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Healthy children still at risk ►►page 4
What makes them tick West Forsyth students present their passions ►►page 15
December 4, 2013 | forsythherald.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 13, No. 49
Public input sought on proposed Ga. 20 options By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com
By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com CUMMING, Ga. — Holiday festivities kick off with several events planned in Cumming. On the night of Dec. 6, Northside Hospital-Forsyth will hold its annual Celebration of Lights at 6 p.m., and in the morning of Saturday, Dec. 7, the annual Jingle Jog and Cumming Parade takes over Market Place Boulevard. Jason Mock, director of small business services for
the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, said he expects a great turnout for the parade, sponsored by the chamber and the city of Cumming. “We have about 50 floats that will be in the parade,” Mock said. Prior to the parade, Forsyth County Community Connection holds its annual Jingle Jog 5K run/walk. Runners meet at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Taco Mac area, 2056 Market
If you go
What: Cumming Christmas Parade Where: Parade marches on Market Place Boulevard between Buford Dam Road and Ga. 20. When: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 7 Cost: Free Place Boulevard in Cumming. The race is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier and all proceeds will go to Forsyth County Community Connec-
See HOLIDAY, Page 24
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Market Place Blvd. becomes parade route Dec. 7; tree lighting takes place Dec. 6
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Cumming kicks off holiday celebration
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Last year, hundreds came out to watch floats along Market Place Boulevard. The event kicks off Dec. 7 this year.
CUMMING, Ga. — A 24-mile stretch of Ga. 20, between Interstate 575 in Canton and Ga. 400 in Cumming, has portions that can be a burden to motorists. The public is invited to discuss potential improvements to Ga. 20 at two public meetings in December. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) seeks to identify potential improvements along Ga. 20 from I-575 in Canton to Ga. 400 in Cumming to improve mobility, reduce congestion and address safety. GDOT has federal funds to make traffic flow in the area. Ga. 20 has exceeded its capacity and multiple improvements are needed in Cherokee and Forsyth counties. Right now, 40 percent of the corridor has an unacceptable level of traffic congestion. Without any improve-
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ments, in 20 years, it’s estimated that 90 percent of the corridor will reach unacceptable levels, said Karyn Matthews, project manager for GDOT. This is the first of many steps before the project takes off. It will be at least 10 years before construction can begin. Following a series of public meetings in May where people provided ideas for potential improvements along Ga. 20, meetings on Dec. 10 and 12 will provide the public
See ROADS, Page 4
December public information open houses The Georgia DOT seeks ways to improve Ga. 20 between Canton and Cumming. The second round of open house sessions will begin presenting draft solutions to get feedback from the public. There is no formal presentation; just drop in during open house hours. The same information will be presented at both sessions. Tuesday, Dec. 10, Thursday, Dec. 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Calvary Baptist Church Otwell Middle School 137 Hightower Road/ cafeteria Ga. 369 605 Tribble Gap Road Ball Ground, Ga. 30107 Cumming, Ga. 30040