Residents set for increase to water service rates
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Sustainability Committee event highlights solar panel experts
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody Sustainability Committee hosted a “Green Speak” presentation about rooftop solar panels Aug. 20 at the Dunwoody Nature Center’s Northwoods Pavillion.
Some two dozen residents and industry experts gathered for a one-hour seminar as a part of the citizen-led committee’s push
to bring the conversation about sustainability-related regulations, plans and initiatives.
The Sustainability Committee meets on the second Thursday of each month at 8 a.m., and the “Green Speak” series gives residents a chance to catch up with the latest on investments in renewable energy, energy conservation and recycling.
Anne Hicks, a member of the Sustainability Committee and
the Environmental Stewardship Committee at Dunwoody United Methodist Church, said her congregation just installed the largest solar system in the area, a 152-kilowatt array.
“Dunwoody Methodist is very, very busy with sustainable projects. We just secured a commercial composting contract [and] expanded recycling,” she said.
See SOLAR, Page 10
Dunwoody
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — After a three-day qualifying period for the Nov. 4 general election and three seats on the Dunwoody City Council, only one incumbent is running unopposed.
Qualifying for the municipal election wrapped at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 20.
Each of the districts, dividing the city into thirds
from east to west, have a local and an at-large seat. Dunwoody elections are staggered on a four-year cycle, with half the City Council seats coming up for a vote this year.
The three seats up Nov. 4 are for posts 1-3, which are voted upon by residents of the district the candidate will be representing.
All three incumbents qualified for reelection.
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Anne Hicks, a member of the Sustainability Committee and the Environmental Stewardship Committee at Dunwoody United Methodist Church, opens the Aug. 20 Green Speak presentation on rooftop solar panels at the Dunwoody Nature Center’s North Woods Pavilion.
GRAPHIC BY CARL APPEN/APPEN MEDIA
Five candidates qualified for the District 1 seats on Dunwoody City Council. Clockwise from top left; Incumbent
Catherine Lautenbacher is unopposed for Post 1; David Ziskind will challenge Rob Price in Post 2; Wendi Taylor is vying to take the Post 3 spot from Tom Lambert.
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Officers fire shots, wound suspect in mall burglary
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Three Dunwoody police officers are on standard administrative leave following an officer-involved shooting Aug. 21 along Perimeter Center East that left at least one suspect wounded.
The Dunwoody Police Department announced that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was notified and responded to the scene to investigate the shooting that left at least one suspect wounded.
Dunwoody Police Sgt. Michael Cheek said placing involved officers on administrative leave and conducting both external and internal investigations are standard procedures.
“He is alert, conscious and in stable condition,” Cheek wrote in the Dunwoody Police Department’s statement. “The other two suspects involved have not been located.”
Cheek spoke with Appen Media Aug. 21 a few hours after officers responded to a burglary in progress at 3 a.m. within Request Boutique at Perimeter Mall.
“Our officers happened to be listening to live 911, heard the call come out and started that way. Some individuals broke into the
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.
Trucker arrested on I-285 for outstanding warrant
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police arrested a 49-year-old Woodstock man Aug. 17 after discovering an outstanding warrant after a pursuit began along I-285 eastbound near Ashford Dunwoody Road.
AAPPEN PRESSCLU B
An officer said he saw a white semitruck around 10 a.m. pulling a trailer in the far-left lane, activated his emergency lights and stopped the vehicle for the traffic offense.
When speaking with the driver near Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, the officer said the man told him he was in the fast lane because of construction along the Perimeter.
The officer said personnel had been patrolling the interstate since 6 a.m. that morning and he believed the statement to be false.
When checking the man’s driver’s
mall, took a sledgehammer and smashed out some glass on one of the doors,” Cheek said. “I don't know the dollar amount or the quantity yet, but they stole some high-end luxury handbags out of the store.”
As the three suspects exited the mall, they found an unoccupied mall security vehicle, stole it and began to leave the mall.
“The suspects who were leaving saw that and realized that car was closer in proximity to them than the vehicle they came in,” Cheek said. “Well, about the time that they’re leaving, they encountered our officers entering the mall … and they fled the scene, and a very short vehicle pursuit ensued.
The chase began on Perimeter Center West, crossed Ashford Dunwoody Road and ended when the stolen security vehicle pulled into 66 Perimeter Center East.
“When [officers] confronted the vehicle, [it] intentionally drove toward our officers and that's when our officers who were there fired shots,” Cheek said. “The vehicle then continued past them … to about 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road … in that shopping center, and the vehicle crashed.”
