Johns Creek Herald - August 20, 2026 by Appen Media Group

Fulton Schools eye first millage hike in 7 years ► PAGE 3 A u g u s t 2 0 , 2 0 2 6 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 3 0 , N o . 3 4

Fulton students post gains across subjects on Milestones By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Students in Fulton County Schools made measurable academic gains across every subject area on the 2025-26 Georgia Milestones assessments, with districtwide performance improvements in math, science and social studies compared to the previous year. The Georgia Department of Education released scores Aug. 6. Last year’s Milestones featured a new assessment for English language arts, and results from that won’t be released until later this fall. Students improved math test scores by 2.5% from the previous year. Eighth grade students improved in both social studies and U.S. history. Science proficiency increased to 55.8%, led by student gains in biology. While celebrating the district’s progress, Superintendent Mike Looney emphasized the importance of building on this momentum. “These gains reflect the hard work of our teachers, school leaders, support staff, students and families,” Looney said. “While we are proud of the progress our students have made, we also know there is more work to do to ensure every student reaches their full potential.”

See STUDENTS, Page 17

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

Johns Creek officials prepare for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a newly opened pedestrian tunnel under Medlock Bridge Road Aug. 12.

Officials cut ribbon on new pedestrian tunnel By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The city of Johns Creek officially opened a pedestrian tunnel at the edge of one of its latest recreation and gathering spaces Aug. 12. The 124-foot-long, 42-foot-wide tunnel provides passage for pedestrians and cyclists into The Boardwalk under Medlock Bridge Road near Johns Creek Parkway. City officials and community members marked its completion by gathering at the tunnel for a ceremonial ribbon cutting. At the ceremony, Mayor John Bradberry thanked staff members and contractors for their work and acknowledged the residents and businesses that will use the tunnel.

“Our council had the foresight and vision to choose this tunnel option, and I think that was the correct decision,” he said. Funded by Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax dollars, the $6.5 million project broke ground in 2024. The project totaled $7 million with right-ofway and engineering costs. City officials said the tunnel is an important piece of transportation infrastructure in creating a vibrant, walkable town center, officials said. The tunnel, which is lighted and has artificial turf, can also serve as an event space. After the ceremony, a resident made quick use of the tunnel, riding a recumbent bicycle through it into the nearby trail.

Two Johns Creek officials walk through a pedestrian tunnel under Medlock Bridge Road Aug. 12.

2 | August 20, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

PUBLIC SAFETY

What to know about West Nile virus after park closure By JOSHUA WILSON joshua@appenmedia.com

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SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — South Fulton closed Old National Park to the public last week after mosquitoes collected during routine surveillance tested positive for West Nile virus. City officials told CBS News Atlanta the South Fulton Parks and Recreation Department learned of the result Aug. 11 and shut the park down as a precaution while Fulton County coordinates treatment of the property. Any programming planned for the park will be canceled or rescheduled, with the county’s health department expected to spray targeted insecticides and apply larvicides to any standing water sources. Officials will then decide when the park can reopen. The park’s temporary closing is the latest development in a summer that has brought West Nile back into local headlines. Here is a primer on the virus itself and what is actually driving this year’s attention.

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A familiar mosquito-borne threat West Nile virus isn’t new to the U.S., with infections first showing up in New York City in 1999. It spread across the country within a few years and peaked with nearly 10,000 reported cases in 2003. The virus is carried by mosquitoes. The small flies pick it up from infected birds and then pass it along to humans — and many animals, including dogs, cats and horses — through bites. There is still no vaccine, which is why prevention is key.

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A record pace — and likely an undercount Officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report the country is seeing its earliest start to West Nile season on record. By July 28, 2026, 113 human cases had been reported nationally — more than double

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A mosquito feeds on human skin.

the 44 cases reported by the same point in 2003, the worst West Nile season since the virus arrived in the U.S. As of Aug. 11, there were 181 reported cases across 30 states. Fulton County’s own mosquito surveillance program picked up the trend locally, with positive traps turning up in the Grant Park area of Atlanta earlier this summer. DeKalb County followed with its own detections — positive samples out of two ZIP codes, 30088 covering unincorporated DeKalb and Redan and 30360 in Doraville — though officials from both counties say there have been no reported human cases so far this year. Human cases in Georgia have stayed relatively rare so far this season, with the CDC counting just one reported case in the state as of Aug. 11. But the numbers can undercount reality. Health officials believe actual infections each year run higher since approximately 80% of people who are infected will not show any symptoms. Also, people with mild cases never seek medical care or get lab tests. Georgia logged 18 reported cases of West Nile virus in 2025 and 54 confirmed cases — and five deaths — in 2024. Dry conditions, more mosquitoes CDC officials say the rise in West Nile detections and infections stems from the virus circulating earlier in the season, which infectious disease specialists attribute in part to warmer weather nationwide. Heat speeds up the mosquito life cycle and shortens the time it takes the virus to become transmissible once a mosquito picks it up from an infected bird. Georgia and several other states are also seeing increased West Nile activity due to the worst drought in decades. According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, approximately 49% of the lower 48 U.S. states are in drought as of Aug. 4. About 19% of the total area of Georgia is currently in drought.

