Dunwoody residents honor Charlie Kirk on his birthday
By HAYDEN SUMLIN | hayden@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — A grassroots effort, spurred by a trio of Dunwoody residents, saw around 100 people turn out at Brook Run Park Oct. 14 for an evening “Honoring Charlie Kirk and Celebrating Civil Discourse.”
The date of the memorial fell on what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday. During his “American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University Sept. 10, Kirk was assassinated by a lone gunman on camera in front of the entire world.
Kirk co-founded the conservative student organization Turning Point USA in 2012 and served as its executive director, forming a close relationship with President Donald Trump and Republican Party leaders.
Kirk is considered one of the most prominent conservative activists of his generation. His wife Erica accepted his posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House earlier in the day.
See MEMORIAL, Page 19
DeKalb Schools at crossroads
By JIM BASS | jim@appenmedia.com
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County Schools is at another crossroads following a chaotic month that saw the board part ways with its sixth superintendent since 2013.
On Oct. 9, DeKalb County School District Superintendent Devon Horton was indicted on criminal charges related to his time as superintendent of Evanston-Skokie School District 65 in Illinois. He’s accused of participating in a kickback scheme involving no-bid contracts awarded to business associates.
The DeKalb School Board placed him on paid leave within hours of the indictment becoming public and named Norman Sauce acting superintendent.
See HORTON, Page 18
DEAN HESSE/APPEN MEDIA
From left, DeKalb County School District Superintendent Devon Horton stands with DeKalb County Board of Education members Allyson Gevertz (District 4,) Whitney McGinniss (District 2,) Board Chair Diijon DaCosta (District 6,) Board Vice Chair Dierdre Pierce (District 3,) Dr. Tiffany Tate-Hogan (District 5,) Awet Eyasu (District 7) and Andrew Ziffer (District 1) following an Oath of Oath Ceremony for newly elected and re-elected school board members at the DeKalb County School District Administrative and Instructional Complex auditorium in Stone Mountain on Tuesday, Jan.7.
JIM BASS/APPEN MEDIA Devon Horton speaks at DeKalb School of the Arts about Druid Hills High modernization project that could see the school relocated on Oct. 7.
PHOTOS BY HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Right photo, from left, state Attorney General Chris Carr, former U.S. Rep. and U.S. Attorney Bob Barr and political commentator Bill Crane share their thoughts Oct. 14 during the “Honoring Charlie Kirk and Celebrating Civil Discourse” memorial at the Brook Run Park Amphitheater.
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Investigation alleges subject tapped data for personal gain
By CARL APPEN carl@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A Sandy Springs police officer has resigned after allegedly using the city’s Flock camera network to help develop a surveillance product for a company where he works, according to interviews and documents obtained by Appen Media.
Public records show Francis Michael Esposito had been with the Sandy Springs Police Department since 2016. According to an internal affairs report and other materials obtained by Appen Media, he resigned in August amid a department investigation into his alleged use of city-leased software to help improve commercial data platform Signal 8.
The Sandy Springs Police Department uses products from Flock Safety, an automated license plate reader and security software company based in
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.
Dunwoody officer arrests fleeing Lithonia man
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police arrested a 28-year-old Lithonia man for attempting to elude law enforcement Oct. 9 after he allegedly fled from an officer who caught him running a red light.
While heading east Cotillion Drive just before North Peachtree Road, an officer said he saw a black Dodge Charger run a red light.
AAPPEN PRESSCLU B
When the officer activated his emergency lights, he said the vehicle picked up speed and pulled into a nearby apartment complex.
The officer said he deactivated his emergency equipment after initially losing a visual on the Dodge Charger but later found it parked along a curb.
While waiting for backup units, the officer said he gave commands for the occupants of the vehicle to stick their hands out of the windows.
He said the front seat passenger put his hands out the window and told him that the driver ran away.
After backup arrived, the officer
Atlanta. The firm’s technology identifies and logs vehicles moving through town to assist police with criminal investigations.
Flock users can perform searches of identifying information – such as license plate numbers or descriptions –to help locate vehicles they suspect are connected to criminal activity. When departments make these queries, they can search certain databases of other agencies as well, tapping into a nationwide network of sources.
The platform also allows agencies to set up lists of vehicles to monitor, getting alerts if they appear in the network.
Flock says its system “is trusted by more than 5,000 communities across the country…” That figure includes all 10 of the cities and counties Appen Media covers in north Metro Atlanta.
Esposito joined the Sandy Springs Police Department in 2016 and was promoted to sergeant in 2021, according to public records obtained by Appen Media.
While employed as a Sandy Springs officer, Esposito began working for Canton-based Signal 8, a public safety
said they approached the vehicle with guns drawn. At that moment, the officer said his patrol car ran into the suspect’s vehicle because it was not in park.
Eventually, officers said they got the man out of the vehicle and began to question him.
According to the report, the Lithonia man refused to answer questions about the driver of the vehicle.
Officers said they determined that the Lithonia man was driving the vehicle because his cell phone was found underneath the driver’s seat and he had wet clothes, matching with spilled drinks on the driver’s side.
Officers then transported the suspect to DeKalb County Jail and secured warrants for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, disorderly conduct and a traffic violation.
According to jail records, the Lithonia man was bonded out Oct. 10 for an undisclosed amount.
— Hayden Sumlin
Dunwoody officers track down accused drug dealer
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Police officers arrested a 42-year-old Dunwoody man Oct. 9 at Winters Chapel Road and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
software startup founded by former Sandy Springs Police Detective Brandon Puhlman, according to their LinkedIn profiles and other public materials.
Signal 8 connects “multiple systems in one interface to reduce time spent on administrative tasks” and help officers deploy quickly, according to its website.
Puhlman, who served with Sandy Springs Police from 2017 to 2021, did not respond to interview requests for this story. Esposito also did not respond.
Earlier this year, Esposito used his Sandy Springs Police credentials to conduct searches in the Flock network for the purpose of informing Signal 8 algorithms, according to a police internal affairs report obtained by Appen Media.
The report alleges Esposito searched Flock for license plate numbers belonging to himself and other employees of Signal 8 along with their families.
“Additionally, there were other entries identified relative to the same dates and reasons, but the names and vehicles could not be definitively identified,” as tied to Signal 8, it noted.
See OFFICER, Page 15
after he allegedly sold marijuana to someone.
An officer said one of his counterparts initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle and its driver handed over a small amount of marijuana. While the department’s report does not identify the driver in possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, officers said he eventually confessed to purchasing the marijuana for $10 from a man within city limits and provided a description of him.