When the vehicle crashed at the Park Place shopping center, officers
license, the officer said he found an active warrant for aggravated assault with a vehicle out of the Union City Police Department in south Fulton County.
After an “extensive wait period,” the officer said the man’s warrant was confirmed and he was transported to DeKalb County Jail.
According to jail records, he was released Aug. 19.
— Hayden Sumlin
Police officers capture pair suspected of stealing items
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police charged an Atlanta man and a teenager with shoplifting and disorderly conduct Aug. 14 after they allegedly took merchandise from the Best Buy off Hammond Drive.
An officer said he was parked at the Dunwoody MARTA station when he heard a call about two shoplifting suspects headed his way. The officer said the suspects were tracked via the department’s drone and failed to comply with officers’ commands to stop.
During a foot pursuit, the report
said one of the three suspects who was driving the stolen vehicle fled on foot.
“Somewhere between the shots being fired and the crash, the other two occupants got out and fled as well,” Cheek said. “A perimeter was set up and a search for the suspects was initiated.”
A helicopter from the Dekalb County Police Department, local K-9 units, the city’s new drone and officers on the ground searched for all three suspects, finding only one after more than 90 minutes.
Around 8:30 a.m., officers spotted a male subject at 70 Perimeter Center East coming out of the wood line and bleeding.
The department’s statement says officers responded and detained the male who had single gunshot wound to his lower abdominal region.
Dunwoody Police, Dekalb Fire and American Medical Response provided treatment and transported the man to the Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center for treatment.
“This is an active investigation with no other details to be released at this time,” the city’s statement says. “All media requests directly related to the officer-involved shooting should be directed to the GBI’s Public Affairs Office.”
says one suspect was detained in the parking deck after initially resisting commands and the other was apprehended along Perimeter Center parkway after fleeing.
The reporting party, a front door greeter at Best Buy, said the suspects concealed a $140 Turtle Beach gaming controller and a $300 video surveillance camera and exited the store without paying.
The officer said security footage of the incident confirmed the employee’s description of events.
Both items were found in the suspects’ possession and returned to the store.
Officers charged the 20-yearold Atlanta man with misdemeanor shoplifting and disorderly conduct before transporting him to DeKalb County Jail. According to records, the man was released Aug. 16.
Officers charged the 16-year-old Atlanta youth with misdemeanor shoplifting and disorderly conduct. Instead of taking the teen to jail, officers said they contacted his mother to pick him up and submitted a juvenile complaint to court.
— Hayden Sumlin
‘Officer Rose, we will take it from here’
Family, colleagues honor fallen hero
By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — David Rose, a DeKalb County Police Officer, was a loving husband and father, and a dedicated public servant. Rose was fearless, but a quiet leader. He was a family man, above everything else.
Rose, 33, died in the line of duty Aug. 8 while responding to a shooting at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Clifton Road in Atlanta. He was married with two children and a third on the way.
The DeKalb County community and notable dignitaries gathered Aug. 22 at First Baptist Church Atlanta for a public memorial service honoring Rose.
“There are ones who run toward danger while others run away, and their service is the very foundation of our safety and the peace that we all take for granted,” DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said. “Officer Rose was a husband. He was a father. He was a son. He was a brother, and he was a protector of people. His life reminds us that true greatness is not found in what we receive, but what we give, and he gave his all.”
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the shooter as Patrick Joseph White, 30, of Kennesaw. White fired 500 shots and hit the CDC buildings with about 200 bullets during the incident.
Rose was the first officer to respond to the scene. White was outside the CVS on Clifton Road, firing rounds at the CDC. When Rose arrived, he pulled up to the intersection of Clifton Road and the CDC entrance, right in front of the CVS.
White fired at Rose and retreated inside the store. Other responding officers found White dead inside the CVS from a self-inflicted gunshot.
White broke into his father’s gun safe and had expressed “discontent” about the COVID-19 vaccine in writings, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Decaturish media partner Atlanta News First viewed some of the material. White wrote that the COVID-19 vaccines were “always meant to indiscriminately murder as many people as possible.”
The shooting and Rose’s death, occurring amid anti-vaccine rhetoric, prompted CDC employees to speak out. CDC employees and their union have called for greater security measures at the CDC facilities, including bulletproof glass.
Amid the anger, the community has paid respects to Rose at memorials placed at the CDC and DeKalb County Police headquarters. A GoFundMe campaign created to support Rose’s family raised more than $567,000.
‘The world is your home’
Before joining the department, Rose served four years in the Marine Corps and was deployed to Afghanistan.
Rose was fearless and a protector, always putting others before himself. He was also a do-gooder, his mother DeVeane Atkinson-Burnett said.
