Gladiator girls win silver in cross country
By ANNABELLE REITER
annabelle@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek girls cross country team wrapped up a successful season Nov. 7 at the state meet, placing second overall in 5A.
Sandwiched between Creekview in third place and champion Pope, Johns Creek has many two-sport athletes on the roster,
including freshman soccer player Riley Beaton and junior lacrosse player Hayden Huston.
Senior Allie Hung placed 10th overall in the state race and was named to the all-state team. Hung and fellow senior Auva Khodakaram led the team consistently placing among the Gladiators’ top five finishers at races.
The Gladiators won the region for the first
time in nearly 10 years, defeating rival Milton. Johns Creek head coach Morgan Eurek said finally getting one over “one of the best coaches in the state” is something he will remember for a long time.
Eurek said being snubbed in rankings gave his team the fire it needed to carry through to a strong finish.
See MEET, Page 21
City examines setting policy for e-bicycles
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek City Council is looking at regulating electric bicycles with an eye toward safety.
Councilwoman Stacy Skinner, who raised the issue at a Nov. 17 work session, said more residents are raising concerns about their safety, legality and how they should share roadways and pathways.
Skinner, who has lived in Johns Creek since 2013, said e-bikes have become increasingly common in the community.
“They are everywhere,” she said. “They are outside coffee shops. They are outside Publix. They are in the parks and in the fields.”
Additionally, many are surprisingly fast, spurring fears for the safety of riders, many of whom are children. Some travel 45 mph or even 60 mph, city staff said.
State law defines e-bikes in three classes. Class I includes devices with motor assist only when pedaling and top speeds of up to 20 mph. Class II also tops out at 20 mph with motors that propel them without pedaling. Class III can reach 28 mph with motor assistance while pedaling.
See BIKE, Page 20
JOHNS CREEK CROSS COUNTRY/PROVIDED
Members of the Johns Creek girls cross country team stand with their coaches at the GHSA 5A state race in Carrolton Nov. 7. The team placed second overall.
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Sandy Springs woman arrested in daughter’s death
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Police arrested a Sandy Springs woman in connection with the death of her 11-year-old daughter after officers conducted a welfare check at her home Nov. 15.
The Sandy Springs Police Department said its officers were dispatched to the Laurel Grove condominiums on Saturday morning
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.
Sandy Springs man cited for evading traffic stop
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police arrested a 34-year-old Sandy Springs man for allegedly attempting to elude patrol cars Nov. 16 after officers said he ignored a routine traffic stop for no headlights.
An officer said he spotted a Nissan Rogue around 8:54 p.m. driving without headlights along Alpharetta Highway (Ga. 9) at Commerce Parkway, activated his lights and sirens and continued behind the vehicle south until the Crunch Fitness at 625 Holcomb Bridge Road.
The officer said get got behind the vehicle when it slowed down and pulled onto the shoulder, but the driver then got back into the traveling lanes and sped up.
The officer said he then cancelled the traffic stop and did not pursue a chase, adding that the driver never turned on his headlights during the incident.
Later, another officer attempted to stop the vehicle for no headlights at Alpharetta and Norcross streets, but the driver did not stop and continued south into Sandy Springs.
Roswell officers then notified the Sandy Springs Police Department via dispatch.
A search of the vehicle’s registered
at 346 Carpenter Drive, just north of I-285 off Roswell Road, for a welfare check requested by a concerned family member.
Upon arrival, officers said they found Shannon Grimes in her residence with her deceased 11-year-old daughter.
Sandy Springs Police detectives were notified and took over the investigation.
owner yielded a 34-year-old Sandy Springs man living off Cedar Run.
Roswell officers said they visited the residence, located the Nissan Rogue in the parking lot and spoke with the registered owner at his apartment.
The report says the suspect told officers he was driving the vehicle at the time of the attempted traffic stops and thought he did stop.
After explaining their view, officers said they arrested and transported the man to Fulton County Jail for misdemeanor fleeing and attempting to elude and lacking required headlights.
According to jail records, the man was bonded out Nov. 17. for $1,000 — Hayden Sumlin
Police arrest female driver following high-speed chase
ROSWELL, Ga. — Police arrested a 49-year-old Roswell woman Nov. 14 after she reportedly admitted to striking a motorcycle, then fleeing the scene of a seriousinjury crash along Alpharetta Highway (Ga. 9).
A subsequent investigation of the crash showed the driver of a Honda Accord failed to yield to northbound traffic as she turned left southbound, giving the driver of the motorcycle no time to react.
