School board approves ‘25 budget plan ► PAGE 11
M ay 2 3 , 2 0 2 4 | 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 1 9 , N o . 2 1
Board unveils Deerfield park concept drafts By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
Retired local airman receives recognition for serving country
MILTON, Ga. — The unveiling of conceptual sketches for the proposed active park at 300 Deerfield Parkway drew a few residents to the May 16 Milton Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting. Board members took time to go over plans for the Deerfield property with Parks and Recreation Director Tom McKlveen. While McKlveen said the completed park is about two years away, the effort to ensure the property fits the needs of the city has begun. Right now, Crescent Communities owns the site across the street from the Verizon campus between Ga. 9, Windward Parkway and Webb Road. It’s asking for $8 million. The sale is pending a 90-day due diligence period, with the clock starting April 22. If the city determines the property is a fit for future ball fields, the closing will follow within 30 days after the due diligence period ends. The city set aside funds for the purchase in two accounts within the capital improvement plan in its 2024 budget. McKlveen said the two conceptual sketches presented to the citizen-led board are not a part of the formal design process, which will require
MILTON, Ga. — Archibald “Arch” Kielly, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, former diplomat and Milton resident, has spent a lifetime serving his country and educating its younger generations at state colleges. Kielly received a resolution and words of praise from Lt. Governor Burt Jones March 26 during the Georgia General Assembly’s 2024 legislative session. The retired combat pilot served as a diplomat to Central America and a political appointee in two administrations after his 39 years in the Navy. During the Vietnam War, he served in the 7th Air Force Escape and Evasion unit, piloting jet fighters and gunship helicopters. Over his military career, Kielly received more than 40 medals and awards for combat, gallantry and service, including four from foreign nations. His work in the federal government includes advising the Chief of the United States Air Force and the Pentagon’s Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Kielly, an adjunct professor of political science at Georgia State University, once taught at the University of North Georgia and Young Harris College. During his summer breaks, he teaches at European universities. Without ever graduating high school, Kielly has served as an inspiration for countless Americans. Debra Kielly, Arch’s wife, said he is traveling to South America this summer, per a government request, to teach at two of its top universities.
DEBRA KIELLY/PROVIDED
From left, state Sen. Shawn Still, retired Lt. Col. Archibald “Arch” Kielly and Lt. Governor Burt Jones are all smiles after reading proclamation March 26 to honor Kielly and his lifetime of service. Kielly, a veteran of three wars, is an adjunct professor of political science at Georgia State University and teaches at various colleges overseas.
See DEERFIELD, Page 23
Caroline Nalisnick C: 404.513.9226 | Caroline@HOMEgeorgia.com
Sam DiVito C: 404.803.5999 | Sam@HOMEgeorgia.com
Allison Kloster C: 404.784.5287 | Allison@HOMEgeorgia.com