County’s animal control officer protects area’s most vulnerable
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Olivia Wilson became an animal control officer to protect Forsyth County’s most vulnerable residents — animals.
“That's my driving factor in this job,” she said.
Every week, Wilson works four 10-hour shifts, patrolling the county, responding to calls and enforcing animal codes. Her patrol vehicle, which includes a climate-controlled kennel, is filled with the tools of her work: leashes, balls, dog and cat treats, a computer, a safety vest and more.
Wilson, who said she loves her work, enforces the county’s numerous animal ordinances. She also is often called to investigate cruelty cases or handle pets owned by those arrested by Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
Now a senior animal services officer, Wilson has seen her responsibilities change as the county has become more developed and populous.
See WILSON, Page 10
State Legislature requires floating homestead exemption
By ZOE SEILER
zoe@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — Late in the evening on April 2, the Georgia General Assembly passed a bill that caps property assessment increases. The passage of Senate Bill 33 marked a shift from the initial proposal in House Bill 1116 that
limited property tax revenue growth.
The final version of SB 33 makes a floating homestead exemption mandatory and allows local governments to implement a floating local-option sales tax or a local homestead-option sales tax to provide property tax relief.
The exemption applies to cities, counties and school districts, and only
to residential, homestead properties. It does not apply to commercial, industrial, or other non-homestead properties.
The House advanced HB 1116, known as the Homeownership Opportunity and Market Equalization Act of 2026, around 4:50 p.m. After the House made a change to the bill, it returned to the Senate for further consideration, but it failed there around 11 p.m.
The bill prohibited local governments and school boards from increasing property taxes by more than 3 percent above their rollback millage rate or the rate of inflation, whichever is greater, without a voter referendum or state legislative approval.
See TAX, Page 10
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Senior Animal Services
Officer Olivia Wilson patrols during a shift in Forsyth County March 13.
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Alpharetta police seize drugs during Ga. 400 traffic stop
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police reported March 30 that officers seized drugs and a gun during a Ga. 400 traffic stop.
Police said officers were monitoring vehicles’ speeds on southbound lanes near Encore Parkway when they stopped a vehicle for speeding.
Officers determined the driver had felony warrants out of Fulton and Cobb counties for probation violations tied to aggravated assault, fleeing and eluding and obstruction, police said.
Officers then allegedly found numerous illegal drugs packaged for distribution. The suspected drugs included ecstasy, marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine and crack cocaine. A pistol also was located.
The discovery resulted in additional charges for drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm.
Police credited the arrest and seizure to “attentive patrol work, effective use of resources and a commitment to keeping our community safe.”
Police did not say the date of the arrest and provided no information about the driver, passengers or charges.
Toccoa woman arrested on felony drug charges
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 41-yearold Toccoa woman was arrested on drug charges during a traffic stop on Atlanta Road April 2.
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said deputies stopped the vehicle after seeing it speed and drive recklessly.
Deputies suspected the woman was impaired while speaking with her.
The woman allegedly told deputies she thought she had accidentally consumed a Xanax pill contaminated with fentanyl. She also allegedly said she had taken methamphetamine and thought there might be residue of the drug in her purse, the sheriff’s office said.
Deputies called an ambulance for
ALPHARETTA POLICE DEPARTMENT/PROVIDED Alpharetta police allegedly discovered drugs and a gun during a Ga. 400 traffic stop.
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.
the woman and later said they had no reason to suspect she had taken fentanyl.
The woman was arrested after an impaired driving investigation determined she was unsafe to drive, the Sheriff’s Office said.
A search of the woman’s purse allegedly found a shard of methamphetamine.
The woman was arrested on charges of felony possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor reckless
driving and driving under the influence of a drug.
— Jon Wilcox
Deputies charge motorist with racing on Ga. 400
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 28-year-old Flowery Branch man was arrested April 4 on racing and reckless driving charges.
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said deputies stopped a vehicle on northbound Ga. 400 after seeing it racing another vehicle.
Deputies stopped both vehicles, which reportedly were traveling about 100 mph.
The Flowery Branch man denied racing. He was arrested and taken to the Forsyth County Jail. It’s unclear whether the other driver was charged.
— Jon Wilcox
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3 Forsyth County teens killed in Florida crash identified
By JASMINA ALSTON Atlanta News First
ATLANTA — The identities of three metro Atlanta students killed in a fiery crash in Florida have been released.
The crash happened in Franklin County, Florida, on Monday. Florida Highway Patrol said the car ran off a shoulder and collided with a tree before catching fire.
Jaylyn Fehr, 17; Charlotte Martin, 16; and Jackson Mobley, 18, were all killed. All three were students at Horizon Christian Academy (HCA) in Cumming.
Jamison Mobley, Jackson’s 17-year-old sister and fellow HCA student, was seriously injured in the crash.
“As we continue to grieve as a school family and community, we ask that you continue to pray for the families of the students we lost this week,” the school said in a statement on social media Wednesday.
