Johns Creek Herald - May 29, 2025

City mines for supplemental funding for proposed performing arts center

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek City Council is wrestling with ways to sustain a proposed $60 million performing arts center.

At its May 19 meeting, the council discussed options to make up an about $250,000 gap in funding to sustain operations at the center. Talks began in April about funding the center, which council members said could be a cultural and recreational game changer for the city.

Although the council has reviewed costs and explored the possibility of

bonds to fund its creation, no vote has been taken. Council members must decide by July whether they will pursue a bond referendum on November ballots.

City Manager Kimberly Greer raised the question about how the city will maintain funding for the center’s operations.

“Do you think an annual investment in a performing arts center is appropriate to add to our facility for recreational offerings?” Greer asked the council.

Staff salaries and benefits would make up the largest portion of annual costs at about $680,000 during the center’s first year of operation. Wages, contractual and custodial services,

equipment, utilities and other expenditures would total about $950,000.

Costs could be offset by a variety of funding sources, the largest of which could be rentals at $435,500. Additional funding could be taken from ticket and food and beverage sales, donations and other sources.

City staff identified three potential sources for additional funding.

While the city would be unable to directly fundraise, a nonprofit could be established to generate donations, allowing the community to show support for the center.

See COUNCIL, Page 20

County officials stress progress on jail facilities

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — The Fulton County Commission heard updates May 21 on organizations that affect the more than one million people living in Georgia’s largest county.

Fulton County’s justice system involves several organizations that operate independently, including the District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Superior and State courts and the Solicitor General.

Justice System Programs Director Steve Nawrocki told commissioners the average monthly inmate population across all county jail facilities continues to increase each month.

Nawrocki said the population of unindicted inmates is ticking up in 2025 but the average length of stay, around 214 days as of mid-May, is down more than a week since March.

“Looking at the upcoming activities, refining the options and costs are targeted for the month of June with a final report in July, and then a presentation to the board in August,” Nawrocki said. “Overall, we’re tracking on schedule and continue to make good progress.”

Priorities include continuing to report data on the justice system, automating the jail population analysis and collaborating with the courts.

See COUNTY, Page 20

SCREENSHOT

Johns Creek City Council members discuss options to find operations at a proposed performing arts center during a May 19 meeting.

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Teen prank suspected in damage to property

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek man called police the afternoon of May 13 after he found damage to his property at Red Hawk Trail.

The man told police that his son came home around midnight to find egg residue on the side of the house, as well as eggshells scattered on the side yard. The homeowner stated that he arrived at the house two hours before his son and noticed nothing amiss.

The son said that that as he was driving home, he noticed a black Nissan Altima speeding away from the home, almost hitting his vehicle.

The man told police he suspects a boy from his daughter’s high school threw the eggs, as part of a senior prank.

This is the third time his home had been egged. Damage to the home in this latest incident is estimated at $160.

The property owner told police that he attempted to resolve the issue himself by calling the boy’s mother, but she denied his involvement.

The man told police that if the offender is identified and located, he wishes to prosecute.

— Sarah Coyne

Man’s locker raided during trip to gym

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek man reported May 17 that his Chase card was stolen after working out at LA Fitness on Medlock Bridge Road the evening of May 15.

While at the gym, the man received an alert at approximately 9:10 p.m.

from Chase Bank asking if he had spent $187.95 at Walgreens East Johns Crossing. He replied to the bank, stating that he did not spend the money.

The man noticed the hinge of his locker lock had been broken and his Chase card was missing.

— Sarah Coyne

Store reports suspect in theft of merchandise

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police responded to a shoplifting incident that occurred at Publix on State Bridge Road at approximately 6 p.m. May 17.

An employee told police that a woman had stolen goods from the store without paying.

The employee’s description of the incident matched the video footage, which showed a 20- to 30-year-old woman concealing merchandise in her bag. The woman left the store without making a purchase. Police were unable to see what vehicle she left in because trees obscured the security camera.

The total cost of the merchandise, which consisted of makeup items, was set at $560.

— Sarah Coyne

Vehicle reported stolen from home’s driveway

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An SUV was reported stolen from an Alpharetta home May 7.

Alpharetta police said a 51-yearold man living at a Wade Creek Road home told officers he discovered his vehicle missing from the driveway where he had parked it before midnight May 6.

The vehicle was valued at $42,000.

Officers tracked the vehicle on Flock Security cameras to westbound I-75 about 5 a.m. where it was last seen.

Police spoke with a neighbor, whose home had security cameras,

but they failed to record the alleged theft.

Another neighbor provided security camera footage showing a suspect entering the vehicle and driving away about 4:30 a.m.

The incident was classified as a felony theft of a motor vehicle.

— Jon Wilcox

Apartment complex fire leaves two hospitalized

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Fire Department reported two people were hospitalized the evening of May 17 after a structure fire at the Aspen Pointe apartment complex.

The department said the victims were transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the names of the victims have not been released. Their condition is also unknown.

Roswell firefighters responded to the multi-unit fire just after 7:30 p.m. at the complex off Old Holcomb Bridge Road near Big Creek and Ga. 400, according to a social media statement from the Fire Department.

Fire officials reported that crews arrived within five minutes after initial calls indicated people may have been trapped by the flames.

Firefighters found thick black smoke and active flames at the scene, eventually rescuing two people from a third-story window, the post says.

“Smoke alarms save lives. Make sure you have working smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level of your home,” the Roswell Fire Department stated on Facebook. “Test them monthly and never disable them. If your smoke alarm is over 10 years old, it should be replaced.”

Some comments on the post came from Aspen Pointe residents who thanked firefighters for preventing the flames from spreading.

— Hayden Sumlin

Dunwoody police chief warns of fraud, scams

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. —Dunwoody Police

Chief Mike Carlson is sounding the alarm on a surge in sophisticated scams that are targeting residents. He said some financial losses have mounted into the hundreds of thousands of dollars in recent weeks.

In a May 19 social media video, Carlson stands in the city’s new Real Time Crime Center at City Hall as he explains ways residents can avoid falling victim to fraudsters.

“We’re investigating more cases of sophisticated online and telephone scams,” Carlson said in the video. “The target? It’s often older people, but really — all ages are vulnerable.”

The scams come in many forms, from fake jury duty notices, bogus toll violation messages and get-rich-quick schemes to fraudulent requests to use cryptocurrency, or Bitcoin, ATMs.

Some scams start on dating apps or messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. Criminals build trust over time before persuading victims to send money — only to vanish once funds are transferred.

The Sandy Springs City Council approved an ordinance in December to place signs warning of potential fraud at every cryptocurrency ATM in the city.

Some tips from the Dunwoody Police Department to avoid becoming a victim include:

• Beware of unsolicited investment offers, especially online.

• Don’t answer unknown phone numbers.

• Never share personal information — legitimate agencies like your bank or the IRS will not contact you demanding money or personal details.

“If something doesn’t feel right — trust your gut,” Carlson said. “Talk to a friend or family member. Don’t be scared or embarrassed. These scams are designed to fool anyone.”

