Milton Herald, July 8, 2015 by Appen Media Group

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July 8, 2015 | miltonherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 10, No. 28

State unveils Ga. 9 upgrades Widening, walkways, intersection improvements planned By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – The state plans to widen and improve the Ga. 9 corridor significantly between Upper Hembree Road in Roswell and Windward Parkway, near Milton. Georgia Department of Transportation officials say the improvements are needed to help with traffic flow. As bad as some sections of the road are now, future population patterns show many more people driving it in the coming years.

Elder Doran Erickson, of Cumming, left, and Elder Jordan Hayes, of Bountiful, Utah, right, roast and grind koko (Cocoa) with a local in Samoa.

LOCAL YOUTHS ON A MISSION:

20 head for 2-year mission trips By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. – While mission trips are common in many local church congregations, the Milton Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has an unusually high number of young men and women who have committed to serving full-time missions for two years. Twenty youths, ages 18 to 22, have put aside their schooling, social lives and daily contact with their families to serve in 12 different coun-

tries. While on assignment in their various locations, they do not date, watch TV, take vacations or spend hours on social media. Instead, they spend their time proselyting and giving service. “They don’t come home during that time,” said Lori Wynne, of the church. “They will spend their time 100 percent in service and proselytizing.” These 20 young men and women come from 19 families in the North Fulton and South Forsyth areas. They undergo several

TUTORING

weeks of training, including languages if necessary, before being sent off to areas of the world where they are needed. One missionary currently serving is Tyler Simpson. The son of Janine and Kevin Simpson, he is in Bahia Blanca, Argentina from February 2014 through February 2016. He frequently writes to his parents and tells of his travels and what he learned through his work. “I learned something important, or was reminded

See MISSION, Page 14

DON’T LET YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING STOP JUST BECAUSE SUMMER STARTS.

Widening will help this problem – the road will be made at least two lanes in either direction for the length of the project, with either a median or a center turn lane in the middle. Multi-use paths will also line the streets in either direction, allowing for pedestrians as well as bicycles. These paths vary from 10 feet wide to 12 feet. While much of the improvements are simply widening, some streets will look different. The intersection of Ga. 9 with

See GA 9, Page 5

Milton sees first transfer of development rights transaction 5 acres sold to preserve green space By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. – The first private transfer of development rights (TDR) transaction to preserve green space in Milton was completed June 25 at Milton City Hall. Milton landowner Robbie Brannon sold 5 acres of development rights from his Taylor Road property to developer David Vickers. Brannon’s property will now have a permanent land easement of 5 acres held by the Georgia-Alabama Land Trust to protect the land from future development while al-

lowing strategic growth and density in areas defined by the community. Vickers will transfer the acquired TDR to create Brickmont AsFIELD sisted Living on Webb Road, a denser site than zoning originally allowed. “Yesterday’s transaction is the product of more than five years of work to create the vision and framework for smart

See TDR, Page 5

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Police: Be wary of phone scams

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ATLANTA – Authorities are warning citizens about a scam to swindle money from victims. The con artists call victims pretending to be a grandson or granddaughter of the victim and claiming to be in jail. The callers say they desperately need that relative to post bond or pay attorney fees. These scammers have tricked victims into sending them $1,200 to $1,500 for attorney fees or bond money via MoneyGram. The scam artists are using names of real attorneys in the state of Georgia to perpetrate this fraud. Anyone who

receives a call like this should hang up and call the Fulton County Jail or go online to check the Sheriff’s Office website to verify that the individual is incarcerated. Victims have been as far away as Colorado, North Carolina and other states. Suspicious residents can call the Fulton County Jail at 404-6132040 or 404-612-2154 to check out an incarceration claim. The website is www.fultonsheriff.net. Victims should also report the crime to their local law enforcement agency. — Jonathan Copsey

DUIS & DRUGS

POLICE BLOTTER

All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

after someone bought the device using fake currency. The victim told police he bought the phone June 17 from a Craigslist ad. He met the seller in the parking lot of the Fry’s Electronics and bought the phone. The victim then placed the phone back on Craigslist to sell it. He had a buyer lined up June 21 through Craigslist and the two met at Fry’s. The phone was sold for $400 and paid for in cash. Only later did the victim realize the cash was all fake. Police seized the fake currency and notified the Secret Service, which investigates currency fraud.

N.Y. woman caught with fake cards

DUI arrests ►► Sheyla Luz Montero-Porras,

32, of Calibre Creek Parkway, Roswell, was arrested June 28 on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane and failure to obey a traffic control device. ►► Mylan Anthony Moffett, 24, of McDonough was arrested June 28 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI and speeding. ►► Catherine Jones Moore, 35, of Aidan Park, Alpharetta, was arrested June 21 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

DRUG arrests ►► Dillion Russell Daley, 21, of

Pine Rise Court, Alpharetta, was arrested June 23 on Summerwood Lane in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana. ►► Kaitlin Anderson Massey, 23, of Springberry Court, Alpharetta, was arrested June 20 on Old Morris Road in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana, DUI, possession of drug-related paraphernalia and failure to stop at a stop sign.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A New York woman claims she was flown down to Atlanta for the sole purpose of using fake credit cards to buy items. The suspect, an 18-year-old woman from Saint Albans, New York, allegedly went into the Apple store at North Point Mall June 28 and attempted to buy an Apple Watch, valued at nearly $700. The credit card she tried to use raised concerns of fraud with employees, who investigated. The card number did not match the name and bank on the card. Police were called. The woman fled the store and was chased down by authorities. She reportedly told police later that she flew down from New York with another woman and was picked up at the airport by an unknown man. He allegedly gave them the fake cards and told them to buy items at the mall. She was arrested for credit card forgery.

