Ryan Wood, a 2004 Buford High School graduate was born in Alpharetta, Ga to Dexter and Martha Wood Ryan came to Buford as a freshman and was highly involved in school activities.He participated in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes National Honor Society track and field basketball and football.He shined most as a wide receiver for the football team that his father coached Ryan stated that being the son of the head football coach was no easy feat for him but said it was the best experience he could ask for “It certainly carried some pressure being the coach’s son, but he handled the dad/coach balance perfectly” Ryan said he cherishes those 4 years, “looking back on them and all the memories we made together as father/son coach/player ” While at Buford Ryan set the school record for the most career receptions with 70.He helped his team to three straight state titles and 45 consecutive wins.His junior year, Ryan caught 29 passes for 455 yards, had four touchdowns and earned second-team all-area and all-county honors.In his senior year, he was selected as team captain.He caught 30 passes for 555 yards, had three touchdowns and earn fi st team all-area and allcounty honors.He wa in Georgia s North-South
North Gwinnett Voice
Restaurant Inspections
The following restaurant health inspection scores were pulled from the Georgia Department of Public Health between December 14, 2019 and December 27, 2019.
The following reports were filed by the Gwinnett County Police Department between December 16, 2019 and December 26, 2019..
• Police responded to forced entry burglaries in the 100 block of Bent Oak Way in Suwanee, 100 block of Finsbury Park Court in Suwanee, 200 block of Finsbury Park Court in Suwanee, 3900 block of Crescent Walk Lane in Suwanee, and 300 block of Morningwood Glen in Suwanee.
• A report for a forced entry non-residential burglary was filed for a location in the 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford.
• Motor vehicle thefts were reported in the 3600 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3400 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford, and 2600 block of Thompson Mill Road in Buford.
• Sexual battery occurred in the 1900 block of Buford Mill Drive in Buford.
• Reports for vehicle break-ins were filed for locations in the 500 block of Pine Rock Trail in Sugar Hill, 500 block of Steamwood Ivy Trail in Suwanee (2 reports), 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3200 block of Woodward Crossing Boulevard in Buford, and 1600 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard in Buford.
• Arrests for DUI were made in the 6000 block of Cumming Highway in Sugar Hill, Cumming Highway at Suwanee Dam Road in Sugar Hill, and 700 block of North Price Road in Sugar Hill.
• Police responded to a call about second-degree criminal property damage in the 100 block of City Hall Street in Rest Haven.
• Theft by taking was reported in the 2000 block of Pine Tree Drive in Buford, 4800 block of Bryant Road in Buford, 3700 block
Staff Writers: Joseph Parks
Nida Merchant
Contributing Writers:
Lynn Bowman
Brandon Hembree
Nicole Burns
Interns:
of Buford Drive in Buford, 1600 block of Horizon Parkway in Buford, 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3200 block of Sardis Church Road in Buford, 1100 block of Rock Springs Road in Buford, 3300 block of Millwater Crossing in Dacula, and 4000 block of Bonnett Creek Lane in Hoschton.
• Theft by deception happened in the 2100 block of Brickton Crossing in Buford and in the 2200 block of Brandon Acres Drive in Buford.
• Reports of shoplifting were filed for locations in the 3700 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3200 block of Sardis Church Road in Buford, and 2200 block of Hamilton Creek Parkway in Dacula.
• Officers responded to battery calls in the 800 block of Big Horn Hollow in Suwanee, 3600 block of Morning Creek Court in Suwanee, 600 block of Allen Street in Buford, and 600 block of Leather Street in Buford.
• Simply battery incidents took place at locations in the 100 block of Woods Creek Drive in Suwanee, 600 block of Sentry Ridge Crossing in Suwanee, 1200 block of Horizon Parkway in Buford, 3700 block of Buford Drive in Buford (2 reports), 0 block of Sudderth Street in Buford, 4200 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 1500 block of Laurel Crossing Parkway in Buford, and 1900 block of Autumn Sage Drive in Dacula.
