Deputy Public Works Director Robert Dell-Ross makes a presentation during the Nov. 3 City Council meeting about the improvements planned for State Route 372/Birmingham Highway.
Roadway redesign plan proceeds for SR372/ Birmingham Highway
By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — Council members learned that plans to improve traffic and pedestrian safety along State Route 372/ Birmingham Highway are moving into the engineering phase during the Nov. 3 City Council meeting. However, Milton’s Deputy Public Works Director Robert DellRoss said construction is not expected to begin until 2029.
The project aims to alleviate congestion along SR372 at the roundabout near Crabapple Crossing Elementary School, which happens every 20-30 minutes in the morning while school is in session, Dell-Ross said during the presentation. Staff believe solving the morning traffic will alleviate traffic backups in the evening as well.
State democrats flip public service seats
By ZOE SEILER | zoe@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — Democrats flipped two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission on Election Day, Nov. 4. Peter Hubbard defeated incumbent Republican Fitz Johnson for District 3, and Alicia Johnson replaces Republican incumbent Tim Echols for District 2.
According to the Georgia Recorder, the double victory marks the first time the Democratic Party has won a statewide constitutional office in Georgia since 2006, reshaping the political landscape ahead of the pivotal 2026 midterm elections.
The PSC is a five-member board that regulates power, energy, natural gas, broadband and railroads. It regulates major utility companies, like Georgia Power. The PSC approves rates and plans from the utilities. The commissioners run for a specific district but are elected statewide.
Echols has served on the PSC since 2011, and Johnson has been a commissioner since 2021.
PSC elections were last held in 2020 and have been on hold since 2022 due to a federal lawsuit alleging the election process for commissioners violates the Voting Rights Act, according to WABE.
Incumbents remain on Milton City Council
By HANNAH YAHNE Hannah@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — Jan Jacobus secured 62 percent of the vote for District 3, Post 1 during the Nov. 4 election, ensuring that all incum -
bents remain on Milton City Council. Challenger Ike Yancy made it the only local race with two qualified candidates.
Mayor Peyton Jamison will serve a second term after running uncontested. District 2, Post 1 Council -
woman Juliette Johnson will keep her seat after being the only qualified candidate in her race.
Brian Dolan faced no challengers in the race for District 1, Post 1 after Councilwoman Andrea Verhoff did not seek reelection.
HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA
DEAN HESSE/APPEN MEDIA
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GBI arrests three men with alleged cartel ties
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced the arrest of three men Oct. 31 allegedly trafficking firearms and narcotics in Metro Atlanta for the Cartel Jalisco New Generation in central Mexico.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says the arrests were the result of a lengthy investigation into the criminal drug trafficking organization.
The GBI says its Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad, the Atlanta Police Department Narcotics Unit, the Sandy Springs Police Department and the Homeland Security Investigations Violent Gang Task Force contributed to the investigation.
Law enforcement arrested and charged Jubenal Farfan Arellano, 52, of Mexico; Omar Flores Mena, 33, of Mexico; and Jose Radilla Maldonado, 29, of Sandy Springs, with racketeering and attempt or conspiracy to violate the Georgia Controlled Substances Act.
Flores is also charged with Possession of Cocaine and Methamphetamine.
On Wednesday, Oct. 29 and Thursday, Oct. 30, agents and officers executed five search warrants in Woodstock, Sandy Springs and Atlanta.
Law enforcement seized more than 500 pounds of marijuana packaged for distribution. Nine firearms were also seized.
The investigation alleges that associates of Cartel Jalisco New Generation were working with Metro Atlanta contacts to traffic firearms, marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine.
All three arrestees were booked into the Cherokee County Jail. More
charges are expected. Warrants are pending for additional suspects.
Sandy Springs spokesperson Sgt. Leon Millholland gave Appen Media information about the department’s involvement in the arrests.
“The agencies executing the search warrants were allowed to conduct their briefing the morning of the operation at our headquarters,” Millholland said.
“During the execution of the search warrants at the residences within Sandy Springs, Sandy Springs Police
THE PICTURE FRAMER
officers were present to support the executing agencies if needed.”
If someone has information related to drug activity, they are encouraged to call the GBI’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office at (706) 3487410.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597TIPS(8477), online at gbi.georgia.gov/ submit-tips-online or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
GEORGIA BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION/PROVIDED
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced arrests and the seizure of over 500 pounds of marijuana Oct. 31. One subject is a Sandy Springs resident.
North Fulton jail set to reopen this month
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — City of Alpharetta officials found themselves with an unprecedented challenge after learning the only jail in the area would close.
“We finally got that letter in the mail and we were like, ‘OK, well, it's happening. It can't be put off anymore,’” said City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom.
In January 2025, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office announced it would close the North Annex Jail Facility, which has housed people arrested in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell and Milton. The decision to shutter the jail at 2555 Old Milton Pkwy. in Alpharetta forced Alpharetta officials into a precarious position.
They could transport inmates to Fulton County’s downtown jail, which was at the center of a federal civil rights investigation, potentially impeding local probation programs, or they could reopen the facility under city management.
Alpharetta City Council members opted for the latter, approving $1.6 million to operate the facility for eight months.
Mayor Jim Gilvin said in August he thought Alpharetta police officials were up for the job of opening and running their own jail.
“By God, Alpharetta does things well,” Gilvin said previously. “While I’m sorry we are having to incur costs, I know damn well Alpharetta is going to run that jail better than it’s been run in the last 20 years. That is what our people deserve.”
On Oct. 27, officials celebrated the near
and other notable figures through the jail, showcasing its facilities and renovations. They also invited the visitors to sample a table laid out with foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner to be offered to inmates.
Lindgren, who was sworn in in early September as part of a city leadership reorganization, said the jail has remained his priority.
“There are some things that I would want to do, but ultimately this is the most important thing for the citizens and for the officers that I can be working on right now,” Lindgren said.
The sheriff’s office turned over the building in fair shape, but decades of use had left their mark, the police chief said. Clayton County inmates repainted the walls, covering years of graffiti and wear and tear at a cost of $300 per day.
During the tour, the faint smell of fresh paint still lingered through its many rooms.
completion of that vision with the tour of the jail, weeks ahead of its planned opening. The police department has gone without a jail in Alpharetta since the sheriff’s office’s closure of it on Sept. 1.
Police Chief Trent Lindgren and top department officials led council members
“We knew that when we wanted to open it back up, we wanted to make sure that it was a proper reflection of Alpharetta,” Lindgren said.
Running a jail involves a lot, and police officials have had to learn fast the ins and outs of safely keeping arrested people under city care, he said.
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
From left, Lt. Arick Furr leads Alpharetta Councilman John Hipes and Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry and Alpharetta Councilman Donald Mitchell on a tour of the city’s jail Oct. 27.
