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County clears way for its own straw into Lake Lanier By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County officials say a $7,600 easement approved Jan. 8 will jump start one of its largest capital projects in history and allow the county to declare water independence for the first time in decades. For nearly 40 years, a multistate federal lawsuit has forced the county to source nearly all of its water from a Lake Lanier intake facility owned by the City of Cumming. But, a 2021 U.S. Supreme Court ruling opened the door for the county to access water from the lake. The easement allows access to a 180-foot-deep wet well shaft to be located on county-owned property adjacent to Tidwell Park on the lake’s eastern side. This is the first step in an almost $200 million project to create the county’s own water intake facility. County Manager David McKee said the easement marks the start of a new era in county infrastructure.

FORSYTH COUNTY/PROVIDED

An underwater intake will be connected with a subterranean pipe to a to a nearby pumping facility near Tidwell Park.

See LANIER, Page 22

Transit fleet gains access to school fueling site By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County is looking toward a partnership with the school district to aid cost saving efforts for its public transit fleet. The Forsyth County Commission approved an agreement with Forsyth County Schools Dec. 18 for access to a propane

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refueling site at North Forsyth High School. The site will provide fuel to two propane-powered buses the county has ordered. The two Ford E-350 buses, which are expected to arrive early this year and will serve the county’s Access Forsyth public transit program. Access Forsyth provides rides on small buses and is available to passengers via a reservation system.

County spokesman Russell Brown said the new vehicles are expected to save costs. “These alternative fuel vehicles will give Access Forsyth a better MPG for their service, thus lowering the total cost of ownership over time and positively impacting the amount of funds required to support public transportation,” Brown said.

Staff reporter joins Appen ► PAGE 3

See PROPANE, Page 21

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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.

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Cumming man defrauded in fake purchase scam

HANS APPEN Publisher

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 46-yearold Cumming man reported losing more than $42,000 in an alleged text message scam Dec. 26. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said the man contacted deputies Dec. 27 to report the crime. The man said he received a text message asking whether a $709 charge to Publix was valid. The man texted back that it was not. About 30 seconds later, he received a phone call from a person who identified themselves as being with “security.” The caller reported there was another charge for more than $42,000, asking the man to transfer a cashier’s check to an account to correct the purported mistake, the sheriff’s report said. The Cumming man followed the instructions. Wells Fargo representatives spoke with the Cumming man about the alleged theft, instructing him to file a report with law enforcement. The incident was classified as a felony theft by taking. — Jon Wilcox

RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus CONTACT NEWS TIPS Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com. LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance. ADVERTISING For information about advertising in the Forsyth Herald or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278. CIRCULATION To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

Deputies arrest man on felony drug charge FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies seized suspected ecstasy pills and marijuana during a Dec. 28 traffic stop that resulted in the arrest of a 42-year-old Cumming man. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said deputies stopped an SUV on Ga. 400 near Buford Highway after visually identifying the driver as a man with a warrant charging him with failure to appear. Deputies began following the

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PUBLIC SAFETY vehicle after recognizing it from a Dec. 12 criminal trespass incident. Additionally, the man’s driver’s license had been suspended, the sheriff’s report said. Deputies arrested the man and searched him and his vehicle, allegedly finding baggies containing nine ecstasy pills and jars of THC wax. The unmarked purple and green pills were consistent with ecstasy, authorities said. The man denied knowledge or ownership of the pills. At the jail, deputies searched the man, finding a bag of marijuana in his pocket, the sheriff’s report said. The man was arrested on charges of felony possession of Schedule I controlled substance and misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked. — Jon Wilcox

Equipment theft reported at North Point work site ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police investigated the theft of construction equipment valued at $3,000 Dec. 16. The theft was reported about 9:30 a.m. at a North Point Parkway construction site. A 54-year-old Adairsville man said the controller to a soil compaction device was missing. The man said he had last used the machine Dec. 15. Officers inspected the machine and determined the controller had been removed. Officers had no suspect in the reported theft. The incident was classified as a felony theft by taking, greater than $1,500. — Jon Wilcox

Roswell trading card store suffers 2nd theft in month ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell police are investigating the second theft in a month at a trading card store along Holcomb Bridge Road Dec. 27 after someone cut through drywall to access merchandise. The store, owned and operated by

two young adults, reported someone Dec. 8 for purchasing a $5,000 Pokémon card with a stolen credit card. Officers investigated the incident and secured warrants for the suspect’s arrest. A little more than two weeks later, officers said they returned to the shop to investigate a second-degree, forced burglary. One employee, a 19-year-old Marietta man, said someone gained access to the company’s storage room through the building’s interior hallway between 7 p.m. Dec. 26 and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 27. The officer said he found an opening in the drywall inside the interior hallway, allowing the suspect to remove merchandise on the other side. The officer said it appeared the suspect only removed merchandise that was on the shelving parallel to the wall. The employee said stolen merchandise includes packs of Pokémon and “Magic: The Gathering” cards, valued at around $500. The officer said tools used in the burglary were left behind in the hallway, and he later found two possible entry points into the building. The case remains active with the Roswell Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division. — Hayden Sumlin

Authorities seek suspect in assault at gas station ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Officers investigated a reported aggravated assault at a Windward Parkway gas station Dec. 18. Alpharetta police said a man reported he was approached and verbally harassed by another man inside the gas station. The suspect left the gas station and returned, striking the victim with a crowbar or pipe, police said. EMTs treated the victim, who had swelling and bruising on his left shoulder and upper back. Police viewed surveillance camera footage, which showed the suspect leaving on a bicycle. — Jon Wilcox

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AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | January 15, 2026 | 3