• Police responded to an aggravated assault with a knife or cutting tool call in the 0 block of Buford Village Walk in Buford.
• An incident of aggravated assault - other weapon happened at the intersection of South Lee Street and Maddox Road in Buford.
• Simple assault occurred in the 2200 block of Floral Ridge Drive in Dacula.
Staff Photographers: Jennifer Johnson
Nicole Seitz
David Hanks
Cathy Manning Moore
William Curtis
Regan Saunders - Buford High School
Anoshka Ramkumar - North Gwinnett High School
The
Gwinnett Magistrate Judge dies from injuries sustained in pedestrian accident
Staff Reports
BUFORD — A pedestrian accident is under investigation by the Gwinnett County Police Department. The accident that occurred on the night of December 20, 2019, at approximately 6 p.m., involved Gwinnett County Senior Magistrate Judge Emily Powell. Judge Powell was attempting to cross from the south shoulder to the north shoulder of West Moreno Street at South Lee Street in downtown Buford. She was struck by a 2005 Ford F-150 truck driven by Obed Arreola Toledo, 41 of Buford that was turning onto West Moreno Street from South Lee Street. Judge Powell sustained serious injuries as a result of being hit by the truck. She was transported from the scene to a local hospital. On December 31, Judge Powell died from her injuries.
According to the incident report, Arreola Toledo did not remain on the scene of the accident. Police later made contact with the driver at her Buford home. Her truck was impounded. No charges have been made as of yet.
According to a press release sent by Corporal Collin Flynn, Gwinnett County Public Information Officer, the circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation.
Judge Powell served the residents of Gwinnett County for over 20 years as
one of the original Gwinnett County Magistrates. She was a graduate of the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University. She continued to give back to the community through various projects including Leadership Gwinnett and Gwinnett Senior Leadership. She also was routinely called upon to help train and mentor new judges in the county due to her vast experience. Judge Powell leaves behind a husband and two children. If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact 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. Case Number: 19-117579
Gwinnett County Senior Magistrate Judge Emily Powell died on December 31, 2019, from injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident in Buford.
Photo - Gwinnett County Police Department
Woman’s desire for a Red Bull lands her in jail
Nicole Burns
BUFORD - One woman’s thirst for Red Bull landed her in jail when she lost her temper at a local Walmart.
Miriam Nicolas Castillo of Sugar Hill was at the Walmart at 3796 Buford Drive in Buford on December 21, 2019, when she decided she needed to get a Red Bull out of one of the refrigerators at the U Scan checkout lanes. According to the police report, Castillo said that she went to get a Red Bull out of a refrigerator at one of the registers but Brenda King of Flowery Branch was in the way. Castillo asked King to move but King told her to wait. Castillo claimed that she returned 10 minutes later and that King once again told her to wait. She said that she then tried to open the refrigerator door but
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King grabbed the door and hit Castillo in the head with the door. King’s recount of what happened was different than that of Castillo. King claimed that Castillo was able to get a Red Bull out of the refrigerator the first time she approached. King told officers that Castillo returned four more times wanting to get a Red Bull out of the refrigerator and King asked her to wait. On Castillo’s fourth attempt to get a Red Bull, King was reaching over to put her card into the card reader to pay for her purchases and that the door to the refrigerator hit King’s leg. King stated that she reacted to the door hitting her leg and accidentally hit the door with her knee hitting Castillo in the head. She said that Castillo then stood up and started to hit her in the back.
Police were able to view Walmart’s surveillance videos which showed a series of events that matched King’s version of what transpired.
Castillo was placed under arrest and charged with simple battery. She is being held on an ICE (immigration) hold at the Gwinnett County Jail. If she clears the ICE hold, she will face a $1,300 bond before being released.
Investigators seeking public’s help locating missing Flowery Branch teen
Staff Reports
FLOWERY BRANCH — Investigators with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s help in locating a missing Flowery Branch teen.
