Johns Creek Herald - April 16, 2026

DEAN HESSE/APPEN MEDIA

Trader Joes plans to expand in Metro Atlanta with a new location in Johns Creek’s Medley mixed-use development on Medlock Bridge Road.

Trader Joe’s to open location in Johns Creek

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Trader Joe’s is coming to Johns Creek.

The national grocery chain is planning to expand to a location at 1000 Medley Blvd., the company’s website said. To be located at the upcoming Medley mixed-use center, the site is near Medlock Bridge and McGinnis Ferry roads.

Economic Development Director Kim Allonce said the store is expected to open before the completion of Medley in the fall.

The first Trader Joe’s opened in 1967 in Pasadena, Calif. Since then, the company has expanded to more than 40 states. There are at least eight locations in Metro Atlanta, including stores in Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Norcross and Marietta.

The grocery chain said it is committed to offering unique, high-quality products with friendly customer service. To secure a spot on shelves, products must pass a tasting panel process.

See JOE, Page 20

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

Medley, a mixed-use center, is under construction April 10. Slated for completion in the fall, the center will host a Trader Joe’s.

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 third-grade 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.”

See LITERACY, Page 18

770-442-3278 AppenMedia.com

319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 HANS APPEN

NEWS TIPS

Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.

LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.

ADVERTISING

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

CIRCULATION

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

Milton home damaged by fire

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — A Redd Road home was significantly damaged by fire April 2.

Firefighters were dispatched to the blaze at 7:42 p.m., arriving within six minutes, the city of Milton said. Firefighters arrived to find the home burn-

ing. An accessory structure and a half dozen golf carts on the property also burned, contributing to the fire's intensity and duration.

The city said dry weather conditions and heat contributed to the flames.

Three neighbors reported small fires, which Milton firefighters extinguished with help from the Alpharetta

Fire Department.

Damage sustained by the Redd Road home made it uninhabitable. No one was injured, although one person was assessed at the scene. The homeowner said he was not injured and did not need assistance.

The fire's cause is under investigation.

3 Forsyth County teens killed in Florida crash identified

By JASMINA ALSTON Atlanta News First

ATLANTA — The identities of three metro Atlanta students killed in a fiery crash in Florida have been released.

The crash happened in Franklin County, Florida, on Monday. Florida Highway Patrol said the car ran off a shoulder and collided with a tree before catching fire.

Jaylyn Fehr, 17; Charlotte Martin, 16; and Jackson Mobley, 18, were all killed. All three were students at Horizon Christian Academy (HCA) in Cumming.

Jamison Mobley, Jackson’s 17-year-old sister and fellow HCA student, was seriously injured in the crash.

“As we continue to grieve as a school family and community, we ask that you continue to pray for the families of the students we lost this week,” the school said in a statement on social media Wednesday.

School leaders asked the community to continue praying for Jamison, who is still in the hospital.

“We pray for her healing,” HCA said. “We pray for peace and comfort for her family. We pray for wisdom and

clarity for the doctors as they treat her.”

In the post, the school included remembrances of the students by their families.

Jackson and Jamison Mobley

Jackson Mobley’s family said he was “a gentle giant, an incredible brother, had the best one-liners, and was a dream son.”

Mobley had planned on attending Chattahoochee Tech in the fall to study HVAC, with the goal of one day running his own HVAC company.

“The void Jack will leave behind is insurmountable,” his family said. “We know the last thing his soul did earthside was to help save his sister, Jamison.”

The Mobley family said that while Jamison’s “road to recovery is going to be hard and she’s going to need all the support she can get, Jamison survived for a reason.”

Her family said “we know God has big plans for her and part of that plan is to never allow the memories and all Jackson, Jaylyn and Charlotte stood for to fade. She loves her two best friends and brother with all her heart.”

Jaylyn Fehr

A student at HCA since first grade, Fehr’s family said she was heavily involved in her church and youth group, and was “a light that people were drawn to.”

“She was smart, funny, witty, compassionate, and empathetic,” her family said. “Jaylyn’s legacy is one of faith, kindness, and connection. While her passing leaves an immeasurable void, her impact will continue to be felt throughout the many lives she touched.”

She planned on pursuing a law degree after graduating next year.

A GoFundMe set up for Fehr’s family said, “Her faith and kindness touched everyone who knew her, and her loss is deeply felt by her family, friends, and the entire community.”

Charlotte Martin

Martin’s family said she had attended HCA since kindergarten, and was a dedicated student, “consistently at the top of her class while pursuing a rigorous AP and Dual Enrollment course load.”

Along with playing soccer and volleyball for the school, she also worked there in an after-school role.

DRIVEWAYS

“Charlotte approached everything she did with discipline, humility, and a genuine heart for others,” her family said. “While her achievements were many, what defined Charlotte most was her faith, her kindness, and the way she loved others. We find peace knowing she is with the Lord, and her life will continue to impact everyone who knew her.”

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Martin’s family with funeral-related expenses.

According to the A5 Gwinnett volleyball club, Fehr and Martin were part of the organization.

In posts shared by the club’s director, the organization said they lift both families up in prayer.

“We are grateful to the off-duty law enforcement and several Good Samaritans who stopped to render aid. Their bravery saved a life, and their willingness to step into an unknown and dangerous situation reflects true selflessness,” the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said. “We ask the community to keep (Jamison) in your thoughts and prayers as she moves forward on the road to recovery.”

Appen Media partner Atlanta News First provided this story.

Our chapel mausoleum offers timeless options of both cremation and traditional burial. Contact us for further information on the Chapel of Reflections and our many other offerings.

Secret Garden Tour to benefit public art

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Six secret gardens will be revealed in a May 9 fundraising tour.

Hosted by the nonprofit Johns Creek Beautification, the Secret Garden Tour of the community returns for its fifth year. The tour will showcase some of the area’s most intriguing hidden outdoor enclaves to support a major public sculpture honoring Native American and Indigenous heritage.

The organization works to enhance community well-being and natural beauty through landscaping initiatives and public works of art.

“The planned sculpture will acknowledge a 14,000-year Indigenous presence in the region, creating a meaningful space for reflection, learning and respect,” the nonprofit said.

