The Weekly Edition

1/4/2026

Tragedy Strikes Gwinnett: Teen Arrested in Fatal New Year's Day Carjacking of Uber Driver
Gwinnett County was rocked by a tragic act of violence on New Year's Day, as a 15-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with the murder of an Uber driver in Lawrenceville. The incident, which unfolded as an attempted carjacking, has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the devastating consequences of youth violence.

The victim, an unnamed Uber driver, was tragically killed during the violent encounter. Authorities quickly launched an investigation, leading to the apprehension of the teenage suspect on January 2, 2026. He now faces serious charges including murder and carjacking.
This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community safety and addressing the root causes of crime. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of life and grapples with the impact of such a senseless act.

SNELLVILLE LOCAL UPDATE: Weekly Briefing: Community News & Public Safety

Arson Investigation: Two Arrested in Mavis Tires & Brakes Blaze Authorities have confirmed that the fire that ravaged a local auto business earlier this week was no accident. Gwinnett County Fire Investigators have officially ruled the blaze at Mavis Tires & Brakes as incendiary, leading to the arrest of two adult male suspects.

The Incident Details: On Tuesday afternoon, December 30, 2025, fire crews were dispatched to the business located at 3887 Centerville Rosebud Road SW after 911 callers reported heavy smoke and flames.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a detached garage behind the main building fully engulfed. The situation was critical:

Structural Collapse: A portion of the garage roof collapsed shortly after crews arrived.
Utility Hazards: The fire brought down power lines, requiring emergency response from Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light.
Environmental Safety: A Hazardous Materials team was called to the scene to assess potential runoff from the tire shop.

The Aftermath: One individual was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation but was fortunately released. While the main storefront was spared, the detached garage suffered significant damage.

SNELLVILLE LOCAL UPDATE Weekly Briefing: Community Spotlight & Local Flavor

A Sweet Escape: Candy World Drinks N’ Treats Brings a Sugar Rush to Snellville If you’ve been looking for a way to satisfy your sweet tooth and support a local business, look no further than Candy World Drinks N’ Treats. Originally a popular mobile candy truck that lit up the streets with its custom LED trailer, this Black-owned, woman-owned business has established a vibrant storefront right here in Snellville at 3300 Centerville Highway.

What’s the Buzz?
Stepping into Candy World feels like entering a modern-day fairytale. The shop is famous for its whimsical, candy-infused creations that are as visual as they are delicious. Whether you are a "slushie fanatic" or a "chocoholic," the menu is designed to let you build your own ultimate treat.

The Fan Favorites:

Signature Candy Slushies: Choose from over 16 flavors (including the crowd-favorite Cotton Candy) and top them off with a variety of gummy and hard candies.
Gourmet Candy Apples: These aren't your average fairground apples. Options range from traditional hard candy to decadent caramel, milk chocolate, and even white chocolate with pecans.
Mega Krispies & Turtles: Their "MEGA" Rice Krispie treats come in flavors like Cookies N’ Cream and Strawberry, while their oversized Pecan Turtles are a hit for those seeking a rich, buttery fix.
Candied Grapes: Often cited as their most popular item, these flavor-bursting treats are a unique snack you won't find just anywhere.

More Than Just a Shop:
The shop has quickly become a community staple, known for its high-energy customer service (often praised by locals for being "top-tier") and its family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a popular destination for birthday treats, weekend family outings, or just a nostalgic trip back to childhood.

Planning Your Visit:
The storefront is located in the Twin Village neighborhood and is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Hours: 12 PM – 7 PM (Wed/Thu), 12 PM – 8 PM (Fri/Sat), and 12 PM – 6 PM (Sun).
Pro Tip: If you have a big event coming up, you can still "Book the Truck" to bring the glowing candy experience directly to your party!

Snellville Sweet StatsTreat Pricing/Options Candy Slushies Custom builds with 16+ flavors
Candy Apples Starts at $8.00 (Single) to $23.00 (3ct)
Pecan Pralines Sold in packs of 2 or larger dozens
Specialty Items Mega Krispies, Hot Cocoa Bombs, & Chocolate Pretzel Rods

www.yelp.com/biz/candy-world-drinks-n-treats-snellville-2

Weather

Did you know; A "Promised Land" Right in Town Snellville is home to a historic site known as The Promised Land. Originally a massive plantation owned by Thomas Maguire (whose journals provided detailed accounts of life during the Civil War), the property was eventually purchased in the 1920s by the Livsey family, a prominent African-American family in the community. Today, the city is working to preserve the site as a historical and cultural landmark.

SNELLVILLE LOCAL UPDATE Weekly Briefing: Moments of Mindfulness
2,300 Miles of Compassion: The "Walk for Peace" Reaches Snellville In a week often filled with heavy headlines, a quiet but powerful movement passed through our city. A group of Buddhist monks, accompanied by their rescue dog Aloka (meaning "Light"), made a historic stop at Wat Lao Buddha Khanti temple in Snellville as part of their 120-day, cross-country Walk for Peace.

