Gwinnett Daily Post PodcastFormer Buford Star Zach Smith Conquers Final Peak to Complete Seven Summits | Man Found Shot to Death at Snellville Area Home | Children’s Museum of Atlanta to Debut 'Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen'
GDP Script/ Top Stories for January 13th
Publish Date: January 13th
From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.
Today is Tuesday, January 13th and Happy Birthday to Julia Louis Dreyfus
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia.
- Former Buford star Zach Smith conquers final peak to complete Seven Summits
- Man found shot to death at Snellville area home
- Children’s Museum of Atlanta to debut 'AIM HIGH: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen'
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: Kia Mall of Georgia - Sugar Hill Ice Skating Rink
STORY 1: Former Buford star Zach Smith conquers final peak to complete Seven Summits
In early December, Zach Smith—former Buford football standout turned mountaineer—wrapped up something most of us can only dream about: climbing the last of the Seven Summits. On Dec. 1, he stood atop Mount Vinson in Antarctica, completing a journey fewer than 500 people have ever achieved.
And this wasn’t just any year for Smith. In 2025 alone, he also summited Carstensz Pyramid in February and Mount Everest in July. Three summits. One year.
Getting to Antarctica was no small feat. After a whirlwind of flights, freezing temps and carrying double provisions, Smith and his team lucked out with good weather, summiting in a week. Others weren’t so lucky, stuck on the mountain for days.
Why three summits in one year? “It was about timing,” Smith said. “I was already in peak shape, and my wife and I decided it made sense to go for it.” But now? He’s ready for a slower pace.
STORY 2: Man found shot to death at Snellville area home
Gwinnett police are digging into a homicide after a man was found dead early Sunday in unincorporated Snellville.
It was around 3:10 a.m. when officers got a call about someone down on Saddle Ridge Drive. When they arrived, they found a man—already gone—apparently from a gunshot wound.
Detectives are on it, interviewing witnesses, while the Crime Scene Unit combs through the area for evidence. Police say it looks like an isolated incident, so there’s no threat to the public.
The victim’s name hasn’t been released yet.
Got info? Call detectives at 770-513-5300 or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS.
STORY 3: Children’s Museum of Atlanta to debut 'AIM HIGH: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen'
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is kicking off 2026 with something special: “AIM HIGH: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen.” Opening Jan. 17, this hands-on exhibit dives into the history and legacy of the first Black military aviators, blending their groundbreaking story with the science and wonder of flight.
Timed perfectly with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the exhibit celebrates resilience, courage, and the belief that opportunity shouldn’t be limited by race.
From climbing into a life-size cockpit to designing their own wings, kids can explore aviation through play. There’s even a Smithsonian companion exhibit, “Black Wings,” spotlighting African Americans’ contributions to flight—from early pioneers to modern astronauts.
Running through May 10, AIM HIGH invites kids to dream big, imagine themselves as pilots, engineers, and innovators—and maybe even take flight someday.
We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.
We’ll be right back
Break 2: Ingles Markets
STORY 4: Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office employee arrested on child molestation charges
A former probationary employee of the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office has been arrested after an investigation into crimes against children, police said.
It started Jan. 5, when a parent reported finding explicit messages sent to her underage daughter. Detectives with the Special Victims Unit identified 21-year-old Rylee Willis of Stone Mountain as the suspect. At the time, Willis was employed by the Sheriff’s Office but still in his probationary period.
Willis now faces two counts each of child molestation and enticing a child for indecent purposes. He’s being held without bond.
STORY 5: Gwinnett County hosting 911 Communications Hiring Event on Jan. 31
Ever wondered what it’s like to be the calm voice on the other end of a 911 call? Gwinnett County’s E911 Communications Division is hosting a hiring event and open house on Jan. 31, giving you a rare, behind-the-scenes look at this critical public safety role.
Held at the Police Annex (800 Hi Hope Rd, Lawrenceville), the event includes tours of the 911 Center, live call observations, and the chance to meet seasoned dispatchers. You’ll even complete Phase I of the hiring process—think skills assessments, interviews, and more.
Space is tight, so appointments (8 a.m. or noon) are first-come, first-served. Apply online, submit your background booklet, and secure your spot.
Perks? A $4,800 hiring bonus, educational incentives, shift differentials, and overtime opportunities. Must be 18+, a U.S. citizen, and have a high school diploma or GED.
Details: Gwinnett911Careers.com or contact Investigator Raemie Fransen at 770.513.5565.
We’ll be right back.
Break 3: EAGLE THEATRE
STORY 6: Jason Lane retiring after more than a decade as principal at Mill Creek High School
For the last 13 years, Jason Lane has been the principal at Mill Creek High School, a role he never really saw coming. “I didn’t think I’d be a principal,” he said. “But as an assistant principal, I loved helping kids and teachers. Then some mentors saw something in me I didn’t see in myself.”
Now, after 28 years in education—24 of them in Gwinnett County—Lane is retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
During his tenure, Mill Creek has thrived: academic achievements, 20+ state championships, and a focus on student leadership that Lane is especially proud of. “Our kids are incredible,” he said. “They mentor younger students, run a leadership summit for grades 1-8, and just show up every day ready to lead. I’ll miss them the most.”
Lane and his wife, Lisa, have two sons—both Mill Creek grads. Dylan teaches special education in Pennsylvania, and Brady is a freshman football player at Grove City College.
As for what’s next? Lane isn’t sure yet. “I don’t know what the next chapter holds,” he said. “But I know how lucky I’ve been—especially here at Mill Creek. This place is special.”
STORY 7: Gwinnett senator running for Georgia insurance commissioner
The race for Georgia insurance commissioner just got a shakeup—and a Gwinnett County connection.
State Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes announced last week she’s running for the statewide office instead of seeking re-election. First elected in 2022, Parkes is stepping into the race with a clear focus: lowering insurance costs.
Parkes has called for an investigation into industry practices, accusing incumbent John King of protecting companies over consumers. “You deserve someone who fights for you,” she said.
We’ll have closing comments after this
Break 4: GCPL Passport
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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