The self-guided tour will be held rain or shine. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes.

Liliana Brenner, nonprofit president

More information

Regular tickets are $40 and available through Eventbrite at eventbrite.com/e/secret-gardens-tour-ofthe-johns-creek-community-tickets-1 981076847179?aff=oddtdtcreator.

and chair for the tour, said the fundraiser represents a special treat for a good cause.

“Each garden will have its own personality, unique design, style and stories,” she said.

The gardens reflect the individual personalities of their owners.

A peaceful woodland garden features native plants and quiet places for reflection. A hillside garden includes terraces and cascading water features. An English-cottage-style garden has winding paths, Italian sculptures and many fragrances.

— Jon Wilcox

Tune-Up Projects

Kitchen Tune-Up

Paint Cabinets

New Countertops, Sink & Faucet

New Backsplash

Cut Down 2-level Island

Bathroom Tune-Up

New Countertops, Sink & Faucet

Enlarge Shower Shower Glass Shower Safety Full Remodel

Kitchen Remodel

Total Cabinet Replacement

Large Island

Optimize Cabinet / Appliance Locations

Open Concept –Move Walls

9-5 Mon-Fri • 10-4 Sat

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

Projects

Bathroom Remodel

New Larger Shower

Vanity Replacement –Cabs, Counter, Sink

Free Standing Tub

Floor Tile, Wall Tile

Plumbing Fixtures

Cube Against Cancer event draws speedcubers to Roswell

By DEAN HESSE decaturish@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Solving a Rubik’s Cube challenges most people, but a growing community of puzzlers doesn’t just solve them. They work to solve them as quickly as possible, achieving personal bests while pursuing world records.

The speedcuber community attended the Cube Against Cancer competition in Roswell on Saturday, April 11. More than 100 competitors filled the Gravity Ballroom at the Mimms Museum of Technology and Art. Competitions follow strict World Cube Association rules to ensure fairness. The WCA is the official nonprofit body that organizes speedcubing competitions, sets rules and maintains world records for solving the twisty puzzles.

The competition is supported by Southeast Cubing Inc., the official organization for speedcubing in the Southeast.

The all-ages event was held in collaboration with Ethan's Ohana, a Missouri City, Texas-based nonprofit established in memory of Ethan Perry. Perry died from cancer in 2021 at age 12. He learned to solve a cube while hospitalized and became obsessed with the hobby. Solving the puzzle brought him comfort during treatment. At the Cube Against Cancer event, competitors were asked to bring at least one unopened cube or STEM-related toy to donate to a pediatric cancer patient.

The supportive atmosphere was easy to spot. Between rounds, young cubers practiced at tables or tucked into quiet corners, fingers flying over puzzles with the focus of seasoned professionals. Cubing is an inclusive hobby that appeals to all ages and abilities. The goal of each competition is to solve cubes as quickly as possible. The cubers with the best average solves advance to the next rounds of the competition. While most people are familiar with the traditional 3x3 Rubik’s Cube, the speedcubing community focuses on other puzzles,

including the simpler 2x2 and the more complex 6x6. There are other more novel puzzles like clock, where competitors work quickly to adjust the dials on multiple clock faces.

Some cubers move so quickly that the cube’s colors become a kaleidoscopic blur in their fingers. The winner of the three-by-three event, Caleb Chen, recorded a 5.3-second solve.

Silas Skinner, 11, of Marietta, was competing for the first time.

"I'm trying to get faster times and get new records for myself," he said.

His mother, Melissa, appreciated how well-organized the event was and was glad that Silas got to judge other competitors. Beginners are often expected to learn to judge to help the event run

smoothly.

Shirley Adams was there, cheering on her grandson Levi Adams, 13, capturing every round on video.

"My biggest joy is just watching him have fun — it's not just all about the cubing, it's about the interaction," she said. Adams playfully dubbed herself and her husband the "cubing chauffeurs."

Austin Currey, 10, has been cubing for two years and said it's really fun for him. Havish Chittanoori and Karun Rao,

said cubing is

and he enjoys meeting new people at competitions.

both 8, were all smiles between rounds, sitting with their families and a collection of cubes spread out on the table. Both said the event is a fun way to meet and make new friends.

For event organizer Rohan Raj, the appeal is simple.

"Anything cubing is just a great thing. It's a great community, with great people, so it's just been a great thing to happen in my life," he said.

For more information, visit cubeagainstcancer.org.

Cube Against Cancer Roswell

competitor Austin

,

said he got interested in cubing from watching videos on YouTube and has been doing it for two years. “It’s really fun for me,” he said.

Dunwoody teen dominates court

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Londyn McCord knew before she started elementary school that tennis was her calling.

Twelve years later, she has entered the International Tennis Federation’s World Tennis Junior Rankings Top 200.

Recovering from an elbow injury that came after a nine-month period of climbing nearly 800 spots into the top 300 of the rankings took as much mental work as physical.

McCord, 16, reflected on the injury period and what she gained from the experience.

“I learned that, number one, I’m not just tennis,” she said. “Tennis doesn’t define me, and there will be an after tennis. I need to find another hobby because I’m not going to be playing tennis seriously for my whole life.”

When she was ready to return to competition, the rankings had adjusted to her absence, and McCord fell out of the top 1,000 players.

But, she came back with a fire, jumping even more in the rankings in a fraction of the time. In eight weeks since returning, she has achieved a career-high ranking at No. 192 as of March 23. The streak has reaffirmed her Blue Chip 5-star status.

McCord described the process of ascending the rankings. She’s also No. 1 in Georgia.

“I would only check in with my mom maybe once a month or so, because I wasn’t really paying attention to the ranking,” she said. “I was just focused on my development physically and mentally, and the results just came.”

The youngest of parents Terry and Trish’s three daughters and two sons, Londyn is ranked the No. 3 recruit in the Southeast region and the No. 10 recruit in the country.

Her oldest sister attends Troy University studying sports management and law, but she has been able to get away to take a few trips with Londyn to attend tennis matches or tournaments.

Londyn has attended online school via Institute for Champions & Leaders (ICL) Academy since sixth grade. Many of her online classmates are top performers in acting, dance or sports like tennis, golf, figure skating or volleyball.