The report did not mention the status of the motorcyclist, a 29-year-old Alpharetta man, other than that he sustained injury.
Officers obtained the vehicle’s description from witnesses, and later located a
The department says Grimes was taken into custody and criminal charges are pending.
The department provided no cause of death or additional details. The arrest and incident reports are not publicly available.
The investigation remains active as of Nov. 18.
— Hayden Sumlin
Honda Accord with driver’s side damage traveling south on Ga. 9.
In the report, an officer said he viewed dashboard footage of the chase, showing the suspect driving in “an overt attempt to flee and elude.”
The driver allegedly drove at excess speeds through residential neighborhoods with a 25-mph speed limit, ran a stop sign at Canton Street and almost collided with another vehicle.
After the that, police said the suspect drove into a residential driveway along Fowler Avenue and was blocked in.
Police said the only occupant of the vehicle was the Roswell woman, and she initially indicated she did not want to speak to officers.
Later, police said the woman admitted to striking the motorcycle and fleeing the scene but said she was not fleeing police and just trying to get to her home on Oak Street.
The officer said her driving patterns proved otherwise.
The suspect agreed to have her blood drawn at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, where she was medically cleared for jail.
She was transported to Fulton County Jail with warrants for failure to yield, suspended registration, hit and run, stop sign violation, reckless driving and felony fleeing.
The report did not mention the result of the blood test, and the driver was not reported to be intoxicated.
According to jail records, she was bonded out for $11,000 Nov. 16.
— Hayden Sumlin
Fulton County Schools reviews strategy to avoid budget deficit
BY HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — As enrollment continues to decline, Fulton County Schools is considering a strategy to keep its budget in the black as costs rise and tax revenues fall.
At its Nov. 20 meeting, the School Board heard proposals that could help the district through a special costsavings strategy known as Growth Opportunities, Lean Operations, Investment in Innovation, Diversify Revenue and Enhance Efficiency, or G.L.I.D.E.
The school system expects annual costs to exceed revenue every year in
the coming five years, creating a deficit of nearly $94 million by 2030. Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef outlined rising healthcare costs for staff, decreased enrollment and a drop in local tax revenues as three issues facing the district.
To help offset the projected budget shortfall, proposed interventions include reducing specific operational expenses and eliminating 140 staff positions by July 1, 2026. This would result in approximately $93 to $95 million in savings over the next five years.
“At the end of the day, we have to make some tough decisions,” Superintendent Mike Looney said. “… these reductions alone will not cover
all of the ground that we need to make up … to be in a good, strong financial position over the next five years … this is just part of the bigger picture.”
The district anticipates reducing the number of school-based employees by at least 100 positions and the number of central office district-level positions by at least 140. Decisions will be made through a transparent and systematic process that would include public input, Looney said. Nearly 1,000 residents have offered feedback and participated in the district’s online thought exchange platform. School Board members have conducted 14 community meetings and will continue fostering stakeholder engagement.
For those who want to provide public feedback, visit tejoin.com and take the survey using the code 354522171. A link and more information are available on Fulton County Schools’ website. Reductions will begin by eliminating non-essential positions that are currently vacant and by not immediately filling vacant positions that are deemed necessary. Looney said Fulton Schools’ will offer eligible employees a retirement incentive, and those who are not eligible will be offered separation agreements if their positions are eliminated.
Former foster youths relate how program aids transition
By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — More than 100 former foster youths enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at Jackson Healthcare’s Alpharetta campus Nov. 20 in collaboration with Fostering Success Act Inc.
“This isn’t just a meal,” said Heidi Carr, executive director of the organization. “It’s a celebration of you, our incredible Fostering Success Act youth and to the life coaches that serve you, and to the taxpayers that help make all of this possible.”
Fostering Success Act Inc. (FSA) is a nonprofit created in conjunction with the state’s tax-credit program that supports former foster youths with transportation, housing, food and other essential services. Jackson Healthcare CEO Richard Jackson, who was in foster care from ages 13-18, serves as chair of FSA.
“The situation that you’re in, or you became in as a foster child was not your fault,” Jackson said to attendees. “You were put there due to circumstances that you couldn’t control … From now on, if you’re not successful, it will be your fault.”
The Fostering Success Act was passed by the Georgia General Assembly in 2022 and provides a tax credit for donations made to Qualified Foster Child Support Organizations. The $30 million foster care tax credit program supports nearly 400 students enrolled in various forms of secondary education throughout the state.
