September 27, 2020 — Gwinnett Daily Post

gwinnettdailypost.com ♦ sunday, september 27, 2020 ♦ A3

WORLD & NATION

WORLD

Kim Jong Un apologizes in letter for shooting of South Korean official North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has apologized for the death of a South Korean government worker who was shot dead by North Korean troops after crossing a maritime border between the two countries.

In a letter sent to South Korea’s Blue House Friday morning, North Korea said units responded to a call that an unidentified male was found floating on an object in the sea. The letter claims about 10 rounds were fired at the man after he did not comply with a soldier’s demand to identify himself and subsequent warning shots.

North Korea says only a pool of blood remained on the floating object after the shots were fired. After soldiers presumed the man to be dead, they burned the floating object on site per North Korea’s COVID-19 disease prevention measures.

“Chairman Kim Jong Un asked to convey that he feels very sorry that instead of giving aid to our compatriots in the South who is struggling with Covid epidemic, we have given President Moon and our compatriots in the South a great disappointment with this unseen misfortune in our sea,” the letter read, according to the Blue House.

Cardinal proclaims innocence after resigning in Vatican financial scandal One of the Vatican’s powerful cardinals has resigned from his post amid a growing financial scandal.

Giovanni Angelo Becciu says he was accused of embezzlement and proclaimed his innocence during a press conference on Friday, the day after he was effectively fired

by Pope Francis.

Becciu served as the “substitute” in the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, a powerful position similar to chief-of-staff, from 2011. The 72-year-old was created cardinal by Pope Francis in 2018 and made the head of the office which oversees canonizations of saints.

Becciu’s tenure came to an abrupt halt late Thursday night, when the Vatican announced in a brief communique that Pope Francis had accepted the cardinal’s resignation.

China says it got WHO support for coronavirus vaccine emergency use China gained the “understanding and support” from the World Health Organization before starting a controversial emergency use program for its COVID-19 vaccine candidates, a Chinese health official said Friday.

China has been administering experimental coronavirus vaccines to hundreds of thousands of people since July under an emergency use program approved by the Chinese government, before their safety and efficacy have been fully proven by clinical trials.

Some experts and vaccine developers in the West have warned against the premature authorization of coronavirus vaccines before last-stage trials are completed.

— From wire reports

Amy Coney Barrett, a conservative with a compelling personal story

By Joan Biskupic

CNN Legal Analyst & Supreme Court Biographer

Judge Amy Coney Barrett, a federal appellate judge and Notre Dame law professor, is a proven conservative with a compelling personal story who has long been atop President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court short list.

On Saturday, Trump intended to choose Barrett to be the new high court justice, according to multiple senior Republican sources with knowledge of the process.

Barrett, the mother of seven children and a former law clerk to the late right-wing beacon Justice Antonin Scalia, was a finalist for the Supreme Court spot that went to Brett Kavanaugh in 2018.

She met with Trump to discuss the nomination on Monday, sources close to the process told CNN. Advocates on the far right have backed her possible nomination because of her writings on faith and the law.

Religious conservatives were especially energized for Barrett when, during the 2017 confirmation hearing for her current judgeship, Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California suggested to her that the “dogma lives loudly within you.” Barrett supporters believed the nominee was being disparaged for her Catholicism.

For all the reasons that

robert Franklin/south bend tribune via ap

Judge Amy Coney Barrett, a federal appellate judge and Notre Dame law professor, is a proven conservative with a compelling personal story who has long been atop President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court short list.

Trump sees Barrett as a potential successor to the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Democratic senators and liberal advocates have long been poised to oppose her, warning particularly that she could roll back abortion rights and invalidate the Affordable Care Act. Critics beyond Feinstein, the senior Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, have suggested Barrett’s religious views would influence her rulings.

Barrett testified that her faith would not shape her rulings at the Senate hearings for appointment by Trump to

the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.

Since joining the appellate bench, Barrett has been a cautious jurist, plainly aware that she remains under a national microscope for any Supreme Court confirmation battle. Still, she has demonstrated her conservative bona fides on Second Amendment gun rights, immigration and abortion.

Born in New Orleans in 1972 and a 1997 Notre Dame law graduate, Barrett worked in private practice and then became a law professor, settling at Notre Dame in 2002.

murder charges in the case of Breonna Taylor,” Baker said. “We think they’re warranted here, there’s sufficient probable cause.”

NATION

Trump and Biden enter critical weekend as they prepare to face off in first debate Democratic nominee Joe Biden is moving from briefing books into full days of preparations. President Donald Trump is studying notecards and getting help from a long-time ally, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

As Trump and Biden enter a key weekend of preparation for their showdown in Cleveland on Tuesday, both campaigns have been quiet about how the candidates are preparing.

Biden’s early debate preparations focused on reading briefing books and holding smaller prep sessions with policy aides, people familiar with his preparations said.

He typically prefers having aides pepper him with questions in rapid-fire form over conducting full mock debates, those people said.

Ron Klain, Biden’s former chief of staff who also managed ex-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton’s presidential debate work, is helping to oversee Biden’s debate preparations ahead of Tuesday night, those sources said. Other longtime close Biden advisers who have been involved in recent debate prep sessions include Anita Dunn, Steve Ricchetti and Mike Donilon.

Trump, according to a source familiar with his debate preparations, is studying expected attacks from Biden.

The focus of the preparations are a series of notecards the President is reviewing — the front lays out an expected

According to the questionnaire she filed with the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2017, she was named Notre Dame’s law professor of the year in 2006 and 2016.

She has been a popular and provocative figure in the classroom, telling Feinstein in a written response to follow-up questions, “My role as an academic was to stand outside of the system and to provoke students of the law to think hard about how the system works.

Sometimes that involves critiques of the system. A judge, by contrast, operates within the system, and her duty is to apply the law as it exists.”

Experts are warning of a coming surge of COVID-19 cases in US getty images

Democratic nominee Joe Biden is moving from briefing books into full days of preparations. President Donald Trump is studying notecards and getting help from a long-time ally, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Biden attack while the back of the card has bullets of what Trump has done on the topic, what he will do in a second term and how to turn the attack back on the former vice president.

Christie, who played Clinton in Trump’s 2016 debate, is also helping with Trump’s debate preparations, the source added.

The U.S. could see an explosion of COVID-19 cases as fall and winter set in, one expert says, joining a chorus of health officials who have warned about the challenges of the coming months.

Two things will likely help drive that expected winter surge, according to Dr. Chris Murray, director of the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME).

“First, as case counts have come down in some states, we tend to see that people become less careful, they tend to have more contact,” he said. “But then the most important effect is the seasonality of the virus, that people go indoors, transmission happens more.”

According to the IHME model, the country is seeing about 765 daily deaths from Covid-19, but that number could jump to 3,000 daily deaths by late December.

More than 203,000 Americans have already died from the virus since the start of the pandemic and more than 7 million have been infected, according to Johns Hopkins University. At least 24 states are now reporting a rise in new cases compared to the previous week, mostly across the US heartland and Midwest, according to data from Johns Hopkins.

— From wire reports

PEOPLE

Stacey Abrams to guest star in ‘black-ish’ animated episode Stacey Abrams, the former Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, is about to enter the animated world of the Johnson family.

Abrams, a former Democratic Georgia gubernatorial candidate and chair of the voting rights advocacy group Fair Fight, is set to lend her voice to the upcoming animated episode of ABC’s “black-ish,” CNN has learned exclusively.

In the episode, which is the the second of two new episodes scheduled to air back-to-back on Oct. 4, Dre (Anthony Anderson) begins to explore local politics and, at one point, seeks some advice from Abrams, the network said.

The two episodes are airing as a one-hour television special and will focus on following the family “as they navigate the upcoming presidential election,” a description added.

Both episodes will be directed by Matthew A. Cherry, whose animated short film “Hair Love” won an Oscar.

Graham Towers & Ben Deeb wrote the animated episode.

The special will set the stage for the official return of “blackish” on Oct. 21.

Dax Shepard reveals he relapsed after 16 years of sobriety After 16 years of being sober, actor and comedian Dax Shepard revealed he has been battling an opioid addiction.

The revelation came Friday during the latest episode of his popular podcast “Armchair Expert.”

“An episode I hoped I’d never have to record, but one I felt I owed to all the beautiful Armcheries who have been on this ride with me for the last couple years,” Shepard said in an Instagram post announcing the episode.

In the episode, Shepard — known for his roles on “Parenthood” — detailed the bumps of his journey, most recently dealing with an addiction to Vicodin, the opioid painkiller.

For the last eight weeks, he said, he had been “on them all day,” after taking them originally for injuries.

At first Shepard said he tried to fix the problem himself by slowly weaning off the pills — but it didn’t work.

But this month, he revealed his addiction to wife Kristen Bell and his friends. As of Friday, he is on day 11 of being sober once more.

Breonna Taylor’s family says they’re heartbroken and outraged following the Kentucky attorney general’s announcement that no officers are being charged directly in the killing of the 26-year-old aspiring nurse.

“I was reassured Wednesday of why I have no faith in the legal system, in the police, in the law — that are not made to protect us Black and Brown people,” Tamika Palmer, Taylor’s mother, wrote in a letter that was read out loud in a news conference Friday.

Wednesday’s announce-

ment sparked public outrage and reignited protests in Louisville and across the country. Before that, crowds gathered for months in Louisville to call for the arrests of the three officers involved.

But the investigations in Taylor’s case are far from over, and family attorneys say they’re not giving up hopes for justice.

The FBI announced in May it was investigating the circumstances surrounding Taylor’s death and said this week that work continued “beyond the state charges announced.” The agency has previously said it is taking a “fresh look” at all the evidence and interviewing witnesses as well as examining all the evidence.

Family attorney Ben Crump says he hopes the federal investigation “finally gets justice for Bre and her family.”

His statement has been echoed by family attorney Lonita Baker, who also says she hasn’t given up on state charges.

“We do hope there are federal civil rights violation charges brought as well. But again, we’re not giving up on state level manslaughter or

across the water, hop to the ceiling and even swarm?