She taught Rose to give 100 percent effort to everything. Rose was always trying to do the right thing. AtkinsonBurnett told her son that the world is his home before he was deployed.
“Wherever you are on this earth, I'm there with you, so don't ever feel like you're leaving home to go protect someone else’s home. The world is your home,” she said.
Rose told his mother that he took her advice.
Born in Boston, Rose moved to Georgia when he was 10 years old. He grew up in the Suwanee area and moved to DeKalb County as an adult.
“David believed in our community,” DeKalb County Police Chief Greg Padrick said during the memorial service. “He served you with dedication…He gave his very best to it, and seeing your love and support assures us that his sacrifice was not in vain.”
Some of the officers, as well as Rose’s mother, said they never saw him upset, and he always had a smile on his face.
At 6-years-old, Rose was in the Boston newspaper because he got stuck head-first in a jungle gym. Boston
'Part of something greater’ Rose joined the DeKalb County Police Department in September 2024 and graduated from the police academy in March. He served at the North Central Precinct in Tucker.
“We wanted to serve,” Rose said during his graduation speech. “We want it to be part of something greater than ourselves. We wanted to wear the badge, not for the sake of a title, but for the responsibility that comes with it. … From the very first day, we learned this job isn’t just about enforcing the law, it’s about protecting the vulnerable, standing for justice, and being the person who runs towards danger when others run away.”
Sgt. Trey Jones, who was the lead instructor of Rose’s police academy class, said Rose stood out early and quickly became the class leader.
emergency responders had to cut him out of the playground equipment.
“When I got there, they were putting an airbag around him to take his head out of it, and then one of the firefighters said, ‘Little boy, it’s not your time,” Atkinson-Burnett said. “You’ve got a long way to go.”
Atkinson-Burnett shared another story from when Rose was a teenager.
“I remember there was a light bulb I had to put up, and it was probably like 8 feet [high]. He was 6-foot-2, or 6-foot-3, but he was a teenager at the time,” Atkinson-Burnett said. “I said, ‘Oh, David, go on the ladder and just put that light bulb up,’ and he goes, ‘I'm afraid of heights.’”
But when Rose joined the Marines, Atkinson-Burnett saw photos of him and some of the things he was doing.
“I said ‘Isn’t that 20 feet, and there’s nothing holding you but a rope?’ He’s like, ‘I’m not afraid of heights anymore,’” she said.
Atkinson-Burnett also recalled a time in school when Rose stood up for a disabled student getting on the bus when other students were picking on him.
“He got up in the bus and was yelling at them, ‘Stop, don’t be yelling at him,’” Atkinson-Burnett said.
The bus driver told her at the time that she had never seen a child get so angry, almost to the point of tears, due to how someone was being treated.
“She was like, ‘That is good,’” Atkinson-Burnett said.
The memories will endure, but so will Rose’s absence.
“I just want my son back,” his mother said.
“Being a class leader is no small feat,” Jones said. “It means being held to the highest standards constantly. You're asked to carry yourself with confidence, often before you even fully grasp the responsibility of the badge you're training to wear. There's no margin for error. And yet, David Rose answered that call, although I admit I had to persuade him a little bit.”
Instructors typically choose their class leaders after about four weeks into the police academy session, but Jones knew right away who the class leader would be.
“It takes time to observe to see who naturally rises to the top under pressure, but with Rose, there wasn't a question,” Jones said. “He carried himself with a calm presence, a quiet confidence and a clear sense of purpose that made it undeniable he was going to lead, not just in title, but in every action every single day, and he did just that.”
Rose was also a man with a mission. He was a private man in many ways, but he talked about three things often –food, his motorcycle and his family.
“He was proud to be a family man,” Jones said.
Rose’s family was his purpose.
“That’s the lasting image I will always carry with me of Officer Rose – a man devoted to his values, grounded in family and giving his full heart to everything he did, whether in uniform, on the court or at home,” Jones said. “The world lost a truly remarkable man when we lost Officer David Rose.”
Also during the ceremony, as Chief Padrick concluded his remarks, he paused, tears filling his eyes.
“Rest easy, brother,” he said. “We will take it from here.”
Editor Dan Whisenhunt contributed to this article.
DEAN HESSE/APPEN MEDIA
A member of the DeKalb County Honor Guard presents a folded flag to fallen Officer David Rose’s daughter during a memorial ceremony Aug. 22 at First Baptist Church Atlanta.
DeKalb County water customers will soon see increased bills
By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County residents will start to see an increased water and sewer bill in September. The county’s 10 percent rate hike went into effect Aug. 15.
