Milton Herald - July 23, 2026

23, 2026

Residents mobilize to push preserving Milton’s rural roots

By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — As Milton’s government updates its comprehensive planning document, some residents are concerned about how the city will balance its rural character with a higher quality of life.

Jon Tuley, a consultant with engineering firm Kimley-Horn, described a healthy tension between the two that staff are weighing as they update the plan from 2021.

The city’s comprehensive plan is updated every five years and establishes Milton’s long-term vision for growth, land use, transportation and quality of life. Since February, the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee has hosted five public meetings, each covering a portion of the plan and, most recently, an open house to collect resident feedback.

BEN KOPACKA/PROVIDED Signs are staked in yards fronting Hopewell Road showing support from property owners to keep central Milton rural and sidewalk-free on major corridors.

Milton Library marks 11 years serving as community staple

By ERLANDRYA RUTLEDGE erlandrya@appenmedia.com

CRABAPPLE, Ga. — The Milton Library celebrated its 11th birthday July 16 with mini-golf, cake and reflections on the young institution’s community impact.

The Milton Library is a branch of the Fulton County Library System. Located at 855 Mayfield Road in the historic Crabapple community, the library opened its doors in 2015.

The library quickly became a

new landmark in one of the oldest parts of Fulton County, offering a place for people to listen, learn and connect, officials noted.

Its unique, barn-inspired building has 25,000 square feet of space for books and programming, including classes for kids and social events for all ages. One such program, “Learn How to Play Mahjong,” is incredibly popular and fills up fast, library officials said.

See LIBRARY, Page 26

ERLANDRYA RUTLEDGE/APPEN MEDIA Visitors play mini-golf during the Milton Library’s 11th birthday celebration July 16.

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POLICE BLOTTER

All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

Police confiscate drugs following trespass call

ROSWELL, Ga. — A woman detained for trespassing at a restaurant on Holcomb Bridge Road after midnight July 9 attempted to flee and intentionally injured herself before being released from custody.

After the restaurant owner confirmed she was no longer banned from the property, the woman was released from custody but was given a warning for drugrelated offenses.

Officers patrolling the parking lot in an unmarked car recognized two individuals leaving the restaurant who had previously been barred from the property. When asked, the man acknowledged he was not allowed on the premises, and the woman disputed that her ban was still in effect.

An officer checked with an employee inside, who confirmed both individuals had been issued a criminal trespass notice and wanted them removed again. Both were put in handcuffs.

The man told officers he had marijuana in his backpack; the woman said she had a methamphetamine pipe in hers.

The woman sprung from her seated position and said, “I’m definitely going to kill myself,” before trying to flee on foot while in handcuffs. After not being able to run, she fell to the ground and started forcefully slamming her head on the cobblestone pavement.

Officers restrained the woman and moved her to a safe position. While doing so, her pit bull charged at officers aggressively, prompting them to draw their weapons.

Meanwhile, another officer learned from the business owner that the

• Canvas Stretching, Rugs, Mirrors

• Round, Oval and Float Frames

• Sports & Military Memorabilia

• Shadowboxes & Specialty Mounts

• Frame Repairs & Touch-Ups

woman’s trespass ban had been lifted, and she was released. Emergency medical services evaluated her for a head laceration, but she declined further treatment. A search of her backpack turned up five drug-related items; she was issued a warning and released at the scene.

The man’s backpack contained 6.5 grams of marijuana. He was cited and transported to the jail in Cherokee County.

—

Hannah Yahne

Burglar removes valuables from Mid Broadwell home

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Officers investigated a burglary reported at a Mid Broadwell Road home June 21.

Alpharetta police said a 28-year-old Canton man reported the alleged theft. The man said he found an inside door open and items disturbed.

Officers cleared the home, which was being renovated, but found no one inside.

A trail camera was reported missing.

The man said he had left his wallet in the home overnight. He said he was notified of fraudulent attempted purchases on his credit card.

The incident was classified as a felony burglary.

— Jon Wilcox

Deputies arrest suspect in attempted robbery

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 23-yearold man was arrested July 8 after allegedly attempting to rob another man of his car.

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said the 23-year-old man brandished a gun and fired at a man at a gas station at the intersection of McGinnis Ferry and Old Atlanta roads. The victim was uninjured.

Deputies and Johns Creek police officers were dispatched to the gas station.

After the robbery, which occurred at the gas pumps, the 23-year-old man fled the area, the Sheriff’s Office said.

THE PICTURE FRAMER HAS MOVED!

Detectives determined the suspect was at a home in the St. Marlo neighborhood, where he was apprehended and charged with armed robbery, motor vehicle hijacking and aggravated assault.

— Jon Wilcox

Deputies investigate bomb threat at store

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies investigated a bomb threat at a Walmart on Ga. 9, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said July 5.

Deputies with the assistance of K-9s cleared the store, determining there was no threat. The Walmart was evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Sheriff’s Office investigators will conduct a follow-up investigation.

— Jon Wilcox

Police charge woman after man reports assault

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 37-year-old Alpharetta woman was charged June 18 after allegedly assaulting a man she was in a relationship with.

Alpharetta police said a 53-yearold Johns Creek man reported the woman prevented him from leaving her Avalon Boulevard home following an argument June 17.

The woman brandished a pair of scissors and told him he was not allowed to leave, police said.

During the argument, the woman also held a knife to his chest and struck his head with the weapon, police said. The man also reported she kicked him and hit him with a broom handle, police said.

Officers observed numerous wounds on the man consistent with the reported assault.

Police attempted to contact the woman but were unsuccessful and obtained warrants charging her with false imprisonment and battery.

— Jon Wilcox

Main Street construction aggravates local businesses

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — First Body Wellness Center staff send new clients directions and a map before their appointments.

Even then, it’s often not enough, said owner Lucy Jimenez, whose business sits just north of downtown Alpharetta on Main Street, one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares.

“Everyone is always lost,” Jimenez said. “People are constantly complaining because they pull up 100 N. Main St., and when they get to the front, they’re like, ‘Where are we?’”

Since moving to its three-story building in 2024, the business has dealt with ongoing road construction that has often closed its main driveway and caused delays along Main Street. Jimenez and other affected business owners said they are frustrated the project has been delayed for years, citing damaged driveways, lane closures and other issues that hinder customers from reaching them.

“We’re pissed … honestly, just really annoyed that it’s taken this long,” Jimenez said.

Led by the Georgia Department of Transportation, the construction is part of a series of projects to overhaul Main Street and Ga. 9 to the Forsyth County line.

Officials expect the project to ease traffic flow issues as the area continues to grow.

Construction began in April 2021 for improvements along Ga. 9 from Upper Hembree Road to Windward Parkway, with an initial expected completion date in the spring of 2024. Utility delays and design changes pushed that timeline to the spring of 2026, the state department said. City officials said the project is likely in its final stages.

The $50 million project will add two lanes for vehicles, bike lanes, on-street parking, upgraded drainage and pedestrian lighting, among other improvements.

The delays encountered by the state transportation department are in stark contrast with a tandem project led by the city from Old Milton Avenue to Academy Street, said Pete Sewczwicz, director of public works.

The city’s portion of that endeavor was completed years ago.

See DELAYS, Page 26

Milton opens nominations for Core Values Awards in August

By ERLANDRYA RUTLEDGE erlandrya@appenmedia.com

The city of Milton’s Core Values Awards are now open for nominations.

Nominations must be submitted by Aug. 5. The awards will be announced in mid-August.