Officers said they located a person matching the suspected drug dealer’s description at a MARTA bus stop near Ga. 141 and Winters Chapel Road.
A search of the suspect yielded a black digital scale and white toilet paper tissue, which was used to package the marijuana that officers discovered during the traffic stop.
Officers also said the Dunwoody man had a $10 bill in his possession.
The man was charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession and intent to distribute controlled substances and transported to DeKalb County Jail.
According to records, the marijuana charges were dropped. As of Oct. 20, the man remains in jail for possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance with intent to distribute.
— Hayden Sumlin
City finances stable, officials plan for future
A recent Talk Back to The Crier has raised a few questions, and I’d like to share some facts about how Dunwoody operates and where we’re headed. Beginning with this, there is no ‘found money.’ The funds referenced are part of our standard reserve and capital planning process, publicly documented in our financial reports.
Each year, the City’s budget process provides multiple opportunities for public input. The proposed budget is published two months before Council discussions begin. There are at least four City Council meetings, each with public comments and two public hearings dedicated specifically to the budget. Council and I are always accessible by email, phone, and at community events.
Dunwoody’s millage rate is 3.040 mills, the lowest aggregate tax rate in DeKalb County. All homestead properties receive a 1.000 mill discount, lowering the effective rate to 2.040, and those same properties qualify for a hard freeze. Even if the Tax Assessor raises your property value, you do not pay more in City taxes. Because of this structure, most residents pay significantly less than our neighbors for city and county taxes each year.
When we purchased land on Vermack, now known as Homecoming Park, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Next, we plan to build a fantastic community resource with an outstanding, inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities. By incorporating features that meet diverse needs, we’re creating a space where families can play together. Unlike Wildcat Park, which has
challenging topography, Homecoming Park can also be developed in phases if needed.
We have an outstanding team managing our finances. Every year since incorporation, the City has earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. Dunwoody exceeds accounting standards by producing transparent, fully disclosed financial reports. This national recognition affirms that our financial documents give residents and stakeholders the clear information they need to assess our city’s health.
Hiring and retaining police officers remains my highest priority. They are the backbone of our community. While we still have a few vacancies, progress continues, and the goal of full staffing is within sight. Chief Carlson recently shared that one reason crime rates are down is the additional staffing we’ve achieved. Once current vacancies are filled, we’re ready to add more positions in 2026.
Dunwoody is thriving. We are financially stable, growing thoughtfully, and planning for the future. We’re fortunate to live in a community where people care deeply and stay involved. Together, we’re ensuring our city continues on this great path for years to come. My door is always open to anyone who wants to learn more, share an idea, or get involved in keeping Dunwoody moving forward. Feel free to email me at Mayor@DunwoodyGA.gov
LYNN DEUTSCH
Dunwoody Mayor
Join us for our 13th Annual
Christmas Gift Show
Trinity High School
Saturday, Nov. 8th 9am – 5pm
Sunday, Nov. 9th 10am – 3pm
Over 110 vendors with a large variety of unique and beautiful gift items –Jewelry, Wreaths, Pottery, Fine Art, Holiday and Home Décor, Accessories, Knits, Children’s Items, Huge Bake Sale and much more!
• Tons of parking
• All booths are indoors
• Enter our Titan Tidings Raffle to win prizes
• Concessions will be available
• No Strollers Please
• $5 Admission
Thanks from the Dunwoody Woman’s Club
The members of the GFWC Dunwoody Woman’s Club want to thank the four homeowners who opened their beautiful homes for our 52nd Home Tour on Oct. 8. Their generosity and gracious hospitality played a major role in the success of our club’s major fundraiser. As a thank you, a painting of their home by local artist Pat Fiorello was presented to each homeowner.
We are grateful to the many sponsors and donors who continue to support this event, without their assistance our Home Tour could not succeed. We want to recognize the Spruill Center for the Arts for allowing us to use their facility. Our extraordinary printer, Tom Mills, and Mount Vernon Printing took what we sent and turns it into our ticket booklet. Thanks to Heyward Westcott of Custom Signs today for hanging the
Talk Back to the Crier
The Crier is committed to its role as Dunwoody’s community thread. As readers have reminded the paper, part of that role means budgeting premium space for letters from residents. Talk Back to the Crier by Sunday night and your note will be on page 3 that week. Email letters to newsroom@appenmedia.com. The Crier won’t publish it without explicitly getting your approval.
banners on the parkway. The Dunwoody Crier always keeps our community informed of our event and others as well. We thank our raffle donors Face Haven, Lauderhills and Pat Fiorello for their generous donation of raffle items. And of course, a huge thank you to the many guests who purchased tickets. We hope you enjoyed each of the four outstanding homes.
DWC is a service organization of
women joining together to expand their skills and apply their abilities; we promote interest and activity in education, health, civics, arts, and environment. Our members are community leaders who’s financial and service contributions have helped shape Dunwoody and the surrounding community. The GFWC Dunwoody Woman’s Club has served the community since 1971. The club was and is instrumental in developing and
nurturing many features of our thriving community, including the Dunwoody Nature Center, annual July 4th Parade, Replanting Dunwoody, Spruill Center for the Arts, Stage Door Theatre, Community Action Center, Interfaith Outreach Home, Ronald McDonald House, and more.
The funds raised from the Home Tour will support our local and national charities, allowing us to continue our commitment of service in our community. That is what DWC is all about: helping our friends and neighbors.
As the Home Tour chairman all of you who participated in some way have my most heartfelt thanks.
Early voting ends Oct. 31 for municipal elections
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Early voting for the 2025 elections is underway and ends on Oct. 31.
City elections and the state Public Service Commission races are on the ballot this year. Election Day is Nov. 4.
In Fulton and DeKalb counties, polls are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Oct. 26 from 12-5 p.m.
The Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page will show you your sample ballot and polling location. Visit that page at https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/.
If you live in a city, be sure to check your sample ballot to see who you will be voting for. If you live in an unincorporated area, there is still a race on your ballot for the state Public Service Commission.
Here are the early voting locations in DeKalb County:
• Berean Christian Church 2201 Young Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30088
• Emory University, 1599 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322
• Bessie Branham Recreation Center, 2051 Delano Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30317
• New Bethel AME Church, 8350 Rockbridge Road, SW, Lithonia, GA 30058
• Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, 2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur, GA 30034
• North DeKalb Senior Center, 3393 Malone Drive, Chamblee, GA 30341
• DeKalb Voter Registration & Elections Office, 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 500, Decatur, GA 30032
• Salem-Panola Library, 5137 Salem Road, Lithonia, GA 30038
• Dunwoody Library, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338
• Tucker–Reid H. Cofer Library, 5234 Lavista Road, Tucker, GA 30084
Absentee Voting
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 24. Absentee ballots must be returned by Election Day, Nov. 4. For more information about absentee ballot applications, visit https://georgia.gov/vote-absentee-ballot.
