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Dunwoody man recalls 9/11 escape ► PAGE 6

S e p t e m b e r 1 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 7

Council renames Newtown Park amphitheater By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Newtown Park amphitheater will no longer carry the name of a former state representative who played a key role in the city’s founding. At a July 13 meeting, city council members approved renaming the Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater. The venue, which has hosted events ranging from concerts to holiday celebrations, is now Founders Amphitheater. Burkhalter said he was honored when the amphitheater was named after him but is in support of the name change, which he said might attract private sponsors to fund events there. “I would encourage the arts and cultural committee to find ways to monetize and/or rebrand the Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater with private sponsors, even if it involves removing my name,” he said. Burkhalter authored the bill that led to the incorporation of Johns Creek in 2006. According to a social media post, the city named the venue in Burkhalter’s honor in in September 2016. A 2017 city policy prohibits naming facilities after living people. In a July 13, 2026, memo to the Johns Creek mayor and city council, city staffers said the amphitheater at Newtown Park had never been officially named by the council.

See NEWTOWN, Page 17

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

“Thread That Pulls Too Tight” by Reinilda Blair was inspired by the Dominican artist’s memories of having her hair fixed during her childhood.

Exhibit invites Johns Creek to think beyond borders By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A woman with a skin of green leaves detangles an exasperated Black girl’s hair. A smiling Korean grandfather clenches a pipe in his teeth and carries a cage of live chickens on his back. A man wearing a crown

of flowers walks in the sun-drenched streets of a Latvian city. These are some of the images showcased in the latest exhibit at The Art Center at Johns Creek, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Building 700. “Beyond Borders II” features dozens of works from artists inside and outside Johns Creek from Sept. 11 to Oct. 17.

Free to see, the works are intended to get viewers to think about what makes people different, the richness of their unique cultures and individualities of their communities, said Althea Foster, curator and program director.

See EXHIBIT, Page 21

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Appen Media sues Georgia over media limits on executions

770-442-3278 AppenMedia.com

By JOSHUA WILSON joshua@appenmedia.com

319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 HANS APPEN Publisher RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus CONTACT 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.

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ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Appen Media Group, which publishes seven newspapers and operates numerous digital news properties in metro Atlanta, has sued the state of Georgia, arguing that rules set by corrections officials governing media access to executions violate the First Amendment. The family-owned media group is asking a federal court to intervene before the state’s next scheduled execution Sept. 16. The lawsuit, filed Sept. 2 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, names Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Tyrone Oliver, Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison Warden Jason Beasley and state Attorney General Chris Carr as defendants. Each defendant was sued in their official capacity. The media group is represented by the ACLU Foundation of Georgia and Atlanta attorney Gerald Weber. Alongside the complaint, the media group filed a motion for a temporary restraining order and expedited preliminary injunction, asking the court to bar the state from carrying out its Sept. 16 execution of Stacey Ian Humphreys under the current media access rules unless officials first expand what media representatives are allowed to see and hear. The media group has covered the convicted double-murderer’s case since November 2003, when he shot and killed two female real estate agents at a Powder Springs business. Humphreys was convicted of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery and kidnapping with bodily injury in 2007. A jury unanimously recommended the death penalty, and he was sentenced to death that same year. The U.S. Supreme Court denied his final appeal in October 2025, and a stay of execution was lifted in March. The 53-year-

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old is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection Sept. 16. A hearing date on the temporary restraining order motion has not yet been set. The lawsuit challenges the state’s lethal injection procedures, which govern how executions are carried out at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Butts County. Under those procedures, the state Department of Corrections allows only five media representatives — one from the Associated Press, two from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters and two from the Georgia Press Association — to observe any part of an execution. The AP is a cooperative news agency with an Atlanta hub, while the broadcasters association is a membership organization for Georgia-based radio and TV news outlets. The press association is the same but for the state’s newspapers. During the execution process, the AP journalist and the four journalists from the two associations are required to relay what they witness to other news outlets waiting in a separate media staging area. According to the complaint, the state gives media no visual or auditory access at all to several steps that happen in the two hours before an execution, including delivery of the lethal injection drugs,

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Appen Media Group of Alpharetta, a family-owned publisher that owns seven newspapers and numerous digital news properties in metro Atlanta, has sued the state of Georgia. The company argues that rules set by corrections officials governing media access to executions violate the First Amendment. equipment checks and preparation of the syringes. A single “media monitor” — who, the complaint says, is often someone with no prior experience witnessing an execution — is allowed to watch, without audio, as the condemned prisoner is secured to a gurney and connected to an IV line. The complaint calls that step “often the most fraught segment of an execution by lethal injection,” citing recent botched IV insertions during executions in Tennessee, Arizona, Idaho and Alabama. The complaint also mentions cases in Georgia where, during a 2001 and 2007 execution, officials struggled to establish IV access.

