Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - April 9, 2026

Alpharetta developer preparing for construction of retail, dining space

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A developer will soon begin the first phase of a project to revamp the gateway to downtown Alpharetta and is considering its options on how a second phase should proceed.

Alpharetta-based developer Alpharetta District Places is

preparing to start construction at the end of May on 2.4 acres along Roswell Street between Old Milton Parkway and Marietta Street. Plans call for about 34,000 square feet of retail space that will “match the residential scale and architectural character of the downtown Alpharetta Heritage District,” the developer said.

Erik Rowen, Alpharetta District Places partner, said his partnership is excited to move forward with the project and anticipates move-ins by mid2027.

“We’re focusing on growing the pie in downtown Alpharetta, not dividing it,” he said.

See DISTRICT, Page 23

MARTA service updates to affect Roswell routes

By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Beginning April 18, MARTA stops in Roswell will be reconfigured to improve service through Metro Atlanta.

The NextGen Bus Network will remove stops in Roswell and add six new ones that will improve access to area destinations and provide service along higheruse corridors.

Alongside new bus routes, NextGen includes a service called MARTA Reach that has been providing on-demand transit services in 12 zones across MARTA’s service area since launching in March. The bus operates daily from 6 a.m. until midnight, and the fare is free through May 2 when it will increase to $2.50.

The North Fulton Reach Zone is bound by Mansell Road, Commerce Highway, Old Roswell Road, Holcomb Bridge Road, Dogwood Road and Old Alabama Road. Reservations can be made on the MARTA Reach app, the website, itsmarta.com/reach.aspx, or by calling the reservations line, 404-848-6622.

MARTA stops to be removed April 18:

• 10777 Alpharetta Highway (Ga. 9 northbound), in front of Popeyes Louisiana Chicken

• 10730 Alpharetta Highway (Ga. 9 southbound), in front of Dreamland BBQ

• 10761 Alpharetta Highway (Ga. 9 northbound), in front of Brannon Square Shopping Center (Post Office and 2nd & Charles)

• Alpharetta Highway at Commerce Parkway (Ga. 9 southbound), between Atlanta Cycling and Jiffy Lube

• Alpharetta Highway at Commerce Parkway (Ga. 9 northbound), in front of Aurora Cineplex

• Alpharetta Highway at Houze Rd (SR 9 southbound), in front of AutoZone Auto Parts

• Holcomb Bridge Road at Old Dogwood Road (Ga. 140 eastbound), at the Ga. 400 southbound on ramp.

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Alpharetta police seize drugs during Ga. 400 traffic stop

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police reported March 30 that officers seized drugs and a gun during a Ga. 400 traffic stop.

Police said officers were monitoring vehicles’ speeds on southbound lanes near Encore Parkway when they stopped a vehicle for speeding.

Officers determined the driver had felony warrants out of Fulton and Cobb counties for probation violations tied to aggravated assault, fleeing and eluding and obstruction, police said.

Officers then allegedly found

POLICE BLOTTER

numerous illegal drugs packaged for distribution. The suspected drugs included ecstasy, marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine and crack cocaine. A pistol also was located.

The discovery resulted in additional charges for drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm.

Police credited the arrest and seizure to “attentive patrol work, effective use of resources and a commitment to keeping our community safe.”

Police did not say the date of the arrest and provided no information about the driver, passengers or charges.

All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

Police investigate report of financial elder abuse

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police investigated a report of elder abuse and alleged financial misuse March 9.

CUSTOM FRAMING

Alpharetta police said a Florida law firm contacted the department, saying a caretaker made unauthorized purchases with their client’s credit card. The purchases allegedly totaled about $23,000.

The client, an 86-year-old man, is a Florida resident. The caretaker, whose employment ended in 2024, is a 37-year-old Alpharetta woman, police said.

The caretaker was given a credit card to use in the capacity of her job, but when her employment ended, she allegedly failed to return it.

• Canvas Stretching, Rugs, Mirrors

• Round, Oval and Float Frames

• Sports & Military Memorabilia

• Shadowboxes & Specialty Mounts

• Frame Repairs & Touch-Ups

The charges allegedly were made between June 2024 and April 2025.

The incident was classified as a felony abuse, neglect or exploitation of a disabled or elderly person case.

— Jon Wilcox

Man walking his dog reports pit bull attack

ROSWELL, Ga. — Officers investigated a reported dog attack that allegedly injured another dog and its owner March 31.

The Roswell Police Department said officers spoke to a 36-year-old Roswell man who said he and his dog were attacked about 8:45 a.m. at the apartment complex.

The man said he and his dog were out on a walk when they were approached by an off-leash pit bull. The pit bull attacked the other dog, and the man was injured while breaking them apart, police said.

The man said a woman who was walking the pit bull initially declined to provide her information, saying the dog was not hers. She provided her phone

THE PICTURE FRAMER

number to the man.

Police contacted the woman, who said her pit bull managed to get off its leash.

The man declined to press charges against the woman.

Jon Wilcox

—

Police find suspected drugs left in bathroom

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police disposed of drugs and paraphernalia found in a fast food restaurant bathroom March 9.

Alpharetta police officers were dispatched to the North Point Court restaurant about 3 p.m.

A manager told officers he noticed a peculiar, smoky smell in the restroom after a man had used it.

Officers recovered a piece of foil with suspected crack cocaine or methamphetamine.

The foil and substance were collected and destroyed.

The incident was classified as an abandonment of dangerous drugs, poisons or controlled substances case.

— Jon Wilcox

3 metro Atlanta teens killed in fiery Florida crash

By ATLANTA NEWS FIRST STAFF

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Three Horizon Christian Academy students were killed Monday in a fiery crash in Florida, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

An 18-year-old man from Alpharetta, a 17-year-old girl from Cumming and a 16-year-old girl from Cumming were killed in the crash. A 17-year-old girl from Alpharetta was seriously injured in the crash.

The school posted on social media that the four were students of the Cumming private institution, describing them as “amazing, kind, smart, and loved.”

“Please join us in lifting up these students’ families and their friends in prayer. We also ask for continued prayer for the student who remains in the hospital,” they said in a social media post.

The school’s chapel was open Monday for students and families to gather and they said that they would share additional information.

“We pray that God’s presence would be deeply felt by these grieving families, and that His presence would bring comfort, peace, and hope even in the midst of unimaginable loss,” the school said.

The crash happened on State Road 65, just south of Brickyard Road in Franklin County.

Florida Highway Patrol said the vehicle ran off a shoulder and collided with a tree, catching fire.

“Witnesses were able to remove the front right passenger before the vehicle became fully engulfed," a news release from the highway patrol said. "The driver and other passengers were still in the vehicle and pronounced deceased on scene."

The 17-year-old who survived was airlifted to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

Those involved in the crash have not been identified.

ASK APPEN

Why are there so many all-white houses in north Atlanta?

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

NORTH METRO ATLANTA, Ga. — All-white houses are popping up in subdivisions and communities throughout the north Atlanta area, leading some to wonder why.

Roswell resident Patsy Van Pelt said she noticed the trend while driving for an emergency visit to her veterinarian last year. Her 13-year-old English bulldog Stella suffers from chronic pancreatitis.

“I saw the houses and was like ‘what is going on?’” Van Pelt said. “I was just curious because I’m a house junkie.”

Van Pelt said since then she has noticed an abundance of white houses, often with black trim, in communities such as Milton, Alpharetta, Cobb County and Crabapple.

She admits she is a fan, but she also wonders why the trend is now so common.

“I do like the black frame windows. They look terrific,” Van Pelt said. “They’re kind of industrial, kind of a farmhouse. It’s just very interesting.”

Donna Shaw Murphy, Alpharetta Realtor and 400 North Realtors

A row of white homes sits on Thompson Street in Alpharetta. Local residents and officials have noted a continuing trend of homes painted white.

Association president, said she too has noticed the abundance of white homes.

Within the past few years, she has seen increasing numbers of white homes and thinks there are a few reasons that explain why it’s happening. White and off-white facades can appeal to younger homebuyers who make up a large proportion of those in the market, she said. Clean shades can offer a modern look and make a home

At Appen, community engagement is essential, and we want to answer your questions. Here is a recent inquiry we can answer for you. Send new ones to appenmedia.com/ask.

appear newer and fresher, even when it is older.