That’s exactly the kind of question roboticists like Zeynep Temel, an assistant professor of robotics at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, is asking — and answering — in her lab.

Tiny robots would be useful in medical applications — for targeted drug delivery or simple surgeries sans incisions, according to Temel. Miniature robots could also save lives in dangerous places like mine-

fields, or during search and rescue: “If you have small bug-robots,” she said, it’s possible to do “more efficient — and safer — rescue operations” following an avalanche or earthquake where it’s dangerous for humans or even larger robots to tread.

Small robots that can work together, like ants or bees do, would also be ideal for exploring other planets like Zhenishbek Zhakypov Mars, again keeping humans away from risky, un- Roboticists who designed these robots, called Tribots, took inspiexplored situations. ration from the real-life trap-jaw ant’s locomotion strategies.

Breonna Taylor’s family attorney is ‘not giving up’ on charges for officers involved

Billie Lourd has a baby and honors late mom, Carrie Fisher Billie Lourd has chosen her initiation into motherhood to pay tribute to her own mother, Carrie Fisher.

Lourd and her fiancé, Austen Rydell, have welcomed a son, Kingston Fisher Lord Rydell.

Actress Carrie Fisher died in 2017 at the age of 60 following a heart attack.

A day later, her mother and Lourd’s grandmother, legendary actress Debbie Reynolds, died following a stroke. She was 84.

Lourd had not previously disclosed the news that she and Rydell were expecting.

But on Thursday, she shared a photo of their son’s feet on her verified Instagram account.

— From wire reports

Insect-inspired robots that can jump, fly and climb are almost here

By Starre Vartan CNN

Picture a robot.

Did you envision a giant machine assembling cars, Data from “Star Trek,” C3PO from “Star Wars” or “The Terminator”? Most of us would probably think of something massive — or at least human size.

But a whole arm of robotics is focusing on bug-size ‘bots (and smaller).

It’s not just the size of tiny insects that are inspir-

MUST READ ing roboticists; it’s also the many complex tasks and physical feats that comprise the everyday lives of many fleas, flies and other six-legged creatures.

The question isn’t only how big and powerful we can make a machine, but how small and savvy. What might humans be capable of if we could command a tiny army of simple machines? How could we use robots that could fly, skim

gwinnettdailypost.com ♦ sunday, september 27, 2020 ♦ A5

Despite court-ordered delay on 2020 Census deadline, Gwinnettians are encouraged to participate right away

By Curt Yeomans curt.yeomans@gwinnettdailypost.com

Officials in Gwinnett County have one simple message for any residents who have not yet participated in the 2020 Census: There’s still a little bit of time to participate online.

The census found itself in the headlines on Friday after a federal judge ordered the deadline to participate extended from Wednesday to the end of October. The federal government is appealing that decision, however, so it is possible that the deadline could be set back to this week.

Either way, Gwinnett County commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash said residents who haven’t participated yet should go ahead and do so without delay.

“For all Gwinnett residents who have completed a 2020 Census form, thank you for doing your part to ensure that Gwinnett counts this year and for the next decade,” Nash said. “For those Gwinnett residents who have not yet responded to the Census, take a few minutes right now to do so.

We want to be sure you are not

missing from the count.”

As of Friday, the U.S. Census Bureau reported 70.5% of Gwinnett households had self-responded to the census, including 64.8% who responded online, which is a new option offered for the first time with the 2020 Census. By comparison, 66.3% of Gwinnett households self-responded to the 2010 Census.

Nash said there are several ways in which Gwinnett County can benefit from everyone of its households being counted. The count will produce what will be considered a once-a-decade hard number for the county’s population.

A plethora of decisions will be made off of that data, ranging from distribution of services to how congressional district boundaries are drawn by the Georgia General Assembly next year.

“A wide range of things depend upon having an accurate count for Gwinnett, like federal and state funding, representation in Congress and the State Legislature and allocation of resources,” Nash said. “(Residents can) help ensure Gwinnett receives its fair share by being counted.”

2020 SELF-REPORTING RATES FOR GWINNETT AND ITS CITIES Here are the self-reporting rates for gwinnett county and its 16 cities, including towns that are only partially located in the county, as of Friday: ♦ Gwinnett County: 70.5% ♦ Auburn: 72.5% ♦ Berkeley Lake: 88.4% ♦ Braselton: 71.6% ♦ Buford: 64% ♦ Dacula: 74.2% ♦ Duluth: 68.9% Georgia’s self-response rate for this year’s census is 61.9%. When the number of people counted so far in the non-response follow ups are added in, 93.8% of households in Georgia have been counted so far. That puts Georgia just outside the bottom five for percentage of households counted so far in each state, commonwealth and U.S. territory, according to Census Bureau data.

Not only does Gwinnett have a higher self-reporting rate than the entire state, the 7th Congressional District — which includes parts of Gwinnett and Forsyth counties —

From A1

By Curt Yeomans curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

special: william Humber

Cornerstone Christian Academy graduate Ava Mei McMahon receives her diploma from headmaster Colin Creel during the Class of 2020 graduation ceremony earlier this year. The Peachtree Corners-based K-8 private school was named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence this past week.

COVID-19 pandemic caused havoc for schools across the nation, forcing students to learn from home throughout much of the spring.

“I wanted public validation for our teachers for the great job that they do here,” he said. “I knew from a testing standpoint that we would qualify, but it really just goes back to this idea that I felt like I wanted a public validation for what a great job our teachers do.”

Creel said he informed teachers about the honor during a staff meeting on Thursday, prompting excitement from the educators.

“There was definitely cheering and clapping and all of that kind of stuff,” he said.

Cornerstone Christian Academy’s National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence profile can be viewed at bit.ly/3mSVPpf.

DIRECTOR From A1 led marketing and communications efforts that contributed to a 31 percent enrollment increase and oversaw the Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation and related assets of $179 million along with increased fundraising efforts.

Before taking the job with the Gwinnett Coalition, Byrd-Lewis served as senior counsel for POWER 10, where she provided strategic counsel and hands-on tactical support to nonprofits seeking to increase resources to accomplish their organizational goals.

Her background, leadership skills and county ties made Byrd-Lewis stand out among a group of candidates that came from across the country, said Gwinnett Coalition board chair Chuck Warbington, who is also Lawrenceville City Manager.

“After an extensive search process that yielded qualified candidates from all over

WARRANTS From A1 Matheson are for aggravated assault and felony murder.

At the time of Mixon’s murder, the Daily Post reported that two men, one of whom was reportedly Mixon’s roommate, discovered his body lying on floor in the apartment’s living room. He was 33 when he died. Police quickly determined that his murder was not a random

has a higher self-reporting rate than any other congressional district in Georgia. The 7th District had a self-reporting rate of 72.1%.

The 4th Congressional District, which includes part of south Gwinnett, had a self-response rate of 65%. Meanwhile, the 10th Congressional District, which includes much of eastern Gwinnett, had a self-response rate of 62.2%.

Berkeley Lake has one of the highest, if not the highest, self-response rates in Georgia at 88.4%.

The cities of Auburn, Braselton, Dacula, Grayson, Loganville, Snellville, Sugar Hill and Suwanee each

Eclipse Gaming expanding operations with new headquarters in unincorporated Duluth

ACADEMY The schools are set to be honored during a virtual ceremony, which will be held on Nov. 12 and Nov. 13, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

“Congratulations to this year’s National Blue Ribbon School awardees,” U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said in a statement. “It’s a privilege to recognize the extraordinary work you do to meet students’ needs and prepare them for successful careers and meaningful lives.”

Cornerstone Christian opened in 2001 and has 413 students and 55 staff members. Kindergartners through eighth-graders attend the school. The school’s headmaster said 63% of seventhgraders at the school last year qualified for the Duke Talent Identification Program, also known as Duke TIP. Although the school has been around for nearly 20 years, Creel said it decided to submit its application now as a way to recognize the work put in by Cornerstone’s teachers. The number of seventhgraders who were recognized for Duke TIP, for example, is a really high number for a school, so he wanted recognition of that.

The application was submitted last winter, just before the

♦ Grayson: 77.6% ♦ Lawrenceville: 64.5% ♦ Lilburn: 66% ♦ Loganville: 70.9% ♦ Norcross: 59% ♦ Peachtree Corners: 68.5% ♦ Rest Haven: 48.6% ♦ Snellville: 76% ♦ Sugar Hill: 76.9% ♦ Suwanee: 76% Source: u.s. census bureau

had self-reporting rates ranging from 70.9% to 77.6%. The rates in Buford, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Lilburn and Peachtree Corners ranged from 64% to 68.9%.

Norcross’ self-reporting rate was 59% while Rest Haven’s rate was the lowest in the county at 48.6%.

City, county and congressionallevel data on non-responsive followups was not provided on the Census Bureau’s website.

“All of the cities have put forth some effort,” Gwinnett Municipal Association Managing Director Randy Meacham, who has also served on Gwinnett’s Complete Count committee, said. “(Berkeley Lake) has performed well and there are a couple of others that have performed well.

“The reason to do it is the federal dollar assignments and the money that would flow back to Gwinnett based on the population and the programs that would be delivered (and) grants are based on that.”

Anyone who has not yet participated in the census by self-reporting or through contact with a Census Bureau field representative can participate online by visiting 2020census.gov.

In addition to Cornerstone Christian, the other National Blue Ribbon Schools from Georgia include: Academy For Classical Education in Macon (State Charter School District); Brooks Elementary School in Newnan (Coweta County School District); DeKalb Early College Academy in Stone Mountain (DeKalb County School District); Johnson Elementary School in Rome (Floyd County Board of Education); Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts in Jonesboro (Clayton County Public Schools); Murdock Elementary School in Marietta (Cobb County School District); State Bridge Crossing Elementary School in Johns Creek (Fulton County School District); and Stevens Creek Elementary School in Martinez (Columbia County School District).

the United States, the Gwinnett Coalition’s board of directors narrowed the pool to a select group of professionals. Out of that group, Renee Byrd-Lewis’s experience, vision and heart for Gwinnett, past successes, and exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills made her our top choice,” Warbington said.

