Episodes

  • Christkindl Market Heading into Final Days of First Run in Lawrenceville | Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 66 Hosts Annual Cops and Kids Christmas Event | Exploring Gwinnett's History: Christmas in the Past

    Christkindl Market Heading into Final Days of First Run in Lawrenceville | Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 66 Hosts Annual Cops and Kids Christmas Event | Exploring Gwinnett's History: Christmas in the Past
    Dec 23 2025
    Top Stories for December 23rd Publish Date: December 23rd From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, December 23rd and Happy Birthday to Eddie Vedder I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Christkindl Market heading into final days of first run in LawrencevilleFraternal Order of Police Lodge 66 hosts annual Cops and Kids Christmas eventEXPLORING GWINNETT'S HISTORY: Christmas in the past All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: Kia Mall of Georgia - Sugar Hill Ice Skating Rink Final STORY 1: Christkindl Market heading into final days of first run in Lawrenceville The Atlanta Christkindl Market has been buzzing with holiday cheer, drawing over 226,000 visitors to downtown Lawrenceville since Thanksgiving. But if you haven’t made it out yet, time’s running out—Christmas Eve is your last chance. This German-inspired market has become a magnet for families across Gwinnett and beyond, offering European treats, handmade ornaments, and festive vibes. City Manager Chuck Warbington predicts the final tally will top 320,000 visitors. The market, at 210 Luckie St., is open daily now through Christmas Eve. Hours vary, so check ahead—and maybe book a Santa photo while you’re at it. STORY 2: Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 66 hosts annual Cops and Kids Christmas event Holiday traditions come in all shapes—carols, candles, big family dinners, and gift exchanges. But for the past 35 years, Gwinnett law enforcement has added its own twist: one December night dedicated to giving back. On Thursday, officers from 10 Gwinnett departments gathered at the Walmart on Lawrenceville Highway for the annual Cops and Kids Christmas. They strolled the aisles with families, helping kids pick out toys and clothes—making sure there’d be something under the tree. For many officers, this event is tradition. This year, 61 families and 104 kids were treated to gifts, Christmas dinner fixings, and even a “blessing box” from Hebron Baptist Church. For officers, it’s more than just shopping—it’s a chance to connect with the community and show a different side of law enforcement. More than 100 officers, plus Gwinnett Police Explorers, joined in this year. STORY 3: EXPLORING GWINNETT'S HISTORY: Christmas in the past When we think about Christmases past, it’s easy to romanticize them—quiet, simple, less commercial. Maybe we picture what our grandparents described or scenes from old books, but the truth? It all depends. Time, place, culture, class—Christmas looked different for everyone. By the 1800s, Christmas shifted toward family. Homemade gifts, carols, and decorated trees became staples. For enslaved people, though, the holiday was bittersweet—sometimes a brief reprieve, sometimes more work. In Gwinnett’s early days, Christmas was simple. Handmade decorations, maybe a church service, and stockings filled with candy, nuts, and—if you were lucky—an orange. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Ingles Markets STORY 4: ART BEAT: Instructor Jae Montano helps people find 'The Joy of Painting' Jae Montano doesn’t believe in mistakes—just “happy accidents.” A Certified Bob Ross Instructor (one of only 18 in Georgia), she’s made it her mission to share the joy of painting, one brushstroke at a time. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Jae didn’t start painting until the pandemic hit. Stuck at home, she stumbled across Bob Ross on YouTube and was hooked. That spark led her to classes with Steve Ross, Bob’s son, and eventually to becoming a certified instructor herself in 2022. Now, Jae teaches Ross’s wet-on-wet technique across Atlanta and Gwinnett, helping students create dreamy landscapes without fear or perfectionism. You can catch her at festivals like Suwanee Arts and Duluth Spring and Fall, or shop her work at Suwanee and John’s Creek Art Centers. For classes and more, visit www.paintingwithjae.com. STORY 5: HOUSING MATTERS: Georgians struggle with cost of living more than most Americans The cost of living is crushing. For some, it’s meant bouncing between overpriced motels; for others, it’s homelessness. Here’s a look at the latest on affordable housing and the fight against homelessness: Georgia ranks 8th in financial struggle: A United Way study puts Georgia in the top 10 states where people can’t afford basics like food, gas, and housing. Nearly 34% of adults are behind on rent or mortgage, and 41% struggle with daily expenses. Nationwide, 42% of households can’t cover essentials—13% live in poverty, while 29% are stuck in the “ALICE” gap:...
