Johns Creek Herald - January 15, 2026 by Appen Media Group

Staff reporter joins Appen ► PAGE 3

J a n u a r y 1 5 , 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 . 3

Local students march in band at Rose Parade

JOHNS CREEK HIGH SCHOOL/PROVIDED

New Johns Creek High School head football coach Jason Tester stands with his wife and three children.

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Three Johns Creek High School students were selected to be members of the Bands of America Honor Band. Amelie Roy, Aaron Rogalski and Chloe Clouser joined hundreds of performers from across the nation during the 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif, on New Year’s Day. The honor band is a national ensemble with more than 250 wind, percussion and color guard performers. The Johns Creek students spent a week in southern California, rehearsing, performing at the Tournament of Roses Bandfest, participating in special activities and appearing in the parade. Themed “The Magic in Teamwork.” The 5.5-mile parade was televised worldwide. The two-hour event featured floral floats, marching bands and equestrian units along Pasadena’s famed Colorado Boulevard. Director Richard Saucedo described the parade as a “oncein-a-lifetime opportunity” for students and a testimony to their dedication to music. “The Rose Parade is one of our country’s national pageantry treasures,” Saucedo said. “The 2026 Honor Band members are ambassadors of America’s scholastic music and arts programs, as well as their schools and communities.” Bands of America is a program of Music for All, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting active music making. — Jon Wilcox

Gladiators hire new football coach By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek High School has named Jason Tester its new head football coach placing its faith in the Michigan native to revive a program that has not posted a win since 2023. Tester arrives after serving one year as defensive coordinator at Eastside High School in Covington. Before that, he spent three years as head coach at Flowery Branch High School with a record

of 12-20. His coaching career includes stints on the staff at Grayson, St. Pius X and Brookwood high schools. He was announced as the new Gladiators coach Jan. 7, and a community meet-and-greet was held Jan. 11 at the high school auditorium. Team members met with Tester Jan. 9 to get acquainted and learn standards set for spring workouts and the May 15 scrimmage.

See TESTER, Page 21

MUSIC FOR ALL/PROVIDED

From left, Aaron Rogalski, Chloe Clouser and Amelia Roy visit Pasadena, Calif, to perform in the 2026 Rose Parade on New Year’s Day.

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2 | January 15, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

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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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

Search of car passenger turns up illegal drugs ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police are investigating the theft of a package from a front porch along Branch Valley Way Dec. 16. The victim, a 57-year-old Roswell woman, reported the theft Dec. 20. She said she received a notification from FedEx confirming the package’s delivery Dec. 16 with a photo of the parcel on her front porch. The package was missing when she arrived home. The victim said she thinks the package was taken between 2:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. The contents of the package are valued at $1,254, including six pairs of luxury shoes, one shirt and a designer bag. While the victim’s home has an operating Ring camera, she said it did

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PUBLIC SAFETY not capture any suspects taking the package. — 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

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

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

NEWS

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek 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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NEWS

County weighs funding options to ensure courts are fully staffed By ADAM DARBY newsroom@appenmedia.com ATLANTA, Ga. – The Fulton County Board of Commissioners spent its first meeting of the year Jan. 7 addressing the county’s justice system and how best to shore up deficiencies. In the wake of Georgia legislation allowing the county to add two state court judges, commissioners weighed proposals on funding and staffing. County officials have revised down earlier budgeting requests for State Court, primarily by decreasing the number of clerks and solicitors general sought. Commissioners, however, did hear from a procession of court officials – including judges, clerks and public defenders – about the need to keep court divisions staffed properly. The current 2026 State Court budget calls for expending $2.8 million for 20 total employees, including 12 judges. “In the court system, because of having these resource challenges, a lot of cases get reset,” Solicitor General Keith Gammage said. “When prosecutors and public defenders and the system is underfunded, there is