School leaders asked the community to continue praying for Jamison, who is still in the hospital.
“We pray for her healing,” HCA said. “We pray for peace and comfort for her family. We pray for wisdom and
DRIVEWAYS & CONCRETE
clarity for the doctors as they treat her.”
In the post, the school included remembrances of the students by their families.
Jackson and Jamison Mobley
Jackson Mobley’s family said he was “a gentle giant, an incredible brother, had the best one-liners, and was a dream son.”
Mobley had planned on attending Chattahoochee Tech in the fall to study HVAC, with the goal of one day running his own HVAC company.
“The void Jack will leave behind is insurmountable,” his family said. “We know the last thing his soul did earthside was to help save his sister, Jamison.”
The Mobley family said that while Jamison’s “road to recovery is going to be hard and she’s going to need all the support she can get, Jamison survived for a reason.”
Her family said “we know God has big plans for her and part of that plan is to never allow the memories and all Jackson, Jaylyn and Charlotte stood for to fade. She loves her two best friends and brother with all her heart.”
Jaylyn Fehr
A student at HCA since first grade, Fehr’s family said she was heavily involved in her church and youth group, and was “a light that people were drawn to.”
“She was smart, funny, witty, compassionate, and empathetic,” her family said. “Jaylyn’s legacy is one of faith, kindness, and connection. While her passing leaves an immeasurable void, her impact will continue to be felt throughout the many lives she touched.”
She planned on pursuing a law degree after graduating next year.
A GoFundMe set up for Fehr’s family said, “Her faith and kindness touched everyone who knew her, and her loss is deeply felt by her family, friends, and the entire community.”
Charlotte Martin
Martin’s family said she had attended HCA since kindergarten, and was a dedicated student, “consistently at the top of her class while pursuing a rigorous AP and Dual Enrollment course load.”
Along with playing soccer and volleyball for the school, she also worked there in an after-school role.
DRIVEWAYS
“Charlotte approached everything she did with discipline, humility, and a genuine heart for others,” her family said. “While her achievements were many, what defined Charlotte most was her faith, her kindness, and the way she loved others. We find peace knowing she is with the Lord, and her life will continue to impact everyone who knew her.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Martin’s family with funeral-related expenses.
According to the A5 Gwinnett volleyball club, Fehr and Martin were part of the organization.
In posts shared by the club’s director, the organization said they lift both families up in prayer.
“We are grateful to the off-duty law enforcement and several Good Samaritans who stopped to render aid. Their bravery saved a life, and their willingness to step into an unknown and dangerous situation reflects true selflessness,” the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said. “We ask the community to keep (Jamison) in your thoughts and prayers as she moves forward on the road to recovery.”
Appen Media partner Atlanta News First provided this story.
McConnell-Chadwick House in line for National Registry
By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — The McConnellChadwick House, a Greek Revival-style home from the late 1830s, was deemed eligible by Georgia's Department of Community Affairs to apply for the National Register of Historic Places.
The Chadwick House Preservation Committee and Milton Historical Society received the news March 26 and can now begin the application.
The McConnell-Chadwick House was one of the earliest structures in what was then Cherokee County and belonged to Brig. Gen. and State Sen. Eli McConnell.
"We knew it was old but had no idea what an early example of a folk version of Greek Revival architecture we had in Milton," Joan Borzilleri with the Milton Historical Society and Chadwick House Preservation Committee said.
At the time, McConnell mediated conflict between Native Americans and white settlers in the area and was later designated to sell former Cherokee property after the forced removal of the Native American tribe in 1838. In the following years, he helped found the town of Hickory Flat and advocated for the creation of Milton County, which is now part of Fulton County.
The Greek Revival home was donated to the City of Milton in 2024 and legally acquired by the city last year.
At that same time, Milton appropriated $220,000 in its budget for stabilization of the home's kitchen and main structure, along with other necessary repairs. Priorities include repairing the foundation, roof replacement, window restoration and repairing the porch and siding.
Borzilleri with the Milton Historical Society said they envision a welcome center, interpretive center for Chero -
Fulton properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, like Bulloch Hall, Barrington Hall and the Archibald Smith House.
kee and early pioneer culture, and a creative arts center or office space on the property.
The McConnell-Chadwick House received statewide recognition as a preservation project after the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation named the house a Place in Peril in 2023.
The Chadwick House Preservation Committee and Milton Historical Society have worked with multiple undergraduate and graduate students from area universities.
Swathi Jayakumar, a graduate
student in historic preservation at Georgia State, used the historic home as her capstone project and completed the NR 10-900 form needed to apply for the National Register.
Being recognized as a national historic site or deemed eligible for the registry opens the McConnellChadwick House to different grant opportunities ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.