The teen is Jordan Faith Strickland, age 15 and was last seen on Christmas night around 11 p.m. at her home in the Mulberry Preserve/Elizabeth Lane area of Flowery Branch.
Jordan is 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds. She has brown hair and green eyes. A description of possible clothing was not available, however, it is believed that she could be wearing Van brand shoes that
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are rainbow-colored. Jordan may be in an emotionally imbalanced state according to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office press release.
Anyone who has spotted Jordan Faith Strickland or has information on her whereabouts should contact HCSO Investigator Ayers at (470) 623-0299.
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Jordan Faith Strickland, age 15 of Flowery Branch has been missing since 11 p.m. Christmas night. Anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts are asked to call Hall County. Photo - Hall County Sheriff’s Office
New 2020 guide to Georgia fishing regulations now available
Staff Reports
Be sure to use the brand new 2020 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations Guide as you make all your fishing plans for next year says the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
“Maybe you are looking for info about the Georgia Bass Slam or how to get your kids ‘hooked’ on fishing? Anglers, new or experienced, should always begin with this publication,” said Thom Litts, Chief with the WRD Fisheries Management Section. “Our biologists and staff work to make sure this guide book has the most current and accurate information on regulations and new opportunities, and anglers can access it online, from our Outdoors GA app or in the printed copy.”
The 2020 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations Guide provides information such as a color fish identification chart for both freshwater and saltwater fish, license purchasing information,
contact information for Wildlife Resources Division and Coastal Resources Division fisheries management offices and DNR Law Enforcement offices, trout stream listings, public fishing area information, state record fish listings, fishing regulations for Georgia and more.
The 2020 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations may be found online at http://www.eregulations.com/georgia/ fishing/, or through the Outdoors GA app (free app for iPhone or Android users). Anglers also can pick up a printed copy at any Wildlife Resources Division fisheries management or DNR Law Enforcement office, or at fishing license vendors throughout Georgia.
Where else can you find fishing information? The Angler Resources page on the WRD website, http://georgiawildlife.com/ fishing/angler-resources, is a great place for new or experienced anglers and includes information about taking kids fishing, reservoir and river fishing tips, fish ID info and much more. If you are looking for the latest fishing tips, check out the weekly Georgia Fishing Report (https://georgiawildlife.blog).
For more information about Georgia’s fishing regulations, visit http://georgiawildlife. com/regulations.
Local teen sets about achieving her dreams and inspiring others to do the same
Alicia Couch Payne
One local senior is learning what success looks like from some of the world’s best, first hand. Candice Sossa, a senior at Mill Creek High School in Hoschton is working on her first book titled, “From Teen to Titan”. In writing this book which is about successful people’s journies in life, their lessons learned, and tips on how they achieved success; she has interviewed several “titans” or high achieving individuals.
Her motivation to write this book is that she wants to have a good foundation as a teen to achieve her goals in life.
Interviewing people who have achieved so much in life gives Candice the insight and knowledge to help her build a firm foundation necessary to be a successful adult. She then decided to share her newfound knowledge with others so that they too may become successful in life. Candice has already found success in terms of being a high achieving student and she recently found out that she was accepted into the college of her dreams, Stanford University. Her mother Laurie Sossa says, “Candice applied to Stanford University under restrictive early action and has been admitted to Stanford University Class of 2024!”
Stanford University is an “Ivy League” school that only the best of the best get admitted into its prestigious halls. Only 5% of those who apply to the school get accepted. To put that into perspective, Georgia Tech’s acceptance rate is 26% and the University of Georgia’s acceptance rate is 54%. Stanford can boast of having 13 “Nobel Laureates” or Nobel Prize winners along with 17 astronauts, numerous members of Congress, and 30 living billionaires listed among their alumni. According to her mother, “Candice will major in Management Science and Engineering with a focus on Finance as she
wants to be an investment banker.”