The water and sewer rate increase was set to start July 1, but was postponed as a contract with a customer advocate partner was being finalized.
DeKalb County is working with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta to implement discount and amnesty programs, as well as handle water billing disputes.
County officials have previously said that water and sewer rate increases
are needed in order to help fund a $4 billion capital improvement plan. These investments will reduce water main breaks, prevent service disruptions, and ensure the delivery of safe, clean water for decades to come, a news release from the county says.
The county commission recently approved the issuance of a $450 million bond to pay for infrastructure improvements.
Ratepayers will see a 10 percent increase starting Aug. 15, then again Jan. 1, 2026, and annually through 2034. In the span of about five months, water customers will see a 20 percent hike on their water and sewer bills.
Currently, residents pay about $70 per month for water bills. With a 10%
rate increase, that monthly bill would increase to $76 in 2025, $84 in 2026, and upward of $112 by 2029 and $180 by 2034.
Discount and amnesty programs
DeKalb County and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta have launched the Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP) to help eligible low-income households manage their water and sewer bills, according to a news release.
“We understand that any increase can be difficult for some households,”
CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said in a news release. “This program will help keep water service affordable for our most vulnerable residents while we continue to make the necessary investments to protect public health and support our county’s growth.”
WRAP caps eligible households’ water and sewer bills at 4.5 percent of their annual income. If a household’s current bill is already below that level, they will not be eligible for the program.
Here are the eligibility requirements:
• Must be a DeKalb County water and sewer account holder
• Household income at or below 60 percent of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) 2025 Adjusted Home Income Limits for the Atlanta-Sandy SpringsRoswell metro area (see table at DeKalbWaterAssist.org)
• Must provide verifiable documentation such as a tax return, W-2, or Form 1099
The Urban League of Greater Atlanta will administer the program, process applications, and determine eligibility.
Some DeKalb County residents could see debt forgiveness of past due water bills under a new amnesty program.
The DeKalb County Commission, at its Aug. 12 meeting, approved a resolution requesting that a meanstested water bill amnesty program be implemented. The resolution also calls for a targeted review of uncollectible debt in blighted condominium communities.
The resolution passed 6-0, with Deputy Presiding Officer Nicole Massiah not casting a vote after she suggested a two-week deferral to be able to analyze a water billing presentation from the Finance, Audit and Budget Committee that was on Aug. 11.
“Commissioners, I would submit that this resolution is in essence an urging resolution, so we are asking the administration and the law department to work on these things. I think we can still pass it today and the work will continue,” Commissioner Ted Terry said during the Aug. 12 county commission meeting.
The amnesty resolution encourages the Finance Department and the water and sewer advocate to work together to develop and implement a water bill amnesty program for income-qualified residents. It would begin no later than Sept. 2.
See BILLS, Page 11
The Parkinson’s Foundation Georgia Chapter will host Moving Day Atlanta, a community walk and celebration, on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody, GA. Moving Day is a signature fundraising event that unites people living with Parkinson’s disease, their care partners, families, friends, and supporters. The event will feature a walk, movement-based activities, resource booths, and family-friendly entertainment.
Event Details:
• Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
• Location: Brook Run Park, Dunwoody, GA
• Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (set-up to begin earlier)
• Anticipated Attendance: 500–700 participants
• Purpose: Raise awareness and funds to support Parkinson’s research, care, and education
This community gathering will include music, speeches, and activities designed to highlight the importance of movement for those living with Parkinson’s. Volunteers and staff will be on-site to assist with parking, accessibility needs, and general event coordination.
For more information, please visit MovingDayAtlanta.org or contact:
Anna Kimberly, Development Manager
Parkinson’s Foundation Georgia Chapter
akimberly@parkinson.org | 678-515-5143
The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
YE, GODS!
1. Norse thunder god. Pismire. Union demand.
2. Lampblack. Poker hand. Egyptian solar god with the head of a falcon.
3. Pillow covering. Cluttered.
Roman god of passages.