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    17 mins
  • Apartment Fire Displaces 19 Residents in Buford | Philadelphia Winn Chapter DAR Honors Veterans on National Wreaths Across America Day | Holiday Traffic: Year-End Travel Expected to Set New Record

    Apartment Fire Displaces 19 Residents in Buford | Philadelphia Winn Chapter DAR Honors Veterans on National Wreaths Across America Day | Holiday Traffic: Year-End Travel Expected to Set New Record
    Dec 20 2025
    Top Stories for December 20th Publish Date: December 20th PRE-ROLL: SUGAR HILL ICE SKATING From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Saturday, December 20th and Happy Birthday to Dick Wolf I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. Apartment fire displaces 19 residents in BufordPhiladelphia Winn Chapter DAR Honors Veterans on National Wreaths Across America DayHOLIDAY TRAFFIC: Year-end travel expected to set new record Plus, Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: Kia Mall of Georgia STORY 1: Apartment fire displaces 19 residents in Buford Tuesday afternoon, chaos broke out at the Plantation Ridge Apartments in Buford when a fire erupted on a second-story balcony. It was 3:44 p.m. when 911 calls started pouring in—residents scrambling to evacuate as flames climbed toward the second floor. By the time firefighters arrived, the back of the three-story building was ablaze. Crews worked fast, deploying hose lines to knock down the fire while police helped evacuate everyone inside. Six units were damaged—fire, water, the works—but thankfully, no one was hurt. The fire displaced 19 people—11 adults, eight kids. The Red Cross and apartment management are stepping in to help. Investigators traced the fire to a second-story balcony and ruled it accidental. STORY 2: Philadelphia Winn Chapter DAR Honors Veterans on National Wreaths Across America Day On Dec. 13, the Philadelphia Winn Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) held two heartfelt ceremonies to honor veterans resting at Gwinnett Memorial Park and East Shadowlawn Memorial Gardens. It was all part of Wreaths Across America, a nationwide effort to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach future generations about the cost of freedom. Volunteers placed fresh balsam wreaths—handcrafted in Maine, red bows and all—on veterans’ graves. The ceremonies featured local JROTC cadets, SAR Color Guard, and more. Through Dec. 31, wreath sponsorships are buy-one-get-one-free for next year’s event. STORY 3: HOLIDAY TRAFFIC: Year-end travel expected to set new record More than 122 million Americans—including 3.8 million Georgians—are gearing up to hit the road, skies, or rails this holiday season, according to AAA. That’s a record-breaking number, up 2.2% from last year. “People are ready to travel,” said Debbie Haas, AAA’s VP of travel. “Roads will be packed, airports busy—plan ahead, leave early, and maybe consider travel insurance if you’re flying in winter weather.” Of the 122 million, most (89%) will drive, with 109.5 million taking road trips. In Georgia, 3.4 million will drive, while nearly 200,000 will fly. Christmas week? Busier than New Year’s. Stay safe. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Ingles Markets 1- DTL HOLIDAY STORY 4: Fani Willis testifies to Georgia Senate committee After over a year of dodging Republican efforts to drag her before the Georgia Senate, Fani Willis finally showed up at the Capitol on Wednesday—and it was a spectacle. For three hours, the Fulton County district attorney sparred with a special committee she called a “political farce.” The committee, created by Senate Republicans, has been gunning for Willis ever since she indicted Donald Trump and 18 others over the 2020 election. The hearing? A mix of accusations and insults. Sen. Greg Dolezal, filling in as chair, grilled Willis on everything from her office’s spending to her use of a media tracking service. Willis fired back, calling some questions “ignorant”. Both sides threw punches. Dolezal pointed to Willis’ political donations and her staff’s ties to Democratic campaigns. Willis countered with social media posts showing Dolezal and others using the investigation for their own political gain. The hearing ended with no clear resolution—just more finger-pointing. STORY 5: UPDATE: 19-year-old shot by Gwinnett police after charging officers with a knife Gwinnett County police are looking into a Thursday afternoon shooting involving one of their own. It started around 1:40 p.m. when the State Mobile Crisis Team called officers to help with a mental health situation on Lockridge Drive, near Peachtree Corners. When officers arrived, they spoke with the crisis team and a 19-year-old outside the home. Clinicians decided the teen needed to go to the hospital for evaluation. But things escalated fast. “The subject went back inside, came out with a knife, and charged at the officer,” said Cpl. Angela Carter. “...