One of those students is Eryka McNulty, a former foster youth who shared her transformative journey with art. It wasn’t always a love story, McNulty said, but one
of survival and a way to feel alive amid the chaos of her placement homes.
“[This program] wasn’t just a check that paid for my last two years of college, or the support that’s seeing me through grad school,” McNulty said. “For the first time, someone was saying, ‘Your art is not a problem, it’s a gift.’”
The Fostering Success Act changed JC Powers’ life when he was 21 after he aged out of the system at 19. He had struggled with homelessness prior to applying to FSA, which now covers his housing expenses along with certain car payments.
Powers described those ages 18-26 as “a forgotten population,” saying that many former foster youths end up homeless or in abusive relationships after high school. He said FSA and similar grant opportunities help soften the blow as he makes the transition to adulthood.
“I just take life one day at a time and just trust it,” Powers said. “As long as I continue to have a certain work ethic and do positive things, then things tend to end up how they’re supposed to, even if it hurts in the moment sometimes.”
Powers has an internship with Jackson Healthcare as he pursues a degree in information systems from Kennesaw State University. He plans to graduate in December 2026.
FSA Director Carr says the program has proven its worth.
“The resilience that these young people have is amazing and just giving them a little bit of support … is life changing,” Carr said.
To learn more about applying for the Fostering Success Act tax credit program, visit fosteringsuccessact.org.
HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA
Heidi Carr, executive director of Fostering Success Act, speaks at a Thanksgiving dinner hosted at Jackson Healthcare’s campus in Alpharetta Nov. 20.
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First Santa with Down syndrome continues to inspire holiday cheer
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta announced the return of Bradley Carlisle, the first Santa Claus with Down syndrome, to its Dec. 13 Holiday Party.
Donning his Santa robes, Carlisle made his debut as Mr. Claus at last year’s celebration, touching hearts across the community and inspiring countless families.
Carlisle, 36, lives independently in his own apartment in Dunwoody and embodies the joy, warmth and inclusive spirit of the holiday season.
His portrayal of Santa Claus last year brought an outpouring of emotion from families and attendees. Many parents were moved to tears seeing a Santa who reflected the beauty and diversity of their own children.
“It was magical,” one parent said after last year’s event. “For our kids to see Santa and realize he looked like them — It meant more than words can express.”
Bradley’s return as Santa this year promises even more joy and connection. His story has become a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and inclusion, showing that everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in beloved traditions.
The Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta Holiday Party will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13 at Christ Church Presbyterian in midtown Atlanta.
The event will feature festive activities, family fun and the opportunity for children and families to meet Santa Bradley once again.
“We are so proud of Bradley and what his presence as Santa means for our community,” Executive Director Sheryl Arno said. “He shows that joy, kindness and Christmas spirit truly know no limits.”
For more information about the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta, visit dsaatl.org.
— Hayden Sumlin
Dunwoody resident Bradley Carlisle is preparing for his second year spreading holiday cheer as Santa at the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta Dec. 13 Holiday Party at Christ Church Presbyterian in Atlanta.
DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF ATLANTA/PROVIDED
Bloomin’ Blinds of Cumming & Johns Creek
Owner: Ashley Sasher
Opened: August 2025
Phone: 404-224-9856
Description: Bloomin’ Blinds of Cumming and Johns Creek, a new franchise location of the national custom window treatment provider, has officially opened to serve homeowners and businesses throughout Cumming, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Ball Ground and Dawsonville with professional window blinds, shades, exterior patio shades, awnings, draperies and shutter solutions.
Website: https://www.bloominblinds. com/cumming-ga/
Oliver's Nannies
Owner: Cheryl Chang
Business description: Oliver's Nannies is a childcare agency dedicated to providing quality in-home childcare for families throughout North/Central Fulton and South Forsyth counties. We are committed to meeting families'
needs through reliable and quality childcare, managed by a team who cares.
Opened: June 2025
Phone: 678-578-6868
Address: 4555 Mansell Road, Suite 300, Alpharetta, GA 30022
Website: https://alpharetta. oliversnannies.com/
BLOOMIN’ BLINDS/PROVIDED
OLIVER’S NANNIES/PROVIDED
Podcast pairs two of America’s best
By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — Luke Boggs and Chris Reynolds need just three songs and three pours of bourbon to record an episode of their podcast devoted to Frank Sinatra and America’s native spirit.
The two men, who met online last year, meet monthly in Downtown Alpharetta to tape “Frankly Drinking with Friends: The Swell Frank Sinatra and Bourbon Podcast.” Their formula is simple: a song between every sample, and neither knows what the other has chosen until they hit record.