Smyrna native, UGA grad Hannah Yahne joins Appen ALPHARETTA, Ga — Appen Media Group announced Hannah Yahne has joined its staff as a reporter. Yahne will cover local government and business in the cities of Roswell and Milton. She will report to Carl Appen, director of content and development, and she will be based in Alpharetta. Yahne grew up in Smyrna and graduated from the University of Georgia in 2024 with a degree in journalism. Throughout those four years, Yahne took courses focusing on social justice journalism, political affairs communications and completed a minor in political science. After graduation, she joined the reporting staff of the Rockdale Citizen and Henry Herald covering local govern-

ment and community. “It has always been my dream to be a journalist, and I’m excited to connect with the readers in my coverage areas,” Yahne said. “It is so important that local journalism provides honest, unbiased reporting and find stories that highlight the essence of the community. I look forward to growing my skills in the newsroom at Appen Media.” Yahne started with the company in October, kicking off coverage by reporting on election results and the resulting change in leadership for the City of Roswell. Since then, she has covered the Atlanta Regional Commission, profiled residents like Milton’s aspiring racing athlete Luke Yarbrough and shared the

work of community installations such as Jackson Healthcare. “Hannah is a sharp, thoughtful journalist on the rise in Atlanta,” Appen said. “She first came on our radar by leading the city’s coverage of the BioLab fire this fall and continued reporting its impact on community members. Ever since, she’s proven herself as an asset to the Metro Atlanta world of community journalism. We’re thrilled to have that kind of dedication and care in our newsroom.” For story ideas and questions, readers can reach Yahne at hannah@ appenmedia.com. — Carl Appen

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Beloved children’s author visits The Cottage School ROSWELL, Ga. — The Cottage School welcomed Laura Numeroff, the awardwinning author of the children’s classic, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” for a special chat Nov. 5 with elementary students. During her visit, Numeroff, shared insights into her creative process, the inspiration behind her whimsical stories and the joy she finds in storytelling. The exclusive opportunity gave elementary students the chance to engage with the celebrated author whose books highlight imagination, kindness and curiosity. Margaret Olsen, marketing manager at The Cottage School, said the Cougars were delighted to have Numeroff visit the campus off Holcomb Bridge Road. “At The Cottage School, experiences like this directly support our mission to nurture confident, independent learners,” Olsen said. “By connecting students with inspiring authors, we create opportunities that encourage self-advocacy and spark creativity.” The Cottage School says the author’s talk is an example of its continued mission to foster a lifelong love of reading and learning in its students. Founded in 1985, the K-12 school

Elementary schoolers at The Cottage School laugh and smile during a chat with children’s author Laura Numeroff Nov. 5. Her book, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” has been read by generations of Americans since it was first published in 1985. provides a specialized educational environment for students with learning differences. Coincidentally, both The Cottage School and “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” celebrated 40th anniversaries in 2025. For more information, visit www. cottageschool.org.

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Laura Numeroff, author of the beloved children’s classic, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” chats with elementary students Nov. 5 at The Cottage School in south Roswell.

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State Senate Republican plan would phase out income tax By TY TAGAMI Capitol Beat ATLANTA — With affordability a top concern heading into the elections this year, Georgia’s Senate Republicans are proposing billions of dollars in cuts to the state income tax. A study committee assigned by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, a Republican and advocate for abolishing the 5.19 percent tax, approved recommendations Jan. 7 that would eliminate it for lower-income earners starting next January, eventually abolishing it altogether. The committee voted to recommend eliminating the tax on the first $50,000 in annual income for individuals and the first $100,000 for couples. The cut would take effect Jan. 1, 2027. That is midway through the next fiscal year, when it would divert $3 billion from the state budget. It would deduct $6 billion in the following full fiscal year. The committee also called for increasing the cuts to higher income levels in the future, with abolishment of the $16 billion revenue stream by 2032. Sen. Blake Tillery, R-Vidalia, who led the committee, said the initial cuts need to help teachers, police officers and other workers who are struggling the most with the cost of living. He said two-thirds of Georgia workers would see their income tax eliminated at first. “Let’s give breaks to families who are feeling the crunch the most first,” he said. Affordability has become a top issue for Republicans in Georgia and nationally, leading to concerns about a voter backlash this year. Jones is running for governor and Tillery, who also chairs the Senate’s budget-writing Appropriations Committee, is running to succeed him as the leader of the Senate. Also in contention for lieutenant governor are two other members of the study committee: Sen. Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, the former Senate majority leader; and Sen. Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, who is vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee. John F. Kennedy, a Macon Republican who was Senate President Pro Tempore during the last legislative session, also served on the committee until he resigned last month to focus on his lieutenant governor primary campaign against the other three committee members.

The recommendations said the income tax would be eliminated without raising sales taxes or implementing a state property tax — and that no cuts to services would result. The recommendations passed along party lines, with the three Democrats on the committee opposed. Sen. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta, noted that the quarter of highest earners would benefit the most from full abolishment of the income tax in 2032, keeping more than $11 billion in their wallets. Abolishing the income tax for all earners would also eliminate a revenue stream equal to more than 40 percent of the current $37.7 billion budget. The Democrats were dubious that this would not strain government services. Orrock pointed to a dearth of health clinics in some counties with needs for funding. Tillery said the elimination of the tax on earnings up to $50,000 and $100,000 could be achieved with some simple steps. He said the first $3 billion could be covered with a mix of surplus revenue — state income exceeded expenses by nearly $2 billion in the fiscal year that ended in July — and new financing. With interest rates high, the state has been paying cash or capital projects rather than borrowing money through bonds. By borrowing the money instead, it would have another $1 billion to put toward income tax reductions, he said. The state could fund the rest of the cut when it reaches $6 billion in fiscal year 2028 by slicing 10 percent off the $30 billion spent on tax credits and tax exemptions, he said. To become law, the Senate would need cooperation from the House of Representatives. Speaker Jon Burns, a Republican from Newington, said Jan. 7 that his chamber wants to collaborate with the Senate on reducing the income tax rate, like it did last year when the General Assembly dropped it a fifth of a percentage point, from 5.39 percent. But he sounded a note of caution about altogether eliminating the revenue stream. State government must be able to pay for services such as health care, public safety and education, he said. “We have to have the details, and it has to work.” This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.