No doubt Candice will achieve her dreams with the firm foundation she has built herself by learning from her mentors. Congratulations Candice! We all look forward to following your journey to success.
To learn more about this extraordinary teen, Candice Sossa and her book, visit www.fromteentotitan.com.
Mill Creek senior Candice Sossa interviews the likes of Ambassador Andrew Young to learn tips for being a successful adult for her book “From
Candice is part of an elite group of applicants that have been accepted to attend the prestigious Stanford University. Candice is seen here touring the Stanford, Calif. Photo - Laurie Sossa
Teen to Titan”. Photo - Laurie Sossa
Jackson Powell brought to you by The City of Buford STUDENT WEEK OF THE
12TH GRADE
Meet Jackson Powell, senior at Buford High School. Jackson is the son of Jimmie and Rosetta Powell and the sibling to Jimmie and Dean, a Buford alumni. Since his move to the Buford district in sixth grade, Jackson has majorly impacted the Buford family and community through his academic and athletic achievements, but also because of the high personal standards to which he holds himself.
Academically,Jackson stands out from the majority of his peers, taking accelerated classes and still maintaining an impressive grade point average. He believes that endless encouragement from his mentors contributes to his success as a student. Jackson shares that Mrs. Cur tright, his Psychology and Yearbook teacher at BHS, is his favorite teacher because she always has an upbeat attitude and is happy to help her students in areas in which they may be struggling.
Outside of the classroom, Jackson is involved in several extracurricular activities, including the Diversity club, Debate club, Varsity Track, and Football. Jackson enjoys the atmosphere of both clubs and appreciates the fact that students are able to discuss and amiably debate serious topics with one another.Healsoloves par ticipating in Track in the spring because he gets to compete with some of his friends he would rarely see other wise. First and foremost, however,Jackson prioritizes his position as asenior on the BHS Varsity Football Team.
Having just been honored with the title of State Champions after winning the 5A championship game against Warner Robins on December 13, Jackson is ecstatic about the success of his team this year and overall experience playing for the Wolves.“Iwould not change anything about my journey on the team and my football career at Buford,” Jackson shares. “There were definitely some ups and downs, but we were ultimately
able to bring back the championship tradition of Buford football which is so exciting!”
While the title of State Champions is still fresh and the honor is tremendous, Jackson does believe that football is much more than winning and losing. Jackson values the spor tbecause of the brotherhood and camaraderie that is shared on the team. “At the end of the day,” Jackson says, “Buford football has given me some of my best friends who Ican trulycallmybrothers.” In his four years of playing for BHS, Jackson also believes that ever ycoach has helped shape him into abetter football player and most impor tantly,a better person. Because of the mentors that poured into Jackson and of course, because of his own success as aplayer,Jackson will be attending Army West Pointinthe fall of 2020. Jackson comments on his choice of this D1 college, saying, “I think attending West Point offers agreat oppor tunity formetobecome a better leader and will set me up for success in the future.”
After earning his degree at Army West Point, Jackson would like to become an entrepreneur and start his own business. Eversince he took amarketing class during his freshman year of high school, the business world and adver tising have intrigued him greatly.Additionally,Jackson believes that his optimistic attitude will take him farinlife, as it empowers him to always see the best in ever ycircumstance. Jackson will no doubt take with him the skills and knowledge he acquired as astudent at BHS and as aplayeron the Varsity football team aswell.
2019 was an eventful year in the North Gwinnett area and the Voice was there to cover it. The past year saw a community overcome the troubles of 2018 and reemerge as a leader among its peers. The year contained many firsts, as well as, several record-breaking achievements. Let’s take a look back at some of 2019’s top stories.
Shooting at South Hall QT stuns local communityFebruary 13, 2019 - Vol. 3 No. 3 - A local teen captures video with his cell phone of a love triangle gone horribly wrong. Footage showed James Elliot Blocksom of Canton approach the passenger side of a car in the Friendship Road Quik Trip parking lot and let off several shots from his firearm.