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    26 mins
  • Arizona developer building 300-plus apartments in Peachtree Corners' Technology Park | First buildings underway at Sugarloaf Crest in Lawrenceville | GGC celebrates future nurses during pinning ceremony

    Arizona developer building 300-plus apartments in Peachtree Corners' Technology Park | First buildings underway at Sugarloaf Crest in Lawrenceville | GGC celebrates future nurses during pinning ceremony
    Dec 19 2025
    Top Stories for December 18th Publish Date: December 18th PRE-ROLL: SUGAR HILL ICE SKATING From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Thursday, December 18th and Happy birthday to Keith Richards I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Arizona developer building 300-plus apartments in Peachtree Corners' Technology ParkFirst buildings underway at Sugarloaf Crest in LawrencevilleGGC celebrates future nurses during pinning ceremony Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: GCPS Hiring-Villa Rica Wonderland Train STORY 1: Arizona developer building 300-plus apartments in Peachtree Corners' Technology Park Technology Park Atlanta, a hub for Fortune 500 companies and tech innovators, is about to get a residential twist. Soon, it won’t just be a place to work—it’ll be home for hundreds. Alliance Residential Company, the Arizona-based developer behind Broadstone Peachtree Corners, has snagged 10.7 acres in the park to build Broadstone Innovation, a 326-unit apartment community set to open in spring 2027. Think sleek, modern living: a salt sauna, red-light therapy pods, a resort-style pool, EV chargers, and even a food truck zone. STORY 2: First buildings underway at Sugarloaf Crest in Lawrenceville Parkland Residential has kicked off vertical construction at Sugarloaf Crest, a new build-to-rent community in Gwinnett County. What’s that mean? Townhomes—67 of them—are going up on 5.2 acres, complete with a big central green space. Located on Sugarloaf Parkway, right next to Richards Middle and Cedar Hill Elementary, these two- and three-bedroom homes are designed for modern living: open layouts, sleek kitchens, walk-in closets, and even washers and dryers included. The three-bedroom units? They’ve got lofts and nearly 2,000 square feet of space. STORY 3: GGC celebrates future nurses during pinning ceremony In a room buzzing with pride and emotion, 39 nursing students at Georgia Gwinnett College celebrated their pinning ceremony—a moment that marks the leap from student to nurse. “Y’all, it’s been two years!” joked Merick Sanogo, the class speaker, earning laughs and cheers. His classmates surprised him with a pineapple, a nod to his quirky tradition of gifting one on every birthday. The ceremony, steeped in tradition, included the lighting of the Nightingale Lamp and the Nurse Pledge. For Prudence Donald, an international student from Tanzania, it was a dream realized. “If you can dream it, you can achieve it,” she said. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: 07.14.22 KIA MOG- DTL HOLIDAY STORY 4: Freight rail line from coast to northwest Georgia reports record traffic Georgia’s freight rail line from the Port of Savannah to Murray County just hit a record: nearly 4,000 containers moved in November, a 35% jump from last year. Seven CSX trains a week now roll through the Appalachian Regional Port near Chatsworth, cutting truck traffic—and emissions—in metro Atlanta. Opened in 2018, the inland port is fueling growth in northwest Georgia. A UGA study found it added 5,600 jobs in Dalton, Rome, and beyond over two years. And there’s more to come: the $127 million Blue Ridge Connector, opening next spring, promises to expand rail capacity even further. STORY 5: GGC's Devontre Chaney, Brasen James Earn Continental Athletic Conference Awards Georgia Gwinnett College juniors Devontre Chaney and Brasen James just snagged Continental Athletic Conference Player of the Week honors after leading the Grizzlies to a big road win. Chaney? He was unstoppable—15 points, 15 boards, and eight assists. Oh, and he went 9-for-10 at the line. That’s his seventh double-double this season. The guy’s averaging 15.9 points and 10.2 rebounds. James locked it down defensively, holding his matchup to just six points (16 below average) while adding 14 of his own. FALCONS: As the Falcons limp toward the end of a rough 2025 season, the big question looms: will Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot keep their jobs? Atlanta’s 5-9 record doesn’t inspire much confidence, even after Thursday’s wild 29-28 comeback win over Tampa Bay. Sure, it was fun—rallying from 14 down in the fourth quarter—but in the grand scheme? It’s meaningless. The playoffs are out of reach, even in the laughable NFC South. Despite a 13-18 record, failed coaching hires, and some head-scratching moves (what was that with Ike Hilliard?), Morris has the locker room behind him. Bijan Robinson, for one, is all in. Owner Arthur Blank will have a ...
