Milton Herald - September 3, 2026

S e p t e m b e r 3 , 2 0 2 6 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 1 , N o . 3 6

Milton council OKs $10M settlement in fatal crash case

By JOSHUA WILSON and ERLANDRYA RUTLEDGE joshua@appenmedia.com erlandrya@appenmedia.com MILTON, Ga. — The Milton City Council unanimously approved a $10 million settlement Aug. 24 with the parents of Joshua Chang, the Yale University student who died in a 2016 crash after his car struck a concrete planter off Batesville Road.

Under the settlement, the city’s insurer, the Georgia Interlo-

cal Risk Management Agency, and its reinsurer, NLC Mutual Insurance Co., will cover $6.67 million, with the city responsible for the remaining $3.33 million.

The agreement does not include an admission of fault by the city or its insurers.

The case reached the Georgia Supreme Court on questions of municipal sovereign immunity before returning to the Georgia Court of Appeals, where it remained pending at the time of the settlement.

Chang died Nov. 19, 2016, when his car left Batesville Road and struck a concrete planter roughly six feet off the roadway between two driveways. His parents, John Chang and Rebecca Zhu, sued the city for wrongful death, and a Fulton County jury found Milton liable for negligence and nuisance. The jury awarded the parents $35 million in 2023, which was later reduced to about $32.55 million.

A concrete planter on Batesville Road in Milton is shown in this file photo. In November 2016, Joshua Chang’s vehicle struck the planter, which was, according to city officials, installed by a private resident roughly six feet off the roadway between two driveways. Chang died in the crash.

See SETTLEMENT, Page 24

APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO

Fear, votes and money How attack ads actually work ► PAGE 4

School board approves tentative rate increase

By JIM BASS jim@appenmedia.com ATLANTA — The Fulton County Board of Education has approved a tentative increase of the school system’s millage rate to 18.08 mills.

The proposed rate is up one full mill from last year’s millage rate of 17.08 mills.

A mill equals $1 in tax for every $1,000 of a property’s assessed value.

In Georgia, assessed value is 40% of a property’s fair market value, not the full market price. For a home valued at $450,000 on the market, the school tax, before any homestead exemptions, would be $3,254 a year.

In a news release about the tentative increase, Fulton County Schools offered

See MILLAGE, Page 8

Your Trusted Real Estate Expert

SAM DIVITO

C: 404.803.5999 | Sam@HOMEgeorgia.com | @sam.divito

2 | September 3, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

PUBLIC SAFETY

Public safety story/blotters

770-442-3278 AppenMedia.com 319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 HANS APPEN Publisher RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus CONTACT NEWS TIPS Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.

CIRCULATION To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

Second suspect arrested in 2025 Atlanta mass shooting

By ATLANTA NEWS FIRST STAFF ATLANTA — Authorities have arrested a second suspect in a mass shooting in Atlanta that killed one person and injured 10 others in summer 2025.

On Aug. 25, the FBI’s Atlanta field office announced that the agency’s Violent Crime Task Force, with the assistance of Atlanta and Sandy Springs police, arrested Nasir Williams on the evening of Aug. 24.

The FBI said Williams was one of the shooters in the July 28, 2025, incident on Edgewood Avenue along a popular strip of bars in the historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood.

Jail records show Williams is charged with murder and 10 counts of aggravated assault.

Santos Wyatt, 27, died from his injuries, and 10 others — seven men and three women between the ages of

18 and 29 — were injured.

Nearly two weeks after the shooting, police announced the arrest of 19-year-old Rico Arnold on charges of murder and 10 counts of aggravated assault.

At the time, police said investigators believed the shooting was the result of a fight, and that they were looking for three other suspects — two men and one woman.

In response to the violence, local business owners formed the Historic King District Association earlier this year.

Cyrei Daniel, the association president and owner of Sweet Me Good, said the group met with Atlanta police last month to discuss safety efforts and has noticed a heavier police presence recently.

“We are grateful for that. I’ve been out meeting with officers. We see them

out here on a weekly basis,” Daniel said.

But Daniel said securing the area requires more than just a temporary fix.

“I think now where we’re at is how do we build a long-term strategy?”

Daniel said. ”We can’t just put more cameras on the street. It’s all about, how does this community come together, and how are we supported by the city?”

The FBI said a third suspect remains at large and that the agency will announce more information on that suspect in the coming days.

Appen Media reports that the Sandy Springs Police Department assisted the FBI Violent Crimes Unit in a separate case, arresting a man wanted by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office for multiple weapons-related offenses. He was taken into custody and transported to the DeKalb County Jail.

THE PICTURE FRAMER HAS MOVED! CUSTOM FRAMING 13000 Deerfield Pkwy.

Bldg. 200, Ste. 285 Milton, GA 30004 (770) 667-2112 T–F 11–6, Sat 11–3

Hwy. 9

• Canvas Stretching, Rugs, Mirrors • Round, Oval and Float Frames • Sports & Military Memorabilia • Shadowboxes & Specialty Mounts • Frame Repairs & Touch-Ups

Webb Rd. d Pk wy.

For information about advertising in the Milton Herald or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@ appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

erfi el

ADVERTISING

FBI ATLANTA/PROVIDED

FBI Atlanta’s Violent Crime Task Force, with the assistance of Atlanta Police and Sandy Springs Police arrested wanted fugitive Nasir Williams on Aug. 24. Williams was one of the shooters involved in the July 28, 2025, mass shooting on Edgewood Avenue in Atlanta, where one person was killed and 10 others were injured.

De

LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com.

See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | September 3, 2026 | 3

DISTINCTIVE Different by design. Our approach is intentionally refined, highly personalized, and impossible to replicate through scale alone.

Experience real estate, elevated. Connect with our team and discover the difference a boutique approach makes.

PEACHTREETOWNANDCOUNTRY.COM © Peachtree Town and Country, LLC. 404.671.9100. Equal Housing Opportunity.

NEWS

4 | September 3, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

Fear, votes and money: How attack ads actually work

By JOSHUA WILSON joshua@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Turn on the television in metro Atlanta this summer, and it’s hard to avoid them: ads warning that one candidate is dangerous, dishonest or simply wrong for Georgia.

With hotly contested races for U.S. Senate and governor both underway, attack ads have become a fixture of daily life for Georgia voters — and one researcher said that is by design.

David Schweidel, the Goizueta chair in business technology and a professor of marketing at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, has spent years studying how political advertising shapes voter behavior. He said the basic definition of an attack ad is straightforward.

“Attack ads are focused on your opponent,” Schweidel said, distinguishing them from ads in which “the candidate is promoting himself, saying, here is my record.”

He pointed to the Senate race between incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff and Republican challenger U.S. Rep. Mike Collins as a live example. Any Ossoff ad focused on what Collins “is doing,” what he “might do” or on the Re-

DRIVEWAYS & CONCRETE

Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs

$250 OFF

*

Mention ad for $250 Off. New Driveway. Cannot combine coupons.

BBB A+ Rating

ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC. 678-250-4546 | FREE QUOTES • Landscaping Residential & Commercial • Tree Services • Sprikler Systems • Maintenance & Installation Pine Straw & Mulch • Over 25 Years of Experience • Many Local References • Fair Prices for Professional Work • Maintenance & Installation Pine Straw & Mulch • Reliable, Punctual, Honest

KELLY SIKKEMA/UNSPLASH

Paper cutouts of the Democratic donkey and Republican elephant symbolize the two parties. publican’s character would be classified as an attack ad, Schweidel said — and the same holds true in reverse.

Fear and anger stick Attack ads are not inherently more

CONCRETE

Driveways • Patios • Walls • More McKemey concrete $250 OFF* Any job $2500 or more

Competitive Pricing Many Local References

ATTENTION - Double check ad for ALL content. Phone, web, address, coupons, etc. Assume nothing Reply back that ad is approved once ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCURACY.

See ADS, Page 6

DRIVEWAYS

NEW or REPAIR and Patios • Slabs • Walls Sidewalks • Pool Decks McKemey concrete $250 OFF

*

Any job $2500 or more

Bobby Albritton

Master Licensed Electrician Bobby Albritton

Residential & Commercial Services Master Licensed Electrician

CallResidential for a FREE Estimate &

404-519-8635 Commercial Services bgalbritton@live.com

Many Local References

10% OFF

*Offer expires 10 days after publication

Any job $500 or more.

*Offer expires 10 days after publication

Ask for Dave McKemey

678-648-2010 | FREE QUOTES

678-648-2010 | FREE QUOTES

678-506-0006 | FREE QUOTES

ROOF REPAIR & REPLACE

Fruit Trees NOT Producing Fruit?

WE

STOP LEAKS

Serving North Atlanta Since 1983. Affordable Quality Roofing. Based in Roswell.

98 • Tree Removal • Tree Pruning • Stump Grinding

• Full Insured • Free Mulch • Emergency 24/7

$150 OFF

99

$200 Leak Repairs or 10% OFF New Roof *Offer expires 10 days after publication

770-450-8188 | FREE QUOTES

Fruit Tree Pruning Fruit Tree Planting  Soil Care





$200 leak repair. Up to 8 penetrations. (1-story house, up to 7/12 pitch). Some restrictions apply

jobs $1500 or more

770-771-5432 | FREE QUOTES

memorable than positive ones, according to Schweidel, but they tend to trigger the emotions that make messages stick.

“What we found is the things that tend to stick with us are the things that evoke high arousal emotions,” he said.

“In particular, things that evoke fear and anger tend to resonate with us. That’s the stuff that we share on social media.

That’s the stuff that we choose to read online.”

By contrast, he said, positive messaging rarely has the same pull. A candidate touting a strong economy might earn a shrug.

“It doesn’t really excite me,” Schweidel said. “Whereas if I get you afraid of something, if I make you angry at someone — those are the things that kind of get us really riled up, and that’s what tends to be most effective.”

Gabriel Sterling of Sandy Springs, the former chief operating officer of the Georgia Secretary of State’s office who ran unsuccessfully for that role earlier this year, put it more bluntly: there is no such thing as a rational voter — only a rationalizing one.

“We use emotions much more as a sorting mechanism to make decisions, and then we rationalize it with our intellect after the fact,” Sterling said. “Attack ads are a much more gut emotional thing. Issue ads on real substantive discussion things do not move the needle at all. They just become background noise.”

770-284-3123 | FREE QUOTES

Specialized Fruit Tree Prunning and Care

bloom and fruit

bloomandfruit.net

info@bloomandfruit.com

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | September 3, 2026 | 5

S AT U R D AY • S E P T E M B E R 12 10am-1pm (S e n s o ry F ri e n d ly H o u r fr

o m 9 -1 0 a m )

STONECREEK CHURCH 1 3 5 4 0 H ig h w a y 9 N o rt

h

Bring the family to come explore your or your child’s favorite big trucks, heavy duty equipment, and large vehicles! Our Touch-a-Truck event will give kids a hands-on experience in enjoying big trucks and then some.

There will also be food, music, inflatables, and more at this

FREE, can’t-miss event!

SPONSORS

For more information, visit miltonga.gov/events

6 | September 3, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

Ads: Continued from Page 4 A modest but real effect on votes Schweidel’s research has found negative advertising makes an impact on both voter turnout and vote share, though the effect of any single ad is small. Citing a 2018 study, he said a 1% increase in a candidate’s own negative advertising was associated with roughly a 0.015% increase in that candidate’s total vote share.

That may sound negligible, he said, but in Georgia’s tightest statewide races — decided in recent cycles by a matter of thousands of votes — even a marginal shift can matter.

Sterling said he sees that modest effect play out in a different way — not who wins, but who shows up at all.

He pointed to a statewide Republican primary race this year as a case study. Operatives and scholars had projected turnout between 1.2 million and 1.35 million, he said, but the eventual nominee spent more than $100 million — most of it on attack ads — and turnout came in at 950,000.

The former state elections official said the drop was concentrated in metro Atlanta among college-educated suburban voters.

“It’s not fatigue so much as a pox on both their houses,” Sterling said. “[Voters end up thinking] ‘all these people suck. What’s the point?’”

Beyond the ballot box The effects of heavy negative advertising don’t end on Election Day, Schweidel said. Partisan messaging from ads bleeds into ongoing media coverage, keeping conflict in the headlines long after the ads stop running.

“It devolves from talking about actual issues into the mud-slinging contests,” he said.

Asked whether negative ads are fueling the country’s rising “affective polarization” — the emotional, identitybased divide between the parties — Schweidel said he sees them more as a symptom than a cause.

“We are in a very divided society,” he said. “It’s ‘us versus them.’ That’s how each side sees it. It’s not so much in favor of a particular candidate, but it’s ‘I can’t stand the other party, so that tells you who I’m going to vote for.’”

He called Georgia “kind of a microcosm of the U.S.” as a genuinely “purple” state where large blocs of voters on the left and right — and a substantial middle — are left choosing between polarized options.

“In my opinion, [that polarization] detracts from actually addressing the issues,” he said.

