NGV News

Month: February 2022

  • Local students named semi-finalists for 59th annual Governor’s Honors Program

    To be selected as a finalist for the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program is among the most coveted accolades to which a high school sophomore or junior can aspire. The annual four-week summer intensive residential study program for Georgia’s most talented and gifted students allows students to experience instruction differently than inside a traditional classroom, offers them the opportunity to learn alongside other standout students in their same area of giftedness and gives those students a taste of dorm life before they begin college. 

    This past semester, public, private and state charter schools across Georgia nominated approximately 3,200 rising junior and senior students to compete for a coveted spot as a finalist, commonly known as “a GHP’er,” in the 59th annual summer program. 

    On Friday, Feb. 4, the governor’s office released the names of the 1,300 nominees who have advanced to be named semi-finalists for GHP 59, to be held this summer. These students will progress to the statewide adjudication on Saturday, Feb. 26, at Berry College, which includes a private interview as well as auditions for those nominated in a performing arts area.

    Finalists will be notified of their acceptance on Friday, March 25.

    From Buford High School

    Samuel Son: Science (Chemistry)

    Anna Williams: Communicative arts

    From Lanier High School

    Hope Dang: Communicative arts

    From North Gwinnett High School

    Emily Moomey: Dance

    Yeji Kim: Mathematics

    Rachel Kwon: Mathematics

    Tyler Hsu: Mathematics

    Ian Moon: Music (Clarinet)

    Joshua Antony: Music (Trombone)

    Lucas Stancill: Music (Violin)

    Ross Pope: Music (String Bass)

    Suraj Chatoth: Music (Percussion)

    Yuna Lim: Music (Oboe)

    Aditi Venkatesh: Science (Physics)

    Ekaterina Gaidachuk: Visual arts

    Erin Summers: Visual arts

    Ethan Choi: Visual arts

    Lauren Holbrook: Visual arts

    Li Lin: Visual arts

    Alissa Chun: World languages (Latin)

    Hannah Lee: World languages (Latin)

    Jean Lee: World languages (French)

    Lena Towne: World languages (Latin)

    Olivia Metcalf: World languages (Latin)

    Sarah Swope: World languages (German)

    From Sugar Hill Christian Academy

    Benjamin Jones: Music (Trumpet)

    Caroline Kimsey: Music (Vocal) 

    Sejal Butler: Engineering

    Zoe Simmons: Communicative arts

  • Buford man arrested following road rage incident

    A Buford man was arrested following a road rage incident along Buford Drive in which the suspect and two other men sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.

    Just after 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, officers with the Gwinnett County Police Department responded to a call that stated a person had been shot at a UHaul rental location located at 3820 Buford Drive in Buford.

    Martin

    Upon arrival, officers came into contact with Shormoi Martin, 25, of Buford, who had a gunshot wound to his leg. Martin, the driver of a black Honda Accord, was uncooperative when officers began to question him about the gunshot wound to his leg while he was being given medical aid.

    Officers learned of a white work van that had been driven to a nearby fire station seeking medical assistance for gunshot wounds that both the driver and passenger had sustained. The driver was shot in the leg while the passenger had been shot in the chest.

    In a statement released by police, it was determined that both Martin and the driver of the white work van had pulled into the UHaul location to continue a “dispute over something that occurred on the road while they were driving.”

    According to police, Martin began shooting at the white work van from inside of his Honda Accord. The driver of the white work van then tried to stop Martin from leaving the parking lot, at which time Martin got out of his car and began to shoot into the van again. The passenger of the van then grabbed a gun and shot toward Martin, hitting him in the leg.

    All three men are being treated at a nearby hospital for their injuries and are reported to be in stable condition.

    If anyone has any information to share in this case, please call GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

  • Sugar Hill council approves design reviews, greenlights office building with warehouse space 

    At the Sugar Hill City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 15, City Manager Paul Radford updated the public on the progress of the recently formed Sugar Hill Department of Public Safety. The January meeting saw the swearing in of deputy chief marshals Jose Collazo and Andy Smith by Chief Marshal Diane King.