In fact, she said she has seen prices increase for many older brick homes after they are whitewashed. The price increase is sometimes comparable to new homes.

“It helps to compete with new construction, and it really adds value,” she said. “It’s amazing.”

Those seeking white homes may not be averse to color, Murphy said. Often those homebuyers will accent their white interiors with colors, which are more easily changed than wall colors.

Murphy said she expected the white trend to be tapering off by 2026, but it appears to show no signs of slowing.

Like all fashions, home trends change with time, she said. In the 1990s and early 2000s, colored walls and bricks were all the rage.

That’s why sometimes older home

LANEIKA

buyers may find the all-white color schemes off-putting, but that’s what makes her work as a Realtor important, she said.

“They’ve grown up with a very traditional home, and so they think it has no personality, and they’re not going to be attracted to it,” Murphy said.

Forsyth County Commissioner Todd Levent said he also has noticed numerous white homes in his community. There, white homes are often connected to a farmhouse style of architecture.

He also thinks white is often a smart choice because it makes repainting easier.

White homes have become increasingly common there in the past eight years, he said.

As commissioner, he said his personal tastes have little bearing on zoning and other decision making. He said he aims to give residents the option to decide what kind of house they want to live in.

“It’s a free market, and if you’re buying an expensive house, you should be able to pick what you want,” Levent said.

Tune-Up Projects

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Paint Cabinets

New Countertops, Sink & Faucet

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Cut Down 2-level Island

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New Countertops, Sink & Faucet

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9-5 Mon-Fri • 10-4 Sat

Showroom – Design Center 10591 Old Alabama Rd. Connector Alpharetta, GA 30022 (near Northpoint Mall)

Bathroom Remodel

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Floor Tile, Wall Tile

Plumbing Fixtures

Legacy Lacrosse Cup draws play to Milton

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Milton girls lacrosse hosted the Legacy Lacrosse Cup March 27 and 28, bringing two out-of-state teams to the north metro, Florida’s IMG Academy and Maryland’s Notre Dame Prep.

The first day of the tournament kicked off with the two visiting teams facing off for the first game of the day. IMG came out on top, 14-6. Afterward, Milton went up against Notre Dame Prep and mounted another second-half comeback to defeat Notre Dame 14-9.

The second day of the tournament started bright and early with Notre Dame playing their third game of the weekend, against Walton High of Marietta. Lax Numbers has Walton ranked No. 3 in Division 3A, below Lambert and West Forsyth.

Notre Dame got out to an 8-2 lead at the break before Walton turned up the heat with a six-goal streak that lasted until the first few minutes of the fourth quarter.

Walton head coach Joanna Kay said her team proved that not giving up would take them the distance.

“Today, we were resilient, and we fought back, and we fought hard,” she said. “It was a great team effort.”

Raiders goalie Sutton Stannard posted an astonishing 19 saves against Notre Dame Prep. She attributed her success in the crease to her team’s defensive stronghold.

“We really wanted it and we really fought as a team,” she said. “We came together overall, and we’re super happy with [the comeback]. That really just showed us that we’re capable of playing as a unit.”

Walton wasn’t able to complete the comeback after Notre Dame fired back with a two-goal spurt in the final frame. Nearly seven minutes left on the clock wasn’t enough for the Raiders to find the back of the net twice to extend

Chapel of Reflections

Our chapel mausoleum

to overtime. The game ended 10-9 in favor of Notre Dame.

The Raiders will face off against Milton later this season after spring break. The April 14 matchup at the Nest will be highly anticipated by players who have previously played club lacrosse together with Eaglestix.

In the second game, Milton went against IMG and led wire to wire, culminating in a 12-6 Eagle victory.

IMG finished at No. 6 in USA Lacrosse’s South rankings and is now ranked No. 9 in the region.

Milton has been heating up at halftime all season. Although it makes for newsworthy comeback stories, several players said they’d like to start games stronger heading into the playoffs.

Attacker and draw taker Lillian Katula faced off against IMG’s Luca Mastrandrea, whom she considers one of the best draw takers in the country this year. The pair are familiar with each other from All-America camps.

Katula said she had to work hard to control the draw against Mastrandrea.

“We had the mindset that we

needed to come out and play as hard as we could, because we came out yesterday and kind of started off slow,” Katula said. “Starting off hot today really gave us the momentum we needed to bring it.

Attacker Sofia Modi won Offensive Player of the Game after posting a 6-point outing with two goals and four assists. She said she felt the gameplan was well-executed and ball movement was strong.

“I’m just really proud of how our team played,” she said. “We had so much chemistry today, which is something I feel like we’ve been working on the whole entire season.”

Katula assisted Modi on her first goal. Modi assisted both Lillian and her younger sister Caroline on goals against IMG.

Milton head coach Tim Godby said having so many talented players on the roster routinely opens things up for other players to get going offensively.

“Today was [Modi’s] day,” he said. “We’re starting to learn how to better play together and how to overcome some adversity.”

Roswell steamrolls Milton lacrosse

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Nationally ranked Roswell boys lacrosse maintained their No. 1 spot in Georgia by stomping longtime rival Milton 17-2 March 30.

Lacrosse regions differ from the typical football-basketball regions, so the teams were not competing for region standings. Both teams are the No. 1 team in their region.

Milton is ranked No. 4 in Georgia, behind three teams they have lost to this season – Roswell, Lambert and Lassiter.

Milton’s record is now 6-4, displaying the front-loading of their strength of schedule. They also lost to McCallie School of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Milton head coach Tom Dell said the game was a “wake up call” for his team.

“If we want to be competing for a state championship, we’ve got to raise our level,” he said. “We’ve got some time to figure out what we need to fix, and hopefully, by the time the playoffs come, we’re ready to go.”

Roswell had three players with three

ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA

The Hornets celebrate after defender Declan Laverty, third from the left, scores a goal at Roswell High School March 30. Laverty also posted five ground balls and one caused turnover in the Hornets’ 17-2 win over Milton.

or more goals. Attackman Kaden Parla posted six goals, and fellow senior attacker Jackson Hardwick notched a hat trick. Parla only shot the ball seven times, finishing on over 85 percent of his attempts.

Junior midfielder and Army commit Linkin Miller also tallied a hat trick. When he graduates from Roswell, he

will join another Hornet alum on the Black Knights, attacker Hill Plunkett.

Defender Declan Laverty made a play in transition and posted a rare goal by the defense. He also scooped up five ground balls and caused one turnover.

Laverty discussed the team’s trip to Florida last week where they took their

first loss of the season, to Ponte Vedra, who is now ranked No. 6 in the South Region. After the loss, Ponte Vedra moved up in the rankings to take the Hornets’ slot.

Despite a tough go at it, Laverty said the bonding that took place on the trip “put a fire under” the team to come out strong against a longtime rival.

“We were expecting to come out here and win and execute,” he said. “And that’s exactly what we did, and [the rivalry] is exactly what we need right now. We have the skill, we have the talent, we just need to put it all together in the playoffs.”

The Hornets are three-time defending champions in Division 2A, and all signs point toward a deep run in the postseason.

Head coach Bryan Wallace agreed that the team bonding has strengthened the players’ resolve.

“Losing out of state doesn’t hurt as much [when we can] come home and take care of business,” he said. “Going into spring break on a high note, taking out the other two best teams in the division within a week, it’s a good feeling.”

Regain your confidence with a permanent tooth replacement

Dental Implants are popular and effective for individuals who have lost one or more teeth. They offer several advantages and can significantly improve a person’s oral health, appearance, and quality of life. Here are the reasons that so many people are choosing to have dental implants:

1. Replacement of Missing Teeth: Dental Implants are used to replace missing teeth, whether it’s a single tooth or multiple teeth. This is important for restoring proper chewing function and maintaining the alignment of surrounding teeth.

2. Improved Aesthetics: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. They can enhance your smile, boost your self-confidence, and provide a more natural appearance compared to other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges.

3. Enhanced eating ability: Dental

implants provide strong biting and chewing capabilities, allowing you to enjoy a full range of foods, including hard and crunchy items without restrictions.

4. Comfort: Dental implants are comfortable and stable. Unlike removable dentures, they do not slip or move when eating or speaking, providing a natural and comfortable experience.

