COLUMBUS — The Buford Wolves shut out Brookwood in their second game of the day at the Elite Eight state tournament, advancing to the Final Four behind a dominant performance from senior pitcher Caroline Stanton.
The Florida Gator commit was untouchable in the circle, throwing her fifth career perfect game and striking out 20 of the 21 batters she faced — a new career high.
At the plate, senior Kadyn Gabrels powered the Wolves’ offense with two home runs and three RBIs. Gabrels opened the scoring in the second inning with a two-run shot to center field. Sophomore Lydia Hamrick made it 3-0 later in the inning after walking, stealing second and scoring on a wild pitch.
Junior Ella Pierce Hensley extended the lead in the third inning with her seventh home run of the season, a solo shot to left field. In the fourth, senior Summer Castorri drew a walk and later scored on an errant throw to first that sailed into the outfield.
Gabrels added her second home run of the game — and 11th of the season — in the fifth inning with a solo blast that stayed just inside the left-field foul pole. Senior Addie Rackley capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly to center field in the sixth.
With the win, Buford improves to 34-0 on the season and advances to the Final Four of the GHSA Class 7A state tournament. The Wolves will face East Coweta on Friday, Oct. 31, at 5 p.m. in the stadium at South Commons.
The following restaurant health inspection scores were compiled based on records from the Georgia Department of Public Health between Oct. 20-Oct. 26, 2025.
Andretti Karting and Gaming — 2925 Buford Drive, Suite 300, Buford; 100
Cafe Amico — 320 Town Center Avenue, Suite 9A, Suwanee; 90
Cafe Seesaw — 2870 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suite C1, Suwanee; 97
Dave’s Hot Chicken — 2925 Buford Drive, Suite 610, Buford; 90
Diesel Tap House — 2669 Buford Highway NE, Suite 200, Buford; 96
Columbus, Ga. (Oct. 30, 2025) — Buford softball opened its Elite Eight run with a dominant 8–0 win over North Cobb on Thursday at the South Commons Softball Complex.
The Wolves set the tone early, plating five runs in the second inning. Freshman LG Goldin delivered a two-RBI single to right-center, scoring senior Caroline Stanton and junior Ella Pierce Hensley. Sophomore Lydia Hamrick followed with a sacrifice bunt that brought home senior Kaydn Gabrels. Goldin later scored on a wild pitch before senior Summer Castorri added an RBI groundout.
Senior Addie Rackley capped the inning with a two-out solo home run — her 16th of the season — to give Buford a commanding lead.
In the fourth inning, Rackley stayed hot at the plate, ripping a ground-rule double to center that scored Castorri. Courtesy runner Mackenzie Fritisch crossed the plate moments later on a two-out single from Stanton.
Rackley was equally dominant in the circle, tossing a one-hit shutout with eight strikeouts and just one walk to improve her record to 14–0. North Cobb’s only hit came in the first inning from pitcher Leah Byrd.
Top Performers — Buford:
Addie Rackley: 2-for-3, home run, double, two RBIs, one run
LG Goldin: 1-for-2, two RBIs, one run
Summer Castorri: 2-for-3, RBI, one run, two stolen bases
Caroline Stanton: 1-for-2, RBI, one run
With the win, Buford improved to 33–0 and played its second game of the day against Brookwood at 5 p.m. on Field 8.
SUGAR HILL – The City of Sugar Hill, in partnership with the Sugar Hill Historic Preservation Society, will premiere a new exhibit titled “First In Our State: A Revolutionary Achievement” on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 12 p.m. at the Sugar Hill History Museum, 5010 West Broad St. The exhibit, which is free and open to the public, honors Michael Nolden Henderson, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Ret.), the first African American member of the Georgia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).
Before the exhibit opening, a patriot grave marking ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at the Sugar Hill Historic Cemetery, located across from Sugar Hill City Hall at 5039 West Broad St. The ceremony will feature the Georgia Society SAR Color Guard and is presented in collaboration with several Georgia SAR chapters, including Button Gwinnett, Blue Ridge Mountains, Joseph Habersham, Lyman Hall, Piedmont, and Robert Forsyth.