Teens break into numerous cars JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Two 14-year-old boys were arrested June 15 after allegedly breaking into numerous vehicles on Morton Ferry Circle. Police received a phone call in the early morning hours about two young men breaking into vehicles at Morton Road and Morton Ferry Circle. When police arrived, they spotted one young man, identified as a 14-year-old boy who matched the description of one of the suspects. He claimed he was simply out for a walk. In his pockets were found a hat, earphones, cigarettes and a multi-colored sock. He was also suspected of throwing a flashlight into a yard before he was approached by police. Police investigated the cars broken into and found a sock similar to one

Craigslist buyer used fake money MILTON, Ga. – A man claims he was scammed out of an iPhone June 24,

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Blotter: Continued from Page 2 the boy had on him. They also found a bag nearby containing several wallets. The other boy was found nearby and arrested. Both boys face larceny charges. They were arrested and turned over to their parents.

Wanted: missing 64-inch TV MILTON, Ga. – A Deerfield Point resident reported his 64-inch TV stolen from his apartment. The victim told police the crime happened sometime June 23, while the victim was at work. He said he returned from work to find his large TV missing from his apartment. There was no damage to the apartment, nor was anything else reported missing. The victim suspects his ex-girlfriend, with whom he broke up earlier in the month. He said he suspects she took a key to the apartment.

Has someone seen a cement mixer? MILTON, Ga. – Someone made off with a cement mixer June 27.

According to the victims, the Home Depot store on Windward Parkway, a cement mixer was placed outside the store, chained up with other tools for rent. Sometime overnight, the $2,500 new cement mixer was stolen. Employees said a key would be needed to unlock the mixer from its chain.

Frequent flyer found wanting JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – A Johns Creek man contacted police June 17 after he found his suitcase was missing several items after flying. The victim told police he took a flight to Atlanta from Amsterdam. He checked his luggage. When he arrived in Atlanta, his bag did not. It took a week for the airline to find and return his bag to him, albeit significantly lighter – a Dell laptop, two suits and a pair of shoes were reported missing from the suitcase.

Smith, 34, of Decatur, entered the TJ Maxx store on North Point Parkway. He allegedly picked out several purses and fled the store. A witness reportedly got the getaway vehicle’s tag before it sped off. The tag returned a Decatur address. Police had taken out a warrant for felony shoplifting on the suspect, Smith, who lived at the address. He was picked up June 28 in DeKalb County.

Mom left kids alone, went driving ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A mother allegedly left her two young children alone in her home

Milton Herald | July 8, 2015 | 3

June 28. A Webb Bridge Road resident was being arrested at 6 a.m. June 28 for charges of narcotics possession when she asked police to check on her two children, who may be home alone. When police checked on her home, they found a rear door unlocked. Inside the home, two young girls were asleep. They told police when they went to sleep, their mother was present. They said they had not had a babysitter in “a long time.” The children were taken to a relative’s home to stay. The mother was charged with reckless conduct for leaving the children alone.

Man conducts ‘social experiment’ in Ingles CUMMING, Ga. — A man claimed he was conducting a ‘social experiment’ June 10 by talking to people as they walk by Ingles, 436 Canton Road, to get their reactions. When police pulled up, the 24-year-old man was sitting while drinking a beer and told officers he had just finished another beer. Officers said the man was not making sense as he seemed intoxicated and admitted to being on anti-psychotic drugs along with drinking beer and wine. The man refused a Blood Alcohol Content test and was arrested for public intoxication and drinking in public.

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Johns Creek police County: Property arrest reality TV star Allegedly threatened man with gun JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Johns Creek police have arrested a man accused of threatening workers at a local business with a weapon June 25. Police sought the arrest of Mickey “Memphitz” Wright, 38, of Atlanta for armed robbery and aggravated assault. Wright is known for his performance on the reality TV shows, “Love and Hip Hop Atlanta” and “Toya: A Family Affair.” He turned himself in to police after five days. According to police, Wright took his vehicle to a

carwash on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek. He then accused an employee of stealing marijuana WRIGHT from his vehicle. Wright allegedly confronted the employee, produced a pink handgun and pointed it at the employee demanding he return the stolen drugs. He allegedly threatened the

employee, “I’m about to fire you up.” Wright then left the car wash and later returned to have a physical altercation with the same employee. During this altercation, Wright pointed to his pocket where the handgun was located and said “Is it worth your life?” while taking the victim’s cell phone. The vehicle, gun and phone were located a short time later by Johns Creek Police. Physical and video surveillance were used to identify Wright as the perpetrator, police say. Wright was arrested for armed robbery and aggravated assault.

Anti-gay hate crime transpires in Forsyth County By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Not even a week after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled samesex marriage legal in all 50 states, an unknown suspect rebelled in the form of a hate crime. According to Robin Regan, public information officer for the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, the incident took place late Monday night, June 29 or early morning Tuesday, June 30 in northwest Forsyth County off Hurt Bridge Road. Not much is being released to the public on the homeowner’s identity. “We got a call earlier this morning that the homeowner

woke up and discovered the rainbow flag that was hanging in front of their home had been removed from the front of their residence, laid over their windshield and set on fire,” Regan said. A fluid, suspected to be a sort of accelerant, was poured in a circle around the vehicle and then set on fire, Regan said. The vehicle did not catch fire, Regan said. A peach tree in the yard was also damaged. The rainbow flag is often seen as a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride and LGBT social movements. “It was clearly an intentional act,” Regan said. “Given the symbolism of the flag, the

intent there is obvious.” Detectives with the sheriff’s property crime unit and special victims unit are working together on this, Regan said. “It’s something we are treating extremely seriously and something we will not stand for,” Regan said. Forsyth County Probate Court Judge Lynwood D. Jordan Jr. said the local office is ready to move forward following the Supreme Court’s ruling, however, and they have paperwork for couples to begin using with “Applicant 1” and “Applicant 2” listed instead of “bride” and “groom.” As of June 30, two samesex marriage applications have been filed in Forsyth County.