Absentee ballot drop boxes are available at the Berean Christian Church, Belulah Missionary Baptist Church, Dunwoody Library, Salem-Panola Library and TuckerReid H. Cofer Library. During early voting, absentee ballots can be turned into any drop box.
There is no absentee dropbox at the DeKalb VRE Office this year, but ballots can be hand-delivered to the office during the early voting period.
After early voting ends, absentee ballots can be returned to the DeKalb VRE Office during its business hours on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and until 7 p.m. on Elec-
tion Day, Nov. 4. Absentee ballots can also be mailed to the Board of Registrars, 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, Decatur, GA 30032.
In Fulton County, absentee dropboxes are available at the Alpharetta Library, Buckhead Library, C.T. Martin Recreation Center, East Point Library, Robert F. Fulton Ocee Library, Sandy Springs Library, and Wolf Creek Library.
Election Day
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. On Election Day, polls are typically open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but sometimes open later if there are technical problems. Usually, anyone in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast their vote. Also, on Election Day, you must vote at the precinct listed on your voter registration.
What to bring when you vote
DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections says all voters need to bring the following items when they show up to early voting or at the polls on Election Day.
• A valid ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or voter identification card
• A mask to help ensure your safety and the safety of the poll workers and voters around you.
• Chair, water, and snacks if the location has a long wait line
• Your absentee ballot if you want to vote in person instead. If you do not have your absentee ballot, you will need to sign an affidavit stating that you are instead casting your ballot in person.
LINDA MOTE
GFWC Dunwoody Woman’s Club Home Tour Chairman
A property tax comparison across the cities of Chamblee, Sandy Springs and unincorporated DeKalb County, reveals Dunwoody homeowners are paying one of the lowest millage rates in the Metro Atlanta core. Dunwoody officials discussed the comparison during a public hearing on the 2026 budget.
Mayor discusses city’s low property taxes during budget hearing meeting
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
Local news is vital for staying informed and connected, and through this collaboration, we’re making it easier than ever. Now, you can access timely updates and our stories about the things happening in your area, all while engaging in meaningful conversations with real neighbors.
Don’t miss out on the stories that matter most to you –join us on your favorite social media platform to stay connected with everything that’s happening. Together, let’s build stronger, more informed communities!
DUNWOODY, Ga. — With the 2025 property tax digest indicating a bounce back from the pandemic, Dunwoody officials are eyeing capital investments using some of the city’s $30 million in reserves.
The Dunwoody City Council will amend the 2026 budget to include $7 million in reserve spending Oct. 27 before voting on its final approval. So far, elected officials are on board with Mayor Lynn Deutsch’s proposal.
“This year was the first really good year we’ve had since I’ve been mayor,” Deutsch said. “We’re hopeful that it will continue, but I’m still not convinced that we’re on easy street.”
Deutsch said she understands homeowners’ frustration with property taxes but argued the city’s millage rate is saving them thousands of dollars a year.
“We have lived up to delivering better services and actually for less money,” she said, referencing city founders’ intent after breaking from DeKalb County. “We do a lot with a little, and it may not feel like a little.”
Deutsch said she compared a resident’s city property tax bill with similar ones in neighboring jurisdictions, like Sandy Springs, Chamblee and unincorporated DeKalb County, before speaking to the Dunwoody Homeowners Association meeting in late September.
DeKalb County residents living in unincorporated areas pay a millage or property tax rate of 6.45 mills for police and fire services. A homestead exempt property in Dunwoody is taxed at a rate of 2.04 mills. While that doesn’t include fire and emergency services, a Dunwoody resident still pays less tax.
“We’re delivering a fair amount of services to our residents for significantly less than our neighbors and unincorporated DeKalb,” Deutsch said. “I have a friend in unincorporated DeKalb and our homes, up until recently, have been worth the same thing … I’ve paid about $700 to $800 less a year in my overall county and city taxes.”
The property tax discrepancies, while beneficial to all longtime Dunwoody homeowners, creates an exaggerated lock-in effect on housing at a hyperlocal level.
Established homeowners who have a sub-3 percent interest rate on their mortgage with their home’s taxable value frozen have every reason not to sell their home and downsize. That would add hundreds if not more than a thousand dollars to their monthly housing payment.
The lock-in effect is a symptom of the nationwide housing crisis along with high home prices, low inventory and declining sales.
It’s not an ideal environment for existing homeowners or prospective first-time buyers.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has said the housing affordability crisis is a long-term structural problem that cannot immediately be solved with lower interest rates, though mortgage rates would become more affordable.
In other business, elected officials adopted the 2025-2045 Comprehensive Plan unanimously with some significant revisions after feedback from Dunwoody residents and elected officials.
The new Comprehensive Plan, which sets Dunwoody’s long-term vision and blueprint for future growth, employs a land-use stoplight to inform decision-making. Green grants property owners by-right uses, yellow requires a permit and red prohibits certain types of development.
The major policy changes require approval of a special permit for mediumdensity or yellow-coded land uses and mandates the same approval process for multi-unit and mixed-use developments across the city.
During discussions about density this summer, vocal residents made it clear that they do not want to change the character of neighborhoods or expand the Central Perimeter business district.
If dense housing is coming to Dunwoody, the Comprehensive Plan ensures it will go in commercial areas after the City Council’s approval.
CITY OF DUNWOODY/PROVIDED
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!
RIVERS OF THE WORLD
1. Tributary of the Ohio River. Seaweed. Farm vehicle.
2. Bad to the bone. Soup scoop. Glasgow’s river.
3. Like a yenta. World’s 2nd longest river. Three-toed bird.
4. Carpenter’s tool. Andes beast. River of Tuscany.
5. Garbage. Asian river that rises in the Himalayas. Ruler.
6. Ice house. 18-wheeler.
Rio Grande tributary.
7. Yorkshire river. Bugs bugs him. Dressing type.
1 Tributary of the Ohio River. Seaweed. Farm vehicle.
2. Bad to the bone. Soup scoop. Glasgow’s river
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. Like a yenta. World’s 2nd longest river. Three-toed bird.
4. Carpenter’s tool. Andes beast. River of Tuscany
5. Garbage Asian river that rises in the Himalayas. Ruler.
6. Ice house. 18-wheeler. Rio Grande tributary
7. Yorkshire river. Bugs bugs him. Dressing type
DeKalb County Commission extends data center moratorium
By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com
DECATUR, Ga. — The DeKalb County Commission, at its Oct. 14 meeting, extended a moratorium on new data center applications until Dec. 16.