See SUIT, Page 8

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | September 10, 2026 | 3

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Medical science can sometimes help us step back in time and understand the past as though centuries no longer separate us. Homer's The Odyssey has received renewed attention through Christopher Nolan's recent film adaptation, providing an opportunity to revisit medicine in Homer's world. By understanding the effects of two plants— nightshade and snowdrops—modern pharmacology sheds light on one of the epic's most perplexing episodes: the transformation of Odysseus's men into swine. Christopher Nolan's adaptation includes the startling scene in which the sorceress Circe turns Odysseus's men into pigs. In Homer's original epic, Circe poisons the soldiers' drink. The god Hermes gives Odysseus an antidote in the form of a plant called Moly, described as having a black root and a white flower. Odysseus consumes the herb, drinks Circe's poisoned brew without harm, then confronts Circe and rescues his men. To modern audiences, Circe's potion seems fantastical. But to ancient listeners familiar with local plants and traditional healing, it may have suggested something far more recognizable. One influential interpretation proposes that Circe's potion was inspired by poisonous plants of the nightshade family, which profoundly affect the nervous system. Normally, the body shifts between "rest and digest" and "fight or flight" through the action of acetylcholine. Nightshade blocks acetylcholine, pushing the nervous system toward "fight or flight." In larger doses, the consequences become severe. Poisoning by nightshade produces the classic symptoms: "blind as a bat, mad as a hatter, red as a beet, hot as a hare, dry as a bone." Victims may suffer blurred vision, impaired sweating, confusion, hallucinations, and delusions. Nightshade is among history's most famous poisons, appearing in Homer, Shakespeare, and countless ancient texts. Homer's audience would likely have recognized its effects. Nightshade could leave Odysseus's men as helpless as pigs—or even convince them they were pigs.

Medical historians have suggested that Moly may have been the snowdrop (Galanthus), which has a white flower, dark roots when freshly dug up, and which contains galantamine, a compound that increases acePROVIDED tylcholine activity and largely counteracts the effects of nightshade. But snowdrops are not harmless. In excessive doses, they can slow the heart, weaken breathing, lower blood pressure, and become poisonous themselves. Only a master herbalist or a hero with Hermes as his guide could have chosen the proper balance. For ancient audiences, the story likely gained another layer of suspense now largely lost on us. They may have recognized that Moly itself was dangerous. Once Odysseus swallowed it, the clock began ticking. Odysseus had to drink Circe’s nightshade before the snowdrop killed him. The antidote became the poison, and the poison became the antidote. When Odysseus consumed Moly, ancient listeners may have experienced the same suspense we feel watching heroes race to obtain an antidote in modern films. When Odysseus swallowed one poison in preparation for another, ancient listeners, too, were likely on the edge of their seats. Almost any substance can be a medicine at one dose and a poison at another. That paradox—and the knowledge that Hermes' "gift" was both antidote and toxin—deepens our understanding of the peril Odysseus faced. Between Circe and Hermes, nightshade and snowdrops, he navigates a medicinal Scylla and Charybdis in which each plant is both poison and cure. A knowledge of ancient herbal medicine and modern pharmacology makes sense of a scene of soldiers turned into pigs and helps us appreciate a moment of tremendous danger and suspense for our great ancient hero Odysseus.

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

AppenMedia.com | Johns Creek Herald | September 10, 2026 | 11

Understanding the common causes of bad breath Brought to you by - Atlanta Center for Dental Health

6. Visit the dentist: Regular cleanings and exams can catch issues like gum disease or tooth decay before they worsen.

Bad breath—also known as halitosis—is something nearly everyone experiences at some point. Whether it’s morning breath or a more persistent issue, it can be embarrassing and even impact your social confidence. Fortunately, understanding the causes and solutions can help keep your breath fresh and your mouth healthy. Most cases of bad breath start in the mouth. The leading culprit? Bacteria. Your mouth is home to hundreds of types of bacteria, and when they feed on leftover food particles, they produce foul-smelling sulfur compounds.

• Medical conditions: Though less common, chronic bad breath can be linked to conditions like sinus infections, acid reflux, diabetes, or liver/kidney problems.

Here are the most common sources of halitosis: • Poor oral hygiene: Infrequent brushing or flossing allows food debris and plaque to accumulate, leading to odor-producing bacteria. • Dry mouth: Saliva helps wash away food and bacteria. If your mouth is dry—due to dehydration, medication, or mouth breathing—bad breath can result. • Food choices: Garlic, onions, and spicy foods can contribute to temporary bad breath, as can high-protein or low-carb diets. • Gum disease: Persistent bad breath can be an early warning sign of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), where bacteria infect the gums and bone supporting the teeth. • Tongue coating: A coated tongue, especially at the back, is a common and overlooked source of odor.

Prevention tips The best way to fight bad breath is to maintain excellent oral hygiene and healthy habits. 1. Brush and floss regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Don’t forget to gently brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper. 2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist and stimulate saliva production. 3. Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and chewing tobacco dry out the mouth and leave behind strong odors. 4. Watch your diet: Limit odor-causing foods and try to eat more crunchy fruits and vegetables, which help clean the teeth and boost saliva. 5. Chew sugar-free gum: This stimulates saliva flow and can help mask temporary odors.

Treatment options If you’ve tried basic hygiene improvements and bad breath persists, it’s time to dig deeper: • Professional dental cleaning: Removing tartar and plaque buildup can dramatically reduce odor. • Treat underlying infections: Cavities, gum disease, or abscesses may need treatment to eliminate the source. • Manage dry mouth: Over-the-counter rinses or medications may help, especially if it’s medication-induced. • Medical consultation: If your dentist rules out oral causes, a doctor can check for gastrointestinal, sinus, or metabolic conditions. Bad breath is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With good hygiene, regular dental care, and a little attention to diet and lifestyle, you can keep your breath fresh—and your confidence high. “Preventive Dentistry can add 10 years to human life." -Dr. Charles Mayo of the Mayo Clinic Dr. Bradley Hepler, Dr. Nicole Sykora, and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide the most modern advances in dentistry. Experience immediate results with procedures to greatly enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a complimentary consultation to discover the best options for you, please call us at 770-992-2236.

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12 | September 10, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

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Why morning breath happens and when bad breath means something more Brought to you by – Roswell Dental Care Dr. Destinee Hood

or gently brushing the tongue can make a dramatic difference.