Elmer Gray, a public health extension specialist and research professional at the University of Georgia, says this spring’s drought conditions across the Peach State impacted more than just the land. The dry conditions spawned prime breeding grounds for the southern house mosquito and one other bird-feeding mosquito. Elmer said the lack of rain means storm drain systems have not been flushed out by currents of water after typical rain events, leading to stagnant water and an attractive home for larval development. He recommends treating those habitats with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved larvicides, several of which are available from local hardware and feed and seed stores. He also advises the public to empty planter trays, recycle used tires, clean up debris, and position boats, wheelbarrows and other items so they will not hold water. What infection actually looks like Most people who get bitten by an infected mosquito never know it. Only about 1 in 150 infected people develop a serious illness. Most infections bring about mild symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, and pass within days. Serious cases, however, can attack the central nervous system, potentially causing encephalitis or meningitis. Older people and those with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of these severe complications. No treatment is available for West Nile virus. Providers recommend rest, hydration and over-the-counter medications to minimize symptoms of mild cases. Patients with severe symptoms might require pain control drugs and vomiting suppressants, rehydration therapies and closer monitoring. How to keep from getting bitten The CDC and local health officials point to a handful of basic habits that cut your risk of infection substantially: • Use an insect repellent that is registered with the EPA. The federal agency has an online search tool that identifies repellants by protection time and active ingredient. View it at epa. gov/insect-repellants. DeKalb County officials recommend repellants containing the ingredients DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin and R3535. • Wear long, loose-fitting shirts and pants when outdoors. • Avoid being outside between dusk and dawn, which is when mosquitoes are the most active. • Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.

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AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | August 20, 2026 | 3

Fulton Schools eye first millage hike in 7 years By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO

Fulton County School System Superintendent Mike Looney says he will propose a one-mill tax increase at the Aug. 20 Fulton County Board of Education meeting.

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FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — At the Fulton County Board of Education’s Aug. 11 work session, Superintendent Mike Looney announced he will propose a one-mill tax increase at the board’s next meeting. Looney said the increase — which, if approved, would bring the millage rate to 18.08 mills — is “unwelcome” but is in the best interest of the school district and its students. For residents, the increase means $18.08 will be collected per $1,000 of assessed property value. Based on that rate, a homeowner with a house valued at $450,000 on the market — or $180,000 in assessed value, per Georgia’s 40% assessment ratio — will owe $3,254 in school taxes before applicable homestead exemptions. It is the first time in seven years that the Fulton County School System has proposed a millage rate increase. The DeKalb County School District recently approved a millage rate of 22.78 mills, and the Cobb County School District has tentatively adopted a rate of 18.70 mills. In June, the Fulton school system adopted its 2027 budget with a deficit

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If something changes in the interim … then I will gladly work with staff to reduce that increase to something less.”

In June, local revenue projections stood at $891 million. Those numbers cannot be finalized until the school system receives the tax digest from Fulton County. The list of all taxable properties within the county and their assessed values is typically shared with local municipalities by early August. The tax digest has been delayed this year. The Fulton County Superior Court granted a temporary collection order Aug. 4, letting the tax commissioner send estimated bills using 2025 millage rates while the county board of assessors finishes processing what they call an unprecedented backlog of land packages. Once the digest is certified, the school system and other jurisdictions will set final rates. Looney said if the finalized tax digest warrants a different recommendation, he will work with staff members to adjust the increase. “If something changes in the interim … then I will gladly work with staff to reduce that increase to something less,” Looney said. The Fulton County Board of Education will vote on the tentative millage rate at its Aug. 20 meeting and then will set dates for state-required public hearings on the millage rate.

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4 | August 20, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

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STUDENT LEADERSHIP NORTH/PROVIDED

Local high schoolers participating in Student Leadership North’s secretary of state ambassador program bond at a recent escape room team-building event.