ADAM DARBY/APPEN MEDIA

The Board of Commissioners discusses enhanced budget requests to accommodate two new State Court judges and their respective courtrooms. a failure of justice. How much time do we expect an individual – a public defender, judge, prosecutor, clerk – to spend trying to determine whether or not a human being is innocent or not? I have to make the community think they are safe, but they’re not.” The recommended staffing and budget for the new courtrooms totaled 20 positions with a budget of $2.8 million. These positions include state court judges, clerks, solicitor generals, public defenders, and court security. However, the proposed requests presented included a plan involving

36 positions with a budget of $5.1 million. “I want to make sure these are comprehensive numbers so that you can use the judges to their full extent,” Commissioner Dana Barrett said. “I am in support of us funding them fully so they can do what they’re meant to do…at the end of the day, all of this is relevant to improving the situation at the jail. We have to invest not just in fixing plumbing at the jail and helping the sheriff get staffed, but also in funding the entire justice ecosystem.”

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While no official decision has been made in regard to the proposed budget funding for the two new judges and their respective courtrooms, the commission intends to provide the State Court with sufficient funding and resources. Commissioners said they plan to speak further with the proper constituents before reaching a final amount. County Commissioner Bob Ellis suggested allocating separate funds to ensure fully staffed and resourced courtrooms. He said the 2026 budget has enough flexibility to ensure the justice system is given the resources it needs to operate. “I think there are more than adequate enough funds here to look at reallocating some funding in other areas into this to get it to a point where we all feel comfortable and get it right,” Ellis said. The Board of Commissioners holds meetings on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. The Fulton County Government Center is located at 141 Pryor Street SW in downtown Atlanta. To view previous meetings, visit www. fultoncountyga.gov. For more information about the Board of Commissioners, call 404-612-4000 or email customerservice@fultoncountyga.gov

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | January 15, 2026 | 5

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6 | Johns Creek 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.

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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 7

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 6 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 CRABAPPLE Hispanic Heritage Month. Thai said it was an amazing experience, especially because some of his volunteers could provide

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | January 15, 2026 | 7

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.

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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 lowerincome 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 twothirds 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.

See TAX, Page 21

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Special Section January 15, 2026 Johns Creek Herald | 9

The Cottage School: Different from day one Brought to you by – The Cottage School From the moment students walk through the door, The Cottage School (TCS) creates a place where students who learn differently are understood, supported, and celebrated. As an accredited K–12 school with two campus locations in Roswell, TCS offers small class sizes, a personalized learning approach, and a structured environment that empowers students to succeed. “I know my son is taken care of and will grow at The Cottage School in ways that continue to amaze us. This school has provided the life skills, academics, and a psychosocially rich experience for my son and our family.” – TCS Parent Students thrive in core subjects while also engaging in hands-on opportunities such as STEAM, culinary arts, music, video production, robotics, auto-mechanics, and athletics. Recently launched, The Cottage School Career Center equips all high school students with structured instruction that focuses on real-

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10 | January 15, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

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

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EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

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Change lives, change the world Brought to you by – Wesleyan School Wesleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child. Our leadership and faculty work to provide students with an atmosphere that is challenging, reinforces the value of hard work, and emphasizes character and integrity above accomplishment. Wesleyan prepares students for each stage of life and provides them with the opportunity to see all the possibilities that lie before them. Wesleyan’s school motto is JOY-Jesus, Others, Yourself, and every aspect of school life is oriented to reinforce this philosophy of putting Jesus first and others ahead of ourselves. A college preparatory environment, students have access to a wide range of academic opportunities along with athletics, arts, service and other extracurricular activities. Wesleyan’s 85-acre campus provides state-of-the-art academic facilities along with on-campus practice space for athletics and arts. Located just outside of I-285 in Peachtree Corners, Wesleyan enrolled 1,210 students in grades K-12 for the 2024-2025 school year. Wesleyan offers bus routes throughout the metro Atlanta area. Supervised care before school is included in the cost of tuition and after care is available (K-8) until 6 p.m. at an affordable rate. The Wesleyan School 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-448-7640 https://www.wesleyanschool.org/