GARAGE SALES See more garage sales in the classifieds • Page 26

ALPHARETTA: Community yard sale. Park Glenn Subdivision, Webb Bridge Road and Park Glenn Drive 30005. Saturday 7/11, 8am-3pm ALPHARETTA: Mayfair Subdivision, 3220 Arborwoods Drive 30022. Saturday 7/11, 8am2pm. Moving. One day only; everything must go! Furniture, sports equipment, house decor, miscellaneous JOHNS CREEK: The River Ridge Subdivision, 145 Brassy Court 30022. Estate sale. Friday 7/10 , and Saturday 7/11 (Saturday multi family) 8am-1pm. MILTON: Crooked Creek; 370 Eagles Pass. Friday 7/10, Saturday 7/11, 9am-3pm. Treasures for everyone! Furniture, accessories, clothing, sporting equipment, radio controlled helicopter & supplies, tools, purses, etc

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To place garage sale ads: Noon Friday prior week Call 770-442-3278 or email classifieds@appenmediagroup.com

values rise in Milton Finance Department announces 6.5 percent digest increase MILTON, Ga. – City officials received strong financial news this week, as it was announced Milton’s tax digest, or total value of all real property in the city, rose 6.5 percent in 2015. Due to the overall value increase, the City of Milton is legally obligated to hold three public hearings and advertise a property tax increase. However, the city is not increasing residents’ tax millage rate - by law Milton cannot unless a majority of voters choose to raise it. The increase is due to the reassessment of existing real estate and new development. The millage rate remains at the legally mandated cap of 4.731 mills. The public hearings, to be held in Council Chambers of Milton’s City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, are scheduled for: • July 6 at 6 p.m. • July 20 at 6 p.m. • Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. “We want to make sure residents understand the City of Milton is not raising their taxes,” said Stacey Inglis, Assistant City Manager for the City of Milton. “As a result of the increased value of property in the city, we must advertise a ‘tax increase’ - but it is wholly separate from what voters decide at the polls.” Inglis said that although the total digest rose 6.5 percent, values across the city varied. The Fulton County Tax Assessors Office reported some rose, while others dropped or remained stagnant. Property tax bills are anticipated to be sent by Sept. 1, and taxes are due back to the city by Oct. 31. — Jonathan Copsey

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NEWS

miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | July 8, 2015 | 5

Seller Robbie Brannon, left, and buyer David Vickers at the Taylor Road property that will be the first private land in the city to complete a TDR. JONATHAN COPSEY/STAFF

Residents look at plans for the widening of Ga. 9 from Upper Hembree Road to Windward Parkway in Alpharetta.

Ga. 9: Continued from Page 1 Devore Road/ Roswell Street will be completely realigned. The current intersection will be blocked off and a new one installed at a right-angle to Ga. 9 just north of the bank. A roundabout is being considered for the new intersection. Two other intersections – Brady Place and Maxwell Road – will be remade to make them intersect Ga. 9 at 90 degrees. One portion of the road not included in the project is Ga. 9 from Old Milton Parkway to Academy Street; the city of Alpharetta is doing its own improvements to its downtown. “We’re working together on design,” said Annalysce BakerWilson, communications officer for GDOT. “The projects will be cohesive.” Not everyone was pleased with the new designs. Some residents of Winthrope Park Drive said their neighborhood was tricky to get out of at the best of times. The new plans

do little to address this. They want a traffic light at either Vaughan Drive or Canton Street, north of downtown Alpharetta. Safety is their primary concern. “There are a lot of kids in the neighborhood,” said Sonia Delgado, a resident of Winthrope Chase. “It’s a safety thing.” She said drivers routinely speed through the curve coming up to her entrance, giving residents little chance to see oncoming traffic. Turning left out of the neighborhood is difficult. Leigh Ann Maloney, who has an office off Vaughan Drive, echoed the sentiment, and said the roads – Vaughan and Canton – should be realigned to meet up with Winthrope Chase’s two entrances. Currently they are staggered. The project will fit in with construction already underway near the Winthrope Chase neighborhood and Vaughan Drive. Alpharetta planner Eric Graves said the city is placing asphalt down, which will eventually be used by GDOT for their project. The state will

Public comments on the design will be accepted online or by mail. Online: www.dot. ga.gov/PS/Public/ Publicoutreach Mail: Ms. Hiral Patel, P.E., Georgia Department of Transportation, 600 West Peachtree St. NW, 16th floor, Atlanta, Ga., 30308 then add plantings and sidewalks. “We work well with GDOT and make sure our plans line up,” Graves said. While Alpharetta is managing that project, GDOT is paying for it, Graves said. The total widening and improvement project is expected to cost $54 million. The state will acquire rightof-way in the summer of 2016 and begin construction soon after. They expect to finish in 2020 at the earliest.

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TDR: Continued from Page 1 development fitting the community’s architectural ideals and protection of precious green space,” said Kathy Field, director of community development. Under a TDR, the owner of a parcel of land can “sell” its development rights to another parcel. In Milton, this might be like land in Crabapple, where limited development is desired, using a TDR to sell development to land on Ga. 9, where

density is preferred. A TDR ordinance is already in place in Crabapple and the city’s main commercial corridor on Ga. 9 and Deerfield Parkway. Late last year, the city began the process of selling some TDR credits, by transferring the development rights from a portion of Bell Memorial Park to another development. According to city planner Robyn MacDonald, the deal never went through. “This is the first selling and purchasing of TDRs,” MacDonald said of the Brannon-Vickers deal.