Since 2022, the awards have been given to recognize those who go above and beyond for Milton citizens and colleagues.

These awards are created to honor the individuals who shine light on others and strive to be team players.

Nominations are open to anyone who works for the city of Milton, and awards will be given to those who work on behalf of the community.

Individuals can be nominated in any or all of the following categories:

SERVICE – going the extra mile to assist and support citizens and colleagues

OWNERSHIP – tackling, innovating, successfully following through on challenges

RURAL HERITAGE – acting to nurture the environment, Milton’s rural look and feel

TEAMWORK – being effectively, productively collaborative for the good of the whole

LEADERSHIP – showing the way by exhibiting accessibility, inspiration, engagement

To submit a nomination, visit miltonga.gov/i-want-to/ honor-a-city-employee

In 2024, the city ranked No. 1 in government service, and in 2025, it was crowned a national champion for “Trust in Government.”

Tune-Up Projects

Kitchen Tune-Up

Paint Cabinets

New Countertops, Sink & Faucet

New Backsplash

Cut Down 2-level

Island

Bathroom Tune-Up

New Countertops, Sink & Faucet

Enlarge Shower

Shower Glass

Shower Safety

Full Remodel Projects

Kitchen Remodel

Total Cabinet Replacement

Large Island

Optimize Cabinet / Appliance Locations

Open Concept –Move Walls

Open to the Public OPEN SATURDAYS

9-5 Mon-Fri • 10-4 Sat

Showroom – Design Center 10591 Old Alabama Rd. Connector Alpharetta, GA

(near Northpoint Mall)

Bathroom Remodel

New Larger Shower

Vanity Replacement –Cabs, Counter, Sink

Free Standing Tub

Floor Tile, Wall Tile

Plumbing Fixtures

Just

North Point redevelopment officials discuss latest site plans at town hall

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Developers behind a massive arena-centered project to transform the aging North Point Mall site discussed traffic, building heights and taxes during a second town hall meeting July 8.

For months, city officials have reviewed plans to overhaul property that was once home to one of Georgia’s most premier shopping malls. In late 2025, the City Council approved a tax allocation district that would fund improvements for land that has seen considerable property value decline in recent years.

In February, mall owner New York Life announced it had tapped developer Jamestown to create a plan to redevelop the mall into a sports and entertainment district. Jamestown has participated in numerous similar projects including Ponce City Market, One Times Square and Chelsea Market in New York and Industry City in Brooklyn.

The North Point Mall redevelopment is competing with The Gathering at South Forsyth for a National Hockey League franchise.

The North Point plan, first presented June 8 to several hundred residents at City Hall, includes a 20,000-seat hockey arena and ample shopping, dining, residential and office space. Specifics include a 2,000-seat community hockey rink, 4,000-seat music hall, a 500-seat movie theater, 45,000-square-foot hotel conference center, 400-room full-service hotel, 300-room hybrid hotel, 750,000 square feet of office and 1,385 for-rent multifamily homes.

See MALL, Page 9

BUSINESSPOSTS

Mall:

Frances Bohn, Jamestown director of development and construction, said Jamestown envisions the project as a way to revitalize the area while contributing to Alpharetta’s prestige as a North Atlanta economic hub.

“It’s bringing jobs. It’s increasing your tax base. It’s providing additional community benefits that don’t exist today,” Bohn said. “It’s a benefit across the board.”

The project is expected to go before the Planning Commission Aug. 6 for a master plan amendment, rezoning, conditional use and variances. A City Council hearing and vote is scheduled for Aug. 24.

Traffic, building heights

A traffic study for the North Point Mall redevelopment shows substantial traffic infrastructure is already in place, said John Walker, senior traffic engineer for Kimley Horn, which was hired by New York Life.

The study will be reviewed by the City of Alpharetta, Atlanta Regional Commission and Georgia Department of Transportation.

Conveniently, the sportsentertainment district would be able to use traffic infrastructure that once served the demands of the North Point Mall, Walker said.

The site is located near Ga. 400 between interchanges at Mansell and Haynes Bridge roads. Additionally, Walker pointed to six lanes of traffic on North Point Parkway and Haynes Bridge Road and four signalized intersections nearby.

“That’s very, very unique to find a site that has those size roads and in between interchanges like that,” Walker said.

The project would include sufficient on-site parking for daily visitation and call on partnerships with nearby businesses’ lots to manage additional vehicles during games and events.

Jamestown’s plan proposes several buildings that would become the tallest in Alpharetta.

The developer’s plan calls for 20-story towers, including a for-rent multifamily residential building. Other buildings’ stories could reach into the teens.

Bohn said the heights are well suited for the project and its area.

Jamestown’s application points out the North Point Business Master Plan already allows nearby properties building heights as high as 30 stories.

“We believe that density fits with the site and fits with the surroundings,” Bohn said, adding, the area could see additional taller buildings as it experiences redevelopment.

Taxes

borne cost-wise by the taxpayer?” one man asked.

Although financial incentives would be discussed by council members after an initial rezoning vote, City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom said he can say the project already has numerous mechanisms that would not draw from the city’s general fund which is heavily dependent on property tax revenue.

“Public funding for these types of projects does not mean it automatically impacts the taxpayer,” Lagerbloom said.

The already established tax allocation district could provide funding to be invested in the project, he said.

“There are a tremendous amount of ways and different discussions to be had with revenue, and they don’t start with the general fund,” Lagerbloom said. Continued from Page 8

With participation by Fulton County and Fulton County Schools, the TAD could generate more than $950 million over 30 years, according to estimates. Without their participation, the city’s contribution would amount to about $153 million.

A study commissioned by the city predicts about a 400 percent increase in the area’s tax digest by 2040.

The site also lies within the True North 400 community improvement district, a self-taxing entity formed in 2003 that “advances infrastructure projects that enhance the livability, walkability and drivability.”

Avalon currently features a 12-story hotel.

During a question and answer period, numerous residents expressed concerns about the project’s public funding, asking whether it could raise their tax bills.

“How much of this is going to be

A tax allocation district, or TAD, does not institute a new tax. But it does allow a portion of future property taxes generated within its boundaries to be set aside and used for improvements.

The project also could see tax abatements from the Alpharetta Development Authority and ticket surcharges.

Alpharetta park gets new swing courtesy of Rotary, CVB

By ERLANDRYA RUTLEDGE erlandrya@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Rotary Club of Alpharetta recently gifted a new swing to the city of Alpharetta.

Located in Main Street Park at the northwest corner of North Main Street and Milton Avenue, the swing is custombuilt and designed to be a new landmark that reflects the city’s spirit of community and collaboration.

The colors surrounding the swing were strategically chosen, with the blue reflecting the colors that are on the signs around the park and the gold signifying the official Rotary Club color.

The swing initiative started as an idea for Rotary Club President Paul Slavik and evolved into something even more meaningful, with the finished product offering a hub for the community to converse, celebrate or just swing.

“Working alongside the Alpharetta CVB and the city of Alpharetta Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services Department made it possible to provide a meaningful amenity to residents and visitors alike, without any cost to the city,” Slavik said. “This swing is a win for everyone. Rotary continues its commitment to give back to the community, and the community has a beautiful new park feature to enjoy.”

The Rotary Club of Alpharetta is a group of passionate individuals who are committed to making a lasting impact to the community, Slavik said. With goals of service and fellowship, club members work to create meaningful change throughout the city and beyond, he added.

Each year, members lead hands-on projects that address local and global issues, organizing food drives, supporting education, building homes and partnering with international communities.

