What's Happening This Week

This week is full of firsts, the first day of school for Gwinnett public school students, the first day of a week full of golf. But even if you're not a golfer or have a child heading off to classes there's plenty of other news ahead.

1. Expect heavier than usual traffic this week as buses and additional cars carrying Gwinnett County school children hit the roads this week. And expect an extra number of Gwinnett County Police from the motorcycle unit to be out to ensure drivers obey the traffic laws regarding schools buses.

The Gwinnett County Public School leaders project 162,459 students will report to one of the 133 schools in the county in the 2011-2012 school year. This year two new schools were added - included Ivy Preparatory Academy in Peachtree Corners. In total there are 19 high schools, 26 middle schools, 77 elementary schools and 11 special schools including five charter schools.

2. The PGA Championship (Aug. 8-14) begins this week with the world's top golfers reporting to the Atlanta Athletic Club for three days of practice rounds beginning Monday. Then professional golf's final major of the year begins on Thursday, with the final round on Sunday.

Traffic on SR 141 and surrounding roads is expected to be very heavy. Police are encouraging commuters to find another route during tournament week.

3. The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners is holding a Special Called Meeting Monday, August 8 at 6 p.m. to adopt the 2011 Millage Rate and Approving a 2011 Resolution to Levy Taxes. The meeting will be held in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center Auditorium, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. The public is invited to attend.

4. Peach Pass registration is open for drivers who want the option to use the new I-85 Express Lanes which are expected to open later this summer. The Pass is available on line at www.peachpass.com or by phone at 1-855-724-7277. You may also pick up a pass at two Gwinnett locations, 2211 Beaver Ruin Road in Norcross or 310 Hurricane Shoals Road in Lawrenceville.

5. There is more hot weather in store for the week. The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures to be in the 90s with scattered showers possible throughout the week. On Tuesday there is a 50 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms.

And we end with our thought of the week which comes from baseball great Babe Ruth who offered these wise words:

Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back.

Have a good week, and be sure to check back every day for more news and information coming your way.