“We look forward to working with her to continue building on Ellen Gerstein’s legacy and helping accelerate the Coalition’s efforts to serve our growing community.”

Byrd-Lewis currently serves as board chair of the Leadership Gwinnett Foundation and as a board member of the Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation, Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation and Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful Advisory Board. She has served on multiple other boards throughout the years and won the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce’s Public Service Award, the Gwinnett Coalition’s Thomas James Corporate Involvement Award and the United Way Women’s Legacy Award among others.

She and her husband reside in Buford with their two sons.

crime, according to reports from that time.

On Friday, Flynn said the cold case investigator worked with investigators from the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office to gather additional evidence linking Nazar Matheson Matheson to the murder after he was identified as a suspect.

The police and the DA’s Of-

fice had been working on the case over the years.

Anyone who has additional information about the case is asked to call detectives at 770-513-5300 or Crime Stoppers, which lets tipsters remain anonymous, at 404-577-8477. They can also visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.

There is a cash reward offered by Crime Stoppers for information that leads to an arrest and indictment. Tipsters are asked to reference case No. 12-101359.

Casino game producer Eclipse Gaming is expanding its footprint in Gwinnett County by moving into a new headquarters in the Duluth area that will expand its space by seven times and allow the company to consolidate some operations in one location.

Eclipse announced the relocation to the new headquarters, which is located at 2236 Northmont Parkway, in partnership with Partnership Gwinnett and the Georgia Department of Economic Development on Thursday. In addition to offering more space, the new location is expected to allow the company to expand the number of people working at its headquarters by about 50% in 14 months, according to Partnership Gwinnett.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our footprint in Gwinnett County,” Eclipse Gaming CEO Tim Minard said. “Eclipse Gaming is a rapidly evolving company, and our success is due to our most important asset – our people.

“I believe Georgia combines exceptional logistical efficiencies with remarkable talent and educational institutions that provide rich STEAM programs. This allows us to continue creating a robust network of talented visionaries.”

Eclipse will consolidate its warehouse facilities and company operations in the new headquarters, which officials said in a statement will lead to a work environment that is

special: eclipse gaming

Eclipse Gaming announced its relocation to a new headquarters, which is located at 2236 Northmont Parkway, in partnership with Partnership Gwinnett and the Georgia Department of Economic Development on Thursday. “more effective, efficient and exciting.”

The company’s main focus is the Native American gaming market and the release of two new gaming cabinets and nine new game titles has resulted in an increase in new customers over the last three months, according to a statement.

“With our expansion we have transformed our space into what our company embodies – innovation, collaboration and creativity,” Minard said. “We are able to continue growing as an emerging leader in the gaming industry and Go Beyond the Game by delivering a variety of entertaining products that provide powerful results for our customers.”

State and local officials praised the news of the relocation and expansion.

“As COVID-19 has impacted lives and industries, we have seen immense growth in several segments of the gaming industry. We are excited that Eclipse Gaming is expanding their current operations in Georgia, making us part of their success story,” Georgia Department of Economic

CASES From A1 a bump in cases,” Dr. Audrey Arona, the health director for the Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale Health District, said. “We’re watching this really closely and realizing that there is a delay in reporting so we’re not out of the woods yet for Labor Day.” As of Saturday afternoon, Gwinnett’s two-week new case total was 1,449 and its two-week incidence rate was 149 for every 100,000 residents. The county has, so far, seen a total of 27,296 reported cases, 402 deaths and 2,670 hospitalizations.

The overall incidence rate, reflecting all cases reported in Gwinnett since March, is 2,810.7 cases for every 100,000 residents.

That is up from a two-week new case total of 1,437 new reported cases and a twoweek incidence rate of 148 cases for every 100,000 residents reported by the state on Friday. That was itself up from the twoweek total of 1,426 and a two-week incidence rate of 147 cases for every 100,000 residents seen on Thursday.

One positive sign Arona said local health officials have seen is a decline in two-week and daily positivity rates.

“Our 14-day overall positivity is 5.2% and that’s down from 6.9% from the previous reporting period,” she said on Friday. “We (also) look at our specimen collection site

Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said. “Expanding in our state gives them access to the talent needed to help them create new game concepts and innovations to meet the demands of the industry.”

Gwinnett County Commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash said, “It’s a constantly encouraging thing to see existing companies reach new heights. Gwinnett County is proud to see Eclipse Gaming’s growth and renewed investment in the community.”

Meanwhile, Partnership Gwinnett Director of Business Retention & Expansion Deven Cason added, “We are excited this rapidly-evolving company is expanding in unincorporated Gwinnett County.

When an existing Gwinnett company chooses to expand within the community it is a true testament to the superior talent and business ecosystem that are found here.”

Anyone looking to get a job with Eclipse Gaming can visit www.eclipsegamingsystems. com/aboutus/careers for information about pursuing a career with the company.

positivity rates for any given day, and we have had some rates where the positivity is less than 5%.”

But Arona is tempering her optimism about the numbers because fall officially started this past week and that is when other coronaviruses typically begin to rise.

She said the health department is urging Gwinnettians to get their flu vaccine for this year, and to continue mitigation efforts, such as wearing face masks, practicing social distancing, washing hands frequently and staying home when sick.

“We’re really pushing the flu vaccine and trying to really push a message that people don’t become complacent with the preventive measures that we all know work against this virus,” Arona said. “There’s always a danger of that when the numbers decrease and people become more lax in their adherence to those things, so again our message is really to just push those preventive messages that we’ve had all along ...

“So far, our trends are really good and we’re following that data really closely, and we’re encouraged by that, but we want it to continue.”

The two-week new case total for all of Georgia is 21,470 and the state’s two-week incidence rate is 198 cases for every 100,000 residents.

Overall, since March, Georgia has seen a total of 313,873 cases, 6,914 deaths, 28,153 hospitalizations and 5,176 ICU admissions.

gwinnettdailypost.com ♦ sunday, september 27, 2020 ♦ A7

PERSPECTIVES

Gwinnett Daily Post www.gwinnettdailypost.com

Todd Cline,

Editor and SCNI Vice President of Content todd.cline@gwinnettdailypost.com

COLUMNIST|DICK YARBROUGH

What do we care what credit firm and grass cutters think of us?

I

t is my bounden duty to report to you if this unsettling news disconon the state of the state in which you certs the émigrés from the land find yourself. I am talking, of course, where it snows 10 months a year about the Great State of Georgia.

While we are blessed to be home to the and all the buildings are rusted, Blue Ridge mountains, the Golden Isles, the Vidalia onion and the greatest state song remember our highways are twoin the history of the world, “Georgia on way. the road that brought you my Mind,” as sung by the late Ray Charles here is available to take you back Robinson, of Albany, Georgia, it seems we from whence you came. the rest are only moderately happy people.

That news comes from a group called of us love our georgia just as it WalletHub, located in a swamp known as is, thank you very much.

Washington, D.C. They have rated all 50 states on happiness and Georgia comes in at 22nd. When not telling us how happy announcing the Best and Worst States to or unhappy we are, WalletHub says it of- Visit this Fall. I’m not sure what that has fers free credit scores and personalized tips to do with cutting grass and spraying for on how to save money. Bless their hearts. weeds. They rank New York as the most I haven’t talked to any WalletHubbsters desirable state to visit in the fall and Alasand I suspect you haven’t, either, ka second even though they allow but I hope they are better at finanthat Alaska has the least number cial stuff than picking happy states. of pumpkin patches after Hawaii.

They have California rated as the Pumpkin patches in Alaska and 6th happiest state in the nation. Yes, Hawaii? that California — the one with nevOne of LawnStarters’ suggestions er-ending forest fires, earthquakes, was to “skip the South” this fall. mudslides, high taxes and Nancy Say what? They claim three of our Pelosi. What Californians have to Yarbrough neighboring states are targets for be happy about escapes me at the hurricanes, although not us. Still, moment. Maybe they are happy that the they rank Georgia the 41st worst on the San Andreas Fault hasn’t slid them off into list of 47 states. (Washington, Oregon the Pacific Ocean yet. and happy-sappy California are excluded Even New Jersey whips our tail. Wal- because of wildfires. They didn’t mention letHub rates it the fourth happiest state. that the wildfires in Oregon come mainly I’m not touching that one. The fearsome from thugs trying to burn down the city Woman Who Shares My Name was born in of Portland.) Even West Virginia beat us.

New Jersey although she moved South as a That hurts. wee child and speaks fluent Southern. But Despite a plethora of pumpkin patchI know she has good memories of summers es in Georgia and lots of friendly folks, spent at her grandmother’s beach house on LawnStarters dismisses us because they the Jersey coast. Therefore, I am reluctant say we don’t measure up in the categories to say something snarky and run the risk of parks and forests, entertainment, trails of getting broccoli rammed up my nose. and natural hazards.

Before you ask — assuming you care — However, we did come in 3rd in yard WalletHub rates Hawaii as the Happiest size. I’m happy about that but if they are State in the U.S. just ahead of Utah. Poor thinking about mowing my yard, they can old West Virginia comes in dead last, which forget it. Skip the South, remember? ought to make Mississippi happy.

If this unsettling news disconcerts the So, how did WalletHub reach their con- émigrés from the land where it snows 10 clusions? — again, assuming you care. They months a year and all the buildings are assembled a panel of experts (I must have rusted, remember our highways are twobeen out when they called) who say hap- way. The road that brought you here is piness is more than a feeling of joy or ex- available to take you back from whence citement. It is about emotional well-being you came. The rest of us love our Georgia and job satisfaction. I am happy to hear just as it is, thank you very much. that. My emotions seem to be well and I As for WalletHub and LawnStarters and love my job. their cockamamie studies, here is my perWhat I am not happy about is another sonalized tip for you both. Kiss my grass. survey I got right after WalletHub. This one I hope that makes them happy. came from a company called LawnStarter.

They don’t do free credit scores or personYou can reach Dick Yarbrough at dick@ alized tips on how to save money. They cut dickyarbrough.com; at P.O. Box 725373, grass and spray for weeds.