Londyn attended Dunwoody Elementary School and Peachtree Middle before starting at ICL. The McCord family relocated to Dunwoody to be in the same neighborhood as Londyn’s former trainer, Fred Haynes.

MCCORD FAMILY/PROVIDED

Dunwoody teen Londyn McCord is the top-ranked girls tennis player in Georgia. She has recently entered the International Tennis Federation’s World Tennis Junior Rankings Top 200.

Londyn’s four favorite tennis players are Roger Federer, Carlos Alcaraz, Serena Williams and Aryna Sabalenka. Being able to meet athletes like Sabalenka, Tiafoe and Coco Gauff has made Londyn realize her dream is closer than she thought.

Londyn reflected on earlier years, while she was in kindergarten watching Williams play on television.

“She is who I want to be,” Londyn recalled thinking to herself. “I want to make people feel like this when they see me play.”

She said her goal to be on the pro tour has been in the back of her mind as long as she can remember playing tennis.

Londyn says she has an open mind about her next steps, college or otherwise.

She said her primary goal right now is to break the top 100 in the ITF junior rankings to secure direct entry into the four Junior Grand Slam tournaments, Wimbledon and the U.S., French and Australian Open.

Dad Terry was described as a gentle giant. He reminisced on how far his daughter has come since first picking up a racket.

“At 4 years old, she was just hitting the ball in the air, and to go from where she is now, it’s been a real journey,” he said. “It’s been probably one of the best experiences of my life. She’s competing at a high level, at such an early age to see the dedication and hard work that she put in, to see the way she’s developed, it just means a lot.”

Two months after Londyn picked up tennis, the McCord family got in contact with trainer Fred Haynes.

Fred’s daughter Angela was a professional tennis player on the WTA tour. He raised his children in Compton, California, at times training alongside their neighbors, the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena.

Angela’s last professional match was at Wimbledon against her childhood friend, Serena.

Fred says Londyn reminded him of Serena as a child. He remarked of Londyn’s success that he is “happy but not surprised,” and also said we haven’t seen her peak just yet.

“Londyn was one of the strongest players that I’ve ever coached, I’ve never coached anyone like her, she’s just on another level physical-wise,” he said. “I just knew that she would be special. Londyn has what you can’t teach.”

The McCords became family to Fred, living just two blocks apart for the nearly 10 years Londyn would spend five days a week training with him.

Mom Trish said Londyn’s weapons with her forehand and serve are what set her apart as a player, but tennis has given her daughter more than just technical skills with a racket.

“The opportunity that tennis has given Londyn in terms of becoming a young lady off the court,” she said. “Preparing her for life outside of tennis, being disciplined, being able to make decisions on her own. That’s what the sport is teaching her and exposing her to other cultures.”

Trish said an especially meaningful and “eye-opening” part of the journey has been watching the transition from seeing her daughter take photos with famous athletes, to now being approached by fans for autographs.

Londyn said the journey has been long, full of hard work, but it has been worth it.

“Looking back, all I can see is constant growth and that motivates me every single day to keep pushing, no matter if I’m having a bad day or a bad week,” she said. “It just keeps me pushing because I can go back and see how much I’ve grown, and it’s just constant motivation for me.”

Off the court, Londyn enjoys cooking and baking, watching gothic romance movies, shopping and spending time with family when she gets the chance to have some free time. She collects vinyl records, and her favorite movie is “Shrek 2.”

Londyn will return to the United States in mid-April for some rest after several weeks competing in South America.

Just opened?

Appen Media publishes New Business Spotlights to highlight local businesses as they get started. Submit yours for free at appenmedia.com/newbusiness

8 | Johns Creek Herald | April 16, 2026

Alpharetta developer continues plans for 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 mid-2027.

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

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. Others 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.

“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 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.

“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 Park to Milton

Avenue.”

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

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 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.

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.

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

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 higher-use 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, 404848-6622.

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.

• 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 Highway (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.

McConnell-Chadwick House in line for National Registry

By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — The McConnellChadwick House, a Greek Revival-style home from the late 1830s, was deemed eligible by Georgia's Department of Community Affairs to apply for the National Register of Historic Places.

The Chadwick House Preservation Committee and Milton Historical Society received the news March 26 and can now begin the application.

The McConnell-Chadwick House was one of the earliest structures in what was then Cherokee County and belonged to Brig. Gen. and State Sen. Eli McConnell.

"We knew it was old but had no idea what an early example of a folk version of Greek Revival architecture we had in Milton," Joan Borzilleri with the Milton Historical Society and Chadwick House Preservation Committee said.

At the time, McConnell mediated conflict between Native Americans and white settlers in the area and was later designated to sell former Cherokee property after the forced removal of the Native American tribe in 1838.

In the following years, he helped found the town of Hickory Flat and advocated for the creation of Milton County, which is now part of Fulton County.

The Greek Revival home was donated to the City of Milton in 2024 and legally acquired by the city last year.

At that same time, Milton appropriated $220,000 in its budget for stabilization of the home's kitchen and main structure, along with other necessary repairs. Priorities include repairing the foundation, roof replacement, window restoration and repairing the porch and siding.

Borzilleri with the Milton Historical Society said they envision a welcome center, interpretive center for Cherokee and early pioneer culture, and a creative arts center or office space on the property.

The McConnell-Chadwick House received statewide recognition as a preservation project after the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation named the house a Place in Peril in 2023.

The Chadwick House Preservation Committee and Milton Historical Society have worked with multiple undergraduate and graduate students from area universities.

Swathi Jayakumar, a graduate student in historic preservation at Georgia State, used the historic home as her capstone project and completed the NR 10-900 form needed to apply

for the National Register.

Being recognized as a national historic site or deemed eligible for the registry opens the McConnellChadwick House to different grant opportunities ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.

The distinction carries a prestige factor as well, putting the historic home on the same level as other North Fulton properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, like Bulloch Hall, Barrington Hall and the Archibald Smith House.

If approved by staff in the National Register of Historic Places, this will be the first property in Milton to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"We have a long stretch ahead to restore the 185-year-old house and have it named to the National Register," Borzilleri said. "With the continued help of the city, community and talented preservation volunteers, we hope to cross the finish line to save a significant house that tells our story."

