Milton Herald - March 26, 2026

Milton Council updated on public works projects

By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Deputy Public Works Director Rob Dell Ross provided updates on multiple public works projects to City Council at the March 16 meeting.

All three objectives outlined in Milton’s Safe Streets for All program are underway – an initiative to make roads safer for all forms of transportation.

Milton plans to implement low-cost safety initiatives, like additional striping or speed reduction marking, at two roundabouts on Hopewell Road identified as intersections of concern.

Dell Ross said staff will be able to monitor the effects of the devices installed to make recommendations on how to apply these safety measures to other roundabouts in Milton.

Over the summer, staff expect to develop a transition plan, a document required under the Americans with Disabilities Act that outlines how local government agencies will remove barriers for people with disabilities.

State Supreme Court sends right of way suit back to appeals

By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — After review, the Georgia Supreme Court clarified standards of municipal liability in the case of the City of Milton v. Chang and sent it back to a lower court for reconsideration.

The opinion, handed down March 12, limits a city’s responsibility to provide

safe travel to roadways intended for ordinary use, and does not extend to areas outside of lanes of travel that may fall within the right of way.

Now, the case is back before the Court of Appeals to be considered with the guidance provided by the state’s high court.

“While the ruling is still under review with legal counsel, the city’s initial

impression is that it is highly favorable to Milton’s residents and taxpayers,” the City of Milton said.

In 2023, a Fulton County State Court jury found the City of Milton liable for the wrongful death of 21-year-old Josh Chang and ordered the city to pay more than $32 million in damages. Chang

See SUIT, Page 26

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Police uncover elder abuse at unlicensed care home

By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — After investigating a missing persons case, the Roswell Police Department arrested the operator of an unlicensed care home on Worthington Hills Drive on four charges related to elder exploitation.

Police served a search warrant March 11 and arrested 58-year-old Deborah Callaway. Ten elders were transferred from the facility.

Police said the adults shared bedrooms that were once living rooms, dining rooms and other nonbedroom areas. A backyard shed had been converted into a makeshift bedroom.

“Beyond the living conditions,

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.

Woman has license seized in possible identity mix-up

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 33-year-old Alpharetta woman reported her driver’s license had been wrongfully seized because of an error stemming from an alleged identity theft.

CUSTOM FRAMING

Alpharetta police said the woman called police to report the incident Feb. 20. The woman said a police officer seized her driver’s license Feb. 19, saying records showed it had been canceled.

The woman then visited the Department of Motor Vehicles, where she was told her driver’s license was canceled because a person with the same name and birthdate obtained a license in Florida.

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evidence also revealed that Callaway was exploiting the resident’s financial resources for her own personal gain,” the department said in a statement.

Public Information Officer Tim Lupo said the fraud could likely be tens of thousands of dollars, but it will take time to determine the full financial loss.

An investigation into Callaway started in January after an elderly man was reported missing from the home on Worthington Hills Drive. The man was located at an Atlanta shelter, and the search led investigators to learn that Callaway was operating the property as a senior care facility without required state licensing.

The woman told officers her credit had been locked since November because of fraud.

— Jon Wilcox

Duluth woman arrested for aggressive driving

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 22-year-old Duluth woman was arrested on an aggressive driving charge after an alleged road rage incident on Ga. 120 Feb. 17.

Alpharetta police said a 42-yearold driver called 911 about 11:40 a.m., saying another driver who was tailgating followed her into the parking lot of a Park Woods Circle daycare.

The 42-year-old woman said a car began following her after rear ending her vehicle on Ga. 120 near Kimball Bridge Road, police said.

After following her to the daycare, the Duluth woman exited her vehicle and began banging on the other woman’s car window, police said.

Officers arrested the Duluth

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“What began as a routine missing person call evolved into a major protective operation, fundamentally improving the lives of ten vulnerable adults because our officers refused to ignore the red flags they saw on scene,” Police Chief James Conroy said. “This case is a powerful reminder that public safety is a team effort.”

Callaway faces seven charges total related to elder exploitation, financial theft and forgery.

Anyone with additional information should contact RPD at 770-640-4100. Members of the public can provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS(8477) or online at www.StopCrimeATL.org.

woman and took her to the Alpharetta Detention Center.

— Jon Wilcox

Deputies charge driver with cocaine possession

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 26-yearold Alpharetta woman was arrested on a charge of possession of cocaine Feb. 28.

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said deputies stopped a vehicle on Bethany Bend at McGinnis Ferry Road after it failed to stop at a red light.

Deputies reported smelling alcohol coming from the vehicle while speaking with the female driver. The woman was determined to be less than safe to drive and arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated. During a search, a baggie of white powder was found. A 25-year-old Roswell woman, who also was in the vehicle, told deputies the substance was cocaine.

— Jon Wilcox

Area players headed to March Madness

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

NORTH METRO ATLANTA — Atlanta has a reputation for being one of the best cities for basketball in the country. It shows when you look at the hometowns of all players competing in March Madness.

No. 1 seed Duke University is the betting favorite to win a title and has one Chattahoochee alum on the roster – graduate student Cameron Sheffield. Betmakers have placed the Blue Devils odds of winning a championship at +300.

Sheffield is from Alpharetta and played for Rice University for three years after winning a 6A state championship at Chattahoochee in 2020. The forward has been in Durham for the last two seasons.

Rival UNC, a six seed, also has an Atlanta-area player. Holy Innocents alum Caleb Wilson is expected to be drafted in the first round this year. The Tar Heels need to pull off several upsets to meet Duke in the Final Four. It would be the first time the rivals met in the tournament since 2022 when UNC soured the ending of Coach K’s career.

One Milton graduate who had his

jersey retired this year will be making his first tournament appearance as a senior. Ohio State guard and program leading scorer for the Eagles and Buckeyes Bruce Thornton won a 7A title in 2021.

Vanderbilt has two area players on this year’s roster that went all the way to the SEC tournament championship.

Guard Chandler Bing is a freshman and alum of Pace Academy. Bing’s “fun fact” for his bio on Vanderbilt’s website is that he has never seen the series Friends.

Senior Devin McGlockton scored his 1,000th career point for Vanderbilt in December 2025. He attended South Forsyth High – left as the all-time leader in points and rebounds – before playing two years at Boston College prior to transferring to Vanderbilt. He averaged 18 points a game his junior and senior years at South and also played tight end for the War Eagles.

His sister Hannah is the varsity volleyball coach at Denmark High School and is an alum of Georgia Southern. Their uncle Chester McGlockton played 12 seasons in the NFL with the Raiders, Chiefs, Broncos and Jets.

The other SEC team with a player with ties to this area is Tennessee with forward Cade Phillips. Phillips grew up in Alabama, but nearly transferred

to Wheeler High during school. From seventh to twelfth grade, he competed with a club basketball program in this area called The Skill Factory.

The Skill Factory’s 2023 team boasted nine players who went on to get Division I scholarships – including Naismith National Player of the Year Isaiah Collier and SEC football players LT Overton and Bryce Thornton, Bruce’s younger brother.

Texas Tech sophomore guard Christian Anderson Jr. is from Atlanta and attended Lovett before transferring to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. Anderson’s father Christian Sr. was a professional basketball player in Germany.

Anderson has competed internationally with team Germany since 2022. He has taken home several honors this season including Player of the Week and was recently named a third-team AP All-American.

Clemson freshman Zac Foster also had an offer from another ACC school, Virginia Tech, during his senior year at Woodward Academy. The 20242025 War Eagles made it to the state championship, falling to region rival Tri-Cities.

Furman freshman Owen Ritger grew

up in Atlanta and attended Marist School. He was ranked by Prep Hoops and Sandy’s Spiel as the No. 4 Power Forward in Georgia for his class.

North Dakota State freshman Riley Saunders is from Sandy Springs and went to Landmark Christian Academy. The guard averaged 15 points a game in his senior year.