We’ve all been there: you wake up, say good morning, and immediately realize your breath is anything but fresh. The good news is that morning breath is extremely common and, in most cases, completely normal. But when bad breath lingers throughout the day or keeps coming back despite brushing and flossing, it may be your body’s way of telling you something more is going on.

Sometimes the source isn’t your teeth Bad breath can occasionally come from areas beyond the teeth and gums. Tonsil stones are small collections of bacteria and debris that become trapped in the crevices of the tonsils. They are usually harmless, but they can create surprisingly strong odors. Acid reflux can sometimes contribute as well. If bad breath is accompanied by frequent heartburn, a sour taste, hoarseness, or chronic throat clearing, it may be worth discussing those symptoms with your physician.

Why morning breath happens During the day, saliva is constantly helping rinse away food particles, neutralize acids, and keep bacteria in check. While we sleep, saliva production slows down significantly. That gives odorproducing bacteria more time to build up on the tongue, between the teeth, and along the gumline. These bacteria release sulfur-containing compounds that create the familiar smell we associate with morning breath. Anything that makes the mouth even drier can make morning breath worse. Sleeping with your mouth open, snoring, dehydration, certain medications, and nasal congestion can all contribute.

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When bad breath sticks around Persistent bad breath, also called halitosis, deserves a little more attention. One of the most common causes is gum disease. When bacteria collect below the gumline, they can create inflammation and deeper spaces around the teeth where plaque and food debris become trapped. Because these areas are difficult to clean at home, they can become a significant source of odor. Cavities, infected teeth, and food consistently getting stuck between certain teeth may also contribute. Don’t forget about your tongue. The surface of the tongue contains tiny grooves and projections that can hold bacteria, food particles, and dead cells. For some people, simply adding a tongue scraper

What can you do? Good oral hygiene is still the best place to start. Brush twice a day, floss between your teeth daily, gently clean your tongue, drink plenty of water, and stay consistent with your dental cleanings and exams. Persistent bad breath can sometimes be one of the earliest signs of gum disease, dry mouth, decay, infection, or another condition that deserves attention. At your dental visit, we can help determine whether the source is coming from your teeth, gums, tongue, or something else and guide you toward the right solution. Fresh breath may be what you notice first, but ultimately, it is often a reflection of something even more important: a healthy mouth. Here at Roswell Dental Care, Dr. Hood and her team of elite healthcare providers evaluate each patient to gain a complete picture of your overall health. We assure you will feel confident before beginning any treatment. For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE nitrous oxide. You can rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding on many levels. Give our office a call at 770.998.6736, or visit us at www.roswelldentalcare.com, to begin your journey to happy and pain-free oral healthcare!

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16 | September 10, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

OPINION

AIKENOMICS

Realtors, are you targeting the wrong buyer?

D.C. AIKEN Guest Columnist dcaiken.com

For decades, real estate agents have marketed heavily to first-time homebuyers — and for good reason. They had no home to sell and no sale contingency, and they could often make a cleaner offer than someone who needed to sell before

buying. But times have changed, and agents may want to adjust their sights. Today’s first-time buyer is considerably older than in years past, and a surprisingly large share of active buyers are older Americans. Buyers in their 60s and 70s make up more than 46% of all current homebuyers, an increasingly important part of the housing market. At first, that might sound surprising. But when you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Many of these homeowners bought

their first house in their 20s or 30s. Over the decades, they either remained in that home or moved up, carrying their accumulated equity with them. Add the significant home-price appreciation of the past decade, and many are now sitting on substantial equity. And their housing needs are changing. The kids are gone. That 4,000-square-foot house that made perfect sense 20 years ago may now feel like a lot of house — and a lot of maintenance — for two people. Many are beginning to ask a simple question: Do we really need all this anymore? That creates an interesting opportunity for agents. An older homeowner considering downsizing can represent two transactions: the sale of the existing home and the purchase of a smaller one. Significant equity may also give these buyers greater flexibility when negotiating their next purchase. But there could be another benefit. When longtime homeowners sell larger homes, they add much-needed

become homeowners themselves. One downsizing transaction could put several pieces of the housing puzzle into motion, especially when the buyer who is 60 or older is ready for the next chapter and not senior living. For years, the first-time homebuyer was one of the most attractive prospects in real estate. Maybe it’s time to widen the lens. The next great opportunity may not be the buyer purchasing a first home. It may be the homeowner ready to sell the last big one. Times have changed. Maybe your target market should, too.

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inventory to the market. Some may also use a portion of their accumulated wealth to help adult children with a down payment, giving a younger generation that is struggling to save enough cash an opportunity to finally

DC Aiken is Senior Vice President of Lending for CrossCountry Mortgage, NMLS#658790. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com. The opinions expressed within this article may not reflect the opinions or views of CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC or its affiliates.