Atlanta, Georgia 31139; online at For reasons that totally escape me, Lawndickyarbrough.com or on Facebook at Starter felt compelled to send out a release www.facebook.com/dickyarb

COLUMNIST|CAL THOMAS

F

Alaska’s governor on the virus and the election

rom the moment Gov. Mike Dun- when this virus broke out, we had to leavy, a Republican, was made look to China for some of our personal aware of the threat of COVID-19, protective equipment, potential testing he acted faster than most other states and so forth. That puts you at a disadand the federal government. In an in- vantage. He saw this early on.” terview, I asked him why he moved so What about the looting and rioting quickly when others did not? in some cities? “I don’t think you’re “We got a call from the (U.S.) State going to see that tolerated the next Department in January asking for as- four years if Trump is in office. Peosistance with a charter (plane) that was ple want security. They want economic coming out of Wuhan with State security and they want security Department officials. We are the with regard to our foreign policy. entry point for North America We haven’t entered into a war from Asia. ... If you are going to with this president. He’s finished evacuate U.S. State Department wars. He’s (been nominated by officials and their families from two people for the) Nobel Peace China because of the virus, there Prize. The press doesn’t want to is something to it. We immeditalk about that, generally speakately set up our disaster team ing. If the question is do I think Thomas ... and we started to prepare at the president’s policies are good that point for some type of epidemic for America, I do. I really do.” or pandemic.”

What would a Joe Biden presidenThe government also instituted a cy and the Green New Deal do to the testing requirement that travelers to Alaska economy?

Alaska must have tested negative for “I think it would be radically altered the virus at least 72 hours before their for the worse. ... We were purchased arrival into the state. Health care pro- from Russia for two reasons: one was fessionals are at the airport to either our resources, one was our geo-politconfirm one has had a test or sell you ical location. Oil, coal would take a a kit for $250 and require self-quaran- hit. Gas would most likely take a hit. tine until results are confirmed.

We depend on oil more than any other As a result, Alaska is one of eight state. It would be devastating.” states with the lowest number of COVID Does he see Biden as a “Trojan horse” cases and deaths in the country. for socialist policies, as some RepubI ask why other states — and the licans have charged?

Trump administration, as Democrats “There may be some truth in that. charge — did not respond as he has. “I That certainly is the emerging wing really don’t know the answer to that. and probably in my estimation will Part of what benefited us is that we are become the Democratic Party pretty isolated. We have Canada as our only quick, the Democratic socialism wing. land neighbor. We don’t have a lot of I think what you would see with canthrough traffic. ... You have to make didate Biden, if he were to win ... that a special effort to get here. We have would be the last vestige of the Demothe highest percent of Native Ameri- cratic Party, which has changed radicans — 15 percent of our population. cally. My parents were FDR Democrats And many died (in the 1918 Spanish and would not recognize (today’s Demflu) pandemic. We didn’t want to re- ocratic Party).” peat that.”

Prediction on the race? “I am hopeful, His thoughts on the presidential and I have confidence Trump will win.” campaign? “I obviously support the president because of what he does ...

Readers may email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com. Look for bringing back jobs to the United States.

Cal Thomas’ new book “America’s I think the president was very astute in that he recognized early on that we Expiration Date: The Fall of Empires and were ceding our sovereignty to foreign Superpowers and the Future of the United States” (HarperCollins/Zondervan). actors, such as China. An example is

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS: EmAil: letters@gwinnettdailypost.com mAil: 725 Old Norcross Road Lawrenceville, Georgia, 30046

COLUMNIST|KATHLEEN PARKER

S

Mitt Romney, Washington’s lone ranger

ome have said that, in a fair and righteous world, the seat held by the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg would be filled next January by the recently elected president of the United States.

But we know our world to be otherwise and the seat will be filled as soon as possible, thanks to Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), whose decision not to block a vote before the election gave Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky.) the green light to proceed with the nomination process.

It seems to be Romney’s fate to be permanently affixed to the public whipping post, no matter what he does. He’s the guy who can’t please anyone, and who, unbeknownst to most, is humble enough to accept that fate. In that rarest of qualities among politicians, his conscience truly is his guide.

I say this from having known Romney for more than a decade. Though he often has trouble connecting to voters in public venues, this private man is among the very few to whom I would ascribe noble intentions.

Maybe it’s his Mormon faith, but Romney has no affinity for the easy path. Indeed,

at this point, self-immolation might hold publicans can zip up a tent so tight that a some appeal. mosquito can’t get in. The warmer-blooded His choice to follow President Trump’s Democrats, though perhaps utilitarian at lead and allow the confirmation process heart, will leave the flap open on the chance to go forward has only earned him new a potential convert wanders by. enemies. In the nation’s capital, RomSome may claim that Romney’s ultimate ney remains the loneliest ranger — decision was never in doubt. Power loved by none, hated — by turns — is power. But this would misunderstand the man and how he operates. by nearly all.

Last year, when he was the sole His closest associates have spoken Republican to vote for Trump’s conoften of his sometimes aggravating viction in his impeachment trial, decision-making style, which is to Romney briefly enjoyed the adoratackle any issue as though he were tion of the left. Profiles in courage writing a dissertation on the subject. were written, and the Utah senator As governor of Massachusetts, he Parker was feted as the right kind of Repubsought tutoring and guidance from lican, one who votes his conscience even scientists and bioethicists when considerwhen it hurts him personally. ing legislation related to stem cell research.

At the same time, the right pilloried and During the impeachment, he requested tranreviled him. Trump backers deemed him a scripts of testimony, studying (and praying) traitor and a self-serving revenge-seeker. late into the night. People close to him durThat was then. Today, Romney is reviled ing his latest deliberations tell me he was, by the left and center for clearing a way for once more, concerned about making the a 6-to-3 conservative majority on the Su- right decision. The stakes seemed almost preme Court and yet the right still despises insurmountable: Not only would his decihim. One thing you can say about conser- sion affect the high court for decades, but vatives: They are loath to liberate a grudge. also the pushback, either way, would be feSometimes wrong but never in doubt, Re- rocious and unyielding.

Both sides brought pressure to bear during his days of rumination, including from trusted advisors urging him to vote no.

True enough, Romney wouldn’t have wanted to help Trump win reelection. Everyone knows he’s not a Trump buddy. Since he was elected in 2016, Trump has made no attempt to conceal his contempt for Romney, whom he pretended to woo as a possible pick for secretary of state. Everyone knew that nomination was never going to happen. And when Trump rejected Romney just as most had predicted, the senator handled it with characteristic grace even if the humiliation had to sting.

It is the essence of irony that Romney should now be on the side of his nemesis.

But the long-sought goal of a conservative court — to serve as bulwark against progressive domination in other branches of government — ultimately guided Romney to yes.

Someday, perhaps, Republicans may show some gratitude for what was never an easy call. Either way, the Romney I know doesn’t care. It was never personal.

Kathleen Parker is a columnist for the Washington Post.

gwinnettdailypost.com ♦ sunday, september 27, 2020 ♦ A11

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gwinnettdailypost.com

PAGE A12 ♦ SundAy, SEPtEmbEr 27, 2020

David McGregor

revenge week

Buford’s Victor Venn (6) splits two Clarke Central defenders in Friday night’s victory. Below: Buford head coach Bryant Appling talks to a game official on Friday night.

Buford rolls to victory over Clarke Central

By Will Hammock will.hammock@ gwinnettdailypost.com

BUFORD — It wasn’t exactly clean, but the Buford football team got its revenge Friday night.

The Wolves fought through a messy first half for a big lead and rolled to a 47-0 victory over Clarke Central on Homecoming night, avenging a painful loss from the 2019 season. The Gladiators upset Buford in last year’s regular-season finale, ending Buford’s 47-game region winning streak and snatching away the 8-AAAAA title.

The teams no longer share a region, but their history made Friday night’s rematch interesting — and had the Wolves motivated.

“This whole week was just that feeling we felt, that one

team making us 14-1 (last year), so it was the revenge week,” Buford lineman Jacob Smith said. “It really made everyone focus a lot harder and work a lot harder than I think we would have at this point in the season.”

Smith and the line paved the way for 293 rushing yards, along with 159 passing yards, and helped the Wolves (21) overcome 14 penalties for 139 yards. Victor Venn (11 rushes, 70 yards, two touchdowns), Gabe Ervin Jr. (12 rushes, 68 yards, TD) and C.J. Clinkscales (four rushes, 78 yards, TD) split the rushing load.

Buford also rotated the same three quarterbacks it has in the early season, and all three were efficient.

Dylan Wittke (4 of 7 passing for 92 yards, TD and four rushes for 32 yards, TD) got

the start, followed by Ashton Daniels (4-for-5 passing for 53 yards, TD) and Jarvis Evans Jr. (2-for-2 passing, 14 yards). Nine different Wolves caught passes.

“I told them we might have broke a record with how many penalties we had and still win by that margin,” Buford head coach Bryant Appling said. “I say it every day, we’re still in July mode.

We’ve really gone through spring practice practice, gone through an OTA or two and it’s been real games. We’re just still waiting to hit that stride. Everybody will look a lot better in six weeks. Everybody will look different on tape in six weeks. You take these first few weeks as what they are, spring practice, summer practice.”

Buford dominated the first half when it wasn’t making

costly mistakes. It racked up 314 yards in the first two quarters and built a 26-0 lead despite throwing a red-zone interception and amassing 10 penalties for 94 yards.

Its defense held the Gladiators to 35 first-half yards, including minus-1 on the ground.

Victor Payne, Josiah Wyatt and Malik Spencer had big sacks, and Jake Pope had an interception to set up a score.

Clarke Central finished with just 115 yards, and only 14 were on the ground.

“We’re playing pretty good right now,” Appling said of his defense. “We’ve got a lot of depth. We’ve still got some key spots where we’ve got to build some depth. Honestly, losing the guys we lost last year I knew we were going to have to catch up in certain spots, but we’ve started probably as good as we could

start on the defensive side of the ball. I don’t want to jinx myself, but those guys are really playing hard, playing fast and playing a lot more physical than we played early last season.”