Fulton County projects $66-$96 million shortfall, floats tax increase
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — Fulton County projects its 2026 operational budget to have a $66.7 million to $96.7 million deficit, mostly due to costs for repairs and improvements to its jail system, required by a federal consent decree.
The agreement between the county and federal government requires the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and County Commission to improve the physical Rice Street jail and mandates improved safety and staffing to address “unconstitutional conditions.”
After reports of violence and inadequate supervision in summer 2023, the County
Commission funded a $13 million “jail blitz” repair program where incarcerated people are moved to different parts of the jail so contractors can address structural issues.
This August, commissioners approved a long-term plan to build a new 1,813bed jail facility for around $1.1 billion, specifically for people with medical, mental health and special needs. That spending also includes repairs at Rice Street.
In October, County Manager Dick Williams said his team remains concerned about the jail population, which is more than 3,000 again, and the average length of stay, which exceeds 200 days.
“The blitz is nearing completion … that’s been a focus of ours,” Williams
said. “That will bring on around another 400 beds. That’s very good news. I don’t think we will do a ‘Blitz 2.0,’ we will try to enhance maintenance.”
At the Nov. 5 meeting, Fulton County Chief Financial Officer Sharon Whitmore said one of the major questions facing the Commission is whether a flat property tax rate of 8.87 mills will be sufficient to support forecasted expenditures.
“Between 2026 and 2033, the estimated incremental costs related to the consent order … do present a challenge within the existing millage rate,” Whitmore said. “[That] may require an increase [to the millage rate] or other actions to align expense growth to revenue growth.”
The Nov. 5 presentation was one of the first public steps in the budget process, concluding with its final approval in January. High-level county staff began reviewing base budget details this summer, and submission of the proposed budget will be on or before Nov. 15.
Fulton County sets its millage rate in August each year, which means conversations about the 2026 rate will begin next summer.
In the next 10 years, the county is planning an estimated $2.6 billion in debt service for jail construction, a hospital in South Fulton with Grady Memorial and office consolidation and modernization.
See FULTON, Page 21
Hornets beat Milton to win region title
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Hornets beat 70-year rival Milton on a 48-yard field goal by senior Balint Vorosmarty to boost the Hornets to a 41-39 victory to secure the region title Oct. 31.
The win ended the Eagles’ six-year streak of besting the Hornets. Roswell senior quarterback Trey Smith, who has been generating national buzz both helmet on, rushed for four of his team’s five touchdowns.
Smith ran a regulated offense that kept a comfortable lead over the Eagles for the first half and into the third quarter.
“I give all glory to God for putting us in this position and coming out with that win,” he said. “It feels good knowing that all the work we put in the offseason in the spring and since freshman year, it paid off. It’s a family bond and we’re just playing for our brother next to us. It’s been nine years of blood, sweat and tears together on that field.”
Defensive backs on both teams kept the air game relatively quiet with Smith throwing 12-24 for 115 yards, but his 184 on the ground showed a toughness necessary to push through a motivated Milton team.
Feeling the heat around the corner, the Eagles capitalized on every possible turnover opportunity with four in total – two fumbles, one interception and a successful onside kick.
Milton was hit hard by injuries, losing their WR1 and a starting running back in the first quarter. Senior defensive back Lawson Estes displayed major grit that demonstrates just how locked-in these teams are when it comes to this rivalry. Estes suffered a shoulder injury in the
Milton defensive back Keelan Wonsley, center, celebrates after picking off Roswell quarterback Trey Smith’s pass at the one-yard line. Wonsley later had a scoop-andscore touchdown, putting him on the board for two of the Eagles’ four turnovers and the only defensive score of the game.
first quarter but remained in the game and continued to make big plays in critical moments, including the onside kick recovery.
Down 21-13 at the half after two 60-plus-yards rushing touchdowns by senior running back Bentley Hickman, the Eagles came back revived in the third quarter.
Senior receiver Ayden Williams started to heat up with an exceptional grab in tough coverage for an 18-yard touchdown.
The Eagles attempted three two-point conversions, nearly connecting on the last one by Jordan Carrasquillo, but all three were
unsuccessful.
On the Hornets’ next drive, sophomore Keelan Wonsley logged a 70-yard scoopand-score touchdown for his first of the season. Wonsley also grabbed the Eagles’ only interception of the game in the second quarter, his fifth of the season. The play put Milton within one point of Roswell.
The Hornets responded with their last touchdown of the game and a tough defensive front on the Eagles’ resulting drive.
After a turnover on downs, Roswell kicker Balint Vorosmarty, who won the Marines “Great
American Rivalries” MVP Award for the game, kicked his first field goal of the night, a 30-yard warmup to put the Hornets up 38-27.
Hickman then responded with his third rushing touchdown of the night, racking up 256 yards over 29 carries. The Hornets didn’t get a chance to strike back – Milton senior Lawson Estes refused to go down easy to Roswell and came out with the onside kick.
Eagles quarterback Ben Halevi then threw his second touchdown of the game for 17 yards to Aedyn Meintzer. Halevi went 10-22 for 143 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
With their first lead of the game and less than two minutes left on the clock, the Eagles put up their biggest defensive stand of the game to keep Roswell out of the red zone.
Unable to convert on a third down, the Hornets were forced to kick a 48-yard field goal with 45 seconds remaining. Vorosmarty, a Georgia State commit, was good for it even in tough circumstances.
The time left on the clock wasn’t enough for the Eagles to make it to field goal range.
Both teams came in expecting a physical game, with a region title up for grabs for the Hornets and playoff home-field advantage in the air for the Eagles.
Milton linebacker Tristan Lester said at practice before the game that his team had cleaned up mistakes since their loss to Gainesville and are focusing on enhancing communication among the defense.
FOOTBALL, Page 21
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
It’s the American Dream. I wanted to do it my way.
JOHN WILL, owner, Ferguson’s Meat Market
Coal Mountain meat market endures amid changing times
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — John Will built his business out of meat, sweat and dreams.
When he was 29, Will began stockpiling meat processing equipment in his garage. Working as a butcher for Winn Dixie at the time, an unstoppable drive was compelling him to create a business of his own.
“I was obsessed with it,” he said. “It was going to happen. I was going to make it happen.”
In 1992, he opened Ferguson’s Meat Market at the corner of Ga. 9 and Ga. 369 in a general store at the center of the Coal Mountain community.
After 33 years, Ferguson’s has continued doing business despite Forsyth County’s transformation from a sleepy rural community to a bustling suburban center. A little older and wiser, Will now runs the shop out of a new location down the street at 3360 Ga. 369, but he said he has no intention of giving up his mission of supplying quality meat.
“It’s the American Dream,” he said. “I wanted to do it my way.”
American dream
When he was a child, Will’s family recognized the boy had a natural sense for business. At the age of 10, he saved enough money by washing cars, cutting grass and other odd jobs to buy a TV for his room.