Escape: Continued from Page 6 “All of a sudden, [I heard] this absolute roar,” Yorio said. “Some of the people inside [started] screaming. And then outside you could just see this brownish, gray dust just take over the whole road.” He thought the north tower, the first of the Twin Towers struck, had fallen — but it was the south tower, his workplace, that had collapsed. “Little did I know that if I had stayed there another 20 minutes, I’d be dead,” Yorio said. The south tower had burned for 56 minutes before falling. The north tower collapsed about 30 minutes later. Three other buildings fell, too, and other structures, streets and infrastructure were in disarray. The attacks, carried out by the terror group al-Qaida, resulted in 2,606 deaths at the World Trade Center complex and surrounding sites. Overall, 2,996 people — representing more than 90 countries — died during the attacks, which also included a plane striking the Pentagon and another hijacked plane, nearly recaptured by its passengers, crashing into a rural Pennsylvania field. The attacks would, in many ways, alter the course of world history, with the U.S. and its allies starting a global “war on terror,” which would eventually encompass military action in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia and Libya. In 2011, U.S. military special operations forces killed the leader of alQaida and organizer of 9/11, Osama bin Laden. They would also change the trajectory of Yorio’s life. In the weeks and months after, he grieved. On the 25th anniversary of the event, he still does. The weeks after Yorio returned to work just a few days after the attacks, working from a space in the Rockefeller Center complex. As a reinsurer, he was busier than ever while handling claims related to 9/11. “That’s all we were dealing with,” Yorio said. “And then, of course, you’d … be getting notices every day of someone’s remains being found and a service. We were constantly grieving.” He spoke to a psychiatrist to confront a haunting memory from that day. He saw two people fall to their deaths from the north tower before he evacuated from the south tower. At the sight of the first fall, he turned away to avoid seeing someone die. The second time, he watched the person fall. Yorio couldn’t understand why he watched such a terrible sight. The psychiatrist’s answer to this still makes

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | September 10, 2026 | 17

Newtown:

him emotional a quarter-century later. “She said, ‘Well, as human beings, we don’t want people to die alone,’” Yorio recalled, tears filling his eyes.

against the nomination because of Burkhalter’s role in a 1994 political campaign. During that race for a seat on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, Burkhalter, according to an ABC News report, “helped distribute a racist campaign flyer right before the election that distorted the image of Gordon Joyner, the Democratic incumbent.” The news report said that, according to a lawsuit, Burkhalter and others discussed how white voters in north Fulton County were unaware that Joyner is Black. The flyers, distributed to more than 100,000 white voters, darkened Joyner’s skin, painted on an afro, distorted one eye and made his lips thicker. Burkhalter, according to ABC News, settled a libel lawsuit over the matter, paid a civil penalty for violating Georgia House ethics laws and apologized to Joyner.

Continued from Page 1

Still with him The events of the day are “always there,” Yorio said. Talking openly about them is still difficult. His company merged with another firm in 2009, and he moved to Dunwoody. He said his chest still tightens in a crowded stairwell. Yorio has a pamphlet from the memorial service that he attended for colleagues 17 days after the attacks. He also has a brochure, made on 9/11’s first anniversary, containing the names of more than 300 colleagues lost on that day. He said it’s still hard to comprehend what happened and why it happened. He does, however, remember what helped him stay alive, even as burning building components fell around him. “We survived that day by being united,” Yorio said, remembering his colleagues who helped him escape the doomed building and the strangers that helped him get home. “We were united, and I think that was important.” He said that, on the 25th anniversary, he’ll be thinking about the victims. “I think about the poor people that just had no chance,” Yorio said. “And I think I’m just very fortunate to be here. And, you know, you just do the best you can.”

The amphitheater was named “administratively,” said Jennifer Chapman, the city’s communications director. The discovery was made during the naming process for The Boardwalk at Town Center. The city received no complaints about Burkhalter’s name on the amphitheater from city residents, she said. At the council’s request, the city’s arts, culture and entertainment committee provided three recommendations for names, including Founders Amphitheater, Freedom Amphitheater and Heroes Amphitheater. The council opted for Founders Amphitheater and asked city staff members to wait to explore potential corporate sponsorships and other monetization Built for memories, opportunities. Chapman said the change for memories,made for community to the facility’s name will be reflected onBuilt its signage and the city’s website by Sept.made 11. for community. Burkhalter, who served for 18 years in Built for memories, the Georgia General Assembly representing Built for memories, for made north Fulton County, was confirmed by the forcommunity. community. made U.S. Senate as the American ambassador to Moldova, a former Soviet republic, in a 51-47 vote Aug. 7. He was nominated to that post by President Donald J. Trump, who, during his first presidential term, nominated Burkhalter to serve as ambassador to Norway. We’re proud to introduce our That nomination never advanced in new celebration of life center, the Senate. Then-Sen. Bob Menendez, a unlike anything else in Democrat from New Jersey, and NAACP the Atlanta area. President and CEO Derrick Johnson rallied

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Lawrence O’Brien, age 92, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on August 17, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

18 | September 10, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

GARDEN BUZZ

OPINION

Joro Spiders: Here, there and hanging across your walkway These days, you probably don’t have to look much farther than your backyard, mailbox or favorite walking trail to spot a Joro spider. Joro spiders (Trichonephila clavata) have GABRIELLE LATORA become one of the Guest Columnist most abundant and conspicuous spider species in north Georgia landscapes in the last several years. First detected in the United States in Georgia in 2014, Joros are native to East Asia. University of Georgia researchers think Joros were introduced to Georgia on imported plants, crates or pallets as early as 2010. Since their introduction, they have also made themselves at home in North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee and continue to claim new territory. Scientists have already detected small populations in Florida, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and California. Joros are orb-weaving spiders, similar to our native garden spiders, forming large, irregular webs in trees and across walkways and clearings. They have one generation per year and are most visible in September and October, when the large females’ abdomens carry developing eggs. Despite taking hold in Georgia more than a decade ago, Joro spiders didn’t become especially numerous in the Atlanta area until 2022 or so. Since then, the number of reports

alarming as that sounds, the story wasn’t entirely fiction. In June, newly hatched spiderlings can release a little silk and become airborne in a process called ballooning. With the right weather conditions, they can travel miles and miles this way. Joros also move into new areas on vehicles, cargo, plants and other materials.