Lehigh freshman Caleb Thomas hails from Atlanta and attended Pebblebrook High School before transferring to Combine Academy in North Carolina. He maintained a 4.0 GPA in high school.

On the women’s side, many outlets have been reflecting on the last four years since the firestorm on social media calling out the NCAA for the vastly different experiences of competing in each gender’s tournament. Women were only allowed to use “March Madness” branding starting in 2023.

No. 1 seed South Carolina boasts two alumni of Westlake High School in Atlanta, seniors Raven Johnson and Ta’Niya Latson. The pair spent three years together before Latson finished her high school career at Miami Heritage HS, where she won Gatorade Player of the Year in Florida.

See PLAYERS, Page 26

GIRLS

Milton girls basketball falls in Macon

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

MACON, Ga. — Milton girls basketball fell in the state championship to Creekview 45-43 March 13.

It was a game full of firsts for Milton, with a first-year head coach in Triston Cooper and the Eagles playing in the program’s first ever title game.

The team stayed overnight in Macon the day before the game, practicing in Mercer’s arena and doing extensive film review in the hotel to prepare for a defense they knew wasn’t coming to play around.

Creekview senior Kailyn Hamby took home the Morgan & Morgan MVP award for the game after posting a game-high 20 points, nearly half of the Grizzlies offense.

After getting out to a hot start taking a 16-12 lead going into the second quarter, the Eagles ran cold. The team made only one basket – a 3-pointer by senior Caroline Young – in the second frame.

The lull continued into the third period where Milton scored six points. Creekview outscored them in the second and third frames by five points each.

Despite an 18-14 scoring flurry in the fourth quarter, in the end Milton fell short, as did their final shot attempt from nearly half court. If that shot would have gone in, the game would have ended 46-45 with the Eagles in the lead.

To put themselves in position to win, Milton’s highest-scoring quarters – the first and last – came when they were able to draw fouls and get to the line.

Despite a free throw discrepancy of 23 to 12, Milton actually committed two more fouls than the Grizzlies did. The Eagles strategically fouled as to not go into the bonus or foul on shot attempts.

Milton head coach Triston Cooper said nerves contributed to 19 missed shots from inside the arc. It didn’t help that the team’s plan to respond to Creekview’s tough defense was to get to work inside the restricted area.

KEY

Milton senior Caroline Young warms up for the final game of her high school career. She left it all out on the court, fouling out in the final minute to give her team an opportunity to bring the ball back down the court.

“We’re young, and for most of these girls, it’s the biggest game of their life,” he said. “We missed a ton of shots inside of six feet that we would typically have made. If you don’t make shots, you can’t increase tempo in games.”

Creekview defense shut Milton down where they normally thrive, in transition and the paint. Cooper said he felt his team’s execution was lacking at times on both sides of the ball.

Creekview denied opportunities to Milton’s best 3-point shooter, sophomore Grace Musselman. After making the gameclinching shot in the Final Four against Coffee [LINK: https://www.appenmedia. com/sports/milton-girls-advance-tofirst-title-game/article_7c03b668-6eab4815-bb17-e9291f54ce0e.html], Musselman did not attempt a single shot from deep in the championship.

Although the Eagles have just one senior on the squad this year, losing a fouryear varsity letter holder in Caroline Young cuts deep for the young team.

Cooper said players contacted him within two days of the loss, wanting to get in the gym to get back to work now knowing exactly how much it takes to bring home a state championship.

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North Fulton Community Charities names Amy Gates Stroud president

ROSWELL, Ga. — North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) appointed Amy Gates Stroud, Ph.D. as its next president, bringing her nearly three decades of leadership experience to the nonprofit.

Gates will lead NFCC’s strategic direction, operational management and community engagement efforts as the organization continues its mission of helping individuals and families overcome hardship and achieve financial stability.

NFCC has served the North Fulton community for more than 40 years and is recognized as a trusted resource for families in need through programs that include food assistance, financial aid, clothing support, workforce development and other essential services.

Gates currently serves as associate vice president for strategic partnerships and development with an Atlanta nonprofit supporting high school education, where she is part of the national leadership team supporting the

organization’s expansion and operational strategy. Gates served as the inaugural executive director of the Roswell Arts Fund when it was founded in 2014.

“Dr. Gates stood out throughout this search process for her depth of nonprofit leadership experience, strategic mindset and clear passion for community service,” said Matt Powell, chair of the NFCC Board of Directors. “The board is confident that Amy will help guide North Fulton Community Charities into its next chapter while continuing to strengthen the programs and partnerships that make NFCC such an important community resource.”

As president, Gates will serve as NFCC’s chief executive officer, providing strategic leadership across the organization’s programs, operations, fundraising and community partnerships while working closely with the Board of Directors to guide the organization’s long-term strategy and growth.

Gates holds a Ph.D. in public policy and administration with a focus in

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nonprofit management and leadership along with advanced leadership credentials and graduate degrees in education and speech-language pathology. Her career has been defined by a commitment to mission-driven organizations, cross-sector partnerships and innovative program development that creates measurable community impact.

She is actively engaged in civic and nonprofit leadership in the region, including board service with several community organizations in Roswell and Metro Atlanta. Gates will begin her role as president of North Fulton Community Charities on April 13.

“North Fulton Community Charities plays a vital role in helping families navigate difficult circumstances and move toward stability and opportunity,” said Gates. “I look forward to building on NFCC’s strong foundation and advancing its mission to support individuals and families across our community.”

— Hannah Yahne

Who’s eligible?

TheCity of Milton offers several homestead exemption options to lower people’s property tax bills. But you must act soon to take advantage!

Property owners must own and occupy their home as primary residence as of January 1st of the giventax year. Other requirements apply depending on the exemption type.

do I have to apply? By April 1 to be eligible for this tax year.

EXEMPTIONS APPLIED THROUGH FULTON COUNTY go to: fultonassessor.org/exemptions

•Basic Homestead Exemption* – $15,000 (no age or income limitations)

•Floating Homestead Exemption* – caps assessed value growth at no more than 3% (no age or income limitations)

• Veterans Exemption – $126,526 (available to disabled veterans, amount subject to change annually)

*Certain exemptions do not apply to Milton’s debt service property tax levy.

EXEMPTIONS APPLIED THROUGHTHE CITY OF MILTON

•65+ Senior Exemption – $25,000 (no income limitations)

•70+ Senior Exemption – Full-value tax relief (your adjusted gross income, and that of the spouse who also resides in the home, must be less than $100,000 for the immediately preceding year)

•Disability Exemption – Full-value tax relief (must provide proof of disability and your adjusted gross income, and that of the spouse who also resides in the home, must be less than the annual maximum social security benefit listed for the immediately preceding year, which was $99,648 for 2026 returns)

For more on these exemptions and other tax relief opportunities, including one-year spousal support and the conservation use value assessment (CUVA), please visit miltonga.gov/exemptions or call the City’s Finance Department at 678-242-2511.

HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA

Guests admire quilt blocks from the traveling exhibit, “Quilts: Presidential and Patriotic,” at Bulloch Hall March 12, which features 45 quilts portraying American presidents created using fabrics and patterns specific to their term.

Bulloch Hall Quilt Guild stitches history together

By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — At the center of the Bulloch Hall Quilt Guild’s 40th anniversary Great American Cover-Up Quilt Show is a community united over their love for the art of quilting.

The exhibit on display in Bulloch Hall until Sunday, March 22, features more than 100 quilts, most created by local quiltmakers and the 35 members of the Bulloch Hall Quilt Guild.

The guild was founded with 10 members in 1985. Now, it meets for monthly workshops where members learn different techniques, participate in projects and mingle with others.

Many submissions are a result of the guild’s themed workshops, like flags, wonky stars or 60s-themed quilts. Some pieces were a group effort, combining guild members’ blocks into one quilt.