    “They continue to work on the department’s standard operating procedures and putting in place the necessary letter agreements with area law enforcement agencies,” Radford said. “The staff are visible in the community and will continue to fine tune schedules, coverage areas and coordination of coverage times.”

    Radford expects the department will be fully staffed with five officers and one administrative assistant by mid-April.

    City clerk Jane Whittington also reminded the community that the special election to fill the City Council Post 4 seat vacated by Nic Greene will be held March 15. Early voting will begin on Monday, Feb. 21, and run through Friday, March 11. Voters can cast their ballots from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 

    Council member Taylor Anderson mentioned the Sweep the Hooch event, which will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 26. The annual river cleanup sees hundreds of volunteers gather together to remove trash from across the Chattahoochee watershed.

    The council went on to approve a number of agenda items that received no objections from the community, including a design review for an individual’s new home, a design review and stream buffer variance for a new community of townhomes on Nelson Brogdon Boulevard and a design review for residential and commercial developments in the previous junkyard at 1450 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.

    The city council also heard an application for a change in conditions to construct an office and warehouse building at 4810 Wages Way.

    Ronald Taylor, a neighboring resident to the property, spoke briefly to ensure the privacy conditions he had previously discussed with the council and the applicant were still in place.

    Joshua Page then voiced his objection on behalf of himself and his neighbors on Hidden Circle Drive. He cited traffic and noise as his primary concerns regarding the business.

    “You would be surprised how many speed demons come through … it’s kind of upsetting and alarming,” Page said. “I’m not sure if the public safety department … if that could kind of be in their purview to ensure that when it’s after 7 p.m., that they’re actually going around to make sure that that business or those businesses are actually closed and not doing business.”

    The applicant was then given the chance to speak and explain that the site would be used as offices and storage for e-commerce businesses, not retail or high-traffic shops. The council also assured Page that noise mandates are monitored by the department of public safety. The ordinance was approved unanimously.

    The council also unanimously denied a special use permit for a massage establishment at 4450 Nelson Brogdon Road without comment.

    Council members also rejected a request for proposal for a 22-acre park construction manager at risk due to lack of applicants.

    Finally, the city council voted to approve a shortlist of candidates for on-call engineering services for the city.

    This came after Radford disclosed what he deemed a potential conflict of interest since his daughter recently accepted a position with Atlas Technical Consultants, one of the applicants. She would be working with the Georgia Department of Transportation and would have no interaction with the city of Sugar Hill.

    “I’ve talked to our attorneys about this one … my position is not in violation of state law, it’s not in violation of our code of ethics nor is it in violation of my membership with the International City Managers Association, but I think in an overabundance of caution, I need to announce it,” Radford said.

    After Mayor Brandon Hembree praised Radford for erring on the side of caution, the council unanimously approved the shortlist, which included Atlas Technical Consultants.

    FEATURED PHOTO: Sugar Hill resident Joshua Page speaks before the Sugar Hill City Council during the council’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. Photo by Chris Bellows. 

  • Suspected shoplifter faces charges after police say he pepper-sprayed Dillard’s employee

    An Oakwood resident accused of shoplifting at the Dillard’s store at the Mall of Georgia in Buford is facing a charge of aggravated battery after police say he pepper-sprayed an employee. 

    Madrigal

    The Dillard’s employee was attempting to detain 32-year-old Luis Madrigal on Saturday, Jan. 22, when the suspect pulled out a can of pepper spray and sprayed the employee in the face. Both the employee and the suspect were sprayed and each lost sight in one eye. 

    Madrigal told the responding Gwinnett County police officer he was afraid and trying to escape, which made him reach for the pepper spray. He was placed under arrest and charged with aggravated battery before being transported to the Gwinnett County Jail, where he was released the following day also facing a charge for shoplifting. 