According to IBM, a data center houses IT infrastructure that delivers applications and services, and stores the data associated with them.
The moratorium was first approved in July. It pauses new data center applications for 100 days and ends on Oct. 16.
In July, the moratorium was approved by a 4-3 vote. Commissioners Ted Terry, Michelle Long Spears, LaDena Bolton and Chakira Johnson voted to approve. Commissioners Robert Patrick, Mereda Davis Johnson and Nicole Massiah voted against it.
The extension was approved 6-0 on Oct. 14. Commissioner Nicole Massiah was absent from the dais during the vote but present at the meeting.
The pause was implemented to allow county staff time to assess the facilities' impact on public safety and the general welfare of residents and to develop regulations that would mitigate any potential adverse effects.
County staff presented the current draft of those regulations during a zoning meeting on Sept. 30.
DeKalb County does not currently have any guidelines in place. The text amendment was deferred for 60 days until the Nov. 20 zoning meeting for another public hearing.
DeKalb County has received applications for a few data centers, including a proposed 1-million-squarefoot facility in Ellenwood.
The draft ordinance includes recommendations related to separating data centers from one another, addressing noise impacts, and ensuring facilities comply with Georgia Power rules.
The design standards would ensure that a data center is landscaped with buffers between nearby properties, that any exposed equipment is screened from view, and that architectural design guidelines are in place.
The proposed classifications of data centers are:
• Data Center, Minor: Less than 20,000 square feet, does not require a dedicated substation, and operates under 5 megawatts. This includes data centers as an accessory use if they are under 2,000 square feet. These would be allowed as an accessory use in office institutional and as a permitted use in office distribution and lightand-heavy-industrial zoning districts.
• Data Center, Major: Facilities between 20,000 and 500,000 square feet that operate at a load of more than 5 megawatts and require a dedicated substation. These may vary widely and be up to 500,000 square feet and up to 50 megawatts. These would be allowed in high-intensity commercial districts or industrial areas. Major data centers would require a special land use permit in office-institutional and distribution, and light and heavy industrial zoning districts.
• Data Center, Campus: A singular development containing more than one building, with a minimum square footage of 500,000 square feet, and a minimum load capacity of 45 megawatts. Data center campuses would not be allowed in office-
Read more
Data center town hall focuses on environmental, economic impacts. Story on Page 9.
institutional or distribution, and would require a special land use permit in light and heavy industrial zoning districts.
Any special land use permit applications will include a noise impact assessment, water consumption plan, water conservation and scarcity plan, energy consumption plan, transmission line impact assessment, tree preservation and reforestation plan, and stormwater management plan.
City seeks volunteers to help keep streams clean
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The City of Dunwoody is rallying community members to help preserve the beauty of local streams from sunrise to sunset Saturday, Nov. 1 for the #GreatDunwoodyCleanup.
The goal is to pick up trash and debris to keep it from polluting Dunwoody streams, the city says. Volunteers should choose a spot in Dunwoody. It can be a street, a neighborhood common area, a stream or wooded area.
Community members who are interested in keeping the natural environment and local waterways clean and free of debris are invited to choose a spot in the city and submit photos to communications@dunwoodyga.gov
Volunteers can register at dunwoodyga.gov/ greatdunwoodycleanup.
The city says it can provide verification for community service hours, if needed.
— Hayden Sumlin
Local high school students in Dunwoody hold up trash bags full of debris during the annual #GreatDunwoodyCleanup.
CITY OF DUNWOODY/ PROVIDED
ZOE SEILER/APPEN MEDIA
DeKalb Commissioners Chakira Johnson, Ted Terry and LaDena Bolton, along with other members, discuss extending a moratorium on new data center applications during the county commission meeting on Oct. 14.
Packed County town hall focuses on impact
By JAMIE GODIN newsroom@appenmedia.com
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Most seats were filled at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center Oct. 15, where DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson hosted a town hall on the growing interest in data centers and their impact on the community.
The event brought together local and regional experts to discuss how the rapidly expanding industry affects energy use, infrastructure and economic growth. Atlanta trails only Northern Virginia in proposed new data centers, a boom fueled in part by the rise of artificial intelligence.
Cochran-Johnson said DeKalb County currently has three applications under review and recently issued a moratorium on new construction that runs through Dec. 16 to allow time to study environmental effects and develop clearer guidelines.
“During that time, we can review environmental issues and determine the proper path forward if those applications move forward,” CochranJohnson said. She added that while neighboring counties have seen most activity, no major contracts have been finalized in unincorporated DeKalb County.
“Depending on the size, a single large data center can generate from $1 million to $46 million annually [in revenue],” she said. “Long-term fiscal impacts depend on the valuation, the depreciation schedule of the asset as well as any incentive agreements.”
Representatives from counties with established data centers also spoke.
Newton County Commissioner Desmond Mason discussed the development of Stanton Springs Business Park and the recent construction of Meta’s Stanton Springs Data Center in his county.
Shane Short, executive director of the Walton County Development Authority, which supplies power to the facility, noted that the future is here.
“Whether we like it or not, we’re living in the digital age,” he said.
The New York Times recently reported the Meta facility accounts for about 10 percent of Newton County’s total daily water usage.
Panelists discussed environmental concerns. Céline Benoît, principal planner for water efficiency at the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, said early planning is vital.
“It’s important for the developers to be at the table with water providers early,” she said.
She highlighted closed-loop cooling as an efficient alternative to traditional water-intensive methods. Closed-loop cooling is required in DeKalb County.
Ahmed Saeed, assistant professor in the School of Computer Science at Georgia Tech, emphasized the role of AI.
“AI hardware specifically requires an exceptional amount of electricity and cooling,” Saeed said, noting that demand for new data centers is largely driven by advances in AI technology.
Cochran-Johnson illustrated the ubiquity of data centers by asking the audience about everyday technology use.
“Servers have been around since the 1940s ...We all use data centers — we just don’t see them,” she said.
State reps. Viola Davis and Mary Margaret Oliver attended the town hall, which highlighted House Bill 528, sponsored by Oliver, that would require high-resource-use facilities to disclose water and energy usage before receiving tax incentives or permits.
While panelists underscored the economic and technological benefits of the industry, they acknowledged some public skepticism — often fueled by concerns over water usage, environmental impacts and noise levels — may be unavoidable as the county navigates the rapidly evolving issue.
