Milton Herald — December 30, 2021

D e c e m b e r 3 0 , 2 0 2 1 | 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 1 6 , N o . 5 2

School threats rise after TikTok trend ► PAGE 2

Expect to smell effect of road construction ► PAGE 5

Tuned up for 2022 CHAMIAN CRUZ/APPEN MEDIA

The Crabapple Market expansion is on track to reach capacity by spring 2022. The mixed-use development will feature 11 new buildings and include retail, restaurant and residential space. Several businesses, including Starbucks and Billy Allen's restaurant and piano bar, have already moved in. The project is one of numerous signs of business recovery in north Metro Atlanta. See story, Pages 8-9.

OPINION

Mayor-elect Jamison looks ahead to 2022 ► PAGE 19

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PUBLIC SAFETY

Metro Atlanta sees rise in ‘terroristic threats’ made to schools

By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — For many in metro Atlanta, the last day of class before winter break was riddled with extra safety precautions after a “challenge” emerged on the social media platform TikTok, where students promoted school shootings to take place on Dec. 17.

The challenge, known as “National Shoot Up Your School Day,” also encouraged kids to call in bomb threats and other acts of violence, putting school districts and law enforcement on high alert.

Authorities are now leaning on the “See Something, Say Something” campaign to avoid potential tragedies.

The Department of Homeland Security launched a national “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign in 2010 to raise public awareness of indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, and to emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity to the proper state and local law enforcement authorities. It has since been adopted by school districts, law enforcement agencies and other offices.

In Forsyth County, Sheriff Ron Freeman thanked students and staff just before the break for their actions which led to the arrest of two Lambert High School students within a week. Both teens were charged with making terroristic threats and are being held at the Regional Youth Detention Center in Gainesville.

Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Stacie Miller said that on Dec. 9 Principal Gary Davidson received an email notifying him of threats a 16-year-old student had made “to do harm at the school.” The Forsyth County School Resource Deputies and Major Crimes Unit were able to quickly identify the individual and remove him from class.

A week later, students told staff a 15-year-old student had allegedly attempted to solicit a gun from another student and was threatening to “cause harm to the school.” Freeman said no

other students were involved in the threat and recognized the students for “having the courage to come forward and report this danger to the staff at the school.”

“School threats have increased nationwide in the past few months,” Freeman said, “and Forsyth County is not alone in this troubling time. … We will continue to exhaustively investigate all threats and those making them will be arrested.”

Just to the south, Fulton County Schools Superintendent Mike Looney sent a letter to parents Dec. 10, saying the district “does not and will not tolerate threats or weapons on our school campuses.”

Seven days later Alpharetta Elementary School Principal Cathy Crawford followed up informing parents that a student had brought a toy knife to school, which was deemed a Level 1 threat based on the Fulton County Schools District Threat Assessment Protocol.

The protocol categorizes threats up to Level 3 and outlines how school leaders should respond. A Level 1 threat is assigned when intent to harm is not clear, there is no evidence of motive or planning, and expressions of anger or frustration dissipate quickly, among other signs.

Level 2 threats show some level of harm and motive, but Level 3 threats are where there is clear evidence and existing ability to carry out a harmful plan in which a person or place is a target.

Crawford said she could not share specific details about the incident due to student privacy rights but confirmed that the student was disciplined as outlined in the Fulton County Schools Student Code of Conduct. She said she had no safety concerns based on the circumstances of the situation.

“We have investigated the situation and have also spoken to the parents of the student involved,” Crawford said in an email. “Rest assured that proper school discipline will be administered. …

I know these situations are unsettling

for our students, staff and parents. Any type of weapon or toy weapon on this campus is unacceptable. This is not and will not be the norm at AES.” Fulton County Schools has reported 140 threats this year, 57 of them at elementary schools. In total, 108 were considered Level 1 threats, 25 Level 2 and seven Level 3. Crawford encouraged parents to speak with their children about not bringing any weapon-like objects to school and to periodically check their backpacks for any items that are not safe for school.

At least two schools in Johns Creek – Chattahoochee High and Autrey Mill Middle schools – added security in early December because of potential threats.

The Johns Creek Police Department positioned additional officers on campus, and Fulton County School Police along with Fulton County Schools investigated the threats but did not disclose their nature or severity.

No known attacks associated to the TikTok challenge were reported in Metro Atlanta. TikTok stated on Twitter Dec. 17 it had removed most of the videos.

Under Georgia law, the offense of terroristic threats is a misdemeanor.

However, it can become a felony if a threat suggests the death of the person being threatened.

For those 17 or older, it can carry a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail. A felony charge can carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison. For those 16 or younger who face charges in juvenile court, there are several options for sentences that can be imposed, including 30 days in a youth development center and expulsion from their school.

Both Forsyth County Schools and Fulton County Schools have tip lines for anyone to anonymously report school threats, weapons, violence, bullying, drugs, self-harm, or other school safety suspicions or concerns.

Fulton County Schools’ tip line can be found at fultonschools.org/fcstipline. The school safety hotline in Forsyth County can be reached at 770-888-3466.

NEWS

AppenMedia.com | December 30, 2021 | 3

Congestion relief for Medlock Bridge Road moves forward

By SYDNEY DANGREMOND sydney@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Relief from traffic congestion along one of Metro Atlanta’s busiest thoroughfares is getting closer.

Improvements to three intersections along Medlock Bridge Road have moved from the preliminary concept phase to engineering following a Dec. 13 City Council vote.

Council members unanimously approved a task order with Alfred Benesch & Company just under $200,000 for the engineering of improvements to Medlock Bridge Road intersections at Skyway Drive, Abbotts Bridge Road and Bell Road. The intersections are choke points for traffic flow during morning and evening rush hours.

Project costs come from the city’s Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax fund.

Council members authorized Public Works officials to research potential intersection improvements along the Medlock Bridge corridor earlier this year, TSPLOST manager Brian O’Connor said.

“We took a look at the traffic data that we had as well as observations by our traffic engineers… and rated the intersections along Medlock Bridge Road for improvements that would give the most benefits to the traveling public,” O’Connor said.

After rating the intersections, staff came up with five recommended intersections for improvements including McGinnis Ferry Road, Johns Creek Parkway, Abbotts Bridge Road, Skyway Drive and Bell Road.

In May, the council directed Public Works to move forward with conception plans for each of the five identified intersections.

“We started looking at how you can improve the operations of the intersection, add some additional lanes on Medlock Bridge as well as some turn lanes, sidewalk and pedestrian improvements,” O’Connor said.