Slavik said he hopes this landmark is set apart from others in the city.

“It sits right in downtown,” Slavik said. “But also it ties a civic organization closer to the city by having our name and showing our presence, as well as Awesome Alpharetta, which is [the convention and visitors bureau’s] slogan. So, I think it just shows the stronger tie between all the different groups that support our community.”

The two organizations added the swing as part of an ongoing effort to create unforgettable experiences throughout the city. The groups hope the swing becomes an “Instagram-worthy” spot for guests.

Main Street Park is an inviting destination in downtown Alpharetta that strives to touch residents and visitors with its vibrance and accessibility, CVB officials said.

“When Paul and the Rotary team approached us to collaborate on a project, we immediately saw the vision of developing a unique landmark for the city,” said Janet Rodgers, president and CEO of the Alpharetta CVB. “The finished swing is not

only beautiful; it is a destination in itself, a place where memories will be made and shared.”

The CVB is the official destination marketing organization for Alpharetta, which was recognized by Southern Living magazine in 2024 as one of the South’s “best cities on the rise.”

Rodgers said the efforts of the two organizations are tied to making the community better and stronger.

“We’re just two strong civic organizations that really try to do good for the city … try to be really good stewards and partners with the city of Alpharetta … by funding and doing things that make better amenities for the city,” Rodgers said. “It

makes us proud.”

John Hipes, an Alpharetta city councilmember and the CVB’s board chair, said he hopes passersby take advantage of the perfect “photo-op” place.

“Being at our busiest intersection, with everybody driving home through the city, that’s our ‘I love Alpharetta’ [sign] right there … when the people come to stay in town at the hotel, how cool would it be if we start having pictures from other parts of the country with that swing right there?” he said.

Visitors to the swing can start that trend and are encouraged to tag @awesomealpharetta on social media and use the hashtag #awesomealpharetta.

Black bear necessities: What to know as sightings rise

By JOSHUA WILSON joshua@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — A black bear might be a scary sight, but officials say the animal would rather avoid you than confront you.

Recent local news reports have noted bear sightings in Sandy Springs and Smyrna neighborhoods, a natural occurrence in the summer months for bears wanting to establish habitats, find food or even locate a mate. The animals, according to the North American Bear Center, are timid and will often run away when they encounter humans. A fact sheet from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources notes there are no recorded bear attacks on humans in the state’s history and only two documented fatal attacks in the Southeast.

Black bears were once common in the Peach State, according to the fact sheet, but have been reduced in population by habitat loss, unrestricted hunting and overall degradation of habitat due to human development. There are now about 5,100 black bears throughout the state.

The animals can still be a nuisance, officials note, and game management offices receive numerous calls about them every year. Instead of immediately capturing and relocating bears, staffers evaluate “why the bear is causing problems,” according to the fact sheet.

“Most problems can be resolved through simple actions such as taking down bird feeders, taking in pet food, or storing garbage in an area unavailable to bears like a garage,” the fact sheet notes. “Removing

MICHAEL ANFANG/UNSPLASH

A black bear rests in a wooded area in an undated photo. Sightings of the animals have increased recently in metro Atlanta.

or making attractants unavailable to bears is a critical step in resolving bear/human conflicts. It is equally important for people to be patient. It may take several days for the bear to learn that it is no longer going to be provided with a free meal.”Campers and those enjoying Georgia’s ample outdoor offerings are also urged to avoid providing easy food offerings for black bears.

“When camping or hiking, store food items in a vehicle or hoist food packs into the air away from the trunks or trees,” the fact sheet advises.

After losing their meal ticket, bears will “simply move on” to “a more traditional range,” officials say, but it might be necessary to install an electrical fence if beehives or gardens are involved.

Game management staffers consider capture and relocation a last resort, only warranted if a bear persists in being a nuisance and warrants a safety threat. Disturbing bears could disorient them, experts warn, ultimately causing them to wander onto roadways and be killed by passing traffic.

So, what should you do if you see a black bear in the wild? Biologist Lynn Rogers, who founded the North American Bear Center, says to “enjoy it” and observe the bear from a safe distance. It will move on, she writes in a blog post. However, if it lingers past your comfort, you can make the bear run away by waving and announcing your presence. The animals tend to “run first and ask questions later,” she adds.

“Most attacks by black bears are defensive reactions to a person who is too close, which is an easy situation to avoid,” Rogers notes.

The biologist says a small can of pepper spray is “a good way to feel self-confident around black bears.” The spray will not hurt the bear but will prompt it to leave the area. Throwing stones at the bear can also scare it away, she mentions.

“Black bears have killed 61 people across North America since 1900,” she says in the post. “This no longer worries me. My chances of being killed by a domestic dog, bees, or lightning are vastly greater.”

Partnership keeps owners, pets together in tough times

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Choosing between buying groceries and feeding a pet is a dilemma that arises all too often, according to local groups associated with animal welfare.

The Humane Society of Forsyth County and Forsyth County Animal Services are providing inneed residents with free pet food, said Deborah Ross, director of food and senior services for The Place, a local nonprofit that provides assistance for the needy.

For the past few years, the Place has referred clients to the Humane Society and county-run animal shelter for dog and cat food, much of it donated by local pet owners. The endeavor, which was established several years ago, seeks to give residents with limited finances some breathing room to help them avoid making the heartbreaking decision of surrendering pets.

“We are trying to keep humans with their furry little friends,” Ross said. “It had occurred to me when I first started here that people were making choices that I didn't feel comfortable with them making.”

Jenny Belafi, director of animal services for the shelter, and Justine Daniel, Humane Society chief operating officer, say that reducing the number of pet surrenders is a big win in itself. With limited space at both facilities, housing and adopting strays and surrenders is a constant battle.

“It's cheaper for us in the long run if we can just provide people with pet food and some vaccines, whatever they may need,” Belafi said.

About 30 percent of animals taken into shelters in the U.S. are the result of surrenders, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said.

Owners say affording pet food and veterinary services were among the top reasons for surrendering pets, the society said. In one study, about 30 percent said they would have kept their pet with free or low-cost pet food.

That’s a trend all too familiar to Diviya Roney, Humane Society cat programs and client services director.

On an afternoon in July, Roney met with numerous prospective adopters, showing off the Humane Society’s kittens. She said her goal is to have no pets at the facility. Every pet who stays with its owner is one that isn’t taking up valuable shelter space.

“If they can stay in homes, if we can support the families that support the pets, then it's a win-win for us,”

More Information

To donate or receive pet food and treats, contact the Humane Society of Forsyth County or Forsyth County Animal Services.

Humane Society: 4440 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming, 770-887-6480. Forsyth County Animal Services: 4065 County Way, Cumming, 678965-7185.

she said.

Inside the climate controlled “cat cottage” behind the Humane Society’s main building, some kittens were curled asleep. Others meowed hungrily for attention. A gray tabby played rambunctiously with a tinsel ball.

Orange kittens are currently trending, but Roney said all the kittens on the premises would make excellent pets.

“Pets are our anchors, providing

comfort and unconditional love when times get tough,” Roney said. “By lifting the financial burden of pet food through this incredible collaboration, we ensure that no one has to make the heartbreaking choice between feeding themselves or parting with their best friend. Helping pets is helping people."

In between adoptions, some pet owners stopped to receive donated pet food.

About 135 families stop by the Humane Society each month for pet food. Almost half are referred to by The Place, Daniel said. Those numbers do not include those who stop by when faced with unexpected financial challenges, she said.