High schoolers to moderate Sept. 12, Oct. 5 debates By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Thirteen local high school students will moderate candidate debates in September and October as part of the Student Leadership North secretary of state ambassador team. The first debate will take place Wednesday, Sept. 12, at the Chattahoochee High School Auditorium, 5230 Taylor Road, Johns Creek. A meet-and-greet will begin at 6 p.m., with the debate running from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Participating candidates include Shawn Still and Laura Murvartian for State Senate, District 48; Scott Hilton and Adam Cleveland for State House, District 48; and Azure Duan and Michelle Au for State House, District 50. The second debate, set for Oct. 5, features Fulton County District 1 commissioner candidates Bridget Thorne and Maggie Goldman. It will start with a meet-and-greet at 6 p.m., with the debate running from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Rivermont Country Club, 3130 Rivermont Parkway, Johns Creek. Both events are free and open to the public. Visit studentleadershipnorth.com for more information. The ambassador team has spent several months preparing for the events, developing candidate questions and coordinating logistics for both debates. On debate nights, team members will serve as moderators and timekeepers, guiding

the conversations and holding candidates to the clock. The secretary of state ambassador program is a student-led initiative that gives high schoolers hands-on experience in civic engagement, election education and nonpartisan public discourse. Student Leadership North is a nonprofit organization that works to develop, energize and activate community leaders in Johns Creek, Roswell and Alpharetta by providing insight into and interaction with city, business, healthcare and public safety executives to affect positive change. This year’s ambassador team includes:

• Achyut Deshpande, Chattahoochee High School. • Anish Balakumar, Alpharetta High School. • Arjun Madhok, Alpharetta High School. • Chloe Choi, Northview High School. • Claire Kwon, Northview High School. • Jonah George, Johns Creek High School. • Nanditha Bhaaradwaj, Innovation Academy. • Neha Vajrala, Northview High School. • Olivia Koh, Johns Creek High School. • Prinsha Chanda, Chattahoochee High School. • Rahul Patkar, Alpharetta High School. • Sarah Greenbaum, Northview High School. • Sheppard Finley, Centennial High School.

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | August 20, 2026 | 5

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ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Northern Ridge Scout District, which covers Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Milton, announced its newest Eagle Scouts, who completed their Eagle Scout board of review July 30 at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.

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Levi Phillips, of Troop 143, sponsored by Greenleaf Capital Partners. Levi's project was the refurbishment of two outdoor classrooms, each with three benches, a whiteboard and a whiteboard toolbox, for Sharon Elementary School. Harrison Theodore, of Troop 27, sponsored by Johns Creek Christian Church. Harrison's project was the construction of four wooden benches, a pathway and an arch for the church's prayer labyrinth. Keegan Sharp, of Troop 226, sponsored by Bridge to Grace Church. Keegan's project was the refurbishing and painting of a sensory room and the construction of a little library for Perfect Harmony Health. Juwan Joseph, of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta Methodist Church. Juwan's project was the renovation of six disc golf baskets and the replacement of the billboard for Northwestern Middle School. Dru Simms, of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta Methodist Church. Dru's project was the construction of two benches and two mobile garden walls built from recycled pallets for outdoor classrooms at Alpharetta Elementary School. Will Baccala, of Troop 1134, sponsored by St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church. Will's project was the construction of two little libraries for the Southland Homeowners Association. Bottom row, from left: Chase Panos, of Troop 143, sponsored by Greenleaf Capital Partners. Chase's project was the construction of

three fixed wooden storage shelves and two mobile islands that doubled as a workbench and storage area for Sts. Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Greek Orthodox Church. Lincoln Roberts, of Troop 143, sponsored by Greenleaf Capital Partners. Lincoln's project was the removal of four damaged picnic tables and the construction of two new picnic tables for Johns Creek Methodist Church. Sanya Garg, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. Sanya's project was the construction of a 10-foot-by-11-foot paved platform under an existing hut to store the center's historic wagon, mulching an existing area and cleaning and resetting a stone wall for Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center. Victoria Hudgins, of Troop 1857G, sponsored by Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church. Victoria's project was the construction and installation of 20 eastern bluebird birdhouses for Long Swamp Creek Park, a Cherokee County recreation park. Ethan Maciel, of Troop 3000, sponsored by Birmingham Methodist Church. Ethan's project was the construction of a memorial garden consisting of four benches, more than 60 plants and mulch for the Alpharetta Police Department. James Higgins, of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta Methodist Church. James' project was the rebuilding of wooden outdoor stairs with composite wood and the replacement of a damaged plastic storm drain pipe under the stairs for Northwestern Middle School. Michael DelGais, of Troop 1134, sponsored by St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church. Michael's project was the beautification of Milton Fields Green Cemetery. The project included planting two ginkgo trees, three white azaleas and three orange azaleas, repairing a 48-foot fence and building a temporary A-frame entrance sign.

