted. … Shiloh can score in so many ways.

Obviously, Josh is very good. But they have so many other guys who can hurt you. You can’t just try to take away one guy.”

Bubba Parham scored 15 points for Brookwood and fellow junior Markus Smith had 11, both hitting a trio of 3-pointers.

Up 20-13 after the first quarter, Brookwood

See GENERALS, Page 2B

2B • THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

gwinnettdailypost.com

ondeck Prep Schedule

Today

SWIMMING & DIVING

5 p.m. — Wesleyan at GAC

WRESTLING

5 p.m. — Newnan at Wesleyan Friday

BASKETBALL

5:30 p.m. — Wesleyan at Lovett 6 p.m. — Berkmar at Archer 6 p.m. — Central at Brookwood 6 p.m. — Collins Hill at Meadowcreek 6 p.m. — Discovery at Lanier 6 p.m. — Grayson at Shiloh 6 p.m. — Mill Creek at Mountain View 6 p.m. — KIPP at GAC 6 p.m. — Parkview at Dacula 6 p.m. — Peachtree Ridge at North 6 p.m. — Pinecrest at Providence 6 p.m. — Shiloh at Grayson 7 p.m. — North Oconee at Buford

Collins Hill senior Taylor Delk poses for a portrait at SwimAtlanta in Lawrenceville. (Photo: Kyle Hess)

SWIMMING & DIVING

6:30 p.m. — Grayson, Loganville and Berkmar at Collins Hill 6:30 p.m. — Duluth, Archer and Forsyth Central at Mountain Park 6:30 p.m. — Norcross, Dacula and Meadowcreek at West Gwinnett

The Home Teams

Gladiators

Swarm

Hawks

TODAY NEXT UPCOMING

Off

Alaska Alaska Fri, 7:35 p.m.

Sun, 2 p.m.

97.7-FM 97.7-FM

Toronto New England Off Sat, 7:05 p.m.

Jan. 17, 2:05 p.m.

FOX Sports GO FOX Sports GO

at Philadelphia Chicago at Charlotte 7 p.m.

Sat, 5 p.m.

Jan. 13, 7 p.m.

FSSE/92.9-FM FSSE/92.9-FM FSSE/92.9-FM FSSE = FOX Sports Southeast, FSS = FOX Sports South

On TV

Today

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

7 p.m. — Cincinnati at Southern Methodist ESPN 7 p.m. — Louisville at North Carolina State ESPN2 7 p.m. — Notre Dame at Boston College FSSO 9 p.m. — Illinois at Michigan State ESPN 9 p.m. — Arizona at UCLA ESPN2

NBA

7 p.m. — Atlanta at Philadelphia FSSE 8 p.m. — Boston at Chicago TNT 10:30 p.m. — Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento TNT

NHL

8 p.m. — Philadelphia at Minnesota NBCSP

Sports Calendar

WEIGHTLIFTING

Jan. 23-24: No Excuses CrossFit in Suwanee is hosting the USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coaching Course and Certification. The cost is $495 and the course will be instructed by C.J. Stockel.

Go to www.usaw.hangastar. com/EMS_Courses_Register.aspx to register for the course or contact the event coordinator at info@ noexcusescrossfit.com for more information. The entry level course is open to anyone 17 and older

and includes a one-year membership with USAW. The scope and sequence of the course includes the teaching progressions of the snatch, clean and jerk, and all associated movements.

BASKETBALL

Sunday: Complete Skills Academy will field girls travel teams for grades 4 through 8 in the upcoming spring seasons. Tryouts will be Jan. 10. Registration and season information is online at completeskillsacademy. com.

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

“Extremely competitive,” Davis said. “Really, I hit about the age 12 to really hard worker. A real 14, somewhere in there, I student of the sport. He just kept on improving … understands what people I’ve seen people fade and are doing all around the all that but I noticed I just country in the sport. He kind of kept going and pays attention to details. improving, so I realized Like if you say, ‘You’ve that it may be a realistic got to get better at dolgoal.” phin kicking off the wall,’ The goal became even he works on his dolphin more realistic this summer kicking. You don’t have when he qualified for the to tell him twice. Really U.S. Olympic Trials in the the attributes that any100-meter and 200-meter body, if they’re any good backstroke. at any sport, has to have.

The trials will take Typically for every good place in Omaha, Neb., athlete they do the right June 26-July 3. The top stuff and you don’t tell qualifiers will then repre- them a million times, you sent the United States in only have to tell them the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, once. Other than that he’s Olympics later in the been very successful from summer.

9 years old and up. I think “I’ve always had the once you have that selfgoal of going to the image or that becomes Olympics and in order to your reality of who you go to the Olympics, you are, ‘I’m a really good have to go to the Olympic swimmer and good swimTrials first,” Delk said. mers go fast.’ So I think “That’s definitely a big he’s kind of had some of step towards my goal and that.”

I was extremely excited.”

Delk excels in both the Davis said that Delk backstroke events and the certainly has the work distance events. He said ethic to reach his goals of his favorite event is actuswimming in the Olymally the 10K open-water pics. and hopes to add high

liams came off the bench to hit a pair of 3-pointers in increased its lead to 31-17. the decisive third quarter.

But Shiloh scored the last With the victory and six points of the first half Dacula’s loss at Grayson, and the first five of the Shiloh is the only unbeaten second for an 11-0 run that team in the region. The gave the Generals a 42-41 Generals and Rams play lead.

Friday.

The lead was up to 64“In this region, it is a 54 going into the fourth tough game almost every quarter and Shiloh led by night,” Rivers said. “We as many as 17 points. have to play two good Greg James scored nine halves, not just one.” points for Shiloh, 6-foot-8 Brookwood girls 32, T.J. Massenburg had seven Shiloh 23 points and six rebounds, The Brookwood girls Malik Chandler handed out put the defensive clamps six assists and Josh Wilon Shilo and improved to

The ECHL’s Atlanta Gladiators and National Lacrosse League’s Georgia Swarm will offer local sports fans plenty of home games this month. Here’s a look at their upcoming home schedules:

Georgia Swarm Date Opponent Time Saturday Toronto 7:05 p.m.

Jan. 17 New England 2:05 p.m.

ing up in their inaugural season, too. Bolstered by a big NLL Draft, the team seems destined for more success than last season in its previous home, Minnesota.

“We believe in this group and we believe in what we’re trying to instill in the guys and the guys are

4-2 in Region 8-AAAAAA and 8-5 overall with a 3223 victory.

Freshman Jazmin Robinson scored 10 points to lead the Broncos, while 6-foot-2 junior N’dea Jones had eight points, 11 rebounds and five blocked shots before fouling out in the final minute.

Senior Emani Bell was the only offense for Shiloh (6-7, 1-3 region). She had all except six of her team’s points, scoring 17 while hitting three times from behind the arc.

The teams combined

•From Page 1B

BUSY MONTH

Atlanta Gladiators Date Opponent Time Friday Alaska 7:35 p.m.

Sunday Alaska 2:05 p.m.

Tuesday Alaska 7:05 p.m.