Sponsored

Touchmark National Bank would like to introduce Addam Taussig, Chief Lending Officer

Addam joined the bank in 2025 to lead its lending strategy and go to market efforts with a focus on delivering innovative financing solutions while supporting the growth of businesses across the communities we serve.

Addam brings more than 20 years of commercial banking experience with leadership roles spanning large and regional financial institutions throughout the Atlanta market. Prior to joining Touchmark National Bank he held senior positions in commercial banking building a reputation for relation

TAUSSIG

ship driven approach and strategic growth initiatives.

As an Atlanta native Addam combines deep local roots with extensive industry expertise. He is passionate about helping businesses access capital navigate complex financial decisions and achieve long-term success. Outside of the office Addam enjoys spending time with his family. He married his high school sweetheart and together they have three children and five beloved “fur babies,” keeping life full and active.

All irrevocable trusts are not the same

Brought to you by – Estates Law Center USA

Irrevocable trusts are widely recognized as powerful tools in estate planning, asset protection, wealth preservation, and estate tax avoidance. However, they are also widely misunderstood.

A common belief is that once you create an irrevocable trust, you lose all control—forever. Another is that all irrevocable trusts require separate tax identification numbers and independent tax filings. Still another misconception is that the person who creates the trust (the grantor) can never be involved again.

None of these statements are universally true.

The reality is far more nuanced: not all irrevocable trusts are the same. Depending on how they are structured, some irrevocable trusts can allow the grantor to:

• Retain certain powers to modify aspects of the trust

• Serve as trustee

• Avoid the need for a separate tax ID and separate tax returns

Understanding these distinctions is essential and what state law applies to you. Used correctly, irrevocable trusts can offer meaningful asset protection and flexibility. Used incorrectly—or based on misinformation—they can create unnecessary complexity or unintended consequences

To learn more about irrevocable trusts and more, register for our live workshops to learn what trusts you should have for your family and your assets!

•

•

•

The Reeces, a remarkable pioneer family

BOB MEYERS

The Reeces are a well-known North Fulton pioneer family. The first Reece family to settle in Georgia was John Reece (born circa 1785–1795) who arrived with his wife and small family between 1820 and 1834 from North Carolina. They were descendants of earlier Welsh settlers who sailed from Wales to Virginia and Pennsylvania. Current day Reece family members descend from John, whose family settled first in Hall County, then moved to Cherokee County and after 1857 some settled in Milton County. The original name of the family was Rhyse, a Welsh name.

Franklin Pierce Reece (1903–1996), known as Pierce, married Faustina Etris Reece (1904–2006) in 1922. Faustina had two older sisters who had not married. Their father, William Samuel "Bill" Etris (1875–1963), the namesake of Etris Road in Roswell, reportedly "would not agree to the wedding until the older sisters married," according to Pierce's grandson Scott Reece. Pierce and Faustina eloped with the knowledge and blessings of her mother and sisters. "It took about six months for the drama to settle and the family to fully accept the marriage," Scott notes.

Pierce was the oldest son of Oda Pitman Reece (1881–1961) and his wife Mary Arizona Willis Reece (1885–1944). Both Reece families are buried in the Ebenezer Cemetery in Roswell.

Pierce and Faustina had three children, a stillborn daughter in 1925 and two sons. The first son was Hoyt Fletcher Reese (1927–1981). His last name was misspelled at school and carried forward throughout his life. According to Scott, "Hoyt passed away at age 54 because of complications of encephalitis contracted from working his farm adjacent to the swamps of Big Creek, which was infected with mosquitoes."

Pierce and Faustina saved their money and eventually bought a farm on what is now Wood Road in Milton.

The second son is Charles Verney Reece, born in 1930. At 96, Verney is in good health living on a farm in Dawson County where he still drives tractors and helps his son Scott raise beef cattle.

Another Reece family, John Cantell Reece (1873–1951) and Nallie Ollie Broadwell Reece (1871–1973), built the historic house in downtown Crabapple in 1912. It has a historic marker.

Pierce worked as a sharecropper for

several years on John B. Broadwell's cotton farm near Crabapple. John "secretly paid Pierce a quarter more per hour because, in his words, 'you do more than the rest of them,'" according to Scott. Pierce was strong and tall, about 6 feet 2 inches, and weighed about 200 pounds.

Pierce worked for the local blacksmith in Crabapple, George Allen, for several years. Allen was locally celebrated but not documented widely, so there is not much information about him, which is true of most early blacksmiths. His shop was located near the intersection of Houze and Rucker roads. He was widely regarded as exceptionally skilled with metal.

Pierce was the go-to person for just about everything that needed to be done on anyone's farm. "If you needed to move a cow, you called Pierce,” historian Connie Mashburn said. “If you needed someone to take the lead in a hog killing, you called Pierce. He learned about veterinary medicine using common sense country techniques." Pierce owned the first 4-wheel drive cattle truck in the area, which allowed him to provide cattle

hauling services.

In 1960, Dr. Victor Puckett established a veterinary practice in the area. For the next 25 years, Pierce and Dr. Puckett worked together, providing quality animal care. "The two were instrumental in helping eradicate Brucellosis in Georgia in 1985," according to Scott.

Pierce worked as a vet on local farms all over north and south Fulton, south Forsyth and south Cherokee for local farmers and gentlemen farmers who lived and worked in Atlanta and were farmers on the weekends. One such farmer was Dr. John Walker (1902–1977), chief of staff at Crawford Long Hospital, who raised Black Angus cattle on his 500-acre farm in Alpharetta. He developed his own feed formula to ensure the best possible cattle.

Verney Reece, then a teenager, worked on Dr. Walker's farm on a unique underground silo that produced nutritious silage from green corn stalks that the cows loved. Dr. Walker also co-owned the Cherokee Poultry Market in Buckhead with his friend Ed Mashburn from 1946 to 1952; Mashburn managed the

business. Ed was Connie Mashburn's father.

Pierce was the preeminent auctioneer in the area. He became an auctioneer by accident. According to the Atlanta Journal column "Georgia Rambler" by Charles Salter, "In 1956, a neighbor requested that he sell furniture in a farmhouse. He said, 'Mr. Willie, I ain't never done that. Well, I can do a little of what the other feller can do a lot of.' And he sold the furniture." Pierce conducted more than 100 auctions.