City Councilman Rob Price raised the topic at the April 14 meeting. Price mentioned City Manager Eric Linton’s report, citing a resident who lost more than $200,000 to an unidentified scammer.

“I’m wondering, is there anything we can do to get some more information out in the community, create some sort

of handout that could be on the Police Department’s website?” Price said. “I don’t know that it would prevent these, but if we could prevent one … that’s a quality-of-life level of money that this person lost.”

Linton reported that one of the city’s new civilian public safety ambassadors met with the victim at Dunwoody City Hall about a fraud.

“The victim stated that she received a message from what she thought was Microsoft stating that her computer had been compromised,” Linton wrote. “She contacted someone claiming to be with customer support who convinced her to withdraw $25,000 from her bank, then convert it to bitcoins.”

See WARN, Page 19

City Calendar & Events! 2025 JUNE

June

Chief of Police James Conroy presents family members of Roswell Police Officer Jeremy Labonte with memorial badges in his honor during Roswell Police Department’s annual Fallen Officer Memorial at Roswell Area Park on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Officer Labonte was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 7, 2025.

Milton, Roswell gather to honor fallen officer

By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The morning of May 15 was somber as Roswell city officials, police officers, firefighters, friends and family gathered to remember the lives of those who gave their life in the line of duty over the past year.

Members from the Roswell and Milton police departments stood at Roswell Area Park Pond to honor the sacrifice of seven fallen Georgia officers over the past year, including Jeremy Labonte whose watch ended Feb. 7.

Immediate family members of Officer Labonte, also known as police survivors, were presented with memorial badges by Roswell Police Chief James Conroy. The badges serve as a symbol of Officer Labonte’s courage, dedication and life he gave in service to others.

“The sacrifice made by Jeremy and every fallen officer will never be forgotten,” Conroy said.

Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson spoke about the officers’ sacrifice.

Officer Labonte, 24, joined the Roswell Police Department in 2021. He was shot and killed while responding to a suspicious person report off Holcomb Bridge Road.

The city also honored Officer Leslie Warden who was killed in the line of duty June 14, 1986, while assisting at a car accident scene on I-285 near Northside Drive.

As a long-standing tradition, Milton joined Roswell to offer their condolences and stand in support of their sister city.

“We all support one another, and obviously, with what they’ve been through this year, we wouldn’t miss it,” Milton Police Chief Jason Griffin said.

“Their names are more than just memories,” Wilson said. “They are reminders, reminders of courage, of service, of sacrifice and behind every name is a family who grieves, a department that mourns and a community forever changed.”

Each year, cities across the nation join on May 15 to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. It began in 1962, when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day.

“I hope that in honoring them today we offer [loved ones] a measure of comfort and the assurance that their sacrifice is neither forgotten nor in vain,” Conroy said.

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Firm tests waters for air mobility hub at Alpharetta site

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — It may sound like science fiction, but a developer told the Alpharetta City Council May 19 that his company’s vision for a next-generation air mobility hub is real.

At their regular meeting, council members discussed a proposal for a vertiport based at the mixed-use development Northwinds Summit, now under construction.

A vertiport is a landing site for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, which are predicted to become a reality in the next few years. The aircraft could serve as a more affordable and much quieter alternative to helicopters, said Kerry Armstrong, managing director and development partner for Pope and Land.

“This is real,” Armstrong said. “We argue this will become a viable piece of our transportation network.”

The council took no vote but decided to reconsider the item at a later date.

Armstrong appeared before council members to ask them to consider a master plan amendment and conditional use to allow a vertiport on the top level of a parking deck at Northwinds Summit, 1000 Summit Place.

Located along Ga. 400, the site is uniquely positioned to serve electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, which could take advantage of the state highway’s designation as an aerial right of way.

Pope and Land has no construction plans yet for the aerial transportation

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION/PROVIDED

Electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft are predicted to become a reality in coming years.

hub, but the developer is speaking with the council to ensure the project may become a reality if market and technology conditions become suitable.

“Our site seems to be the perfect location, so that’s why we’re pushing it,” Armstrong said.

The Northwinds Summit Master Plan calls for a 140-unit forrent building and a two-story, 32,520-square-foot office building. A 32-unit condominium building is under construction, and a new

140-room hotel building is to begin construction this year.

An additional 1,197,480 square feet of office development is also approved within the master plan.

Archer Aviation, a premier developer of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, is expected to produce their flagship aircraft, the Midnight, at plants in Covington. Designed to fly rapid flights of 20-50 miles, the piloted, four-passenger Midnight would power 12 rotors with electricity.

The aircraft completed its first test flight in 2024 and is undergoing testing and certification.

The Federal Aviation Administration already has completed updating its regulations to allow aircraft like the Midnight to operate in the U.S.

Diana Dagher, an Alpharetta resident who lives about a mile from the proposed vertiport, was the only resident to speak at the meeting. She asked council members to carefully consider the proposal in light of the newness of the technology.

She said she was particularly worried about how noisy the aircraft might be.

Kerry said small rotor blades make electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft exceptionally quiet. He said their noise has been compared to that of a household vacuum.

Armstrong said nearby residents were more likely to hear roadway traffic than the vehicle’s propellers. Although council members expressed wonder at the idea of flying taxis, they said they recognized the technology may soon become a reality.

Councilman Donald Mitchell said the technology has advanced at a rapid rate, and he expects residents to be able to take the aircraft to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport within the next five to 10 years.

Councilman Douglas DeRito said he was amazed a technology that he saw as a child watching the “Jetsons” could soon become a reality.

“I want to make sure Alpharetta is on the forefront of these futuristic opportunities,” he said.

Wendy Wax’s Roswell launch gets beach-read season going BOOK EVENTS

By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com

Readers bound for sand, surf and sun have long known to pack Wendy Wax’s seaside stories. The author, born and raised in Florida, moved back in 2022 after decades in Atlanta. She has the word “beach” in the title of six of her 17 novels and two novellas, and numerous others feature beaches on the cover and/or as the setting.

Fittingly, “Just Beachy” is the author’s latest release. Wax will return to Georgia for the book’s Roswell launch June 7 and a series of additional appearances around the metro area sponsored by Bookmiser.

The new novel’s name aside, however, Wax’s books are far more than “beach reads.”

“My protagonists are primarily female,” the USA Today bestselling author said, “and I write journeys of self-discovery and the bonds of friendship that get us through the toughest times. I deal with serious subjects. I just believe that Mary Poppins had it right. A spoonful of humor helps the harsh realities go down.”