Jan. 15 South Carolina 7:35 p.m.

Jan. 16 Greenville 7:05 p.m.

Jan. 18 Greenvill 12:35 p.m.

Jan. 23 Evansville 7:05 p.m.

Jan. 29 Idaho 7:35 p.m.

Jan. 30 Idaho 7:05 p.m.

Jan. 31 Idaho 2:05 p.m.

school state titles to his resumé this season.

He was third at the state high school meet and county champion in the 200 individual medley last season and also was fifth at state and county champion in the 100 backstroke. He hopes his success with SwimAtlanta translates to success with his high school team.

“Making Olympic Trials is such a difficult achievement, it requires an endless amount of long practices staring at the bottom of the pool, just you and the water,” Collins Hill coach Paul Callis said. “Sometimes it can be a lonely sport so it’s important to love what you’re doing and have fun with the people around you. Taylor has done a great job of embracing and enjoying high school swimming and I think it has helped him become an even more complete swimmer.”

I’m so proud of Taylor for making OT cuts,” Collins Hill coach Jenny Weaver said. “Taylor has a long list of goals that he is committed to this

year and this keeps him extremely focused each and every day. It’s been fun to watch as he goes through his list. I can’t wait to see him at county and state where I know he will shine.”

Delk has verbally committed to swim for the University of Florida in college and said the coaches there will help him determine which direction his body is going and what events to focus on for the future.

Davis said Florida has a reputation for churning out talented distance swimmers. The Gators also have a penchant for producing Olympians, which is why Delk can’t wait to don an orange and blue swim cap.

“I’ve always loved Florida,” Delk said. “Coach (Gregg) Troy and the Gators down there they have an awesome reputation with swimming. Ryan Lochte, Connor Dwyer, Elizabeth Beisel are all Olympians so I know that is an environment that I could thrive in and that’s the opportunity I wanted to take advantage of.”

Generals

•From Page 1B

Busy

•From Page 1B The hockey team has developed a loyal fan base and has made it when others like the Arena Football League’s Georgia Force have failed — in the Force’s case twice.

Building that same dedicated fan base would serve Gwinnett’s newest franchise well, too. The Swarm bring a new and exciting brand of indoor lacrosse to the South at the right time, when Gwinnett’s youth and high school lacrosse scene is booming. That’s one advantage the Swarm should have that the Gladiators didn’t have when they began, the droves of kids in their area playing the same sport.

The Gladiators had success early, which certainly helped in the fledgling stages. Longtime head coach Jeff Pyle led the thenGwinnett Gladiators to a Western Conference runnerup finish and a positive start with a nearly 60 percent winning percentage in the 2003-04 regular season.

Despite a 16-15 loss in the season opener on the road, the Swarm are trend-

Delk

•From Page 1B

The Georgia Swarm’s Joe Maracle, Lyle Thompson and Johnny Powell celebrate during this year’s preseason game against the Rochester Knighthawks. (Photo: NLL)

buying in to the system,” Swarm head coach Ed Comeau told the Daily Post. “We’re excited to see kind of where it’s going to take us and certainly getting excited to get down to Georgia and play in front of hopefully a big, boisterous home crowd in a great arena.”

Hopefully, the great crowds show up all month at the Infinite Energy Arena for the old — the surging Gladiators — and the new — the promising Swarm.

Will Hammock can be reached via email at will. hammock@gwinnettdailypost.com. His column runs on Thursdays.

for just 18 points in a frigid-shooting first half, with Brookwood turning a 3-2 deficict after the first period into a 12-6 lead at intermission.

Brookwood led 23-13 going into the final quarter and Shiloh never got closer than six points the rest of the way.

Junior Sharai Lay had a game-high 12 rebounds for Shiloh and senior Christiana Massey grabbed eight.

Jones was 6 of 6 at the foul line and Brookwood was 10 of 16 overall compared to 6 of 13 for Shiloh.

Rams

Willis to contribute six points. secure the region win.

“We’ve got a lot of con“We didn’t compete fidence in our reserves,” tonight,” Dacula head Pierce said. “We have coach Russ Triaga said. faith in our bench and “Grayson did and they they played well for us won, so give them all the tonight.” credit. They played harder The win for Grayson than us, won loose balls extended its winning and out-rebounded us.” streak to eight.

Free throws were big Grayson girls 76, for both teams as Dacula Dacula 33 hit 17 of 27, while the Grayson secured its Rams took 31 free throws, fifth straight win with a making good on 23 of 76-33 victory over Dacula those. on Wednesday night.

St. Hilaire of Dacula Essence Jordan scored led all players with 28 25 to lead Grayson, while points, while Tucker Destiny Newkirk followed turned in 24 points with with 17 points. seven rebounds. Demari Jessica Ewing also Edwards also added 10 helped by scoring nine points for the Falcons, all points. in the first half.

Dacula (6-6, 2-2) was Kenyon Jackson also led by 10 points from played well for Grayson Alyssa Criscolo. with nine points, eight The win improved rebounds and four blocks, the Rams to 11-3 overwhile Brent Latham came all and 2-3 in Region off the bench in relief of 8-AAAAAA. Call 770-963-9205 to subscribe to the

Gwinnett Daily Post.

gwinnettdailypost.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016 • 3B

Gwinnett Grads

Hutchins shines in new role at North Georgia

By Will Hammock will.hammock@ gwinnettdailypost.com

A slow start in the weeks leading up to the season left Kelsey Hutchins in an unfamiliar place — out of the North Georgia women’s basketball team’s starting lineup.

Big things were expected out of the preseason All-Peach Belt Conference selection, and she admittedly was surprised, and not overly pleased, with coming off the bench. She had started all 30 games last season as a sophomore, when she averaged 13.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and was a third-team AllPeach Belt selection, but the North Georgia coaches switched up her role for a spark early in the season.

“It was different,” Hutchins, a Mountain View grad, said of a reserve role.

“Last year I started all the games, but coming into this year I struggled the first few preseason games and coach wanted to try something else, so I came off the bench. I was iffy about it at first, kind of down. I didn’t know what I was doing wrong. I talked to my family about it and they told me don’t think negatively about it, think positive. If you come off the bench, the opponent’s post is tired, so you can get in the game, attack them and get your points that way.”

The 6-foot-1 junior started the season opener against North Greenville and finished with five points, missing all eight of her field-goal attempts.

She came off the bench in the second game against

Mountain View grad Kelsey Hutchins is the leading scorer for the North Georgia women’s basketball team. (Special photo)

Erskine and improved her numbers to nine points and eight rebounds.

Game 3 was a breakout game in her new reserve role with 25 points (on 11 of 16 shooting) and 10 rebounds vs. Trevecca Nazarene.

“It took me one or two games to get adjusted,” Hutchins said. “I just had to keep thinking positively and not negatively. I like it now.”

Though she still doesn’t start games, Hutchins plays starter minutes and puts up better-than-starter numbers. She averages

a team-high 17.8 points, which ranks third in the Peach Belt, and averages 6.7 rebounds. Her 50.6 field-goal percentage ranks 10th in the league and her 90 made field goals rank second.

