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Legislature to focus on child safety ► PAGE 4 J a n u a r y 8 , 2 0 2 6 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 3 0 , N o . 2

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

War Eagles sweep at Chattahoochee By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — South Forsyth stormed the court at Chattahoochee High Jan. 3 where both boys and girls teams walked away with double-digit wins. Chattahoochee hadn’t played since school let out for winter break, but the South Forsyth teams had participated in a tournament. In the girls game, the War Eagles pulled ahead after a back-andforth first quarter, eventually increasing the lead to 30 points in the 71-41 victory. South got off to a strong start in the first period when freshman phenom Carib Morris hit a step-back 3-pointer to put the War Eagles up 9-4. Morris went off for a monster double-double of 34 points, 14 rebounds and three steals to lead her team. The Cougars answered with a run that knotted the score at 14 points apiece going into the second quarter. Chattahoochee posted their only lead of the game early in the period with a free-throw by senior Grace Harris, but South charged ahead and never looked back.

See BASKETBALL, Page 12

ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA

South Forsyth junior Jack Pierce shoots a free throw at Chattahoochee High School Jan. 3. Pierce and the War Eagles went on to beat the Cougars 72-62.

New laws address professional services, homeowner protections By Ty Tagami Capitol Beat

ATLANTA — Most new laws from this year’s legislative session took effect in July, but a handful of significant bills became law on Jan. 1. They address shortages in accounting

and dentistry, and they increase homeowner protections. They update campaign finance and vehicle licensing requirements. One adds a new look for car tags. House Bill 148, The Public Accountancy Act of 2025, was brought by Rep. John Carson, R-Marietta, a certified public accountant trying to address a

shortage of accountants. It updates a licensing framework established nearly three decades ago by offering new paths to becoming a certified public accountant. It also lets accounting firms do some work in Georgia without having an office in the state. House Bill 551 by Rep. Jason Rid-

ley, R-Chatsworth, updates rules for owning and operating a motor vehicle, adding numerous new requirements around the issuance of temporary operating permits and setting standards for a new electronic system for issuing

See LAWS, Page 12

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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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Motorcyclist killed while merging onto Ga. 400

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A motorcyclist was killed in a two-vehicle crash Jan. 5. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched about 6 a.m. to a crash at the base of the Pilgrim Mill Road on-ramp near southbound Ga. 400. A 2017 Toyota Yaris struck the rear of a 2007 Triumph Scrambler motorcycle as they merged onto the highway, the sheriff’s report. The motorcycle driver, 54-yearold Toby Gant, of Cumming, was ejected. The Yaris veered left across southbound lanes, striking a guardrail. An off-duty EMT with AMR North Fulton immediately pulled over and began giving aid to Gant, who was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The sheriff’s office’s Traffic Specialist Unit is investigating. — Jon Wilcox

Cumming man charged with home invasion FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 47-yearold Cumming man was arrested on a home invasion charge Dec. 20. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched to a Spring Valley Drive home about 1:55 a.m. Deputies arrived to find the Cumming man, who was inside, yelling and trying to kick in a door, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies arrested the man and determined he was a nearby resident after examining his driver’s license.

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PUBLIC SAFETY The man was allegedly heavily intoxicated. A 75-year-old woman said she was awakened when the man entered her bedroom where she and her husband were asleep, the sheriff’s office said. The woman, who did not know the man, called 911. — Jon Wilcox

Deputies track vehicle, arrest robbery suspect FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies investigated a reported robbery at a Peachtree Parkway grocery store Dec. 22 and later arrested a suspect in the crime. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said an employee reported a 48-yearold Hoschton man entered the store, asking where the restroom was. The Hoschton man returned and demanded the employee give him money out of a cash drawer, the sheriff’s office said. The man allegedly told the employee he was serious and that he had a gun. The man left the store after the employee told him he lacked the code to retrieve the cash drawer. A store manager provided deputies with a surveillance camera video of the parking lot showing a black Dodge Durango with silver wheels and a fake license. A deputy identified the Hoschton man using a surveillance video. Employees allegedly confirmed the man as the suspect through a photo lineup. The sheriff’s office tracked the Dodge Durango with Flock security cameras and stopped it, then arrested the suspect. — Jon Wilcox

Man reports burglary at his parents’ home ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 55-year-old Cedartown man reported finding evidence of a burglary at a Wills Lane home Dec. 11.