Wittke hit Pope for a 40yard TD pass on the game’s opening drive, and Venn’s 4-yard TD run late in the first quarter pushed the lead to 12-0. Venn had a 32-yard TD run in the second quarter, then Ashton Daniels’ 4-yard scoring pass to Wyatt Sullivan made it 26-0 at halftime.

The Wolves tacked on two third-quarter scores — a 13yard TD run by Wittke and a 6-yard TD run by Ervin — before a 2-yard TD run four

plays into the fourth quarter by Clinkscales closed the scoring. Clinkscales’ scoring run killed his average — his first three carries of the game netted 20, 29 and 27 yards.

“The whole focus this week was being more physical and just wanting to make them quit,” Smith said. “Really what stopped us a bunch of times was ourselves making silly mistakes. Like a lot of teams we’re in about midsummer mode. We didn’t get our scrimmage game and we didn’t get a first game early on like everyone else did. But we can’t use that as an excuse anymore, it’s football season and we’ve got to work through it and overcome it.”

norcross romps past South in battle of unbeatens

By David Friedlander Staff Correspondent

SNELLVILLE — Giving a football team as talented as Norcross even one opportunity is never a good idea.

Giving it several can be lethal, a lesson South Gwinnett learned the hard way Friday night.

The Blue Devils’ offense didn’t have much trouble creating its own scoring chances throughout the first half, but gladly took advantage of some opportunities created by the defense and special teams to roll up a huge first half lead en route to a 45-14 victory over the Comets at Richard Snell Memorial Stadium.

Mason Kaplan finished the night 10 of 15 passing for 169 yards and three touchdowns, two of which went to Trey Goodman, while Jahni Clarke ran for 101 yards and two scores on just seven carries as Norcross jumped on South early and often.

“Overall, I think offensively from the opening drive on, our guys did just an outstanding job all night,” Norcross coach Keith Maloof said. “We fed off the defense. Defense gave them the ball.

We’re just playing outstanding on both sides of the ball right now, and we’ve got to keep that going.

Special teams got better (Friday) night, and that’s what we really focused in on last week.”

It didn’t take long for the Norcross (3-0) offense to get rolling.

In fact, it took the Blue Devils just 2:43 to cover 69 yards in eight

Craig Cappy

Norcross’s Jalen Garner (10) tackles South Gwinnett’s Rion White (3) during Friday’s game played at South Gwinnett School. plays, with Kaplan doing much of the heavy lifting, completing five passes for 56 yards.

He got a little help on the last of those completions from Goodman, who made an acrobatic, onehanded catch before tapping his toe down just in bounds in the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown pass that put Norcross up 7-0 with 9:37 left in the first quarter.

The Blue Devils were on the

board again less than two minutes later with a big assist from their special teams as Josh Graham and D’Andre Golden combined to block a South punt to set the offense up at the Comets’ 28-yard line.

Kaplan quickly cashed in by hitting a wide-open Golden for a 28yard TD on the next snap, pushing the Norcross lead to14-0 with 7:47 left in the opening frame.

South looked like it might answer when Nigel Hussey returning the ensuing kickoff 46 yards to set the Comets up near midfield.

But the Norcross defense stiffened to stuff Khoreem Miller on fourth and less than a yard to give the offense the ball back at its own 40.

This time, it was Clarke who would help the Blue Devils capitalize on a relatively short field by covering 32 of the needed 60 yards for the score, including the final 3 for a TD that pushed the lead to 21-0 with 5:17 left in the quarter.

South’s offense did a considerably better job of ball control in the second quarter by possessing the ball about 3 minutes of the middle frame.

However, even after an impressive goal line stand by the defense and an 11-play drive that took the ball as deep as the Norcross 23, the comets came up short on fourth down and came up empty.

Meanwhile, the Blue Devils cashed a fumble into Kaplan’s third TD pass of the night, a 23-yard scoring strike to Goodman with 8:48 left in the half, and four big runs

by Clarke, including a 9-yard romp into the end zone for a score with 5:17 left in the half, to take a 35-0 lead into intermission.

“Other than that one long run on kickoff (by Hussey), the first half was about as complete game as we’ve ever had,” Maloof said.

Norcross turned another miscue into points when South muffed the second half kickoff to give the Blue Devils possession at the Comets’ 24-yard line.

However, South did toughen up enough to force Norcross to settle for Francisco Hernandez’s 23-yard field goal that made the score 38-0 with 9:07 left in the third quarter, which proved to be a sign of a much better second half for the Comets.

Rion White threw for the bulk of his 167 yards on 10 of 18 passing in the second half, including completing his final eight straight passes, including TD passes of 15 yards to Corey Johnston and 23 yards to Armond Anderson.

But it was too little, too late, as Norcross continued to play solid, including after the starters were pulled when the Blue Devils drove 70 yards in 12 plays, capped by Ezekiel Johnson’ 9-yard TD run with 6:14 to play.

Still, South coach Steve Davenport was looking to build on the positives after the game as the Comets (3-1) will try to bounce back from their first loss of the year next week against crosstown rival Shiloh.

“The ball started rolling downhill on us (in the first half),” Davenport said. “You’ve got to give credit where credit is due. Coach Maloof had his team ready to play, they punched us in the mouth and we didn’t react the way we wanted. But all we can do is get better from it.

“We challenged each other at halftime, not from a negative perspective but from a pride perspective. And the kids responded pretty good. That’s all we asked them to do.”

gwinnettdailypost.com ♦ sunday, september 27, 2020 ♦ A13

FANS CHOICE FALL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

Brookwood guts out win over Mill Creek From staff reports

Who: lauren cothern School: lanier Sport: softball Class: Junior Highlights: went 3-for-5 with a home run, two doubles and six rbis, in addition to pitching six innings, in a 14-6 win over shiloh, and also was 3-for-3 with a double in a 13-0 win over providence Coach Caitlin Schmidt’s take: “lauren is a fierce competitor. she is always at her best when we need her the most whether it be at the plate, on the field or inside the circle. lauren is tough, talented and has incredible instincts for the game. she never backs down from a challenge and is her own worst critic. lauren’s hard work and dedication inside the classroom and on the field will make her very successful in life.”

IN BRIEF Ian Schieffelin chooses Clemson Grayson senior Ian Schieffelin announced his commitment Monday night to the Clemson University men’s basketball program.

The 6-foot-8, 225-pound forward is ranked as a threestar prospect in the 247Sports. com composite rankings. He also had offers from schools like Georgia State, Virginia Tech, Dayton and others.

As a junior, Schieffelin was a second-team, all-county selection after helping the Rams to a Class AAAAAAA runner-up finish. He averaged 10.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 1.7 assists. He averaged 10.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1 block as a sophomore.

Cal lands commitment from Hayden The University of California, Berkeley women’s volleyball program has landed a commitment from Buford junior Mikayla Hayden.

Hayden earned all-county honors and was the region player of the year last season as a sophomore when she had 299 kills, a .404 hitting percentage, 54 blocks and 53 aces. She plays at the club level for A5 Volleyball 16-1.

Lester commits to Penn Collins Hill senior Alli Lester plans to play soccer in the Ivy League, committing Thursday to the University of Pennsylvania women’s program.

Lester also has played club soccer for Tophat’s Development Academy team.

Gwinnett Rush teammates pick colleges Four players from the Suwanee-based Gwinnett Rush girls lacrosse club’s Select Team have made recent college commitments.

Three of the college-bound players are from North Gwinnett — defender Mallory O’Brien (Piedmont College), goalie Morgan LaPlante (Life University) and attack Erin Griffin (Reinhardt University). Lanier midfielder Olivia Andrews also has committed to Life University.

Wardle, Butcher runners of the week

SNELLVILLE — Brookwood’s Marquis Groves-Killebrew intercepted a pass and caught a game-clinching 51-yard touchdown pass on Friday to lead Brookwood’s football team to a 24-13 win over Mill Creek at Brookwood Community Stadium.

“I’d say the touchdown was more important tonight,” GrovesKillebrew said. “We really needed it.”

Brookwood improved to 3-0.

“Our guys are playing more poised,” Brookwood head coach Philip Jones said. “In Game 1 and Game 2, we committed a lot of foolish penalties, shot ourselves in the foot more. I knew if we did that (Friday) we’d have a tough time against a good team like that. Luckily we didn’t do that tonight.”

Brookwood was led by quarterback Dylan Lonergan, who completed 19 of 28 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns.

Alexander Diggs rushed 12 times for 83 yards and one score.

Samuel M’Bake caught seven passes for 77 yards and Denylon Morrissette caught seven passes for 57 yards and one touchdown.

Mill Creek (1-1) got 90 yards rushing from Joshua Battle, who carried 18 times. Quarterback M.J. Patterson completed 10 of 18 passes for 70 yards, but was intercepted twice.

Brookwood had to buckle down after spotting Mill Creek a 10-point lead. The Hawks got on the board with a 54-yard field goal from Brock Pellegrino and a 10-play penalty-aided drive capped by Caleb Downs’ 1-yard touchdown run.

Brookwood got on the board with a 80-yard drive aided by a 27-yard touchdown pass from Lonergan to Conley Davis. The drive was completed when Lonergan found the elusive Morrissette for a 17-yard touchdown.

Mill Creek used a big kickoff return from Khamari Glover to reach midfield when the Hawks made their first mistake.

On third-and-8, Patterson was picked by Groves-Killebrew to kill the drive.

After an exchange of possessions, Brookwood drove for the tying field goal. The Broncos had first-and-goal at the 7, but settled for a 29-yard try from Dan Le Hernandez.

Brookwood took its first lead with 3:29 left in the third quarter. A key third-down reception to Morrissette set up a 51-yard touchdown pass to Groves-Killebrew, who easily beat his defender and ran untouched into the end zone for a 17-10 lead.

Mill Creek answered by driving to the Brookwood 8, but had to settle for a 25-yard field goal from Pellegrino with 9:21 remaining.