Hutchins has been even better in conference play, averaging 22.3 points (second-best in the Peach Belt) and 7.5 rebounds in only 27.8 minutes per game. She has scored in double figures every game since the 25-point game vs.

Trevecca Nazarene, putting up 20 or more points six times.

“It’s been going pretty well,” she said.

Hutchins has the ability to score in the post and also handles the basketball better than many interior players, the product of being a guard until she was a seventh-grader. Between seventh and eighth grade, she grew from 5-3 to 5-10 and earned a position change for the first time since she was a 5-year-old in Hebron Baptist Church’s league.

“It was painful physically (to grow that fast), definitely in the knees,” Hutchins said. “Coach Brad Blackmon from Mountain View, and he was at Dacula, helped me grow and transfer to the post.”

Hutchins was a key player in the early years of Mountain View basketball, helping lay the foundation for the past few seasons of success. She averaged 10.6 points and 5.9 rebounds as a high school senior and drew college interest in volleyball and basketball, eventually choosing an offer from Faulkner State Community College.

She averaged 6.2 points as a freshman and planned to play a second season at Faulkner, but North Georgia’s interest prompted a transfer for her sophomore season. She became one of North Georgia’s top players immediately last season as a sophomore.

“I’ve gotten a lot faster (from high school) and more aggressive definitely,” said Hutchins, who plans to be a teacher and basketball coach after graduation.

Before she looks beyond her own basketball career, Hutchins wants to finish up

her last two college seasons well. North Georgia is off to an 11-2 start with plans of a better postseason than a year ago, when it was eliminated by rival Georgia College in the conference tournament.

“I’m just trying to do whatever it takes to help my team succeed and get as far as possible (in the postseason),” Hutchins said.

BASKETBALL Frerking sparks Auburn upset Wesleyan grad Katie Frerking played a key role in Auburn’s 66-61 win over seventh-ranked Kentucky this past Sunday in the teams’ Southeastern Conference opener.

Frerking had 15 points, four rebounds and two steals in the Tigers’ first win over a top-10 team since 2010. Kentucky also was the highest-ranked team Auburn had defeated since the 1997 SEC Tournament.

Auburn trailed by as many as 17 points in the first half, but rallied and took the lead with 7:19 remaining in the game on a jumper by Frerking. The Tigers never trailed again after that shot.

Frerking, a 6-1 junior, averages 12.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.7 steals. She ranks third in the SEC in steals per game.

Rowe jumps into starting lineup Berkmar grad Tim Rowe has stepped into the starting lineup of late at Southern Miss, which has struggled in a 3-9 start.

The 6-foot-11,

220-pound freshman has started the past two games, most recently a five-point, five-rebound effort in a loss to Louisiana Tech. His other start featured four points, seven rebounds and two blocks in a win over Southeastern Oklahoma State.

Before signing with Southern Miss, Rowe played a season at Mount Zion Prep (Md.) after finishing his career at Berkmar.

FOOTBALL

Rouleau, JSU in FCS title game Jacksonville State, recognized widely for its near upset of Auburn earlier this season, plays in Saturday’s FCS National Championship Game with a Gwinnett player in a key role.

Redshirt sophomore Connor Rouleau, a Peachtree Ridge grad, handles field goals, extra points and kickoffs for the Gamecocks (13-1), the top-seeded team in FCS. Their opponent is powerhouse and No. 2 seed North Dakota State, which is seeking its fifth straight FCS championship. The noon game will be broadcast live on ESPN2.

Rouleau has made 16 of 26 field goals and 64 of 67 PATs this season for 112 points. He had 86 points on 11 of 17 field goals and 53 of 55 PATs last season.

Gwinnett Grads is a column that runs on Thursdays spotlighting achievements of past Gwinnett standouts. Coaches and parents are urged to send suggestions via email to will.hammock@gwinnettdailypost.com.

Ken Griffey Jr., Mike Piazza selected for Hall of Fame The Sports Xchange

out were outfielder Tim Raines (69.8), relief Centerfielder Ken pitcher Trevor Hoffman Griffey Jr. fell three votes (67.3) and pitcher Curt shy of becoming the first Schilling (52.3). unanimous selection in Others who didn’t gain Baseball Hall of Fame election were pitcher history but was elected Roger Clemens (45.2), Wednesday in his first outfielder Barry Bonds time on the ballot along (44.3), relief pitcher Lee with catcher Mike Piazza.

Smith (30.2), infielderOf the 440 ballots subdesignated hitter Edgar mitted by senior members Martinez (43.4), pitcher of the Baseball Writers Mike Mussina (43.0), Association of America, reliever Lee Smith Griffey was named on (34.1), first baseman Fred Ken Griffey Jr. was voted in the Major League Baseball McGriff (20.9), second 437 of the 440 ballots, Hall of Fame on Wednesday. (Photo: REUTERS/Rick Scuor 99.32 percent. The baseman Jeff Kent (16.6), teri) previous high was 98.84 outfielder Larry Walker percent by pitcher Tom one of the most popular deserved honor.”

(15.5), outfielder Gary Seaver in 1992. and respected players of Griffey was the 51st Sheffield (11.6), reliever “I can’t be upset. It’s all time, a stature clearly player elected in his first Billy Wagner (10.5) and just an honor to be elect- evident in the results year on the ballot. Piazza outfielder Sammy Sosa ed and to have the highest released today,” commis- received 365 votes, or 83 (7.0). percentage is definitely a sioner Rob Manfred said. percent, in his fourth year In their final year on shock,” Griffey said dur“His election to Cooon the ballot. the ballot, shortstop Alan ing a conference call. perstown surely marks a “Incredibly special.

Trammell (40.9) and first The Hall of Fame great occasion not only in Wow,” Piazza said. “I sat baseman Mark McGwire induction ceremony is set the Pacific Northwest and here with my mouth on (12.3) also did not make for July 24 in Cooperhis hometown of Cincin- the floor.” it. stown, N.Y. nati, but also for an entire Falling 15 votes short Griffey, 46, had 2,781 “Ken Griffey Jr.’s generation of fans. Major of the 330 needed for hits and 630 home runs swing, smile and imLeague Baseball is proud election was first basein his 22-year career with mense talent in all facets to congratulate Ken and man Jeff Bagwell (71.6 the Seattle Mariners and of the game made him his family on this wellpercent). Also missing Cincinnati Reds. A 13-

Five Gwinnett football players named Junior All-Americans

Gwinnett football was represented well on the CBS MaxPreps Junior All-American Team released Wednesday.

Three locals were first-team All-Americans — Mill Creek kicker Brenton King, Norcross defensive end Robert Beal and Archer defensive back Jamyest Williams. King made a state-record 19 field goals with a long of 51 this season, Beal had 59 tackles and five sacks and Williams rushed for 1,339 yards on offense to go with 31 tackles, 10 pass breakups and two interceptions on defense.

time All-Star, Griffey won 10 Gold Glove Awards and seven Silver Slugger Awards.