The multi-media exhibit chronicles Henderson’s trailblazing genealogical research, his service as president of the Button Gwinnett Chapter of the Georgia Society SAR, and his advocacy for recognizing overlooked patriots of color. It also showcases his national and international influence, including his appearance on PBS’s History Detectives and his award-winning book, Got Proof! My Genealogical Journey Through the Use of Documentation (The Write Image, 2013).
“We’re excited to bring this exhibit to Sugar Hill,” said Sugar Hill Historic Preservation Society Chairman Kathryn Baskin. “Our mission is to highlight stories that are often overlooked, and this exhibit celebrates one of our own residents who helped open the door for many others to join the Sons of the American Revolution.”
A New Orleans native, Henderson began tracing his family’s history nearly four decades ago, documenting six Patriots of the American Revolutionary War who served under General Bernardo de Gálvez in Spanish Colonial Louisiana. “I am a composition of my African, Native American, French, French-Canadian, and German-Swedish ancestry. They all deserve to be acknowledged,” Henderson said.
His research into an enslaved woman named Agnes—who gained her freedom in 1779 under Spanish law—led to the discovery of his fourth-generation great-grandparents, Agnes and Mathieu Devaux. Devaux, a Frenchman who served under General Gálvez, helped secure Agnes’s manumission. Their story embodies the intertwined legacies of freedom and perseverance that define Henderson’s lineage.
For more information, contact Victoria Richburg, Director of Communications, Marketing & Outreach, at vrichburg@cityofsugarhill.com or visit cityofsugarhill.com.
SUGAR HILL – White Oak Elementary School shattered its fundraising goal during this year’s annual Boot Scoot event, collecting a record $57,446.45 to support classroom technology, garden projects and enrichment programs.
The Boot Scoot, held Friday, Sept. 26, featured every student participating in a Fun Run around the school track during their Specials period. Teachers, parents and volunteers joined the fun, cheering on students as they ran laps to raise money for their school.
Boot Scoot is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a celebration of teamwork and community. The school’s original fundraising goal was $25,000, a figure the community more than doubled through donations from 53% of students and their families.
Principal Stacey Pickett said she couldn’t be prouder of the school’s students, staff and families for their record-setting effort.
“Boot Scoot is one of my favorite days of the school year,” Pickett wrote in the White Oak Weekly newsletter. “It makes my principal heart so proud to see our community, students and staff pulling together to achieve a common goal to help our magnificent school. I am in awe of the funds we have raised. We achieved our mission of ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL, ALL IN.”
Pickett also thanked the PTA, room parents and families for their support, adding that the excitement of Boot Scoot continues throughout the week with raffle drawings and special events.
“Our PTA went above and beyond to incorporate new ideas, awesome prizes and overall excitement,” Pickett said. “To our room parents, the posters were incredible, and the water and popsicles hit the spot. Thank you for being the very best school community in the world.”
As part of the celebration, Pickett and the administrative team promised to wear inflatable duck costumes after the school surpassed the $50,000 mark.
“On Thursday our party bus will roll to Chick-fil-A, and on Friday I will be suited up in my duck suit,” she wrote. “Since we hit the $50,000 mark, our administrative team will join me in duck suits. Don’t worry if you don’t see us Friday — we’ll bring our costumes back out for Trunk or Treat.”
Funds raised through past Boot Scoot events have helped the school add soccer goals, swings and classroom technology. This year’s proceeds will fund additional technology, expand the school’s garden project and support programs such as STEM, Clubs for All and Explore Sugar Hill.
BUFORD – Firefighters responded Saturday evening to a business fire on the 4500 block of Nelson Brogdon Boulevard in Buford after multiple 911 callers reported seeing smoke and flames coming from Benchmark Physical Therapy.
Crews arrived at 7:17 p.m. to find heavy fire showing from the roof and attic of a two-story office building. Firefighters deployed two hose lines to attack the flames while search teams conducted a sweep of the interior to confirm no one was inside.
During operations, the roof collapsed, forcing crews to withdraw from the building and shift to a defensive attack. Two ladder trucks and large hose lines were used to bring the blaze under control.
Fire control was declared at 7:42 p.m., and firefighters re-entered the structure to fully extinguish hot spots. HazMat 20 assisted with drone operations to assess damage from above due to the roof collapse.
One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The business keyholder told officials the office had been closed since the previous day.
Fire investigators determined the fire originated in the attic space. The exact cause remains undetermined.