This year’s show features a special exhibit: “Quilts: Presidential and Patriotic” that includes 45 quilts portraying American presidents with fabrics and patterns specific to their term.

The quilts were created by affiliates with the American Quilt Study Group as part of a national traveling exhibit.

The guild partnered with the Friends of Bulloch Hall and the City of Roswell to

present the show in a unique venue.

“It’s not like your standard quilt show,” member Debra Scarimbolo said.

Scarimbolo has been a member of the guild for around 13 years and has been quilting for more than 50.

“It’s a close-knit community,” Scarimbolo said. “We support one another outside of the guild, but the thing that brought us together is the quilts.”

As she grew up making her own clothes, Scarimbolo discovered a love for fabrics that led her to major in home economics and, eventually, make quilts for her children and grandchildren.

“The biggest thrill of my life is when my daughter sends [quilts] … home to my house to be washed, because I know she’s using them,” she said.

Scarimbolo is a co-chair of this year’s quilt show, along with Barbara DeBolt, and spent the last six months decorating the home of Martha Bulloch, mother of President Theodore Roosevelt, with curated quilts.

Tickets to the Great American Cover-Up Quilt Show are $10 and can be purchased at the Bulloch Hall Gift Shop. The exhibit runs Thursday, March 19 through Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., with a final showing Sunday, March 22 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

Milton mother, daughter honor dog’s legacy in children’s book

By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Dexter the miniature dachshund was a sassy and stubborn dog, according to his family.

He didn’t listen, chewed the squeakers out of his toys and didn’t like to share, but his story is one of resilience.

“Dexter the Dachshund” wasn’t the children’s book that Milton resident Jennifer Welshons planned to write first, but she was inspired by her 11-pound dog’s spirit after having back surgery and losing an eye nearly 10 years later. She and her daughter, Shelby, wrote a draft in one day after bringing Dexter home from his second surgery.

“Here’s this tiny little creature teaching me resilience,” Jennifer said. “…Everything pivoted and we cranked out [this story] in a day.”

“Dexter the Dachshund” was a passion project for the co-authors that combined Jennifer’s dream to publish a children’s book with Shelby’s passion for animals.

Dexter was adopted in 2011 when Shelby was 10. The book shares a colorful version of his life, walking readers through each of Dexter’s interactions with a kind-looking vet, Dr. Rosie.

Shelby said she put herself in readers’ shoes to illustrate experiences she would have found interesting as a kid.

“I integrated this cute little dog, and they’re going to the vet and … experiencing the excitement of interacting with the veterinarian and understanding how they can help their pet,” Shelby said.

Shelby graduated from Cambridge High School’s Agriscience and Veterinary Education program in 2019 and worked at

the Animal Wellness Clinic in Milton – the same vet that gave Dexter care toward the end of his life.

Shelby found that her passion for helping people and love of animals merged beautifully in veterinary medicine, and she’ll be attending the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in the fall.

“I think that being able to help people bridge the gap between them and their pet is like a really unique opportunity you get through veterinary medicine, so that’s what really drives me,” Shelby said.

Printing Dexter’s legacy

Learning the book business was fascinating but challenging, Jennifer said. It took over a year for “Dexter the Dachshund” to be printed in 2025. The family was waiting to receive final copies of the book when Dexter died in September.

“It’s been a really cool passion project to see come to life and serendipitous as well in that we already had his legacy,” Jennifer said.

It was difficult to focus on finalizing and promoting the book, but Shelby learned that loving Dexter had taken a new form, and you can still grieve while celebrating something.

“Dexter was still very much still teaching me … that the show goes on,” Shelby said.

The character of Dexter was introduced to the public at a January launch party. Jennifer said the joy in the room and being surrounded by love enabled her to start talking about Dexter’s death.

“When I watch children smile when they read or hear his story, I know we’ve put something good out into the world,” Jennifer said. “And that our belief there is power in the connection between people and a resilient, little dachshund is valid.”

“Dexter the Dachshund” was published by Atlanta-based Ripples Media and can be purchased at dexterthedachshundbook. com, on Amazon or at independent local bookstores

Redevelopment plan calls for hockey-centered overhaul of North Point Mall

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A North Point Mall redevelopment plan calls for a 20,000-seat hockey arena, a performing arts center, hotels, and a variety of mixed-use amenities in an area city officials have long described as underutilized.

Submitted by Jamestown, the developer responsible for Ponce City Market, the plan redefines the aging mall as an expansive sports district that could be anchored by a new National Hockey League franchise. Jamestown entered into a partnership with the mall property owner, New York Life, in February.

The project is competing with a similar plan in Forsyth County to attract a national hockey team to a $2 billion mixed-use arena development, known as The Gathering at South Forsyth, off Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Union Hill Road near Ga. 400.

For years, city officials have expressed a desire to revitalize the North Point Mall area. Opened in 1993, the mall was once a premier shopping destination in Atlanta but has struggled to attract visitors.

Since 2019, the taxable real estate value of nine mall parcels has fallen by about 47 percent.

The new plan for the mall would transform the property, bringing major entertainment, shopping, residential and office assets. It would leverage access to nearby Ga. 400 and connectivity to the Alpha Loop.

In addition to the hockey arena, amenities include a 2,000-seat community hockey rink, a 500-seat movie theater, 45,000-square-foot hotel conference center, 400-room full-service hotel, 300-room hybrid hotel, a 150-room hotel, 750,000 square feet of office, 1,385 for-rent homes, several parking decks and 22 acres of public parks, plazas and multi-use trails.

In its application, Jamestown said the plan represents a unique vision for the area, unlocking its full potential.

“The design-driven approach to North Point Mixed Use District reflects Alpharetta’s high standards, curates a dynamic and balanced mix of uses, and preserves the North Point area as a regional destination for future generations,” Jamestown's application said.

The proposal comes months after the approval of a tax allocation district for the area, which could drive redevelopment. The Alpharetta City Council approved the district in November.

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

“North Point Mixed Use District is a yearround destination offering a robust lifestyle every day and a game-day experience with uses to create a place that is consistently active and economically resilient,” Jamestown's application said. “It aligns with Alpharetta’s vision of creating the highest quality environment, fostering a strong sense of community, and attracting topechelon companies.”

SPORTS

West Forsyth girls lacrosse beats Milton for first time

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

CUMMING, Ga. — West Forsyth 12-9 for the first time in program history March 18.

Both teams came in undefeated. It was a meeting of two reigning champions from Divisions 2A and 3A.

It was Milton’s third loss to a program in Georgia in 10 years, but the second in the last two seasons after losing to Cambridge 8-7 last March.

Milton takes their first loss since April 4, 2025, after never leading in the 48 minutes of regulation against West.

The Wolverines got out to a 5-0 lead before the Eagles got on the board, and the smallest deficit after the first quarter was two goals in the final frame and lasted just over 30 seconds.

The Eagles were able to go on a four-goal run in the second half, building momentum from an earlier two-goal streak in the second quarter. West fired back with two straight from sophomores Bryce Birkholz and Luca Diehl.

Milton attacker/draw taker Lillian Katula then scored the last goal of the game to complete her hat trick. The Penn commit and her younger sister Caroline – who posted two goals – were the only Eagles to score more than once.

West head coach John Kiefer has been with the Wolverines for nearly a decade and reflected on the program’s first time besting a national powerhouse like Milton.

“I think one of the biggest things is over the nine years that I’ve been doing this, we have finally reached the pinnacle of where we can compete with the best teams in the nation, just because we have some of the best players,” he said. “I knew [Milton] wasn’t going to quit no matter how

many goals we got up on them. I knew they were gonna make a run, and when they did, I think it came down to the adjustments we made.”

Senior Bryn Birkholz posted four goals and went 13-for-24 in the circle. The midfielder was named a USA Lacrosse All-American last season. Two Eagles – attacker Kylie Waters and defender Ava Thompson – received the same honor.