Scott summed up Pierce very well: "With his proficiency in such a variety of endeavors, it seemed that everyone in the community knew him for one reason or another. He was a local celebrity and icon."

Bob is a member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission, director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and member of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society. You can email him at bobmey@ bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

OPINION

Failing in the pursuit of excellence

DAN WHISENHUNT Executive Editor dan@appenmedia.com

Let me tell you a story.

My first major in college was not journalism. I didn’t grow up dreaming about holding a notebook and asking powerful people pointed questions. I wanted to be an actor. I majored in theater. It was not, as it turned out, an easy path. I struggled. I failed. And when you failed out of theater school at the University of Alabama, as people often did, you typically went to the broadcasting school, because a chunk of the credits were transferable. So I did that, but only because I wanted to be done with college. I didn’t know what came after. I didn’t care.

I was lost. I struggled. My grades were atrocious. As part of my journey through the broadcasting school, I was required to take a journalism 101 class. They taught you the basics: the inverted pyramid form of story writing, Associated Press style guidelines, all the building blocks of what we do. I did not care for any of it. I scraped by.

The class was taught by Bill Keller, who was once the head of the Alabama

Press Association. Bill would bring in important people in the community, CEOs, politicians and the like, so students could practice asking them questions. The room, full of nervous college journalists, usually greeted these guests with an awkward silence. When it was their turn to ask questions, few did.

Except me. I was always the one asking the questions. They were pointed and effective at eliciting interesting answers. Where that instinct comes from, I could not tell you. I’ve always been an ornery person. Perhaps the questions were just a product of my own cynicism about life, how nothing seemed to fit.

Bill took an interest in me. I remember one day we were talking about what I was going to do after college.

Bill looked me in the eye and said, “I’ll tell you what you’re going to do. You’re going to buy a nice suit and I’m going to get you a job.”

He was the kind of person who could pick up the phone and make that happen. His word is something you can take to the bank.

And that’s how it started, my career as a reporter, Decaturish, all of it. It started because someone saw something in me that I did not see in myself. Someone intervened in my life and mentored me into a career that became a

calling. I always think about Bill when I see the gatekeepers of our profession try to weed out those they deem unworthy. I encountered this myself when I tried to land a job at a bigger publication – namely, the AJC – and was told, in no uncertain terms, that it was never going to happen for me. They said I wasn’t good enough. I decided that I was and launched Decaturish out of pure spite. I spent 10 years running my own small business because I believed that I could run circles around the AJC covering our community.

I achieved what I set out to do, but owning a small business was not easy. It changed me. Things happened to me along the way. I became a father. I earned some recognition for my work. I challenged powerful people and won. I made enemies. I hired my first full-time employee. My determination to prove people wrong carried me over all the gates standing in my way.

It also wore me out. Working around the clock takes a toll and by 2024, I decided it was time to let other, more capable people start making business decisions for me. Enter Hans Appen and Appen Media Group.

They offered me a fair deal and took care of my team. I started working for someone else again. It was … a period of adjustment. Becoming an employee

after a decade as an entrepreneur was awkward in ways I did not anticipate. I went from calling all the shots to consulting about all the shots. That was a change. But it was worth it. Knowing it wasn’t all on my shoulders, that other people wouldn’t be hurt if I failed, was worth it.

Decaturish has grown and prospered under the Appens’ stewardship. The paper you’re holding in your hands and the website of the same name are profitable. There aren’t many newspapers these days that can say that.

I had become accustomed to the tradeoffs and was thinking about my next public records fight when Hans Appen called me into his office a few weeks ago to tell me he had “big news.” I work in newspapers, so when a publisher tells you they have big news, it’s usually about launching a new curated email or something.

I sat on the couch in his office and he casually asked whether I’d want to take over all Appen Media’s editorial operations. Getting to manage a large team of journalists? Being able to bring the concepts I developed at Decaturish to a wider audience? Having the ability to shape news and influence people in an entire region? It was an instant yes.

See WHISENHUNT, Page 18

Housing flexibility can help sustain North Fulton

By KATHY SWAHN, NANCY DIAMOND, JACK MURPHY

North Fulton Improvement Network Executive Team Improvenorthfulton.org

In a 2022 study, the real estate firm Redfin estimated that almost 1 in 3 empty-nest baby boomers live in houses with 3+ unused bedrooms. With limited downsize options and high interest rates, there doesn’t seem to be much incentive to move. Add to that, the fact that many of us have accumulated a lot of “stuff” that our kids don’t want but we can’t part with, and you have a real bottleneck. Here is one reason financially savvy seniors may be motivated to sell. Public schools in North Fulton, the gem that attracted most of us to this area in the first place, are losing enrollment at a significant pace. And the impact that may have on future housing prices is something to consider.

Yes, it is true that a nationwide decline in birth rate is impacting

schools everywhere. But the numbers that Fulton County Schools (FCS) recently released show that the decline is more severe in our area than in most. Given the tactics that DeKalb County is considering – closing 27 schools – FCS may need to take a similar approach.

Overall, FCS showed a decline of 1,579 students countywide. Eightythree percent of that decline was in north county schools. Enrollment at private schools also showed a decline. Where these students went is a different research project. In our view, the most important differentiator impacting enrollment is the number of new housing units available to families. In the fourth quarter of last year, there were 437 homes (single family, townhouses, or condos) available in South Fulton. There were 339 available in North Fulton. North Fulton schools educate 62 percent of the total FCS student population.

We don’t have enough workforce housing options in North Fulton to attract young families and encourage

Affordable housing continues to be a serious issue across North Metro Atlanta. Groups like the North Fulton Improvement Network are trying to help, and Appen Media is dedicated to covering the process. Send ideas, questions and feedback to newsroom@appenmedia.com. Find more information from NFIN at improvenorthfulton.org.

student growth! It is in all our best interests to come together to solve this challenge.

We don’t need to simply build more housing…we need the right kind of housing.