“That's not including the people that are just like between jobs or who are waiting on their paycheck, and they've run out of food,” Daniel said.

One regular visitor, Joy, a Forsyth County resident, drove to the Humane Society with her two dogs, Moose

and Huckleberry, and her tabby cat, Noodle. She said she stops by about once every three months.

Joy said she has struggled at times to make ends meet.

“When things got really rough, I lost my father, my home went into litigation and the estate went into probate,” she said. “It was just a nightmare.”

Through those challenges, her pets remained by her side, offering her comfort and emotional support.

“I've lost my father, and they fill that void,” she said. “They help me deal with the stress of taking care of my other people that are still here. They make me laugh, and they keep me light and happy with life.”

The pet food assistance she receives allows her to keep those pets in her life without considering surrendering them.

“I can't give my animals up,” Joy said. “They're my babies. They're my children.”

Roswell Fire encourages routine safety checks

By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Fire Department responded to two residential fires within one week of each other, highlighting the importance of smoke alarms and fire safety precautions inside homes.

One fire spread from the back porch on the first floor of a threestory townhouse unit on Bridgecrest Road the evening of June 30. Three residents were displaced, and no injuries were reported.

The fire department arrived on scene within three minutes of receiving the call at 9:23 p.m.

Upon arrival, the fire had burned all three floors on the rear side of the building and damaged two adjacent units. Firefighters from the Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton and Sandy Springs departments were on scene until after midnight.

Additionally, a Chattahoochee Street residence caught fire after presumably being struck by lightning during an evening thunderstorm July 3. There were no smoke or fire alarms inside the one-story home, and the singular resident reported no injuries.

Responding units rescued two cats from inside the structure. The fire was contained in less than 20 minutes.

Roswell Fire posted on Facebook a reminder that working smoke detectors save lives, and residents should test theirs monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.

“Working smoke alarms are the single most important protection in any home,” Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction Brian Wolfe said. “Beyond that, we encourage residents to fully extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy, deep ashtray or a container of water, never in mulch, planters or trash cans.”

Wolfe also recommends charging lithium-ion battery devices, such as phones, scooters, electric bikes and power tools, on hard surfaces and to never charge them overnight or near an exit.

Summer weather can bring additional risk, with lightning directly igniting fires or damaging electrical systems. Firefighters encourage residents to stay alert during storm season and to stay indoors and away from windows during storms.

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Flames engulf a townhouse unit on Bridgecrest Road around 9:30 p.m. on June 30, damaging three units and displacing one family.

Best

Best

Best

Best

Best

Best

Best

Urgent Care Best Urology Best Vein Specialist

Veterinarian

RECREATION: Best Art Lessons/Studio

Community Event

Dance Lessons/Studio

Best Of North Atlanta 2026

Presented By

Best Date Night Hotspot

Best Day Spa / Massage

Best Farmers Market Best Golf Course

Best Group/Corporate Activity Best Gym / Fitness Facility Best Music Lessons

Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist

Insist on the

BEST

Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.

He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.

Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 23 years experience as a Dermatology PA and cosmetic dermatology.

Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.

A tale of two sunscreens

How the FDA helped us finish first by finishing last

For more than thirty years, the US and Europe have followed different sunscreen paths. In Europe, twelve new sunscreen filters have been approved since 1996. In the US, as of August 2026, the FDA approved bemotrizinol (BEMT) as a safe and effective over-thecounter sunscreen ingredient—the first new sunscreen filter approved here in twenty years. Europe approved BEMT in 1999, and the US approved BEMT in 2026. But who really won: the turtle or the hare?

The Bullet We Dodged Patients often ask why the United States has taken so long to approve newer sunscreen filters available in Europe for years. The answer lies in a fundamental regulatory difference. Europe generally regulates sunscreens as cosmetics, while the United States classifies them as over-the-counter drugs and is very concerned with how much sunscreens are absorbed through the skin. That higher standard requires manufacturers to demonstrate multiple indicators of safety before products reach consumers in the US.

The contrast became especially clear with 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC). This UV filter was approved

fifty years ago in Europe and was widely used for decades but never gained FDA approval because it failed to satisfy the agency’s safety requirements. Subsequent research confirmed that 4-MBC acts as an endocrine disruptor with estrogen-like activity, alters thyroid hormone levels, may be genotoxic, and causes significant environmental toxicity, including developmental abnormalities in some vertebrates.

The European Union ultimately banned retail sales of products containing 4-MBC beginning May 1, 2026, after fifty years of use. It was never allowed to be sold in the United States.

Meanwhile, twenty-seven years after its European approval, bemotrizinol has finally gained FDA approval.

Getting to know BEMT

Bemotrizinol’s story is an unexpected one. In the early 1990s, Swiss chemists developed it as an industrial plastic stabilizer to protect outdoor materials from UV damage before realizing it absorbed ultraviolet light remarkably well while remaining exceptionally stable. Most importantly, its stability, negligible skin absorption, and reassuring toxicity data make it an ideal sunscreen ingredient.

Its unusually large molecular structure limits penetration into the bloodstream while providing excellent protection against both UVA rays, which accelerate skin aging, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn. Its broad-spectrum protection rivals zinc oxide without leaving the heavy white residue many

See PREMIER, Page 17

Premier:

Continued from Page 16

people dislike. Bemotrizinol also stabilizes older ingredients such as avobenzone, helping some sunscreen formulations remain effective longer.

Cleaner for the Ocean?

Mineral sunscreens have long been promoted as the only “reef-safe” option. However, growing research suggests that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles may stress some marine organisms and contribute to coral damage under certain conditions.

Bemotrizinol appears environmentally promising. It is highly stable, does not readily dissolve into seawater, and produces few reactive breakdown products. Although long-term studies are still underway, early evidence suggests it may prove less disruptive to marine ecosystems than some mineral formulations.

When Can You Buy It?

DSM-Firmenich first applied for FDA approval in 2005, but the application stalled for years under the previous review process. The 2020 CARES Act modernized that system, allowing the FDA to evaluate sunscreen ingredients more efficiently.

As an incentive for the company’s extensive safety testing, Congress granted

DSM an 18-month exclusivity period through February 2028. The parent company of Neutrogena and Aveeno has already announced plans to incorporate bemotrizinol into selected sunscreens under the trade name “Parsol Shield.”

Premium formulations containing bemotrizinol are expected to reach U.S. store shelves around September 2026, followed by generic versions in 2028.

The FDA’s streamlined approval process and exclusivity incentive may also pave the way for several additional modern sunscreen filters including Tinosorb M to come to the US.

The FDA’s review process may sometimes seem frustratingly slow. We waited a long time for BEMT, but we also avoided toxic 4-MBC while it was used for fifty years in Europe. When protecting both our skin and long-term health, caution can be one of medicine’s greatest strengths. In this case, the tortoise beat the hare.

If you have concerns about sun damage, a non-healing spot, or any other skin condition, a consultation with a qualified dermatology provider can help determine the most appropriate treatment options. If you are in the Atlanta area, we would be honored to help.

At Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta, Dr. Brent Taylor, Kathryn Filipek, PA-C, and our staff are privileged to care for patients and families throughout our community.

Appen Media Group publishes 7 award winning publications, home-delivered, with a combined circulation of 114,000 every week* and is the #1 source for hyper-local news in the areas we serve.

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*Decaturish Ink currently publishes on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of every month. All other publications publish every Thursday.

OPINION

Retiring amid a circle of friends; what a way to go

You cannot imagine the unease a newspaperman feels when a city issues a proclamation in his honor.