Braselton – On Saturday, Oct. 18, drift cars from across the country packed into Lanier Raceway for one of the premier grassroots drifting events of the year. Cosmic Drift—hosted by David Patterson, better known as That Dude in Blue—lit up the track with neon lights, thumping music, and clouds of tire smoke that doubled as fog for a laser show.
Unlike street “takeover” culture, these drivers brought their cars to a proper racetrack with proper safety equipment, keeping the thrills safe and legal while giving fans the chance to experience thrilling motorsport at its finest. From local amateurs to out-of-state professionals, every driver arrived with the same goal: have fun and put on a show. Driver registration filled up a week early, and hillside and paddock parking sold out days before the event.
Drifting, a motorsport consisting of destroying tires.
Drivers Take the Spotlight
Engines roared to life as cars took to the track, and by 8 p.m., the halftime show was in full swing. Fan-favorite drift games like The Table Game, where drivers attempt to stop as close as possible to a folding table, and Drift Limbo, which challenges cars to slide through a narrowing cone gap, had the stands full and the paddock buzzing with energy. In the midst of it all, some drivers took the time to speak with us about why they do what they do and the community around it.
Galib sharing kind words with fellow drivers and spectators in the paddock between laps.
For Galib Dzebo, one of the drivers, drifting is about more than just speed and smoke.
“Drifting has pushed me to be better as a person and, at the end of it all, it’s saved me. It’s taught me to be patient, curious to always learn, to accept feedback, and to keep pushing—leveling up in my career and knowledge. It’s also brought so many people into my life that I didn’t think I’d meet, and it’s led to some unforgettable experiences. From meeting those people, it brings the community together—the ability to push each other, try new things, and be there for one another. After a while, you learn to be a family, helping whoever needs it and giving feedback where it’s needed so this can grow big and stay around like all the other motorsports.”
Sometimes even in lines of 5 cars long, tandem runs never fail to please the crowd.
He also shared the joy of giving newcomers their first drifting experience:
“It feels like when Squidward tried Krabby Patties for the first time, you know? It’s always so exciting, and you’re trying to give them an experience they can remember for a lifetime and try it out. That way more people can be a part of it and grow the sport!”
Austin, a driver with Iggnit Style Garage, spoke about the thrill of giving ride-alongs and the unique appeal of drifting itself.
Austin getting ready to shred in the Iggnit Style Garage BMW E46.
“It feels like in The Matrix when Morpheus gave Neo the red pill. I get to open people’s eyes to a whole world they’ve only been able to see from the outside, but with me they get to truly experience it. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve given their first ride to and then get messages weeks later saying they went out and bought a car. Drifting is the most expressive version of motorsport. The car can be anything you want—it just needs to spin the back wheels. And because of that, no two cars here are the same. That’s what brings all these people out—there’s something here for everyone.”
Community & Camaraderie
Bryana, another driver in the Atlanta drift scene, shared what drifting means to her and how the community supports one another.
Bryanna casually piloting her Lexus around the course.
“Drifting is my vice. It brings a smile to my face, it feeds my soul. Through drifting, I have learned to not only be a better driver, but to be a better person. Drifting has taught me to have patience, empathy, and to be kind to myself as well as others. It has showed me my strengths, as well as weaknesses, and I’m constantly learning more. The Atlanta drift community has something different about it. From providing feedback and advice to help other drivers grow, to making sure that if someone breaks down, we work together to find a solution so everyone can enjoy their seat time, our drift community has it all. There’s a different level of camaraderie in drifting that you may not find anywhere else. I’ve made some of the most incredible friends through this sport, and will be forever grateful.”
She also spoke about diversity and encouragement:
Bryanna cheering on the other drivers.
“I can honestly say I don’t notice a difference being a woman that drifts. The community has been so welcoming to me and so many others. It’s all about supporting and encouraging one another to get outside of their comfort zone. I will always root for everyone, especially my fellow ladies, to try something that scares you. It may just be the best thing you’ve ever done.”
On giving ride-alongs:
“Nothing in the world makes me happier than getting to share new experiences with new people. I’ve learned that giving others a glimpse into my world, even just for a ride-along, can change someone’s trajectory in life. One of my favorite moments is when a lady hops into my car and realizes that I’m another girl, driving like a madman, and it’s enough to spark a conversation of, ‘so what’s holding you back?’ The realization in that moment that everyone can be a part of this sport is an incredible feeling.”