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | August 20, 2026 | 7

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Roaring Social selling $10K martini with diamond necklace By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

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AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | August 20, 2026 | 9

For band students, summer camp builds more than music By STANLEY LEARY newsroom@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Before most students have cracked open a textbook this fall, hundreds of teenagers across Fulton and Forsyth counties will have already spent two weeks together in the summer heat, learning drill formations, memorizing music and, in many cases, finding the friend group that will carry them through high school. Johns Creek, Milton, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Roswell and the Forsyth County high schools were among the programs running full-ensemble band camps in mid-to-late July, ahead of the fall football season and competition marching band. For band directors, the two-week stretch is logistics and rehearsal. For families, it’s something more. “When they were coming into ninth grade, band camp had already happened,” said Amy Kingry, whose two sons are percussionists. “When they came into school the first day, they already had friends, they already knew where everything was in the school, they already had a family started.” Tara Glaspey, whose sons play trombone and French horn, described the same effect. “You’ve got a family already of people that have your back,” she said. “It’s a support system.” For the students themselves, the appeal is less about strategy and more about connection. Sydney Godoy, drum major and senior clarinet player, said the band offers something few other school activities can match. “Music is the universal language,” Godoy said. “Everybody can get into music, and there are so many different kinds of music, and you just find your people here.” Cooper Glaspey, a sophomore French horn player and section leader, said band has taught him skills that go beyond music. “It helps with people,” Glaspey said. “You get to meet all kinds of new people. You can be in the leadership, learn how to lead, learn how to communicate. I think it helps with other things like school because you learn how to manage your time.” The research bears out at least part of what parents suspect. According to data published by the College Board from its Student Descriptive Questionnaire, students with coursework in music performance have historically scored dozens of points higher on both the verbal and math sections of the SAT than students with no arts participation — a gap that has shown up consistently across multiple years of College Board reporting. Some researchers caution that the relationship is correlational, since students drawn to music also tend to come from

STANLEY LEARY/APPEN MEDIA

From left, bass clarinet players Trenton Leach and Aubri Franklin, and saxophone players Alexander Amar, Sebastien Laurent and Parker Brown practice on the field during marching band camp at Roswell High School July 17. backgrounds associated with higher academic performance. But directors and parents in North Atlanta say the daily habits built in band — practicing outside of class, managing a packed schedule, learning music that doesn’t come easily — mirror the discipline colleges look for. Randy McDow, executive director of the Stamps Scholars Program and a former staffer for the Georgia Tech President’s Scholarship Program, said music students often arrive at college already equipped for its demands. “You’re used to having regularly scheduled lessons, practice or homework outside of that session, working together with others who may be just like you or might not be just like you,” McDow said. He added that music, like competitive sports, teaches students to keep working at something they aren’t immediately good at. “You eventually run up against a piece of music that forces you to really dig deep and work on it, to master it,” he said. “Those are very good experiences, leadership-wise, habit-building type situations.” Glaspey said that the lesson in discipline is something she tells other parents directly. “There’s also just the discipline aspect — to be able to be on

the field and march a show, you have to practice. You can’t just show up and make it happen,” she said. “In the culture we live in now, with instant gratification from our phones, we’re missing out on a lot of that discipline.” For Godoy, who plans to study music composition at the University of Georgia, the payoff is already clear.

“I think everyone should play an instrument,” she said. “The way it makes you feel, the act of doing it — I fell in love with everything about music.” Directors say the two weeks of long, hot rehearsals are laying groundwork that goes well beyond the football field — for students who, in many cases, haven’t even started their freshman year.

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10 | August 20, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

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United Way, Forsyth Te Ayuda host Latin Festival in Cumming By DEAN HESSE dean@appenmedia.com CUMMING, Ga. United Way of Forsyth and Dawson Counties and Forsyth Te Ayuda hosted the 2026 Latin Festival at Cumming Fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 1. The free, family-friendly event featured dance performances, live music, food vendors, community resources, free backpacks and school supplies, and many other activities. “The goal is to bring [together] not only our Latin community but the community in general to celebrate,” said Tyler Dominy, vice president of philanthropy for United Way. “We provide free backpacks and school supplies — that’s the starting point of the event, that’s why people are here. But even bigger than that, it’s about community, about bringing people together. It’s basically, at its purest form, our community coming together.” Dominy said nonprofit partners and vendors united to support this mission. “At United Way, our mission … is to strengthen our community by collaborating and by providing service and support,” he said. — Photos by Dean Hesse

Dancers from Ballet Mexicano de Lupita Sosa perform at the Latin Festival at Cumming Fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 1.

Ballet Mexicano de Lupita Sosa dancers perform at the Latin Festival at Cumming Fairgrounds on Aug. 1.

Marlaine and Jaxon dance at the Latin Festival at Cumming Fairgrounds on Aug. 1.

Sisters Ariel (8) and Alice (6) Bounnakhom show the jellyfish they made at the Forsyth County Public Library Bookmobile during the Latin Festival at the Cumming Fairgrounds on Aug. 1.

Hector Dominguez sings with Mariachi Voces de Mexico at the Latin Festival at Cumming Fairgrounds on Aug. 1.

Members of Mariachi Voces de Mexico, from left, Pablo, trumpet; Judith, guitarrón; Maro, violin; and Mario, vihuela, pose for a photo before performing at the Latin Festival at Cumming Fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 1.