Wax first hit on that winning formula for contemporary women’s fiction in the early 2000s. After graduating from the University of Georgia and following a broadcasting career as a television writer, producer and on-camera talent, she was at

Tuesday, June 3, Rita Daniels on “Harriet Tubman: Military Scout and Tenacious Visionary: From Her Roots in Ghana to Her Legacy on the Eastern Shore.” Friends of the Sandy Springs Library and Bookmiser will spotlight Daniels, a Tubman descendent, at 5:30 p.m. Free. Sandy Springs Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway Northeast. 770509-5611. bookmiser.net/events.html

Saturday, June 7; Monday, June 9, Wendy Wax Georgia launch week sponsored by Bookmiser. On June 7, Atlanta Authors will present Wax in conversation with Karen White at 2 p.m. Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road. On June 9, Friends of the Sandy Springs Library will feature Wax at 6 p.m. with Colleen Oakley. Sandy Springs Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway Northeast. Two additional appearances will be held in Newnan and Dahlonega. All are free. 770-509-5611. bookmiser.net/events. html

Saturday, June 7, illustrating books with Rob McClurkan, children’s book author and illustrator. 4 p.m. Free. Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming. 770-781-9840. forsythpl.org/event/13298617

USA Today bestselling author Wendy Wax will launch her latest novel, “Just Beachy” June 7 in Roswell.

home with a newborn and a 2-year-old when she decided to write a novel.

“I chalk that up to post-pregnancy hormones and lack of sleep,” she joked. “I didn't realize how hard it would be, but I needed something creative to focus on in the midst of changing diapers and cleaning up messes.”

And focus she did – to the tune of nearly a book a year since 2003.

As something of a thank-you for that diligence, Atlanta is rolling out the red carpet for “Just Beachy.” The book launches with an afternoon tea in Roswell alongside New York Times bestseller Karen White on June 7, followed by additional appearances in Sandy Springs, Dahlonega and Newnan.

Details about Wax’s North Fulton events are below, along with other June events.

Wednesday, June 11, Emily Carpenter with Kimberly Belle, discussing Carpenter’s latest thriller, “Gothictown.” 5:30 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com

Tuesday, June 24, Johns Creek Books and Gwinnett County Public Library will host Katherine Scott Crawford with her May release, “The Miniaturist's Assistant.” 6 p.m. Free. Duluth Library, 3180 Main Street, Duluth. 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks.com

Friday, Saturday and Monday, June 27, 28 and 30, Friends of the Roswell Library Book Sale. See website for hours and details. Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell. 404-612-9700. forl.net

Sunday, June 29, Books & Brews with Christopher Swann. Hosted by Read It Again Bookstore at Pontoon Brewing, Sandy Springs. 1 p.m. Free. Pontoon Brewing, 500, 8601 Dunwoody Place, Sandy Springs. read-it-again.com

To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@gmail.com by the 15th.

JOANNA SOUZA/PROVIDED

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8 | Johns Creek Herald | May 29, 2025

Envision Perimeter pitches business district as Atlanta’s headquarters

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Elected leaders and a few hundred members of the business community gathered May 20 for the inaugural Envision Perimeter on the 12th floor of the King building.

Envision Perimeter is the product of several groups coming together, the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts, the new Greater Perimeter Chamber and the business community that backs both.

Since commercial owners rallied together to form a self-taxing commercial district just north of I-285 in 1999, Central Perimeter has gone from farmland to one of the largest edge cities in the United States.

Central Perimeter sports some of Metro Atlanta’s newest Class A office space.

According to data from global commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield, the commercial district outperformed all Metro Atlanta submarkets in leasing activity throughout 2024. With more than 1.3 million square feet of new leasing and the largest year-over-year increase, Perimeter just beat out midtown Atlanta. Cushman & Wakefield cites proximity to downtown Atlanta, relative affordability when compared to the urban core and a strong talent base as reasons for a spur in demand.

The event was thrown as a community celebration of progress within the business district, which encompasses pieces of the cities of Brookhaven, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs.

Regent Partner Principal John Bell, whose team leases the King building, is an Atlanta native, Marist graduate and member of the Perimeter CIDs’ Fulton County Board. He said he’s had a front row seat to Central Perimeter’s growth, from farmland to urban streetscape.

“This development has long been a part of the Perimeter story,” Bell said. “An icon, a landmark? Yes, but also a symbol of what this district is: established, resilient and forward-moving.”

The theme of the summit was “Every Piece in Place,” a nod to the wrap up of major enhancements to the Ga. 400 and I-285 interchange just north of “Pill Hill” in Sandy Springs.

Getting infrastructure on par

Situated at Ga. 400 and I-285, the King and Queen buildings off Concourse Parkway gave attendees a 360-degree view of Central Perimeter with the Buckhead and Atlanta skylines on the horizon.

Georgia Department of Transportation

Commissioner Russel McMurray said the wrap-up of the $800 million Transform

Tristan Cleveland, an urban planner with the firm

the inaugural Envision Perimeter on the 12th floor

for the community celebration of the business district’s progress.

285/400 project at the major intersection is the first critical piece of the puzzle for mobility improvements within Metro Atlanta.

“Today is a full circle moment. This is where we did a ceremonial ground-breaking, too long ago I might add, for this big project,” McMurray said. “Back when we were struggling to figure out how to fund [the project] … PCID came through with a $10 million investment to help us advance the project.”

That project broke ground in 2017, indicating the protracted timeline that typically goes with major infrastructure improvement projects.

McMurray said the ongoing progress on PATH400 is one piece of the puzzle and an example of several organizations and cities coming together. The multi-use trail along Ga. 400 checks a lot of boxes for regional trail advocates. When completed, it will allow pedestrians and cyclists to get from Central Perimeter to Buckhead and the Atlanta Beltline.

The Georgia Department of Transportation built a part of the trail system through one of the busiest interchanges in the country, allowing each Central Perimeter city to build their own connections. Sandy Springs has its portion of PATH400 funded up to Central Perimeter.

PHOTOS BY: HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Happy Cities, discusses successful redevelopments and retrofits May 20 at

of the King building. The Central Perimeter business community gathered

Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurray discusses the wrap up of the Transform Ga. 400 and I-285 project while previewing work on elevated express planes along Ga. 400 from the North Springs MARTA station to Forsyth County.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch and Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul discuss how both sides of the county line are investing in Central Perimeter’s growth, making Central Perimeter a more attractive commercial district.

Envision:

Continued from Page 8

McMurray wrapped up by mentioning the kickoff of work on the Ga. 400 Express Lanes project, from the North Springs MARTA station in Sandy Springs to McFarland Parkway in Forsyth County.

“We’re going to give you a reprieve from orange barrels for a little bit,” he said. “Enjoy the Transform 285/400 for now … there’s more investment coming in future mobility that will continue to make this Perimeter Center thrive economically and competitively.”

Picking Central Perimeter

Perimeter CIDs Executive Director Ann Hanlon said another critical piece of the puzzle is public safety, which the commercial district financially supports.

“We’re all really trying really hard to make this a great place,” Hanlon said. “But the foundation of that success, one of the things that makes our job easy, is that Perimeter is the safest, most accessible market in Metro Atlanta.”

Hanlon then introduced the police chiefs in Brookhaven, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs to discuss how their departments partner with the Perimeter CIDs and each other to ensure they’re where they need to be in the community.

While the Dunwoody Police Chief Mike Carlson touted camera technology and drone usage, Sandy Springs Police Chief Kenneth DeSimone touted his department’s new electric motorcycles and bicycles for patrols along PATH400 and throughout Central Perimeter.