“When I was little, I was known as the little miser,” he said. “I always had money.”
His first job working with meat was at the age of 17 under Buddy Maughon, owner of Bare Bones Steakhouse and Northeast Meat Market. Will said the man taught him firsthand how to work with meat and instilled in him a drive to be successful.
“He was just such an influence, and he always made money,” Will said.
Years later, that dream for success found an opportunity when he learned Doc Holcomb’s building was up for sale. He suspected the location might present a good business opportunity in part because of the large amount of traffic passing by daily.
“I just had to dream. I didn't have a ton of college, I didn't have a bunch of marketing. I didn't do a demographic study,” he said. “We sat on a picnic table and watched cars go by one cold winter day.”
Will admits as a young man new to business he felt hesitant at first about whether to buy the building. But he
discovered one day that his family knew something he did not. They knew he had it inside of him to make the business a success and gave him a little “push” in the right direction.
“They said, ‘We kind of got something to tell you. We paid Miss Holcomb the first month’s rent until you make up your mind,’” he said.
That gesture of faith was all Will needed.
“I never looked back,” he said.
Drive to succeed
These days, Will still works at the shop five days a week. He manages the dayto-day operations but still finds time for smaller tasks, like cutting meat in a back
refrigerated room when he wants to ensure a display looks just right.
Expertly cut Angus steaks, in-houseground beef, chicken and pork sit in a long glass case at the rear of the store past rows of shelves of grocery and household staples. The modestly-sized building also houses a food prep area where staff make hot foods like meatloaf, twice-baked potatoes and roast chicken.
Will offers catering, taking a towed charcoal grill to serve steaks at functions along with the other offerings. Behind the meat market, he keeps a smoker, which he will soon use for orders for holiday turkeys.
He particularly loves visiting with customers and is quick to remember a face. It’s a joy that is sadly less and less frequent as the community grows and customers gravitate toward meat departments run by larger, corporate supermarkets.
“We've been here for 33 years. A lot of the people that were here have moved or sold out,” Will said. “Their kids are grown. It's like two or three generations of kids have grown up.”
Will said he remembers a time when Coal Mountain was more rural. Men once stopped by for lunch to buy “hoop cheese, crackers and a Coca-Cola.”
“I would sit on a bucket or a cane chair and would just sit and talk to them,” he said. “They would be in overalls and boots, and some in polyester slacks and cowboy hats. I miss those days.”
Martha McConnell, Historical Society of
Forsyth County and Cumming copresident, said although she recognizes progress is inevitable, she feels nostalgic about the Coal Mountain from decades past.
She said she once frequented the general store run by Doc Holcomb where Will would one day set up shop. Back then the tight-knit community used the shop as a landmark and meeting place.
In fact, Holcomb once called the highway intersection of Coal Mountain the “center of the universe,” Will said.
McConnell remembers Holcomb, who was not a doctor but went by the nickname “Doc,” as a friendly man who was eager to say hello and help customers. After his death, she continued visiting the store, purchasing meat from Will.
McConnell said she wants shops like Will’s to stick around as the business landscape becomes more corporate. Local owners like him provide a degree of personalized customer care and genuine interaction the big box stores seem to lack, she said.
“There’s a lot of these stores you get used to using, and then you miss them when they are gone,” she said.
Family business
Will said he views his business very much as a family affair. Over the years, members of his family have supported him by pitching in with the work and offering constant encouragement.
He also considers his employees, some of whom have worked for him for decades, as family.
Luz Maria McConnell said Will has done more for her than most bosses and sometimes gone far out of his way to ensure she is well. Once, when she battled an unexpected illness, he loaned her money to visit a doctor.
“He has taken care of me very well,” she said.
She considers her fellow staff members as friends and enjoys visiting with them while accomplishing the day’s work.
“This is like my family,” she said. Will said that is just the kind of work environment he prefers. He’s still the boss and sometimes makes tough decisions, but a business ought to be more than just a place to make money, he said.
Will plans on keeping that friendly, family-like atmosphere at Ferguson’s as times continue to change. And although he said sometimes times are tough with rising prices and changing customers, a few things keep him going.
“It’s the customers, the employees and the drive to succeed,” he said.
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Owner John Will holds a hand-cut steak as he stands behind the display case at Ferguson’s Meat Market Oct. 29.
Employee Luz Maria McConnell makes food behind at Ferguson’s Meat Market Oct. 29.
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Look your best for the holidays
The holiday season is a great time to take steps to look and feel your best. Now is the time to improve your beautiful smile and your oral health. Surveys show that your smile and your teeth are one of the first things that people notice about you. A smile with balanced proportions makes you look young and healthy and feel confident meeting new people and talking and laughing with friends and family.
Modern dentistry offers many options to improve your smile that are conservative, non-invasive, and affordable.
Tooth Whitening – Years of stain and discoloration can be reversed with our inoffice and take-home prescription whitening procedures.
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process of re-shaping the teeth to eliminate chips and broken teeth can make them look healthier and much straighter.
Teeth Straightening - Creating straighter teeth and a healthier bite. With the latest advances in clear aligner therapy, Invisalign gives you an attractive smile in a very short amount of time, without having unsightly metal braces and wires on your teeth. The latest materials allow the teeth
to be gently and comfortably repositioned in just a matter of months.
Cosmetic Bonding - With the use of tooth-colored materials, we can repair chips and cracks and make your teeth appear normal, natural and vibrant again.
Porcelain Veneers - A minimally invasive procedure which allows us to use thin shells of porcelain. These act like new enamel for your teeth. Porcelain veneers allow you to change the color, size, shape, and position of your teeth. They are your teeth, only better. Porcelain veneers are bonded to the front of your teeth to change your smile and give you the smile of your dreams.
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Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide all the modern advances that contemporary aesthetic dentistry offers. You will realize immediate results with non-invasive and often inexpensive procedures to enhance your smile. If you would like a complementary consultation to discover your smile enhancing options, please call the Atlanta Center for Dental Health at 770-992-2236. Dr. Bradley Hepler has spent many hours dedicated to perfecting and updating the latest and best techniques in dentistry. It is with this breadth of knowledge that they provide each patient with the perfect solution to their situation, their life, and their goals. It is our great pleasure to serve this community and help as many people as possible live their best life.
The Brilliance of Poison Ivy
If you are one of the 85% of the population allergic to poison ivy, you might feel some resentment, indignation or even dare I say animosity toward this plant. However, the scientist in you might take a moment to marvel at just how effectively it has managed to discourage us from touching it – let alone eating it.
Urushiol is the reason you won’t find poison ivy for sale at the local grocery store or in your Caesar salad. Urushiol is an oil found within poison ivy, and it makes one’s immune system go haywire.