Sterling called that reaction “active apathy” — not indifference, but active dislike of every option on the ballot. He said the effect compounds because suppressed turnout tends to thin out swing voters first, leaving a more partisan electorate behind.

He cited the crossover voters who backed both Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, and U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, a Democrat, in 2022 as the kind of bloc that disappears when attack ads dominate a race.

Follow the money Negative ads also serve a fundraising function, Schweidel said, particularly in close, high-profile Senate races where out-of-state money pours in. Campaigns and parties frame contests as existential — “the Senate hangs in the balance” — to justify appeals for donations from voters who don’t even live in the state.

Notably, his research found candidate- and partyfunded ads tend to be more persuasive than ads from outside groups such as political action committees.

“Maybe viewers are kind of, maybe not consciously,

RICK JACKSON FOR GOVERNOR/YOUTUBE

A screenshot shows a frame from “Legacy,” a TV ad uploaded to YouTube by Republican Rick Jackson’s campaign for governor. The ad attacks Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms as “out for herself, not Georgia.”

JON OSSOFF FOR SENATE/YOUTUBE

A screenshot shows a frame from “The Vote,” a TV ad uploaded to YouTube by Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff’s reelection campaign. The ad criticizes Republican challenger U.S. Rep. Mike Collins for voting against releasing the Epstein files.

but they are able to tell, ‘Oh, this is a third party attempting to persuade me. I’m going to discount that a little bit,’” he said.

Sterling agreed attack ads serve campaigns’ fundraising needs but noted they cut both ways — an ad attacking a candidate raises that candidate’s negatives, but it also raises the negatives of whoever is running it. This is a particular risk for the outside groups and PACs that often produce them, the former state official said.

Going negative, earlier and earlier Comparative ads — the kind that lay two records side by side and let voters judge for themselves — have all but disappeared, Schweidel said, in part because they lack the emotional punch of an attack ad.

“That almost to me feels more like a rational appeal,” he said of comparative advertising. “It’s not as sexy as the extreme language.”

Research on campaign advertising found that negativity itself is increasing, Schweidel said. Campaigns used to hold back and pivot from positive to negative messaging late in a race, aiming for a final push before Election Day. That is no longer the pattern.

“Campaigns are going negative earlier and earlier,” he said.

Little appetite — or ability — to regulate Political advertising faces few content or truthfulness regulations, Schweidel said, and enforcement is difficult given how quickly campaigns move. He traced part of the landscape back to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision, which he said “opened the floodgates for third-party spending.”

Sterling, however, said money “is like water.” He said it finds a way into politics regardless of the legal framework and argued the more consequential unintended effect of the ruling was weakening the political parties’ role as a moderating filter.

“The parties used to act as a buffer mechanism to weed out and be a little bit more responsible,” Sterling said.

“Since the parties have been disconnected from it, there's not a mediating mechanism.”

Schweidel said he supports more oversight of political advertising, including on digital and artificial intelligencegenerated content, arguing there is no reason platforms could not verify the claims made in political ads before they run.

Fact-checking, however, does little to blunt an ad’s impact once it’s out in the world, he said — a dynamic that predates social media but has been accelerated by it.

“A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to put its boots on,” Schweidel said. “Even when you try to tell people this ad was wrong, the people who care about that have already made up their mind who they’re voting for. The undecideds aren’t listening to that fact check.”

Ads that follow you Streaming has changed who even sees these ads, Sterling said. He estimated more than a third of Georgians now watch television through services like YouTube TV, which lets campaigns target individual voters rather than buying a broadcast time slot.

“I can give a list to a vendor of Republican voters, or swing voters, I want to hit,” Sterling said. “It will follow you around if you go on vacation; if you open your streaming service, it will find you.”

He said the result is that attack ads increasingly run with no public witness. Your neighbor may never see the ad built to move you, which means no one outside the target group is positioned to catch it, question it or call it out, he noted.

Same ads, different battlefield Sterling, who has worked on presidential campaigns since 1988, agrees with Schweidel that attack ads are not the true cause of rising polarization.

“I do not remember a time in my political life where we didn’t have attack ads at some level,” he said.

He pointed to the U.S. presidential election of 1800 between incumbent John Adams and the eventual victor Thomas Jefferson as proof the tactic predates any modern cause.

“They had the yellow, you know, the partisan papers,” Sterling said. “They literally called John Adams a hermaphroditic troll.”

What has changed, in his view, is that voters no longer share a common set of facts to argue over. He pointed to social media algorithms that reinforce whatever a user already clicks on, creating parallel realities even among people who agree on the underlying events.

“We are living in two different realities, even though all the facts are the same,” Sterling said. “We’re only having certain ones reinforced. And I think social media, more than the attack ads, is the bigger single problem.”

Schweidel is looking at a related question from a different angle. The professor’s current research examines how attack ads shape the news coverage and social media commentary that AI systems draw on to summarize candidates for voters.

“To what extent does today’s attack ad shape the way that AI talks about a candidate?” he said. “That is something that we’re looking into.”

For now, Georgia voters can expect the ads to keep coming. With the Ossoff-Collins Senate race and the governor’s race between Republican Rick Jackson and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms both unresolved heading into the fall, Schweidel offered little hope of relief before Election Day. “Unfortunately, they’re not going to stop,” he said. “We got another two, three months.”

COMMUNITY

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | September 3, 2026 | 7

Milton Historical Society preserves past, builds community

By WAYNE TIDWELL newsroom@appenmedia.com MILTON, Ga. — About 50 members and friends of the Milton Historical Society gathered Tuesday, Aug. 25, for an endof-summer social at Six Bridges Brewing & Craft Spirits on Heritage Walk in Crabapple.

The Milton Historical Society is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote Milton’s past through education, preservation and exploration. The informal gathering offered members an opportunity to visit with one another while reflecting on the organization’s growing role in preserving Milton’s history.

Among those attending was Carl Jackson, a longtime Milton resident who has served on the Historical Society’s board of directors for about six years.

Jackson said the organization has maintained a membership of about 75 to 100 people for several years. Its programs, however, frequently attract people from throughout north Fulton and neighboring communities, including many who are not yet members.

“We draw a lot of people from the entire surrounding area,” Jackson said.

“We’re not just Milton residents.”

The society has presented a series of educational programs this year, including events connected with the 250th anniversary of the United States. Through a partnership with the Milton branch of the Fulton County Library System, the organization has welcomed speakers from area colleges.

Jackson said some of those presentations have drawn audiences of 75 to 80 people.

“Education is one of the society’s primary missions, particularly as new residents move into an area that has experienced rapid growth,” Jackson said. In February, the society was selected to receive a $2,500 grant from local nonprofit Southern Magnolia Charities to further its educational presentations program.

“We have a lot of people who move here from other places and don’t know the history of the area,” Jackson said. “We’re trying to build awareness. That’s our big goal — education.”

The Historical Society also works to protect places that illustrate Milton’s rural and agricultural past. One of its most significant preservation efforts has involved the historic Chadwick house on Birmingham Highway, which Jackson described as the oldest known surviving structure in the city.

See HISTORICAL, Page 26

LESLIE WATSON/PROVIDED

About 50 members of the Milton Historical Society attend the Summer Social at the Six Bridges Brewing and Craft Spirits tap room in Crabapple.

going on now

MACY’S LABOR DAY AREA RUG EVENT

75

%

Reg.Priced* RUGS

OFF

ALL EVENT RUGS ARE READY TO GO HOME WITH YOU TODAY!

At these Rug Galleries: Macy’s Perimeter Furniture Showroom Perimeter Mall, Atlanta Macy’s North Point Furniture Gallery 7231 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta Macy’s Town Center Furniture Gallery 400 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy, Kennesaw Shop handmade rugs, hand knotted one-of-a-kind rugs & machine woven reproductions in a wide range of sizes, shapes, designs and colors. Bring your fabric swatches, room sizes and color ideas – we have the rug for your home!

* REG. PRICES ARE OFFERING PRICES & SAVINGS MAY NOT BE BASED ON ACTUAL SALES. SOME REG. PRICES NOT IN EFFECT DURING THE PAST 90 DAYS. SALE ENDS 9/14/26.

Floor stock only. Selection varies by store. All sales final. Styles shown representative of group. Delivery not available. Prices & merchandise may differ on macys.com.

NEWS

8 | September 3, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

Fulton’s Milestones scores average higher than state, region

By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS/PROVIDED

A graph presented during the Aug. 11 Board of Education work session shows the average scores of Fulton County students on the 2026 spring Georgia Milestones, compared with the state and regional averages for each topic. proficient or distinguished on the Milestones exam. However, fewer than 50% of students district-wide are reaching that level, with the district seeing a less than 2-percentage-point increase from last year’s scores in the subject overall.

High school biology scores increased by 3.9 percentage points, raising the proportion of students’ knowledge labeled proficient or distinguished in the subject to almost 60%. Overall, nearly 2 percentage points more students scored proficient or

$17

Fast Emissions Testing!

Oil Change Special FREE Courtesy Loaner Cars Available!

2875 Bethany Bend, Milton GA 30004 (In Bethany Village next to Publix & Starbucks)

678-389-6462

ExtraMileTireandService.com Mon-Fri: 7am – 5pm

$42.97

WE FEATURE

*Cannot be combined. Must present coupon at check-in. Most cars/light trucks. Includes up to 5 qts. (Euro 8 qts.) (15 qts. Diesel) of oil and a new oil filter. Some vehicles extra. Tax and disposal fee extra. Limited time only.

Millage: Continued from Page 1 a tax rate calculator tool for homeowners to use to calculate their tax bill with the 18.08-mill rate. View it at fultonschools. org.

The proposed increase follows an “extensive districtwide effort to identify savings and efficiencies through the GLIDE initiative.” The district said the initiative — a data-informed strategy focused on growth opportunities, lean operations, investment in innovation, diversified

The Appen Press Club is a way for readers to support our work – directly. If you appreciate local news and want to help us make it happen, consider joining today.

GO TO appenmedia.com/join or mail a check to 319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009

scoring below proficient levels. Gaskins said while those students do have support systems and classes in place to help close learning gaps, it’s important that the parent or guardian is engaged in their student’s learning as well.

Board Member Lillie Pozatek said while the growth is exciting, the district can’t be finished making progress.

“We’re competing against ourselves,” Pozatek said, “and we have one chance to do this right.” revenue and enhanced efficiency — has already saved $50 million.

Superintendent Mike Looney said the increase is due to “significant uncertainty surrounding the county’s property tax process.” Fulton County does not yet have a certified tax digest, but school district officials said the district is moving forward with its financial planning and millage rate process.

Fulton County Schools will hold three public hearings — as required by state law — to provide residents an opportunity to comment on the tentative millage rate. The board will then take a final vote on the matter.

RESS NP

A

UB CL

JOIN TODAY!

Full Synthetic Valvoline up to 5 qts.

distinguished in science.

Looking at the results, Gaskins said the challenge now is to build on these practices to achieve the same level of acceleration at every grade level across the district.

“The important message here is that our progress is not occurring in isolation,” he said. “Across every content area included …

Fulton students are outperforming both the state and in our region.”

Board Member Franchesca Warren asked about support for students who are

APPE

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Superintendent Mike Looney said he and Fulton County Board of Education members are proud of students’ spring Georgia Milestones results from the 2025-26 school year, which outperformed state and regional scores.

Chief Academic Officer Brannon Gaskins gave a presentation on last year’s end-of-year test results in math, science and social studies across certain grade levels at an Aug. 11 work session. Gaskins said there will be an in-depth presentation on the scores and the school district’s action plan to maintain the momentum in September.

Results from the English language arts Milestones tests will be available in the fall due to the tests being replaced by a new assessment.

Gaskins said the progress Fulton County Schools students made in math across all grade levels is “encouraging,” with more than 57% of students assessed scoring proficient or distinguished — a 2.5 percentage-point increase from last year. High school students taking Algebra: Concepts and Connections saw the largest change, with almost 45% of students showing growth in the subject matter.

“While grades seven and eight remain relatively stable, the overall trend is clear,” Gaskins said. “More students are meeting or exceeding Georgia’s expectations in mathematics.”

Eighth grade had the greatest gain in social studies, with an additional 2.7 percentage points of students scoring

COMMUNITY

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | September 3, 2026 | 9

Milton kicker Jung ruled eligible; Eagles win season opener

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com MILTON, Ga. — The Georgia High School Association ruled Milton kicker Ryan Jung eligible after all, allowing the Eagles to fight through to a tough win over North Cobb in their season opener Aug. 21.

Appen Media previously reported the IMG transfer had been deemed unable to compete for Milton. After an appeal, Milton officials said GHSA reversed the decision.

“We saw the word eligible, and we didn’t care about anything else,” officials said.

Eagles head coach Ben Reaves spoke with Appen Media the morning after the ruling was handed down. The team had just wrapped up their first opportunity to practice together again.

Reaves said Jung came back with a bang, kicking a field goal from 60 yards out. “[Practice] was a good vibe, and obviously [Jung] brings such a different dynamic and skill set to our special teams,” Reaves said. “So a couple of those units were happy to see him out there … anytime somebody is kicking to the end zone every time, that’s a huge plus for that special teams unit.”