Staff then discovered that effective improvements to the three intersections between Skyway Drive and Bell Road could not be completed in isolation because of their proximity to each other. They had to happen simultaneously.

“So really, three intersections kind of became one and will provide the most operational improvement through the most congested intersections on the north end of the city,” O’Connor said.

The plans, presented to the public in a meeting Oct. 7, include adding one lane in both the northbound and southbound directions of Medlock Bridge Road that start and end just before the Skyway Drive and Bell Road intersections. The project also includes plans for additional turn lanes at the Abbotts Bridge Road intersection.

Abbotts Bridge Road is undergoing a widening by the Georgia Department of Transportation. GDOT is in the right-of-way acquisition stage for the project.

While concept plans already exist for the project, the engineering task order will create blueprints for the improvements, Public Works Director Chris Haggard said.

The process is expected to take about 12 months.

Once the engineering is complete, staff will move on

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The junction of Abbotts Bridge and Medlock Bridge roads is one of three major intersections approved for engineering work by Johns Creek officials. While concept plans already exist for the projects, the engineering task order will create blueprints for the improvements, Public Works Director Chris Haggard said.

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Actual construction of the intersection improvements is expected to take six to nine months to complete, making for and expected completion by the end of 2023.

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Johns Creek seeks grant funding for transportation projects

By SYDNEY DANGREMOND sydney@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The City of Johns Creek is looking to the Atlanta Regional Commission for grant funding to aid city-wide transportation projects.

At a Dec. 13 City Council meeting, members voted unanimously to support applications for grant funding through the ARC’s Transportation Improvement Program.

The ARC initiative reallocates federal funding to regional transportation projects that fulfill the long-term vision for the “20-county region,” the program’s website said.

Only fully funded projects can apply for TIP grants.

Johns Creek submitted several projects in their grant application, all fully funded through the second iteration of the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, Public Works Director Chris Haggard said.

If the city is awarded the grant funds, TSPLOST II dollars could be stretched further, Haggard’s Dec. 13 memo to the City Council stated.

Before selecting which projects to submit, city staff looked to the city’s TSPLOST II project list as well as those included in the North Fulton Comprehensive Transportation Plan.

The NFCTP is a coordinated plan developed in partnership with Alpharetta, Mountain Park, Milton, Roswell and Sandy Springs and was approved by the Johns Creek City

Council in April 2018.

“That plan is basically a 20-year horizon of projects,” Haggard said.

“So that’s the plan that we used to help find these projects as well as the TSPLOST list.”

The largest project submitted by the city to the ARC is operational improvements for Abbotts Bridge Road between Parsons Road and Medlock Bridge Road.

“We’ve been in engineering and right of way acquisition [phases] for the last number of years… and we’ve been trying to get the construction funding secured to build the project,” Haggard said. “And so, this grant is going to give us an opportunity to get some of those funds.”

Also included in the city’s application are proposed trails along Barnwell and Medlock Bridge roads, bridge replacements along Old Alabama Road and a partnership project with the City of Roswell for improvements to

Nesbit Ferry Road.

The city also submitted plans for a trail connection project located within the Town Center Vision and Plan which was approved by the City Council Oct. 25.

If the city’s application for funding is approved, project costs would be split 80-20 with the Atlanta Regional Commission allocating 80%. The remaining 20% would be covered by Johns Creek’s portion of TSPLOST II funds, Haggard said.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a federal infrastructure bill signed by President Biden Nov. 15, will deliver about $10 billion in funding to Georgia for infrastructure improvement.

Haggard said he expects the ARC will see this increase in funds and may fulfill more grant applications — like the one submitted by Johns Creek — as a result.

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Smoke expected as crews begin working on Ga. 400

By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — From now until the end of January, residents of Alpharetta and surrounding areas may see or smell smoke as contractors begin the construction of a new interchange along Ga. 400 at McGinnis Ferry Road.

The Georgia Department of Transportation plans to add two toll lanes in each direction running 16 miles from the North Springs MARTA station in Sandy Springs north to McGinnis Ferry Road in Alpharetta. In addition to replacing two Ga. 400 overpasses in Alpharetta, the city will inherit a new interchange where none existed before.

The City of Alpharetta announced Dec. 15 that contractors working for the Georgia Department of Transportation

will be burning vegetative debris during this time. The smell or visible presence of smoke may be especially apparent in the northeastern section of the city and around Milton’s eastern border.

Although outdoor burning is typically prohibited within city limits, Georgia law allows state agencies to engage in outdoor burning as part of its projects, superseding local ordinances.

The Georgia Department of Transportation’s contractor will be responsible for closely monitoring the burn and will have precautions in place on site to keep all fires under control, according to the City of Alpharetta. Additionally, Alpharetta, Milton and Forsyth County fire departments will be ready to respond to any emergencies that may arise.

Overall, the project’s completion date is slated for March 9, 2024.

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6 | December 30, 2021 | AppenMedia.com

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About Face leads drive to help homeless vets CUMMING, Ga. — AboutFace-USA in Cumming has teamed with volunteers in the community to fill backpacks for homeless veterans.

About Face-USA and eight local groups gathered at the VFW hall in Cumming recently to stuff backpacks with new underwear, T-shirts, socks, gloves, hats, scarves and emergency sleeping bags. Blankets, coats, toiletries and food items were also packed up for veterans without a place to live.

Participating in the preparation of the backpacks were VFW Post 9143 and the Auxiliary, VVA Chapter 1030, American Legion Post 307, NAACP, Five Star Painting, Lanier-Forsyth Rotary, Midway United Methodist Church, Cumming First United Methodist Church and several volunteers unaffiliated with any organization.

In all, 160 backpacks were filled and delivered to the Atlanta VAMC (Front Door and Ft. McPherson), the Gateway Center’s Veterans, the Veterans Empowerment Organization (VEO), and to

Minority Veterans of America — all in Atlanta.

Homeless veterans often seek help at these locations. In advance of distribution, the facilities were contacted to determine how many backpacks were needed.

“We care about the Forsyth County homeless veterans too, but there is no facility here for homeless veterans, so we will hand the backpacks out on an individual basis,” AboutFace-USA President Carol LaBranche said.

Organizers for the campaign said bringing together so many different local organizations to the project shows the community’s appreciation for the service and sacrifice of all veterans and compassion for the homeless veterans.