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul said it’s hard to believe that a quarter of the 21st century is already behind us and it’s his job to prepare for the next 25 years.

“This is one of the most important economic regions for the whole Southeastern region,” Paul said. “That doesn’t mean we can rest on our laurels. We’ve got to do a refresh and look at what demands are going to be in the next 25-30 years to be able to hold onto what we have here, expand it and grow it.”

One panel during the summit featured Cushman Wakefield Executive Director

Ken Ashley, a Dunwoody native, in conversation with representatives of new Central Perimeter tenants like Newell Brands, TriNet and Marketwave.

Each corporate leader spoke on what attracted them to Central Perimeter, citing the district’s amenities, transportation options and community energy.

Another panel, “The Perimeter Experience: Culture, Community & Belonging,” promoted sponsorships and community service at the Dunwoody Nature Center and commuting shuttles through the CIDs’ Perimeter Connects program.

Looking at next steps

Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch introduced the keynote speaker, citing intentional public and private investment that seeks to balance density in Central Perimeter.

“Projects like High Street and Ashford Lane show that density done well has tremendous positives, and we plan for much more of this in the future of Dunwoody” Deutsch said. “Dunwoody is thriving to be a happy, connected city.”

Tristan Cleveland, an urban planner with a doctorate in philosophy from Dalhousie University’s Healthy Populations Institute, said suburban retrofitting began in Miami-Dade County in the early 1990s.

“All of this great works that’s happening across Atlanta of bringing walkability and transportation design, it can thank this change,” Cleveland said.

With urbanization and growth comes resistance from some residents of Central Perimeter cities. Whether it’s apartment renters being priced out with ongoing redevelopment or homeowners frustrated with neighborhood encroachment, some people are not on board.

Cleveland said skyrocketing housing values is an issue for low-income people, but it also increases the commercial tax base and decreases the residential burden.

In Dunwoody, residents fight city plans to put 12-foot-wide paths in front of singlefamily homes. In Sandy Springs, homeowners and schools fight over field lighting.

Two things that seem popular among a large majority of residents across north Metro Atlanta are increasing walkability in commercial areas with paths and expanding access to natural landscapes with trails.

Milton, Roswell police pass torch for Special Olympics

MILTON, Ga. — Teams of Police Officers from the cities of Milton and Roswell laced up their running shoes and hit the streets to support the Special Olympics during the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run on May 14.

The Milton team, composed of members of the Police Department, Fire-Rescue and City Hall staff, started off with a mile-plus loop around Downtown Crabapple before passing the torch to the Roswell team who carried it to Roswell City Hall.

“It’s an honor to be a part of something much larger than just the city of Milton and to do something to give back to such a worthy cause as the Special Olympics is fantastic,” Milton Chief of Police Jason Griffin said.

Maureen Wales, who coordinates Special Olympics for Fulton County Schools said, “this event is so important because it culminates a year of training for these athletes and to be able to participate with their peers across the state is just so special. I think this is amazing because it just goes to show that everybody in the community is behind our Special Olympics.”

The Torch Run is one of the events occurring in Milton and Roswell during National Police Week which takes place each May.

—

Photos by Dean Hesse

BEHIND THE PHOTOS: Photographer Dean Hesse grew up in Decatur and lives in Stone Mountain. He began his career as a stringer covering events for the DeKalb News/Sun in the 1990s and attended the Southeastern Center for the Arts Professional Photography Program. He worked in a photo lab as a custom black & white printer for wedding and portrait photographers. His work has appeared in local and national consumer and trade publications. Dean can be reached at dean@ appenmedia.com. See more of his photos on appenmedia.com.

The Roswell team escorts the torch from Milton to Roswell City Hall May 14 during the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run supporting the Special Olympics.

Milton Police Department, Fire-Rescue and City Hall staff participate in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run May 14.

Police Captain Charles Barstow (center) carries the torch for the Milton team May 14 during the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run supporting the Special Olympics.

Teams from Milton and Roswell pose for a group photo during the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run supporting the Special Olympics on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Roswell residents rally for affordable housing, national policy reform

By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Members of a newlyformed community group gathered outside Alive in Roswell May 15 to protest the Trump administration.

Roswell Empowered called for community members to come together to peacefully protest.

While most residents of Roswell headed toward the party of Alive in Roswell, protesters held signs and waved to cars, which received some honks in response.

While the group was advocating for changes at a national level, others took the opportunity to petition their local leaders.

Courtney Rozear, joined in to highlight the need for affordable housing and address the recent Economy Hotel shutdown.

Roswell had ordered the business empty last week, citing safety concerns.

“It kind of took my breath away,” Rozear said.

Rozear said that the long-term tenants of the hotel deserved more time to move out. While she stated that the City of Roswell did great work, she said that local leaders should create a task

force to prevent this from happening again and provide transparency.

“Two years ago [Grove Way Apartments] were condemned, now we have this,” Rozear said. “I realize these are two different issues, but they do have that similarity in code enforcement.”

Jennifer Donlon, resident of Roswell for the past five years, created Roswell Empowered to give voices to those in the community and show people that they are not alone.

“It’s not just the bigger cities that aren’t happy with what’s going on,” Donlon said. “Smaller cities can have big voices too.”

Donlon said she was motivated to organize after becoming a parent and wanting the world to become a better place for her four-year-old son.

Donlon chose to organize the protest outside of Alive in Roswell because of the high foot traffic.

“The accountability starts at home,” Donlon said.

Donlon encourages residents of Roswell to join no matter their party affiliation.

“It’s just people in Roswell that want to see a change, believe in democracy and upholding the constitution,” Donlon said.

WEDNESDAY WEEKLY NETWORKING 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Protestor Courtney Rozear holds a sign in support of Roswell Residents at a protest in Downtown Roswell May 15.

Roswell Empowered founder Roswell May 15.

SCAN

Foodies flock to festival

Food lovers flocked to Downtown Alpharetta for the 33rd annual Taste of Alpharetta on May 8. The festival featured tasty bites from over 60 restaurants, live music on four stages and more.

— Photos by Dean Hesse

Ayuna Whitlow and Missy Pinto take in the 33rd annual Taste of Alpharetta on Thursday, May 8.

People fill the streets of Downtown Alpharetta for the 33rd annual Taste of Alpharetta on Thursday, May 8.

La Abuela serves up treats during the 33rd annual Taste of Alpharetta on Thursday, May 8.

Patrons walk through Downtown Alpharetta for the 33rd annual Taste of Alpharetta on Thursday, May 8.

Byron Ackerman enjoyed his food from Kona Grill so much he went back for seconds during the 33rd annual Taste of Alpharetta on Thursday, May 8.

Sandra Fisher enjoys people watching during the 33rd annual Taste of Alpharetta on Thursday, May 8. “I love the diversity of people just having a good time,” Fisher said.

Street performer Amil entertains during the 33rd annual Taste of Alpharetta on Thursday, May 8.

Milton girls lacrosse hoists trophy No. 18

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga — The Milton girls lacrosse team steamrolled their way to their 13th straight state championship with of a 17-5 victory over Creekview High for the GHSA 2A title.