JAMIE GODIN/APPEN MEDIA
Shane Short, executive director of the Walton County Development Authority, discusses data centers during a town hall at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center in Decatur Oct. 15. From left are Short, Newton County Commissioner Desmond Mason and Ahmed Saeed, assistant professor in the School of Computer Science at Georgia Tech.
Decatur shuts out Lakeside
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
CHAMBLEE, Ga. — The Decatur Bulldogs moved up to No. 4 in Region 4 of Class 5A after shutting out Lakeside High 28-0 on Friday.
It was the Bulldogs’ first away win and the Vikings’ fourth region loss after a lighter out-of-region schedule. The teams now have the same overall record, 3-5.
The Vikings came close to scoring on two drives, the first of the game and then again in the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs defense held strong even after a penalty for roughing the passer that nearly gifted Lakeside six points.
Bulldogs head coach William Felton said his team used their bye week to level up after a tough loss to Shiloh Oct. 3.
“You don’t win the game on Friday night, you win the game throughout your preparation through the week,” he said. “This
week, we changed up practice to be more intensive and detail-oriented and tonight was a reflection of that. We were locked in, focused, we came in with goals and we met them because of the preparation.”
Their stated goals of shutting out the Vikings and scoring four touchdowns were achieved at a critical point looking ahead to the postseason. Felton said his team is ready for the playoffs.
Decatur running back Sadur Salahuddin made it to the end zone three times against the Vikings, a season high. He echoed his coach that the loss to Shiloh was “humbling,” but it’s all about the Bulldogs’ recovery.
“This is my last year, I don’t want to leave this season with no regrets,” he said. “I’m gonna put everything I got on the field, and my teammates are doing the same. Number one, all credit to them because I wouldn’t have no stats without my o-line, those are my brothers.”
PHOTOS BY: ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Decatur junior Vaughn Penney goes airborne
attempting to block a Lakeside punt at North DeKalb Stadium Oct. 17. Penney and the Bulldogs shut out the Vikings 28-0.
Bulldogs running back Sadur Salahuddin breaks a tackle en route to a first down at North DeKalb Stadium Oct. 17. He put up three touchdowns in the win over Lakeside.
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Managing fall skin flare-ups
Brought to you by – Dr. Lola Sode, Epiphany Dermatology
October is a transitional month—cooler mornings, drier air, and unpredictable weather patterns here in Atlanta can all impact the health of your skin. For many patients, these shifts mean more than just a change in wardrobe. They often trigger flare-ups of common skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and rosacea.
As humidity drops, your skin may produce more oil to compensate, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Similarly, people living with psoriasis or rosacea often notice that their symptoms worsen during this time of year, with increased redness, itching, or irritation. Seasonal triggers—like temperature changes, wind, and even indoor heating—can further complicate matters.
The good news is that you don’t have to
face these changes alone. Visiting a boardcertified dermatologist allows us to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your skin’s needs during the fall transition. Whether that means adjusting your skincare regimen, prescribing medication to control flare-ups, or recommending in-office treatments, the goal is to restore balance and comfort while preventing long-term damage.
For those also interested in improving skin’s appearance, fall is a wonderful time to explore cosmetic dermatology. Treatments such as laser therapy or professional-grade facials can target redness, refine texture, and support overall skin health before the busy holiday season.
This October, don’t let climate shifts dictate how your skin feels or looks. Partner with your dermatologist to keep your skin clear, calm, and resilient all season long.
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Mobility Plus Alpharetta celebrates a 3rd year in the Winner’s Circle!
Brought to you by – Mobility Plus Alpharetta
Mobility Plus Alpharetta is humbled by earning a top spot in the Best of North Atlanta rankings during its’ third year in operation!
This family-owned small business, owned by Scott and Mary Block of Alpharetta offers a customer-focused experience for those needing powered or manual wheelchairs, mobility scooters, stairlifts, lift recliners, walkers, portable and modular ramp systems or home health items.
Mary, a former Fulton County teacher, was led to working with seniors after caring for her father. She quickly realized how difficult it was to find informational resources, products and support services. When seeking a professional change, she wanted to address some of the deficits that she had previously encountered by offering as many products as possible under one roof, and by serving as a community educational resource.
The Blocks partner with local experts like move managers, senior living placement specialists, and occupational therapists to be as informed as possible about the variety of needs that their customers have. They host lunch and learns in their 3500 sq. ft. Space on a variety of topics once a quarter. “No one that comes in for a wheelchair, stairlift, or ramp, needs just that one item. Our customers are seniors, children supporting aging parents, or those living with chronic degenerative diseases. There are always other needs besides a product purchase” says Mary. They look forward to serving the North Atlanta community for many years to come and are so grateful for your votes, and support!
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Officer:
Continued from Page 2
The report also alleges Esposito made searches for the personal license plate number of a fellow Sandy Springs officer.
Esposito’s Flock queries were not made for law enforcement purposes, but instead “for the benefit of a private company for which he was employed,” the investigation alleges. According to the internal affairs report, data gleaned from the searches was used to inform and improve the Signal 8 platform.
Sandy Springs Police officials also sent a letter to Flock Safety, which Appen Media obtained, alerting them to the allegations. In it they write that Esposito, “was utilizing his Sandy Springs Police Department Flock login to obtain Flock Camera data for commercial purposes to validate beta data for a product for a company identified as Signal 8.”
Esposito was under investigation for the alleged actions when he resigned in August.
However, Sandy Springs officials say they consider his exit a termination. The reason, they told Appen Media, is because Esposito allegedly refused to answer questions during the probe.
What do you think?
Appen Media will continue to cover the story. Send questions, tips and responses to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
“Frank Esposito was recently terminated after he failed to cooperate during an internal affairs investigation into possible misconduct,” Sgt. Leon Millholland told the newspaper.
In September, Sandy Springs sent Esposito a letter, obtained by Appen Media through a public
records request, informing him the investigation had, “concluded with sustained findings of violations of department policies: Abuse of Position and Authority; Common Sense and Judgement; Conduct Unbecoming.”
The notice also stated that Esposito’s status, “is officially classified as
Terminated, effective August 20, 2025.”
Appen Media also learned Esposito was not an active-duty officer during the time he conducted the alleged Flock searches, according to state, city and other records obtained by the newspaper.
The internal affairs report alleges Esposito made the license plate inquiries from January to April.
According to his personnel file and state records, Esposito resigned from his full-time post with Sandy Springs Police and joined the department’s volunteer Reserve Unit in January.
“Reserve SSPD officers are unpaid sworn officers that volunteer 10 hours a month with the department,” Millholland said. “All Reserve SSPD officers have the same access to department resources and must adhere to the same policies and standards as full and part-time sworn officers.”