Ranked as the No. 1 kicker in the class of 2028, Jung’s impact on the field is clear. Reaves, happy to see him return, said it was good to see indications GHSA is “showing on their part that they do want what’s best for kids.”

“We’re just happy as a team that he’s not going to lose an entire year off of a rule misinterpretation,” he said.

“That was the biggest positive that I saw today.”

Big energy and ambitions Eager to make a statement of what they’re capable of, the Eagles made headlines in their season opener Friday night with a downto-the-wire 30-29 victory over North Cobb.

The win propelled Milton to No. 7 in Rivals’ state rankings and No. 54

See FOOTBALL, Page 26

JSM PRODUCTIONS/PROVIDED

Milton kicker Ryan Jung prepares to kick a field goal at the Nest Aug. 21 during the Eagles’ season opener against North Cobb. After appealing a GHSA decision, Jung was ruled eligible earlier in the week and was able to take the field for his first time in an Eagles jersey.

Milton opens national community survey to residents

By ERLANDRYA RUTLEDGE erlandrya@appenmedia.com MILTON, Ga. — Milton residents have until Sept. 16 to complete a National Community Survey, an opportunity to share feedback on the city.

Over the past few weeks, Milton has randomly selected approximately 4,000 households across the city to mail invitations to take the survey.

The survey is now open, mirroring the one taken by randomly selected residents and offering insight into what

people think about the government, community, and life in Milton.

The city encourages those who received one of the mailings to continue participating using the survey link: polco.us/n/res/vote/milton-ga/ the-city-of-milton-2026-community-

survey-open-to-all-residents?pnmethod=open Responses to the open survey will be analyzed separately from the statistically representative survey results, but will provide additional insight into the perspectives of Milton residents.

10 | Milton Herald | September 3, 2026

Popular pizzeria to relocate to former Off Leash building

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A building that once housed a dog park cafe concept will soon welcome a popular pizzeria.

Crust Pasta & Pizzeria, currently at 131 S. Main St., plans to move across the street to 142 S. Main St., a restaurant manager said.

The restaurant’s new building was previously home to Off Leash, which closed in December 2024.

Property near the pizzeria’s current location is expected to undergo expansive development with the construction of a major shopping and dining project.

Alpharetta District Places is expected to come in behind the strip mall that now houses the pizzeria and a number of other businesses, but the developer has no plans currently to demolish or alter the current building, McKibbon Places President Erik Rowen said.

A joint venture between Market District Development and McKibbon Places, Alpharetta District Places broke ground in June and is expected to consist of four buildings, nearly 100 surface parking spaces and 34,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.

Rowen said his group’s plans are to improve pedestrian

GOOGLE STREETVIEW

The building at 142 S. Main St. that once hosted Off Leash will welcome popular Alpharetta pizzeria Crust.

activity and create a beneficial environment for all businesses in the area.

Brad Weiner, managing broker for Alpharetta’s Realty on Main real estate firm, said the area around Crust Pasta & Pizzeria is well suited for restaurants, with easy access for pedestrians and proximity to the downtown district.

He said he thinks Alpharetta District Places could improve the value and standing of nearby businesses, including the pizzeria.

“The downtown sector has exploded with a tremendous amount of high-density residential,” Weiner said.

“The whole purpose of coming into the downtown area is because everything is so accessible and walkable.”

Although Weiner said he thinks the busy intersection at South Main Street and Old Milton Parkway could challenge some businesses, the pizzeria’s already-developed customer base could carry it through.

“That is the one biggest detriments of the corner. I have an opinion as to why Off Leash didn't succeed,” he said.

“That corner is tough to navigate because there's medians, and the traffic at that light at Main and Old Milton is just horrific.”

Donna Murphy, president of the 400 North Realtors Association, said she thinks the former Off Leash building is a “prime location” and one that will only improve.

“It’s got so much more potential in the future,” she said.

Alpharetta District Places could potentially increase the value of adjacent property, she said.

“You know, in real estate, it’s location, location, location,” she said.

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | September 3, 2026 | 11

VISIT THE APPEN MEDIA STORE Support local journalism by visiting appenmediastore.com – every purchase directly funds the vital work of the Appen Media newsroom.

SHOP AT APPENMEDIASTORE.COM AND SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM

12 | September 3, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

DIGITAL DILEMMA

NEWS

Researchers, school districts study screen time use

By JIM BASS jim@appenmedia.com DECATUR, Ga. — Terms like “screenagers” and “iPad kids” have become common nicknames that define Generation Alpha and part of Generation Z. Statistics show why adults are increasingly concerned about children’s and teenagers’ screen time.

According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study conducted between July 2021 and December 2023, 50.4% of teenagers ages 12 to 17 had four hours or more of daily screen time. The study found anxiety and depression symptoms more than doubled in teens who surpassed four hours.

The American Academy of Pediatrics previously recommended that kids be limited to two hours a day; however, that recommendation has been removed, and there is no set limit in place anymore. Instead, the academy recommends “the five Cs” for parents to evaluate screen time limits — child, content, calm, crowding out and communication.

Due to the rise in screen time and easy access to social media among children and teenagers, local institutions, including school districts and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, are exploring different ways to catch up and keep kids safe and healthy.

Preventative tool to save teens Outside of the classroom, students’ social media use has already been under investigation in courtrooms. According to a Los Angeles Times report, Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, was ordered to pay $942 million in total in a two-part New Mexico case, which also required the company to make its platform safer for young people.

According to a Time report, it’s one of thousands of lawsuits filed alleging that social media apps owned by Meta, TikTok, Google and Snap are deliberately addictive to young users. The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that more than 3,000 of those lawsuits can move forward.

A Pew Research Center survey in 2025 found that 92% of teens ages 13 to 17 used YouTube daily, and over 60% used TikTok or Instagram. Of those teens, around 20% of them said they use YouTube or TikTok “almost constantly.”

Locally, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, in partnership with the Georgia Institute of Technology, is beginning to conduct a study to develop a tool that detects when a child’s social media use is becoming “toxic” for the user.

The study comes after an increased interest on children’s mental health following the COVID-19 pandemic, and

JIM BASS/APPEN MEDIA

Children’s Chief of Behavioral and Mental Health Dr. John Constantino poses for a photo at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta on Aug. 17. specifically the lack of safeguards for children on social media.

Children’s Chief of Behavioral and Mental Health Dr. John Constantino is leading the study at the Children’s Pediatric Technology Center at Georgia Tech. The study will evaluate teens using a Georgia Tech-designed social media surveillance tool trained to monitor and detect mental health decline.

Constantino’s team is recruiting participants ages 13-17, who will opt in to take part in the study. He said that while there is the generally perceived association with the “continued erosion of mental health of children” and screen time, he said that the Georgia Tech tool is looking to find the actual causal association, a much more difficult question. “[Georgia Tech] took an approach that asked a very specific question, which is, could you identify within social media activity of youth using smartphones, signatures that would directly predict risks for either erosion in their identity or

literally suicidal thinking and behavior,” Constantino said.

The tool tracks every exchange on a teenager’s social media use. Every time the user interacts, such as watching a video or liking a comment, it records this data as a positive or negative. If it detects too many negative interactions, it will alert researchers.

The exchange is put into an algorithm run by artificial intelligence. The tool takes all that information and calculates the statistical likelihood that the exchange is related to an “erosion in that part of their psychological self.”

“When there’s enough of those vectors that are moving in the wrong direction that have already been shown to predict suicide risk, that’s when we would use that information to act on that signature in real time to help that user of the smartphone course-correct themselves and recognize when it’s becoming toxic to them,” Constantino said.

The tool was developed by Georgia

Tech School of Interactive Computing professor Munmun De Choudhury, who is trying to craft it with sensitivity, hoping to maintain the privacy of the data collected as well. Both Choudhury and Constantino are hoping it can eventually save teenagers’ lives.

“We are trying to see how we can use A.I. for a good purpose,” Choudhury said.

“What we are hoping is that once we can screen for risk, we will be able to connect this young person with the right type of intervention or care that they might need.”

The tool works on a three-alert system. The first level occurs when the tool notices a teen’s social identity deteriorating but not to the level of an emergency, sending a message to the user encouraging the user to reframe, redirect or pause use.

The second alert is triggered when the tool detects behavior requiring caregiver intervention, in which case a direct message is sent to the user’s parents. The third and highest level of alert triggers 911 because the tool has identified an imminent risk of harm to the smartphone user or others on their social network.

Constantino said that the biggest immediate goal is to prevent teenagers from harming themselves. He said Children’s sees more than 3,000 emergency room visits annually due to suicidal crises.

“Given the fact that it’s possible that a smartphone, if it included this surveillance function, could potentially save lives that would otherwise be lost because there’s no way to get to a child who is manifesting those kinds of risks ahead of time,” Constantino said.

Participants will also donate their previously collected social media data, which is accessible to all users, to assist the tool. Of the 200 participants expected, most will be located in Georgia and around the metro Atlanta area.

The study is currently in both “phase zero and phase one,” expected to last 18 months. Constantino hopes to have beta tests for a functioning prototype of a prospective surveillance agent in a smartphone within two years.

“The technology moved faster than the grown-ups’ ability to make sure that the technology can be harnessed by young people in a way that’s safe, and it’s our job as adults to catch up,” Constantino said. “We’re trying to help that process.”

Screen time in schools In recent years, cell phones have largely been removed from the hallways and classrooms of local public school buildings. The goal is to reduce distractions and increase social engagement.

See DILEMMA, Page 25

NEWS

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | September 3, 2026 | 13

IMAGES PROVIDED TO APPEN MEDIA

Atlanta Writers Club Executive Director George Weinstein, far left, works with a panel of publishing professionals during the Atlanta Writers Conference in May.

35th Atlanta Writers Conference important event for authors

By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com ATLANTA — Writers in search of literary agents or editors, take note: The Atlanta Writers Club just might change your life.

Twice a year, the 112-year-old organization for established and aspiring authors hosts the Atlanta Writers Conference, a two-day, one-stop shop for all scribe-related subjects. From hands-on help with the craft of writing to possible literary representation and book deals, the event is something of a publishing be-all and end-all.

The club's next conference, its 35th, will be Nov. 6-7 at the Westin Atlanta Airport Hotel. Thirty literary agents and publishers will provide manuscript and query letter critiques, take pitches and conduct Q&A panels. While these sessions often sell out, more than half of November's panelists still have spots available, and all other weekend activities are open.

In other words, there's still time to sign up for an event that has been lifealtering for many Atlanta-area authors.

"After nearly every one of the past 34 conferences, one or more writers have received representation offers from literary agents and/or publishing offers from the acquisitions editors they met with," said George Weinstein, the club's executive director and conference director.

"Some writers have received sixfigure book deals," he said, "and one author so far — Becky Albertalli — has had her book turned into a movie and TV series."

Weinstein said the 35th conference will include first-time sessions such as a legal issues seminar, one-on-one meetings with an entertainment lawyer and a marketing and public relations

Johns Creek author Toni Bellon volunteering at a recent Atlanta Writers Conference. expert, and a workshop on perfecting the first five pages of a manuscript.

"The conference also features pitch practice sessions, a book fair, a social mixer with agents and publishers, and an award ceremony with giveaway drawings," he added.

While the twice-yearly events routinely draw writers from across the country, the 1,600-member club plans an abundance of activities for local members, 70% of whom are from suburbs along the Perimeter and

farther north to Milton, Cumming and beyond, Weinstein said.

Those offerings include monthly educational meetings and periodic workshops on the craft and business of writing, more than 60 critique groups, a self-publishing conference, writing contests, the biennial Townsend Prize for Fiction, two mentorship programs and a craft of writing certificate program, he said.

Toni Bellon, a Johns Creek author and longtime club member, has

benefited from a number of those resources. She is also one of the conference's many success stories.

Bellon published her first novel, "L.E.A.P.," in 2024.

"Back in 2017, I was introduced to the Atlanta Writers Club by an exneighbor," Bellon said. Since then, she has regularly attended meetings and conferences to learn about the writing process and improve her skills. Five years later, at the November 2022 conference, she met Geoff Habiger of Artemesia Publishing.

"In 2023, he offered me a contract for my first book," Bellon said. "Thanks to George Weinstein and all those who taught at the Atlanta Writers Club."

For Bellon, literary lightning struck twice at another conference a year later.

"The AWC also allowed my next book, 'The Cost of Sin,' to be picked up

by Histria Books" and distributed by Simon & Schuster, she said.

Bellon will launch "The Cost of Sin" at 4 p.m. Sept. 13 at Bookmiser, 3822 Roswell Road, Marietta. Register on Eventbrite.

In addition to discussing her new novel and the third book she's working on, she just might mention how the club has affected her life.

"It has helped me become convinced that I am a writer," said Bellon, who retired as assistant dean of education at the University of North Georgia. "I wasn't sure I could call myself a writer until others told me my writing was good enough to be published.