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    15 mins
  • Gwinnett Leaders Update Lawmakers on Voting Site Challenges, Public Safety Efforts | Brookwood High Selected to Participate in the GaDOE Gifted in Action Series | Gwinnett Chamber Announces 2025 Business Excellence Award Winners

    Gwinnett Leaders Update Lawmakers on Voting Site Challenges, Public Safety Efforts | Brookwood High Selected to Participate in the GaDOE Gifted in Action Series | Gwinnett Chamber Announces 2025 Business Excellence Award Winners
    Dec 17 2025
    Top Stories for December 16th Publish Date: December 16th PRE-ROLL: Villa Rica Wonderland Train From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, December 16th and Happy Birthday to Yosemite Sam I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Gwinnett leaders update lawmakers on voting site challenges, public safety effortsBrookwood High selected to participate in the GaDOE Gifted in Action seriesGwinnett Chamber announces 2025 Business Excellence Award winners Plus, Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: Kia Mall of Georgia - Sugar Hill Ice Skating Rink STORY 1: Gwinnett leaders update lawmakers on voting site challenges, public safety efforts Gwinnett County is cutting polling locations—down from 156 to 144—and the reason? Insurance headaches. Churches and private organizations, once reliable voting sites, are pulling out, according to Elections Supervisor Zach Manifold. Manifold shared the news during a meeting with Gwinnett’s state lawmakers, where elections and public safety took center stage. Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson emphasized collaboration: “When local and state leaders work together, we serve our residents better.” On the safety side, Police Chief J.D. McClure highlighted staffing gains and a futuristic twist—drones as “first eyes” on crime scenes. Progress, but challenges remain. STORY 2: Brookwood High selected to participate in the GaDOE Gifted in Action series Brookwood High just got a big nod from the Georgia Department of Education—it’s been featured in the GaDOE Gifted in Action series, a webinar collection for educators working with gifted and talented students. Eric Rovie’s AP Literature and Language classes were in the spotlight, with the GaDOE team recording his students in action. Rovie’s approach? Open discussions, tough questions, and a classroom built on trust. Gifted education isn’t just about acceleration, says Dr. Keena Ryals-Jenkins of GCPS—it’s about sparking curiosity and pushing boundaries. STORY 3: Gwinnett Chamber announces 2025 Business Excellence Award winners The Gwinnett Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards lit up the John Maxwell Leadership Center last week, celebrating the movers, shakers, and innovators shaping Gwinnett’s business scene. Nick Masino, Chamber President & CEO, kicked things off, followed by keynote speaker Darryll Stinson—a TEDx speaker and leadership guru—who delivered a heartfelt, no-fluff message about trust, growth, and greatness. “It’s about elevating results,” he said, leaving the room buzzing. Masino summed it up: “When our businesses thrive, so does our region.” Winners spanned 10 categories, from Spectrum Autism Support Group (Community Contributor) to iS3 Tech Services’ Adam Hammock (Founder Award). A night of well-earned applause. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Ingles Markets - DTL HOLIDAY STORY 4: Gwinnett road closures Dec. 13-19 Heads up, Gwinnett drivers—here’s what’s happening on the roads this week (Dec. 13–19). Expect closures, detours, and delays, all courtesy of construction, utility work, and improvements. Big ones to note: **Ballpark Lane** is closed through April 2026. Detours are in place, but, yeah, plan extra time. Other spots with intermittent lane closures include **Beaver Ruin Road**, **Sugarloaf Parkway**, and **Rockbridge Road**—plus about 30 more. For details or detour routes, contact the Gwinnett DOT. STORY 5: ART BEAT: Players Guild at Sugar Hill to stage 'The Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder' Looking for a darkly funny way to kick off the new year? *The Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder* hits Sugar Hill’s Eagle Theatre stage Feb. 6–15, promising six performances of murder, mayhem, and music. The story? Monty Navarro, a broke clerk, discovers he’s ninth in line to inherit a fancy title and fortune. His solution? Start “removing” the D’Ysquith family members ahead of him. It’s twisted, hilarious, and based on the 1907 novel *Israel Rank*. JD Touchton stars as Monty, marking his first musical role in four years. Tickets? Boxoffice@pgatsh.com. Now, here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre - Shane Delancey - Break 3: THE STRAND HOLIDAY STORY 6: Mill Creek Grad Holden Cammarata Runs 100-Mile Day for Williams Syndrome Holden Cammarata had a wild dream—run 100 miles in a single day. Not a marathon, not two, but *four*. The 2025 Mill Creek grad and ...
