GDP Script/ Top Stories for August 23rd
Publish Date: August 23rd
PRE-ROLL: MONSTER JAM
From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.
Today is Saturday, August 23rd and Happy Birthday to Barbra Eden
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia.
- Lawmakers discuss ways to discourage tobacco sales and use
- North Gwinnett Co-op suffers thousands in losses after break-in
- Candidate fields set for most Gwinnett cities municipal elections
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: 07.14.22 KIA MOG
STORY 1: Lawmakers discuss ways to discourage tobacco sales and use
Smoking kills. We all know it, yet people keep lighting up—and now vaping’s taken over, especially with kids. A small group of Georgia lawmakers is trying to change that, but their main idea? A tax hike. And let’s be real, taxes don’t win popularity contests—especially in an election year.
At Thursday’s hearing, Rep. Sharon Cooper, R-Marietta, acknowledged the uphill battle. The proposal wouldn’t even hit the floor until 2026.
Other ideas? Banning flavored vapes, requiring ingredient labels, and raising the laughably low $10 licensing fee for vape shops.
Georgia’s cigarette tax? A measly 37 cents per pack, one of the lowest in the country. Stephens argued it’s time to raise it, not just to discourage smoking but to cover the healthcare costs that inevitably follow.
Meanwhile, federal budget cuts have already gutted Georgia’s Tobacco Use Prevention Program. Advocates are calling for the state to restore $2.1 million in funding, but for now, the fight continues.
STORY 2: North Gwinnett Co-op suffers thousands in losses after break-in
For nearly 35 years, the North Gwinnett Co-Op in Buford has been a lifeline for families—offering food, clothes, and help with essentials like meds and utility bills. But now? They’re the ones who need a hand.
Early Tuesday morning, someone shattered a window at their Second Blessings Thrift Store, making off with over $10,000 in goods. The store closed for repairs but reopened Thursday, thanks to an outpouring of community support.
Donations are welcome.
STORY 3: Candidate fields set for most Gwinnett cities municipal elections
Gwinnett County’s cities now have their lineups for this fall’s elections—well, most of them. Fourteen cities wrapped up candidate qualifying on Wednesday, with one exception: Auburn. Their qualifying runs through Friday, so no word yet on their candidates.
And Mulberry? No elections there until 2027, per the city’s founding legislation.
Elsewhere, though, changes are coming. Snellville’s losing Councilwomen Cristy Lenski and Gretchen Schulz, while Sugar Hill’s Taylor Anderson is stepping down. Loganville? A new mayor and two new council members are guaranteed, with Mayor Skip Baliles and others not seeking re-election.
Meanwhile, Norcross Mayor Craig Newton, recently cleared in a city probe, is running unopposed. Grayson’s Mayor Allison Wilkerson? Also unchallenged.
But Sugar Hill Mayor Brandon Hembree and Braselton Mayor Kurt Ward? They’ve got competition.
Peachtree Corners, though, is staying steady—no challengers, no election.
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We’ll be right back
Break 2: Ingles Markets 10
STORY 4: Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia raises record $450K at 40th anniversary celebration
The Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia threw quite the party for its 40th anniversary—and raised a jaw-dropping $450,000 in just two hours at its Good2Give Celebration on Aug. 14.
More than 500 guests packed the Gas South District for an evening of jazz, philanthropy, and heartfelt stories. Radio personality Mara Davis and Aurora Theatre’s Jono Davis kept the energy high, while Jose Garcia’s jazz set the perfect mood.
The funds will help CFNEG continue its mission of empowering over 300 local nonprofits through training, consultation, and financial support.
The night also honored community leaders like Ethel Andersen, Mike Tennant, and Sir Timothy Minard for their lasting contributions.
Forty years strong—and just getting started.
STORY 5: Two more Georgia paper mills closing
International Paper is shutting down two pulp and paper mills in Coastal Georgia, leaving about 1,100 workers without jobs. The mills in Savannah and Riceboro, along with a Savannah packaging facility, will close by the end of next month, cutting the company’s containerboard production by a million tons annually.
The closures hit hard. Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns called it a “devastating blow” to Southeast Georgia’s economy and timber industry.
Georgia’s pulp and paper sector has been shrinking for decades—down from 18 mills in 1977 to just nine now. Marshall Thomas, president of F&W Forest Services, told leaders at the Ag Issues Summit that lawmakers are exploring ways to boost timber demand, including sustainable aviation fuel from biomass.
Burns vowed to work with state and federal leaders to find new opportunities for those affected and protect Georgia’s timber industry.
Break 3: MONSTER JAM
STORY 6: Suwanee Wine Fest tickets go on sale Friday
Suwanee’s Wine Fest is back! Mark your calendars for Nov. 8 at Town Center Park, and if you’re planning to go, don’t wait—tickets dropped yesterday. Last year, VIP tickets sold out in minutes.
This year’s festival promises over 150 wines to sip, swirl, and savor—perfect for everyone from casual drinkers to wannabe sommeliers. VIPs get early access at noon, while general admission runs from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Not into wine? No worries. Head to the Taco Mac Tailgate Tent for craft brews from StillFire and Social Fox, or check out the new Margaritaville Cocktail Corner for some tropical vibes.
And yes, the grape stomping is back—because what’s a wine fest without stomping grapes, right? Plus, there’ll be local vendors, food, and plenty of shopping to round out the day.
Best of all, a portion of proceeds supports Annandale Village, a Suwanee nonprofit helping adults with developmental disabilities live full, independent lives.
STORY 7: Gwinnett's GSMST named 13th best high school in the nation
Gwinnett County residents are no strangers to hearing about the Gwinnett School of Math, Science, and Technology (GSMST) topping Georgia’s rankings. But nationally? It’s a whole other level.
U.S. News & World Report just named GSMST the 13th best public high school in the entire country—the only Georgia school in the top 25. With a 100% graduation rate, 98% AP participation, and near-perfect proficiency in math, reading, and science, it’s no wonder.
Other Gwinnett schools? They’re solid but not quite in the same league. North Gwinnett High came in at No. 527 nationally, Paul Duke STEM at No. 659, and Brookwood at No. 1,360.
Meanwhile, some schools didn’t even crack the top 100 in Georgia, with a few so far down they weren’t given specific rankings.
Still, GSMST’s achievement is a big win for Gwinnett—and a reminder of the high bar it sets.
We’ll have closing comments after this
Break 4: MONSTER JAM
Signoff –
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com
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