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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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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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14 | January 15, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

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

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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

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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. Programs that anticipate the future We understand that today’s solu-

tions won’t solve tomorrow’s problems. That’s why Woodward invests in forward-thinking programs such as: • Executive Communication—teaching students to present, debate, and lead with confidence. • Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Tech—early exposure to the tools shaping the future. • Global Studies & Exchange—immersive experiences that prepare students for international collaboration. These opportunities don’t just enhance résumés. They cultivate resilient, adaptive thinkers ready for whatever comes next. A community that opens doors Our greatest strength is our people. Alumni, parents, mentors, and thought leaders form a network that creates opportunities far beyond the classroom—from internships and shadowing to partnerships and philanthropy. Woodward is not simply a school. It is a lifelong ecosystem of support and influence. For families who value purpose over prestige, the choice is clear. The world doesn’t just need achievers—it needs leaders. Their journey can begin here.

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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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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!

Johns Creek 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 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Tax: Continued from Page 8 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

Tester: Continued from Page 1 Community members including parents and students gathered for a presentation by the new head coach that went over expectations and the anticipated summer workout schedule. Athletic Director Kirk Call said Tester stood out from other candidates for “the vision that he has for our program.” “We’re very excited for coach Tester to come in and lead the program,” Call said. “We feel very strongly that he can meet our kids where they are and then work with them to get better.” The Gladiators parted ways with head coach Jim Rowell last October after nearly three seasons. Rowell had compiled a record of 1-28. The school named offensive line coach Nick Brigham interim head coach, and the team finished out the season without a win. Tester’s expectations outlined detailed standards for what he expects from athletes but also what the community can expect from him – program first, communication, treating athletes with love and respect, and valuing devoted time. Tester told Appen Media he is prepared to turn around another program in his third head coaching job. “Every team that I’ve been a part of has overachieved,” he said. “What’s most important for me is the fact that [parents] are trusting me with their sons and knowing that this program is going to be built on love and

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | January 15, 2026 | 21

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. respect. Football is one of the best sports in the world because of what it does for a young man, but also how the impact that they have on their school and representing the community.” Tester said in his address to the community that he had “found everything [he] was looking for” in the Johns Creek program and is ready to hit the ground running. With the coaching staff and administration prepared to make a major revitalization effort, a push to no longer be the only Fulton County high school without a fieldhouse building is among several plans in the works to level the playing field in terms of resources. The booster club says its is looking for small business sponsors for the football team. Tester says he is prepared to compete with North Fulton powerhouses in the area.

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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.