6 | July 8, 2015 | Milton Herald

COMMUNITY

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Local students compete in musical theater awards By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com NEW YORK CITY — Local students Nick Eibler and McKenzie Kurtz found they were top of the heap of high school musical theater students June 30, when they had the chance to perform on Broadway in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards/ Jimmy Awards in New York City. Eibler, a 2015 graduate of West Forsyth High School, won best actor, and Kurtz, a 2015 Milton High School grad, won best actress at the 2015 Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards – Shuler Hensley Awards this past April. Their awards in April earned them spots to attend the national competition. They were able to make the trip thanks to funding from the ArtsBridge Foundation, who they represented. The local pair performed in opening and closing ensembles and nominee medleys at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway. They also competed against 50 other students representing 25 cities from across the United States who were in New York for five days of private coaching, master classes and rehearsals with theater professionals. During the week, the students practiced at New York University, where they had vocal coaching with Broadway stars. At the end of the week, they put on a performance with the other stu-

dents attending. “One of my favorite parts was definitely getting to know kids who are as equally as passionate about musical theater as I am,” Eibler said. “I also liked getting to work with so many talented people. It was inspiring to be around such talented people and being able to do this with confidence. Getting to perform on a Broadway stage was amazing as well.” The pair said they are glad they made friends not only with other students but with professionals as well. “Making those connections is beneficial to what we want to do in life,” Kurtz said. “That’s something really great we’ll take away from this whole experience.” Both have graduated from high school and are pursuing degrees in musical theater, Kurtz at University of Michigan and Eibler at Texas State. Applications for the 2016 Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards – Shuler Hensley Awards will be accepted in July with schools from across the state of Georgia selected to compete. The 2016 Shuler Awards will be presented on April 21, 2016 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Learn about the National High School Musical Theatre Awards at http://www.nhsmta.com/, the Shuler Hensley Awards at http://artsbridgega. org/programs/shuler-awards/ and ArtsBridge Foundation at http://artsbridgega.org/.

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Nick Eibler of West Forsyth High School, left, and McKenzie Kurtz of Milton High School travel to New York City to compete in the seventh annual National High School Musical Theatre Awards.

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OPINION

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Millennials: How to survive, Put the Confederate thrive and have true independence flag where it So I guess we have to settle with the fact that the “grownups” have called our generation “millennials.” I guess it makes sense, although somehow it doesn’t feel quite right, do you know what I mean? We hear our generation in conversation all the time for this or that, but what about our conversation about what we are going through? Let’s put down Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a moment and get real about something. Jobs. Careers. What’s the deal? Why aren’t our lives working the way we were told they would? For some lucky few, following the system that was setup for us is working out fine. Congrats to them! We need people like that to support the economy and the growth and searching the rest of us are going through. When our parents were growing up they were told that the best course of action was to go to college, then get a good job with a pension and/or 401K and ride it out to retirement. A+B=C. Unfortunately for us, in most cases simply adhering to the habits and practices of our parents’ generation will not yield the same results. There are many reasons for this

CIARA M. RUBIN Guest Columnist ciaramrubin11@ gmail.com

but for the sake of this article let’s focus on the positive. Firstly, there is a place for us in the working world, and we’re not lazy! The working world for a millennial is more of a hustle, a game of adaptation and transformation. Secondly, feeling “entitled” is an issue for some, but many of us just have a deep knowing that we can find fulfillment in a nontraditional way, and we resist broken and inauthentic systems. Lastly, we are quite brave and able to speak our minds and opinions no matter who or what is trying to stifle them. These are amazing traits! We have the strength to live a life we love, and not let that depend on someone else’s approval. If we fall into the trap of living our lives for someone else, it usually only takes us a few years to wake up and reject that false sense of self-fulfillment.

Here is the call to action: Be true to the deepest desires and dreams in your heart. Don’t look for a “job.” Look for something part time (or full time depending on your student loan debt…) to supplement your income. Then, quantify and qualify your skills and channel them into a purpose you can be passionate about. What would you do for free? Know that you can make money doing that if you can apply real world sensibility, perseverance and hard work to it. We must be adaptable, flexible and willing to learn trades. We also have the strength and spirit to be our own bosses and start our own businesses. These businesses that will tie together your passions and skills turn into a purpose. When a millennial (or anyone) feels that they have a true purpose, there is nothing that they cannot accomplish. Remember, the world is now changing faster each year. Also remember that happiness is one of the meanings of life. We will inherit this world (we already are) and we know what the world will need. Let’s learn true purpose and happiness so that our children can inherit world that believes in those things too.

The ‘one-sixth opportunity’ for Georgia’s traffic Metro Atlanta, as with most major metropolitan areas, suffers from traffic congestion. Sitting in traffic impacts economic competitiveness, air quality, fuel efficiency, family time and safety. Let me share my vision for disrupting this pattern and changing the game. The issue is something I like to refer to as “The One-Sixth Opportunity.” Between the hours of 7 - 9 a.m., the majority of us begin our commute to work and school. Then, between the hours of 4 - 6 p.m. we begin our commutes home. These two blocks of time equal four hours (1/6) of each day where it consistently takes more time to commute. I can argue we don’t have a capacity problem as much as a timing issue. We cannot add unlimited lanes to our roads and we need to be creative. For example, for me to drive from Roswell to the Capitol during rush hour traffic can take an hour or more. However, if I alter my commute; it only takes about 35 minutes. Let’s talk about the solutions and great opportunity for businesses and families.