Appen Media asked Flock for its reaction to the allegations.
“Upon learning of the situation last month, Flock promptly addressed it directly with Signal 8,” Flock Safety Communications Officer Josh Thomas said.
Managing Editor Pat Fox, Staff Reporter Annabelle Reiter contributed reporting.
GARDEN BUZZ
Forest forensics – clues from the past in Milton
What can be discovered on a walk through the woods? The most obvious answer is trees, but there is so much more to be discovered: wildflowers in bloom, mushrooms, ferns, moss, leaves, acorns, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, invertebrates, soil microbes and even evidence of past human habitation.
Since I moved to Milton in 2008, I have been intrigued by a large rock found on a wooded section of Milton. At some point in time, the rock, now located on private property, was altered to produce the image of human face. What secrets of the past can this unique rock reveal?
The massive, 30 by 15 foot, flattop rock was chiseled and artistically transformed by indigenous humans, possibly ancestors of the Cherokee or Muscogee (Creek) Indians who lived in the area as many as 3,000 years ago. Not only is the size of the rock impressive, but the carvings on the rock demand your attention. Ancestral Indians carved a crude image of a human face on one surface of the rock as well as a silhouette of a buffalo on another surface of the rock. The rock was pitted with a sharp object to create the mane and beard of a buffalo and the rock further chiseled to form the buffalo’s nose and mouth and bearded chin.
These features of the rock prompted local historians to call this rock the “Buffalo Rock.” Recognizing the rock’s significance, in the early 1970s, the rock was named as part of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.
Geological and historical study
Geologists would date the rock back millions of years, but to a historian this rock reveals evidence of a past human civilization. If the rock was modified by pre-historic humans 3,000 years ago, it could be among the oldest evidence of human habitation in north Georgia! After the end of the ice age about 10,000 years ago, as the climate warmed, nomadic, indigenous people might have travelled and settled in northern Georgia. During the Late Woodland Period from 1,000 B.C. to 1,000 A.D., maize horticulture was thought to have been fully developed. This agricultural advancement led to a transition from a nomadic, huntergatherer society to a hunter-farm society
CAROLE MACMULLAN/PROVIDED
A front view of Buffalo Rock in Milton shows a large circular mouth.
that established seasonal settlements with permanent buildings and garden plots.
Buffalo Rock is an attention-getter because of its size and its crudely carved human face. The early Indians chiseled out a very large circular area to create a mouth. Above the mouth is a right eye. A linear indentation parallel to the bottom of the stone provides space where a rock was added to insert the
artist’s vision of human eyes. A rock eyeball remains intact on the right side, but over time, the left eyeball has vanished. The large, hollowed-out mouth might have served as an artist’s interpretation of the human mouth. My guess is that it was used to grind grain since pre-historic, indigenous peoples raised corn.
As agricultural practices improved, the indigenous population added to
About the author
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Carole MacMullan, a master gardener and a Milton resident. She taught biology for 35 years in the Pittsburgh area. In 2012 after moving to Milton, Carole completed the Master Gardener training program and joined the North Fulton Master Gardeners (NFMG) and the Milton Garden Club. Carole uses her teaching skills to create a variety of presentations on gardening topics for the NFMG Lecture Series and Speakers Bureau.
their cultivated crops and grew beans, squash, blueberries, muscadine grapes, tobacco and sweet potatoes. We also know that buffalo were hunted and served as another important source of food. Buffalo were not limited to the Great Plains west of the Mississippi. They also lived east of the Mississippi prior to the arrival of European settlers. Based on the time period that buffalo lived in Georgia, the silhouette image of the buffalo can be helpful in dating the rock.
More views of the past
If you are interested in learning more about prehistoric civilizations in Georgia, I would suggest you visit the National Historic Landmark, Etowah Indian Mounds, near Cartersville. This prehistoric Indian site is considered the “most well- preserved Mississippi culture site in the southeastern United States.” One thousand years ago, two thousand years after the time of the Buffalo rock, the Etowah Indians built a complex, urban settlement on the Etowah River. At this point in time, agricultural techniques had advanced to the point where these early Georgians built log homes, extensive garden plots, stone tools, pottery, and used the river for fishing and navigation.
Happy Gardening!
North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at: https://www. appenmedia.com/opinion/columnists/ garden_buzz/.
CAROLE MACMULLAN Guest Columnist
Here’s what newsroom support funds
HANS APPEN Publisher
Editors note: this column comes from an email sent to Appen Media subscribers as part of the Fall Fundraising campaign.
In my last message, I shared why Appen Media is running our Fall Fundraising Campaign. Today, I want to tell you exactly what your contribution funds.
When you give to AMG, you’re not just supporting a news outlet — you’re investing in:
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Will anyone ever beat Pistol Pete’s record?
When I was a kid – now some 50+ or so years ago—the first thing I would do every morning before anyone else in the house was up, would be to go outside and get the newspaper. I would bring it into the living room and spread it out over the floor and find the sports section and anxiously thumb through it to see how many points Pistol Pete Maravich scored the night before. And even though I know that it wasn’t actually like that, I recall that almost every time I found a new story about Pete, the number of points he scored the night before always seemed to increase.
For the record, Pete averaged 44.2
points per game at LSU. And that, of course, was before the 3-point rule was in place in basketball. General consensus is that his average would have been around 54 to 57 points per game on average had the rule been in place. Yep, mid 50s.
But, in all fairness to Pistol, his record occurred not only before the 3-point rule was in place, but also before the shot clock rule was used. The shot-clock basically forced a team to take a shot within 30 seconds of possession, so teams prior to the 30 second rule often played a “slowdown” offense and deliberately held the ball as long as possible to limit the number of times a great offensive player like Pete would get his hands on the ball. So, Pete got his average of 44.2 prior to the 3-point thing and prior to the shot clock, which allowed that stall tactic (which, obviously, didn’t work against Pete very well).
It is estimated that had the shot clock been in place during Pete’s day, he would have gotten possession of the ball more times which would have added an estimated 3–6 additional points to his average.
So, playing in today’s game – with the 3-point shot and the shot clock – Pete would have perhaps averaged instead of 54-57 points per game, somewhere around 57 to 63 points per game. Per game.
Let’s put that in perspective a little.
I asked ChatGPT on average –today - in a single year, how many times does a college basketball player score 50 points or more in a game. Chat replied that since 2010 – in the last 15 years - “only 14 times has a college player dropped 50 or more against another Division 1 team –so, roughly one 50 point game per season – in all of Division 1 college
basketball.