Members of the press are expected to be at odds with government. Some take pride in it.

When the Alpharetta City Council chose to honor my 45 years in newspapers July 13, I was ambivalent. On one hand, it is humbling to be celebrated by such a remarkable city. On the other, journalists feel more comfortable being lambasted from the dais because it shows they’re not in cahoots with government.

I haven’t the fingers and toes to count the number of times officials have blasted me during meetings, attacking my account of the mess they’ve made or the imprudent path they’ve pursued.

Years ago, I recall covering one

county commissioner who’d spent the evening in jail on what turned out to be a bogus DUI charge. Two blood tests showed zero alcohol.

He declined to speak on the record that night, but he added that if he were going to talk with anyone from the press, it would be me. I was not a soft touch, but I always listened.

That’s how journalists should operate. Give everyone a fair shake but keep your eyes open.

I later uncovered evidence that same commissioner was part of a coalition that profited by voting to overpay for park land. He resigned amid a grand jury investigation.

After having spent some 15 years covering Alpharetta, it strikes me that the city gets things right more than it gets them wrong. It has smart people on and off the dais, and its government operates with a lot more openness than most cities and counties I’ve covered.

Going out of their way

The July 13 affair was made more

exhilarating by the people who turned out to wish me well. There were many Alpharettans, great people I’ve come to know.

Most startling was the number of colleagues, past and present, who attended. There were Aldo Nahed and Jonathan Copsey, my first newsroom mates at Appen Media 12 years ago. Aldo looked younger. Jonathan looked the same.

There were many wonderful current and former reporters. It was so humbling to have them make the effort.

Dan Whisenhunt, the current executive editor, was there, although I know he works at least 24 hours a day.

And, there were the Appens — Ray, Christina, Hans and Carl — who, over the years, always spoke of how they valued me. You only get treated like that at a true family-owned newspaper.

What lies ahead

In retirement, every day is Saturday. There is much to do around the house, and I may write a little.

If money runs tight, though, I have

a few schemes to earn some cash:

• Express checkout lane bouncer — I’d have to bulk up for this, but those who feel entitled to overload the express checkout lane should be called out.

• Certified jellybean accountant (CJA)

— Plenty of gigs available in the outdoor entertainment industry. County fairs, shopping center promotions — the list is endless.

• Booking agent for church aisle seats — Back in the day, devotional etiquette required you scoot toward the center of the pew when arriving for worship. Today, even those arriving on time face an obstacle course of legs and knees simply to find a seat. Churches should charge a premium for aisle seats. I could handle the arrangements.

• Thanksgiving dinner fact-checker — Oh, the fun of setting Uncle Raymond straight when he prattles on about the latest news he read on the internet. Families could rent me out to do what I’ve been doing for the past 45 years. So long for now.

The expensive question homebuyers never ask

If I had a dollar for every prospective homebuyer whose first question was, "What's your rate?"...well, I could probably buy down my own mortgage rate. Interest rates matter. They influence monthly payments, affordability and long-term borrowing costs. But focusing exclusively on the rate is a bit like shopping for a car based solely on its top speed. It's an important statistic…but it tells you remarkably little about how the vehicle will perform when it matters most.

One of the biggest misconceptions in the mortgage industry is that every lender offers essentially the same experience. They don't.

When a realtor or builder recommends a lender, it is rarely because that lender advertises the lowest rate. More often, it is because that loan officer has demonstrated…over hundreds or even thousands of transactions… that they can navigate problems, communicate effectively and, most importantly, close on time. In real estate, reliability has economic value.

Of course, everyone also has "a guy."

Your friend may swear by the loan officer who handled their refinance three years ago, and that recommendation may be perfectly valid. But before entrusting someone with what is likely the largest financial transaction of your life, ask a few additional questions.

How many loans do they close each year? How long have they been originating mortgages? What do their customer reviews say? Those answers are readily available online and often reveal far more than a quoted interest rate.

Here's another question every borrower should ask:

"Can you show me the total cost of that rate?"

A surprisingly low interest rate may indeed be available…but it may also require paying discount points upfront. Buying down a rate is not inherently good or bad; it simply represents a financial trade-off. The important question isn't whether the rate is lower. It's whether paying additional cash at closing produces enough long-

term savings to justify the investment.

Then there is the value a lender provides beyond the loan itself.

A quality mortgage professional should help you make smarter financial decisions throughout the homebuying process…not simply generate paperwork. At our office, for example, we routinely obtain multiple homeowners insurance quotes so clients can compare premiums before closing.

That extra step recently saved one family nearly $100 per month on a $500,000 home. Ironically, even if another lender had offered an interest rate one-eighth of a percent lower, the insurance savings more than offset the payment difference.

That's the kind of math that actually improves a family's financial position…not just the headline rate advertised on a website.

The mortgage industry loves to advertise rates because they're easy to compare. The problem is that buying a home isn't a rate-shopping contest. It's a financial strategy.

So, the next time you're interviewing lenders, don't stop at, "What's your rate?"

Ask about experience. Ask about closing costs. Ask about service. Ask what happens if something goes wrong. And ask what they can do to save you money beyond the mortgage itself.

Because choosing a lender based solely on the interest rate is a little like choosing a surgeon because they offered the cheapest scalpel.

It makes for a great advertisement. It doesn't always make for the best outcome.

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.

OPINION

Forsyth County’s unique history and a special citizen

Forsyth County is a special place with a unique history and some special people as today’s column will illustrate.

Forsyth County was occupied by the Cherokee Indians for hundreds of years before white settlers began to arrive in 1829 after gold was discovered. The Georgia Legislature divided Cherokee lands into 10 counties in 1832, including Forsyth County which they named after John Forsyth, a noted politician at the time. The following year elections were held to select county officials. In 1834, Cumming was incorporated as the county seat. The population of the county was slightly more than 2,000 whites immediately following the government’s gold lottery of 1833. The Cherokee left the area for Oklahoma beginning in 1838. Fort Campbell in Forsyth County was one of the assembly points used to gather them for the treacherous forced hike to Oklahoma known as the Trail of Tears.

The naming of the county after John Forsyth (1780 –1841) was a political gesture since he had no personal connection to the county. He served as Georgia’s 33rd governor from 1827 to 1829. He was U.S. Secretary of State from 1834 to 1841 and later was U.S. Minister to Spain. He also served in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. He was portrayed in the 1997 movie “Amistad”. Forsyth was born in Virginia, but his family moved to Augusta, Georgia, when he was a child.

In the 1950s, the Army Corps of Engineers built Buford Dam which led to the creation of Lake Lanier. In the 1970s, construction of Ga. 400 linked Cumming and Atlanta, bringing change and growth to the county. Today the population is about 287,000.

Forgotten place names

Forsyth County was home to many crossroads communities that have disappeared.

One example is Chestatee, once a significant rural community with strong Cherokee roots. The name translates as “place of lights” and is derived from the Cherokee practice of lighting fires along riverbanks while hunting or fishing. It was located where the Chestatee River and Chattahoochee River join near the Vann Ferry operated by Cherokee leader James Vann. White settlers

This portrait of John Forsyth by Freeman Thorpe hangs in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms of the U.S. Department of State. Forsyth was governor of Georgia from 18271829 and Secretary of State in the administration of Andrew Jackson 1834-1841.

established farms throughout the area in the 1800s after gold was discovered in 1828. The 1832 land lottery followed, and the city of Cumming was founded in 1833. The forced removal of the Cherokee came in 1838. The community grew gradually with churches, ferries, stores and roads. A post office was established in 1880.