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    25 mins
  • Suwanee Recognizes Eagle Scout Projects | Suspect Arrested after Road Rage Incident Leads to Stabbing on I-85 in Gwinnett | Peachtree Corners Town Center's Movie Theater Is Third Major Closure of 2025

    Suwanee Recognizes Eagle Scout Projects | Suspect Arrested after Road Rage Incident Leads to Stabbing on I-85 in Gwinnett | Peachtree Corners Town Center's Movie Theater Is Third Major Closure of 2025
    Dec 13 2025
    Top Stories for December 13th Publish Date: December 13th PRE-ROLL: SUGAR HILL ICE SKATING From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Saturday, December 13th and Happy Birthday to Ted Nugent I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. Suwanee recognizes Eagle Scout projectsSuspect arrested after road rage incident leads to stabbing on I-85 in GwinnettPeachtree Corners Town Center's movie theater is third major closure of 2025 Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on milk Break 1: THE STRAND HOLIDAY STORY 1: Suwanee recognizes Eagle Scout projects At November’s City Council meeting, Suwanee took a moment to shine a spotlight on three incredible Eagle Scouts who poured their time, energy, and heart into projects that made the community a little brighter. “Thank you to these young leaders for their creativity and dedication,” the city shared. Here’s what they accomplished: Jocelyn Carsley (Troop 5109) transformed the barn at White Street Park with a kids’ activity area and a colorful mural. Meredith Carsley (Troop 5109) built observation decks for better views at city events. Colin Kenney (Troop 608) revamped the landscaping around the “Mommy” sculpture at PlayTown Suwanee. Amazing work, all around! STORY 2: Suspect arrested after road rage incident leads to stabbing on I-85 in Gwinnett A man accused of stabbing another driver in a road rage clash last month has been arrested, Gwinnett County police announced. The incident happened on Nov. 13 along I-85 South. Peter Chai, the victim, told officers he got into a heated exchange with a white van. Things escalated fast. According to police, the van’s driver, Yoandry Rincon, got out, approached Chai’s window, and stabbed him in the chest. Chai fought back—grabbing a bat from his car—which sent Rincon running back to his van. Chai was hospitalized but has since recovered. Rincon? He’s now in Gwinnett County Jail, facing aggravated assault charges. STORY 3: Peachtree Corners Town Center's movie theater is third major closure of 2025 It’s been a tough year for Peachtree Corners Town Center, and now there’s more bad news to close out 2025—CMX Cinebistro has shut its doors. The theater, which opened in March 2019, quietly disappeared from the CMX website, though it was still being hyped on social media just a few months ago as the go-to spot for date nights and family outings. This marks the third big closure in six months. Lazy Dog left in July, blaming parking headaches, and Uncle Jack’s Meat House followed in August. For a six-year-old development, it’s starting to feel like a rough patch. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Ingles Markets - DTL HOLIDAY STORY 4: Housing Matters: HUD pauses changes to housing grants after lawsuit The cost of living is crushing, and it’s forcing people into impossible situations—cramped hotel rooms, shelters, or worse, the streets. Here’s the latest on housing and homelessness: HUD’s Homeless Aid Shake-Up Hits Pause The Trump administration’s plan to cap grants for permanent housing and programs like those supporting transgender communities has been put on hold after a lawsuit. Critics say the changes would displace 170,000 people. HUD now promises a revised policy by January. Atlanta Food Bank’s Big Push With demand up 70%, the Atlanta Community Food Bank is racing to collect 10 million meals by year’s end. A $100,000 match doubles every donation. Housing Market Stalls New home listings dropped 1.7%—the sharpest decline in two years. Buyers and sellers are waiting, unsure of what 2026 will bring. STORY 5: Kim Peeples makes a lifelong impact on Brookwood’s theater family For Kim Peeples, music isn’t just a career—it’s her heartbeat. She retired from Brookwood High in 2019, but let’s be honest, she never really left. This year, she hit a milestone: her 100th musical production, “String,” which won the region one-act competition. Peeples’ journey with Brookwood started in the early ’80s, when she was fresh out of college and working under her middle school chorus teacher, Lori Ziecker. “Lori was everything,” Peeples said, her voice catching. “She passed in May, but her influence is everywhere.” Over the years, Peeples became a cornerstone of Brookwood’s theater and choral programs, working alongside the Lindahl family—first Ken and Patty, and now their daughter, Laura. And family is exactly what Brookwood has been to Peeples. From directing “Evita” in 1990 to the award-winning “1940s Radio Hour” in 1998, and more recent productions like “Ragtime” and “Bright Star,” her passion has left an indelible mark. We’ll be right back. Break 3: Kia Mall of Georgia ...