4. Greek god of darkness. Moppet. Decree.
5. Ten-armed mollusk. Supreme god of Ancient Greece. Spanish port city.
6. Half-moon tide. Cougar. Roman god of fire.
7. Have a drink. Norse god of discord. Bad to the bone.
1 Norse thunder god. Pismire. Union demand
2. Lampblack. Poker hand. Egytpian solar god with the head of a falcon.
How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
3. Pillow covering. Cluttered. Roman god of passages
4. Greek god of darkness. Moppet. Decree.
5. Ten-armed mollusk. Supreme god of ancient Greece. Spanish port city
6. Half-moon tide. Cougar. Roman god of fire
7. Have a drink. Norse god of discord. Bad to the bone.
PUBLIC NOTICE
DREAM Dachshund Rescue HOWL-O-WEENIE September 27, 11am-3pm at Brook Run Park Save the date for our 20th Annual Howl-O-Weenie celebration—DREAM Dachshund Rescue’s biggest fundraiser of the year! Join us for a day full of fun with costume contests, local vendors, food trucks, beverages, and plenty of dachshund excitement. It’s a can’t-miss event in support of our mission to rescue and rehome deserving doxies. It’s a tail-wagging good time you won’t want to miss! dreamrescue.org
Community Assistance Center to host annual thrift store sale
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Community Assistance Center calls all bargain hunters, thrifters and ecoconscious consumers to score major deals Sept. 2-6 at Canopy Thrift’s biggest sale of the year.
The local nonprofit says shopping at Canopy Thrift is creating real impact in communities of Central Perimeter and north Metro Atlanta. The store features weekly new inventory of designer and name-brand clothing and accessories for all ages, plus furniture, tableware, gifts and toys.
Every purchase and donation supports CAC’s mission to prevent hunger and homelessness in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody. Proceeds fund vital services including emergency financial assistance, mini-market food pantries, children's programs, adult education and career assistance services.
The semiannual sale runs Sept. 2-6, and the one-day Fall Reveal is Sept. 9.
This September, shoppers can stretch their dollars even further and support local families. All proceeds benefit the Community Assistance Center (CAC).
Now in their 20th year, Canopy Thrift’s Semi-Annual Sale and Fall Reveal offer shoppers end-of-summer prices and early access to the thrift boutique’s fall collections for men, women, teens and children. Canopy Thrift features a wide selection of popular brands including Dylan, NICK+ZOE, Maeve, Lululemon and Peter Millar.
Named the 2025 Best in Perimeter thrift store, Canopy Thrift is operated by CAC. Staffed by volunteers, all store
Sale Schedule
• Address: Canopy Thrift, 8607 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs
• Store Hours:
- Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 2 and Wednesday, Sept. 3:50 percent off all summer clothing, shoes, purses and scarves
- Thursday, Sept. 4 – Saturday, Sept. 6: Everything summer is $1 each! Clothing, shoes, purses and scarves.
- Monday, Sept. 8: Store closed for Fall Reset.
- Tuesday, Sept. 9: Discover the best of the best in fall and winter wear at Canopy Thrift’s Fall Reveal with fresh inventory, name brands and one-of-a-kind finds.
revenue directly funds CAC's programs in basic needs assistance, education and career development.
Thrift store manager Debbie Olson said the semiannual sale and Fall Reveal have become a highly anticipated shopping experience in Metro Atlanta.
“We’re excited to welcome hundreds of customers from across the metro area who not only find incredible deals but also support our neighbors in need,” Olson said. “Every purchase has purpose at Canopy Thrift.”
In 2024 alone, Canopy Thrift distributed more than $190,000 worth of free clothing and essentials to more than 1,900 local families, all thanks to community donations and dedicated volunteers.
To learn more, visit ourcac.org/ canopythrift.
— Hayden Sumlin
PROVIDED
The Community Assistance Center is hosting their biggest sale of the year at Canopy Thrift in Sandy Springs.
1800s singing school tradition
VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist
According to the Library of Congress, “the singing school was a common fixture in many American communities during the nineteenth century.” The invention of shapenote or Sacred Harp singing helped the singing school movement further in the mid-1800s.
Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church, now closed, is in Sandy Springs and on the edge of Dunwoody. The church followed the tradition of Sacred Harp singing. Primitive Baptist churches do not use accompanying musical instruments. The voice is the instrument.
Singing instructors traveled to various locations to conduct schools and teach musical sight reading. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, singing schools were often held at a local church or school. Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church sometimes hosted these events, as well as Sacred Harp Singing Festivals.
The photo that accompanies this article was among the archives of the Anderson family. They were shared with me by Ken Anderson in 2009. He did not know the identity of the building where Webb’s singing school was held, but the assumption is it was a Dunwoody School. It could have been Dunwoody, Tilly, Chestnut or Ebenezer School. Chestnut and Ebenezer were in Milton County, just over the line from DeKalb. Ebenezer School was on church property.
The location could also be Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church. The two front doors in the photo are typical of
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churches in the late 1800s. Men and women entered the church separately.