The distinction carries a prestige factor as well, putting the historic home on the same level as other North
If approved by staff in the National Register of Historic Places, this will be the first property in Milton to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
"We have a long stretch ahead to restore the 185-year-old house and have it named to the National Register," Borzilleri said. "With the continued help of the city, community and talented preservation volunteers, we hope to cross the finish line to save a significant house that tells our story."
MILTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY/PROVIDED
From left, Georgia State graduate student Swathi Jayakumar stands with architectural historian Bob Gamble at the McConnell-Chadwick House in Milton.
APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO
From left, Joan Borzilleri, Jeff Dufresne, former property owner Larry Chadwick and former City Councilman Bill Lusk are all smiles after a tour of the McConnellChadwick House in 2024.
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Alpharetta developer continues plans for retail, dining space
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A developer will soon begin the first phase of a project to revamp the gateway to downtown Alpharetta and is considering its options on how a second phase should proceed.
Alpharetta-based developer Alpharetta District Places is preparing to start construction at the end of May on 2.4 acres along Roswell Street between Old Milton Parkway and Marietta Street. Plans call for about 34,000 square feet of retail space that will “match the residential scale and architectural character of the downtown Alpharetta Heritage District,” the developer said.
Erik Rowen, Alpharetta District Places partner, said his partnership is excited to move forward with the project and anticipates move-ins by mid-2027.
“We’re focusing on growing the pie in downtown Alpharetta, not dividing it,” he said.
The project is located within walking distance of the city’s downtown on one of its busiest roadways.
District Places initially proposed a second phase to include 195 for-rent residential units and 30,000 square feet of ground-level retail space on the other half of the block.
That phase drew concerns from some residents about potential traffic issues to the nearby intersection. Others voiced concerns about a proposed building height of five stories.
Rowen said traffic studies conducted by the partnership showed minimal impacts.
Initially scheduled for council consideration for a rezoning request, conditional use permit and variances in December, the project was deferred to allow the developer time to consider its options, Rowen said.
Phase 2 can only begin after the completion of Phase 1, he said. Rowen said he still thinks a Phase 2 plan that includes 195 for-rent units is viable, but District Places also could move forward with a plan that includes only commercial space in accordance with the current zoning.
“We’ve withdrawn our rezoning plans to give us more flexibility to move forward,” he said. “But we haven’t abandoned the idea. We are just keeping our options open based on the market conditions.”
Phase 1 will provide a shopping and dining destination to visitors and residents, especially those living nearby. But Rowen said the unique format also could be attractive to visitors from nearby communities who may not often visit the downtown area.
The project would leverage pedestrian connectivity and be easily accessed by an existing Alpha Loop section along Roswell Street. It also would match the surrounding neighborhood’s character and architecture.
“We thought that it was critical that our development fits the neighborhood in scale and architectural character,” said Rowen. “Roswell Street has enormous potential with strong pedestrian connectivity thanks to the Alpha Loop extension from Wills
Park to Milton Avenue.”
For drivers, the plan calls for parking that exceeds the city’s requirement by about 50 percent.
District Places is currently in discussions with potential tenants, which could include boutiques, restaurants and other businesses. It also would include retail spaces as small as 400 square feet, which would be ideal for small businesses, District Places partner Brent Beecham said.
Those spaces would be ideal for small businesses looking to take their next step, he said.
“There just aren’t enough rightsized, affordable tenant spaces to help them take that next step,” Beecham said. “We want to be the development in the heart of downtown that helps them reach their potential.”
Shawn Allen, who lives down the street from the project, said he is particularly excited about being able to walk there.
He said he and his family appreciate
the ability to avoid driving, but walking also affords them a better sense of place.
There’s something special about taking a brief walk to visit a favorite coffee shop or restaurant, he said. It also makes things easier when he wants to have a few glasses of wine.
“When you walk down to your coffee shop or your restaurant where you know the servers, you just feel a more part of your community,” he said.
Mathew Khodayari, owner of Aria Salon, said he is excited about the project and thinks it will help make Alpharetta a more attractive destination.
With the city’s focus on attracting skilled workers and high-tech firms, providing after-hours shopping and dining becomes ever more important, he said.
He thinks the expansion of the city’s downtown offers benefits to businesses already located there.
“If it generates more foot traffic, then it’s good for all of us,” Khodayari said.
What’s behind the preponderance of all-white homes in north Atlanta?
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
NORTH METRO ATLANTA, Ga. — All-white houses are popping up in subdivisions and communities throughout the north Atlanta area, leading some to wonder why.
Roswell resident Patsy Van Pelt said she noticed the trend while driving for an emergency visit to her veterinarian last year. Her 13-year-old English bulldog Stella suffers from chronic pancreatitis.
“I saw the houses and was like ‘what is going on?’” Van Pelt said. “I was just curious because I’m a house junkie.”
Van Pelt said since then she has noticed an abundance of white houses, often with black trim, in communities such as Milton, Alpharetta, Cobb County and Crabapple.