5. Convenience: Dental implants eliminate the need for messy adhesives or removal at night, as required with dentures. They function just like natural teeth, making daily oral hygiene routines simple and hassle-free. Dental implants are brushed and flossed like all your other teeth.

6. Durability: Implants are a long-lasting solution. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime, whereas other options like dentures will require periodic adjustments or replacement.

7. Preservation of Jawbone: When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone can

start to deteriorate over time. Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots and stimulate the bone, preventing bone loss and maintaining the integrity of the jawbone.

8. Improved Speech: Missing teeth, especially front teeth can affect speech clarity. Dental implants can restore normal speech patterns by replacing missing teeth.

9. No impact on adjacent teeth: Unlike dental bridges, which require the reduction of adjacent healthy teeth, dental implants do not affect nearby teeth. This helps preserve the long-term health of your natural teeth.

10. Whole Body Health: Dental implants and no missing teeth contribute to better oral and overall health by allowing you to eat all types of food without restrictions and eat a healthier diet. Filling the gaps left by missing teeth, preventing the shifting of neighboring teeth, and reducing the risk of gum disease and further tooth loss

help feel and look better.

11. Prevention: Missing teeth can lead to problems with other teeth in your mouth as they shift out of their natural functioning position and work harder to compensate for the missing tooth. Replacing a lost tooth soon after losing it prevents higher costs in the future not just for one tooth, but for all your teeth.

“Preventive Dentistry can add 10 years to human life.” – Dr. Charles Mayo of the Mayo Clinic

Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide the most modern advances in dentistry. Experience immediate results with procedures to greatly enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a complimentary consultation to discover the best options for you, please call us at 770992-2236.

Icotyde and the advent of Oral Peptide medication

protein-based drugs if you try to swallow them—they are broken down before they can work.

We are in a golden age of medicine. The last few decades have brought one breakthrough after another, and we may now be seeing another important step forward in psoriasis—a step that could hint at a broader shift in how medicines are designed.

To understand how far we’ve come, it helps to look back. Not that long ago, patients with psoriasis sometimes spent weeks in the hospital undergoing tar baths and other crude treatments just to get partial relief from this itchy and often debilitating disease. In severe cases, psoriasis could progress to erythroderma—a widespread, inflamed, scaly rash that could even be life-threatening due to problems with temperature and fluid regulation.

Things began to improve in 1972 with the approval of methotrexate for psoriasis. Methotrexate is reasonably effective but comes with risks like liver toxicity. Over time, light therapies and topical treatments helped, though they were often cumbersome. Starting in the early 2000s, biologic medications such as Humira, Enbrel, and later Skyrizi dramatically improved outcomes. These drugs are remarkably effective and generally well tolerated, but they are large protein molecules and must be given by injection or infusion.

Oral options followed. Otezla (2014) offered a safer alternative to methotrexate, though it is typically less effective than the best biologics and can cause GI and headache side effects. Another oral medicine, Sotyktu (2022), improved on some of those issues, but Sotyktu still doesn’t quite match the best biologics in efficacy.

That brings us to Icotyde, a newly approved oral medication targeting IL-23, a key driver of inflammation in psoriasis. In head-to-head trials versus Sotyktu, it has shown greater efficacy, with low rates of side effects. Early data suggest it may approach biologic-level effectiveness in a pill form—a long-sought goal in psoriasis treatment.

What makes Icotyde especially interesting is how it was designed.

The challenge with biologics is simple: they are proteins, and our digestive system is built to break proteins down. When you eat chicken, or take a collagen supplement, stomach acid and digestive enzymes reduce those proteins into amino acids and small peptides, which the body then reuses as building blocks. The same thing happens to most

For a long time, making an effective oral peptide drug was considered extremely difficult. Icotyde represents a different approach. It is a small peptide—just 13 amino acids—but carefully engineered to resist breakdown long enough to be absorbed.

One key feature is that it is cyclic. Most peptides are linear chains with exposed ends, which enzymes can easily attack. Icotyde is chemically “closed” into a loop, which makes it much harder for many enzymes to degrade it. It also contains structural features—such as steric bulk (imagine big lumps of atoms) and internal “bridges”—that further protect vulnerable bonds and resist digestion.

Its chemical properties are also balanced so it can function in the gut. It can dissolve in the watery environment of the digestive tract while still interacting with lipid membranes, allowing some of the drug to cross the intestinal barrier. This doesn’t mean it completely avoids digestion—some of it is still broken down—but enough survives and is absorbed to have a therapeutic effect.

Another important point is potency. Icotyde binds very effectively to the IL-23 receptor. Because of this, even a relatively small amount reaching the bloodstream can be enough to produce meaningful clinical benefit.

Working in concert, these design elements make Icotyde succeed where other peptides couldn’t. Icotyde is not “immune” to digestion, but it is engineered to resist it, survive long enough, and be absorbed in sufficient quantities to work. That combination—molecular stability, absorption, and potency—is what allows an oral peptide drug to succeed. And the decision to push forward with designing a protein that could survive our digestive process was surprising, creative, and incorporated solutions that are truly ingenious.

Multiple companies are now working on similar strategies, trying to design peptide-based drugs that can be taken by mouth rather than injected for multiple different diseases. Icotyde accomplished proof of principle and led the way.

We may be at the beginning of a broader shift—one where some medications that once required injections can instead be taken as pills. If that trend continues, Icotyde could end up being an early example of a new class of therapies rather than a one-off breakthrough.

Insist

Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.

He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.

Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 23 years experience as a Dermatology PA and cosmetic dermatology.

Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.

Why your dentist needs the whole story (yes, even that)

• Spa-Like Relaxing Atmosphere

• Free Nitrous Oxide and Oral Conscious Sedation

• Cone Beam 3D Radiography Digital Scanner – No More Gooey Impressions

• Botox and Dermal Filler Master Injector

• Platinum Invisalign Provider

Providing a full and accurate medical history to your dentist is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your oral and overall health. While many patients understand the need to share medical information with their physician, they sometimes underestimate how closely dentistry and general health are connected. Your dentist relies on your medical history to deliver safe, effective, and personalized care.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), oral health is directly linked to systemic health. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and osteoporosis can significantly affect your teeth and gums and vice versa. The plaque on your teeth is the same plaque that can form in your heart to cause a heart attack and the same plaque that can form in your brain and cause a stroke. If your dentist is unaware of your conditions or medical diagnoses, they are missing critical information to provide you with optimal care and education.

Another critical reason for providing accurate information is medication safety. Many common medications including blood thinners, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs can impact dental treatment and oral health. Blood thinners, for instance, may increase bleeding during procedures such as extractions or periodontal therapy. Certain medications can also cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities and oral infections. If your dentist does not know what you are taking, they cannot adjust treatment plans or recommend preventive measures to protect your oral health.

Pregnancy is also important to disclose. Hormonal changes can increase the risk of pregnancy gingivitis, and treatment timing may need to be adjusted. Reducing or elimination risks associated with dental X-rays and medications can be safely managed during pregnancy, but only if your dental team is aware of your condition.

Despite these facts, common misconceptions persist. One frequent belief is, “If it’s not related to my teeth, my dentist doesn’t need to know.” This is simply not true. Dentistry involves more than "just teeth." It includes the gums, jaw, oral tissues, and how they interact with the rest of your body. It all starts with the mouth. If your mouth is not healthy, there is a good chance another part of you is not healthy either. Another misconception is that “My dentist already has my records, so I don’t need to update anything.” Medical histories should be reviewed and updated regularly because health conditions and medications often change over time.

Some patients also hesitate to share information they consider minor, such as controlled high blood pressure or herbal supplement use. However, even supplements like ginkgo biloba or high doses of vitamin E can affect bleeding. Full transparency allows your dentist to anticipate and prevent complications.

Ultimately, providing a complete and honest medical history builds trust and strengthens the partnership between you and your dental team. It reduces risks, improves diagnostic accuracy, and supports better long-term outcomes. At Roswell Dental Care, our goal is to provide safe, comprehensive care, and that begins with understanding your total health picture. Taking a few extra minutes to carefully review and update your medical history can make a meaningful difference in protecting both your smile and your overall well-being.

