Johns Creek Herald, August 15, 2013

Page 1

Barber retires after 50 years

Teacher goes to Broadway

Dan Wright has heard it all ►►page 12

Eric Bragg invited to prestigious program ►►page 7

Football Preview Sponsored section ►►page 17

August 15, 2013 | northfulton.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 13, No. 33

Teen suicide prevention starts at home County has prevention seminar in wake of several teen suicides By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com This is the second of a two part series on teenage suicide and drug abuse in North Fulton. This article centers on suicide prevention.

HATCHER HURD/Staff

Caffeine and Octaine draws thousands Sheila and Paul Brown are proud of their hand-build track roadster. More than 1,500 cars were on display. See article page 30.

MILTON, Ga. – After several teenagers took their own lives last school year, Fulton County teamed up with the Ga. Department of Human Resources to sponsor a consciousness-raising for parents at Milton High School two weeks ago. Dr. Scott Poland led the discussion that was sobering with its statistics: Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-to-24 year olds It is the second leading cause of death in college students There are 50-200 suicide attempts for every completion Almost 7 percent of high school students report making a suicide attempt More than 14 percent of high school students report suicidal thoughts Suicide is often linked with drug and alcohol use In light of those statistics, parents must realize that they have to look at warning signs and remain connected with their teenagers. It is not always easy to know just how tenuous those bonds are during the teenage years.

See SUICIDES, Page 4

Rural/Metro files for Chapter 11 protection Won’t affect local ambulance service By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Local cities got the news that Rural/ Metro Corp., the provider of ambulance service in North Fulton, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, due to overwhelming debt assumed when

a private equity firm acquired the company in 2011 for $438 million. Rural/Metro, which provides ambulance services in 21 states, assured its customers it will continue to provide service while the company’s debt is restructured. The company had missed a $65 million payment which prompted the company to seek Chapter 11 protection. According to a statement from the company, it has

reached an agreement “in principle” that would reduce its debt by 50 percent as well as receive an infusion of $135 million in new capital to fund new investment in additional operations and growth. Emergency Medical Services Region III Chairman Dr. John Harvey said local cities should experience no change in service by Rural/Metro. “It is just a regrouping of its existing debt. But we will con-

It is just a regrouping of its existing debt. But we will continue to monitor the situation.” Dr. John Harvey Emergency Medical Services Region III Chairman tinue to monitor the situation,” Harvey said. Alpharetta Assistant City

Manager James Drinkard like-

See METRO, Page 33


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