When asked what contributed to her success against Milton, the University of South Florida commit pointed to how her team played as a whole and how she had faith in goalie Anna Bastow to show up in the biggest moments.

“I just knew in a competitive game, she’s going to pull it out for us,” Birkholz said. “I think we’re just so excited [about making program history] and we’re going to take this into practice tomorrow and we’re reaching even higher.”

Bryn’s younger sister Bryce, a sophomore, contributed two goals and four draw controls. Maryland commit Avery Jones put up one goal and two assists.

Introduced earlier this month, a new recruiting website called Prep Girls Lacrosse has West sophomore Luca Diehl ranked as the No. 2 player in the country of her class. Diehl posted a hat trick even when at times double teamed by the Eagles.

“When we see the name Milton and see that they’re ranked higher than us, it just brings out the fire in us that we can really come out there and get it done,” she said. “We’ve worked really hard, day after day, we come home tired from practice and today we proved to them who we are and what we can do.”

Diehl said it’s always a compliment to be face guarded and looks forward to making a run for the school’s second state championship.

Students, resources commission plant trees for future generations

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Five young trees planted at Innovation Academy represent a future investment in more ways than one, said the chairman of Alpharetta’s Natural Resources Commission.

With the help of a handful of students, the commission got their hands dirty with the school’s students and a city arborist March 11. The trees, two elms, two oaks and a magnolia, will make Alpharetta a greener place while giving the city’s next generation an important lesson, Chairman Mike Buchanan said.

“It gives them skin in the game,” Buchanan said. “We could have hired somebody to dig the holes, but they helped dig the holes, so they can learn.”

The commission used its budget for the $700 purchase of the trees in advance of Arbor Day, which will be marked April 24.

Buchanan said he hopes the trees will enhance residents’ lives and make up for the loss of some trees removed to facilitate development.

“The studies that are done about this show that nature improves people’s mindset,” he said. “It improves their health, it improves their creativity.”

The trees may be young now, but he thinks as they grow, they will continue to reward the students who planted them.

“I was like, ‘When y’all come back in 10, 15, 20 years, there’s going to be trees out here that you helped plant, yeah, that walk by,” he said. “For kids to understand that they’re leaving a legacy is good.”

Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist

Insist on the

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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 return to oral medications?

Brought to you by – Premier

Dermatology

From spray sunscreens to creams, ointments, lotions, and foams, dermatologists love the fact that we can often recommend products and treatments that don’t require systemic exposure. When a patient must take a pill or receive an injection, the entire body is exposed, which increases the risk of side effects compared with most topical treatments.

Sometimes, however, a pill is exactly the breakthrough treatment we’ve been waiting for. Many people are unaware of the creative and innovative oral treatments now available to treat skin conditions.

What follows is a brief overview of some of dermatology’s oral medication trends and highlights. Some of these medicines are “off-label” or are supplements. Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of any of these options with a dermatologist before starting treatment.

We start off with “melasma,” a condition in which an individual’s face develops stubborn dark patches. Traditional topical medications like hydroquinone and azelaic acid are often only partially effective. Increasingly, dermatologists are turning to oral tranexamic acid as an option that can be used alongside or instead of topical medications. Tranexamic acid is a medication originally used to decrease bleeding but was later discovered to also reduce pigmentation in the skin. Because of its anti-bleeding properties, it cannot be taken by patients prone to blood clots or those with an increased risk of clotting. For many people suffering from melasma, however, tranexamic acid can be a game changer.

For those experiencing hair loss, topical minoxidil (Rogaine®) can be frustrating to use. Once- or twice-daily application of a foam or liquid on the scalp can leave hair greasy and create styling challenges. Oral minoxidil is increasingly used as an alternative and is often very effective. In addition, Nutrafol® supplements are commonly used as an adjunct, particularly for patients seeking a more holistic or natural approach to hair loss treatment.

extract from a tropical fern that reduces sunburns and may help decrease skin cancer development. Its protective effect is modest—likely comparable to an SPF 4 sunscreen for a few hours after ingestion. Therefore, polypodium is intriguing as an addition to traditional sun protection such as sunscreen and protective clothing. Because polypodium acts as an antioxidant and mild sunscreen, it may also help patients with sun-sensitivity disorders as well as those with melasma and other disorders of pigmentation.

The list of oral medications continues to grow. For patients with chronic hives (urticaria) the new pill remibrutinib inhibits an enzyme called Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, which plays an important role in the release of histamine from mast cells and basophils. Meanwhile, for conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and alopecia areata, oral medications that inhibit enzymes known as Janus kinases (so-called “JAK inhibitors”) have proven extremely effective.

Although it is not a new medication, isotretinoin—better known as Accutane®—deserves mention in any discussion of state-of-the-art dermatologic treatments. Isotretinoin has been used for decades to treat severe acne, but concerns about potential links to suicidality and other possible side effects have caused some patients and physicians to hesitate before considering it. In 2023, however, a publication that combined the data of twenty-four prior studies for a grand total of 1,625,891 isotretinoin patients found no increased risk of psychiatric disorders. In fact, the study showed that people who had taken isotretinoin were less likely than the general population to attempt suicide two to four years after treatment. Other concerns such as the importance of not becoming pregnant while taking isotretinoin must be discussed before taking this medication. Still, isotretinoin remains an outstanding and often lifechanging option for people suffering from acne. For isotretinoin, the pill may not be new, but we continue to receive new and repetitively reassuring safety data.

Accepting

Oral therapies are also gaining attention for preventing skin cancer and reducing sun damage. A form of vitamin B3 called nicotinamide has been shown to reduce rates of certain skin cancers in many patients. Another supplement, polypodium leucotomos (PLE), is an

If you or a loved one is dealing with a dermatologic condition—or simply wants to explore treatments to look and feel your best—consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta. Dr. Brent Taylor and Kathryn Filipek, PA-C, are honored to care for patients and families throughout our community.

Summer Camps

Sponsored Section March 26, 2026 | Milton Herald | 17

From imagination to applause

Spend your summer break with the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre, where creativity, confidence, and collaboration take center stage. Whether your child wants to try something new or already loves the spotlight, our weeklong theatre camps offer the perfect opportunity to explore their imagination and develop their potential in a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment.

At the Alliance Theatre, we believe the journey of learning is just as important as the final performance. Our camps focus on the creative process. Through acting, movement, storytelling, and ensemble work, campers build skills that go far beyond the stage.

Camps are offered in Musical Theatre, Acting, Camera Acting, Design,

and Improv, and offerings vary by location. All camps culminate in a short showcase performance for family and friends, celebrating each camper’s creativity and growth throughout the week.

Guided by experienced teaching artists, campers of all experience levels are welcomed. The low student-toteacher ratio provides a supportive space for each camper to grow and shine at their own pace.

This summer, let your child discover the joy of theatre at the Alliance.

Alliance Theatre Drama Camp is offered at 14 locations around Metro Atlanta, including Milton at Milton High School. This location offers camps June 1 – 12 for rising Grades 1-8.

For more information, visit alliancetheatre.org/camps or call 404733-4466.

The history of Easter egg hunts in Georgia and elsewhere

I can’t think of anyone I know who has not been exposed to the ancient tradition of easter egg hunting.

Egg hunts began in earnest in the 16th and 17th centuries among Christians. Martin Luther, the key figure of the Protestant Reformation, is often said to have organized egg hunts for his congregations where men hid eggs for women and children to find. Early Christians used eggs to symbolize the tomb of Christ. The hard shell symbolized the sealed tomb; when cracked open the shell represented the resurrection.

While most Easter traditions are of Christian origin, the long-eared rabbit known as the Easter Bunny who delivers eggs to children on Easter is not mentioned in the Bible. According to History.com, it is not known how the Easter Bunny became an important Easter symbol, although it is known that rabbits are prolific procreators and are an ancient symbol of fertility and new life.