Dr. Hood and team give your comfort and trust top priority. We assure you feel confident in any dental solution before beginning treatment. For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE conscious sedation, including nitrous oxide. Rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding. Take the first step in feeling great about your smile. Schedule your comprehensive dental exam by calling 770-998-6736 or by going to our website at www.roswelldentalcare.com.

Brought to you by – Jonathan

Our love affair with booze goes back many generations. Most of us like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage from time to time. We are all aware of the health risks of excessive alcohol consumption, but surprisingly, most of us don’t think about alcohol as a risk factor for cancer. There is a consensus among scientific researchers that alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing multiple types of cancer, including cancer of the head and neck, esophagus, breast, colon, liver, pancreas, and prostate. The more alcohol you consume, the higher your risk of getting cancer.

Is there a safe amount to consume?

The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends not to drink alcohol at all, but if you do, limit it to two drinks for men and one drink for women each day. One drink equals 12 fluid ounces of beer, 5 fluid ounces of wine, or 1.5 fluid ounces of hard liquor. It is also important to note that alcohol’s cancer-causing effect is magnified by smoking tobacco. Studies have shown that people who use both alcohol and tobacco have a greater risk of developing cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus compared to those who use either alcohol or tobacco alone.

If you choose to consume alcohol, please do so responsibly!

Riding the wave… or getting caught in it

Brought to you by –

Leah Burnett, Summit Counseling

One of the best times in my personal life I can remember is living in Southern California for a couple of years during graduate school. I was lucky enough to live a 5- minute walk from the beach and the bustling Pacific Ocean. I lived in Huntington Beach, a place very well known to surfers around the world. So, I told myself upon moving there that I would learn to surf. I followed through with my vow and took a lesson. After a few tries, I was able to stand up and ride a wave with nothing but the water and a thin foam board holding me up. Inevitably there came times when I attempted to stand up knowing I was going to fall right back into the water. I wanted to grow and become stronger, so why not right? The problem is when you go for a 5-foot-tall wave and you’re used to surfing 1–2-foot waves, everything feels 5x faster and more intense… including the crash. I can remember a time when I paddled my heart out for a “too big” wave. All at once, I found myself paddling over the quickly forming wave as I let it lift me higher until I had no choice but to try and stand up. The momentum was too strong, and I couldn’t hold it together. In an instant, I fell straight down the 5-foot wall of rushing water until I was no longer above the wave or deep under it (which is preferable), but I was caught in the middle of it. If you have never been caught in a crashing Pacific Ocean wave while attached to a surfboard, I can promise you it is nothing short of what can only be compared to being caught in a washing machine set to heavy duty. The only way to get through it is to let it pass. The more you struggle and fight against it, the more tired you will become and the more difficult it will be to swim to safety once it has passed. There is common DBT skill that is used when teaching emotional

PROVIDED

Leah Burnett, M.A., Licensed Associate Professional Counselor

regulation called “riding the wave”. But I want to take it one step further. Because knowing it will pass is one thing, but choosing to embrace it and allow it to wash over you is another. I like this metaphor of surfing because it reminds us that sometimes we can’t ride the wave perfectly. We get caught in it and it feels like it will never pass. But emotions, while incredibly uncomfortable at times, are not bad. They are simply indicators of some part of us that need care and attention. Often, the more we struggle and fight against our emotions, the harder it makes it for them to pass. Next time you feel an uncomfortable emotion, I invite you to try and not fight it. But rather be curious about it, sit with it, ask it questions, and trust that it will pass without you having to do anything to force it to go away. Most importantly, give yourself grace for feeling emotion in the first place. Riding the wave can be easier said than done, but just like surfing, you will get better with practice.

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Find relief with North Fulton Rheumatology Expert care in Roswell, GA

Brought to you by - North Fulton Rheumatology

Are joint pain, stiffness, or fatigue holding you back? At North Fulton Rheumatology, we specialize in diagnosing and treating autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, lupus, gout, and fibromyalgia. Our board-certified rheumatologists provide personalized care designed to reduce pain, restore function, and help you live your best life. Conveniently located in Roswell, Georgia, we offer the latest treatments and advanced medications. For established patients, we also provide telemedicine visits, allowing you to connect with your doctor from the comfort of your home. At North Fulton Rheumatology, we

focus on compassionate, patient-centered care tailored to your unique needs. Don’t let joint discomfort slow you down—take the first step toward feeling better today. Call 770-619-0004 | Visit www. northfultonrheumatology.com North Fulton Rheumatology – Where Your Mobility Matters

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

North Fulton Rheumatology diagnoses and treats patients suffering from various types of arthritis and other autoimmune or connective tissue disorders. We are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care, and we use the highest, most progressive medical standards.

North Fulton Rheumatology diagnoses and treats patients suffering from various types of arthritis and other autoimmune or connective tissue disorders. We are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care, and we use the highest, most progressive medical standards.

Our board-certified physician, Dr. Ciela Lopez-Armstrong, and board certified nurse practitioner, Maria Betancur, AG-ACNP are qualified to manage all autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, including:

Our board-certified physician, Dr. Ciela Lopez-Armstrong, and certified family nurse practitioner, Heather Grafton, DNP, FNP-C, are qualified to manage all autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Osteoarthritis

• Osteoarthritis

• Systematic Lupus

• Systematic Lupus

• Scleroderma

• Scleroderma

• Vasculitis

• Vasculitis

• Gout

• Gout

• Sjogrens

• Sjogrens

• Psoriatic Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Fibromyalgia

• Fibromyalgia

• Osteoporosis

• Osteoporosis

• Osteopenia

• Osteopenia

11685 Alpharetta Hwy, Suite 170,

- Thursday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Closed on Fridays P: 770-619-0004 | F: 770-619-0252 northfultonrheumatology.com

Women’s healthcare expands in North Fulton

Compassionate OB/GYN care is now in your neighborhood

Women’s health needs evolve at every stage of life— from adolescence and family planning to pregnancy, midlife transitions and beyond. To better serve the North Fulton community, Wellstar has opened a new OB/GYN office, expanding access to comprehensive, personalized care supported by Wellstar’s extensive network of women’s health experts, including Dr. Brianne Anderson and Dr. Jordan Rush.

We provide a full spectrum of obstetric and gynecologic services for adolescents and adults, including preventive exams, reproductive and menstrual health support, fertility and pregnancy care, and treatment for conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. Care is centered on prevention, early detection and shared decision-making, ensuring treatment plans reflect patients’ lifestyles, goals and overall health. That philosophy guides every interaction.

“Women deserve a physician who listens, who takes time to understand their goals and who partners with

them through every phase of life,” said Dr. Anderson. “My goal is to create a space where patients feel comfortable asking questions and confident in their care.”

For expectant mothers, prenatal care extends beyond routine visits. Patients have coordinated access to advanced imaging, lab services, experienced hospital-based delivery teams and maternal-fetal medicine specialists for high -risk pregnancies. This integrated approach supports both physical and emotional well-being while allowing families to receive high-quality care nearby.

Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center is a Level II Maternal Care Center, providing 24/7 care by boardcertified obstetricians and anesthesia providers. Immediate access to cesarean delivery services ensures women receive high-quality care in a setting equipped to support both routine and more complex pregnancies.

The labor and delivery team provides a personalized environment for childbirth, with options including water labor to help manage pain and create a more comfortable, individualized birthing experience.

What sets Wellstar apart is a “one-stop” model designed to care for the whole person. Women who need specialized treatment for complex gynecologic conditions benefit from seamless access to a coordinated network of experts across obstetrics, gynecology, imaging and women’s specialty services. This close partnership between OB/GYN physicians, surgical specialists, imaging teams and hospital services creates a seamless experience—from routine appointments to advanced care centered around each woman’s unique health needs.

“At every age, women’s health is about more than a single appointment,” Dr. Anderson said. “It is about taking care of the whole person.”

As women enter perimenopause and menopause, Wellstar continues to provide personalized gynecologic care focused on symptom management, hormone therapy, bone and heart health, and wellness planning. With expanded OB/GYN services in North Fulton, women now have convenient access to trusted, care designed to support them through every stage of life— right here in their community.

Visit wellstar.org/womenshealth to learn more about comprehensive women’s care. To schedule an appointment at Wellstar OB/GYN in Roswell, call (470) 267-3100.

