Norcross Remembers James Scarbrough

Longtime friends remember Scarbrough, who died in a Saturday wreck while on his scooter.

Everyone knew James Scarbrough as a knowledgeable man. Since he was a retiree from the EPA, the air force and Gwinnett County Water Resources, he was considered an expert in environmental issues. "Jim was our 'go-to guy,'" said Connie Weathers, a friend and neighbor who worked with him on many community projects. "His knowledge, training, experience and style of sharing made him a priceless resource in all matters of water, conservation, sustainability and getting things done through public-private collaboration." Through his skillset, he not only succeeded with his jobs, but he also helped shape Norcross into what it is today. At the age of 72, he was still serving as a part-time consultant with the county water resources, but he also …

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Judy Putnam

9:56 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012

What a touching piece on James Scarbrough. I was shocked to hear the news. I had met him on many occasion, he was witty and loved to tell jokes. He had so many friends, he will be greatly missed.   more ›

Hundreds Attend Nicholas Jackson Funeral

The death of a Norcross High freshman brought together a crowd that filled practically every seat in Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church.

  Hundreds showed up Saturday afternoon to pay their respects for Nicolas Jackson II, the Norcross High freshman who was fatally shot Feb. 2. The service was held at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church at 1 p.m. and lasted for approximately two hours. In addition to friends and family who attended, the Norcross High faculty, football team and cheerleading team, and members of the community also showed their support. "He was my best friend," said Garrick Glaudin, a freshman at Norcross High who played receiver on the football team, the same position as Jackson. "He was a really good guy. I shared a locker next to him, so we would always joke and play around all the time. He was never mad. He was a good student and got good grades. There's …

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Share Your Memories of Larry Munson

The legendary voice of Georgia football died Sunday night at his home in Athens at the age of 89.

  Larry Munson, whose legendary calls of University of Georgia football success echoed in the ears of the Bulldog Nation for four decades, died Sunday night in Athens. Munson, 89, died at his home with complications from pneumonia, his son Michael told the University of Georgia athletics website. Funeral arrangements for Munson had not been determined as of Sunday night. The beloved broadcaster was the “Voice of the Bulldogs” from 1966 to 2008, during which his passion for the Red-and-Black created some of the more memorable radio calls in college football history. Some of the most memorable: “Run Lindsay … Lindsay Scott, Lindsay Scott, Lindsay Scott” (1980 vs. Florida); “Again you guys, hunker down!” and  “Look at the sugar falling out of…

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Lisa Wetsel, Daughter of Peachtree Corners Resident Passes Away

She is survived by her mother, Joan Porter, who had donated a kidney to her daughter earlier this year.

Lisa Wetsel, 34, of Norcross, GA, died October 4, 2011. Departing this world far too soon Lisa was a fighter from the day she was born.  At times the obstacles she faced were mountainous but her determination, faith, Mother, and family always gave her the confidence to charge forward with hope of a better day.  Lisa had a passion for the little things in life with the deepest love of her dog, Champ, and a new hobby of gardening she was just learning with her best friend, “The greatest Mom in the world.”  She was a volunteer with Make-A-Wish Foundation and was always offering encouragement to other medical patients and especially kids. Please pray for God to welcome Lisa into heaven with joy and the happiness she so much deserves.   Lisa is…

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Steve Jobs Urged his Employes to 'Make a Dent in the Universe'

The visionary left a world that has been forever changed due to his talent.

POLL: Bank of America to Charge for Debit Card Use

We want to know what you think about banks charging customers as much as $5 a month to use their debit cards.

On Thursday, Bank of America announced they will start charging customers $5 a month for debit card use-- up to $60 a year. Customers will reportedly only be charged if they use their card for purchases in that month. Those who only use the debit card at ATMs will not pay the fee. The change will roll out in 2012. Bank of America is not the first bank to impose such a fee. Atlanta-based SunTrust began charging a $5 debit card fee this summer and Regions will enact a $4 fee starting next month. Chase and Wells Fargo charge $3 in select markets. What do you think about these charges? Take our poll below and leave your comments.

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Lori Howard

2:07 pm on Sunday, October 2, 2011

For those that qualify, USAA is the best deal out there!   more ›

Grayson Child Killed at Lenora Park Remembered

Obituary and funeral arrangements have been made for Olivia Hellwig, 1, tragically killed in an accident Sept. 17, at Lenora Park.

As police continue with an investigation in the circumstances that led to the death of 1-year-old Olivia Hellwig of Grayson, family and friends struggle to come to terms with the tragic loss of the little girl. A family spokesperson, Susan Hankins, has asked that the press and public respect the family's privacy in their time of grief and has issued an official statement regarding the incident.  "The investigation is on-going and we are allowing the police to do their work. Please respect our privacy as we bury our loved one and begin our healing process," Hankins said. The family will hold a vigil tonight in memory of Olivia. They stress this is a private memorial and request that their privacy be respected. Obituary re-printed with …

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Peachtree Corners Baptist Church Member Passes Away

William (Bill) Robert Penick, 54, remembered.

On Tuesday, Aug. 16, William (Bill) Robert Penick, a member of the Peachtree Corners Baptist Church and resident of Roswell, Ga. passed away. He was 54. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Susan Dillehunt Penick; son, Nate Penick and wife, Katie of San Diego, CA; daughter, Sarah Penick of Roswell, GA; mother, Donna Reeder of San Marcos, TX; father, Robert Penick; sisters, Lynn Crump and Robin Penick, all of Louisville, KY; and brother, Andrew Penick of Indianapolis, IN. Bill attended the University of Kentucky where he graduated with a BS in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University. He worked at RJ Reynolds then moved into the home building industry as a marketing analyst. Donations can be made to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy …

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A Slice of the Green Life

Happy Father's Day to a 'Giant' of a Dad

A Peachtree Corners gardener shares her memories.

My Dad grew up in the '50s and '60s on a potato farm in rural southeast Michigan. Along with his three brothers and two sisters, they helped their parents take care of the farm by doing everything from planting, working the machinery, hoeing the fields, harvesting the crop and taking it to market.  Often missing days of school to labor in the fields, the kids worked hard, what would surely be considered too hard by today's standards.  Yet, I've never once heard my dad, or any of his siblings for that matter, complain about life on the farm.  Instead, our family events are filled with glorious stories about the kids running on the rafters of the barn, feet practically permanently stained with dirt after working barefoot for days on end and …

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Carol's Corner

Complement Your Easter Dinner with Corn Souffle

Corn souffle is a delicious accompaniment for any springtime meal.

Bitsy Lakas and her husband Barry have lived in Peachtree Corners for six years. When they’re not visiting elsewhere, Lakas loves to prepare Easter dinner for her family and extended family. Growing up, Lakas was one of five children so Easter always included a big family gathering at her grandmother’s house. Usually served as an evening meal, the Lakas Easter dinner includes something for everyone. With home baked clove studded ham as the centerpiece, the rest of the menu includes baked sweet potatoes, fresh broccoli, hash brown casserole and her very popular Corn Souffle. Dessert is usually a variety of pies contributed by another family member.  Lakas says that Corn Souffle is an easy side dish. When she serves it to guests, “Lots of …

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