  • Buford Senior Academy inspires creativity with science fair, inaugural STEM Derby

    Buford Senior Academy’s science department hosted its annual science fair on the evening of Thursday, Jan. 27. The school’s cafeteria was an exciting explosion of inspiration featuring projects from 39 fourth graders and 38 fifth graders. 

    “Projects were brought in on Wednesday, Jan. 26, and judged by BSA science fair committee members,” said Rachel McDaniel, BSA teacher and science fair organizer. “Finalists for each grade level were announced by the end of the school day. The finalists, nine fourth graders and eight fifth graders, were interviewed the next day by community judges. Final winners were determined by community judges.” 

    In conjunction with the fair, the school held its inaugural STEM Derby competition in the school’s gym. 

    “The BSA STEM Derby is meant to inspire critical thinking skills and passion for innovation,” the website explained. 

    Separate from the science fair, the STEM Derby competition allowed students to build a derby car using only recycled or upcycled materials. 

    The rules stated students could not use any store-bought or pre-made wheels, and the cars could weigh no more than 10 ounces, could be no wider or longer than 12 inches and no taller than six inches. The derby car entries were scrutinized before the competition, whose object was to create a car to travel the farthest distance on a wooden ramp.

    In addition to competing in the distance competition, students were able to enter their derby cars in a design competition, and students and staff voted for their favorite car from photo entries submitted.

    Congratulations to the following students recognized as science fair and STEM Derby winners:

    Fourth grade STEM Derby winners

    Fourth grade STEM Derby winners

    First place went to Noah Yun, whose car traveled 31 feet, 4 1/2 inches. Second place went to Nathan Yun, whose car traveled 17 feet, 4 inches. Third place went to Maddon McNeil whose car traveled 16 feet, 7 inches.

    Fifth grade STEM Derby winners

    First place went to Cason Owens, whose car traveled 31 feet, 11 inches. Second place went to Dylan Gethers, whose car traveled 21 feet, 6 inches. Third place went to Lyra Pella whose car traveled 12 feet, 6 1/2 inches.

    STEM Derby design winners

    • First place — Cason Owens, fifth grade
    • Second place — Nathan Yun, fourth grade
    • Third place — Alyssa Culican, fifth grade

    Fourth grade science fair winners

    Fourth grade Science Fair winners

    First place went to Abbie Florence Chrisman in Mrs. Austin’s class and Hailey Hunt from Mrs. Sibley’s class for their project titled “Which chip produces the most grease?”

    Second place went to Grace Hoffman in Mrs. Austin’s class for her project titled “Gross! Which has the most germs (Mom’s keyboard or the remote)?”

    Third place went to Max Charapoo in Dr. Weeks’ class for his project titled “Which type of fabric produces the most static electricity?”

    Fifth grade science fair winners

    Fifth grade Science Fair winners

    First place went to Silvana Fuoco and Nyla Page from Mrs. Graham’s class for their project titled “What sugar makes the biggest rock candy?”

    Second place went to Nathan Allen from Mr. Novales’ class and Kai Deweese from Mrs. McDaniel’s class for their project titled “Does wingspan design or nose cone mass cause a paper airplane to fly further?”

    Third place went to Avi Bennett in Mrs. Buffo’s class for her project titled “What type of ice cream melts the fastest?”

    FEATURED PHOTO: Fifth grade winners in the Buford Senior Academy STEM Derby pose for a photo. 

  • Buford wrestlers dominate state tournament

    The Buford wrestling team won a commanding victory at the GHSA AAAAAA traditional state tournament on Thursday, Feb. 10, and Saturday, Feb. 11. 

    With 201.5 points, the team as a whole finished an impressive 100 points ahead of second place Valdosta, and third place Creekview finished with 94.5.

    “We had a great tournament, with 12 of our 14 kids placing in the top five,” said head coach Tom Beuglas.