“This effort clearly demonstrates the power and benefit of veterans and the community working together,” About Face-USA Founder Joe LaBranche For more information about the work of About Face-USA, visit www.aboutface-usa.org.

AppenMedia.com | December 30, 2021 | 7

Commissioners approves task orders for water operations to local customers

By TIFFANY MORGAN newsroom@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County commissioners approved a number of task orders to address the future of Forsyth County’s water intake and processing at their Dec. 21 work session.

One of the items allows for a study of the organics in the water for taste and odor management. The commission approved $221,000 for a taste and odor pilot study and technology review at the water treatment plant.

“This more detailed technology review and pilot program of some technologies will ensure that the implemented solution will meet expectations and not utilize more capital dollars than necessary to manage the taste and odor events,” Forsyth County Director of Water and Sewer Barry Lucas said.

Lucas discussed concerns raised over several organics in the raw water and it’s important to perform the “best course of action.” The first pilot test will be completed in a 45-day period.

Another item approved by commissioners is construction of a $1.8

million raw water pump at the City of Cumming’s water intake facility. The item was first presented at a work session in May. As part of its agreement for water supply from the city, Forsyth County assists with some maintenance at the facility, and the 900 horsepower pump will be used solely for supplying water to customers served by the county.

County Commissioner Todd Levent raised concerns on all staff being on board with the raw water pump installation. He said he wants to ensure the county pays for only those parts of the city operation it uses, and he looks forward to the day when Forsyth County can set up its own water intake from Lake Lanier.

“I just wish our pipe was ready to be put in the water already,” Levent said.

Also at the work session, commissioners approved a task order for $1.7 million to Brown and Caldwell for planning, permitting and engineering design for the expansion of the Shakerag Water Reclamation Facility. The work is expected to double the plant’s capacity from its current level of 1.25 million gallons a day.

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Evidence of the recovery stretches from Roswell’s revived Southern Post to massive, mixed-use developments planned in Alpharetta and Forsyth County.

8 | December 30, 2021

North metro businesses gather steam toward recovery

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmedia.com NORTH METRO ATLANTA — This was the year business bounced back.

Sales tax receipts, hotel bookings and new construction all pointed north as consumers dug out of their shelters and went back to work. Evidence of the recovery stretches from Roswell’s revived Southern Post to massive, mixed-use developments planned in Alpharetta and Forsyth County.

Roswell Roswell has a lot to celebrate with renewed activity this month at Southern Post, a long-abandoned property in the Historic District. Plans for the 260,000-squarefoot project include 128 luxury apartments, nine townhomes, 95,000 square feed of creative loft office space and another 40,000 square feet of retail. The entire endeavor is estimated at close to $100 million.

The city also passed measures this year adopting new benchmarks for mixed-use developments that will require major elements of retail and office be constructed before issuing certificates of occupancy for residential units.

Alpharetta Development in Alpharetta went into high gear this year with plans for major mixed-use business and residential centers.

In September, the City Council voted 4-3 to approve a plan from developer Brandon Wheeless for a sports health complex at Kimball Bridge Road and Northwinds Parkway.

“I think this is going to be a monumental project that is going to not only put Alpharetta higher than its peers statewide but put it on the global map,” Wheeless said after the vote.

Plans for the nearly 5-acre site, dubbed “The Bailey,” include a 100-room, five-star hotel and amenities to suit an elite clientele, a 156,000-square-foot well-

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Recovery: Continued from Page 8 ness center with state-of the-art facilities, offices and nearly 25,000 square feet of retail.

In December, developer Southwest Value Partners unveiled plans to transform the current Hewlett-Packard corporate campus on Windward Parkway into a mixed-use community that will add another 1 million square feet of office space to the city. Plans also call for residential and retail on the 51-acre site.

The proposal is set to go before the Planning Commission and the City Council in February.

Milton In Milton, Market District Crabapple and Crabapple Market have added elements to the downtown. Slowed by supply chain issues associated with the pandemic, both developments are moving forward.

Market District Crabapple is a highdensity, mixed-use development under construction along Heritage Walk near Birmingham Highway in Milton. Once completed, the 4-plus-acre development will consist of seven buildings with residential and commercial space.

Just down the street, an expansion

that builds off the existing Crabapple Market will feature 11 new buildings and include retail, restaurant and residential spaces. The mixed-use development is privately owned.

In November, Vision Development broke ground on a 180-acre residential site just south of Bell Memorial Park on Hopewell Road. The development will include 36 custom, luxury homes starting at $3 million, with lots ranging from 3-10 acres. The project is near and dear to city leaders who have consistently pushed for low-density residential development.

Johns Creek Johns Creek formally adopted a master plan for its future Town Center in October. The document draws on a 20-year plan to redevelop the 192-acre Technology Park into a live-work-play destination, using City Hall as an anchor.

Five “overarching themes” were established for the project: arts, culture, wellness, sustainability and innovation.

Early plans call for residential, retail and entertainment venues.

By and large, the biggest hurdle facing the project is land acquisition.

Currently, the city only owns 14% of the 192 acres.

Later in the year, the City Council heard a presentation from iHeart Johns Creek to incorporate a “wellness district”

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within the Town Center. The district would focus on wellness, a place where people could find healthy foods, fitness opportunities and cooking classes.

Forsyth County Forsyth County continued work on its unified development code to accommodate continued interest in the area for business and residential development.

Late in the year, the County Commission also established new guidelines on agricultural zoning that will allow those with 20 acres or more to operate agritourism businesses, like wineries, wedding venues and tree farms. Commissioners said that as traditional business continues to grow, they want to implement measures to provide farmers with added means to preserve their land.

Plans were announced in July for a major, mixed-use development in South Forsyth County that would be on the scale of Halcyon. The team of developers, which includes Toll Brothers homebuilders, Empire Communities and Wakefield Beasley Associates design firm, say the project would cover close to 400 acres just north of McGinnis Ferry Road.

Plans call for 15 pocket parks, two amenity complexes, a large village center and nearly 4 miles of trails. One part of the project calls for anchoring one corner of the development with a science, technology, engineering, arts and math school. The plan remains in the early

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NEWS

Johns Creek solidifies partnership with community wellness organization

By SYDNEY DANGREMOND sydney@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK Ga. — Johns Creek has teamed up with local organization Pathways2Life for their One Johns Creek Coalition initiative to improve community mental health and reduce substance abuse and misuse among youth.

City Council members voted unanimously to approve a memorandum of understanding at a Dec. 13 meeting, solidifying the city’s partnership with the organization.