JESICA BAIN/BUGWOOD.ORG

Female Joro spiders will be at their largest in late September and October. They have distinctive yellow abdomens with horizontal blue-green bands.

on iNaturalist and EDDMapS has skyrocketed in our area year after year. How to spot a Joro spider The adult females are the easiest to spot thanks to their impressive size, reaching up to a whopping 1¼ inches long before you even count their legs. They have yellow abdomens with broad blue-green bands on the back and yellow-red markings on the belly. Their legs are long and black, often with yellow bands and tufts of short hair. The adult males are much smaller— about a quarter-inch long—and brown. Their abdomen is an elongated oval with two long yellowish stripes on each side and a dark brown stripe in the middle. Joros first captured the internet’s attention when headlines started warning about giant “flying” spiders parachuting into neighborhoods. As

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Are Joro spiders dangerous? Despite their intimidating look, Joro spiders aren’t aggressive or particularly dangerous. They are actually very timid and will probably run away from you. UGA researchers found they were unlikely to bite, even when handled roughly in experiments. A rare bite from a Joro will cause temporary discomfort but is not a cause for medical concern. Many ask if they are considered invasive. According to the Joro Watch website, “Invasive means that a species is introduced to a new ecosystem and… has the potential to cause economic harm, environmental harm or harm to human health.” Short answer: we don’t know yet if Joros will cause harm or simply be a nuisance. What we do know is that Joros are generalists who eat lots of common types of insects, such as moths, flies, mosquitoes, bees, wasps, beetles and stinkbugs. With large webs, often several feet wide, they capture plenty of flying insects. DNA analysis of their stomach contents found that they eat more flies than other insect types. Should I kill Joros? Whether you kill Joro spiders when you find them is up to you. Yes, they are an introduced and rapidly spreading species. And yes, they can be a nuisance, especially if your idea of a good morning does not include walking face-first into a giant web. These may be good enough reasons for you to decide to control them. Diligent control in your landscape, whether by killing them or disrupting their webs, will probably reduce how many you see in that immediate area in the short-term. However, local control by residents is unlikely to have much impact on the overall spread. It’s impossible to completely eradicate them at this point. Early trials show that the most effective ways to kill them are manual (wrap their web onto a stick and step on them) and using insecticides labeled for spiders, including Black Flag Spider & Scorpion Killer (lambdacyhalothrin 0.03% and prallethrin 0.025%) and Zevo Insect Killer Spray for Ant, Roach and Spider (sodium

About the author This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Gabrielle LaTora, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent for UGA Extension Fulton County. An entomologist by training, Gabrielle is interested in insects on farms and in gardens and is passionate about closing the gap between people and their food. 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. lauryl sulfate 5.96% and essential oils). Researchers from Clemson University found that household products, like bleach, hairspray, isopropyl alcohol and vinegar were not effective – most spiders were unharmed or fully recovered. When using insecticides, always follow all label instructions, and reach out to your county Extension agent with questions. Researchers are still learning exactly how Joros fit into Georgia’s ecosystems, and many questions remain unanswered. In the meantime, these eye-catching spiders are here to stay, spinning their enormous webs and inspiring equal parts curiosity and annoyance. If you’d like to help scientists track their spread, report any Joro sightings to Joro Watch and explore the latest maps and research updates online. One thing is certain: few newcomers have managed to make themselves at home in Georgia quite as dramatically as the Joro spider. 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://appenmedia.com/ opinion/columnists/garden_buzz/. Come visit us at the Alpharetta Farmers Market and the Sandy Springs Farmers Market. We will also have a booth at the Crabapple Festival in Milton on Oct. 3rd, 2026

Puzzles

7/17/25 Connect-it

PuzzleJunction.com

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 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!

Johns Creek Herald .....................September 10, 2026 | 19

Dunwoody Crier 7/17/25 Crossword

GROUPS OF THINGS 1. Royal flush card. Burglar. Group of birds. 2. Group of cattle. Passe. Dining room cabinet. 3. Texas shrine. Work group. Wax-covered cheese. 4. Sporting group. Kick out. Evening wear. 5. Stringed instrument. Education group. Football play. 6. Musical group. Big cat. Break in friendly relations. 7. Gung-ho. Western group. Envelope part. PuzzleJunction.com

2 3 4 5 6

/10/25 Sudoku7

Groups 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, andGroup so on. The letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each 1. Royal flush card. Burglar. of connecting birds. 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 3 answers on thepuzzle, line. Buteach here’s the catch! Thecabinet. clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually 2. Group cattle. Passe. Dining room To the solve theofSudoku row, column and be the second or the thirdnumbers answer in1that line. Got it? Good luck! boxformust contain to 9.

3. Texas shrine. Work group. Wax-covered cheese. 4. Sporting group. Kick out. Evening wear.

2 9 6. Musical group. Big cat. Break in friendly relations. 2 5 8 7. Gung-ho. Western group. Envelope part. 3 8 2 1 4 5 4 9 1 6 5 3 4 8 9 8 3 How to Solve: Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. 2 4 7 The rules are easy: A number above the diagonal line in a 5. Stringed instrument. Education group. Football play.

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

Solution 7 1 5 3 6 4 2 8 9

4 3 6 8 2 9 5 7 1

8 2 9 7 1 5 3 6 4

2 5 4 6 8 3 1 9 7

9 6 3 5 7 1 4 2 8

1 8 7 9 4 2 6 5 3

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.