Alpharetta police said the man reported the burglary about 9:30 a.m., saying the home belongs to his parents. The man said he is closing a sale of the home. The man noticed a window was smashed about 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and entered. In the kitchen, it appeared “someone or something” had defecated on a large pile of trash. The house, which is vacant, lacked security cameras. A neighbor reported seeing nothing suspicious. Nothing appeared stolen. The incident was classified as a felony forced burglary of a home. — Jon Wilcox

Woman loses hundreds to car repair swindle ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 30-year-old Marietta woman reported Dec. 12 she had been scammed out of $400 by men who offered to fix her car. Alpharetta police said the woman reported she was driving on Windward Parkway Dec. 6 when her car began to overheat. She managed to get the car to a cafe parking lot and called a mechanic company. Two men arrived at the car about 2 p.m. Dec. 7, offering to fix the vehicle for $350, which she paid with the money transfer app Zelle, police said. On Dec. 8, the men allegedly said they needed an additional $50 to make the repairs. The woman sent the money with Zelle. The men allegedly pushed back the date they could finish the repairs several times before becoming unreachable, police said. The woman said she spoke with employees of the cafe, who reported seeing no one work on the car. The woman provided the men’s phone numbers to officers, but calls were forwarded to voicemail, police said. The incident was classified as a misdemeanor theft by deception. — Jon Wilcox

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COMMUNITY

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | January 8, 2026 | 3

Students invited to participate in storm drain art contest FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Keep Forsyth County Beautiful and the Forsyth County Department of Water & Sewer have opened entries for the fifth annual Storm Drain Art Contest. The competition invites Forsyth County middle and high school students to showcase their artistic abilities. Students are asked to submit original artwork that educates about water quality and clearly enhances the theme “Only Rain Goes Down the Drain.” Submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, March 6, and will be judged by a review panel. Winners will be announced soon after. Three contest winners will receive $100 in compensation for their work, certificates of recognition and will have the opportunity to paint their creations on designated storm drains throughout the city and county.

PROVIDED

“As water flows over land, streets and parking lots after a rain event, numerous contaminants including trash, chemicals, pet waste, motor oil, yard clippings and fertilizers are collected along the way, ending up in our water

systems,” said Forsyth County Environmental Programs Manager Tammy Keaton. “This contest is a creative, interactive tool that will help educate our residents about watershed health and the importance of keeping our waterways clean.” Entries must be submitted by email to Apryl Milam at agmilam@forsythco.com. Each entry email must contain a .jpg, .png or .pdf file of the original work of art with signed entry and release forms. If your email was sent successfully, you will receive an automatic reply. If you have not received a reply, call (770) 205-4550 ext. 7142 to confirm receipt. More information on the contest including rules, entry and release forms can be found by visiting: keepforsythcountybeautiful.org. — Patrick Fox

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NEWS

Legislature keeps focus on big tech’s influence on children By TY TAGAMI Capitol Beat ATLANTA — Big tech has reached so far into the lives of children that some Georgia lawmakers want to push back. After legal missteps to restrain the industry, the State Senate got new recommendations this month from a study committee that heard grim stories about the impact of social media and other platforms. Among those who testified were parents of children who died by suicide after extensive use of social media and experts who spoke of an escalating mental health crisis after the merger of two technologies. “Smartphones and social media, they take the person who is vulnerable, who is struggling mentally, and further isolate and distance them from real human relationships,” Dr. Stan Sonu, a medical director at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, told senators at a hearing at the state Capitol in November. He described a patient who had become withdrawn over the past year, burying his head in TikTok videos. He said the boy had high scores for

APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO

anxiety, depression and thoughts of self-harm despite a calm demeanor. Sonu said he initially dismissed the changed behavior, ascribing it to teen angst. Then, the 12-year-old disclosed what had been bothering him: other boys had made him watch sex videos in the school cafeteria, bullying him

afterward because of his discomfort. Sonu said the boy had been using social media to self-medicate. “Social media is, and I don’t say this lightly, it is legalized digital heroin,” Sonu told the senators. “By leveraging neuroscience to grab a hold of our attention, it promotes this powerful illusion that your real-life problems can be pushed aside.” The committee is picking up the pieces after the tech industry torpedoed the General Assembly’s last attempt to rein in social media. The Protecting Georgia’s Children on Social Media Act sailed into law with broad bipartisan support last year, but an advocacy group for tech companies sued. A federal judge for the Northern District of Georgia ruled in June that the plaintiff was likely to prevail on claims that the law violated the First Amendment’s speech protections. She issued a preliminary injunction against enforcement. The law required social media companies to make “commercially reasonable efforts” to verify users’ age, and it mandated parent consent for those under 16. It also banned advertising to children.

It had been a priority for Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, a Republican who is now running for governor. Jones authorized the bipartisan committee — co-led by a Democrat and a Republican — that issued new legislative recommendations in late December. The committee proposed a prohibition on addictive platform design, stricter data privacy and making artificial intelligence platforms subject to product liability laws. The committee also backed measures to empower parents, such as a proposal that social media companies secure parent consent before letting minors access their platforms. But that would require age verification by everyone, like the mandate that prompted the federal judge to sideline last year’s law on the grounds that it was a “severe burden” on adults to require them to prove their age. The committee also recommended expanding on a measure that will go into effect next fall: a prohibition on student use of personal digital devices in public elementary and middle schools. The committee recommended extending the ban to high schools.

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Piedmont Cancer Institute expands into Johns Creek JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Piedmont Cancer Institute is opening its seventh location along Johns Creek Parkway Jan. 12, reflecting its continued commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. With a team of 19 medical oncologists and 20 advanced practice providers, Piedmont Cancer Center delivers comprehensive oncology care while maintaining the personalized approach of a private practice. Two oncologists, Dr. Kyle Kidwell and Dr. Jay Rhee, will be accepting new patients in Suite 220 at 11315 Johns Creek Parkway. The private practice has six existing locations throughout Metro Atlanta, while remaining an independent medical practice. Piedmont Cancer Institute has provided care for individuals diagnosed with cancer since its founding in 1987. The practice has locations across the region, including Atlanta, Fayetteville, Locust Grove, Newnan, Sandy Springs and Stockbridge. Without the administrative layers and facility fees associated with large healthcare systems, Piedmont Cancer Institute says it can deliver high-quality oncology and hematological services at a lower overall cost while reducing delays in treatment. The model allows patients to receive timely, coordinated care closer to home, supported by long-term relationships with their care teams. Piedmont Cancer Institute’s vision is to anticipate the future of oncology by expanding into new markets and welcoming additional oncologists, ensuring that advanced, patient-centered care remains accessible and affordable. By remaining independent, Piedmont Cancer Institute says it is uniquely positioned to adapt quickly, innovate meaningfully and continue providing world-class cancer care in the communities it serves. — Hayden Sumlin

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Sponsored Section 8 | Forsyth Herald | January 8, 2026

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Brought to you by – Premier Dermatology As researchers continue to search for the cause of Alzheimer’s disease, herpes viruses remain prime suspects. The herpes family of viruses includes herpes simplex 1 (HSV - the cause of cold sores) and varicella zoster virus (VZV – the cause of both chicken pox and shingles). Both HSV and VZV cause inflammation and, in some cases, cell death. They both have been known to cause brain infections (encephalitis) and thus it stands to reason that these viruses might increase one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Moreover, herpes viruses are with us for life. A lifelong infection that can cause inflammation in the brain… seems like an excellent candidate for causing at least some cases of dementia. Researchers speculated that herpes viruses might be a cause of the famous “amyloid” protein found to build up in Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, proving that these viruses cause dementia has been challenging. Every few years, conflicting studies come out that strengthen then weaken the evidence of an association between HSV, VZV and dementia. Most studies have been retrospective cohort studies meaning the study looks back at a group of patients and sees whether the group that developed dementia was also more likely to have been diagnosed with herpes or shingles. Cohort studies are not as effective at proving associations as randomized controlled trials, but large controlled trials are expensive and challenging to perform. No definitive randomized trial to answer the question has been carried out. However, the next best thing to a randomized controlled trial happened in Wales, where results of a vaccination policy provided surprising insights. On September 1st, 2013, the country of Wales began a vaccination program that made people aged 79 years old eligible to receive the shingles vaccine. Those already 80 years old were ineligible. Every year, those who turned 79 became eligible as well. Researchers assumed that there should be very little difference between those who were barely still 79 and received the vaccine and those who were 80 and barely missed the cut-off. What they found was that those who received the shingles vaccine were about 20% less likely