Many plants attack us with thorns, stinging appendages, a hail of coconuts or verbal insults. Not poison ivy. Poison ivy uses our own immune systems against us to pack a delayed but far more powerful punch. The oil of poison ivy is a relatively simple and small ringshaped molecule that can easily penetrate our skin. The oil is so small that it can slip in easily and undetected. Once in our skin, urushiol chemically reacts with and attaches to our own cell’s proteins. In so doing, the oil stealthily plants a flag on our cells that tells our immune system that our own cells are enemies.
Our bodies have a type of white blood cell called a T cell whose job is to circulate and look for viruses, bacteria and other foreign invaders. T cells have proteins on their surface that detect whether what they contact is “self” or “non-self.” In general, T cells assume that “non-self” needs to be attacked. The T-cell doesn’t recognize your own healthy cells as “self” when those cells have reacted with urushiol. Your own T cells start attacking your otherwise healthy skin. Itching, blisters and misery result.
The brilliance of poison ivy’s strategy is that the oil doesn’t depend on a certain protein or certain molecule
being present in our bodies. If that were the case, our bodies might have easily learned how to avoid a poison ivy reaction. Instead, poison ivy oil can theoretically react with just about any protein that your cells contain, and every one of these combinations is going to look different and dangerous to the T cell. It’s a strategy that has defied effective solutions. Once the oil has had time to be absorbed into your skin, your goose is cooked.
When a small molecule can attach to a larger molecule and result in a combination that elicits an immune response, the small molecule is called a “hapten.” So poison ivy oil is a “hapten.” Most examples of haptens are accidental haptens. For example, penicillin is made by certain mold species to help them fight off bacteria. When we use penicillin as an antibiotic, a small number of people will develop an allergy. Rarely, when penicillin breaks down, it reacts with some of our proteins and creates a hapten-self protein combination similar to that of urushiol and a self-protein. But this is not penicillin’s purpose.
In contrast, poison ivy oil is a hapten by design. The plant developed a chemical that flags our own cells for destruction and turns our immune system against us.
Scientists are working on a vaccine to poison ivy. A compound similar to urushiol is being studied by researchers at the University of Mississippi and by a company called “Hapten Sciences.” Perhaps one day people can frolic through poison ivy without the next day regret.
Until a vaccine comes to fruition, avoidance is your best bet. Learn to identify poison ivy and poison oak. Wash with soap and water immediately and change your clothes if you think you have accidentally had contact with these plants. And if you do develop a rash, your dermatologist is at the ready with effective treatments.
Insist
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Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.
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Advance directives: Why every adult should have one
Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Jignesh Dholaria
Advance directives aren’t just for the elderly or the seriously ill. They’re for anyone who values autonomy, clarity and peace of mind. These legal documents, which include a living will and a healthcare power of attorney, ensure your medical preferences are honored if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself.
Why does this matter for younger adults? Emergencies don’t discriminate by age. A car accident, sudden illness or unexpected surgery could leave anyone temporarily incapacitated. Without an advance directive, loved ones may be forced to make difficult decisions without knowing your wishes—often under immense emotional stress.
Advance directives do more than protect your voice—they protect your family. They eliminate guesswork, reduce conflict and provide a clear roadmap for care. Whether you prefer aggressive treatment or comfort-focused care, documenting your choices means they will be respected.
Anyone you trust to make decisions on your behalf can be your designated healthcare proxy. This person becomes your advocate, aware of your values and
instructions. It’s a role that requires clarity and trust, and it’s best chosen before a crisis arises.
Importantly, advance directives are flexible. You can revise them as your life, relationships and medical views evolve. They’re not just about end-of-life scenarios—they’re about any moment when your voice might be silent.
To get started, talk with your primary care clinician. They can help you understand your options, guide you through the process and ensure your choices are documented properly. It’s a simple conversation that can make a profound difference.
Having an advance directive is not just responsible—it’s empowering. Whether you’re 25 or 75, healthy or managing a condition, now is the time to start the conversation. The best time to make your wishes known is before you need them. Visit wellstar.org/acp to learn more about advance care planning. To schedule a primary care appointment with Dr. Jignesh Dholaria, visit wellstar.org or call (470) 956-4540.
DHOLARIA
An ongoing healthcare partner means more support at every age.
At Wellstar, you’ll find lifelong primary care partners committed to every aspect of your well-being, at every stage of life.
Your primary care team knows your complete health history—with ready access to our integrated system of specialists, imaging facilities, labs and hospitals. We’ll help you get the best treatment, right when you need it. From preventative care and screenings to acute and chronic illness management, the expert clinicians at Wellstar personalize your wellness plan to your unique needs, putting you at the center of your own care. wellstar.org/primarycare
9 out of 10 dentists disagree…. with insurance
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Most people expect dental insurance to work like medical insurance: pay monthly premiums and be protected from large, unexpected bills. In reality, dental insurance is built very differently. It isn’t a catastrophe safety net—it’s essentially a prepaid discount plan with a small, set annual benefit. That’s why many people are surprised when significant treatment isn’t “covered.”
A cap on benefits—not on expenses
Most dental plans limit what they’ll pay each year, typically between $1,000 and $2,000. Once you reach that number, the plan stops paying regardless of what care you still need. Medical insurance usually flips that model: after you meet your outof-pocket maximum, coverage expands. With dental insurance, the ceiling is on the insurer’s payout, not on your costs.
Cost-sharing that erodes coverage
Many policies haven’t changed their reimbursement fee structure since the 1960’s and still follow an old 100/80/50 schedule—preventive care at 100%, basic care at 80%, and major care at 50%—only until the annual maximum is hit. Deductibles, waiting periods, frequency limits, “missing tooth” clauses, and downgrades (for example, paying at the rate of a silver filling instead of a tooth-colored composite) further reduce the contribution.
A quick example
If you need a root canal and crown totaling $3,000, 50% coverage suggests $1,500 from insurance. In practice, after deductibles, downgrades, and earlier hygiene visits count toward your annual max, the plan often hits its $1,000–$2,000 cap quickly, leaving the rest to you. Your oral health needs don’t pause at the cap—only the plan’s payments do.
So, is it really “insurance”?
True insurance pools risk for rare, highcost events. Dental conditions are common and largely preventable, so dental plans are designed to emphasize maintenance— cleanings, exams, and X-rays—rather than absorb the full cost of complex care. Think of dental insurance as a coupon with rules, not a blank check for treatment.
Where dental insurance helps
Most plans reward prevention. Two “healthy-mouth” cleanings, exams, and routine X-rays are often covered at or near 100%. Using these benefits consistently helps catch issues early, when they’re simpler and less expensive to treat.
A simpler, more predictable choice: our in-house Wellness Plan
If you prefer transparency over fine print, our Wellness Plan replaces uncertainty with clear value:
• Professional cleanings included
• All X-rays included
• Doctor exams included
• Plus 15% off any needed restorative treatment
Because it’s our plan, not a third-party policy, your care isn’t dictated by exclusions or downgrades. There are no rejected claims, no enrollment windows, no waiting periods, no racing the calendar, and no shrinking annual maximum. You and your dentist decide what’s best; the Wellness Plan makes it more affordable.