She admits she is a fan, but she also wonders why the trend is now so common.
“I do like the black frame windows. They look terrific,” Van Pelt said. “They’re kind of industrial, kind of a farmhouse. It’s just very interesting.”
Donna Shaw Murphy, Alpharetta Realtor and 400 North Realtors Association president, said she too has noticed the abundance of white homes.
Within the past few years, she has seen increasing numbers of white homes and thinks there are a few reasons that explain why it’s happening.
White and off-white facades can appeal to younger homebuyers who make up a large proportion of those in the market, she said. Clean shades can offer a modern look and make a home appear newer and fresher, even when it is older.
In fact, she said she has seen prices increase for many older brick homes after they are whitewashed. The price increase is sometimes comparable to new homes.
“It helps to compete with new construction, and it really adds value,” she said. “It’s amazing.”
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Those seeking white homes may not be averse to color, Murphy said. Often those homebuyers will accent their white interiors with colors, which are more easily changed than wall colors.
Murphy said she expected the white trend to be tapering off by 2026, but it appears to show no signs of slowing.
Like all fashions, home trends change with time, she said. In the 1990s and early 2000s, colored walls and bricks were all the rage.
That’s why sometimes older home buyers may find the all-white color schemes off-putting, but that’s what makes her work as a Realtor important, she said.
“They’ve grown up with a very traditional home, and so they think it has no personality, and they’re not going to be attracted to it,” Murphy said.
Forsyth County Commissioner Todd Levent said he also has noticed numerous white homes in his community. There, white homes are often connected to a farmhouse style of architecture.
He also thinks white is often a smart choice because it makes repainting easier.
White homes have become increasingly common there in the past eight years, he said.
As commissioner, he said his personal tastes have little bearing on zoning and other decision making. He said he aims to give residents the option to decide what kind of house they want to live in.
“It’s a free market, and if you’re buying an expensive house, you should be able to pick what you want,” Levent said.
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
A row of white homes sits on Thompson Street in Alpharetta. Local residents and officials have noted a continuing trend of homes painted white.
Failing in the pursuit of excellence
DAN WHISENHUNT Executive Editor dan@appenmedia.com
Let me tell you a story.
My first major in college was not journalism. I didn’t grow up dreaming about holding a notebook and asking powerful people pointed questions.
I wanted to be an actor. I majored in theater. It was not, as it turned out, an easy path. I struggled. I failed. And when you failed out of theater school at the University of Alabama, as people often did, you typically went to the broadcasting school, because a chunk of the credits were transferable. So I did that, but only because I wanted to be done with college. I didn’t know what came after. I didn’t care.
I was lost. I struggled. My grades were atrocious. As part of my journey through the broadcasting school, I was required to take a journalism 101 class. They taught you the basics: the inverted pyramid form of story writing, Associated Press style guidelines, all the building blocks of what we do. I did not care for any of it. I scraped by.
The class was taught by Bill Keller,
who was once the head of the Alabama Press Association. Bill would bring in important people in the community, CEOs, politicians and the like, so students could practice asking them questions. The room, full of nervous college journalists, usually greeted these guests with an awkward silence. When it was their turn to ask questions, few did.
Except me. I was always the one asking the questions. They were pointed and effective at eliciting interesting answers. Where that instinct comes from, I could not tell you. I’ve always been an ornery person. Perhaps the questions were just a product of my own cynicism about life, how nothing seemed to fit.
Bill took an interest in me. I remember one day we were talking about what I was going to do after college.
Bill looked me in the eye and said, “I’ll tell you what you’re going to do. You’re going to buy a nice suit and I’m going to get you a job.”
He was the kind of person who could pick up the phone and make that happen. His word is something you can take to the bank.
And that’s how it started, my career as a reporter, Decaturish, all of it. It started because someone saw something in me that I did not see in myself.
Someone intervened in my life and mentored me into a career that became a calling. I always think about Bill when I see the gatekeepers of our profession try to weed out those they deem unworthy.
I encountered this myself when I tried to land a job at a bigger publication – namely, the AJC – and was told, in no uncertain terms, that it was never going to happen for me. They said I wasn’t good enough. I decided that I was and launched Decaturish out of pure spite. I spent 10 years running my own small business because I believed that I could run circles around the AJC covering our community.
I achieved what I set out to do, but owning a small business was not easy. It changed me. Things happened to me along the way. I became a father. I earned some recognition for my work. I challenged powerful people and won. I made enemies. I hired my first full-time employee. My determination to prove people wrong carried me over all the gates standing in my way.
It also wore me out. Working around the clock takes a toll and by 2024, I decided it was time to let other, more capable people start making business decisions for me. Enter Hans Appen and Appen Media Group.
They offered me a fair deal and took
care of my team. I started working for someone else again. It was … a period of adjustment. Becoming an employee after a decade as an entrepreneur was awkward in ways I did not anticipate. I went from calling all the shots to consulting about all the shots. That was a change. But it was worth it. Knowing it wasn’t all on my shoulders, that other people wouldn’t be hurt if I failed, was worth it.