Chestatee was a small but significant community of cotton, corn, livestock and poultry farms in the 19th and early 20th century. There was no downtown area. There was never a sudden event that caused the community’s demise. It gradually lost its identity with the changing times. The post office closed in 1904 when Rural Free Delivery began.

The creation of Lake Lanier altered the landscape as roads and farmland were changed, suburban development and linkage to the Atlanta metropolitan area growth reduced the need for a crossroads community. Today the name survives in schools, roads, churches, cemeteries and the

900-acre dairy farm in the Vicory Creek District of South Forsyth County. He milked up to 10 cows every morning before school, mended fences and fed the calves.

Isaac attended the four-room Bethelview School which provided grades one through five. Four teachers taught all grades. While at Forsyth Central High School he played shortstop on the baseball team and was proficient in track high jumps, long jumps, discus and shot put. Isaac says, “We students developed special relationships with teachers who became friends for life.”

Isaac is descended from early Forsyth pioneers William Hobson Bacon the third (1799-1868) and his wife Mary Polly Cunningham Bacon (1802-1872) who came to Georgia when Forsyth County was created circa 1832. Hobson volunteered to fight for the Confederacy during the Civil War, but he was not accepted because he was “too old.” He bought property from someone who had won property in the 1832 gold lottery and became a prosperous dairy farmer. The couple raised eight children. When Hobson died, his land was divided among his children.

Chestatee River.

Chestatee was not alone in its transition to modernity.

Oscarville, Big Creek, Ducktown, Coal Mountain, Hightower, Silver City, New Hope, Old Atlanta, Young Deer Creek, Holbrook, Keith’s Ferry and Bridge, Chattahoochee River Mill Villages, Bethelview, Fort Campbell, Poole’s Mill and Federal Road communities and other places have undergone their own transitions. Matt is unique in that it thrives today. Perhaps a column highlighting forgotten places is in order.

A unique individual I like historians. They are smart and have great memories. I mentioned one Forsyth example in a recent column, Jimmy and Maratha McConnell, co-presidents of the Forsyth County Historical Society. Today I will feature Isaac Lang who is blessed with a photographic memory and who has led a most interesting life. Isaac was born and raised on a

Hobson was very interested in education, and while serving as foreman of a grand jury in 1848, he recommended that the state start a school system and pay for it. The scattered field schools with dirt floors were consolidated into one unified system in 1873. The county had about 1,460 students at that time. Most of the Bacon family members are buried in the Mars Hill Cemetery.

After high school, Isaac joined the Navy and became a pilot, serving for 23 years. He flew A4, A7 and Phantom jets on 12 of the Navy’s 14 aircraft carriers. He served as a flight instructor during the Israeli War in 1973. Along the way, he earned an MBA and studied abnormal psychology with a thesis in behavioral modification.

Following his military service, Isaac flew for several commercial airlines and finally retired from Delta Airlines. He is now enjoying his retirement and fulfilling his passion for American history.

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

BRADSHAW'S BRIEF

Five-sided clown show damaging military

Gen. Colin Powell became chairman of the Joints Chief of Staff on Oct. 1, 1989. This is the highest military position in the Department of Defense. At that time, I was a young captain serving in a tank battalion in Kitzingen, West Germany.

As an African American Army officer, it is hard for me to overstate the profound sense of pride that I felt seeing that someone who looked like me could ascend to that position. Although wearing the stars of a general was never my ambition, it was still a wonderful thing to see.

African Americans have always been willing to serve in uniform as a testament to our love for this country, despite its deep flaws. We serve with the hope and expectation that the demonstration of our service and sacrifice would be met with the respect and acceptance that we deserve. Of course, this has not always been the case.

I am mindful of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, which was comprised of African American soldiers who saw extensive action in the Union Army during the Civil War. Their story was wonderfully depicted in 1989 movie “Glory,” starring Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington.

I also highlight the Tuskegee Airmen, who were the among the first Black pilots who distinguished themselves in the skies over Europe during World War II. Their story was wonderfully depicted in the 1995 movie “The Tuskegee Airmen,” starring Laurence Fishburne, Andre Braugher and Cuba Gooding Jr.

I will also mention the 761st Tank Battalion, which was an African American armored unit that earned renown for its combat effectiveness during World War II. As a tanker myself, their distinguished service was especially salient to me. Gen. George S. Patton once opined that Blacks didn’t have the mental aptitude to serve as tankers. The 761st certainly proved him wrong and consequently earned his respect as he came to depend upon these capable warriors. I would like to think that old Gen. Patton would have respected my tanker skills as well. Then there is my father, Mr. Raymond L. Bradshaw, who enlisted in the U.S. Navy only a decade after

President Harry Truman’s executive order desegregating the military. During my tenure in public office, I displayed a photo of the graduating class of February 1957 from Great Lakes Naval Station in Illinois. Over 60 recruits are pictured, with only one of them being African American. As folks entered my office, they were somehow drawn to that photograph. As a test, I would ask them if they could guess which one of those young recruits was my father.

I have no idea how much crap my father put up with, not only from the instructors, but from his fellow recruits. He has never really talked about it. Nor do I know how many other Black guys started that training. What I do know is that my father was there at the end, which makes me very proud. That is why I displayed that picture so prominently.

Fast forward to Jan. 20, 2025, the day Donald J. Trump was inaugurated for a second term as president of the United States. Four days later, Pete Hegseth was confirmed as the secretary of defense in a process the required Vice President JD Vance to cast the tiebreaking vote in the U.S. Senate.

At that time, Gen. C.Q. Brown was serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, only the second African American to hold that position. Less than one month after Hegseth’s confirmation, Brown was abruptly dismissed from his position. Apparently, his advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the military rubbed the new Pentagon leadership the wrong way. Consequently, he had to go.

I freely acknowledge that any official at that level serves at the pleasure of the president. Likewise, the president has the right to nominate whom he chooses for a cabinet post. But Pete Hegseth is probably the most unqualified person to ever serve in that role, especially when compared to predecessors like Lloyd Austin, Jim Mattis and Robert Gates.

I also acknowledge Hegseth’s military service, which included deployments to a war zone. Then again, so did mine, and likewise, I am woefully unqualified to manage one of the world’s largest bureaucracies.

Hegseth’s tenure has been questionable at best. Examples include the “Signalgate” episode, which may have threatened national security; a press policy that severely limits the media from accurately reporting on the actions of the department that we pay for; and the renaming of the Defense Department to the Department of War,

a throwback to a bygone era and a name that misrepresents what that department is supposed to be about. Personally, I find the way the secretary presents himself cartoonish. It is as if he is playing a role in a TV show rather than discharging the solemn duties of high office. And his seeming purge of minority and female officers, in the name of combating DEI, is what I find the most offensive. These actions dishonor so many who have sacrificed so much to serve this great country.

The Pentagon’s five-sided building design by architect George Bergstrom makes it one of the most recognized and iconic buildings in the world. As

the headquarters of our armed forces, it stands as a fortress and a symbol of service and sacrifice.

I believe that Pete Hegseth’s tenure as defense secretary has debased that office and turned the Pentagon into a clown show. Consequently, I believe that some of the esteem that our military holds in the hearts and minds of the American people has been eroded. Hopefully this can be regained when his time in that role ends.

Perhaps by the time this publishes President Trump will have come to realize that Pete Hegseth’s presence in his cabinet is a net negative. And that this will hasten the end of his tenure. One can hope.