    Individually, Rylan Ibold (106), Maddox McArthur (120) and Drew Gorman (126) all placed first in their weight classes.

    Conor McCloskey (170) placed second, and Kieron McCormack (113), Gavin Pope (138), Talen Thompson (152) and Aaron Riner (182) all placed third.

    JT McCullough (145) and Tyler Henley (132) placed fourth, while Grayson Santee (160) and Eddrick Houston (285) placed fifth.

    With this victory, the Wolves’ wrestling program claims its fourth state championship in six years.

    “We return 11 of the 14 starters next season, so we should be very tough again,” Beuglas said. “We also move up to 7A, which will be a great challenge.”

  • Gwinnett County Transit to hold third annual Stuff-A-Bus donation drive

    Gwinnett County Transit is gearing up to fill one of its buses with donations of food and toiletries for those in need during its third annual Stuff-A-Bus donation drive.

    Donations will go to local cooperative ministries, and items can be dropped off from 6 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the Buford Park and Ride at Interstate 985 and Ga. Highway 20. Donations will also be accepted from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21, through Friday, Feb. 25, at the Gwinnett County Transit Customer Service Office at 3525 Mall Boulevard, Suite 5C, in Duluth.

    “Over the years, we have found from our community partners that most organizations donate around the holiday season, but the community need extends beyond,” said Deborah Tuff, media relations manager for Gwinnett County Government. “To help combat the lack of donations that are received after the holidays, Gwinnett County Transit began hosting the Stuff-A-Bus donation drive in hopes that Gwinnettians and others will come together to fill an entire bus with the required necessities, such as canned goods and toiletries in an effort to help support the community.”

    Donations of the following food items are being accepted:

    • Dry beans (navy/black)
    • Soups (vegetable/broth/cream)
    • Spaghetti sauce
    • Canned tomato products
    • Peanut butter/jelly
    • Canned fruit
    • Stuffing mix
    • Cranberry sauce
    • Yams
    • Pasta
    • Pancake mix
    • Taco kits
    • Gravy mix or jars/cans
    • Cake mix
    • Canned meat (chicken/beef)
    • Rice
    • Applesauce
    • Fruit cups
    • Instant potatoes
    • Star-Kist meat pouches
    • Oatmeal
    • Grits
    • Canned vegetables (corn/peas/carrots)

    Toiletries are also accepted, including:

    • Toilet paper
    • Bath soap/hand soap
    • Toothpaste
    • Shampoo
    • Laundry detergent
    • Deodorant
    • Baby diapers (various sizes)
    • Garbage bags
    • Depends (all sizes, male/female)
    • Tissues

    For more information on the donation drive, click here.

    FEATURED PHOTO: Courtesy of Gwinnett County Transit/Deborah Tuff. 

  • High school fall, winter sports athletes sign to play at college level

    Numerous high school athletes in the area have committed to play their fall and winter sports going into college.

    From Buford High School, volleyball players Mikayla Hayden and Kiana Polk have signed up to play for UC Berkeley and Coppin State University, respectively.

    On the Wolves’ swim team, Aiden Smith has committed to compete for Piedmont University in Demorest.

    Tamori Plantin, a 6-foot senior for the Lady Wolves basketball, has signed with Western Carolina University.

    At North Gwinnett High School, basketball standout RJ Godfrey has committed to Clemson University. In addition to his talent on the court, Godrey’s team leadership has been integral to North Gwinnett’s current success, boasting an undefeated region record this season.

    Lindsay Kahren from the North Gwinnett volleyball team will lend her talents to William and Mary in Virginia.

    From North Gwinnett’s swim team, Brooke Postell has signed to swim for Rollins College in Florida.

    From the Lanier High School swim team, Jose Castro has signed for South Carolina University, and Noah Richardson has committed to the University of North Carolina Wilmington, both with D1 swim programs.

    From Lanier’s competition cheer squad, Madison Youmans has signed with Piedmont University.