“When Chris is talking about the whiskey and he’s sharing it with me, I’m really sitting in for the friends that are listening to the show,” Boggs said. “And on the flip side, Chris can ask me questions about the song, about the album and he’s also representing the listener.”
Since launching in September 2024, the duo has released 23 episodes and attracted listeners from as far away as New Zealand.
Boggs dove into Sinatra’s discography in the early ’90s and eventually bought nearly every CD that Sinatra released, including his live recordings.
“There’s something about this period of music, Sinatra and his contemporaries, that’s particularly interesting to me because of the expertise and the craft that was put into the songs,” Boggs said. “I really appreciate it and … it’s an emotional connection to that kind of music.”
See PODCAST, Page 9
PHOTOS BY: HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA
Luke Boggs, left, and Chris Reynolds, right, laugh as they record their podcast, “Frankly Drinking with Friends: The Swell Frank Sinatra and Bourbon Podcast,” at Thrive Coworking Nov. 19 in Downtown Alpharetta.
Podcast:
Continued from Page 8
Reynolds found his passion for bourbon in exploring the numerous decisions that go into producing a single bottle. The way the liquor evolves in the barrel into an accumulation of flavors fascinates him.
“It takes years to know if you have a good product,” Reynolds said. “It’s real work, it’s real magic.”
After becoming a chartered master whiskey taster at Whiskey University and an executive bourbon steward at the Stave & Thief Society, Reynolds brings the “bourbon firepower” Boggs said he was searching for to make this show work.
When it’s time to record, Boggs places a script on both sides of the microphone as Reynolds takes on his role of “Whiskey Whisperer” and unveils his selections for the episode. The two men banter and laugh throughout the hour-long session, recording their live reactions to each song and bottle.
For the recording of this Valentine’s Day episode, Boggs strays from the show’s traditional opening and plays ‘My Foolish Heart’ while Reynolds wonders how well his selection of Blackened, Metallica’s whiskey brand, will pair with it.
A notebook lies flat in front of Reynolds, full of handwritten research about tonight’s whiskey samples. After each music sample, Boggs will launch into the backstory of the song or describe the creative process surrounding it as he name-drops some of the most well-known contributors to the Great American Songbook. Reynolds breaks open the first bottle and pours them each enough for three sips: the first to acclimate the taste buds, a second that should coat one’s mouth and allow them to start noticing hints of what’s in the drink, and the third sip that will provide the full flavor profile.
As the men sip at their own pace, Reynolds tells the story of the Blackened brand. The name comes from a 1988 Metallica song and is reflected in the black barrels used to finish the whiskey.
Metallica worked with Dave Pickerell, former master distiller of Maker’s Mark whiskey, to develop the recipe that was released in 2018. Now, Rob Dietrich oversees the whiskey in Columbus, Ohio, ensuring that every batch is “Metallicized,” as Reynolds described it. Each batch is sonically enhanced to extract more flavor from the charred oak staves of the barrel, heightening flavors like caramel, vanilla and dried fruit.
HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA
Chris Reynolds smells from a bottle of Blackened whiskey, a brand developed by Metallica and Dave Pickerell, former master distiller of Maker’s Mark whiskey, while recording the Valentine’s Day episode of “Frankly Drinking with Friends: The Swell Frank Sinatra and Bourbon Podcast,” at Thrive Coworking Nov. 19. Reynolds is the podcast’s resident “Bourbon Boss” or “Whiskey Whisperer,” as dubbed by cohost Luke Boggs.
Luke Boggs smells his sample of Blackened whiskey before tasting during a Nov. 19 recording session of “Frankly Drinking with Friends: The Swell Frank Sinatra and Bourbon Podcast,” at Thrive Coworking. Even though Boggs is the Frank Sinatra enthusiast, Chris Reynolds said Boggs has a better palate for picking up more nuanced flavors.
“This [podcast] is just sharing things we’re passionate about,” Boggs said, “and getting to talk about them and, kind of, experience them together.”
The podcast “Frankly Drinking with Friends: The Swell Frank Sinatra and Bourbon Podcast” is free and available on Apple Music, Spotify and other major podcast platforms.