JOHN ALBERS Senator, R-Roswell

Most companies have their employees work a standard shift of 8-4 or 9-5, Monday through Friday. In Metro Atlanta, that results in millions of people flooding the roads at the same time each day. One solution to easing congestion is alternative work schedules. These include: flextime, telecommuting, compressed work weeks, staggered shifts, etc. If employers would implement just one of these options, we would not only see a reduction in traffic congestion during peak times, but we would also see reduced tardiness, a boost to employee morale and improved productivity. Families would have more valuable time together improving the overall quality of life. During the summer

months, we all enjoy reduced traffic with school out of session. In 1969, almost half of school aged children walked or biked to school. Now, that number is down to 13 percent according to Safe Routes to School National Partnership (SRTSP). The significant decrease in students walking or biking to schools has resulted in 20 to 30 percent increase in traffic. With so many parents driving their kids to school versus taking the bus the problem compounds exponentially. An option is for some schools to delay or begin their start times to not directly impact rush hour and encourage parents to carpool or have their children take the school bus. Hundreds of cars line up for miles to drop off and pick up students in school zones clogging the roads along with the school provided transportation. I am calling on my fellow leaders in government, business and education to collaborate and enact innovative solutions to make a meaningful impact to Metro Atlanta businesses and families.

belongs: a museum Recently, the Confederate battle flag has been in the news and public eye probably more than it has since the end of the Civil War. The Northerner in me has always viewed the flag as something to put on a pickup truck or a baseball cap. But the historian in me marvels that a symbol so old (and for a lost cause, no less!) is still in such use. It is no surprise the flag has become the center of controversy recently. After the massacre in Charleston a few weeks ago, the alleged gunman was openly racist and the flag was flying in many pictures in which he is shown. Calls since then have come in to remove the flag from state capitol buildings, state flags, license plates, memorials and even military bases. There is a movement to seemingly erase this image from modern society. That is a bad idea. Let me qualify that statement. Firstly, the flag is indeed a symbol of racism. Period. Anyone who claims the Civil War was not fought over black slavery doesn’t know their history. Several of the declarations of secession – notably South Carolina (the first to leave) and Georgia – specifically make note of slavery and the election of anti-slavery Lincoln as the primary reasoning to leave the Union. Yes, the war was about states’ rights – the right to own slaves chief among them. Understandably, the African-American community is skeptical of the “purely historical” aspect of the flag. Add to that the current resurgence of the flag began in the 1950s and ‘60s, the same time as the Civil Rights era. Coincidence? Sure, it was about 100 years since the war, but why on earth place the emblem on state flags? Why not fly the “Stars and Bars,” the actual Confederate flag, rather than the battle flag, which has become synonymous with groups such as the KKK and racist hatred? To have such an icon on government buildings, flying proudly in the face of a population that in many states makes up nearly half the residents, is atrocious. That said, the flag should

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Revue & News Editor jonathan@ appenmediagroup.com

Several of the declarations of secession – notably South Carolina (the first to leave) and Georgia – specifically make note of slavery and the election of anti-slavery Lincoln as the primary reasoning to leave the Union. in no way be erased from society. It belongs in a museum, not the capitol grounds. It belongs on monuments, not state flags. Stone Mountain is a perfect example. Calls have been made to remove the four Confederate flags from the monument. Just like with a battlefield, this is a monument (albeit on a grand scale) to the war and locals who fought in it. This is exactly where such a symbol should be flown. By removing all traces of the flag, we risk burying or forgetting about what it stood for. We need to remember why we fought the Civil War and what happened (and continues to happen) after. The flag is the perfect way to do this – keep it as a lesson to learn from, not a symbol of pride.

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Alpharetta shows its “Wild Side” City strives to attain environmental certifications By JIM LICHTENWALTER news@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – In an effort to benefit the environment, the city of Alpharetta has been promoting its “Wild Side” project. In addition to promoting an environmentally conscious lifestyle to citizens, the program will also help the city attain environmental certifications and labels. “‘Wild Side’ is Alpharetta’s program to get certified by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) as a community wildlife habitat,” said Howard Salk, the coordinator of the program. “To achieve certification, you have to accumulate a certain number of points.” According to Salk, these points are earned one of two ways. Property owners may register their property as wildlife habitats provided the property has food, water, shelter and sustainable gardening

practices. All sorts of locations can meet these criteria and be considered wildlife habitats including businesses, homes, parks, schools, libraries and places of worship. A minimum of 200 homes in the community must be designated wildlife habitats before the city will receive its certification. To encourage owners to register their properties, the city is giving three sets of four tickets to the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Points are also accumulated in community activities, such as the Great American Campout on June 27. In total, between registering properties and hosting community events, a city must come up with 300 total points in order to attain their certification. “It takes one or two years to accumulate enough points,” said Salk. “We are one year into it and, point-wise, we are above our halfway mark.” Part of “Wild Side” will also involves the city taking part in the Million Pollination Garden Challenge, which is a national effort to create gardens and encourage the health of pollina-

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miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | July 8, 2015 | 9

The winner of the Alpharetta’s Wild Side habitat registration contest, Debby Culbertson, who won a landscape design consultation from Jim Harrington of Jim Harrington Garden Designs. tors such as bees, butterflies and birds. While pollinators are an extremely integral part of the entire ecosystem, certain species are disappearing globally. The pollination challenge aims to counteract this steady

decline in pollinator population. These challenges and accreditations will not cost the city any extra money as many of the events are within preexisting city programs. “The city is very interested

in promoting awareness of environmental education and connecting people with nature,” said Terry Porter, Alpharetta’s environmental programs coordinator. “Simple changes can make a difference.”

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10 | July 8, 2015 | Milton Herald

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REMEMBERING CHARLESTON:

Pastors: Stand up for love, community

JONATHAN COPSEY/STAFF

Rev. Robert Wood says the city is “united” in love.

JONATHAN COPSEY/STAFF

Rev. Thomas Hammond speaks to the crowd at Alpharetta City Hall.

JONATHAN COPSEY/STAFF

Residents of Alpharetta gather and pray June 28 for the victims of the Charleston shooting.