"It doesn't matter how many books I sell," she said. "Someone thinks they are good enough.”

For more information about November's conference, go to atlantawritersconference.com.

14 | Milton Herald | September 3, 2026

Sponsored Section

PROVIDED

The fall market is not a consolation prize Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings, CEO and Founder of Peachtree Town & Country For prepared sellers and decisive buyers, it is the most honest window of the year.

Where the market stands Metro Atlanta enters September with roughly 30,000 homes on the market, up about five percent from a year ago, and an average detached sales price near $567,000, BILL RAWLINGS up just under four percent.

Read those two figures together and you have the whole story: supply has rebuilt to healthy levels, and values are holding. This is not a market moving against anyone. It is a market that rewards the participants who take it seriously and waits out the ones who do not.

Labor Day marks a real transition. The summer browsers step back, and what remains is the most serious buyer pool of the year, families who must be settled, relocations that cannot wait, and purchasers who have watched the market all year and know value when they see it.

Inside the perimeter Town has settled into genuine balance. Buckhead single-family inventory sits at approximately 4.4 months of supply, the same balanced figure the broader metro reports. Contract activity peaked in late April and has run at a calmer rhythm since, which is the normal seasonal curve, not a warning sign. The more interesting story is at the top: luxury demand has actually strengthened, with contracts above $3 million running at more than double last year’s pace.

Demand at the high end has not gone anywhere. It has concentrated on the properties that deserve it.

For sellers in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Morningside, and Druid Hills, the fall buyer is fewer in number but far more qualified. For buyers, the high-rise segment continues to offer the most workable negotiating conditions in years, particularly as new development adds fresh competition for resale units.

Outside the perimeter Country remains steady and balanced. Alpharetta is holding at roughly 4.4 months of supply with a median of about 24 days to contract, which means accurately priced homes are still going under contract within the first month. Milton, Roswell, Johns Creek, Cumming, and Forsyth continue to draw relocation demand tied to the school calendar, and the buyers active this fall are the ones who missed the summer window and intend to be settled by the holidays.

New construction remains a genuine competitor, so

resale sellers should continue to invest in preparation before going live rather than adjusting price after.

The cost of money Rates spent most of August drifting in a narrow band, easing modestly before firming again in recent days. That kind of movement is the point: we are in a rate environment defined by small swings around a stable center, not a trend in either direction. We remain in the mid-six range, close to where we sat a year ago. Buyers waiting for a dramatically lower number should remember what we said last month: negotiate for a payment, not a headline rate. Structure is still doing the work.

What we are advising clients right now For sellers: if closing before the holidays is the goal, September is the month. Homes that come to market prepared, priced to the last ninety days of closings, will meet the year’s most serious buyers.

Homes that come to market hoping will still be sitting in November.

For buyers: this is the season when selection and seriousness intersect. Inventory is the deepest it has been in years, and sellers are motivated by the calendar. Move decisively on the right property, and use terms, not just price, to win it.

For both: the fall market has never been about volume. It is about intent. Everyone still at the table after Labor Day means it.

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | September 3, 2026 | 15

Don't let probate court run your business Why a trust matters for business owners

over you. That process is public, it takes time, and the court — not you — decides who is appointed and what authority they're given. Meanwhile, your business may have no one with clear legal authority to sign checks, make payroll, or respond to a crisis.

Brought to you by – Holly Geerdes Estates Law Center USA

HOLLY GEERDES

Estate Law Center USA Top 5% Super Lawyer in Georgia

If you own a business, you've spent years building something that runs on your judgment, relationships, and daily decisions.

But what happens to that business the day you can no longer make those decisions — whether from death or incapacity? For many owners, the honest answer is: nobody knows, because there's no plan in place.

The problem with relying on a will alone A will only takes effect at death, and even then, it doesn't avoid probate — it has to go through it. Probate is a court-supervised process, and court supervision means delay, public record, and a judge (not your family or your business partner) overseeing what happens to your ownership interest until the estate is settled.

For a business that depends on quick decisions — signing contracts, approving payroll, responding to a supplier issue — a probate delay of months isn't a paperwork inconvenience. It can be the difference be-

PROVIDED

tween the business surviving and the business stalling out while heirs wait for a judge's approval to act.

The bigger gap: Incompetency Death planning gets most of the attention, but incapacity is arguably the more dangerous gap. If you become incapacitated — from an accident, a stroke, a progressive illness — a will does nothing at all. It has no legal effect until you die. Without other planning in place, the only way for someone to step in and manage your business interest is for a family member to petition a court for guardianship or conservatorship

How a trust changes the picture A properly funded trust holds title to your business interest during your lifetime, so there's no gap in authority if you're incapacitated. Your named successor trustee simply steps in under the terms you wrote, with no court process required. And at death, the trust doesn't need to pass through probate at all — the successor trustee already holds legal title and can continue operating or transitioning the business according to your instructions, immediately and privately.

For a business owner, that difference isn't abstract.

It's the difference between a seamless handoff and a court-supervised interruption at exactly the moment your business can least afford one.

The bottom line If your business interest is one of your most valuable assets — and for most owners, it is — it deserves more protection than a will alone can offer. A trust, properly drafted and properly funded with your business interest, is what allows your business to keep running smoothly through incapacity and to pass to the next generation or the next owner without a probate court standing in the way.

Come visit our workshops and webinars to learn more about protecting your assets.

Would you like your business included in the next Real Estate Report?

Protect Your Assets, Your Home, And Your Family In 3 Steps

Reserve Your Seat For A FREE Estate Planning Workshop Reach affluent North Atlanta communities with a

circulation of 114,000 the first week of each month.

• Does my Will protect my “stuff”? (It does not.)

• Should I upgrade my Will to a Trust?

• What do I need to know about Revocable Living Trusts?

• How do Irrevocable Trusts work?

September/October Workshops: Tues., Sept. 1, 4 pm Thurs., Sept. 3, 12 noon Wed., Sept. 9, 6 pm Tues., Sept. 15, 4 pm

To learn more, call 770-442-3278 or email: mike@appenmedia.com

Thurs., Sept. 17, 12 noon Wed., Sept. 23, 6 pm Tues., Sept. 29, 4 pm Thurs., Oct. 1, 12 noon

• Medicaid. What’s true and what’s not?

• How do I protect my assets for my family and legacy?

• How do I remain in control?

• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?

• How can my family avoid probate?

Attend our FREE Educational Workshops.

Reserve your Spot and Get a FREE Consultation for attending the Workshop (a $500 Value) CODE: herald2023

1100 Cambridge Square | Suite B | Alpharetta, GA 30009 | 770.209.2346 | hgeerdes@gklawgroup.com

16 | September 3, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

Come Live the Resort Life!

Phase 5C Just Released

CANTON 55+ LIVING – UP TO $50K IN SAVINGS OR 50% OFF BASEMENTS ON CONTRACTS WRITTEN BY 9/30/26 GRAND CLUBHOUSE BAR • COFFEE SHOP • ACTIVITY ROOMS • RESORT POOL • PICKLEBALL • TENNIS • POOL BAR • WALKING TRAILS • DOG PARK • BOCCE BALL • COMMUNITY GARDEN • FIRE PIT • GATED GAURDHOUSE • COMMUNITY POST OFFICE

Luxury Resort Living from the $500s -$900s • SOLEILBP.COM • 305 Belmont Park Ct, Canton, GA • 770.635.4080 NEW Soleil Summit Chase • From the $400s - $700s • 3465 Rosebud Rd. SW, Snellville, GA • 770.635.4081 © 2026. All rights reserved. LLane & Co Real Estate is a licensed real estate brokerage. Information is believed to be accurate but not warranted and subject to change without notice. See agent for details. Equal Housing Opportunity

SALES & MARKETING BY

404.969.5263

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | September 3, 2026 | 17

LIVE THE LAKE LIFE!

ONLY 2 HOMES REMAIN WITH BOAT SLIP Up to $45K in Incentives on Select Homes*

Long Hollow Landing Community Dock

Lakeside Community with Lake Lanier Access from $1 Million + Community Courtesy Docks with Swim Platforms Gathering Area with Pavilion/Gazebo and

» Long Hollow Landing Includes Deeded Covered Boatslip at the Community Dock «

Fireplace

Long Hollow Landing | 7970 Beryl Overlook Gainesville, GA 30506 | 678-232-0221 | DavidPattersonHomes.com

Move-In Ready Homes from the $700’s Minutes from Lake Lanier Single-Family European Farmhouse Homes Creekside Overlook | 8036 Wallace Wood Rd. Gainesville, GA 30506 | 770-744-4018 | DavidPattersonHomes.com

Also building Townhomes in Dawsonville, GA from the $300’s

SALES & MARKETING BY

404-969-5263

© 2026. All rights reserved. LLane & Co Real Estate is a licensed real estate brokerage. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information is believed to be accurate but not warranted and subject to change without notice. *See Agent for Details

Located in East Forsyth High School District Plans range from 30433864 sqft *On select homes, see agent for details, offer subject to change without notice.

18 | September 3, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

PROVIDED

Last chance for new construction at Laurel Canyon — Now $999,950 $200,000 price reduction creates an exceptional opportunity for the final new home in this award-winning Canton community Brought to you by – Patrick Malloy Communities For homebuyers who have been waiting for the right opportunity at Laurel Canyon, this is it. The last new construction home available in this highly desirable master-planned community has recently been reduced by $200,000 and is now priced at $999,950.

With approximately 1,350 homes, Laurel Canyon has become one of Canton’s most recognized communities, known for its beautiful North Georgia setting, established neighborhoods and spectacular mountain views. Residents enjoy a pool, clubhouse, tennis, pickleball, golf, and walking trails. Now, buyers have one final opportunity to own a brand-new home and enjoy everything this exceptional community has to offer.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the North Georgia mountains, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with a large study is set on more than one acre and features a rare, flat backyard, impressive living spaces and amazing mountain views within a well-established community.

Designed with both everyday living and entertaining in mind, the home features spacious gathering areas that make it easy to host family and friends, celebrate special occasions or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. Thoughtful design, beautiful finishes and generous living spaces create a home that feels equally suited for an intimate evening at home or a house full of guests.

But one of its most memorable features may be just outside the windows. Beautiful mountain views provide a dramatic backdrop and a sense of retreat that is difficult to find this close to the conveniences of Canton.

For buyers who love the idea of a new home but don’t want to wait years for a new neighborhood to take shape, this opportunity offers the best of both worlds: brand-new construction within an established 1,350home master-planned community.

Built by Patrick Malloy Communities, the recent price improvement makes the opportunity even more compelling. Originally priced $200,000 higher, the home is now offered at $999,950 as the neighborhood prepares to close out new home sales.

There will not be another new construction release at Laurel Canyon. Once this home is sold, the opportunity to purchase a brand-new residence here is gone.

One home. One incredible new price. One last chance.

If Laurel Canyon has been on your wish list, now is the time to make your move. Tour the final new construction home today and experience the mountain views, spacious design and lifestyle that have made Laurel Canyon such a sought-after Canton address.

Priced to Sell — Hurry Before It’s Gone!

Horizon at Laurel Canyon 236 Laurel Vista Drive Canton, GA PMCommunities.com 770-301-1889

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | September 3, 2026 | 19

Appen Media Group publishes 7 award winning publications, home-delivered, with a combined circulation of 114,000 every week* and is the #1 source for hyper-local news in the areas we serve.

Are you a business owner/manager looking to increase sales & gain new customers/clients?

Learn how to reach this attentive and affluent audience with a customized marketing plan just for you!

Call 770-442-3278 or email: advertising@appenmedia.com to get started!

BOUTIQUE HAS ITS LIMITS. We Don’t.

The feel & service of a small local brokerage.

The marketing, brand, and resources of a global powerhouse.

NO OTHER FIRM COMES CLOSE. Let’s get started.

ink

Decaturish

ANSLEYRE.COM | 770.284.9900 31 CHURCH STREET, ALPHARETTA, GA 30009 Alpharetta | Athens | Blue Ridge | Buckhead | Intown | Marietta | Peachtree City

*Decaturish Ink currently publishes on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of every month. All other publications publish every Thursday.

If you have an existing relationship with another brokerage, this is not intended as a solicitation. All data believed to be accurate but not warranted. Ansley upholds Equal Housing Opportunity & Federal Fair Housing policies.

20 | September 3, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

ISTOCK

Escaping shackles of traditional & beige design Brought to you by – Bath and Kitchen Galleria If your home was built during the 1990s or early 2000s, you are likely to know this specific design aesthetic very well. It’s the sea of neutral beige.

For more than a decade, builders and homeowners wrapped kitchens and bathrooms in a warm, monochromatic blanket of tan ceramic tiles, honey oak cabinets and beige walls. This beige palette and heavy crown molding was the gold standard of suburban design.

Senior Designer at Bath and Kitchen Galleria, Bobbie Kohm, comments “While bulky corbels and the beige palette offered safety and mass appeal back then, today it often makes beautiful homes feel dark, dated, and heavy.