One account traces the Easter Bunny to German and Dutch immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania in the 1700s and brought with them the tale of the Oschter Haws, a hare that laid eggs in the grass. Children made decorated nests in the grass in hopes that the hare would lay colored eggs there. Over time the tradition became very popular. Gradually, treats and candies were added.

Originally, Easter eggs were dyed red to represent the blood of Christ on the cross. Colors were gradually added by early Christian missionaries with each color representing a different aspect of the Easter story. So, when children today crack open a plastic egg to reveal a candy treat, they are participating in an ancient tradition.

Another tradition is the White House Easter Egg Roll. Each year thousands of children take part via an online lottery. 30,000 eggs will be used for the egg roll and egg hunt. Each child will receive a souvenir wooden egg with a White House logo. The first White House Easter Egg Roll was held in 1878. President Rutherford B. Hayes welcomed children to the South Lawn who had been denied access to the U.S. Capitol grounds.

In Georgia some of the early recorded easter egg hunts were at the Smith Plantation in Roswell. Lizzie Smith (1831-1915) organized easter egg hunts for local children in the early 1900s. The annual event was open to the public. Children went home with a collection of candy-filled treats and a photo with the Easter Bunny.

Newspapers began writing about egg hunts in the late 1800s. The Atlanta Constitution and newspapers in Savannah, Augusta and other cities wrote about Easter celebrations in private gardens. Clothing stores advertised children’s, women’s and men’s clothing for Easter special events such as parades. Eggs were typically hard boiled and colored with vegetable dyes which were extensively advertised in newspapers. The Atlanta Constitution described many small, private events hosted by families or Sunday school teachers. Some early examples from the Atlanta Constitution:

April 2, 1885 “The members of the Park Street Methodist Church, of West End, have arranged for

a pleasant entertainment Saturday afternoon next. At that time there will be an Easter egg hunt in the grounds of the church in which there will be many participants…Admission to the ground will be ten cents, the proceeds to go towards buying a carpet for the new church.”

April 2, 1893 “A delightful Easter egg hunt will be given for the benefit of the children of St. Luke’s Sunday school tomorrow afternoon. It will occur at the residence of Mrs. Mackey, next to the Ballard house on Peachtree street…the occasion promised to be one of unusual merriment.”

April 6, 1890 “The grove at the corner of Georgia avenue and Pryor street, presented a lively picture yesterday afternoon. About two hundred children were enjoying an Easter egg hunt…The children enjoyed the fun of hunting the hidden nests of gaily colored eggs to the utmost, and when the frolic ended each carried away from one to a half dozen as trophies of the day.”

Many events will take place in North Fulton and surrounding area to celebrate Easter 2026. Be sure to check your local information sources if you want to take part.

Bob is a member of the City of 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.

Thanking anonymous mystery good Samaritans

I wrote a recent column about how bad/strong my coffee is and how I never measure how much coffee I put in the filter to brew it. This week, in my mailbox, I found a very nice Tupperware coffee container complete with a measuring cup that attaches to the top. In the container was a generous portion of obviously exceptionally good / bold coffee – thinking Sumatra - ready to be brewed. The measuring cup attached to the top of the container even has a mark made by a sharpie that shows one exactly how much coffee to put in the cup to put into the filter to be brewed.

I sense a kind, generous, caring person who wants to help spare my guests from being exposed to my awful strong coffee and who also optimistically thinks that this old dog actually is capable of learning new tricks or, at a minimum, can be cleaned up and presented in a slightly improved way to the public. There is hope for me I think – especially when others volunteer to help manage me – although I am not sure my wife Christina would agree.

So, thank you mysterious donor! You made my day and gave me a smile that lasted all day long!

And speaking of good coffee, I want to give a shout out to the business I order my beans from. It’s called Café Campesino (CafeCampesino.com). Here is a little bit about them:

“Founded in 1998, Cafe Campesino is Georgia's first and only 100% fair trade, organic specialty coffee company. We are a cooperative importer, roaster, wholesalerdistributor, and online retailer located in Americus, Georgia - the birthplace of Koinonia Partners and Habitat for Humanity International and about 9 miles east of Plains, home to former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn.

HOW WE BUY OUR COFFEE MATTERS. We import all of our coffee directly from small landholder coffee farmer cooperatives via a unique, principle-driven supply chain called Cooperative Coffees that we co-founded in 1998. Cooperative Coffees is the only fair trade green bean roaster cooperative of its kind in North America, employing common-sense, respectful, mutually beneficial terms of trade for sourcing organic green coffee fairly, directly, and transparently from farming communities who we have known for years.

So, I want to tell you another local story that is another anonymous mystery good Samaritan story!

My friend Ralph, who many of you know, was in Publix recently buying supplies for the small outreach mission in Kentucky that he has supported for years. His shopping cart was full of diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, infant food, cereals, canned food, and related stuff –none of it cheap. The cart was full. While Ralph is waiting in line, the man behind him strikes up a conversation and asks him about his purchases. So, Ralph is in his 80s and I guess all that infant stuff was puzzling to the man. Ralph explained about the ministry he supports and the fact that he makes the ten-hour round-trip drive to deliver the supplies about once a month in his F250. It’s a long drive that I have made once with him.

Anyway, the cashier rings up the supplies and Ralph reaches into his back pocket for his wallet. “No, you’re not paying for that,” said the man behind Ralph, “I am,” as he hands the cashier his credit card. Ralph tries to use his card, but the man insists.

As Ralph walks out of Publix, the man follows him. “Ralph, wait here please, “the man says. Ralph looks

puzzled. “Just please wait for me, I’ll be right back,” and he walks back into Publix. A short time later, the man walks back out with his own shopping cart brimming full of groceries - diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, infant food, cereals, canned food. “Please take these too,” he asks Ralph as he follows Ralph back out to his truck.

He asks Ralph for his card and Ralph gives it to him, and then they both drive away.

When Ralph shared the story with me over the phone he sounded somewhat distraught. “What’s wrong Ralph,” I asked. “Well,” he said, “I never got the fellow’s name or phone number so I could thank him.”

“You already thanked him,” I told Ralph. “You thank him every time you make that drive and you were gracious enough to allow him to pitch in and help too.”

And we can all thank Ralph too. Today’s world can feel just awful – full of chaos, and conflict, and darkness. And the way past and out of that darkness is thru individual acts of charity and caring – and love - by individuals like Ralph and his mysterious benefactor.

One small act. One person. Every day. With love.

YOU CAN USE LOCAL NEWS

PAST TENSE

Dr. Warren M. and Georgia Duke made prosperous life

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The earliest record of a doctor in Dunwoody is Dr. Warren Duke in the late 1800s. He was born in Indian Springs, Georgia, in 1860 to William and Nancy Duke. He was the youngest of nine children, according to 1860 U.S. Census records.

In 1883, Dr. Duke and Georgia Henderson Welch married. She was born in Marietta in 1848 to James W. and Mary Henderson. Her first marriage was to John Welch of New York. Georgia’s son William Welch lived with his mother and Dr. Duke when they settled in Dunwoody. Welch worked at the post office on their land.

Dr. Warren and Georgia Duke owned a home and 11 acres in 1885, in the triangle where Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Roberts Drive meet. His doctor’s office and small pharmacy were in the home. There was also a building used as the Dunwoody post office. (“The Story of Dunwoody,” 1975, Elizabeth L. Davis and Ethel W. Spruill)

Gorgia Duke had property of her own in Dunwoody, where New Hope Cemetery is located. An 1884 deed shows she donated the land to New Hope Presbyterian Church for purposes of a cemetery. She signed the deed, which is witnessed by Dr. Warren M. Duke and J. R. Russell, clerk of Dekalb County. (New Hope Cemetery deed, Dunwoody History Center)

Dr. Warren Duke appears multiple times in the Atlanta newspapers between 1881 and 1897. He finds trouble on his trips to Atlanta more than once. During these years, you could board the Roswell Railroad to Chamblee and take the train from there to Atlanta.