Local congregations take stand against hate, violence By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The killing of nine people in a Charleston Bible study class June 17 shocked the nation. It also shocked the religious community – sanctuaries are no longer safe from hate. In Alpharetta, several local churches decided to tell the community they were taking a stand of solidarity with each other and those in Charleston. A peace and unity rally was held at midday June 28 in front of the new Alpharetta

City Hall. Nearly 150 people from a half-dozen congregations around downtown Alpharetta joined together to sing, pray and express their faith. “God is able to take anything and bring good out of it,” said the Rev. Thomas Hammond of Alpharetta First Baptist Church. “We are united in our heart and sense of tragedy,” echoed the Rev. Robert Wood of St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church. “This [action] was ugly, but God’s grace is in our hearts. We won’t stand for this. We are

JONATHAN COPSEY/STAFF

“Alpharetta is a place to come together,” says Rev. Michael McQueen. moving ahead in the grace of God.” The nine who were killed in Charleston spent their last moments on Earth in Bible study, in a sacred place. This was not lost on those assembled. “Their last act was Bible study. The sacred spaces of sanctuaries are not safe places,” said the Rev. Ollie Wagner, senior pastor of Alpharetta Presbyterian Church. “God is standing here for people and against violence; love and forgiveness against hatred.”

JONATHAN COPSEY/STAFF

Rev. Ollie Wagner prays for those killed in Charleston.

In echoing the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the Rev. Don Martin, of Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, said, “I have a dream, and nobody with any gun can take away that dream. “I still have that dream,” he said. “It’s alive in Alpharetta, and that dream will one day cover the face of this Earth.” The Rev. Michael McQueen, of St. James United Methodist Church, said the congregations’ strength comes from their numbers and resolve. “We believe we can make

a difference in our world,” McQueen said. “With God’s help, we can do something to strengthen us. God has always used pivotal events to bring the nation to bear witness.” McQueen called for the religious communities of the area to band together and teach their congregations, especially the youth, that, “Jesus is love, and love will conquer sin and hatred.” “We can come together in love,” he said. “Alpharetta is a place people can come together.”

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Clifford Jones named school district area superintendent Will lead Northeast Learning Community By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – After a year spent in central administration for the Fulton School System, former Milton High School principal Clifford Jones has returned to school oversight as the new area superintendent for the Northeast Learning Community (NELC). He replaces Rob Anderson, who was recently promoted to deputy superintendent for academics. In his new position, Jones will be responsible for providing support to schools and administrators within the NELC to improve student performance, oversee the instructional efficiency of the schools and support the leadership teams and the school community. The NELC is comprised primarily of the 22 schools in North Fulton that feed into the Centennial, Chattahoochee, Johns Creek and Northview high school clusters. Jones said he was looking

forward to working directly again with schools and their communities as the area superintendent. “I am humbled and excited to work with the Northeast principals and communities. In my position, I look forward to supporting the schools as they work to achieve their goals outlined in each school’s strategic plan,” said Jones, who spent 14 years at Milton as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. Jones left Milton last May after being named the executive director for accountability for Fulton Schools. His years as assistant principal and principal of a high school, as well as his time spent as the innovation chief for Fulton Schools, will serve him well as the area superintendent, he said. “The schools of the Northeast Learning Community continue to set themselves apart from schools in the state and the nation as trailblazers in regards to innovation and student achieve-

miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | July 8, 2015 | 11

Tim Duncan steps down from Chattahoochee Takes job as school district executive director of accountability

I look forward to continuing and expanding the awareness of the social and emotional needs of our students in our schools and our community.” CLIFFORD JONES Superintendent for the Northeast Learning Community ment,” said Jones. “I look forward to continuing and expanding the awareness of the social and emotional needs of our students in our schools and our community.” Jones will be the third area superintendent for the NELC in just over a year, following the resignation of Will Rumbaugh last year and the promotion of Anderson in May.

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The longtime principal at Chattahoochee High School has been tapped to be Fulton Schools’ new executive director of accountability, overseeing the district-wide use of data and best practices to improve student performance. Tim Duncan, who has led Chattahoochee since 2003, will assume his new role on July 1, replacing former director Clifford Jones, who is now an area superintendent for the Northeast Learning Community. “I’ve been so fortunate to lead Chattahoochee for the past 12 years and be a part of many great successes,” said Duncan. “It is very hard to leave Chattahoochee High School and the culture we have established, but it has never been about me. The staff, students and parents are in place to continue to build upon its rich tradition of excellence.”

Duncan began his career at Chattahoochee High in 1994 after earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Georgia. In 1997, he was promoted to assistant principal, and then to principal in 2003 after earning his education specialist degree. Duncan has earned numerous awards over the past decade, including 2008 Georgia PTSA Principal of the Year, 2015 Northeast Learning Community Principal of the Year and the 2015 Fulton County Overall Principal of the Year. In 2009, he led Chattahoochee through the process to be named a Georgia School of Excellence. Duncan said the chance to assume a leadership role with Fulton’s central administration came at the right time both professionally and personally. “In the past, I hesitated on other opportunities so that I could watch both my kids graduate from ‘The Hooch,’” said Duncan.