to develop dementia than were the unvaccinated. Just as exciting, those who were already diagnosed with mild dementia or “mild cognitive impairment” were less likely to suffer disease progression and die from dementia (as recorded on death certificates) than were the unvaccinated. Interestingly, even some past studies that seemed to not find a link between herpes viruses and dementia identified subgroups that suggest an association. For example, one study found that a diagnosis of shingles itself wasn’t a risk factor for dementia, but a diagnosis of shingles involving the eye or the tissue around the eye (herpes ophthalmicus) was associated with an approximately 6 fold increase in dementia incidence. This makes sense because many times the shingles virus re-emerges in a nerve that goes to the arm, the leg, the chest, the belly or the back. Presumably, in these cases, the virus is primarily living in nerves near the spine and not in the brain. In contrast, shingles in and around the eye indicates infection of a cranial nerve – a nerve with a direct link to the brain. The shingles virus is the only human virus conclusively known to replicate in cerebral arteries and to be able to cause diseases of blood vessels that supply the brain. Researchers speculated that herpes virus in a cranial nerve might cause diseased blood vessels leading to dementia. Whether herpes viruses infect brain cells and contribute to Alheimer’s disease protein “amyloid” or whether the viruses indirectly cause dementia by damaging blood vessels, the takeaway seems to be that herpes viruses do play a role in at least some cases of dementia given that vaccination is sometimes preventative. If you are interested in lowering your risk of shingles, your internist or family physician is the most likely doctor to offer a shingles vaccine. Your dermatologist will often assist with managing “cold sores” (herpes simplex), shingles outbreaks and some of their complications, while an emergency visit to the ER or an ophthalmologist is needed if you suspect you have shingles in or around the eye. Even those who have received a vaccine can sometimes suffer an attack of shingles, and early treatment with oral antiviral pills can greatly improve one’s chances of a good outcome.

PRESERVING THE PAST

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | January 8, 2026 | 11

Donald Mitchell, giant of historic preservation, retires When Donald Mitchell announced that he would step down from the Alpharetta City Council in 2025, shockwaves reverberated from end to end of BOB MEYERS the local historic Columnist preservation community. “He has been the spearhead for any historic preservation projects in Alpharetta during his 14 years and two months in office” says Bonnie Steadman, chair of the Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. His influence was felt throughout North Fulton County, but council members are term limited and Don reached his limit. Around 1835, Alpharetta was an accumulation of tents known as New Prospect Campground that served as a rural stopping point for travelers and traders going to and from markets in what would become Atlanta. Around the same time, the community of Farmhouse was being established about a mile away. Alpharetta was incorporated in 1858, the same year that Milton County was established. Alpharetta became the county seat. In 1932, Milton County was suffering the effects of the Great Depression and merged with Fulton County to preserve what limited services it was able to offer its residents. Alpharetta gradually prospered, growing from a country town of 3,000 in 1980 to its current population exceeding 67,000 with a per capita income greater than $92,000. Donald Mitchell has always maintained that one of his primary goals on the City Council was to save Alpharetta’s history. “I wanted to combine history with preservation and progress,” he says. He focused initially on some 60 properties, mostly 19th century and early 20th century homes and stores. There was no recorded history of Alpharetta, and Donald was aware that residents were passing away faster than the old properties could be recorded. “People felt that we had no history and that it was high time to have a voice and someone to root for them,” he says. “They became like a family to me. Today we have more than 60 structures recorded. We are saving historic houses and most recently we saved Farmhouse, the original settlement that became Alpharetta. It

APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO

Alpharetta City Councilman Donald Mitchell was part of a team leading the dedication of a historic marker celebrating Milton High School’s 100th anniversary in 2021. will become an accessible city park.” Donald says he wants history to accommodate the present. “We wanted modern structures with designs consistent with the mid-1800s which it why you see a lot of brick and stone construction,” he says. “One downtown development is called 1858, the year Alpharetta was incorporated.” Donald gives credit to the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society, to the Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission, to the many residents who volunteered to support preservation efforts and to the City Council which had to approve projects and provide financing. “It really was a community effort.” Donald says.