Shooting in Buford leaves 15-year-old boy dead - July 5, 2019 - Vol. 3 No. 13 - BHS student Branden Gerena was shot in the head behind the Citgo located at Thompson Mill Road and Pebblebrook Drive in Buford. Two suspects would later be arrested in connection with the homicide.
Homicide is believed to be connected with robbery - October 5, 2019 - Online - Sukkee Hong was shot in the garage of his Sugar Hill home and robbery was the motive. Hong owned a Lithonia based check cashing company. Three suspects were later arrested and were said to have watched Hong, robbing him then shooting him.
Fire engulfs home in downtown Buford - December 21, 2019 - Online - A home originally built in 1929 was undergoing extensive renovation when an electrical issue caused it to erupt into flames. The beloved family dog lost her life in the blaze at the home located at 382 West Moreno St. in “Old Town” Buford.
A year reviewin2019: Top News
A year reviewin2019: Top School News
BHS Literary team sets all-time state championship record - March 28, 2019 - Vol. 3 No. 6 - Buford’s Literary team won its 11th consecutive team state championship title, the most of any school in the history of the GHSA competition. Buford’s winning ways go all the way back to 1925 when Beverly Irvin won an individual state title.
Gwinnett holds public meetings over Marta - January 30, 2019 - Vol. 3 No. 2 / Gwinnett at a transit crossroads - February 27, 2019 - Vol. 3 No. 4 / Voters say NO to MARTA — again - March 29, 2019 - Online - Gwinnett Commissioners hold town hall meetings across the county in order to convince residents that they would benefit from a deal that would bring MARTA rail lines into the county and expand bus service. The referendum vote failed to get a majority of residents to vote “yes” ending the county’s attempt at expanding MARTA into Gwinnett.
Seniors reveal plans at Lanier High School Decision Day - May 23, 2019 - Vol. 3 No. 10 - Lanier held its first-ever Decision Day, a ceremony similar to a college signing ceremony except this one celebrated any senior student who had a plan to enroll in college, a trade school, or the military after graduation.
Woman drives car into popular local restaurant - July 19, 2019 - Vol. 3 No. 14 - An elderly woman accidentally hits the acceleration pedal instead of her brakes causing her to crash into the front of Rico’s World Kitchen located at the corner of Main Street and South Lee Street in downtown Buford.
New High School dubbed Buford University set to open in August - June 20, 2019 - Vol. 3 No. 12 / New BHS Performing Arts Center continues a long legacy - July 5, 2019 - Vol. 3 No. 13 - The new $85 million Buford High School was nearing completion and the Voice was given an all-access tour of the school campus. The school system’s Fine Arts Coordinator, Dr. Fowler gave us an in-depth look inside the Performing Arts Center highlighting all the specialized facilities and equipment that was inside.
Recent misdemeanor marijuana cases dropped in light of GA Hemp Farming Act - August 16, 2019Vol. 3 No. 16 - Following the passing of the Georgia Hemp Farming Act, the Gwinnett County Solicitor’s office announced that it would no longer make arrests for misdemeanor marijuana possession. This stems from the current methods that law enforcement uses to determine if marijuana is marijuana or not cannot distinguish between legal hemp and illegal marijuana.
A year reviewin2019:
Top Sports News
Buford and Lanier bring home state titles in basketball - March 14, 2019 - Vol. 3 No. 5 - The Buford girls basketball team won their third straight state title and the Buford boys basketball team redeemed themselves from the previous year’s failure to make it to the finals with their own state title win. Underdogs Lanier girls basketball team brought their school its first-ever state championship title of any kind.
BMS Competition Cheer wins first-ever state title for the young program - November 8, 2019 - Vol. 3 No. 22 - Buford Middle School’s competition cheer team in only its second year won the school’s first-ever state championship title. The 27 member squad consistently beat their competition all season long.