Johns Creek: A city building connectivity through parks, trails and sidewalks
By David Randolph Sanders | REALTOR, Founding Member HOME Luxury Real Estate | 404.285.0929
Johns Creek will celebrate its twentieth year as an incorporated city in December 2026, so it is impressive how this area has transformed into a model of suburban planning, with thoughtfully developed sidewalks, trails and parks earning it the national recognition as Best Place to Live (2024-2025). As a local Realtor, I’ve seen firsthand how the city’s infrastructure investments are paying off in making it more pedestrian accessible. Early in my career whenever I’d drive relocation clients around the unincorporated area, I’d often be asked, “Where are the sidewalks?” The City’s ongoing commitment to adding sidewalks and parks is making Johns Creek even more attractive to homebuyers seeking a healthy, connected community lifestyle.
The Johns Creek parks system currently encompasses more than 400 acres of green space which include:
Cauley Creek Park, a 203+ acre located along the Chattahoochee River, ad-
joins the Rogers Bridge Trail and pedestrian access to Rogers Bridge for crossing the river into Duluth. Park amenities include numerous trails, sports fields, and courts.
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center , a 46-acre forested land preservation and history center featuring 3 miles of walking trails, historic structures and numerous family friendly activities.
Shakerag Park , a 66-acre community park featuring nature trails among 200-year-old trees, a fishing pier, sports fields and playgrounds.
Newtown Park, a 46-acre park with amenities including 3 multipurpose athletic fields, courts for tennis, pickleball, basketball and bocce ball, an amphitheater, community garden, dog park, walking trails, senior center, Veterans Memorial Walk and Vietnam Memorial Wall.
Ocee Park, a 37-acre park featuring 8 lighted baseball/softball fields, courts for tennis, volleyball, and basketball plus playgrounds and pavilions.
State Bridge Park, a pocket park with picnic tables, grassy field and short walking trail.
Morton Road Park, a neighborhood focused park featuring a playground, pavilion, rain garden, half basketball court and multi-use trail.
Bell-Boles Park, a 2.5-acre pocket park featuring a butterfly garden, stone labyrinth, benches, greenspace and a sensory-based playground.
Boardwalk at Town Center, a 20acre park located adjacent to City Hall, when completed will be a mix of active and passive park activities. Completion is projected as summer 2026.
Sidewalks are an important component to Johns Creek’s commitment to pedestrian connectivity. According to the city’s Public Works department, there are nearly 100 miles of sidewalks and trails throughout the city. The expansion of parks and trails isn’t just aesthetic; it’s a public-health investment.
Residents can walk, jog, or bike in safe, pleasant environments, contributing to daily physical activities and well-being. The sidewalk and trail networks connect neighborhoods, schools, shopping centers and parks, making the city more navigable without a car and encourages community interaction. The Proximity to parks and pedestrian navigable streets is a major selling point for current and future property owners. These green and pedestrian-friendly amenities help Johns Creek to stand out in the Atlanta metro market, signaling long-term planning, care and investment in public spaces. As the city grows, the focus on greenways and trail-side development shows that Johns Creek values sustainable infrastructure, not just housing density. It’s a balance of growth and preservation. Johns Creek isn’t just about buildings and roads; it’s about people and places. With nearly 100 miles of sidewalks and trails and over 400 acres of parkland, the city is building an infrastructure that promotes wellness, connectivity and long-term livability for its residents and potential homebuyers alike.
RANDOLPH
PROVIDED
David Patterson Homes’ Long Hollow Landing wins Community of the Year at the 45th annual OBIE awards
Brought to you by – Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices
Long Hollow Landing, a premier lakeside development by David Patterson Homes, was named Community of the Year – Detached at the 45th Annual Professionalism (OBIE) Awards held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Roxy. The honor, presented annually by the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association’s Sales and Marketing Council, underscores the community’s exceptional design, craftsmanship, and contribution to North Atlanta’s evolving residential landscape.
The OBIE Awards, considered the pinnacle of recognition within Atlanta’s home-building industry, celebrate outstanding achievement across more than 100 categories spanning building, remodeling, marketing, and personal accomplishment. Named for the obelisk shape of the award, the OBIEs have, for decades, set the benchmark for excellence and this year, Long Hollow Landing stood out as a clear, deserving winner.
For more than 18 years, David Patterson Homes has built a reputation rooted in timeless design, innovative construction, and an uncompromising commitment to quality. The company’s distinctive blend of European farmhouse elegance and modern luxury has become its hallmark, elevating communities throughout Atlanta and the Lake Lanier region. Long Hollow Landing is a shining example of that vision.
Located on the shores of Lake Lanier, Long Hollow Landing offers one of the last opportunities to own a new construction home with direct lake access and a boat slip at the community dock. Starting from $1 million+, the community features eight coveted lakeside homesites, with deeded, covered boat slips, and a private community dock that serves as the heartbeat of neighborhood gatherings. From sunrise paddles to sunset cruises, lake living is part of the everyday rhythm here.
