‘A total screwup’ County officials decry process for new administrative center ► PAGE 3 J u l y 1 7 , 2 0 2 5 | 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 9 , N o . 2 9
County explores grants that help combat crime By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Commission discussed grants the county received that will help fund special court programs that address the root causes behind crimes. At a July 8 work session, commissioners reviewed three state grants to fund DUI, mental health and drug courts. The grants will provide about $330,000 in state money. Defendants may be placed in the program in exchange for the possibility of avoiding imprisonment or having charges dismissed upon completion, said Jennifer Johnston, director for Forsyth County’s accountability courts. But, this is no get-outof-jail-free card, she said. Failure to comply with rules – regular court appearances, drug screens and maintaining employment, can result in an imposed sentence. “Some come in thinking, ‘Oh, this is an easy way to get out of jail,’” Johnston said. “They learn real quick that this is much more intense than if they had chosen to do time in custody.”
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HAIR STYLIST FINDS NICHE
Joely Simmons displays one of the tools of her trade at Salon AF in Forsyth County. Simmons has built a reputation around creating unique looks. See story page 6
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From left, commissioners Todd Levent and Mendy Moore and Chairman Alfred John attend a July 8 work session at the county administration building.
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