Professor J. L. Webb of Alpharetta conducted the 1892 Dunwoody singing school. He had been leading singing schools since at least 1881. On October 26, 1881, the Weekly Gwinnett Herald announced an upcoming singing event. “I have been requested by Mr. J. L. Webb, professor of vocal music, and who has taught several classes in the county recently, to say that arrangements have been made to organize a Vocal Musical convention for this county (Gwinnett).”
The event was held at Chestnut Grove Church near Lawrenceville. “All singing schools, societies or classes are requested to send four delegates. All teachers of leaders in vocal music are invited to be present. In fact, everybody that feels interested are cordially invited to come.”
Webb offered his singing school program in 1885 at the Mt. Zion Church in Canton, Georgia. “Professor J. L. Webb of Alpharetta conducted an excellent singing at Mt. Zion Church Sunday.” (The Cherokee Advance, Canton, GA, May 22, 1885)
A shape-note songbook, “The Sacred Harp,” was published in 1844 by B. F. White and E.J. King of Georgia. A Georgia historical marker dedicated to Sacred Harp singing is located on the property of Holly Springs Church in Bremen, Georgia. The marker recognizes White and King for compiling a songbook that would continue the Sacred Harp singing tradition.
Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.
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ANDERSON FAMILY/PROVIDED
On August 11, 1892, children and adults gather for singing school in Dunwoody, led by instructor J. L. Webb.
Importance of skin checks for mature skin
Brought to you by - Dr. Kehinde Olumesi of Epiphany Dermatology - Brookhaven
As skin matures, it undergoes various changes that necessitate regular skin checks to ensure overall skin health. Differentiating between age spots, healthy moles and potential skin cancers is crucial. Age spots, often appearing as flat, brown, or black spots on sun-exposed areas, are generally harmless but can be mistaken for more serious conditions. Early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Therefore, routine skin examinations are essential for mature skin to maintain health and catch any issues early.
Addressing skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures
Dermatologists can assist with a variety of
skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures for mature skin. Common issues such as dryness, age-related pigmentation and conditions like rosacea, psoriasis and eczema, which can persist or develop with age, are also addressed with specialized care plans.
In addition to treating conditions, dermatologists offer rejuvenating procedures to enhance the appearance and health of mature skin. Treatments such as chemical peels, laser rejuvenation and injectable treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and promote collagen production. These procedures not only rejuvenate the skin but also boost confidence and overall wellbeing. Establishing a relationship with a dermatologist ensures that your skin receives comprehensive care tailored to its evolving needs, promoting long-term skin health and vitality.
Dunwoody revives trolley tour of city and local government
DUNWOODY, Ga. — After a sold-out debut in May, “Dunwoody 101: All Aboard” is rolling back into town on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
The immersive, one-day program takes residents on a guided, behind-thescenes journey through Dunwoody’s city government, complete with a trolley ride to see projects in action.
The program is open to Dunwoody residents 18 and older.
City Manager Eric Linton said staff heard great feedback when they debuted the program in May.
“So, we wanted to offer it again,” Linton said. “We’ve developed a schedule that lets participants experience the energy of City Hall while also getting out to tour exciting projects and initiatives.”
The city says residents who
participated in the inaugural class of Dunwoody 101 left with a deeper understanding of, and confidence in, local government.
“I saw the city in a new light,”
Jeannie Posner said. “I enjoyed seeing what the future goals are for Dunwoody — from parks to new commercial redevelopment to forward-thinking ways of keeping Dunwoody thriving in the future.”
Another resident, John Hallen, who participated in the inaugural ride, said he was very impressed with the professional staff and the length of service.
“It says a lot that turnover is low,” Hallen said.
CITY OF DUNWOODY/PROVIDED
Dunwoody Economic Development Director Michael Starling can’t hold back his excitement for the inaugural “Dunwoody 101: All Aboard” trolley ride through the city in May.
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Solar:
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“You may have guessed that my faith calls me to work on creation care projects just like these. Whether you’re a Christian, Jewish, Muslim … any particular faiths’ scripture and beliefs call to protect God’s creation and care for the environment and all of its creatures.”
Hicks, a retired attorney for electric utility companies and environmental organizations, said Dunwoody Methodist used the Georgia BRIGHT pilot program to acquire the solar panel system without upfront capital by using federal tax credits, grants and bulk purchasing.
The church is the third in Georgia to enter into a solar energy procurement agreement with the pilot program.
The new solar array, installed by Sunpath Solar, is expected to generate 22 percent of the church’s annual energy needs, saving the congregation an estimated $14,300 each year on electricity costs.
Over the system’s lifetime, it will prevent the release of more than 3,179 tons of carbon dioxide, which is the equivalent of taking 700 cars off the road or driving 7.2 million fewer miles.