Beyond its extraordinary setting, Long Hollow Landing’s thoughtful design sets it apart. The neighborhood features 59 homesites, creating a close-knit environment where residents enjoy both privacy and a strong sense of community. Architectural details reflect a signature European transitional aesthetic, pairing timeless materials with modern comforts. Every home showcases the meticulous craftsmanship that has become syn -
onymous with David Patterson Homes. Convenience is another defining feature of the community. Just minutes from GA-400 and Downtown Gainesville, residents enjoy easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Families benefit from highly regarded Forsyth County schools, with students attending Chestatee Elementary, Little Mill Middle, and East Forsyth High School.
The OBIE Award for Community of
the Year recognizes not only beautiful homes, but also intentional placemaking and Long Hollow Landing delivers on every front. From its scenic shoreline and curated architecture to its shared amenities and warm neighborhood spirit, the community exemplifies what modern lakefront living can be. With a long-standing legacy of quality, award-winning design, and customer satisfaction, David Patterson Homes continues to raise the bar
for North Atlanta homebuilding. For today’s homebuyers seeking a refined, relaxed, and connected lifestyle on Lake Lanier, Long Hollow Landing proves that a dream community truly does exist.
To explore available homes or learn more, visit www.DavidPattersonHomes.com. Sales and marketing by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Myth: Will avoids Probate
A will alone doesn’t keep your family out of probate court. The truth is probate can drain time, money, and energy during an already emotional period. A well-structured trust and estate plan ensures your wishes are
carried out smoothly and your family is protected from legal complications.
Noel’s story is a real reminder of why planning ahead matters. When his
Local news is vital for staying informed and connected, and through this collaboration, we’re making it easier than ever. Now, you can access timely updates and our stories about the things happening in your area, all while engaging in meaningful conversations with real neighbors.
Don’t miss out on the stories that matter most to you –join us on your favorite social media platform to stay connected with everything that’s happening. Together, let’s build stronger, more informed communities!
wife passed away, everything, including his Trust, was already in place — no court battles, no paperwork nightmares, and no added stress.
See Video of Noe's Story below (Scan QR Code)
HOLLY
The most dangerous place for seniors
Brought to you by – Bath and Kitchen Galleria
The bathroom, a place we take for granted, transforms into one of the most hazardous areas in the home for aging seniors. With slippery surfaces, high tub walls, and the need for frequent maneuvering, the risk of falls—the leading cause of injury among older adults—spikes dramatically. John Hogan, President of Bath and Kitchen Galleria and Aging in Place Expert says, “Proactive bathroom modifications are not merely an upgrade; they are an essential investment in the long-term safety, independence, and dignity of our seniors.”
To mitigate the dangers, several specific aspects of the bathroom should be modified to create a supportive and accessible environment:
Shower and Bathtub: The single greatest fall risk is often stepping over a high tub wall. The ideal solution is a curbless or low-threshold walk-in shower to eliminate this barrier entirely. For added security, install a permanent shower seat or bench and a handheld showerhead to allow for comfortable, seated bathing. Shower floor should have non-slip tile surfaces.
Grab Bars: Strategically placed sturdy, professional-grade grab bars are critical. They must be securely anchored into wall studs, not just
the drywall. Placement is key: near the toilet to assist with sitting and standing, and both inside and just outside the shower/tub for secure entry and exit. Modern grab bars come in a variety of stylish finishes to seamlessly blend with your décor.
Toilet Area: A standard toilet can be difficult to use for those with limited mobility. Installing a comfort-height or raised toilet seat reduces the strain on joints and makes the transition from sitting to standing much easier. Pairing this with well-placed grab bars provides a significant boost in stability.
Flooring and Lighting: Replace slippery tile or remove loose bath mats and throw rugs, which are tripping
hazards. Install slip-resistant flooring throughout the bathroom. Finally, good lighting is paramount. Bright, even lighting—including motion-sensor nightlights—helps seniors navigate safely, especially during middle-of-thenight trips.
By implementing these thoughtful changes, the bathroom can evolve from a high-risk area into a secure, comfortable, and accessible space that supports an aging senior’s desire to age in place safely at home. For more information visit Bath and Kitchen Galleria’s showroom at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta (no appointment needed) or call them at 678-459-2292.