Fortunately, updating your kitchen or

bathroom doesn’t require jumping to the other extreme of wild, fleeting trends. You can easily trade out the dated look for a fresh, updated aesthetic using timeless and conservative color strategies.”

Modernize the kitchen core The quickest way to break the beige cycle in the kitchen is by addressing the honey oak cabinetry. If the cabinets are in good structural shape, painting them with more neutral warm off-whites, sophisticated creams, or muted stone grays will do the trick. To update the kitchen layout and incorporate a large island, new cabinets will be in order, which will allow a departure from the feel of heaviness and result in a simpler, cleaner look and feel.

For countertops, replace speckled brown granite with quartz that features a

clean white background and subtle gray veining. This introduces movement and brightness without overwhelming the senses.

Refresh the bathroom sanctuary Bathrooms from the turn of the millennium often suffer from an overload of beige and travertine tiles and matching grout. You can neutralize this heavy look by replacing the floors with large-format porcelain tiles in soft charcoal or light greige—a beautiful blend of gray and beige that bridges the gap between warm and cool tones.

For the walls, swap out the muddy tan paint for a crisp, calming seafoam green, pale slate, or a refreshing mist gray. “These colors evoke a spalike atmosphere while maintaining a clean look that appeals to younger

generations.” Says Bobbie Kohm.

Finish with contrast To tie your new palette together, focus on the details. Replace old shiny brass hardware with champagne bronze or polished nickel faucets and cabinet pulls.

This adds a sharp, intentional contrast that instantly anchors the room into the modern era.

Stepping away from traditional beige and traditional design doesn’t mean you have to embrace modern or loud aggressive colors. By shifting toward thoughtful neutrals and muted, natureinspired tones, you can give your 1990s home a sophisticated, timeless revival. To learn more about what’s discussed in this article contact Bobbie Kohm at Bath and Kitchen Galleria in 10591 Old Alabama Rd Conn, Alpharetta, GA, 678-459-2292.

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | September 3, 2026 | 21

22 | September 3, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

PAST TENSE

OPINION

The Sandy Springs home of John and Margaret Ball On Roswell Road, at the site of Big Trees Forest Preserve, James Tilden Lamberth lived on the farm of his grandparents, John W. Ball (18401920) and Margaret VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Adams Ball (18451905). The history Columnist in this article comes from Lamberth’s memories, as told to his daughter, Virginia Lamberth Allison, and shared

by Burt Terrell, a great-grandchild of John and Margaret Ball.

John W. Ball was one of 10 children of Peter and Margaret Robertson Ball, who came to Georgia from South Carolina in 1829. Their farmland extended from Georgia 400 to the intersection of Mount Vernon and Ashford Dunwoody roads. Margaret’s parents were Salathiel and Sarah Harris Adams, who arrived in 1835 and owned a farm where Murphey Candler Park is today.

When John Ball returned home after fighting with the Confederate Army, he built a log cabin on his land. The cabin was one room, 15 feet by 30 feet, with a fireplace at one end and a door at the other. He later added two bedrooms.

When the family was ready for a larger two-story house, he connected the two homes with a breezeway. Ball built both homes and the furniture inside them.

James Tilden Lamberth was born March 18, 1902. His father was Jerry Tilden Lamberth, and his mother was Mary Lenora Ball Perkins. Jerry Lamberth died of pneumonia before James was born. His mother remarried, and her new husband had teenage children. James ended up living with his grandparents.

Lamberth recalled that his grandmother was a seamstress who worked in the attic of the home. She carded cotton and used a spinning wheel to turn it into thread, and the thread was made into cloth.

She also made bar soap from hardwood ashes. “Water poured over the ashes would seep out the bottom of the

ROI

matters.

“IMAGES OF AMERICA: SANDY SPRINGS,” KIMBERLY M. BRIGANCE AND MORRIS V. MOORE

In 1915, John Ball (center, behind table) gathered at home with his family for his 75th birthday. The home was located along Roswell Road where Big Trees Forest Preserve is today. pit as lye, which she made into soap in a wash pot,” Lamberth said. Margaret Ball died when Lamberth was 5 years old.

Two large barns stood on the farm.

One held corn and wheat, plus a pea thresher. The other had a corn sheller and was used to store feed for the mules and cows. John Ball built the pea thresher and the corn sheller.

The family grew cotton for many years, until that was no longer profitable. Their farm provided all the food they needed except for items such as coffee, sugar, salt and soap powder,

which they bought at the grocery store.

One night in the middle of a cold winter, John Ball decided to try something new. “Sitting around the huge fireplace, my grandfather got out the Sears Roebuck catalog, which was only about an inch thick at that time, and found a sorghum cane juice extractor powered by a one-cylinder gas engine with two huge flywheels,” Lamberth said. Ball ordered the extractor without the engine and put his mule, Ol’ Ned, to work providing the power.

Targeted local marketing in the most trusted local media works.

Alpharetta | Roswell | Milton | Johns Creek Forsyth | Dunwoody | Sandy Springs Local community newspapers – Heralds & Criers – that matter.

Lamberth remembered that the mule worked hard and was cooperative when spoken to in a kind voice, but did the opposite if anyone shouted at him.

John and Margaret Ball are buried in the Ball family cemetery, next door to the former site of their home.

Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. Write her at pasttensega@gmail.com. Learn more at pasttensega.com.

Partner with Appen Local Media: Local: Print | Websites | Email Newsletters | Podcasts Use the power of trusted local to grow your business.

APPEN Marketing: 770-442-3278 Advertising@AppenMedia.com

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | September 3, 2026 | 23

GARDEN BUZZ

Please plant native for picky eaters Increasingly, scientists and backyard gardeners are recognizing the importance of native plants to the survival of native insect populations.

What is a native plant?

Native plants are Guest Columnist species that have grown naturally in a specific region for thousands of years.

Most were here before European settlement, and they have thrived and contributed to the health of our ecosystem. Some native insects depend DANA HALLBERG on one or a handful of Guest Columnist specific native plants for survival. One urgent example is the eastern monarch butterfly, which has declined over the past several decades.

About the authors This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnists are Carole MacMullan and Dana Hallberg, both master gardeners and Milton residents. Carole is a former biology teacher who enjoys using her teaching skills to create a variety of presentations on gardening topics for the North Fulton Master Gardeners Speakers Bureau. Her favorite hobbies are gardening, hiking, biking, and reading. Dana is a retired, pharmaceutical research chemist turned scientific and healthcare staffing executive. Dana has lived and gardened in New Jersey and Southern California before moving to Georgia.

CAROLE MACMULLAN

What do butterflies and moths need?

Two types of native plants are essential to many butterflies and moths: nectar-rich plants, which sustain adults so they can reproduce and lay eggs, and host plants, which nourish the caterpillars that emerge from the eggs.

Be a friend to butterflies and other pollinators by planting nectar-rich natives such as bee balm, coneflower, beardtongue, columbine, salvia, Joe-Pye weed, butterfly weed, milkweed, blazing star, goldenrod and asters. Butterfly bush (Buddleia), confusingly, is neither a native nor a host plant. It earned the moniker by attracting butterflies as a nectar source.

Monarchs require milkweed as a host plant The key to the monarch’s long-term survival is a single plant: milkweed.

Monarch caterpillars eat only milkweed in the Asclepias genus. They are picky eaters. The leaves feed the caterpillars and, because of chemical toxins called cardenolides, make both caterpillars and adult monarchs poisonous to predators.

Monarchs’ generational migration Eastern U.S. monarchs, like all butterflies and moths, have a four-part life cycle: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa and adult. Adults are known for their long, round-trip migration in the spring from their winter roosts in the mountains of Mexico to the northeastern United States and back to Mexico in the fall.

But the story is more complicated than

PAT MILLIKEN/PROVIDED

Upper Left: Monarch butterfly enjoying nectar from a pink-flowering swamp milkweed Upper Right: Monarch feeding on orange-flowering butterfly milkweed Lower left: A single white, monarch butterfly egg on a milkweed leaf Lower middle: Two monarch butterfly caterpillars on a milkweed plant Lower right: A monarch pupa after emerging that, because no single butterfly makes the whole trip. On the journey north, monarchs stop at four locations with one objective: to reproduce. Four generations are born over the course of a year before the last of them returns to Mexico.

First generation The sexually immature adults overwinter in Mexico. As the weather warms in the spring, they mature, travel north and make their first stop to reproduce in a Southeastern state.

Second generation These offspring travel to a midAtlantic location to find a mate and lay their eggs on the leaves of the essential milkweed, so the picky caterpillars can grow into adults. Egg laying is a laborious process. The female lays one egg per milkweed leaf until her supply is depleted. When the eggs hatch, after a three- to eight-day incubation period, each caterpillar has an instant source of food. Both the second and third generations die within two weeks of reproducing.

Third generation A desire to travel is built into a monarch’s DNA. The third generation flies to a northern location to reproduce, and its descendants fly farther north to reproduce for the last time.

Fourth generation The fourth generation is supercharged. These monarchs do not reproduce, and they can live six to nine months.

The best chance to see monarchs in Georgia comes in late summer and early fall, as they travel south and stop here to fuel up on nectar-rich plants. That energy carries them on a 1,500-mile journey to their winter home in the mountains of Michoacán state, west of Mexico City. The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, shelters them in an oyamel fir forest for four or five months, until the spring odyssey begins again.

Georgia gardeners have three suggested native milkweeds: swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), which has pink flowers; butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), which has orange flowers; and whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata), which has white flowers. These plants are often difficult to find locally, so growing them from seed is an excellent alternative.

Growing milkweed from seed Buy organic seed that has not been treated with systemic pesticides. Place the seeds on a paper towel or coffee filter, seal them in a plastic bag and refrigerate them in the crisper drawer for 30 to 45 days to simulate the winter cold they need to

germinate.

Once the chilling period is complete, it is time to plant. Use a well-draining seedstarting mix in deep containers, because milkweed develops a long taproot. Press the seeds into the soil, cover them with a quarter-inch of soil and set the containers in a sunny window or under a grow light until they sprout. Keep the soil consistently moist.

Gardeners should avoid tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) and hairy balls milkweed (Gomphocarpus physocarpus), which are sold at some big-box stores and large nurseries. These nonnative species do not die back in the winter in temperate areas such as ours, and as a result they interfere with monarch migration and reproduction.

Cultivating native plants is a direct investment in the survival of the monarch butterfly. By choosing native milkweed and nectar plants, backyard gardeners can support the essential migration pathways needed to keep these magnificent monarchs flying for generations to come.

Happy gardening!

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

Come visit us at the Alpharetta Farmers Market and the Sandy Springs Farmers Market. We will also have a booth at the Crabapple Festival in Milton on Oct. 3.

24 | September 3, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

Continued from Page 1 The city of Milton appealed the verdict, which was later upheld by the appeals court. The state’s highest court reversed that ruling in a 5-2 decision in March. Justices ruled in part that the state’s waiver of the city’s sovereign immunity for failing to keep streets safe for travel does not extend to roadside areas like where the planter was located, even if those areas might be used in an emergency.

The case was sent back to the appeals court to decide whether other immunity waivers could still allow the negligence claim to proceed and whether immunity separately bars the nuisance claim. Those questions remained unresolved when the settlement was reached through mediation.

Attorneys Jeffrey R. Harris and Jed D. Manton of Harris Lowry Manton LLP, who represent the Chang family, said in a statement to Appen Media that no settlement “can undo the loss of Joshua Chang, a young man who had an incredibly bright future.”

“We hope this brings his family some measure of closure,” the attorneys said. “His death, caused by a

concrete planter placed dangerously close to a road, was a preventable tragedy for which a Fulton jury held Milton liable. We hope his legacy prompts cities to take roadway hazards more seriously to maintain safe travel ways for all Georgia citizens.”

Before the vote during the specialcalled meeting, city officials said the alternative to the settlement was a “contingent but unknown” outcome that could exceed $40 million if the case continued through the appeals court.

During public comment on the matter, Milton resident Sarah Moen told the council there were “no winners” in the settlement. “$3.33 million is a much easier pill to swallow than $40-plus million,” Moen said. “That said, I do have some serious reservations about the [insurer’s] ability to assess risk on behalf of the city.”

Moen said the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency passed on an earlier $1.75 million settlement offer, which was, in her opinion, “foolish and irresponsible.” “[That] decision was made not only at our expense but at the expense of every governmental body GIRMA represents,” she said. “We deserve answers for that decision — real answers. Regardless, as I stated …

there are no winners here tonight. The signing of the settlement agreement will bring a finality that I pray none of us ever have to experience. By all accounts, Joshua was a good kid … his life cut far too short.”

Council Member Doug Hene said he agreed “with [Moen’s] comments that clearly there’s no winners and it will forever be an unfortunate circumstance we had to navigate.”

“I do want to give kudos and appreciation on behalf of all the citizens of Milton to our city attorney, city manager and specifically to you, Mayor, for the effort that you undertook to make sure that you protected … taxpayers the way you did,” he continued. “It was not unnoticed … that was a herculean task to rally the troops, meaning all the other cities in the state, to ensure they understood the liability posed by such a ruling.”