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    17 mins
  • Atlanta Christkindl Market Proving a Hit in Lawrenceville | Gwinnett Commissioners OK 4% Salary Adjustment for County Employees | Paul Duke STEM High School Honored for Work to Improve Student Outcomes

    Atlanta Christkindl Market Proving a Hit in Lawrenceville | Gwinnett Commissioners OK 4% Salary Adjustment for County Employees | Paul Duke STEM High School Honored for Work to Improve Student Outcomes
    Dec 11 2025
    GDP Script/ Top Stories for December 11th Publish Date: December 11th PRE-ROLL: SUGAR HILL ICE SKATING From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Thursday, December 11th and Happy birthday to Nikki Six I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Atlanta Christkindl Market proving a hit in LawrencevilleGwinnett commissioners OK 4% salary adjustment for county employeesPaul Duke STEM High School honored for work to improve student outcomes Plus Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: GCPS Hiring-Villa Rica Wonderland Train STORY 1: Atlanta Christkindl Market proving a hit in Lawrenceville Avery Boutin and Jordan Lettis had never been to the Atlanta Christkindl Market before, but now that it’s landed in their backyard? They couldn’t resist. Sunday night, they joined the crowd under twinkling string lights, wandering the aisles, riding the Ferris wheel, and—of course—grabbing raclette sandwiches. This is the market’s first year in Lawrenceville, and it’s already a hit. City Manager Chuck Warbington said it’s tripled downtown foot traffic. Vendors? 90 booths, everything from bratwursts to alpaca scarves. And the hot chocolate line? Let’s just say, patience required. STORY 2: Gwinnett commissioners OK 4% salary adjustment for county employees Gwinnett County employees just got an early Christmas surprise—4% raises, approved by commissioners on Tuesday. Starting pay? Now at least $40,000 a year for full-timers. Not bad, right? The adjustment, retroactive to Oct. 25, bumps up pay ranges across the board, including public safety roles. Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson called it a step toward addressing inflation and keeping Gwinnett competitive. “We’re investing in the people who keep this county running,” she said. With a $2.6 billion budget vote looming in January, it’s unclear how this raise fits in. But for now? A little extra in the paycheck feels good. STORY 3: Paul Duke STEM High School honored for work to improve student outcomes Paul Duke STEM High just snagged a huge honor—one of only two schools in Georgia named a 2025 National ESEA Distinguished School. Pretty big deal, right? This recognition isn’t handed out lightly. It’s for Title I schools that are crushing it academically and making real strides with their students. Principal Dr. Jonathon Wetherington couldn’t be prouder. “This is about our students, our teachers, our families—all of us,” he said. Their STEMforALL initiative? Game-changer. It’s hands-on, rigorous, and inclusive, reaching multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and those facing economic challenges. Oh, and Flex Fridays? Genius. Targeted support, projects, college prep—it’s working. Graduation rates? Over 90%. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Kia Mall of Georgia - DTL HOLIDAY STORY 4: Gwinnett County Public Library offering RISE Teen Entrepreneurship program Got a teen with big dreams of running their own business? Gwinnett County Public Library’s RISE Teen Entrepreneurship Program might be just the thing. Starting Feb. 17, 2026, this four-week crash course will teach teens (ages 13–19) how to turn ideas into real businesses. Here’s the deal: they’ll brainstorm, build a business plan, and pitch their ideas to local entrepreneurs in a Shark Tank-style showdown. Winners? Cash prizes. Meetings are weekly, 5:30–7:30 p.m., at the Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick branch. Deadline to apply? Jan. 5. Oh, and library cardholders can use maker spaces—think laser printers, podcast gear, sewing machines—for free. Dream big, Gwinnett! STORY 5: Touchdown Club of Gwinnett Honors Best in 2025 High School Football The Touchdown Club of Gwinnett threw a big bash Monday at 12Stone Church, celebrating the absolute best of Gwinnett high school football from the 2025 season. And wow, what a lineup. Buford’s Tyriq Green snagged Athlete of the Year—no surprise there, considering he’s leading his team to the Class AAAAAA state finals. North Gwinnett cleaned up too, with Zach Lewis (Offensive Lineman), Max Patterson (Tight End), and Chauncey Davis (Defensive Back) all taking home top honors. Other schools? Brookwood, Collins Hill, and Grayson had multiple winners, too. Honestly, the talent in this county is unreal. Full list? It’s long—like, really long. But trust me, these kids earned it. GEORGIA SWARM: The Georgia Swarm are itching to get back on the floor. After dropping their season opener to Buffalo—yeah, the three-time champs, no big deal—they’ve ...