“The Cincinnati Reds organization and our entire city congratulate Ken on his election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame,” Reds president and CEO Robert Castellini said. “Over a wonderful career that began right here at Moeller High School, Junior built his legacy while playing for the Mariners and continued that remarkable career in Cincinnati and then with the Chicago White Sox. He represented himself, his family and those cities with the class and professionalism consistent with the ideals of Major League Baseball and the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, and he continues to serve all over the world as one of our game’s greatest ambassadors.

“We are very proud that Ken’s accomplishments have been validated at

the highest level by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Reds fans are thrilled to see our hometown son earn a permanent place in Cooperstown alongside the other 43 players, managers and executives who spent all or parts of their careers in Cincinnati.”

Piazza, 47 was a 12time All-Star during a 16year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, San Diego Padres and Oakland Athletics. He hit 396 of his 427 career home runs as a catcher, the most in major league history.

Wagner, whose 422 career saves rank second among left-handers, and fellow lefty Mike Hampton, the 2000 NLCS MVP, were on the ballot for the first time along with catchers Brad Ausmus and Jason Kendall, catcher-first baseman Mike Sweeney, infielder Mark Grudzielanek and outfielder Randy Winn.

IN BRIEF Peachtree Ridge’s DeAngelo Gibbs and Archer’s Isaiah Pryor were named to the second team.

Mountain View swimmers win quad-meet Mountain View’s swimming and diving team swept a quad-meet over the weekend. The Bears posted a combined 393 points to Shiloh’s 240, Meadowcreek’s 221 and Central Gwinnett’s 98.

Three Mountain View boys won two events each — Matt Molini, Hayden Brown and Xzavier Reiter. Molini won the 200-yard freestyle (2 minutes, 13.44

seconds) and the 500 free (6:04.81), Brown won the 200 individual medley (2:17.88) and the 100 backstroke (1:02.02) and Reiter won the 100 free (53.26) and 100 breaststroke (1:11.88).

The Bears also got boys event wins from Michael Albrecht (50 free, 24.89) and Sean Hordines (100 butterfly, 1:08.27).

Mountain View’s Abby Hulsey won two girls events, the 50 free (27.60) and the 100 back (1:08.62). The Bears’ other girls winners were Allison Flatt (diving, 141.10 points), Emily Hulsey (100 free, 1:02.46), Amanda Flatt (500 free, 6:12.14) and Rose Anderson (100 breast, 1:24.21).

Dacula’s Aifuwa, Wesleyan’s Booker on McDonald’s All-American list

30 at Chicago’s United Center. The girls game is a 6:30 p.m. tipoff on ESPNU and the boys is a 9 p.m. start on ESPN.

to this year’s game.

The FBU Youth AllAmerican Bowl, formally known as the Eastbay Youth All-American Bowl, will put the naFour local middle tion’s top youth athletes Two Gwinnett seniors, from seventh and eighth Dacula’s Faustine Aifuwa school players grade on the national and Wesleyan’s Cairo selected as FBU stage. In its eighth year, Booker, have been nomi- All-Americans the FBU Youth Allnated for McDonald’s American Bowl brings All-American Game, a Four local middle together the best youth prestigious women’s bas- schoolers will take part football talent from ketball all-star game. in the 2016 Football Uni- across the country in an Aifuwa and Booker are versity Youth All-Ameri- East vs. West matchtwo of 12 Georgia girls can Bowl in San Antonio, up. Each team will be players nominated for Texas on Saturday. comprised of the top 30 the game. A total of 755 Seventh graders Jamal athletes in their graduahigh school seniors were Haynes (Couch Middle tion class for a true bowl selected as nominees, a School), Jackson Turner week full of festivities list that also included 12 (Bay Creek Middle including VIP seating at boys from Georgia, but School), Andrew Van the 2016 U.S. Army Allnone from Gwinnett.

Wie (Wesleyan) and Ford American Bowl.

The McDonald’s Reasons (Lanier Middle games will be March School) were all selected — From staff reports

4B • THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

gwinnettdailypost.com

Balanced scoring lifts Gladiators UGA hires new

By Christine Troyke christine.troyke@ gwinnettdailypost.com

DULUTH — The Atlanta Gladiators scored twice in the first 3 1/2 minutes of the game and equaled their win total of last year with a 5-2 victory over Cincinnati on Wednesday at Infinite Energy Arena.

The Gladiators have 20 wins before the halfway mark of the season and closed the gap on conference-leading Florida to four points.

It was a balanced effort from Atlanta, which had five different goal scorers.

Mike Merrifield and Brock Higgs each contributed a goal and an assist.

Matt Register, with his fifth consecutive multi-point game, Tyler Murovich and Garry Nunn all had two assists.

Matt Ginn made 35 saves in his third straight win.

“Offensively, we were really good at times,” Atlanta head coach Andy Brandt said. “Especially in that second period, you saw us protect and possess the puck down low, hem them in and get them tired.

“We got two really good 5-on-5 goals because of our puck pursuit and our ability to wear them down.”

The first of seven consecutive and 11 total games at home this month started with a bang.

Merrifield lit the lamp 1:20 in and Higgs doubled

Atlanta Gladiators forward Thomas Frazee (16) provides the screen in front of Cincinnati goalie Brandon Whitney as the puck goes into the back of the net during Wednesday’s 5-2 victory at the Infinite Energy Arena. (Photo: Amanda Hertel)

the lead at 3:30.

Higgs was a part of heavy traffic in front and tipped Register’s hard wrister from the blue line.

His 11th goal of the season came on the power play and handcuffed Cyclones’ goalie Brandon Whitney.

“We actually had a double screen there,” Brandt said. “(Thomas) Frazee was directly in front and Higgsie was between the hash marks. It was one of those breaks where it goes off a guy’s hip. But that was because we had a double screen, good distribution up top and it was a wrister we delivered to the net.”

The 21-year-old rookie under AHL contract with Milwaukee had little chance at that one and then gave up three more in a 4:12 span during the sec-

ond period to put the game out of reach.

Captain Derek Nesbitt scored his league-leading 18th goal of the year at 8:24 to start the blitzkrieg.

Nesbitt walked down from the top of the circle and snapped a short-side wrister past Whitney on the power play.

Justin Buzzeo got a centering feed from Murovich and banged home his own rebound at 11:53.

J.T. Barnett pounced on a loose puck with Whitney down and out during a net-front scramble. The Arizona native’s fourth goal of the season pushed the Gladiators’ lead to 5-0 at 12:36.

“It’s something we’ll continue to harp on and get better at — making sure we’re greedy with the puck,” Brandt said. “Then

when we do get it from low to high, up into our defensemen’s hands, we need that net traffic.

“We need to get to those gritty areas and if we’re not screening the goalie, then we’re trying to deflect the puck and if the rebound is there, we have to be hungry.”

Cincinnati (15-12-2-2) used its timeout, but left Whitney in the game and finally spoiled Ginn’s shutout bid at 14:58. A drop pass to no one as Atlanta crossed the Cyclones’ blue line turned into a one-onone rush the other way.