Tips to maximize value either way
• Know your numbers: annual maximum, deductible, waiting periods, frequency limits, and coverage percentages.
• Time your care: for larger cases, phasing across benefit years can stretch limited dollars.
• Use tax-advantaged funds: Use HSAs/ FSAs to lower your net cost.
• Choose quality, not just “in-network”: materials, precision, and durability matter.
Bottom line: dental “insurance” is a small yearly benefit with limits. Our Wellness Plan makes preventive care simple and takes 15% off restorative treatment so your decisions are guided by health—not caps and clauses.
At Roswell Dental Care, we offer the best of both worlds: we’re fee-for-service and will file out-of-network claims to help you maximize any insurance benefits if you choose that instead of the Wellness Plan. Dr. Hood and her team personalize care, ensure you feel confident before treatment begins, and for added comfort we offer FREE nitrous oxide. Call 770-998-6736 or visit www.roswelldentalcare.com to start your path to comfortable, confident oral health.
Dr. Destinee Hood
Destinee Hood at Roswell Dental Care
Recognizing the need for in-home care over the holidays
Brought to You by - Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs
The approaching holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and joy. It can also bring unique challenges for older adults, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those recovering from medical procedures.
Over the holidays we all experience increased social demands, but the hustle and bustle of holiday activities can be overwhelming for those with limited mobility or health concerns. Winter weather and shorter daylight hours may increase fall risks or make transportation difficult for seniors. Disruptions to regular schedules can affect medication management, nutrition, and emotional health. Feelings of loneliness or isolation can intensify as holiday stressors mount, especially for those living alone or far from family.
Here are some signs that can help you understand when support with the activities of daily living is needed to ensure the safety, well-being and happiness of your older loved one.
• Difficulty Managing Daily Tasks: Trouble with cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, or getting dressed may signal the need for assistance.
• Health and Medication Issues: Missed doses, confusion about prescriptions, or noticeable decline in health could mean support is necessary.
• Mobility Challenges: Difficulty moving around the house, using stairs, or increased risk of falls.
• Changes in Behavior: Withdrawal from social activities, mood changes, or increased anxiety and depression.
• Neglected Home Environment: Unkempt living spaces, spoiled food, or piles of unopened mail might indicate that help is needed.
Discussing the need for in-home care can be sensitive. Approach the topic with empathy, focusing on the benefits rather than limitations. Use holiday plans as an opportunity to observe your loved one's needs and gently suggest extra help to make celebrations more enjoyable for everyone.
At Home Helpers we know that inhome care is not just about meeting immediate needs, it’s about creating peace of mind. Aging in the warmth and comfort of home is the preference of most seniors, and care that makes a difference is based on a wonderful match of a skilled, heart centered caregiver and the hands-on attention of a dedicated team with depth and skill. Your caregiver can assist with all personal care, help around the house, accompany you on doctor’s visits and provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc.
When home is in an assisted living community, in-home care provides a bridge with immediate response to your care needs if you experience an increased fall risk, changing health condition or need to recuperate from a procedure. Your caregiver can help you remain in the setting and with the friends and lifestyle you want.
We’re here to help, from six hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 care. For a free consultation, please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs at (770) 681-0323.
PROVIDED
Introducing
Peptides: The small molecules taking over the wellness world
Brought to you by – OlympusMD Milton
Peptides may sound like something straight out of a science fiction movie (and with names like BPC-157, they could easily pass for your car’s tag number), but these tiny amino acid chains are making a massive impact in modern wellness. Peptides are essentially short strings of proteins that act as messengers, telling your body to repair, regenerate, and perform at its best.
Their growing popularity comes from one simple truth—peptides work. They’re precise, highly targeted, and can trigger specific benefits without the side effects of traditional medications. From improved recovery and energy to sharper focus and better sleep, peptides are the “biohacker’s toolbox” for optimizing health at the cellular level.
Two of the biggest stars in the pep -
tide lineup are NAD+ and BPC-157. NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) isn’t technically a peptide, but it’s earned honorary status thanks to its critical role in cellular energy and longevity. It supports mitochondrial function, boosts metabolism, enhances focus, and can even improve mood and sleep. Think of NAD+ as the fuel additive your body’s engine didn’t know it needed.
BPC-157, short for “Body Protection Compound,” is a powerhouse for healing. Derived from a naturally occurring protein in the stomach, it accelerates tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and helps with everything from joint pain to gut health.
So while their names might sound a little odd, peptides are proving to be high-performance upgrades for the human body—helping people recover faster, age better, and feel stronger than ever.
Custom formulated nutraceuticals
Targeted peptide stacks
Personalized IV protocols
Optimized GLP-1 weight loss plans based on your
Healthcare through a Medical Home ensures that you, the patient, are at the center of your health care journey
to you by – Comprehensive Internal Medicine
Primary care spans all health care needs from the annual wellness exam, sports and preop clearance, vaccinations, through the management of chronic conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, Fatty Liver, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, COPD. In the realm of men’s and women’s health, a focus on each stage of life is tailored to the individual.
The team of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, medical assistants, and staff focus on each detail of your care experience: from the first phone call to schedule your appointment, to checking in with familiar staff you come to know well, through the doctor’s visit and after care. Results of labs or X-rays are communicated in a timely manner and there is coordination of administrative issues, including prescription management, and prompt referrals.
Acceptance and compliance Navigating relationship differences
Brought to you by – Will Goodwin, M.A, Summit Counseling Center
Every relationship encounters moments where one partner’s preferences, habits, or traits don’t perfectly align with the other’s. In these moments, partners often face a choice: Should I foster acceptance for this characteristic, or should I comply with their desire for change? Both paths have benefits—and drawbacks.
The Power of Acceptance
In short, a medical home becomes a patient’s point of care committed to helping you live healthier, longer, and better.
Same day appointments when you are sick ensure you are cared for by your regular doctor, vs an urgent care and someone unfamiliar with you.
Alpharetta: (678) 205-9004 | 3180 North Point Pkwy | Suite 303 | Alpharetta, GA - 30005
Johns Creek: (770) 622-9002 | 3890 Johns Creek Pkwy | Suite 120 | Suwanee, GA - 30024
Continuing to Grow to Meet Your Healthcare Needs.
Welcome Shruti Patel, M.D.
Dr. Shruti Patel is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician with a special interest in geriatric care, hypertension, and diabetes management. She is passionate about providing comprehensive, patient-centered care with a focus on chronic disease management and preventative health.
With over a decade of experience, Dr. Patel is eager to help patients achieve healthier and more fulfilling lives through evidence-based practices and compassionate guidance.
Her clinical approach emphasizes building strong patient relationships, empowering individuals to take an active role in their health and addressing the unique needs of patients.