Decaturish has grown and prospered under the Appens’ stewardship. The paper you’re holding in your hands and the website of the same name are profitable. There aren’t many newspapers these days that can say that.
I had become accustomed to the tradeoffs and was thinking about my next public records fight when Hans Appen called me into his office a few weeks ago to tell me he had “big news.” I work in newspapers, so when a publisher tells you they have big news, it’s usually about launching a new curated email or something.
I sat on the couch in his office and he casually asked whether I’d want to take over all Appen Media’s editorial operations. Getting to manage a large team of journalists? Being able to bring
Housing flexibility can help sustain North Fulton
By KATHY SWAHN, NANCY DIAMOND, JACK MURPHY
North Fulton Improvement Network Executive Team Improvenorthfulton.org
In a 2022 study, the real estate firm Redfin estimated that almost one-inthree empty-nest baby boomers live in houses with three or more unused bedrooms. With limited downsize options and high interest rates, there doesn’t seem to be much incentive to move. Add to that, the fact that many of us have accumulated a lot of “stuff” that our kids don’t want but we can’t part with, and you have a real bottleneck.
Here is one reason financially savvy seniors may be motivated to sell. Public schools in North Fulton, the gem that attracted most of us to this area in the first place, are losing enrollment at a significant pace. And the impact that may have on future housing prices is something to consider.
Yes, it is true that a nationwide decline in birth rate is impacting
schools everywhere. But the numbers that Fulton County Schools (FCS) recently released show that the decline is more severe in our area than in most. Given the tactics that DeKalb County is considering – closing 27 schools – FCS may need to take a similar approach.
Overall, FCS showed a decline of 1,579 students countywide. Eightythree percent of that decline was in north county schools. Enrollment at private schools also showed a decline. Where these students went is a different research project. In our view, the most important differentiator impacting enrollment is the number of new housing units available to families. In the fourth quarter of last year, there were 437 homes (single family, townhouses, or condos) available in South Fulton. There were 339 available in North Fulton. North Fulton schools educate 62 percent of the total FCS student population.
We don’t have enough workforce housing options in North Fulton to attract young families and encourage
Affordable housing continues to be a serious issue across North Metro Atlanta. Groups like the North Fulton Improvement Network are trying to help, and Appen Media is dedicated to covering the process. Send ideas, questions and feedback to newsroom@appenmedia.com. Find more information from NFIN at improvenorthfulton.org.
student growth! It is in all our best interests to come together to solve this challenge.
We don’t need to simply build more housing…we need the right kind of housing.
We need housing for seniors to downsize without losing the community they helped build. We need places for nurses, teachers and public safety workers to have the option to live close to their jobs. We need places for young families to put down roots, populate our schools and pay local taxes.
In short, we need more attainable units for middle-income workers. To accomplish that will require average citizens to urge elected officials to
work together to solve the problem. The first step is to adjust zoning rules that restrict housing options.
Housing density seems to scare almost as many people as the term “affordable housing.” However, many communities have developed zoning that allows for “gentle” density – the kind of zoning that allows for duplexes and triplexes that can look much like any other single-family home.
If you want to help maintain the value of your home when you choose to sell, you need to get involved with your elected officials. Tell them that you want zoning that will save our schools.
In a recent op-ed in the Appen papers, Superintendent of Fulton County Schools Mike Looney said, “Strong schools help create stable neighborhoods and a thriving local economy. It is well established that communities with strong public schools attract families and support healthy property values, protecting the investment many residents have made in their homes.”
Puzzles
Each line in the puzzle below 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 5, 5 and 4 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!
CITIES OVERSEAS
1. Rock bottom. Hindu princess. City near Oberhausen.
2. Port city in NE Brazil. Fencing sword. Fragrance.
3. Bone-dry. City of NW Syria. Gumbo vegetable.
4. Honshu city. Resting place. Building material.
5. Barber’s supply. Halt. French city of the Strait of Dover.
6. City of central Poland. Kind of bee. Nada.
7. City in the Asian part of Russia. Big sandwich. Flashy.
1 Rock bottom. Hindu princess. City near Oberhausen.
2. Port city in NE Brazil. Fencing sword. Fragrance
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. Bone-dry. City in NW Syria. Gumbo vegetable.
4. Honshu city. Resting place Building material.
5. Barber’s supply. Halt. French city on the Strait of Dover.
6. City of central Poland. Kind of bee. Nada
7. City in the Asian part
How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
sum of the white squares in the sequence below it. You may only use the digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence.
Continued from Page 1
Wilson: AAPPEN PRESSCLU B
She also has seen an administrative restructuring that gave the Sheriff’s Office control of the Animal Services department, Pet Resource Center and county park rangers.