2019: Buford’s storybook season - December 20, 2019 - Vol. 3 No. 25 - First-year head football coach Bryant Appling and his team faced adversity numerous times during the season. They beat 7-A powerhouse teams and traveled over 900 miles in the postseason playoffs to reach the final game at Georgia State University playing Warner Robins. An overtime field goal would be enough to give Buford the 1714 win resulting in Buford High School’s 12th football state championship title.
Three Buford wrestlers place first at Maryland tournament
Alicia Couch Payne
Baltimore, Md. — A trio of talented seniors earns Champion status at a national level wrestling tournament over the weekend. The Buford High School varsity wrestling team packed their bags and took off for the Mount Mat Madness wrestling tournament held at Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore, Md. The tournament began on Friday, December 27 and wrapped up on Saturday, December 28, 2019. Buford took 10 wrestlers to the tournament where the team ultimately finished in 6th place against a field of 38 other teams from seven different states.
SPORTS
This is the 2nd year that the Wolves have competed in this event. They finished in 2nd place last year with four champions; Logan Ashton, Nick Stonecheck, Blaine Bergey, and Evan Dimaggio. Seniors Stonecheck (152 lbs.), Charlie Darracott (160 lbs.), and Bergey (170 lbs.) each won their weight class this year. StoneBuford also had strong finishes from JT McCullough (132 lbs.) 6th place, Talen Thompson (145 lbs.) 5th place, and Jacob Downing (182 lbs.) 6th place.
On top of earning the Champion title in the 160 lbs weight class, Darracott was also named the “Most Outstanding Wrestler” of the 2019 Mount Mat Madness Tournament beating out a very competitive field of talented wrestlers. Darracott is a Stanford commit while Stonecheck has committed to Old Dominion and Bergey to Princeton. The Wolves will compete next at the Gwinnett County Tournament held at Mill Creek High School on January 3-4. All of these tournaments are adding valuable experience to shape these athletes into top form for the GHSA Traditional State Championships on February 13-15.
From left, seniors Blaine Bergey, Nick Stonecheck, and Charlie Darracott each win championships in their weight classes at the Mount Mat Madness wrestling tournament in Maryland. Photo - Tom Beuglas
Buford boys basketball wins Florida tournament
Alicia Couch Payne
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. — The Buford boys basketball team traveled to Panama City Beach, Fla. to participate in the Marlin Christmas Classic held at Arnold High School. The tournament features eight boys teams and eight girls teams with schools from Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida.
Buford’s opening game on Friday, December 27 was against the host team of Arnold High School. The Wolves beat the Marlins 66-43. Leading the offense for Buford were Caleb Williams and Jaylon Taylor who each scored 14 points. Caleb Blackwell added 11 points for Buford (9-3).
In the Wolves semifinal game, they played Webster County (Ky.) on Saturday, December 28. Buford (10-3) held on to beat the Trojans 71-66. Sebastian Augustave had the most points scored during this game with 26 points. Other noteworthy
performances were from Blackwell, Taylor, and London Williams who each contributed 12 points and five rebounds in their win against Webster County. This win would send the Wolves to the finals where they would play another Georgia team, Banks County.
No games were played on Sunday, only a skills competition. The competition consisted of four events; slam dunk contest, a three-point contest, sharpshooting competition, and the skills challenge. Buford won all four events. Taylor won the slam dunk competition. Connor Johnson took home the threepoint contest. Alahn Sumler beat out his competition to earn the sharpshooting champion title and Carson Bell won the skills challenge.
In the final game to determine the tournament champion, Buford took on Banks County on Monday, December 30. The Wolves would defeat the Leopards 61-43 capturing the Marlin Christmas Classic Championship title. Blackwell would lead the offense for Buford (11-3) in this game with 19 points. Augustave contributed with 17 points while Williams scored 13 points and James Munlyn added 12 points to earn the win for the Wolves. Up next for Buford is a region game against Walnut Grove at Walnut Grove High School on Friday, January 3, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.