    FEATURED PHOTO: North Gwinnett High School’s RJ Godfrey, third from left, has committed to play basketball for Clemson University. Photo courtesy of North Gwinnett athletics department. 

  • Suspected shoplifter evades apprehension with ‘quick escapes’

    According to an incident report filed by a Gwinnett County police officer, an employee at the Dollar General at 60 S. Garnett St. in Buford reported on Wednesday, Feb. 2, that a man entered the store and began to walk around as if he were shopping. The store employee said the man filled a shopping cart and then placed his items in a reusable bag he had brought with him before exiting the store without paying for the merchandise and setting off an alarm at the door. 

    The employee described the suspect as a black man in his 50s, 5-foot-7, 190 pounds, with dark, shoulder length dreadlocked hair. On the day of the incident, the employee said the man was wearing a dark colored knit hat, a royal blue coat, blue jeans and dark colored boots. The employee told the responding officer the suspect had stolen from the store before but was able to evade capture because of his quick escapes.

    The value of items taken was approximately $53.80. 

  • Buford Middle School students legislate for a day

    As the Georgia General Assembly is in session at the state capitol building, Buford Middle School students got a hands-on lesson in lawmaking. 

    The BMS eighth grade social studies department conducted its annual mock General Assembly on Friday, Jan. 28, in the BMS auditorium. Students studied the legislative process in class in the days leading up to the event and then became active members of the Assembly, assigning the roles of representatives, senators, speakers and doorkeepers. Select students presented their original bills before the group. Dressed professionally, they stood and addressed the legislative body, reading their persuasive arguments in hopes of hearing their bills voted into law.

    BMS social studies teacher Susan Oates said, “We teach the students how a bill becomes a law, and then we model the process with students, where they then act as members of the General Assembly.”

    Oates explained, “The students create a topic, write a bill and then debate their bill in small committees. From there, students gather in a large gathering that we call a mock Assembly where four to five social studies classes come together to debate certain selected topics and work together to try and get bills passed or killed.”

    In one of Christy Coffey’s classes, two students, Salma Ghazal and Alina Hernandez, co-sponsored a bill aimed at preventing trains from blocking all crossings in a town at the same time. 

    Ghazal and Hernandez got the idea from an eighth grade parapro, Sarah Herrington, who had noticed trains blocking all the crossings along Main Street in Buford when they stopped for various reasons. Herrington contacted the train company to express her concern over this practice. She said the train company told her there were no laws to restrict this.

    “The girls wanted to create a law in regards to this problem because they felt this posed a threat to the safety of our citizens in Buford in case of a medical or fire emergency,” Coffey said. “Cameron Hutchins, our assistant principal, even spoke in favor of the bill since he lives in the area and has had first hand experience with this issue.”

    As they stood in the well, the two students presented their argument before the mock legislature and pleaded their case as they fielded real, rapid-fire questions thrown at them by the students in the mock House of Representatives. 

    “They worked very hard presenting their bill and even got their parents to help them prepare by having them brainstorm potential questions,” Coffey said.  

    And that hard work paid off as Ghazal and Hernandez saw their bill passed into law. At least in the mock legislature, that is.

    “I was so proud of these girls because they would typically never be the type to have volunteered for something like this,” Coffey said of her students. “However, after researching and debating the bill in class, they felt confident enough to do something outside their comfort zone.”

    Oates added, “It is remarkable to watch the students go through this process. Depending on the class period, students may start as shy, but usually, by the second bill, students are actively engaged, debating, asking questions and voting to pass or kill the bill. It is a very rewarding day for both students and teachers alike.”

    Coffey said, “It really helps highlight the beauty of our legislative process in a way that is meaningful, fun and creative!”

    FEATURED PHOTO: Members of the mock general assembly, held by Buford Middle School’s eighth grade social studies department on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, stand, hoping to be recognized to present their questions to a bill presenter. Photo courtesy of Susan Oates.