NEWS

Georgia health officials urging flu vaccinations By TY TAGAMI Capitol Beat ATLANTA — Hospitalizations for flu spiked in the last full week of December, resulting in several deaths in Georgia and an urgent call by state health officials. The Department of Public Health is urging people to get vaccinated amid projections of more infections. “Flu activity is widespread and severe in Georgia, and cases are likely to increase following the holidays and as Georgians return to work and school,” the agency said in a statement. “The Department of Public Health strongly urges you to take advantage of the health benefits the flu vaccine provides as soon as possible.” The agency reported more than 500 hospitalizations during the week ending Dec. 27, a more than six-fold increase from the week that ended Dec. 6. It reported seven deaths in that last full week of December. The state warnings came as the

Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported influenza cases had increased by a third nationally for the week ending Dec. 27, with deaths up nearly 1 percent and one pediatric influenza-associated death during the 2025-26 season. The CDC’s acting director, Jim O’Neill has also revised recommendations for pediatric vaccinations, including for flu. The federal government previously recommended annual vaccination for children over 6 months old, but O’Neill changed that blanket advice slightly, advising medical consultation first. His memo to other federal agencies the first week of January said the flu vaccine “should not be recommended for all children,” but it should be available through insurance to those over 6 months old “through shared-clinical decision making.” This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.

Second state lawmaker charged with pandemic relief aid fraud By TY TAGAMI Capitol Beat ATLANTA — Former state Rep. Karen Bennett, D-Stone Mountain, became the second Georgia lawmaker to be indicted in federal court in the past month over alleged fraud concerning COVID-19 federal assistance. Bennett, who resigned her seat effective Dec. 31, pleaded not guilty Jan. 5 to allegations by federal prosecutors that she made false statements in writing to obtain $13,940 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits in 2020. Bennett allegedly claimed she could not operate her physical therapy business while quarantined at home, but prosecutors allege her role was administrative and

that she could work from home. U.S. District Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia Theodore S. Hertzberg filed false statements charge against Bennett. A judge released her on a $10,000 bond after she pleaded not guilty. Rep. Sharon Henderson, D-Covington, pleaded not guilty Dec. 8 to theft of government funds in connection with COVID-19 relief, and was also released on a $10,000 bond. Henderson was still listed as a state representative on the Georgia General Assembly website as of Jan. 6. This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | January 15, 2026 | 7

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Just opened? Appen Media publishes New Business Spotlights to highlight local businesses as they get started. Submit yours for free at appenmedia.com/newbusiness. 8 | Forsyth Herald | January 15, 2026

Teen triathlete balances competition with charity By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com MILTON, Ga. — Jonathan Thai fondly remembers the freedom he felt as a kid riding his bike down the Big Creek Greenway with his dad. That feeling turned competitive when Thai entered his first triathlon in middle school. Now, at 17, he’s preparing to compete in the World Triathlon Winter Championships in Italy. “I understand that I’m very privileged to have all these experiences and be able to do the things that I can do, like be a triathlete,” Thai said. “I recognize that there’s people in my community, like how my parents grew up, that didn’t have access to all of those resources.” His mom never experienced that feeling of freedom that Thai says comes with riding a bike. She was gifted a bike from her dad, who found it on the side of the road. It broke after one day, and her family couldn’t afford a new one. As a freshman at Milton High School, Thai started volunteering with iCan Bike, a non-profit organization helping neurodivergent children learn how to ride bicycles. He also volunteers with Meals by Grace, a food pantry in North Fulton. “I just wanted to find a way to combine my passion for cycling and my sports background with how I could help the community through volunteering further,” Thai said. Finding a way forward Thai was already brainstorming ideas for his own nonprofit before learning that national retailer REI stopped offering “experiences,” which included classes and day tours of various outdoor activities. One of these experiences was a paid training program offered at the REI in Alpharetta where kids could learn to ride bikes. Thai recognized the impact that this would have on kids. From learning the rules of the road on a bike to how to pump up a tire and use the brakes, Thai said there’s a lot to learn before riding safely.

ROI

matters.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MIKE JUDGE/PEDAL FORWARD FOUNDATION

Jonathan Thai, founder and executive director of the Pedal Forward Foundation, leads a camp participant while holding a bike at one of three summer camp sessions held last year. “I realize that it’s also disproportionately affecting kids from underserved communities,” Thai said. “Not being able to ride also kind of puts them more at a disadvantage.” He wants everyone to feel the freedom he experienced as a kid, whether that be to play with friends or run errands when their parents aren’t home. “Biking is a really sustainable form of transportation for the whole community,” Thai said. “I realized that I could use my resources to help … not just all people, but the underserved community in specific.”

See PEDAL, Page 9

Pedal Forward’s director of Spanish communications, left, and director of public relations, right, with two campers at Elkins Pointe Middle School in October.

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Pedal: Continued from Page 8 Thai launched the Pedal Forward Foundation in January 2025 to provide free bike lessons and equipment to kids in underserved communities. He found an attorney who helped him attain nonprofit status pro bono, which Thai said was huge since the organization had no funding at the time. Securing insurance for the nonprofit was also a problem, Thai said. He found momentary relief among certified instructors at the League of American Bicyclists, who led his first three camps and provided coverage. By July, Thai became a certified cycling instructor through the league so that his camps could remain insured. “I knew I couldn’t depend on them for eternity, so I became a league cycling instructor myself to get the insurance,” he said. Pedal Forward needed volunteers to maintain a one-to-one ratio between kids and instructors. At first, his triathlon teammates volunteered their time, but as their schedules got busier while Thai’s nonprofit grew, he had to find ways to attract more volunteers. “That’s when I started partnering with the Young Men’s Service League that I was a part of,” Thai said. Pedal Forward partners with chapters of the Young Men’s Service League in Alpharetta, Milton and North Fulton, allowing members to complete their annual service hours at Thai’s nonprofit.