Outside of medicine, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and exploring wellness practices that integrate mind and body.
Acceptance means embracing a partner’s differences without trying to change them. Research from the Gottman Institute shows that many relationship conflicts are “perpetual,” meaning they stem from core personality differences that are unlikely to change. In these cases, fostering acceptance promotes emotional safety, reduces resentment, and builds longterm respect.
Pros:
• Reduces unnecessary conflict
• Builds emotional closeness and understanding
• Encourages authenticity
Cons:
• Unmet needs may fester
• Some behaviors (e.g., poor communication, unhealthy habits) may harm the relationship if left unaddressed
The Role of Compliance or Adjustment
Compliance—adjusting your behavior to meet your partner’s preference— can be an act of love and compromise. It’s often necessary in areas like
household responsibilities, intimacy, or shared values.
Pros:
• Shows care and commitment
• Helps meet your partner’s needs
• Can resolve solvable problems
Cons:
• If done at the expense of your authentic self, it may breed resentment
• Over-compliance can create imbalance or loss of personal boundaries
• May inhibit the development of deeper understanding for your partner’s needs
Finding the Middle Ground
Healthy relationships often require both acceptance and adjustment. The key is knowing which differences are core to your partner’s identity—and worthy of acceptance—and which are flexible enough to navigate through compromise.
Choosing wisely fosters connection without losing yourself along the way.
GOODWIN
PROVIDED
Brought
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!
ON THE MENU
1. Icy coating. Low water mark. Squirrel's favorite snack.
2. Panda's dish. Lackluster. Racetrack shape.
3. Spare tire. Beaver's snack. Mountain peaks.
4. Blue whale's dinner. Crayola color. Hawaiian binge.
5. Hot spot. Horse's meal. Extra-large.
6. Pillow covering. Otter's dish. Wall painting.
7. Victory's margin. Bear's feast. Hurl.
1 Icy coating. Low water mark. Squirrel’s favorite snack
2. Panda’s dish. Lackluster. Racetrack shape
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. Spare tire. Beaver’s snack. Mountain peaks
4. Blue whale’s dinner. Crayola color. Hawaiian binge
5. Hot spot. Horse’s meal. Extra-large 6. Pillow covering. Otter’s dish. Wall painting 7.
OPINION
A message to college students, part three
We cover politics clinically, not ideologically. So it's not our job or mission to offer policy or political advice.
• But thousands of you asked for thoughts on how college kids — or anyone, really — can truly think differently, or more calmly, about politics in charged moments.
So here are eight clinical, nonideological changes you could make today:
1. Vote. Ya don't get to whine if ya don't get in line — and vote. The presidency, Congress, and many state and local races come down to thousands of votes. So, yes, your vote often matters. Yet outside of presidential elections, most don't even try. The good news: Presidential turnout was roughly 65% of eligible voters in 2024. Not too shabby. But less than half of adults vote in congressional races. Average turnout in state and local races? 15%-30%. A big uprising by like-minded people can literally shape politics at federal, state and local levels.
2. Serve. Less than 1% of Americans
Jail:
Continued from Page 3
“There literally is everything from locks on the doors all the way up to having to purchase refrigerators for food,” he said.
In developing protocols and standards, Alpharetta police have sometimes called on the expertise of their newly hired jail staff, some of whom come with considerable experience at other facilities.
In total, the jail will employ 15 staff members. The city has hired or selected candidates for all positions and expects to be fully staffed when it opens.
Lagerbloom said a review of records shows the jail held about 15 inmates most days. The city-run jail will have 72 beds, leaving ample opportunity to enter into agreements with other cities and law enforcement departments.
Contracts to house other municipalities’ inmates could allow the city to considerably subsidize operations although Lagerbloom said he expects it will be unlikely to generate revenue.
“The goal is to run it as close to breaking even as we can,” the city administrator said. “Jails naturally don't turn profits.”
Lagerbloom said he anticipates the
go into the military. Our best and brightest aren't choosing government instead. They're going into the private sector, while holding an increasingly sour view of government competence. I can tell you this as someone who started and runs companies: You're only as good as your talent. So unless a lot more talented, well-intentioned people choose service, the country suffers. Somehow, we need to make this prestigious and valiant again. It might take mandatory service programs, but that's not happening anytime soon. So, volunteer.
3. Get informed. I'm horrified by how many people argue about policies or politics without knowing the facts, history or context. Don't Be That Person. Take the time to understand governance based on what you know, not how you feel. Read trustworthy news more regularly, dig a little deeper if you don't understand. Find sources — media, podcasts, friends or family — who routinely demonstrate clinical, fact-based understanding of big issues.
4. Pop your bubble. Take time to understand views or people you oppose — or even loathe. To our liberal readers, watch or listen to hard-core Trumpers like Steve Bannon or Charlie Kirk, and conservatives with more mixed views of
city will begin to look at contracts with other cities by the end of the year.
Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry, who was present during the tour, said the opportunity for his city to send its inmates to Alpharetta again could be a “huge benefit.”
He said he expects the council to discuss a potential agreement by midNovember. Currently, those arrested for serious crimes in Johns Creek are sent to Fulton County’s downtown Rice Street jail.
“It is much more convenient. It keeps our officers back on the streets in Johns Creek, rather than spending a day going to Fulton County,” he said. “It's also just better for any of our residents that may be arrested.”
Officials agreed the prospect of Alpharetta opening and running its own jail represents the start of a promising new era in local criminal justice. And many residents have told council members they support the decision, which will avoid sending locals to Fulton County’s facilities, Lagerbloom said.
But the reopening of the jail also carries a special resonance for the city administrator, who once worked as a jailer there when he was 18. Now 50, he recalled late nights spent there at the start of his public service career and looked forward to the city restarting a facility it has not managed since the 1990s.
“It truly is a full circle,” he said.
Trump like Ben Shapiro or Bari Weiss. To our conservative readers, read or listen to New York Times columnist Ezra Klein, mainstream Democrats like the Pod Save America guys, or proud progressives like Rachel Maddow.
5. Share knowledge, not noise. One massive, easy change all of you can make: Stop sharing stuff you didn't read or authenticate. It's wild how many people share things on social media based on a headline or even one word that juiced their dopamine and rage. Stop! And then start sharing fact-based, useful information that might actually help others better understand the inherent complexities of issues. When in doubt, share nothing.
6. Give yourself a reality check. Take to heart our message that politicians and your social media feed are designed to make things feel more hateful and hopeless than they actually are. Then, realize a lot of social media accounts are bots controlled by foreign countries and other scumbags playing to your worst impulses. Social media is not reality. Put down your phone. Clean up your feed (who and what you follow). Stay alert and clear-eyed when scrolling.