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    25 mins
  • Neighborhood Christmas Train Experience Rolls into Holidays to Help Benefit Norcross Co-op | North Gwinnett Co-op in Need of Donations for Annual Santa Shop Toy Drive | Gwinnett's Budget Hearing Draws Few Speakers, but Feedback Still Accepted

    Neighborhood Christmas Train Experience Rolls into Holidays to Help Benefit Norcross Co-op | North Gwinnett Co-op in Need of Donations for Annual Santa Shop Toy Drive | Gwinnett's Budget Hearing Draws Few Speakers, but Feedback Still Accepted
    Dec 9 2025
    Top Stories for December 9th Publish Date: December 9th PRE-ROLL: DTL HOLIDAY From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, December 9th and Happy Birthday to John Malkovich I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Neighborhood Christmas Train Experience rolls into holidays to help benefit Norcross Co-opNorth Gwinnett Co-op in need of donations for annual Santa Shop Toy DriveGwinnett's budget hearing draws few speakers, but feedback still accepted All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: Kia Mall of Georgia - Villa Rica Wonderland Train STORY 1: Neighborhood Christmas Train Experience rolls into holidays to help benefit Norcross Co-op The fourth annual Neighborhood Christmas Train Experience isn’t just about trains—it’s about giving back. Held at 3135 Repps Miller Road in Norcross, this massive holiday display supports Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, a nonprofit helping families in crisis. “Last year, we raised $11,000,” said organizer Jonathan Galucki. “This year, we’re aiming for $15,000—and we’ve got a matching grant lined up.” The event runs Dec. 13, 14, 20, and 21, with tickets starting at $8. Expect nearly a dozen trains, a LEGO Christmas City, and an interactive Engineer Training Center where kids can run their own trains. Live music, festive vibes, and even a Buffalo Bills watch party? It’s all here. Visit neighborhoodchristmastrain.com for details. STORY 2: North Gwinnett Co-op in need of donations for annual Santa Shop Toy Drive The North Gwinnett Co-Op pulled off a miracle earlier this year, keeping families fed during the food-stamp crisis caused by the federal shutdown. But that effort came at a cost—plans for their annual Kristen Mullen Santa Shop had to take a back seat. “We fed families twice in November and gave out over 600 holiday meals,” said Executive Director Kim Phillips in a heartfelt Facebook video. “But now, we’re behind on toys for the Santa Shop.” The shop, which lets parents choose gifts for their kids with dignity, needs unwrapped toys by Dec. 12—especially sensory toys and gifts for teens. Visit ngcoop.org to help. STORY 3: Gwinnett's budget hearing draws few speakers, but feedback still accepted The public hearing for Gwinnett County’s proposed $2.6 billion 2026 budget? Quiet. Not a single taxpayer showed up to speak. Instead, community leaders—library board, health board, Mosaic Georgia—took the mic to thank commissioners for their expected funding. But here’s the gist: the budget is $66 million leaner than 2025’s, with Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson applauding department heads for trimming costs. “They worked hard to find efficiencies,” she said. Where’s the money going? Public safety and public works dominate—new police HQ, fire station relocations, 911 upgrades, road repaving, and even drones for mall patrols. Want to weigh in? Submit comments online by Dec. 31. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Ingles Markets - Sugar Hill Holiday STORY 4: 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' coming to Red Clay Music Foundry Dec. 13 Even after all these years, Jeffrey Bützer still loves playing *A Charlie Brown Christmas*. Listening to the record? Not so much. “I don’t really enjoy listening to it anymore,” he admits. “But playing it? That’s different. It’s jazz—you don’t play it the same way twice. T.T. (Mahony) takes different solos every night, sometimes longer, sometimes shorter. It keeps me on my toes, and people love it. It’s a tradition for so many, and honestly, I love that.” Bützer, Mahony, bassist Francisco Lora, and vocalists Kelly Winn and Audrey Gamez will bring the Peanuts magic to Eddie Owens Presents at Red Clay in Duluth on Dec. 13. Since the original album is only 35 minutes, the group adds some surprises—like songs from the *Phil Spector Christmas Album*—and even clips from the TV special. “We never announce it; we just do it,” Bützer says. “No one’s ever left early, so I guess it works.” And the fans? They keep coming back. “We’ve got ‘Snoopy Groupies,’” Bützer laughs. “One woman came every year, moved away, and now flies back for the show. It’s wild.” For tickets, visit eddieowenspresents.com. STORY 5: Primerica collects nearly 82,000 food items for Can-A-Thon Christmas is about giving, right? Helping those in need? Primerica hosted its annual canned food drive last week at its Duluth headquarters, collecting a jaw-dropping 81,846 cans for the Salvation Army’s Can-A-Thon. But this year, they ditched the Santa hats for bell-bottoms and ...