The city of Milton has two state champions in girls lacrosse, as Cambridge took down Blessed Trinity 17-5 for the 1A title right before the Eagles’ game began.

Milton and Creekview met earlier this season on Feb. 27 and had a final result of 20-5. The Grizzlies hoped to continue their momentum from beating Pope 11-9 in the final four.

Creekview attempted to keep the game close in the first half, until the Eagles turned on the jets in the third quarter. Milton shut out the Grizzlies in the third period while notching six goals.

2A Offensive Player of the Year Kylie Waters had a hat trick and displayed the Eagles’ toughness on rides, forcing two turnovers.

Milton won multiple 2A all-state awards with the goalie of the year in Alyssa Brackley and the defensive player

HORNETS 13, TROJANS 12

of the year in Ava Thompson. All three award winners will return next year. Milton had nine total players named to the all-state first-team.

Looking ahead to next season, Milton is losing eight of their 12 starters but faces no shortage of talent in the underclassmen. Sophomore Lillian Katula

tied Waters to lead the team against the Grizzlies with a hat trick of her own and pulled down three draw controls. Fellow sophomore, who also takes draws, Caroline Marshall tallied one goal.

Senior Ella Pauley has been a consistent stronghold on the circle, posting two goals, three assists and seven draw controls. Seniors Payton Kozina and Alyssa Monje notched a goal apiece in their last high school game. McKenna Merkel, Anna Mellinger and Peyton Baker closed out their Milton careers strong with two goals each.

The Eagles have competed for the state title in the last 20 championship games since GHSA began recognizing lacrosse as a non-club sport in 2005.

Head coach Tim Godby, who has helmed for 21 years and won 18 championships, said “second-to-none” support from the school’s administration has allowed the program to remain so competitive.

“We knew we couldn’t get out-worked in this game,” he said. “We had a lot of people contribute and score like always. Making 20 championship [games], it’s just a testament to all the kids that continue to work hard every year and our parents’ support.”

Roswell wins first 3-peat in Georgia lacrosse history

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga — The Roswell boys lacrosse team made Georgia history with the first back-to-back-to-back championships in boys lacrosse after defeating Lassiter High 13-12 in overtime May 17.

Senior Ben Weir tallied his third goal of the night less than a minute into the overtime period, off an assist from sophomore Blake O’Neal. Weir had the Hornets’ first and last goal, starting and closing strong in his final high school game.

O’Neal notched one assist and four goals against the Trojans, including three straight in the fourth quarter that forced the overtime period. Recruitment opens Sept. 1 for the class of 2027.

Lassiter scored the first goal of the game, but with the help of junior Jack Dowdy on faceoffs, the Hornets got out to a hot start. At halftime, the score sat at 6-4. As the second half progressed, Lassiter turned up the heat. They went on a fourgoal run to close out a strong push for their first title since 2017. Once O’Neal began

ROSWELL LACROSSE/PROVIDED

The Roswell Hornets celebrate their third straight state championship at Denmark High School May 17. No boys lacrosse team in Georgia history had won back-toback-to-back state titles.

his heater, the Trojans failed to score again.

All-state first team honoree defender Harrison Penn, along with second team

defenseman Dean Maddux and third team two-way midfielder Linkin Miller formed a wall Lassiter couldn’t break through. Longpole midfielder junior Rowan Chapiro

has been on a heater for the Hornets’ defense in the playoffs this year, scooping up four ground balls and scoring a goal against the Trojans.

Lassiter’s defense focused sharply on Hornets attackman Kaden Parla, who was successfully kept out of the back of the net. The Trojans couldn’t stop his offensive foresight, and Parla ended the game with three assists.

Junior Jackson Hardwick notched a hat trick and one assist along with four ground balls. His first goal came off a turnover, sending a bouncing shot at a difficult angle just out of the reach of Lassiter’s goalie attempting to return to the cage.

Roswell will lose only three seniors this season, including Weir and midfielder Will O’Loughlin, who put up a goal in the second quarter.

Head coach Bryan Wallace spoke of the high level of competition against Lassiter.

“These guys did not shy away from the moment, and they continued to play until the final whistle,” he said. “Our coaching staff does such a good job. [Weir] had one of his best games of the year by far.”

KENNY GRIMES PHOTOGRAPHY/PROVIDED

The Milton Eagles celebrate their 13th straight state championship at Denmark High School May 17.

OPINION

PRESERVING THE PAST

A historic house comes out of the woods

BOB MEYERS Columnist

For many years motorists traveling east on Mayfield Road in Alpharetta would pass a small densely wooded lot as they crossed Canton Street en route to Highway 9. Diagonally across the street is the Alpharetta Arts Center. Along Canton Street are many houses, some old, some new.

Not very long ago the woods were stripped from the land and a boarded-up house was revealed. It is a house with a story worth telling. A two-headed calf is part of the story.

The house was most likely originally built between 1910 and 1920. Early owners were Homer and Clara Weatherford. Homer was a farmer and the family had a barn on the property. They were well known locally and attracted considerable attention in the early 20th century because they had a two-headed calf that they kept in the barn. For $1.00 they would allow a person to enter the barn to see the calf.

Two-headed calves, a condition called polycephaly, occur when an embryo attempts to split into two separate embryos, but the split is incomplete. The condition is very rare, estimated to be 1 in 400 million, and calves are usually stillborn or die within a few days. The longest recorded polycephaly calf lived for 40 days, so Homer and Clara’s business venture did not last very long.

The Weatherford House was built in the Folk Victorian style which was popular in the United States and Europe between 1870 and 1910. Folk Victorian is less elaborate than true Victorian and some other subsets of Victorian such as Queen Anne style.

Shack Lewis, local historian and realtor, grew up across the road on Canton Street and has some memories of the house and the people who lived there. As a child, Shack called the residence the Wills House because he knew Belle Wills (18981987), the wife of William H. Wills (1879-1964), the owner at the time. Shack and his brother Clay would stop at the house on their way home from school and swing on Miss Wills’ porch swing and visit with her. “She was a nice lady and always had cookies,” says Shack. William Wills sold the house in 1983 to David J. Woodward.

Lifelong Alpharetta resident

John and Annie Weatherford operated a dairy farm when they owned the historic Weatherford House. After many years of neglect the home will be preserved and restored as a designated historic structure by the City of Alpharetta. It is located at 193 Canton Street and will be part of the new development of Jackson Park.

Elsie Knight remembers the dairy owned by John C. Weatherford (1870-1937) and Annie Weatherford (1871-1931) that occupied much of the original property. John was Elsie’s grandmother’s brother. The dairy probably had 20 or 25 cows according to Elsie, given the size of the property. She and her husband Howard (1930-2010) kept horses on the farm because Howard was a member of the Reactivated Confederate Calvary and rode in

patriotic parades. John’s niece Gladys Wood and her husband Andy lived on the edge of the property on today’s Highway 9. Andy fought in World War 1 and was gassed and never fully recovered. Elsie recalls that Clark Weatherford lived in a house at one time on the other side of the pasture on Hopewell Road.