22 | January 15, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

OPINION

Assessing the value of screens vs. people PuzzleJunction.com

Dunwoody Crier 1/15/26 Sudoku

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 RAY APPEN had a beach house Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com on a very remote (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 available time to learn, time to read, – the time savings, the learning always for broadcast – cable specifically. time to stay personally – as in face to opportunities and more. I get it. But, I think it drove her crazy – or at least face – connected with friends. It’s a I also get human nature and most bugged her – that I was so anti-screens, trade-off I gladly make. people’s – including and especially anti any form of broadcast or narrow To solve Now GPT. Yes, I each use it, but… and– inability to resist the pull of column me row, puzzle, Sudoku theChat cast or, today, anti-streaming. my radar is up. I see where we’re the screens and the collateral time1 to 9.is contain must with boxgoing Today we have TVs at home in it. the I seenumbers what change destroying disconnecting impact of Alpharetta and down in Florida. We coming – unstoppable – down the our addiction to screens. Like I said, stream. We Netflix. We binge watch tracks – like now. And I don’t like everything has a cost. those mini-series. Well, they do; I it. I think it scares me. I think I So, I am focusing on my “why” and don’t. I haven’t caved yet – at least don’t want to give up what I would my “what” for the new year. What do for myself. I’ll occasionally watch the or will have to in order to allow Chat I want to use my time for and why. news but other than that, I read – not more substantively into my life. Yes, Where is the meaning? What activities on screens. there are benefits to consider, but nourish my soul, make me feel like a The same thing goes for social everything has a cost – everything. contributing member of the human media. I am going on maybe five-plus The cost involved is our time, our race – part of the tribe? What is more years with no Facebook. I deleted purpose and our attention. Taken important to me, learning or being Instagram a couple of years ago. Never perhaps to an extreme, I would entertained? What is more important used Twitter, LinkedIn or any of the suggest that our very humanity is the to me, screens or people? other social media platforms. Yes, I ultimate cost on the table. Isn’t that what all this comes down do miss seeing how old friends are A reader chewed me out recently to – choosing between screens or doing on Facebook and sort of miss for trashing screens – and streaming people? And isn’t that a “thing” that we the entertainment of Instagram, but “vomit.” I don’t blame her, actually. do have to choose? I gladly give that up to restore my She pointed out all the benefits And your choice for 2026?

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Notice of Public Internet Auction

Johns Creek Police Department The following is a list of property located at the Johns Creek Police Dept. If you believe that you are the owner of this property, please call (678) 474-1600 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Proof of ownership and a valid ID will be required to claim any property. A public internet auction of the following items will begin the week of 2/09/2025. The auction’s website is www.propertyroom.com . Items: Computer Bag, Duffel Bag / Phone case, DHL ID, Sutton Bank Card / Mexican Passport / Ring / Gray Backpack with items / US Currency, Wallet / Georgia United Debit Card / Ps4, Ps4 Controllers, Xbox One S, Xbox Controllers, Samsung TV / Chase Debit Card / Debit Card / Black Backpack / Samsung Cell Phone / Wallet with misc. cards / Apple Phone & Case / Global Entry Card / Fitbit / Apple Phone / Basic Life Support card / Capital One Credit Card, Discover Credit Card / Backpack with contents / Firearms Case / Pants, White Underwear, White Hat, Airpods, Cigars, Lighter, Black Shoes, Condoms, Chapstick / Cell Phone / Cell Phone, US Currency, Pink Bookbag / Vaschy Backpack / Coast Soap Box, Face Mask, Hand Sanitizer, Vegtrug, Keyboard, Mouse, Surge Protector, Black Bag / Wallet with Picture, Play money, US Currency / GPS / Visa Debit Cards / Lawn Statue / Hiker Bag w/ WaterTBbottles / Bag with Pet Supplies Connect-It Times 5/11/25

Solution

PuzzleJunction.com

Connect-It Solution

SOLUTIONS

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

1 D U E T H R O B R O O M

2 S L U G S E D A N E A P

3 O D I O U S H A M E A D

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AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | January 15, 2026 | 23

Full-time Principal Database Administration role needed by AT&T Services, Inc. in Alpharetta, GA to Responsible for database and ERP (enterprise resource planning) applications such as Oracle E-Business suite, middleware configuration, reliability, recoverability, performance, and the installation, maintenance, and upgrade of database and ERP software and related components. Apply at http:// att.jobs/, select JOB SEARCH and APPLY and select Search by Requisition Number at the left bottom of the page and enter Job Number: R-86716. Lead Data/AI Engineering needed by AT&T Services, Inc. in Alpharetta, GA to Design, build, and present on-prem to Data transformation solutions, systems, and applications to address customer needs. Apply at http://att.jobs/, select JOB SEARCH and APPLY and select Search by Requisition Number at the left bottom of the page and enter Job Number: R-85466. Ryder System, Inc. seeks an Application Development Lead in Alpharetta, GA, to participate and provide input into the design and development of technology products and applications. Telecommuting is permitted. Apply athttps://www.jobpostingtoday.com/Ref #28894.

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