Dr. Duke stumbled into an Atlanta police station with five large gashes on his head in August 1892. Some former business acquaintances had admired the ring he wore, asked to see it but did not return the ring. They knocked Duke down, jumped on him and attacked him with a knife. (Atlanta Constitution, Aug. 16, 1892, “Robbed and beaten, Dr. Warren Dukes, A prominent physician almost killed”)

In 1897 he found himself in a fight at Maddox’s store on Alabama Street in Atlanta. Dr. Duke came to the store to pay a bill but refused to pay when he did not

BIGGERSTAFF/APPEN

This obelisk marks the grave of Dr. Warren M. Duke who died at age 42 in 1902. The Dunwoody physician is buried at historic New Hope Cemetery.

receive all the items. An argument started between Duke and the store clerks, leading to a fight between Duke and an employee named Wilson. The doctor was described afterward as looking like “…a thrashing machine had come in contact with his face.” (Atlanta Constitution, March 31, 1897, “Duke and Wilson Mix”)

Dr. Duke was only 42 years old when he died from pneumonia in 1902. His obituary describes him as a “successful physician, merchant and farmer.” He was laid to rest at New Hope Cemetery in Dunwoody with a large obelisk monument in his memory.

Following her husband’s death,

Georgia Duke sold acreage to Dr. Nay Strickland and returned to Marietta, where she remained until her death in 1915. The triangle property at Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Roberts Drive was next sold to Edwin DuBose. The Dubose family had a summer home and farm on the property, known as Ellaslea. (Atlanta Constitution, Jan. 17, 1917)

Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.

Shady lenders are coming out of the woodwork

D.C. AIKEN Guest Columnist dcaiken.com

A funny thing happened a couple of weeks ago when mortgage rates briefly dipped below the 6 percent benchmark.

The roaches of the mortgage business came scurrying out from under the rocks.

Suddenly, every online lender, callcenter cowboy, and mystery-rate magician who had been suspiciously quiet for months started flooding in boxes, blowing up phones, and chasing down every potential homebuyer and refinance candidate they could find — whether refinancing actually made financial sense or not.

Because when rates improve even modestly, some corners of the mortgage industry do not see opportunity.

They see bait.

And the bait, often, is a rate quote materially below the actual market.

Now, let me be clear: there are absolutely strong, reputable loan officers who will occasionally go a little “deep” on pricing to win a deal. That happens. A lender might sharpen the pencil and quote something 0.125 percent to 0.250 percent below prevailing national averages in order to be competitive, especially on a clean, well-qualified file.

That is normal.

What is not normal is when you see lenders — often large, non-local, low-accountability operations — quoting rates that are 0.50 percent to 0.75 percent below national averages and pretending that is somehow just good customer service and not an elaborate magic trick.

At that point, the borrower should stop and ask the most important question in consumer finance:

“Why are they so much lower than everyone else?”

Because if the rest of the market is clustered around one level, and one

lender is out there pricing like they found a secret underground bond market behind a Buc-ee’s, there is usually a catch.

And here is the catch.

In many cases, these lenders are not actually giving you a rate that is available today. They are betting on the market to move in their favor.

They sell the borrower on a dream quote, then tell them some version of:

• “You don’t want to lock yet.”

• “Rates are improving.”

• “Let’s float it a little longer.”

• “The Fed is about to pivot.”

• “Mercury is in retrograde, but for mortgage-backed securities.”

Now the loan officer is off the hook — because the borrower has just agreed to float the rate based on the opinion of someone who may have been in the business for 18 months, owns a ring light, and got a degree in something that had absolutely nothing to do with finance, economics, capital markets, or, frankly, arithmetic.

If the market eventually rallies enough to reach that original “quote,” everybody celebrates and the lender looks brilliant.

But if the market stays flat — or worse, moves higher, as it has over the last two weeks — the conversation suddenly changes:

“Well… the market went the other way. Sorry.”

And just like that, the borrower is left with a worse rate than expected, a broken trust dynamic, and the sinking realization that the original quote was less a mortgage strategy and more a PowerPoint fantasy.

Economics of the bait-and-float

From a market-structure standpoint, this behavior is not complicated.

Mortgage pricing is tied primarily to the secondary market, especially the pricing of mortgage-backed securities (MBS), which in turn are heavily influenced by the 10-year Treasury yield,

inflation expectations, prepayment risk and lender margin strategy.

That means there is a fairly rational range in which most legitimate rate quotes should cluster on any given day.

Yes, there are differences:

• Lender overhead

• Servicing-retention strategy

• Lock-period pricing

• Margin compression

• Discount-point structure

• Compensation model

• Credit-score and LTV overlays

• How aggressive a lender wants to be on any given file

But there are not usually giant, magical, no-strings-attached differences in available market pricing. So, when you see a quote that is wildly below the broader market, one of the following is usually true:

1. It includes undisclosed discount points.

2. It assumes an unrealistic lock strategy.

3. It is based on a best-case scenario that may not apply to the borrower.

4. It is a teaser quote designed to get the application.

5. It is simply not a rate that can actually be locked today.

And unfortunately, far too many borrowers do not find out which one it is until they are already emotionally committed.

Lock it down

I have said this over and over again because it remains true:

The best mortgage rate is not the prettiest one on a worksheet. It is the one that is actually locked.

• Most lenders can lock a rate for 45 days. Many can go 60 days with only a modest pricing adjustment.

• A locked rate is real. A floated fantasy is not.

That does not mean floating is always wrong. There are times when floating can make strategic sense, especially if closing is far out and markets are improving.

But floating should be a deliberate, informed decision — not a sales tactic used to protect a loan officer from an unrealistic quote they should not have made in the first place.

Why local matters

This is also why I continue to believe that, in most cases, borrowers are better served by working with a reputable local lender.

Not because local lenders are automatically cheaper. Not because every online lender is bad.

But because reputation matters.

A local lender’s business is not built solely on whether one borrower closes one loan.

It is built on:

• Relationships with local Realtors

• Repeat business

• Builder partnerships

• Attorney and title relationships

• Referral credibility

• Community reputation

• Accumulated weight of every borrower experience they create

In other words: if they treat people badly, word gets around.

Fast.

And in Metro Atlanta, there are plenty of excellent loan officers whose track records can actually be verified:

• Customer-service reviews

• Years in the business,

• Consistency in communication,

• Local closing experience,

• Yes — occasionally even a degree in finance or economics, which, in a profession built around interest-rate risk, should not feel like a radical preference

Bottom Line

If a mortgage quote looks too good to be true, it probably is.

A quote that is dramatically below the broader market is often not a sign that you found a genius.

It is a sign that someone is trying to win the application first and figure out the pricing later.And for most people, a home purchase is the single largest financial transaction of their life at that point in time.

That decision should not be treated like buying a used Honda online because the ad said “priced to move.”

• Do your homework.

• Check reviews.

• Ask how long they have been in the business.

• Ask whether the rate is actually lockable today.

• Ask what the points are.

• Ask what happens if the market moves against you.

Because in mortgage lending, as in life, if a roach is smiling at you and promising something everyone else says doesn’t exist…

…it may be time to turn on the kitchen light.

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.

Finding seasonal scents in the Garden

We often think the enjoyment of our garden is a sensory experience for our eyes. The colors, shapes and textures of the flowers and leaves, as well as the additional visual interest of pollinators and birds, are how we envision gardens. But there is a sensory experience that we might not think about, although sometimes it attracts our attention when we least expect it. That is scent. We are fortunate here in the Atlanta area that our climate allows us to incorporate plants with scents during every season to complement the visual experience. Here are a few options, season by season, to incorporate into your garden and how to layer them into the landscape.

Winter

• Daphne (Daphne odora) is a real treat to the senses. It flowers in January and February when the weather is dreary and cold and we gardeners are dreaming about spring. It has very fragrant, white to pink flower clusters. Daphne is an evergreen woody shrub that grows slowly in an area that is part sun, part shade.

• Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) is botanically related to Daphne. While it is deciduous, it is also is a winter bloomer with very fragrant flowers. Before the leaves fall off in the fall, the buds form and look like a white ball. From January to February the flowers begin to open and are a tight cluster of white tubular flowers with yellow centers.

Spring

As the garden awakens from winter, spring is one of the most aromatic seasons and offers numerous options for the garden.

• Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is an intensely fragrant, evergreen vine with white flowers, opening in late spring. It is excellent on trellises, arbors, or fences. Jasmine prefers four hours of morning sun.

• Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) is a fragrant spring flowering bulb that is planted in the fall. It grows to a height of less than 12”, and the densely clustered flowers come in white, pink and purple. Perfect to plant along a sidewalk.

• Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus) is a deciduous ornamental shrub with fragrant, dark red flowers that blooms in April and May and prefers full sun. It is deer resistant

• There are several native deciduous azaleas that are found in our area of Georgia. Piedmont Azalea (Rhododendron canescens) features white to pink flowers and a musky-sweet, honeysuckle fragrance. Alabama Azalea (Rhododendron alabamense) has white blooms with a yellow blotch and a lemony-spice fragrance. Florida Flame Azalea (Rhododendron austrinum) sports fragrant yellow to orange flowers. Typically, these plants prefer a woodland environment.

Summer

We spend more time outside in the warmest season, so the scents in the garden can make our senses come alive.

• Roses (Rosa species) are very much a part of the summer landscape, and many varieties have a beautiful scent. Hybrid tea roses are often fragrant. Other fragrant roses that do well in Georgia include ‘Belinda’s Dream’, ‘Teasing Georgia’ and ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ to name a few.

• Lavender (Lavandula species) can be grown in Georgia even though their preference is for heat and low humidity. Some newer varieties (‘Phenomenal’ and ‘Sensational’) can withstand our humidity. Lavender wants full sun and well-draining soil.

Fall

• Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora) is a vigorous vine with masses of small, white fragrant flowers in the fall. Perfect on a trellis, arbor or fence.

• Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora) From late summer into fall this plant produces fragrant white/pink tinged bellshaped blooms. This semi-evergreen shrub grows 3 to 6 ft tall and wide.

Tea Olive (Osmanthus fragrans) blooms several times during the year, when you least expect it. The insignificant white cluster flowers of this plant are very aromatic. The shrub itself is very useful in the landscape as a hedge or backdrop with its dark green leathery evergreen leaves.

Happy Gardening!

• Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) comes in many sizes, everything from low growing varieties, perfect for the front of a border or along a sidewalk or pathway, to varieties that are taller and can be used as a backdrop or foundation planting. All are evergreen and have white flowers that come in a variety of shapes with a recognizable aroma.

• Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) This plant was named because it was believed that it decreases libido. It is a deciduous, aromatic shrub in the mint family. In the summer it produces showy, blue lavender flower spikes that attract butterflies and pollinators. It is grown either as a small tree or large shrub.

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. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at: https://appenmedia.com/opinion/columists/garden buzz/.

Save the date for NFMG’s 2026 signature events: Garden Faire on April 11th. Learn more at nfmg.net.

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Joan Fiore, a Master Gardener since 2020 and Johns Creek resident. She is a lifelong gardener and studied horticulture at NC State University. Her favorite plants are perennials, as well as plants that surprise us with a scent that enhances our experience in the garden.

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, 6 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!

FAMOUS FAUNA

1. Indian bread. Nick & Nora’s pup. South American river.

2. Collie of TV & Movies. Lockup. Limerick language.

3. Social insect. Native American lodge. One of the Simpsons.

4. Disney dog. Large African antelope. Massage target.

5. Kick out. “Born Free” lioness. Like a gymnast.

6. Ploy. Bridge option. Lone Ranger’s mount.

7. Tied up. Bedrock pet. Biting

1 Indian bread. Nick & Nora’s pup. S. A. river

2. Collie of TV & Movies. Lock-up. Limerick language

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. Social insect. Indian lodge. One of the Simpsons

4. Disney dog. Large African antelope. Massage target.

5. Kick out. “Born Free” lioness. Like a gymnast.

6. Ploy. Bridge option. Lone Ranger’s mount.

7. Tied up. Bedrock pet. Biting.

A number above the diagonal line in a black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of it. A number below the diagonal line is the sum of the white squares in the sequence below it. You may only use the digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any

Players:

Continued from Page 4

While in Atlanta, Latson trained under Bernard Pitts, who worked with several other players mentioned later in this article. Latson was ranked the top shooting guard in the class of 2022.

Latson transferred to South Carolina this year after three honorable mentions to the All-American list at Florida State. She is already signed to the new three-on-three league in Miami called Unrivaled, founded by UConn alumni Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.

Johnson drew attention after being waived off defensively by Caitlin Clark in the 2023 Final Four. She fired back the next season with a defensive intensity that couldn’t be ignored.

As a senior in high school, Johnson was the first ever woman to play in the men’s McDonald’s All-American game after winning Atlanta Tipoff Club and the AJC’s Player of the Year award two straight years. Westlake won four state championships while she was there. She posted a 116:35 assist-to-turnover ratio her senior year according to the AJC.

Johnson was the No. 2 recruit in the class of 2022 and the top point guard. She won a silver medal with Team USA in the 2023 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup.

The University of Southern California has had a down year with

their star guard Juju Watkins out with an ACL injury. Last season, they had a No. 1 seed going into the tournament before Watkins injured her knee in the second round. This year, they have a nine seed.

The Trojans have one area player on their roster, senior Kara Dunn. Dunn played basketball and volleyball for Mount Paran Christian and grew up in Dallas, Georgia.

She transferred to USC this season after three years at Georgia Tech, where she made the All-ACC first team last year. Dunn is averaging 15.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists a game this season.

Her mother Stephanie played for UGA, and Kara grew up with her father as her basketball coach. She won two Region Player of the Year awards and was Atlanta Tipoff Club Metro, Sandy’s Spiel and Georgia Athletic Coaches Association’s Player of the Year in 2022. She was the No. 2 recruit in Georgia her senior year.

Louisiana State University is looking for their second title in four years, earning a two seed for this year’s bracket. Star guard Flau’Jae Johnson – the No. 1 recruit in Georgia in 2022 – attended Sprayberry High School after growing up in Savannah. The Tigers are eager to get a second championship for Flau’Jae’s final year with the team.

Flau’Jae was also trained by Bernard Pitts. She is projected to be drafted in the first round in this

Locally Owned and Operated

year’s WNBA draft alongside Latson and Raven Johnson. She is averaging 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists a game this season and is shooting a career-best 40.2% from deep.

Syracuse freshman Justus Fitzgerald graduated from Norcross High School, transferring there after two years at Roswell High. Her brother Michael Fitzgerald III was an all-state wide receiver for the Hornets and spent time at UMass, Central Missouri University and the University of Wyoming.

Ole Miss sophomore Tianna Thompson is from Atlanta and went to the Galloway School where she was the first girls basketball 2,000 point scorer in program history. She transferred to Ole Miss this year from Georgia Tech, where she shot 41.7% from beyond the arc.

Her father Rich was a three-time AllAmerican at Georgia Tech and made the Olympic trials for long jump and triple jump, earning him a spot in the GT Hall of Fame. Tianna was a two-sport athlete in high school, competing in the long jump.

Two St. Francis graduates are competing in March Madness. Several of their former teammates are on Division I teams at St. Mary’s and Georgia Tech but unfortunately are missing the tournament.

Clemson senior Mia Moore is from Alpharetta and recorded St. Francis’s first ever quadruple-double with 15 points, 11 assists, 10 steals and 10 rebounds. She also holds the school record for steals with 500.

