The Gwinnett County Public Library (GCPL) is inviting the public to celebrate the creativity and technical skills of young filmmakers at the annual Teen Film Challenge (TFC). The competition is organized by GCPL to showcase the work of young filmmakers using the library system’s Learning Labs.
These labs provide software and equipment, which allow people to create, collaborate, and share digital content in videography, graphic design, or other media. The TFC Awards, a red carpet event, will be on March 12 at 7 p.m. to celebrate the films submitted by talented teens around Gwinnett. To learn more, visit Bit.ly/TeenFilmChallenge.
Lawrenceville police chief retires after incident
Lawrenceville’s police chief is retiring after being put on suspension from being involved with inappropriate action regarding a female employee. He had previously been put on a 10 day suspension. City Manager Chuck Warbington said that former Chief Tim Wallis and he mutually agreed that it was best for Wallis and the city for him to retire, as of February 15, 2022.
Major Myron Walker, who has been serving as acting chief, will continue in that role.
Warbington said that the city of Lawrenceville is committed to moving forward in a positive manner. No further comment will be made by the city.
Gwinnett Tech names White as Instructor of the Year
White
Gwinnett Technical College recently named Jeff White, a physics instructor as their Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year recipient. White discovered his “calling” at 16 while coaching youth baseball and soccer.
White taught in the Gwinnett County Public Schools system for 34 years before coming to Gwinnett Technical College as a full-time physics instructor. During those years, he taught various science classes, was the science department chair for 13 years, coached football, baseball, and soccer, and sponsored several student clubs.
White says: “I have always loved working with others and helping them develop the talents they have inside. Seeing their eyes light up as they have that moment of enlightenment is incredibly satisfying. Every student comes into my class with hope for a better future and dreams of a better life. They trust me to help them make those dreams come true and ensure their life story has a happy ending. Their hard work and dedication to their dreams is my inspiration.”
White holds a Master of Science in Physics from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Science in Science Education from the University of Georgia. He also earned his Specialist Degree from the University of Georgia in School Leadership. White resides in Flowery Branch. He and his wife enjoy camping, traveling, and spending time with their four children and six grandchildren.
Emergency, disaster units get additional measures of help
Several measures that would protect K9 officers in the line of duty and help residents in the case of a disaster or emergency have been approved by the Gwinnett commissioners.
Gwinnett County Police K9 officers are getting an added layer of protection with the acceptance of a $10,800 donation from the Georgia Police K9 Foundation for nine new K9 vests. The vests are specifically made to protect the dog’s vital organs and are crafted from the same material as vests made for human officers.
Emergency management grant funds will be used by Gwinnett Police to replace cots and shelter supplies like those used in the County’s warming centers, get mobile message boards for communicating during emergencies, and pick up debris after natural disasters. The board voted to accept $50,000 from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency. The County will match the funds in the form of personnel salaries.
Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services is one of six regional agencies that are part of an agreement with the state of Georgia. The responding agencies agree to provide mutual assistance in any emergency or disaster declared on the federal, state or local level. According to Fire Chief Russell Knick, the Gwinnett Search and Rescue team handles complex rescues such as collapsed structures, confined spaces and trench rescues.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
Follow Us