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | August 20, 2026 | 11

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12 | August 20, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

COMMUNITY

Alpharetta Pokémon prodigy earns spot at world championships ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Soren Pitchford’s fourth grade teacher handed him his first pack of Pokémon cards. Now, less than a year later, the 11-year-old Alpharetta native is headed to the world championships. Soren is the top junior Pokémon Trading Card Game player in the Atlanta area, often beating players in the senior and master divisions. The Pokémon World Championships are from Aug. 2830 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. The annual tournament brings together the world’s top Pokémon card players, who qualify through regional and international competitions. His father Tyler said Soren’s qualification was highly unlikely. He scored zero points at his final tournament in New Orleans, but the top 85 players advance — and he placed 85th. Had he lost his final match, he would not have qualified at all. That match, against a player named Cage, earned Soren a Top 8 finish

and remains his favorite and most memorable. “I got there by the skin of my teeth and was so extremely excited,” Soren said. “That was a good day for me.” After learning the rules of the game, his parents bought him more cards, leading to Soren placing in the Top 100 out of 6,000 junior players in North America in his first year of competing. “When I started playing, it was a bit overwhelming, but I’m just regularly beating [other contestants] now,” Soren said. The youngster has traveled to tournaments in Puerto Rico — where he placed in the Top 8 — as well as in Pittsburgh, Toronto, London, Seattle, Orlando and New Orleans. Getting to Puerto Rico was a challenge in itself. Soren’s first flight from Atlanta was delayed by lightning, and the second one was halted by hail. The third flight was delayed, but he finally made it. He slept for two hours at a hotel before competing at 7 a.m. “At the start, I was like this might be a fun hobby, and then I realized I like playing casually but was kind of

envious of the players that were up there,” he said. Soren said preparing for the world championships means practicing, choosing a deck and analyzing competitive strategies. He plays two to three times a week locally and competes once a month regionally or internationally, practicing on his own and taking private lessons from other players. “He’s a good strategic thinker; he plays well, and I think part of it is pattern recognition,” Tyler said. “He plays at a high level, but he’s played enough of the same people in this area that he’s developed a strategy.” Soren also started a Pokémon club at the Alpharetta library, teaching around 15 kids how to play. He said he hopes to keep competing and coaching and eventually become a professional player. Outside of Pokémon, Soren plays piano and fencing — although he has put his sword away for a year to focus on competing with cards. He is also a member of the Lego Robotics team at Fulton Science Academy Middle School and has been a member of the Cambridge Youth Track team for the past four years.

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Tyler Pitchford posing with son, Soren, in Puerto Rico after placing Top 8.

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Don't let probate court run your business Why a trust matters for business owners Brought to you by – Holly Geerdes Estates Law Center USA If you own a business, you've spent years building something that runs on your judgment, relationships, and daily decisions. But what happens to that business the day you can no longer make those decisions — whether from death or incapacity? For many owners, the honest answer is: nobody knows, because there's no plan in place. The problem with relying on a will alone A will only takes effect at death, and even then, it doesn't avoid probate — it has to go through it. Probate is a courtsupervised process, and court supervision means delay, public record, and a judge (not your family or your business

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14 | August 20, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

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OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | August 20, 2026 | 15

GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA!

The joy of rediscovering my dad’s prized popping bugs The other day, on the radio, I heard a story about artificial intelligence agent gone rogue. The short version: There was this one AI system which somehow escaped its handlers and (as the story put STEVE HUDSON it) “broke out of the Columnist sandbox” and took over another AI system. But free-range AI is nothing compared to free-agent washing machines. Bet you haven’t heard about those, have you? I thought not. Just remember you read it first here. And here’s how I know it’s a thing: Do you recall our water incident? The one that upturned our otherwise peaceful life and then sent us packing to the hills while repairs are being made? Remember that? I’m convinced that the whole thing started right when we began talking about maybe getting a new washing machine, a sleek and sexy one with buttons and knobs and multi-colored lights? Yeah. Did the old washer overhear us plotting? Did we make it mad? They hear everything, you know. Washing machines don’t miss a beat. They’re smart – deviously smart – and even play cheery little tunes when the cycle’s done. How nice, we think. How cute! But maybe they’re just trying to distract us. Maybe it’s all part of their plan. Yeah, it’s all sunshine and light with washing machines. Until it isn’t. But I digress. The sunshine and light part went away when water from the washer somehow ended up on the floor…and in the carpet…and the sheetrock...and, well, pretty much everywhere. As it turned out, getting rid of the water was easy. Massive 747-sized fans and hulking dehumidifiers made short work of that. But then the repairs came. They’re still going on, and while they are we’re hiding out in an AirBNB up in the hills. But I’ve got to say that it’s not all bad, because our temporary home-awayfrom-home comes with a lake, and the lake comes with a whole bunch of fish. Lakes are made to be fished, of course, so on Day 2 of our exile I picked up my flyrod and carried it to the water. I made a cast, had a hit and caught one of the biggest breams I’d ever seen. “Wow,” I said. I sent a photo of the fish to my wife, who was back at the AirBNB putting