She started her college career at Mississippi State for two years and then moved on to UAB. There, she recorded

Suit:

Continued from Page 1

died in a single-car accident in 2016 after his car struck a concrete planter on the shoulder of Batesville Road

The city appealed, but in 2024, the Georgia Court of Appeals upheld the decision and ordered Milton to pay

Johanna Holm, age 87, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on March 10, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Rose Martin, age 83, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on March 13, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Candace Robertson, age 75, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on March 9, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Gregory Saari, age 72, of Roswell, GA passed away on March 12, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Jacqueline Stiffler, age 65, of Roswell, GA passed away on March 13, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Mary Wogsland, age 99, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on March 14, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

13 double-doubles and scored 20 or more points in 26 games.

She averaged the fifth-most rebounds in the conference, earning her an offer from Clemson where she is in her second year with the program. Last season, she led the Tigers in 3-point shooting with a 41.6% clip.

Southern University junior Anaja Hall from Alpharetta and was a twosport athlete at St. Francis in volleyball. She spent one year at Alabama State before transferring to Southern.

At Alabama State, she was ninth in the conference averaging nearly 2 blocks per game. She averaged 2.5 a game as a senior in high school.

Princeton junior Olivia Hutcherson is from Johns Creek and went to Holy Innocents. She was a multi-sport athlete earning varsity letters all four years of high school in basketball and soccer and is a College Board AP Scholar.

Hutcherson is averaging 11 points and 5.7 rebounds per game and has brought home Player of the Week honors for her conference.

Her younger brother Devin just reopened his recruitment after previously committing to Belmont University. Their father played basketball for Samford and the University of Alabama.

Oklahoma State graduate student Wilnie Joseph is from Atlanta, attending both Roswell and Johns Creek High Schools before graduating from Whiteland High in Indiana.

Joseph played for Labette Community College for two years, then the University of Louisiana for one year, and transferred to OSU this year from McNeese.

post-judgment interest that accrues at roughly $10,000 a day.

Last year, the state Supreme Court agreed to review the decision, and more than 60 cities across Georgia responded by signing onto a friend of the court brief supporting Milton in the lawsuit.

If upheld, the decision would have expanded municipal liability to include any object in the right of way, the cities say. Staff will continue consulting with city attorneys to determine next steps.

Council:

The final task seeks to improve operations and safety along Hopewell and Freemanville roads. Staff will seek public input March 23 on proposed design plans for the pedestrian improvements and roadway changes. Residents can also complete an online survey to provide input on these areas.

Dell Ross said Milton could potentially secure funding through special sales tax for improvements to Hopewell and Freemanville and have started to look at project funding levels.

Other funding sources for the $1.25 million project include federal funding and matching funds provided by True North 400.

Dell Ross provided updates on the Ga. 9 road widening, as traffic analyses are underway and staff aim to finalize the project’s concept by the end of the year.

Due to the length of the project, the Crooked Creek neighborhood requested a temporary pedestrian path connecting to the intersection of Bethany Bend.

"This is a short-term measure designed to provide a safe walking path until the widening is under construction,” Dell Ross said.

Walmart drone delivery

The City Council provided feedback on implementing a drone delivery program at the Walmart on Windward Parkway in Milton.

The program would provide residents within 4-6 miles an option for delivery by drone on orders under 2.5 pounds. More than eight areas in Metro Atlanta are already participating in the program, including Conyers

March 16 meeting.

and Woodstock.

Walmart has partnered with Wing, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., to provide customers with free drone delivery, completed within 10-15 minutes from the time of order.

Councilwoman Juliette Johnson raised noise concerns, saying she can’t think of anything more unfriendly to equestrians.

Catherine Lovett, local policy and community affairs manager with Wing, said the drones are designed to be quieter than most delivery vehicles and are comparable to a car driving

CITY OF MILTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING DESIGN REVIEW BOARD

Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 6:00 P.M.

Location: Milton City Hall – Council Chambers 2006 Heritage Walk Milton, GA 30004, 678-242-2540

On the date and time, and at the location stated above, the Design Review Board shall conduct a public hearing to consider the following applications for Certificate of Appropriateness.

1. Demolition Permit Review:

A. Address: 15385 Birmingham Highway

Applicant: Andrew Kelly

B. Address: 16075 Old Henderson Road

Applicant : Nazmiye Dogan Konus & Mustafa Konus

outside one’s house.

The mayor and council requested the Community Development staff to gather more information on noise impacts.

Residents’ can give input on proposed safety measures along Hopewell Road and Freemanville Road Monday, March 23 at City Hall from 5:30 p.m.

until 7 p.m.

Staff will hold a public engagement forum Wednesday, March 25 to gain residents on the Redd Road project that will connect Freemanville and Hopewell Roads and pedestrian improvements.

The next Milton City Council meeting will be April 13.

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Scientist-Virtual R&D – positions offered by Kimberly-Clark USA, LLC (Roswell, GA). Assess biz probs & dvlp a tech approach to us’g model’g & simul to address the issue that considers time constraints, resource limitations & any oper’l issues. Position reports to Roswell, GA office. Telecommuting permitted in accordance with company policy, but must live within commuting distance of stated office. Please apply online at: www.careersatkc. com. Salary Range: $102,347 – $128,300 USD per year. At Kimberly-Clark, pay is just one aspect of our total rewards package, which also includes a variety of benefits and opportunities to achieve, thrive and grow. Along with base pay, this position offers eligibility for a target bonus and a comprehensive benefits suite, including our 401(k) and 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, and experience. Please note that the stated pay range applies to US locations only.

SCM Group North America, Inc.--Project Manager - Engineering (Duluth, GA): Manage engineering projects from post-sales phase through installation and commissioning for the SCM North American market. Project Management: Lead engineering projects from post-sales through installation. Manage schedules, resources, and risks to ensure cost-effective project delivery. Role requires up to 40% domestic travel and 10% international travel. Mail resume to: SCM Group North America, Inc. Attn: Amanda McKisson 2475 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth, GA 30096.

Reference job #AC404031

Industrial Production Manager (Duluth, GA) at Moveret Inc. BA in industrial engg or rltd field & 60 mo exp in industrial production mgmt-rltd field. Oversee overall mgmt of mfg projects; Coord & direct activities in workforce dvlpmt & training; Decide how to best use mfg plant’s engineers & eqpmt; Ensure that production stays efficient; Hire, train, & evaluate engineers; Lead staff in improving production & qlty control. Benefits incl medical, dental, vision, PTO. Salary: $156,936. Email res to hr.contact@moveret.com

Production Manager (Suwanee, GA) F/T. Plan & coord the work activities & resources necessary for mfg products in accordance w/ cost, qlty and quantity specis. Manage, coord, administer & oversee day-to-day production & plant activities for 40+ person production facility of vertical manufactured custom flexographic & gravure printing sleeves, lamination, & coating rollers. $156,936.00/yr. Master’s deg in Engg Mgmt, Production Planning, Mechanical Engg or rltd engg deg. Must be fluent in Italian lang (read/ write/speak). Approx 30% of travel to client sites w/in the U.S. reqd, as well as to Italy to meet w/ the overseas mgmt. Email resume to: Rossini North America, LLC, Attn: Sherry Rhodes, HR Generalist at: s.rhodes@rossini-na.com

Principal Software Architect – positions offered by IsoMetrix USA, Inc. (Alpharetta, GA). Collaborate w/ stakeholders & subject matter experts on Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) as well as Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) to determine business goals & market placement. Please submit resume to recruitment-usa@ isometrix.com. Reference Job ID: 10284188.

HELP WANTED

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Part Time Bartender – Flexible schedule afternoon and evening hours, approximately 15-20 hours per week. Previous experience preferred but not necessary. Must be able to qualify for City of Alpharetta Pouring Permit.

If interested please contact DiAna Casale (770) 475-9023 Mon-Thurs 10 am – 2 pm or americanlegionalpharetta@gmail.com. Detail job description available upon request.

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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.

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