The conversion of downtown from a small rural community to a thriving urban center was championed by Donald throughout his tenure. He played major roles in numerous key projects in Alpharetta. Connie Mashburn, Alpharetta’s official historian, spearheaded the creation of a beautiful history museum in City Hall. Connie says that Donald came up with the idea of a museum. A small committee met with museum professionals throughout the two year-long design and construction process. The result is one of the finest museums of its kind in Georgia. Connie recalls that when Donald was first elected, he met with a group of history enthusiasts several times

and came up with a plan. Donald said he wanted to get funding from the city to hire a videographer to interview citizens who had contributed to the city. Connie says the city now has more than 80 videos available at the museum or online at the Historical Society website. “Many of those interviewed have passed away, so their conversations will be testaments to their lives for generations,” Connie says. Had it not been for Donald Mitchell, the log cabin constructed by Milton High School students during the Great Depression under a Future Farmers of America program might have been demolished or obtained by another city. “Donald defended the cabin and said we will not let it go,” Connie notes. Donald’s influence led the city to provide essential funding for the cabin’s repair and relocation to a city park. Pat Miller, president of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society, first met Donald at meetings of the committee designing the history museum in City Hall. “Donald also pushed for the city to take ownership of the log cabin,” Pat says. “The School Board was going to tear it down to build the Innovation Academy.” Pat says it’s been a true experience getting to know Donald Mitchell. “Donald is a fascinating person, very artistic, a designer and one of the people responsible for the look of the Alpharetta City Hall,” she says. Donald played key roles in other major historical projects, such as Farmhouse, creation of a city historic preservation ordinance and establishment of the Historic Preservation Commission. He also focused on important public safety, arts and infrastructure issues. After his long career of faithful commitment to the citizens of Alpharetta, Donald deserves congratulations and a fond farewell from the city he served so well. Bonnie Steadman summed it up well when she said, “I can’t begin to think of today’s Alpharetta without Donald Mitchell’s contributions.” 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.

12 | January 8, 2026 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

Basketball: Continued from Page 1 Morris connected on five 3-pointers and has already broken school records this season – most points in a single game with 39 against North Atlanta. The 6’2” wing has deep range, is a two-sport athlete in flag football, and was On the Radar Hoops’ No. 1 standout player from the Parkview Tip-Off Classic tournament in November. Morris was named to ESPN HoopGurlz 2029 Basketball Prospects list and is Prep Girls Hoops’ No. 1 player in Georgia’s freshman class. As an eighth grader, Morris held more than 10 Division I offers and was one of just two players in her class, along with 13 in the 2028 class, invited to the USA Basketball Jr. National Team Minicamp this summer. She told Appen Media that she has been enjoying the up-tempo style of play the War Eagles have been finding this season. As for college, she said she has yet to decide on a top five list of schools. “It’s really fun to see that my hard work is paying off and see that maybe this can go further than I thought,” she said. “I think as a collective, we all just enjoy winning, and I really don’t like losing. We have really good team chemistry, and I think that plays a big role into how we play as a team.” South Forsyth Athletic Director and girls basketball head coach Keith Gravitt said he was pleased to see a season-high 16 team assists and nearly every player on the court scoring. “We’ve played some competitive teams, some very, very good teams from different states as well as in our state,” he said. “We feel that playing those type of teams are the things that are going to help as we get into the region play.” In the boys matchup, Chattahoochee head coach Jake Birdsong bowed out before the game due to the birth of his son, Tatum, earlier that day. Cougars Athletic Director Chris Short said the school knew since the middle of

Laws: Continued from Page 1 them. It also lets permitted property owners install an immobilization device on trespassing vehicles rather than just having them towed. House Bill 567 by Rep. Katie Dempsey, R-Rome, addresses regional shortages in dentistry, authorizing licensed dentists to practice online, with regulation by the Georgia Board of Dentistry. It also permits coverage of teledentistry by dental benefits

ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA

Chattahoochee girls basketball head coach Lorenzo Withrite, blue shirt, shakes hands with South Forsyth girls basketball head coach Keith Gravitt before the matchup between the teams at Chattahoochee High School Jan. 3. Gravitt coached the War Eagles to a 71-41 victory. the night that the head coach may have to miss the game. “About three hours before game time, [Birdsong] texted me that the baby had arrived,” Short said. “We’re so excited for him and his family.” Senior Josh Coleman led Chattahoochee with 23 points as a veteran voice on the varsity squad. Junior point guard Jackson Nunes posted a near double-double with eight points and nine assists. The War Eagles were fresh off a tournament win at Sequoyah High School to close out the 2025 portion of the season. After dealing with several injuries and illnesses at the beginning of the

season, the boys wrapped up non-region play against Chattahoochee, while the girls have one more tournament remaining this month. South Forsyth head coach Chris Reonas said region 6 of 6A is strong through and through this season, and he said the War Eagles’ 8-6 overall record is indicative of the battles fought against tough teams. “We played a tough schedule on the road early on,” he said. “We need to buckle down, but we had a couple days off and are getting back into the flow of things. We need to work on finishing at the rim and limiting teams to one shot.” The Cougars kept the game close through the first two periods until

South Forsyth made a push in the second half. Chattahoochee wasn’t able to keep up. South senior guard Luca Fornaro led the charge with a double-double of 25 points and 14 rebounds in the 72-62 victory. The War Eagles dominated the glass, holding Chattahoochee to only five offensive rebounds while South grabbed 12, and 28 defensive boards to Hooch’s 25. The game wrapped up non-region play for Chattahoochee as well, which is in a tough basketball region this season with multiple teams named in state and national rankings – Gainesville, Milton and Johns Creek.

plans. “Geography should not be a barrier to dental care,” Kristen Morgan, the Georgia Dental Association executive director, said in May when Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill into law. Senate Bill 35 by Sen. Larry Walker, III, R-Perry, gives homeowners more time to prepare for loss of insurance. It doubles the minimum notice period for nonrenewal of certain residential policies to 60 days, from 30. Senate Bill 112 by Sen. Clint Dixon, R-Buford, requires that manufacturer warranties of residential HVAC systems transfer to homebuyers. It also requires

that warranties take effect on the date a system is installed by a licensed contractor and prohibits requiring product registration as a condition of warranty. Senate Bill 199 by Sen. Sam Watson, R-Moultrie, prohibits the State Ethics Commission initiating investigations of candidates within 60 days of their election. It also requires that local elected officials file mandatory financial disclosures with the Commission rather than locally. It also requires that political action committees maintain bank accounts with detailed reporting when they contribute to candidates in the state.

It establishes uniform reporting dates for campaigns for all levels of office and requires redaction of home addresses from any records the Commission makes available to the public. Senate Bill 291, the America First Act, by Sen. Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, establishes a special license plate featuring the American flag and the words “America First.” Funds raised from the sale of this plate will go to the state general fund. Gooch pushed the bill through as Senate majority leader, a post he has since left to run for lieutenant governor.

r 1/8/26 Connect-It

Puzzles

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 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!

Forsyth Herald ...............................................January 8, 2026| 13

VPs (VICE PRESIDENTS) 1. Eisenhower’s VP. Wine country. Pie type. 2. Redhead’s dye. Washington’s VP. Sweater eater. 3. Clinton’s VP. Health check-up. Lure. 4. Sop up. Jefferson’s VP. Arizona city. 5. Pesky insect. “Peter Pan” Pouch. FDR’s VP. 6. Reagan’s VP. Outdoor fete. Type of sandwich. 7. Yellow-breasted songbird. Harrison’s VP. Send packing. PuzzleJunction.com

2 3 4 5 6

1/8/26 Sudoku7

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 VP’s 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 1. Eisenhower’s VP. Wine country. Pie type. solve the Sudoku column forTothe 3 answers on the puzzle, line. But each here’srow, the catch! Theand clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually contain theWashington’s numbers to line. 9. VP. for must the second or third answer in 1that Got it? Good luck! 2.bebox Redhead’s dye. Sweater eater. 3. Clinton’s VP. Health check-up. Lure.

