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Carole Townsend

Stories by Carole

Snellville's Oberholtzer presides over final meeting as mayor

Final meeting for Snellville mayor Oberholtzer.

Snellville's Oberholtzer presides over final meeting as mayor

SNELLVILLE -- Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer called the city's council meeting to order for the last time Monday evening, closing the curtains on his 12-year stint as Snellville's top elected official. The often-embattled mayor said his goodbyes with thanks and appreciation for the many city staff and council members who have worked by his side for the good of the city.

Snellville mayoral candidates square off over issues

SNELLVILLE -- The city's two mayoral candidates -- Barbara Bender and Kelly Kautz -- faced off Thursday evening in a debate sponsored by South Gwinnett High School's first period AP Government class. More than 300 people turned out to hear where each woman stands on the city's key issues.. During

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THE DISH: Sugar Hill Bakery and Cafe

4969 West Broad Street, Sugar Hill

Loganville achieves top honor for financial practices, reporting

Loganville city council also agrees to buy CodeRED emergency notification system.

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THE DISH: Sugar Hill Bakery and Cafe

Sugar Hill Bakery and Cafe offers an array of plates all made from scratch.

Snellville leaders unveil model of Towne Center

Snellville council looks at model of proposed Towne Center.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Pet obesity? Really?

Some people go too far when it comes to pampering their pets.

Gwinnett Library Board Chairman addresses Dacula council

DACULA -- Phillip Saxton, Chairman of the Gwinnett County Library Board, visited Dacula on Thursday, addressing mayor Jimmy Wilbanks, City Council members and audience members.

Four Winder firefighters promoted

Four City of Winder firefighters have been promoted within their department, thanks in part to the recent promotion of Matt Whiting to Fire Chief in September.

Norcross approves land annexation

NORCROSS -- By unanimous vote Monday night, Norcross City Council members OK'd the annexation of the former Gwinnett County property located at 6050 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.

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Norcross Arts Festival, schools, volunteers team up for a cause

NORCROSS -- Summerour Middle School art teacher Deanna Harrington knows a thing or two about creativity. So do her Art Club students, thanks in part to a program called Chairs for Charity.. Not only are Harrington and her students artistically creative, but they have also found a creative way to

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: We all define “fun” differently

GDP blogger Carole Townsend says everyone defines “fun” differently

Suwanee recognizes outstanding residents, employees

SUWANEE -- City leaders took the opportunity Tuesday evening to shine the spotlight on city businesses, residents and employees for their contributions to Suwanee.

Suwanee recognizes outstanding residents, employees

City leaders took the opportunity Tuesday evening to shine the spotlight on city businesses, citizens and employees for their contributions to Suwanee.

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THE DISH: Asian Fusion

Taking a look at Suwanee's Asian Fusion.

Winder names Whiting fire chief

Whiting named Winder fire chief.

Snellville Councilman Decries Political Tactics

SNELLVILLE -- Councilman Tom Witts took the opportunity at Monday's city council meeting to set the record straight on what he called "an underhanded attempt to intimidate me." According to Witts, anonymous letters were mailed to an undetermined number of Snellville residents in which financial documents pertaining to Witts and his wife Carol were copied and financial wrongdoing insinuated.

Snellville councilman decries political tactics

SNELLVILLE -- Councilman Tom Witts took the opportunity at Monday's city council meeting to set the record straight on what he called "an underhanded attempt to intimidate me." According to Witts, anonymous letters were mailed to an undetermined number of Snellville residents in which financial documents pertaining to Witts

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Heritage Center's Treetop Quest

BUFORD -- A bright blue sky and mottled sunshine Friday revealed glimpses of steel cables, wood, ladders and bridges camouflaged among the thick, green canopy of the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center grounds.

Ribbon cutting celebrates Heritage Center's Treetop Quest

BUFORD -- A bright blue sky and mottled sunshine Friday revealed glimpses of steel cables, wood, ladders and bridges camouflaged among the thick, green canopy of the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center grounds.. Gwinnett County commissioners, several city mayors, children and county movers and shakers gathered in the cool breeze

Loganville officials: Parking on some streets a danger

Loganville officials: Parking on some streets a danger. LOGANVILLE -- City council members voted Thursday to make it illegal to park along the east side of Main Street from U.S. Highway 78 to Ga. Highway 20. Following this action, the Georgia DOT will paint the appropriate indicators and erect signs

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THE DISH: Paris Village Bakery

Picture a quaint French bakery in the heart of Paris, right down to the heavenly smells of just-baked breads, cakes and pastries, and steaming hot coffees.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Is your nest empty yet?

Dealing with the realities of being an empty-nester.

Suwanee lowers millage rate

City of Suwanee lowers millage rate for first time since fiscal year 2006.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: How young is too young for Facebook?

Do you let your children use Facebook or other social media sites? Do you have any rules or tips to share with other parents?

