2026 Legislative Preview ► PAGE 6
J a n u a r y 2 2 , 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 . 4
Process begins for pre-K lottery in Fulton County
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
A water oak tree at Medlock Corners, 5805 State Bridge Road, will be allowed to be removed per a judge’s order.
Judge allows shopping center tree removal By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A mature water oak tree will be allowed to be removed from a Johns Creek shopping center despite efforts by the city to protect it. An order handed down by Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Nov. 14 finds the City of Johns Creek lacks the au-
thority to prohibit the tree’s removal. The 50-inch-diameter tree is located on a landscaping island in the parking lot at Medlock Corners, 5805 State Bridge Road. The shopping center is home to a Publix, Hobby Lobby, Dollar Tree and numerous other stores. United Corners, the shopping center’s owner, which owns several other properties in Alabama, Florida and
Georgia, sought permission to remove the tree. The city had denied a tree removal permit, contending the aged tree was a protected specimen tree. A hardwood specimen tree is defined as one in “fair or better condition” with a diameter at breast height larger than 27 inches.
See TREE, Page 20
NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — The lottery to secure a seat in one of Fulton County Schools’ 94 pre-K classrooms for the 2026-27 school year is open now through March 3. The school district’s pre-K program is available to children who are 4 years old by Sept. 1 and reside within the district attendance zone. New hires of Fulton Schools and returning employees for the 2026-27 school year are considered in school zone for all Fulton County schools. The lottery application process is the only way to get a spot in Fulton County Schools (FCS) pre-K classrooms before May 1. Families that enter will be placed in individual school lotteries, which will be held March 23-25, and be notified by the end of day on March 27. Classroom seats are not secured until a child is selected through the lottery and the required documents are verified and registered with FCS. The lottery funded pre-K classrooms are in 50 elementary schools across the school district. Classes are pending until state funding is awarded through the state’s Bright from the Start program. General education pre-K classes will include 20 students. Inclusion pre-K classes will have 12 general education students and six students with individualized education programs. To join the pre-K lottery and learn more information, visit the Fulton County Schools website. — Hannah Yahne
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