Zach Budish, one of Cincinnati’s top scorers, tucked his breakaway chance under Ginn. The goal was reviewed for some time and eventually allowed.

The Cyclones scored again in the final minute, on another blue-line giveaway, but it was way too late for a comeback.

“We’ll take the two points and we’ll enjoy the win here tonight,” Brandt said. “The guys earned it.

Then when we come back tomorrow morning, we make sure we’re prepared for Alaska coming in for three.”

The Gladiators’ (20-112-0) homestand continues with three straight games against Alaska on Friday, Sunday and Tuesday.

Alaska hasn’t been to Duluth since 2007 and it was on this ice in 2006 that the Aces won the Kelly Cup.

Georgia makes quick work of Missouri The Sports Xchange

1-1) with 16 points and six rebounds, and forward ATHENS — Scoring Yande Maten added 15 the first 10 points of the points and six rebounds. game on Wednesday night, Point guard Charles Mann Georgia never trailed as it contributed 14 points, six walloped Missouri 77-59 rebounds and six assists, in a Southeastern Conferand guard Kenny Gaines ence mismatch at Stegeman chipped in 11 points.

Coliseum.

Frazier hit a 3-pointer 19 Guard J.J. Frazier paced seconds into the game to the balanced Bulldogs (8-4, begin the run that estab-

lished Georgia’s superiority.

The Bulldogs took a 45-32 lead into the locker room at halftime, then expanded it to 22 before the second half was 6 1/2 minutes old and cruised to the finish.

Freshman forward Kevin Puryear pumped in a game-high 19 points for the Tigers (7-7, 0-1). Guard Wes Clark scored 13 points

but converted just 5 of 15 shots from the field.

Georgia made nearly 55 percent of its shots from the field, sinking 11 of 19 3-point tries, and had assists on 19 of its 29 field goals. It won the rebounding battle 35-28.

Missouri shot 34.5 percent from the field, going 3 of 18 on 3-pointers.

Too little, too late for Tech at Pittsburgh The Sports Xchange

win 89-84 at the Petersen Events Center.

PITTSBURGH — GeorThe Panthers (13-1, 2-0 gia Tech was looking for in the ACC) had five playits first ACC road win in ers reach double figures in almost a year but No. 24 scoring and used a 20-6 run Pitt wasn’t in the mood to midway through the second cooperate as the Panthers half to take full control of used a second-half burst to the game and never let up. blow open a close game and Jamel Artis led the at-

Basketball National Basketball Association EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division

W L Pct GB Toronto...............21..15... .583.......— Boston................ 19..15... .559.........1 New York............. 18..19... .486......3.5 Brooklyn............. 10..24... .294.......10 Philadelphia.......... 4..33.....108.... 17.5 Southeast Division

W L Pct GB Miami..................21..14... .600.......— Atlanta................21..15... .583.........5 Orlando.............. 19..17... .528......2.5 Charlotte............. 17..17... .500......3.5 Washington........ 15..18... .455.........5 Central Division

W L Pct GB Cleveland...........24....9... .727.......— Chicago..............21..12... .636.........3 Indiana................20..15... .571.........5 Detroit................. 19..16... .543.........6 Milwaukee.......... 14..23... .378.......12 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division

W L Pct GB San Antonio........30....6... .833.......— Dallas.................20..15... .571......9.5 Memphis............. 19..17... .528....... 11 Houston.............. 17..19... .472.......13 New Orleans...... 11..22... .333.... 17.5 Northwest Division

W L Pct GB Oklahoma City...24.. 11... .686.......— Utah.................... 15..18... .455.........8 Portland.............. 15..22... .405.......10 Denver................ 12..23... .343.......12 Minnesota........... 12..23... .343.......12 Pacific Division

W L Pct GB Golden State......33....2... .943.......— L.A. Clippers.......22..13... .629....... 11 Sacramento........ 14..21... .400.......19 Phoenix.............. 12..25... .324.......22 L.A. Lakers........... 8..28... .222....25.5 Tuesday’s Games New York 107, Atlanta 101 Chicago 117, Milwaukee 106 Dallas 117, Sacramento 116, OT Golden State 109, L.A. Lakers 88 Wednesday’s Games New York 98, Miami 90 Indiana 95, Orlando 86 Cleveland 121, Washington 115 Detroit at Boston, late Toronto at Brooklyn, late Denver at Minnesota, late Dallas at New Orleans, late Utah at San Antonio, late Charlotte at Phoenix, late Memphis at Oklahoma City, late L.A. Clippers at Portland, late Today’s Games Atlanta at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

tack for the Panthers with 18 points while James Robinson added 18 and eight assists and Mike Young scored 17.

Georgia Tech never really got back into the game — despite some late-game 3-point heroics from Adam Smith — and

the Panthers coasted to their ninth win in a row.

Smith led Georgia Tech (10-5, 0-2 in the ACC) with 30 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the 3-point line, while Marcus GeorgesHunt added 14 points and Charles Mitchell added 20 points and 17 rebounds.

strength coaches

From Staff Reports

experience in the field including 24 years as a ATHENS — Univerhead strength and condisity of Georgia head foot- tioning coach with stops ball coach Kirby Smart at Georgia Tech, Wake named Scott Sinclair Forest, Illinois State, director of strength and Ole Miss and Arkansas conditioning at Marshall in addition to UCF. Ellis University, to the same has worked with teams position at UGA and Ed that appeared in 13 bowl Ellis, head strength coach games. at UCF, as senior associBoth have been certiate director of strength fied as a master strength and conditioning on and conditioning coach Wednesday.

(MSCC), the highest Sinclair joined the honor in the field and Marshall program in Jan- represents professionaluary 2013, working with ism, knowledge, experiboth football and track ence, expertise as well as and field programs. He longevity. came to Marshall after Prior to UCF, Sinclair nine years as an associserved as an assistant ate director of strength strength and conditioning and conditioning at UCF, coach at Georgia Tech where he worked with the from 2001-03. While football program along with the Yellow Jackets, with baseball and track he worked as the assistant & field. With the football director of player develprogram, he was directly opment for the Yellow responsible for the speed Jackets’ football squad. and agility programs in From 1999-2001, he addition to the program’s worked in the Wake Foradministrative duties. est strength and condiEllis has 29 years of tioning department.

SEC announces Women’s Legends From Staff Reports

• FLORIDA — Dana Smith DesJarlais, BasketBIRMINGHAM, Ala. ball, 1994-1998 — The Southeastern Con• GEORGIA — Andy ference released its 2016 Landers, Basketball Class of Women’s Legends (Coach), 1979-2015 on Wednesday.

• KENTUCKY — Tina The class will be Johnson Ybarra, Swimhonored at the 2016 SEC ming & Diving, 1994Women’s Basketball 1996 Tournament, March 2-6 in • LSU — Sylvia Jacksonville, Fla. Each leg- Fowles, Basketball, 2004end will be honored during 2008 half time of her teams first • OLE MISS — Palogame of the tournament, ma Collantes- Hansen, all 14 individuals will also Tennis, 1991-1994 be honored as a group, as • MISSISSIPPI STATE well as participate in an — Chelsea Bramlettautograph session during Malone, Softball, 2007the tournament. Compli2010 mentary posters of the • MISSOURI — LorLegends will be available raine Ferret, Basketball, at the session.