The changes allow the Sheriff’s Office to save costs within the Animal Services department. They also allow people under court supervision and jail inmates to work at the Pet Resource Center, 4065 County Way.
Additionally, it creates a mandated Animal Control officer who can obtain warrants, conduct investigations and address neglect cases, said Stacie Miller, director of external communications for the Sheriff’s Office.
“This role strengthens accountability, supports public safety and reinforces our commitment to animal welfare and responsible pet ownership in our community,” Miller said.
Wilson has loved animals since she was a little girl.
She often watched Animal Planet, finding inspiration in Steve Irwin. She even thought for a time about working with wildlife.
In 2020, Wilson saw a job posting for an animal control officer in Forsyth County. Then working as a veterinary assistant, she decided to pursue the job, thinking it would give her a chance to help animals in a way she had never considered.
“I've always had a passion for working with animals,” she said. “This
Tax:
Continued from Page 1
Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, R-Rome, said HB 1116 would have eliminated homestead property taxes for cities and counties in 101 counties and reduced them by more than 50 percent in 55 counties and by one-third in three counties.
HB 1116 failed with a 24-28 vote. Several Senate Republicans voted against the bill, including Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte, Sens. Bo Hatchett, Randy Robertson and Carden Summers, among others. About 30 minutes later, Sen. Matt Brass, R-Newnan, introduced an amendment to Senate Bill 33, which regulated hemp products. Senators stripped the bill and inserted property-tax-reform language. This bill does not include a cap on overall property tax revenue; instead, it limits increases in homestead property assessments.
SB 33 passed both chambers and
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was an opportunity for me to make a difference and to step into a different role. It gave me an opportunity to be an advocate.”
Wilson said she loves her career.
“It's never a dull moment. Every day is completely different,” she said. “I'm very passionate about the work that I do.”
Despite the personal rewards, she said the job can be challenging.
She admits she has been affected by some of the cruelty and neglect cases she has worked.
“I did not expect to see as much as I have, like bad stuff,” she said. “Sometimes you'll have a call where you're just going out for a stray dog, and the next thing you know, you've come across an abandonment case where you know there's possible cruelty involved, and the animals are in awful condition.”
Often those cases are the result of a lack of education. Wilson said that’s why she works with owners, teaching them the right way to care for pets. She said she is keenly aware that money paid for fines cannot be spent on a pet.
Nevertheless, repeat offenses can result in citations or charges.
“Obviously, our hands get tied to an extent,” she said.
heads to the governor for signature.
“We’ve taken out all the hemp language and it’s now the tax bill, the one we just voted on, [HB] 1116,” Brass said. “We took out the levy caps, which limits the increase in budget that kicks in the requirement for a referendum. We took out the taxpayer bill of rights. What we left in were the valuation caps.”
SB 33 passed the Senate along party lines, 32-21.
The legislation builds on HB 581, which passed in 2024, that caps homestead property assessment increases at the rate of inflation. A floating homestead exemption generally offsets or reduces increases in the taxable value of homestead property.
HB 581 allowed cities, counties and school districts to opt out of the exemption. Legislators have said that about two-thirds of cities and onethird of school districts opted out of the exemption. SB 33 makes this exemption mandatory.
With this floating homestead exemption in place, local governments could
Her daily experiences make decompression all the more important, she said. On her days off, she tries to spend as much time outside as possible, kayaking, camping, hiking and other activities.
After five years in her job, Wilson said she has seen the county’s changing demographics reflected in her work.
Calls in the southern, more developed part of the county are often for leash violations, excessive barking and bites.
In the northern, rural areas, she sees more neglect and tethering cases.
“We also have the people who are like, ‘Well, I've been here for 10, 15 years, and I'm not gonna go by what you say now, because it wasn't like that back in the day,” she said.
She also said she has seen the number of calls increase, as has the number of positions at her department.
Despite the increasing challenges, Wilson said she takes heart in knowing her work is important. She considers it a blessing to work with animals daily, and, most importantly, she is grateful to be able to protect them.
“We get to be a voice for the voiceless,” she said.
impose a floating homestead option sales tax to provide property tax relief for homeowners. SB 33 also creates the local homestead option sales tax, LHOST.
The LHOST would also help reduce property taxes on primary residences, with municipalities receiving a share of the proceeds. The LHOST would be a one-percent sales tax on fuel, food and alcohol and the proceeds would provide property tax exemptions to homeowners.
The LHOST could be implemented through local referendums starting in 2028. It will replace the current local option sales tax, but does not affect any special-purpose local option sales tax or education special-purpose local option sales tax.
SB 33 passed the House 97-72 at around 12:50 a.m. on April 3.
“This House makes it about the people,” Rep. Shaw Blackmon, R-Bonaire, said. “We are going to do what’s best for the taxpayer regardless of where that comes from, because it ain’t about me and it ain’t about you [or] any one of us, Mr. Speaker.”
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the concepts I developed at Decaturish to a wider audience? Having the ability to shape news and influence people in an entire region? It was an instant yes.
