John Barker
Atlanta
Photojournalist, wedding photographer and a guy who likes to tell a story without saying a word.
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Articles by John Barker
Guest Column: Tennessee Career Academy offers path for future of schooling
Students learn how to take blood pressure during health sciences class at the Trezevant Career and Technology Center. (The Daily Memphian file) John Barker is Executive Director of Tennessee Career Academy and a former deputy superintendent and a former chief of staff at Memphis Shelby County Schools. Meah King is senior literacy advisor with Memphis-Shelby County Schools and will be part of the Tennessee Career Academy. “We are living in a time of an identity crisis for K-12 and higher education.
Fare Share: Restaurants working overtime for return to normal
Ready, set, liftoff! Since early June, most of Ohio’s remaining COVID-19 health orders have expired, and business is beginning to return to normal. No more 6-foot distancing is required at restaurants to space out tables, and with increasing rates of vaccinated Ohioans, customers are thrilled to take another step forward and enjoy their favorite local fare.
Fare Share: Guzmans' The Original Pancake House is one of many small businesses powering through pandemic
Each week, I have the opportunity to speak with dozens of Ohio Restaurant Association members and small-business owners across the state. Recently, I spoke with Ruben Guzman, co-owner and operator of The Original Pancake House in central Ohio and a former colleague at the Wendy’s Co. Guzman and his wife, Patty, are from Puerto Rico and Mexico, respectively, and they own locations in Upper Arlington and Westerville.
Fare Share: Central Ohio restaurants in dire need of employees
To restaurants, people are everything. From delighted guests to back-of-house employees, the owners, the delivery drivers, to the greater community, people are the lifeblood of what makes a restaurant alive, vibrant and thriving. Without people, restaurants are hollow, empty shells of what could be, and many still are closed from the pandemic. And right now, Ohio’s restaurants need a transfusion.
Fare Share: Missive to Washington advocates for restaurants' survival
During the holidays, people across the globe write letters to their family and friends, near and far, and often include a gift and/or holiday card. This December, the Ohio Restaurant Association, on behalf of the state's restaurant, food-service and hospitality industries, wrote an urgent letter to U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Ohio Sens. Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown and other members of Congress.
Fare Share: Restaurant industry counting on #DineSafeAcrossOhio
There’s a blue wave coming for restaurant owners and operators, but it has nothing to do with an election and everything to do with cold winter weather. With temperatures dropping, so are the numbers of thriving eating and drinking establishments across Ohio, which included more than 23,000 before the pandemic.
Fare Share: Restaurants depend on you for sustenance
“Where do you want to go out to eat?” Before the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic hit the United States, this question was asked without a second thought on any night of the week, and early in 2020, we were at the pinnacle of the golden age of restaurants. Now the restaurant, food-service and hospitality industry looks like an emaciated shadow of what it was just a few months ago.
One Lucky Fan Will Open Falcons' Stadium Roof
local voices One lucky Atlanta Falcons fan will go down in history by being the one who opens the roof for the first time. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jul 27, 2018 2:05 pm ET | Updated Jul 27, 2018 2:43 pm ET ATLANTA, GA – One lucky fan will go down in history by opening the Mercedes-Benz Stadium roof for the public for first time. "We wanted fans to tell us why they love the Falcons and what makes this team so special to them," said Heather Sautter, MBS spokesperson.
Bartow County's 4th Of July Fireworks: 2019 Guide, Parade Times
seasonal & holidays Patch has your complete guide to Fourth of July fireworks shows, parades and other festive events in Bartow County. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 16, 2019 2:00 am ET Here are the parade and fireworks details for celebrating July 4 in Bartow County. (Shutterstock) BARTOW COUNTY, GA — July 4th is quickly approaching, which means it's time to fire up that barbecue and find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on in Bartow County this Independence Day.
Gwinnett's 4th Of July Fireworks: 2019 Guide To Parades, Food
seasonal & holidays Starting June 29, Patch has your complete guide to Fourth of July fireworks shows, parades and other festive events in Gwinnett County. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 16, 2019 2:00 am ET Starting June 29, Gwinnett's Independence Day celebrations are some of the best in Georgia.