BUSINESSPOSTS When members of the National Charity League overheard Thai talking about his nonprofit, the Roswell/Alpharetta, Milton and South Forsyth chapters partnered with Pedal Forward to host a bike drive ensuring every participant has access to a bike and helmet. “I was kind of amazed how fast it took off and how the community came together to help this idea that I had and make it a reality,” Thai said. After camps finished for the year, Pedal Forward partnered with Bike Alpharetta to clean, repair and donate 277 bikes and over 300 helmets to North Fulton Community Charities for its annual Toyland event. Bringing it full circle In one year, Pedal Forward has mobilized 260 volunteers and impacted over 200 kids. “Teaching them how to ride and seeing the joy that they get from it is just amazing for both the kids and the volunteers,” Thai said. Since June, Pedal Forward has raised over $25,000 through creating fundraising efforts like hosting a movie premiere for donations and selling merchandise. The nonprofit has partnered with cities and schools to promote biking as safe and efficient transportation. Thai hosted a camp leading up to the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School initiative last fall. In October, he partnered with the City of Roswell to host a camp during Hispanic Heritage Month. Thai said it was an amazing experience, especially because some of his volunteers could provide

MIKE JUDGE/PEDAL FORWARD FOUNDATION

A volunteer from the Milton High School Beta Club provides backup for a bike camp participant at Union Hill Park. There were 35 participants at the camp and 40 volunteers.

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | January 15, 2026 | 9

Spanish translations for families. Pedal Forward’s impact expanded outside of North Fulton last year when Thai helped a South Atlanta elementary school organize a bikeathon fundraiser. He will receive a proclamation from Fulton County in February recognizing his work. Thai said starting something aligned with his passions that positively impacts young people has transformed him. He loves seeing the joy on kids’ faces as they take part in an experience he enjoyed so much while growing up. “Some of these kids want to do all this stuff, but don’t have access to do it,” Thai said. “So, to be able to provide this service to them has been great.” Two of Thai’s triathlon teammates recently started chapters of Pedal Forward in New York and Tennessee. The New York chapter is scheduled to offer its first camp in the spring. In Tennessee, Pedal Forward has

partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of America to provide camps every week starting this month. Pedal Forward Georgia meets for camps at the Union Hill Pavilion in Alpharetta. The three-hour camps help kids get comfortable on a bike before ending the lesson with a ride down the Big Creek Greenway. “Going from not being able to ride at all to riding on the Greenway was kind of a big moment for them and for me,” Thai said. “Riding on the Greenway was one of the biggest parts of my childhood … I wanted to give that to them too.” Pedal Forward’s first camp of the year will be March 7 from 2-5 p.m. Every kid that registers without a bike or helmet during registration will be provided one. To donate or learn more about the Pedal Forward Foundation, visit their website or email info@pedalforward.net.

Special Section January 15, 2026 Forsyth Herald | 10

Shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators At Woodward Academy, we believe education should prepare students for more than college—it should prepare them to lead with vision, courage, and purpose. To innovate responsibly. To create impact in a complex, ever-changing world. That’s why our mission extends beyond academic excellence. We cultivate character and opportunity, shaping students not just for success, but for significance. For families who care deeply about the kind of people their children will become, Woodward offers something rare: an education designed to spark ambition, nurture integrity, and empower leadership on a global scale. The results speak for themselves Our alumni are innovators, entrepreneurs, and public servants—making their mark in Fortune 500 boardrooms, national politics, scientific research, and the arts. They lead with clarity, confidence, and conscience, often citing Woodward’s balance of challenge and care as the foundation for their success.

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Brought to you by – Woodward Academy

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EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

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Accelerate your nursing career. Impact your community. Brought to you by – Herzing University The healthcare systems of metro Atlanta, including surrounding communities like Sandy Springs, are experiencing the effects of the state-wide nursing shortage. Georgia is on track to be among the top 10 states facing the most urgent nursing shortages, projecting a need for over 18,000 registered nurses locally by 2037. This means more than just a lack of staff. It translates to longer emergency room waits, postponed critical care and increased pressure on already overworked healthcare professionals. This shortage demands an innovative approach to nursing education – one that unlocks the potential of more qualified individuals, including non-traditional students who may be balancing work and family responsibilities. Herzing-Atlanta understands this reality and has developed flexible learning options to cater to the nontraditional student, for whom time is one of the most valuable resources. As the campus celebrates one year in its new Sandy Springs location, Herzing is

setting the standard for what it means to grow a resilient, future-ready nursing community. • No wait lists to start: Begin your Bachelor of Science in Nursing coursework immediately, streamlining you into the workforce career ready. • Flexible, hybrid learning: Balance life’s priorities with education through a mix of online general education coursework and in-person clinical training. • Accelerated pathways: Maximize transfer credits and leverage prior healthcare experience through fasttrack bridge programs. • Local clinical experience: Gain hands-on training at hospitals and clinics across metro Atlanta, building local connections and real-world skills. • Career-ready preparation: Enter the workforce with the confidence and experience needed to meet Atlanta’s growing demand for skilled nurses. With a degree from Herzing University, you can help Georgia meet its growing healthcare needs and ensure that every community, from the heart of Atlanta to its surrounding suburbs, has the nurses it needs to thrive.

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Herzing University offers flexible, hybrid classes, accelerated pathways and hands-on clinical experience across metro Atlanta. Skip the wait list and earn your BSN faster to join Georgia's growing workforce of skilled, compassionate nurses.

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EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

How parents can connect with their teenagers Brought to you by – Shaquanta “Shelley” Danjoint, M.S., The Summit Counseling Center The teenage years can be an adjustment for both children and parents. Teenagers are finding their identity and are becoming more aware of themselves. Parents go through a phase of learning about their child, even after knowing them for years. There are phases and stages that parents will witness their child going through that may not be

present later. Listed below are some suggestions to help parents continue to connect and build a healthy relationship with their child while still providing parenting and guidance. • Set up quality time. It can be helpful for teens to have time just with mom and time just with dad. These times may look different. Dads may want to take their daughters out for dinner, but may bond with their sons over sports or other

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events. Moms may go shopping with their daughters or bake with them to learn about their interests and hobbies. The idea is to learn more to see what activity may best suit you to do together. • Practice helpful communication. Avoid name-calling. Helpful communication can include sharing what your teens are doing well and encouraging them to do their best, rather than only telling them what they are not doing well. This can also include not going back and forth with teens, but allowing them to vent, revisiting the conversation later to talk and show love and affection when everyone is calmer. It is important to set boundaries and maintain your household rules here. Avoid going back and forth on topics that lead to escalating arguments. • Express unconditional love and affection that is not dependent on teens doing things right. An example could be that after establishing a punishment, return and tell your teens how much you love and appreciate them. Typically, at this age, teens need to feel accepted, no matter their behavior or emotions, while still providing correction. Teens are likely to see things logically and reasoning after venting. Once they are calmer, teens tend to be more understanding.