1979-1983 Below is the list of • SOUTH CAROLINA the 2016 SEC Women’s – Denise Nanney- White, Legends: Basketball, 1975-1977 • ALABAMA — Sarah • TENNESSEE — Patterson, Gymnastics Shyra Ely-Gash, Basket(Coach), 1979-2014 ball, 2001-2005 • ARKANSAS — Ve• TEXAS A&M — ronica Campbell Brown, Toccara Williams, BasketTrack & Field, 2004 ball, 2000-2004 • AUBURN — Kim • VANDERBILT — Evans, Women’s Golf Ashley Earley, Basket(Coach), 1994-2015 ball, 2001-2005

SPORTS AT A GLANCE Boston at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Utah at Houston, 8 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Sacramento, 10:30 p.m.

College Tuesday’s Games EAST Akron 75, Buffalo 71 Clemson 74, Syracuse 73, OT Marquette 65, Providence 64 Penn St. 86, Minnesota 77 Princeton 83, Norfolk State 74 Rhode Island 77, Richmond 65 Temple 55, Connecticut 53 VCU 85, St. Joseph’s 82 Wofford 65, VMI 61 SOUTH Baylor 79, Oklahoma St. 62 Chattanooga 74, Mercer 62 Florida A&M 61, Savannah State 58 Florida Gulf Coast 104, Webber 59 Houston 63, Tulane 45 Houston Baptist 82, McNeese St. 73 Jacksonville 84, Trinity Baptist 45 Louisiana State 85, Kentucky 67 Memphis 82, Nicholls State 46 NC-Greensboro 67, Furman 66 Samford 94, The Citadel 74 South Carolina 81, Auburn 69 South Carolina Upstate 78, No.Carolina A&T 68 Texas 60, Kansas St. 57 Texas A&M CC 94, Central Arkansas 82 MIDWEST Arkansas 90, Vanderbilt 85, OT Butler 77, DePaul 72 Creighton 79, Georgetown 66 Indiana 59, Wisconsin 58 Iowa 77, Nebraska 66 Kent St. 87, Western Michigan 84, OT Tulsa 55, East Carolina 43 WEST Boise St. 76, Utah St. 61 Wednesday’s Games EAST Albany 73, MD Baltimore Cty 59 Bucknell 72, American U. 54 Columbia 81, Maryland - E. Shore 75 Cornell 84, Howard 81 Fordham 66, La Salle 61 Hampton 83, Morgan St. 80, OT Holy Cross 65, Colgate 63 Lafayette 76, Army 73 Maryland 88, Rutgers 63 Massachusetts Lowell 80, Hartford 76 Navy 83, Boston U 67 Pittsburgh 89, Georgia Tech 84 Radford 80, Charleston Southern 73 St. Bonaventure 77, George Mason 58 Stony Brook 62, Binghamton 52 Vermont 90, Maine 72 Villanova 72, Seton Hall 63 Yale 83, New Jersey Tech 65 Lehigh at Loyola-Maryland, late Xavier at St. John’s, late

SOUTH Central Florida 75, South Florida 64 Davidson 77, Duquesne 66 Duke 91, Wake Forest 75 Gardner-Webb 71, Campbell 68 Georgia 77, Missouri 59 Grambling State 80, Jarvis Christian 58 Liberty 62, Coastal Carolina 61 N.C. Asheville 85, Winthrop 84 North Carolina Central 78, Johnson & Wales (NC) 70 North Florida 97, Stetson 79 Presbyterian 78, Longwood 65 Tennessee 83, Florida 69 Texas A&M at Mississippi St., late MIDWEST Ball St. 87, Toledo 69 Bowling Green 73, Miami (OH) 62 Eastern Michigan 99, Central Michigan 80 IUPU - Ft. Wayne 85, South Dakota 65 Saint Louis 65, George Washington 62 Ohio at Northern Illinois, late Indiana St. at Drake, late Massachusetts at Dayton, late Southern Illinois at Bradley, late Evansville at Wichita St., late Loyola-Chicago at Illinois St., late Northern Iowa at Missouri St., late Tennessee St. at Eastern Illinois, late Texas Tech at Iowa St., late Ohio St. at Northwestern, late Belmont at SIU — Edwardsville, late WEST Air Force at Wyoming, late California at Oregon, late Oral Roberts at Denver, late UNLV at Colorado St., late San Jose St. at San Diego St., late Nevada at Fresno St., late Long Beach St. at CSU Northridge, late Stanford at Oregon St., late Cal Poly SLO at Hawaii, late Today’s Games EAST William & Mary at Drexel, 7 p.m.

Elon University at James Madison, 7 p.m.

NC-Wilmington at Towson, 7 p.m.

Fairleigh Dickinson at Sacred Heart, 7 p.m.

Delaware at Northeastern, 7 p.m.

Notre Dame at Boston College, 7 p.m.

Florida Atlantic at Marshall, 7 p.m.

Manhattan at Canisius, 7 p.m.

Fairfield at Siena, 7 p.m.

St. Peter’s at Niagara, 7 p.m.

Bryant at Wagner, 7 p.m.

Central Conn. St. at Mount St. Mary’s, 7 p.m.

Robert Morris at LIU Brooklyn, 7 p.m.

St. Francis (PA) at St. Francis (NY), 7 p.m.

Rider at Iona, 8 p.m.

SOUTH Hofstra at Charleston, 7 p.m.

Texas-El Paso at Middle Tennessee

St., 7 p.m.

Cincinnati at Southern Methodist, 7 p.m.

Louisville at N.C. State, 7 p.m.

Troy at Georgia St, 7:30 p.m.

Texas-Arlington at Appalachian St., 7:30 p.m.

South Alabama at Georgia Southern, 7:30 p.m.

Texas-San Antonio at UAB, 8 p.m.

Charlotte at Southern Miss, 8 p.m.

Jacksonville St. at Austin Peay, 8:30 p.m.

Alabama at Mississippi, 9 p.m.

Old Dominion at Louisiana Tech, 9 p.m.

MIDWEST SE Missouri St. at Morehead St., 6 p.m.

Michigan at Purdue, 7 p.m.

South Dakota State at Indiana - Purdue, 7 p.m.

Green Bay at Cleveland St., 7:30 p.m.

Wis.-Milwaukee at Youngstown St., 7:45 p.m.

Florida International at Western Kentucky, 8 p.m.

Nebraska Omaha at North Dakota State, 8 p.m.

Tenn-Martin at Eastern Kentucky, 8 p.m.

Tennessee Tech at Murray St., 8 p.m.

Seattle at UMKC, 8:05 p.m.

Louisiana-Lafayette at Arkansas-Little Rock, 8:15 p.m.

Louisiana-Monroe at Arkansas St., 8:35 p.m.

Illinois at Michigan St, 9 p.m.

WEST Northern Colorado at Idaho State, 9 p.m.