“Just in our first 30 days, we actually had about $2,000 in net savings,” Hicks said, stressing how property owners can save on energy costs. “And that was after paying Georgia BRIGHT that has our contract. So, we lease the system on our roof, and we buy back the power at a much cheaper rate than what we would otherwise pay Georgia Power.”
The Georgia BRIGHT team said
it received notice from President Donald Trump’s administration that the federal Solar for All program was terminated Aug. 6.
“As we work to understand this outcome and pursue legal avenues to reinstate the program, we have paused Georgia BRIGHT’s Solar for All programming until further notice,” the statement says. “Should the program be restored, we look forward to continuing our first Solar for All product, a No-Cost Solar Plan for lowincome Georgians, and launching our three remaining programs that will directly benefit Georgia families and small businesses.”
While most federal funding designed to make solar energy affordable to all Americans is off the table, some avenues remain available to homeowners and organizations.
The residential clean energy credit, the most significant incentive available for prospective owners of rooftop solar, is available if someone has a system installed before the end of the year.
Georgia Power, where most Metro Atlantans purchase electricity, also has some programs allowing commercial or industrial customers to sell back electricity produced by solar panels.
Tina Wilkinson, one of the panelists and a longtime Dunwoody resident with rooftop solar, said she and her husband purchased 25 solar panels, or modules, through Solarize Decatur/DeKalb in 2017. She said the system was around $19,000 but the tax credit brought it down around $13,500.
“On day one, it was 10 years to break even,” Wilkinson said. “In 2024, our total savings were 1,800 bucks. As electricity gets more expensive, we save more and more and more.”
SUNPATH SOLAR/PROVIDED
Drone footage of Dunwoody United Methodist Church shows its 152-kilowatt solar energy system, which completed installation in early June. The congregation took advantage of the Georgia BRIGHT program, which expires at the end of 2025.
Bills:
Continued from Page 4
According to the resolution, the program must include:
• A tiered debt forgiveness structure that offers partial or full relief of past due balances in exchange for consistent, on-time payment over a defined period;
• Eligibility based on the same income thresholds as the forthcoming customer discount program;
• Clear communication and outreach to ensure all potentially eligible households are aware of the program and understand the terms, benefits, and requirements of the Amnesty Program.
David Wheaton, policy counsel at the Legal Defense Fund, said the program could look like a qualified homeowner paying their water bill for a set period, like one or two years, and after that, have their debt forgiven. The details on how much a resident would pay and the timeframe are still to be determined.
The Legal Defense Fund has been working with DeKalb Water Watch, a local advocacy group, to address water and sewer billing challenges. Water Watch applauded the county commission for passing the amnesty resolution, and thanked CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson for moving forward with the Urban League
Tour:
Continued from Page 9
Applications are open now through Friday, Sept. 5. Seats are limited to 25 participants due to trolley capacity. Residents who were on the waiting list for the first class will be given priority. If applications exceed available spots, participants will be chosen at random and notified by Monday, Sept. 8.
Program Schedule – Tuesday, Sept. 30
• 9 a.m. – Budgeting & Governance
• 10 a.m. – Trolley ride to Two Bridges Park
NOTICE OF INCORPORATION
Notice is given that articles of incorporation which incorporate Roy Kushner Architecture have been delivered to the Secretary of State for filing in accordance with the Georgia Business Corporation Code. The initial registered office of the corporation is located at 8735 Dunwoody Place Ste N, Atlanta, GA 30350 and its initial registered agent at such address is Northwest Registered Agent, LLC
of Greater Atlanta.
“We hope these remaining administrators will respect CEO Cochran Johnson's commitment to adhere to February's resolution, by immediately setting parameters for the shutoff protections within it, and likewise respect her vision for the future, through practical interim protocols rather than regressive threats of disconnection,” Community Advocate Katherine Maddox said.
Lack of repairs
Some of the unpaid bills are tied to multifamily properties, such as apartments and condominiums. Apartments owe about $12 million, and condomini-
• 10 a.m.
– Site visits to Campus 244 & High Street
• 12 p.m. – Lunch
• 1 p.m. – Trolley ride to Dunwoody Nature Center & Wildcat Park
• 2 p.m. – Real-Time Crime Center & CSI
• 3 p.m. – Code Enforcement & Communications
• 4 p.m. – Wrap-up
Graduates will be recognized during the Oct. 27 Dunwoody City Council meeting.
To apply, visit dunwoodyga.gov/ dunwoody101 and secure your spot aboard the trolley for an insider’s look at City Hall.