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

CAN WE TALK?

1. Pakistani language. Spa. Winter pear.

2. Fellow. Celt’s language of Ireland & Scotland. Theater presentation.

3. Language of the Western Pyrenees. Dutch cheese. Cheerless.

4. Choppers. One of the languages of India. Be quiet!

5. Priest of the East. Little green man. Language of Sri Lanka & India.

6. Prima donna. Mid-East language. Sell.

7. Language of Seoul. Mexican treat. Triton.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 201 EVENTS

TO THE PUBLIC

BINGO – 2 p.m. Sunday, April 12 & 26

Jackpot - $1,000 Future Games: 2nd & 4th Sunday Each Month

Club 201 Dance Spring Showcase & Ballroom Dance Party

Friday, April 24, 6 p.m. – 11:30 p.m

Dances & Dance Instruction Dance Nights Open to All 18 Years & Older Visit www.club201dance.com for Details

Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia Fundraiser “Paws of Honor” Spring Fling Dinner/Auction Saturday, May 2, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visit www.bhrg.org/dinner-auction.php

1 Pakistani language. Spa. Winter pear

2. Fellow. Celt’s language of Ireland & Scotland. Theater presentation

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

3. Language of the Western Pyrenees Dutch cheese. Cheerless.

4. Choppers. One of the Languages of India. Be quiet!

5. Priest of the East. Little green man. Language of Sri Lanka and India.

6. Prima donna. Mid-East language. Sell

7. Language of Seoul. Mexican treat. Triton

How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Milton Down & Derby event to benefit children’s hospital

MILTON, Ga. — The Milton Friends of Children will host its fourth annual Down & Derby fundraiser at The Green at Crabapple Market Saturday, May 2.

The event supports Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, helping ensure that children across Georgia have access to the life-saving care, critical programs, advanced treatments and care for pediatric patients and their families.

Down & Derby invites guests to don bold hats and seersucker suits for an evening of live entertainment, food and giving opportunities, blending the excitement of race day with a philanthropic experience.

“Down & Derby has quickly become a can’t-miss event, not only because of its vibrant atmosphere, but because of the meaningful difference it makes in the lives

of children,” said Jennifer Linn, co-chair of the 2026 event. “Every ticket purchased and every sponsorship secured helps fuel hope, healing and brighter futures.”

Guests at Down & Derby can expect an immersive derby-inspired experience offering an open bar, a live and silent auction and music.

Sponsorship packages are open for individuals and companies looking to align their brand with a local organization while making a powerful community impact. Opportunities range from prominent event recognition to exclusive VIP experiences.

Early ticket purchases are strongly encouraged and can be purchased online.

The Down & Derby will be from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. at 12650 Crabapple Road in Milton.

— Hannah Yahne

Protest puts Cambridge principal in spotlight

Parents, teachers decry administrator’s actions

By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — On the corner of Cogburn Road and Bethany Bend, car horns blasted and cheers rang out March 30 as more than two dozen parents and students held signs protesting the principal of Cambridge High School.

It’s been a long time coming, parent Amy Christiansen said. Parents and students allege that Principal Ashley Agans has shown disregard for them and teachers since shortly after she took the position in 2020.

Emotions ignited last month when the

Cambridge band director was placed on leave without explanation.

Appen Media Group sent Agans and Fulton County Schools officials a detailed list of allegations made by parents about her time as principal. Agans and the district did not directly respond to each complaint but said that they are listening to parents’ concerns.

“While I understand the concerns raised by parents, I am hopeful to bring positive energy to this upcoming band season,” Agans said. “I am committed to partnering with all stakeholders to continue making Cambridge the very best educational experience for our Bears.”

Former Cambridge teacher Bobbie Mossburg was one of many teachers who chose not to return after Agans’ first year at the school. Mossburg said he had

never seen morale so low.

“Among teachers, there was a strong sense that it was best to keep your head down to avoid being singled out, as she was quick to react to mistakes or disagreements,” Mossburg said.

Multiple parents said their emails regarding accommodations for their students’ medical conditions – called a 504 plan – or individualized education programs (IEPs) have gone unanswered or denied.

Volunteers say they have felt harassed by the principal and other administrative staff during weekend activities. They’ve also attested to Agans’ unwillingness to provide extracurricular activities, specifically within fine arts, with appropriate practice space.

In the wake of what seem to be unplanned decisions that affect the entire school, parents are now left wondering if the administration is capable of putting students first.

“I think, the bigger concern for me is, it makes me wonder what kind of thought is being put into decision-making,” parent Dana Barrett said.

Staffing changes

For most parents, the last straw was the untimely departure of a Cambridge band director at the beginning of March.

“The sudden removal of the director with just two months left of the school year and no prior planning to ensure continuity of all in-progress programs for the students was lacking in good judgment,” Mossburg, the former teacher, said.

The band director oversaw various band programs that were in progress when he was placed on administrative leave March 9. He supervised the winter guard, indoor drum line, three jazz

groups and helping direct the live-pit orchestra for musicals. It is not clear why the band director was placed on administrative leave.

Some parents are frustrated.

“There’s an entire absence of understanding of all the things this program does,” Christiansen said. Now, different staff hold these positions, creating a situation in which at least seven people are paid to cover the responsibilities of one teacher.

Barrett said the band director’s departure has created unnecessary stress and uncertainty for students, not only in band, but across the school. The band director was also the faculty adviser to the Black Student Union.

Earlier in March, band students were pulled from their homerooms to gather in the auditorium, where they were told the band director had been placed on administrative leave. Students were told there were no plans for the indoor drumline or color guard, and that the jazz bands trip to New Orleans had been cancelled by the band booster club.

“[Principal Agans] told the students the band boosters cancelled the trip, however, that is entirely untrue – it was her decision,” said Christiansen, president of the band booster club.

In the days following the band director’s removal, band students had to spend that class time in the library, not practicing for the large group performance evaluations (LGPE) performances they had in two weeks.

In the days following the dismissal, a retired music director stepped in to substitute, and the associate director of bands at Reinhardt University helped ensembles prepare.

See PROTEST, Page 21

Parents wear Cambridge High School merchandise while waving signs calling out the principal for a lack of fairness and accountability.

SCHOOLS

Protest:

Continued from Page 20

However, band students said it was chaotic. For two weeks, they were pulled out of multiple class periods to practice because they were behind.

“That was pretty disruptive, not only to our band education, but also to our education overall,” a ninth-grade band student said. Appen Media is not naming students because they are minors.

Since the band upheaval, an art teacher who has been at Cambridge since it opened in 2012 announced she’s transferring to Johns Creek High School. Cambridge’s on-site Summit counselor announced she’s leaving after witnessing a lack of support for students.

A 12th grade band student said it’s like a “cloud of gloom” is hanging over the fine arts students.

“You can see that [the teachers] do care, and it’s important to them,” the 12th grade student said. “They just can’t say anything because they’re scared.”

An answerless administration

One mother, who was granted anonymity, said she has had a 504 plan in place for her son since he was 5. He’s now a sophomore at Cambridge.

Due to her son’s Type 1 diabetes, his 504 plan offers accommodations during the school day and testing.

On the day of an AP exam last May, her son was not allowed to take the exam without removing his personal diabetes monitor that helps control his insulin levels, smartwatch or cell phone that enable him to check his Dexcom numbers.

The exam proctor explained that because his 504 plan wasn’t submitted to the College Board, they were not able to make any accommodations. Her son elected to take the exam without wearing his Dexcom which is critical to maintain his safety and ability to function cognitively.

After the exam, her son’s insulin levels were in the 60s, which she said

Parents and students wave signs protesting the principal at Cambridge High School March 30 to bring awareness to their concerns of the current administration.

was low, “but could have been way worse.”

The following day, May 6, 2025, the mother sent an email to Agans explaining her frustrations. She wrote that the situation represented a major failure in ensuring equity and inclusion for students with medical needs.

The mom urged Agans to review and improve communication about College Board accommodations for students with 504 plans and ensure that this oversight is not repeated.

“I am advocating not just for [my son], but for all students at Cambridge who depend on medical accommodations to have a fair opportunity to succeed,” she wrote.

She has received no response from Agans nearly a year later.