PARTISANSHIP
The Buford Boys Varsity Basketball team wins the Marlin Christmas Classic tournament after they beat Banks County in the finals on Monday, December 30, 2019, in Panama City Beach, Fla. Photo - Buford Basketball
Joren Currie
Meet Joren Currie, astudentinMrs.Bagley ’s first-grade class at BufordAcademy. Joren waspicked to be the Reader of the Week forhis love of reading and learning all thathecan about animals,” says the media specialist forBufordAcademy, Mrs. Lana Nix.
Jo re nl ov es re ad in ga nd it sh ows. He is ac ha pt er bo ok re ader an drea ds at a th ird- gr adel ev el !J oren ha sa lrea dy re ad ov er 100,000 wo rd st hi syea r. Hi sf av or it e bo ok st orea da re no n-fict io nb oo ks ab ou ta ni ma ls .M rs .N ix re ve al st ha tJ oren “e nj oysrep ti le sa nd am ph ib ia ns th em os t, es pe ci al ly li za rd sa nd fr og s. ”
Hisparents,Patrick and Melody Curriehaveatotal of four children with Joren being the oldest.Joren is an awesome older brother to his twosisters and one brother.When not at school,heenjoys playing soccerand flying his drone.Joren also likes to playvideo games with “FIFASoccer” beinghis favorite. Mrs. Nixsings his praises saying,“Joren has the type of personalitythateveryone lovesand adores.Heissuch asweet friend and dependable student.”
Congratulations,Joren, forbeing awarded the Reader of the Week at Buford Academy. We commend your hardworkinreaching athirdgrade levelofreading.Thatisatruly praisewor thyachievementfor a first-grade student. Keep up the good work.GoWolves!
Themedia specialists at the BufordSenior Academyand BufordAcademyselectthe BufordCitySchools Reader of the Week Bufordstudents grades first through fifthhaveachanceatbeing named the Reader of the Week.Inaddition to appearing online and in print, the Reader of the Week receives avoucher to Stars and Strikes for all of their hardwork.
Nanine Placek, age 64, of Buford, GA passed away December 29, 2019. She is survived by her husband of forty-three years, Thomas J. Placek, Sr.; daughters and son-in-law, Amy Placek, Buford, GA and Laura and Chad Wenzel, Braselton, GA; son, Thomas J. Placek, Jr., Chesapeake, VA; eight grandchildren, Abigail, Allison, Jacob, Addison, Olivia, Wyatt, Kylie and Caroline; sisters and brothers-in-law, Carolyn and Al Barber, Knoxville, TN, JoAnne and Houston Rozelle, Duluth, GA and Janet, and Jim Mercer, Sugar Hill, GA; and brother, Hank Kennedy, Norcross, GA. Mrs. Placek was born on December 10, 1955, in Niagara Falls, NY. She was a graduate of Madonna Catholic High School and a graduate of Brenau College with a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in education. She was a retired teacher from Gwinnett County Public Schools. A Funeral Mass will be held on January 3, 2020,at Prince of Peace Catholic Church with Father Jorge serving as Celebrant.
Patricia “Pat” Cochran Gibby, age 87, of Flowery Branch, GA passed away December 29, 2019. She was preceded in death by her father, Artis Cochran; mother, Bessie Fowler Cochran; brothers, Bobby Cochran, Jerry Cochran and Jackie Cochran. Mrs. Gibby is survived by her children, Tommy and Dixie White, Amarillo, TX, Danny White, Cumming, GA, Brenda Glover, Lake Sinclair, GA, Dale and Jackie Green, Danielsville, GA, Darrell White, Flowery Branch, GA; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara Brown, Hoschton, GA; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mrs. Gibby was born August 12, 1933 in Dahlonega, GA. She retired from Kraft Foods after seventeen years of service, in Decatur, GA. Mrs. Gibby was a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Flowery Branch, GA. Funeral services were held January 1 in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home, with Rev. Charles Shadburn officiating.