That’s when Brookwood put away the game. Diggs, who had been bottled up all night, broke free for a 51-yard touchdown run that stretched the lead to 24-13.

Brookwood dashed any hopes for the Hawks when Niles Prince intercepted a pass at midfield.

Grayson 26, Archer 7

LAWRENCEVILLE — It was a night of defenses as both Grayson and Archer had a combined eight turnovers, but it was the Rams who took advantage of the miscues, besting their rival 26-7 on Friday night at Archer Community Stadium.

The Rams caused five fumbles on the night, recovering three, including two during red-zone drives by the Tigers.

“It’s a great win for our program,” said Grayson head coach Adam Carter. “Any time you can come on the road and beat your rival is special.”

Grayson (4-0) got things going early in the first quarter when Clemson-commit Phil Mafah went 57 yards for a touchdown.

Grady Bryant’s 2-point conversion rush gave the Rams an 8-0 lead with 8:55 to go.

Grayson’s defense continued to shine early in the second half when Jayvian Allen picked off a Peevy pass. On Grayson’s ensuing possession, Jimmy Gonzalez-Sanchez booted a 26-yard field goal to give the Rams an 11-0 lead.

An 81-yard interception for a score by A.J. Lopez and a twopoint conversion rush by Bryant gave the Rams a 19-0 lead with 1:33 to go in the third quarter.

Mafah (21-145-2) put the game away with a nine-yard TD run to put the Rams up 26-0.

The Tigers added a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown by Caleb Wooden to nix the shutout.

Brookwood’s Allie Wardle and Dacula’s Ben Butcher were named Gwinnett runners of the week by the county’s cross country coaches.

Wardle finished as runnerup in the Brookwood/Walton/Lovett/Lambert quad Collins Hill 28, Rome 14 meet with a time of 19 minSUWANEE — Lenny Gregory utes, 21 seconds last week- needed to see his Collins Hill end. Butcher placed second football team win a different in the Warpath Invitational. kind of game.

Jamie spaar

Brookwood’s Alexander Diggs (15) runs for a touchdown Friday night against Mill Creek.

He already knew his offense had firepower after scoring a total of 80 points in its two wins.

But could his defense grind out an ugly game against a Rome (22) team that wouldn’t go away?

Richard Ransom answered the question early in the fourth quarter.

With the game locked in a 14-14 stalemate, the junior linebacker jumped in front of a Caleb Ellard pass and picked it off, returning it down inside the 10. Two plays later, Spenser Anderson pounded in his second touchdown of the game to put Collins Hill (3-1) on top 21-14, and the hosts added another touchdown to secure a 28-14 victory on homecoming at Fahring Field.

Finishing was a key emphasis for Gregory and his coaching staff after a 7-7 game in the third quarter at Grayson quickly ballooned into a 28-7 loss last week. On Friday, his team responded by winning the fourth quarter 14-0.

But long before the finish, there were fireworks right from the start. Rome’s Bryson Hill returned the opening kickoff back to the Collins Hill 30, giving the visitors a golden chance to strike first. Ellard uncorked a deep ball on the first play, but Collins Hill’s jack-of-alltrades star Travis Hunter was there to intercept the pass in the end zone.

And that was just the beginning of Hunter’s big night.

The Eagles got Hunter involved early and often on offense, both with short screen passes from quarterback Sam Horn and on some designed run plays.

Hunter finished the night with 164 yards from scrimmage,and a 19-yard run helped set Collins Hill up in position to score on its opening drive. Anderson took a draw play from Horn untouched into the end zone for a 24-yard score to make it 7-0 Eagles.

An active first quarter escalated into a frantic second quarter.

The opening snap of the quarter saw Horn throw the ball to Hunter, who fired a deep ball down the right sideline. Sean Norris beat his corner and ran under it for a walk-in touchdown to restore the Collins Hill lead on the double pass.

After a botched punt snap set Rome up inside the Collins Hill 10 just before halftime, Ellard called his own number on the first play and scored up the gut to tie the game 14-14.

A scoreless third frame meant that Ransom’s interception and Anderson’s subsequent score broke a long stalemate early in the fourth quarter, putting the pressure back on Rome.

Collins Hill’s defense forced a quick three-and-out, giving the offense a chance to put the game away with 6:36 left.

Horn’s biggest moment of the night might not have even come with his arm. On fourthand-5 with under four minutes to play, his hard count managed to draw Rome offsides to give the Eagles a fresh set of downs.

Five plays later, he hit Hunter for a bubble screen and the star receiver did the rest by taking the ball 35 yards to the end zone. Horn finished the night with 26-for-36 with 215 passing yards, and his final throw of the night was the dagger.

Parkview 42, Loganville 0

LOGANVILLE — Parkview coach Eric Godfree returned to Loganville on Friday and left a big winner.

Godfree’s Parkview team picked up a 42-0 non-region high school football victory over Loganville on Friday night.

Parkview, in Georgia’s largest classification, stepped down in class and had no problem with the smaller school from neighboring Walton County.

The Panthers (2-1) scored at will in building a 42-0 halftime lead.

Tennessee commit Cody Brown opened with a 16-yard run to cap Parkview’s first drive. Olu Baker hit the first of his six

PATs to make it 7-0 with less than two minutes elapsed. Colin Houck threw for 20 yards on the drive after Parkview returned the opening kickoff to midfield.

Parkview added on Houck’s 31-yard scoring pass to to Jordon Brooks, capping a 50-yard drive midway through the first.

Brown had a 54-yard TD run with a little less than two minutes left in the first quarter.

Tyler Curtis had touchdown runs of 2 and 39 yards in the second quarter, along with Brown’s third of the night, a 42-yarder, as Parkview ran to a 42-0 halftime advantage.

Peachtree Ridge 35, Centennial 32

SUWANEE — Centennial’s receiving corps gave Peachtree Ridge fits all night long, but when the game was on the line, the Lions’ defense stepped up to improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2013.

The high-scoring affair saw several lead changes, including multiple times in the fourth quarter before the Lions held on for a 35-32 win.

Brandon Cade’s 12-yard touchdown run gave Peachtree Ridge a 28-25 lead with 8:12 left in the game, and Centennial took a 32-28 lead on a Drake Mason 100-yard kickoff return.

But the Lions answered on the ensuing drive that was capped by a 20-yard touchdown pass from Nick Best to Jacobe Bea. Nehemiah Laniyonu got the Lions on the board with an 18yard scamper that gave them a 7-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Peachtree Ridge cut the lead to 15-14 when Best found Jarius Griffin for a 32-yard touchdown with seven seconds left in the first half.

With Centennial deep in Lions territory in the second half, Peachtree Ridge junior Carlos Fuller stepped in front of a receiver and took it 89 yards to give Ridge a 21-15 lead.

Centennial kicked a field goal to cut the lead to 21-18 and then recovered an onside kick to get the ball back with less than two minutes left in the third. Goff connected with Mason to give the Knights a 25-21 lead with 9:41 left in the game.

Lanier 38, Denmark 27

SUWANEE — Denmark generated its first points of the football season Friday, but it wasn’t enough as the Danes fell 38-27 to Lanier.

On a night that saw the return of Aaron McLaughlin to Denmark’s lineup, it didn’t take long for the standout quarterback to get things going.

After several completions to wide receiver Teddy Davenport, McLaughlin unleashed a 40yard TD pass to wideout Casey Gunn for an early 7-0 lead.

On the next possession, Lanier took the ball downfield but was halted by the Denmark defense and settled for a field goal, making it 7-3.

After several three-and-outs by both teams, the Longhorns – powered by a huge offensive line – drove the ball downfield and Tyler Washington took it in from 3 yards out to give Lanier the lead 10-7.

McLaughlin gave the lead back to the Danes shortly after on a 26-yard touchdown pass to Azari Brown.

After a couple of Trey Glymph field goals gave Denmark a 2010 lead, Lanier quarterback Andrew Blackford threw a perfect touchdown pass to the back of the end zone, narrowing the Danes’ lead to 20-17.

Once again, after utilizing the size and quickness on the left side of their offensive line, the Longhorns were able to drive the ball downfield, cultivating in another TD pass by Blackford giving the Longhorns a 24-20 lead.

After driving down to the 20yard line and having his helmet knocked off by a Lanier defender, McLaughlin threw an interception in the end zone, giving Lanier the ball back.

With the Denmark’s defense holding and forcing Lanier into a punt, McLaughlin was determined to make amends for his earlier mistake. On the first play from scrimmage, McLaughlin took the ball around the left side and scored from 41 yards out, giving Denmark a 27-24 lead.

Both defenses were tough on the offenses for back-toback series, but unfortunately for the Danes, running back Bryan Williams took off on the right side of the line and never looked back as he scored from 55 yards out for a Longhorn lead of 31-27.

McLaughlin tried to rally his team deep in its own territory, but with time not on their side and a Lanier team that could smell victory, the desperate quarterback not wanting to take a sack in the end zone, tried throwing the ball away, only to be intercepted at the 4-yard line.

On the very next play, Washington took it around the right side and scored the final touchdown.

Lovejoy 19, North Gwinnett 7

SUWANEE — Defensively, North Gwinnett looked as sharp as ever Friday night, but a severe lack of offense left the Bulldogs in the dust in their 19-7 loss to Lovejoy.

Whether it was due to dropped passes, fumbles, interceptions, or just poor execution, North’s offense couldn’t ever seem to get in sync in a football game featuring two unbeaten teams.

“Hats off to Lovejoy,” North head coach Bill Stewart said.

“They came in here and played their tails off. At the end of the day, it comes down to focus, execution and everything else.

We, as a team, have to learn from it and get better.”

The soggy conditions also appeared to hinder the Bulldogs’ ability to capitalize on opportunities as they dropped two sure touchdown passes, fumbled four times and missed two field goals.

Lovejoy, on the other hand, made the most of its opportunities as 13 of its points came off of turnovers inside North Gwinnett territory.

Both defenses were incredible in the first half, with North Gwinnett allowing minus-10 yards on the ground and just 49 yards through the air. The Wildcats weren’t far behind, limiting North Gwinnett to just 43 rushing yards and 47 passing yards.