When her son was a student at Summit Hill Elementary School and Hopewell Middle School, they were very accommodating and communicative, his mom said. She said his high school experience has been drastically different.

Her daughter is an incoming ninth grader at Cambridge, and she’s worried that her IEP won’t be honored.

“I’m really concerned that her accommodations aren’t going to be met, and I’m absolutely happy to pull her from Cambridge because of Principal Agans and not following what is expected for her to receive as accommodations,” she said.

It’s not the only time that Agans has ignored requests or refused accommodations, parents said. Shelly Rudolf fought for her daughter’s 504 plan to be fully honored while she was recovering from a three-week stay in the intensive care unit. It was her second stay in two years after being diagnosed with gastroparesis and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) disease.

“Whenever I started my Zoom with Agans, she said something to me along the lines of, ‘Oh, I see she’s choosing to do this again,’” Rudolf said. “That was like a gut punch.”

She said Agans refused to fill minor requests, like providing a quiet space for Rudolf’s daughter to eat lunch or provide a hospital homebound evaluation. Eventually, the hospital’s education coordinator got involved with the school district to back her requests, but they never got a hospital homebound evaluation.

“There were things that I know my child was entitled to due to her situation and [Agans] was very flippant about it,” Rudolf said.

Rudolf’s daughter was so defeated by the end of her junior year, that she left Cambridge and did her senior year elsewhere. Rudolf still has two kids at the school and an incoming freshman, but her daughter never wants to step foot on

the campus again.

Rudolf said “Be the bridge” is a cliché mantra repeated to families as they prepare to join Cambridge.

“[Agans] never offered to be my bridge,” Rudolf said. “She did absolutely offer to be my barrier.”

Fulton Schools, Agans respond

Around 40 students and parents attended the March 19 School Board meeting and spoke during public comment about Agans and the band director’s sudden departure from Cambridge.

Barrett, the parent of a Cambridge ninth-grade student, spoke highly of the band director, describing him as deeply caring, a mentor and father figure to students.

“When [the band director] was suddenly gone, I struggled to explain to [my daughter] how a Black teacher of this caliber, already operating without adequate support, could be forced out,” Barett said.

Another Cambridge parent asked the School Board to investigate the leadership and communication practices at the high school, saying the students deserve better.

Appen Media asked the school district and Agans for comment on the concerns raised by parents.

Fulton County Schools

Superintendent Mike Looney stands by Agans, saying he has full faith and confidence in the principal at Cambridge High School.

“While we respect the perspectives of our parents and families, Fulton County Schools will not make personnel decisions based on public pressure or incomplete information,” Looney wrote.

In her response to Appen Media’s inquiry, Agans did not address the lack of accommodations parents have reported.

“For many years, I have successfully collaborated with parents, staff and students across many areas of our school each day,” Agans wrote. “My goal is always to focus on what is best for our students.”

Johns Creek lacrosse teams up with The Sandwich Project

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek boys lacrosse players traded their sticks for gloves and hairnets April 1 to make more than 500 sandwiches for individuals facing food insecurity in Metro Atlanta.

Varsity and junior varsity lacrosse players teamed up with The Sandwich Project, a non-profit organization that has donated more than 2 million sandwiches and thousands of pounds of food to nonprofit partners since launching in 2020.

Roughly 1 in 7 people in Georgia are food insecure according to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The odds of a Georgian child living with food insecurity are 1 in 5.

Sandwich supplies were donated by Publix Charities through their community giving program and families of the lacrosse team.

Lacrosse team members said it was great to bond as a team while giving back to the community. Senior Zachary Cheung said he looked forward to school that day because he knew he would help make sandwiches for those in need.

“I just feel so fulfilled to help all these people out,” senior David Scruggs said. “We are so blessed to provide for others that can't provide for themselves.”

Varsity and junior varsity coaches sat alongside the boys as they made sandwiches.

From left, Johns Creek High School seniors Chase McKee and Zach Cheung don hairnets and gloves to make sandwiches April 1 as part of the boys’ lacrosse teams community service project with The Sandwich Project.

“We always try to teach the boys how to be good students and players on and off the field,” assistant community coach Will Byrd said. “Having opportunities like this to show them how to contribute to their community is something that we really value.”

— Hannah Yahne

Georgia legislation mandates literacy coaching statewide

By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Georgia lawmakers have passed a sweeping education bill that requires literacy coaches, mandates science of reading instruction and implements first-grade retention standards.

According to the Georgia Council on Literacy, more than 60 percent of third graders in Georgia do not read proficiently.

“Not only is it a huge issue for us to resolve from the workforce, it’s a huge issue for us to resolve from a dollar standpoint,” Sen. Blake Tillery, R-Vidalia, said during the March 31 Senate floor session. “If only 29 percent of kids are reading on grade level, then that doesn’t work well for employers. It doesn’t work well for families, and it certainly doesn’t work well for schools.”

House Bill 1193, known as the Georgia Early Literacy Act, requires literacy coaches to be

in kindergarten through thirdgrade classrooms. The state will fund one literacy coach per public school.

It also creates regional literacy coaches. There will be 1,313 literacy coaches across the state.

“We state that literacy coaches in each school shouldn’t be doing other things. They should spend no less than 70 percent of the school day in the classroom,” Tillery said. “We don’t want them to have other administrative duties.”

The legislation establishes the Georgia Literacy Coordinating Committee within the Office of Student Achievement, and creates two new state positions – a state literacy director and a Georgia literacy coach coordinator.

All literacy instruction must be grounded in the science of reading, a structured, phonicsbased approach to reading.

Page 24

Lutenberg reads a book with her daughter Mica during the Little Shop of Stories 20th Anniversary Celebration in Decatur June 28, 2025.

District:

The project is located within walking distance of the city’s downtown on one of its busiest roadways.

District Places initially proposed a second phase to include 195 for-rent residential units and 30,000 square feet of ground-level retail space on the other half of the block.

That phase drew concerns from some residents about potential traffic issues to the nearby intersection. Oth ers voiced concerns about a proposed building height of five stories.

Rowen said traffic studies conducted by the partnership showed minimal impacts.

Initially scheduled for council consideration for a rezoning request, conditional use permit and variances in December, the project was deferred to allow the developer time to consider its options, Rowen said.

Phase 2 can only begin after the completion of Phase 1, he said. Rowen said he still thinks a Phase 2 plan that includes 195 for-rent units is viable, but District Places also could move forward with a plan that includes only commercial space in accordance with the current zoning.

visit the downtown area.

The project would leverage pedestrian connectivity and be easily accessed by an existing Alpha Loop section along Roswell Street. It also would match the surrounding neighborhood’s character and architecture.

Park to Milton Avenue.”

For drivers, the plan calls for parking that exceeds the city’s requirement by about 50 percent.

next step, he said.

“There just aren’t enough rightsized, affordable tenant spaces to help them take that next step,” Beecham said. “We want to be the development in the heart of downtown that helps them reach their potential.”

Shawn Allen, who lives down the street from the project, said he is particularly excited about being able to walk there.

He said he and his family appreciate the ability to avoid driving, but walking also affords them a better sense of place.

There’s something special about taking a brief walk to visit a favorite coffee shop or restaurant, he said. It also makes things easier when he wants to have a few glasses of wine.

“When you walk down to your coffee shop or your restaurant where you know the servers, you just feel a more part of your community,” he said.

Mathew Khodayari, owner of Aria Salon, said he is excited about the project and thinks it will help make Alpharetta a more attractive destination.

“If it generates more foot traffic, then it’s good for all of us,” Khodayari said. Continued from Page 1

“We’ve withdrawn our rezoning plans to give us more flexibility to move forward,” he said. “But we haven’t abandoned the idea. We are just keeping our options open based on the market conditions.”

Phase 1 will provide a shopping and dining destination to visitors and residents, especially those living nearby. But Rowen said the unique format also could be attractive to visitors from nearby communities who may not often

MARTA:

Continued from Page 1

• All stops along Holcomb Bridge Road east of Ga. 400

New MARTA stops effective April 18:

• 515 E Crossville Road (Ga. 92 westbound), in front of Wilton Center

• E. Crossville Road at Alpharetta Highwy (northwest corner), in front of Crossville Village near Stoney River Steakhouse & Grill

• Alpharetta Highway at Mansell Road (Ga. 9 southbound), in front of Roswell Market Place near Starbucks

• 570 Mansell Road (northbound), in front of Kroger

• 630 Mansell Road (southbound), near Aldi

• 675 Mansell Road (northbound), in front of Mansell West Office Park.