Douglas County's, Villa Rica's 4th Of July Fireworks: 2019 Guide
seasonal & holidays Patch has your complete guide to Fourth of July fireworks shows, parades and other festive events in Douglas County and Villa Rica. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 16, 2019 2:00 am ET Patch has your complete guide to Fourth of July fireworks shows, parades and other festive events in Douglas County.
Paulding County's 4th Of July Fireworks: 2019 Guide
seasonal & holidays Paulding Red White & Boom Fireworks and IndepenDance at the Pole Barn will create a spectacular 4th of July experience. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 16, 2019 2:00 am ET Paulding Red White & Boom Fireworks and IndepenDance at the Pole Barn will create a spectacular 4th of July experience.
Man Sentenced To 25 Years For 2017 Walmart Armed Robbery
police & fire Paulding County Superior Court Judge Dean Bucci sentenced Melvin Mitchell to 25 years, where he will serve 13 in jail. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 14, 2019 2:35 pm ET Paulding County Superior Court Judge Dean Bucci sentenced Melvin Mitchell to 25 years where he will serve 13 in jail.
City Of Lawrenceville Breaks Ground On $31 Million Arts Facility
community corner Shared from Lawrenceville, GA Elected leaders and Aurora Theatre executives celebrated the start of construction on new Performing Arts Center in downtown Lawrenceville. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 14, 2019 12:01 pm ET Elected leaders and Aurora Theatre executives celebrated the start of construction on new Performing Arts Center.
Missing Gwinnett Mother Found Murdered
police & fire A Norcross mother reported missing in March 2017 has been found murdered in Clayton County. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 14, 2019 11:28 am ET A Norcross mother reported missing in March 2017 has been found murdered in Clayton County. (Gwinnett County Police) NORCROSS, GA -- A Norcross mother reported missing in March 2017 has been found murdered in Clayton County. Beatriz Noemi Espinoza-Fuentes, 25, was reported missing on March 25, 2017.
Gwinnett Inspections: 3 Restaurants Get 'C' Grades
restaurants & bars Three Gwinnett County restaurants scored under 79 points this week and earned "C" grades on health inspections. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 14, 2019 9:59 am ET Three Gwinnett County restaurants scored under 79 points this week and earned "C" grades on health inspections. (Shutterstock) GWINNETT COUNTY, GA -- Here are some restaurant and food service inspections conducted in Gwinnett County during the past few days. Click on the date for more info.
The Newest Homes On The Georgia Market Are More Than Nifty
real estate Shared from Douglasville, GA Here are the newest homes on the market in Atlanta, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Fulton, Bartow, Cobb and Cherokee Counties. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 14, 2019 9:43 am ET Here are the newest homes on the market in Atlanta, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Fulton, Bartow, Cobb and Cherokee Counties.
Connect Douglas Sells More Than $3,700 Dollars' Worth Of Tickets
traffic & transit Douglas County's new fixed route bus service, Connect Douglas is set to begin on Thursday, June 20, but passes are on sale now. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 14, 2019 8:50 am ET Douglas County’s new fixed route bus service, Connect Douglas is set to begin on Thursday, June 20.
Driver Smashes Into Goodwill Store
business Shared from Lawrenceville, GA A driver drove into a Goodwill Store in Lawrenceville Thursday. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 14, 2019 8:45 am ET A driver drove into a Goodwill Store in Lawrenceville Thursday. (Gwinnett Fire Department) A driver drove into a Goodwill Store in Lawrenceville Thursday. (Gwinnett Fire Department) A driver drove into a Goodwill Store in Lawrenceville Thursday.
Traffic Alert: Road Closure Jimmy Carter Boulevard
traffic & transit A downed power line has closed Jimmy Carter Boulevard in Gwinnett County. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 13, 2019 1:04 pm ET A downed power line has closed Jimmy Carter Boulevard In Gwinnett County. (Renee Schiavone/Patch) GWINNETT COUNTY, GA -- A downed power line has closed Jimmy Carter Boulevard for about four hours, according to officials. Westbound and eastbound traffic has been halted. Stay tuned to Patch again as details develop. Read more local news from Loganville-Grayson
Sergeant Retires From Sheriff's Office After 17 Years
police & fire A retirement reception was held in honor of Paulding's Sgt. Cox, Friday, in the jail conference room where he was surrounded by his friends. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 13, 2019 12:58 pm ET | Updated Jun 13, 2019 12:59 pm ET A retirement reception was held in honor of Sergeant Dwayne Cox, Friday. (Paulding County Sheriff's Office) A retirement reception was held in honor of Sergeant Dwayne Cox, Friday.