North Dakota at Weber St., 9 p.m.

Portland St. at Montana, 9 p.m.

Arizona at UCLA, 9 p.m.

New Mexico St. at Utah Valley, 9 p.m.

Sacramento State at Montana St., 9:05 p.m.

St. Mary’s at Loyola Marymount, 10 p.m.

Pacific at Pepperdine, 10 p.m.

San Francisco at San Diego, 10 p.m.

Texas Rio Grande Valley at Grand Canyon, 10 p.m.

UC Davis at UC Irvine, 10:30 p.m.

Arizona State at Southern California, 10:30 p.m.

Santa Clara at Brigham Young, 11 p.m.

Cal St. Fullerton at UC Riverside, 11 p.m.

Football Playoff Glance WILD-CARD ROUND AFC Saturday, Jan. 9 Kansas City at Houston, 4:35 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 8:15 p.m.

NFC

Sunday, Jan. 10 Seattle at Minnesota, 1:05 p.m.

Green Bay at Washington, 4:40 p.m.

DIVISIONAL ROUND Saturday, Jan. 16 and Sunday, Jan. 17 NFC TBA at Carolina TBA at Arizona AFC TBA at New England TBA at Denver CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS Sunday, Jan. 24 NFC Divisional Round Winners AFC Divisional Round Winners SUPER BOWL Sunday, Feb. 7 NFC Champion vs. AFC Champion NCAA Football Monday, Jan. 11 CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PRESENTED BY AT&T (Glendale, Ariz.)

Alabama vs Clemson 8:30 p.m.

Transactions BASEBALL American League KANSAS CITY ROYALS—Designated CF Lane Adams for assignment. Resigned LF Alex Gordon to a four-year, $72 million contract.

National League ATLANTA BRAVES—Signed 2B Kelly Johnson to a one-year, $2 million contract.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS—Designated LHP Tyler Olson for assignment.

Signed RHP Brandon Beachy to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS—Designated C Josmil Pinto for assignment. Signed 1B Chris Carter to a one-year, $2.5 million contract.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES—Designated C Tony Sanchez for assignment. Signed RHP Neftali Feliz to a one-year, $3.9 million contract.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS—Designated RHP Erik Davis and RHP Taylor Hill for assignment. Signed 2B Stephen Drew to a one-year, $3 million contract.

Signed 2B Daniel Murphy to a threeyear, $ 37.5 million contract.

BASKETBALL COLLEGE BASKETBALL SOUTHERN METHODIST—Announced G Keith Frazier has left the program to tend to a personal matter.

FOOTBALL National Football League CAROLINA PANTHERS—Added DE Wes Horton to the practice squad.

Signed DT Eric Crume, DB Travell Dixon, WR Cobi Hamilton, G Tyler Larsen, C Matthew Masifilo, and DE Larry Webster to a Reserve/Future

contract.

CINCINNATI BENGALS—Activated DT DeShawn Williams from the practice squad. Placed DT Brandon Thompson on IR. CLEVELAND BROWNS—Signed T Erle Ladson to a Reserve/Future contract.

HOUSTON TEXANS—Signed DE Devon Still to a Reserve/Future contract.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS—Fired head strength and conditioning coach Roger Marandino. Fired running backs coach Charlie Williams. Fired secondary coach Mike Gillhamer. Fired secondary coach Roy Anderson. Fired tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS—Signed T Patrick Miller to a Reserve/Future contract.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS—Activated DL B.J. Dubose from the practice squad.

Added DT Toby Johnson to the practice squad. Signed TE Rhett Ellison to a Reserve/Future contract.

NEW YORK GIANTS—Signed DT Louis Nix III to a Reserve/Future contract.

NEW YORK JETS—Fired assistant offensive line coach Ron Heller. Fired assistant special teams coach Steve Hagen. Fired special teams coordinator Bobby April.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS—Signed P Kasey Redfern to a Reserve/Future contract.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS—Signed K Corey Acosta and LB Marcus Rush to a Reserve/Future contract.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL ARIZONA STATE—Announced LB Ismael Murphy-Richardson has been dismissed from the program.

BRIGHAM YOUNG—Named Ed Lamb assistant head coach. Named Ilaisa Tuiaki defensive coordinator. Named Ty Detmer offensive coordinator.

CENTRAL FLORIDA—Named Erik Chinander defensive coordinator.

FLORIDA—Announced DB Keanu Neal will enter the NFL draft.

FLORIDA STATE—Announced PK Roberto Aguayo will enter the NFL draft.

GEORGIA—Named Ed Ellis senior associate director of strength and conditioning. Named Scott Sinclair director of strength and conditioning.

LOUISIANA STATE—Announced T Jerald Hawkins will enter the NFL draft.

MICHIGAN STATE—Announced T Jack Conklin will enter the NFL draft.

MISSISSIPPI—Signed head coach Hugh Freeze to a one-year contract extension.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE—Announced TE David Grinnage will enter the NFL draft.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016 • B5

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016 • 5B

Atlanta Falcons disintegrate after fast start The Sports Xchange Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn went through a turbulent first season as a head coach.

The Falcons started off 5-0 before dropping seven of their next eight games.

They had a six-game losing streak that essentially knocked them out of the playoff race.

The Falcons limped to the finish line and closed out the season 8-8 and missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

You can tell a lot about what coaches emphasize by the statistics they highlight beyond the obvious measures.

Here are seven good and seven bad numbers Quinn cited during his seasonending news conference on Monday.

The good include: • The offense ranked second in the league in third-down percentage.

• The Falcons had 42 drives of at least 10 plays, which Quinn said ranked first in the league.

• The Falcons ranked second in time of possession.

• The Falcons had 382 rushing plays (not counting quarterbacks) and 621 passing plays. “That (382 carries) was something from a balance standpoint we were certainly looking for,” Quinn said.

• The Falcons ranked in the top 10 in the fewest number of “explosive” plays allowed, according to Quinn.

• The Falcons allowed 80 points in the fourth quarter, which Quinn said was among the fewest in the league.

• The Falcons had six interceptions in two-minute situations and ranked second with six red zone takeaways, Quinn said.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches a pass defended by New Orleans Saints defensive back Brian Dixon (20) during the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 20-17. (USA TODAY Sports: Dale Zanine)

Then there was the bad: • The Falcons had 30 giveaways, tied for fifthmost in the league. “That was the biggest stat for me,” Quinn said.

• Quinn noted that the Falcons were 1-6 when they had a negative turnover margin.

• The Falcons scuttled scoring chances with eight turnovers in the red zone and created them for opponents with 13 turnovers inside their own 40-yard line.

• The Falcons scored 339 points, tied for 21st in the league.

• Quinn said the Falcons didn’t score enough from outside the red zone because they didn’t have enough explosive plays.

• The Falcons ranked tied for 20th with 13 forced fumbles. “That comes from hitting the quarterback a lot, and we didn’t get that done,” Quinn said.

• The Falcons ranked

27th in defensive thirddown percentage. “That’s where we struggled the most (defensively).