Galib and Bryana, staples of the Atlanta drift community.
Behind the Scenes
Matt Martin, team manager of Iggnit Style Garage and one of the event organizers, reflected on the growth of Cosmic Drift.
A fully lit tunnel to the track make this event like no other for drivers.
“Cosmic has always been David’s passion project, and over the past three years we’ve helped turn it into reality. What makes it different is that it’s just as much driver-focused as spectator-focused. The lights, tunnel, and music give drivers something more to look forward to, making it spectacular rather than just seat time. This year, we had a sold-out paddock, hillside, and spectator areas—I’ve never seen anything like it.”
He also praised the community for keeping the event running smoothly:
“Driver spots sold out first, followed by Hillside and Paddock. After the event, we learned some people were parking and walking from Road Atlanta because there were no spots left. With 140 drivers, everything ran smoothly all day. Seeing the community come together to support David and the event was incredible. He’s always putting in the effort to make each Cosmic better than the last, and this year set a high bar.”
Matt Martin taking in the results of everyone’s hard work.
Fans Feel the Community
For spectators like Ivy Brooke, drifting is as much about the people as it is the cars.
“The community in itself is just one big happy family. I respect it. As someone who just watches and takes the occasional photo, it’s cool to see everyone having a good time and doing what they love to do,” she said.
Q&A: David Patterson on Building a Dream — Cosmic Drift 2025
You’ve always called Cosmic your “big passion project.” When did you first start envisioning turning a massive rave festival like Electric Daisy into a drift event?
“I’ve always been a huge concert-goer, especially of dance music. It came to me when I was standing on top of a racetrack’s rumble strip while watching a set by Kaskade in Vegas. I said to myself, ‘Sure, this is an amazing experience—but it would be insane to drive a race car through here in this style of environment.’ The idea came from there—but truthfully, I had no idea at the time it would even be doable, even at a fairly small scale. I think the hard part for me was trying to create something that was undeniably different in the car community, while not making it an exclusive experience. I wanted anybody to be able to come and enjoy it and make it accessible.”
David and Austin from Iggnit Style Garage sharing words about the spectacular turn-out before night fell.
The event sold out across the board and even caused a traffic backup that none of us realized was happening because we were having such a good time. Did you expect that kind of turnout?
“It’s always extremely hard to tell before the event what the true attendance is going to be—even with online ticket sales. Most people who came each year bought tickets the day of the event at the gate—so it’s always a pretty big gamble. I was absolutely astounded at the attendance this year though. Honestly, I could barely believe what I was seeing. I don’t remember the last time that venue was that packed. People were being turned away at the gate—which is a wild thing to think about. I’m just still so stoked that so many people were curious enough or excited enough to check out my wild event idea that seemed to resonate with them.”
What’s your reaction when you see how many new people discover drifting through Cosmic or your YouTube channel?
“During Cosmic Drift this year I asked many people where they were from, what they thought of the event, and their overall experience. The most shocking result was that a massive portion of people I talked to had never been to a track event or a drift event their entire lives—with Cosmic Drift being their first. I wanted Cosmic Drift to be friendly for drivers and spectators regardless of how much they knew about cars, car culture, and what it’s all about. It’s extremely rewarding to introduce people into the community and make a wacky world come to life they can be a part of—rather than just another day at a racetrack.”
What do you think sets the Atlanta/Lanier drift scene apart from others in the U.S.?
“The Atlanta scene has one thing a lot of other cities don’t have—the huge legacy in American drifting. Formula Drift coming to Road Atlanta in the 2000s was a massive part of the culture here. It’s an ever-evolving scene that always manages to keep going no matter the hardships. From the days of Turner Field, Import Alliance at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and of course Lanier—you’ll find passionate drivers everywhere. I think the crossover between road course racing and drifting is incredible as well. We’re insanely lucky to have the places to go enjoy our automotive hobby in this part of the U.S. Not to mention, the people are just awesome. Southern hospitality is 100% a real thing. Anybody is willing to get in the passenger seat of a newcomer and teach them all day long.”
What’s next for Cosmic Drift? Do you already have ideas for Year 4?