The agreement stipulates that three representatives from the city will be involved with the One Johns Creek Coalition including Communications Director Bob Mullen, a representative from the Johns Creek Police Department and a representative from the City Council.

Pathways2Life is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008 that focuses on community health through working with individuals aged 12-20 years old.

The organization says that individuals in this age range, “are in the most danger of developing high-risk behavioral patterns,” which include substance misuse.

“We do prevention, crisis intervention and support services for students,” Alyse Hensel, Pathways2Life marketing and operations and One Johns Creek Coalition program director said. “We don’t want to just look at the behavior, we want to understand what’s really underneath because most of the time kids are struggling with trauma, performance, pressure or divorce in the family, all kinds of things like that.”

Pathways2Life uses evidence-based curricula and works with schools and community groups to share their messaging with at-risk individuals.

Representatives then meet with referred students and work to identify pressure points, develop coping mechanisms or refer the kids to treatment or long-term counseling if necessary.

In 2020, Pathways2Life spawned the

One Johns Creek Coalition, a group of community leaders working to tackle youth and young adult substance abuse and misuse in the community holistically.

“We can go and do a little bit, but we’re not going to make a big impact unless we lift the whole community,” Hensel said.

The One Johns Creek Coalition is funded in part by Georgia Drug-free Community Coalition grants. Hensel also secured funding for the organization in the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act grant which required evidence that the community has a higher rate of use for methamphetamines and/or opioids than the national average, Hensel said.

Using data collected by the Georgia Student Health Survey — a self-reporting survey taken by Georgia middle and high school students each year — One Johns Creek identified an increase in substance use in all categories except for tobacco. The survey asked students their usage rate of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and prescription drugs over a 30-day period prior to taking the survey.

“When I started doing the research, the methamphetamine use in Johns Creek was almost five times higher than the national average,” Hensel said.

Hensel said she thinks it’s likely the survey is an underestimate.

“We think it’s highly underreported because we think kids are afraid to be honest on that because it’s a survey given by the State of Georgia on their laptops that are given to them by the school system,” Hensel said. “So, they’re afraid if they’re honest, they’re going to get caught.”

Since the coalition’s inception, the organization has partnered with the city on events like the annual Drug Enforcement Administration Take Back Day. Each year the City of Johns Creek has participated in the annual Take Back Day, the department has collected more prescription drugs than the year

SYDNEY DANGREMOND/APPEN MEDIA

Just behind Johns Creek City Hall in Technology Park is Creekside Pond north. It’s an area of the Town Center Vision and Plan currently owned by the city and could be the first portion of the town center plan that gets developed, Community Development Director Ben Song said. before. This year the JCPD collected 314 pounds of unused or expired prescription drugs.

According to the DEA, the non-medical use of prescription drugs is the second most common form of drug abuse in the nation. Proper disposal ensures prescriptions aren’t used after their expiration date or by a non-prescribed individual which can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose or abuse.

The coalition has also partnered with

the JCPD to install a permanent drug disposal drop box at the police department in City Hall, joining North Fulton communities like Alpharetta, Roswell and Sandy Springs that already have permanent drop boxes.

Johns Creek’s drop box is expected to be installed in January.

Hensel said the coalition is also working with the City of Milton to help them secure a permanent drop box of their own.

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AppenMedia.com | December 30, 2021 | 11

Mexican Consulate receives key to the city in Roswell

By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — The Mexican Consulate in Atlanta has been honored for its role in helping the City of Roswell host one of the most realistic, traditional Dia de los Muertos events in the region.

The consulate handles economic and political affairs as well as matters pertaining to Mexican citizens in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

Two months after hosting its second annual Dia de los Muertos Festival on the grounds of City Hall, Mayor Lori Henry invited Consul General of Mexico Javier Diaz de Leon, who heads up the country’s diplomatic mission, to the Dec. 13 City Council meeting to hand him a key to the city.

“This is how we build relationships in the City of Roswell…,” Henry said. “So, thank you so much for being a part of our community. We truly cherish it, and please keep the key to the city. You are always welcome here.”

The festival on Oct. 30 featured a costume contest, margarita tasting, traditional Mexican entertainment, food trucks, face painting and a showing of Disney’s “Coco.”

Roswell Special Events Manager Chris Ward said nearly 3,000 people attended the event, which has been growing since it was started in 2019.

“The first year we did it, it was kind of a test, and of course, we had COVID, and then this past year we really started working closely with the [Mexican] Consulate in Atlanta and some other folks and really tried to dig into the cultural aspect of what it meant,” Ward said. “We went even further with the altar and just a lot of the breads that are served.”

Jeff Leatherman, director of Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs, said it was a pleasure for his department to celebrate its relationship with residents who are from Mexico or of Mexican origin.

“Our Dia de los Muertos celebration is truly a cultural celebration that is meant to honor the legacy and history of the people in our community but also throughout the region,” Leatherman said.

Diaz de Leon said he was overwhelmed by how Roswell had embraced the tradition.

“The people from Roswell and their embracing of the people from my country of Latin or Hispanic origin here in this beautiful city is a shining light,” Diaz de Leon said. “… There are many Dia de los Muertos events going on all over the place, but there are not many that take so much care into respecting the tradition and making sure that it is done right, and Roswell is one of those. We can’t thank you enough.”

The people from Roswell and their embracing of the people from my country of Latin or Hispanic origin here in this beautiful city is a shining light” JAVIER DIAZ DE LEON Consul General of Mexico

Dia de los Muertos is a very serious tradition in Mexico, Diaz de Leon said. It comes from pre-Hispanic cultures. It is not just a party or a celebration that takes place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, but it is a way for people to homage loved ones who have passed away.

He also said he was glad to see that people showed up in droves to the event despite the cold, rainy weather.

“I think that if it wasn’t for the strength of the Mexican community and the tremendous appeal that the Mexican culture has, an event like this with that kind of weather probably wouldn’t have had the success it had,” Diaz de Leon said. “The other thing that we love about these sorts of events

is that many people who are not Mexican in Roswell showed up in droves too. … Of course, we’re a little biased, but we think it’s just wonderful.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 16% of the population in Roswell is Hispanic. It is also the fastest-growing population in the state and in cities like Roswell. Of the entire Hispanic population in Georgia, Diaz de Leon said about half is Mexican.

“They are highly entrepreneurial people,” Diaz de Leon said. “A lot of the small businesses particularly in construction and restaurants are owned by people who are born Mexican or of Mexican origin.