Lovejoy finally started to make some noise in the second half when a pair of beautiful deep balls from Stephin Craig to Antonio Jones and Quentavious Scandrett put them in the red zone. Two plays later, the Wildcats roared first as speedster Jakiel Middlebrook sliced through two defenders and into the end zone for the game’s first score.

The Bulldog defense responded soon after when safety Austin Wainwright jumped a slant route in stride and strolled into the end zone for North Gwinnett’s only score.

Despite the obvious shift in momentum, North Gwinnett still couldn’t get its offense rolling.

Lovejoy reclaimed the lead early in the fourth quarter after a recovered fumble put the Wildcats on the Bulldog 40-yard line. One play later, Jones took a wonderfully executed reverse play to the house to go up 12-7.

Inside the final two minutes of the fourth quarter, following an interception at the North Gwinnett 18-yard line, the Wildcats missed a 34-yard field goal attempt to go ahead by eight points. After the play, though, North Gwinnett was penalized for roughing the kicker.

This gave Lovejoy the two more snaps it needed for Middlebrook to score one last time and put the Bulldogs out of reach.

Wesleyan 28, Loganville Christian 0

LOGANVILLE — It was Senior Night for fall sports athletes at Loganville Christian Academy and the Lions faithful were hoping for a win on the gridiron, but the Wesleyan Wolves prevailed 28-0 on Friday.

Wesleyan (4-0) got a 34-yard Griffin Caldwell touchdown run and a successful PAT to take an early 7-0 lead it would never relinquish.

The second quarter was quiet until Wesleyan’s Brooks Sturgeon kicked a 37-yard field goal at the 3:53 mark and another from the same distance at 1:44 to extend the Wolves’ lead to 13-0 going into halftime.

Neither team produced much offense in the third period, but in the fourth, Wesleyan tacked on two more touchdowns to bring the final score to 28-0.

FANS CHOICE FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Name: stone bonner School: brookwood Position: tight end Class: Junior Highlights: caught five passes for 139 yards and a touchdown in a 43-32 victory over walton Coach Philip Jones’ take: “stone has emerged as one of our top offensive weapons because of his size, his hands, his confidence and his athleticism. what’s even more impressive about stone is his maturity, his work ethic and his love for this program and his teammates. this is only the beginning for him. you will be hearing this name quite a bit at brookwood and on the next level.”

Caldwell had a 30-yard TD run and Ryan Rose hit Andrew Van Wie for a 10-yard TD. R.J. Aycox (six tackles, two for losses) and Jackson Turner (five tackles, two for losses) led the Wesleyan defense.

Hebron 17, Mount Pisgah 13

DACULA — Hebron Christian’s football team won its home opener Friday night, pulling out a 17-13 win over Mount Pisgah.

The Lions got a 15-yard touchdown pass to Demetrius Rogers and a 50-yard TD pass to Jaiden Stowers. Jonathan Burke hit a 30-yard field goal in the win.

Lambert 26, Duluth 10

DULUTH — Duluth hung tough with visiting Lambert as the football teams were tied late in the third quarter at Cecil Morris Field on Friday night.

Depth and errors eventually caught up to the Wildcats as the Longhorns prevailed 26-10.

Lambert improved to 4-0 while Duluth fell to 1-1.

Duluth took an early 3-0 lead on Sahil Punwani’s 24-yard field goal, but Lambert rebounded and took a 7-3 lead heading into halftime.

Duluth’s Lonnie Ratliff IV was 8-for-14 in the first half for 70 yards while Nyle Ervin led the rushing attack with 49 yards.

The second half started with promise for Duluth as on its first play from scrimmage Ratliff IV hit Jaiden Jones with a short pass and Jones raced 74 yards for the touchdown. Punwani’s extra point gave Duluth a 10-7 lead only 20 seconds into the third quarter.

Jefferson 40, Mountain View 7

JEFFERSON — Jefferson stayed on a roll early in the season with a 40-7 win over visiting Mountain View on Friday.

Mountain View (1-3) was led by quarterback Nathan Payne, who completed 16 of 21 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown.

Mossiah Carter had 10 catches for 79 yards and a score, and Zay Wilson added two catches for 40 yards.

The Bears’ defensive standouts included Jaquan Ivy (caused fumble), Eric Jones (fumble recovery) and Trey Moss (interception). Darren Baggett blocked a PAT.

South Forsyth 52, Central Gwinnett 27

CUMMING — Central Gwinnett’s Justin Johnson threw for more than 300 yards, but it wasn’t enough Friday in a 52-27 loss to South Forsyth.

Johnson completed 20 of 33 passes and had two passing touchdowns. He also rushed for a 16-yard score.

Gainesville 48, Discovery 0

GAINESVILLE — Just about everything went right for the Gainesville football team Friday night, as the Red Elephants defeated visiting Discovery in a 48-0 blowout.

Athens Academy 68, Berkmar 14

ATHENS — Berkmar’s road trip to Athens ended with a 68-14 loss on Friday.

The Patriots fall to 0-2 on the season.

A14 ♦ SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 ♦ GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM

gwinnettdailypost.com ♦ sunday, september 27, 2020 ♦ A17

Ga. law enforcement officials cite public distrust of police for hurting morale

By Dave Williams

Bureau Chief Capitol Beat News Service

ATLANTA — Deteriorating public support for law enforcement is driving police officers away from the profession and making it harder to attract new recruits, representatives of state and local police agencies said Thursday.

While cops expect criminals to see them in a negative light, bad feelings about the police are spreading to ordinary citizens and even elected officials, Butch Ayers, executive director of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, told the state Senate Study Committee on Law Enforcement Reform at its kickoff meeting.

“Officers are asking themselves, ‘Why am I staying here?’ ” said Ayers, the former Gwinnett County police chief. “We cannot attract people to this noble profession if

we continue to vilify the profession.”

Police officers in cities across America have been targets of violent elements of otherwise peaceful protests since the Butch Ayers death of George Floyd last May, a Black man who died after a white police officer in Minneapolis kneeled on his neck.

In the most recent incident, two Louisville, Ky., police officers were shot and wounded Wednesday night hours after a grand jury indicted a former city police detective for wanton endangerment for allegedly shooting into the home of a neighbor of Breonna Taylor but did not charge any officers in the fatal shooting of Taylor.

“We have bad actors, but we do not systematically do wrong,” Terry Norris, executive director of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association,

told committee members. “We’re not the enemy.”

The Senate formed the study committee in June to consider whether state laws governing policing need to be changed. Practices the panel plans to review include use-of-force policies, police chokeholds, no-knock warrants and the use of “certain chemicals or projectiles” for crowd control, according to the resolution creating the committee.

Much of Thursday’s discussion focused on police officer training.

Chris Wigginton, director of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, said his facility’s 275 active training courses include instruction in community policing and how to de-escalate confrontations.

“These are geared toward understanding your community and diverse groups,” he said.

All law enforcement trainees in

Georgia must complete 408 hours of instruction at the Forsyth facility or one of more than two dozen other training academies across the state before they can hit the streets, said Mike Ayers, executive director of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards Training Council, which oversees certification of police officers. But the average training requirement nationwide mandates 650 hours, he said.

“There are topics we are not able to address in that timeline,” he said.

Mike Ayers said one reason police officers in Georgia are leaving law enforcement in increasing numbers is they’re not getting enough “resiliency” training to help them cope with the mental stress that comes with the job.

“Police officers see the worst in society,” he said. “We have a tendency to project that onto everyone we encounter. … Hopefully, we can address these issues before

they appear on the front page of a newspaper.”

Some of the law enforcement officials who testified Thursday pushed back on reform proposals that have surfaced across America during the recent protests, including defunding the police.

“Right now, there isn’t enough funding to have the police officers we need or the training they need,” Butch Ayers said.

Norris said taking away “qualified immunity” from police officers, which shields them civil lawsuits for actions they take that would be considered reasonable under the law, is also a non-starter in the law enforcement community.

“If you eliminate qualified immunity, you wouldn’t have anybody who wanted to do this job,” he said.

The study committee plans several additional meetings this fall.

The panel is due to make recommendations by Dec. 15.

Two arrested after property searched where female says she was held against will, sexually assaulted

By Curt Yeomans curt.yeomans@ gwinnettdailypost.com

On Tuesday, law enforcement conducted a search at a property in Lilburn where a female said she had been held against her will and sexually assaulted for an extended period.

Daily Post news partner FOX

5 Atlanta reported the victim was a 19-year-old woman and that two men were arrested following the search. Police had planned to search the property on Wednesday but decided to conduct it earlier after a second woman in her 40s came forward and said she had also been held against her will at the property, which is located

at 5148 Hood Road.

Lilburn police said they worked with the Gwinnett County Police Department, Gwinnett Sheriff’s Office, Gwinnett District Attorney’s Office and the Gwinnett Metro Task Force to serve a search warrant.

“Investigators from the Lilburn Police Department have been conducting an investiga-

tion for the last several days into numerous allegations stemming from an incident at the address occurring earlier this month,” Lilburn Police Capt.

Scott H. Bennett said.

“Specifically, a female victim escaped from the house and alleged she had been held there against her will for an extended period of time and sexually as-

saulted while she was there.”

Lilburn police began their investigation into the property after they received a 9-11 call on the evening of Sept.

11 about the female victim. At that time, they met with the victim and took her to Northside Gwinnett Hospital for a medical evaluation and to receive treatment.

“Investigators have been diligently following up on information provided by the victim bringing us to this point today,” Bennett said.

A third woman, as well as a large amount of a substance believed to possibly be methamphetamine, was found at the property during the search, according to FOX 5.

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C4 ♦ Sunday, September 27, 2020 ♦ gwinnettdailypoSt.com COLUMNIST|ROB JENKINS

A

How to be a Facebook fact-checker

re you a recent col- sive” bubble, where literlege graduate who ally everyone you know can’t find a job be- believes things like a man cause you majored in gen- can have a uterus, climate der studies? If so, you change will destroy should consider an the earth in 12 years, exciting and rewardand Hillary Clinton ing career as a Facewas, like, the smartbook fact-checker! est person ever.