“With the recent ownership changes at Lanier—it’s a little bit of a gray area. I’d be open to trying it at other venues as well. I had even thought about possibly taking it on the road in the future, but nothing is set in stone. Either way, I have the Atlanta and Lanier drift community to thank for coming out to support my crazy event. At the end of the day, I couldn’t be more thankful.”
A Cosmic Sendoff to a Beloved Racetrack
With Cosmic Drift 2025 in the books, Lanier Raceway once again proved why it’s one of the top grassroots drifting venues in the Southeast—where passion, skill, and camaraderie collide under the glow of southern stars and, once a year, cosmic lights.
David Patterson (center) surrounded by everyone who helped make his dream a reality.
Photos Courtesy of Cory Self, @TracksidePerspective
BUFORD – Former State Representative Josh Clark has announced his candidacy for Georgia House District 100, seeking to return to the Georgia General Assembly to represent parts of North Gwinnett, South Hall, and East Forsyth counties.
Clark, a business owner and former corporate executive, previously served two terms in the legislature. Known for his conservative values, he said he feels called to return to public service to help preserve freedom and family-focused policies in Georgia.
“With so much at stake for our state and feeling a call to return to public service, my wife, Chelsey, and I have been praying about where I should engage in the fight to preserve our freedom and liberty,” Clark said. “With this House seat opening up, it provides a unique opportunity for me to step back up and serve our community.”
Clark said he will focus on fiscal responsibility, supporting strong families, and maintaining Georgia’s conservative leadership.
“Georgia is at a tipping point,” he said. “To reverse the decline and save our great state, we must elect bold conservative leaders who will stand firm for faith, family, and freedom.”
A lifelong Buford resident, Clark has volunteered as a youth sports coach and serves in the high school ministry at Christ Place Church. He and his wife co-own a nutritional distribution company and operate Clark-It Realty with their daughter, Moriah.
Clark will appear on the ballot in the May 19 Republican primary for Georgia House District 100.
GWINNETT COUNTY – The Keybo Building Bridges Foundation and the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office will host the Keybo Building Bridges Charity Golf Tournament on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Hamilton Mill Country Club.
The event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will raise funds to support programs that enhance the health, safety, and well-being of the Gwinnett County community. Proceeds will benefit the Keybo Building Bridges Foundation Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.
Through initiatives such as the annual Back-to-School Bash and Thanksgiving Food Giveaway, the foundation continues to make a lasting impact on local families in need.
“We’re proud to host this event and to continue building bridges between our agency and the community we serve,” said Sheriff Keybo Taylor. “The tournament aims to bring together community members, county staff, and partners in support of a meaningful cause.”
For more information or to register, visit KeyboBuildingBridges.com.
Gwinnett County – Partnership Gwinnett and the Gwinnett Chamber continued building international business ties this week with a visit to MAGI Group’s global headquarters in northern Italy.
The visit was part of the Gwinnett Chamber’s EMBARK trip, which brings local business leaders together for cultural immersion and shared travel experiences abroad. While in Italy, the delegation met with MAGI Group leadership at the company’s headquarters in San Felice del Benaco.
MAGI Group established its U.S. operations in Gwinnett County in 2023 through the startup MAGISNAT, a milestone recognized by Partnership Gwinnett as part of its ongoing business recruitment and expansion efforts. The company focuses on omics sciences, personalized nutrition and health research — fields that reflect the type of global innovation Partnership Gwinnett works to attract and support.
During the visit, MAGI Group leaders reaffirmed their commitment to their U.S. presence. “This exchange reflects a shared commitment to advancing knowledge and promoting collaboration across communities,” said Dr. Bertelli, CEO of MAGI Group, in a statement to the New Edge Times.
“Our collaboration with MAGI Group shows how international relationships create local opportunity,” said Nick Masino, president and CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber and Partnership Gwinnett. “Through our business retention and expansion strategy, we continue to strengthen the connections that help global companies thrive in Gwinnett.”
The visit highlights the importance of Partnership Gwinnett’s international business efforts, which support both new investment and expansion for existing companies. As part of that work, Partnership Gwinnett will host a Workforce Summit on Oct. 23, bringing together industry and education leaders to discuss workforce development and talent strategies for existing industries, including international companies operating in Gwinnett.