“We thought that it was critical that our development fits the neighborhood in scale and architectural character,” said Rowen. “Roswell Street has enormous potential with strong pedestrian connectivity thanks to the Alpha Loop extension from Wills

District Places is currently in discussions with potential tenants, which could include boutiques, restaurants and other businesses. It also would include retail spaces as small as 400 square feet, which would be ideal for small businesses, District Places partner Brent Beecham said.

Those spaces would be ideal for small businesses looking to take their

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

With the city’s focus on attracting skilled workers and high-tech firms, providing after-hours shopping and dining becomes ever more important, he said.

He thinks the expansion of the city’s downtown offers benefits to businesses already located there.

The following items will be considered by the Design Review Board on Friday, May 15, 2026 with a workshop commencing at 8:30 a.m. and regular meeting commencing at 9:00 a.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

1. DRB260008 Publix 11800 Haynes Bridge Rd

Consideration of exterior changes. The property is located at 11800 Haynes Bridge Rd and is legally described as being in Land Lot 1268, 1269, 0695, & 0748 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

2. DRB260002 MR Jon Scott 340, 350, 360 Jon Scott Dr & 0 Haynes Bridge Rd

Consideration of exterior materials and elevations. The property is located at 340, 350, & 360 Jon Scott Dr and 0 Devore Rd and is legally described as being in Land Lots 696 & 747, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

3. DRB250039 Portman Residential 3625 Brookside Pkwy

Consideration of Design Package. The property is located at 3625 Brookside Pkwy and is legally described as being in Land Lots 0002, 0003 & 0044, 1st District, st Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

4. DRB230012 Market District 126 North Main St

Consideration of exterior modifications. The property is located at 126 North Main St and is legally described as being in Land Lot 1252, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

5. DRB260009 Tre Fratelli 3 South Main St

Consideration of signage. The property is located at 3 South Main St and is legally described as being in Land Lot 1269, 2 nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

Iran War has extended beyond the gas pump

D.C. AIKEN Guest Columnist dcaiken.com

The war is no longer content to express itself at the gas pump. It has begun diffusing across asset classes with a speed and synchronicity that feels less like coincidence and more like a realtime demonstration of macroeconomic transmission under stress — equal parts textbook and stress test, with a dash of “are we really doing this again?” energy.

Households, of course, encountered the first shock in the most visible place: gasoline prices. That’s the macroeconomy’s version of a push notification — loud, unavoidable, and mildly insulting in its timing. But the second-order effects have moved quickly, and more quietly, into housing finance — where the consequences are less visible but far more consequential.

What looked like the early stages of a spring recovery in the housing market has been abruptly interrupted. Mortgage rates, which had been easing, have reversed course with

notable speed. On the eve of the strikes, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate sat at 5.99 percent. Within days, it climbed to roughly 6.5 percent, briefly touching 6.625 percent at the start of the week. For a $500,000 mortgage, that translates to an increase of more than $200 per month in carrying costs — effectively a geopolitically imposed surcharge on homeownership, delivered without debate, vote, or even the courtesy of fine print.

From a macro-financial perspective, the mechanism is straightforward. Heightened geopolitical uncertainty triggers a risk-off adjustment, placing upward pressure on Treasury yields — the benchmark underpinning mortgage pricing. The transmission channel is linear; the lived experience is anything but. What markets register as a shift in the yield curve, households experience as a direct contraction in affordability.

Or, put less academically: geopolitics has entered the chat, knocked over the furniture, and raised your monthly payment.

The implications for housing activity are already materializing. Mortgage applications for home purchases have declined by more

than 12 percent week-over-week, underscoring the sector’s acute sensitivity to interest rates. While 12 percent may sound incremental, housing operates at the margin. Small changes in financing costs can produce outsized effects on transaction volume — because for many buyers, the difference between “just affordable” and “out of reach” is often measured in basis points, not broad economic narratives.

Focusing exclusively on mortgage rates, however, risks missing the broader macroeconomic picture. Housing outcomes are jointly determined by income expectations, labor market stability, consumer confidence and credit conditions.

A geopolitical shock of this magnitude does not move these variables in isolation. It introduces volatility across all of them simultaneously, amplifying its aggregate effect.

Or, translated: it’s not just that borrowing got more expensive — it’s that committing to a 30-year mortgage suddenly feels like signing a long-term contract in the middle of a plot twist you don’t fully understand.

This is where standard models begin to intersect with behavioral

reality. Under heightened uncertainty, the option value of waiting increases. Households rationally defer large, irreversible investments. Buyers pause, reassess, and, in many cases, step back altogether — not because the desire to own a home has disappeared, but because the confidence to act on it has weakened.

The American Dream hasn’t been canceled. It’s just… buffering.

For now, it sits in a kind of economic limbo — finger hovering over the snooze button — waiting for clearer signals from markets, policymakers, and a geopolitical landscape that seems determined to keep rewriting the script mid-scene. And until that clarity arrives, the housing market, like much of the economy, will remain caught between resilience and hesitation — still standing, but thinking twice.

DC Aiken is Senior Vice President of Lending for CrossCountry Mortgage, NMLS # 658790. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com.

The opinions expressed within this article may not reflect the opinions or views of CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC or its affiliates.

Beginning in the 2029-2030 school year, schools will not be able to use state funds on reading materials not approved by the State Board of Education.

DEATH NOTICES

Stephen Bridgman, age 87, of Roswell, GA passed away on March 29, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Patrick Brown, age 85, of Roswell, GA passed away on March 25, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Gail Connell, age 71, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on March 27, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

“Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, it shall be the policy of this state that only highquality instructional materials that are aligned with the science of reading are going to be available for state funds,” Tillery said.

HB 1193 also establishes standards for first-grade retention. Beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, students

Wolfgang Fechtel, age 89, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on March 27, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Peggy Fell, age 77, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on March 24, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Mary Fink, age 89, of Roswell, GA passed away on March 29, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

For more political and statewide news, visit georgiapress.com

must attend kindergarten before first grade. They may be held back from first grade if they are at risk or not reading at grade level, and parents can appeal a retention decision.

Jacqueline Heiser, age 88, of Johns Creek, GA passed away on March 30, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Gary Patterson, age 69, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on March 25, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Edna Santoro, age 96, of Roswell, GA passed away on March 29, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

The Georgia Literacy Task Force is created and must meet by September to recommend reading screeners and high-quality instructional materials.

“We think the most important things in this bill are what we’re accomplishing in the classrooms,” Tillery said.

Literacy was a top priority for lawmakers this year, particularly House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington.

“The passage of the Early Literacy Act of 2026 marks the beginning of unprecedented change and a monumental step forward for every child who steps foot in a Georgia classroom,” Burns said. “This is just the beginning of a success story that I believe will make a generational difference in the lives of children, families, and our entire state by ensuring every child has the chance to learn to read.”

House Education Committee Chairman Chris Erwin, R-Homer, added that reading on grade level empowers students to expand their knowledge and learning.

“This bill will blanket the state with expert literacy coaches, high-quality instructional material and tools for teachers to improve the literacy rates of their students,” Erwin said.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR INVITATION TO BID CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA FOR ADA ALPHARETTA ADULT ACTIVITY CENTER PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS ITB 26-010

The City of Alpharetta (City) is requesting bids for the ADA ALPHARETTA ADULT ACTIVITY CENTER PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS from qualified contractors. The project includes, but is not limited to, demolition, milling of existing pavement, installation of asphalt pavement, installation of sidewalk, installation of storm sewer system materials, installation of curb and gutter, grading, erosion control, and related work. The location of the work is at our City’s North Park Adult Activity Center at 13450 Cogburn Rd --- within the City of Alpharetta, Georgia. The work is solely within City-owned right of way or property. No right of way or easements acquisitions are needed

The ITB will be available online Friday, March 20, 2026, at our bid posting website, https://cityofalpharetta.bonfirehub.com/ . Interested parties are required to log in to review the ITB documents.