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EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

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Education solutions for every mind, every age Brought to you by - Eaton Academy Eaton Academy offers multiple programs, both in person and online, since a “one size fits all” approach to education is not effective in today’s world. Academic programs The full-day K-12 school with its 5:1 studentto-teacher ratio allows instructors to address the individual learning styles of both neuro-typical and neuro-diverse students. Using STEAM-related activities and multisensory instruction, students of all abilities achieve academic and personal success. The collegeprep curriculum is delivered in a safe, nurturing environment. For students with more significant needs, the Pace Program customizes the curriculum to, not only meet their specific academic needs but also develop life skills and independent living strategies. This approach is perfect for students on the spectrum, those with developmental delays, and individuals with other scholastic challenges. Pace students follow the traditional school day and work to develop greater self-sufficiency and independence, on their way to earning a high school diploma. The Independent Study Program (ISP), tailored to students’ schedules and academic needs, permits individuals to work at their own pace. The tutorial setting enables students who need a more flexible approach, such as aspiring athletes and performers, to work toward graduation while following their dreams. Some students enroll in ISP to accelerate their scholastic

work; others seek academic remediation. ISP arranges the one-to-one sessions on a schedule that accommodates the students’ needs for flexibility in time or delivery. Sessions can be in person or online. Post-graduate programs LEAP is designed to help individuals strengthen their life skills to achieve greater independence. Participants benefit from job readiness training at local businesses and life skill development in our model apartment. The LIFE program works with young adults living in their own apartments. Participants meet with a LIFE coach several times each week for support in areas such as meal-prep, budgeting, hygiene, roommate relations, and housekeeping. Supported employment prepares young adults for the workplace. Assistance is given with resume writing, applying for positions, and keeping a job. A job coach serves as a liaison between the participant and job sites. The College Foundations Program (CFP) is designed for individuals who completed high school but are not ready for college or to live on their own. CFP enhances students’ abilities in academics, social settings, independent living, and employment. Students receive onthe-job experience and academic enrichment to enable them to enter college and live independently. Eaton Academy is the ideal place for families to discover education options and independent living solutions. Whatever students need, Eaton works to create the perfect education solution for them.

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EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

‘If a student can’t learn the way we teach…we should teach the way a student can learn.’ Brought to you by – Mill Springs Academy Mill Springs Academy is a 1-12 private school dedicated to helping neurodiverse students (including students with ADHD, learning differences, and Level 1 Autism) discover their strengths and thrive. Mill Springs takes a unique approach to education by combining academic learning with practical skills development through project-based learning. Our hands-on curriculum engages students in real-world challenges, fostering critical thinking, executive functioning skills, and socialemotional intelligence. From the unit-based Lower School program to our Middle and Upper Schools' robust selection of electives that connect students to critical academic skills through subjects and topics that interest them, we empower students to explore, create, and grow at their own pace. Our specialized Communication Arts program ensures that students with Level 1 Autism and those with pragmatic language challenges receive the tailored support they need while remaining fully engaged with the broader school community. Mill Springs’ fine arts program encourages students to explore their creativity through painting, sculpture, set design, music, performance, and more. Our robust athletic programs allow students to play at a competitive level while building teamwork, confidence, and communication skills. At Mill Springs, our mission is to prepare students to be Real World Ready, equipped with the confidence, life skills, and resilience to succeed in whatever path they choose. RSVP for an individual tour at www.millsprings. org/visit.

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EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

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Serving families for 50 years Brought to you by – Saint Francis School At Saint Francis, students are seen, heard, and valued. Teachers build on each child’s strengths, address challenges, and respond early so students feel supported from the start. Founded in 1976, Saint Francis has spent nearly 50 years helping students succeed through steady relationships, clear structure, and thoughtful academic support. Families choose Saint Francis because learning feels personal and intentional, not rushed or one-size-fits-all. Saint Francis serves families across two campuses in Roswell and Milton. Our Roswell campus is home to Elementary and Middle School, while our Milton campus serves High School and will welcome Middle School students beginning August 2026. This expansion brings a proven middle school program to Milton, creating a seamless transition to high school for families seeking continuity, structure, and long-term support, with complimentary bus service to the Milton campus.

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In Elementary School, students learn in small, hands-on classrooms where they feel safe, supported, and

excited to learn. One of Georgia’s strongest structured literacy programs is woven into the school day, helping

children build reading, writing, and confidence without being pulled out or labeled. Teachers notice early when something isn’t clicking and provide support before frustration takes hold. Middle School focuses on helping students stay on track during a critical stage of growth. With clear routines, strong academics, and dedicated deans and school counselors throughout grades 6–8, students learn to stay organized, manage their time, and advocate for themselves. High School offers a personalized college-prep experience built around the individual student. Flexible academic pathways, executive-function support in every class, and deans and school counselors who stay with students throughout grades 9–12 help learners take on challenges while staying organized, focused, and confident about what comes next. Saint Francis School helps every child succeed by meeting students where they are, providing structure that builds confidence, support that grows independence, and a community where each student is truly known.

Sponsored Section

January 15, 2026 | Forsyth Herald | 16

Touchmark National Bank introduces to the community, Graham Hirst Brought to you by – Touchmark National Bank Graham Hirst brings over 20 years of banking experience to North Fulton, Forsyth, Gwinnett, and the surrounding counties. Throughout his career, Graham has built trusted relationships with companies both small and large, helping business owners and leadership teams access smart lending solutions and financial resources to fuel growth. With a strong focus on commercial lending and relationship development, Graham works closely with clients to understand their unique goals and deliver tailored financial strategies. His deep knowledge of the local market and commitment to community involvement make him a valued partner to businesses across a range of industries. Dedicated to supporting the eco-

