National Guardsman from Lawrenceville-based Unit Killed in Iraq

Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast

GDP Script/ Top Stories for August 6th

Publish Date: August 6th

From the BG AD Group Studios Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.

Today is Tuesday, August 6th and Happy Birthday to NBA HOF David Robinson

***08.06.24 – BIRTHDAY – DAVID ROBINSON***

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia

1. National Guardsman from Lawrenceville-based Unit Killed in Iraq
2. Gwinnett Students Return to Class for the 2024-2025 School Year
3. Gwinnett Mail Carrier Accused of Stealing Mail and Using Drugs on Duty

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: M.O.G.

STORY 1: National Guardsman From Lawrenceville-based Unit Killed in Iraq

Spc. Travis Jordan Pameni from Douglasville, a member of the Gwinnett-based 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, was one of two Georgians killed in Iraq last week. Along with Spc. Owen James Elliott from Twin City, who was with the 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment, Pameni died in non-combat incidents in Baghdad on July 31. Both soldiers were on separate missions under U.S. Central Command. The circumstances of their deaths are under investigation. Pameni's remains were returned to the U.S. on Sunday, and his wife, Nasiah, paid tribute to him on Facebook, mourning their planned anniversary.

STORY 2: Gwinnett Students Return To Class for The 2024-2025 School Year

On the first day of the 2024-2025 school year at Hull Middle School, sixth-grade language arts teacher Allison Howard quickly engaged her new students with assignments. Over 182,000 Gwinnett County Public Schools students began classes, with the district's preparation including staffing and facility readiness. Despite starting the year with some vacancies, most schools, including Hull Middle, were fully staffed. Principal Denise Showell highlighted the importance of a strong start and praised the school’s high teacher retention. Long-serving staff members, such as P.E. teachers Craig Deep and Frankie Shelnutt, reflect the school’s stable environment and positive atmosphere.

STORY 3: Gwinnett Mail Carrier Accused of Stealing Mail and Using Drugs On Duty

Gwinnett County police have arrested USPS carrier Marcus Gregory on multiple charges, including DUI drugs, possession of narcotics, and theft of mail. On July 31, following USPS complaints about missing mail, undercover officers observed Gregory dumping mail in the woods near Dacula and using illegal drugs. Gregory was arrested after being pulled over, and officers found additional drugs and a firearm in his vehicle. A search of his personal vehicle and home uncovered 215 pieces of stolen mail. The investigation was a collaboration between Gwinnett County Police and the USPS Inspector General’s Office.

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We’ll be right back.

Break 2: Tom Wages

STORY 4: WANTED: Suspects in Credit Card Skimming Scam at Norcross Grocery Store

Gwinnett Police are seeking two men who used a credit card skimmer to steal financial information at Talpas grocery store in Norcross on June 20. The suspects distracted the cashier while placing the skimmer on the card reader. The store manager discovered the skimmer after customers reported issues with their cards. Surveillance footage shows the men arriving from Green Hill Drive and leaving east on Jimmy Carter Boulevard. Both suspects are Hispanic, with one in a black V-neck shirt and the other in a Fila t-shirt. Police are seeking tips on their identities. Contact 770-513-5300 or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477.

STORY 5: Stone Mountain Man Gets Life Sentence For Killing Girlfriend

Kevin Lamar Matchen, 51, was sentenced to life plus 15 years for fatally shooting his girlfriend, Alysia Darice Scott, in October 2023. Scott was found dead on her sofa, shot in the head, while her grandchild was asleep upstairs. Matchen, who was convicted of malice murder, felony murder, and other charges, initially claimed he found Scott dead after returning from a late-night trip. However, evidence contradicted his story, showing that he had been with Scott's phone and captured on traffic cameras. Matchen was found guilty after a brief jury deliberation.

STORY 6: Rainbow Village Preparing For Annual 'We Are Family' Gala

Rainbow Village's annual “We Are Family” benefit gala, presented by Northside Hospital, will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Atlanta Athletic Club. This black-tie-optional event supports the Duluth-based nonprofit's efforts to help families experiencing homelessness. The evening features a champagne reception, seated dinner with complimentary wine, silent and live auctions, a wine wall, and a raffle. Individual and table tickets are available, and there’s a special raffle for a Dominican Republic resort stay. The gala celebrates Rainbow Village's 33 years of impact and offers a deeper insight into their mission. For more details, visit www.RainbowVillage.org.

STORY 7: Trump goes after Harris, Kemp at Atlanta rally

At a rally in Atlanta, former President Donald Trump criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her a “California socialist” and blaming her for failing to secure the U.S. borders. Trump pledged to restore border security and tie immigration issues to violent crime, referencing the murder of Laken Riley. He also targeted Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger for their roles in Georgia’s 2020 election results, accusing them of undermining Republican chances for 2024. Trump’s remarks came as he and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, attacked Harris’ liberal stance, while the DNC defended her focus on working families and reproductive rights.

We’ll have final thoughts after this.

Break 4: INGLES 5

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 gwinnettdailypost.com

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