So, their contributions to local cities in terms of being workers but also being small business owners is significant. The approach that we see of a city like Roswell that embraces diversity we think is the right way to go.”

The Mexican Consulate in Atlanta is at 1700 Chantilly Dr. NE. In addition to handling diplomatic affairs, the consulate offers scholarships, enrichment programs and health services, including COVID-19 vaccination clinics, that serve the Hispanic community.

For updates about future events or more information, visit “Consulado General de Mexico en Atlanta” on Facebook or consulmex.sre.gob.mx.

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12 | December 30, 2021 | AppenMedia.com

To our loyal readers and advertisers, In 2021, the pandemic continued to impact our community, and our team worked hard to bring you the information you needed to stay safe. We’re proud to be your go-to source for local news, and providing you with timely, fact-based coverage of the issues that matter most to you is at the heart of what we do.

This holiday season, we wanted to express our heartfelt appreciation to our readers and advertisers.

Thank you for your ongoing patronage, support and loyalty. Your contributions make it possible for us to print issue after issue, and thereby ensure you have access to the local news.

Happy New Year to all of you, and may 2022 bring you happiness, health and good fortune.

AppenMedia.com | December 30, 2021 | 13

OPINION

14 | December 30, 2021 | AppenMedia.com

Isakson and Cleland knew their voters, and their kids’ names

By TOM BAXTER SaportaReport The death of former U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, a little more than a month after the death of former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland, brings this political year to a somber close.

It’s tempting to say their passing marked the end of an era, but truthfully that era is already well behind us. If Parkinson’s disease had not forced Isakson to resign with two years left in his term, he would by now have faced the sternest test of his political career in the early days of January. He would have done the right thing. Just as certainly, he would have faced daunting challenges from inside and outside his party as next year’s elections approached.

Understandably, the stories following Isakson’s death are going to linger on his good relations with Democrats, that poignant final embrace with John Lewis, the many stories of his working across party lines to get things done. Not enough is going to be said about how essential Isakson was to the rise of the Republican Party in Georgia.

He was a rich guy with working-class roots, the son of a man who went from working on houses to selling them after World War II. He grew up in the business of selling people their dream homes. He could sound suburban in the suburbs, and down-homey down home, and never wavered from his focus on the sale, in his business or political career. All these were qualities the emerging Georgia Republican Party needed in the years when it struggled for a statewide breakthrough.

“I try to win the battle, not the body count,” Isakson told Georgia Trend when inducted into their hall of fame. Nothing substantiates those words better than Isakson’s long relationship with Zell Miller.

Isakson lost the 1990 governor’s race to Miller in a campaign so bruising it might have embittered another politician. He won that battle when Miller tapped him to head the state school board, reviving his political career, and again years later when Isakson succeeded Miller in the Senate, with Miller’s tacit help.

Both Isakson and Cleland excelled at a style of personal politics that sadly appears to be passing with them. They knew

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your kids’ names and asked about them.

They went to a lot of funerals. They had a generational knowledge of a lot of Georgia families.

There’s a conference room with a high wall at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas which has been festooned with plaques and mementos of every description, accumulated over years of lunch club speeches and local awards dinners by the late Kansas senator, who died earlier this month. Isakson and Cleland were of a similar tradition.

It’s hard to practice this brand of politics when even shaking hands can be controversial. But voters need to meet the people they’re voting for face to face, and the best politicians thrive on those personal connections. Creating more opportunities for that to happen should be a big post-variant priority.

Dole and Sen. Herman Talmadge were a model of bipartisanship when they served together on the Senate Agriculture Committee, collaborating on a lot of important farm legislation. It’s good to see Senate passage of a bill addressing the opioid crisis in rural communities

co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa. And it’s encouraging that Democrats like U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock and U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada can work with Tennessee Republican senators Marsha Backburn and Bill Hagerty on a bill to help live music venues affected by the pandemic.

But the kind of unapologetically pragmatic bipartisanship Isakson called for in his farewell address to the Senate has been greatly marginalized since the days of Talmadge and Dole.

“Most people who call people names and point fingers are people that don’t have a solution themselves, they just want to make damn sure you don’t solve it,” Isakson said in his farewell. The list of solutions he crafted as chair of the Ethics and Veterans Affairs committees is impressive, and his work for the state of Georgia over decades — not only what he accomplished, but the patient, personable way in which he did it — leaves a true legacy.

This column was originally published on SaportaReport.com.

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16 | December 30, 2021 | AppenMedia.com

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OPINION

A (true) Christmas Story: 1946 Dec. 22, 2005 Much of Europe was in shambles at the end of World War II. Food was scarce, heating and gasoline were rare commodities, and many were without shelter.

After the war, RAY APPEN America helped rePublisher Emeritus ray@appenmediagroup.com build Europe under the Marshall Plan.

Hundreds of American companies were contracted to participate in the rebuilding efforts overseas – including the one involved in this account, J.A. Jones Construction Company, then based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, with concerns in, among other places, Poland.

On the particular night in point, an engineer was working late. His company’s contract was one of the largest in their history and the assignment to get the job done on time had been given to a harddriving German immigrant with a reputation for meeting deadlines. The engineer had already successfully led the company’s Liberty ship building efforts in Panama City in 1942 that reduced the amount of time required to build a Liberty ship from 134 days to 41. He had also helped guide the company’s efforts in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, on the Manhattan Project – which ultimately produced the atomic bombs that ended the war. But now he was behind schedule, which was not OK. It was Christmas Eve 1946, somewhere in postwar Poland. The engineer was working into the night to find a way to catch up.

At home about 25 kilometers away, the engineer’s wife and two young children waited. Snow fell outside. It was bitterly cold. The children played near a fire. The engineer labored over blueprints and concentrated. Crews, equipment, supplies of petrol and steel and transportations problems reeled through his mind as he worked out a plan. He had responsibilities and a job to do. A noise outside the office distracted him. The cleaning “staff,” which consisted of a boy from the village, moved about the office. The “boy,” as the engineer thought of him, was actually a German war refugee in his early 20s with a young family. The engineer had created the cleaning job for him to try to help. Jobs were scarce in Poland in 1946, but so was money. The night before, the boy had not finished the cleaning and had been reprimanded. “Don’t forget the last offices on the right and don’t go home until everything is finished,” the engineer had said.

He didn’t have time to manage a cleaning boy when he had deadlines to meet for a major construction project. And he wouldn’t accept unfinished work – no matter how small. Priorities, for the engineer, were always clear.