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OPINION

PRESERVING THE PAST

A sport blows away the competition in Georgia The fastest growing sport by far in Georgia and in all the United States is – you guessed it – pickleball. The sport was invented in 1965 by three residents of Bainbridge Island, BOB MEYERS located a short ferry Columnist ride from Seattle, Washington. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum wanted a new fun game with their children in mind, but one which adults could enjoy as well. According to the website Pickleball Yard, the three men tested and refined ideas over a summer. They lowered the net, used a plastic ball and cut simple paddles from plywood. Today paddles are generally made of graphite, and the balls, which are still plastic, are specially designed with as many as 40 round holes in them. The men came up with rules: serves were underhand, the ball had to bounce on each side of the net to make play fair for all ages, and the court was small so the game was quick. The court is 20 by 44 feet, with a 7-foot “kitchen” on each side of the net with strict rules to prevent smashing the ball. For example, a player cannot volley while standing in the kitchen. What started out as a backyard fun game using a badminton net, a wiffle ball, and ping-pong paddles has become a steamroller success story. Its wide acceptance is due to its easy playing, its quick learning and because people of all ages and levels of skill can play. The sport mixes elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong. When pickleball came to Georgia in the early 1990s, it was most popular with active retirement communities, parks and recreation centers. The Atlanta area was one of the first to commit to the sport. The city of Macon strongly supported pickleball infrastructure and built the largest indoor pickleball facility in the world at the time. In 1984 the first national oversight organization, the United States Amateur Pickleball Association (USAPA) was established. It later changed its name to USA Pickleball Association and finally in 2020 adopted its current name, USA Pickleball. It is the national governing body for the sport charged with guiding events and setting the rules. Estimates vary, but it is estimated

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

Pickleball courts on display at the Atlanta National Pickleball Club in Alpharetta.

PROVIDED

Rena Millwood and two partners will open a new pickleball facility in Flowery Branch this spring to be called Around the Pickle. Rena says she would play pickleball every day if she could. The photo shows Rena with paddle in the midst of a game. that there may be more than 300 pickleball facilities in Georgia, including dedicated indoor clubs, parks and recreation centers and private clubs such as the YMCA.

PROVIDED

Chris Wolfe on the pickleball court in 2025. He is director of pickleball operations and a Master Instructor at the Atlanta National Pickleball Club in Alpharetta.

It is not exactly clear how the sport got its name. The most likely version is that when pickleball grew in popularity the inventors give it its unique title inspired by boat rowing where the term "pickle boat" refers to the team that is made up of rowers passed

over by other boats. The game was a mix of leftover equipment from several sports just like left over rowers. One of the individuals responsible for the success of pickleball in Georgia is Alpharetta resident Chris Wolfe. As a youngster in Florida, Chris learned to play tennis. As a young adult he won two state championships. His first experience with pickleball was in Greensboro, North Carolina where he played in a senior center. “Players were in their 70s, and they were thriving,” Chris notes. For 15 years Chris was a morning show host on local radio stations in Florida, New Mexico, Minnesota and for two years on B98.5 in Atlanta. In 2016 Chris moved to Georgia and helped build the sport in Atlanta. He was a cofounder of Atlanta Pickleball Center and started a major prolevel tournament called the Atlanta Open which later changed its name to the Atlanta Slam. Today he is director of pickleball operations and a Master Instructor at the Atlanta National Pickleball Club in Alpharetta which opened in November, 2025 with 18 indoor courts. Chris says “the beauty of pickleball is that it is not intimidating for newcomers to the sport. You can just pick it up and play a game. You don’t have to be a pro to play. It is primarily a social game for all ages.” The sport keeps growing locally. Rena Millwood, who lives in Gainesville, is one example of a fan. “I would play every day if I could,” she says, but she does manage to play at least 3 to 5 times a week at various locations in Northeast Georgia. More importantly, she is opening a new pickleball facility in Flowery Branch this spring with her two partners Lew Halski who played professionally and ranked in singles and Trey Greene a local businessman. It is currently under construction. “It is called Around the Pickle and will have 18 indoor courts in 3 buildings and 12 outdoor courts,” Rena reports. She says, “the pickleball community is very welcoming. That is what makes it so wonderful.” For more information, go to the Facebook page Around the Pickle or the website aroundthepickle.com. A special thank you to Jennifer Dickson for her help with this column. Bob is a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission and Director Emeritus of the Milton Historical Society. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

Puzzles

er 1/15/26 Connect-It

PuzzleJunction.com

Connect-It

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 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!

Forsyth Herald ...........................................January 15, 2026 | 19

EITHER/OR 1. Sweeper or Scots heather. Twosome. Pulse. 2. Roomy vehicle. Whacks or slimy critters. Half moon tide. 3. Fake or pillow covering. Honeyed drink. Loathsome. 4. Ice house. Sled dog or Robust. Moonfish. 5. Verdant or a drunk. King of the Road. Imp. 6. Suite place. Cruddy. Rubella symptom or impetuous. 7. Breakfast offering. Aircraft or PuzzleJunction.com carpenter’s tool. Chubby.

2 3 4 5 6

/15/26 Sudoku 7

How to Solve: Each line in theEither/Or 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 1. Sweeper or Scots heather. Twosome. Pulse. 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 solve the Sudoku column forTothe 3 answers on the puzzle, line. But each here’s row, the catch! Theand clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually 2. Roomy vehicle. Whacks or slimy critters. Half moon tide. contain the numbers to line. 9. Got it? Good luck! bebox for must the second or third answer in 1that 3. Fake or pillow covering. Honeyed drink. Loathsome. 4. Ice house. Sled dog or robust. Moonfish.