Tune-Up Projects
Kitchen Tune-Up
Paint Cabinets
New Countertops, Sink & Faucet
New Backsplash
Cut Down 2-level Island
Bathroom Tune-Up
New Countertops, Sink & Faucet
Enlarge Shower Shower Glass Shower Safety Full Remodel
Kitchen Remodel
Total Cabinet Replacement
Large Island
Optimize Cabinet / Appliance Locations
Open Concept –Move Walls
9-5 Mon-Fri • 10-4 Sat
Showroom – Design Center 10591 Old Alabama Rd. Connector Alpharetta, GA 30022 (near Northpoint Mall)
Projects
Bathroom Remodel
New Larger Shower
Vanity Replacement –Cabs, Counter, Sink
Free Standing Tub
Floor Tile, Wall Tile
Plumbing Fixtures
Taxpayer-funded videos line Roswell mayoral race
PAT FOX Managing Editor pat@appenmedia.com
To look at its social media pages, Roswell is on the cusp of utopia. And there, to tell you all about it is… Mayor Kurt Wilson. His honor has stepped in front of the camera a lot of late, touting progress the city is making on a host of challenges, from downtown parking to economic development.
Oh, and he’s running for re-election. I say “running” because he faces a runoff Dec. 2.
In all, Mayor Wilson narrated, starred in and/or conducted interviews with department heads in five videos posted on YouTube from Oct. 23 through Oct. 29 – mere days before the Nov. 4 municipal election.
One video featured the mayor praising the renovations of Mimosa Hall, a historic gem the city bought in 2017.
A sizeable group of residents, close to 1,000 including former Mayor Jere Wood, have protested the city’s approach to the project – some 3 dozen trees felled and removal or adjustment of some historic landscaping.
It has been Roswell’s most torrid of hotbutton issue this year.
As members of the Facebook group Roswell Truth discovered, and Appen Media verified, the Roswell Mayor’s Office received a bill from the video production company for $6,500 for six videos. That’s public money. Five videos were posted. No sign of the sixth video yet, but all were paid for with credit card.
Interestingly, the full Mimosa Hall video was used in a Wilson campaign ad that ran on Facebook from Oct. 29-Nov. 1. So, the mayor’s campaign bought an ad to display
a city-funded video hosted by, narrated by and starring his honor.
I have followed Roswell mayors since Pug Mabry held the gavel some 30 years ago. Each had his or her own appeal to residents.
Kurt Wilson is a bit of a mystery, but he’s anything but poor.
Through Oct. 25, his re-election campaign has collected $541,000. With that kind of scratch, you could buy 121 Canon Vixia HF G70s to make your own videos. His opponent in the Dec. 2 runoff, Mary Robichaux, raised $48,000 during that time.
This is not a public endorsement of anyone. It’s our job to follow your tax money.
Public money was spent for a flurry of mayor-dominated public relations spots painting the best of all pictures for Roswell. These spots were posted on the city’s social media sites days before an election and while advance voting was open. One was used in an ad.
Mayors have every right to serve as cheerleaders for their city, but dragging department heads out of their office to co-star in promotional materials is a stretch right before an election.
I checked, and throughout this year, the city’s YouTube and Facebook pages show no similar concentration of mayor-hosted videos heralding the city’s accomplishments. It’s not even close.
Five videos posted to the City of Roswell’s social media pages in the days leading up to the election opened with salvos from Mayor Kurt Wilson.
answers in line 1 are 5, 4 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!
PAINTERS
1. Angler’s bait. “Haystacks” painter. Mouse-like mammal.
2. “Christina’s World” painter. Longing. Hare Krishna, e.g.
3. Attention getter. “Naked Maja” painter. Sci-fi character.
4. Guinness, e.g. Cash holder. “Sugaring Off” painter.
5. Hard roe. Crucifix. “The Persistence of Memory” painter.
6. “The Ballet Class” painter. Bone dry. Wooden shoe.
7. Norse thunder god. Le Cirque painter. Muddy up (the water).
1 Angler’s bait. “Haystacks” painter. Mouse-like mammal.
2. “Christina’s World” painter. Longing. Hare Krishna, e.g.
How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
3. Attention getter. “Naked Maja” painter. Sci-fi character.
4. Guinness, e.g. Cash holder. “Sugaring Off” painter
5. Hard roe. Crucifix. “The Persistence of Memory” painter.
6. “The Ballet Class” painter. Bone dry. Wooden shoe.
7. Norse thunder god “The Circus” (Le Cirque) painter. Muddy up (the water).
YOU CAN USE LOCAL NEWS
Schools
Continued from Page 3
Costs for providing Fulton County Schools’ employees with healthcare has nearly doubled over the past four years, Board President Kristin McCabe said.