Is Your Company Hiring?

Rural:

Continued from Page 1

Milton and surrounding North Fulton cities are required to submit their new plans for regional and state review by August, before voting on the updates in October.

The current comprehensive plan divides Milton into eight distinct character areas, most of them residential. As commercial areas in Crabapple, the Deerfield district, Arnold Mill and Birmingham Crossroads continue to develop, a group of residents wants to ensure the city’s urban elements stay contained.

“They’re trying to connect the city,” resident Ben Kopacka said. “But, at the end of the day, Milton is not a connected city, and it’s not intended to be.”

At the same time, the Milton Trails Advisory Committee has been tasked with updating the city’s trail blueprint map, which is informed by the vision outlined in the comprehensive plan.

City Manager Steven Krokoff said the goal is to ensure both documents are aligned and provide clear direction on where trail planning is most appropriate and supports land-use goals adopted in the comprehensive plan.

More than 900 residents have signed a petition asking staff to clearly define and enforce the boundaries of each character area as laid out in Milton’s current comprehensive plan. They argue the city’s intent to build sidewalks or 10-foot multiuse paths along three main corridors in central Milton conflicts with its commitment to protect the rural viewshed.

The sidewalk effect

Hopewell Road resident Christy Hayes has spoken at multiple meetings this year, warning that a 10-foot path along Freemanville Road, Redd Road and Hopewell Road would substantially change Milton’s rural viewsheds.

“A sidewalk may seem like a small addition,” Hayes said at a Milton Trails Advisory Committee meeting. “But across miles of roadway, it creates a continuous, more developed and less natural visual change.”

In 2024, Milton received $1 million through the Safe Streets for All federal grant program. The following year, the city’s Safety in Action plan proposed new trails/sidewalks on Freemanville and Hopewell roads.

Hayes and Kopacka recently began tracking the work of the Milton Trails Advisory Committee and say that suggestion contradicts the current comprehensive plan.

“Protecting the rural viewshed is everywhere,” Hayes said. “And the decisions that have been made and the direction that they’re heading will obliterate the rural viewshed.”

Milton’s current comprehensive plan repeatedly calls to maintain the visual

A map of Milton in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan outlining the city’s eight character areas, the largest being central Milton.

character of central Milton even as residential development continues.

In May, staff removed potential new trail and sidewalk recommendations from the scope of the Safe Streets for All grant, giving the Trails Advisory Committee more time to evaluate future trail needs.

Krokoff said city staff are working with the committee, residents and property owners to evaluate potential trail connections.

Areas in alignment

In the Deerfield and Crabapple districts, trail and pedestrian connectivity already align with adopted site plans, existing development patterns and current codes. Krokoff said that is where staff expect to focus for now.

Potential trail connections in more

rural or residential parts of the city would require deeper analysis before being considered, Krokoff said, including a review of feasibility, property impacts, and how to balance community expectations with council direction.

“That level of review is especially important in areas with a more rural or residential character,” Krokoff said. “The goal is to make thoughtful, context-sensitive decisions that respect the character of each area and avoid advancing concepts that are not practical, appropriate or supported by the broader planning process.”

As the Trails Advisory Committee works on a unified trail blueprint map, Krokoff said staff will continue collaborating with members. Once the framework is further developed, the plan will be pre-

sented to the public and City Council for review.

In June, Kopacka asked the council to consider a moratorium on planning multiuse trails in the central Milton character area until staff agree on a standardized trail aesthetic and a master plan that connects to surrounding commercial areas in a practical manner.

He said there’s a disconnect between the city hearing residents ask for increased walkability and then placing standard sidewalks and multiuse trails in the proper spot.

“That’s really where the breakdown is between the comprehensive planning and the city is … their commitment to defend [rural] areas and keep them what they’ve said they’re going to be and, hopefully, not fund against it,” Kopacka said.

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!

FAMOUS FIRST NAME

1. Jingle. Sicilian volcano. Baseball’s Mr. Doubleday.

2. Civil rights activist Ms. Parks. Positive pole. Its capital is Doha.

3. Iridescent gem. Director Mr. Ponti. Renter’s agreement.

4. Western star Mr. LaRue. Small burrowing rodent. Ladder part.

5. Chess piece. Fuzzy fruit.

TV’s Mr. Godfrey.

6. Hate. Movie’s Ms. Kitean. Litter member.

7. Nevada city. Movie & TV’s Mr. Pyle. Domestic.

1 Jingle. Sicilian volcano. Baseball’s Mr. Doubleday

2. Civil rights activist Ms. Parks. Positive pole. Its capital is Doha

How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!

3. Iridescent gem. Director Mr. Ponti. Renter’s agreement.

4. Western star Mr. LaRue. Small burrowing rodent. Ladder part

5. Chess piece. Fuzzy fruit. TV’s Mr. Godfrey

6. Hate. Movie’s Ms.

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

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.

Delays:

Continued from Page 4

Jimenez said the project’s delays have harmed her business by hindering foot traffic. When she first moved into the building more than two years ago, she was told the construction would soon be completed.

“When we moved in back in March 2024, it was only supposed to be a couple months, and it’s been two and a half years,” she said. “And for a while, I was like, ‘Why are we paying full rent?’”

On a Friday afternoon in July, the main entrance remained blocked by construction crews, forcing customers to take a detour through an adjacent neighborhood to reach a parking deck. That has resulted in frustration and confusion with many customers, Jimenez added. She said she worries the road work also may lead some to think her business has not yet opened.

Jimenez is not alone. Several other business owners near her agreed, saying the construction has harmed their ability to operate.

Siva Doraisamy, owner of The Shipping Post at 175 N. Main St., said he signed the contract for his current building in November with the understanding the work would soon be completed. The location was attractive

to him because of the activity and growth in the downtown area, and he expects the numerous businesses and residents there will seek his business out for their package shipping needs.

But he thinks the construction is severely cutting into the number of customers he sees each day. His business relies on foot traffic, he said.

“Let’s say, typically in a normal world, we see about 10 or 12 customers a day,” he said. “When the road construction happens on that side of the road, we may see two or three.”

The lack of information Doraisamy has heard about when the project will be completed also complicates planning for his business, he said.

Jim Pullen, owner of Secure Life Benefits at 133 N. Main St., said he agrees construction has created issues. He said customers of his financial planning business complain of difficulties in entering his parking lot. The roadway near his entrance has been flanked by orange barrels and choked with traffic.

“If you miss the turn to our business, you got to go around the block, and when it’s all logjammed, I mean that’s got to make anybody upset,” he said.

Pullen added he is frustrated by the delays. When he moved into his location about two and a half years ago, officials told him the work would be completed within months.

In the financial planning industry, it’s important to convey professionalism, he noted. Pullen said he worries the gravel driveway that has remained unpaved makes that more difficult.

“All that dirt, that temporary gravel, it gets in the tires in the parking lot, and then they track it in,” he said.

The issues are so serious that Pullen said he is considering relocating. The location he once thought was premier has become a liability.

“When I come up for renewal in January, I’m gonna have to move, or the rent’s got to come way down,” he said.

Library:

Continued from Page 1

Such programs bring visitors to the library in droves, staff members said. Monthly, about 8,000 people visit, and that number spikes during the summer as residents look for a free escape from the heat. Additionally, patrons are increasingly accessing online library resources to

read e-books and magazines.

Resident Carolina Hodzic stopped by the birthday party after earlier attending one of the library’s programming events. She said she often visits the library and uses its services.