6 5. Verdant or a drunk. King of the road. Imp. 6. Suite 9 place. Cruddy. 4 Rubella 2 symptom or impetuous. 7. Breakfast offering. Aircraft or carpenter’s tool. Chubby. 3 1 7 8 2 8 1 9 6 3 4 9 6 4

How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

6 9 7 4 8 5 2 1 3

2 5 4 9 1 3 7 6 8

7 4 8 1 9 2 5 3 6

1 3 5 7 6 8 4 9 2

9 2 6 3 5 4 8 7 1

Across

1 Giraffe cousin 6 Renown 10 Pesky insect 14 Speeder’s bane 15 Legal claim 16 NV city 17 Karate experts 19 Consequently 20 18-wheeler 21 Foolhardy 22 Western ﬁlm classic, The Magniﬁcent ___ 23 Showman Ziegfeld 25 Tin can appliance 27 Large bird of prey, the Great ___ 31 Filth 32 Cereal grain 33 Condo division 35 Knitting ___ 39 All excited 41 Type of stare or cartridge 43 Diva’s song 44 Indicate 46 Moonshine mix 48 Mornings, for short 49 Burden 51 Gainsborough painting 53 Withstand 55 Hostel 56 Explosion 57 Wilted 60 Jason’s ship 64 Final notice 65 Embarrassed to the hilt

PuzzleJunction.com

3 6 2 8 4 9 1 5 7

4 8 1 5 3 7 6 2 9

21 23 28

35 42

45 49

47 51

48 52

67 Exploding star 68 Above 69 The Republic writer 70 Water pitcher 71 Sets 72 Brusque Down 1 Globes 2 Curly cabbage 3 Comic Sandler 4 Appease 5 Aggravate 6 Chigger 7 Suffers 8 Modus operandi 9 Print measures

10 Healthy Chinese beverage 11 Audacity 12 Infuriate 13 Warner Bros. creation 18 Grizzly, e.g. 22 Arid 24 Singer Rawls 26 Walking papers 27 Egg on 28 The latest thing 29 Town on the Thames 30 ___ Abner 34 Scottish cap 36 Ho-hum 37 Airport pickup 38 Effortless

40 Kindergarten reward 42 Apprehend 45 Race track tipster 47 4th century barbarian 50 Computer key 52 Empower 53 Pasta shape 54 Gullible 56 Dog treat 58 Matinee ___ 59 Driving direction ﬁnders 61 Back 62 Catches on 63 Native Nebraskan 65 Dust remover 66 Pertinent

See puzzle solutions on Page 22

What do you want to know about the community? 5 7 9 6 2 1 3 8 4

14 17

ASK APPEN

Solution 8 1 3 2 7 6 9 4 5

How to Solve: Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. The rules are easy: A number above the diagonal line in a black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of it. A number below the diagonal line is the 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.

Dunwoody Crier 1/15/26 Crossword

Submit questions at appenmedia.com/ask or scan QR code.

20 | January 15, 2026 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

GARDEN BUZZ

OPINION

What to do with your amaryllis bulb after the holidays ED O’CONNOR

Nothing says the holidays like fresh flowers and plants in your home! Especially popular are amaryllis bulbs, which are very easy to grow and are readily available at most stores throughout the holiday season. Did you know that these bulbs can be forced to bloom in your home for years to come? This beautiful plant, native to the cape of South Africa, can even be planted in your garden for years of outdoor enjoyment. Eight years ago, I started planting the bulbs in my yard because I was curious to see if I could get them to re-bloom. After my first success, I just kept the cycle going. While the bulbs have tended to get larger, it’s really the same three bulbs that I’ve had rebloom over the years. Here’s how to bring the beautiful blooms back year after year. After the amaryllis blooms, it’s okay to cut the faded flowers, but do not cut the strapping green foliage. As with most bulb plants, the green foliage provides nutrition to the bulb to help the plant flower in the future. To reuse your bulb, I usually like to refer to some key dates on the calendar: April Fools’ Day, Halloween and Christmas. April: What does April Fools’ Day have to do with reusing your amaryllis bulb? Well, it happens to be around April 1 when the bulb can be safely planted outside in North Georgia without the fear of frost affecting the foliage. On or around April 1, I recommend that the bulb be planted in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, leaving the strapping foliage on the bulb. Fertilize the bulb with a liquid fertilizer until mid-August. From here, you should see the bulb grow significant foliage throughout the summer. It’s okay to leave the amaryllis in your garden permanently, but it will most likely not bloom until the following spring/summer. Halloween: The next key date is Halloween. Around the end of October, remove the bulb from the ground, leaving the strapping green foliage. Place the bulb in a paper bag and store in a dark, dry, cool (50°F) area, such as a garage. To force-bloom the bulb, it’s important to allow the bulb to rest and dry for at least six to eight weeks. Christmas: In mid/late December, plant the amaryllis bulb in a pot approximately 1 to 2 inches wider than the diameter of the bulb. The container can be any number of different materials, ceramic, plastic or glass. Trim Guest Columnist

PHOTOS BY ED O’CONNOR/PROVIDED

Clockwise from left, amaryllis brings beauty to cold winter days; plant the bulb in a sunny spot with well-draining soil in April; remove the bulbs from the garden and allow them to dry out in late October.

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Ed O’Connor, a 2024 Master Gardener and member of the North Fulton Master Gardeners. Ed is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in business administration. He’s an avid gardener, hiker, camper, backpacker and all things outdoors. the dried foliage and roots. The bulb can be placed in either potting mix or glass ball/marbles medium. The upper half of the bulb should remain above

the soil surface. Water thoroughly and place in a warm sunny location. The ideal temperature should be between 70 and 75 degrees. When the plant begins to bloom, move it to a slightly cooler location that does not receive direct sun. This will prolong the life of the flowers. After blooms have faded, keep the bulb moist until April Fools’ Day when it will be time to place the bulb outside and start the process all over. Good plant care will ensure that you enjoy beautiful blooms year after year from your amaryllis! 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 about NFMG at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https://appenmedia.com/opinion/columnists/ garden_buzz. Save the date for NFMG’s 2026 signature event: Garden Faire on April 11, 2026. Learn more at nfmg.net.