Time passed. Europe was rebuilt.

Editor’s Note This column first ran Christmas of 2005. We have reprinted it a few times since then and are choosing to do so again this year. Enjoy this reprieve and take yourself back to Christmas in 1946.

Three or four wars passed – depending on how you count them. Fast-forward 46 years. I answered the phone at my home in Alpharetta. It was December 1992. A voice, which I recognized as belonging to an old man, asked to speak with Mr. Appen.

“Speaking,” I replied. The voice continued.

“I apologize for calling but ‘just in case,’ I did. I saw your name in the phone directory and are you possibly related to H.V. Appen?” he asked.

“Yes,” I answered. “He was my grandfather.” I heard a sigh on the other end of the phone and then there was a long silence.

My senses were on edge, and I could not imagine what this call could possibly be about. H.V. had lived larger than life to me and still does. This call was so soon after his death.

The voice on the other end of the phone continued. “I knew your grandfather a long time ago. In Poland. Not a week goes by that I don’t think of him and finding you in the phone book is more than I can believe.”

His voice broke and grew softer.

“You see, on Christmas Eve 1946, I was working for your grandfather and he called me into his office. I thought that he was going to fire me because I had not finished the job the previous day. He was a hard man to work for, you know. He told me to go get his car and to drive. I didn’t know what to think and I was frightened,” he said.

The man continued. “That night, your grandfather took me out and bought Christmas presents for me and my entire family. At the time, we had absolutely nothing. We were not even going to have a Christmas dinner. He bought that, too. We drove back to my house and he dropped me off. It was a Christmas that I will never forget as long as I live. So, when I saw your name in the phone directory, I just had to call you. I am so happy to be able to tell you how grateful I am to your grandfather.”

We spoke for a few more minutes then hung up.

In silence I replayed the conversation in my mind – several times, and then smiled.

“How grateful I am to you,” I thought.

“What a priceless Christmas gift you have just given me.”

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all. Ray Appen, Publisher. In memory of my grandfather, H.V. Appen, who always kept his priorities straight.

OPINION

AppenMedia.com | December 30, 2021 | 17

How to fish in green pea soup Last time we got together here, you joined me for a little riverside chemistry lesson as my buddy Scott and I went fishing below Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee.

The issue, you may STEVE HUDSON recall, is that when Get Outside Georgia, aa4bw@comcast.net we arrived, we found the river to be a bit off-color (okay, a lot off-color) with a distinct metallic, sulphur smell to boot.

But that’s what happens in the midst of “turning over.”

As it turned out, we still caught some fish.

This week I want to take a few minutes to talk a bit about strategies for fishing under such potentially challenging conditions.

Turnover is a seasonal thing in large reservoirs hereabouts, and it has a distinct impact (as in “slightly green” and “a little smelly”) on the part of any river that happens to be directly downstream of the reservoir in question. At its worst, it turns the river near the dam into watery green pea soup!

On the day we were there, the visibility was just a foot or two, a far cry from the gin-clear water that’s the norm below Buford Dam. I was telling another friend about the experience, and he seemed surprised that we had met with any success at all.

“What were you using?” he asked.

“I’ve never done much good fishing below the dam during turnover. It always seems like visibility is too low. What’s the secret?”

I don’t know if it’s a secret or not, but I’m glad to let you know what was working!

The trouble with turnover, as we’ve already noted, is that it makes the water murky. That makes it harder for predators to see prey, so what turned out to be the key for us that day was to go with flies (we were fly fishing) which were flashy, bright and easy for the fish to see.

Under ordinary conditions on that part of the river at this time of year, I’d go with tiny imitations of “emerging” immature midges. These insects are maybe a quarter of an inch long. Heck, the flies that imitate them are so small that sometimes it’s hard for me to see them myself. When the water is clear, trout seem to have no trouble picking them out and gobbling them down with gusto.

But what about when the water is murky, as it is near the dam during turnover?

Flies such as the Zebra Midge are usually my patterns of choice when I’m trying to imitate midge emergers. I tend to prefer black or dark red versions of those flies. But under turnover conditions like we encountered the other day, I found that my relatively drab Zebra Midges were outperformed by patterns with a brighter body — say, for example, the bright and highly visible Rainbow Warrior. Another great choice proved to be Chattahoochee River guide Chris Scalley’s inimitable Blue Assassin. Presumably, those brighter flies are easier for the trout to spot in murky water, and the result is more trout on the line.

We had good luck with big flies, too, in particular a large pattern known as the Rubberlegs. This fly imitates stonefly nymphs, which are apparently among the favorite foods of trout.

Several different colors can work under turnover conditions, but very light or very dark ones seemed to be the ticket.

Presumably, the larger profile of those flies made them easy to see no matter what color was used.

Another class of flies that has been working well under turnover conditions is streamers. These patterns, designed to imitate minnows, are fished with an active retrieve that mimics a minnow making its way through the current.

Again, it seems that a part of their appeal is their size. Compared to a tiny midge emerger, a big streamer offers a super-sized meal and is easier for predators to spot even under less than optimum conditions.

The most effective streamers for turnover have been those tied with bright materials such as silver flash or those with bright elements that contrast sharply with darker elements. Patterns such as the Rolex come to mind; so do the Lightning Bolt Streamer (a flashy pattern tied with lots of silver flash) or the one that they call the Hudson Streamer (a pattern that benefits from the white spots on dark guinea fowl feathers). Again, it appears to be a matter of visibility as these flashy and high-contrast flies are simply easier for fish to see.

That same line of thinking applies to spinning lures too. I spoke with two different spinning rod enthusiasts who told me that they do better during turnover with bright-colored inline spinners.

Roostertails or Mepps spinners in light colors and with flashy silver or gold blades were mentioned by both anglers; one added that he’s also done well with white soft plastic curlytail grubs fitted to white jigheads. The jig-and-grub combos have the added advantage of sinking quickly, something which puts them near the bottom where the fish like to hang out.

These bright flies and lures seem to work best if there’s some sun on the water. But what if there’s a heavy overcast or if it’s late in the day and the light is fading? In that case, some upper tailwater turnover anglers take a page from the bass angler’s notebook and go with darker-colored lures or flies. That stands to reason, for under dim conditions it becomes a matter of presenting a visible profile. Try a dark fly or lure, maybe even one with an orange-andbrown-and-red color scheme to imitate a baby brown trout. If you’re fly fishing, consider a Rolex-style fly tied with dark purple or black material. Sometimes it can work very well.