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    14 mins
  • Gwinnett Chamber Foundation honors small business leaders at inaugural Power of Impact Gala | Lawmakers seek Lottery money for need-based college scholarships | Applications for Jackson EMC Washington Youth Tour now open

    Gwinnett Chamber Foundation honors small business leaders at inaugural Power of Impact Gala | Lawmakers seek Lottery money for need-based college scholarships | Applications for Jackson EMC Washington Youth Tour now open
    Dec 6 2025
    Top Stories for December 6th Publish Date: December 6th PRE-ROLL: SUGAR HILL ICE SKATING From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Saturday, December 6th and Happy Birthday to Peter Buck from REM I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. Gwinnett Chamber Foundation honors small business leaders at inaugural Power of Impact GalaLawmakers seek Lottery money for need-based college scholarshipsApplications for Jackson EMC Washington Youth Tour now open All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: Kia Mall of Georgia STORY 1: Gwinnett Chamber Foundation honors small business leaders at inaugural Power of Impact Gala The Gwinnett Chamber Foundation held its first-ever Power of Impact Gala on Dec. 3 at Bear’s Best Suwanee, bringing together over 130 business leaders to celebrate small business growth and mentorship. Award winners included Dr. William “Bill” Russell (Legacy Business Leader), Alicia Cole of Lillies Boutique (Certification Cohort Member), and Berthine Crèvecoeur West of Westbridge Solutions (Accelerator Cohort Member). The event also celebrated the 2025 Small Business Impact Institute graduates, seven of whom earned supply-chain certifications. STORY 2: Lawmakers seek Lottery money for need-based college scholarships Georgia’s public colleges hit record enrollment this fall, with over 382,000 students, but a bipartisan Senate committee says too many are still being left behind. The HOPE Scholarship, funded by the state lottery, has helped over 2 million students since 1993, but it’s merit-based—requiring a 3.0 GPA—and doesn’t account for financial need. For low-income students juggling work and school, losing HOPE often means dropping out entirely. The committee is pushing for a $126 million need-based aid program, funded by the lottery’s $1.7 billion reserves. But not everyone’s on board. Critics argue need-based aid feels like “social welfare,” despite warnings of a growing “brain drain” as students leave Georgia for better financial aid elsewhere. Gov. Brian Kemp praised HOPE’s legacy this week, but advocates say Georgia must do more to keep talented students in-state. STORY 3: Applications for Jackson EMC Washington Youth Tour now open Jackson EMC is now accepting applications for the 2026 Washington Youth Tour—a once-in-a-lifetime, all-expenses-paid trip to D.C. from June 12-19. Four lucky high school sophomores or juniors from the Jackson EMC service area will be selected for this leadership experience. Who’s eligible? Students with strong grades, a passion for community service, and an interest in building connections. You can apply online at jacksonemc.com/wyt or be nominated by a teacher or counselor. Applications close Jan. 31, 2026. Finalists will interview on Feb. 16 with a panel of leaders. The trip includes visits to monuments, Smithsonian museums, Arlington Cemetery, and even a chance to meet Georgia’s congressional delegation. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Ingles Markets - DTL HOLIDAY STORY 4: Walmart launches drone delivery service in Georgia — including Loganville No, drones won’t be squeezing down your chimney, but if you live near one of six Walmart Supercenters around Atlanta, they might just drop a package on your lawn in time for Christmas. Walmart, teaming up with Wing, announced Wednesday that drone deliveries are now a thing in metro Atlanta—just in time for last-minute shoppers. Need wrapping paper? Holiday meal ingredients? A stocking stuffer you forgot? These 12-pound drones, zipping along at 60 mph, can deliver in five minutes if you’re within six miles. For now, Georgia’s drone-enabled Walmarts are in Conyers, Dallas, Hiram, Loganville, McDonough, and Woodstock. And while this is Atlanta’s first legal drone delivery service, drones have already been making, uh, less festive deliveries—state officials recently flagged them as a growing problem for smuggling contraband into prisons. Still, for holiday procrastinators, this tech could be a game-changer. Fewer delivery trucks on the road? That’s a win for everyone. STORY 5: ‘TIS THE SEASON: Your 2025 Guide To Tree Lightings And Holiday Celebrations In And Around Gwinnett County The holidays are in full swing, and there’s no shortage of festive fun around Gwinnett County. Here’s a quick rundown: **Suwanee’s Jolly Holly Days** (Dec. 8–9): Two days of crafts, live music, a pet parade, and Santa’s grand arrival. **Lilburn Holiday Parade** (Dec. 9): Floats, bands, and Christmas characters galore. **Duluth’s Deck the Hall** (Dec. 9): Snow...
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    13 mins