As of March 30, I am now the executive editor of Appen Media Group. I will oversee five full-time journalists, seven newspapers and three websites.
This will mean changes for me, but Decaturish isn’t going anywhere except up. Our team remains in place, and I will still be contributing to our work. I will simply have more responsibilities and an expanded ability to be for others what Bill was for me.
I’m not a gatekeeper. I’m a collector of malcontents, weirdos and wise-asses who want to become reporters because, frankly, they’d be miserable at any other job. I’m inviting people to hop into the back of a truck for a ride up to the journalism farm in Alpharetta. What we do is not complicated. If you’re willing to show up, do the work and learn, you’re giving me 99 percent of what I need. And if it doesn’t work out, well, the good news is there are certainly easier and more lucrative ways to earn a living. Less fun, sure, but you can reflect on your career unhappiness while you’re enjoying your lake house.
For the rest of us who are too foolish to give up on this series of indignities we call a profession, I am still hanging in there with you. I’m interested to see where it’s going, too. I’m curious about what happens in our industry when we honor our principles without propping up antiquated thinking. What can we achieve when we try things without being afraid of failure? What will we accomplish if we let data and business sense guide our decisions rather than assuming we know what our audience wants? How will our audience grow when we demystify the reporting process and invite them to collaborate with us?
Let’s find out. If we fail, let it be in the pursuit of excellence. If we succeed, let’s pay it forward by growing our ranks, covering more communities and telling more of their untold stories. I can think of no better use of my time, or yours.
I am grateful to the Appens for this opportunity. I do not see this as an “I’ve made it” moment. I see it as a “let’s get to work” moment. That is what I intend to do.
I remain your humble and grateful community news editor.
GARDEN BUZZ
Tiny borers, big problems: ambrosia beetles in landscapes
Ambrosia beetles are tiny insects that can cause big problems in Georgia landscapes. These bark-boring beetles attack more than 100 species of trees and shrubs, including many common ornamentals. While Georgia is home to over 170 species of bark and ambrosia beetles, most damage in nurseries and landscapes is caused by one invasive species: the granulate ambrosia beetle (Xylosandrus crassiusculus).
The good news is that ambrosia beetles don’t typically attack healthy trees. Instead, they target plants that are already stressed — from drought, flooding, root damage, or other pests. Understanding this behavior is key to preventing problems in the landscape.
When and why they attack
Ambrosia beetles become active in late winter or early spring, often when temperatures reach about 68 degrees Fahrenheit for a few days in a row. The adult females emerge from trees where they’ve overwintered and begin searching for new host trees.
What are they looking for? Stressed trees. These trees release chemical signals, like ethanol, that act like beacons to ambrosia beetles. They’re also drawn to wood containing some moisture, attacking stressed or dying trees, rather than those that are already dead.
Once a female finds a suitable host, she bores into the trunk or branches, creating tunnels called galleries. As she drills, she pushes out compacted sawdust, forming the telltale “toothpicks” or “noodles” sticking out of the bark. These are often the first and most noticeable sign of an infestation.
Fungus farmers
What makes ambrosia beetles especially unique is that they don’t actually eat the wood they tunnel through. Instead, they farm fungi.
Female beetles carry spores of “ambrosia” fungi in specialized structures on their bodies. Once inside the tree, they introduce this fungus into their galleries and carefully tend it like a garden. The fungus grows along the tunnel walls, and both adult beetles and their larvae feed on it.
This relationship benefits the beetles, but it’s bad news for the tree. As the fungus spreads, it can clog the tree’s water- and nutrient-conducting tissues, leading to wilting, dieback and eventually death. Smaller or already
About the author
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Gabrielle LaTora, agriculture agent in Fulton County’s Extension office. An entomologist by training, Gabrielle is interested in insects on farms and in gardens. In addition to helping coordinate Fulton’s Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program, Gabrielle oversees the North Fulton Community Garden, answers clients’ questions about gardening and natural resources, works with urban farmers and delivers educational programs for Fulton County residents. Gabrielle’s favorite insect of the moment is the Pandora sphinx moth, Eumorpha pandorus.
The bottom line
stressed trees are more likely to suffer worse fates.
What to look for
Because ambrosia beetles are tiny (2-4 mm) and spend most of their lives hidden inside trees, you’re unlikely to see the insects themselves. Instead, keep an eye out for signs of their activity.
The most distinctive clue is the presence of those small, toothpick-like strands of sawdust sticking out from the bark. You might also notice fine sawdust collecting at the base of the tree or in bark crevices. As infestations progress, trees may show more general symptoms of decline, such as delayed leaf-out in spring, wilting or early leaf drop. In severe cases, branches or entire trees may die.
Ambrosia beetles attack a wide range of plants, including crape myrtle, dogwood, redbud, oak, magnolia, peach and pecan, among others. While most species focus on stressed plants, one exception is the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus), which can attack healthy trees and has caused widespread losses of redbay, sassafras and avocado in the Southeast.