Gwinnett Animal Shelter Extends Free Adoptions
pets Shared from Loganville-Grayson, GA Gwinnett County Animal Welfare will waive adoption fees on all pets. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 13, 2019 1:23 pm ET Gwinnett County Animal Welfare will waive adoption fees on all pets. (Rick Uldricks) GWINNETT COUNTY, GA -- Gwinnett Animal Welfare will waive adoption fees on all pets for the remainder of the month of June.
Police Captain Nominated For Gwinnett Chamber Moxie Awards
community corner A Lawrenceville Police Department captain has been nominated for a Gwinnett Chamber Moxie Award as a trailblazer. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 13, 2019 12:50 pm ET A Lawrenceville Police Department captain has been nominated for a Gwinnett Chamber Moxie Award as a trailblazer.
Man Sought By Bartow Sheriff's Office For Assault
police & fire The Bartow County Sheriff's Office needs the public's help in identifying a man wanted as a person of interest in an assault. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 13, 2019 9:40 am ET | Updated Jun 13, 2019 9:42 am ET The Bartow Sheriff's Office needs the public's help in identifying a man wanted as a person of interest in an assault.
Rain Barrels To Ice Cream Socials: What's Going On In Gwinnett
arts & entertainment Shared from Loganville-Grayson, GA From rain barrels to fishing to ice cream socials and a veteran's round table, here's what's coming up in Gwinnett County. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 13, 2019 9:32 am ET From rain barrels to fishing to ice cream socials and a veteran's round table, here's what's coming up in Gwinnett.
Thieves Remove Door Handle To Steal Wallet From Car: Police
police & fire Shared from Loganville-Grayson, GA Gwinnett Police need the public's help in identifying two suspects in an entering auto and credit card fraud case. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 13, 2019 8:53 am ET Gwinnett Police need the public’s help in identifying two suspects in an entering auto and credit card fraud case. (Gwinnett County Police) NORCROSS, GA -- Gwinnett Police need the public's help in identifying two suspects in an entering auto and credit card fraud case.
Gwinnett Business To Pay $105,020 In Back Wages To 36 Employees
business Shared from Suwanee, GA A U.S. Department of Labor investigation results in a Gwinnett business paying $105,020 in back wages and damages. By John Barker, Patch Staff Jun 13, 2019 8:47 am ET A U.S. Department of Labor investigation results in a Gwinnett business paying $105,020 in back wages and damages. (Shutterstock) SUWANEE, GA -- After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division, or WHD, Granite Masters Inc.
Douglas County Teen Murdered Over Video Game Controller: Police
police & fire A Douglas County teen is dead after an argument over a video game controller Monday, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 12, 2019 11:50 am ET | Updated Jun 12, 2019 11:51 am ET A Douglas County teen is dead after an argument over a video game controller Monday, according police.
Etowah Games Day 2019 Set For July In Bartow
arts & entertainment Etowah games teaches that some of the games we play today are based on games from more than 1,000 years ago. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 12, 2019 11:36 am ET Etowah games teaches that some of the games we play today are based on games from more than 1,000 years ago.
Douglas Inspections: Bagel Meister Scores 89
restaurants & bars Bagel Meister, in Douglas County, scored 89 this week when the inspector tossed food at improper temps. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 12, 2019 10:17 am ET Bagel Meister, in Douglas County, scored 89 this week when the inspector tossed food at improper temps. (Shutterstock) DOUGLASVILLE, GA — Here are some restaurant and food service inspections conducted in Douglas County during the past week. Click on the date or score to see more info.