7 2

4. Sop up. Jefferson’s VP. Arizone city. 5. Pesky insect. “Peter Pan” pooch. FDR’s VP.

1 4

6. Reagan’s VP. Outdoor fete. Type of sandwich.

5 3 1 7 1 5 3 4 9 4 3 2 5

7. Yellow-breasted songbird. Harrison’s VP. Send packing.

3 7 9 5 2

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

Solution 7 3 8 5 4 1 6 9 2

2 9 6 8 3 7 1 5 4

5 1 4 2 9 6 8 7 3

3 4 1 9 7 5 2 8 6

9 7 2 6 8 3 5 4 1

6 8 5 4 1 2 9 3 7

8 5 3 1 2 4 7 6 9

4 2 9 7 6 8 3 1 5

1 6 7 3 5 9 4 2 8

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.

ASK APPEN

Dunwoody Crier 1/8/26 Crossword

Across

1 Goat hair garments 5 Foolhardy 9 Cot 12 Corker 13 Cowboy exhibition 14 Bundle 15 Jack of Rio Lobo 16 Healing plants 17 Pac 10 team 18 Weather consideration for travel 20 Put away for a rainy day 22 Golfer Ernie 23 Shade tree 24 Poet Teasdale 26 Something to avoid while on the road 32 1004, Roman 33 Mitch Miller’s instrument 34 Wine valley 35 Tableland 36 Beef on the hoof 37 Garbage barge 38 Toiletry item 39 Minus 40 Secreted 41 Phone destinations 43 Pigeon’s home 44 Wrecker’s job 45 Sidekick 46 Relaxes on a trip 50 Travel accomplishment 54 Poi source 55 Chicago airport

PuzzleJunction.com

19 22 24

44 47

57 Plunge 58 Prayer’s end 59 Toils 60 Soon, to a bard 61 Biddy 62 Brings home 63 Longings Down 1 A Baldwin 2 Cattle member 3 Jai ___ 4 Good time for a long trip 5 Film part 6 Brouhaha 7 Gets the picture

8 Hotel manager 9 Ger. composer 10 Model Macpherson 11 At peace 13 Vermin 14 Working while off work 19 ___ mode 21 HS math class (Abbr.) 24 Blot 25 Grocery section 26 Carried 27 Weighty 28 Fertile soil 29 Implied 30 Lyric poem

31 Adage 35 Subway inits. 36 Travel cautiously by auto 42 Hoodwink 43 Elevator part 45 Lincoln or Ford, e.g. (Abbr.) 46 Bryce Canyon locale 47 Appellation 48 Small songbird 49 Loafer, e.g. 50 Clumsy boats 51 Kudzu, for one 52 Bard’s river 53 Camera part 56 Paintings

See puzzle solutions on Page 15

What do you want to know about the community? Submit questions at appenmedia.com/ask or scan QR code.

14 | January 8, 2026 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

Full-time Sawnee EMC is seeking an Electrical Distribution System Engineer. Requires a bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, civil engineering or similar engineering discipline. Preferred experience in design, modeling and maintenance of distribution power systems. Must have strong computer, mathematical and communication skills. Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, January 9, 2026. Apply online: www.sawnee. coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-8872363 extension 7568. Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Protected Veterans. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace. IT Professionals: Ent. Lvl to Sr Lvl. SW Devs. are needed for our Alpharetta, GA office. Pls send resume, Cvr Ltr., & Sal. Req. to Samprasoft LLC at 5455 Mcginnis Village Place, Ste 101, Alpharetta, GA, 30005. IT Infrastructure Project Leader sought by an IT service & solutions co. located in Duluth, GA. Reqs a min. of Bach’s deg in Electronics Engg, Comp Sci, Info Systems, or a rltd field, +5 yrs of progressive post-Bach’s exp in IT infrastructure system operation. Send resume to: SK AX USA Inc., formerly SK C&C USA Inc., @ 2055 Sugarloaf Circle, Ste 500, Duluth, GA 30097. IT Infrastructure Project Leader sought by an IT service & solutions co. located in Duluth, GA. Reqs a min of a bachelor’s deg in electronics engg, comp sci, info systems, or a rltd field, + 5 yrs of progressive post-bachelor’s exp in IT infrastructure system operation. Send resume to: SK AX USA Inc., (formerly SK C&C USA Inc.) @ 2055 Sugarloaf Circle, Ste 500, Duluth, GA 30097. Project General Manager sought by an IT service & solutions co. located in Duluth, GA. Reqs min. of Bach’s deg in Electronics Engg, Comp Sci, Info Systems, or a rltd field, + 5 yrs of progressive postbach’s exp in IT system mgmt. Send resume to: SK AX USA Inc., (formerly SK C&C USA Inc.) @ 2055 Sugarloaf Circle, Ste 500, Duluth, GA 30097.