The journey, which began in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 26, spans 2,300 miles and is intended to promote "loving-kindness, compassion, and national healing."

A Hero’s Homecoming The stop in Snellville was particularly emotional as it served as a homecoming for Phra Ajarn Maha Dam Phommasan, a senior monk at the local temple.

The Incident: Earlier in the walk, while in Texas, Phommasan was struck by a vehicle, an accident that resulted in the amputation of his leg.
The Spirit: Despite the life-altering injury, Phommasan expressed no bitterness, stating he would "make the same decision again" to spread world peace.
The Honor: During the New Year’s Eve visit, Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson presented him with a Key to the County, honoring his resilience and leadership.

The Snellville Send-Off On New Year’s Day, hundreds of residents gathered at the Zoar Church Road temple for a morning ceremony. The atmosphere was one of profound unity as locals offered prayers and food (the monks survive solely on donations provided along the way).
At 2:00 PM on January 1, the group officially departed Snellville, heading northeast through Walton County and toward their final destination: the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., where they are scheduled to arrive in mid-February.

SNELLVILLE LOCAL UPDATE Weekly Briefing: Arts, Crafts & Community Events

Gemstones, Glass, and Glamour: The Intergalactic Bead Show Returns Calling all crafters, jewelry makers, and lovers of all things sparkling! This upcoming weekend, the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds will transform into a treasure hunter’s paradise as the Intergalactic Bead & Jewelry Show lands in our backyard.

Whether you're a professional jeweler looking for wholesale supplies or a hobbyist searching for that one-of-a-kind pendant, this event is widely considered the premier "bead destination" in the Southeast.

What to Expect: The show is a juried event, meaning every vendor is hand-selected for quality and professionalism. You’ll find a massive selection of:

Exotic Gemstones: From semi-precious stones to rare, ancient beads.
Artisan Glass: Beautifully crafted lampwork beads and hand-blown glass.
Findings & Supplies: Sterling silver charms, vintage beads, freshwater pearls, and high-quality jewelry-making tools.
Finished Jewelry: Unique pieces ready to wear, crafted by the artisans themselves.

Event Details:

When: * Saturday, January 10: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday, January 11: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Gwinnett County Fairgrounds (New Hall – Use Davis Road Entrance)
Admission: Tickets are typically around $5.00 (check Eventbrite for online discounts).
Perks: Parking is free!

Pro Tip for Shoppers: This show is both wholesale and retail. If you are a licensed business owner purchasing for your shop, be sure to bring a copy of your sales tax license to access wholesale pricing and sections. For everyone else, it’s a retail dream where you can touch and see the quality of the stones before you buy—something you just can't do online!

Fun Facts: The Legend of "Sam Ketchem": Snellville’s Motorcycle Marshal If you think modern traffic enforcement is tough, you should have seen Snellville in the 1940s and 50s. Long before the city had a fleet of patrol SUVs, the law was upheld by a man, a motorcycle, and a nickname that struck fear into the hearts of heavy-footed drivers across the Southeast.

This is the story of Francis Bobb, the man better known to history as "Sam Ketchem."

The Man Behind the Mask Francis Bobb served as the Town Marshal during an era when Highway 78 was the main artery for travelers heading between Atlanta and Athens. While his official title was Marshal, Bobb’s relentless efficiency at catching speeders earned him a comparison to the famous comic strip character Sam Catchem, the eagle-eyed detective from the Dick Tracy series. The name stuck so well that many locals eventually forgot his real name was Francis.

The "Motorcycle Menace" Unlike the hidden radar traps of today, Sam Ketchem’s method was high-profile. He patrolled the city limits on a classic motorcycle, becoming a permanent fixture on the side of the road or in the rearview mirrors of unsuspecting travelers.

His reputation was so formidable that:
Trucker Codes: Long-haul truckers used their CB radios to warn one another: "Watch out for Sam Ketchem in Snellville!" * The "Ketchem" Effect: Drivers were known to drop their speed significantly miles before reaching the city limits, afraid they’d be the next ones pulled over by the man on the bike.
Civic Duty: While he was a terror to speeders, he was a hero to the locals. In a time when Snellville was much smaller, his presence kept the burgeoning traffic on Highway 78 from making the town center unsafe for residents.
A Legacy in the Motto? Some local historians joke that Sam Ketchem was the reason the city eventually adopted the motto "Everybody's Somebody in Snellville"—because if you drove through town too fast, Sam would make sure he knew exactly who you were!
Where to See History Today If you want to get a feel for the era when Sam Ketchem ruled the roads, a visit to the Snellville Historical Society (located inside City Hall) often features photos and artifacts from the early days of the city's police force. You might even spot a photo of the legendary Marshal himself, looking every bit the part of a Dick Tracy detective.

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