Valerie Mote rented the house from 1993 to 1999 from then owner David J. Woodard, She attended Milton High School in the late 1970s where she

played in the band with Shack Lewis. She remembers the swing on the front porch that her father hung for her. The house boasted beautiful heart pine floors, tongue and groove walls in its bedrooms, a front sitting/living room and fireplaces in every room. Valerie did not use the fireplaces because of their age. A well sat on the small back porch. A small rental house was in back of the main house. The original windows with wavy glass were a highlight for Valerie. She and the roommate with whom she shared the house parked their cars under a large oak tree next to the front porch.

The historic Weatherford House will be part of a new development to be called Jackson Park. Built by Canton Mayfield Development, it will fully occupy the 2.9-acre parcel. It will consist of 16 new singlefamily homes and the restored and rehabilitated Weatherford House. The house has been vacant for about 25 years.

The Jackson family of developers has deep roots in Alpharetta. George Jackson lV was raised in Alpharetta. He is a partner on the project and is in charge of sales of the residences. His father, George Jackson lll is a principal. Chris Davis is the third partner. The partners have developed Teasley Place, Alpharetta Lofts and Fourteen Park Place in downtown Alpharetta. George lV says “My family is committed to the success of downtown Alpharetta.”

Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth. net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

The historic Weatherford House as it appears today. Built in Folk Victorian style in the early 1900s, the house will be restored and rehabilitated as part of a new community to be built in Alpharetta. The house is valuable piece of the city’s architectural heritage.

FIND A GRAVE/PROVIDED

Tombstone of John and Annie Weatherford in Midway United Methodist Church Cemetery in Forsyth County.

PHOTO EXCERPTED FROM DAYS GONE BY IN ALPHARETTA AND ROSWELL GA BY CAROLYNE DILLMAN

Revisiting Playland Skating Center on Buford Highway

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist

The North DeKalb Record newspaper, Feb. 20, 1958, advertised the grand opening of Playland, which later became known as Playland Skating Center. The early roller skating rink featured Hi-Fi music, theatrical lighting and skating lessons.

People who grew up in Chamblee, Doraville, Dunwoody and the surrounding area may remember skating at Playland once or twice, or more regularly. The skating rink was also on the list of after-school care for households where both parents worked.

Jim Hearn’s Golf Center was next door, established 1959. Directories in the DeKalb History Center archives show in 1966, Playland Roller Skating Center at 4405 Buford Highway, and Jim Hearns Golf Center at 4445 Buford Highway.

Playland was frequently a place for celebrations, such as birthdays, with its skating, snack bar and music. Special events were held on holidays. A costume contest for Halloween was one of those events. In 1959, square dance skating was one of Playland’s special events. The Atlanta Journal advertises a Square-Dancing Festival.

The June 4,1977 edition of the Atlanta Journal lists several roller skating rinks in addition to Playland to choose from in the Atlanta area. The list includes Skateport in Decatur, Plantation Skating Center in Clarkston, Rainbow Roller Rink in Lithonia and Rollerama on Memorial Drive in Atlanta.

By 1979, roller skating popularity was growing, thanks to the disco music craze. The most popular outdoor skating area in Atlanta was Piedmont Park. One of the most popular indoor rinks was Playland. (Atlanta Journal, Dec. 6, 1979, “Wheels keep turning for Atlantans”)

Don Houot, owner of Playland, had recently invested $300,000 into the business, building a 50 by 100-foot area for beginner skaters and a 70 by 170-foot rink for faster and more skilled skaters.

He also installed a new sound system and strobe lights. Houot estimated 300 to 400 young adults showed up most Thursday nights to enjoy disco music, electronic games, a large TV, snack bar and lounging area. For children, there were games like Hokey Pokey.

I was not a skilled skater, either roller or ice, but I do remember skating at Playland. When Peggy Fleming won a gold medal for Olympic figure skating in 1968, I asked my mom to sew me a skating dress. Peggy Fleming’s mother designed and sewed all her costumes.

I am not certain what year Playland Skating Center closed, but advertisements still appear in the Atlanta newspapers in the mid-1980s, as late as 1985.

If you have memories to share of roller-skating at Playland, please write me at pasttensega@gmail.com.

Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.

COLLECTION OF VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF/APPEN MEDIA

This Grand Opening announcement for Playland appeared in the February 1958 North DeKalb Record newspaper.

OPINION

A gardener’s guide to pruning hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are getting a head start with the mild spring, with blossoms forming early this year. So, let’s explore some pruning techniques that will help you enjoy these beauties now and in the future.

Hydrangeas are popular ornamental plants known for their large, showy blooms and lush foliage. Proper pruning is essential for maintaining the health, shape and blooming potential of hydrangeas. In this guide, we'll explore what you need to know about when and how to prune hydrangea plants for optimal growth and beauty.

Before diving into pruning techniques, it's crucial to understand the different types of hydrangeas and their specific pruning requirements:

• Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla): Known for their large, round flower clusters, bigleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood. This means they set their flower buds in late summer or early fall for the following year's blooms. Pruning at the wrong time can remove these buds, resulting in reduced flowering.

• Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata): Panicle hydrangeas produce cone-shaped flower clusters and bloom on new wood. They are more forgiving when it comes to pruning timing and can be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.

• Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens): Smooth hydrangeas produce large, white flower heads and bloom on new wood. Like panicle hydrangeas, they can be pruned in late winter or early spring.

• Oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia): Oakleaf hydrangeas feature distinctive oak-shaped leaves and produce cone-shaped flower clusters. They bloom on old wood, so pruning should be done immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year's buds.

The timing of hydrangea pruning depends on the specific type of hydrangea you have:

• Bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangeas: Prune immediately after flowering, typically in late spring or early summer. This allows the plant to develop new growth and set flower buds for the following year.

• Panicle and smooth hydrangeas: These varieties can be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Since they bloom on new wood, pruning encourages vigorous growth and abundant flowering during the upcoming season.

Follow these general pruning guidelines for healthy, attractive hydrangea plants:

Remove dead or damaged wood: Begin by cutting out any dead, diseased or damaged branches. Make clean cuts just above a healthy bud or lateral branch. Shape the plant: Trim back any overly long or straggly branches to maintain a neat and compact shape. Aim to create a balanced silhouette while preserving the plant's natural form.

Thinning out: To improve air circulation and reduce overcrowding, selectively thin out interior branches. This helps prevent disease and promotes better light penetration, leading to healthier growth and more abundant blooms.

Deadheading: After flowering, deadhead spent blooms by cutting the flower stalks back to a pair of healthy buds or lateral branches. This encourages the development of new growth and may result in additional blooms later in the season.

Tips for successful pruning:

Use sharp tools: Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make precise cuts and minimize damage to the plant. Sanitize tools: Before pruning, sterilize your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution to prevent the spread of disease.

Avoid over-pruning: While it's essential to remove dead or unwanted growth, avoid excessive pruning, especially on bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangeas, as this can diminish next year's flowering.