Across

1 CEO’s degree 4 Maid’s cloth 7 Figured out 10 Menu phrase 13 In poor health 14 Honest one 15 Hail, to Caesar 16 Bagel topper 17 Small bag 19 Crêpe 21 “Scram!” 22 Cigar residue 24 Haven 25 URL ender 27 Smells 30 Whip 32 Exposed 33 Harbor posting 36 Companion of Artemis 37 Decrees 39 Dated 41 Roll of bills 42 Grimm character 44 Decompose 45 Female rabbit 46 Car nut 47 Kind of spray 49 Lock horns 51 Easy chair site 53 Exceedingly 54 Marsh growth 55 Quartz variety 57 ___ judicata 58 Hiker’s path 61 Sweet drink 63 Present mo. 67 Unfortunate 70 Hotel offering 72 Helm heading 73 Sgt.’s address 74 Nonexistent

PuzzleJunction.com 2

13 17

29 33

37 42

47 52 55

6 4 1 2 9 7 8 3 5

5 7 8 1 3 6 9 4 2

61 68

Dunwoody Crier 7/17/25 Crossword

PuzzleJunction.com

75 See 30 Down 76 Combine 77 Mother’s Day month 78 Money dispenser 79 Lamb’s mother Down 1 Overlook 2 Lackluster 3 Kind of sax 4 “Go, team!” 5 Crosswise, on deck 6 Salon supply 7 Breach 8 Egg cells 9 Pavarotti, e.g. 10 Woeful word

11 Norse god of discord 12 Lumberjacks’ tools 18 Winter warmer 20 Detective’s assignment 23 Pueblo dweller 26 Utah town 28 ___ beloved 29 Savvy about 30 Deception 31 Pigeon’s perch 32 Printer type 34 Sidestep 35 Vocally 36 Mouse catcher 38 Rubberneck 40 Irish Sea feeder

74 78

75 79

75 See 30 Down 76 Combine 77 Mother’s Day month 78 Money dispenser 79 Lamb’s mother

Down

1 Overlook 2 Lackluster 3 Kind of sax 4 “Go, team!” 5 Crosswise, on deck 6 Salon supply 7 Breach 8 Egg cells 9 Pavarotti, e.g. 10 Woeful word

43 Kind of lamp 48 Atlas stat 50 Pine product 52 Hammer’s target 56 Twinkle 57 Invoice word 58 Not us 59 Indian princess 60 Mountaintop 62 Comedian Carvey 64 Riviera city 65 Pack away 66 Daly of Judging Amy 68 Jacuzzi 69 ___ sauce 71 Freddy Krueger’s street

Solution on next page

See puzzle solutions on Page 23

Is Your Company Hiring? Solution on next page

3 9 2 4 5 8 7 1 6

10 16

19 22

Submit your opening at appenmedia.com/hire

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

OPINION

PRESERVING THE PAST

North Point Mall’s hidden artwork – and the story it tells When North Point Mall opened in 1993, a large store was named in honor of Rich's, a beloved Atlanta department store chain founded in 1867 as a dry goods store by Hungarian-born imBOB MEYERS migrant Morris Rich Columnist (1847-1928). His flagship store had closed two years earlier, in 1991. The iconic Rich's store occupied two blocks in Downtown Atlanta and operated from 1924 until its shutdown. The Alpharetta store at North Point Mall was named Rich's by its owner, Federated Department Stores, which had acquired the Rich's chain in 1976. In 1994 Federated acquired Macy's, one of the country's oldest department stores, founded in 1858 by Rowland Hussey Macy (18221877). Thus, Rich's and Macy's became sister companies under one owner, although they continued to operate independently. Today's column tells the stories of Rich's and Macy's at North Point and the unique feature that sets both stores apart from other stores. Rich's was the first business to open in North Point Mall, drawing huge crowds on July 12, 1993, three months before the formal mall opening on Oct. 20, and it was always a highlight. Atlantans were still upset at the demise of their beloved Downtown Atlanta Rich's, and Federated was determined to create a special shopping experience. Russell Stravitz, chairman and chief executive officer of Rich's, told The Atlanta Journal, "The demographics of the population of this region indicate that the consumer is interested in upscale merchandise and wants a wide selection." For Federated, the Rich's acquisition was a major entry point into the South, because at that time Rich's consisted of 11 major department stores, three boutiques and 11 Richway discount stores in Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina. Details in the interior and exterior of the Alpharetta Rich's were beautifully elaborate, an homage to the memory of the original store. Of special note to shoppers and historians, even today, is a series of eight commemorative plaques, or relief panels, on the exterior of Macy's that tell the Rich's story. In 2003, Federated announced that Rich's and several other regional chains would be merged into a single

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

One of eight historic relief panels at Macy’s Department Store at North Point Mall that were installed during the construction of North Point Mall. The panels were installed in Rich’s which opened in 1993 as one of the original anchor stores in the mall. In 2005 the Rich’s name was retired and the store became Macy’s. Each panel illustrates an activity important to Rich’s history and each is represented by a specific year and theme, in this case 1900 and fashion Macy's division because Macy's had become Federated's dominant flagship identity. The names of all Rich's stores were changed to Rich's-Macy's for a transitional period. In 2005, all remaining Rich's stores were renamed Macy's, and the Rich's name was fully retired after 138 years. The change was part of Federated's national strategy to dispense with regional names. Separate advertising, merchandising systems and marketing campaigns for each regional name were expensive and inefficient. Federated decided to keep the panels in place. While there has been some debate about the origin of the exterior panels on the Macy's store in Alpharetta, the consensus is that they were created new for the opening of Rich's North Point store. Rich's used precast con-