Wide receiver Julio Jones believes the offense can improve dramatically next season in the second year in offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s system.

“As an offense, we just have to protect the ball better,” Jones told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

“Kyle Shanahan just gave us a stat. We were like 32nd in the league turning the ball over and in the red zone we were like 28th or something like that. It was just more so us than anybody else.”

Jones turned in a recordsetting season with 136 receptions, 1,871 yards and eight touchdowns.

But moving forward, from quarterback Matt Ryan to rest of the unit, taking care of the ball will be the focus for next season.

“That’s the central theme of the program,” Jones said. “We are going to compete and everything, which we do. But it’s all about the ball. We just have to protect the ball more. Next year, we just have to focus on that and keep emphasizing that every week-in and weekout. Ball security and in the red zone.”

Notes and quotes Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley said he’s considering surgery to repair the torn labrum in his right shoulder.

“It’s a day-by-day thing,” Beasley said Monday as players cleaned out their lockers following the end of their season. “I haven’t decided if I will have the surgery or not. If I don’t, I will just rehab it.”

Beasley played in all 16 games with the tear during his rookie season. He said he suffered the shoulder injury while playing

at Clemson but wasn’t aware of the labrum tear until he had an MRI exam on the shoulder before the season.

The shoulder labrum is a piece of cartilage that attaches to the socket and helps to reinforce the joint. Depending on the severity of the labrum tear, it can be treated with rest and rehabilitation or surgery.

Beasley missed time with a shoulder strain during OTAs and left the Jaguars game early because of discomfort.

He played in about half of the defensive snaps this season.

The Falcons selected Beasley with the No. 8 overall pick after he set Clemson’s sacks record.

Beasley didn’t reach his stated goal of 10 sacks but had a solid season with four sacks, 26 tackles, two forced fumbles, three passes defended and an interception.

Beasley faced a succession of top left tackles early in the season. He eventually moved to the left side of the defense to face what are typically less athletic right tackles but opponents increasingly dedicated an extra blocker to “chip” or double team him on passing plays.

Highlights for Beasley included an interception while in pass coverage against the 49ers and a sack-strip of Cam Newton that sent the Panthers to their only loss of the season. He had two sacks and a forced fumble over his first three pro games.

Beasley said his rookie year was a “great learning experience” and that he has some specific things he wants to work on before his second pro season.

“Get stronger,” he said.

“Being a more effective pass rush. Working on my main (pass rush) moves and better my craft and perfecting those moves I have.”

• With the defeat, the Falcons will draft 17th overall in the 2016 NFL draft.

• Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones had nine catches for 150 yards. He finished the season with 136 catches for 1,872 yards.

Jones entered the game within striking distance of the league’s single-season marks for catches and yards. He was 17 catches away from breaking the NFL single season reception mark of 143, which was set by Indianapolis’ Marvin Harrison in 2002.

He needed a whopping 243 yards to break Detroit’s Calvin Johnson’s record of 1,964 yards receiving, which was set in 2012.

Jones moved past Jerry Rice, who had the second best season with 1,848 yards receiving, which was set in 1995.

• Falcons Pro Bowl running back Devonta Freeman eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in the first quarter on Sunday.

The last Falcons’ running back to surpass 1,000 yards in a season was Michael Turner, who rushed 1,340 yards in 2011.

Freeman, who also had a late-game fumble, didn’t speak to the media after the game. He broke the 1,000-yard mark on a 4-yard run in the first quarter against the Saints.

With a 2-yard carry in the second quarter, Freeman reached another career milestone — recording over 1,600 total yards this season.

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0107_GDP_THURS_CLASS_Classifieds 1/6/2016 3:37 PM Page B6

B6 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

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WANT TO BUY COMIC BOOKS WANTED! Father & Son Collectors looking for large/small collections. Cash paid.

Call Justin 770-318-0586 or Randy 770-480-1345

HONDA CIVIC SEDAN, 2014 Taffeta White, Stk#8407A $14,500 877-698-5030

HONDA RIDGELINE, 2008 4x4, 22k mi., lthr. heated seats, heated mirrors, sunroof, lots more! One owner. $23k neg. Call 470-385-7342.

PETS/LIVESTOCK

DOGS

LEXUS RX 300, 1999 SUV 2 OWNER, BABIED AND ONLY DRIVEN 10K PER YEAR. SUPER CAR FAX. Loaded With Options Including Beautiful Tan Leather. Drive Anywhere In Luxury and Quality.

Only $5,750.

Call 770-895-7161

SHIH TZU PURE BRED PAPERED PUPPIES READY FOR A NEW HOME!!

Born 11/09/15. They have first vet visit, shots, dewormer and papers for registration. There are four males and one female. Please call 678-442-0702 if interested in purchasing.

Fabulous black with burgundy leather.

Babied exceptional and beautiful. 5.5L engine/130 miles per hour. Yet luxury and high quality. You can drive daily or use as investment car. Cost $48,000 new. NADA and Hagerty Classic Car Value guide appraises them at $20,000-$45,000.

Rapidly appreciating car selling way under the market at only $11,700.

Call 770-882-4605

MERCEDES BENZ 500 SEL, 1985.

Runs & looks good.

Asking $2750.

Call 404-354-8363 or 404-416-5589

Across 1.“...like Sunday Morning”

Down 2. Same as 1 across

2.

One of the best in the USA that should appreciate rapidly in price.

Driven 4,500 miles per year. (120K MILES) Owned and cherished the last 15 years by an oil company president. All preventive maintenance completed. We just road tested it at over 100 miles/ hour.

It is fabulous. Near perfect blue with dark blue interior. Chrome wheels look like new.

Two tops this car can win trophies. This car just appraised at over $20,000 to $37,000 from Hagerty old car value guide. Take it to shows, drive it daily or use it as an investment as these cars are appreciating rapidly.

Only $9,900.

Call 770-895-7161

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1.

• Cars

LOST & FOUND PETS

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CHIHUAHUA FOUND 12/28/15 - Brindle Chihuahua - Beaver Road area.

Call 678-7908346 or 770-717-1650, ask for Jackie C. ADOPT A PET BOXER MIX, looks pitbull. Spayed. Friendly. 8 months. Need a Fence.

Free to good home. 404205-3460 CHIHUAHUA BLACK/ RUST female. Must have fence. 404-2053460. Free to a good home.

MERCEDES 560 SL, 1988. LOW MILES AND ONE FAMILY OWNED. FABULOUS CAR FAX WITH 0 ACCIDENTS. Gorgeous black with tan leather. Two top.

NADA and Hagerty value guide value is $24,000-70,000. Minimum appraisal on this car is $23,828. Super car and super buy on one of the fastest appreciating cars over the next 5-10 years. Drives great and only $12,700. call 770-873-2627.

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Gwinnett Daily Post The Easy Way to Buy & Sell

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KITTEN 7 week old kitten, free to a good home. Unusual markings, shots & litter trained! 770-885-3489 lv msg.

NISSAN FRONTIER XE KING CAB, 1999, Black, 4 Cylinder, Auto, Mechanically Sound. $3,800. 404-314-7324

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