So, today on average, one player in all of college Division 1 basketball in an entire year scores 50 points or more in a game - compared to Pete’s estimated projected average of 57 to 63 points per game – in his 83 college games had the 3-point and shot clock rules been in place.
Talk about sports records that will probably never be broken.
Maybe there are some other sports records that may be harder to beat – DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak, Ripken’s 2,632 consecutive games played, Edwin Moses’ 10-year streak in the 400 meter hurdles (122 consecutive races ) – or perhaps (for “modern baseball”) Robin Roberts’ Major League record of 305 complete games pitched (out of 609 starts) from 1948 to 1966, but I think I have to go with the Pistol.
What do you think?
Horton:
Continued from Page 1
Six days later, under pressure from the community, the board announced that he would resign from his position, effective Nov. 15.
The board has faced a barrage of criticism for hiring Horton amid questions about his conduct in Illinois. Horton was not under criminal indictment when he was hired in 2023 and board members who spoke to Appen Media said they were not aware he’d be facing criminal charges.
Before he was indicted, the board was pleased with his performance. In July, the school board narrowly approved a $35,000 raise for Horton, bringing his annual salary to $360,000. At the same meeting, the school board voted 6-1 in favor of extending Horton’s contract to June 30, 2028.
Board members also authorized a forensic audit of contracts and purchase card spending. Board Chair Deirdre Pierce felt that was warranted, given the allegations against Horton. The board approved the audit unanimously.
The questions about what happened won’t stop there.
Georgia state Reps. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) have established a special subcommittee charged with gathering facts on Horton’s case, reviewing current state law and exploring potential legislation to prevent similar situations in the future.
“Our community has spoken loudly and clearly — they expect better from all of us entrusted with the care of our children’s education,” Carter said. “We are determined to honor that expectation through thoughtful review and meaningful reform.”
$85,000 in kickbacks
Horton and his three business partners, Antonio Ross, Samuel Ross and Alfonzo Lewis, face 17 charges, including wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax fraud.
Horton allegedly took kickbacks from businesses they owned that had contracts with District 65 and Chicago Public Schools.
The value of the contracts was about $280,000, and Horton allegedly received $85,000 in kickbacks. The indictment said the scheme began in August 2020 and ended in 2023. He served as District 65’s superintendent until 2023, when he was hired as DCSD’s superintendent.
Horton tried to hire Antonio Ross for a position at DeKalb County Schools, but he turned down the job after the hiring drew scrutiny.
According to the indictment, the defendants made fraudulent representations to make it appear Horton had no personal economic interest in the entities or connections with individuals who received contracts from District 65.
The indictment said the defendants made “false and fraudulent representations” to conceal Horton’s kickbacks. It says Horton selected his associates’ companies that were awarded contracts with District 65.
Chicago attorney Terence Campbell said he is representing Horton in the case.
“Dr. Horton has served the DeKalb County School District honorably and with the highest integrity over the past few years as Superintendent,” Campbell said.
Campbell said Horton also had not received a target letter prior to the indictment being released. A
target letter is a letter from the federal government that often indicates that someone is under criminal investigation.
Questions about the extent of the board’s vetting of Horton remain.
When a previous school board hired him in 2023, media outlets in Illinois had published investigative stories about his time as superintendent of EvanstonSkokie School District 65. He was named DeKalb’s sole finalist in April 2023. A month before that, independent news outlet FOIA Gras reported Horton steered no-bid contracts to business partners. The people named in that story were named in the indictment against Horton.
The Georgia School Board Association assisted the district with its superintendent search that resulted in the board hiring Horton in 2023. A GSBA spokesperson said they had no knowledge of the allegations and said Horton was one of 26 candidates considered.
“As part of this process, candidates participate in a comprehensive vetting and review that includes extensive reference and social media checks, along with responses provided by Dr. Horton aligned to the criteria outlined in the board’s search announcement,” the spokesperson said. “None of the information gathered during the search related to any matters now being reported or alleged in the recent indictment.”
With Horton gone, the school board will have to decide what to do with the initiatives he began.
Up in the air
Horton’s indictment casts doubt on the future of several plans the district has been working toward since he joined.
Several key employees Horton hired were people he had worked with in other districts. They are not accused of wrongdoing. It’s unclear what will happen
to the initiatives begun under Horton’s tenure, overseen by employees he hired.
The district had been on a hot streak this year, taking action on backlogged items like the construction of Sequoyah Middle and High School and the modernization of Cross Keys High School.
With those approved, the district was on the cusp of making decisions regarding the future of Druid Hills High School. The district was also in the midst of a major redistricting effort, called the Student Assignment Plan, which focuses on “right-sizing” the district due to declining enrollment. The plan could close or repurpose schools.
Executive Director of Student Assignments Sarita Smith has overseen the redistricting project. She worked with Horton in Evanston. Horton also previously worked with Chief of Staff Elijah Palmer and Director of Athletics Brandan Lane in Evanston.
Chief of Schools Michelle Dillard and Chief Information Officer Kermit Belcher both came from the Jefferson County School District in Kentucky, where Horton worked as Chief of Schools.
Pierce said the district is moving forward with initiatives started under Horton’s watch, despite Horton’s resignation. She acknowledged that the controversy has undermined the public’s trust in the district.
“We recognize the seriousness of the situation and remain committed to transparency, accountability, and maintaining public trust,” Pierce said. “While there will be changes ahead, please know that the Board remains fully committed to our ongoing work, including key initiatives such as the Student Assignment Project (SAP), and providing a high-quality education for all students.”
Editor Dan Whisenhunt contributed reporting to this story.
JIM BASS/APPEN MEDIA
DeKalb County School District’s new Acting Superintendent Norman Sauce prepares for the meeting called to discuss Horton’s indictment on Oct. 15.
Memorial:
Continued from Page 1
The Oct. 14 memorial service featured a Charlie Kirk-style friendly debate, a reflection, prayers and comments from people who knew him.
While Turning Point USA members attended and spoke during the memorial, it was put together unofficially by residents. Naturally, highlights of Kirk’s conversations with American college students played on the big screen between speakers.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, a product of Dunwoody’s Village Mill neighborhood, said he was proud to be back home for the memorial, which garnered some national attention.
“Charlie’s assassination has struck a nerve in the United States, and whether you agree with him or you didn’t, it just has,” Carr said. “I can’t tell you how many friends of mine reached out to me because their kids reached out to them when Charlie was murdered.”
Carr said he remains impressed with Kirk’s unique ability to get young people interested in politics, showing that being a conservative was not just acceptable but “cool.”