Snellville City Council, mayor approve new concept Walmart store

SNELLVILLE -- By a vote of 4-2 Monday evening, Snellville City Council members and mayor Jerry Oberholtzer approved zoning modifications that will allow the construction of a Walmart Neighborhood Market, a relatively new concept for the retail giant.. The store will be located at 2912 W. Main St. (U.S. Highway

Berkeley Lake council member resigns

BERKELEY LAKE -- Councilman Frank Lombardi resigned his council seat Thursday evening, announcing that he and his family are moving outside the city limits. The city charter requires elected officials to live in the city. Lombardi, nearing the end of his second term on the council, said that his resignation

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Jury 'duty' rightfully named

Carole Townsend talks about jury duty

Loganville leaders vote to increase utility deposit

LOGANVILLE -- City Council members voted to increase the city's utility deposit from $150 to $225 Thursday evening, an action necessitated by these lean economic times.. According to Councilman Dan Curry, chairman of the Public Utilities Committee, there has been an increase in incidents of both residential and commercial customers

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Gwinnett musician passionate about missionary work abroad

NORCROSS -- Duluth artist Allan Wiltshire is a man on fire, both for music and for Christian mission work abroad.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Domestic violence a social heartbreak

They're matters that, if not addressed openly, can so easily be swept under the rug.

Dacula paves way for road widening

DACULA -- City Administrator Jim Osborn received Mayor Jimmy Wilbanks' and City Council's approval to proceed with a road-widening project on Second Avenue near Dacula Road.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Do you allow your minor child to drink?

Now, in my humble opinion, parenting teens is the toughest part of the child rearing cycle.

Snellville official: City had a 'good year'

City manager Russell Treadway presented the year-end financial report to mayor Jerry Oberholtzer and city council members Monday evening, showing $697,000 was added to the general fund balance.

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Gwinnett Center will temporarily host mega-church

DULUTH -- Gwinnett Church, a new North Point Ministries satellite church campus, announced this week that it will begin holding services at Gwinnett Center beginning Oct. 2.

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Dokken rocks Wild Bill's as part of summer concert series

The '80s hard rock band Dokken will perform tonight at Wild Bill's as part of the club's Summer Rock Series that continues through Sept. 16.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Divorce is a life-changer

Our children are at the ages during which they may very likely soon choose life partners. My husband and I are both divorced, and I'm grateful to say our blended family is healthy and happy 12 years into the union.

Loganville council honors Nash for 27 years of service

Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash was honored at Thursday's city council meeting in Loganville, with a reception being held before the meeting and a proclamation read in her honor during the meeting. In a proclamation read publicly, mayor Ray Nunley expressed the city's gratitude to Nash for her 27 years of service to Gwinnett County, and congratulations on her election to the position of chairman in March of this year.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: What might Georgia's HB 87 mean for Gwinnett?

House Bill 87 went into effect on July 1 here in Georgia. An attempt to crack down on illegal immigration, this controversial legislation has spurred marches, calls for boycotts and, some say, racial division.

Snellville city leaders fail to agree on property tax millage rate

SNELLVILLE -- City council members and Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer did not reach a majority vote on whether to raise, lower or maintain the property tax millage rate in the city Monday evening.

GMA director addresses Dacula

DACULA -- Randy Meacham, managing director of the Gwinnett Municipal Association, visited Dacula on Thursday evening, sitting in on the City Council meeting and addressing Mayor Jimmy Wilbanks and council members.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: "Bella Vita" means something different to all of us

On Tuesday at 2:15 p.m., the verdict in the Casey Anthony Trial was read in an Orlando courtroom and in living rooms, offices, bars and restaurants all across the country.

Suwanee gets public's input on planning

SUWANEE -- Deputy Police Chief Janet Moon walked along the sidewalks of Suwanee's Town Center on Tuesday afternoon, carrying a sign that asked simply, "What's your idea?"

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: How's your knowledge of PETiquette?

Are you a pet owner? We are. We just love our two dogs, Cassie and Chester. They are both rescues, big, goofy golden retriever mixes who love people, other dogs, birds, butterflies, shoes and just life in general.

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Produce stands bring bountiful choices to Gwinnett plates

Eleven-year-old Ryan O'Neill carefully arranges jars of jelly on the table in his booth at the Snellville Farmers Market. The young man proudly explains how, on a hot June morning in Snellville, he ended up selling gourmet wine jelly.

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Second chance for artist -- Snellville man pours heart into painting after transplant

SNELLVILLE -- John Duke talks about painting, and his first love becomes evident right away.

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Former Guns N' Roses rocker performing in Buford tonight

BUFORD -- Steven Adler, former Guns N' Roses drummer, has a new band, a new attitude, and according to him, a new lease on life. The band, aptly named Adler's Appetite, is scheduled to play 37 Main in Buford tonight.

Winder's Lazy Daze festival, alcohol an issue

Winder's popular Lazy Daze festival, scheduled for July 16, has city staff and local residents excited about another fun- and music-filled day in the city. This year's theme, "The Great American Rock and Roll Revival," promises a twist contest, an Elvis tribute artist and other acts sure to please revelers.

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Charlie Daniels Band performing at Wild Bill's Friday

DULUTH -- The Charlie Daniels Band, one of the South's most popular and long-lived bands, will perform at Wild Bill's in Duluth on Friday.