Once turnover is over and the uppermost tailwater returns to its usual clarity, I’ll be back to using everything in my tailwater box. For the next few weeks, though, I’ll start with something bright and see how it goes.

I hope that strategy will pay off for you too!

18 | December 30, 2021 | AppenMedia.com

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-21-AB-38 Please note that, due to ongoing efforts to encourage “social distancing” in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will be conducted virtually using Zoom meetings.

PLACE To Attend the Virtual Meeting: Using Your Computer, Tablet or Smartphone Go to: https://zoom.us Meeting ID: 920 6793 9066 Dial In: +1 646 558 8656 US January 13, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. PURPOSE Restaurant Consumption on Premises Liquor, Beer, Wine & Sunday Sales APPLICANT City Eats, LLC d/b/a City Eats Kitchen 210 South Main Street Suite A Alpharetta, GA 30009 Owner City Eats, LLC Registered Agent Art Stephen Przbyl, II

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AMERICAN LEGION POST 201 EVENTS CALENDAR Ring in the New year @ Club 201 – December 31st

Cocktail Hour 7:30pm – 8:30pm Hors d’oeuvres & Drink Specials Semi-Formal Dance with Music by DJ Rich Kopels, 8:30pm – 1:00am $35/person, open seating or reserve a table for 6 - $200!

For reservations call 770-475-9023 or visit club201dance.com

Thanks to everyone that donated toys for this year’s Toys for Tots annual toy drive. We would like to give special thanks to Mike McElroy of Ferrari of Atlanta and Jeff Middleton of GRAYDAZE Contracting for their donations. We are proud to serve this area and its citizens and will continue to help in the aid of others.

201 Wills Road Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-475-9023 www.legion201.org

OPINION

Milton has plenty on plate to stay busy in new year

By PEYTON JAMISON Milton Mayor-elect It’s a new year in Milton.

And for the first time since the city’s 2006 incorporation, Joe Lockwood will no longer be mayor come January.

Thankfully, the founJAMISON dation Joe helped build is strong. Our city is poised to continue to improve, innovate and reinforce the rural heritage, distinct feel and supportive community that makes Milton so special.

In many ways, what happened in 2021 set the stage for what we anticipate will be a positive, productive 2022. And in all ways, our citizens will guide our government’s actions.

Dozens of surveys and public forums shaped the city’s 5-year Strategic Plan and the more far-reaching, forwardlooking 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Now is when we’ll put those plans into action with initiatives and policies aligned with our priorities.

For example, people have expressed repeated interest in expanding “active” park-space for sports and programs, “passive” natural areas, and trails. We should see significant progress on all these fronts this year.

The city will soon double its amount of turf fields with upgrades at the Cox Road athletic complex. Our indoor recreational space will similarly grow when the former Milton Country Club’s renovated clubhouse becomes an activity and community center.

Yards away, we cannot wait for citizens to walk the first trail in the nature preserve portion of this 200-plus acre property. This will be the second of the city’s greenspaces to open publicly, after the instantly popular 107 acres off Lackey Road. We know people want more ways and places to enjoy the

outdoors, which is also why we’ll explore ways to conserve more land, unveil other city greenspaces and enhance places like Birmingham Park.

In this spirit, 2022 is when we’ll launch a Trails Committee to advise city departments to prioritize the creation of new opportunities for people (and, when suitable, their animals) to walk and run – whether on pathways winding through forests or sidewalks connecting neighborhoods and commercial districts.

We’ll also look at smartly integrating bicyclists into our transportation network. This will be a focus of the Local Road Safety Plan now taking shape. Our Public Works and police teams are heading this effort, with public input, to craft a strategy to make Milton’s roadways flow more smoothly and – above all – safely for anyone who drives, bikes or walks on or alongside them. This plan will account for crash data, speed studies and citizens’ input to inform new transportation projects. As this happens, we’ll finish off some roundabouts and other improvements paid through the first TSPLOST, while charting a course to maximize recently voter-approved TSPLOST II funding.

All this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exciting developments in Milton. Just as important is the work we do as a matter of course – whether it’s conservative, transparent budgeting or engaging communications or, particularly, the outstanding, brave and critical services provided 24/7 by our police officers and firefighters.

This is the Milton Way. Every day, the city’s men and women work hard to listen, to learn, to help, and to move Milton forward in a manner that our citizens want, deserve and appreciate. And we always remember that Milton isn’t just any other city.

That’s what our community deserves.

And that’s what it will get in 2022.

AppenMedia.com | December 30, 2021 | 19

Fulton schools soar despite adversities

By MIKE LOONEY Fulton County Superintendent

Reflecting on the 2021 calendar year, I think about the more than 90,000 beautifully diverse students Fulton County Schools (FCS) LOONEY is privileged to serve.

Although the class of 2021 did not get to experience all the traditional festivities associated with the senior year of high school, these graduates left their mark by posting the highest graduation rate and best average ACT Composite Score in the district’s storied history. That’s right, in the middle of a pandemic, our students and teachers soared.

Our nearly 14,000 employees have been nothing short of amazing over the course of the year. They have successfully navigated a complex environment by supporting students during remote learning and through the transition back to in-person instruction. Despite the challenges, FCS has maintained its focus by upholding the district’s motto, “Where students come first.”

Simply stated, FCS team members steadily and quietly made immeasurable personal sacrifices to put the needs of FCS students ahead of their own. As their boss, I am exceedingly grateful and proud of them. I truly hope the broader public feels the same.

After finishing the grueling 2020-21 school year, FCS additionally hosted the largest and most comprehensive summer programing ever. With some seeking to catch up on lost learning opportunities and some wanting to accelerate, thousands of students scrapped summer vacation plans and joined in rigorous summer learning ac-

tivities. The results, by most any measure, were an overwhelming success.

In August, we welcomed in the new school year with a vast majority of our students sitting in classrooms; back in the traditional sense, albeit with additional COVID-19 mitigation measures in place that received mixed reviews from students, staff, and parents. Nevertheless, our students and staff buckled-in and went to work, committed to making up for lost learning opportunities. And all district staff focused on reconnecting and building positive relationships with students who, in some cases, had not been physically present on a school campus in more than a year.