Fact-checking Like I said, it’s idedoesn’t require a great al for recent grads. deal of knowledge As a Facebook factor education, much checker, you will utiJenkins less critical thinking lize time-tested and skills. That’s why it’s totally valid propaperfect for many of today’s ganda skills in the pursuit of college graduates. relative truth, social justice, In fact, there’s only one and the un-American way. real job requirement: You Like strawman building, must have spent the last which is helpful when somefive years in a “Progres- one says something on FaceCOLUMNIST|RONDA RICH

T

book that makes you feel icky but you can’t actually disprove. As a fact-checker, you can simply accuse them of saying something obviously false that they never said.

For example, what if an unwoke Facebook user — and, sadly, there are many — posts a link to a CDC report that shows only 6 percent of reported COVID deaths were people who died of COVID alone, while the other 94 percent had an average of 2.6 co-morbidities.

All you have to do to thwart this blatant attempt to spread disinformation by citing scientific data is to tag the

post as “Partly False,” with a note explaining that the CDC did not say only 6 percent of reported COVID deaths actually died due to COVID. Of course they didn’t say that! And neither did the poster. But now the miscreant is discredited, and Facebook users everywhere are protected from an uncomfortable truth. See how easy that is?

Another useful strategy is conflating fact with opinion.

Objectively speaking, a person’s opinion can be wrong but not “false.” Luckily, as a Facebook fact-checker, you needn’t be objective.

Any opinion you disagree with can simply be labeled “false,” regardless of the validity of the arguments.

For example, if a user posts an article in which scientists make scientific arguments against mass mask-wearing, but you believe everyone should wear a mask all the time—because who doesn’t believe that, right?—you can delegitimize their post with one simple sentence: “Scientific evidence supports the use of face masks for reducing the transmission of respiratory diseases including COVID-19.”

Yes, some scientific evidence does support that.

Other equally-scientific evidence disputes it. That’s why it’s called an argument. But no matter—as a Facebook fact-checker, you’re not really concerned with argument, much less evidence. It’s the narrative that counts.

And as a valued member of Facebook’s ace factchecking team, you get to control the narrative. So apply now, before a bunch of newly-minted humanities Ph.D.’s take all the jobs!

Rob Jenkins is a college professor. The views expressed here are his own.

You can email Rob at rob. jenkins@outlook.com.

Elvis: The Story of Home

his is the second in property was named Gracea five part series on land. Nine miles from downElvis Presley and the town Memphis, it was in places he loved. the rural countryside When Ruth Moore’s when Elvis Presley daughter, Ruth Marie, bought it in 1956 for sold the Colonial Revival $102,500. As part of house that her parents the deal, Elvis paid had built on a piece of down $10,000 and land named after her traded the family’s great aunt (who benice home at 1034 queathed the land to Audubon Drive to the Rich Mrs. Moore), she surely real estate company never considered the possi- for an additional $55,000 bility that it would become toward the sale. the most famous home in Interestingly, two factors America. played in Ruth Marie Cobb Mrs. Moore had inherit- selling the property to Eled the 13.8 acres from her vis: the YMCA was planaunt, Grace, for whom the ning on buying it, so Elvis

upped his offer. Also, Mrs. Ruth Moore had previously donated a piece of the acreage to Graceland Christian Church (now known as the Disciples of Christ and located across the state line from Graceland in South Haven, Miss.). Elvis agreed that the church could stay where it was, and the deal was done.

The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was like most Americans: he took out a 25-year mortgage loan to pay the remaining $37,500. If he did not pay off the loan, then it outlived him by four years.

Later, when the church

moved across the state line, Elvis bought the property and that is now where the offices of Elvis Presley Enterprise (EPE) are located.

Incredibly, every home in which Elvis lived is either designated as a landmark or has special handsome markers. Graceland was first designated in the National Register of Historic Places, followed in 2006 by the strongest honor of all: a National Historic Landmark.

The state of Mississippi designated his birth home – a tiny, shotgun house in Tupelo – as a historic landmark.

Additionally, the projects –

Lauderdale Court – where he spent his teenage years (a place that is still handsomely maintained and is located near St. Jude’s hospital) has a substantial marker noting that Elvis and his family lived in apartment 328 from October 1949 to January 1953.

A little known fact is that apartment can be rented by the night for fans who want to sleep where Elvis’ music dreams first began. The apartment is duplicated as much as possible to when the Presleys lived there.

Within walking distance is Elvis’ high school, Humes, which, too, is proudly marked.

In 1956, Elvis, using proceeds from his million-dollar selling song, “Heartbreak Hotel,” bought 1034 Audubon Drive and moved him and his parents there. It soon proved too accessible to fans, which sent the Presleys to the large, gated property with acreage and a Colonial Revival-style mansion. It would become Elvis’ heart and home for the rest of his life.

It is the most popular residence in America, rivaled only by the White House in numbers of visitors annually.

Close to three quarters of a million people file through to see the white living room,

the dining room with the original china that Elvis used daily and, of course, the famous Jungle Room.

Music executive Mike Curb bought the Audubon property to preserve the history while Graceland’s honors as a National Historic Landmark and spot on the National Register make it the first rock ‘n’ roll site to garner such distinctions.

The first time that Tink and I visited together, it was Christmas Eve and few people were there, which made the experience more enjoyable. By the time Tink had moved from the front door to the living room and then the dining room, I knew that Elvis had a new and devoted fan.

“You’re right,” Tink admitted after we visited Elvis’ grave near the pool and meditation garden. “This is really a riveting look at history and one man’s life.”

He said that even before he toured the Lisa Marie, Elvis’ plane.

Ronda Rich is the best-selling author of the new book, Let Me Tell You Something.

Visit www.rondarich.com to sign up for her free weekly newsletter.

COLUMNIST|TIM DALY

Chrysanthemums provide great fall color

W

e are now in au- beds adding organic matter tumn with the sum- (compost or ground pine bark). mer’s heat behind Chrysanthemums require four us and the cold winter days to six hours of sunlight daily. right around the corner. The Mix some 10-10-10 fertilizer summer flowers, such as be- thoroughly with the soil begonias, impatiens, marigolds, fore planting at a rate of one and vinca, are still blooming. and one-half pounds per 100 However, with the square feet. Also, slowonset of freezing temrelease fertilizers work peratures late October well. Liquid fertilizers or early November, reare usable but need moval will be necessary repeated applications since the plants canevery two weeks. Start not tolerate the cold. applying in the spring Pansies, snapdragons, as spring growth starts. and ornamental kale Avoid applications later Daly thrive in the cold and than mid-September. will soon be available at local Apply a one to three-inch garden centers. If you would layer of pine straw, pine bark, like to add some color to your or cypress mulch, which conhome landscape right now, serves water, reduces weeds consider planting some chry- and increases the planting santhemums. aesthetics. Water the plants The name “chrysanthe- thoroughly to keep the soil mum” comes from the Greek evenly moist. and means “golden flower.”

Chrysanthemums do not However, the flowers come have a lot of pests, but there in a wide range of colors and are a few. Look out for aphids, flower types. Colors include mealybugs, and whiteflies. yellow, pink, white, bronze, Control them with insectilavender, and maroon. cidal soaps, which is a speThey are perennials and cial detergent formulated as grow throughout the year. an insecticide. Always read They grow leaves in the sum- and follow all label directions. mer, but the short days of fall Consider planting some if you will initiate them to produce do not have any. flowers. They can be pinched UGA Extension Gwinnett (the top buds removed) dur- will offer an online Zoom class ing summer growth to make on perennial flowers on Oct. 6 them very bushy and to set at 6 p.m. If you would like to many buds all over the plant. participate, please contact the Nurseries do this, and an ad- Extension office to register. equate supply of stocky, dark green plants with a multitude Timothy Daly is an Agricultural and Natural of buds awaits you at your loResource Extension Agent cal garden center.

Chrysanthemums must have with UGA Extension Gwinnett.

He can be contacted at 678good drainage. Do not plant in wet areas. Thoroughly till 377-4011 or tdaly@uga.edu.

C6 ♦ Sunday, September 27, 2020 ♦ gwinnettdailypoSt.com CLOSE TO HOME

John McPherson

FAMILY CIRCUS

Bill Keane

Today’s Solution

BEETLE BAILEY Mort & Greg Walker

BLONDIE Dean Young & John Marshall

DILBERT®

Scott Adams

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE Chris Browne

Zits Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

PEANUTS

GARFIELD Jim Davis

POOCH CAFE Paul Gilligan

Charles M. Schulz

PICKLES Brian Crane

Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same numSolution to today's Sudoku ber only once.

WHATZIT SOLUTION:

Today’s Answer: Outings

C8 ♦ Sunday, September 27, 2020 ♦ gwinnettdailypoSt.com

Hoots Wings opens new restaurant at Peachtree Corners Town Center From staff reports There’s a new option for chicken wings at Peachtree Corners Town Center. Hoots Wings, a spin-off of Hooters, opened Monday.

The restaurant is located at 5215 Town Center Blvd. and is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Patio seating is currently being offered in

addition to takeout and delivery.

It is the third location in the metro area, joining one in Decatur and another in the Madison Yards development in Atlanta.

In addition to its namesake wings, the fast-casual restaurant offers shrimp, sandwiches and salads along with an extensive beer selection.

Special photos

Hoots Wings is located at 5215 Town Center Blvd. and is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Patio seating is currently being offered in addition to takeout and delivery. In addition to its namesake wings, the Hoots Wings offers shrimp, sandwiches and salads along with an extensive beer selection.

more voices, more victories.

When you’re facing cancer, you want a strong team on your side. Even better, two. That’s why Northeast Georgia Medical Center is now a network affiliate of Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University – Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. Together, we deliver some of the most effective treatments and promising clinical trials, right here at home. It all starts with more voices – and leads to more victories.

Learn about the collaboration, and choose your cancer doctor at nghs.com/more

Emory Winship Cancer Institute Network Affiliates collaborate with Emory on quality and safety initiatives to improve care locally.