A stash of popping bugs found inside an old tackle box. things together in the kitchen. “Wow,” she said. After supper, we both went to the water. She promptly caught one even bigger than mine, and then another, and then one more. I picked up a few more too. Maybe, I thought, exile isn’t going to be so bad. But I was going to need more flies. And for those big bream, what I’d really need was something beefy. What I’d need was popping bugs. Popping bugs are named for the sound they make as you work them on the water. That sound – a deep, liquid galoompf – was part of the soundtrack of my childhood, and I suppose that it (like the memories) will be with me for the duration. The next day I stopped to visit my Mom. We sat at the round kitchen table, looking past the orchids growing in the window, out past the boat dock, out to the pond where Dad had so often fished poppers for his beloved bass and bream. He could make almost any popper do magic things, but his favorite was always one he called the Peck’s Popping Minnow. Developed by Earnest H. Peckinpaugh of Chattanooga, Tenn., in the early 1900s, it featured a high-floating cork body adorned with some artfully added feathers. On the water, it suggests a struggling minnow, and bass and

STEVE HUDSON/APPEN MEDIA

bream just can’t leave it alone. “It’s the best there is,” Dad always said, and he must have bought hundreds of them over the years – many, I’m sure, to replace the ones I left hanging in trees. Anyway, Mom and I visited for a while. I told her about the fishing. She offered me sweet tea and a piece of cake. I asked if she’d mind if I went downstairs to see if there might be some popping bugs lying about. “You just help yourself,” she said, for she knew what a popping bug was and what it could do with big bream. The best ones always know. So, into the basement I went. I turned on the light and started to rummage about. That’s when I saw it: an ancient aluminum tackle box, a box that had been part of my childhood. And memory flooded back. I knew that Dad had kept his most-prized lures inside that box – Hula Poppers, Rapalas, and red-and-white Heddon’s spoons. But those went in the second tray down. The top tray, the place of respect and highest honor, was reserved for popping bugs – and the best compartments, the ones front and center, were always reserved for Peck’s Popping Minnows. Were there still any poppers in that

dented old box? There was one way to find out. With an unexpected sense of profundity, I picked up the box and set it on the workbench. Then I eased open the latch. Hinges creaked a little as I swung it open. Lo and behold, there they were. Popping bugs – at least a hundred of them. They had been in that box for a long, long time. Long enough that maybe I’d even used one of them myself all those years ago? I picked out a dozen or so, favoring yellow and white like Dad had always done, cradling them like old friends in my hand. Then I went to close the lid, securing the rest for another day. But then something caught my eye from the back corner of the bottom of the box. What’s that? I looked closer and there before me were two yellowed plastic containers, each holding a brand-new Peck’s Special Popping Minnow. I had found the holy grail, and it was pristine. About then I realized then that I was holding my breath. I exhaled, slowly, and reached deliberately to pick up the two little packages and timeless treasure that each contained. And for a time – how long? – I just stood there in the half-light of the basement, thinking of…what? Of memories from years ago? Of memories yet to come? I know I thought this: When my Dad first met the lady who would become my wife – the lady with whom I now share life and everything else and with whom I’ll share time on the water this very evening – he knew right away that I was onto something good. And when I told him that, yes, she was learning to flyfish, and that yes, she would even unhook her own fish, he’d looked me square in the eye and said, “Son, she is a keeper.” You remember things like that. After a while, I went back upstairs. Mom said I could have the popping bugs and the Peck’s poppers, too, if I wanted them. I did, so I wrapped them carefully and put them in a little box. Then I said goodbye and got back in the car. I drove slowly down the driveway, past the azaleas now resting from their summertime exuberance, past the shady pines and the sweetgum tree. At the end of the drive, I turned north, willing the GPS to take me home the short way (for home is where she is) and to the good fishing and all that’s yet to come. Isn’t it true? It all goes full circle. It does.