Reactions to his assassination reflect the nation’s political polarization, which some say created the conditions for 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson to get his father’s hunting rifle and kill the father of two young children.
Robinson’s text messages showed he “had enough of [Kirk’s] hatred,” revealing a premeditated murder, which the Federal Bureau of Investigation calls nihilistic violent extremism, or NVT.
Most Americans mourned the killing, but some were divided about his contributions to free speech and open debate. After facts surrounding his assassination became public, Americans briefly united in opposition to political violence before returning to the divisive rhetoric.
Jay B. Hickey, the host of the memorial and one of its chief organizers, said he woke up angry on the anniversary of the Sept. 11
terrorist attacks and wanted to do something in Kirk’s honor.
“Thank you for giving us people like Charlie,” Hickey said during a prayer. “Whether people here completely agree with him or not ... thank you for giving us people who speak their minds and want to do it peacefully. God, use us and this memorial for your good.”
Hickey said he wanted to be sure to thank the Dunwoody Police Department for providing security at the event. Because of the increase in politically motivated violence across the United States, the Brook Run Park Amphitheater was surrounded by officers.
No threats were reported.
State Rep. Long Tran, a Democrat from Dunwoody representing northeast DeKalb and parts of Gwinnett County, kicked off the evening by participating in a Kirkstyle debate with attendees.
“Jay is a friend of mine,” Tran
said. “I don’t want to say that I’m just here because these are my constituents, I have friends and people I’ve known for over 10 years here.”
Tran, elected to serve District 80 in the Georgia House in 2023, said he got to know many community members during his time as a local Boy Scout leader and soccer coach.
“I now the pain even though we are on different political sides,” Tran said. “I just felt like it’s important to be here to share and agree.”
Stephanie Gomez and Jessica Zolotarezsky, rounding out the trio of event organizers, were behind the scenes ensuring the run of show went smoothly.
Gomez said she was really broken up about Kirk’s death and made it her priority to honor him in some way. As for disruptions during the memorial, she said one woman called everyone “white supremacists” and a person with neon-colored hair gave
her the “stink eye.”
Every generation was represented at memorial.
Two students from Riverwood High School played trumpets throughout the evening. A group of Dunwoody High School students standing at the back of the amphitheater said they were in the area and thought it was important enough to stop by.
From baby boomers to toddlers waving American flags at the memorial, Kirk’s life and legacy touched every generation.
Former U.S. Rep. and Libertarian Party presidential candidate Bob Barr, a conservative Republican, said it was a great pleasure to be at the memorial despite the sad occasion.
“I followed Charlie tremendously over the years, the far-too-few number of years that he was with us,” Barr said. “He had a great sense of humor, and I always enjoyed that in him. I miss him terribly … we need people like Charlie.”
PHOTOS BY: HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Dunwoody resident and former state Rep. Tom Taylor signs a poster Oct. 14 during the “Honoring Charlie Kirk and Celebrating Civil Discourse” memorial service at Brook Run Park while a toddler cheers him on.
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The Bilingual (English / Spanish) Donor Operations Supervisor (Full-time) manages the donation door process and delegates tasks to staff, volunteers, and community service workers. As the face of NFCC, they provide excellent customer service while greeting donors and ensuring donations are properly removed from vehicles and sorted in designated areas. They are responsible for maintaining the security of merchandise and keeping all areas clean and organized.
The Supervisor must be able to lift up to 75lb frequently and be on their feet most of their shift. They must enjoy staying busy, training and influencing others to work as a team in a professional manner. Must have the ability to work Tuesday through Saturday 9am – 5pm. An extraordinary Total Rewards Package is included with this opportunity!
Deadline is Thursdays by 3pm. Full-time Part-time
State Farm (Dunwoody, GA) seeks Lead Software Engineer to develop high-quality software code & provide technical support for the Enterprise Feature Store technical platform. Must take & pass pre-hire HireVue coding test. Remote work option in a hybrid environment w/occ. domestic travel req. to HQ in Bloomington, IL, hub offices & industry conferences. Irregular work hours & travel outside normal business hours req. Apply at https://jobs.statefarm.com/main/jobs, Job ID: 42278
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If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
The Bilingual (English / Spanish) Donor Operations Supervisor (Full-time) manages the donation door process and delegates tasks to staff, volunteers, and community service workers. As the face of NFCC, they provide excellent customer service while greeting donors and ensuring donations are properly removed from vehicles and sorted in designated areas. They are responsible for maintaining the security of merchandise and keeping all areas clean and organized.
NFCC is seeking a Truck Driver (Donor Operations Services Associate II) to join our Facilities team. Our Truck Driver collects scheduled donations from businesses, residential locations, and special events while serving as a key point of contact for donors to coordinate pickup appointments. As the face of NFCC during donor interactions, this role requires maintaining a professional and a welcoming presence that reflects the organization’s values. Additionally, this position contributes to facility maintenance operations as needed.
The Truck Driver works Monday through Friday 9am – 2pm and periodically on Saturdays or Sundays for special events.
If you have 1-2 years of Box Truck delivery experience, maintain a valid Ga Driver’s License free of any traffic violations for the past 3 years and enjoy providing excellent customer service, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
The Supervisor must be able to lift up to 75lb frequently and be on their feet most of their shift. They must enjoy staying busy, training and influencing others to work as a team in a professional manner. Must have the ability to work Tuesday through Saturday 9am – 5pm. An extraordinary Total Rewards Package is included with this opportunity! If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
NFCC is seeking an Evening ESL Contractor Instructor to teach English classes through our Adult Education program, serving students throughout North Fulton and surrounding counties. Our ESL Program runs three sessions annually, with comprehensive lessons covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, along with regular assessments to track student progress.
The Bilingual (English / Spanish) Donor Operations Supervisor (Full-time) manages the donation door process and delegates tasks to staff, volunteers, and community service workers. As the face of NFCC, they provide excellent customer service while greeting donors and ensuring donations are properly removed from vehicles and sorted in designated areas. They are responsible for maintaining the security of merchandise and keeping all areas clean and organized.
We’re looking for an instructor who is available to teach evening classes. The ideal candidate will be committed to maintaining strong enrollment of at least ten students per class and who can create an engaging learning environment that supports adult learners in achieving their English language goals.
The Supervisor must be able to lift up to 75lb frequently and be on their feet most of their shift. They must enjoy staying busy, training and influencing others to work as a team in a professional manner. Must have the ability to work Tuesday through Saturday 9am – 5pm. An extraordinary Total Rewards Package is included with this opportunity!
If you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in TESL, TESOL, English with a TESL certificate, linguistics or applied linguistics with a TESL certificate, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