Gwinnett Inspections: Sushi Bar Fails With Dead Roaches, 63 Score
restaurants & bars Shared from Loganville-Grayson, GA A Gwinnett County sushi bar scored 63 when the inspector found dead roaches floating in stagnant water and other violations. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 12, 2019 10:31 am ET A Gwinnett County sushi bar scored 63 when the inspector found dead roaches floating in stagnant water and other violati (Shutterstock) GWINNETT COUNTY, GA -- Here are some restaurant and food service inspections conducted in Gwinnett County during the past few days.
Paulding Inspections: Waffle House Barely Passes With 70 Score
restaurants & bars A Paulding County Waffle House barely passed inspection this week with a 70 score. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 12, 2019 10:07 am ET A Paulding County Waffle House barely passed inspection this week with a 70 score. (Shutterstock) PAULDING COUNTY, GA — Here are some restaurant and food service inspections conducted in Paulding County during the past month. Click on the date or score to see more info.
Bartow Inspections: Deli Has Flies In Kitchen
restaurants & bars A Bartow County deli scored 86 this week when the inspector found flies in the kitchen and other violations. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 12, 2019 9:58 am ET A Bartow County deli scored 86 this week when the inspector found flies in the kitchen and other violations. (Shutterstock) BARTOW COUNTY, GA — Here are some restaurant and food service inspections conducted in Bartow County during the past week. Click on the date or score to see more info.
$1.15M Buys Private Retreat Tucked Away On 3 Acres In Bartow
real estate This private resort awaits with salt-water pool, misting system, spa, putting green, golf sim, craft room, wine cellar, sauna and more. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 12, 2019 9:41 am ET This private resort awaits with salt-water pool, misting system, spa, putting green, golf sim, and wine cellar. (Realtor.com) This private resort awaits with salt-water pool, misting system, spa, putting green, golf sim, and wine cellar.
$1.95M Buys Gwinnett Estate Home At Chateau Elan
real estate Shared from Loganville-Grayson, GA This beautiful Gwinnett County home has an exercise room, media room, large bar in terrace level, salt water pool, hot tub and fenced yard. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 12, 2019 9:50 am ET This beauty has an exercise room, media room, large bar in terrace level, salt water pool, hot tub and fenced yard. (Realtor.com) This beauty has an exercise room, media room, large bar in terrace level, salt water pool, hot tub and fenced yard.
Subdivision Access Limited During Gas Leak
police & fire Shared from Lawrenceville, GA The gas leak was located at the front of the Spring Arbor subdivision and caused the asphalt to buckle. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 12, 2019 9:06 am ET The gas leak was located at the front of the Spring Arbor subdivision and caused the asphalt to buckle.
Grease Fire Causes Evacuation At Gwinnett IHOP
police & fire Shared from Duluth, GA A grease fire started at an IHOP Tuesday while maintenance was being performed on one of the two fryers inside the kitchen. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 12, 2019 8:51 am ET A grease fire started at an IHOP Tuesday while maintenance was being performed on a fryers inside the kitchen. (Gwinnett Fire Department) A grease fire started at an IHOP Tuesday while maintenance was being performed on a fryers inside the kitchen.
$1.25M Buys Executive Lakeside Home On 8+ Acres In Paulding
real estate This elegant 8 bed, 7 bath home features full size tennis and basketball courts, heated gunite pool, hot tub and beach area on a lake. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 11, 2019 2:01 pm ET This elegant 8 bed, 7 bath home features full size tennis and basketball courts, heated gunite pool, hot tub and beach. (Realtor.com) This elegant 8 bed, 7 bath home features full size tennis and basketball courts, heated gunite pool, hot tub and beach.
Missing 70-Year-Old Found: Douglas Sheriff's Office
police & fire The missing 70-year-old has been found, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 11, 2019 2:19 pm ET | Updated Jun 11, 2019 2:26 pm ET Missing 70-year-old with diminished mental capacity sought by Sheriff's Office. (Douglas County Sheriff's Office) UPDATE: The missing 70-year-old has been found, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
$550,000 Buys Historic Landmark In Downtown Douglasville
real estate The "Farmers & Merchant Bank" building is a welcoming familiar presence on a busy corner. The owner can have a business and live upstairs. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 11, 2019 1:43 pm ET | Updated Jun 11, 2019 1:50 pm ET The "Farmers & Merchant Bank" building is a welcoming familiar presence on a busy corner. (Realtor.com) The "Farmers & Merchant Bank" building is a welcoming familiar presence on a busy corner.