16 | August 20, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

OPINION

GARDEN BUZZ

What’s up Doc? Why are carrots great to grow? We love carrots in our house, but that wasn’t always the case. When my kids were little, I would sneak finely grated carrots into pasta sauce, soup and pancakes. No one knew — until I was caught orange-handed. Thankfully, I no longer need to sneak around with my grater. Carrots are a great, easy snack when you need a good crunch packed ANNE FALLON with fiber, potassium, calcium and Guest Columnist vitamins A, C and B-6. Carrots are also low in sodium and contain no cholesterol. Other health benefits can include improved bone health and lower blood sugar levels. Of course, carrots can be enjoyed raw, cooked and in sweet and savory recipes. With few pests, carrots are easy to grow in Georgia, particularly when planted in raised garden beds. They come in varied sizes and many colors, including orange, yellow, red, purple, white and black, making them a nice cool-season crop. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offers a complete list of varieties that thrive in our climate. Once you have chosen your seeds, prepare the soil and test it weeks before you plant to address nutrient needs, including fertilizer and the addition of recommended minerals. Test the soil if it has not been tested in more than three years, or if you haven’t planted carrots in that spot before. Visit extension.uga.edu for soil testing instructions. Carrot seeds are tiny and best sown directly when soil temperatures are 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit in late winter or early fall. Use the UGA Weather Network to find out when average temperatures fall into that range. Because the seeds are so small, you may want to plant the carrot seeds with radishes to help keep your row of carrots defined. As a bonus, you’ll have radishes to eat in 25 to 30 days. Allowing a few carrot plants to bolt, or go to seed, is a nice treat for pollinators that visit the lovely flat-topped flower heads called umbels. An umbel is actually a cluster of flowers, with smaller clusters of flowers and even smaller clusters of flowers. The umbel has a beautiful, unusual shape, and a single umbel can produce hundreds of seeds. Carrots are biennials, which means they produce viable seed in their second year. However, seed-saving gardeners may be disappointed to learn that UGA Extension does not recommend saving carrot seeds in Georgia and instead suggests sowing new carrot seeds each year. One reason is that carrots easily cross-pollinate with other crops and will not produce reliable seed like the parent carrot. What a great excuse to plant a purple carrot crop after your orange carrot crop. When you plant your new carrot seeds, remember to rotate your crops. Do not plant them in the same spot every year or in a spot where plants of the same family were planted. Carrots are in the Apiaceae family, which also includes cilantro, dill, parsley, celery and parsnips. Because plants in the same family use the same nutrients from the soil, planting in the same spot will deplete your soil of these necessary nutrients, resulting in inferior produce. They are also susceptible to the same pests and diseases, which can build up in the soil and attack your new plants if you do not rotate your crops. Included is an easy carrot salad recipe that offers endless opportunities for substitutions and additions. 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.

PROVIDED

Classic Carrot and Raisin Salad Yield: 8 to 10 servings Ingredients: •4 cups shredded carrots (12 to 16 medium carrots, about 1 pound) •1 cup raisins •1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon mayonnaise •1 tablespoon honey •1 teaspoon maple syrup (or use more honey) •2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar •Pinch of salt

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Instructions: 1. Combine carrots and raisins in a medium bowl. Set aside. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar and salt. 3. Add the shredded carrots and raisins to the large bowl and mix until evenly coated. Substitutions: Use Greek yogurt instead of the mayonnaise, or use half mayonnaise and half yogurt. You can also use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of the apple

cider vinegar, or use all honey or all maple syrup. Additions: Try adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, diced apples or diced pineapple. You can also try 1/3 cup of pomegranate seeds or 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro. If substituting yogurt for mayonnaise, consider adding 1 or 2 tablespoons of chopped mint. Don’t be afraid to try growing this nutrient-dense, reliable, cool-season crop at your home.

Roswell Resident Anne Fallon caught the gardening bug while working for a garden magazine in New York City. At the time, she only had a single potted plant in an apartment in Hoboken, NJ. Twenty-nine years and countless potted plants and gardens later, Anne has been a UGA-trained Master Gardener since 2024. Anne is also an AVID tutor and the longtime manager of the Crabapple Middle School Learn and Serve Garden, where she loves teaching students how to grow vegetables that nourish their minds and bodies and serve the community.

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | August 20, 2026 | 17

Students: Continued from Page 1 The annual Georgia Milestones assessments provide insights into student learning and help district and school leaders make informed decisions to strengthen instruction and improve student outcomes. Fulton County Board of Education President Kristin McCabe said this progress demonstrates a continued investment from teachers, staff and families. The complete executive summary — which includes grade-level and coursespecific performance, student growth trends and subject-level highlights — is available at fultonschools.org/ milestones2526.

Built for memories, Built for memories,made for community made for community.

Notice of Public Internet Auction

Johns Creek Police Department The following is a list of property located at the Johns Creek Police Dept. If you believe that you are the owner of this property, please call (678) 474-1600 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Proof of ownership and a valid ID will be required to claim any property. A public internet auction of the following items will begin the week of 09/17/2026. The auction’s website is www.propertyroom.com.

