Top Stories for November 22nd Publish Date: November 22nd PRE-ROLL : SUGAR HILL ICE SKATING From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Saturday, November 22nd and Happy Birthday to Rodney Dangerfield I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. GBI arrests Braselton police chief on stalking charge Scarlett Rigsby’s nonprofit quietly battles weekend hunger for Gwinnett schoolchildren Mountain View naming recognition wall for former coach killed in Apalachee shooting 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 GA STORY 1 : GBI arrests Braselton police chief on stalking charge Braselton Police Chief Michael Steffman is out of a job—and facing serious charges. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested the 49-year-old on allegations of stalking, harassment, and misconduct, including misuse of license plate readers. According to the GBI, Steffman used the automated systems to stalk and harass multiple people. He’s now charged with stalking, harassing communications, violating his oath, and several counts of misusing the plate recognition system. Steffman resigned and retired after his arrest, though the city called it “personal reasons.” This comes just seven months after he was sworn in as permanent chief, following 20 years with the department. Braselton has named Zack Tiller as interim chief while the case moves forward. The GBI is asking anyone with information to contact their Athens office or submit tips anonymously online. STORY 2: Scarlett Rigsby’s nonprofit quietly battles weekend hunger for Gwinnett schoolchildren After nearly 20 years at the Gwinnett YMCA, Scarlett Rigsby’s job disappeared during the 2008 economic crash. She thought her next step would be another nonprofit—her work felt like a calling, a ministry. But starting her own? That wasn’t on the radar. Yet in 2010, with her Golden Retriever, Truth, by her side, she launched Nothing but the Truth in Lawrenceville. What began with feeding 15 kids at one school has grown into a lifeline for nearly 1,300 students across 50 schools, sending weekend food home in backpacks. “People used to say, ‘There aren’t hungry kids in Gwinnett.’ But there are,” Rigsby said. The nonprofit’s reach has expanded—reading programs, English classes, even “swag bags” for girls without period supplies. “It’s about meeting people where they are,” she said. Fifteen years in, Rigsby dreams of the next generation taking over. STORY 3: Mountain View naming recognition wall for former coach killed in Apalachee shooting One of the four victims of the tragic Apalachee High School shooting will soon be honored with a permanent memorial at the Gwinnett County school where he spent a decade teaching and coaching. The Gwinnett County Board of Education voted to name Mountain View High School’s track recognition wall after Ricky Aspinwall—known to students as “Coach A.” Aspinwall, who taught math and coached football and track, was killed in the September 2024 shooting in Barrow County. “Coach A left a legacy of integrity, service, and compassion,” wrote Mountain View School Council President Gail Devers. “Our community was deeply impacted by his loss.” The wall, which will display track records, will be a visible tribute during school events. 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: Man convicted of killing woman on Stone Mountain Highway A Stone Mountain man will spend the rest of his life in prison for the brutal murder of Breana Marie Rogers, a 33-year-old woman who had been living with him at a south Gwinnett hotel. Edward Rodley Smith Jr., 39, was convicted of malice murder and sentenced to life without parole for the October 2022 killing. “Breana tried to escape, and he hunted her down,” said Gwinnett DA Patsy Austin-Gatson. “We hope this verdict brings her family some measure of justice.” Rogers was shot four times—three in the back, once in the head—after fleeing their hotel. Witnesses reported hearing her yell, “I’m tired of this,” before Smith chased her down. Smith claimed self-defense, but the jury didn’t buy it, deliberating just 90 minutes before convicting him. STORY 5: Lawmakers consider ways to reduce chronic absenteeism Georgia students skipping too much school might soon face some tough consequences—like losing their driver’s licenses or getting benched from sports teams. That’s one of several ideas floated by a legislative study committee tackling the state’