Monitor soil moisture: Hydrangeas prefer consistently moist, well-drained soil. Water deeply during dry periods to keep the root zone evenly moist but avoid waterlogged conditions. Apply mulch: Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, in spring to a depth of 2-4 inches.

Fertilize sparingly: Hydrangeas generally do not require heavy fertilization. Apply a balanced, slowrelease fertilizer in spring, following the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is John Fox, a 2024 Fulton County Extension Master Gardener. John was the CEO of Emory Healthcare for 16 years and has an interest in landscapes and plant biology.

can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Proper trimming is essential for maintaining the health, appearance, and blooming performance of hydrangea plants. By understanding the specific pruning requirements of different hydrangea varieties and following best practices for timing and technique, you can ensure that your hydrangeas thrive with beautiful blooms year after year.

Happy gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at: https://www.appenmedia.com/opinion/columnists/garden_buzz/

JOHN FOX Guest Columnist

Top left: bigleaf hydrangea, photo credit Judy Peacock; Top right: panicle hydrangea, photo credit Judy Peacock; Bottom left: smooth hydrangea, photo credit Judy Peacock; Bottom right: oak leaf hydrangea, photo credit North Carolina Extension Service.

GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA!

Dinnertime at Doerun Pitcherplant Bog

It’s almost too terrifying to recall, but I do it anyway. They say it helps if you confront your fears. We’ll see.

It started like this.

I’d been doing some edging and pruning, but mostly I was pulling weeds.

Weed pulling, as you know, can be serious business, and this effort was no exception. In fact, the pile of pulled weeds had grown pretty big.

My neighbor walked by about that time and saw what I’d been doing.

“Man” he said, “just wait till the word gets out in Weedville that you’ve been yanking ’em up left and right. Are they ever gonna be mad at you!”

I laughed about that and said something about revenge of the plants. Then back to work and, later, a shower, supper, some reading, and eventually bedtime.

Sleep… I was walking through the woods somewhere, enjoying the fresh springtime air and the sounds of frogs and birds when suddenly…suddenly…everything went quiet. I mean totally silent. There wasn’t a whisper of sound. It was as if the world held its breath.

So I did too, and that’s when I heard it – a subtle stirring in in the undergrowth…a slight rustle among the leaves…

And then…and then…

Then I saw it. From the mass of ferns there rose a stalk, a green menace, quivering and shimmering and leaning toward me…

It was a plant. A plant with a hungry gaping maw – cavernous, carnivorous – and it was stretching silently and inexorably right towards me.

I stood terrified, not able to flee. The plant moved closer…closer…and then…

I sat bolt upright, knocking covers and pillows aside, heart pounding. It had been a close call, I found myself thinking. But it had only been a dream. Hadn’t it?

Dream or not, I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of carnivorous (a fancy way of saying “meat-eating”) plants. Legend and lore are rife with tales of man-eating marigolds and hungry hyacinths and ravenous rhododendron and – well, you get the idea. Fortunately, we weed-pullers hope, such legends are only that.

But the fact is that there are indeed plants that get along by eating things that crawl or fly – and as I pull into the parking area at the Doerun Pitcherplant Bog Wildlife Management Area near the community of Doerun in southern Georgia, I was preparing myself to see ’em firsthand.

Doerun Pitcherplant Bog is on Georgia Highway 133 not too far from Reed Bingham State Park. If you’ve never heard of Doerun, don’t worry about it. Just think “near Moultrie west of Adel,” and you’ll be in the right neck of the woods.

tract of flat South Georgia landscape is the opportunity to see these plants up-close and personal. I’ll be seeing them in their natural habitat, where nutrient-poor acidic soils means that nourishment must come from somewhere besides the ground. Given such conditions, pitcherplants and other carnivorous flora evolved to get their daily bread from another source – specifically, by tapping the abundance of bugs with which they share their little corner of the world.

The most obvious carnivorous plants at Doerun will be several species of pitcher plants, fascinating creations with hollow trumpet-like leaves. The inside surface of the leaves is lined with downward-pointing hairs, and at the bottom of each trumpet is a pool of water.

All of that is bad news if you’re a bug. You see, the color and aroma of the plants draws insects to the leaves. They creep up the outside toward the inviting lip, walking tentatively, maybe taking a step too far…for once inside, they begin to slip, sliding downdown-down until they find themselves trapped in the unrelenting embrace of that pool of no return. There they will remain, eventually drowning, while the plant (for its part) digests them at its leisure.

But back to Doerun, where trails provide access to the area and a network of subtle footpaths branches off to let you walk the landscape and look for these plants yourself. The biggest of these is the Yellow Trumpet pitcherplant (Sarracenia flava) with leaves which can grow as much

their lemony aroma. Other pitcherplant species at the site include the Hooded Pitcherplant (Sarracenia minor) and the Parrot Pitcherplant (Sarracenia psittacine). There are other carnivorous plants at Doerun, too, including the diminutive sundews. One species, the Pink Sundew, is a tiny little thing with an overall size about that of a quarter. This plant presents as a radiating rosette of reddish padlike leaves, and each leaf is covered with fine hairlike fibers. At the end of each fiber sits a drop of sweet, honey-like nectar. Small bugs who venture close for a taste soon find themselves mired in sticky stuff, and their struggles cause the leaf to slowly close around the hapless bug as a hand might close around a treasured coin or a precious stone. Once in the plant’s embrace, the bug has had it. The plant digests it, and then later the leaf uncurls and the carcass falls away.

At the Doerun Pitcherplant Bog, visitors age 16 or older will need either a hunting or fishing license or a Lands Pass in order to access the site. You may want some bug repellant, too, and by all means take your camera.

You’ll have a great time under the South Georgia sun exploring the world of Doerun Pitcherplant Bog. Then later, back home, you will also enjoy your air conditioning as you relive what you saw there. You’ll think about the plants…those meat-eating plants…until eventually, tired from the day’s excursion, you’ll probably doze off.

STEVE HUDSON Columnist

Warn:

Continued from Page 3

Later, the resident was instructed to wire more than $175,000 to a business with the understanding that she would meet for an exchange with a representative of the FBI.

“When the male arrived and took possession of the gold she asked him for his ID, to which he stated that he was not with the FBI and then left the location in a white sedan,” Linton wrote. “The total loss was $201,580.”

While the fraud incident was a life-altering crime for one Dunwoody resident, police are taking steps to help more citizens recognize potential threats.

City Councilman Price said it’s up to friends and family to connect their loved ones with the materials to help them better recognize common scams and fraud tactics.

Police Chief Carlson’s video was prompted by City Councilman Price bringing up his concern.

While the documented loss was significant, Deputy Chief Oliver Fladrich said some of the fraud incidents “are way higher than even the $200,000.”