Mayor Peyton Jamison said the settlement marks the end of a chapter in the city’s life.

“Tomorrow, we’re going to continue what we do best, which is serving our citizens … and making this the safest city in Georgia and No. 1 city to raise a family,” Jamison said.

Jamison said during an Aug. 20 interview with Appen Media that the city has “been looking” at items similar to

Since 1990 we have believed local news should be free to read and accessible by all. If you agree, consider making a pledge today.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published as a news brief after the council meeting Aug. 24. It was updated to include quotes from resident Sarah Moen and city of Milton officials, the statement from the Chang family’s attorneys and additional details about the settlement.

RESS P N

A

UB CL

Free to read, not to produce.

the concrete planter, which he said was placed by a private resident, and having those items, including masonry mailboxes, “removed.”

“We have forced people to remove them, and we continue to do so,” Jamison said then.

Provided all parties sign the settlement agreement and submit required documentation, Chang’s parents are due to receive the $10 million payment within 14 days.

The parties will jointly ask the appeals court to dismiss the pending case as moot once the settlement is paid.

The settlement agreement does note the court is “under no obligation to” dismiss the case, but the terms require the plaintiffs to “execute and file any satisfaction, cancellation, dismissal or other document necessary” to confirm that the judgment, verdict and all claims from the lawsuit have been fully satisfied.

APPE

Settlement:

Go to appenmedia.com/join or mail a check to 319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | September 3, 2026 | 25

A Decatur Schools presentation slide shows the Lightspeed Insights metrics of student’s use of district-issued laptops through May 2026.

Dilemma: Continued from Page 12 However, district-issued laptops and devices that had become integral to virtual learning following the COVID-19 pandemic may also be limited in classrooms in favor of more pen-and-paper activities due to screen time concerns.

Both Atlanta Public Schools and the City Schools of Decatur have begun looking into ways to limit screen time, with APS hosting a town hall meeting and considering a drafted policy that would implement screen time limits of one hour for Pre-K to 2nd grade, two hours for 3rd to 5th grade and less than half of 6th through 12th grade classes being on a screen.

Decatur Schools discussed a partnership with EdTech Balance, a local parent group that is helping the district craft, implement and train teachers with screen time guidelines.

CSD Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Burton emphasized in an Aug. 11 meeting that this technology should be mainly supplemental.

“We know a fundamental truth in education, which is that direct instruction from a teacher is critical,” Burton said. “Technology should be used strictly as a supplement and enhancement, and not a replacement for a teacher.”

Burton said that the district wants

to reduce “mirroring” when students view a PowerPoint on their screen that is also displayed on the board. The district seeks to reduce the volume of shared Google Docs and return to using more physical textbooks.

“We have to minimize this digital friction and clear away that digital noise so students can focus on what matters most, which is learning,” Burton said.

Burton said any guidelines would not apply to students with Individualized Education Plans or a 504 plan that may require more technology.

The district will limit email access, completely disabling access to Kindergarten through 5th grade, limiting middle school’s uses, while leaving high school’s access as-is.

No official screen limiting times have been set yet, as they want to first evaluate and collect data on how

technology is used in the class before applying timed restrictions.

Lightspeed Classroom Management evaluated the district-issued laptop’s daily screen time by grade, finding that 6th-, 8th-, and 9th-graders spent the most time on screens during class in May 2026.

Earlier in the Aug. 11 meeting, vice chair Hans Utz said that he doesn’t think it’s possible to remove screen time completely, but wants the district to look into minimizing it to mostly state requirements.

“My perspective is if I could take a hammer to every screen out there, I would, but that’s actually not possible,” Utz said. “There are Georgia standards that require some amount of screens, so we’re going to have to meet those standards.”

The EdTech Balance guidelines are

Locally Owned and Operated

• Pre-planning • Grief Support • Funeral Services • Veteran Services • Cremation Services

770-645-1414

info@northsidechapel.com www.northsidechapel.com

North Fulton’s Only On-Site Crematory 12050 Crabapple Road • Roswell, GA 30075

PROVIDED/CITY SCHOOLS OF DECATUR

not fully in place yet; Burton said it will take time but expects them to be implemented this school year.

26 | September 3, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

Historical: Continued from Page 7 Built around 1839 or 1840, the house was donated to the city by a member of the Chadwick family. Jackson said Historical Society representatives helped facilitate discussions that allowed the city to accept the property.

The city is now taking steps to stabilize and protect the structure until a full restoration can be undertaken.

Those measures include securing the property, preventing water damage and placing fencing around it.

“We’ve been able to save that, which is a big deal,” Jackson said.

The society has not yet conducted a major capital fundraising campaign, but Jackson said restoration of the Chadwick house could eventually become an appropriate project around which to organize one.

In addition to preserving buildings, members have helped document the community’s history through roadside markers and signs identifying local waterways. The creek signs residents see while crossing bridges are part of an effort to help people recognize the historic landscape around them.

Society volunteers also work in local cemeteries, cleaning veterans’ graves and restoring headstones so inscriptions can once again be read.

Jackson described the society’s board as a “working board,” with members assuming responsibility for particular projects rather than meeting only to review reports. Jackson helps coordinate the organization’s speakers. Other members organize its

LESLIE WATSON/PROVIDED

Byron Foster (Left) and Carl Jackson, board members, at the Milton Historical Society’s Summer Social.

annual fall gathering, spring activities, cemetery work and preservation projects.

“Everybody has a piece of it,” he said.

The organization also works closely with Milton’s elected officials and city staff. Jackson said city leaders have been receptive to the society’s concerns and supportive of its preservation work.

Milton does not have an active historic preservation commission, Jack-

Request for Proposals Medical Direction Services Fire-Rescue - REISSUANCE RFP NUMBER 26-FD02R Proposal Due Date: September 17, 2026, by 2:00PM Local Time Electronic submission via: https://www.miltonga.gov/government/finance/bidsrfps Names for submissions received will be publicly announced via a virtual bid opening at approximately 2:30 PM at the City of Milton City Hall located at 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, GA 30004. The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals. If the contract(s) is awarded, it will be awarded to the highest scoring Offeror(s) whose proposal meets the requirements and criteria set forth in the request for proposals.

The City of Milton is seeking proposals from qualified medical professionals to provide medical direction and oversight to the Milton Fire Department's Emergency Medical Service that provides services to the City of Milton residents and visitors.

All qualified proposals will receive consideration without regard to age, handicap, religion, creed or belief, political affiliation, race, color, sex, or national origin.

The request for electronic proposals for RFP 26-FD02R Medical Direction Services Fire- Rescue-REISSUANCE will be posted on the following websites the week of August 27, 2026: https://www.miltonga.gov/government/finance/bids-rfps and https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/gpr/

son said, leaving the Historical Society to perform some of the functions such a commission might otherwise undertake. He would like to see the city establish or reactivate a formal commission as development continues.

“I think that is going to be really important for us to keep the flavor of our history here,” Jackson said.

Jackson said Milton’s incorporation in 2006 has made local government more accessible to residents.

“I feel like local government is reachable here,” he said. “You can reach out and at least have somebody in local government hear from you.”

That accessibility is particularly meaningful in Fulton County, which stretches roughly 70 miles from north

Football: Continued from Page 9 nationally. MaxPreps ranks the Eagles No. 46 in the country. They are now the highest-ranked team in Region 7-6A after Gainesville took a 39-19 loss at Buford. The Atlanta JournalConstitution has Milton ranked as high as No. 2 in Class 6A. The Eagles are biting to get back to the Benz. After injuring his wrist in the season opener last year, quarterback Derrick Baker celebrated his first game back by throwing for 189 yards and rushing for 92 and two touchdowns.

His connection with tight end Grant

to south. Much of present-day Milton was once part of Milton County, which was consolidated with Fulton County in 1932 during the Great Depression.

For Jackson, understanding such history is essential to preserving the identity of a community that continues to change.

“Milton is a special place,” he said.

“There are not a lot of places like this in a suburban area.”

Through lectures, preservation projects, cemetery work and social gatherings, the Milton Historical Society hopes to ensure that the stories behind that special place are not lost.

More information about The Milton Historical Society can be found at miltonhistoricalsociety-georgia.org Haviland primed the team to take the lead with a two-point conversion.

Jung went three-for-five on touchbacks in his first game as an Eagle, getting just one field goal attempt. From 52 yards, it wasn’t the introduction he’d hoped for. Next week, he will get more chances to right the ship as his team is set to face off against a tough defensive squad.

Milton’s next game is against another cross-class opponent with title hopes, Blessed Trinity. The Titans shut out Decatur 44-0 in the Corky Kell to open their season, and last year’s matchup was a defensive struggle that ended 2110, Milton.

The Eagles will need a repeat of last year to cement their new start.

Puzzles

Crier 8/20/26 Connect-It

PuzzleJunction.com

Connect-It

Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com

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

Milton Herald ................................September 3, 2026 | 27

1

IS IT SOUP YET? 1. Coin toss result. Barber shop call. French ___ soup.

2. Soup with a lot of fiber.

Acidic. Vetoes.

3. Hawaiian feast. Vegetarian soup, usually. Recipe direction.

4. Like many a cellar. Soup with spuds. Duck hangout.

5. Cream soup made from shellfish. Hurry. Big pitcher.

6. Reindeer herder. Baby buggy.

Cattle rear end soup.

7. Soup from green reptiles.

Visionary. Litter member.

PuzzleJunction.com

Dunwoody Crier 8/20/26 Crossword

Across

1

1 Scarf material 5 Overdue 9 Glimpse 13 Boredom 3 14 Macaws 15 Blue shade 16 Island in the road 4 18 Swallow quickly 19 Tender 20 Tipster 5 21 Smacks 22 Summer (Fr.) 23 Terrarium plant 6 24 Big game 25 Even, in verse 26 “Shucks!” /20/26 Sudoku7 28 Young newt Is It Soup Yet? Crier 8/20/26 Kakuro 31 Ohio, for one PuzzleJunction.com How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle Dunwoody above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is 34 Sicilian erupter 1. first Coin toss Barber call.

French ___ letter soup.is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each the letter of result. the second answer,shop and so on. The connecting 35 Niagara River 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 2. the Soup with aonlot fiber.

Acidic.

Kakuro, alsoThe known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, a crossword grid. The rules are easy: A number source for 3 answers theofpuzzle, line.

Buteach here’srow, theVetoes. catch! clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line solved 1 mayin(or may not) style actually To solve the Sudoku column and above the diagonal line in a black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of it. A number below the diagonal line is36 the sum Protect those be for the second or third answer in that line.

Got it?

Good luck! box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

3. Hawaiian feast. Vegetarian soup, usually. direction. of the white squaresRecipe in the sequence below it. You may only use the digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence. within 39 Curved shape 4. Like many a cellar. Soup with spuds. Duck hangout.

40 Keats, for one 5. Cream soup made from shellfish. Hurry. Big pitcher.

41 West Pointer 42 Kitten’s cry 6. Reindeer herder. Baby buggy. Cattle give up their rear ends 43 Brass component for this soup.

44 Club ___ (resort) 7. Soup from green reptiles. Visionary. Litter member.

45 Mystery writer Ambler 47 Kimono sashes 49 Stew morsel 52 Dixie drink 54 Very, in Versailles 55 Jack-in-thepulpit 56 Cutlass maker 57 In the way place 59 Old dagger 60 Dance bit 61 Torcher’s Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com How to Solve: Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a misdeed challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid.

The rules are easy: A number above the diagonal line in a black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com it. A number below the diagonal line is the sum of the white How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, squares in the sequence below it. You may only use the digits column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence.

2

5

2

5 3 8

4 6 1 7

5

7

9

2

8 1 5

4

8

9

4

1

6 7

2

PuzzleJunction.com

3

4

5

7

8

9

14

13 16

17

19

20

34

29

30

49

50

51

35

37

38

39

40

41

52

28

24 27

36

43 45

12

21

26

33

42

11

18

25 32

10

15

23

22

31

6

44

46

47

48

54

53

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com

62 Richard Rodgers collaborator 63 Rocky peaks 64 Male turkeys Down 1 Schnoz 2 Harden 3 Crescent 4 Youngster 5 Work 6 Make a left or right and you’re there 7 Tense 8 Time zone 9 Raptor 10 Land measure (Brit.)

11 Orange feature 12 Hogs the conversation 13 Gaelic 17 Egyptian solar deity 21 Japanese coin 23 Touch 24 Doodle 25 Engrave 27 Dill seed 29 Penalty 30 Exam 31 Con game 32 Radial, e.g.

33 Machinist’s tool 34 Collar type 35 Cry of surprise 37 Colossal 38 Deck members

43 Energy 44 Soybean paste 46 Change, as a clock 48 Makes like a horn 49 Geometrical solid 50 Continental money 51 End of grace 52 One of the Brolins 53 Arm bone 54 Former Yugoslav leader 55 60’s hairdo 57 WW II craft (Abbr.)

