Thursday April 25th, 2024 5:38AM

ICYMI: weekend stories you may have missed.

By Lawson Smith Anchor/Reporter
  1.  No one injured in Gainesville residential fire

Hall County Fire Rescue responded to a residential fire at the 100 block of Wildwood Circle, Gainesville on Saturday morning at 8:45 a.m.

Upon arrival smoke was visible and firefighters were able to extinguish the fire. It was determined there was no one inside the home after a primary search.

The Gainesville Fire Department also assisted at the scene.  

The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Hall County Fire Marshal's Office.   Read More

  1.  Final suspect arrested in fatal attempted carjacking in peachtree corners 

The Gwinnett County Police Department arrested the third suspect who is accused of felony murder and aggravated assault in connection with Bradley Coleman’s death in July.

Josiah Hughley, 20 of Lithonia, was apprehended by U.S. Marshals and the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit on Thursday, Sept. 22.

Hughley is being held in the Gwinnett County Detention Center without bond. According to the Gwinnett County Police Department, all three suspects are in custody. 

Suspect David Jarrard Booker, 20 of Stone Mountain, was arrested on July 20. The other suspect, Miles Collins, was charged with felony murder and aggravated assault on Aug. 1 in connection with Coleman’s death. Collins is currently in custody at the Henry County Jail and will be taken to Gwinnett County at a later date. Read More

  1. Lawrenceville man arrested for stabbing boy in the abdomen  

The Gwinnett County Police Department arrested a Lawrenceville man who is accused of stabbing a four-year-old boy on Sunday, Sept. 25. 

Anatolii Balesta, 19, has been charged with aggravated assault, cruelty to children to the 1st degree and possession of a knife during the commission of a felony.

Officers responded to an “injured child” call in Lawrenceville on Lewis Ridge Circle at around 8 a.m.. When they arrived at the home, they found the four-year-old with a stab wound in his abdomen.

Authorities quickly identified the child’s uncle, Balesta, as the suspect. Balesta was still inside the home when Gwinnett County officers arrived to arrest him.

Deputies believe that narcotics may have caused the attack, but the investigation is ongoing. Read More

  1.   Gov. Brian Kemp activates State Operations Center as Hurricane Ian strengthens

As Hurricane Ian continues to strengthen, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Sunday that he will activate the State Operations Center on Monday, Sept. 26 to prepare for any potential impact from the storm.

The State Operations Center is a Multi-Agency Coordination Center used by local, state, federal and volunteer agencies to respond to disasters or emergencies requiring a coordinated response.

This activation of the State Operations Center is in coordination with Director Chris Stallings of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and the National Weather Service.

A press release from Gov. Kemp’s office states that although models suggest the storm could weaken before it makes landfall on Thursday, its ultimate route is still undetermined. Ian could result in severe weather damages for large parts of Georgia.

Gov. Kemp and GEMA/HS are closely monitoring the status and path of the storm and will provide updates as needed. Georgians are encouraged to remain weather aware and closely monitor weather forecasts.  Read More 

  1. Oktoberfest to kick off in Gainesville Saturday, Oct.1 

The Arts Council will kick off Gainesville’s first annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Smithgall Art Center.

Oktoberfest is a traditional German beer festival that was first celebrated in Munich in 1810. Many other countries and states throughout the U.S. host their own Oktoberfest events throughout September and October. 

According to Gainesville Arts Council Executive Director Pamela Wiliams Lime, Gainesville and Hall County community members have had to travel out of their way to enjoy the beer-flowing festival. Lime spoke on WDUN’s Newsroom to promote the Art Council’s event, which will be free.

“We noticed that the closest Oktoberfest event is about 45 minutes to an hour away from here,” Lime said. “We thought we’d try to get some partners together, like Tap It, to try a first annual Oktoberfest and see if the community turns out and appreciates the opportunity. Not just to experience the different beers that we're bringing in, but also investing in the food trucks and local businesses, and putting together some community art projects… It's a great way to bring the whole community together in the Downtown Gainesville area.”

Gainesville’s Oktoberfest will offer a community art project, live music and kids activities, in addition to what Oktoberfest is best known for – its beers and German-inspired food.

There will be more than 20 beer vendors, from the Gainesville-based Liquid Nation to Athens staple Creature Comforts. Additionally, attendees will be able to purchase meals from food trucks and small food presenters, like King of Pops and Southern Baked Pie Co. 

The event will kick off at 11 a.m. with its family-friendly and kid activities. Adults and kids alike will be able to pitch in with the creation of a giant paper mache scarecrow and some pumpkins. The scarecrow will be on display for several weeks in downtown Gainesville, and community members can submit names for the scarecrow over social media.

While families work on the scarecrow, students from the Let There Be Rock School will perform. There will also be traditional German music from 1 to 3 p.m., performed by Alpenfest Musiker German Music. Read More

 

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