We need housing for seniors to downsize without losing the community they helped build. We need places for nurses, teachers and public safety workers to have the option to live close to their jobs. We need places for young families to put down roots, populate our schools and pay local taxes.

In short, we need more attainable units for middle-income workers. To accomplish that will require average citizens to urge elected officials to

work together to solve the problem. The first step is to adjust zoning rules that restrict housing options.

Housing density seems to scare almost as many people as the term “affordable housing.” However, many communities have developed zoning that allows for “gentle” density – the kind of zoning that allows for duplexes and triplexes that can look much like any other single-family home.

If you want to help maintain the value of your home when you choose to sell, you need to get involved with your elected officials. Tell them that you want zoning that will save our schools.

In a recent op-ed in the Appen papers, Superintendent of Fulton County Schools Mike Looney said, “Strong schools help create stable neighborhoods and a thriving local economy. It is well established that communities with strong public schools attract families and support healthy property values, protecting the investment many residents have made in their homes.”

GARDEN BUZZ

Tiny borers, big problems: ambrosia beetles in landscapes

Ambrosia beetles are tiny insects that can cause big problems in Georgia landscapes. These bark-boring beetles attack more than 100 species of trees and shrubs, including many common ornamentals. While Georgia is home to over 170 species of bark and ambrosia beetles, most damage in nurseries and landscapes is caused by one invasive species: the granulate ambrosia beetle (Xylosandrus crassiusculus).

The good news is that ambrosia beetles don’t typically attack healthy trees. Instead, they target plants that are already stressed — from drought, flooding, root damage, or other pests. Understanding this behavior is key to preventing problems in the landscape.

When and why they attack

Ambrosia beetles become active in late winter or early spring, often when temperatures reach about 68 degrees Fahrenheit for a few days in a row. The adult females emerge from trees where they’ve overwintered and begin searching for new host trees.

What are they looking for? Stressed trees. These trees release chemical signals, like ethanol, that act like beacons to ambrosia beetles. They’re also drawn to wood containing some moisture, attacking stressed or dying trees, rather than those that are already dead.

Once a female finds a suitable host, she bores into the trunk or branches, creating tunnels called galleries. As she drills, she pushes out compacted sawdust, forming the telltale “toothpicks” or “noodles” sticking out of the bark. These are often the first and most noticeable sign of an infestation.

Fungus farmers

What makes ambrosia beetles especially unique is that they don’t actually eat the wood they tunnel through. Instead, they farm fungi.

Female beetles carry spores of “ambrosia” fungi in specialized structures on their bodies. Once inside the tree, they introduce this fungus into their galleries and carefully tend it like a garden. The fungus grows along the tunnel walls, and both adult beetles and their larvae feed on it.

This relationship benefits the beetles, but it’s bad news for the tree. As the fungus spreads, it can clog the tree’s water- and nutrient-conducting tissues, leading to wilting, dieback and eventually death. Smaller or already

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Gabrielle LaTora, agriculture agent in Fulton County’s Extension office. An entomologist by training, Gabrielle is interested in insects on farms and in gardens. In addition to helping coordinate Fulton’s Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program, Gabrielle oversees the North Fulton Community Garden, answers clients’ questions about gardening and natural resources, works with urban farmers and delivers educational programs for Fulton County residents. Gabrielle’s favorite insect of the moment is the Pandora sphinx moth, Eumorpha pandorus.

more than one-third of a tree’s canopy at one time.

For fast-growing species like fig, cutting the plant back to the base may allow it to regrow. While it may be tempting to burn infested wood, that step isn’t necessary — ambrosia beetles are already widespread in Georgia. Chipping, composting or simply allowing the wood to dry are all acceptable options.

The bottom line

stressed trees are more likely to suffer worse fates.

What to look for

Because ambrosia beetles are tiny (2-4 mm) and spend most of their lives hidden inside trees, you’re unlikely to see the insects themselves. Instead, keep an eye out for signs of their activity.

The most distinctive clue is the presence of those small, toothpick-like strands of sawdust sticking out from the bark. You might also notice fine sawdust collecting at the base of the tree or in bark crevices.

As infestations progress, trees may show more general symptoms of decline, such as delayed leaf-out in spring, wilting or early leaf drop. In severe cases, branches or entire trees may die.

Ambrosia beetles attack a wide range of plants, including crape myrtle, dogwood, redbud, oak, magnolia, peach and pecan, among others. While most species focus on stressed plants, one exception is the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus), which can attack healthy trees and has caused widespread losses of redbay, sassafras and avocado in the Southeast.

Prevention is the best protection

Because ambrosia beetles are attracted to stressed trees, the best defense is keeping your plants as healthy as possible. Start by choosing the right plant for the right place, and be mindful of site conditions like soil type, drainage and sunlight. The conditions at the planting site should match your plant’s preferences and tolerances.

During dry periods, irrigate as needed, especially for newly planted trees. Avoid injuring trunks and roots with lawn equipment, as wounds can increase stress and make trees more attractive to beetles.

What to do if you see signs

Once ambrosia beetles are inside a tree, control options are limited. The insects are protected within the wood, and because they feed on fungus rather than plant tissue, systemic insecticides are generally ineffective.

In most cases, early detection and removal of infested wood is the best course of action. Prune out affected branches or remove severely infested trees to prevent further spread. Be careful not to remove

Ambrosia beetles are a common part of Georgia’s landscape, and in most cases, they’re taking advantage of plants that are already under stress. The key to managing them isn’t chasing the beetles, it’s supporting tree health.

By recognizing the early signs of infestation and focusing on proper plant care, you can reduce the risk of serious damage and keep your landscape thriving

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 in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order 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 featured at https://www.appenmedia. com/users/profile/garden%20buzz/.

Catch North Fulton Master Gardeners at these scheduled events throughout the season:

• Alpharetta Farmers’ Market (starting April 18)

• Sandy Spring Farmers’ Market: Diggin’ in the Dirt kid’s activities

• Crabapple Festival in Milton this fall

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!