58 Blubber

See puzzle solutions on Page 29

Solution

Solution 7 2 9 5 1 3 6 4 8

5 8 6 4 2 9 1 7 3

3 4 1 7 6 8 5 2 9

8 6 7 1 5 2 3 9 4

4 1 2 9 3 6 7 8 5

9 5 3 8 7 4 2 6 1

1 3 8 2 4 7 9 5 6

2 9 5 6 8 1 4 3 7

6 7 4 3 9 5 8 1 2

Is Your Company Hiring?

Submit your opening at appenmedia.com/hire

28 | September 3, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

N A E V A H T N E M E C N U O N AN S H A R E ?

TO

Join today for $16/month

Support Local News Join Appen Press Club CHARTER MEMBER

DC Aiken Big Sky Franchise Team David & Michelle Bertany Amour & Duane Carthy Scott Childress Adam Corder

Patrick Cressaty Lindsay DeFranco Robert Flint Robin Fricton Zachary Hahn Allison January

Michael Kenig Roderick Liptrot Bob Meyers Claude Nardy Cliff Oxford Bruce Paulk

Ross & Lori Ramsey Sarah Reiter Mark Rundle Matthew Sayle Lynn Thomas Kim Truett

Roger Wise Jr. Colt Whittall

Robert Popp Dave Rhinehart Sergey Savin Heather Sawyer Kate Seng Karen Shih Bob Stevens

Kimberly Verska Carol Williams

Thomas Edmonds William Edmundson Denise Eicher Mim Eisenberg Danny Elkins Su Ellis Grady Evans Leslie Ann Everett Steve Fabian Carol Fain Martha Fasse Nell & Doug Fernandez Renai Fitzpatrick Daniel Fleck Lee Fleck Laura Floyd Andrew Flynn Cathy Flynn Paul Folger Adrienne Fontaine Mary Ford Nanci Foster Amy Frederick Kelly Frommer Carol Fry Tim Fulton Andrew Garner Tracey Ganesh Steve Garrett Daniel Gay Matthew Geller John Gibbs

John Gilberto Leslie Gilliam Bailey & Ryan Gladysz Michelle Glotzbach Harvey Goldberg Christopher Goodrich Jim Gray Ralph Griffin Rihard Griffiths Elaine Gwynn Carolyn Hall Marilee Hamilton Susan Hanna Marion Hannah Chris Harrell Roxanne Hazen Penn Hodge Dianne & Steffan Holmquist Joan Hostetter Julie Hostetter Krista Howland Austin Hughes Jason Hunyar Jacqueline Hursh Susan Huss Paul Huth Jeffrey Hyde J. Craig Inman Sandra Jacobs Sue Jacques Lynn Johnson Tyler Jones

MEMBER+

Run it in the newspaper!

WEDDINGS ENGAGEMENTS ANNIVERSARIES BIRTHS DEATHS To submit your announcement visit

appenmedia.com/submit

Barbara Anderson Kerry Arias Scott Baynton Joseph Bell Rita Brown SM Buscher Mark Casas

David Conti Theodore Davis III Maureen Drumm Charlcie Forehand Aileen Horton Deborah Jackson David Johnson

Ali Mahbod Richard Matherly Evan McElroy Vickie McElroy Anne Peer Helen Perry Jennifer Phillippi

MEMBER Carl Abernathy Bruce Ackley Salpi Adrouny Alpharetta Lions Club Omar Altalib Dave Altman Ron Altman Joel Alvis American Legion Post 201 Ken Amos Alice & Dr. Richard Appen Stewart Applbaum Gaye Armstrong Mary Asbury Amy Auffant Bonnie Avera Carolyn Axt Bangkok Boxing LLC Sandra Balmer Shannon Banna Beth Barnes Michael Baron Janet Bass Caitlin Bates Jannet Bauer Barbara Bauschka Miriam Beattie Kathy Beck Laura Bentley William Bentley Steve Berman Leslie Berry

Tom Billings Caroline Blackmon Tochie Blan Ron Boddicker Jodi Bogen Sherri Bolles-Rogers Katherine Bolt Helen Borland Debra Bowen Joe Bowen Kenneth Bowman David Boy Ryan Brainard Mark Brandus Mel Brannen Amy Bratten Carol Bright Linda Brill Dorothy Brouhard Mary Anne Brown Erendira Brumley Zack Buchanan Bernhard Burgener Alvin Burrell Mike & Theresa Buscher Mary Busman Clea Calloway Kirk Canaday James Carr Bridgette Carter William Carter William Cartwright

Linda & Frank Catroppa Pat Check Virginia Christman Adam Cleveland Ann Coaloa Kim Coggins Michael Cohen Evelyn Collazo Michael Mackenzie Communications Joan Compton Kathleen Cook Carol Cookerly Terri Coons Sarah Cox Cynthia Crawford Rhonda Cude Connie Cunningham Christopher Cupit Bart Dean David Dean Duane DeBruler Marilyn DeCusati Kathleen DeMartino Nancy Diamond Sarah Donehoo Rebecca Donlan James Dorsey Tom Driscoll Michael Dudgeon Jeanette Dummer DutchCrafters Amish Furniture

To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level and select your t-shirt size! Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

Scan QR code to join the Appen Press Club

2

5

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | September 3, 2026 | 29

Join today for $16/month

Support Local News Join Appen Press Club MEMBER (CONT.)

Zach Jones Patricia Kachur Amy Kanderis Arthur Kebanli Laura Keck Mark Kelly Nancy Kennell Randall Kent Carol Kerr Sally Klaskala Allison Kloster Dyna Kohler Brett Koutnik Larry Krueger Jess & Chris Kysar Malinda Lackey Sarah Lamm Daniel Lashinsky Richard Lapin Christine Law Brandon Leach Dennis Lee Ken Leffingwell Carol Lehan Melissa Libby Bonnie Lind Francia Lindon Karen Lippert Harlan Little Jarrett Long Ross Long Kyser Lough Rita Loventhal Jerry Lucas Brenda Lundy Harry Lutz Rita Loventhal Karen Magill Freda Manning-Rumph

7 5 4 SOLUTIONS Solution 3 8 6 1 7 9 5 8 2 Pu Dunwoody Crier 8/20/26 Kakuro 1 5 4 8 Carol Tall Mike Tasos Candice Teichert 9 The Small Business Advisor Suzanne & Bob Thomas William Tietjen 1 4 Lisa Tilt Michael Townes Connect-It Solution Trunnion LLC 6 7 Matthew Tyser

Julie Martin Linda & Todd Martinez Carla Masecar Valerie Matthews Theresea Mattioli William Maxwell Nicole Mayer Rachel McCord Austin McCully Diane McDonald Evan McElroy Karen McEnerny Jack McGinnis Lynn McIntyre Mike McLoughlin Margaret McManus Jay O’ Meara Jennifer Mendoza Al Merrill Chris Miller Christine Miller Patricia Miller Milton Animal Hospital George Mobley Joe Modica Fred Moeller Sarah Moen Catherine Moore Ralph Moore Carol Morgan Kathy Morgan Stu Moring Leslie Mullis Donna Murphy Jack Murphy Aileen Nakamura George Nathan Caroline Naughton Richard Nichols

THE FUTURE OF LOCAL NEWS

Cindy Nolan North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. Tricia Novarro Bob O’Brien Jay O’Meara Diana O’Sullivan Anne Pappas Lynn Pennington Jonathan Peters Kurt & Leslie Phillips Mary & Jan Phillips James Potts Debra Powell Seth Price Joyce Provissiero Chuck Pugh Patricia Rackliffe Robert Radloff Raj Rajagopalan Pankaj Rajankar Ashwin Ramaswami Cheryl Rand Manu Rao James Rasmussen Paula Rattray Lori Rausch Jean Rearick Joseph Reed Scarlett Reynolds Righteous PR Angie Rigney Sean Riley Neil Robertson Kimberly Robinson Matt Rohs Kim Romaner Courtney Rozear Fran Russell

Continued innovation in digital media has changed the ways in which people buy, sell and interact with products and services. It has caused businesses to reassess the ways in which it communicates with potential customers and advertises its products. It has been well documented that these changes have had a destructive impact on local newspapers, which continues to be a primary source for local news, but is no longer a primary source for local advertising dollars – historically the lifeblood for reporters and their coverage. At Appen Media Group we want to address this conflict head on, and build new and innovative approaches to monetizing local news and creating a sustainable future for local journalism in metro Atlanta.

Janet Sandberg Carolina Santos Kelly Sarmiento Fran Schefer Derek Scheidt Dorothy Scherr Stephanie Schniederjan The Schoenblum Family Robert Scholz Robert Schreiner Stephanie Schuette Susan Searles Frances Segars Tracy Shealy Tina Shelton Lisa Shippel Steve Short Tom Simon Cindy Simpson Robert Singleton Faye Sklar Mitchel Skyer Judith Slaughter Andy Smith Lee Smith Tia Solh Morris Soriano Heidi Sowder Gena Spears Donald Spencer Melissa Spencer Jan Stephens Judith Stewart Wesley Stewart Cathryn Stovall Celeste Strohl Diana Sullivan Andy Sumlin Kathy Swahn

E S P Y L A T E S I L K A Q U A A R A S E N N U I G U L P R O U N D A B O U T S L A P S T O U T S O R E D E E R F E R N E T E E F T D A R N E E N E R I E E T N A S T A T E C I R C L E T H E W A G O N S C A D E T P O E T A R C H style grid. The rules a challenging D Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a M M inEa crossword N C solved Z I puzzle, E W number below the dia of the above the diagonal line in a black square is the sum A P it.EA number O B toI theSright of C squares I white E R can only be used onc andRa digit of the white squares in the sequence below U M E S1 to 9, A R digits T the E Ponly use L may J it.U You L I N E O F F I R E O L D S A R S O N S T E P S N E E T O M S T O R S H A R T Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com

Edward Votta Linda Wabler Ollie Wagner Lewis Walker Elizabeth Waller Valerie Walters-Gold Ann Marie Warning Terry Warnke Jonathan Washburn Michael Watson Deborah Weiss Michael Weiss Herbert Wells Benjamin Wemberly Beverly Whisenant Sally White Thom White Umpika White Mae Whiteside Ashley Whitt Jennifer Wieland Christine Williams Jamie Wimberly Jonathan Winkie Nancy & Dave Wistrand Kalle Wood Theresa Woolridge Laura Wysong Jonathan Young

THE APPEN PRESS CLUB

One solution is the creation of a membership driven organization called the Appen Press Club that is dedicated to recruiting people and companies to join as members. Members pay recurring monthly or annual dues that are 100% dedicated to sustainable journalism.

By providing predictable revenue, Appen Press Club members and partners help fund the salaries and expenses of local reporters who will no longer be subject to the whims of marketing budgets and an ever changing advertising world. In turn, those reporters will provide the readers they serve with highly researched and qualified journalism focused on subjects that directly affect their quality of life.

To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level and select your t-shirt size! Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

Scan QR code to join the Appen Press Club

E X T A I L S 1 O N I O N PuzzleJunction.com

Copyright ©2026

2 A C E R B E A N I X E S 3 B O I L E N T I L U A U 4 P O N D A M P O T A T O

5 B I S Q U E W E R A C E

6 O X T A I L A P P R A M

Solution

7 S E E R U N T U R T L E

7 2 9 5 1 3 6 4 8

5 3 8 4 9 1 2 1 5 3 9 6 PuzzleJunction.com 4 ©2026 8Copyright 6 1 7 2 3 8 5 4 7 1 9 8 2 6 2 6 5 3 7 4 8 9 8 2 6 4 7 1 1 5 3 7 2 9 4 7 2 9 8 6 5 3 3 9 4 5 1 6 7 Solution

6 7 4 3 9 5 8 1 2

30 | September 3, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

Appen Media Wins 2026 Georgia Press Association General Excellence Bringing Journalistic Excellence to North Atlanta 1st Place

Page One – Staff Layout & Design – Staff Education Writing – Jim Bass Serious Column – Carl Appen

2nd Place

Local News Coverage – Staff Business Writing – Staff, Dan Whisenhunt, Dean Hesse, Jim Bass Education Writing – Jim Bass and Zoe Seiler Feature Photograph – Dean Hesse Serious Column – King Williams Humorous Column – Pat Fox Feature Writing – Dan Whisenhunt

3rd Place

Page One – Dionna Williams Layout & Design – Dionna Williams Local News Coverage – Staff Serious Column – Pat Fox Feature Column – Steve Hudson Feature Writing – Jim Bass Newspaper Website – Decaturish.com

ADVERTISING 1st Place

Health Care Ad – David Brown Food Ad – David Brown Home Furnishings/Appliances Ad – David Brown Classified Section/Page – Staff Signature Page – David Brown

2nd Place

Food Ad – David Brown Service/Institutional Ad – David Brown Non-Traditional Ad – David Brown

AppenMedia.com 770.442.3278

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | September 3, 2026 | 31

Part-time

Full-time Computer Professionals for GA based IT Firm: “Sr. Software Developer to Design, develop, code, test & deploy advance software module components in complex computing environments using latest tools & technologies. Optimize database performance through queries, indexing & schema designs. Travel to various unanticipated worksite locations with frequency dependent on Project and/or Client requirement throughout the U.S. may be required.” Apply w/2 copies of resume to HR, Powermind Solutions, Inc. 11539 Park Woods Cir, Ste # 703, Alpharetta, GA 30005.