Built for memories, Built for memories, for made forcommunity. community. made

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Newton Brumbeloe, age 86, of Milton, GA passed away on August 5, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Jesse Perry, age 80, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on August 5, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Donald Brown, age 91, of Roswell, GA passed away on August 6, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Sheri Datri, age 62, of Roswell, GA passed away on August 4, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Richard Ptacin, age 88, of Roswell, GA passed away on August 10, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

18 | August 20, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

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

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Puzzles

rier 8/6/26 Connect-It

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Connect-It

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

Johns Creek Herald ...........................August 20, 2026 | 19

THE PLANETS

Dunwoody Crier 8/6/26 Crossword

Across

1. Muse of poetry. Fine fur. The Red Planet. 2. Our home planet. Doctor’s order. Mold-ripened cheese. 3. Colorful salamander. Jovian planet. Musical work. 4. Giant outer planet. Mexican money. Mischief maker. 5. Lock name. Ostrich relative. Planet nearest to the sun. 6. Test. Planet with a ring of ice. Computer command. 7. Chubby. Links feature. Small planet farthest from the sun. PuzzleJunction.com

1 Limit 4 Trade punches 8 Dejected 11 One of the 3 Osmonds 13 Western director Sergio 4 14 Top gun 15 Patagonia native 17 Map abbr. 5 18 Not me 19 Apr. addressee 20 Rarely 6 22 Ghent native 25 Small dam 26 Current unit /6/26 Sudoku 7 27 Decree The Planets 8/6/26and Kakuro PuzzleJunction.com How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle Dunwoody above has Crier three clues three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is 30 Asp 1. first Muse ofofpoetry. Fine fur. The Planet. the letter the second answer, and soRed on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each 33 Courtroom event 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 34 Wrath 2. Our home planet. Doctor’s order, at times. Mold-ripened Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. The rules are easy: A number for 3 answers on thepuzzle, line. Buteach here’srow, the catch! Theand clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually To the solve the Sudoku column 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 is37 the Arduous sum cheese be the second or the thirdnumbers answer in1that line. Good inluck! boxformust contain to of 9. the Got whiteit? squares the sequence below it. You may only use the digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence. 38 A Smothers 3. Colorful salamander. Jovian planet. Musical work. brother 39 Tense 4. Giant outer planet. Mexican money. Mischief maker. 40 Alias 5. Lock name. Ostrich relative. Planet nearest to the sun. 41 French impressionist 6. Test. Planet with a ring of ice. Computer command. painter 42 Gamut 7. Chubby. Links feature. Small planet farthest from the sun. 43 Gem mineral 45 Via 46 Urban center 47 Bratislava natives 51 Donnybrooks 53 Bullﬁght cheer 54 Grassland 56 Samuel’s teacher 57 Belgrade native, once 61 Carte start 62 Chip away at How to Solve:Copyright Kakuro,©2026 also PuzzleJunction.com known as Cross Sums, is a 63 Like a dryer trap

2 4 6 9 5 1 7

8 9 2 6 5

9 2 5 4 8

4 1

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

challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. The rules are easy: A number above the diagonal line in a black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of 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.

8 7 4 1 9 6 2 3 5

5 1 6 7 3 2 4 9 8

1 5 9 4 8 7 6 2 3

7 4 3 6 2 1 8 5 9

6 2 8 3 5 9 1 4 7

APPE 4 6 5 8 1 3 9 7 2

2 8 1 9 7 5 3 6 4

3 9 7 2 6 4 5 8 1

14 17

16 19

18 22

26 30

21 25

33 38

40 43

60 63 66

64 Heavy weight 65 Lifeless 66 Latin foot Down 1 Locust pod 2 Bicker 3 Pastry 4 Japanese coin 5 Luau dish 6 Literary collections 7 Restoration 8 Mediterranean island native 9 Role player 10 View as 11 Might

RESS NP

UB CL

9 3 2 5 4 8 7 1 6

12 Mystery 13 Actress Kudrow 16 Excursion 21 Waikiki wear 23 Fat 24 Cherbourg natives, once 28 Lens holders 29 Calendar square 30 Chinese tea 31 Furniture wood 32 São Paulo native 33 African nation 35 Carpet 36 Summer on the Seine 38 Gumshoe, to some 39 Mitchell mansion

41 Free from tears 42 Divulge 44 Mineral suffix 45 After straw or exit 46 Bowed stringed instrument 48 Misplace 49 French Kiss star Kevin 50 Airline assignments 51 Butcher’s stock 52 Certain 55 Unspecified number 58 Indian state 59 Eccentric 60 Big shot, briefly

See puzzle solutions on Page 21

Solution

PuzzleJunction.com

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2 R E H A B R I E A R T H 3 O P U S A T U R N E W T 4 V E N U S C A M P E S O 5 M E R C U R Y A L E M U 6 U R A N U S A V E X A M

Solution

7 T R A P L U M P L U T O

9 3 2 5 4 8 7 1 6

3 9 7 2 6 4 5 8 1

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