crete panels. Salvaging panels from another building would have required redesigning portions of the building's facade, and there is no evidence that Rich's did that. When the Alpharetta store began its conversion to Macy's in 2003 as part of Federated's companywide consolidation, Macy's inherited the building and its panels. The panels were most likely cast off-site and installed with cranes. Offsite casting allows for more intricate bas-relief patterns than on-site casting, which produces more pronounced forms. Each panel has a shopping bag with the year written on it, identifying an important period in Rich's history. Here is a summary of each panel: — 1867. Retail era: Post-Civil War. Theme: Early specialty retail,

shoes and dry good. Description: Four figures in mid-19th century attire, including a woman in bridal attire. One young girl holds a shopping bag labeled M. Rich and Bros 1867, the year Rich’s was founded. — 1900. Theme: Fashion. Description: Two women beside a mirror, one adjusting the other’s floor length dress. A shopping bag with the year labeled M. Rich and Bros Co rests on a seat. — 1927. Era: Roaring Twenties. Theme: Retail service, shoe fitting, modern merchandising. Description: A seated women tries on shoes while a clerk kneels to assist. A standing woman holds the same dated Rich’s shopping bag. — 1944. Retail era: World War 11. Theme Toys, holiday retail. Description: Four children play with dolls, teddy bears and toy soldiers. A newly designed bag reads RICHS 1944. — 1954. Retail era: Mid-century. Theme: Personal service, fashion, hats. Description: A woman tries on a hat before a mirror. A clerk stands behind a counter and a young girl holds a hat, presumably for her mother. The bag still says Rich’s but it has a new design. — 1965. Retail era: Mid-century. Theme: Cosmetics, personal service, modern retail counters. Description: A seated woman with a mirror interacts with a clerk at the counter displaying cosmetics. The bag has a new design. — 1970. Tailoring men’s fashion. Retail era: Post war. Description: A tailor adjusts a suit on a customer standing on a platform. Theme: Men’s apparel, tailoring. Interpretation: The growth of men’s fashion, custom tailoring and the growth of department store men’s apparel sections. —1993. Retail era: North Point Mall opening. Theme: housewares, domestic goods. Description: a clerk shows a young couple a sample of dishes. The bag still says Rich’s since the name did not change to Macy’s until 2005. The fate of the panels remains unknown as discussions continue about the mall's future. Let us hope that regardless of the mall's future, the unique and very historic panels will be preserved for the benefit of this and future generations. They are part of Alpharetta's 1990s suburban identity. Thanks to reader Dianna Smeal for suggesting the topic. You can email Bob at bobmey@ bellsouth.net. To learn more about the Milton Historical Society, go to miltonhistoricalsociety-georgia.org.

Exhibit: Continued from Page 1 “We wanted to start conversations,” Foster said, adding, “We were hoping to inspire tolerance and understanding and to have someone ask questions like, ‘Why are they painting her hair?’ Well, there’s a reason for that.” Framed by bobos, or elastic hair ties with plastic balls, “Thread That Pulls Too Tight” draws on memories of Dominican hair care and the pressure to manage it into what is considered presentable. Dominican-born artist Reinilda Blair was raised in New York but is now based in Alpharetta. Foster said Blair remembers the often physically painful and mentally uncomfortable experience of getting her hair done. “In the Dominican Republic and in African American culture, traditionally you wanted your hair to be as straight as possible, which is not what it wants to do,” Foster said. “So you have people pulling, pulling your hair.” “Feathers and Fortune,” by Alabamabased artist Mina Duffie, shows a rural slice of Korean life. Using hanji, a traditional Korean paper made from mulberry bark, Duffie fashioned a silver-haired grandfather and a little girl. Wearing evocative expressions, the pair walk together carrying eggs and chickens, a celebration of Korea’s agricultural roots. “Everything you see there is paper,” Foster said. Leslie Murphy, an artist who also teaches at the Arts Center, said she wanted her work to make viewers think about uncomfortable truths. “Sacrificial Lambs” depicts three sets

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | September 10, 2026 | 21

of girls arranged on angled panels. As the viewer changes position, another set of girls reveals itself. Too often, people in the U.S. may be unaware of the harsh realities that women and girls suffer through elsewhere, she said. “It is important to shock people and make them confront realities of the rest of the world,” Murphy said. One set of girls represents those who have gone into detention at Immigration and Customs Enforcement sites. The image also includes marigolds, a symbol of loss and grief. A second image shows girls representing those who were victims of child sex abuse. Murphy said she wanted those girls to stare at the viewers as if they are confronting them. A third set depicts Iranian schoolgirls killed in U.S. air strikes during Operation Epic Fury. The image also shows rectangles reminiscent of the reconnaissance photos of mass graves dug after the February bombing of an Iranian girls’ primary school. “I was trying to convey stolen innocence, vulnerability and little girls being collateral damage of decisions made by powerful men,” Murphy said. The Beyond Borders exhibit is one part of a larger effort to widen perspectives within the Johns Creek community. The Art Center also is hosting a global art week, a series of art classes from Sept. 22-25. The series includes workshops exploring drawing styles from around the world, a pairing of collaging inspired by Japanese food, traditional Indian folk painting styles, and a Ukrainian method of creating intricate designs on eggs using dyes and waxes. Participants can sign up for the classes online at itstheartcenter.org.

“Feathers and Fortune” by Alabama-based artist Mina Duffie is made with traditional Korean hanji mulberry bark paper.