CITIES OVERSEAS

1. Rock bottom. Hindu princess. City near Oberhausen.

2. Port city in NE Brazil. Fencing sword. Fragrance.

3. Bone-dry. City of NW Syria. Gumbo vegetable.

4. Honshu city. Resting place. Building material.

5. Barber’s supply. Halt. French city of the Strait of Dover.

6. City of central Poland. Kind of bee. Nada.

7. City in the Asian part of Russia. Big sandwich. Flashy.

1 Rock bottom. Hindu princess. City near Oberhausen.

2. Port city in NE Brazil. Fencing sword. Fragrance

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. Bone-dry. City in NW Syria. Gumbo vegetable.

4. Honshu city. Resting place Building material.

5. Barber’s supply. Halt. French city on the Strait of Dover.

6. City of central Poland. Kind of bee. Nada

7. City in the Asian part of Russia. Big sandwich. Flashy

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

are easy: A number 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 is the sum of the white squares 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.

Literacy:

Continued from Page 1

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, phonics-based approach to reading. Beginning in the 20292030 school year, schools will not be able to use state funds on reading materials not approved by the State Board of Education.

“Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, it shall be the policy of this state that only high-quality 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 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.

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.

Continued from Page 15

As of March 30, I am now the executive editor of Appen Media Group. I will oversee five full-time journalists, seven newspapers and three websites.

This will mean changes for me, but Decaturish isn’t going anywhere except up. Our team remains in place, and I will still be contributing to our work. I will simply have more responsibilities and an expanded ability to be for others what Bill was for me.

I’m not a gatekeeper. I’m a collector of malcontents, weirdos and wise-asses who want to become reporters because, frankly, they’d be miserable at any other job. I’m inviting people to hop into the back of a truck for a ride up to the journalism farm in Alpharetta. What we do is not complicated. If you’re willing to show up, do the work and learn, you’re giving me 99 percent of what I need. And if it doesn’t work out, well, the good news is there are certainly easier and more lucrative ways to earn a living. Less fun, sure, but you can reflect on your career unhappiness while you’re enjoying your lake house.

For the rest of us who are too foolish to give up on this series of indignities we call a profession, I am still hanging in there with you. I’m interested to see where it’s going, too. I’m curious about what happens in our industry when we honor our principles without propping up antiquated thinking. What can we achieve when we try things without being afraid of failure? What will we accomplish if we let data and business sense guide our decisions rather than assuming we know what our audience wants? How will our audience grow when we demystify the reporting process and invite them to collaborate with us?

DEATH NOTICES

Let’s find out. If we fail, let it be in the pursuit of excellence. If we succeed, let’s pay it forward by growing our ranks, covering more communities and telling more of their untold stories. I can think of no better use of my time, or yours.

I am grateful to the Appens for this opportunity. I do not see this as an “I’ve made it” moment. I see it as a “let’s get to work” moment. That is what I intend to do.

I remain your humble and grateful community news editor.

City of Johns Creek Board of Zoning Appeals, Public Hearing: Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 7:00 P.M.

City of Johns Creek Council Chambers 11360 Lakefield Drive Johns Creek, Georgia 30097

The following variance application is scheduled for Public Hearing as stated above:

Case Number: V-26-0006

Property Address: 4810 Jones Bridge Woods Drive, Johns Creek, GA

Current Zoning: R-4 (Single-Family Dwelling District) Conditional

Petitioner: David Malaeev

Variance Request: Encroachment into the rear yard setback to construct a home addition

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK

PUBLIC NOTICE

PURPOSE

An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on March 19, 2026 for Consumption on Premises of Malt Beverage, Wine and Distilled Spirits

BUSINESS NAME

El Cuerno Taqueria & Bar LLC

Dba

El Cuerno Taqueria & Bar 11890 Douglas Rd Suite 105

Johns Creek, GA 30005

OWNER/OFFICERS

El Cuerno Taqueria & Bar LLC

Dba

El Cuerno Taqueria & Bar 11890 Douglas Rd Suite 105

Johns Creek, GA 30005

Owner’s

Martha Isabel Hincapie

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

Joe:

Continued from Page 1

Allonce said he expects the grocery to provide considerable quality of life benefits to Johns Creek residents while serving as a powerful attractive force for visitors outside the city.

The grocery’s quality and health focused branding aligns with many residents, he said, adding that he thinks it will help promote the Town Center area.

The under construction Town Center area is billed as a walkable district to include numerous community, shopping and recreation destinations. It will include The Boardwalk community and recreational space and Medley center.

Allonce said shoppers at Trader Joe’s may be encouraged to visit other businesses or other attractions in the Town Center area.

“We are excited to have Trader Joe’s,” he said “It’s great for Medley. It’s great for Johns Creek.”

Join today for $16/month

DC Aiken

Big Sky Franchise Team

David & Michelle Bertany

Amour & Duane Carthy

Scott Childress

Barbara Anderson

Kerry Arias

Scott Baynton

Joseph Bell

Rita Brown

SM Buscher

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

Support Local News Join Appen Press Club

CHARTER MEMBER

Adam Corder

Patrick Cressaty

Robert Flint

Robin Fricton

Zachary Hahn

Mark Casas

David Conti

Theodore Davis III

Maureen Drumm

Charlcie Forehand

Aileen Horton

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

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

Leslie Berry

Tom Billings

Linda Brill

Dorothy Brouhard

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

Allison January

Michael Kenig

Roderick Liptrot

Bob Meyers

Claude Nardy

MEMBER+

Deborah Jackson

David Johnson

Ali Mahbod

Richard Matherly

Evan McElroy

Vickie McElroy

MEMBER

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

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

Thomas Edmonds

William Edmundson

Denise Eicher

Cliff Oxford

Bruce Paulk

Ross & Lori Ramsey

Sarah Reiter

Mark Rundle

Matthew Sayle

Lynn Thomas

Kim Truett

Roger Wise Jr.

Colt Whittall

Patricia Miller

Anne Peer

Helen Perry

Jennifer Phillippi

Robert Popp

Dave Rhinehart

Sergey Savin

Heather Sawyer

Kate Seng

Karen Shih

Bob Stevens

Kimberly Verska

Carol Williams

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

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.