Dennis C. Garmon, age 68, of Buford, GA passed away on December 28, 2019. He was born June 12, 1951 at Joan Glancy Hospital in Duluth, GA. He grew up in Liburn, GA and
OBITS & SERVICES
was a graduate of Berkmar High School, class of 1969. He attended West Georgia College and obtained an Associate’s Degree in Business. He was married to his wife on October 22, 1977. He retired from AT&T after 43 years of working for the phone company. Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Mildred Garmon; step mother Helen Garmon; and sister, Helen Baughcum. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sheila Garmon; children, Sarah and Rev. Josh Herrington, Justin and Brooke Garmon, and Adam and Amy Garmon; grandchildren, Zoey, Ava, Madison, Jack, and Avery; sisters, Stella and Eugene Chapman, Joan Martin and brothers; Barry and Nancy Garmon, Sammy and Kathy Garmon; brother in-law, John Baughcum, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A funeral service was held on December 31 in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home with Rev. Josh Herrington officiating.
Robert M. “Bob” Crowl, age 58, of Sugar Hill, GA passed away on December 27, 2019. He is survived by his wife of thirty-five years, Diana Crowl, Sugar Hill, GA; sons, Robert Louis Crowl and wife, Lauren Papa, Lawrenceville, GA, and Connor Joseph Crowl and Laura Stephens, Sugar Hill, GA; grandchildren, Stephen Crummett-Crowl, Twentynine Palms, CA and Michael James Crowl, Buford, GA; brother and sister-inlaw, Matthew and Christy Crowl, Las Vegas, NV; sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Richard Kalman, New Jersey; and several nieces and nephews and extended loving family. Mr. Crowl was born on April 25, 1961, in Atlantic City, NJ. He was a graduate of Atlantic City High School. Mr. Crowl was a veteran of the U. S. Marines and received his Associate’s Degree while in the Marine Corp. He was a member of the Buford American Legion Post 127. He was retired from Lake Lanier Islands after ten years of service as a purchasing manager in Hospitality. A memorial service was held on January 2, in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home.
Daniel Michael Bozick, age 54, of Buford, GA passed away on December 22, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Brian Bozick
and Donna Yanowich Masiak; and stepfather, Richard F. Masiak. He is survived by his sister, Donna K. Payne, Alexandria, OH; brother-inlaw, Jesse Payne, Sr., Alexandria, OH; nephews, Caleb Allison, Alexandria, OH, and Jesse Payne, Jr., Alexandria, OH; and niece, Dakota Allison, West Alexandria, OH. Mr. Bozick was born on September 21, 1965, in Pittsburgh, PA. He attended Northeast High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He was the owner of Atlanta Basement and Deck Company in Buford, GA. A memorial service was held on December 29 in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home.
JoAnn Marie Phillips, age 80, of Buford, GA passed away on December 21, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arsenio and Barbara Rios; sister, Mary Lou Meale; daughter, Terri Jo Marra; and niece, Barbara Jo Colaciello. She is survived by her husband of fifty-five years, Van R. Phillips; daughter, Nikki Phillips; brother-in-law, Ott Meale; nephew, Ott Meale, Jr.; sister-in-law, Vivian Armstrong; brother-in-law, John Phillips; and other extended familiy. Mrs. Phillips was born on January 25, 1939 in Monongah, WV. JoAnn battled Alzheimer’s disease for over a decade with grace, dignity, and love for all the many people who cared for her. In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation to the Alzheimer’s Association to help find a cure. A celebration of her life will be scheduled at a later date.
Glen Andrew Varza, Sr., age 58, of Sugar Hill, GA passed away December 21, 2019. He is survived by
his wife of thirty-one years, Annette Zenko, Sugar Hill; son, Andrew Varza, Jr, Shelton, CN; granddaughters, Brooke Elizabeth Varza and Cora Lynne Varza; brother, William Varza, South Berry, CN, and nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mr. Varza was employed with North GA Building Supply Company in Buford, GA. A memorial service was held on December 28, in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home with Dr. Jim Ferguson officiating.