7. Fix your politics diet. We cofounded Politico and Axios, where the vast majority of our traffic and money
comes from people reading political and policy coverage. So my advice might shock you (or rattle our bean counters!): Stop reading so much politics. This stuff used to be boring and consumed in small quantities. Our brains (and mental health) aren't built to marinate in politics all day, every day. Everything in moderation, especially politics.
8. Widen your eyes. Everyone is hopped up about political change. But there are three or four tectonic shifts unfolding that might be bigger and more lasting than today's politics: AI, media, China and birth rates. Take time to read up and think about how AI might be more impactful than the internet ... how media is being shattered into scores of ecosystems, shaping realities based on people's age, profession and politics ... how China represents the biggest threat to America's dominance in a century-plus ... and the consequences of people having fewer babies — not just here, but in most advanced nations.
The big picture: There are clear alternatives to disengaging or doom-sharing. You simply need to choose them.
Jim VandeHei is the CEO of Axios. Let him know what you think by emailing jim@axios.com.
JIM VANDEHEI Guest Columnist
Council:
Continued from Page 1
“This circle being jammed is the number one problem that we are trying to solve, primarily from a public safety perspective,” Dell-Ross said. Staff are concerned that police or fire won’t be able to get through the roundabout in the case of an emergency.
The traffic extends both ways on Birmingham Highway as commuters also try to access Northwestern Middle School and Milton High School. Preliminary concept plans propose extending the existing right-hand turn lane into Crabapple Crossing down to School Drive, in addition to widening lanes. The current left-hand turn lanes going south down SR372 will also be extended to double their current length, Dell-Ross said. Staff anticipate reducing the queue in the left lane, potentially allowing for left-hand turns into Crabapple Crossing.
Redesign plans will make it easier and safer for families to walk or bike to school with the installation of two midblock pedestrian and golf cart crossings. There will also be 10-foot-wide golf cart trails added to the roadway going towards the middle school to provide safe passage for golf cart users. A new trail will allow pedestrians, bicyclists and golf carts to get from SR372 to Heritage Walk
without going through the roundabout.
Since the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) owns SR372, all design plans must be approved by the state. Fulton County Schools is also working with the city since it owns property along Birmingham Highway and supports the concept plan.
Milton received 40 responses on an electronic survey sent out in August asking residents what their top concerns for that part of Birmingham Highway and ideas to improve the area. Top concerns amongst respondents were safety for children, congestion and traffic flow, and school accessibility. Resident’s suggestions
for improvement line up with solutions already being proposed, Dell-Ross said.
The project is being locally funded through Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST). While the contract has not been awarded, construction expenditures are projected to exceed $1.7 million according to ClearGov. An additional $220,000 will go towards installing lights required for pedestrian crossings near the roundabout. Neither GDOT nor the school district will help with construction costs, but Fulton County Schools will help with the cost for right-of-way acquisition.
Dell-Ross said engineering is expect-
ed to take a couple of years and rightof-way acquisition to begin in 2028 with the hope construction will begin in 2029. Approximately 185 of the more than 200 acres at Birmingham Park is set to enter a conservation easement agreement pending approval by City Council. A presentation made by Public Works Director Sara Leaders shared the final terms before approving the agreement with Georgia-Alabama Conservation Trust to oversee the property. The trust will approve all proposals prior to construction.
The plan for the conservation easement includes an additional two miles of trail, bringing the park’s total trail length to roughly seven miles. Milton’s Equestrian Committee suggested the addition of basic facilities (restrooms, gravel parking) and open riding fields.
The conservation easement will not include 22 acres that include the Fire Station 34 and Public Works facility.
Council members also approved for additional recreational programs through the Parks and Recreation Department. Atlanta Pétanque League will provide leagues, classes and tournaments at Bell Memorial Park, and CandiNews Camps will continue providing theatre programs for Milton.
HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA
Bill Lusk and Nick Satriano, second and third from left, with the Milton Veterans Memorial Markers – the non-profit organization behind the bi-annual installation of markers remembering fallen military members with Milton ties – join the Mayor and City Council members for a photo following Milton’s Veterans Day proclamation.
Football:
Continued from Page 6
“We’ve gotta put the blinders on, we know how big of a game this is,” he said. “We know how deep this rivalry goes, since I was eight years old. This one is personal.”
Eagles head coach Ben Reaves said their third loss of the season will be the charm and the team is staying the course on their goal of making it back to the Benz for a third straight title.
“We just have to carry on the underdog, ‘rogue warrior’ mantra,” he said. “The kids kept playing hard, and we flipped the mindset at halftime and they made plays to keep us in the game. I believe in this team, I truly think they’re gonna come back and fight.”
Roswell running back Nick Peal posted 156 yards and one touchdown, moving the chains seven times and assisting his quarterback with additional first downs off play action.
The Hornets defense put on a show to quiet a Milton team that outscored opponents 286-88 through nine games, including two losses.
Multi-year starters such as defensive
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
end Josh Emerson and linebacker Brody Duffy, who is No. 3 in tackles in Class 5A with 113 prior to facing off against the Eagles, have turned the Hornets defense into its best form in years.
Duffy recorded 17 tackles, 14 solo, against Walton and a season-high 21 tackles with 15 solo against Seckinger. He has yet to commit to where he will play college football.
Sophomore defensive back Christian English pulled down Roswell’s only interception of the game in the second quarter on the third snap of an Eagles drive.
Roswell head coach Jonathan Thompson reflected on the team’s earlier adversity in games against Buford, Walton and Gainesville and how those matches prepared them to face off against Milton.
He said having to call a timeout to avoid a delay of game penalty right before the game-winning field goal was no issue for his top-notch kicker.
“I’m not counting [the years since we’ve beat Milton], I’m counting on this team and betting on them every day of the week,” he said. “Because of the way they go to work and the way they love each other, they’ve preached brotherhood since I got here. There’s no freezing [Vorosmarty], he’s got ice in his veins.”
The City of Milton City Council will hold a public hearing for the applications for alcohol licenses listed below on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers on the First Floor of City Hall located at 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, Georgia 30004. All interested persons are encouraged to attend the public hearing.
PH-25-AB-13 – Culinary Management of America dba Gracious Gatherings has submitted an application for a license to sell Wine and Malt Beverages for Consumption On-Premises, and for Sunday Sales of same, at its place of business located at 12900 Arnold Mill Road, Roswell, Georgia 30075.
Fulton:
Continued from Page 4
Whitmore said the roll-off or expiration of tax allocation districts and an expected decline in pension contributions in the next decade may be able to fund the capital investments.
The 2026 general fund budget is estimated total between $1.071 billion and $1.101 billion, up from $974 million in 2025.
The county expects to take in around $955 million in property tax revenue if it keeps the millage rate flat, creating a $36.7 million shortfall.
The Fulton County jail system’s consent order requires an additional $30$60 million.
“You’re looking at $66.7 million to $96.7 million funding gap,” Whitmore said. “With those numbers and that picture in mind, we wanted to …seek direction from the Board about how we might consider closing this gap.”