Donor Operations Supervisor The Donor Operations Supervisor (Full-time) The Donor Operations Supervisor manages the donation door process and delegates tasks to staff, volunteers, and community service workers. As the face of NFCC, they provide excellent customer service while greeting donors and ensuring donations are properly removed from vehicles and sorted in designated areas. They are responsible for maintaining the security of merchandise and keeping all areas clean and organized. The Supervisor must be able to lift up to 75lb frequently and be on their feet most of their shift. They must enjoy staying busy, training and influencing other to work as a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Must have the ability to work Tuesday through Saturday 9am – 5pm. An extraordinary Total Rewards Package is included with this opportunity! If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org

Software Developer & Computer Systems Analyst sought by s/ware solutions co. Must have proof of legal authorization to work in the US. M-F, 40 hrs/ wk. Job to be performed at 5470 McGinnis Village place, Ste 104, Alpharetta, GA- 30005. For full info about the job opportunity refer to internet posting at https://www.datasparx.com/career/ Refer to Job #: SD120825, SD120925, SD121025, SD121125, CSA120925, CSA121025, CSA121125, CSA121225 to apply send resume to hr@datasparx.com or else mail it to HR, DATASparx LLC, 5470 McGinnis Village Place, Ste 104, Alpharetta, GA- 30005. Ryder System, Inc. seeks an Application Development Lead in Alpharetta, GA, to participate and provide input into the design, redesign and development of technology products and applications. Telecommuting is permitted. Apply at https://www.jobpostingtoday.com/Ref #95376.

To place a classified ad, email classifieds@appenmedia.com. Deadline is Thursdays by 3pm

Infor (US), LLC has an opening for a Sr. DevOps Engineer in Alpharetta, GA. Develop and manage well-functioning applications with large databases. Test, troubleshoot, and upgrade software to ensure responsiveness and efficiency. Write clean, functional code and produce professional supporting technical documentation. 100% telecommuting permitted. How to apply: E-mail resume, referencing IN1068, including job history, to careers@infor.com. EOE.

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Solution

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Connect-It Solution

SOLUTIONS

B E D R A S H A B A S B A L E R O D E O L U L U U C L A A L O E S E L A M S T A S H E D C L I M A T E E L M E L S T O L L G A T E S S A R A N A P A O B O E M I V S C O W S T E E R M E S A H I D L E S S T A L C C O T E A R E A C O D E S P A L T O W A R R I V A L U N W I N D S D I V E O H A R E T A R O A N O N W O R K S A M E N Y E N S N E T S H E N

1 P E C A N I X O N A P A

2 M O T H E N N A D A M S 3 G O R E N T I C E X A M 4 M E S A B S O R B U R R 5 G N A T R U M A N A N A 6 P I C N I C L U B U S H

7 T Y L E R E P E L A R K

7 3 8 5 4 1 6 9 2

2 9 6 8 3 7 1 5 4

5 1 4 2 9 6 8 7 3

3 4 1 9 7 5 2 8 6

9 7 2 6 8 3 5 4 1

6 8 5 4 1 2 9 3 7

8 5 3 1 2 4 7 6 9

4 2 9 7 6 8 3 1 5

1 6 7 3 5 9 4 2 8

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16 | January 8, 2026 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

BUYING DIAMONDS

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PRECIOUS METALS AND GEMSTONES

FLATWARE, HOLLOWARE AND JEWELRY (NO POLISHING REQUIRED)

Amy Barbree, GG (404) 990-1192 barbreeandco.com amy@barbreeandco.com 3666 N Peachtree Rd #400, Chamblee, GA 30341 Appointments available Monday thru Saturday, call today to schedule an appointment.