Michelle Glotzbach

Harvey Goldberg

Christopher Goodrich

Jim Gray

Ralph Griffin

Rihard Griffiths

Elaine Gwynn

Carolyn Hall

Marilee Hamilton

Susan Hanna

Marion Hannah

Roxanne Hazen

Joe Hirsch

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

Zach Jones

Amy Kanderis

Arthur Kebanli

Scan QR code to join the Appen Press Club

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

Kyile Marshall

Julie Martin

Support Local News Join Appen Press Club

Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is

above the diagonal line in a black

MEMBER (CONT.)

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

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

Cindy Nolan

THE FUTURE OF LOCAL NEWS

North Fulton Master Gardners, Inc.

Tricia Novarro

Bob O’Brien

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

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

Janet Sandberg

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.

Kelly Sarmiento

Derek Scheidt

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

Wesley Stewart

Cathryn Stovall

Celeste Strohl

Diana Sullivan

Andy Sumlin

Kathy Swahn

Carol Tall

Mike Tasos

Candice Teichert

The Small Business Advisor

Suzanne & Bob Thomas

William Tietjen

Lisa Tilt

Michael Townes

Trunnion LLC

Matthew Tyser

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

Agilysys, Inc. seeks a Senior Lead Systems Analyst in Alpharetta, GA to analyze existing systems, business processes, & user needs to identify areas for improvement & optimization. Apply at jobpostingtoday.com/ Ref #26941.

MCS Project Manager sought by an IT service & solutions co. in Duluth, GA. Reqs a min. of a Bach’s deg in Info Systems, Comp Sci, Industrial Engg, or a rltd field, & 2 yrs of exp in mfg IT system mgmt. Send resume to: SK AX USA Inc. @ 2055 Sugarloaf Circle, Ste 500, Duluth, GA 30097.

SYSTEMS ENGINEERS: Cumming, GA & various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S.: Dsgn & impl MDE onbrdng for Windows 10/11 dvcs u/ Intune, SCCM & script atmtn. Cnfgr & dply EDR, ASR rules, Tamper Prtctn, Web Fltrng & Endpoint Attack Prtctn. Intgrt MDE w/Microsoft 365 Dfndr Prtl, enblng unfd threat dtctn & atmt invstgtn wrkflws. Est gvrnnc mdl for alerts, incdnts, dvc tgng & vlnrblty mgmt. Dvlp Intune tenant archt inclu cmplnc, cnfgrtn, update rings, app dplymnts & Autopilot prvsnng. Atmt device onbrdng, cleanup, rptng, & rmdtn tasks u/PowerShell & Graph API rdcng mnl efrt. Associate’s in Sci, Tech, or, Engg (any) w/2 yrs of exp in job off’d or rltd occup is req’d. Mail CV: HR, Jobly Solutions, LLC., itservices@joblysolutions.com.

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.

Part-Time Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) Thrift Shop Associate

NFCC is looking for a part-time Bi-lingual (Spanish/ English) Thrift Shop Associate to join our team. In this role, you’ll deliver exceptional customer service while handling cash register transactions, managing our client clothing program, and keeping merchandise neat, clean, and organized. Above all, we’re looking for someone with a warm, welcoming presence who treats every shopper with dignity and compassion.

The schedule is Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9:30am–5:30pm, Tuesdays 4:30pm–8:30pm, and one Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm per month.

If you’re passionate about serving your community and connecting with people in both English and Spanish, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org.

HELP WANTED American Legion Post 201

Part Time Custodian – Needed Saturdays & Sundays start time 6:30 am. General cleaning of building, pick up and discard trash on grounds. Supervise community service workers when available. Must be able to lift 50 lbs., and move around safely and efficiently without aid of mechanical support, accept and sign for deliveries. Approx. 5-7 hours a day.

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

Garage Sale

ROSWELL

Multi family. Crabapple Creek and Crabapple Walk Subdivisions. 130 Birchwood Court 30076. Saturday 4/18 and Sunday 4/19, 8AM-4PM. Furniture, toys, clothing and more!

Johns Creek, DoubleGate Communitywide sale. Enter onto Twingate from State Bridge. Saturday, 4/25, 8am-2pm. See signs & balloons. Online info: doublegate.net/sale

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

Health & Fitness

Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not just a discount plan. Get your free Information Kit with details! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/ads #6258

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 877- 305-1535

AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 833-640-4753 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Water damage cleanup: A small amount of water can cause major damage to your home. Our trusted professionals dry out wet areas & repair to protect your family & your home value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809. Have zip code!

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

No more cleaning gutters. Guaranteed! LeafFilter backed by no-clog guarantee & lifetime warranty. Call 1-833-610-1936 to schedule FREE inspection/ estimate. Get 15% off your entire order. Military & Seniors get additional 10% off. Limited time. Restrictions apply, see rep for details.

Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-543-9189

Wesley Financial Group, LLC timeshare cancellation experts over $50 million timeshare debt/fees cancelled in 2019. Free info package. Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as 1-day. Limited time, waving all installation costs! Additional terms apply. Subject to change & vary by dealer. Ends soon. 844-501-3208

Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833-399-3595

MobileHelp America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! Call 1-888-489-3936

Consumer Cellular - same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees free activation. All plans feature unlimited talk & text, starting at just $20/mo. Call 1-877-751-0866

Reach millions of homes nationwide with one easy, affordable buy in the ADS Network! For more information www.communitypublishers.com/ category/all-products

Pest control: Protect your home from pests safely. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders & more. Locally owned & affordable. For service or inspection today! 833-860-0657 Have zip code ready!

Peace of mind & early detection-Now more than ever, it’s important to get screened for Stroke & Cardiovascular Disease risk. Life LineScreening is simple & painless. 833-970-4172 Own land. YourCheapLand. com. TX NM AZ OK CO. Homestead, tiny home, RV, camp, hunt, invest. ON26 for $100 Off.YourCheapLand.com

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234

Home break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/ day! 833-890-1262

Need cash quickly? We buy houses in any condition. Get a fair cash offer within 24 hours! Call today. Liz Buys Houses: 833-359-4707

Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit cards. Medical bills. Car loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief and find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: Call 1-844-955-4930

TOP DOLLAR PAID for old vintage guitars! Gibson, Fender, Martin, Grecsch, Rickenbacker, Epiphone, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. Call 866-433-8277

Professional lawn service: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Free quote. Ask about first application special! 833-860-0811