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SCHOOLS

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Georgia receives one-year waiver from No Child Left Behind State to continue improvement plans which began in 2012 BY CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – Georgia has received an extension of its waiver from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as it relates to the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law, allowing the state to continue its own plan to improve student achievement. “I am pleased that Georgia was granted continued flexibility from the overly prescriptive and one-size-fits-all system,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods. “States know what works to improve education better than the federal government.” In 2012, Georgia was one of the first states to seek, and receive, a waiver from NCLB by the U.S. Department of Education. The waiver was granted in exchange for the state’s commitment to develop its own accountability plans to improve student performance. NCLB was first implemented in 2002, requiring districts to have all students performing at grade level by 2014, or face harsh penalties. Although the law technically expired in

2007, it remains intact until the U.S. Congress either kills it or reauthorizes it. Only five states still adhere to NCLB; with waivers given to the remaining 45. Recently, education committees for both the U.S. Senate and House approved new versions of NCLB, with more realistic expectations than the current law. This bipartisan support indicates reauthorization may actually happen in the near future. “The [committee’s] consensus is this: Continue [NCLB’s] important measurements of academic progress of students, but restore to states, school districts, classroom teachers and parents the responsibility for deciding what to do about improving student achievement,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), who chairs the Senate Education Committee. For now, Georgia has a waiver to pursue its own performance plans. Those plans include the College and Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI), which considers a broad range of factors that make a school successful. Under NCLB, a school could be

States know what works to improve education better than the federal government.” RICHARD WOODS Georgia School Superintendent deemed failing if only of small group of students did poorly on the state assessment. Critics argued that was a snapshot of school performance on one day, instead of throughout the year, which the CCRPI now calculates. Each year, schools and school districts are given a CCRPI score from 1-100 that evaluates the school on its graduation rates, test scores, school climate and other factors. In contrast, NCLB passed or failed schools on the basis of one annual assessment, which comprised Adequate Yearly Performance (AYP). In requesting the extension,

Woods included a request to amend the section dealing with newly arrived English language learners to allow more time to be deemed proficient. The current waiver mandates such students show proficiency the first time they take the mandated annual assessments, which is often only the second

year the student is in Georgia. “Research has proven that it takes several years to gain the English skills necessary to engage with academic content effectively,” said Woods. “Our amendment request takes a more realistic approach to assess English language learners’ abilities.”

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miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | July 8, 2015 | 13

Fulton Schools named ‘Charter System of the Year’ $10K prize money to support local school initiatives By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – The Fulton County School System is the first recipient of the “Charter System of the Year Award” from the state’s Charter System Foundation, recognizing its leadership in supporting school-level governance and innovation. The award, which includes a $10,000 prize, is given to the Georgia charter system that best demonstrates effective local governance through the empowerment of parents, teachers and community members; leadership in the charter system community; strong community partnerships; and academic progress supported by flexibility and innovation, according to Fulton officials. “This award recognizes Fulton’s culture of local school autonomy and the school board’s vision to involve parents, teachers and community members in developing their schools’ strategic direction,” said Kenneth Zeff, interim superintendent of the district. “We are honored to be recognized and remain committed to

the charter system model.” In July 2012, Fulton County Schools became Georgia’s largest charter system. By transitioning into a charter system, Fulton is now free from most state regulations that apply to traditional public schools. In exchange for the flexibility, systems must put a plan in place to ensure increased academic performance. In Fulton, the Board of Education transferred much of the decision-making authority from central administration to the local schools, giving them more freedom and flexibility to decide what their schools need in order to achieve their individual goals. Flexibility plans vary across the system, now, covering the gamut from more or less seat time in some classes, larger or smaller classes in others or changes in staffing to help meet needs. All plans must be approved by the Fulton Board of Education prior to implementation. Over the past three years, all 100-plus schools in the Fulton School System have elected governance councils,

approved strategic plans for their schools and are working on, or established, flexibility plans to reach their goals. The $10,000 award from the Charter System Foundation will be used to further support school-level strategies developed by school governance councils, said Zeff. Fulton is now one of 31 charter systems in Georgia, but still remains the largest system under charter status.

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to improve education in the community.” The Charter System Foundation is a nonprofit organization formed three years ago by former state Sen. Dan Weber. It serves as the lobbying arm for charter school systems in Georgia, advocating at the legislative level for increased flexibility for charter systems. It also provides training for superintendents, school governance teams and local board members.

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14 | July 8, 2015 | Milton Herald

Mission:

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Continued from Page 1 of something important this week,” he writes. “We can be positive and remember to count our blessings in moments of trial –and it makes everything a lot better. When we remember the things that we have, we can see a lot more blessings flowing into our lives, and it’s my opinion that when we thank God for all the things we have, He blesses us with more.” His mother, Janine, said she is happy with his dedication. “I’m so amazed and happy at the growth and maturity that Tyler has developed serving a mission,” she said. “I honestly don’t think that he would have been able to grow like this from any other experience as an 18-20 year old. He has sacrificed so much in his life by giving two years to this missionary work, but he has received so much more.” While the Mormon Church is known for its missionary service, Wynne says the Milton

Serving in Mar Del Plata, Argentina, missionary Tyler Simpson and his companion helped a family rebuild their roof. Ward is unusual because of the large number of missionaries serving at one time. Many wards in Utah, where Mormonism is largely practiced, do not have as many missionaries as this local congregation has to date. To learn more about the trips and the work done, visit www.mormon.org/values/

missionary-work. The following list details the students, where they live or attended high school and where they will go: • Spencer Mitchell Milton High School Latvia • Doran Erickson West Forsyth High School American Samoa

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Milton Herald | July 8, 2015 | 15 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Heroin: Lethal, cheap and in the suburbs Drug more powerful than in the past By JOE PARKER news@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Heroin has become stronger, cheaper and more available in recent years as the drug is in the midst of an unprecedented resurgence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 669,000 Americans used heroin in 2012 with 18- to 25-year-olds having the highest number of use. Since 2006, heroin-related overdose deaths have risen by 45 percent. In 2014 in Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs, there were 23 overdose deaths directly caused by heroin, heroin laced with the drug fentanyl or heroin combined with other drug use. Of those deaths, males accounted for 74 percent, and nearly two-thirds involved those under the age of 30. According to Georgia Poison Control Center Director Dr. Gaylord Lopez, the resurgence in heroin use can partly be attributed the tougher regulations on opioid prescription drugs and the crackdown on pill mills. “The supply of [prescription opioids] is drying up. The market is such that those pills are becoming too expensive to purchase. The alternative is heroin, which is going to be half the price. And then you’ve got yourself a resurgence,” said Lopez. For many, the use of prescription opioids, such as common pain killers, acts as a gateway to heroin. However, many of these opioids are now classified as schedule II versus schedule III drugs, meaning that the amount that can be prescribed to patients at one time is much lower. Thus, these opioids become harder to obtain and are more expensive. For those who abuse these pre-