— Hayden Sumlin
DEATH NOTICES
George Dear, 78, of Roswell, passed away on August 9, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Mark Herak, 78, passed away on August 7, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
ums owe $25.5 million, county records show.
The water bill amnesty resolution calls explicitly out Whitehall Forest and Brannon Hill. Each apartment complex owes $3 million in unpaid water bills, according to the county.
Terry said there are active water leaks at both complexes that have not been addressed.
“We’re losing thousands of dollars a day because there’s no system in place to fix these issues at these condo complexes that have basically death spiraled in some cases,” Terry said.
The county commission and CEO Cochran-Johnson held a work session
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Aug. 13 to discuss legislative priorities. One topic that came up was addressing landlords who do not repair leaks.
“It was really interesting to me when we were talking to the experts who deal with these water utility bills and who talk to customers every day,” Commissioner Chakira Johnson said. “It just seems like there's one gap that we still need to fix.”
She said that typically, tenants will hold the utility contract and pay the water and sewer bill. If there is a leak that a property owner refuses to repair, the tenant is responsible for the bill.
“What I would like to see is a change in the state statute that would allow DeKalb County to be able to place a lien on the property in an effort to make sure those property owners are actually doing repairs and not placing it on the tenants to just deal with these high water bills or try and deal with the repair themselves,” Johnson said.
A draft of the act would direct DeKalb water customers who see an increase of 150 percent in their water and sewer bills to talk with the customer advocate to determine what the issue is. If there is a leak, the county could adjust those bills and place a lien on the property.
“We can work through this and see if a lien is the correct avenue, but there has to be something that the county can do to force the property owners to fix the repairs so that we're not coming down just on the tenant,” she said.
The City of Dunwoody Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council of Chambers of Dunwoody City Hall, located at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338, for the purpose of due process of the following:
ZBA 25-15, 5069 Hidden Branches Drive, Dunwoody, GA, 30338: Two variances: one from Sec. 16-78 to allow retaining walls to encroach into the 75foot stream buffer and one from Sec. 27-269 to allow retaining walls to encroach into the rear setback and to allow retaining wall height of 5 feet.
Should you have any questions or comments, or would like to view the application and supporting materials, please contact the City of Dunwoody Community Development Department at 678-382-6800. Members of the public are encouraged to call or schedule a meeting with the staff in advance of the Public Hearing if they have questions or are unfamiliar with the process. The staff is available to answer questions, discuss the decision-making process, and receive comments and concerns.
Ida Muller, 82, of Roswell, passed away on August 5, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Gloria Shenk, 73, of Alpharetta, passed away on August 6, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
George Walters, 94, of Milton, passed away on August 9, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Andrew YaSenka, 83, of Roswell, passed away on August 10, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
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No one qualified to run for the Post 1 seat other than City Councilwoman Catherine Lautenbacher.
Police Foundation and sound fiscal management.
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Lautenbacher, first elected to the City Council in November 2021, holds the the local seat in District 1.
The competition for the Post 2 seat is between incumbent City Councilman Rob Price and challenger David “DZ” Ziskind.
Price was first elected as the City Council’s local District 2 representative in 2021. Before that, he served for four years on the city’s Planning Commission. He currently serves as the director of development for a locally headquartered international nonprofit, Alliance for International Reforestation.
Price said he plans to continue his service to residents with a focus on three core areas — constituent outreach, quality of life and economic development — to make Dunwoody better, safer and more livable.
Ziskind has a master’s in engineering management from the University of Louisville. He started his own project advisory firm, helping owners plan and execute industrial manufacturing projects. He promotes his support of the Dunwoody
In June, Ziskind said he is focused on sustainable priorities for parks, public safety and public works. He said his run for local government is inspired by a push for trust, responsibility and transparency.
City Councilman Tom Lambert, first elected to east Dunwoody’s Post 3 local seat in 2021, is facing off against Wendi Taylor, a resident of the Four Oaks neighborhood off Peeler Road.
In 2024, council members unanimously selected Lambert as mayor pro tempore, and he was elected president of District Three East on the Georgia Municipal Association’s Board of Directors.
Wendi Taylor is the wife of former Dunwoody City Councilman and state Rep. Tom Taylor, one of the driving forces leading up to the city’s incorporation in 2008.
Appen Media was unable to reach Wendi Taylor for comment Aug. 20 after she qualified to run for the Post 3 seat.
Check your voter registration status and find more information at vote.gov.
Appen Media and the Crier will be working to educate voters about their candidates. Send questions and what is on your mind as you head to the ballot box to newsroom@ appenmedia.com.
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