Prevention is the best protection
Because ambrosia beetles are attracted to stressed trees, the best defense is keeping your plants as healthy as possible. Start by choosing the right plant for the right place, and be mindful of site conditions like soil type, drainage and sunlight. The conditions at the planting site should match your plant’s preferences and tolerances.
During dry periods, irrigate as needed, especially for newly planted trees. Avoid injuring trunks and roots with lawn equipment, as wounds can increase stress and make trees more attractive to beetles.
What to do if you see signs
Once ambrosia beetles are inside a tree, control options are limited. The insects are protected within the wood, and because they feed on fungus rather than plant tissue, systemic insecticides are generally ineffective.
In most cases, early detection and removal of infested wood is the best course of action. Prune out affected branches or remove severely infested trees to prevent further spread. Be careful not to remove more than one-third of a tree’s canopy at one time.
For fast-growing species like fig, cutting the plant back to the base may allow it to regrow. While it may be tempting to burn infested wood, that step isn’t necessary — ambrosia beetles are already widespread in Georgia. Chipping, composting or simply allowing the wood to dry are all acceptable options.
DEATH NOTICES
Joan Burke, age 89, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on April 1, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Ambrosia beetles are a common part of Georgia’s landscape, and in most cases, they’re taking advantage of plants that are already under stress. The key to managing them isn’t chasing the beetles, it’s supporting tree health. By recognizing the early signs of infestation and focusing on proper plant care, you can reduce the risk of serious damage and keep your landscape thriving 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/users/profile/garden%20buzz/.
Catch North Fulton Master Gardeners at these scheduled events throughout the season:
• Alpharetta Farmers’ Market (starting April 18)
• Sandy Spring Farmers’ Market: Diggin’ in the Dirt kid’s activities
• Crabapple Festival in Milton this fall
James Toler, age 90, of Milton, GA passed away on April 5, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
LAUREN LADOV (LADOV LANDSCAPING)/PROVIDED You can identify ambrosia beetles from their tell-tale sawdust “toothpicks” or sawdust at the base of the tree.
GABRIELLE LATORA Guest Columnist
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Continued innovation in digital media has changed the ways in which people buy, sell and interact with products and services. It has caused businesses to reassess the ways in which it communicates with potential customers and advertises its products. It has been well documented that these changes have had a destructive impact on local newspapers, which continues to be a primary source for local news, but is no longer a primary source for local advertising dollars – historically the lifeblood for reporters and their coverage. At Appen Media Group we want to address this conflict head on, and build new and innovative approaches to monetizing local news and creating a sustainable future for local journalism in metro Atlanta.
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Dunwoody Crier 4/2/26
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Agilysys, Inc. seeks a Senior Lead Systems Analyst in Alpharetta, GA to analyze existing systems, business processes, & user needs to identify areas for improvement & optimization. Apply at jobpostingtoday.com/ Ref #26941.
MCS Project Manager sought by an IT service & solutions co. in Duluth, GA. Reqs a min. of a Bach’s deg in Info Systems, Comp Sci, Industrial Engg, or a rltd field, & 2 yrs of exp in mfg IT system mgmt. Send resume to: SK AX USA Inc. @ 2055 Sugarloaf Circle, Ste 500, Duluth, GA 30097.
SYSTEMS ENGINEERS: Cumming, GA & various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S.: Dsgn & impl MDE onbrdng for Windows 10/11 dvcs u/ Intune, SCCM & script atmtn. Cnfgr & dply EDR, ASR rules, Tamper Prtctn, Web Fltrng & Endpoint Attack Prtctn. Intgrt MDE w/Microsoft 365 Dfndr Prtl, enblng unfd threat dtctn & atmt invstgtn wrkflws. Est gvrnnc mdl for alerts, incdnts, dvc tgng & vlnrblty mgmt. Dvlp Intune tenant archt inclu cmplnc, cnfgrtn, update rings, app dplymnts & Autopilot prvsnng. Atmt device onbrdng, cleanup, rptng, & rmdtn tasks u/PowerShell & Graph API rdcng mnl efrt. Associate’s in Sci, Tech, or, Engg (any) w/2 yrs of exp in job off’d or rltd occup is req’d. Mail CV: HR, Jobly Solutions, LLC., itservices@joblysolutions.com.
YOUTH DIRECTOR (Part-Time) Alpharetta Presbyterian Church — Alpharetta, GA
APC seeks a vibrant, relational leader to serve as Youth Director for middle and high school students. 20–25 hrs/week | Up to $25/hr. Ideal candidates have a passion for youth mentorship and a background in education, coaching, or youth leadership. Retired teachers and ministryminded professionals encouraged to apply. Strong volunteer team and pastoral support in place.
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Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit cards. Medical bills. Car loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief and find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: Call 1-844-955-4930
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