Lazy Dog Hiring 200 For New Peachtree Corners Restaurant
business Shared from Peachtree Corners, GA Job interviews are being held now and Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar will be opening soon in Peachtree Corners. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 11, 2019 1:00 pm ET Job interviews are being held now and Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar will be opening soon in Peachtree Corners. (Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar) Job interviews are being held now and Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar will be opening soon in Peachtree Corners.
Missing Man Sought By Paulding County Sheriff's Office
community corner A Paulding County man has been listed as a missing person, last seen May 15. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 11, 2019 10:29 am ET A Paulding County man has been listed as a missing person, last seen May 15. (Paulding County Sheriff's Office) PAULDING COUNTY, GA -- Kevin Brent Hamlin, 44, has been listed as a missing person out of Paulding County. He was last seen May 15, and was driving a 2005 Gray Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Douglasville Man Killed Friend With Hammer, Convicted Of Murder
police & fire A Douglasville man was convicted of murder Monday after a jury found him guilty of killing his friend with a hammer in 2017. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 11, 2019 10:22 am ET A Douglasville man was convicted of murder Monday after a jury found him guilty of killing his friend with a hammer.
Medlock Bridge Road Roundabout Now Operational
traffic & transit Shared from Peachtree Corners, GA Officials advise to use caution and watch for the directional signs as you navigate your way through the new circular intersection. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 11, 2019 10:38 am ET Officials advise to use caution as you navigate your way through the new intersection.
Man Who Demanded Sex Act From Elderly Woman Arrested: Police
police & fire Shared from Snellville, GA A man who, Gwnnett police say, was robbing delivery drivers and demanded a sex act from an elderly woman, has been arrested. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 11, 2019 9:48 am ET | Updated Jun 11, 2019 9:49 am ET A man who, police say, was robbing delivery drivers and demanded a sex act from an elderly woman, has been arrested.
Undercover Sting Nabs 4 Dealing In Catalytic Converters: Police
police & fire Shared from Loganville-Grayson, GA An undercover sting operation led to the arrest of 4 men for illegally trying to purchase catalytic converters from an undercover officer. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 11, 2019 8:50 am ET | Updated Jun 11, 2019 8:52 am ET An undercover sting operation led to the arrest of 4 men.
Duluth Woman Killed In Crash At Barber Motorsports Park In AL
police & fire Shared from Duluth, GA A 23-year-old woman, from Duluth, was killed during a weekend riding event at Barber Motorsports Park. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 10, 2019 2:56 pm ET A Duluth woman died in a crash over the weekend at the Barber Motorsports Park. (Butch Dill/AP/File) BIRMINGHAM, AL -- A 23-year-old Duluth woman was killed Saturday during a riding event at Barber Motorsports Park, in Birmingham, Alabama.
Protesters Call For Coke Boycott Over Animal Abuses
community corner Protesters gathered at Coca-Cola's HQ in Atlanta Monday to call for a boycott over animal abuses by Fairlife brand, which Coke distributes. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 10, 2019 1:42 pm ET | Updated Jun 10, 2019 1:54 pm ET The Biggest Undercover Dairy Investigation in History - Fair Oaks Farms and Coca Cola from ARM Investigations on Vimeo.
Public Art Flourishes In Douglasville's Butterfly Garden Trail
arts & entertainment The CAC released two more public art benches to the community, one at Deer Lick Park and one outside of the Douglas County Library. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 10, 2019 12:24 pm ET The CAC released two more public art benches to the community. (Cultural Arts Council) The CAC released two more public art benches to the community. (Cultural Arts Council) The CAC released two more public art benches to the community.
Lawrenceville To Start $31M Arts Facility Expansion In Downtown
community corner Shared from Lawrenceville, GA The $31M space will include a 56,000 square-foot facility complete with a 500-seat theatre, cabaret, and indoor and outdoor civic space. By John Barker, Patch Staff | Jun 10, 2019 12:11 pm ET The $31M space will include a 56,000 square-foot facility complete with a 500-seat theatre.
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