The discussion separated funding plans for consent order compliance and other incremental, operational costs.
Commissioners were given a list of options to adjust expenditures and revenues.
On the spending side, they include eliminating vacant positions, new department requests and/or programs; removing a cost-of-living adjustment for employees; and maintaining 2025 expenditure levels.
On the revenue side, options include
assuming a higher digest growth or collection factor and increasing the millage rate.
County Commissioner Bob Ellis, representing the west side of Ga. 400, said he is looking for an option that maintains the current millage rate.
Ellis said he thinks county staff should reconsider its conservative revenue projections related to digest growth or the increasing value of properties. On the expenditure side, he said he prefers a phasing approach and wants to keep all options on the table.
County Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. said he was concerned with removing vacant positions, especially in the Sheriff’s Office.
“We’re going to have to comply with the consent order … I think we have to start there and then everything else kind of has to work around compliance,” Arrington Jr. said. “I would lean more toward trying to increase revenue.”
Arrington Jr. also said he wants to find out if there are revenue growth options related to how commercial properties are assessed.
“We have maintained that millage rate for at least four years … this is my 11th year, we have decreased or maintained it every year,” he said. “We average about $70 million in surplus, so I don’t get scared when I see a $30 million shortfall in the 2026 budget.”
Later in the meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to allocate $700,000 to nonprofits serving county residents who may not receive SNAP benefits during the government shutdown.
CITY OF MILTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 6:00 P.M.
Location: Milton City Hall – Council Chambers 2006 Heritage Walk Milton, GA 30004 678-242-2540
On the date and time, and at the location stated above, the Design Review Board shall conduct a public hearing to consider the following applications for Certificates of Appropriateness.
1. Demolition Permit Review:
A. Address: 13940 Hopewell Road
Applicant: Grant Hafner
B. Address: 14750 Hopewell Road
Applicant: Tapan Shah
C. Address: 13580 Hopewell Road
Applicant: Matthew Fallstrom
D. Address: 1000 Lackey Road
Applicant: Matthew Fallstrom
E. Address: 2545 Bethany Bend
Applicant: Matthew Fallstrom
F. Address: 13995 Hopewell Road
Applicant: Scott D. Reece
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
The Roswell Hornets celebrate after winning the Region 7 of 5A title with a 41-39 victory over Milton Oct. 31. Multiple players can be seen with five fingers up to honor Roswell quarterback Robbie Roper, who wore No. 5 and tragically passed away to an undiscovered genetic condition in Dec. 2021.
– Needed Saturdays & Sundays start time 6:30 am. General cleaning of building, pick up and discard trash on grounds. Supervise community service workers when available. Must be able to lift 50 lbs., and move around safely and efficiently without aid of mechanical support, accept and sign for deliveries. Approx. 5-7 hours a day.
Flexible schedule afternoon and evening hours, approximately 15-20 hours per week. Previous experience preferred but not necessary. Must be able to qualify for City of Alpharetta Pouring Permit.
If interested in either position please contact DiAna Casale (770) 475-9023 Mon-Thurs 10 am – 2 pm or americanlegionalpharetta@gmail.com. Detail job description for both available upon request.
Elections:
Continued from Page 1
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger officially called for the pair of special elections in February, but the plan to put the two commission districts on the ballot this year was created by state lawmakers last year, according to the Georgia Recorder.
Alicia Johnson received 977,923 votes, and Echols garnered 581,347 votes. District 2 includes much of east and southeast Georgia that includes Athens, Augusta and Savannah.
“We did it, Georgia,” Johnson said in a Facebook post. “I am profoundly grateful for the partnerships, prayers, and persistence that carried us across the finish line.”
She also thanked everyone who worked on her campaign.
“This victory isn’t just mine, it’s ours. It’s for the single mother choosing between groceries and her power bill, the senior trying to keep the lights on, and the young voter who showed up believing that their voice matters,” she said.
The work starts now, she added.
“I’m going to the Public Service Commission to ensure that every Geor -
gian has a voice at the table, to lower costs, modernize our grid, and make energy policy that works for the people, not just the powerful,” Alicia Johnson said.
Hubbard ended with 979,642 votes, and Echols received 577,406 votes. District 3 includes the Metro Atlanta counties of Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton.
Hubbard, a clean energy advocate, ousted Fitz Johnson in the District 3 race. In a statement, Hubbard framed the results as a clear mandate from voters frustrated by soaring power costs. Fitz Johnson intends to run for the PSC again in 2026, when the seat will be up for election.
Decaturish did not receive a comment from Hubbard. The other candidates have also not made public statements on social media.
Locally, in Decatur, some residents have been involved with the PSC election and get-out-the-vote efforts. Residents Lisa Coronado and Preeti Jaggi were pleased to see the results. Coronado and Jaggi shared their reactions in a joint statement.
“We are thrilled that Alicia and Peter won and that so many people engaged in this election. Many spent countless hours informing others about the importance of this race, neighbors talked to neighbors, and then
people showed up to vote,” they said. Coronado and Jaggi are looking forward to more discussions on the board and said that Alicia Johnson and Hubbard could force votes on clean, reliable energy sourcing and efficiency programs.
“Past Commissioners have not considered the health and climate impacts of burning fossil fuels in their energy sourcing decisions, despite thousands of Georgians pleading with them to do so,” they said. “Peter and Alicia will now be able to make sure that these impacts and associated costs will be part of the discussion and deliberation going forward.”
They are excited about the results, but added that the ability to enact change will depend on the outcome of next year’s election, as well as continued advocacy and public scrutiny.
“We will need to re-elect Peter – this election only allows him to finish out the final year of a vacated seat – and we must elect one more candidate who will put the public interest over maximizing Georgia Power’s profits,” Coronado and Jaggi said. “Then, with a three-person majority on the five-person commission, true progress can be made on lowering our electricity bills and protecting our climate and our health.”
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Georgia Conservation Voters, an environmental advocacy group, celebrated Hubbard and Alicia Johnson’s victories.
“The message of this election is unmistakable: Georgians demand an end to utility bill rate hikes and corporate politics as usual on the PSC,” GCV Executive Director Brionté McCorkle said in a news release. “Georgia Conservation Voters and our affiliated entities invested over $3 million in these elections, marking our largest investment ever because we had to make sure voters knew the stakes at the ballot box – from utility bills to corporate polluters.”
Georgia Conservation Voters Action Fund executed its largest electoral campaign, raising more than $2.3 million, a news release said. All of GCV’s affiliated entities combined invested over $3 million to educate the voters on the stakes and turn them out in this critical election.
“I’m thrilled we could play a critical role in electing Dr. Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard to the Public Service Commission, where I know they will be partners in the fight for clean air, clean water, and lower costs for all Georgians,” GCVAF Deputy Director Allie Brown said.
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