It is vital that the community and district employees understand the financial strains the school system is facing, McCabe said.
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School Board member Lillie Pozatek said it’s important to note that Fulton County Schools’ general fund balance fully pays for its programs for special needs students. Currently, the district is spending over $215 million to fund programs for its largest rising population of students.
McCabe added that while the federal government is supposed to fund 40 percent of special needs program, the district receives 9-11 percent of the funding promised.
In a related presentation, Chief Financial Officer Dereef said the district proposes a $10 decrease to the amount allocated per pupil to $120. The district projects to save around $850,000 with each $10 reduction, Dereef said, further enhancing the district’s ability to allocate resources.
In other action at the meeting, the School Board approved the consent agenda, which included contracts to renovate Autrey Mill Middle School and installing new audio and visual equipment at three high schools. The
Bike:
Continued from Page 1
Devices known as e-motos are often confused with e-bikes but can be differentiated by more powerful motors and top speeds that can reach faster than 20 mph.
The prevalence and speed of these machines poses a considerable safety risk and could result in “something awful,” Skinner said.
In early November, a 16-year-old was killed when a pickup struck him while he was riding an e-bike near Tucker Middle School, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. In the wake of his death, the teen’s family has pushed for increased safety measures.
In 2023, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said e-bike injuries soared that year, increasing 21 percent compared to 2022. Nearly half of all estimated e-bike injuries from 2017 to 2022 occurred in 2022.
Between 2018 and 2022, sales of e-bikes rose from around 250,000 per
A graph shows decreased enrollment numbers in Fulton County schools from 2022 through 2026. Lower student enrollment can lead to reduced funding and resources from the state.
first read of Fulton County Schools’ 2027-28 instructional calendar was approved, nearly solidifying the weeklong breaks scheduled for September and February.
year to more than a million, a Harvard Health Publishing article said.
Council members said they are looking to a multipronged approach to improve safety.
The City Council asked staff to collaborate with the Police Department in developing a local ordinance. They also are looking at rules and signage dictating rules in parks, sidewalks and trails.
Skinner said she thinks enforcement will likely play an important role in promoting safety. Police officers may expand warning riders who violate laws or ticket them or their parents for repeated violations, she said.
Councilman Larry DiBiase said the city may explore requiring registration for some e-bikes.
As sidewalk and connectivity has improved in the city, the instances of potential safety risks among e-bike riders also has increased, city staff said.
“There has been an increase in e-bikes on our 5-foot-wide sidewalks, pedestrian paths and on the roadways along Old Alabama, Barnwell Road,
All legal, land and student personnel matters discussed in the executive session that took place before the meeting were approved by the School Board.
Nesbit Ferry and Jones Bridge by our youth, potentially endangering both themselves and the pedestrians,” staff said.
Mayor John Bradberry said tightening the city’s ordinance could allow for better enforcement, potentially preventing injuries in the future.
“The police are seeing this and are frustrated,” he said. “They want to intercede, but frankly right now they don’t have the tools they need.”
The mayor also said he thinks education will supplement any enforcement efforts with social media potentially playing an important role. Local schools already have made efforts to educate youths and parents.
An e-bike and e-scooter safety and awareness night is scheduled for Dec. 2 at the Taylor Road Middle School cafeteria, 5150 Taylor Road. The session is to teach practical strategies for safe e-bike and e-scooter use. Local experts will provide insights on safety, laws, and injury prevention. A question-and-answer session and helmet giveaway also are planned.
Meet:
Continued from Page 1
“Thank you, MileSplit,” he said. “The friendly competition makes everyone compete harder, so it’s all in good fun. Having everyone be able to come back and have that goal and expectation of finishing higher definitely helped the girls focus in on what their individual goals needed to be to achieve a team goal.”
Eurek, an area native who graduated from Chattahoochee High, has been with Johns Creek as an assistant coach since 2009.
He said the team members have impressed him with their attitudes even in tough circumstances. With no seniors on the team last year, they focused on improving their finish this year. Eurek said the strategy paid off, taking home trophies in nine of 10 regular season meets this season.
Hung won team MVP at the end-ofseason banquet this year. Sophomore
Myra Sitafalwalla was named most improved as the only sophomore on the team. She was the only freshman on the team last year and recruited friends to join up this year.
Eurek said the grit his team displayed will carry them into next season even with major losses to graduation.
JOHNS CREEK CROSS COUNTRY/PROVIDED Johns Creek senior Allie Hung receives a 10th-place medal at the GHSA state race in Carrolton Nov. 7.
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