Meanwhile, School Board members passed a fiscally conservative annual budget resulting in a drop in the millage rate, successfully planned for another five-year capital program (thank you Fulton voters for supporting the ESPLOST), and resolved to create transformative progress in reading and math achievement for all FCS students. This is evidenced by the development and implementation of a new math scope and sequence that will position all future 8th grade students on a path to High School Algebra 1 by the end of middle school. We have also finalized plans to retrain teachers and leaders on evidence-based reading practices rooted in research about the science of reading. Teachers, principals, and district leaders have already begun a two-year training program focused on ensuring all students learn to read, write, and spell well.

In closing, despite the complexities of schooling in the current environment, the future is bright in Fulton County Schools. I, for one, cannot wait to get back in the New Year.

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20 | December 30, 2021 | AppenMedia.com

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In Memoriam

William Anthony Baker

In Memoriam

William Anthony Baker, 64, of Alpharetta, Georgia, passed away on December 12th, 2021.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, William and Wanda Baker of Elmhurst, Illinois. He is survived by his wife of 33 years Polly, two sons Billy and Zach,

Nancy Irene Cook Joyner

Nancy Irene Cook Joyner was born March 14, 1927, on the family farm near Rutledge, Georgia to the late Tom Cook and Cassie Estes Cook.

She passed away Saturday, December 18, 2021, at the age of 94 in Alpharetta surrounded by her loving family.

After graduating from high school, she moved to Atlanta to begin her working career. Nancy retired after 30 years of service as a teller and loan teller from C&S National Bank in Atlanta. For recreation she and her husband enjoyed square dancing, flower gardening, and family vacations. She was an active member of the Alpharetta Frist United Methodist Church where she enjoyed working in the Blanket Ministry and traveling with the 54 and more group. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of over 60 years, Charles H. Joyner, Sr. and her son, Charles H. Joyner, Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Ann Von Almen (David) and Judy Joyner

(Missy), her grandchildren, Christopher Von Almen (Kay) and Preslie Ladd, her great grandchildren, Nicholas Von Almen and Charlotte Von Almen and many loving nieces and nephews.

The family will have a visitation from 6:00 to 8:00pm Wednesday evening December 29th at Northside Chapel, 12050 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA 30075.

The funeral will be at 11:00am on Thursday, December 30th at Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, 69 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009. After the service there will be a family graveside service at the Davis Academy Cemetery, 2198 Old Mill Road (at the intersection of Davis Academy Road and Old Mill Road), Rutledge, GA 30663.

Donations may be made in Nancy’s honor to Alpharetta First United Methodist Church’s Blanket Ministry or Flower Ministry, 69 N. Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009.

sister Wendy and her husband Rick, their three children, Ron, Matt, and Jess.

Bill’s love and affinity for his sons was exceeded only by his love for his wife Polly. Bill was an avid golfer and longtime member at Rivermont Golf Club.

In Memoriam

Roger Clarence Hawks

Roger Clarence Hawks, age 68, of Alpharetta, Georgia passed away surrounded by his loving family on December 20, 2021. Roger was born in Cannes, France where his father served in the Navy. He grew up in Jacksonville, Florida where he graduated from Terry parker High School. He went on to join the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department. Roger then moved to Alpharetta where he and his family became long time residents of Hunter’s Oaks.

Roger was a devoted husband and father. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Lisa, and children Trav, Heather, and Amanda. He was preceded in death by his parents, Verdun and Edna, and his brother Rick.

Roger was a devout Christian and member of Alpharetta First United Methodist Church. He will be missed tremendously by his family, friends, and those he encountered over his glorious years.

The family will have visitation from 1 PM until 2 PM on Monday December 27th at Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, 69 N. Main St, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009. The funeral will follow at 2 PM. After the service, there will be a grave side service at Green Lawn Cemetery, 950 Mansell Rd, Roswell, Georgia 30076. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors, Roswell, 770-645-1414. www.northsidechapel.com

NEWS

AppenMedia.com | December 30, 2021 | 21

Horizon withdraws application for annexation into Cumming

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County commissioners gladly accepted a request Dec. 21 to accept a move by Horizon Christian Academy to withdraw its application to be annexed into the City of Cumming.

Commissioners voted unanimously to withdraw their filing with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to seek arbitration in the matter.

The move came a month after the county was notified of the school’s bid to have its 34-acre campus on Sawnee Drive incorporated into the city.

While Horizon stated it anticipated no change from the property’s current use, county officials were concerned the school could sell off a portion of its unoccupied acreage, and the city would allow a use on the property the county would have objected to.

The county filed an objection to the

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annexation shortly after receiving notification.

Ultimately, the City of Cumming indicated they were not interested in participating in an arbitration fight over the property, according to County Attorney Ken Jarrard.

“I think there must have been some sort of board meeting at the Horizon Academy, and ultimately, they decided not to pursue the annexation,” Jarrard said.

County Commission Chairwoman Cindy Jones Mills said she was not worried about the school annexation, but she is fearful of the domino effect it may have on neighboring properties.

Over the past two years, Cumming has extended its city limits by almost 500 acres through more than a dozen separate annexations. Under state law, the county can challenge annexations if the property is proposed to be rezoned by a city or its land use is changed to add greater burdens to the county’s

infrastructure.

County commissioners have spent the better part of the past month laying in place a system by which neighboring property owners would be notified if a parcel owner has made application for annexation into the city. That action follows word from landowners near a recently annexed parcel on Pilgrim Road.

Residents said they were unaware the land was annexed into the city until the owner applied to have it rezoned.

The County Commission also signed on to a campaign through the Association County Commissions of Georgia that calls for giving counties more time to file a protest to a proposed annexation. The ACCG points out that the arbitration process used to settle annexation cases between cities and counties is 14 years old, “and improvements are needed to help ensure more fairness for unincorporated residents negatively impacted by adjacent, conflicting land uses.”

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DEATH NOTICES James Olen Castleberry, 81, of Cumming, passed away December 17, 2021.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

William Just, 88, of Milton, passed away December 18, 2021. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Nancy Joyner, 94, of Alpharetta, passed away December 18, 2021. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Janet Mello, 78, of Alpharetta, passed away December 17, 2021.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Olive Peter, 88, of Roswell, passed away December 16, 2021. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Albert Joseph Pirkle, 80 of Cumming, passed away December 18, 2021.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Marie Stimson, 83, of Alpharetta, passed away December 18, 2021.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

22 | December 30, 2021 | AppenMedia.com

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24 | December 30, 2021 | AppenMedia.com

There is no time more fitting to say “THANK YOU” to my Clients & Friends and to wish you a New Year of Health, Happiness, and Prosperity.

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