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scription drugs, heroin proves to be more available, cheaper and stronger. George Gordon of the Alpharetta Public Safety Department said heroin has been confiscated at much higher levels of purity than in the past. However, heroin that is not particularly pure is now being mixed with fentanyl and fentanyl derivatives such as acetyl fentanyl. Fentanyl is a prescription opioid often given to patients that are not responding well to other pain medications or given to cancer patients for “shooting” pains. Fentanyl is extremely powerful –doses are measured in micrograms. According to the CDC, it is estimated the fentanyl is 80 times more powerful than morphine. According to Lopez, the addition of fentanyl could forever change heroin itself. “When you talk about shooting up garden-variety heroin, those days are probably long gone,” he said. “Often fentanyl is substituted for heroin. It makes the [heroin] that much stronger. In fact, you could probably get away with having low-grade, low-potency heroin and add fentanyl to it and you’ve got yourself a decent opioid. That’s where the problem lies. People don’t know they’re taking fentanyl. They’re not going to know what the product actually contains. When you’re dealing with an opioid that is much stronger and much more potent, people are thinking ‘I’ll take the same dose that I’m used to taking,’ not knowing that it is combined with fentanyl and you have a recipe for disaster.” The combination of fentanyl and heroin has proven to be lethal. “Drug incidents and overdoses related to fentanyl are occurring at an alarming rate throughout the United States and

represent a significant threat to public health and safety,” said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart in a Drug Enforcement Administration statement. “We have lost too many Americans to drug overdoses.” The rise in deaths in the North Fulton area coincides with the number of heroin overdoses nationwide. According to a DEA report, heroin overdose deaths rose 172 percent from 2010 to 2013. The report also states that heroin use has spread to suburban areas and is now attracting users of higher socio-economic classes, younger users and is used by all races. “There is no longer a typical heroin user,” stated the report. For Alpharetta resident Kate Boccia, the statement holds true. Her son Daniel is currently an inmate at Central State Prison in Macon. Boccia explained that at the time of Daniel’s arrest, he was a heroin addict and that he was able to score heroin even in affluent Alpharetta. Daniel, like many heroin users, was introduced to opioids after having his wisdom teeth removed. “I would have never given him those pills if I knew how powerful they were,” Boccia said. Daniel became addicted to prescription opioids such as OxyContin and Roxicodone. When the crackdown on pill mills came, Daniel turned to heroin. “Daniel became someone that is not the person you know,” Boccia said. “He became a lying, cheating creep. And all heroin users are like that.” Daniel was arrested for armed robbery at a party on the campus of Georgia Tech. His sentence carried a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. However, Boccia explained, her son’s arrest has had a positive effect, because Daniel is now clean.

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When you talk about shooting up garden-variety heroin, those days are probably long gone.” DR. GAYLORD LOPEZ Director of the Georgia Poison Control Center

“At least my son is alive. Lock-down isn’t all so bad,” she said. “He’s so happy to be free of [addiction]. We saw him go in as a very sick man. He was suicidal. The first time I visited him, I didn’t recognize him. He had changed in that short amount of time. He talks about how good he feels. He says he’d never go back to it, and I can tell.” She said that she was naïve as to how to handle her son’s addiction. Boccia, along with Remco Brommet, started The Hub Family Resource Center in Johns Creek that provides information and assistance to those in need of resources and information, including drug addiction. “If I had something like the Hub available to me, Daniel wouldn’t be in jail,” said Boccia. Lopez says that curbing heroin use is extremely complex, although there is at least one way in which the amount of overdose deaths can be prevented – naloxone, a drug that can counteract the effects of a heroin overdose. “People like me would love to see naloxone made available over-the-counter. That can at least cut down on the number of overdose deaths,” he said. Naloxone use was made more available in Georgia by the passing of the 911 Medical Amnesty Bill in April 2014. The bill extends legal protection to those who administer naloxone to someone overdosing and also grants limited liability to those who have drugs in their possession if they seek medical atten-

A nationwide heroin problem • The number of reported heroin users doubled between 2007 and 2013. • In 2013, 8,620 Americans died from heroin overdoses. • Overdose deaths rose 172 percent in the United States from 2010 to 2013 and have tripled from 2007. • Seizures of heroin have increased 81 percent from 2010 to 2014. • Heroin purity has tripled since 1981 while the price for pure heroin has decreased nearly 600 percent. • Georgia has seen a spike in overdose deaths related to heroin laced with fentanyl. • DEA heroin arrests surpassed those of marijuana arrests for the first time in 2014. Source: DEA National Heroin Threat Assessment Summary tion for someone overdosing. Some police departments and emergency personnel have begun carrying naloxone to combat overdoses. The police departments of Woodstock, Atlanta and Holly Springs now carry naloxone, however no city in the North Fulton area currently carries the drug.

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(Behind Starbucks & McDonalds)

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Other Services: Tires for: • Brakes • Cars • Alignments • Trucks • Wheel Bearings • Bobcats • CV Axles • Trailers • Alternators • Mowers • Batteries 770-751-9811 502 N. Main St., Alpharetta | www.campbelltirecompany.com

Screened and vetted local services From

Every time you use 770Tree.com to request an estimate, Appen-Rated makes a donation to North Fulton Community Charities or The Drake House. Do good & get great tree work too!

16 | July 8, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com