She said she is particularly fond of the library’s bilingual classes and has high hopes for the library’s continued development.

For more information on the library and its events calendar, visit fulcolibrary.org/locations/milton.

Read Local, Shop Local

Request for Proposals

Medical Direction Services Fire-Rescue

RFP NUMBER

26-FD02

Proposal Due Date: August 5, 2026, by 2:00PM Local Time

Electronic submission via: https://www.miltonga.gov/government/finance/bidsrfps

Names for submissions received will be publicly announced via a virtual bid opening at approximately 2:30 PM at the City of Milton City Hall located at 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, GA 30004. The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals. If the contract(s) is awarded, it will be awarded to the highest scoring Offeror(s) whose proposal meets the requirements and criteria set forth in the request for proposals.

The City of Milton is seeking proposals from qualified medical professionals to provide medical direction and oversight to the Milton Fire Department's Emergency Medical Service that provides services to the City of Milton residents

All qualified proposals will receive consideration without regard to age, handicap, religion, creed or belief, political affiliation, race, color, sex, or national origin. The request for electronic proposals for RFP 26-FD02 Medical Direction Services Fire- Rescue will be posted on the following websites the week of July 16, 2026: https://www.miltonga.gov/government/finance/bids-rfps and https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/gpr/

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DC Aiken

Big Sky Franchise Team

David & Michelle Bertany

Amour & Duane Carthy

Scott Childress

Adam Corder

Barbara Anderson

Kerry Arias

Scott Baynton

Joseph Bell

Rita Brown

SM Buscher

Mark Casas

Carl Abernathy

Bruce Ackley

Salpi Adrouny

Alpharetta Lions Club

Omar Altalib

Dave Altman

Ron Altman

Joel Alvis

American Legion Post 201

Ken Amos

Alice & Dr. Richard Appen

Stewart Applbaum

Gaye Armstrong

Mary Asbury

Amy Auffant

Bonnie Avera

Carolyn Axt

Bangkok Boxing LLC

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To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level and select your t-shirt size! Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

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THE FUTURE OF LOCAL NEWS

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Continued innovation in digital media has changed the ways in which people buy, sell and interact with products and services. It has caused businesses to reassess the ways in which it communicates with potential customers and advertises its products. It has been well documented that these changes have had a destructive impact on local newspapers, which continues to be a primary source for local news, but is no longer a primary source for local advertising dollars – historically the lifeblood for reporters and their coverage. At Appen Media Group we want to address this conflict head on, and build new and innovative approaches to monetizing local news and creating a sustainable future for local journalism in metro Atlanta.

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THE APPEN PRESS CLUB

One solution is the creation of a membership driven organization called the Appen Press Club that is dedicated to recruiting people and companies to join as members. Members pay recurring monthly or annual dues that are 100% dedicated to sustainable journalism. By providing predictable revenue, Appen Press Club members and partners help fund the salaries and expenses of local reporters who will no longer be subject to the whims of marketing budgets and an ever changing advertising world. In turn, those reporters will provide the readers they serve with highly researched and qualified journalism focused on subjects that directly affect their quality of life.

To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level and select your t-shirt size! Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

SOLUTIONS

Sawnee EMC is seeking an Accounts Payable Clerk to process invoices, purchase orders, payments, reports, and vendor files while assisting with audits, closings, and customer inquiries. Requires: high school diploma or equivalency, proficiency in mathematics, monetary, and general office skills. A minimum of two years of related work experience, as well as a degree in a related field preferred. Position is full-time; must be flexible to work irregular hours, to include evenings and weekends.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, July 31, 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.

Sr. Principal Business Systems Analyst, UKG, Inc., Alpharetta, GA (Hybrid) Responsible for design, development, testing, & deployment of new software solutions that deliver business value as well as supporting existing software solutions in complex systems landscape. Req: Master’s degree (or foreign equiv) in Software Engineering, IT, Management Info. Systems, or closely rltd fld & 5 yrs exp lead software business systems analyst for enterprise projects, Bachelor’s degree (or foreign equiv) in same & 7 yrs exp in same. Pos req approx 25% of dom & int’l travel by air. Hybrid pos: 3 days/wk in office in Alpharetta, GA, 2 days/wk from home. Full job descr. & reqs. & apply at ukg.com/about-us/careers under “Sr. Principal Business Systems Analyst” (Job #: SRPRI019275).

Sawnee EMC is seeking a General Clerk III –Financial Services to retrieve and deliver mail, file/ scan documents, operate office equipment, and assist internal customers. Requires: high school diploma or equivalency, valid Georgia Driver’s License, basic office/ computer skills, and 12 months’ related experience or equivalent education. Position is full-time; must be flexible to work irregular hours, to include evenings and weekends.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, July 31, 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.

Midway Preschool is looking for an experienced Young 5’s/Prek teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. Contact Beth at beth@midwayumc.org.

Food Pantry Manager

NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the full-time Food Pantry Manager position. Under the direction of the Food Pantry Director, the Food Pantry Manager leads back of house food pantry operations including inventory control, receiving products, client orders, managing volunteers, entering data and creating reports.

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys managing people and process! Volunteer and inventory management, operations and data entry are primary responsibilities of this role.

The applicant should have a desire to join the team of a mission-driven non-profit where we work to ease hardship and build financial stability throughout our community. We offer one of the most competitive total rewards packages among Atlanta’s nonprofit organizations, making this role both meaningful and rewarding.

Please send resumes to jobs@nfcchelp.org

Sawnee EMC is seeking a Mapping Technician to update, maintain and operate Geographic Information System (GIS), related mapping systems and peripheral equipment to create integrated circuit designs for an electrical distribution system. Provide technical assistance in database maintenance and map production for the GIS. Requires an Associate degree or technical school certificate in GIS or related mapping or associated field, with a minimum of two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have advanced computer skills with MS Office products, ESRI GIS mapping and Auto CAD. Must be available for alternate shift assignments and irregular work hours, including evenings and weekends as necessitated by circumstances and on-call functions.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, July 31, 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 accommodations may be made to enable

ECM Consultant, EVS - Skin Care – positions offered by Kimberly-Clark USA, LLC (Roswell, GA). Drive end-to-end supply chain excellence in alignment w/ global & regional enterprise initiatives. Position reports to Roswell, GA office. Telecommuting permitted in accordance with company policy, but must live within commuting distance of stated office. Must be willing to travel 10% (domestic and international). Salary Range: $129,594 - $155,500 USD per year. At Kimberly-Clark, pay is just one aspect of our total rewards package, which also includes a variety of benefits & opportunities to achieve, thrive & grow. Along with base pay, this position offers eligibility for a target bonus and a comprehensive benefits suite, including our 401(k) & Profit Sharing plan. The anticipated base pay range for this role is provided above for a fully qualified hire. Actual pay will depend on several factors, such as location, role, skills, performance, & experience. Please note that the stated pay range applies to US locations only. Apply online at: www. careersatkc.com

APC seeks a vibrant, relational leader to serve as Youth Director for middle and high school students. 20–25 hrs/week | Up to $25/hr. Ideal candidates have a passion for youth mentorship and a background in education, coaching, or youth leadership. Retired teachers and ministryminded professionals encouraged to apply. Strong volunteer team and pastoral support in place. To apply: Submit a brief introduction and resume to jobs@alpharettapres.com.

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

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

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

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

Pest control: Protect your home from pests safely. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders & more. Locally owned &affordable. For service or inspection today! 877-916-2103 Have zip code ready!