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. Items: Laptop, Backpack, Phone Charger, Headphones / US Currency / Hand Truck / Bags, Clothing, Prescription Bottle, First Aide Kit, Name Tag, Shoes, Misc. Items, US Currency, Misc. Medications / US Currency / Lighting System, Rings, Necklace, Shoes / US Currency / US Currency / Suitcase / Phone, CDs, Charger / US Currency / Bicycle parts / Backpack / US Currency / Goggles, Head Covers, T-Shirt, Bag, Shoes / Bicycle / Backpack, Tools / Hoodie, Gloves / Saws / Backpack, Ear Protection, Tool, Quick loader CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE FISCAL YEAR 2027 BUDGET ADOPTION The proposed FY2027 Budget was presented to the Council during their Monday, July 13, 2026 5:00 p.m. Work Session. A Public Hearing was held during the July 27, 2026 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting. Council will hold a second Public Hearing and consider adopting the FY2027 Budget at their regularly scheduled meeting on September 14, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Council Meetings are held in the Council Chambers at Johns Creek City Hall, located at 11360 Lakefield Drive, in Johns Creek, GA 30097. The proposed budget is available on the City website and a copy is available at City Hall for review.

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

“Beyond Borders II” is on display at The Art Center at Johns Creek from Sept. 11 to Oct. 17.

Allison Tarpley City Clerk

22 | September 10, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

Part-time

Full-time Landis+Gyr Technology Inc. Product Manager Alpharetta, GA Responsibilities: Lead complete product lifecycle of energy management products and solutions, including authoring Product Requirement Documents (PRDs), prioritizing sustainment activities, & managing investment plan & New Product Introduction (NPI) process for assigned products. Work closely with clients and apply functional and technical knowledge of energy management products to ensure work product & deliverables meet customer satisfaction. Salary: $100,000 - $115,500 Requirements: Bachelor’s in Comp Sci, Engg, or related field & 2 yrs of exp product management. Exp must include 2 yrs each of following: market research to address market/business needs for a product; data analysis to identify opportunities & efficiencies & measure critical metrics for a product line; gathering, synthesizing, & translating customer requirements into technical & functional product requirements & specifications; collaborating with marketing, sales, manufacturing, & engineering functions in the development and launch of new products; developing/specifying requirements for Edge computing & IoT computing technologies; & NPI (new product introduction). Experience may be gained concurrently. To apply, please send resume via email to Portia. Ehoussou@landisgyr.com or mail to Landis + Gyr Technology, Inc., c/o Portia Ehoussou, HR, 30000 Mill Creek Ave, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30022. Please reference job title (Product Manager). Director of Field Operations (Alpharetta, GA) Oversee superintendents & sr field leaders, establish & enforce company-wide field operating standards, & ensure consistent execution of safety, qlty, productivity, professionalism, & collaboration across all divisions. 50% trvl req to worksites throughout Georgia. Reqs: 5 yrs of exp in the job offered or Field Coordinator or closely rltd pos. Concurrent exp must incl 5 yrs of exp w/ construction safety compliance & audits, Construction mgmt s/w (Procore & Autodesk) & Safety mgmt sys (Hammertech, Go Contractor). Must have OSHA 510 trng certificate. Mail resumes to: KC Painting & Coatings, LLC, Daly Martinez, 345 Branch Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Sawnee EMC is seeking a General Clerk III – Customer Service to assist in a high-volume call center. Requires high school diploma or state approved High School Equivalency (HSE), computer, communication, and general office skills. Requires one (1) year experience in a customer service call center or service-type organization, utility, finance, banking, or equivalent industry. Bilingual is preferred, fluent in English and Spanish (written and verbal).

Sawnee EMC is seeking a PC Technician to review PC and network system capabilities; inspect personal computer equipment; prioritize and schedule repairs; and coordinate help desk activities. Requires an associate degree with a minimum of three years of experience in LAN/Network design, configuration, installation, and PC troubleshooting. Position is full-time; must be flexible to work irregular hours as necessary, to include evenings and weekends.

Position is full-time; must be flexible to work irregular hours, to include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Must have a thorough working knowledge of administering and maintaining the latest version of Windows Operating Systems; MS Office products; Office 365; internet configuration and technologies. Must have strong verbal documentation and customer service skills. Strong abilities performing monitoring, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and administration of WAN/LAN infrastructure, SCCM, Power Shell, iPhone, iPad, Airwatch, MDT, Intune and KMS.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5PM, September 18, 2026. Apply online: www.sawnee.coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363, extension 7568. Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Protected Veterans. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace. Arxada, LLC seeks Planning Manager – Supply Chain in Alpharetta, GA (Full-time telework permitted) to analyze & coordinate the ongoing logistical functions. Salary within the range of $146,827 to $184,000 per year. 10%-30% travel within North America required. Send resume to terence.oconnor@arxada.com (Alpharetta, GA) ANDRITZ, Inc. seeks Project Engineer responsible for supporting Project Management in engineering activities, equipment specifications, and bid evaluations. Requires Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field & (5) five years of experience in boiler project engineering and/ or related field. Travel to North American project client sites 15-20% of time. Submit resumes to Suzanne. Fulton@andritz.com. Reference job title in subject line.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, September 11, 2026. Apply online: www.sawnee.coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568. Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Protected Veterans. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.

CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER WANTED Established Milton/Alpharetta exercise studio specializing in SuperSlow training, serving mature clientele. Exhibit enthusiasm for teaching and coaching. All sessions are by appointment. Friendly, professional team environment. Onboarding provided. Luis 404-545-1443.

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AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | September 10, 2026 | 23

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24 | September 10, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

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