This procurement is issued under the authority of the City’s Procurement Policy and applicable law. The City has the authority to reject all bids or any bid that is non-responsive or not responsible, and to waive technicalities and inconsequential discrepancies to award a contract that is in the best interest of the City.

The Work will be funded by federal grant assistance under the Community Development Block Grant program through a subgrant award from Fulton County, Georgia. Bidders agrees to comply with and perform the Work in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, rules, executive orders, policies, guidelines, procedures, directives, and requirements, including, without limitation, 2 C.F.R. § 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements (DavisBacon Act, Copeland Act, and Contract Works Hours & Safety Standards Act), Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Federal Labor Standards Provisions, and the requirements, terms, and conditions set forth in the Grant Related Requirements found in procurement bid documents, All Bidders are required to submit a bid bond, equal to 5% of the Schedule of Items’ grand total, with each bid prior to the stated due date and time. Payment and Performance bonds in the amount of 100% of the awarded bid will be required from the successful Bidder upon contract award.

Retainage equal to 5% will be held from each approved payment application. Liquidated damages will not apply. All federal, state, and/or local permits have been obtained for this project. The Schedule of Items form will be used as the primary representation of each Bidder’s cost/price. Award for this project will be according to Schedule of Items’ Grand Total.

Bids will be due on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM . All responses must be received before closing at https://cityofalpharetta.bonfirehub.com/ webpage for this project. Responses submitted by hard copy, mail, facsimile, or e-mail will not be accepted. Responses received after closing time will not be considered.

All ITB Documents, subsequent communication, including Addenda, etc. are available to the public and to all interested Bidders through the Bonfire e-procurement portal, http://cityofalpharetta.bonfirehub.com/ . For all other inquiries, please contact Debora Westbrook at the City of Alpharetta Department of Finance at dwestbrook@alpharetta.ga.us or (678) 297-6050.

Is Your Company Hiring?

During these turbulent times, we would like to highlight the continued courage and commitment of everyone who works in the health care, law enforcement, childcare, food service and utility sectors. We are extremely grateful.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 6:30 p.m., the Alpharetta City Council will hold a public hearing to in order to consider amendments to Chapter 30 of the Code of the City of Alpharetta, Georgia, known as Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions. The public hearing will be held in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers located at 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. The purpose of the public hearing shall be for public review and comment concerning proposed modifications to amend provisions regarding the discharge of firearms; to amend provisions regarding urban camping and the improper use of property; to regulate the discharge of bows and crossbows; to prohibit interference of a city officer; to prohibit false representations to a city officer; to prohibit loitering and prowling; to prohibit trespass; to prohibit street racing and reckless driving exhibitions; to prohibit vandalism; to prohibit aggressive panhandling; to prohibit public drunkenness; to provide for traffic violations for disobeying or avoiding an official traffic control device; to prohibit public urination or defecation; to prohibit creating a disturbance at schools; to provide for enforcement; to provide for penalties for violations; to repeal conflicting ordinances; and for other purposes. A copy of the proposed amendment is on file with the clerk in Alpharetta City Hall at 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia and will be made available upon request. All Alpharetta residents and any other affected and/ or interested persons are invited and encouraged to attend.

DC Aiken

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THE FUTURE OF LOCAL NEWS

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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.

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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.

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Factory Automation Project Manager (Duluth, GA) sought by an IT service & solutions co. Reqs a min of a bachelor’s deg in info systms, industrial engg, civil engg, or rltd, & 2 yrs of exp in factory automation project mgmt. Send resume to: SK AX USA Inc. @ 2055 Sugarloaf Circle, Ste 500, Duluth, GA 30097.

$500 Sign on Bonus! Now Seeking Tree Service Ground Men with Driving Experience. Must be able to drive manual transmissions. A,B or C License. Job duties will include carrying tree limbs & debris, raking & blowing. Lite vehicle & equipment maintenance. Up to $220/day, based on license, driving skills & experience. Call 770-231-5819.

Ceena LLC. has an opening for ServiceNow Sr. Developer in Alpharetta, GA. (Design and develop custom applications and modules using the ServiceNow platform, adhering to best practices and industry standards; Configure and customize ServiceNow modules, workflows, forms, business rules, UI policies, and other platform components to meet business requirements) Req. MS Degree or foreign equiv. in CS, CA, CIS, IT, Eng(any), or related fields plus 2 yrs of exp in rel. occupation. Travel/ relocation required as jobs will be performed at various unanticipated locations throughout the United States. Mail resume to HR, 3480 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 500, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERS: Alpharetta, GA & various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S.: Invlv in utlzng prdctn sys, lean mnfctrng, Indstral Engg Mgmt & SCM prncpls. Crat visual wrk instrctns, intrprt cust drwng & specns for updtng qlty inspctn checklists, SOPs & engg job aids/visual mgmt guides. U/sttstcl process cntrl, anova & data anlytcs. Prfm Dscrt Event Smltn to vldt Cycle time, calc WIP, bottlenecks, thrughpt, cpcty, rsrc utlztn & prdctn rate chngs of cmplx prdcn sys. Cndct time & mtn studies to prfm RCA, APQP & est cntrl lmts. Crat biz cases for indstrlztn of new prjcts. Master’s in Sci, Tech, Engg (any), or Engg Mgmt is req’d. Mail CV: Artiminds LLC., hr@artiminds.co.

IT Professionals (Johns Creek, GA) Application Developers, Computer Programmers, Data Engineers, Data Scientists, IT Project Managers, Network Engineers, Software Developers, Software Engineers, Software Quality Assurance Engineer And Testers, Software Test Engineers, Systems Engineers, Tech Leads. Multiple Positions. Telecommuting permitted. Mail resume to Altplus LLC, Attn: HRGC, 11024 Taconic Way Johns Creek, GA 30097.

Principal Analyst – positions offered by TechSera Inc. (Alpharetta, GA). Resp for dsgn & implmnt syst integns btw JD Edwards (JDE) & proprietary enterprise platform Omniintegrate & Omnidistribute which incl apps x.SIP and x.BOL. Position reports to Alpharetta, GA office. Telecommuting permitted in accordance with company policy, but must live within commuting distance of stated office. Please submit resume to JOINUS @techsera.com. Reference Job ID: 9584193.

IT Infrastructure Project Managing Leader (Duluth, GA) sought by an IT service & solutions co. Reqs a minimum of a bachelor’s deg in bus., finance, engg, or rltd, & 2 yrs of exp in IT infrastructure project execution. Send resume to: SK AX USA Inc. @ 2055 Sugarloaf Circle, Ste 500, Duluth, GA 30097.

Industrial Automation Engineer sought by an IT service & solutions co. in Duluth, GA. Reqs a min of a master’s deg in industrial engg, mechanical engg, or a rltd engg field. Send resume to: SK AX USA Inc. @ 2055 Sugarloaf Circle, Ste 500, Duluth, GA 30097.

Sr. Director, Software Engineering Alpharetta, GA: Plans, conducts, and coordinates software development activities for the team. Offering a salary of at least $213,075 per year. 5% travel required (International and Domestic). 40 hrs. per week. Any applicant who is interested in this position may apply to the following individual (please reference job #DS0526) Nicole Weldon

HR Risk & Compliance Specialist Global Payment Holding Company One TSYS Way, Columbus, GA 31901.

YOUTH DIRECTOR (Part-Time) Alpharetta Presbyterian Church — Alpharetta, GA

APC seeks a vibrant, relational leader to serve as Youth Director for middle and high school students. 20–25 hrs/week | Up to $25/hr. Ideal candidates have a passion for youth mentorship and a background in education, coaching, or youth leadership. Retired teachers and ministryminded professionals encouraged to apply. Strong volunteer team and pastoral support in place.

To apply: Submit a brief introduction and resume to jobs@alpharettapres.com.

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HELP WANTED American Legion Post 201

Part Time Bartender – Flexible schedule afternoon and evening hours, approximately 15-20 hours per week. Previous experience preferred but not necessary. Must be able to qualify for City of Alpharetta Pouring Permit.

If interested please contact DiAna Casale (770) 475-9023 Mon-Thurs 10 am – 2 pm or americanlegionalpharetta@gmail.com. Detail job description available upon request.

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