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | January 15, 2026 | 21

Assessing the value of screens vs. people We have three children. When they were growing up, we didn’t have TV or game consoles in our house for a long time – like for 5 or 6 years – maybe longer. Then I caved. We have had a beach house RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus on a very remote ray@appenmedia.com (accessible only by boat or plane) barrier island in the panhandle of Florida for 26 years. No stores, no courts, no restaurants, no roads – just friends, beach, wilderness, shells, boats and fish. We did not have TV there for over 20 years – by choice. I have never liked TV; I read instead. My wife Christina reads. My children read, still. I have an old friend who worked in senior management for years in the

cable industry. So, she advocated always for broadcast – cable specifically. I think it drove her crazy – or at least bugged her – that I was so anti-screens, anti any form of broadcast or narrow cast or, today, anti-streaming. Today we have TVs at home in Alpharetta and down in Florida. We stream. We Netflix. We binge watch those mini-series. Well, they do; I don’t. I haven’t caved yet – at least for myself. I’ll occasionally watch the news but other than that, I read – not on screens. The same thing goes for social media. I am going on maybe five-plus years with no Facebook. I deleted Instagram a couple of years ago. Never used Twitter, LinkedIn or any of the other social media platforms. Yes, I do miss seeing how old friends are doing on Facebook and sort of miss the entertainment of Instagram, but I gladly give that up to restore my available

time to learn, time to read, time to stay personally – as in face to face – connected with friends. It’s a trade-off I gladly make. Now Chat GPT. Yes, I use it, but… my radar is up. I see where we’re going with it. I see what change is coming – unstoppable – down the tracks – like now. And I don’t like it. I think it scares me. I think I don’t want to give up what I would or will have to in order to allow Chat more substantively into my life. Yes, there are benefits to consider, but everything has a cost – everything. The cost involved is our time, our purpose and our attention. Taken perhaps to an extreme, I would suggest that our very humanity is the ultimate cost on the table. A reader chewed me out recently for trashing screens – and streaming “vomit.” I don’t blame her, actually. She pointed out all the benefits – the time

savings, the learning opportunities and more. I get it. But, I also get human nature and most people’s – including and especially me – inability to resist the pull of the screens and the collateral time-destroying disconnecting impact of our addiction to screens. Like I said, everything has a cost. So, I am focusing on my “why” and my “what” for the new year. What do I want to use my time for and why. Where is the meaning? What activities nourish my soul, make me feel like a contributing member of the human race – part of the tribe? What is more important to me, learning or being entertained? What is more important to me, screens or people? Isn’t that what all this comes down to – choosing between screens or people? And isn’t that a “thing” that we do have to choose? And your choice for 2026?

Propane: Continued from Page 1 Propane vehicles typically have more cost-effective mileage than gasoline alternatives, the Department of Energy reports. Propane may offer lower fuel economy, but its lower per-gallon cost can quickly offset the lower fuel economy. Compared to diesel or gasoline vehicles, the propane buses also may produce fewer air pollutants. The new buses are coming at a time when Access Forsyth faces rising costs and ridership. In 2025, commissioners approved increased ticket fares to offset the program’s costs. Access Forsyth Director Roy Rickert said ridership and costs have increased sharply since the COVID-19 pandemic. The current fare rate has been maintained since 2011. “In an effort to be good stewards of public funds, it is important to control these costs, so that we can continue to provide transportation services to those with no other options,” Rickert said. “Raising fares is not something that is taken lightly.” Over the past four years, Access Forsyth ridership has increased by 106 percent and operational costs have gone up by 57 percent.

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

Forsyth County buses sit in a lot outside the Access Forsyth office.

DEATH NOTICES Isaac Goodvin, 89, of Alpharetta, passed away on January 1, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Bernhard Kiemes, 69, of Alpharetta, passed away on January 4, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Paul Massey, 73, of Alpharetta, passed away on December 30, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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22 | January 15, 2026 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

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“This has been 20 years in the making,” McKee said. “Previous elected officials that have worked on this truly would cry at the fact that this is happening. This is a once in a lifetime permit.” Purchased for $7,600 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the easement will allow the construction of a 2,000foot long, 72-inch diameter pipeline to transfer lake water. County officials say the project will provide a variety of far-reaching benefits to county residents, including cleaner PuzzleJunction.com water, redundancy in case the cityowned site goes offline and cost savings. Project construction is expected to continue through 2031 and include road improvements, intake and tunnel infrastructure, a pump station and transmission main pipeline. The underground station housing five 20-million-gallon-per-day pumps will be connected to a 90-foot-deep intermediate shaft near the edge of the lake. An intake structure about 40 feet under the surface on the lake’s floor will be built with barges to connect with the intermediate shaft. The water will be conveyed to the county’s Antioch Water Treatment Plant before distribution to residences and businesses. McKee said he hopes next to bring construction contracts to commissioners for consideration and potential approval. The project provides a solution to a conundrum with roots in a decades-long legal battle between Georgia, Alabama and Florida over water usage. The "Lake Lanier Water Wars" began in 1990 after Alabama sued to limit Atlanta's withdrawals from the lake, arguing it harmed downstream users. Florida contended Georgia’s siphoning of water impacted its oyster industry. In 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with Georgia, allowing Forsyth County and other local governments to secure long-term water rights from the lake. “Part of the settlement of that is Forsyth County gets a straw into Lake Lanier,” McKee said. Since 1987, Forsyth County has contracted with the City of Cumming for water. Cumming was one of a handful of governments granted access to draw from the lake. Contracts with Cumming allowed the county a water supply, but it came at a price. Additionally, Forsyth County agreed to pay $11.4 million to help upgrade to the city's intake facility. Commissioner Todd Levent, who joined the County Commission in 2011, said he participated in discussions with Cumming over water contracts, describing the negotiations as often contentious.

RENDERINGS BY: FORSYTH COUNTY/PROVIDED

A construction barge will allow placement of an underwater pipe to transfer water to a nearby pumping facility.

A county produced video shows the location of an intake pump in Lake Lanier to be connected to a pumping facility near Tidwell Park. Discussions over water rates and infrastructure investments often colored other city-county business, such as the distribution of sales tax dollars, Levent said. (Former Mayor H. Ford Gravitt) would threaten to turn off the water,” Levent said. “He would hold us hostage on LOST and SPLOST.” For years, Levent has supported the creation of a second water intake facility for two reasons, he said. First, he said leaning on the City of Cumming has affected numerous other aspects of city-county business. But more importantly, the facility will give the county a redundancy in case of an emergency that knocks the first facility offline, he said. Losing the only source of drinking water would represent a disaster for the county’s hundreds of thousands of residents and numerous businesses.

Should the city-owned facility go offline, the county’s reserves of water would likely only last a matter of days, Levent said. “What the heck happens to the public?” he said. “It’s terrifying.”

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | January 15, 2026 | 23

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