Sawnee EMC is seeking a General Clerk III – Customer Service to assist in a high-volume call center. Requires high school diploma or state approved High School Equivalency (HSE), computer, communication, and general office skills. Requires one (1) year experience in a customer service call center or service-type organization, utility, finance, banking, or equivalent industry.

Bilingual is preferred, fluent in English and Spanish (written and verbal).

Position is full-time; must be flexible to work irregular hours, to include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5PM, September 18, 2026. Apply online: www.sawnee.coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363, extension 7568.

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Protected Veterans. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.

Your North Atlanta News & Podcast Source AppenMedia.com

Sawnee EMC is seeking a PC Technician to review PC and network system capabilities; inspect personal computer equipment; prioritize and schedule repairs; and coordinate help desk activities.

Requires an associate degree with a minimum of three years of experience in LAN/Network design, configuration, installation, and PC troubleshooting. Position is full-time; must be flexible to work irregular hours as necessary, to include evenings and weekends.

Must have a thorough working knowledge of administering and maintaining the latest version of Windows Operating Systems; MS Office products; Office 365; internet configuration and technologies. Must have strong verbal documentation and customer service skills. Strong abilities performing monitoring, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and administration of WAN/LAN infrastructure, SCCM, Power Shell, iPhone, iPad, Airwatch, MDT, Intune and KMS. Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, September 11, 2026. Apply online: www.sawnee.coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Protected Veterans. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.

T:\ADS_2025\Appen Media Group\Filler Ads\ Shop, Eat, Read Local

SHOP LOCAL EAT LOCAL READ LOCAL

Herald Headlines:

northfulton.com/newsletters

Sawnee EMC is seeking a Staff Accountant – Financial Services to provide financial and accounting services in compliance with RUS accounting requirements and standards, coordinate budgeting and financial planning functions, compile and analyze financial information, prepare financial statements, statistical analyses, balance sheet and financial position statements, make recommendations on reserves, collect appropriate data to prepare tax returns, and prepare related reports to management. Requires: Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in accounting with a minimum of two years progressively responsible work experience; high level of competency in MS Office, Accounting, Spreadsheet and Database Software; knowledge of RUS System of Accounts preferred.

CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER WANTED Established Milton/Alpharetta exercise studio specializing in SuperSlow training, serving mature clientele.

Exhibit enthusiasm for teaching and coaching. All sessions are by appointment.

Friendly, professional team environment.

Onboarding provided. Luis 404-545-1443.

SERVICE DIRECTORY Electricians

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, September 11, 2026. Apply online: www.sawnee.coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Females, Minorities, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.

Belco Electric

“Family Owned Since 1972” Fast Dependable Service by Professional Uniformed Electricians

Check out our new website:

770-455-4556 BelcoInc.com

and follow us on:

Your North Atlanta News & Podcast Source AppenMedia.com

To place a classified ad, email classifieds@appenmedia.com.

Deadline is Thursdays by 3pm

Advertise your JOB OPENING in the newspaper and you too can say...

il -3278 or ema Call 770-44a2ppenmedia.com classifieds@

No.1 No.1Team Team| |North NorthFulton Fulton Office Office No.1 Team | North Fulton Office

32 | September 3, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

ACTIVE ACTIVE ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

OLD OLD ROCK IVYIVY | 3752 TRAIL ROCK IVY TRAIL OLDIVY IVY| ||3752 3752 ROCK IVY TRAIL OLD IVY 3752 ROCK IVY TRAIL DER CONTRACT 1900 EVERGRACE DRIVE, MILTON | EVERGRACE VE ACTIVE IVE IVE $5,200,000 $5,200,000 $5,200,000

$1,799,000

$5,200,000

YIVY MILLS |ROCK 2010 CALADIUM WAY, ROSWELL VY OLD IVYIVY | 3752 TRAIL ROCK IVY TRAIL IVY| ||3752 3752 ROCK IVY TRAIL 3752 ROCK IVY TRAIL 75,00 0,000 0,000 $5,200,000 0,000

CT

Stephanie Lisa Butler Swayne StephanieButler ButlerStephanie Lisa Swayne Stephanie Butler Lisa Swayne REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR®

678.296.1774 678.296.1774 678.296.1774 678.296.1774

REALTOR®

678.296.1774 770.241.9165 770.241.9165 770.241.9165 770.241.9165

770.241.9165

Stephanie Lisa Butle Sw StephanieButler ButlerStephanie Lisa S Stephanie Butler Lisa Sw REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR®

UNDER UNDER CONTRACT UNDERCONTRACT CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT ACTIVE THE THE MANOR && GOLF CLUB & COUNTRY | ||16146 CLUB | 16146 DRIVE BELFORD DRIVE THEMANOR MANORGOLF GOLF &COUNTRY COUNTRY CLUB 16146BELFORD BELFORD DRIVE THE MANOR GOLF COUNTRY CLUB 16146 BELFORD DRIVE 111 SUMMIT VIEW COURT, CANTON $3,750,000 $3,750,000 $3,750,000 $815,000

Lisa Swayne

REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR®

$3,750,000

ALADIUM WAY, ROSWELL 3752 Y TRAIL ROCK IVY TRAIL VY TRAIL VY TRAIL

TIVE ER UNDER CONTRACT DER CONTRACT ERCONTRACT CONTRACT

REALTOR® REALT REAL REAL REAL

678.296.1774 770.241 678.296.1774 678.296.1774 770.24 770.24 678.296.1774 770.24 Gianna Whisler-Amneteg Gianna Whisler-Amne GiannaFalk Whisler-Amneteg Gianna Whisler-Amneteg Laura Falk Laura Laura678.296.1774 Falk Laura Falk REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR®

REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR®

470.865.9887 470.865.9887 470.865.9887 470.865.9887 470.865.9887 770.715.0325

Gay GayDonnelly Donnelly Gay Donnelly

Gay Donnelly Tracy TracyHawkins Hawkins Tracy Hawkins Tracy Hawkins

205.807.5314 205.807.5314 205.807.5314 205.807.5314

205.807.5314 678.557.4303 678.557.4303 678.557.4303 678.557.4303

REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR®

REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR®

Laura LauraFalk Falk Laura Falk PENDING WOODY CLUB ESTATES UNDER UNDER CONTRACT UNDERCONTRACT CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® MANOR GOLF THE MANOR && GOLF CLUB & COUNTRY | ||16146 BELFORD CLUB || WOODMONT 16146 DRIVE BELFORD DRIVE MANOR GOLF &COUNTRY COUNTRY CLUB 16146 BELFORD DRIVE MANOR GOLF COUNTRY CLUB 16146 BELFORD DRIVE 235 GRANDMAR CHASE, CANTON MASTERS CLUB DRIVE, SANDY SPRINGS Stephanie Butler Lisa Butler Swayne Stephanie ButlerStephanie Lisa Swayne Stephanie Butler Lisa Swayne 770.715.0325 770.715.0325 770.715.0325 770.715.0325 SIX SIX OWENS HILLS | 13250 WAY SIXHILLS HILLS| ||13250 13250 OWENS WAYOWENS WAY SIX HILLS 13250 OWENS WAY $1,150,000 REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® ,000 $3,750,000 0,000 0,000 $2,195,000 $2,195,000 $2,195,000 $2,195,000 95,000 678.296.1774 770.241.9165 678.296.1774 678.296.1774 678.296.1774 770.241.9165 770.241.9165 678.296.1774 770.241.9165

REALTOR®

678.557.4303

Gianna Whisl GiannaFalk Whis Whi Gianna Whis Laura

REALT REAL REA REAL REALTOR®

Lisa Swayne 470.865 470.86 470.86 470.86 770.715.0325 REALTOR®

770.241.9165

Carol CarolCoffman Coffman Carol Coffman Carol Coffman REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR®

770.714.0011 770.714.0011 770.714.0011 770.714.0011

REALTOR®

770.714.0011

770.475.0505 770.475.0505 770.475.0505 770.475.0505 ButlerSwayne.com ButlerSwayne.com ButlerSwayne.com ButlerSwayne.com

PENDING

UNDER UNDER CONTRACT UNDERCONTRACT CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT 15873 MEADOW KING COURT, MILTON | THE MANOR BIG BIG CANOE | 1261 RIDGE DEER RUN RIDGE BIGCANOE CANOE| ||1261 1261DEER DEERRUN RUN RIDGE BIG CANOE 1261 DEER RUN RIDGE $2,150,000 Laura LauraFalk Falk Laura Falk

CONTRACT STATES $840,000 $840,000 $840,000 $840,000 OUNTRY OR GOLF CLUB & COUNTRY | 16146 BELFORD CLUB | 16146 DRIVE BELFORD DRIVE COUNTRY CLUB | 16146 BELFORD DRIVE OUNTRY CLUB | 16146 BELFORD DRIVE DRIVE, SANDY SPRINGS ER UNDER CONTRACT DER CONTRACT ERCONTRACT CONTRACT DER CONTRACT

REALTOR®

770.715.0325 770.715.0325 770.715.0325 770.715.0325

REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR®

©2023 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Information presented is deemed

770.715.0325 770.715.0325 770.715.0325 770.715.0325

facebook.com/butlerswayneteam facebook.com/butlerswayneteam facebook.com/butlerswayneteam facebook.com/butlerswayneteam @butlerswayneteam @butlerswayneteam @butlerswayneteam @butlerswayneteam

Gay GayDonnelly Donnelly Gay Donnelly REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR®

Gay Donnelly Tracy TracyHa H Tracy H

REALTOR® REALT REAL REAL REAL

Gianna Whisler-Amneteg Gianna Whisler-Am Gianna Whisler-Amneteg Gianna Whisler-Amneteg Laura Falk 205.807.5314 205.807.5314 678.557 205.807.5314 205.807.5314 678.55 678.55 205.807.5314 678.557 REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR®

REALTOR®

470.865.9887 470.865.9887 470.865.9887 470.865.9887 470.865.9887 770.715.0325

©2022 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An ©2022 independently BHH Affiliates, operated LLC. An subsidiary independently ofof HomeServices operated of subsidiary America, ofInc., HomeServices aaBerkshire Hathaway of America, affiliate, Inc., a Berkshire and aafranchisee Hathaway ofof BHH affiliate, Affiliates, and a LLC. franchisee Berkshire of BHH Hathaway Affiliates, HomeServices LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices ©2022 ©2022 BHH BHH Affiliates, Affiliates, LLC. LLC. An An independently independently operated operated subsidiary subsidiary of of HomeServices HomeServices of of America, America, Inc., Inc., aaBerkshire Berkshire Berkshire Hathaway Hathaway affiliate, affiliate, and and aafranchisee franchisee franchisee of of BHH BHH Affiliates, Affiliates, LLC. LLC. Berkshire Berkshire Hathaway Hathaway HomeServices HomeServices ©2022 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary HomeServices of America, Inc., Hathaway affiliate, and BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices reliable, but is Hathaway not warranted.

If your property isare currently listed, please disregard.

It is not our intention to Columbia solicit properties that areaffiliate. already represented by another broker.

Equal Housing Opportunity. and the Berkshire and HomeServices the Berkshire symbol Hathaway registered HomeServices service symbol marks are ofof Columbia registered Insurance service marks Company, of aaBerkshire Insurance Hathaway Company, a Berkshire Information Hathaway presented affiliate. isisis deemed Information reliable, presented but isisis not iswarranted. deemed reliable, but is not warranted. and and the the Berkshire Berkshire Hathaway Hathaway HomeServices HomeServices symbol symbol are are registered registered service service marks marks of of Columbia Columbia Insurance Insurance Company, Company, aaBerkshire Berkshire Berkshire Hathaway Hathaway affiliate. affiliate.

Information Information presented presented isdeemed deemed deemed reliable, reliable, but but isnot not not warranted. warranted. and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks Columbia Insurance Company, Hathaway affiliate.

Information presented reliable, but warranted.

IfIfyour property isisis currently listed, Iflisted, yourplease property disregard. is currently ItItIt is not our please intention disregard. toto solicit It is properties not our intention that are already to solicitrepresented properties that by another are already broker. represented Equal Housing by another Opportunity. broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.

IfIfyour your your property property iscurrently currently currently listed, listed, please please disregard. disregard.

Itisis islisted, not not our our intention intention to to solicit solicit properties properties that that are are already already represented represented by by another another broker. broker.

Equal Equal Housing Housing Opportunity.

Opportunity. property please disregard. not our intention solicit properties that are already represented by another broker.

Equal Housing Opportunity.