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CITY OF JOHNS CREEK

PUBLIC NOTICE PURPOSE

An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on May 16, 2025, for Consumption on Premises of Wine and Malt Beverage

BUSINESS NAME

Dosa Bandi LLC

DBA

Jathar Indian Street Eatery 11105 State Bridge Rd Suite 140

Johns Creek, GA 30022

OWNER/OFFICERS

Dosa Bandi LLC

DBA

Jathar Indian Street Eatery 11105 State Bridge Rd Suite 140

Johns Creek, GA 30022

Owners, Srinivas Nagampet

County:

Continued from Page 1

District 5 County Commissioner Marvin Arington asked if county staff is working with the consent decree monitor, Kathleen Kenney, to develop the capital projects and plan needed to address the dangerous and unhealthy conditions at the Fulton County Jail.

There are long-standing problems at the Rice Street jail requiring a lengthy and costly process with a consent decree monitor reviewing conditions to ensure the rights of incarcerated citizens are not violated.

The probe into the county’s Rice Street facility and three annexes, including one in Alpharetta, began in 2023 after the murder of an unindicted inmate who had been in custody for eight months.

Nawrocki said the county does plan to engage the monitor. The capital improvements to the jail began before the federal consent decree, he said, and the county is making progress.

“We know the monitor is now engaged with the county,” Nawrocki said. “We will engage with them as we refine the scope to ensure that we are hitting compliance, these are meeting the humanitarian needs.”

Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts seconded Arington’s

Council:

Continued from Page 1

Naming rights could provide a “substantial” amount and be received up front or over a period of time. For example, the $151 million Akins Ford Arena in Athens netted about $6 million through a naming contract with $600,000 received per year over 10 years.

Finally, grants could provide an opportunity to make up costs. The National Endowment for the Arts is the

push to involve the monitor.

“The question though is, is everything we’re doing consistent with what we should be doing based on the report?” Pitts asked.

Nawrocki said the issues will be addressed in the current capital program or an upcoming one.

The overall jail population remains much lower than it was in summer 2023. A part of the reason is an ongoing “Jail Blitz” capital repair program, which is expected to wrap up in August. The maintenance has put some 500 beds out of service.

Joseph Davis, director of the county’s Real Estate and Asset Management Department, said the number of monthly work orders at the jail varies between 950-1,700 individual requests.

Davis said coordination with the Sherriff’s Office to ensure contractors are safe while on-site has been working well and allowing the timely delivery of upgrades.

Last August, commissioners approved $3.2 million to upgrade fire alarms, modernize elevators and replace appliances. Davis said the remaining work is going out for bids.

Because a lot of the damage inside the jail is caused by inmates, District 1 Commissioner Bridget Thorne asked if the behavior is being addressed.

Davis responded that the Sheriff’s Office brings additional charges based on the level of damage.

largest funding source for the arts in the nation, although the money is not guaranteed.

“Considering the city’s annual investment in other recreation and park amenities that contribute to the quality of life in Johns Creek, it is a policy choice and judgment call for the council to make as to whether the investment in the Performing Arts Center would be appropriate for the city to make,” city staff said.

City Councilman Larry DiBiase said he thinks the council agrees the center would be a powerful asset for the city but questions remain about what

In other business at the commission meeting, representatives from MARTA and Atlanta Beltline gave updates on capital projects, user and ridership data and follow-through with affordable housing goals.

While both organizations are focused on completing projects for the 2026 World Cup, Commissioner Thorne shared her support for path and trail connectivity and asked about plans to connect the Beltline with North Fulton. Federal funding cuts jeopardize plans from both organizations, and both representatives reported they are preparing for the worst to ensure projects have the capital to move along.

The PATH Foundation’s multi-use trail along Ga. 400, a key to connect the Beltline’s Northwest Trail to Buckhead and Central Perimeter north of I-285 has the federal funding required to complete construction in the next four years.

From there, trail networks throughout Sandy Springs and Roswell could eventually connect into Alpharetta’s Alpha Loop farther north.

“I’m a long-time advocator for the paths and connecting the communities,” said Thorne, who sat on a vision board for the Alpha Loop. “I’d like to look at the impact on the whole region on how the Beltline is going to have that ‘halo effect,’ connect other cities and benefit the taxpayers from the entire county, from North to South.”

combination of funding is suitable.

“It’s not a matter of how we kill a project like this,” he said. “It’s a matter of how do we make this thing work.”

DiBiase said he thinks naming rights could be a powerful source of funding.

“As we build and start activating the actual facility, the goodwill of the facility and all the uplift we get from it will actually make it more valuable for someone to put their name on it,” he said.

The council also explored allowing a private-public organization to run the center, which could provide additional savings.

However the city decides to fund the center and its operations, Mayor John Bradberry said he wants residents to know the city is in a strong place financially.

He said the city’s current finances are as sound as they were in 2016 when voters approved a $40 million parks bond.

The city’s net position has increased by 97 percent, he said. Assets have increased by 68 percent, and liabilities have decreased by 13 percent.

“Our financial position today is as strong if not stronger today than it was back then,” he said, adding, “There is opportunity. There is ability for us to continue to find new and better ways of serving our residents.”

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

PARTNERS

1. Jekyll’s partner. Like some gas. Garbage.

2. Sea bird. Valuable fur. Clark’s partner

3. Poe’s bird. Lum’s partner. Like a busybody.

4. Hardy’s partner. Small salmon. Kind of test.

5. Musical mark. Fibber McGee’s partner. Territory in North-Eastern Canada.

6. Baby buggy. Popeye’s partner. Latin American Dance.

7. Bird venerated by ancient Egyptians. Delilah’s partner. Half-moon tide.

1 Jekyll’s partner. Like some gas. Garbage

2. Sea bird. Valuable fur. Clark’s partner.

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. Poe’s bird. Lum’s partner. Like a busybody

4. Hardy’s partner. Small salmon. Kind of test

5. Musical mark. Fibber McGee’s partner. Territory in NorthEastern Canada.

6. Baby buggy. Popeye’s partner. Latin American dance

7. Bird venerated by ancient Egyptians. Delilah’s partner. Halfmoon tide.

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Ryder System, Inc. seeks an Application Development Lead in Alpharetta, GA. Participate and provide input into the design, redesign and development of technology products and applications. Telecommuting is permitted. Apply @ https://www.jobpostingtoday.com/ #82794.

Staff Engineer Software Quality Assurance at Landis + Gyr Technology, Inc. (Alpharetta, GA). Conduct & lead testing activities on embedded firmware projects within the Smart Meter Systems department. Reqts: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science or a related field & 5 yrs of exp in software testing. Exp must include 5 yrs each of the following: Hardware product testing; Oracle & SQL Databases; Visual Studios, TFS, & Test Manager, Windows 7; .Net; web services testing; Operating Systems such as Linux, Ubuntu, Centos, or Redhat7.x_8.x; Windows Server 2016/2019; Wireshark & SoapUl; Windows/Linux based client server architecture; & Agile methodology. Exp must include 2 yrs creating test plans, tracking burn down charts, & training junior QA engineers. Exp may be gained concurrently. To apply, please send resume via email to lisa.hudson@landisgyr.com or mail to Landis + Gyr Technology, Inc., c/o Lisa Hudson, 30000 Mill Creek Ave, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30022. Please reference job title (Staff Engineer Software Quality Assurance).

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